I recently discovered that one of my ancestors who married into my German maternal side of the family happened to have been born in the town of Satmar. I found that to be truly fascinating being that i was raised with partially Chabad Chasidic theology and her lineage was/is known to be an adversary of Lubavitch (Chabad). Her name was *Chana Leah*. The commonality between sects of Judiasm is interesting. Different perspectives but at the end of the day the roots are the same.

The 1st photo displays 20 year old me (*gasp) in attendance of a high school classmate’s wedding in the Chaseedish neighborhood of Williamsburg, New York. I was very stressed out at the time and endured a lot emotionally, mentally and physically but i guess sometimes a plastured smile on one’s face doesn’t necessarily mean that they are actually content and peaceful on the inside. *Sheker Hachein* (false is the charm) is a very real concept. One can never know what is truly going on in someone’s life beyond the photograph. I did have a good time at that wedding though and maybe my facial expression does exude some semblance of happiness. I’m unsure but regardless, 20 years ago- *a smile is always seen on her face* was one of the sentences that was used to describe 17 year old me. Serena Williams is known to have encouraged that facial expression: “I’ve had to learn to fight all my life – got to learn to keep smiling. If you smile things will work out.” That wise piece of advise impacted me. It also makes me lose myself in wonder because i see so many seemingly *happy* people that are miserable and empty on the inside. *Shrug* .

The 2nd photo is of my great grandfather Marcus Flamm. I’m so glad his photograph was found years after a copy of it was unfortunately, 😔 😪 carelessly removed from my parents’ abode fresh after their divorce. I grieved over it for a very long time. I’ve never had the honor of meeting him but just seeing his picture on many occasion gave me strength to persevere in a challenging environment. He will always be my *Moredchai* and I his Esther. A Jewish Privateer, and incarcerated being, he overcame life’s hardships in an inspiring and influential way.

The last image is of Chana Leah Flamm. Marcus Flamm’s sister in law from Satmar. I dont know much about her but I think its cool we share the same name 😀 and is a part of my diverse lineage.