Swedish

Join the London Free English Classes group for an exciting language exchange and social networking event! This event is perfect for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners who want to improve their language skills while making new international friends. Welcome to London Free English Classes! Whether you want to improve your language skills for everyday communication or have specific purposes like exams or job interviews, we have you covered. We are a small group of Christians who offer free English classes to anyone wanting to practice, grow, and strengthen his or her English skills. We will meet at a free location each week to have the class, and we will use a workbook with conversation prompts from the books of Luke and Acts to aid our conversations. People of any background, nationality, gender, race, etc. are welcome! Since 1981, Let's Start Talking (LST) has created conversation workbooks for people around the world who are eager to improve their English. LST materials are unique because they are not designed for classroom use, but instead for individual conversations. We will be using this material to prompt our conversations. We believe that a friendly relationship and the exchange of personal insights contribute significantly to improving language skills. When we talk about ideas that are important to us, we try harder to communicate clearly, and we make a greater effort to understand what the other person is saying. Here lies the success of the Let's Start Talking approach and resources and their continued value in language learning. This is NOT an accredited course. Teachers at Free English Classes are volunteer Christians. We are unable to guarantee that all teachers have teacher training qualifications. The lessons are intended for beginner (CEF levels A1 & A2) and intermediate (CEF level B1) level learners; and only aim to provide additional English language support - they are not meant to be a complete course of English teaching or to replace a course in a language school. Basic-level groups focus mainly on everyday spoken language. Intermediate groups use mostly expository texts which describe or explain things. We also include narrative texts from time to time. In addition we have separate groups for more advanced students (CEF level B2 and above), using more or less the same material as the intermediate students but in a more challenging way. You will get the most out of the lessons if you come regularly, take home the worksheet each week and revise what you have learnt. Upon arrival, you will be required to register your name and contact details solely for communication purposes, and will be subject to Data Protection Act 2018. We occasionally take photos and videos during Free English Classes for both digital and print publicity and marketing such as flyers and social media. If you do not want to be in any photos or videos, please let a team member know on arrival. Although we will attempt to keep the consistency of the small group, it may be subject to change depending on the availability of teachers. Free English Classes is not a certified English course. All teaching materials and worksheets are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced. Free English Classes will occur twice weekly. We hope that one or both days will fit in your schedule, but we understand that it may not work for everyone. If you would like to schedule a one-to-one meeting at a different time, please send us a message. We trust that your conversations will be rewarding, your life enriched, and your English conversation skills improved. Our greater desire is that sharing with your conversation partner will contribute to peace in your life and peace among people of all nations.

