How many remember (we certainly do not) that our region of New Jersey suffered a “large” snowfall of approximately 8 inches around the 15th of November? Additionally, November and parts of December showered us with major rainfalls. In fact, some caused horrific injuries and a few deaths on the New Jersey Turnpike and surrounding areas. Although it was early in the winter season, many voiced their concern, wishing that summer was not that far off.
Now here we are in the throes of summer, experiencing boiling hot days with many outlying areas and New York City suffering power outages and wind-related damage that seems unimaginable for most of us. What do we know (or remember) of walking up eight flights of stairs to get to an apartment due to the elevator not working? How many of us can conceive of not sleeping in our comfortably air conditioned bedrooms? How frightening it must be without street lights or traffic lights functioning.
What did we do when we slipped and slid through icy streets? We wished for summer! “Oh my gosh, how many more months until it will be warm again?” What did we do as we sweltered through the last few days, running from our air conditioned cars into our homes or stores? We ran because this weather is intolerable. If only winter was not so far away.
Even our children remember that the only air conditioner in our home for a number of years was in our bedroom. In today’s “climate” that would probably be considered child abuse. We drove in our car with the windows down because it was so hot, which in turn made it impossible for us to hear each other. There was no air conditioning in our car.
Yesterday Nina was speaking with a saleswoman in a store, and of course the topic on everyone’s minds has been the scorching temperatures. Nina casually mentioned to this girl that there was a time when none of us had air conditioning. She looked at her with a completely incredulous stare and asked how that was possible.
In those days, people sat outside of their homes holding fans and trying to find a breath of fresh air. How many remember the days, especially those of us who ever lived in the five boroughs, where children darted in and out in front of fire hydrants that had been turned on in order for city youth to cool themselves and have some fun? Generally the fire department was supposed to turn them on but often it was the local kids who did so, not having the patience to wait for whenever that red truck would pull up. We endured. We survived. We thrived.
If only we were all able to reach a point where we would not always be looking for “the next.” Let’s enjoy summer. Let’s give thanks for each moment that we are alive.
By Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick
Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick are living in Bergenfield after many years of service to the Montreal Jewish community. Rabbi Glick was the rav of Congregation Ahavat Yisroel as well as a practicing clinical psychologist in private practice. He also taught at Champlain Regional College. The Glicks were frequent speakers at the OU marriage retreats. Nina coordinated all Yachad activities in Montreal and was a co/founder of Maison Shalom, a group home for young adults with special needs. They can be reached at [email protected].
