A Birthday Party to Remember by Sindy Warren

A sunny but cool Sunday evening. A beautiful home decked out with birthday decorations including a mussar-themed candy bar, a bracha tree for guests to write out blessings for the birthday girl, and lots (and lots) of delicious food. A patio filled with table decorations and nearly 100 of her closest friends. This was the scene of Ruchi’s 40th birthday party last weekend. Throughout the evening we talked, ate, drank, and even sang and danced (thanks to Ruchi and her former band members). Mostly we just enjoyed being together for such a special occasion. There were some surprises for Ruchi, including being presented with a giant check (think Publishers Clearinghouse-style) signaling the creation of a special “mussar fund” for Ruchi to use to spread her message of living an inspired and inspiring Jewish life. There was also a presentation of selected mussar traits from the classic text The Ways of the Tzaddikim, which so many of us have studied under Ruchi’s steadfast and brilliant guidance. A number of us got to share a particular character trait along with a dedication on how Ruchi embodies the trait. I think I speak for all of us guests when I say it was a special and meaningful evening that we will always treasure. For Ruchi’s big birthday, we simply wanted to convey how much she means to us, how much we respect and admire her, and how she is one of our dearest and most treasured friends. I believe (and hope) that we accomplished that. And to you, Ruchi, welcome to your 40s! Shabbat Shalom, Sindy Warren