My Return

My return in the month of many happy returns - special thanks to my sisters and Brothers in law and cousin Daniel for my smooth arrival.

I have not visited Israel in a long time. A void growing, a feeling of nullity. A time empty and missing. A period where accomplishment of other kinds were completed. However our brothers and sisters in Israel, still feel unaccomplished. They live in fear in a placid land. They are ambushed with savagery of the ugliest kind. But hope they have.

I have the opportunity to visit the holy soil where it all began, how fitting is it, that I have the chance to pay my respects to the holy land as it celebrates the day it was created.Israel has a special vibe and aura attached to it. It is embedded with more than words can express. It depicts more than a picture can portray. It is louder than voices can vocalize.

I have lived in Israel. I have moved on. The feelings for it, the longing to return, the craving to experience more, has never departed. What lies within, is a special and unique lust for its holiness, its vivacious atmosphere, its distinct culture, its nonstop happenings, the vulnerability of its surroundings.

Equipped with a seductive nature, it draws the saint and the sinner to its fields. It speaks to the young and the old, who are looking for some light, in that moment of despair. It brings together the man and woman, seeking everlasting love. It connects families for joyous occasions. It conceives ideas. It produces pedigree. It preserves its reputation. It fights its battles. It allows humankind to live in hope. It makes Jews, worldwide, proud.

A people formed thousands of years ago, a country recreated sixty years ago. Such achievements, many accolades, but not enough recognition. A country that continues to defy all odds. A sovereign state who constantly battles the iniquity and evil of the world. A kingdom rich with culture and education. An army, as small as the ant, yet as strong. A country, where concepts such as despair and hopelessness, do not exist.

The question arises, how does Israel possess such qualities, as to bring serenity amongst many, yet it battles its own hardships of peace? How can human tranquility exist, where violence and bloodshed is in existence? A contradiction. An apparent conflict of themes and notions. No forthcoming answers, no collective solution.

But we return.

Somehow, a magnetic force, not found elsewhere, pulls G-d's holiest creation, the man and woman, to G-d's favourite garden.I return, to spend the holiest part of the year, in the holiest part of the world, with the holiest of people. Pray one, pray all, for the upkeep of our rich country of Israel. Request from G-d, for the protection of our holy brothers and sisters. Let us preserve our home.

Because, what point is man, without a home.

My Grandfather, the Godfather.

Today, we as a family mourn the loss of our dear grandfather. Da, will be sorely missed with his caring, loving and comedic attributes always to be remembered. He was a husband, father, a grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend of many.

Family life and Da, were inseparable. Da cared for the longevity of his family. He poured heart and soul into his family and we are evidence to his hard persevering work. Da has left behind more than words can detail, express and convey. He leaves a beautiful woman in Nana, known as Pet whom he loved endlessly. My mother, Narelle, My Auntie Margo and Uncle Bart, he adored. Da Had 13 Grandchildren, 3 grandchildren in law and 3 great grandchildren. He loved us all. We brought him so much joy.

Da, or known as Dad and Papa Bobby, was the funniest man I grew up with. His sense of humour ranged from the most simple to the most rude. Da Always knew how to bring light upon the occasion. A joke, a laugh and a bottle of Fosters light ice. That was the quintessential persona of Da. He was a champion in all our eyes, he was the Godfather, whom we will always look up to.

I never had the opportunity to ask Da about his stories as a soldier in the Australian army, but here was a man, who had ambitions to be a dentist, but put his country before his personal agenda.

From my young days, Da, followed by his learned student in Uncle Bart, would coach me and my brother Sruli on how to become the next Don Bradman. It was always, 'Keep your eye on the ball'. Da would bowl a cricket ball, or hit a forehand, with much patience as he watched his grandchildren grow and develop into becoming proud citizens of a country that he loved. Obviously, only later in life was I able to comprehend what Da was actually saying, ' Stay focussed, be committed and to be successful, it takes much toil'.

