29th December 2018
Picnic Lunch at Lior's base
Back l-r: Vered R, Doreen, Lotem S, Mikhal S
Front l-r: Aviv R, Lior R, Maayan S, Zoe S, Eitan
Granddaughter Lior Ron remained at her
base during this weekend, but family were allowed to visit in the
area next to the base. So parents Vered and Aviv, the Segolis and
Doreen and I drove to her base and enjoyed a picnic brunch. Having left
home in uninterrupted rain we delighted in the relatively warm
weather down south.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Doreen and I wish all our family and friends a Happy New Year,
filled with happiness and good health. Despite a few health problems,
2018 was a good year for our family, but not so good for our view of
Israel and the world, as we saw a rise in right wing and
anti-democraric actions. We hope that 2019 will see a return to the
democratic values that are sorely missing in the world in general, and
in Israel in particular.
- Congratulations to Guy Firer, grand nephew of Frankie Klaff (see Goldberg family tree) on being awarded
Male
Cable Wakeboard Rider of the Year by the International Waterski
Federation.
- Moran has updated the Segoli site with pictures from their amazing trip to Madagascar. For the first part of the update click in Hebrew or in English..
- Moran is in Ethiopia trekking in the Simien Mountains with some
friends
- Maayan Segoli turned 15 last week. See
his page to read about the interesting exchange of emails between
Doreen and his dad Moran.
- Braving stormy weather Doreen, Yaffa, Ruthie and Caroline met for a delicious fish lunch in
Tel Aviv at Shtsupak Restaurant.
- Happy Birthday this week to: (December) Claire Neiman (29th), Sheryl Levy (31st), Lucian Goldblatt (31st); (January) Giorgio Tarazza, Katherine Galp, Solly Gordon (1st), Elaine Bacher, Ayala Poupko (2nd), Daniella Collins (3rd), Tanya Wood (4th)
22nd December 2018
Lottie Reijzer
We were deeply saddened to hear of the
passing in Amsterdam this week of our dear friend Lottie Reijzer. Our
condolences go out to husband Hans, daughter Jose and David, son Ezra
and Rivka, and grandchildren; and to her two sisters.
We have been close friends of the Reijzers since meeting them while learning Hebrew at Ulpan Ben Yehuda in 1965. Our friendship extended to the next generation - our children are also close friends.
The physical distance between the Netherlands and Israel did not prevent us from meeting regularly and taking part in our simhas (celebrations). We enjoyed visiting and seeing them, going on holidays with them, playing bridge with them and even eating in Hans's restaurant choices.
Here are some of the many links on this sit to the Reijzers
Aups holiday and picture; our bicycle tour of Holland; some pictures 2008, 2012, 2018; barmitzvah; family meal 2017; quick A'Dam visit2017
We have been close friends of the Reijzers since meeting them while learning Hebrew at Ulpan Ben Yehuda in 1965. Our friendship extended to the next generation - our children are also close friends.
The physical distance between the Netherlands and Israel did not prevent us from meeting regularly and taking part in our simhas (celebrations). We enjoyed visiting and seeing them, going on holidays with them, playing bridge with them and even eating in Hans's restaurant choices.
Here are some of the many links on this sit to the Reijzers
Aups holiday and picture; our bicycle tour of Holland; some pictures 2008, 2012, 2018; barmitzvah; family meal 2017; quick A'Dam visit2017
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- To all our friends who celebrate Christmas and also to all our friends who don't, we wish you all the joy of the season, and a happy and successful 2019
- One of the many advantages of living in Kiryat Hasharon, a suburb
of Netanya, is the proximity of the "Sergeants' Forest." Despite
its
infamous role in the years leading up to Israel's independence, the
forest - really a large park - a few hundred metres from where we live,
is a wonderful place to go for a stroll or to take the dog for a walk.
In Summer it's dry but shady, in spring alive with a kaleidescope of
colourful flowers including some very rare ones, in winter beautifully
green like Switzerland, and in winter, following the winter rains, it
hosts an ephemeral pond with its seasonal small wildlife. See some
pictures here.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Dina Levy (22nd), Maayan Golomb (22nd), Helene Albertson (22nd), Saul Gordon (24th), Jonathan Levy (25th), Chloe Glogauer (25th), Maayan Segoli (26th), Jonathan Bortz (26th), Jared Marcus (26th), Nicole Marcus (26th), Tamara Marcus (26), Kevin Lampert (28th), Laura Katovsky (28th). Irving Kagan (28th), Beth Jeffrey (28th)
- Happy Anniversary this week to: Maureen and Alan Blotnick (27th), Melodie and Mark Nathan (28th)
15th December 2018
Winnie Levy 10/2/1922 - 09/12/2018
My dear Aunt Winnie passed away at the
beginning of the week, aged 96. Winnie was the daughter of Sasha and
Sophie Edelstein, and she married Eric Levy, my father's brother in
1922.
Aunt Winnie was always part of my life. When I was about 6 or 7 years old Winnie and Eric came to live in Durban, in an apartment a 2 minutes walk from our house. There their eldest, my cousin Sharon was born and I remember helping rock her to sleep in her pram. They later moved to Pietermaritzburg, about 75 kms away, and we saw them regularly. They then went to Upington, in the Kalahari in the northern Cape and I spent some months with them in the late 1950's with the intention of studying law and being articled to Uncle Eric, before I changed direction and decided law wasn't for me.
Doreen and I saw and spent time with Winnie on our trips to South Africa, and we and our children were always grateful for the warmth and love she always showed us.
When we dedicated a Science Laboratory to honour my sister Fern's memory, it was only natural that Wnnie was present (see picture) and Winnie's visit to Israel in 2010 was an opportunity for one of our family reunions (see picture).
We'll all miss you very much, darling Aunt Winnie!
Our heartfelt condolences go to her three children Sharon, Charles and Cecile, to their spouses Joe, Sheenagh and Raymond, to the Leibowitz, Levy and Cotton grandchildren and to her 7 great grandchild ren.
A few more pictures and links here.
Aunt Winnie was always part of my life. When I was about 6 or 7 years old Winnie and Eric came to live in Durban, in an apartment a 2 minutes walk from our house. There their eldest, my cousin Sharon was born and I remember helping rock her to sleep in her pram. They later moved to Pietermaritzburg, about 75 kms away, and we saw them regularly. They then went to Upington, in the Kalahari in the northern Cape and I spent some months with them in the late 1950's with the intention of studying law and being articled to Uncle Eric, before I changed direction and decided law wasn't for me.
Doreen and I saw and spent time with Winnie on our trips to South Africa, and we and our children were always grateful for the warmth and love she always showed us.
When we dedicated a Science Laboratory to honour my sister Fern's memory, it was only natural that Wnnie was present (see picture) and Winnie's visit to Israel in 2010 was an opportunity for one of our family reunions (see picture).
We'll all miss you very much, darling Aunt Winnie!
Our heartfelt condolences go to her three children Sharon, Charles and Cecile, to their spouses Joe, Sheenagh and Raymond, to the Leibowitz, Levy and Cotton grandchildren and to her 7 great grandchild ren.
A few more pictures and links here.
- Our thoughts are with ex-Durbanite and friend Ilana Dubb (nee
Rubinstein) and her famly, and wish for the speedy recovery of her
granddaughter Shira Ish-Ran and husband Amichai. 21-year old
Shira and her husband were shot by a terrorist in a passing car while
waiting at a bus station near Ofra in the West Bank. Shira
was 7 months pregnant, but efforts to save the baby were in vain.
- We have received a family picture from Melodie Nathan from her daughter Gabi's batmitzvah two weeks ago (see archives). Click here for a picture of the happy family.
- Ex-Durbanite friends John and Ethne Nussbaum (nee Miller) are visiting Israel from Canada and we were delighted to see them again. We were joined for dinner at home by Naomi (nee Hertz) and Eli Vinocour, and Maureen (nee Konigsfest) Fain. It was lovely talking about our youth and our memories and our shared past. Picture here.
- We were delighted to read that Shuki Koriski, best friend of our
son-in-law Aviv
Ron, was part of a team of astronomers who identified the ghost
of
the disrupted Tadpole Galaxy. When we had dinner at the Rons'
house a
few months ago Shuki and his companion were there. We joked that Shuki
was constantly looking at his phone to
see if the telescope was correctly foscused on a galaxy 300 million
light years away.
- There are some new pictures on the pages of our granddaughters
Zoe and Lotem and soldier Lior.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Adam Emanuel (15th), Dan Kansky (16th), Daniel Leibowitz (17th), Joel Beckman (17th), Gidon Lazarus (17th), Talya Levy (17th), Gabriel Glogauer (18th), Carin Matz (19th), Ben Tal (20th), Guy Gordo n (20th), Sharon Leibowitz (21st), Elazar Hodes (21st), Natasha Leibowitz (21st),
- Happy Anniversary this week to: Pat and Stewart Shub (15th), Wendy and Neill Glasser (15th), Doreen and Eitan Levy (16th), Natasha and Joshua Leibowitz (18th), Wendy and David Ginsberg (19th), Lisa and Simon Shapiro (20th), Natalie and Ryan Smith (20th)
PICTURE DELETED
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- This week we celebrated Channukah, the Festival of Lights. Our three Eilat grandchildren, Itamar, Amit and Ilai, and one of our Sde Boqer grandchildren, Lotem, stayed with us for a few days. (see pictures). We lit candles and sang the Channukah songs at home and also at the Rons where we were happy that newly-inducted soldier granddaughter Lior could join us. And of course there was the celebration at the home of Eitan and Shuli Haberman (see Goldberg family tree) - a multi family and Channukiah affair.
- While the grandchildren were with us Doreen took us together with
friends the Erez family to Kibbutz
Lohamei Ha-Getaot where we had an interesting and most successful visit
to the children's museum, Yad La'Yeled followed by a tour of the Warsaw
Ghetto Museum.. A visit to the Tel
Aviv University Natural History
Museum was less successful
as not everyone likes to see stuffed animal exhibits.
- The murder of two young women this week led to a mass
protest by tens of thousands agaist violence to women. Son Aviv and Limor Levy were among
the protesters.
- My dear Aunt Winnie, in Cape Town South Africa, is very ill. We are in touch with cousins Charles and Sheenagh and we are thinking of them and cousins Sharon and Cecille.
1st December 2018
Gabriella Nathan - aged about 6
Congratulations to Gabi Nathan and her parents Melodie nee Melamed (see Nochimovitz/Nickel family tree) and Mark Nathan on her batmitzvah this coming Saturday. Mazel Tov to you all and to grandmother Lucille (nee Nickel) Melamed..
