Dear CATWAO members,

Our last event held at the Rockcliffe Community Hall on Friday, November 25^th was indeed very interesting and informative, enjoyed by all members and guests who attended.  Our special guests included representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, the British High Commission, and the embassies of Spain and the USA.

It was a very pleasant gathering in the warmth of a fireplace and beautifully lit candles as we had the pleasure of hearing the stories of different traditions.

Ms. Jackie Holzman, our honorary member, kindly accepted to do the opening remarks and introduced our first speaker:

Ms. Sara Vered, a CATWAO member, talked about the interesting history of Hanukkah, the “festival of lights” and we had a chance to see the different types of Menorah she was so kind to bring with her that evening. Among other things, we learned that the Hanukkah menorah is called a Hanukiyah which has nine candle holders, and a candle is lit for each night of Hanukkah.  The ninth is called the Shamash.

Ms. Gamze Newell, also a CATWAO member, told us all about the fascinating story of Saint Nicholas and the Turkish town of Demre in southwestern Turkey where the bishop lived and died (December 6, 343) and where the Church of Saint Nicholas still stands as a shrine to the bishop of Myra named Nicholas.  Famous for his generosity in giving to the poor, his legend eventually spread from Turkey to Europe and each culture developed special traditions surrounding St. Nicholas.  

Mr. Hassan Eltaher, a published writer and lecturer, talked about Ramadan (Ramazan in Turkish), the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is a time for fasting, prayer and charity, and provides self control and inner peace.  He also spoke of Eid (Bayram), the three-days of feasting that follows the fasting period of one month during which one may not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset; and the traditional celebrations with friends and family. 

All our guests enjoyed the delicacies of different traditions like the Turkish Baklava , made by Emel Avunca, a CATWAO member; Hanukkah and Christmas cookies, and the “mulled wine” made by Gunilla (our treasurer) and Larry Wade, that really helped warm everyone!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank once again all our speakers who have set aside precious time from their busy schedules and made this event a real success with their contributions.  Our thanks also to all our members and guests who have joined us for this special event.

With best regards,

 CATWAO Executive Committee