I Couldn't Have Asked for a Better Way to Start Shabbat

Minutes ago, I hung up the phone after talking to my friend and editor, Leslie, who was shouting with delight.

"I just got a call from my mom," she said. "Are you ready for this?"

I was instantly anxious. In my life, I'm more likely to get crisis calls. Most of them require instant attention. A few have been life or death situations. I usually don't get good news calls.

"Uh, maybe," I said slowly. "Should I be sitting down?"

"Yes!"

I sat in the nearest chair, recently vacated by my 3-year-old after playing at the dining room table. "Okay. I'm sitting. What's up?"

I heard Leslie take a big breath. "Like a Maccabee just got a really positive review... in Hadassah Magazine!"

I heard excited whooping; it might have come from me. A little in shock, we talked for a few minutes, and I stumbled over to the comptuer to e-mail Barbara, the author.

Happy Hanukkah, indeed! All I can think is sending G-d and all the people involved a huge THANK YOU!

Now I have to get back to work on As in Days of Old, so perhaps Hadassah Magazine will review it next year.

What wonderful way to start Shabbat!