Standing in my apartment’s kitchen my emotions are at play.
The polarities are active. On the one hand remembering all who have died in wars and terror attacks and on the other hand celebrating life,
independence of soul and spirit.
A moment later I turn around and see in front of me my mother’s old, solid brass French pot. Next to it are the vegetables, cutting board and utensils that are ready to be used.
I’m overwhelmed with feelings as I remember my mother’s dish of tzimmes. The love that was felt all around by my family while eating this Eastern European Yiddish dish.
Yes, I decide to make this dish but at that moment I realize that I am in the here and now and a variation of it will do it justice.
So, I place in the pot the ingredients I’ve prepared that is, the onions, the sweet potatoes, the beans and the prunes with a bit of turmeric for colour.
My eyes are misty as I am overcome by the smell coming out of the pot. I feel the love of the past with the love of the present. At that moment I feel my mother’s loving presence and her approval of this blended dish.
My kitchen is full of love and joy as I am. My dish is new even for me.
I am truly blessed and blissed in my creation and in my kitchen.
Miriam Broder
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