Holiday encounter

“Shabat Shalom” Burt said when he saw me in downtown Chatham the Saturday before Christmas last year.

“Hey! Merry Christmas,” I replied. “Are you finished lighting the candles?”

“No, this is the fifth night with four to go.” he said.

“Just on time for Christmas.”

“It all works out,” he said.

We hugged each other like the old friends that we are. “Happy holidays!” we said simultaneously.

So what’s the big deal. There’s a simple approach to differences of custom that let’s people of all persuasions be friends. It’s called respect. Respect precludes demands or commands. It rests on “I” and “you” and “we”.

I got shalomed...he got merried...we went home happy.