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Preparing nana’s famous chicken soup recipe for Passover or making mom’s glazed ham for Easter helps us share family traditions and loving memories. As we suffer through the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting with each other is the most essential way to battle our sadness and fortify our strength.
This became apparent to me when my father died last week from the coronavirus. There was no hand holding, no seeing his body, no memorial service, no closure. Stormn’ Norman’, as we lovingly called him, was all about family. So on Friday night, we prayed together and shared our stories and thoughts with family members throughout the country via Zoom. And together we began the healing process.
As I began to prepare for the Passover meal, I took out our haggadot and kippot. Images of family members who passed flooded my memory. Each wine stain on the prayer book or frayed yamaka reminds me of my mother, nana, grandpa and others. I remember sitting at the kids table and sipping the ultra-sweet Manishewitz wine, hunting for the hidden matzah, and hearing my aunt yell at all of us simultaneously.
Passover and Easter are about sharing stories and traditions. For Passover, we recount the Israelites’ journey from bondage to freedom. During Easter, we talk about the world’s awakening to Jesus. It’s fitting that we share the stories of family members and their impact on our lives. So while we social distance, we can use our phones and tablets to stay connected and incorporate them into our rituals. Then none of us will be alone.
And if you have many leftover kippot (we have tons) , you can make them into face masks to wear when venturing outside. They are shaped perfectly to fit over your nose and mouth. Just add shoe laces and tie in back of your head. In fact, there is a synagogue in Houston, TX whose members are recycling theirs for this purpose!
Whether you are a fish connoisseur or land-lubber, Blu Oyster is sure to please. What makes Blu Oyster special is their unique selection of sushi along with tasty hot dishes. None of their menu options are “run of the mill”. And their oysters are delectable. If you live in the West Ashley – Johns Island area you know there are few restaurants that offer a diverse menu for all tastes.
Along with great meals, Blu Oyster employs the best staff of bartenders and servers in the Lowcountry. The cocktails are fantastic, distinctive, and not watered down. On our most recent journey, we ordered an hors d’oeuvre we just picked at. It tasted fine but our server noticed and took the item off our bill without us asking. Why, because at Blu Oyster, everyone wants you to be happy and will not accept “just fine”. So if you are planning a special date-night or a family dinner out, Blu Oyster is the place to go.
Blu Oyster hosts a wonderful Sunday brunch and is open 5 days a week:
MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
5PM TO 9PM
FRIDAY
5PM TO 10PM
SATURDAY
10AM TO 10PM
SUNDAY
10AM TO 9PM
Blu Oyster is located at 1804 Crowne Commons Way, Johns Island, SC 29455. Call (843) 648-2258 for reservations.
If you love diminutive jewelry featuring rare and beautiful gemstones, then JK Designs Jewelry is the place to go. I found JK Designs Jewelry while strolling the Charleston City Market for the first time. Jessica Cashman is the owner/designer who creates necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings that are on trend and timeless. Her light-weight jewelry is perfect to wear on hot Charleston days. Since stacking multiple necklaces is a popular look, Jessica designs easily adjustable lariat necklaces, as well as chains made to which ever length you choose.
You can hand-select the gemstones you want while at the store. So, if you desire a necklace or bracelet featuring the birthstones of multiple family members, Jessica will make it for you. And these gemstones are available in multiple shapes and sizes. Each item is crafted in either sterling silver dipped in gold, sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold. Perhaps you want to buy a gift for someone who lives out of town. Some JK Designs Jewelry are featured on the Lands End website. For more options, buy direct at jkdesignsjewelry.com.
Visit JK Designs Jewelry at their store at 112 North Market Street, Suite A or at Charleston City Market at 188 Market Street both in downtown Charleston, SC. Have a request, call (843)597-8508 or email [email protected]. I’ve started my collection and can’t wait to add more.
It’s January 1939. Newspaper stories in Philadelphia describe creation of concentration camps and removal of Jewish families from their homes throughout Nazi Germany. Lawyer Gilbert Kraus, wife Eleanor Kraus, and fellow lawyer Lewis Levine decide to rescue 50 children by bringing them to the US. The Kraus’ are parents of two children living in an affluent area of Philadelphia. Even with staunch criticism from friends and Jewish Leaders they proceed with their plan. Dr. Robert Schless, widowed pediatrician with three children, joins the effort.
Great Britain has taken in more than 10,000 children. In the US, Congress proposes the Wagner’s Rogers Bill to admit refuges to America. But with pending entry into WWII, President Roosevelt will not sign the bill; saving Jews was not a priority. Gilbert meets with Under Secretary of State George Messersmith in Washington, DC to find out what they need to do to get visas. Back in Philadelphia, Eleanor works tirelessly and convinces 50 families to give homes to these kids.