Growing up, Friday afternoon's always has a special place in my heart. Da and Nana would always make regular appearance to 17 Anglesea St, to drop off Fosters light Ice and so that Da could have his Challah, that his 'little Narelle' had made for shabat. He absolutely loved it. He would always inquire as to the happenings in our lives. It was our success and differing paths in life, which made him so proud. I have no doubt, that Da is beaming with smiles from up above.

In recent times, even when it has been tough going, Da would always infuse some humour into the situation. When I was recovering in New York, post surgery, stemming from a car accident, both Nana and Da, amongst others would call to see how I was recuperating. It must have been about day 8 after intense surgery, when Da asked me, 'Shlomy, have you had a drink yet'? To which I replied, actually I haven't, my doctor forbids it at the moment. To which Da replied, 'well in that case, you better switch doctors'. My mother, can attest to the fact, that until today, we still laugh as to what Da said. With broken ribs and in immense pain from surgery, he filled our lives with hope and joy. This was Da.

On the 11th day of Nissan, 5768, the 16th of April 2008, Da was recalled to a better place. It is only fitting, that his mission in this world came to a completion on the holy day of the 11th of Nissan. It is on this day, that the saintly and revered Rebbe of Lubavitch, rabbi Menachem Mendel Scheneerson, of blessed memory celebrates his birthday. Nana and Da, were fortunate enough to receive blessings from the Rebbe, and I know those blessings have come into fruition.

I will forever remember the visit to Capetown, South Africa in February 2004 that Nana and Da made, to visit whilst I was living there. The little time that it was, the memories of such good time will remain with me forever.

Da leaves a legacy, which we live on in his memory. He leaves us with umpteen stories, anecdotes and jokes, for us to remember, laugh over and share.

There are so many things to say and tell, and these are yet a few which I thought were worth a yell.

He loved his family, it was his pride. He lived his family, it was his life.

This is your life Da...........

My Grandfather always told me, 'Marry old, there is less of it'

He also said, with regards to marriage, 'you get less for murder'

Memories of the late Zev & Rochel Simons

As hard and difficult as it is to accept and comprehend the enormous loss of two beautiful people, the telling of tales and anecdotes of their very rich life will allow us all, to enjoy the memories of the late Zev and Rochel Simons OBM. My recollections of the departed are those of more recent times. Fresh in my mind, as if they occurred just yesterday. 

Myself and Menny Woolstone, with many other guests travelled to Chicago in February of 2007, to rejoice in the wedding of Mendel and Rachey Simons. Due to unavoidable circumstances, a snowstorm delayed our arrival in Chicago for the wedding, but as Hashem allowed, we all arrived at the wedding, just in time. The first person to greet us at the hotel, was R' Zev. Mendel, his eldest son, was about to be married, but Zev made it his personal agenda, to greet every single guest with the warmth and love, that he was so well renowned for. The hugs and kisses of Zev, were of the purest kind. He was so overjoyed with happiness for us all to partake in the wedding. Zev could have been giving last minute instructions to Mendel, as he was about to embark on his holy journey of marriage, but instead, Zev showed his true character of genuine kindness and greeted us all and welcomed us personally to the Simchah. 

Another short yet powerful incident that I remember about Zev, was his meticulousness about attending the Mikvah each and every day. I had the opportunity to take Zev to the airport in New York, with Mendel. Zev, had an early flight and we had arranged to fetch him at some certain time. As we approached the house, where Zev was staying, we saw a familiar figure scurrying about in the streets of New York, with towel in hand. Zev was on his way to the mikvah. Zev was adamant that he needed to go to the mikvah, each and every day before he begun his daily work. It did not matter to Zev, if he were to miss his flight that day, he was going to the Mikvah. Things of this kind, are the ingredients to the special, pure and saintly like life that Zev led. He was a giant of Torah learning and teaching. He was a hero, in the actions that he did. 

A man, who taught the young about life, but his young life taken too soon.