Click here for a picture of Gabi aged a few days, and an announcement of her birth; and here for new Mom Melodie coping with two jobs.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Doreen went on a tour of Hebron with the group Breaking the
Silence. Her summary of the trip can be
read here.
- We have been dog-sitting our daughter Vered's dog Tuli while she was overseas, but will say goodbye to her this evening.
- The Festival of Hannukah starts
next week and some of our grandchildren will be with us for part of the
time.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Andre Sim (1st), Adam Gordon (1st), Philip Bacher (2nd), Pearl Helbein (2nd), Jonathan Klotnick (3rd), Alma Or (Klotnick)(4th), Rachelle Kirsch (4th), Tirza Myers (5th), Vicki Gilbert (5th)
24th November 2018
Aviv and Limor at the chinna party before their wedding 20 years ago
Congratulations to son Aviv and Lior on their 20th wedding anniverary this week. And congratulatons to Itamar, Amit and Ilai on having such lovely caring parents!
The picture was taken at the traditional (North African) chinna ceremony before the wedding, when traditional dress is worn and a paste made from the leaves of the henna tree is applied to the palms of the couple and their guests.
(see some more pictures of Aviv and Limor on a previous family page)
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- As reported last week, granddaughter Lior presented herself at the enlistment centre with her grandparents and mother and a friend for moral support. Enlisting today is very different from when we knew it. It is definitely a Happening, with every about-to-be recruit surrounded by friends and family and drummers. We waited for her number and name to be called, duly cheered, and then saw her off on a bus to her base where she would begin her army service. See some pictures here.
- Dina Levy, wife of cousin Jonathan, is in hospital with eye
problems. Best wishes Dina for a quick recovery.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Seth Gordon (24th), Daphne-Lynne Galgut (25th), Marsha Krengel (25th), Anthony Glogauer (27th), Natalie Hock (28th), Beverley Taylor (28th), Eliyahu Skoczylas (29), Jesse Weisz (30th).
17th November 2018
Le'chaim - I'm off to the army!
Granddaughter
Lior starts her compulsory army service on Wednesday. She's looking
forward to it though not without a certain amount of trepidation. After
a period of basic training she will get her permanent assigment which
she hopes will be the one she wants. We plan to be at her induction
ceremony on Wednesday.
After a period of basic training she will get her permanent assigment which she hopes will be the one she wants.
Lior had delayed her army service for a year when she voluntered for a year of national service in a closed facility for very delinquent boys; and helping rehabilitation in a juvenile prison.
This afternoon Doreen prepared a delicious (as usual!) lunch as a farewell for Lior, and we were joined by Doreen's sister Louise and good friend Caroline.
Click here for the family and Lior after lunch.
After a period of basic training she will get her permanent assigment which she hopes will be the one she wants.
Lior had delayed her army service for a year when she voluntered for a year of national service in a closed facility for very delinquent boys; and helping rehabilitation in a juvenile prison.
This afternoon Doreen prepared a delicious (as usual!) lunch as a farewell for Lior, and we were joined by Doreen's sister Louise and good friend Caroline.
Click here for the family and Lior after lunch.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- We're back from Eilat. Our next bridge trip is in February next year so we've got some time to do some of the things we've been putting off (like some routine medical examinations.).
- We've had a musical week. A baroque opera (David and
Jonathan) on Thursday, Swan Lake Ballet by the St
Petersburg
Ballet (amazing!) last night, and tomorrow nght another Opera
(Werter) where we'll be joined
by good friend Maurizio Di Sacco from
Italy.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Amit Levy (17th), Jennifer Taylor (17th), William Kirsh (17th), Aaron Berkowitz (18th), James Cleaver (20th), Ron Tal(21st), Rachel Gur (21st), Hilliard Ezra (21st), Rosemary Spector (22nd), Brenda Levy (22nd), Daniel Bloede (22nd), Jarren Bacher (22nd), Alan Bacher (22nd)
10th November 2018
With Naama (Gilad) Kadosh
This week we celebrated the
marriage of Naama Gilad and Mor Kadosh. Mazel Tov! Congratulations too
to the parents of the bride, Racheli (nee Olkienitski) Gilad (see Goldberg family tree) and Avi Gilad;
and special congratulations to grandmother Sara Olkienitski (my
late mother's cousin.)
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- We are in Eilat
for the European Bridge League (EBL) Champions' Cup Championships, and
the EBL Executive Committee meetings. We return home tomorrow.
- The Segolis also came to Eilat for a break and we had an excellent dinner with them and the
Eilat Levys at the King Solomon Hotel .
- Granddaughter Danielle Ron left last night for the USA. We're sorry to see her go, but happy she's doing whats she wants to do. She is planning on returning to Israel round about February, for good this time. We prepared a bon voyage picture for her to enjoy at the airport., and in return received a picture from the airport. Click here.
- Doreen's planned trip together with members of the EBL executive
to Petra Jordan were cancelled due to unusually heavy flash floods in
Petra.
3rd November 2018
Doreen and I with Paul and Maureen Porteus
This week we were happy to entertain
more good friends from overseas, Paul and Maureen Porteus from Dublin,
Ireland. Paul is a colleague on the European Bridge League (EBL)
Executive Committee (see here) and
we are very good friends with him and his wife
Maureen. On our cruise to Iceland last August we made a stop in Dublin
and Paul and Maureen took us on a lovely
tour of Dublin's highlights. Like Jafet and Hildur from Iceland (see last week) they
are in Israel to attend the EBL Champions' Cup in Eilat next week.
Doreen is taking them around to see some of Israel's highlights.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- The EBL
Champions' Cup Championships will be held this coming week in Eilat,
and Doreen and I will be there. I will be there officiating and taking
part in the meetings of the EBL Executive.
- Son Aviv Levy and Limor have returned from their very enjoyable week vacation in Italy.
- Congratulations to Jonathan and Alessandra Keyson on their
marrige last Sunday. Jonathan is the grandson of out old and dear
friends Hans and Lottie Reijzer.
Jonathan's mother, Jose, is a
close
friend of our daughter Vered so this wedding had all the real feel of a
family wedding.
- Granddaughter Danelle Ron is returning to USA next week. We're sorry to see her go, but happy she's doing whats she wants to do. She is planning on returning to Israel round about February, for good this time.
- Next week we will celebrate the wedding of Naama Gilad,
granddaughter of my mother's cousin Sara Olkienitski and
daughter of
Racheli and Avi Gilad.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Jessica Korbel (3rd), Jacob Hock (3rd), Kim Siegel (4th), Aaron Schwartz (6th), Hazel Gurland (6th), Erica Leibowitz (6th), Tiina Drue (7th), Larry Neiman (8th), Sharlene Klotnick (8th)
- No
Happy
Anniversaries this week
27th October 2018
Doreen and I with Jafet and Hildur
We were happy to meet up with Jafet and
Hildur Olafsson who are visiting Israel. Jafet is also a member of the
European Bridge League (EBL) Executive Committee and we see each other
2 or 3 times every year at meetings. On our trip to Iceland Jafet
entertained us and showed us
the area around Akureyri . In the beginning of November the
European Champions' Cup in Bridge will be held in Eilat and there will
be a meeting of the EBL. We spent a lovely day with them showing them
around Tel Aviv (see picture.)
- Son Aviv Levy
and Limor are touring
in Italy and having a grand time. They have sent us pictures and we
particularly like the pictures of the trulli
around Alberobello, a place we have never visited but will
certainly do so in the future. See
picture.
- Granddaughter Lotem Segoli came to Tel Aviv to attend a preparation for a project she may be interested in and as it was the day before her birthday we took the opportunity of celebrating it at an Italian restaurant in Tel Aviv. (See picture).
- Lotem's brother Maayan branched out from his usual cooking and prepared a delicious berry pie for her birthday. See picture.
- Many thanks to Sydney Lossin for some updates to the Matz family tree.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Shelley de Millon (28th), Adelaide Bloede (28th), Naftali Oppenheimer (28th), Adam Bacher (29th), Andrew Glick (29th), Rachel Karlsblad (30th), Yaffa Loew (30th), Jacob Freundlich. (31st); Ryon Ezra (Nov. 1st), Benjamin Glogauer (Nov. 1st), Bernard Spector (Nov. 2nd),
- Happy Anniversaries this week to: Katelyn and Alex Hock, Carmen and Marlon Kay (27th), Rachel and Alan Smith (29th)
Dinner at Doreen's
l-r: Caroline Livne; Vered and Aviv Ron; Patisa,Jens and Sophia Rasmussen; Danielle and Lior Ron; Doreen.
Patisa, Jens and Sophia are going back
home to Denmark tomorrow after about 10 days in Israel. (See last week). Doreen took them on a
tour of Jerusalem, and we had a typical and excellent Middle-East
dinner in Netanya, and a Friday night dinner at our house. Patisa has a
remarkable memory, and reminded us of many happenings in St Thomas that
we had forgotten about.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- After a busy last week not much else this week. The Segolis Moran, Mikhal, Lotem and Zoe came for lunch today after a visit with Doreen to the new Tel Aviv University Natural History Museum, which they found fascinating. They strongly recommend visiting. See picture here.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Danela Ezekiel (20th), Alan Hock (20th), , Ryan Gordon (20th), Irene Bacher (21st), Cale Klaff (21st), Lital Kasorla (21st), Amram Glasser (21st), Alon Haberman (21st), Chloe MacMillan (22nd), Hilda Stern (22nd), Avi Deul (23rd), Laura Bacher (26th), Lotem Segoli (26th), Adam Levy (26th), Jacob Beckman (26th), Susan Hock (26th)
13th October 2018
Big Surprise of the Week -
Granddaughter
Danielle Ron returned to Israel after her long stay overseas.
After spending nearly two years working in California and then touring
South America, Dani returned to Israel, perhaps for a short visit,
perhaps for a long stay. We were not told she was coming back now -
Dani wanted to surprise us - and she succeeded. We went for dinner at
the Rons to meet long-time friends Partisa, Jens and Sofia Rasmussen
who are
visiting from Denmark. Then there was knock at the door and, Surprise!
Dani entered!Some more pictures on the pages of Dani and her sister Lior.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- It's been a busy week with visitors: Sharon and Joe from Australia, Patisa and Jens from Denmark, Tarryn Klotnick Marcus from London and of course Danielle (see above).
- We took advantage of cousin Sharon and Joe Leibovitz (see Levy/Hershovitz and Matz family trees) visiting Israel to have
a cousin's mini-reunion. See pictures
here. Unfortunately while here Sharon received news that her
mother, my aunt Winnie, is not well and has been hospitalized. We wish
her a speedy recovery. Sharon will fly to South Africa from Israel to
visit her mother.
