By Masada Siegel and Stefanie Zweig, other
Generations is an across-the-world e-mail conversation between 30-something writer Masada Siegel and 70-something author Stefanie Zweig.
From: Stefanie Zweig
Sat., December 20, 2008 12:30 p.m.
Subject: Happy Hanukkah
Dear Masada,
A happy Hanukkah for you and the family. On the first day we are treating ourselves to Cats. I have seen the musical in London and New York, but I love cats and I love T. S. Eliot’s verses. And I don’t mind the music, so what can happen? Do you give each other presents? We can never find an end and pretend that it is Christmas and light candles only one night. But, at least, we sing “Maos Zur.” My brother once wrote it for me in Latin letters, because I can’t read Hebrew. Have a good time, a great big Hanukkah hug from Stefanie
From: Masada Siegel
Mon., December 22, 2008 5:38 p.m.
Subject: Re: Happy Hanukkah
Hey Stefanie!
Happy Hanukkah! My favorite holiday! There is a quote I saw at the museum in Jerusalem: “Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle!” I lit a few candles this week, celebrated my birthday with my parents and loads of friends and also with my students, one of them even got me a gift.
My sister Audrey and her husband Gabe and the kids are coming to visit. I can’t wait. It will be fun to celebrate Hanukkah with my niece Talya and nephew Alex, who is beyond mischievous!
So funny you saw Cats in London. I did too! I had friends who worked at the theater. For one of the shows I had an amazing seat in the audience and once I sat in rafters above, not exactly legal or safe — but fun!
Gifts for Hanukkah? It all gets wrapped in with my birthday. Thankfully, we are not a stuff family. Mostly, I ask for ski trips or airline mileage points to go somewhere. Wishing you a happy Hanukkah.
Keep smiling!
Masada
From: Stefanie Zweig
Wed., Dec 24, 2008 12:57 p.m.
Subject: Re: Happy Hanukkah
Dear Masada,
We had a most happy Hanukkah with heaps of presents and the little boy (16 months) playing contentedly with all the ribbons and wrapping paper. Many happy returns for your birthday. How old are you? How old would you like to be? If there is a too large a gap I advise you to do something about it. For 2009, the year we hope to meet, I wish you the best of the good. Only swim in water, not through life. And be suspicious of people who open their mouths too wide or have to climb mountains to built schools. You see, I am a very matter-of-fact lady. I reserve the nights for dreams and days for keeping alive and at work. I hold it with Kipling: if you can fill the minute with 60 seconds worth of distance run, then yours is the world. If you want to look the whole poem up, its title is “IF.” And now, enough of science and of art. Close up those barren leaves. Come forth and bring with you a heart that watches and receives (Wordsworth). Nothing in this letter is of importance except the first sentence. Much Happiness, Health and Wisdom wishes. Stefanie
From: Stefanie Zweig
December 26, 2008 2:03 p.m.
Dear Masada,
We had a good Christmas, yesterday with Cats, which was loud, exciting, and beautiful and for me a meeting with my old friend T.S. Eliot. I must have come across his verses when I was 10 — they were published in 1939 for the first time. No wonder I was unpopular at school. Being Jewish and well-read is nothing for children bred in Kenya who are strong in the arms, but weak in the head. Have a good time. Love, Stefanie
From: Masada Siegel
Friday, December 26, 2008
Hey Stefanie!
I’m still smiling about your last e-mail… and your lovely wishes! It’s hectic here in a fun way. Audrey and the family arrived. I absolutely love them all so much! Today, my 8-year-old nephew Alex and I are going ice skating. I used to train four hours a day, so we are going to have a blast.
We all lit the Hanukkah candles as a family for the past two nights and sang. It was so beautiful, I wish I could bottle up the feeling, and every time I am sad, I would just open it up and take some of the magic out!
Just like you see T.S. Eliot as your friend, people who read your work see you the same way — how cool is that? I’m glad you liked Cats and had fun in all the color and craziness. If Mama Mia comes to Germany, go see it. It’s fantastic, a real feel-good, fun show!
Life is funny. You found yourself unpopular at school because you were in a place with different values. Now you find yourself so popular that the world over reads your words, and strangers stand outside your door so they can talk to you! There is a lesson somewhere in there that I am sure will inspire people.
Keep enjoying yourself!
Lots of love,
Masada
p.s. I am booking my flight to Germany shortly….. 