I was hoping to go to Hymie’s Deli on Friday afternoon, but the best laid plans of mice and men always go a-rye. After an hour on transit, I got to the deli, the door was locked. On Monday when I was chatting with their Instagram account, they said they would be opened. I messaged the account, said they were opened and call. I started to call and someone walked out. He said, “we closed at 4:30 because of the holiday.” I got there at 4:35. I thanked him for his time and I would come back at some other time. Their Instagram account gave the wrong information. I took a deep breath in, deep breath out and packed my patience. It is the High Holiday.
Got on the bus to Philadelphia and an hour and a half later, I was seated at Bahn Mi and Bottles, my favourite Kosher Vietnamese restaurant. I haven’t been there since January and it felt nice to have GF bao buns filled with brisket and a jade salad. Ordered the pho to go and had it for lunch on Saturday and today.
Oktoberfest was happening at the German restaurant next door and since it’s all outdoor seating, I welcomed in Rosh Hashana at a Kosher Vietnamese restaurant while listening to the Oktoberfest festivities. I guess I welcomed it in a very ethnic manner, which tends to describe my life well. An open-minded young woman who believes in co-existence, and she welcomes in the holidays that way too.
Also, Ruth Bader Ginsberg died on Rosh Hashana. The world lost a great lady and she will be sorely missed.
In Jewish tradition, “If you die at the end of the year, literally on the cusp, which is exactly when Ruth died, that means in a sense that you’re assured for that whole year because you’re one of the righteous people.” (https://www.jpost.com/judaism/did-dying-on-rosh-hashanah-make-ruth-bader-ginsburg-a-tzaddik-643110)
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
I’m sorry your original Rosh Hashana plan fell through, but it seems like you had a good plan B experience at that Kosher Vietnamese restaurant, enjoying a delicious meal while taking in the Oktoberfest entertainment next door. I am proud to have a friend who is a “an open-minded young woman who believes in co-existence.” Thank you for mentioning Justice Ginsburg. It is a beautiful thought to believe that the timing of her death has significance that goes beyond its implications for the coming election. Quoting that article, “A Jewish teaching says those who die just before the Jewish new year are the ones God has held back until the last moment bc they were needed most & were the most righteous.” I am verklempt. Let us hope that Ruth Ginsburg’s death will be a catalyst, spurring Democrats, Independents and moderate Republicans to honor her memory and legacy by turning out in huge numbers for this election and casting their votes to turn back the toxic red tide that threatens to drown our democracy.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend JM!
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