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THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
We wish all our relatives and friends a Happy Chanukah and a Happy Christmas.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
l-r : Vered Ron, Denise Braverman, Shai Arroyo, Maayan Segoli, Lotem Segoli, Zoe Segoli, Gal Frenkel, Lior Ron, Dani Ron, Doreen, me in the foreground.
The number 13 is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition, and Friday the 13th especially so. However in Jewish tradition 13 is considered a lucky number - barmitzah at age 13, temple had 13 gates, 13 attributes of god (e.g. passover song 'Who knows one'). Be that as it may yesterday Friday 13th was the closest Friday to December 16th - our 60th Anniversary. Although we will celebrate our anniversary next month it was a nice opportunity to have a family dinner. Doreen went out of her way to prepare a special dinner (see menu) which was absolutely delicious.
See more here.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
28th December 2024
Happy HolidayWe wish all our relatives and friends a Happy Chanukah and a Happy Christmas.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- We are still in Larnaca and will be staying here till the end of the month year.
- On Sundays from December to March the Columbia Restaurant in
Limassol has a carvery lunch. We heartily recommend it.
- We were delighted that Shuli and Eitan Haberman (Goldberg family tree) could spend four days with us and we enjoyed their visit. See some pictures here.
- A few days before we left we visited the Hala Sultan Tekke. We had not
visited it before even though it is situated next to a salt lake about
a 5 minute drive from our apartment.
- One of the delights of visiting Cyprus during the winter is
seeing the flamingos feeding in
the salt lakes.
- If you missed it, Doreen wrote up three recipes: Picania Roast, Vegan Strawberry Mousse and Strawberry Lady Charlotte.
- For our Friday night dinner about 10 days ago Doreen prepared for the first time a Strawberry Charlotte cake. I had never even heard of such a cake and assumed it was rarely made. I was surprised when we saw that at a Carvery lunch at the Columbia Restaurant in Limassol there was a Charlotte Cake and then a few days later also at the Sigma Bakery in Choirokoita near Larnaca. See pictures here.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
21st December 2024
16th December 2024
60th Wedding Anniversary
We celebrated our 60th anniversary on Monday 16th December at Baltic House, an excellent Indian Restaurant in Larnaca. We both love curry and haven't found a good Indian Restaurant in Israel, so a visit to a restaurant serving authentic Indian food is a celebration and a reminder of our days in Durban.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
60th Wedding Anniversary
We celebrated our 60th anniversary on Monday 16th December at Baltic House, an excellent Indian Restaurant in Larnaca. We both love curry and haven't found a good Indian Restaurant in Israel, so a visit to a restaurant serving authentic Indian food is a celebration and a reminder of our days in Durban.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- We are in Larnaca Cyprus and will be staying here until the end of the month. We both appreciate the lack of pressure, the rest and the relaxation. We haven't done much travelling but did visit some nearby sites of interest - two for the first time.
- It's Christmas holiday season and the town is full of
Christmas decorations, shopping and music. It's not easy ignoring the Christmas spirit.
- Next week Shuli and Eitan Haberman (Goldberg family tree) will be visiting
us for a few days and we look forward to their company.
- Doreen has had time here in Cyprus to write up three recipies from the Friday night dinner last week: picania roast, vegan strawberry mousse and strawberry Lady Charlotte.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
14th December 2024
Friday
13th Dinnerl-r : Vered Ron, Denise Braverman, Shai Arroyo, Maayan Segoli, Lotem Segoli, Zoe Segoli, Gal Frenkel, Lior Ron, Dani Ron, Doreen, me in the foreground.
The number 13 is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition, and Friday the 13th especially so. However in Jewish tradition 13 is considered a lucky number - barmitzah at age 13, temple had 13 gates, 13 attributes of god (e.g. passover song 'Who knows one'). Be that as it may yesterday Friday 13th was the closest Friday to December 16th - our 60th Anniversary. Although we will celebrate our anniversary next month it was a nice opportunity to have a family dinner. Doreen went out of her way to prepare a special dinner (see menu) which was absolutely delicious.
See more here.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- Caryn Klaff (see Goldberg family tree) and husband Rhetick were in India at the traditional wedding of a friend. Click to see two colourful pictures of Caryn and Rhetick.
- About 3 years ago Doreen planted the top of a pineapple and has been looking after it ever since. Success at last! A little small perhaps, but a perfect pineapple.
- Tomorrow we fly to Cyprus where we'll be for about two weeks.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
Grandson Itamar aged seven with his classmates (and parents) attended the traditional ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem where the children were presented with a special copy of chumash bereshit - the Book of Genesis.
(This site made its first appearance in January 2004. It was updated weekly until October 2010, and restarted in February 2012. Since then it has been updated every week save for 3 weeks December/January 2019/2020 when the server was down. (In January 2020 there was a summary of important family changes during those 3 weeks).
Many family events took place in the 14 months that the site was dormant. During this time many hundreds of pictures were taken at the family events. Every now and then I will post some of the pictures that were "lost" on this site.
(Last week I posted some pictures from a visit to the Segolis in Davis in October 2011)
Last night we had dinner with our friend Morris Kahn and were delighted that we were joined by our "shipmate" and fellow tour guide Barney Weiner, whom we haven't seen for some time.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
30th November 2024
Sofia Restaurant
On our last night in Sofia at the bridge workshop we decided to forego the hotel restaurant. The receptionist at the hotel highly recommended a "very delicious" restaurant and Maurizio, Catherine, Doreen and I decided to eat there. At the restaurant it turned out that the menu was completely in Bulgarian which uses Cyrillic characters and which is totally incomprehensible to us. Furthermore, no one at the restaurant spoke English. Google translate to the rescue: I started going through the recipes and when I got to marinated spare ribs we all decided "that's it" and ordered. Fortunately I had pointed to the right line and the ribs duly arrived. They were good and we enjoyed the food and the company of two bridge colleagues whom we have known for many years. Maurizio, the World Bridge Federation Operations Director, and I met in in 1997 when we were in the same group at one of the first courses for tournament directors and we have been friends ever since.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
Last week I posted a picture of
Doreen enjoying soup in a bread bowl
in Sofia. It
brought
back memories, not only to us, but also to grandchildren Maayan and
Lotem Segoli. 13 years ago we visited the Segolis in Davis California
where we celebrated Lotem's 6th birthday. We took them on a visit to
San Francisco where we enjoyed for the first time 'soup in a bread
bowl'.