- Also at dinner at the Rons on Friday night were Patisa and Jens Rasmussen and daughter Sophia. (see pictures). Patisa and daughter Vered went to school together when we lived in St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands about 35 years ago. They were best friends and Patisa spent lots of time at our house - she was virtually a second daughter. Vered and Patisa have closely maintained their friendship and see each other fairly often. Patisa married Jens and they live in Denmark with their lovely daughter Sofia. Doreen and I last saw them when we visited Denmark about 6 years ago.
- Also visiting, from London, are Tarryn (nee Klotnick) and Stephen Marcus with baby Joseph (see Matz family tree). I was happy to meet Tarryn again, this time with her family,at the home of Joel and Beryl Klotnick. We first met Tarryn 4 years ago while in London with cousin Charles Levy.
- Son Aviv Levy sent us two diametrically opposed pictures of himself with fish- click here.
6th October 2018
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- The Rons - daughter Vered, Aviv and Lior- are back in Israel after their tour of South America. They had an amazing time. Danielle is staying on for s little longer and is exprecerd back in Israel in a few months.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Shimona Tzukernik (6th), Loren Hodes (7th), Yakira Pauren (7th), Sheryl Marcus (8th), Malcolm Siegel (9th), Adele Cleaver (10th), Rachel Hodes (10th), Nathan Glick (10th), Hayley Leibowitz (11th), Abby Glogauer (11th)
- Happy Anniversary this week to: Alex and Tamir Klaff (6th)
29th September 2018
Relatives Yaakov Bortenstein and Yaffa
Loew were in the Baltics and visited the Drui family in Estonia and
the
Schanks in Sweden. We have not seen Nessie Schank for over 50 years
since she visited and stayed with us in Netanya. We are delighted
that Yaakov and Yaffa have renewed contact with their cousin Nessie and
her husband Eliezer.
see Schank family tree.
see Schank family tree.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- We spent this past week in Orlando Florida where I attended a meeting of the Executive Council of the World Bridge Federation as a representative of the European Bridge League, For me personally the meetings were extremely successful as I was appointed a member of the World Bridge Laws Committee - the body responsible for establishing and maintaining the laws of the game of Bridge.
- We had the opportunity in Orlando to get to know many colleagues in the bridge world, and also to renew friendships with many bridge and other friends like Rui and Connie, Nina and Judy.
- Vered and family continue their adventures through South America through primeval Patagonia right down to Terra del Fuego. What an amazing journey. Pictures here.
- I have added something to the
picture of new arrival Galya Leshem and her Magen David heirloom.
- Happy Birthday this week to:: Dotan Shavit (29 Sep), Danielle Ron (30 Sep), Caryn Sangupta (30 Sep), Robyn Matz (1st Oct), Leroy Kahn (1st), Rebecca Shivers (3rd), Florence Levin (4th), Braham Kansky (4th), Aharon Glasser (4th), Daniel Weisz (5th), Eila Oppenheimer (5th)
22nd September 2018
l-r: Lynne, Anita, Joseph, Jonathan, Doreen, Alan, Douglas, Winkie, Eitan
We broke the Yom Kippur fast at the home
of Lynne and Jonathan Hock. Delicious food - but most important an
opportunity to meet more of the wonderful Hock family.
On our last visit to USA we met Anita, widow of the late Morton Hock (Doreen's second cousin) and she and her son Jonathan and family visited us in Israel. Now we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet more of the family.
Click here for the Nochimovitz/Nickel family tree.
On our last visit to USA we met Anita, widow of the late Morton Hock (Doreen's second cousin) and she and her son Jonathan and family visited us in Israel. Now we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet more of the family.
Click here for the Nochimovitz/Nickel family tree.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Yesterday, after a 5 day visit to New York, we flew to Orlando where, as a representative of the European Bridge League, I will attend, for the first time, meetings of the Executive Committee of the World Bridge Federation.
- In New York we attended a premiere, saw a play (The Nap) and a musical (The Band's Visit), went on a walking tour (Doreen), had
lunch with Florence Levine (see Gordon/Glasser family
tree), did some light shopping, drank
coffee at Starbucks and ate ghost pepper chicken wings
and met some more of the Hock family (see above). Click for some
pictures from New York.
- By chance we were in New York when there was the premiere showing of the documentary 14 Back that Jonathan Hock had produced for Sports Illustrated. Jonathan invited us to the showing, prior to it being aired on Sports Illustrated TV network. More on this, and pictures, here.
- Congratulations to Yori and Michal Leshem (see Gordon/Glasser family tree) on the birth earlier this month of their first child, daughter Galya. Click here for a picture of Galya. Note she is wearing a Magen David (Star of David) necklace. More on that necklace next week.
- Vered and family continue their adventures through South America through primeval Patagonia right down to Terra del Fuego. What an amazing journey. Pictures here.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Micaela Tarazza (22), Beryl Klotnick (22), Dean Bacher (23), Jennifer MacMillan (24), Megan Emanuel (24), Benjamin Pauwen (25), Gert Drui (25), Hagar Yehezkel (26), (26), Belinda Levy (27), Michal O'Dwyer (27), Yoav Pashas (27), Gali Nickel (28), Daniel Hakim (28), Mark Glasser (28), Steven Taylor (28), Meital Stern (28), Margo Gordon (28),
15th September 2018
The Ron Family Meet in South America
Daughter Vered and Aviv and Lior
flew to Argentina to meet up with Daniele on her South American trip.
They will continue touring before returning to Israel. Enjoy yourselves
while you can. Aviv and Vered will be coming back to work, Lior to
start her compulsory Army service, and Danielle to study? work?
More pictures here, and also on Danielle's page.
More pictures here, and also on Danielle's page.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- While in America, granddaughter Lior celebrated her 19th
birthday. Congratulations! You're a big girl now as can be seen from this picture!
- This year we celebrated the New Year Rosh Hashanah twice (see pictures). The first night with the Bravermans and on the second night with the Segolis. As always Doreen prepared delicious food, even though we had returned from our visit to Montenegro only 2 days before.
- Tomorrow we fly to USA. We will be in New York for 5 days and
then fly to Orlando where, as a representative of the European
Bridge
League, I will attend, for the first time, meetings of the
Executive
Committee of the World Bridge Federation.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Ephraim Klotnick (15), Mica Matz (16), Stacy Levy (17), Douglas Hock (19), Michael Nathan (19), Stewart Shub (19), Joel Ezra (21), Ashley Gordon (21), Jaryd Kay (21)
- Happy Anniversary this week to: Claire and Samuel Neiman (16), Keren and Ofer Levin (21)
8th September 2018
At Lake Biogradska Yazera, Montenegro
We've just returned from a short but
interesting trip to Montenegro - see some pictures and read Doreen's
account here.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- שנה טובה - Doreen and I wish all our relatives and friends a very happy and successful Shana Tova - New Year.
- The Jewish New Year is also a new year for school children. Good
luck to our school-going grandchildren: Itamar,
Maayan (see picture), Amit, Lotem,
Ilai and Zoe (extra
wishes - she's starting school, Grade 1 "Kita Aleph". See picture here.)
- This new year is also special for our two older grandchildren -
Lior will be going with her parents Vered and Aviv to be with sister
Danielle who is now in Argentina on her South American trip.
- We'll have a week to rest after New Year - then we're off again, this time to USA.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Louis Nickel (8), Simon Levy (8), Nadav Levy (8), LLoyd Jermy (8), Eviatar Mizrahi (11), Gavin Matz (11), Tamara Rabinowitz (11), Aryeh Bolel (11), Ilat Matz (11), Avraham Bolel (12), Lior Ron (13), Moshe Kirshner (13), Samuel Cleaver (13), Yahel Braverman (14)
- No Happy Anniversary this week!
1st September 2018
Hofit - old-timers gathering
As former long-time residents of Hofit, a liberal and
secular village north of Netanya, we were invited to a gathering of
"old-timers". We thoroughly enjoyed meeting up again with so many of
our old friends and sharing memories. Yoram T'Harlev, one
of Israel's top song-writers, wittily entertained us with his memories
and rhymes, accompanied by selections of his wonderful songs. THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- The wandering Levy family is still wandering - but only partly now. The Segoli branch has returned from Madagascar (see a previous picture), and Aviv of the Eilat branch is back after his sailing trip (see previous pictures). Vered and Aviv of the Ron branch are still sailing (see new pictures) and return in a few days time. And tomorrow Doreen and I fly to Montenegro for a 5 day tour.
- We return in time to prepare for Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year - which we will celebrate at home with Doreen's Glazer branch.
- Then we're off again - but more on that next week!
- Granddaughter Lotem sadly said goodbye to her braids and hello to
her loose hair. See pictures.
- We paid a visit to Sara Olkienitski whom we have not seen since her 95th birthday earlier this year. Click for a picture. (see Goldberg Family Tree).
- Happy Birthday this week to: Hannah Klotnick (1), Sha'ar Kasorla (1), Nici Ezra (1), Jesse Gordon (1), Wendy Ginsberg (2), Jennifer Matz (2), Amitai Stern (2); Ashley Kahn (3), Carly Glasser (3), Lisa Neiman (4), Jason Levy (5), Gillian Zimmerman (5), Asaf Amit (6), Aviva Spector (7), Hadar Levy (7)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Joel and Beryl Klotnick (1); Mark and Sarina Or (Klotnick) (1) , Maayan and Ido Golomb (2), Rachel and Yuval Moskowitz, (3)
25th August 2018
Climbing a palm tree in Madagascar.
This simple picture sent by son Moran on
his family trip in Madagascar brought back a flood of memories!
In the "good old days", when we lived in Eilat, we often went camping in Sinai. At our favourite spot there was a palm tree recalling the one in the picture above. The children took turns climbing the tree and then jumping down into the sand. Each child had his/her way of doing it, often accompanied by elaborate bowing and theatrical gestures. This was an amazingly popular activity! One one occasion I took a movie, and on its first showing I reversed the movie projector and instead of jumping off the tree, the children jumped up onto the tree. (Click on the above picture to see what I mean). This became so popular that most family meetings included a screening of the off/on tree climbing, as well as an in/out jump into/from a garden pool by cousin Rael.
(I will try and convert my old movie to a computer compatible clip sometime soon and post it on this site.)
Doreen: And somewhere I have a photo of myself, aged about 12, with my arm in a plaster cast climbing another palm tree in Mombasa.
