I have to say that there were many times that I said to myself, what would be wrong if she had eloped? How hard would it be, find a rabbi, 2 witnesses and a chuppah and ring, Bob's your uncle as we say in Australia. Save a lot of spendruliks too. But that's only a joke (no it isn't)(yes it is) because really, what a blessing, marrying off 7 kids. Who wouldn't want to be there?
But it's been tricky planning stuff from the other side if the world. Anyway, here we are in midtown. Yesterday was Shabbos and we went to shul, Chabad of Midtown. It was a nice day, after a previous day of epic rain, and a pleasant walk down 5th Avenue. And I got to see a Hare Krishna parade, with the whole huge wagons, brightly decorated, with getchkes (idols) and garlands, and chanting and drumming, devotees of all stripes in saris and dhotis, with the air redolent of sandalwood incense. It was something to see. And then we went upstairs to the shul followed by an enormous Kiddush and lunch with the whole herring and kugel and cholent thing and 150 Jewish tourists from all over plus a few local manhattanites.
We returned to the hotel for a shluf after which we went for a walk through Central Park where we encountered a huge concert of a Puerto Rican salsa legend whose band played music that would make a bronze statue get off its plinth and dance. All free. We met a character there who was clearly a huge fan, complete with snap brim hat and cigar, dancing with random ladies, who wished us a good Shabbos.
As we made our way back to the hotel in the gathering dusk, we reflected on what an amazing city this us, to which I add, what a great country this is, for all its faults.
Ok, back to wedding stuff. I'll let you know how it all goes.
Only simchas!
No comments:
Post a Comment