Post April - Mayhem.

Hello fellow readers and followers around the world, I hope April has showered upon you blessings and success.

Pesach/Passover was redeeming, as was the Manishewitz wine that was drunk. The Matzah and its unleavened essence left a mark on the world, as a large Volcano in Iceland erupted causing havoc in European airspace. Lava flowed as billows of smoke filled the air. Empty airplanes, stranded passengers and disgruntled airlines filled news broadcasts. In the meantime, the Polish President and his entourage were killed in an Airplane accident in Russia. It ended up being a black day somewhere near White Russia.

The long awaited iPad, Apple’s latest electronic toy was unveiled in the United States. Apparently it is an electronic book reader, quasi computer and music player all in one. In an act that can only be described as complete ‘selflessness’, Israel banned the importation of the iPad (they are of no use to Israel, as their are no suitable applications on the iPad to forge passports and other documents). I’m just saying. This ban has now been lifted, and the iPad can be brought into Israel for personal importation only.

The 2010 soccer World Cup is imminent and advertisements and theme songs for the event have started to circulate in the media. Argentina’s Lionel Messi continues to amaze the soccer world with his incredible skill, mastery and composure. Although, no longer in the hunt for consecutive Champions League victories, Messi scored some incredible goals for Barcelona, and in one game scored all 4 of his teams goals as they crushed a hapless Arsenal outfit.

I wish my father long life and many years of happiness and joy, following the passing of his mother, my grandmother. Bubba (grandmother) as she was affectionately known, was the Matriarch of our family. Born In the 1920’s in Poland, she survived the European devastation of World War 2. Bubba and my grandfather started a fresh new life in Australia, paving the way for our family to live, grow and develop in this great country. Bubba was a mother, grandmother, friend, storyteller, Yiddish literature enthusiast and so much more.

In happier news, I was admitted as a lawyer in Sydney, Australia. The ceremony took place at the New South Wales Supreme Court, in which the esteemed Chief Justice Spiegelman admitted myself and other law graduates to his honourable court. It was a proud moment as family and friends watched from the Banco Court seating gallery as another momentous event in my life occurred. I thank all my family and friends, for their guidance, support and help in making my achievement possible.

During the past month, Israel Independence Day was celebrated. Additionally, ‘white shirt’ day was staged as the world continues to protest and hope for the quick and safe release of Israeli captive Gilad Shalit. Take a moment and say a prayer for Gilad’s return and Israel’s security.

May there be no more sorrow.

Wishing you all a month of positive Mayhem.

Peace. Sled.

Memories of a Grandmother - Bubba Malka of blessed memory.

Loss is difficult, yet inevitable. The gains are all blessings.

Bubba (grandmother) Malka (Lederman) OB’’M was a woman of extraordinary beauty, character and personality. She passed away on the 8th of April 2010 - 25 Nissan 5770. It is without doubt that this woman of valour is at peace and smiling from above.

Bubba was a young girl when she withstood the Nazi atrocities in Europe, surviving four labour camps, she eventually met my Zaida (grandfather), Moshe Lederman OB”M and together they started a new life in Sydney, Australia. They had 2 children, my father Velvel and my Aunt Lily.

From small townships in Poland to the beach filled suburb of Bondi, the love, dedication and affection for Yiddishkeit (Judaism) stood strong. Bubba and Zaida built a ‘castle’ in Stewart Street, and we, as the fruit of their toil, will continue their tradition.

I recently had the special and fortunate opportunity to visit my Bubba and share with her some precious moments, as she recounted and imparted stories, happenings and life lessons. Bubba told me about her childhood, the Holocaust, her new beginning, her family, her friends, her work, the joyous occasions, the milestones and more.

To Bubba, family came first - there were no concessions. Together with my Zaida, they made sure to provide for my father and his sister, a life filled with Torah, education and value. Bubba was a grandmother of twelve, and the birthday, wedding and Bar Mitzvah wishes were always touching, loving and heartfelt. In her mother tongue, Bubba penned her personalised Yiddish messages with perfection, articulation and warmth.

I was her first grandson, born in the Southern Hemisphere summer of 1982. I cannot remember those early years, but my parents have told me how my Bubba used to care and watch for my elder sister and I during our early childhood.

Bubba visited Israel, where her only remaining sister, Pessa and her family lived. They may have lived on different hemispheres, but the family relationship was always strong.
I have fond memories of the Yiddish classes that I attended after school at her house. The Shabas afternoon visits, the Pesach Sedorim, the blessings that Bubba would give us on the eve of Yom Kippur. There is much to be said.

