Generations is an across-the-world e-mail conversation between 30-something writer Masada Siegel and 70-something author Stefanie Zweig.
From: Masada Siegel
Wed., Sept. 24, 2008 at 11:22 a.m.
To: Stefanie Zweig
Subject: Partying too much?
Hi Stefanie!
Have you been having too much fun celebrating your birthday?
Have you been really annoyed with the construction workers?
Have you run off and joined the circus?
Have you been swamped with too much work?
Just wanted to check in…
Big Hugs!
Masada
Stefanie Zweig
Wed, Sept. 24, 2008 at 11:37 p.m.
To: Masada Siegel
Subject: No party
Dear Masada,
Thank you for being worried about me. No, I was not partying — we had a quiet dinner on my birthday, all five of us — the fifth having never been to a restaurant in his 13-month life. He was very good and was stuffed by his mother with biscuits. I am a gladly seen person in that restaurant (Vietnamese) because I wrote an article about them in a paper that recommends eating places. And my article is in every menu. The construction workers are wearing me out. I haven’t had a shower for weeks. No, I have not run off to the circus. I don’t like circuses and I loathe lions jumping through hoops and people flying through the air. I have very much work, but not so much as to not wish you and your parents a good year with health and sweet thoughts, and you a partner suiting your happy nature. And don’t forget: You are too old to only play, too young to have no wishes… It is my life motto, originally by Goethe. A special Rosh Hashanah hug from Stefanie.
P.S. I keep on forgetting to tell you that we pinned your lovely postcard to our board in the corridor and delight in it every day.
From: Masada Siegel
Date: Oct. 1, 2008 at 8:56 a.m.
To: Stefanie Zweig
Subject: Rosh Hashanah Family & Food Festival
Hi Stefanie,
Hope your Rosh Hashanah has been wonderful. Mine has been delightful. My mom is giving me cooking lessons — she’s amazing and I need practice! I learned the art of making a turkey the other day, and just helped set the table, cut flowers from the garden…. What is interesting is that when my grandparents moved from Germany to Africa, they took their Rosenthal dishes with them, and we use the same beautiful plates. It’s special to use the same plates, and celebrate the holidays with them; it’s just a connection, ever slight, but a nice one.
Yesterday at lunch, we went to the Menashes, as we have done ever since I can remember. When we first moved to Arizona, my Dad met them — they are from Rhodesia and we have become great family friends. One day, my dad and Sol were looking at Sol’s photo album and they found photos of my dad! Can you imagine, they traveled in the same circles as kids back in Africa and re-met up years later in Arizona?
They are marvelous cooks! The menu was salmon, leek patties, crêpes with mushrooms and asparagus, coucous salad, potato and tiny spinach bourekas. I took photos. How silly am I?
Dessert was wonderful and now I am heading to the pool, hoping to work off the napoleon, chocolate ice cream, marzipan, chocolate, apple cake and countless cookies I ate! Truly a wonderful way to start a New Year with my family, friends and amazing food!
Hoping yours was sweet, too.
Masada
From: Stefanie Zweig
Wed., Oct 1, 2008 at 11:44 a.m.
To: Masada Siegel
Subject: Rosh Hashanah Family No Food Festival
Dear Masada,
Delighted that yours was the first letter in 5769… We had our small family together, and the little 13-month-old Mam (my great nephew) sat at the table with us and enjoyed his willing audience who clapped every time he clapped. I did not cook, but bought the cold fish delicacies, which we all (accept sausage-eating Wolfgang) like. I am not good at cooking and going to the synagogue at the same time. My nephew goes by himself, and on the other days we all go and have lunch somewhere in town.
On the second day we do Tashlich and throw our sins (bread) into the Main river (Main is the name of the river). It is supposed to be done on the first day, but my father always did it on the second, and we are not going to change traditions. I have sat on my seat in synagogue for 60 years. You would, I suppose, be very surprised if you attended the services, everybody talking and the children making a hell of a noise. But what most people don’t know: Synagogue does not mean a place of worship. The word is of Greek origin and means a place to assemble and meet your friends.
I was delighted with your beautiful postcard and I was a slight bit proud of the thought that a book club is going to read my book. Now it is back to work today. It’s pouring outside, and I have promised myself a visit at the market after doing my work, but I don’t know if that is possible.
Lots of hugs,
Stefanie