Last night we visited the Segolis at a hotel where they were staying
for the weekend and reminisced with the
aid of pictures about that trip.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE23rd November 2024
In the snow
We are in Sofia, Bulgaria where I am one of the organizers for a workshop for Bridge Tournament Directors. While I mostly stayed in nice warm rooms Doreen explored Sofia despite the cold wind and snow.
In Sofia Doreen enjoyed soup in a
bowl and we were invited
by the Bulgarian Bridge Federation to a restaurant featuring typical
local food. (see pictures)
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
16th November 2024
In the stairwell
This last weekend we were in Eilat visiting the family and playing a little bridge at the Red Sea Bridge Festival. We stayed at the Isrotel King Solomon Hotel and were more than happy with the facilities and the service. On the second day there was an air raid siren and following instructions from the Home Front Command we rushed to the nearest stairwell which is considered relatively safe in case of a direct hit.
Despite the situation there was a very friendly atmosphere among all of us in the stairwell, and we exchanged details like about where we live. After the required time we said goodbye and everyone resumed 'normal' life.
We are always delighted to be with
our family and in Eilat
we had a lovely dinner with Eilat Levys. (See
picture)
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
9th November 2024
Preparing to release hawksbill turtles to the sea.
Three critically endangered hawksbill turtles had been raised for about 20 years at the Underwater Observatory in Eilat. On reaching maturity they were released back into the sea. Each turtle has a satellite transmitter* enabling their movements to be monitored.
The project was a joint operation of Israel's Nature Reserves Authority and the Underwater Observatory and was organised by our son Aviv (in the picture wearing a brown hat.)
The release was widely reported in the press (see details, articles and pictures in Yediot Ahronot in Hebrew and in the Jerusalem Post in English) .
We are very proud of Aviv's role in this important project.
*To follow the paths of the turtles click here.
After 60 years Doreen finally persuaded me to start an exercise regime. Once a week I meet Hila my personal trainer and pull and stretch and push and bend. See pictures.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
2nd November 2024
Winnie, Joe, Hayman, Shirley, Miriam, Ethel
This is the only picture I have of my late cousin Miriam Levy.
My father Hayman was one of 36 first
cousins. I am one of only 11, 10 on my father's side, of
whom 6 have passed away.
Miriam, daughter of uncle Joe and aunt Ethel, suffered from Down's syndrome and died aged 48. I have many fond memories of her. She was always smiling and happy. She knew what was right or wrong - I remember an incident when she intervened when an older boy was bullying another boy in the park. Without hesitation she stepped up and told the much bigger and older boy to stop it at once because it wasn't right Once while playing with her (I don't remember what game) I fell through a glass window and gashed my hand, needing stitches. I still have the scars.
Ethel was my 'godmother' and I loved her dearly. So sad, 3 of her 4 children, and her husband Joe, passed away while she was still alive. Her daughter, Shirley Kansky, lives 15 minutes away from us and we see her fairly often.
There are pictures of my paternal cousins here.
Link to Levy family tree.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
Miriam, daughter of uncle Joe and aunt Ethel, suffered from Down's syndrome and died aged 48. I have many fond memories of her. She was always smiling and happy. She knew what was right or wrong - I remember an incident when she intervened when an older boy was bullying another boy in the park. Without hesitation she stepped up and told the much bigger and older boy to stop it at once because it wasn't right Once while playing with her (I don't remember what game) I fell through a glass window and gashed my hand, needing stitches. I still have the scars.
Ethel was my 'godmother' and I loved her dearly. So sad, 3 of her 4 children, and her husband Joe, passed away while she was still alive. Her daughter, Shirley Kansky, lives 15 minutes away from us and we see her fairly often.
There are pictures of my paternal cousins here.
Link to Levy family tree.
This afternoon we attended a very
enjoyable concert by our
favourite music ensemble Barocada featuring
Yaniv D'Or and Ladino songs . Barrocada has returned to the
renovated Abu Ghosh monastery/church and we were delighted to once
again hear a concert there.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
26th October 2024
Maayan and Mikhal Segoli on their way to see the gorillas
Last week I wrote that
daughter-in-law Mikhal Segoli and her son Maayan were visiting Uganda
and Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas
the area is famous for.
Their visit was a great success as can be seen from the pictures they took.
- Our dear friend Ella Ogden
passed away this week. We feel for Christopher and Dimitri who have
lost their parents Ella and Archie in
the space of a few days. We will always remember our good and joyful
times with Ella and Archie. A few years ago Doreen wrote about the Ogdens in her column.
- The Rons, daughter Vered, Aviv, Dani and Lior, have returned
from the vacation in Cyprus. There are more pictures here.
- Returning from Jerusalem yesterday we popped in to say hello to our in-law Avram Segoli. On his recommendation we had lunch at the Reshta Restaurant in the village of Ein Rafa (Ein Naqquba). The menu consisted of local Arab dishes and we can recommend a visit there for something very different from the usual Israel local food restaurants.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
19th October 2024
Bobbe Mary with grandchildren Mushe (Bacher) Kirsch and Issy Bacher (?)
Doreen's maternal grandmother was
Mary (Aleshnik) Nickel, known as "Bobbe Mary" who was probably born in
Slonim, Belarus. She died in 1973 and is buried in Johannesburg. Her
husband was Louis (Leibe) Nickel, and they had 5 children and 17
grandchildren.
The number of her descendants is amazing. There are 50 great grandchildren and 79 great great grandchildren (so far!)
