A Passover Message from Jodi Danis
Atlanta Jewish Times staff wishes our community Happy Passover.
Sharing Community
Early in my career, I worked as a high school English teacher and writing tutor, yet I never focused on writing for my own enjoyment. It wasn’t until my mid-40s, when my kids were somewhat self-sufficient, that I finally found the time (and energy) to explore creative writing. I dabbled in some local writing groups and, eventually, found my way to a few online sites where I met others who helped ignite my creativity and passion for writing fiction. For a time, I became quite prolific, and that community sustained me in ways I could never have imagined. The friendships created there felt very real and very meaningful, despite being virtual ones. Our mutual interests and support of one another are what connected us. Such is the beauty of a shared community.
In recent years, I have come to appreciate the Facebook Groups feature more than the regular posts on Facebook. Many readers here are part of the Jewish Moms of Atlanta (JMOA) Facebook group and know it is a fabulous way to connect and share information with others in that particular community. There are online groups out there for just about anything; for example, this time of year, I follow the Kosher Costco group, the Passover Recipe Exchange group, and the MOT (Members of the Tribe) Parenting group. It feels good to know my “tribe” is out there in many different forms, in many different places, and I can be part of all those communities.
Throughout our lives, we are constantly forming and joining communities to match our interests, schools, kids, stage of life, etc. Whether it’s a Havurah, book club, fraternity, PTO, gardening group, HOA, nonprofit board, or softball league, connecting with others and sharing what unites us is at the very heart of what it means to be a community. All of which brings me to my own tribe and Passover community. We are so fortunate to have longtime friends with whom we have shared the Jewish holidays since our children were quite young. None of us have parents or siblings in the Atlanta area, and that common factor is what first united us many years ago. We are all empty nesters now, but our holiday traditions still remain in place. The number of plates at the Seder table may have dwindled, (until we add grandchildren someday) yet we still share deep bonds of friendship and a history that is the backbone of our own community.
As you celebrate the holiday this year with your loved ones and friends, may you also be blessed with finding meaningful connections in your own communities.
Happy Passover!
Jodi Danis is the business manager for Atlanta Jewish Times.
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