Likewise, Ruth Starkman writes lovingly about her mother’s less-than-heavenly “leathery cooked brisket…in a seabed of dried, defatted sauce.”

Elaine Marcus Starkman’s piano playing, according to her daughter’s description, was equally nondescript.

But she had other talents, as a mother, as well as in her writing, a talent she apparently passed on to Ruth.

There’s no one way to be a Jewish mother — or for that matter, a Jewish senior.

–Janet Silver Ghent, senior editor

J. covers our community better than any other source and provides news you can't find elsewhere. Support local Jewish journalism and give to J. today. Your donation will help J. survive and thrive!