Read Doreen's memories of Bobbe Mary,
and see also picture of Bobbe Mary, with granddaughter Louise and son Julius.
The number of her descendants is amazing. There are 50 great grandchildren and 79 great great grandchildren (so far!)
Read Doreen's memories of Bobbe Mary,
and see also picture of Bobbe Mary, with granddaughter Louise and son Julius.
- We were saddened to hear about the passing of Archie Ogden, a good friend from our days in St Thomas.
- We have had an amazing crop
of papayas this year and we keep the family and friends well
supplied with this delicious fruit.
- Today we were supposed to fly to Argentina for the Bridge World Series. As I reported last week our flight was cancelled and we couldn't find a reasonable alternate way to get there.
- The Rons, daughter Vered, Aviv, Dani and Lior, also had their flight to Greece cancelled and instead decided to spend their vacation in Cyprus where they are staying in our apartment.
- Daughter-in-law Mikhal and grandson Maayan Segoli are on a short visit to Uganda and Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas there.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
12th October 2024
Doreen
We've had some ups and downs this
week. The situation in Israel is disheartening and worsening
(fortunately we only had two warning sirens in our area). our
long-awaited trip to Argentina was cancelled, and Doreen had a
very emotional episode volunteering
for Road to Recovery. On the other hand there was no bad news from our
trips to the doctors, we attended a very pleasant birthday celebration
and enjoyed a "breaking the fast" dinner with daughter Vered and Aviv
and Dani, and we made good (nearly final) progress on Doreen's cookbook.
At times like this Doreen and I are so fortunate that we are 'best friends' and that our relationship is more than just husband and wife. So in honour of my wonderful wife I prepared the above collage of her very many facets.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
At times like this Doreen and I are so fortunate that we are 'best friends' and that our relationship is more than just husband and wife. So in honour of my wonderful wife I prepared the above collage of her very many facets.
Next week the server for this site is updating and I need to reset some parameters, so if this this notice still appears next week you may have to wait a few days.
- We enjoyed Basil Porter's 81st birthday party and were happy to again meet some good and old friends. Basil's 80th was cancelled last year and his family made up for it with delicious food and a superb programme.
- Our eagerly awaited trip to Argentina for the World Bridge
Olympiad was cancelled by the airline. there were no alternate ways to
get there so we had to cancel.
- Cousin Charles and Sheenagh Levy (see Hershovitz/Levy and Matz family trees) are enjoying their New Zealand trip with daughter Katherine.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
5th October 2024
Rosh Hashanah
In spite of the tense security situation
we celebrated Rosh Hashanah this year at Moran and Mikhal's home at
Midreshet Ben Gurion. Unfortunately the Eilati Levys were unable to
join
us. We had a lovely time and too much food of course, including
roast goose prepared by grandson Maayan.
See some pictures here.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
See some pictures here.
- A few weeks ago we congratulated Gabi Nathan on becoming an Eagle Scout. At Gabi's recent Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony her grandmother Lucille Melamed was there to enjoy the occasion. More congratulations to Gabi, we're proud of you. See Nochimovitz/Nickel family tree.
- We had the pleasure of meeting Devra Hock some years ago, and have kept up some contact. We received some lovely pictures of her marriage to Zach Reid and of her receiving her PhD last year. She is at present Assistant Curator for Science Education at the New Jersey State Museum. (see Nochimovitz/Nickel family tree).
- Sheenagh Levy is in New Zealand visiting her daughter Katherine (picture). Cousin Charles will soon join them. (see Hershovitz/Levy and Matz family trees.)
- Today we attended a memorial for our daughter-in-law's mother Yael Segoli (see Memorial Page) who passed away 4 years ago. see picture
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
28th September. 2024
As the Jewish New Year approaches we wish all our family and friends a good year - Shana Tova -
filled with happiness, good health, and success and above all peace.
Doreen expressed our situation, frustration and hopes in a letter she wrote to family and friends:
As we re-read last
year’s letter noting the anti-democratic changes occurring
in Israel we could not imagine that a year later we would be embroiled
in a war
that seems likely to become a regional or horror of horrors a world
war,
challenging and undermining the values and principles we hold dear.
Hopes of
achieving any kind of ceasefire seem very distant and chances of
changing the
government even more so.
Who
could imagine that our leaders would be more interested in maintaining
their privileges and power than care to hear what the people want and
need. I
was always so proud that one of the highest ideals of Israeli ethos was
that no
effort would be too much in order to bring back someone who had been
captured by
the enemy. And unbelievably, we are now faced with a government that
believes
hostages are expendable, a barrier to their delusional idea of total
victory.
We
were so proud to be part of Israel, a vibrant democracy,
technologically
advanced and with a special warmth arising from close contact with
family and
friends. Now we fear for the very existence of Israel and for the
future of our
children and grandchildren.
This
year, although so depressing and frightening, has brought us
some special pleasures. We personally are well and safe and we are all
involved
as much as we can in supporting each other and those in need.
One
of the highlights of this past year was renewing contact with
long lost relatives and enjoying the shared memories that that contact
has brought
us.
Eitan
is still active in World Bridge and after Yom Kippur we are
flying to Argentine for a World Bridge Tournament, followed by a short
trip to Bulgaria
to attend a training session for tournament directors, a project that
Eitan ran
for many years.
My
big achievement is that I have compiled a vegan cookbook for the family
together with pictures and stories submitted by our family members. We
hope to
have it printed and given out by 16 th December, our 60 th wedding
anniversary.
A remarkable achievement in itself.
We
have realized a long held dream and acquired a family holiday apartment
in Larnaca Cyprus, a mere 40 minute flight from Tel Aviv. It is
impossible to
get away from the tension and constant bombardment of news, most of it
totally
upsetting. Going to Cyprus allows us respite and a place to relax, for
which we
are most grateful.
We
hope the coming year will bring relief from the misery in which
we find ourselves. We wish you a healthy and successful year.
