'Shadows on the Hudson' by Isaac Bashevis Singer

Dubbed by some as Singer's masterpiece, this is a tale of a group of post war European immigrants who establish new homes on the Upper West side of Manhattan in the late 1940s. Adultery, clairvoyance, Chassidic life and penitence are woven into the lives of the characters. There are moments of joy, despair, love and debauchery.

Singer depicts the highs and lows of life and amuses the reader with endless moments of laughter, hilarity and tears.

A golden piece of literature.

The March to April.

The March to April has begun. The march to liberation is in progress.

Passover preparations are in full swing as I scrawl at the eleventh hour before celebrations and festivities begin.
Leavened food was searched for, and subsequently set fire to. Green leaves were washed and checked. Unusual unleavened bread called the bread of affliction (Matzah) awaits consumption. Dry red wines have been selected. Dishes have been meticulously cooked, fried and roasted. The list goes on.

I arrived back in sunny Sydney for Passover (not to forget those who celebrate Easter) from North America. I had a grand time, in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles. I saw all four seasons within the month of March. I saw snowfall, rain plummet down, sunshine and hurricane like winds. I had some interesting incidents on the bustling streets of New York City. I enjoyed Middle Eastern dishes, did not watch the Oscar’s and was shocked that Avatar failed to win.

Apparently the Tel Aviv weather has been spectacular. I reminisce the quality times I enjoyed in Israel over Passover in previous years. I recall the atmosphere and ambience in our holy, petite State and live in hope to be able to once again enjoy the festivities there. I pray for its protection, survival and preservation.

During March Obama signed a Health Bill, while Google moved out of China. Riots took place in Greece and Chile swore in a new President. Things happened, currency fluctuated and stocks moved.

I became an uncle once again and wish my sister and her family Mazel Tov (congratulations) on the birth of their new daughter and sister, Tirtza. May she grow up to bring us all much joy, smiles, hugs and happiness.

I leave my readers with blessings for a redemptive, meaningful and spiritually inebriated Chag (Festival). May the bitter herbs remind us of the hardships of life, but these trials can be washed away with the sweetness of red wine.
It has been long enough, let’s get redeemed.

Sled.

Let's get redeemed

Hi avid readers and followers.

I finally made it back on solid ground after an eventful transit from Los Angeles to Sydney.

The weather is glorious here, on the brink of April.

I wish one and all a happy, joyous and meaningful Pesach-Passover.

Let's get redeemed.

Sled.

Los Angeles Rendezvous

It is called the City of Angels amongst other names and Los Angeles greeted me with amazing March warm weather.
First and foremost I would like to thank my sister Fraydie and my friend Sir Roth and his family for being such gracious hosts.

I literally walked over many stars and their stardom on Hollywood Avenue as I checked out the newly opened W hotel on the corner of Hollywood and Vine. I ate felafel on Melrose, whilst I perused boutique optical stores, vintage clothing outlets and tattoo parlours.

I watched as participants of the LA marathon ran, walked, hopped and skipped on Sunset Boulevard and further. Kenyans won both the men and women’s races. The African runners tend to have a hold on these long distance events.

In my first attempt up Runyon Canyon, I managed to acquire a new appreciation of the beauty of the city of Los Angeles. From atop the Hollywood Hills, a majestic view which stretches from the Pacific to the Valley and more. I was disturbed by the many dog owners, who did not clean after them.

I visited the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and examined the works of Warhol, Koons and other contemporaries. Renoir was also on display. I also happened to stumble across the exhibit of pop artist Peter Max on Rodeo Drive.

A trip to LA would not be the same without visiting the picturesque coastal-beach town of Malibu. Situated on the Pacific Coast, with a population of 13, 000 this city attracts surfers, nature lovers and the keen tourist. It is home to the world famous restaurant Moonshadows, surfing competitions and great hikes.

Santa Monica in the wintertime is beautiful too. 3rd street promenade has an Apple store next to Mango. Street musicians from Mexico, Cuba and other Spanish speaking countries play tunes, which add to the ambience.

I could really have stayed longer but my Passover trip to Sydney stood in my way. Additionally, I am excited to meet my new gorgeous niece who entered planet earth on Tuesday 23 March 2010.

I intended to leave on the United Airlines flight on Tuesday evening, but the flight was cancelled due to an aircraft maintenance problem. 13 hours later, refreshed from a nights sleep and morning shower I was on my way as the Boeing 747-400 headed west in its ‘pass over’ the Pacific Ocean bound for Sydney.

I was finally redeemed from Los Angeles airport (LAX), may we merit the true redemption, and see you all in Jerusalem for Passover.


Peace. Sled is back in Sydney.

March in New York City

Hello loyal readers, the month of March has been inundated with activity which included swapping winter coats for spring blazers. Of course, I refer to New York City as more daylight is added to the spring days and the temperature warms up. The weather makes it more enjoyable to roam the picturesque streets in Soho as currency markets improve for some consumers. Spring fever is in its initial stages, as the latest fashion trends appear awaiting the summer of 2010. Ray Ban wayfarers are still in and the Keffiyeh is still worn by many, as a ‘trendy’ scarf.

