More cousins

Many years ago, maybe 19 or more, I was in Israel visiting family. At the time, my Doda Vali and Doda Marta were invited to a bar mitzvah of a cousin and decided to bring me along. That day, I met Rachel and JP Katz. I had just started dating Evan and was very excited to learn that JP grew up in Sharon. They introduced me to the entire extended family and also let me know that they would be moving to the Boston area soon.

Rachel and I kept in touch and saw each other for various holidays while she lived in Boston. Not having much family in the area, it was really nice to be connected. From Theo's bris to bar mitzvahs to Hanukkah parties and July 4th. Sophie and one of her daughters also became friends. Rachel is one of nine children and has 10 first cousins - all my cousins too. Each time a brother or sister came to Boston to visit Rachel, they would stop by to introduce themselves and the family grew.

Rachel, JP and their kids moved back to Israel after the pandemic. I knew when I planned this trip that I wanted to reconnect with the whole family and meet the other side of the family as well so we made it happen. Theo made some new memories meeting some cousins and Sophie was able to reconnect with her friend/cousin when she was little. All in all, a really fun reunion. Tomorrow, we will meet the other cousins at a park in Jerusalem!








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