Staten Island has some real turkeys.
Staten Island has some real turkeys.
Staten Island has some real turkeys.
Staten Island has some real turkeys.

By Chanita Teitz

Do you remember the Kew Gardens Hills peacock last year that was roaming around our streets and backyards? Well, my machatenista posted a picture of two turkeys walking down her block in Staten Island, and I remember my daughter telling me about ducks on Park Drive East a few summers ago. “Down on the farm . . .”

I was thinking about what to write this week and it dawned on me: what else but Pesach! We’re all in the nitty-gritty of it whether we’re staying home or going to family or hotels. We are thinking, shopping, cleaning, and stressing about Pesach. Well, maybe if you’re going to a hotel for the entire week, you’re not so stressed. But just the thought of having to do all the packing for a family has got to be daunting. Especially after this unending winter, you probably have to pack lightweight clothing as well as some winter clothing, just in case.

One year when we went to Chicago when our kids were small, we had an erev Pesach snowstorm. Who bothered to take winter coats or boots? But it didn’t last long, and then the sun came out. I remember a couple of snowstorms here too with people getting stranded when their flights were canceled. Well, we’re home, so whatever the weather, I’m safe.

My main problem now is how to fit all of us around my dining-room table in my average Kew Gardens Hills dining room, which is separated from the living room by a step. I’m always worried that when we have a lot of people around the table the person at the far end shouldn’t fall over the step. I have wanted for a long time to extend the dining room by raising the living-room floor, even just a few feet. My husband loves the elegance of a sunken living room and doesn’t want to change it in any way. But as our family has grown, we really need a larger dining room. Most of our entertaining is centered on the dining room for a Shabbos or yom tov meal. Any suggestions?

I remember last Pesach. My broken leg was in a cast until erev Pesach so I scooted around on my knee scooter, a real lifesaver. Once the cast was off and I was in a boot, I walked and stood too much and really felt it. My grandchildren took turns helping me clean and everyone did the serving at the Seder so I could sit. What a difference a year makes!

So, to all my readers wherever you will be for Pesach, enjoy the preparations. After all is said and done, it feels great to have the house so sparkling and organized. Take a picture. After a week of constant meals and lots of energetic grandchildren, you will need a “before” picture to remind you of how it looked. Have a good Shabbos and a chag kosher v’sameach!

Upcoming Events

Elegant Passover Seders with Rabbi Algaze and Guests. April 14—15. At Havurat Yisrael Home, 68-60 Austin Street, Forest Hills. Glatt kosher l’mehadrin caterers under the Vaad of Queens. Sumptuous meals and a warm family atmosphere. Inspiring explanations by the rabbis. Beautiful singing and fascinating stories. $65 one Seder, $120 both Seders. Children under 3 free; 3—12 $25. For information call Havurat Yisrael at 718-261-5500.

Condolences . . .

To Mr. Simon Blitz and family on the petirah of his father, Stanley Blitz. Simon and his wife Rochelle were telling us some interesting stories about his father, in particular about his love of traveling and seeing the world. HaMakom yenachem eschem b’soch she’ar aveilei Tziyon v’Yerushalayim. v

Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or e-mail chanita@astorbrokerage.com.

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