THIS
WEEK'S NEWS
- The Segolis have their own dog - Tom. See here.
- And while on the subject of dogs: I was looking for an old file on my backup disks and came across this tale written by Doreen to the family in about 2000 about our dog Lopsy not wagging its tail.
- We're getting ready for our Rosh Hashana - New Year - dinner which I'm sure will, as in previous years, be more than ample with enough left-overs for another few meals. Yesterday we has a "practice run" at the Segolis with most of the family.
- On our way back from Sde Boker we popped in to say hello to Sydney Lossin, who is not only a cousin (see Matz family tree) but also a fellow papaya grower. We were amazed at the number of papaya plants she is growing - a plantation.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
21st September. 2024
With Selma and Lennie Cartoon in Cyprus
At the Chantera Waterfall
We are in Cyprus with friends
(and almost relatives) Selma and Lennie Cartoon (see also here). We came yesterday
and will return on Tuesday morning.
Today we drove to the Troodos mountains. We have visited Omodos a few times but today was special as a young theologian explained the various objects and pictures and gave us a fascinating account of the background and history of the Monastery of the Holy Cross there. The church is home to two priceless relics: a piece of the rope used to tie Jesus to the Cross and a small chip of the cross.
We visited Vouni and unlike our previous visit (when apart from us and the Porters there were only 2 other couples visiting there) the village was teeming with visitors. We had a light lunch in a crowded restaurant and ended a tiring but enjoyable day with a visit to the Chantra Falls. In summer there is not much water in the waterfall but we hope to visit there again in the winter when we're told the falls are full and impressive.
More pictures here.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
Today we drove to the Troodos mountains. We have visited Omodos a few times but today was special as a young theologian explained the various objects and pictures and gave us a fascinating account of the background and history of the Monastery of the Holy Cross there. The church is home to two priceless relics: a piece of the rope used to tie Jesus to the Cross and a small chip of the cross.
We visited Vouni and unlike our previous visit (when apart from us and the Porters there were only 2 other couples visiting there) the village was teeming with visitors. We had a light lunch in a crowded restaurant and ended a tiring but enjoyable day with a visit to the Chantra Falls. In summer there is not much water in the waterfall but we hope to visit there again in the winter when we're told the falls are full and impressive.
More pictures here.
- Last week I reported on our warm family meeting in London with the descendants of Yeina Joe Glasser. His granddaughter Sue has made many updates to the tree for which I am most grateful. Also here is the link to the Glasser family picture in Vilna Lithuania about 1927.
14th September. 2024
Glasser-Levy Family Meeting
Me, Sue Glasser, Abigail Glasser, Doreen, Bridget Burrows
As reported last week we
received an email from Bridget (Glasser) Burrows, a relative on the
Glasser tree. We were delighted when she arranged a meeting
together with her mother Sue and cousin Abigail to meet in London.
Doreen and Sue are second cousins.
We met yesterday and it was absolutely fabulous. Although Doreen had warm relations with the Glasser family when she was young and living in South Africa we had lost contact with the Yeina Glasser branch of the family. Friday was a beautiful and warm meeting with many stories about our family history - factual and emotional - that we shared. We filled in many gaps in our knowledge of each other and relished the family aspect of our meeting. Our history and lives are intermingled - Sue's grandfather Yeina brought Doreen's father Maurice (his nephew) from Lithuania to South Africa on the eve of the holocaust. If not for this there would never have been an Eitan and Doreen.
We are grateful to Bridget for contacting us and were pleasantly surprised to hear about her interest in family history.
Next week I will download the family tree updated by the information supplied by Sue.
THIS WEEK'S NEWSWe met yesterday and it was absolutely fabulous. Although Doreen had warm relations with the Glasser family when she was young and living in South Africa we had lost contact with the Yeina Glasser branch of the family. Friday was a beautiful and warm meeting with many stories about our family history - factual and emotional - that we shared. We filled in many gaps in our knowledge of each other and relished the family aspect of our meeting. Our history and lives are intermingled - Sue's grandfather Yeina brought Doreen's father Maurice (his nephew) from Lithuania to South Africa on the eve of the holocaust. If not for this there would never have been an Eitan and Doreen.
We are grateful to Bridget for contacting us and were pleasantly surprised to hear about her interest in family history.
Next week I will download the family tree updated by the information supplied by Sue.
- Our 'batmitzvah' granddaughters went back to Israel at the beginning of the week. We so enjoyed their company for the time they were with us. See pictures of their trip.
- After the granddaughters left we flew to Dublin in
Ireland for two days. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit there. We spent
some time with friends Maureen and Paul Porteous, and saw some
interesting museums.
- After Ireland we returned to London, spent a day shopping
and a wonderful day with the Glassers (see above.).
- It's a small world. We reported earlier that
granddaughter Lotem Segoli is
spending her year before army duty at a secular mechina with
emphasis on science. She became very friendly with another student
there, Shai Cartoon, and while talking it turned out that both of them
had grandparents who were born in South Africa. The grandparents turned
out to be us and Lennie and Selma Cartoon, good friends of ours and
almost relatives who will be coming with us to Cyprus this week. Jonty
is my 1st cousin and Lennie's 2nd cousin). Click for a
picture of Lotem and Shai.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
7th Sep. 2024
Dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant
We are in London with
granddaughters Danielle and
Lior Ron for their batmitzvah trip. Yes, we know they
are both in their twenties but we never took them on a batmitzvah trip
and they insist that they should have one like the other
grandchildren.
We are having a wonderful time. The girls are absolutely enjoying their first trip to London and it's a pleasure to see them so happy. We treated them to a birthday dinner at a Michelin restaurant Pied a Terre and had an 8 course tasting menus - for the vegan girls and for us. Most of the tastings were delicious and a few only very good.
We are also happy to be with them and seeing them so enthusiastic is an absolute delight. In a couple of days they return to Israel and we'll spend a few more days in London and Dublin.
