Our very own white Australia day (in New York City)

January 26 is Australia day. It is a day in which Australians (both in Australia and abroad) will at some point refer to their beloved country as the 'sunburnt country', or "I still call Australia home", they might even chant the proverbial Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie, whilst consuming beer and partaking in a genuine Australian themed barbie (barbeque).

The national anthem, 'Advance Australia fair' will be sung and the Australian flag waived by the many inhabitants of this multi-cultured Island. Australians will boast that they have the best beer and beaches, and who could argue with that?

26 January 2011 in New York is a grey winter day, mixed with white snow flakes - however February is just ahead.

I still call Australia home.

Happy Australia day.

'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers

Set in New Orleans, this is a true story of a Syrian born American, called Zeitoun. In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Katrina of 2005, Zeitoun who has remained in his hometown of New Orleans, uses his personal canoe to rescue the elderly and whomever else in need of attention. During these times of anarchy and total lawlessness in New Orleans after Katrina, Zeitoun is wrongly arrested and incarcerated.

The story is one of faith, courage and reward and is a lesson that physical destruction and human defilement can sometimes be restored.

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.