It’s week 2 of my new job and it’s still very fast paced, but I’m starting to feel a bit more settled. I’m excited to put my stamp on things around here! I’m also excited to head to Savannah tomorrow for a very quick trip. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s my 20 year high school reunion. What the what?!?! After that, it’s another trip and then it’s fall. I can’t believe any of it.
I know I say this every year, but the high holidays really crept up on me this year. Between starting a new job and the fact that we didn’t have any plans with friends/family to celebrate, it just got lost. I managed to rally and streamed services on the first day and then went to the Harlem JCC for day two. We also did a little family tashlich in the East River. It wasn’t my best showing, but I pulled it together. Soon, Finn will be old enough to celebrate (at least with a tot service) and I’ll need to think about finding a synagogue to join. For now, though, this worked. The community at the Harlem JCC is small but really lovely. It’s a really inviting space, and I love seeing such a diverse group. It’s a nice reminder that Jewish people don’t all look a certain way. There are Jews of color! Jews of different observance levels! LGBTQ+ Jews!
I didn’t even realize that McNally Jackson was moving, but the iconic Soho bookstore did just that at the end of March, apparently. The good thing is they just moved a few blocks up on the same street. No more café, but it’s a really beautiful (and tall) space with a very nicely designed children’s space. I always love a themed section and this one really spoke to me. I once participated in a discussion about those book themes that make you grab a novel no matter what. Some people gravitated toward friends-to-lovers stories; others like anything with fae. Me? Well, if a book is dystopian YA, takes place in the Lowcountry, features an arranged marriage, or features a bookstore, I’m in. Probably my number one favorite theme, however, are books that take place in prep/boarding schools. This could have a magical element like “Harry Potter” or “Ninth House;” it could be contemporary fiction like “”Prep” or The Gifted School;” or it could dip into mystery territory like “I Have Some Questions for You.” I was thrilled to see an entire setup at McNally Jackson devoted to my favorite genre.
I always enjoy a New York City street fair, but the San Gennaro fest in Little Italy is next level and something I look forward to each year. We went during a particularly crowded time, which wasn’t easy with Finn, but we made it work. After stuffing our faces with meatballs, sausage, and shrimp scampi, I picked up some magnets – a true NYC street fair staple; IYKYK.
Peaches to Apples 