Number 18: A tradition has emerged, when the Canadian Family visits South Africa once every few years: The males in the Family don headgear – a wrap or towel to twirl around their head.

It started before Seth, 24/11/1998,  and Jesse, 1/09/2004, were born. The growth and development of the children between each photograph reflect usually a few years between them: A symbol of the sad continued wandering and dispersion of our families  – fleeing Portugal and Spain at the time of the Inquisition; Lithuania at the time of the Pogroms and Poverty; South Africa at the time of Apartheid and subsequent thereto.

In the photograph of 2009, the only one that Hackey Edelstein z”l is in, Seth Gordon stands at the back next to Sascha Edelstein, Sheryl’s brother who is standing next to Ray. Between them is Yair. In front, seated, is Dan Gordon, next to Hackey – Sheryl’s Dad. Next to Hackey is Jesse.

A casual observer may not notice that, in this photograph, Yair’s smile does not blend in with the overall mood. Actually, Yair was overseas at the time. Someone managed to include him and even put a turban on his head!  Couldn’t change the smile on this one!!

Upon sending this story to the Canadian family, Dan responded with two suggestions: Anyone up for a Zoom recreation ? (It was during lockdown! We have a new way of connecting!! A “bittere gelegte”  – sad story, but also thank G-d for “Zoom”!).    And she’ll we be a bit more inclusive and invite female turban wearers too ?

Point well taken!

The people in the photographs now live in three Countries, far away from each other: Gordon s in Canada; Edelstein in Australia and Schkolne s in South Africa, and therefore manage only seldom to physically be with each other.