In the "good old days", when we lived in Eilat, we often went camping in Sinai. At our favourite spot there was a palm tree recalling the one in the picture above. The children took turns climbing the tree and then jumping down into the sand. Each child had his/her way of doing it, often accompanied by elaborate bowing and theatrical gestures. This was an amazingly popular activity! One one occasion I took a movie, and on its first showing I reversed the movie projector and instead of jumping off the tree, the children jumped up onto the tree. (Click on the above picture to see what I mean). This became so popular that most family meetings included a screening of the off/on tree climbing, as well as an in/out jump into/from a garden pool by cousin Rael.
(I will try and convert my old movie to a computer compatible clip sometime soon and post it on this site.)
Doreen: And somewhere I have a photo of myself, aged about 12, with my arm in a plaster cast climbing another palm tree in Mombasa.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- While on the subject of nostalgia (see above) I am including something received today from our old
friend and former bridge partner Helen Kirwan (from our days in St
Thomas, US Virgin Islands which also brings back many old
memories from my childhood.
- The Segolis return from their Madagascar vacation tomorrow and I'm sure we'll hear and see a lot more. In the meantime, another picture showing an amazingly coloured chameleon.
- Lior and the five members of her "communa" have finished their year-long voluntary National Service in the institute for disturbed and problematic youth. Click for a picture of the farewell ceremony. She has short break now, until going into the army in November.
- Danielle is now in Peru on her continuing South American trip.
She sent us this terrific photo of
her watching a march of marine iguanas.
When we visited the Galapagos it was soon after a disastrous "el
niño"
causing sea currents
that led to "warming of the ocean and reduction of the cold
nutrient-rich water that sustains large fish populations" (Wikipedia),
and the marine iguanas we saw then,
that were still alive, were thin and emaciated and not strong and plump
like those in Dani's picture.
- At the time of writing, our three children are all overseas: Moran Segoli and family on their way back from Madagascar, Vered Ron skippering a yacht with Aviv and friends near Croatia, and Aviv Levy, also sailing in a yacht off the coast of Spain.
18th August 2018
Enjoying ourselves at the Roma Circus
Our 3 Eilati grandchildren, Itamar, Amit
and Ilai stayed with us in Netanya this week. We enjoyed having them
and we hope hope they enjoyed being with us. Click for two more pictures.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- The Segolis are still in Madagascar and took a break from their vacation to volunteer at a Lemur Rescue Center. Read his brief description and see some pictures.
- In addition to attending the demonstration last week against the Nation State Law we also attended a demonstration this week called by Arab citizens of Israel protesting this law.
11th August 2018
The visitors receive a visitor
The Segolis are having a great time on
their visit to Madagascar. Maayan went
diving, Zoe ate chocolate and Lotem went swimming. As can be seen by clicking here, life there is
not easy especially for Moran.
In the picture above, the family was visited by one of the indigenous inhabitants of Madagascar, a ring-tailed lemur, endemic to the Island.
In the picture above, the family was visited by one of the indigenous inhabitants of Madagascar, a ring-tailed lemur, endemic to the Island.
- Also continuing her holiday is granddaughter Danielle Ron, who is
now in the Galapagos Islands.
- I have returned from a very successful trip to Antalya, Turkey to make further arrangements for a Bridge TD Course I am organizing there next February.
- Doreen and I are very much opposed to the new "Nation State" law
passed by the Knesset, and
last Saturday evening we
attended a mass demonstration against the law. There is another
demonstration this evening and again we intend taking part.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Sarina Or (11), Yaakov Bortenstein (11), Jordana Glogauer (11), Leon Glasser (11), Louis Engleberg (12), Natalie Leibowitz (13), Nancy Burrows (13), Louise Braverman (13), Adam Levin (13), Etti Nickel (14), Jules Hock (14), Ethan Galp (14), Zacharia Sklar (14), Daniel Gordon (14), Yehuda Melamed (15), Benjamin Glasser (16), Naomi Moskovich (16), Jack Glogauer (16), Barry Gurland (17), Joel Ezekiel (17), Sarah Glogauer (17), Mike Lewis (17), Terri Lewis (17)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Dafna and Ben-Zion Poupko (15), Deganit and Uri Haberman (15)
4th August 2018
Danielle on the equator in Quito Ecuador
Granddaughter Danielle Ron continues her
trip to South America. Mexico, Guatamala, Ecuador. From reports she is
having a great time and she sent us this picture of her standing in
both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In September the Levy Rons
will fly to Argentina and meet up with her there.
- The Segolis are continuing their trip to Madagascar and seem to be having a fabulous time. It looks like a perfect place for the nature-loving Segolis. See picture here and on the pages of Maayan, Lotem and Zoe.
- Daughter Vered Ron and Aviv have finally moved into their new
large and
spacious house in Herzliya. The renovations have finished - well nearly
- and most things are in their designated place. Good luck in your new
home!
- Although we have much in common we don't often see old friends Steve and Binny Blass so we were delighted when they came for lunch and we could get together with them and Frankie Klaff ( see Goldberg family tree) and David Rothschild (who are on a visit to Israel). See picture here.
- Later this week I will fly to Antalya, Turkey to make firther arrangements for a Bridge TD Course I am organizing there next February.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Rebecca Engleberg Garbawy (4), Warren Nickel (5), Audrey Bloede (5), Liam Macmillan (5), Seth Macmillan (5), Lynn Weisz (6), Jordan Klotnick (7), Lori Hock (7), Danielle Glasser (7), Mason Tel (8), Paul Taylor (8), Carmen Kay (8), David Bacher (9), Devora Klotnick (9), Anita Hock (10), Yitzhak Ruimy (10)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Jennifer and Paul MacMillan (4), Adele and Bruce Cleaver (5), Amalia and Oren Klaff, (9), Anat and William Kirsh (9)
28th July 2018
Clockwise: Zoe S, Mikhal S, Aviv R, Maayan S, Moran S, Vered R, Lotem S, Doreen
The Segoli family left yesterday for a
month-long trip to Madagascar. נסיעה טובה bon voyage. We expect to
receive lots of pictures in the next month. On the way to the airport
they "dropped in" for supper and we were joined by daughter Vered Ron
and Aviv who are staying with us while the house they bought is being
renovated. As usual Doreen prepared a delicious meal at the last minute.
- This week we have been happy to host Frankie Klaff (see Goldberg family tree) and Dave
Rothschild who are on a short visit to Israel. It's always nice to see
them; we enjoyed being with them again.
- We have mentioned on this site that Doreen is a volunteer for the
"Road to Recovery" organisation that helps transport people needing
specialised medical treatment from the territories to Israel
hospitals (for example,
click here)
. This week Haaretz newspaper published an article about some of
the volunteers' experiences while "on the job". Click to read the
article (in English, without the pictures, downloaded from
Haaretz.).
- Happy Birthday this week to: Leora Cigler (28), Limor Sadeh Levy (29), Dvir Kasorla (29), Leora Perlman (29), Melanie Bold (31)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Vered and Yoav Shavit (Aug 2)
21st July 2018
Doreen and I with our 3 children, Moran Segoli, Vered Ron, Aviv Levy visit the Colosseum
After our trip to Croatia for Bridge,
Doreen and I flew to Rome where we were joined by our three children to
celebrate son Aviv's 50th birthday. As mentioned last week, Aviv knew
he was being taken overseas but had no idea of where. He only found out
at the airport before boarding the flight.
We returned to Israel this afternoon after a wonderful 3-4 days spent together but haven't had time to prepare a full report on the trip but there are some pictures posted here. Next week we (mainly Doreen!) will add the decriptions.
We returned to Israel this afternoon after a wonderful 3-4 days spent together but haven't had time to prepare a full report on the trip but there are some pictures posted here. Next week we (mainly Doreen!) will add the decriptions.
- Our trip to Croatia for the European Junior Bridge Championships was very successful both from a professional point of view as well as from a personal aspect. The trip had some spice added to it as we could watch the FIFA final between France and Croatia in Croatia in a theatre with youth from all over Europe including France and Croatia.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Arie Bortz (21), Adam Tal (22), Rachelle Smith (22), Joel Feinstein (23), Shari Levy (24), Gavriel Bolel (25), Raymond Cotton (26), Edward Levy (27), Madison Brod (27)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Julia and Steven Taylor (21), Jenna and Yonatan Carno (22)
14th July 2018
Joe and Sharon Leibowitz
Congratulations to cousin Sharon and Joe
Leibowiz in Melbourne Australia on their 50th wedding anniversary. We
think you are a fitting
king and queen! Click for another
picture of the
family celebrating.
We look forward to personally wishing you mazel tov on your quick visit to Israel in October.
See Matz and Hershovitz/Levy family trees.
We look forward to personally wishing you mazel tov on your quick visit to Israel in October.
See Matz and Hershovitz/Levy family trees.
- We are delighted to report that tests this week have confirmed
that Itamar is rapidly recovering from myocarditis. (see Archives). He will still
need to take it easy for a number of months.
- Son and daughter-in-law Moran and Mikhal Segoli celebrated their
15th wedding anniversary this week. Their daugher prepared a beautiful
card for them. See pictures here.
- We are in Opatija, Croatia, for the European
Bridge Youth Championships and a meeting of the Executive Committee of
the European Bridge League. We have been to Opatija a number of times
and each time we are impressed with the city and its beautiful
situation. Some pictures here.
- In a few days time we will fly to xxxxxx, and our children
Vered, Aviv and Moran will join us for a few days to celebrate Aviv's
50th birthdasy. (Aviv still doesn't know where we are going to, hence
the xxxxxx).
- Happy Birthday this week to: Eileen Glogauer (14), Petronille Bloede (14), Tamara Klein (15), Glenda Cleaver (15), Isaac (Issy) Kirsh (16), Rhona Neiman (16), Shira Forman (17), Dion Levin (19), Keren Stern (19), Daniel Klotnick (20), Rossie Geffen (20), Suzanne Lazarus (20)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Mushe and Issie Kirsh (14), Moriah and Gil Pashas (14), Viki and Jack Gilbert (16), Joanne and Shaun Zagnoev (18)
7th July 2018
Itamar leaves hospital
We're happy to report that grandson
Itamar was released yesterday from Schneider Hosital.
Last Saturday Itamar was admitted to hospital in Eilat after severe chest pains. He was diagnosed with pericarditis - inflammation of the heart membrane - and transferred by ambulance to Schneider Children's Hospital near Tel Aviv. There it was determined that he had myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscle - probably caused by an unknown virus. He was treated there during the week and his condition improved sufficiently for him to be released yesterday. He will have to "take it easy" for a few months but fortunately there will be no permanent negative effects.
