Wow. The last days of Pesach here were truly unforgettable. More beets, potatoes, onions and carrots. But this time, on the last night of Pesach, we got to do gebrokts, which was interesting. After a full week of lets-not-get-the-matzah-wet we now launched full throttle into lets-get-the-matzoh-really-wet. Fun.

But the real treat was the farbrengen in 770 and the Moshiach Seuda which started just before the end of Yom Tov and is probably still going on as I write this. The setting was picture-perfect, the women and children crammed shoulder-to-shoulder while, in the mens' section, the Chassidim engaged in the Seder Niggunim (signature melodies of the Chabad Rebbes, sung in order). (I was looking online for a photo of a farbrengen but instead came across this beautiful painting which I thought might be nice to include.)





Despite the crowds and balagan, I dutifully drank my 4 cups of grape juice and ate my kezayis (a portion) of matzah while craning my neck to catch a glimpse of the Rebbe's chair. I admired how the men were able to hang on to pillars and to each other without falling. I am sure they teach them those things in yeshiva.

As usual, there is always someone pushing, elbowing or blocking your vision in 770. Today was no exception, and I only had to tell the lady in front of me twice to sit down before she reluctantly obeyed (not without glaring at me, of course). Oh the chutzpah.

After having lived in New York for 7 months, I have finally learned to cultivate that edge in my voice when speaking to people. I learned the hard way that being brusque (and sometimes chutzpahdike, depending on the place, person involved and urgency of the situation) will get me what I want faster. Talking at people rather than to them also works. Being patient and polite will get you absolutely nowhere. And whatever you do, never ever acknowledge people who try to stop you on the street. This is not Singapore.

Thats all for now, folks.... and remember to smile... Moshiach is coming!!