Even though we were not all by her side in her later years, Bubba was surrounded by a plethora of family photographs that adorned her walls and room. Bubba was always excited and proud of the family that she built and nurtured. She smiled with delight when she spoke about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bubba was a reader, and seldom did it occur, that one would find her without a piece of literature by her side. Eli Wiesel recounts in his memoirs of his childhood that his teacher told him that the Hebrew Alphabet was ‘the beginning and the end of all things. Take care of the Aleph-Beit and they will take care of you. They will go with you everywhere. They will make you laugh and cry …..’. Whether Bubba was reading a Chumash, or a novel by Isaac Bashevis Singer, Sholom Acsh, Itzik Manger or Sholom Aleichem, Bubba read, taught and imbued her life with the 22 letters of the Aleph-Beit.

Bubba was lucky to have brought up children who displayed tremendous honour for their parents. These are important lessons for us all. Whether it was house chores, grocery shopping and other countless errands, my father and Aunt Lily performed these with respect, zeal and love.

Each day of her life, Bubba prayed for the health, prosperity and livelihood of her family. She lived to share many happy and joyous occasions including weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s and more. Bubba recently celebrated the birth of her 16th great-grandchild, Tirtza Smukler.

These are just a few short memories.

I always thought Bubba was invincible, I was right. Her Neshama (soul) remains as a shining example for us all.

sled

Lawyer admission ceremony

I was admitted today as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Australia. It was a proud moment in my life to have friends and family watch from the courtroom ceremony as my Uncle moved my admission and subsequently I was admitted to the honourable court by Chief Justice Spiegelman.

I dedicate my admission to my dear Grandmother, Malka, who passed away on the 8th of April 2010, the night prior to my admission.

sled

'Legends of our time' by Elie Wiesel

This selection of narratives are genuine, heartbreaking and consuming. In this non fiction account, the short tales and episodes create a situation as questions are posed and no responses can be given.

Wiesel's literature is immaculate, authentic and responsible.

Raw, unadulterated and real , this book digs deep into the thoughts and speech of 6 million souls ( and beyond).

Wiesel leaves the reader with a Talmudical saying "never judge your friend until you have been in his place".

'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay' by Michael Chabon

The young teenager Joe Kavalier escapes the Nazi invaded Prague and joins his cousin, Sam Clay in New York City and they begin an adventure of business, art and the unimaginable as they display their talent, zeal and daring feats.

Chabon's 600 page novel touches upon issues of human achievement, individual success, romance, homosexuality and sacrifice.

The sentences and paragraphs are filled with profundity, spectacular literature and innovative style.

'The Beatles' by Bob Spitz

Spitz records 'The Biography' of the greatest rock band to emerge from Great Britain. It is piled high with stories of music, dreams and ambitions.

Spitz engages the reader with endless amounts of captivation, bewitchment and Beatlemania as the story of four English lads; John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr unfolds.

From the early days in Liverpool, to Hamburg, Abbey Road and New York City comes a story of rock n roll as The Beatles soar to the toppermost of the poppermost.

'The History of Love' - by Nicole Kraus

Young love blossoms in Poland before the Second World War, but for the author of 'The History of Love', this love never fades. A book, written for love, finds it way to Chile and New York, in a journey filled with enigma, courage and hope.

In the Lower East Side of New York City, a retired locksmith called Leo has lived a life of longing for a certain Alma. In a neighboring suburb of New York City, fourteen year old, Alma attempts to heal her mother's unhappiness. Their lives intersect as they try to unravel the mystery of 'The History of Love'.

Kraus writes delicately as she brings to life, 'The History of Love'.

The State of Israel VS. Adolf Eichmann by Hanna Yablonka

This book is a historical account and not legal literature, surrounding the 'Historic Trial' of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. The trial was held in the 'Bar Mitzvah' year of the State of Israel, culminating in the first and only death sentence handed down in the history of Israel's existence.

Yablonka, a historian by profession, highlights the central issues surrounding the case; the witnesses, the counsel, the judges and the public face. The account is also focussed on 'Israeli society', and the effect of the case on survivors of the atrocities, pioneers of the new State and eastern communities (not effected by the Hitler regime).

The book is probably a better read in the original Hebrew format, while the translated English is lacking and absent at times.