В сезон Рождества🎄 всегда восхитителен[ ](https://www.blenheimpalace.com/)**[Blenheim Palace](https://www.blenheimpalace.com/)** в Оксфордшире. Дворец построен в 1705 — 1724 годах как резиденция первого герцога Мальборо и его жены в редком для Англии стиле барокко. Название дворец получил в честь победы герцога над французами при Blenheim. В 1874 году во дворце родился потомок герцога — Уинстон Черчилль💍. Начиная с 18 века Blenheim Palace традиционно служит резиденцией герцогов Мальборо. Этот аристократический титул был создан королевой Анной в 1702 году для Джона Черчилля, 1-го герцога Мальборо, крупнейшего военачальника и его жены — Сары Дженнингс. Герцоги Мальборо живут в своем дворце до сих пор, сейчас им владеет 12-й герцог —Чарльз Джеймс Спенсер-Черчилль. Роскошный высокий холл Blenheim практически целиком выполнен из мрамора. Его потолок уже в течение почти трех веков украшает великолепный плафон, расписанный сэром Джеймсом Торнхиллом. Несколько небольших комнат дворца связаны с жизнью одного из самых знаменитых представителей рода Мальборо и политиков Великобритании — сэра Уинстона Черчилля. Самая большая комната — это библиотека длиной 55 метров. Во дворце имеется орган, который был построен еще в 1891 году, его стоимость составила почти 4 тысячи фунтов. Также при Blenheim есть часовня, через галереи которой можно пройти в сад и полюбоваться на восточный фасад главного дома. Дворец окружает классический пример английского пейзажного парка🌳. 💥Blenheim Palace с его шикарными парками и площадями в праздничные дни становится еще более величественным. Освещенные лазером окрестности, световые проекции, тысячи разноцветных огней – просто невозможно оторвать взгляд😍! В этом году дворец превратится в настоящую сказку, в которой живут персонажи из чудесного волшебника страны Оз! Вас ждут Тотошка, Железный Дровосек, Страшила, Трусливый Лес, ведьмы и другие герои Изумрудного города. Каждая из комнат Blenheim Palace будет наполнена сказочными сюрпризами, магией и вымыслом. Исследуйте изысканно преображенные парадные залы дворца и Большого зал, где сверкает огромная рождественская елка. По пути следите за порхающими феями, пока история разворачивается на ваших глазах. В этой фантастической стране Оз действительно начинаешь верить в волшебство ✨. Чтобы еще больше проникнуться чудом Рождества, завершите свою прогулку на ярмарке местных товаров и угощений🥧. Согревайтесь пряным зимним блюдом или кружкой горячего шоколада в компании своих близких и родных. Такое путешествие непременно подарит вам незабываемые эмоции и наполнит душу предвкушением праздника и чуда. Все мы, независимо от возраста, в рождественскую ночь ждем именно его! А между тем, мы можем творить чудеса сами, ведь ожидание праздника – это одна из главных составляющих незабываемого Рождества🎄! 📝 План поездки: 📍**08:45** **Встреча** у отеля **[Hotel Novotel London West](https://goo.gl/maps/isJaR8654Y62)**, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (возле Hammersmith Station) 📍11:00 — 12:30 Старинный городок Woodstock 📍12:30 — 17:30 Дворец страны Оз [Blenheim Palace](https://www.blenheimpalace.com/) (от £24 до £75, бронируйте заранее на слот с 12:45), по желанию каток, колесо обозрения, Освещенная вечерняя тропа (бронируйте на 16:00) 📍17:30 Отправление 📍19:30 Лондон, Hammersmith ⌛ Продолжительность путешествия зависит от погодных условий и дорожных пробок. **🎁Включено в бронирование:** ⚜️Транспорт, организация мероприятия ⚜️Профессиональный водитель с курсами IAM/RoSPA ⚜️Администрация и помощь во время путешествия ⚜️НДС и все налоги, комиссия платежной системы (карта/банк/PayPal) **🙅🏼‍♀️Не включено:** ❌Входные билеты: цены указаны в плане путешествия ❌Питание во время путешествия: индивидуальный выбор ❌Трансфер в место встречи и после завершения поездки ❌Остановки автобуса для посадки/высадки пассажиров по пути следования ❌[Страховка](https://www.coverwise.co.uk/) в случае травм, потери багажа и личных вещей, отмены тура в последнюю минуту ❌[Evebus Club](https://evebus.com/ru/evebus-club/) – переносы броней без потерь, [выбор посадочного](https://evebus.com/ru/seating-plan) места ❌Русскоязычный гид: £20 с человека при условии набора группы от 6-ти участников **🎒Что взять с собой:** ✅Воду/еду по желанию ✅Фотокамеру и зарядку для телефона ✅Хорошее настроение 🙂 ✳️Обо всем остальном мы позаботимся. Поэтому просто явитесь в указанное время и место и наслаждайтесь поездкой😉! 📩Этот тур, как и все путешествия Evebus, может быть организован в частном порядке! Для участия в индивидуальных поездках, пожалуйста, обращайтесь на info[@evebus](http://evebus/).com с пометкой «Тур на заказ».

