It almost rained the first night of Succos. It was supposed to; everyone was talking about it. Talking about how long to wait, how long other people wait, how they know someone who knows someone who'll wait till chatzos before giving up and eating indoors. But mostly we talked about how scary it was. What it means if you can't eat in the succah the first night. That He didn't like our prayers. Didn't accept them.
Like others, I was plagued with guilt and worry. Maybe I should've gotten that babysitter in the end and went to shul. Maybe during the kids' nap, I should've davened a little longer and not gone to lie down. Maybe, maybe, maybe...
But it didn't rain. Not that night nor the next night or the next day. In fact, the weather was perfect. Uncharacteristically warm for this time of year. So warm, in fact, that the black tights, wool coats, sweaters and blazers that I rushed to buy last minute before yom tov weren't needed. The sun shone, the wind blew - it was all perfect. Even the bees stayed away.
We were guests at a few different succahs this yom tov, and meal after meal, my family and I were gladdened, inspired, overfed, and most of all - joyous. So joyous. Because it didn't rain.
We ate in the succah.
Everything was just as it should be.
Late that first night, I put my ear to little Ita's bedroom door and listened in as she was putting herself to sleep. My heart melted at her sleepy voice:
"Hashem loves me. Hashem loves everybody..."
My daughter has faith that her father in heaven will grant her a year of sweetness and good things.
So should we.
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Here's the older boys... Mordechai,
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And Shmuel. Thanks for coming down guys...we had a blast!
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By the time I printed this family's photos, a fourth little boy joined their crew. Mazal Tov!!
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Now here's a color I haven't seen in a while, turquoise. I like it... Emmy and Atara were in a great mood for pictures.
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Yes Atara, I like your gold shoes too.
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A sweet smile from Emmy...
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Okay so this is not my usual "portrait" but I happen to love how this picture shows "exactly" how much this baby did not want to be here! ( We got better photos later!!)
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Back inside to the studio! Elisheva is 17 months old and delightful.
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I adore this photograph. The vintage dress, her toes, the expression... I couldn't have posed it better myself.
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An upsherin boy! Haven't had one of these in a while
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His brother had his photograph done two years before and was showing little bro how its done! Mazal Tov Tennebaums! May you have only nachas from both your "big" boys!
