Apples and angels

I stopped by the kids' house the other evening and shared a New Year dinner with the girls. Their Jewish bubba had sent fresh apples and honey. We dipped the apples into the honey and wished each other a sweet new year. Hannah then dipped the sweetened apples into her cup of milk and proclaimed that it was a good combination also. I reminded them that Israel became the promised land of milk and honey in the bible.

David is taking Hebrew lessons at the local synagogue and takes the girls whenever convenient. Trying better to understand the tenets of the Jewish faith, I read through some of the literature he brings home. Living ethically, seeking atonement, performing mitzvahs all seem morally on track to me. I'd like to think that the girls will get the best of both worlds, Judaism and Christianity, growing up with a bubba and a babci.

After dinner, we move into the living room for a dance recital by "Ella, the ballerina princess" (aka Hannah). I can't help but giggle as she chooses Hark, the Herald Angels Sing for her musical accompaniment. She has paid tribute to the land of milk and honey in the kitchen and now wants Christmas music to dance to. Sophie settles onto my lap and we watch Hannah, a vision in her pink tutu, complete a plie, whirl and twirl, bow deeply while the angels sing. She has quite a good command of her tiny body and it's fun to watch her dance.

I finish the evening on Sophie's bed, letting her read aloud a chapter from a new book. It's amazing to think that Sophie now reads her own bedtime stories with very little need of help. Books are valued in this house, as are a love of music, dance and art.

In the Book of Life, God must be keeping note of such things. It will be a very sweet new year, indeed.