In the spirit of Facebook’s existential question, “What’s On Your Mind?” this post will answer that question.
Jenna’s Birthday
Today is my daughter’s 23rd birthday. Last night, my husband and I reminisced about the early years when Jenna barely napped. It all makes sense now. She never wanted to miss a thing. She still doesn’t. She is also a night owl, which explains why she used to keep us up until all hours of the night. Now that she is on her own, she can stay up as late as she wants.
As she grew older and learned more about the world around her, she asked me questions about issues on the news. She wanted to know why women don’t always get paid the same as men, why same-sex couples couldn’t marry, and why racial profiling was a thing. We talked about the pros and cons of presidential candidates way before she was old enough to vote. The more answers I gave her, the more questions she raised. In some respects, explaining the birds and the bees to her was easier than the different political opinions regarding gun control.
I still think this kid will make a hell of a lawyer or politician someday—if she so chooses. Whatever she decides to do, she has the mind of a social justice warrior and a caring heart, which is a part of her that will never be diminished.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Yesterday, we remembered the six million people who died in the Holocaust, along with millions of others from minority communities. We always say “Never Again,” but we know the rumblings of antisemitism are happening again. On college campuses. In the United Nations. On the main streets of major cities and small towns. In my community. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism is up 388% since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7th of last year, when they killed 1200 innocent people in one day and kidnapped 200+, many of whom are still being held hostage.
This day reminds me that choosing to wear my Jewish star necklace in public, attend synagogue, celebrate holidays, and participate in my congregation’s activities is a blessing and a powerful choice that I don’t take for granted. I pray for all of those who have been affected by this terrible time in our history. But I support Israel and her right to defend herself. They had to have known we would fight back when they came for us.
We didn’t start the fire, but we will survive it.
Reading and Writing
Closer to home, three and a half days are left in January. I’ve written 25 blog posts so far this month. Not sure I’ll have the time to catch up on the days I missed, but I will try. And more importantly, I’ll keep blogging and see if I can keep it up in February. Thanks for reading and sharing. Stay tuned for my end of January 2024 Book Report. I’m almost done with one book and hope to squeeze in another before the end of the month.
XO,
Elisa
Tamara
January 29, 2024 at 2:27 am (7 months ago)Elisa for President 🎉
Keep asking questions and fighting for justice!
It’s been almost four months that Israel has been attacked. My Mom’s relatives have friends who are still missing 😰
Elisa
January 29, 2024 at 9:01 am (7 months ago)I’m so sorry to hear that. I can’t even imagine what that is like. Yes, I will keep asking and fighting. No I will not run for president. 😉
Doug
January 29, 2024 at 2:12 am (7 months ago)Ditto on the comments of Martha and Lily.
It seems like there are a lot of countries in need of new leaders with principals that can bring about equitable and peaceful solutions to the conflicts within and between countries.Too many are suffering because of the abuse of power of a few.
Elisa
January 29, 2024 at 9:02 am (7 months ago)Thanks, Doug. 🙂 She is my mini-me. LOL. 100 percent agree on the leadership piece. So true.
Martha
January 28, 2024 at 7:00 pm (7 months ago)Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter! Keeping Israel in my prayers along with you.
Elisa
January 29, 2024 at 9:02 am (7 months ago)Thanks, Martha!
Lily Leung
January 28, 2024 at 6:51 pm (7 months ago)Elisa, you and your daughter look like sisters. You are 2 very good looking women. I’m not a mother but know it is a challenging job. Sounds like you’ve done well. Best of luck finishing and with your job hunting.
Elisa
January 29, 2024 at 9:02 am (7 months ago)Thanks, Lily. You are too kind.