Sometimes kids will surprise you in a good way.  Without much prompting or suggesting, they actually wanted to fast for YK, even S!  Whether they follow through is not the point; the fact that they voluntarily wanted to try says a lot about our approach.  They’re always questioning and having mixed feelings about their Jewish identity, but that’s OK.  No one expects them to blindly obey or observe archaic laws and rituals “just because”.  As a result, they’re always watching, inquiring, and testing the waters for themselves.  They’re each discovering a meaningful identity that makes sense for them as they mature.

For erev, I kept it light and vegetarian, with round(-ish?) challot, sweet roasted carrots, roasted broccoli with assorted mildly hot peppers and okra from the garden, cherry tomatoes from same, rice, and plain matzah balls seasoned lightly with shawarma spices.  (The kids love them like that, just by themselves, so who am I to argue!  I do, too.)  Everyone liked something!

Then there was the usual bustling around to various sports activities, with a very tired Avdi shuttling.  He’s had a rough work week, with not enough rest.  But he still encourages the kids to pursue their extra-c social activities, so he doesn’t complain.