Renee Krutchick-Eder: Be who you are, even if it isn’t the popular choice, is something my six year old reminded me of yesterday on the ride home from school. For weeks, she was hesitant to tell the class she doesn’t celebrate Christmas and just went along with it because she thought she was the only one (turns out she isn’t). This seemed like a serious conflict for her, and she brought it up often and struggled with what to do. She decided on her own to tell the teacher she was Jewish and share some of our fun traditions with classmates. I am so glad that she is proud of who she is, even if it doesn’t conform to the others. I hope she (and my son) are never ashamed or afraid, and continue to be happy to be who they are in all areas of their lives.
Dear Renee,
Your Mom taught Spanish, if memory serves, yes? She caught me sneaking answers to Jeff Birenbach, once. I did really well in her class. I’ve since conducted novice research on the Iberian Sephardic Diaspora with a concentration on Filipinao Jewry; traveled to Israel circa ‘04. I think she played a significant part in all that, somehow. You really made me lol, during those formative years. Pomona and Ramapo were tough. The last time we encountered each other was at a coffee shop in Nyack, one night. Thought I would share that information and extend my gratitude for that foundational education. Happy Hanukkah!
Respectfully,
CR
Renee Krutchick-Eder: Thanks for your message, Cliff. I will send it along to my mom. I know it would make her smile. You were also really nice to have as a friend at Ramapo and Pomona, and I agree that those years were tough. I admit, you were the better clarinet player :o) Do you live in Israel now? One day I aspire to take the family there! Be well and take care. Hope you have a Happy Chanukah also! Best, Renee
Clifford Rivera: omg, Clarinet section, lol Pink Panther. sigh. Yes, do send my regards to her... I still reside in the town of Ramapo. Maribeth nee Ramos and I just can't get enough of the place, I guess. I totally recommend Israel. It's fun! I would like to visit the outskirts of that region, one day, such as Jordan and the Shrine of Cyrus in Iran:
"The Terror you inspire and the Pride of your Heart has deceived you, O Dwellers in the Clefts of the Rock, who Occupy the Heights of the Hill, who says in his Heart, 'Who will bring me down to Earth?' Though you may rise High like the Eagle and though you set your Nest among the Stars, from there I will bring you down, declares YHVH" (Obadiah 1:3-4 Multilingual, Jeremiah 49:16 Multilingual).
"And all Edom [2 Samuel 8:14 Multilingual] and Sedom became Servants of David bearing an Offering" (2 Samuel 8:2 Multilingual).
Translation: "The United States of America which is called, according to The Spirit, 'In the Name of Sedom and Egypt,' where also their Lord was crucified" (Apocalypse 11:8 Multilingual).
אַרְצוֹת הַבְּרִית שֶׁל אַמְרִיקָה הַנִּקְרֵאת כְּפִי הָרוּחַ בְּשֵׁם סְדוֹם וּמִצְרַיִם אֲשֶׁר־שָׁם נִתלָה על הַעֵץ גַּם־אֲדֹנֵיהֶם