The Gantseh Megillah magic strikes again! In my November column, I told you about Arnold's and my visits with several members of our Megillah family during our vacation road trip. We met Sonia Fuentes in Potomac, Maryland, and Evelyn and Seth Levin in New York City. Prior to that trip, Jay and Suzie Lotven, of Stillwater, Oklahoma along with Laurie and Steven Hagstrom of Fort Worth, Texas visited us here in Montréal. We recently also had the pleasure of meeting Michael Lange of Los Angeles, California, who was in Montréal directing the final episode of the hit TV. series, Dawson's Creek.

This past week, we had another opportunity to meet and get to know two more members of our growing Megillah family. Pat and Harry Joseph and their schnauzer pup, Shandie made Montréal, one of many stops on the maiden voyage of their new motor home. They traveled from their home in Belton, Texas to New Jersey, then up through New York State, across the Canadian border and finally into our neck of the woods. After spending two days here, they headed west to do some more exploring before heading back to Texas.

Our time with Pat and Harry (and Shandie too) passed much too fast. We drove around Montréal and gave them a tour of some of the many sights of interest our city has to offer. Two-days are not nearly enough to see it all, but we believe we whet their appetite for a longer and more leisurely visit in the future.

We really enjoyed getting to know each other as best we could in the short time allowed. Much was shared in common as is often the case when you make new, life-long friends. All kinds of important issues were discussed such as the merits of Quebec onion soup compared with what they call French onion soup in the United States; how much cheaper things cost in Canada when you buy them with U.S. dollars and where the nearest shady spot could be found , because Montréal was melting in the heat.

I must share a story that occurred between their schnauzer Shandie and our pug, Rosco. The two dogs hit it off almost as well as the human beings did. Rosco was over exuberant at first, because he does not often meet new canine friends. His hyper-friendliness intimidated Shandie, but once Rosco calmed down, the two of them fell into an easy friendship.

As I mentioned, Monday was particularly hot. Arnold and Harry took the pups for a walk, and when they returned both humans and dogs were sweaty and badly in need of refreshment. Rosco walked, or I should say waddled to his bowl and began having himself a nice cool drink. Suddenly he stopped drinking, turned around and noticed Shandie standing on the other side of the room. Rosco walked over to Shandie and began guiding her towards his water dish. If we had not seen it with our own eyes, we might not have believed it. I have never witnessed a dog exhibit this kind of sensitivity and concern for another animal in my life. Needless to say Arnold and I shept nachas for days, and I must add that Shandie was a real mensch and allowed Rosco to share the water with her.

I sincerely wish the Josephs could have spent more time with us. But as we kissed and hugged our goodbyes, all of us knew we would be seeing each other again. A bond had been created that will certainly overcome the miles that separate us.

For me, this is the real magic of the Megillah. When I first began publishing the newsletter in November, 1999, I had no idea it would lead to so many new friendships and personal contacts. Through the Megillah I have come to know people from many parts of the world including, the United States, Israel, South Africa, France, England, Japan, Poland, New Zealand, Australia to name but a few. The Megillah photo album contains images of many of these people. I cannot begin to explain how enriched my life is by corresponding with all of you.

As is my custom, I wish to thank everyone who made financial contributions to the Megillah fund this past month. Your help is much needed and greatly appreciated. The costs of providing this service are ongoing and must be met on a continuous basis. We do not charge for subscriptions and the only source of income we have for this project are your donations. If you can help defray the costs of maintaining the Megillah, Glossary of Yiddish Words and Expressions and the discussion forum, please click on the contribution link. We need your help and donations of any size are sincerely appreciated.

I want to take this opportunity to extend my wishes to everyone for a happy and restful summer season. Many of us will be taking long awaited vacations, receiving visitors from out of town, or simply going into the backyard for a family barbecue. Whatever you do, please do it safely and have a grand time.

See you in August!

Much love to all of you,
Michael - Editor