Click for some pictures of our London trip
We are having a wonderful time. The girls are absolutely enjoying their first trip to London and it's a pleasure to see them so happy. We treated them to a birthday dinner at a Michelin restaurant Pied a Terre and had an 8 course tasting menus - for the vegan girls and for us. Most of the tastings were delicious and a few only very good.
We are also happy to be with them and seeing them so enthusiastic is an absolute delight. In a couple of days they return to Israel and we'll spend a few more days in London and Dublin.
Click for some pictures of our London trip
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
31st Aug. 2024
Once upon a time ...................
Once upon a time in the days before Google Maps and Waze, when we wanted to travel by road
we would buy a map of the area. We'd carefully examine the map to determine the best way to go.
The colours on the map showed the different kinds of roads, from tracks to highways.
After deciding on the route we would estimate the distance with reference to the map scale or use
this special measuring instrument for more accurate distance especially if the road was winding.
The instrument had a little wheel at the bottom and when we traced the route on the map the pointer
on the dial face would show the kilometer (or mile) distance,
That was the "easy" part. The hard part was navigating with eyes glued to the map while also wanting
to see the scenery which often resulting in missing the correct turn-off and needing to backtrack or
take an alternate much longer route.
Bottom line: We did pretty well traveling across Europe and America without getting lost too many
times. Today we sometime wonder how we did it.
- Congratulations to daughter-in-law Limor Levy on receiving tenure at Egged Bus Company, Israel's largest transportation company with 1 million passengers per day.
- Grandchildren Amit and Itamar Levy have just started new
jobs (details later). We wish them success.
- Granddaughter Lotem Segoli will be spending her year
before army duty at a secular mechina
with emphasis on science. We wish her too success.
- Next week we fly to London with granddaughters Danielle and Lior Ron for their batmitzvah trip 🥰. Yes, we know they are both in their twenties but we never took them on a batmitzvah trip and they insist that they should have one like the other grandchildren. It's our pleasure.
24th Aug. 2024
Doreen chatting to a Cyprus donkey at the Christoudia Winery
One of our family visits in Cyprus
was to the Agios Minas Monastery and the nearby winery. There are
donkey sanctuaries in many locations but this was the first time we had
seen a donkey close up.
Although not having the status of an official symbol the donkey is a common symbol for Cyprus.
Souvenir shops have key rings, hats, aprons etc., depicting a donkey and the donkey image is on many
Cyprus products like wine and chocolates. In addition cosmetics made with donkey milk are a
popular item.
The Cypriot donkey was an integral component of rural life from prehistoric times until the 20th century. These donkeys were an indispensable tool: they transported food and wine, and they were the primary mode of transportation on the island for many centuries. It was the donkeys that helped in the production of olive oil, turning the heavy millstones, and in the manufacture of wine, carrying grapes from mountain plantations.
Donkey milk has a long history of medicinal and cosmetic uses. Hippocrates reportedly used it as a treatment for arthritis, coughs, and wounds. Cleopatra is said to have maintained her soft, smooth skin with donkey milk baths.
(Much of the above was taken from Wikipedia)
- Welcome back to the Segolis who arrived today from their Cyprus trip. There are many pictures of the trip, with us, or with Rons or just the Segolis on this site. Click for more pictures of the last part of their trip.
- Doreen and sister Louise visited and had lunch with Yaffa Loew who is recovering nicely. See Schank family tree.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
17 Aug. 2024
Enjoying a meal at the Ocean Basket
Clockwise: Lotem, Mikhal and Moran Segoli, me, Doreen, Zoe Segoli, Aviv and Vered Ron
These last two weeks we inaugurated
family visits to our Larnaca apartment. First granddaughter
Ilay Levy and her friend
Esther (See archives)
came for 4 days. Then the Segolis (sans Maayan) came for a couple of
weeks and stayed with us for part of the time. Vered and Aviv Ron
sailed to
Cyprus and joined us for a few days after their sail.
Some pictures of the family visits are here.
Some pictures of the family visits are here.
Enjoying time with the members of
the family is very important for us, and these three visits were an
absolute joy.
THIS WEEK'S NEWSCongratulations to
sister/sister-in-law Louise Braverman on
her 86 birthday. עד מאה עשרים
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
10 Aug. 2024
Ilay, Esther, Doreen and I in Cyprus
We are in Cyprus with granddaughter
Ilay Levy and her friend Esther Zohar. We all enjoyed a meal at Food
Park City, an excellent fast food restaurant in the Mackensie Beach
area. See two more pictures of the
girls.
The girls return on Tuesday, to be replaced by son Moran Segoli and family on the same day. After a few days daughter Vered Ron and Aviv, who are sailing in the area, will also join us.
We are delighted that our family can enjoy our holiday apartment with us in Cyprus.
(for more pictures taken later on the trip, see here.
The girls return on Tuesday, to be replaced by son Moran Segoli and family on the same day. After a few days daughter Vered Ron and Aviv, who are sailing in the area, will also join us.
We are delighted that our family can enjoy our holiday apartment with us in Cyprus.
(for more pictures taken later on the trip, see here.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Congratulations to Gabi Nathan on becoming an Eagle Scout. (See Picture) . Gabi is the daughter of Melodie and Mark Nathan and the granddaughter of Doreen's cousin Lucille (Nickel) and the late Graham Melamed. See Nochimovitz/Nickel family tree.
3rd Aug. 2024
The Kimberley Synagogue
This week (August 1st) was the yahrzeit
(death anniversary)
of my mother, Queenie, and I started thinking of her
family and
her history. Queenie Malka Shapiro was born in Sauliau in Latvia (then
a part of the Russian Empire) in 1904 and with her parents and older
sister Rose emigrated to South Africa soon after. She died and was buried in Durban, South
Africa
on August 1, 1960 aged 56. Her mother was Rhoda Goldberg. (see Goldberg family tree.)
