This and That on a Monday

Today has unfolded beautifully - 

It's amazing how my perspective on Mondays has changed since my husband and I embraced retirement; they now feel like a refreshing start rather than a frantic beginning to the week.

The oranges I brought home from a neighbor’s tree are truly a delight. Each bite reveals an explosion of juicy flavor - hands down, the best oranges I’ve ever tasted! I even incorporated them into the Orange Cardamom olive oil cake, I baked on Christmas Day. 

All before noon, I made a quick trip to the store - I dashed in to get a much-needed haircut and also picked up a calendar from the Dollar Tree to mark up with appointments. 

In 2025, I will join Pamela and Ginny as they showcase their monthly calendars on their blogs on the first of every month. I figure, why not? This year, I find myself having several calendars instead of the usual one.

I like to keep a magnetic notepad on my refrigerator, so I picked this one up at Dollar Tree. It doesn't "wow" me—they were picked over, and I could find none that I really liked, but I needed one as I used the last sheet today. Then I found out that the magnet on the back doesn't even hold it up. I will take off the other magnet and glue it on. 

You can do it - yeah I guess I did. 

Christmas has been tidied away, and this year, I kept it minimal with just one tote. The outside nativity and the decorations inside are gone, along with the stockings that were hung with care and the Santa boots. 

The house is a mess. 

Yet, what remains is Jesus. 

May He always be front and center in our lives, and not just for a season.

Yesterday around dusk, we went downtown because the Chabad Center from Chico came to light the Hanukkah menorah in our town. A large group of them drove up with their children and brought latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to share for free with the public. There was some dancing and music as well.

You might already know that they are Hasidic Jews, especially if you live on the East Coast.  They follow Orthodox traditions, and the men typically wear tzitzit, dark clothing, and often a hat. We don’t have many Hasidic Jews here in California; you usually find them in cities with large Jewish populations, such as New York City or Philadelphia. 

Definitely not in Shasta County!

The Rebbe (as Hasidic Jews refer to their Rabbi) and his wife have nine children! They were very friendly and welcoming. We met up with some members of our Tikvah team and a few from the Synagogue.

It was windy, so they had to tie the hanukkiah to a heavier one. This one was made from PVC piping. And yes, the boy is dressed up like a dreidel. 

FYI

A Chabad is a vibrant Hasidic outreach organization dedicated to providing spiritual support and connection to non-observant Jews. These centers often serve as vital hubs for Jewish life, particularly in areas with a significant population of Jewish students, such as college campuses. 

Typically, a Chabad house is located just off campus, where a Rebbe—a spiritual leader and teacher—along with his family creates a welcoming environment. These houses serve as a sanctuary for Jewish students seeking community, offering a variety of programs and activities designed to foster a sense of belonging and cultural identity. 

The Rebbe and his family open their homes to students, hosting Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, and engaging and informative educational classes. This warm, familial atmosphere makes the Chabad house a cherished place for many, providing a comforting "home away from home" where Jewish students can connect with their heritage, seek guidance, and build lifelong friendships. 

Whether it's through festive meals, study sessions, or simply a place to relax and socialize, Chabad houses play a crucial role in bridging the gap between less observant Jews and their cultural and religious roots, enriching their college experience with meaningful Jewish engagement.

Getting ready to pack up. 

I spoke with the Rebbe's wife, who highlighted the challenges in Chico and the Bay Area, especially on campus after October 7, 2023. Despite being in Chico for 17 years, they’ve faced security concerns, feeling the absence of supportive neighbors. 

This is why, as Christians, we must stand united with our Jewish brethren, regardless of the cost!

Years ago, I watched movies and historical documentaries that depicted Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, illustrating how people turned against the Jewish community during that time. I remember thinking that I could never be part of such behavior, and I'm sure many others have felt the same way.

Yet, here we are in a critical moment in history where we must not bury our heads in the sand. We must remember that "Never Again" is a call to action that must be heeded today.

After we left the gathering we went out for Mexican food for dinner. 

Today was a beautiful, sunny, and clear day. Although it was a bit chilly with some cool breezes, the high reached 56 degrees. Brrrr, but it felt nice in the sun! It looks like there won't be any rain this week, so we can dry out from the rain we had last week. I wish it was like that all winter - rain one week and dry the next.  

Tonight, we're grilling BBQ chicken on the patio.

We have no plans for New Year’s Eve other than doing what we always do. I’m perfectly fine with my husband and me being “old farts.” We’ll probably watch a movie and enjoy some ice cream!

I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to a wonderful New Year. I know I am, and I can’t wait!

Hugs,

Debby