On a dreary, rainy evening on December 17, Forestdale Heights Lodge brought some light to the Bathurst-Lawrence area when members gathered for a post-Chanukah dinner at Chicken’s Nest restaurant.

Following our successful holiday gathering in January 2023 at Ba-Li Laffa in Thornhill, the Lodge decided to move this year’s party to accommodate those living south of Highway 401. It proved a great idea, and the 13 members present appeared to have had a great evening. Everyone welcomed the chance to interact in person, unhindered by the computer screens we use to conduct monthly meetings.

Those in attendance at this gala social evening included Marilyn & Eddie Arkin, Debbi Silver, Cathy & Stewart Indig, Carl Zeliger, Rosalie & Ray Moscoe, Honey & Albert Ohana, Ruth Pupko, and Lisa & Jeff Rosen.

The (kosher) food was delicious, and the portions were so plentiful that many of us left the restaurant with a “doggie bag” for another dinner (or lunch).

After most of us said “enough” and pushed our plates away, Cathy Indig rose and made a moving toast/tribute to Harvey Silver, who passed away on November 12. As much as everyone enjoyed themselves, the evening ended a little over two hours later. With so much turmoil in the world, the evening was a welcome escape and a great way to end the year.

Hopefully, we will be able to meet in person more often in 2024 rather than virtually.

Thanks go to Albert Ohana for organizing the evening.

Jeff Rosen