Marilyn Anthony
On December 6 the Jewish Friendship Group partnered with Saddlebrooke Outreach in displaying holiday items. People visited the home of Sy Efron to learn about the background and traditions of Chanukah and enjoy the holiday food. With menorahs and latkes galore the afternoon was a great success.
The Chanukah Dinner took place on December 7 at the Vistas. A full house lit the candles, played dreidel and enjoyed a festive meal with musical entertainment by Tom Barrett. Thanks to all who contributed to the mountain of toys for the children of the Diamond Center.
On January 20 we are holding a dinner at the Mesquite Grill. The menu consists of New York strip steak with peppercorn crust, potatoes, broccoli, rolls and butter or salmon medallions with horseradish crust and lemon caper sauce, rice pilaf and chef choice vegetable. The cost is $18 including tip and tax. The deadline for reservations is January 10. Checks to Laurie Colen, 63845E Orangewood Lane.
Start studying for the annual Trivial Pursuit game being held on February 13. It is always both challenging and fun so save the date.
The recent JFG Ladies’ Coffee held on December 14 was co-hosted by Louise Newitz and Barbara Kessler. With the return of the snowbirds, it was very well attended and we spent a lovely morning catching up on all the news. Thanks to Louise and Barbara for the great food and venue.
January’s coffee will be co-hosted by Mary Jo Swartberg and Kate Grinnell. Date and time to be announced.
At the November meeting of the Co-Ed Book Club hosted by Alan Levenson, we discussed The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, a mystical story that moves from the Syrian Desert and Poland to the tenements of New York around 1900. The golem is made of clay, the jinni of fire and yet they take on human forms and characteristics gaining acceptance by the immigrant communities and making friends. The complex plot and characters led to a lively discussion of humanity, religion and relationships, including consideration of Rushdie’s new book about a war between the Jinns.
The Book Club met next on December 10 at the home of Sharon Triester to discuss A Guide for the Perplexed by Dara Horn, a spellbinding novel of how technology changes memory and how memory shapes the soul. Our book choices this season are certainly making us use our brains and educations.
JFG Membership dues for 2016 are $18 per person and should be sent to Laurie Colen, 63845E Orangewood Lane.
We count on your support and encourage you to join our regular activities which are solely intended to encourage and enable the extension of Jewish friendships throughout SaddleBrooke. Please make your suggestions known to Steve or Sy in the hopes that we can work together to enhance the nature and meaning of Jewish friendship in the future.
For further information about the JFG, please contact Co-Presidents Steve Grabell at [email protected]; phone 520-825 -4159; or Sy Efron at [email protected]; phone 520-825-7047.