Particularly because it happens once every 70,000 years...
I have always felt that it is most important to be thankful, on a daily basis, and I welcome the opportunity of Thanksgiving to teach Raphaela that we should express gratitude for the people who influenced us and the places that gave us context for our lives.
Each Thanksgiving we are in Jerusalem, we join 40 or so expats at the Inbal Hotel and feast upon the traditional holiday foods and listen to music. Between the turkey overload and the lateness of the evening, Raphaela and I crash as soon as we get home, regretfully knowing that we must wake up on time the next morning for Gan, and Israeli normal life.
This year, bonus, we can pig out Thursday night and sleep in Friday morning, because Chanukah and Thanksgiving overlap, almost as if we were celebrating with our family in the States!
With a talented jazz band playing in the background, we enjoyed our meal surrounded by friends. Among the varied meats and side dishes, there appeared latkes, and for dessert, along with the usual fare, the table featured jelly doughnuts, in the spirit of Thanksgivukkah.
Caught up in the atmosphere, Raphaela disappeared on and off to explore the hotel, and would then come running back into the room, curls bouncing, grabbing the hands of strangers so they could dance with her.
I think this is the first time since her birth that she has basically amused herself, allowing me to have a truly grown-up social experience. I didn't want to leave.
In the car on the way home, Raphaela and I reminisced, replaying our favorite moments of the evening. Raphaela's recollection of the meal? "Man, those cucumbers were mighty tasty!"
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Thanksgivukkah Cucumbers (Family Recipe)
Peel cucumber, cut into round slices (thin or thick, as per preference)
Place in serving bowl, serve.
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