Rochel Simons, so I have heard was a lady that never said a bad or evil thing about anyone or anything. Free from political and community rift, she lived her life, raising the proud family that attests to her strong character. The one thing that I have in memory of the late Rochel Simons, is the one time I was visiting in Los Angeles. It was the summer in Australia, and Rochel had come over from her holiday time, to share the time with her family in America. She was so happy and content to be playing with her grandchildren, instilling in them, the path that one is to take in life. To be generous, to be kind, to being happy. Rochel. had a permanent smile on her face, nothing seemed to bother her. A woman of valour, a lady of much kindness. Every Friday, she baked Challot, having in mind the sick, the needy and whomever else needed some help, love or inspiration. 

 I am sure, those beautiful beaming smiles of Zev and Rochel are lighting up Gan Eden with infinite light.

Let us cherish life, not cheapen it.

Let us treasure life, not trivialise it.

The memories remain.

Shlomy Lederman

My Accomplishment

I sit many thousand feet above the ground and write these words, with a sense of relief, accomplishment and gratitude. 

I am on my way, to write further chapters. To continue life in a very different place. I am moving on to new pastures. A new currency. A new language.

I have been fortunate enough, to have studied all over the world, attaining an education, that I would never exchange. A Rabbinical education, culminating in my graduation as a Rabbi and a first class Bachelor of Laws degree. 

Gratitude is due, and I waste no time in thanking my parents for their unconditional love and support of my ambitions and ideals. They are special people, who devote heart and soul to all of the family. Thank you for all the editing and proofreading provided, even though topics such as Cyber Law and Racism or the fusion fallacy of the Common law and Equity divisions, were not enthusiastically interesting.

I thank my siblings for their encouragement and drive as I pursued my studies. They are ever so proud of my achievements, and I now know why. 

I thank all my friends, for being my friends. For always inquiring as to the development and progression of my learning and academic studies.

I thank G-d, for without his presence, none of this would be achievable.

I feel accomplished and rewarded, knowing that I have worked hard and tirelessly in completing my studies. I will take these notions of discipline, training and instruction with me as I build on my next adventures in life. I will grasp the support and encouragement gained from all, and will apply it to my future endeavors. 

I feel proud, but that hardly suffices. The tests and trials of life continue. It is now that the true essence and character of one, becomes evident. 

I wish to impart some words of encouragement, so that others can learn and in turn teach, what I have learnt and been taught. Be strong and determined at the goal in mind. Stay focussed, manage properly and balance your lifestyle. Nothing is impossible, toil and make it somewhat possible. Dream. Dare to dream.

To all my fellow learned friends and family, I wish the utmost success in all that you undertake.

Shlomy  Lederman LLB.

July 2008 Tammuz 5768.

 

 

September - with the King in Strawberry Fields - NYC

September is here. For those who follow the lunar cycle, Elul is here for you too. It is said that the King is in the Field, so here is the opportunity for one and all to go greet the King, and meet his Queen, repent and return, without straying into the desirous strawberry fields of sin.

 New York is treating me well. I have had an incredibly busy month with my involvement in ticket sales for the U.S tennis open. Many tickets were sold, making many buyers happy and content. Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis ace easily won the men’s title. I was fortunate enough to go and see the great Fed play his opening match and from the outset, he was always destined. There was a winner in the women’s draw as well, but somehow the details have miraculously slipped from my mind. The tennis is really a good day or night outing, and for you Jewish mothers, you need not even pack food. At the Flushing Meadows Venue in Queens, where the tennis is held, there is a Kosher stand laden with delicacies of a different sort and a menu that is borderline appetising. But to go to the tennis in New York and not sample a tasteless hotdog would be akin to visiting London and not having a warm beer.