The family lived in Kimberley (in the Beaconsfield suburb) from about 1907 to the late 1930's. In 1933 she married my father, Hayman Levy in Kimberley (see marriage certificate), in the magnificent synagogue, and my Grandfather Isaac Shapiro was buried in Kimberley in 1933.
Kimberley today is hardly known by non-South Africans but at one one stage it was the second largest city in South Africa following the discovery of diamonds there. It has many claims to historic fame (for example, it was the first city in Africa to have a stock exchange and electric street lighting). Today it is the 36th largest city in South Africa, known mainly for the "big hole," the deepest mine in the world dug by manpower alone. There are only a few Jews in Kimberley today but at one stage there was a large community numbering about 4,000. The Jews there were an important part of the city. One of the early architects of the De Beers Company (today still the largest diamond company in the world) was Ernest Oppenheimer who later converted but continued supporting the Jewish community including significant support for the building of the impressive synagogue.
The Jewish site Kehilalinks has an comprehensive selection on Kimberley with details on all aspects of life there, including the Jewish inhabitants. My Shapiro family is also included and the article about the Shapiro family is comprehensive. Much of the content is based on the information I gave to Geraldine Auerbach, the amazing ex-resident who is mainly responsible for the site and also edits a regular Kimberley newsletter. The Shapiro article is worthwhile reading as it presents an excellent look about the history of our family.
THIS WEEK'S NEWSThe family lived in Kimberley (in the Beaconsfield suburb) from about 1907 to the late 1930's. In 1933 she married my father, Hayman Levy in Kimberley (see marriage certificate), in the magnificent synagogue, and my Grandfather Isaac Shapiro was buried in Kimberley in 1933.
Kimberley today is hardly known by non-South Africans but at one one stage it was the second largest city in South Africa following the discovery of diamonds there. It has many claims to historic fame (for example, it was the first city in Africa to have a stock exchange and electric street lighting). Today it is the 36th largest city in South Africa, known mainly for the "big hole," the deepest mine in the world dug by manpower alone. There are only a few Jews in Kimberley today but at one stage there was a large community numbering about 4,000. The Jews there were an important part of the city. One of the early architects of the De Beers Company (today still the largest diamond company in the world) was Ernest Oppenheimer who later converted but continued supporting the Jewish community including significant support for the building of the impressive synagogue.
The Jewish site Kehilalinks has an comprehensive selection on Kimberley with details on all aspects of life there, including the Jewish inhabitants. My Shapiro family is also included and the article about the Shapiro family is comprehensive. Much of the content is based on the information I gave to Geraldine Auerbach, the amazing ex-resident who is mainly responsible for the site and also edits a regular Kimberley newsletter. The Shapiro article is worthwhile reading as it presents an excellent look about the history of our family.
The yahrzeits of
my sister Fern and nephew Rael are also in
this period. Click to see a picture
of Fern and I with our mother on Durban beach.
- Melly Braverman, our ex brother-in-law, had a family reunion with his children at the summer home of Fenella Bishop, his former companion.
- Later this week we are going with granddaughter Ilay Levy and her friend Esther for a few days to Cyprus. We hope that later daughter Vered and Aviv will join us too.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
27th July 2024
Luncheon
Clockwise: Roni Dagan and her helper, Yael Paperna, Ruti Erez, Caroline Livneh, Louse Braverman, Ziona Glassman and her helper, Maureen Fine, Varda Rosbruch, Doreen and me. Daughter Vered Levy-Ron took the picture.
Doreen decided to invite a few friends, some of whom
she has not seen for too long, to a luncheon at our house. A 'few'
became 12 and all enjoyed the company, reminiscences of old times and
of course the food. Not everyone knew each other when they arrived, but
were firm friends by the time they left.
Some more pictures here.
THIS WEEK'S NEWSSome more pictures here.
- Doreen has submitted the final version of her vegan cookbook for editing, layout and typesetting. The goal is to have the book ready for our 60th Wedding Anniversary in December.
- After many years of zero or dismal production our mango tree has finally decided to provide us with delicious mangoes which we are enjoying at nearly every meal.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
20th July 2024
Doreen is writing a vegan recipe book
?!?!
We arrived back from Wroclaw Poland early this
morning after the Bridge
Championships. A few nights ago we went out for dinner to a
restaurant named
"Whiskey in a Jar." Normally Doreen orders a vegetarian or fish meal (see example here) but to my surprise
Doreen ordered what I often order:
spare ribs. She thoroughly enjoyed them and found them delicious. Don't
panic - the next
night she returned to 'normal'.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- No visit to Wroclaw is complete without searching for and then looking at the Wroclaw Dwarfs.
- One of the main reasons I enjoy being at the various bridge
championships is the opportunity to meet old friends from different
countries whom we have known and worked with for many many years, and
to meet
new friends also from all over the world. See some pictures here .
- Daughter Vered Ron has returned from a trip to USA where she had the opportunity to again meet up with Caryn Sangupta, the daughter of Frankie and my late cousin Vivian Klaff. (see Goldberg family tree).
World Bridge Transnational Youth Championships
The Bridge Playing Area
We are in Wroclaw in Poland where I am an official for the WTYC. The event is being held at the GEM Hotel and Sports Centre and the main hall is packed with more than 120 tables - over 500 participants. There are 5 categories: Under 26 Open, Under 26 Women, Under 21, Under 16 and Under 31.
There are players from 31 countries ranging from China to India to Denmark to USA and some of these countries are shown in this collage.
The event finishes this coming Friday.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
This is about the 4th or 5th time we have visited Wroclaw
and while I usually have limited time for sightseeing Doreen always
finds interesting places to visit and things to do. Today she was
lucky to see a local enacting in the Wroclaw Market Square of the
revered Hindu Chariot Festival. THIS WEEK'S PICTURE6th July 2024
Maayan receiving Award for Excellence in Physics Studies
We are very proud that grandson Maayan Segoli was awarded a certificate for excellence in Physics at Ben Gurion University. We went to the Ceremony where he was presented with his certificate.
