On December 5th, 2025, Valley Torah had its annual Pico Oneg, a Friday night night I will always cherish. It started out like any Friday afternoon. I was staying at my brother’s house helping him get ready for the upcoming Shabbat, helping him cook and watching over my infant niece and nephew. As we were cleaning, I heard someone shouting my name from the street, so I went out to my balcony and sure enough my friends were staying over at the house directly across the street from me. I rushed to get ready and tossed on my suit to run with my friends to arvit. We prayed with all our hearts, looking forward to the night ahead of us. 

As prayer wrapped up, we headed to one of our friends’ houses where we would have dinner and promptly go to the oneg. The sounds of laughter and songs filled the air at my friend’s house along with the smell of meat and spices. After eating our luxurious meal, a sweet song flowed into our ears, “Happy birthday to you . . .” Three of my friends came into the main dining room, carrying with them a massive cake, light vanilla in color with a drape of thick chocolate frosting on top. On top of the cake was an array of cookies and brownies, covered in a golden sheen. It was truly a sight to behold. 

After we sang “Happy Birthday,” we began stuffing our faces with the massive 20-pound cake the size of a baby. We were able to finish half of it, but my friend had the genius idea to carry it along to the oneg. After glancing at the clock and realizing we would be late, we grabbed the cake and rushed out the door.

As we approached the location of the Oneg, sounds of laughter and songs creeped up and nested in our ears, pulling us toward them like a sirens’ song. We entered the Rabbi’s house and were greeted by lofty songs of Hashem’s praise. Not to mention the grand array of snacks laid on the table. We took our seats and joined the chorus, singing songs, telling jokes, and basking in the glory of Shabbat. After a while, the songs died down and it was time to leave. That night of singing, inspiration, and brotherhood was a night hard to forget.