Today I write more as an observer of our world. So often amidst all the chaos and the noise we don’t get a chance to stop and take in the amazing. This past week I’ve gotten a special dose of it and wanted to share.
I feel like most of my stories start with an unexpected trip. This one began on Chanukah when my husband surprised my younger kids with a winter break trip to Europe to learn to ski. Since he travels so often for work, he worked out this amazing experience with all his travel points. We spent the week in the Austrian Alps and I mostly hiked with one of my married couples while the kids learned to ski for the first time. It was breathtakingly beautiful- every view like a postcard. I spent one day on the slopes with them (first time in about 20 years I was on skis). But this story isn’t really about that part of the trip - it was what came after.
We arrived in Zurich on Thursday night with no Shabbos plan. I had seen and heard from people that there was a kosher store and figured I would purchase Shabbos food for us to eat in the hotel. That night, we found a food truck to get sandwiches at and got a taste of the warmth of the Swiss community. Either that or we lucked out big time and met the nicest people in Zurich. As we were trying to figure out what to eat we struck up a conversation with a friendly guy picking up dinner. He asked about our Shabbos plans and when he heard we had none he immediately invited us for lunch. The other guy in line said he could set us up for Friday night. I felt like I was back in seminary on a Shabbos adventure! Definitely was a bit apprehensive if it would be awkward but hoped for the best
Friday night we went to the Chabad to meet our host. A warm gentleman walked us home as his kids and grandchild followed. We were welcomed into a beautiful apartment with a literal feast laid out. The family - with two married kids and several grandkids and a high school daughter - also hosted two other couples - brothers, both newlyweds. The next few hours were filled with fascinating conversations, four courses (it probably would have taken me a week to prepare this type of feast), and so much warmth and true hachnassas orchim. My husband was even able to see Jewish books from the 1400s which was a rare priveledge. The night was a beautiful experience.
Shabbos morning we met the second host - the one who invited us at the food truck - at his shul. This was a chassidish experience we don’t have in Silver Spring. With tall fur hats and songs I didn’t recognize but all very beautiful. We walked home with our host and his sons to another chic apartment in Zurich. Being from the American suburbs, I’m always amazed by city living and the entire concept of apartment life. Their house was so well designed and modern. I later found out the wife studied and practices as an architect/designer. You could definitely see her hand in their place. The meal was delicious and another warm and friendly experience. It felt more like being with old friends than total strangers - they had an easy comfortable way about them. And though we literally met Thursday night, somehow they managed to prepare a special fish and vegetarian meal for me in addition to the beautiful Shabbos lunch she made (he knew I couldn’t eat meat from the conversation at the food truck). It was deeply touching to be so thought of and cared for. We spent most of the afternoon with them - kids playing games and all of us talking about any and every thing before saying our goodbyes, hoping they’ll come to DC so we can return the favor, and returning to our hotel. And of course, bonus for me - turns out the wife is a runner (possibly the only chassidish one in all of Zürich??!!)
