I am a goy from the get go. Jews love me - probably because I love them and also don't know anything about it. Strange, as the daughter of a UCC pastor and sister of an Episcopalian priest. I thought the bible was boring and missed the whole history part. I was busy reading interesting things like Nancy Drew., Girl Detective. All the better to find that elusive holy ghost.

I know something, but my knowledge is based so much in personal experience. I have worked for Jewish families for most of my life. I nannied in NYC at college for Orthodox Jews, cleaned houses and landscaped on Martha's Vineyard for liberal and conservative Jews, and recently have been a cargiver/companion to the epitome of a secular/humanist Jew.

  In college I nannied for an Orthodox family, so conservative Jews who I have worked for are surprised by my knowledge. Yup, I get the dairy meat thing and have skills to separate your plates and silverware! 

They are always delighted and surprised , I think, that someone gets it immediately.  There's no comparison in Christianity, really, except the Catholic fish on Friday which only the old crankys embrace at restaurants. at this point

"What are your plans? Here, have a cookie, what's next for you?" I think I always felt some pressure from the Jews who adored me - what's next? 

I come from Northern European stock where we spend generations blaming our puritan ancestors on failure. We don't talk to each other, it's all implied.  Thanksgiving is our holiday. We eat a lot.

 The two times I was able to share a high holiday with Milton I left with such joy. It was unique for me but just perfect, until he lost his mind to Alzheimers. The first year he was totally there, the second time just a bit off. No third time. 

Milton was  a secular Jew, an immigrant to NYC who was given up to an orphanage by his mother after they moved to the lower east side after escaping the war. His father deserted them and she made that horrible choice. He returned home at 13 and became a scholar - went to City College and then got his MA and PhD at Columbia. 

He devoted his life to social work.His life was devoted, to a certain extent, to protect children from having his experience in an orphanage.

He served on many boards and served on the board for "The Center For Ethical Thought". I used to trade my New Yorkers for his papers.

He loved Israel and he loved peace.  I don't know what he would think about all of this, except that he would be trying to understand how complicated it is to achieve peace and maybe eating an apple with me and discussing what it means.

He died last week, and once again I realize what a soul we have lost.

He hated conflict. He understood Israel as volatile. He devoted his life to social work for families and his committment to groups promoting progressive change.

He loved Israel, as a refugee, and he loved peace. I have to honor that.