While our family in particular takes pride and joy in the celebration of The Jewish Link’s 10th anniversary, our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude for the celebration of the marriage of my grandson Ari Hagler to Shoshi Tuchman, which will take place in just a few days.
There are similarities between beginning a new business venture and starting a new life with a chosen partner. In both cases, although one thinks about what life might have in store for them, the bottom line is that no one really knows anything and is unable to foresee the future. What I find is the most common denominator is the exuberant passion which one feels in either venture. The excitement that Moshe felt about his original dream coming to fruition, The Jewish Link of New Jersey, may be compared to the beauty of the union of two lives.
There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a young couple head over heels in love with each other. Neither can do anything wrong and whatever each wants must be attended to by their partner instantly. It is beautiful to observe and I pray that it should continue throughout their entire life together. We all know from our life experience that every couple has to expect challenges. I cannot imagine that there is anyone out there who knows any couple that has not at any time come across hurdles, not necessarily in their marriage but in the day to day stresses of life. It is all in Hashem’s plan.
I remember the stress we felt when neither of us wanted to take shirts to the Chinese laundry (which was exactly two blocks from our home) in one of our first years of marriage. Yes, there was a Chinese laundry on 184th Street. Years later as we faced many much more severe challenges in our life we would look back and laugh at that ridiculous situation. The whole world should have that problem!
What I observe already brewing in the future of Ari and Shoshi is their devout concern and respect for each other. When I speak with Shoshi and ask her a question her response is generally, “Whatever Ari wants.” When I speak with Ari his response is, “I’ll have to check with Shoshi.”
What I found in my years of worshiping my Mordechai was that there are times when it is necessary to say what you actually want without waiting for his response. A learning curve in life. One can love each other and disagree or assert oneself before hearing what the other partner might have to say. It takes young love a long time to figure these things out, but they will and they do.
Look at the models from whom they have learned and grown. Parents who have shared, agreed and disagreed with each other who continually honor each other and have become role models for everyone around them. Working as a team in the case of Yeshivat Noam, where everyone knows that wherever Chaim is Chavie is right by his side. There is a term for a rabbi’s wife, but we need to find one for an educator’s wife. We are not talking about just any old educator here.
There are certain couples that fit into that category and b”H that was us and that is what I wish for Ari and Shoshi as they start out on this magnificent journey. Let’s keep in mind that this is a couple where Camp HASC, Camp Simcha and many other such ventures have kept them busy over the years. They share the sensitivity and concern for others who face many life challenges.
As a Bubbie, I personally have to mention that Ari is the world’s best uncle. His local nephew Simcha and his charming niece Avigayil spend most of their time in his arms during visits. There is a significant loss which I feel in that Ari has been the family’s appointed handyman. He can easily put together anything from Ikea, put up moldings on your walls and be there when anyone needs him (like me) for sometimes simple tasks. Shoshi is gaining not only a husband but also a Mr Fix It. I might be posting on Teaneck Shuls soon looking for a handyman.
To Moshe on the 10th anniversary of The Link, and to Ari and Shoshi on their soon to be one day anniversary of marriage, I cannot adequately express how much I wish you continued growth and success in each day of your lives ahead.
Nina Glick can be reached at [email protected].