Last Saturday Itamar was admitted to hospital in Eilat after severe chest pains. He was diagnosed with pericarditis - inflammation of the heart membrane - and transferred by ambulance to Schneider Children's Hospital near Tel Aviv. There it was determined that he had myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscle - probably caused by an unknown virus. He was treated there during the week and his condition improved sufficiently for him to be released yesterday. He will have to "take it easy" for a few months but fortunately there will be no permanent negative effects.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- The Rons - daughter Vered and Aviv - have bought a house in
Herzliya and are in the process of moving from Raanana. Repairs
and renovations on the house are not yet finished so they are staying
with us in the meantime, with many of their belongings.
- We drove to Eilat on hearing about Itamar. Grandchildren Maayan
and Lotem Segoli were visiting Eilat when Itamar fell ill, so we took
them and Itamar's sisters Amit and Ilai Levy up to us in Netanya. We
had a full but enjoyable house. While they were with us, Doreen took
the opportunity of letting them help her cook, from pancakes to
spatchcock chicken. See some pictures here.
- Maayan likes complicated recipes so he made Chicken Marbella
which turned out to be absolutely delicious. Click here for the recipe he and Doreen used.
- Next week we are flying to Opatija, Croatia, for the European
Bridge Youth Championships, and the next update of this page will be
from there.
- School year has ended and both of the Segoli grandchildren got excellent certificates, click for Maayan and Lotem (in Hebrew)
30th June 2018
Vered is 52!
Congratulations to daughter Vered on her
52nd birthday. We celebrated with her and husband Aviv and daughter
Lior at their favourite Vietnamese restaurant. See pictures of the 3 generations and the
tributes from the siblings.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Congratulations to Tarryn Klotnick and Stephen Marcus on the
birth of their son Joseph Eli Klotnick-Marcus. Mazal Tov to
grandpa Steven and all the KLotnick clan. The Matz family tree has been updated.
- Granddaughter Ilai received an award at the end of the school
year for outstanding achievement. See
picture.
- This week's update is being written on my new laptop I bought as
a present to myself after being re-elected to the European Bridge
Executive and appointed to the World Bridge Executive Council.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Bernice Spector (June 30), Vanessa Tarazza (June 30), Rebecca Mynarski (1), Roderick McCrimmon (1), Selwyn Bolel (2), Samuel Herr (4), Jacob Emanuel (5), Mor Oppenheim (5), Shari Beckman (6), Dov Bolel (6)
- Happy anniversary this week to Lital and Dvir Kasorla (1)
23th June 2018
Aviv is 50!
Congratulations to son Aviv Levy on
reaching 50! His place of work, Coral World Eilat, gave him a suprise
party - quite an amazing event - see
some pictures of the celebration here.
(Doreen and I and his two siblings Vered and Moran have another surprise waiting for him, but that will wait till another time).
(Doreen and I and his two siblings Vered and Moran have another surprise waiting for him, but that will wait till another time).
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Niece Denise does it again! Ironman in Luxembourg!. See pictures here.
- We received a lovely picture of the Segoli pyramid.
- This week was really a nostalgia week. We had dinner at Louise and Colin Kessel and met up with long time good friends including Errol Hackner - a schoolmate from kindergarten to matriculation - who was visiting Israel with his wife Jewel. Pictures here.
- Then we met with some more old time friends (some of whom we
unfortunately only rarely see) at a brunch for ex-Durban friend Ronnie
Miller who is visiting from South Africa. With us were Chana and Steve
Ascheim, Noga and Basil Porter, Geoff and Pam Bethlehem and Fran and
Les Oshry. Unfortunately we forgot to take a picture!
- Last night for
dinner we invited
three friends who are in Israel for the Tel Aviv Bridge Festival, Yves
and Claude Aubry, and Ton Kooijman. The Rons joined for a very pleasant
evening. See a picture here.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Efrat Shabtai (23), Morton Hock (24), Neill Glasser (24), Joel Thiele (25), Melissa Marcus (25), Sheila Ezra (26), Donna Leibowitz (26), Ethan Schochat (26), Jacob Gordon (26), Alon Spector (27), David Neiman (27), Levi Tzukernik (28), Eyal Shavit (28), Stephan Schwartz (28), Vered Levy-Ron (28), Yudel Bacher (28)
- Happy anniversary this week to Dina and Jonathan Levy (23), Talya and Ian Klotnick (24), Marsha and Solly Krengel (25)
16th June 2018
Doreen's Birthday Tea Party
Anna, Carol, Hulda, Maureen, Doreen, Claude, Sevinc, Cippi, Mariana
While in Ostend for the European Bridge
Championships Doreen celebrated her birthday with a tea party. Invited
were her friends, wives of officials, whom we regularly meet at bridge
events. After the tensions of the elections it was both happy and
healing.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- We are still in Ostend, Belgium at the European Bridge Championships. As reported last week I was re-elected to the Executive Committee of the European Bridge League. Later I was appointed as one of the European Members of the World Bridge Federation. During the day I've been busy taking care of Executive matters as well as my job at the Championships as a Reviewer (and taking time off for a quick herring), but at night we've been enjoying the company of friends. See some pictures. We go back to Israel on Sunday.
- Doreen is recovering well from her operation. She took the
opportunity while we were in Ostend to
travel a little, visiting nearby Brugge and taking a train to
Amsterdam where she overnighted with long-time friends Hans and Lottie
Reizer.
- We've received pictures of some of the grandchildren: Dani, Itamar Amit, Zoe.
9th June 2018
Executive Committee - European Bridge League 2018
I am in Ostend, Belgium, officiating at
the European Bridge Teams Championships. In addition to the
Championships, elections were held for the Executive Committee which
will serve for 4 years until 2022. I have been on the Committee for 4
years since 2014 and was re-elected for another 4 year term. There were
20 candidates for the 12 seats, and I got the third highest number of
votes. A fellow Israeli, Gilad Ofir, topped the poll. Eleven countries
are represented on the Committee (Israel was the only country with more
than one representative).
A new President was also chosen, Jan Kamras of Sweden .
A new President was also chosen, Jan Kamras of Sweden .
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- We always enjoy the Bridge Championship events and meeting
old and good friends. Considering the diversity of countries,
religions, backgrounds and professions it's surprising - but wonderful
-
that such strong bonds are formed among us.
- Doreen is with me in Ostend, and recovering nicely from her
lumpectomy. If you didn't see it last week you can read Doreen's
account of her experience and procedure. Read
her Column here. She is taking it reasonably easy (for her) and
enjoying the meals and the walks looking at the many examples of street
art. (see pictures).
- The street art reminded Doreen of street art and graffiti in London, and the murals we had seen in Tasmania at Springfield and Sheffield.
2nd June 2018
Our new car!
We sold our 7 year old Toyota Prius
Hybrid and downsized a bit by buying a ToyotaYaris Hybrid. We've been
thinking some time of buying a new car and wanted a Toyota for
reliabilty and service. So when there was a "special' on the Yaris we
went for it. We haven't driven it much yet, but so far we are very
satisfied. The Yaris joins our 22 year old Toyota Starlet - an amazing
car.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Doreen came home yesterday after undergoing a lumpectomy to
remove a
cancerous
growth from her breast. The growth is small and slow growing and
hopefully has not spread. The surgeon reports that the operation went
smoothly and was successful. She feels reasonably well but with some
pain. Everyone wishes her a quick recovery. Doreen has written an
account of her experience and procedure. Read
her column here.
- A huge "WELL DONE" to Doreen's sister, Louise Braverman, who yesterday won her match in the final and is now Raanana Bowling Club Ladies Singles Champion. We're proud of you, Louise! See picture here.
- This morning our good friend
Morris Kahn and the Segolis from Sde Boqer, Aviv from
Eilat and Vered and Aviv from Raanana visited Doreen. The Segolis
brought lunch, delicious sushi prepared by grandson Maayan
with help from granddaughter Lotem. (see
pictures here)
- On Monday I am flying to Ostend, Belgium to officiate at the
European Bridge Teams Championships. Elections will be held next
Saturday for a (new?) President and for the Executive Committee. There
are 22 contending for 12 places so it won't be easy but I hope I'll be
re-elected.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Sophie Silverman (2), Roy Partok (2), Sharon Glasser (2), Warren Galgut (2), Barbara Shochat (3), Isobel Siegel (3), Roger Cleaver (3), Meira Carno (4), Malka Hodes (4),Abraham Neiman (4), Samuel Neiman (4), Jimmy Bloede (5), Talya Melamed (6), Martin Glick (7), Yonatan Kasorla (7), Avi Gilad (7), Lynn Hock (8), Yosef Tal (8)
- Happy anniversary this week to Sheila and Joel Ezra (3)
26th May 2018
Happy
95th Birthday, Sara!
Tonight
we celebrated the 95th birthday of Sara Olkienitski at the home of
daughter Shuli and Eitan Haberman. Lots of family, lots of delicious
food, lots of stories - a lovely evening.
Sara is my mother's cousin - my first cousin once removed. She is a holocaust survivor who arrived in Israel on the famous ship Altalena. We retain close contact with her and her children, the Haberman, Heiman and Gilad families.
see Goldberg Family Tree.
Sara is my mother's cousin - my first cousin once removed. She is a holocaust survivor who arrived in Israel on the famous ship Altalena. We retain close contact with her and her children, the Haberman, Heiman and Gilad families.
see Goldberg Family Tree.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Doreen will undergo a lumpectomy on Thursday to remove a cancerous growth from her breast. The growth is small and slow growing and hopefully has not spread. Everyone wishes her a successful procedure and a quick recovery.
- The Eilat levys went up to Midreshet Ben Gurion to spend the
weekend with the Segolis. From pictures it seems they had a grand time.
See pictures here and here.
19th May 2018
Doreen
in Ethiopia
From
our Old Pictures Collection: Doreen has twice visited Ethiopia.
On this occasion, in 2004 she saw the Blue Nile Waterfall. The Blue
Nile originates in Ethiopia and is the the main tributary of the Nile
River, supplying it with 60% or more of its water.
- Tomorrow is Shavuot, the
holiday celebrating the ancient Israel agrarian customs of celebrating
the harvest and the first fruits, as well as the giving of the Torah. In modern Israel it
is customary to eat milk products on ther eve and day of the holiday,
and religious Jews also spend the time studying the Torah.
- The "milk products" part of the holiday is problem for our vegan
granddaughter Lior and at her suggestion we decided to have a
vegan dinner. She prepared some dishes and Doreen even prepared a
"cheese" cake that didn't contain any cheese. Surprisingly for me the
food was very tasty and a good time was had by all.
