Seders and Sakura

While we did not receive "Snowmageddon" here in Tokyo, it was cold, wet and gray for a long time. Tokyo itself is a very gray city and as the winter season progressed, I began to understand why everyone here waits for Hanami time when the sakura (or cherry blossoms) finally appear. Decorations and prep started over a month ago, and it was not unlike seeing all the Christmas and Halloween decorations that they go ape over. We're talking pink and flowery decor on everything, from tea bottles to desserts to cars to, yes, my prescription booklet.

Cute! Pink drugs!

And, because of cold, wet weather, this season started sort of late. The Japanese, very prompt at so many aspects of life, seemed a bit put off by the fact that the buds had not yet bloomed. And admittedly, so was I. You would see these trees, grasping at that moment to declare spring and renewal around the country, but they just could not blossom. It was maddening to see it almost there...almost...al...most....

Ah, there we go!

The camera doesn't quite capture the subtle shades and the delicate hues, which make the actual sky seem pink. Yes, Ueno Park was packed with eager Japanese all battling over turf so they could lunch (and later drink) under the trees. And, yes, there are many trees elsewhere, but it was interesting to go where the crowd goes and it was nice to see so MANY blossoms at once:

There definitely is that fresh feeling of renewal in the air, which is what I love so much about springtime.

And renewals also play into Pesach.

I'm sure everyone wonders how we manage eating here at Pesach time. Well, I'll let you in on a little secret: They have Manischewitz ship us a bunch of stuff. So, we're up to our pupiks in matzo and gefilte fish. I think it's enough to build a new sukkah on the roof next year.

Of course, outside the shul, eating can be a little daunting. For a healthy diet place like Japan, there's still flour and many other hametz things added into food. Thankfully, when I was wandering through the sakura, I happened upon a food fair. And it spoke the universal language of grilled things on sticks! No breading necessary!

Meanwhile, inside, I plan to get a little creative, but to be honest, we've had other holiday obligations and such, so I haven't really made any big pesach dishes aside from matzo brei.

I knew when I married a rabbi, that I had to give up a few things: home-made cheeseburgers, free saturday mornings, my sanity. But I also had to give up hosting my own seder. Obviously we now have to be part of the synagogue-wide seders. And while it is sometimes nice to be surrounded by 150 Jews all trying to talk quietly amongst themselves during the four questions, it does lack what I always associated with seder: family, friends, a renewed sharing of love, and envious cooking acheivements. I suppose it's a small price to pay, but it is those intimate moments I cherish.

Still, it was a huge crowd both seder nights, and the Rabbi managed to not get gefilte fish smeared on his suit, so maybe there's a blessing behind this after all!

Now, if you'll pardon me, I need to go make some flower shaped, pink matzo balls. It is spring after all!