Celebrating Cecile's Beloved Cousin Joyce's 90th Birthday In Sacramento
"Generosity is a practical expression of love.”—Gary Inrig
Labor Day weekend is not exactly the best time to travel to Sacramento or anywhere for that matter, but when we were invited to join in the celebration of Cecile’s cousin Joyce Berger’s 90th birthday celebration, we were all in. We have so much respect and love for Joyce, we wanted to be a part of the festivities.
It has been said that the spring of generosity never runs dry for the person who willingly gives from the heart. This describes Joyce to a T.
When Cecile and I first moved to California, it was Joyce and her late husband Bill Berger who helped us find our footing when we were looking for a place to live and open my Podiatric Medical and Surgical practice in San Jose. They referred us to a family friend who was a realtor in our area that found us the perfect place in an old neighborhood near the Rose Garden district.
In the early years when we would drive up to Sacramento to visit Joyce and Bill and their son Jeffrey, they invited us to stay at their home and whenever we went out to eat with them they always picked up the tab. They wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometime later while Joyce was still mourning the loss of Bill, we invited her to join us in London and Rome and we had the most amazing, memorable time.
Throughout the years we became aware how Joyce helped many family members who fell on hard times or had some missteps in life. She has a heart of gold and I would say she is generous to a fault, but there is no fault in being generous of heart. Her first impulse is to give whether it be to her community, her synagogue, friends or family.
Cecile and I checked into the Larkspur Suites near the Mosaic Law Congregation, a Jewish Synagogue where a ceremonial blessing (Kiddush) was being sponsored on Saturday morning in honor of Joyce’s 90th Birthday. Rabbi Reuven Taff, the spiritual leader of the Conservative Temple led a vibrant, uplifting service, sprinkled with humor, warmth, love, scholarly readings and Hebrew chanting. Taff trained at the Theological Seminary in NYC, Received his B.A. in Religious Studies from California State University (Northridge), pursued his rabbinical studies in Israel where he ordained in 1988. And, last but not least in 1999 he was honored by President George H.W. Bush to preside over and conduct the first annual White House Chanukah Celebration with the President, Vice President and their families. Joyce loves her rabbi and the feeling is mutual.
An informal luncheon (Oneg) for about 200 congregants and family members followed the Service—once again sponsored by her son Jeff and family. We were invited to Joyce’s home for dinner along with some of her friends, neighbors, and family members who came in from Northern and Southern California, Detroit, MI, Chicago and Macedonia. It was so special to see everybody.
Some of the photos include Joyce with Cecile and I, Joyce with her loving granddaugther, Ariella in front of the birthday cake, Cecile and I with Ariella and various family members who I have come to love over the years and spent many a Thanksgiving with in Chicago while I was attending Podiatric Medical School. Marrying into a Jewish family has been a blessing.
From one Virgo to another (our birthdays are two days apart), Happy Birthday dear Joyce. We will never forget you and Bill for helping Cecile and I on our way up the ladder in life. “Biz hundred un tsvantsig,” which you may know is the Yiddish expression for “May you live to the age of 120,” alternately meaning wishing you good health. We love you!
