38 years ago, on the 27th day of Cheshvan, my parents became parents, at the very moment I was born. I was named for my maternal grandmother, Rasha Gansbourg, of blessed memory. My mother was just 10 years old when her mother passed away at the young age of 37. As I grew up I was pleased to learn that I had multiple cousins sharing my name! I was not the first "Rashi cousin", that honor was given to my cousin Rashi Minkowicz of blessed memory. My cousin too passed away at the young age of 37.
One year ago today, I turned 37 - and with that came a year of uncharted territory. I suddenly found myself in a place I had never been before, and I wasn't quite sure how to navigate it. My mind was on overload and thinking all sorts of things I hadn't quite thought about in the past - but have now changed my life forever while I moved towards the elusive 38.
During the past year, while it was a rocky ride, I did have some moments of insight. While I prayed for the year to go quickly, and to hit number 38 in good health and happiness, I also learned a few things about life itself. As Jews, we begin each day by reciting the "Modeh Ani" prayer. We thank Hashem for giving us a new day. As my year progressed, so did the meaning attached to this prayer. Sure, I had been saying Modeh Ani my whole life, but now it really resonated with me. With each Modeh Ani I became more and more aware of the true gift that life is, thanking Hashem for the gift of another day - and every moment of each new day. It occurred to me that when Hashem allows me to open my eyes and greet a new day, then I know I still have a mission, a purpose, something more that Hashem wants me to accomplish.
As the days went by I became keenly aware of the importance of savoring the moments we have with our loved ones. I became more mindful of that fact that only G-d really knows how much time anyone has - and suddenly each good morning, good night, and I love you became more meaningful to me.
In the interest of being perfectly honest, this past year was not all flowers and roses and moments of inspiration. I shed quite a few tears during the year, for the loss of my grandmother whom I never met, for the loss of my cousin whom I loved dearly and tears for my personal prayer to make it through the year in peace. I admit that I was truly overcome with a wide variety of emotions the minute the stars came out last night, making it the 27th of Cheshvan, and bringing me to say that I am 38 years old. I am so grateful to continue to be blessed with the gift of life and to continue doing my part to make this world a better place.
And with that I conclude with "L'Chaim!" - To Life!! May we all realize the gift we have in life, and use our opportunities to the best of our abilities.
Seems you are still reading...good job!! So I will share a recipe from my birthday Torah and Tea celebation. This recipe was given to me by my cousin Rashi who lives in California - and it is a always a hit!
Lemon Meringue Ice Cream
2 containers Rich's Whip
5 eggs separated
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 cup sugar
Beat the Rich's Whip until thick. Add in the egg yolks, lemon juice and 1/2 a cup of sugar. Beat a little more until well mixed. Spread the whip and egg mixture in a 9 x 13 pan, cover and put in the freezer.
After the ice cream part has frozen, beat the 5 egg whites with the remaining 1/2 a cup of sugar. Beat until peaks form.
Remove tray of ice cream from the freezer. Spread the meringue mixture over the ice cream. Put the ice cream tray in the oven on broil for 30 seconds, until the meringue is nicely browned. (Another option is to use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue) Enjoy! It is delicious!
