Welcome to FridayLight

Hello,
My parents are immigrants, as most of us are. Tate was born in Russia, Mom was born in Germany. I am at the proud age of 59 the first generation in America on both sides.

Growing up I was raised Orthodox, yes we lit candles and though the home was not kosher, we did follow most of the Orthodox laws. Tate passed away when I was 9, by the time I was 10 Jewry had come to a halt in my family. My mother entered the vicious world of depression, alcoholism and abuse of prescription medications. Gone nothing to bring back to the Jewish life.

I wandered around for some 48 1/2 years searching for many things. About 6-7 months ago I strongly felt the need to honor my father and mother. The only way that I thought I could do this was to rediscover my Jewish roots.

Slowly I learned a little of this and a little of that. Suddenly I was lighting Shabbos candles, I could not recall fully how to do this, but it was at least an attempt.

I am learning so much now, I have bought my first ever Tanach, transliterated Stone Edition, my first Bencher, and now today in the mail came my first ArtScroll Transliterated Siddur.

I look forward to Friday now not simply because it is the weekend. I was never the party girl, but liked to slow down. Now Friday nights are filled with love and light. I am sure that I mispronounce many of the transliterated Hebrew, that is fine with practice I will improve.

What a simcha this new journey has begun.

My husband is not Jewish but very respectful of my desire to learn more and more of my background. He stands with me as I light the candles, he does not talk while I say the prayer over the wine, nor when I say the prayer over the challah. He shares the Sabbath with me so now Friday night Shabbos has become joy and learning experience for the both of us.

Thank you feel free to share your stories with me, as well as offer tons of advice.

Paula Bonnie