From Matzos to Macaroons
It Took a Village!
This year’s Passover Seder was different, but gratifying in many ways. The term “It takes a Village” really applied to this event!
Without a caterer and holding it at Bethania, rather than St. Mark’s, there were challenges. But with help from a small army of volunteer helpers, as well as our paid helpers, 41 people enjoyed a lovely Seder.
The food was precooked by Whole Foods and Gelsons, both of which had incomplete orders waiting for us when we went to pick it up in Santa Barbara the afternoon of the Seder. Unfortunately there was no notice given about the shortages. They all apologized, and suggested we come back the next day, when the missing food would probably be available. Janet Rogers, who lives in the Santa Barbara area, met me at the stores, and she and I were aghast, but insistent that the next day just wasn’t going to work. A bit of waiting netted us the missing food, except for a a lot matzo balls. Janet, ever resourceful, bought matzo ball mix, went home and calmly made a mountain of very fluffy matzo balls.
Upon arrival at Bethania, other helpers started arriving and I am so indebted to all of them:
Set Up Crew: Dan Willick, Neil Goodman, Karen and Sid Goldstien and new members, Linda Rubinstein and Patrick King. Name Tag Preparers & Sunny Smiled Greeters: Susan Tova and Lawrence Clevenson. Hard boiled egg providers and the source of a large coffee pot: Karen and Sid Goldstien; , Ice purchaser and provider of a large tub for it for the cold drinks: Shirley Scales; and Donator of wine, Sam Marmorstein
When Janet Rogers arrived with her matzo balls and some Passover cookies, she set about creating the Seder plates. My husband David was the kitchen manager and oversaw the reheating and plating of the food, by our paid staff, Rosie, Maggie and a new lady we hired for the occasion named Kasey.
Rabbi Debi and Cantorial Soloist Phoebe were in great form, and the Seder proceded joyfully for all.
A BIG, BIG TODAH RABAH to everyone who made it so.
Shoshanah
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