The Friday Nights of Nana
It’s almost Shabbat and I’m thinking of the millions of things I won’t have time to do. Unlike the characters in Amy Hest’s The Friday Nights of Nana, I don’t spend the day getting ready: tidying things up, taking a nice walk to get flowers, baking an apple pie and putting on special clothes. But I really, really wish I did.
“Is it time?” I ask.
“Now,” Nana says, and finally it’s the best time. Nana is lighting candles and our dresses are touching and she is whispering Sabbath prayers and no one makes a peep. Not even Lewis.
And I love the ending, when the family is all together (with the mom discreetly breastfeeding at the table!):
Outside, the wind howls. Snow whips up in great white swirls.
But here inside, the candles flicker. A Sabbath song is in the air. It’s time for pie and we’re all here together on the Friday nights of Nana.
Reading Kids Are Dreaming Kids 