- There is a modern tradition at the school attended by grandchildren Maayan and Lotem Segoli. Each grade prepares a typical dance of a different decade. It is good fun and the children enjoy it very much. Pictures here. They also invite holocaust survivors to the event and have various stalls. Last year they bought computers for some of the survivors from the the money from these stalls
- The success of Israel's Netta winning the the Eurovision Song Contest was big news in Israel and she gave a special open air performance in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv attended by thousands including granddaughters Loem and Zoe Segoli. See pictures of Lotem and Zoe.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Uri Haberman (20); Michael Schochat, Thelma (Cindy) Berman, Steven Beckman, Sara Melamed (21), Julianna Glick (22); Sarah Olkienitski (23); Thomas O'Dwyer, Alec Blotnick, Ali Bacher (24); Alon Museri, Uzi Museri (25)
- Happy anniversary this week. Shimona and Avraham Tzukernik (21)
12th May 2018
Friday
night dinner in Eilat
We
had a full week including 2 concerts and one opera and decided visit
our sons and families
in the weekend. We spent Friday in Eilat with Aviv, Limor and the
children (enjoying a delicious dinner cooked by Limor) and then
Saturday afternoon we visited Moran, Mikhal and the children
- The Eilat Levys have a new cat so we decided to leave our dog Joanie in Sde Boqer with the Segolis, especially with Zoe. Zoe and Joanie adore each other and Zoe took her dog-sitting duties seriously. See picture.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Paul Bacher; Tessa Marks (12), Cinzia Tarazza, Gene Glick (13); Yael Gilad, Michal Gilad, Tamara Braverman (14); Alana Stern, Colin Cohen (15); Shuly Haberman, Michaela Leibowitz (16); Bruce Cleaver, Lauren Stern (17)
- No anniversaries this week.
5th May 2018
Were
was this picture taken?
The picture was taken on the occasion of
the 5th Family Reunion (see the T shirts). Danielle can be seen next to
Aviv - she was born in September 1995 so the picture was probably taken
in the summer of 1997 (perhaps 1996?). But
where?
- The big news in Israel this week - apart from the usual political shenanigans - was the opening 3 stages of the Giro d'Italia, the famous Italian Bicycle road race. We watched the 2nd stage as it passed Netanya. The riders will finish the Israel stages of the race in Eilat and then head for Italy for the last 18 stages before finishing the 23 day race in Rome.
- Not to be outdone and getting into the swing of things, Coral World, where our son Aviv is the curator, had their own underwater "giro"
- Congratulations to Vered (nee Loew) and Yoav Shavit on the birth
of Yaara on 1st April. Congratulations too to brothers Dotan and Eyal
and sister Maayan. And a special mazal
tov to grandmother Yaffa Loew (Schank
Family Tree). See two pictures here.
- Last week I reported on the heavy rains and resulting flash floods which tragically drowned 10 teenagers. These rains filled up the usually dry wadi river beds and provided an opportunity for the Segolis, after the danger had passed, to visit rare water pools in the desert. Click for pictures.
- The Segolis celebrated Yael Segoli's 70th birthday today and
sent us this picture.
- Aviv took part in a 6 km swim
organized by Tzalul, a
non-profit dedicated to the clean-up of Israel's water resources.
- Doreen writes: The excitement for this week was also water related. A burst water pipe caused our apartment to flood. Eitan, running to switch off the main, slipped and crashed his head on the floor but somehow still managed to get up, and although bloodied and wet and suffering from concussion (he didn't know it), continued to close the water pipe. I only knew this by the blood on the door by the water pipe. After he called me, I got him to take off the wet clothes and while he tried to staunch the bleeding I squeegeed the lounge down, trying to make it dry enough to place towels on the floor in order to safely escort him to the car. After a long morning at the hospital that included a CT and three metal stitches and a very serious looking head bandage we went home. He is now feeling better. The bandage has been replaced by a kippa. Well he did say he literally saw stars when he fell, but I don't think he had a vision of God. Rather the kippa is just the right size to cover the stitches.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Jason Lewis, Jackie Marks, Marion Bloede, Noga Poupko, Oren Gordon (5), Daniella Guendelman, Jacqueline Lampert (6); Rona Nickel (7); Raphael Klotnick, Talya Klotnick (8); Matar Nickel, Joshua Meyerov, Roni Karlsbad, Edward Cleaver (9); Steven Klotnick (10)
- No anniversaries this week.
28th April 2018
1st
Place!
Congratulations to niece Denise Braverman - first place in her age category in the Emek Hayarden triathlon.
We're very proud of her, but not really surprised as this is just the latest of her many achievements, for example
Congratulations to niece Denise Braverman - first place in her age category in the Emek Hayarden triathlon.
We're very proud of her, but not really surprised as this is just the latest of her many achievements, for example
- Yesterday was my birthday and granddaughter Zoe also celebrated
her
birthdaybirthweekbirthfortnight with us in Netanya. See pictures here. - We were saddened to hear today of the death of Suzanne Edmunds
(nee Price). Sue was a friend from our school days in Durban. As CEO of
Projecy Build in Natal, South Africa she was instrumental in the
establishment of 4 science laboratories in memory of my sister Fern. See picture here.
- The whole country is in shock at the unnecessary loss of lives
of ten young people (and three others) hiking in ravines
and washed to their deaths in flash floods in the Negev. A normally dry
river bed "wadi" in the desert
can suddenly, within minutes, become a raging river after heavy
rainfall - see an example here. The
Aquarium in Eilat where son Aviv works, some distance away from a wadi,
was also flooded. See
short video.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Rene Hock (28), Elizabeth Mynarski (28), Jacob Glogauer (29), Noam Amit (30), Wendy Kansky (30), Brian Galgut, Ariel Stennard (May 1), Amit Nickel, Sarah Garbawy, Russel Glasser (May 2); Gail Nickel, Miriam Santhaus (May 3); Debora Lazarus (May 4), Yael Segoli (May 4), Tallulah Wood (May 4)
- Happy Anniversary this week to: Lauren and Hilton Meyerov (29), Beth and Robert Jeffrey (May 2), Maytal and Adam Tal (May 3)
21st April 2018
The
Segolis and Levys enjoy the pool
Moran and the Segoli children spent some of the Yom Ha-azmaut (Independence Day) long weekend in Eilat with the Levys. The pool as usual was a popular attraction.
Moran and the Segoli children spent some of the Yom Ha-azmaut (Independence Day) long weekend in Eilat with the Levys. The pool as usual was a popular attraction.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Yom Ha-azmaut (Independence Day) long weekend is just about over. Doreen spent most of it guiding some USA tourists, I enjoyed the food and company at the traditional barbecue at the home of Terry and Carol Kessel.
- The Segolis also "toured" - first in Mevasseret Zion with the
Segoli cousins where 4 days early Zoe
celebrated her
birthdaybirthweek, then with the Levy cousins in Eilat where she also enjoyed a piggyback ride courtesy of cousin Itamar. - After a six month break granddaughter Amit went diving again.
14th April 2018
Vered
and Aviv (in 1994)
Today is the 27th Wedding Anniversary of daughter Vered and Aviv Ron. Many happy returns and lots of love from Mom and Dad - may you celebrate many more. As we 53-ers can testify, it only gets better!
The picture was taken in Virgin Gorda in the US Virgin Islands on our 3rd Family Reunion. Click here for a group picture taken then, and here for another picture on a boat that I think was also taken then.
Today is the 27th Wedding Anniversary of daughter Vered and Aviv Ron. Many happy returns and lots of love from Mom and Dad - may you celebrate many more. As we 53-ers can testify, it only gets better!
The picture was taken in Virgin Gorda in the US Virgin Islands on our 3rd Family Reunion. Click here for a group picture taken then, and here for another picture on a boat that I think was also taken then.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- It's been a sort of quiet week since returning from the trip with the granddaughters, very full especially with doctors' visits but not partcularly active.
- Doreen is guiding a tour for 7 days, and I will again celebrate
Independence Day - this year without her - at the home of Carol and
Terry Kessel.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Leon Matz (14), Charlene Engleberg (14), Yaron Glasser (14), Noa Schwartz (15), Jodie-Beth Matz (15), Na'ama Gilad (16), Yael Schochat (16), Saul Ginsberg (17), Keira Leibowitz (17), Hanna Gordon (17), Rachel Zagnoev (18), Robert Cleaver (19)
- Happy Anniversary this week to: Vered and Aviv Ron (14), Katherine and Dorran Galp (18)
7th April 2018
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- We weren't the only ones overseas this week. The Rons, daughter
Vered, Aviv and Lior went skiing in St Anton in Austria. Vered prepared
a great video of their trip - I'll try next week to give a link, but in
the meantime you can see a picture of
the three of them.
- Passover ends tonight. To celebrate the end of the prohibition on eating chametz (leavened foods) the Maghreb Jews prepare a kind of pancake called mufleta and various pastries made with regular leavened flour. Daughter-in-law Limor Levy has learned from her mother Margalit the art of preparing genuine Moroccan mufleta and was busy tonight preparing. See short video.
- Happy Birthday this week to: Michael Glasser (7), Erin Herr (8), Melodie Nathan (9), Leshem Nickel (9), Kenneth Berman (9), Nevo Nickel (12), Jonathan Hock (12)
- Happy Anniversary this week to: Roslyn and Claude Hakim (11)
31st March 2018
Family Seder 2018
We
celebrated Pesach (Passover)
last night with a family seder at
our home in Netanya. It was a little squashed but the food
was outstanding and the atmoshere familial plus plus and the reading of
the haggadah sufficient with some extras. It was a most enjoyable
evening. .
More and pictures here.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS More and pictures here.
- We have had a full weekend with all the family staying with us and with the Rons - seder night, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and as usual the children get on so well together it's a pleasure - though hard work! - having them. We were helped in this by Joanie, our dog, who took the children for regular walks and who was rewarded with numerous hugs and pats.
- Grandson Itamar's birthday is this week and we took the
opportunuity of celebrating his birthday during today's lunch. See picture. What was left of his cake
after Joanie the dog had eaten some of it was delicious.
- On Monday Doreen and I are taking granddaughters Lotem
Segoli and Amit Levy to Amsterdam. This is out batmitzvah present to them and we
are all looking forward to it.
- Daughter Vered Ron and Aviv will also be overseas - they leave
tomorrow for a skiing holiday in Switzerland for a few days.