Meetings run weekly on Saturdays from 11.00-12.30 in Enfield Town Library, Community Room, 66 Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6AX Join us for wonderful **free** weekly meditation sessions in Enfield Town Library, classes are always free. Sahaja Yoga is a unique form of meditation that will enable you to connect with your Inner Self, establishing a higher awareness within you resulting in a deep feeling of peace, calmness, balance, and joy. It is a tangible practical **experience**: Sahaja Yoga is “Subtle, Simple and Real”. It was founded by H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi ( 1923-2011) and has at its core the process of Self Realisation: connecting with your real Self through the awakening of the dormant energy in our sacrum bone called Kundalini who takes us into the deep peaceful state of thoughtless awareness. In the class, we will go through the process of Self Realisation and learn how to achieve the state of meditation effortlessly. Also, we will learn about balancing our subtle system, diagnosing and solving our problems, and meditating at home. Sahaja Yoga helps all aspects of our life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, it is an extraordinary method, unique from any other types of meditations as it uses our own energy Kundalini who can correct our chakras, balance us, and take us to a much higher and deeper state of awareness. We do not need mats, we sit on chairs, it is easy and simple, Sahaja means spontaneous in Sanskrit, and it is for all cultures, ages, religions, and backgrounds. There are free meetings all over London, the UK, and more than 100 countries. If you are looking for well-being, harmony, and solving your problems, if you want to get out of confusion, and/or mental health problems, if you are looking for answers then you are in the right place. Come along and try, no need to sign up, beginners are welcome anytime. **“ Sahaja Yoga is a method by which our Pure Desire is fulfilled “ (from the founder Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi)** Phone 07931 851 954 or 0773 766 0417 You may also like to check out our main London website, where you can find out more about the numerous free regular meetings taking place across London, and much more: [www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk](https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/) Join us on Facebook [Sahaja Yoga | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sahajayogalondon/) Meditation app: [https://wemeditate.com](https://wemeditate.com/)

Join us for a day filled with laughter and great conversations with friends at The REAL Over 40s meetup group. Unwind with a drink in hand as we enjoy a pit-stop before the next week ahead. This social gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and create lasting memories. We meet at table 45. See you there 👍 P.S There are always atleast 15 to 20 people show up regardless of rsvp numbers.

Are you a **B1-B2 Spanish learner** who loves literature? Our **Spanish Literature Club** is the perfect way to improve your **grammar** and **vocabulary** while exploring amazing stories! ### **What to Expect:** 📖 **Read and discuss** texts by renowned authors from **Spain and Latin America**. 🗣️ Participate in **interactive activities** to enhance your Spanish. 🎯 Expand your **grammar and vocabulary** in a fun and engaging way. ### **Class Details:** 📅 **When:** Saturdays, 11:30 - 12:30 a.m. 🎯 **First Session:** September 6th 💰 **Price:** £12 per class 📩 **Sign up now!** For more information, email us at hola@laescuelaspanish.com **Dive into the world of Spanish literature and boost your language skills!**

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:30 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 7:00 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 8:00 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 9:00 PM–12:30 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £12 two classes 6:30 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

I am a native, qualified teacher of English and this is a session designed for you to go over any particular issues that you have in English - grammar, exam preparation, pronunciation, vocabulary and so on - as well as to practise your conversational skills discussing current topics. Just let me know if there is anything you would like me to cover during the session. The fee of £5 can be paid on the day in cash or in advance online. Thanks, Keith

***Please purchase tickets on [eventbrite](https://eventbrite.co.uk/o/studio-108-34126014551), starting at 10 pounds!*** Join **[STUDIO 108](https://www.meetup.com/studio-108/)** at their [centre](https://goo.gl/maps/ELtMVaRoZb5mRsDv7) 5 minutes walk from Holborn tube: * **5pm *SoulFest*** *please arrive 10 mins early* [Mantra meditation](https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/9781/mantra-meditation) and [kirtan](https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5452/kirtan), feel your spirits soar and your body move with the rhythm. Followed by a wisdom and spirituality talk, then into another kirtan. * **6pm *Vegan dinner*** Crafted by STUDIO 108's team, served in their ground floor [cafe](https://www.studio108.uk/eats) * Dinner made with [AHIMSA Dairy](https://ahimsamilk.org) from the Ahimsa Eco Village in Leicester! * **7pm *Dance kirtan*** As the kirtan increases in intensity, the dance floor opens. *Beginners welcome, photos/videos of previous events on* ***[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/studio108_ldn/)****.*

