November 2010

Greetings - some time has elapsed since my last entry. Events have occurred. Babies have been born. Seasons have changed.

Things are good in the Northern Hemisphere.

I do intend to update happenings shortly.

Until then, stay warm and healthy.

'Life of Pi' - By Yann Martel

Yann Martel is the author, Pi Patel the main human character and then there is a Bengal tiger. It is a story of tragedy, drama and achievement. Set in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Pi (or rather 3.14) spends months on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. They were en-route to Canada before their cargo ship sunk. They capsize together, they bond together and they share history together.

Martel has the ability to capture a captivating story of determination, fearlessness and courage.

Who need a dollar? who want a dollar?

Australian dollar continues to strengthen on the back of positive economic data from Wall Street (and other USA streets).

Gold is at a high too.

Happy Times

Hello world - I want to wish one and all a very happy new year as we are about to celebrate the Jewish New Year. May it be prosperous, healthy and may you all be inscribed in the book of life.

On a personal note, this past year has been quite amazing and fulfilling for myself. I met the most wonderful girl (MDS) and we are engaged to be married. MDS is everything I wanted and more. I cannot wait for the New Year in which we will G-d willing celebrate our Marriage. I owe great thanks to Hashem (G-d), my family and friends for their support, encouragement and guidance.

Happy New Year.

July followed by August

Hello world, I hope my words find you well. I write this update as I return from the sunshine state of Florida, where a group of us, went south to celebrate the marriage of good friends. The celebrations were joyous, emotionally charged and filled with laughter. On a personal note, this was my first trip down to Miami and I must say, it really is an impressive city. I managed to see famous Collins Avenue that runs down next to the Atlantic Ocean, ate at some nice kosher eateries and suffered, but survived the hot temperatures of the Florida summer.

The wedding was spectacular. There is always added joy and happiness when the wedding is that of a close friend. We spent Shabbat in Aventura at the famous Fairmont Golf resort and we attended Shabbat services and ate our meals at Chabad of Aventura. The meals were especially nice as we recounted stories, sang songs and consumed alcoholic beverages.
Sunday was wedding day, and we marched the groom to meet his bride under the Chupa. The bride circled the groom seven times and the blessings ensued and the couple were wed. The reception was lively as the band introduced the bride and groom to a shocking remake of some lady gaga song. The food was delicious and the drinks were flowing. It was a great night.

During the month we fasted and cried over the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem as the New York City summer rain fell. The Australian dollar regained strength and crept over the 90’s, as did the weather. Apparently, July of 2010 was the hottest ever-recorded summer in New York City.

And so it is.

The month of Elul has begun, and repentance, prayer and charity are in full swing. I wish you all a month of health, wealth, happiness and personal reflection on the past year. Wishing you all a happy New Year and don’t forget to greet the King while he is in the field.

Up and above.

I write from 36,000 feet above the ground. I am en route to Miami, Florida for a friend's wedding.

Technology is really a wonderful thing, especially inbuilt wifi on aircraft. The internet company gogo has made 'wifi with wings' possible. The Wall street Journal can be read electronically. Shares, bonds and stocks can be traded. Video conference calls can be conducted. Judaism can be disseminated.

Safe travels

4 Weeks of June and the Vuvuzela.

Hi readers and followers and a warm welcome to summer on this east side of Northern America. Blue and white skies adorn New York City as a sign of support for Israel's defensive on phony Humanitarian 'aids'. Lurking in waters off the Israeli coast, intending on causing harm instead of assistance, will not be tolerated. A foul stench of rotting turkey was evident, as the majority of world media calls Israel 'murderers'.

I had the special merit of having a private audience with the Biala Rebbe of Israel. I thank Matthue and Itta Roth for organizing and hosting the holy Rebbe.

Football (soccer) fanatics went crazy during June and July as the 2010 World Cup kicked off in South Africa. Rhythm, lights, African unity, the sound of the Vuvuzela and some incredible skills were witnessed. Congratulations to winners Spain and well done to the other 31 nations who partook in this colourful tournament. Football faithfuls now look forward to the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

During the month I graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Technology in Sydney. Another rewarding moment. New York City bid farewell to the V and W subway lines, as Australia said goodbye to Kevin Rudd as its Prime Minister, replaced by Julia Guillard.

Insane scenes at Wimbeldon, where an epic fifth set battle amounted in basketball type scores. Lebron James signs with Miami. Big deal.

We find ourselves in the Hebrew month of Av, a month where destruction befell the Jewish people. However in times of distress extra strength is found amongst us. Let us use this additional power to overcome our enemies and we should merit to dance in the streets of Jerusalem to the sounds of the Shofar and the Vuvuzela.

Sled.