- Happy Birthday this week to: March: 31 - Deryn Klein; April: Oren Klaff (1), Rachel Kirschner (1), Barney Gordon (1), Roni Gurland (2), Issy Bacher (2), Richard Nickel (3), Itamar Levy (4), Louis Glogauer(4), Jessica Gordon (5), Ariel Moskovich (5),Eloise Feinstein(5), Sorrel Bolel (5), Dov Levin (6), Darren Klotnick (6), Michael Glasser (7)
- Happy Anniversary this week to: March: 31 - Alana and Saville Stern; April: Ruth and Joel Geffen (1), Shira and Ali Bacher (4)
With Pierre and Françoise Collaros
I am in Lausanne Switzerland with good
friends Françoise and Pierre
Collaros. Yesterday I attended a meeting the European Bridge League
Executive Committee and then spent the evening with the Collaros's
talking about old times and future times and enjoying food and wine
with them. Tomorrow I return to Israel.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Tomorrow I'll be back in Israel ready to start preparing and
helping Doreen for the family passover
seder (20 people) and for our upcoming trip to Amsterdam with
our granddaughters Amit and Lotem.
- Happy Birthday this week to 24 - Nitzan Partok 25 - Pia Murad 26 - Assaf Nickel 27 - Ashlee Glasser, Itamar Gordon, Ofek Golomb 28 - Abigail Cigler, Yarden Levy, Eric Cotton, Denise Braverman , 29 -Yoel Geffen, Joe Leibowitz 30 - Alan Klotnick , Gabriel Bloede, Morris Gordon
- Happy Anniversary this week to 24 - Tamar and Ari Taback 27 - Buna and Mula Friedman 28 - Racheli and Avi Gilad 29 - Shirley and Nathan Kansky
24th March 2018
Lior cooks a meal for her grandparents
Granddaughter Lior had a free weekend
and as her parents were overseas we invited her for Friday night
dinner, but she said she wanted to invite us, and reminded us that it
would be a vegan dinner. Doreen brought soup and Lior prepared a
delicious pasta dish with tofu "meat" balls which we all enjoyed.
Another cook in the family! We're looking forward to a repeat
performance.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Spring is around the corner and the warmer weather activities are
starting. The Eilat Levys went up in the mountains last night to enjoy
a bonfire and a Friday evening picnic. (See picture)
- Daughter Vered Ron and Aviv are enjoying a weekend in Paris.
- Son Moran and his friend Ran Kagan enjoyed the end of winter with
a short skiing break in Val d'Isere in France. (see picture)
- This coming week I will be in Lausanne, Switzerland for a few
days for a meeting of the executive committee of the European Bridge
League.
- Happy
Birthday this week to 17
- Ofra Ohanna , Daniel
Nathan, Russel Gordon 18 - Brigitte Bloede, Yehuda Bolel, Alice
Gullotta, Zvi
Karsblad
19 -
Andrew Hock, Adrienne Shivers 20 - Melanie
Sklar, Noah
Kagan , Moriah
Pashas,
Tamar
Tabak, David Bloede 21 - Aviv
Ron 23 - Daniel Hock, Stewart Aronson, Logan
Thompson-MacLeod
10th March 2018
Zoe and Joanie get to know each other
As we reported last week, we have a new
dog - a delightful calm well-behaved Joanie. Granddaughter Zoe Segoli
was delighted to meet her, feed her and take her for a walk. They were
both on their best behaviour!
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Happy Birthday this week to 10 - Vered Shavit, Dan Bortenstein, Adam Marks, Robin Horwitz 11 - Jacques Bloede, Ariel Bloede, Eitan Forman 13 - Gwendolyne Glasser 14 - Steven Neiman 15 - Shirley Kansky , Hannah Gilbert
- Happy Anniversary this week to 16 - Leora and Aharon Stefansky
3rd March 2018
Aviv and Limor Levy dress up for Purim
This week we celebrated the Jewish
holiday of Purim that
commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, who was
planning to kill all the Jews. This took place in the ancient Persian
Empire and the story is recorded in the biblical Book of Ester.
The celebration is a joyous one and the schools and streets are filled with people in fancy dress or costume, and parties are commonly held. In addition many places hold an Adloyada a kind of carnival procession. Midreshet Ben Gurion in Sde Boqer, where the Segolis live, have a very popolar adloyada every year.
Click to see more pictures of our family who dressed up for Purim.
The celebration is a joyous one and the schools and streets are filled with people in fancy dress or costume, and parties are commonly held. In addition many places hold an Adloyada a kind of carnival procession. Midreshet Ben Gurion in Sde Boqer, where the Segolis live, have a very popolar adloyada every year.
Click to see more pictures of our family who dressed up for Purim.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Apart from our normal activities this week we continued our
search for a dog to adopt. We've had a few disappointments (one too
aggresive, one too wild) but I hope we have solved the problem. Joanie
and we are trying each other out for a week to see how we get on. So
far we all feel happy - see picture
here.
- Happy Birthday this week to 3 - Giles De Millon, Dawn Zain 4 - Jane Glasser, Nathan Kansky 5 - Cecile Cotton , Avichai Skoczylas 6 - Toni Hock , Mila Lazarus 7- Amber Leibowitz 8 - Ezra Bortz 9 - Cheryl Tal , Clooney Levin
- Happy
Anniversary this week to 8
- Michal and Thomas O'Dwyer
24th February 2018
Moran and Mikhal in Kenya
Son Moran and Mikhal Segoli went to
Kenya for about 10 days of hiking, climbing Mt Kenya and safari. They
texted
that they were having a fabulous time in beautiful surroundings and it
certainly seems so from what we have heard from them. We look forward
to more details and pictures when they get round to updating the Segoli
site. In the meantime click here.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- We're back home after babysitting our grandchildren Maayan, Lotem and Zoe for about a week in Midreshet Ben Gurion (Sde Boqer) while parents Moran and Mikhal Segoli were overseas in Kenya. (see above)
- Lotem went to a bat mitzvah party
and probably influenced by the approaching festival of
Purim (when everyone dresses in fancy dress) dressed like
this! See pictures.
- Zoe was excited all week about the pyjama party (and the new
pyjamas Doreen bought her) planned for Thursday at her kindergarten. See picture
- One of the highlights of the stay with the grandchildren was the
middle eastern dish Makluba (that
is cooked and flipped over) that Maayan prepared under the
direction of Doreen. It came out,
was flipped over perfectly and was delicious. Read Doreen's recipes
(including also a vegan version) for makluba
in the Recipes page.
- And over in America granddaughter Danielle took a break from work
to spend a few days with her boy friend Guy in Hawaii. Click for picture.
- Happy Birthday this week to 24 Feb - Alexandra Klaff , Alexandra Cleaver, Simon Shapiro; 25 Feb - David Engleberg , Brian Hock; 27 Feb- Itai Nickel; 28 Feb- Ziva Bortenstein, Stanley Glasser, Naomi Gordon; 1 Mar - Melisa Glogauer, Amy Stern; 2 Mar- Annette Levy, Tina Gordon
- Happy Anniversary this week to 2 Mar - Russell and Sharon Glasser
17th February 2018
Ilai, Doreen and Aviv visit the Diaspora Museum
Grandaughter Ilai Levy and dad Aviv came
up to Tel Aviv this week. Doreen took them to the Diaspora Museum
before an extensive
check up following her back operation about 6 months ago (see
here). Since her operation she has been severely restricted in what
physical activities she was allowed to do. We are delighted to report
that the check up determined that the operation was 100% successful. As
Ilai texted the family "I can jump again!"
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- We returned this week from Larnaca, Cyprus where I organized a
Tournament
Directors' Workshop for the European Bridge League. There were 59
participants and the workshop was most successful. See some pictures here.
- This coming week we will be babysitting the Segolis, Maayan,
Lotem and Zoe, in Midreshet Ben Gurion (Sde Boqer) while parents Moran
and Mikhal climb Mt Kenya. We took the 3 children to Eilat
yesterday and today to enjoy the weekend with their Eilat cousins
Itamar, Amit and Ilai. (see some
pictures here.)
- Happy Birthday this week to 17 - Naama Yaniv 18 - Joshua Leibowitz , Philip Levin 19 - Bessie Freundlich , Jonathan Sklar, Michele Berman 20 - Joel Klotnick , Yoav Or , Daniel Gordon, Naama Gordon 21 - Harel Gordon, Dikla Crutchi 22 - David Hock, Yali Or, Yehoram Leshem, Daniel Silverman 23- Seymour Levy
- Happy Anniversary this week to 17 - Sheenagh and Charles Levy 18 - Ann and Darryl Weisz 19 - Alice and Joseph Gullotta
10th February 2018
Doreen and Oryah in the snow in Cyprus
We are in Cyprus where I am organizing a
4 day European Bridge League (EBL) Tournament Directors'
Workshop.
The visit added another country to Doreen's long list of countries
visited. She took the opportunity to do some sightseeing with Oryah
Meir (the GM of the Israel Bridge Federation who is assisting in the
organization) and Yves Aubry, the President of the EBL. Driving through
the Troodos Mountains Doreen and Oryah just had to stop for a photo in
the snow. With Paris blanketed in snow, Yves was less
enthusiastic. Click
for some pictures here.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- We arrived last Tuesday from Belfast (see last week's pictures)
and London (see picture), and on
Wednesday we flew to Larnaca in Cyprus for a Tournament
Directors' Workshop that I am organizing.
- Joel and Beryl Klotnik (see Matz
family tree) are in South Africa where Joel took the opportunity of
the holiday spirit to go sky diving! Hope you weren't too nervous,
Joel. Picture here.
- A special happy 96th birthday today to Aunt Winnie Levy in Cape
Town, South Africa (see birthday
picture)
- Happy Birthday this week to 10 - Roslyn Hakim, Ian Klotnick, Winnie Levy 12 - Charles Levy, 13 - Tamar Moskovich , Debra Hochstadter, Navah Hellerstein 14 - Devra Hock, Russel Kahn, Sydney Yudelman, Alexis Bloede
- Happy
Anniversary this week to 11 - Rhona and Abraham Neimann 14 - Lori and
David Hock, Neta and
Lior Bortenstein 16 - Nici and Hilliard Ezra
3rd February 2018
9th EBL Officers' Seminar
This seminar of the European Bridge
League is taking place in Belfast Northern Ireland. I presented two
topics, one at a workshop on the structure of the various European
Championships (picture above) and one a lecture to the plenum on the
the latest laws of Bridge.
