By Patrick Robinson

We were kindly invited to go to the home of Jack and Linda Menashe last weekend and while the famous Christmas lights display is amazing, we were witness to something far more impressive.

That night they were giving out popcorn and hot chocolate, Santa (Jimmy Jacobsen in the suit) was there to hear Christmas wishes, two amazing reindeer were there too and kids lined up in the hundreds with parents, grandparents, friends, and relatives to just be part of it all. It was a calm night, no rain and even though people were slowed down on the road, an atmosphere of kindness and care seemed to be in the air.

Josh Menashe, an astonishing blur of energy, smiles and warmth was the Impressario who coordinated the display and the events of the evening.

He had told me that Jack and Linda had specifically asked that my wife Kim and I come inside the house and what we saw was unforgettable. 

We knocked on the door and three teens opened it and we stepped in. 

Their home is not an architectural masterpiece. 

There are no displays of obvious success though Menashe and Sons Jewelry has been a fixture in the junction since the mid 1970’s.

It’s on the water on Beach Drive, that’s true but the impression that came through was that this was a house built on love. 

We were greeted by Linda in the living room, a very pretty tree stood at one end of the room, hand made stars hung around the top suspended from the ceiling. The tree was decorated with photos of family. More photos of loved ones were on the walls. 

There was a fabulous array of food from Husky Deli on the table in the kitchen. 

Jack came in and shook our hands and warmly thanked us for coming. 

Then we watched as a steady stream of dozens of people entered the room from babies to 90 year olds, just to pay their respects. Linda knew them all, knew all their names, gave each of them a big smile or a hug. They all seemed to be incredibly happy to be there, with the Menashe family. In fact everyone in the room seemed be part of an extended family made up of hundreds of people who loved each other, supported each other. Teens lined up, each of them kind, respectful, smiling to give Linda a hug. People who had worked for them or made home improvements, or had just known them for years, settled into a chair and shared what they’ve been doing, and how their lives were going. 

There was a basketball hoop set up out back and kids were shooting hoops. There was no politics, no grievances, no bad moods, no hurt feelings, no drama. It was like being inside a Christmas card.

The display outside seemed to be a shining out of all the love on display inside.

For my wife and I it was wonderful. 

It was like being added to the family and as honestly as I can tell you, that really is everything.

The Menashe family is more than a community asset. They represent a big part of why people love it here. In many ways they ARE West Seattle and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude not just for their annual holiday display but for representing a way of being all of us should emulate.