This evening I met some friends for our church’s traditional "Night to be much observed."

Each year at the beginning of the 15th day of the first month of the Hebrew sacred calendar (in March or April according to our Roman calender, depending on the date) we meet to commemorate the night when the Israelites of old departed from slavery in Egypt. This day is also the first annual Sabbath of the year, a Holy Day, as we call it. This year it was my privilege to be with my friend Alfred from Bonn. Alfred is 91 years old and a dedicated Christian. As a German army officer in World War II, he lost his right arm to a Russian sniper just months before the war ended, which probably saved his life. He was then given home leave in Bonn-Bad Godesberg to recuperate, and he was there when the war ended. I have known him for 37 years now. In 1998 he became our church treasurer on short notice when a vacancy occurred unexpectedly. He did a fine job for several years. He chose the restaurant for this evening’s meal, and we were joined by Jesmina Allaoua and her mom. Thanks to Jesmina for the photo!