The Miracle of Green Onions

In the spirit of Channukah, I have been thinking a lot about the concept of miracles. And when I want to understand something, I usually start by looking it up in the dictionary.

According to the dictionary, a miracle is:

an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.

a wonder; marvel.

a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality.

I truly believe miracles are around us all the time. Like, it’s a miracle we can breathe and talk, it’s a miracle we can fly on airplanes and that I can live across the planet from where I grew up, and it’s a miracle that I can FaceTime my family and experience the sensory phenomena that is Otis while not actually being physically next to him. Of course, everything is perspective. But I think I will never not get giddy about flying in the sky. Like what a crazy concept.

Arguably, miracles happen even when we don’t notice them. But I think the real magic comes when we are really paying attention. So I have been looking at the small things more and more. Something I love about Tel Aviv is that many people make due with what they already have. In a place where abundance is not the norm, creativity formed out of need can be found around every corner. For instance, most coffee shops often have second lives, moonlighting as cool and casual bars. Efficiency is of the utmost importance here, especially at restaurants. I have never seen someone flip a table for a party of 8 faster than in the Shuk HaCarmel on a bustling Friday afternoon.

Because space is limited, I love seeing how Israelis utilize every corner of their tiny apartments. The level of creativity involved in maximizing counter space in the kitchen gets me especially excited. Like, you can tell that people really put thoughtful care into utilizing wall space. There are places for everything on the wall: oven mitts, knives, pots and pans, even trivets (those tiles you use to put a hot pot or pan on the table; I know, I didn’t know they had a name until very recently).

In adopting Israeli tactics for living, my roommates and I also try to make due with what we already have. And what has come from this new form of gratitude has been endless abundance. My favorite example of this is the day that my roommate, Emma decided to put the root of a scallion in a cup of water on the windowsill. To our complete and utter amazement, the scallion root sprouted 2 new heads in 1 short week, and has been providing us with ongoing amounts of deliciously flavorful green onions ever since. Every day we cut off a little piece of our scallion baby, and grow more and more attached to the idea that we directly facilitate its growth. Because we do. And it tastes better, too. I never would have thought that green onions would be the source of my inspiration, but here we are.

Green onions are incredibly resilient, adaptable, and fast-growing organisms. In essence, they are what I aspire to be as a human. Because although small, they have the power to transform the flavor of a whole dish, and with such ease. Usually green onions are used as a garnish, sprinkled on top of a dish once the cooking is complete. Other times, they are used as the main focal point of flavor like in a cream cheese. I used to say that if I were an onion, I would be a shallot because they are sophisticated, powerful, and full of depth. But shallots are a luxury and not as easy to find. So I have decided I would like to be a green onion, instead. Malleable, easy to work with, and incredibly versatile. I will never throw away the root of a green onion ever again, because it would be like throwing away so much potential.

The specific lessons I have decided to take from our beloved green onions are this:

1) Instead of constantly searching for newness, allow yourself to be amazed at the simple miracles that are already there. They were always there, you just have to stop for a second to notice them. Your whole perspective will change.

2) Everything is what you make of it. If you decide to make due with what you already have, and challenge yourself to get creative, you will not be disappointed. Quite the contrary. Luxury is definitely nice, but it is not equivalent to happiness.

3) Most of the answers we seek can be found in nature. When in doubt, look to the cycles that sustain us every single day. They are simply brilliant, and are always relevant to us. Fore, we cannot exist without them.