Memorable Moments at Dinner~ Exchanging Cultures...

The entire city was lit up. Fire crackers were exploding everywhere. It was a Diwali evening. Diwali - the festival of lights - it brings joy and happiness for everyone. I used to make a long list - rockets, Laxmi bombs, Vishnu Bombs, Hydrogen bombs, 'ladis' and those special ones which made the loudest noise - Knock-Out bombs.

Remembrances till date were forming images of all kinds infront of my eyes.

Eternally seen, it was indeed.

We were alone in US. Although we had spent so many evenings with each other, it was different this time. Needless to say, we were homesick...and were visibly upset.

Far far away from my parents, my sisters and brothers, a festival was meaningless.

I was thinking when a beautiful pattern in the dark sky struck my eyes, through the window. Memories again knocked by. Suddenly, my musings were interrupted by realities. I don't know how.

I realized that there are countless people who are lonelier than I am. They are lonely not only in their celebration but their strife as well.

Crying over the phone to my parents, I realized that it was up to me to bring the 'light' into my home away from home on Diwali.I told them that I made a lot of tasty foods, just like my mom...But who's going to eat it!!!

When I knew that they all had a grand dinner with all the family members, my eyes filled with tears. It was like I missed a heaven's day.
I am so unlucky...I was mute.

Someone knocked and broke the silence...Wiping my eyes with my Sari's clad, I found my neighbors, Rachel and Sagi, standing in front of me. They smiled and asked.

"What are you guys are doing tonight?"

"Nothing." I managed a fake smile.

"You told me about your festival, then wass up?"

My neighbors read my eyes, filled with isolation and sadness.

"We have come here, for some reason...If you don't mind." They hesitated.

"No, what happened?" Alok asked curiously.

" Today, we invite you on our religious day, Sabbath."

There innocent faces with that kind smile forced us and immediately we nodded; said, "Yes, we‘re coming."

We were already dressed up in our Indian traditional dress.

We entered in their house. A different atmosphere and all new faces. Thinking that what I'm going to talk to them; several questions started bugging me. I was more conscious but somewhere I found peace in that ambience.

My eyes went to the Shabbat table, unlit with two candles, a glass of wine, and two loaves of challah, covered with a towel. Rachel, my friend, she lit those candles. After lighting, she waived her hands over the candles, welcoming in the Sabbath. Then she covered her eyes, so as not to see the candles before reciting the blessing, and recites the blessing.

It was so beautiful.

They asked us to join them. They offered Jewish hats and we were told about the Kiddush, which we recited while holding a cup of grape juice.

Vay'hiy erev vay'hiy voqeir yom ha-shishiy

It was a new language for me, but they provided me a small book to read. I was enjoying. Then after Kiddush was over, everybody headed towards the kitchen and washed their hands .I also washed and came back to the table.Everytime I waited for the next ritual. Soon I found myself very comfortable.

I saw Sagi, her hubby, removed the cover from the two challah loaves, lifting them while reciting the blessing. He ripped the challah into pieces and passed around the table, everybody had those slices.

Soon the whole dinner table was full of dishes. I don't even remember the names of the served meals but remember the taste of each food. Chicken turkey soup was so delicious. Once we started sipping everybody was asked to give their introduction.

When my turn came, I said the same story which I was going through. I told them what I told here in the beginning.

They all asked about my Diwali festival about the rituals and about the prayers. I was all lost and forgot that I am sitting in another land. We exchanged email id, cell no and birthdays.

Alok was watching me with a relaxed smile.

Finally I got knew; what's a festival... Meeting good people, spending an unforgettable time, having memorable moments at dinner, talking to kind souls and exchanging cultures...

Relishing roasted Asparagus, Barbecue Glazed Chicken and Potatoes, Mousse Cake, Gefilte Fish, Kosher cakes, Homemade Hummus, Mushroom Blintzes, Chicken Marsala and so so many other tasty foods, I celebrated Diwali; a Hindu festival and realized that what we should call those people, Our family...?

Yes!!! I can't forget those memorable moments at that most delicious dinner with my family.

****

(words-790)

written for "Memorable Moments at Dinner" Contest