Central Park is still swarming with people of all shapes, colours and sizes and it seems there is always some triathlon, marathon or other competitive race that people are training for. With the bearable weather I was able to complete numerous circuits of the Reservoir at Central Park. Along the route on the East side of the Park, the magnificent Guggenheim Museum can be seen. I also took advantage of the conditions and wandered from 93rd and Broadway (uptown) to the soul of downtown New York City, Wall Street, by foot. I passed Lincoln Square, Columbus Circle, Times Square, Union Square, Canal Street and some more.

The hipster suburb of Williamsburg, across the water in Brooklyn is still home to indie music, unique art, cheap beer and vintage clothing stores. The Detrimental Semantics played some tunes at a warehouse-cum-music hall, on Kent Avenue, while artists flaunted their works to the sounds of guitars, drums and synthesiser.

I enjoyed some Middle Eastern cuisine and I must say Hummus place just gets better. With a menu, the size of Israel, this little eatery is fantastic. They have the best hummus in New York City; the sandwiches are delicious and they have a great décor.

I spent a weekend north of the border in Commonwealth Canada, visiting my brother and family. I thank them for their hospitality. For your information, the Canadian dollar continues to gain strength and value and maple syrup has never been sweeter. I also thank my sister for visiting me from Boston.

The Irish celebrated St Patrick’s Day, and green clad individuals took part in the annual march on 5th Avenue. The celebrations include, drinking Guinness, and then some more Guinness (even if generally, you loathe the taste of it).

It was good to catch up with old faces and meet and greet new ones. Parties and gatherings were held at various locations as we clinked glasses, bottles and flasks and toasted to friendships, unity and loyalty. Ding Dong, Calle Ocho, Prohibition and Cheap Shots are recommended.

I especially owe thanks to my good friends at 325 west 93rd. Thank you for letting me call your home, mine.
I head off to Los Angeles for a few days before crossing the Pacific to celebrate Passover in Sydney.

Peace.

Toronto - March 2010

I ventured north of the border for the weekend to visit my brother and his family in Toronto, Canada. I thank them for their kind and generous hospitality.

The differing weather patterns do not cease to amaze me. I was born in Australia, yet have lived in different parts of the world, which have all had different and extreme weather.

This weekend, the east coast of North America was lashed with wild storms and incessant rain. As I arrived on Friday, the Toronto landmark, the CN tower was not visible. Strong winds and rain descended over the weekend. This did not stop us visiting Kramer’s, a bar in Davisville for a couple of cold ones (beer). In New York, hurricane like winds wreaked damage. In New Jersey, lives were lost as a result of falling debris.

Canada’s neighbour, the United States, will forever shadow this northern Commonwealth State. However, commerce, technological development and achievement can still be found in the French-speaking province of Quebec, the West Coast province of British Columbia and the province of Ontario, which houses Parliament Hill in Ottawa and the Toronto stock exchange. Vancouver recently hosted the Winter Olympics, and Canada was victorious in the Ice Hockey.

For the record, the Canadian dollar continues to gain strength and maple syrup has not been sweeter.

50 poems by e.e. cummings

This compilation of poetry is merely a sample of the genius of e. e. cummings. The poems talk of love followed by hate, the she and the he and of life and of strife.

cummings plays with words, reproducing different pronunciations, meanings and outcomes. The art of poetry is skillfully manipulated and extremely imaginary.

e. e. the master of poetry.

'meshugah' Isaac Bashevis Singer

Set in the 1950's in the Upper West Side of New York City comes a tale of love, literature and post- Holocaust survival. Aaron is a writer in his 40's, Miriam is a young lady in her late 20's and Max is the older gentleman. Together these three characters make up the tragedies, absurdities and crazy incidents which fill the book.

Singer's writing is immaculate, imaginative and thoughtful. Of course, it is also completely 'meshugah'.

February Fever

Hi, from New York City. I am here for a couple of weeks and then to Los Angeles before I return to Australian shores for Passover.

I finished up articles in Sydney and will be admitted as a solicitor in Australia in early April. This is not an April fools joke. Meanwhile I search for employment opportunities, while the unemployment rate rises.

It was good to be reunited in New York with all the familiar sights, plights and flights of stairs. Old faces fresh ones and then some more. The pizza in Williamsburg was tasty, the cheap shots in the Village were insipid and Harlem is still Harlem.

I completed the Rockefeller stair climb. 1200 odd steps in a 13-minute timeframe. The run raised money for Multiple Sclerosis research and I personally thank all those who contributed to this truly worthy cause. The evening, before all this took place was Purim. I’m just saying.

Oh, the media are at it again. The Mossad have been in the news, yes, this is big news. Sensationalism at its best and the ‘world’ is outraged because allegedly identities were stolen and used in the assassination of a terrorist. The world does not acknowledge that Israel is actually doing something constructive in eliminating terror.

The winter Olympics continue in Vancouver and Australia has a bright athlete in Torah – congratulations on your gold medal. Meanwhile, Chile felt the brunt of a huge earthquake and prayers go out to all affected.

Purim celebrations were fantastic (purimiscuous). The Megillah was read, Haman was pronounced dead and we consumed some red. Israeli hip hop-funk group Hadag Nachash belted out tunes, lyrics and Israeli graciousness. The parties continued throughout the day and night – down on the Bowery then later by Riverside. I am certain that I was unable to discern between the vile Haman and the virtuous Mordechai.

So we March into another new month filled with dreams, aspirations and ambitions. Yes, if you really want to go to Medical School, you should. If he asks you, say yes. (If it’s right.)

I wish you all a magical March

How was your Purim?