Join us at **Emergency Exits: The Fight for Independence in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus at the Imperial War Museum, London.** ***(Fancy the museum, but not this exhibition? Feel free to sign up and just visit the museum sections you want to see.)*** *Emergency Exits* focuses on three wars in the 1950s: in Malaya (now Malaysia), Kenya and Cyprus. It explores the motivations of key figures, the responses of the British colonial authorities and how these conflicts affected ordinary people. You’ll hear stories from people on different sides as they share their thoughts on the wars that shaped their lives. The exhibition also explores the British Government’s attempts to prevent documents relating to the conflicts from being published. In 2011, following a long battle by campaigners, the Government revealed that thousands of these files were still held in a secure archive. *Emergency Exits* helps unpick the path towards recognition in the UK. Please note: *Sections of this exhibition contain themes including racism, sexual violence and torture.* Read more: [https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/emergency-exits-the-fight-for-independence-in-malaya-kenya-and-cyprus](https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/emergency-exits-the-fight-for-independence-in-malaya-kenya-and-cyprus) **MEET DETAILS:** **From 2:15pm: MEET IN CAFE (optional)** Meet in the Imperial War Museum's [cafe](www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london/eat-drink). **3.00pm: ENTER THE EXHIBITION** [Imperial War Museum](https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london), Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ **4:45pm: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll have a table booked in a nearby pub - location TBC! **TICKETS:** **Free to enter** \- no need to book a ticket\. **GETTING THERE:** TUBE: Lambeth North (7 minutes' walk), Elephant & Castle (10 minutes) TRAIN: Waterloo (14 minutes' walk) [Find more info here](https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london/getting-here) **WHATSAPP GROUP FOR PRE-VISIT CHAT & LIVE LOCATION ON THE DAY:** **If you are on the 'Going' list only,** please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. **The link will be shared in the Event Comments below at least 48 hours before the event.** *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE NOTE:** * LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. We have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event. We prefer a smaller, friendlier group. * Once all the spaces are taken, Meetup adds you to the Waitlist. If someone drops out, waitlisted attendees are automatically moved to the 'Going' list by Meetup in order of priority. * **If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible.** Then someone on the waitlist can take your place. **We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.** * **Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.** **Thank you! — The LoMAZ Admin Team** Image credit: Imperial War Museum by Peter Trimming, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit (mind the pun!), today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious - those drawn to the mysteries of the universe, life and everything in between. A tasty caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring spirituality/consciousness and related interconnected topics spanning **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **parapsychology,** **cosmology** and **noetic sciences** over a mug of sweet coffee. Hosted by me - a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher exploring spirituality topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager, there'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas & experiences without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure like all of our events - particpants derive maximum utlity and insights from attending. We’ll touch on everything from the limits of scientific understanding to exploring the unexplained using practical fun exploratory divination practices drawing on elements of **psychology, metaphysics, epistemology** and **statistical** **probability** of rare events as we do so. Whether you're a practicing "spiritualist", a curious skeptic, or just someone who loves deep conversation on **life’s big questions**, you’ll hopefully walk away more enlightened with some practical tips you can start applying and inspired to explore more! **Sample of conversational threads** might include: Are we mere organisms pursuing biological survival or does consciousness exist beyond neurons firing in our brains? What explains peoples' paranormal experiences? What would reality look like If our brains were limitless? Declassified CIA files show that as as well as mind control experiments, the US govt employed mediums and remote viewers. If all mumbo jumbo then why? Is Nirvana just a fantasy of deluded people? Does everything happen for a reason? To clarify - we define spirituality here as an exploration of consciousness, Donald Rumsfeld's unknown unknowns and undiscovered aspects of reality, NOT religion. After all, as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated to me: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there including the oldest religion of them all - paganism - so why is witchcraft still practised outside of **Hogwarts** today? I may also share the latest peer reviewed empirical evidence surrounding **paranormal** and **consciousness** phenomena. As well as illuminating chats to guide self-reflection, there'll be FREE Tarot & I-Ching readings, demonstrations of meditation method to activate super powerful gamma brain waves, and pyschic tests for a bit of fun, laughter & intrigue! **=== POTENTIAL CONVERSATION STARTERS ===** 1. Does consciousness survive death or is Cambridge Astrophysics Professor Brian Cox right in asserting if **ghosts** existed then particle accelerators at CERN would have already detected ghost molecules making Ouija boards kids play? Are Poltergiests 100% hoax? Brain scans indicate thalamocortical circuits in our brain (pathways in the parietal cortex & central lateral thalamus) drive **consciousness -** so how can spirit/mind live on after **brain death**? 2. Is **synchronicity/coincidence** simply randomness disguised in the eye of the beholder or can what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance" (quantum entanglement) explain it? 3. Given **neuroscience**'s infancy with much yet undiscovered - could mediation help access functions outside of our BAU alpha & beta brain wave states? Can **Kundalini yoga** to boost natural **DMT** (dimethyltryptamine) vs drugs like ayahuasca, mushrooms, LSD etc and if so by what mechanism? Do the artifically created neural signatures using magnetic stimulation observed during mystical experiences debunk them? Is the Maharishi Effect real? 4. Are clairvoyants and mediums just good people readers or are they really able to access time and space in non-linear ways? Is Tyler Henry the real deal or just faking it? 5. The laws of statistical probability, Drake Equation & common sense tells us there is other non-microbial life out there. So what explains the Fermi Paradox? Was that 1976 WOW signal aliens? How about the recent strange bahaviour of Boyajian's star or Oumuamua/Atlas interstella object that has just entered our solar system? 6. Could metaverse explain deja vu & reincarnation vs theories from the **psychology** literature (Mandela Effect?) or do we just live in a **simulation** as **Elon Musk** proposes? 7. **Stephen Hawking** once said: "The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities" If matter only manifests when observed as the double slit experiments shows, does that mean everything is consciousness? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply **parallel universes**? 8. Do **NDEs** result from neurochemical changes in the brain close to death or something beyond physicality? 9. Can photons omitted by our bodies explain auras that people see? 10. Could limits in our understanding of quantum physics, space and time explain paranormal experiences? 11. What existed before the **big bang** \- how do you get something from "nothing"? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole\. What you reckon? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and applying the most advanced empirical research techniques in my client consulting work - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. "All models are wrong, but some are useful" George Box What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **experimental methods** get us closer to it? A balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning seems the most rationale framework here but are there any other methodologies? How about the **"spirituality"** toolkit? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet in the Penderel's Oak. *283–288 High Holborn, Holborn WC1V 7HP* zone 1 central london so very easy to get to. I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answers

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

The Biggest Salsa Night to hit your mid-week is happening at Latin City Wednesdays. Get the feel of the Latin Beat as your hips and feet groove the right way. As always, we will provide refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. ********************************* Viva Dance Columbus (2809 Festival Lane Dublin, OH 43017) 83pm-93pm Cuban Lessons 930pm-Midnight Open Latin Dance Party $15 With Lesson $10 Just Open Dance ********************************** Free Parking, No Need to Bring a dance partner, No Sandals Please and Plenty of Space to Move Around.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

All levels of Meditators or welcome. In person or on Facebook Live! There will be instructions and inspiration for new inexperienced meditators. The hosts, meditators and Kriya Yoga initiates for over 50 years, are direct disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black one of Paramahansa Yogananda's most advanced male disciples. He is the founder of Golden Lotus, Inc., which owns & operates 'Song of the Morning' an 800 acre Yoga Retreat Northest of Gaylord, MI on the Pigeon River. Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self Realization Fellowship, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of the Spritual Classic, 'Autobiography of a Yogi.'

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.