Imagine going through the tremendous effort to complete paperwork for 50 visas. Then imagine going to Nazi Germany to find out from officials what additional requirements they have to move forward. Imagine asking Jewish families in Vienna to choose which child they will submit an application for, and which children cannot go because of their age, physical health, or psychological demeanor. Imagine being Gilbert, Eleanor, and Dr. Schless who have to look at hundreds of parents and deny them application. Imagine being one of the children who has been is leaving their siblings and parents behind.
On May 4, 1939 the visas are granted in Berlin, Germany. Our heroes go back Vienna to collect the children at the train station. Imagine being one of the solemn-faced fathers or hopeful-nurturing mothers who bring their children to the train. Imagine not being able to wave good-bye to your child because the wave is against the law for Jews since it is considered a salute to Adolph Hitler, with a penalty is death.
Many of the families of these children were able to get visas to the USA after their children were settled. Imagine the generations of Jewish families who have grown because of the selfless efforts of these heroes – Gilbert Klaus, Eleanor Klaus, Lewis Levine, and Dr. Robert Schless. Honor them this Mother’s Day. They saved these lives with grave danger to themselves knowing they may never see the faces of their own children again. They sacrificed their money, their reputations, and their safety completing their venture.
Thank you to HBO Documentaries, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Steven Pressmen for sharing their story.
I’m obsessed with books and read at least one per week. That’s why I’m so ANGRY about the latest book banning craze. Before writing this, I knew that To Kill a Mockingbird and 1984 are on many lists but was astounded to find out that so many classics, including Where the Wild Things Are, The Diary of Anne Frank, and several Dr. Seuss books have been pulled from library shelves and some from Amazon. These books are several of my all-time favorites. Even the Harry Potter series is considered bad for us by shortsighted idiots. Goodreads.com lists hundreds of them and shows you where you can read them. Good for you Goodreads.com!
Why is this happening, because these books deal with themes that make some people uncomfortable and may portray stereotypes that are no longer accepted by society; probably by people who never read them! Rather than talking about these issues within a historical context, we are told to remove them from our collective consciousness. I say we need to move out of our comfort zones and actually discuss controversial issues. Then we can tackle important concerns rather than ignore them.
How did we get here? Instead of being a united country devoted to free speech and a desire to learn about others from a different culture, we have become a series of egocentric groups, inattentive to what others have to say. Each of us choose which news to watch, movies and TV series to view, and internet sites based on those specific interests. In our iPhone age, our attention spans have decreased to “sound bites” and grammatically incorrect texts. We’ve replaced “we” and “our”, to “me” and “mine”. Perhaps it’s time to “get over ourselves” and learn from each other.
I write this in memory of my mother, Claire, who instilled a love of reading and learning.
Walk the magnificent gardens that surround the 464 acres of Magnolia Plantation. Established in 1676 by Thomas Drayton, Magnolia hugs the Ashley River where cotton and indigo were cash crops of the time. Preserved are the manor house and slave quarters where highly regarded informational tours are available to the public. Magnolia Plantation is also home to a wonderful zoo where animals freely roam. This idyllic setting offers the perfect place to host a wedding or other affair.
As a volunteer, I never tire of the beauty that awaits each day. Going there is a freeing experience that makes me feel rejuvenated. You will feel that way too! There are so many fun events Magnolia hosts throughout the year and the landscape changes with each season. That’s why becoming a member is such a great idea. I love to watch the animals and pet the dogs that come for a stroll. The Swamp Garden features a beautiful selection of birds not seen many other places. This is why bird watching and photography groups have made Magnolia their home. Magnolia Plantation is a wonderful place for families of all ages. Trolley tours are available for those who do not wish to hike, and boat tours are often scheduled.
The Gilliard Garden Center is where I volunteer to help cultivate unique, high-quality plants, trees, and shrubs unlike others in the Charleston area. Beautiful pottery, wind chimes, and birdhouses are available to accent low-country gardens. Discover vignettes of beautiful gardens showcasing how they can be designed for shade, part-shade, or full sun. Access to Gilliard Garden Center is free to all and you’ll find the prices are great.
We feature rare perennials, top-quality fruit trees, beautiful roses, and reblooming azaleas. And, of course you can count on Gilliard Garden Center to sell the best camellias!
Want to keep up-to-date with the latest events at Magnolia Plantation? Visit their Facebook page. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is located at 3550 Ashley River Rd Charleston, SC 29414.
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