Manhattan Avenue Deli – Santa Fe, New Mexico
I’ve been called many things, not all of them kind, but the name I’m most proud to hold is “Gil.” It was my father’s name. When colleagues from Intel’s manufacturing plant in Israel met me for the first time, they asked if I was Jewish. Apparently in Hebrew, “Gil” means “joy,” “happiness,” or “gladness.” The name “Gil” is associated with celebration and optimism. Gil can also be used a verb, with forms like gili (my joy) or related words meaning to “rejoice” or “be glad.” The feminine version of Gil is “Gila.” In my travels over 39 years on this planet, I’ve met several people named Gil, but until November, 2025 had never met anyone named Gila. That is, until my visit to the Manhattan Avenue Deli in Santa Fe. A very vivacious young lady named Julia greeted and chatted me up as I walked into the Deli. Not surprsingly, she asked if I was Jewish. Julia regaled me with tales of her experiences in Israel, sharing that during her time in the Holy Land, she acquired the name “Gila.” The name certainly fits. Julia…er, Gila is one of the most genuinely effusive and optimistic people I’ve ever met. Sporting…
