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JWow
jewish women of wisdom
The Evolution of a Savta
By Miriam Liebermann, MSW
With many thanks to our Ribbono Shel Olam, I miraculously became a grandmother almost 17 years ago. From the very start, I modeled myself on Savta Simcha, a most charming, captivating literary character created by Yaffa Ganz. Savta Simcha is consistently upbeat and positive, warm, energetic and innovative. She connects beautifully with all the young children. And so, my new persona began to develop.
As a side note, Savta Simcha is not married but lives with her brother Uncle Nechemia. Yaffa Ganz created this fabulous character who plays a major role in the lives of these children, although she is not their actual grandmother. Savta Simcha is a phenomenal role model, living a full, meaningful life, despite her unusual circumstances. Kudos to this talented author for creating such a lovable, quirky personality!
I so enjoy my role as the Savta. I have a large black satchel where I keep my pop-up books, paint books, and special games. I visit with art projects and puzzles…. The little ones and I thoroughly enjoy our quality time together.
Several years ago, erev Pesach, my son Yuda called and shared the following with me. He was learning the laws of the Pesach Seder with his oldest son, Yisrael. They were discussing how the men must lean at the Seder.
Eight-year-old Yisrael asked, “Do women have to lean?”
Yuda responded, “The Kitzur teaches us that ‘choshuv’ women must lean.”
“Oh,” Yisrael answered. “So Savta has to lean.”
I was quite flabbergasted with this little interchange. I had never seen myself as “choshuv.” And what is “choshuv” in this context? Dignified, deserving of respect, noteworthy.
Yisrael’s response introduced me to a new aspect of my Savta role. I’m a link in the chain from Har Sinai. In order to pass on the mesorah to the next generation, I must be “choshuv.” I must conduct myself accordingly.
I take this new role very seriously. I now make sure the children see me davening regularly. I try to say my brachos properly, aloud and distinctively. Keep my cool under all situations. Exhibit joy when doing mitzvos. I’m very mindful of this role.
And now I’ve been introduced to yet another aspect of “bubbyhood.”
The Green Bubbie: Nurturing the Future by Ruth Pinkenson Feldman introduces yet another aspect to this role. Ruthy teaches us in her most eloquent, charming manner, that we should be nurturing those who are growing right in front of us. “A Green Bubbie grafts generations together.” Ruthy encourages organic, intergenerational relationships.
“A Green Bubbie nurtures with kindness and patience, and like companion plantings, she and her sprouts both grow, in their own ways, in their own season…. A Green Bubbie has absorbed the tradition she was born with…. She has infused it into her home. Others bask in the light, color and warmth when they visit….
“Like the moon’s light, we are continually in a process of renewal. Renewal is different than searching for the fountain of youth. A Green Bubbie doesn’t strive to be young or young again. She blossoms in that light of renewal, from the inside out.”
Ruthy Feldman has so beautifully expanded the universe of the bubby. There are so many who would benefit from our specific type of love and caring, outside of our own immediate families. Everyone needs a bubby! Everyone needs a savta, too! And an omi! Or oma! Or grandma! Let’s spread the love and caring.
In conclusion, no need to drop one persona in order to adopt a different one. Rather, we can incorporate all these three aspects and more! We keep expanding and growing and evolving into our role as we get better and better at it. As of now, I’m aspiring to be the Green, Choshuv Savta Simcha. Wish me luck!
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