We took a picture of the family after the ceremony and then went for lunch where granddaughter Danielle (who is studying for a degree at BGU) joined us. See picture.
- We were delighted that Aura and Hilton Greenberg from Canada
could spend a few days with us
on their visit to Israel. Aura was at
school with Doreen in Durban and I knew Hilton before either of us
was married. Although they live in Canada we keep in close contact and
see them fairly often, for
example here.
- The Segolis went to Eilat for the weekend and had Friday night dinner with the Eilatis, while we went for Friday night dinner with the Rons.
- Today Doreen joined a demonstration against Netanyahu and our government which seems intent on destroying democracy and our country.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
29th June 2024
The museum in Vouni, Cyprus.
Basil Porter, Doreen, Noga Porter, me and our guide Panicos
One of the pleasures of having a holiday apartment in Larnaca is to invite people to join us for a few days. This week we were happy to welcome Basil and Noga Porter. We always have people staying over at our house in Kiryat Hasharon, but somehow sharing an apartment overseas with friends is a much more intimate experience; talk flows and experiences are shared.
We spent a delightful 4 days with them and experienced the local cuisine and Doreen's delicious baked fish. We visited interesting places, including Fig Tree Beach, Capo Grecko, Vouni and Lefkira.
For some pictures, and Doreen's descriptions see here.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Mazel Tov to Naama and Dor Kadosh on the birth of their first child, daughter Maya. Mazel Tov also to grandparents Racheli and Avi Gilad. (Goldberg family tree). See picture.
- Happy birthday to daughter Vered Ron. See picture of her with good friends Keren and Osnat.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
22 June 2024
Happy Birthdays - Doreen, Vered Ron and Aviv Levy
June is a special month for our
family, Doreen and two of our children Vered and Aviv have June
birthdays. The family decided to have a joint birthday party this
weekend. We all had a fantastic time. Last night we met at the
Nammos restaurant where we enjoyed their delicious food. The Segolis
and Levys slept over at the Ron's and with us, and today we had picnic
next to the pool at the home of good friends Ruti and Dani Erez. It was
even a bigger success than we had hoped for. See some pictures here.
Special thanks to Ruti and Dani for opening up their home and pool for us. You are true friends!
Special thanks to Ruti and Dani for opening up their home and pool for us. You are true friends!
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Grandson Itamar Levy finishes his compulsory army service tomorrow (see when he was enlisted) and unless he is called up to the reserves he hopes to spend a short vacation in Norway. The family wished him bon voyage at the family birthday party.
- Every week Doreen prepares a cake or two for the evacuees
from the North. This week she made a special upside down pineapple
cake. See the recipe here.
- Doreen is hard at work going over a near-final draft of the
vegan cookbook she is writing. We are very optimistic that the book
will be printed in time for our 60th Anniversary.
- This week we are going to Cyprus for a few days with Basil and Noga Porter.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
15th June 2024
Doreen is 80 !
Happy 80th to my amazing wife. Being married to you means everything to me, and I'm so privileged to have such a wonderful wife.
Happy Birthday too from Joanie, our dog.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Our "lone soldier" Jordyn
has finished her army service and has returned to USA. She will spend
some time with her family and intends returning to Israel. During her
army service she became part of our family and we enjoyed her company
at
Friday night dinners.
- Lenny and Selma Cartoon our "almost relatives" invited us for brunch. Not only was the food varied and delicious but we also enjoyed the company of our good friends Basil and Noga Porter and Jeff and Pam Bethlehem. Click for a picture.
- I got a gift of a breakfast for two at the Good Morning
Sunshine Baker for organising the ESRA
bridge morning, and we enjoyed the shakshuka there. See picture.
If a link does not work please let me know.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
8th June 2024
Colin and Louise, and Doreen and I in Cyprus (Agia Napa - Cava Grecko)
We were delighted to entertain
Colin and Louise Kessel as our first guests in our apartment in Cyprus.
We have known them since our youth in South Africa and see them
and enjoy their company regularly.
We had a most relaxing time, and enjoyed watching the Roland Garos tennis. We went swimming but unfortunately Colin suffered bad burns on the soles of this feet due to walking on the hot sand. That didn't stop us from enjoying a wonderful visit to the Agia Napa region.
Of course, meals are important part of every holiday and we were not disappointed with the Cyprus cuisine. We also chose fish at the Fisherman's stall near us and enjoyed the meal at home.
See some more pictures here.We had a most relaxing time, and enjoyed watching the Roland Garos tennis. We went swimming but unfortunately Colin suffered bad burns on the soles of this feet due to walking on the hot sand. That didn't stop us from enjoying a wonderful visit to the Agia Napa region.
Of course, meals are important part of every holiday and we were not disappointed with the Cyprus cuisine. We also chose fish at the Fisherman's stall near us and enjoyed the meal at home.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
1st June 2024
Enjoying a meal
Yesterday was the yahrzeit (anniversary) of the
passing of Doreen's mother Gertie (Nickel) Glazer. I accompanied
Gertie's daughters Doreen and Louise Braverman and two of her
nieces Vered Ron and Denise Braverman to the Savyon cemetery
where she is buried. We cleaned the grave and surrounding vegetation
and then sat and reminisced about Gertie and her life. It was very
meaningful.
Afterwards we went to a restaurant in Savyon where we enjoyed a brunch.
Click for a picture of Gertie and for a picture of Gertie and husband Morris probably taken at their engagement.
Afterwards we went to a restaurant in Savyon where we enjoyed a brunch.
Click for a picture of Gertie and for a picture of Gertie and husband Morris probably taken at their engagement.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Congratulations to Nitzan Partuk on her marriage to Sagi
Maor (see picture). Nitzan is the
granddaughter of Sydney Lossin, my second cousin and a fellow papaya grower.
- We visited Laura, Doreen's aunt and wife of the late Julius Nickel. We were delighted to see how cheerful and happy she was.
