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16 | OHCC LIVING | MARCH 2022 | Yiddish Club Welcome back everyone! Our first meeting of the Yiddish Club for 2022, originally scheduled for Feb. 21, had to be moved to February 28 from 7 to 9 pm, due to refinishing of the floor in Abravanel Hall. We're planning a program which will stir up fond memories, for many of us, reminding us of our holidays in the "Borscht Belt" in the Catskill Mountains. In a few weeks we'll celebrate Purim. Don Kent reminisces about his fondest memories, and a few facts about this joyous celebration: "I lived in Brooklyn near an Italian-Jewish bakery which catered to both ethnic groups. The owner baked cannoli's, frittelle, as well as rugelach and chocolate babka. I could determine which holiday was approaching just by the aroma emanating from the bake shop." "In the month of March, I could anticipate an annual delicacy named "Hamantaschen" which was devoured during the holiday of Purim, which this year occurs on March 17." Like Chanukah, Purim is a minor holiday connected to an historical event. Purim, the "Feast of Lots," commemorated the rescue of the Jews of Persia in the 5th century B.C.E. by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai. The complete book in the Bible titled "The Book of Esther" is devoted to the re-telling of the events that led to this holiday. The name Purim is derived from the word "Pur" (plural, Purim) meaning "Lots," which was used by "Haman," who was the Prime Minister for King Ashasueros of Persia, to determine on which date all the Jews of Persia would be exterminated. However, Queen Esther pleaded before King Ashasueros for her people, and Haman's plot was revoked. The Jews of "Shushan," the capital of Persia, turned against Haman and his supporters and slaughtered them. During the celebration of this event in the Synagogue, "The Book of Esther" (Megilla) is read. When Haman's name is mentioned during the reading, it is jeered in one form or another. Some congregants stomp their feet, rattle noisemakers (groggers), and blow horns. This brings us back to the Hamantaschen eaten during the holiday of Purim. These are triangular shaped pastries filled with poppy seeds, cheese, or fruit. It was explained to me that these three-cornered pastries are eaten as a reminder of the three-cornered hat worn by Haman. At the end of the 15th century, Italian Jews began to enjoy a carnival atmosphere and added masquerading to the celebration of Purim. "As a director of the youth group at Sinai Reform Temple in Bayshore, New York, I always encouraged the youngsters to prepare a Purim carnival, with costumes, games, and of course, they served Hamantaschen!" All are welcome to attend our meeting on Feb. 28, so come join us for fun, food and friendship! ~ Elaine Massei, President and Don Kent, Past Vice-President. Despite the continuing uncertainty surrounding the waxing and waning of COVID in our society, the RV Club was able to sponsor seven trips last year! RVing has become very popular recently, as a safe and fun way to live and travel. However, private campgrounds are running at or near full capacity, making it challenging to reserve a large block of RV sites. Many State and Federal campgrounds have limited facility openings to protect the health of Rangers and staff. Still, optimism in the RV Club is high for a great year of RV travel in 2022 and into 2023. Meanwhile, in mid-March this year, a trip to the greater Phoenix area will take place. Among other things, it will include an MLB Pre-season baseball game and a visit to the lovely Phoenix Botanical Garden. Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort in Casa Grande, AZ will be home base. Some RVers will also continue on to the FMCA International Convention in Tucson held March 22-26. It offers educational seminars on RVing, vendors of products and services plus entertainment and socialization for RV enthusiasts. Then in May, there will be a trip to Williams, Arizona. After enjoying the "Old West" experience of this quaint town, the group will hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railroad and travel to the Grand Canyon. After exploring the South Rim, they will stay overnight and return the following day to Williams by train. Then on to historic Prescott, AZ for a few days of sights and relaxation. Some will continue to the spectacular Antelope Slot Canyon on the Navajo Reservation, visit nearby Page and visit Lake Powell before heading home. Closer to home, our enthusiastic Social Committee has made arrangements for get-togethers monthly. On March 7, they have planned a Mexican buffet at Cocina del Charro in San Marcos and on April 7, a luncheon at Deer Park Winery. These give us a chance to swap stories about prior RV adventures until we get on the road again. Our next meeting in Abravanel Hall is March 4. Social time and trip sign-ups are at 6:30 pm followed by the regular meeting at 7 pm. RV Club