Sweet Date Honey

Gimmel Tammuz – A Day of Sweetness and Soul

I didn’t realize it was Gimmel Tammuz until I had already gone to bed Saturday night. I woke up and read on my phone that the holy day had begun. I had thought it was the next day. Somehow, that unknowing made what unfolded feel even more sacred—like a gift that revealed itself slowly, from the inside out.

In the middle of the night, our sweet Abby (4) came into bed with us. She wanted to snuggle. And those snuggles… they were pure sweetness. The love I felt holding her is something I can’t fully explain. It was a kind of love that opens you—completely softens you.

Later that day, I took the kids to a friend’s birthday party. The drive wasn’t easy—we encountered many obstacles. But I called her and spoke with both her and her husband. Thank God, we made it.

And I’m so glad we did. The party was lovely. I felt respected, appreciated, and seen. After some delicious pizza, I felt recharged and able to bring my best self. Elisha was there—it was so nice to connect. Such a special neshama. He asked about our new place. I really like him.

I connected with the kids and several of the adults. I had meaningful conversations—emotionally and mentally engaged. Someone poured me a lechaim. Through it all, I stayed humble, honest, authentic, and open.

I had a moving conversation with Simon, the father of Annie (one of Abby and Joey’s schoolmates). It turns out his mother is Jewish. We spoke about what that means for him, and I was able to share my excitement for his journey. It touched me deeply.

I ended up staying among the last guests—helping Elisha and K clean up. It felt really good to be of service.

Driving Abby and Joey home, I could tell they had an amazing time. They each had two homemade fruit popsicles—strawberry mango. Joey cracked me up saying, “Who gave Joey two popsicles?” He always makes me laugh. They left with bath toys and an Elsa frisbee. They rode bikes and scooters with the other kids. They felt appreciated, seen. It was so healthy. I felt relieved and grateful.

When we got home, Yehoshua was there. The house was spotless—he had been working and still was. I’m thankful for that moment of quiet care.

Later in the afternoon, I left for Bet Tikvah around 5:40 and got there by 6:10. The air around the shul was sweet and still. Freshly bloomed roses, peace surrounding everything. I said to Rabbi A, “The energy here is beautiful.” And it really was.

I helped Rabbi S, Rabbi A, and later K as she arrived. I began to greet guests.

The first was Yyves B—maybe in his 60s, strong and kind. I kept wondering about his story. Eventually, he shared: he had been into Christianity but had been following Rabbi Skobac and was searching for something true. This was his first time at Bet Tikvah. I cried when he told me. I was so moved by his courage and openness.

Then Penny. We had a heart-to-heart. And KM—a new widow, having just lost her husband, a Kohen. I gave her a long hug, 30 seconds and kisses on both cheeks. It was sacred.

Then came a new person I hadn’t yet met – L, travelling by bike. I may have opened the door or maybe he remembered the code. He asked me my name, where I live, my story. I told him: we live in Alta Vista but are moving to Carlingwood. I met Yehoshua in Israel. I shared how davening with Chabad feels like home because that’s how I first learned.

He responded with such presence. “That’s a wonderful story—thank you so much for sharing it with me.” He said it with sincerity, and it touched me deeply. I put my hand on my heart and smiled—fully and openly, with my eyes and my soul.

On the drive home, Hashem and the Rebbe had one more gift for me: a breathtaking pink and orange sunset over a still river with a sliver of the moon in the sky and a bird floating quietly by…I felt so deeply moved by the beauty of it all.

Thank you, sweet Rebbe, for the gifts you gave me all day. I love you.

Love,
Tamar