While Chanukah came late in 2024 (and spilled over into 2025), the Festival of Lights arrived earlier than usual for members of Forestdale Heights Lodge as they gathered for their annual holiday social gathering. After venturing south of Highway 401 last time out, this year we returned to our favourite Thornhill locale at Ba-Li-Laffa Restaurant on Monday, December 9.

Contrary to the belief that the number 13 is unlucky, it has proven to be quite fortunate for our Lodge. Over the past three years, we have consistently had 13 attendees for these special dinners. This year’s gala included Elizabeth Bloom, Cathy & Stewart Indig, Ira & Paula Kushinsky, Ray & Rosalie Moscoe, Honey & Albert Ohana, Ruth Pupko, Jeff & Lisa Rosen, and Debbi Silver.

 It was wonderful to see everyone again in person, free from the computer screens we typically use for our monthly meetings. We enjoyed catching up on each other’s lives while sharing delicious meals. Not only was the food delectable, but the portions were generous, allowing many of us to leave the restaurant with leftovers for another lunch or dinner.

We capped off the evening by singing Happy Birthday to Albert Ohana, who was celebrating his 75th birthday, and enjoyed the delicious birthday cake served in his honour. Although we left plenty of cake on the platter when we departed, we were assured that the staff would enjoy it later in the evening.

After much noshing and fressing, Lodge co-president Ruth Pupko proposed that the Lodge make a generous donation to Beit Halochem Canada, which provides aid to disabled veterans of Israel. This organization is dedicated to rehabilitating, rebuilding, and enhancing the lives of Israelis who have been disabled in the line of duty or through acts of terror. Everyone agreed that supporting this cause was truly worthwhile.

As much as everyone enjoyed themselves, the evening had to end, and it did, just over two hours later. With so much turmoil in the world, it was a welcome escape and a great way to end the year. Sadly, it may be Forestdale Heights Lodge’s final social gathering.

Thanks go to Albert Ohana for organizing the evening.

Jeff Rosen