Like Zeke Emanuel, my father started many meals with a blessing and as a family we often "benched," or sang grace after meals--rather, competed in our harmonic skills during it, putting in surprise intervals and flourishes my brother and sister picked up at various USY retreats. The sweetness of the moment was matchless.
I always welcome the chance to say grace before or after meals, and as Zeke points out in his thoughtful and moving post, that chance is far too rare in our non-family, eaten-out, often rushed meals--which is to say, most every time we dine. I'm glad he's made such an eloquent and simple argument to find a place for grace whenever we eat in company. He ends by asking who can write a simple, non-secular grace that will express the thanksgiving our everyday experience reminds us every day we need to express.
Any ideas? I welcome them, and will post them with pleasure.
SHOP THE ATLANTIC FOOD MARKETPLACE
Corby Kummer
Corby Kummer's work in The Atlantic has established him as one of the most widely read, authoritative, and creative food writers in the United States. The San Francisco Examiner pronounced him "a dean among food writers in America." full bio
Books by Corby Kummer
Subscribe to Atlantic FoodThe Atlantic Food Channel on Facebook
Sustainability
Disappointment at the World Food Summit
The author decodes the declaration made at the UN's hunger conference--and explains why it falls short.
Corby's Fresh Feeds
A Cake Obsession
TREE CAKE Mimi Sheraton, a writer I always read with pleasure, finds new sources for an old cake that once obsessed me.
Behind the Counter
How to Spice Up a Bloody Mary
Forget horseradish. Harissa, a hot red sauce from North Africa, adds a kick to tomato-based drinks.
Cooking From the South
Flavorful Turkey's Secret Ingredient
Anchovies help the Thanksgiving bird stay moist--and your guests will never know.
Weekly
Copyright © 2009 by The Atlantic Monthly Group. All rights reserved.
Saying grace is just one part of the family dining experience, all be it an important one! There is so much parents and children can gain from not only sitting down togehter, but also taking the time to prepare the meal together as well (and it doens't need to be hard - preparing the meals could even mean taking the bucket of KFC and placing it onto nice plates) To see how this type of movement is growing, check out www.gracebeforemeals.com