I was fortunate to live in Riverside, Illinois during Covid.
You’ve heard the African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.”
You can take the beginning of that sentence and attach just about anything that symbolizes unity.
“It takes a village” means that we are in this deal called life together. We can collaborate with each other and share responsibility to make the neighborhood better.
All for one and one for all….
During Covid, all the amazing amateur musicians in Riverside collaborated and did a pay per view charity show. The money that was collected went to the restaurant employees around Riverside that worked during the shutdown.
It brought Riverside together and that event has grown into an annual festival that raises money for Saint Jude and other local charities.
Another gem that appeared in the town nestled along the curves of the DesPlaines river is just as unique.
Just before Hanukkah in 2020, a Jewish girl posted on the Riverside Facebook page a plan that she had.
She was going up to a bakery on the northside of Chicago to pick up sufganiots for her family. She offered to pick up extra orders for anyone interested.
I had an immediate flashback to the time my dad brought these fluffy pastries home when I was a kid. The Oldman went to visit his railroad buddy up in Rogers Park, Uncle Ira and Aunt Mimi. Aunt Mimi sent my dad back with a Jewish care package that included sufganiot.
Sufganiot, Sufganiyot, Sufganyah…
I’m a Goy, I’m not sure how to spell it, but I know how to eat them.
I replied to the Facebook thread and told this stranger that I would like to place an order.
Two days later I entered her home with my mask on. She had her mask on and so did the other twenty people picking up Jewish jelly donuts.
Her house was decorated with both Christmas and Hanukkah decorations.
Her dining room table was stacked with white boxes wrapped in twine with names Sharpie’d on the top.
Just like the “Riverside Rocks” tradition that gained steam during Covid.
"Sufganiot Sunday" has become a tradition that started during a tough period in history.
By the looks of it, my neighbor has an order that is twice as big as the original order.
This event has also started an annual “Jewish in Riverside” holiday party that brings both Jews and Gentiles together to celebrate. Two Faiths that both bring light into the world.
And when the candles are lit by all of us, the light is even brighter.
The Sufganiot Brigade is going to get together on Tuesday and light the menorah in front of the Riverside Train station.
It takes a village….
It takes a village that works together and supports each other…
…No matter what kind of dad band music you listen to or what kind of candle you light.
Advent candles and the Menorah bring astonishment to the world…
….so let us never let the light go out!
Happy Holidays and Chag Sameach