This is my third visit to Belfast in the last 7 months, so the lack of time and opportunity to visit the city didn't matter too much. But Doreen was able to utilise the visit for some non-bridge activities. (see pictures)
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
This is my third visit to Belfast in the last 7 months, so the lack of time and opportunity to visit the city didn't matter too much. But Doreen was able to utilise the visit for some non-bridge activities. (see pictures)
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- We arrive in home on Tuesday after a couple of nights in London on the way, and the next day on Wednesday we're off again. This time to Larnaca in Cyprus (a new country for Doreen) for a Tournament Directors' Workshop that I am organizing.
- Last week, as part of the activities of the Women Make Peace organization, 150 women (Doreen among them) attended a special meeting of the Women's Lobby at the Knesset (the Israel Parliament.) (see picture).
- Granddaughter Danielle ron has returned to her job in the USA.
- If you missed it last week we recommend going to our recipe page
and trying Doreen's Strawberry Pancakes.
- Happy Birthday this week to 6 - Dafna Poupko 7 - Ilana Gordon 8- Rina Ezra Karen Cleaver 10 - Roslyn Hakim, Ian Klotnick, Winnie Levy
- Happy Anniversary this week to 9 - Sharlene and Steven Klotnick 11 - Rhona and Abraham Neimann
27th January 2018
23rd Levy Family Reunion
back rows: me, Doreen, Lotem, AvivR, Zoe, Lior, Amit, Maayan, Limor, Vered, Itamar, Mikhal, Ilai, AvivL
front row: Danielle, Moran
Granddaughter Danielle's visit to Israel
was an opportunity to organise a Family Reunion. The "Welcome Danielle"
T-shirts were a lovely surprise for her. As always, a get-together of
the family is great fun and the beautiful family spirit is really
wonderful. We also celebrated Ilai's and Moran's birthdays.
The reunion was at the Dead Sea and we stayed at the Ganim Hotel. The weather was not good - cold with flood warnings, so long hikes were cancelled, but that didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm. We are all looking forward to the next reunion!
Click here for pictures of the reunion.
The reunion was at the Dead Sea and we stayed at the Ganim Hotel. The weather was not good - cold with flood warnings, so long hikes were cancelled, but that didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm. We are all looking forward to the next reunion!
Click here for pictures of the reunion.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Granddaughter Danielle will be returning to the USA next week for about 6 months.
- We will also be going overseas - but for a much shorter period, a week. We will be in Belfast, Northern Ireland, via London, attending the European Bridge League Officers' Seminar.
- It's strawberry season - we recommend going to our recipe page
and trying Doreen's Strawberry Pancakes.
- Happy
Birthday this week to Ilai
Levy (28th Jan), Rafael
Braverman
Dvir, Mandy Gordon,
Alex
Hock (29th), Moran
Segoli , Aharon
Klotnick (30th), Eitan
Haberman
, Shai Geffen (31st Jan), Anna
Korbel, Jonathan Stern, Stella
Kahn, Kyle Kahn (1st Feb);
Shira Bortz, Ann Weisz, Erin Gordon (2nd Feb)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Karen and Craig Cleaver (30th)
20th January 2018
Andy
Loew ז"ל (July 11th 1940 - January 19th 2018)
We were saddened to hear that
Andy Loew
passed away last night. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife Yaffa,
his daughter and son-in-law Vered and Yoav Shavit, and grandchildren.Last month we visited Andy and Yaffa at their home in Meishar and took this picture of them, the Segolis and Yaacov Bortenstein, Yaffa's brother.
Son Moran sent us a picture of happier times, taken in the late 1980's with Andy, Yaffa and their two children Vered and the late Guy ז"ל in the Timna area in southern Israel.
(See Schank family tree).
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- We spent a few days in Midreshet Sde Boqer this week,
baby-sitting and helping. The highlight was the paella prepared by
Doreen and grandson Maayan. See picture
here and also on Maayan's page. .
- It's always thrilling to see the wild ibexes (mountain goats) walking nonchantly or resting in the centre of the village. Doreen took this picture.
- Picking up Zoe from kindergarten always involves a long detour through a playground. See picture.
- We had stormy and rainy weather this week. A friend of daughter
Vered sent this picture of how to
take a dog for a walk in the rain.
- Happy Birthday this week to Yuval Partuk, Lucille Melamed, Jaidan Klotnick (20th), Susan Nathan, Joanne Schwartz (21st), Shelly Friedman (22nd), Yoav Gilad , Ethelene Galgut, Wendy Glasser, Daniella Melamed (23rd); Nina Leizerowitz, Michal Glasser (25th)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Donna and Daniel Leibowitz (22nd) , Glenda and Ivan Gordon (24th)
Missed it? Link to
LAST WEEK'S
PICTURE
AND NEWS
Link to This Year's Miscellaneous Events and Pictures
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
| Click on the BLUE LINKS for pictures |
Click on the BLUE LINKS
for pictures
- January Birthdays: Giorgio Tarazza, Katherine Galp, Solly Gordon (1st), Elaine Bacher, Ayala Poupko (2nd), Daniella Collins (3rd), Tanya Wood (4th), Candis Herr, Natalie Smith, Yaniv Arad, Raphael Cotton (5th), Julie Stern (7th), Kimberly Silverman (8th), Dyna Mynarski , Michael Haberman (9th), Mushe Kirsh (11th), Avraham Segoli , Daniel Kirsh, Sarah Cleaver (12th), Asaf Karlsbad, Maayan Shavit (14th), Shaun Glogauer, Dylan Thiele (15th), Itay Gur, Ryan Smith (17th), Marion Cohen, Rachel Moskowitz , Joel Bortz, Jeremy Bacher (18th), Julien Bloede, Glenda Gordon, David Meyerov (19th), Yuval Partuk, Lucille Melamed, Jaidan Klotnick (20th), Susan Nathan, Joanne Schwartz (21st), Shelly Friedman (22nd), Yoav Gilad , Ethelene Galgut, Wendy Glasser, Daniella Melamed (23rd); Nina Leizerowitz, Michal Glasser (25th), Ilai Levy (28th), Rafael Braverman Dvir, Mandy Gordon, Alex Hock (29th), Moran Segoli , Aharon Klotnick (30th), Eitan Haberman , Shai Geffen (31st)
- January Anniversaries: Melissa and Shaun Glogauer (9th), Jacqueline and Kevin Lampert (12th), Loren and Robin Hodes (15th), Donna and Daniel Leibowitz (22nd) , Glenda and Ivan Gordon (24th), Karen and Craig Cleaver (30th)
13th January 2018
Dani in front, with mom Vered, granny Doreen, friend Yuval, Saba me, sister Lior, dad Aviv
We haven't seen granddaughter Danielle
Ron for a year so we were all delighted to welcome her in Israel on a
visit. Towards the end of the month she will return to her work in
California.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Belinda Levy who was married to my late cousin David (see Hershovitz and Matz family trees) is visiting Israel
with her companion Peter Mintz and we were happy to meet up with her
again and to meet Peter. They met son Aviv when they were in Eilat (see picture) . They spent the day
with us during which Doreen took them on a tour of Caesarea, and then
slept over. See picture here.
- Yesterday we made a last minute arrangement for lunch today with
long time friends Colin and Louise Kessel and Colin and Hadas Gorfil.
Doreen outdid herself with the preparation and cooking and we all
thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
- Happy Birthday this week to Asaf Karlsbad, Maayan Shavit (14th), Shaun Glogauer, Dylan Thiele (15th), Itay Gur, Ryan Smith (17th), Marion Cohen, Rachel Moskowitz , Joel Bortz, Jeremy Bacher (18th), Julien Bloede, Glenda Gordon, David Meyerov (19th),
- Happy Anniversary this week to Loren and Robin Hodes (15th)
6th January 2018
Anita Hock and Family
Me, Eddie, Lynn, Anita, Joseph, Doreen, Jonathan Hock
On our trip to America in September 2016
we met Anita Hock for the first time.
Anita was married to Doreen's 2nd cousin the late Morton Hock. (see Nochomovicz family tree). Last
week Anita came to Israel with her son Jonathan and family. They came
for lunch and we were looking forward to meeting newly-found relatives
from New York. What we didn’t expect was meeting a delightful family,
making all of us sorry that we hadn’t met before.
Jonathan is an award-winning documentary film maker, mainly on sport. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup he made a fascinating documentary on the African musician Hugh Masekela. To quote Wikipedia: Masekela was featured, with his son Selema Masekela, in a series of videos on ESPN. The series, called Umlando – Through My Father's Eyes, was aired in 10 parts during ESPN's coverage of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The series focused on Hugh and Selema's travels through South Africa. Hugh brought his son to the places he grew up. It was Selema's first trip to his father's homeland . We saw the film and were particularly moved by Masekela’s reception at a local school, which reminded us of our reception at Magqibagqiba in Zululand when we donated a science lab in the late Fern Levy’s name.
When one thinks of family trees one usually thinks of generations and generations going back in time. Our roots aren’t so deep but our family tree now resembles a family forest!
Jonathan is an award-winning documentary film maker, mainly on sport. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup he made a fascinating documentary on the African musician Hugh Masekela. To quote Wikipedia: Masekela was featured, with his son Selema Masekela, in a series of videos on ESPN. The series, called Umlando – Through My Father's Eyes, was aired in 10 parts during ESPN's coverage of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The series focused on Hugh and Selema's travels through South Africa. Hugh brought his son to the places he grew up. It was Selema's first trip to his father's homeland . We saw the film and were particularly moved by Masekela’s reception at a local school, which reminded us of our reception at Magqibagqiba in Zululand when we donated a science lab in the late Fern Levy’s name.
When one thinks of family trees one usually thinks of generations and generations going back in time. Our roots aren’t so deep but our family tree now resembles a family forest!
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Granddaughter Danielle Ron will
arrive this week for a visit home, before returning to her work in
California. We haven't seen her for a year and are eagerly awaiting
her
arrival.
- Granddaughter Lotem Segoli has started using the sewing machine she got for her batmitzvah present (see here) and her first project was sewing a bag in the form of a fish, See picture
- During the last two days we experienced stormy rainy weather
which is a blessing for the country for there has been very little rain
so far this winter. Granddaughter Lior Ron was especially happy - she
loves the rain and went with her father Aviv for a walk in the
storm and rain See a picture here
and click to
hear the old classic song Stormy
Weather.
- Happy Birthday this week to Julie Stern (7th), Kimberly Silverman (8th), Dyna Mynarski , Michael Haberman (9th), Mushe Kirsh (11th), Avraham Segoli , Daniel Kirsh, Sarah Cleaver (12th)
- Happy Anniversary this week to Melissa and Shaun Glogauer (9th), Jacqueline and Kevin Lampert (12th)