As I literally limp towards the Christmas break (we’ll be closing at 6 pm on Christmas Eve and reopening on January 2) the events of today stand out as particularly wonderful and uplifting. My day started bright and early trying to maneuver my little red VW Golf through fresh snow down my alleyway to my door. I had to load up four freshly smoked turkeys for the Sax’s Chanukah party. I kept getting stuck and felt my blood pressure rise as the thought of being late became ever more real. It was fine. I arrived a half hour after I had wanted to but in plenty of time to get set up.
The Sax family is special to me mostly because of the support they have lent to my deli-in-a-dive-bar. Knowing how former Montrealers stick together I figured I’d meet and feed many of them today and be tested by each. Former Montrealers know smoked meat. They grew up on it and have been starved for it here in the 416. They are usually skeptical yet hopeful when they meet me. I was thrilled by my reception today. Well over 100 guests braved the fresh snowfall and those four smoked turkeys all met honourable ends and appreciative appetites. The brisket was also a hit. ”Like ducks in a barrel,” David Sax said when I asked him what people thought.
Afterwards I returned to the deli to help host the Annual Fradkin Family Chanukah Party. Staff member Tamar Fradkin’s folks Sarah and Roni trekked all the way from the 905 along with more than 20 of their friends packing latkes (with all the fixin’s), jelly donuts, menoras to light candles and sing. Liz, a bar regular and neighbour of 24 years said the Monarch has never seen such a sight. It was truly a beautiful moment.
I was particularly happy that Ilana Speigel, one of our original staff members, attended the party with her parents and sibs. Ilana and Jessica Roher are back from school for the holidays and its been wonderful to have them drop in to see what they started. Very, very special people indeed. Holidays are good for bringing people together.
For those who don’t know it, the significance of this holiday isn’t just that the temple oil lamp burned for 8 days. Chanukah is important because it teaches us never to lose hope. Though outnumbered and outgunned, sometimes the good guys win. From my own experience, miracles aren’t just bible stories. On this first day of the Festival of Lights I hold in my heart the memory of the people who helped me on my journey. I love you all.