I jet out to Israel G-d willing, in the next few days to spend the High Holidays and the festival of Booths with my siblings who reside in Jerusalem.  Excitement is abuzz and I am psyching myself for my visit. It has been too long since I was last amongst the holy terrain and spiritual metropolis of Jerusalem. I am looking forward to walking through the many ancient and holy roads, praying by the Western Wall, scouring the Ben Yehuda bazaar and beckoning in the New Year. If anyone happens to be in the vicinity during October, please let me know, I would love for you to make a blessing, and drink a beer (Israeli style) in my sisters Sukkah.

I am progressing further in the process for my admission as an Attorney at Law in New York. I intend on taking the Barbri course, a course that many great legal minds have used for admission into the State of New York as a practicing lawyer. The course runs from December to February, followed by the bar exam, held at the end of February 2009.  The New York Bar exam is notorious by nature, but I am determined and motivated, to complete the studies and take the Bar.

Climate change is certainly being evidenced over here in the North, as we settle into the season of Autumn/Fall. I do not intend to raise issues as to climate change and weather because with so many theories, I doubt the interest level exists for another theorist to view an opinion on the matter. However, the days are becoming shorter, the nights longer, as we herald in the new Jewish Year.  Scarves and gloves are being purchased; sweaters and boots are in demand as we witness, once again the beginning of another new season.

September is a special time in New York, as New Yorkers commemorate and remember the deadly terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. For some, it is hoped that the destruction of human life and physical being, was only a bad nightmare. Others have accepted the tragedy and live in hope for the new tomorrow. As we bring in the New Year, let us pray and request from G-d for his protection and guidance and assist us in our battle against the evil and treacherous world that we live in.

So in a message for the New Year, let us not live vicariously, live and dream the good, that life has to offer.

So as we bid farewell to Elul and September, let us think and reconsider our position for the New Year. Because if one doesn’t, they might as well request to ‘wake me up when September ends’.

A happy and sweet New Year.

 

Shlomy Lederman 

A taste of the Big Apple from Brooklyn Orchards.

Well fellow journeyers, it is time that I thought a few words from the North, the former New Amsterdam, were due. 

I can proudly announce that progress and development is being made in my new surroundings here in New York. Slowly and heading towards a state of surety, I am settling into the land, that has been called by some, the land of opportunity. I would even lean towards saying, possibly, the second promised land. A land that does not flow with milk and honey, but Columbus realized that many a year ago. 

I found lodging and reside in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Of course, Brooklyn is in New York, but some would opine that Brooklyn is a state of its own. Some call it the Ghetto, I have heard others name it Crooklyn. The daring call it the borough of paradise. I moved into an apartment and am sharing with a friend and another, one of the new friends that I have made. I am meeting more kinds, of all colours, shapes and sizes.

The long summer days are absolutely cherished. The weather has had its ups and downs. Freak rain periods are not unusual for a New York summer. A light and sound show spectacular was also witnessed. For most part, the heat of the days are bearable and the nights are in a state between delightful and durable.     

The diverse populace makes life far more interesting. Mystics, mavericks and the devout are seen by the naked eye. The streets are highly occupied in the summer, it seems the crowds come out from their winter hiding and are enjoying the summer bliss. 

I am slowly gathering together information for my application to sit the New York Bar, which takes place in February. Once completed, I will be admitted to practice as an attorney in the state of New York. At the same time, I am looking for employment and with confidence and G-d's help I hope to find something suitable, appropriate and likable.

The Subway still snakes along its track ferrying the ever busy New York crowd from Brooklyn to Manhattan and Queens. The yellow cabs are taking fares across the city and the U.S dollar fluctuates. People are graying, some are growing. Others are evolving. Such is life, it is all about 'living'.

I would like to hear about all of your goings-on and happenings. So be not shy nor dry and please write me a few lines of the finer or even minor things in your life/ves.  

Once again, if you do find yourself in the strange land, be not a stranger, and let me know of your whereabouts. I would love to hear and or see of you. 

Please stay in touch.

Dream. Dare to dream.

Rabbi Shlomy Lederman LLB.