Safta’s Ballad

This is a tale you heard you say?         

Perhaps it’s a tale you’d like to tell.

Whatever it is, hold on for now;

this is a ballad of Safta’s day.

Born a Hoffman, and the second of two

…beautiful daughters, that is…

to Gertrude and Philip of Squirrel Hill

in a smoking city, up she grew.

A good girl at home and a tomboy by day,

a scholar, a pitcher, and a sister too.

Carol played with the boys (rarely a girl)

near Wightman and Beacon in Pittsburgh, PA

A star of a student, with the books she’d scurry.

But not so in Hebrew school.

She’d slip out the window and down the street

to loiter at Beacon and Murray.

She may deny it, or she may down play

the fact that she donned a tutu;

stood on her tiptoes, and spread her arms

while learning the art of ballet.

Gertie made sure Jewish rituals applied;

the laws and the customs were followed.

Yet Carol got busted for eating hametz

when Daddy ate ham on rye.

After going to Pitt to get her B.A.

she married her boyfriend and had a son.

They lived in Philly for a couple of years

wrecked the car and called it a day.

They moved to Pittsburgh with the baby

and built a house on Thornberry Drive.

Tired of it they tried Fox Chapel,

where they planned to settle. Maybe.

In ’72 they left the comfort of U. S and A.

To settle in Israel and later Rosh Pina,

with two dogs, three kids, a cat or two,

200 cows and a commitment to stay.

She pursued a Masters, and soon she got it.

She ran libraries, taught, and mentored.

When she was ready for the next step

‘twas off to London for a doctorate.

Newly remarried, with a PhD in hand

Carol resettled at Hebrew U.

Jerusalem though, held no future;

in Tel-Aviv she claimed her land.

Along came a grandson, bald, long, and eureka!

‘tween Israel and Pittsburgh she’d fly;

and when the ultimatum was tendered

it was “No” to Sabbah Zvikah

All of sudden they started to flow,

granddaughters and grandsons - 9 tolled.

In Yesod, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Philly

in Tel-Aviv, Miami, and Palo Alto also

Not content with all the places she’s toured

Safta went to Egypt and Poland.

She hiked through Alaska,

Japan, and Egypt and also Norwegian fjords.

She tracked down her family the world over

from Vilna to Hartford and Rio.

She keeps us in touch and all apprised,

for she’s the global rover.

Safta turns 70 and we say Hooray!

We gather online, in the desert, or Skype

We’ll celebrate, cheer, sing, dance and shout

as we all wish for Safta a big Happy Birthday!!!

May 12, 2010

Mom,

I often stare into the life you have chosen to share, and sometimes steal a peek at the one less known.  Without fail, I encounter the blessing of selflessness, the demand to aspire beyond our dreams, and the courage of being content with humility.  I love you very, very much; and wish you a wonderful and happy birthday!!

Craig