A beloved cat called Ketzel pontificates, in rhyme, on what it takes to be a devout calico in a religious houshold in these modern Jewish times. Whether chasing after dreidels (spinning tops)--or latkes--during Hanukkah, taste-testing gefilte fish prior to Passover, listening to biblical tales before Rosh Hashanah or merely observing life&customs in Iceland or New Zealand, Ketzel in her musings remains true to prevailing dogma, all the while according her own Jewish Mamma a five-meeow rating for goodness, mercy and fancy feats.
FROM THE AUTHOR: I'm often asked how "Mewsings" came about. Well, floating one fall afternoon at a North Shore beach on Oahu, Hawaii, and feeling somewhat anxious about the the fast-approaching Day of Atonement, I heard myself engaging in make-believe catty conversation: "Oh my," a plump ginger tabby begins, "Oh my, I'm so worried. It's nearly Yom Kipppur and what happens if my Mama forgets to feed me?" A kindly Siamese neighbor, generally prone to preaching faith, generosity and love, responds: "Don't worry kitty. You can share my dish of fish. I'm not Jewish. I can eat all I want." Talk soon centers on Hanukkah happenings and love of latkes and spinning tops. Of all my creations, "Mewsings: My Life as a Jewish Cat," tugs most at my heart. I love having cat Ketzel purr away as we prepare Passover dishes, and sit alongside at the Seder table. It's so good to have her accompany me on a visit to Iceland, and express surprise at the lack of Jewry in this land of lava and mist. Most fun for me was including "Dubious Brethren in the Animal Kingdom," a series of meditations on assorted frogs, birds, one fat New Zealand hedgehog and a silly lorikeet I encountered on my many travels. And just in case some Yiddish terms seem remote, Ketzela, in her infinite wisdom has created a concluding glossary.