- It's now a tradition. Every year Doreen donates an elaborate birthday cake (expertly made by Michal Kimchi) for the batmitzvah ceremony of disadvantaged girls, a project of ESRA.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
25th May 2024
BBQ for Soldiers
Moran helped his friend Zvilik have
a BBQ for soldiers on the front. Zvilik arranged this and obtained
donations from a group of volunteers from the USA. The soldiers
were on active duty while the BBQ was taking place and altogether about
100 soldiers enjoyed the food.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- The ESRA charity had a morning bridge competition to raise money for their project of music instruction to under-privileged teenagers. The Israel Bridge Federation donated the equipment and I organized and ran the competition. Doreen was supposed to be my helper but there was a player short so she also played.
- Doreen continues with her volunteering
with ESRA with cooking classes for disadvantaged children. (see Archives). This time
she had a helper - granddaughter Zoe. See picture.
- We renewed contact with old friends we have not seen for for more than 20 years. We were very friendly with Mike and Dafna Ossip, socially and through bridge. Mike and I regularly met at the bridge table often as partners or in the same team. We had good times with them including at the fishing village in Sinai. They came over and we talked about old times and we enjoyed a game of bridge. See picture here.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
18th May 2024
Annie Levy, Ethel Levy, Fanny Levy
Hayman Levy
Among my collection of old family photos
is this one showing my father (kneeling in front) with his 3 older
sisters. Both Annie and Fanny died before I was born. My given name,
Anthony, is after Annie. My sister Fern was named after Fanny (both
Feigel in Yiddish). I know very little about Annie and Fanny, although
I do have a copy of Fanny's
death certificate which shows she died from
nephritis in Port Elizabeth in 1930 aged 27. Annie died in 1934 aged 33
years.
I fondly remember the oldest sister Ethel who married Sol William. They often visited us in Durban. She died of cancer aged 60 in Durban in 1959. Before she died she gave me her engagement ring which was the ring I gave Doreen when we were engaged.
My father had 3 younger brothers, Joe, Eric, Abe and all four were lawyers.
Click here for a picture taken about 1917 of 6 of the 7 siblings. (Abe was not yet born).
Picture colorized for clarity by My Heritage
I fondly remember the oldest sister Ethel who married Sol William. They often visited us in Durban. She died of cancer aged 60 in Durban in 1959. Before she died she gave me her engagement ring which was the ring I gave Doreen when we were engaged.
My father had 3 younger brothers, Joe, Eric, Abe and all four were lawyers.
Click here for a picture taken about 1917 of 6 of the 7 siblings. (Abe was not yet born).
Picture colorized for clarity by My Heritage
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- On Independence Day we continued the custom of lunch at the home of Carol and Terry Kessel with delicious food and many long-time friends. see picture.
- Our son and family the Segolis had an unusual visitor to
their home.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
11th May 2024
Zoe's batmitzvah celebration
The Levy and the Segoli families
celebrated Zoe's Batmitzvah with a gathering at the Gofra Beach on the
Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). It was fun to be together and the venue,
though very basic, was very suitable for the event.
More pictures here.
More pictures here.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
4th May 2024
On our trip to Rome and Naples to
celebrate granddaughter Zoe's batmitzvah
Doreen and I visited Capri where we enjoyed the Blue Grotto and the
wonderful views from Monte Solaro.
- We are back from our Italy trip for granddaughter Zoe's batmitzvah trip. Unfortunately the last part of our trip was affected by a stomach virus but despite that it was a very successful trip. Read about it here.
- Congratulations to Dani and
Tali Haberman on the birth of son Yuval their first child. And
special Mazal Tov to
grandparents Shuli and Eitan Haberman on the birth of their 6th
grandchild. See Goldberg
family tree.
- Were are once again proud of our son Aviv. He and the staff of Coral World and the Nature Reserves Authority took part in a successful effort to save and then release a stranded and wounded toad fish in the Coral Reserve in Eilat. There is a detailed article (in Hebrew) in the publication of the Nature Reserves Authority.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
27th April 2024
Doreen and I took granddaughter Zoe and
her brother Maayan to Italy her for her
batmitzvah. We celebrated her birthday dinner on the 24th at our
favourite Rome Restaurant, AL34. It was a special dinner, not
only were we treated like royalty by Renzo the waiter who has served us
on our many visits to the
restaurant but also because Courtney Mills a renowned opera singer
with a resounding voice sang "Happy Birthday" to her.
Doreen and I are with Zoe and
Maayan in Italy. see the first stage of
our trip here. To
be continued next week.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
20th April 2024
Preparing chrain for Pesach
In a few days we will celebrate the
holiday of Pesach, Passover,
especially the seder held on the eve of the first day. Apart from the
obligatory seder dish of 6
items and the eating of matzo there are many other ethnic
based foods. For Jews with origins in
Russia, Poland and other Eastern European countries chrain, made mainly with
grated horseradish and beet, is a must. It can be
overpoweringly strong with "fumes" which clear the nose and water the
eyes, or, mainly by adding more beet, a mild condiment to be eaten with
gefilte fish. Many buy the ready made chrain in shops. Dustim Hoffman
was the Rainman but in our family
I am the chrain man who
prepares both mild and strong versions. Grating or blending the
horseradish is overpowering even with a mask and goggles. Either the chrain is stronger or I am weaker
but this year I had to take a breather outside in the fresh air while
preparing.
While we celebrate the Festival of Freedom we hope that the hostages in Gaza will soon be freed and that peace will come to all of us.
While we celebrate the Festival of Freedom we hope that the hostages in Gaza will soon be freed and that peace will come to all of us.
On the first day of Pesach Doreen
and I are traveling to Italy with granddaughter Zoe Segoli for a family
traditional batmitzvah holiday.
Zoe's brother Maayan is joining us. We will be in Italy for a week
visiting Rome and its sites, the Pompeii ruins near Naples and the Blue
Grotto in Capri. Oh, nearly forgot, at Zoe's request we will spend a
day at a large amusement park outside Rome. While in Italy we will
celebrate Zoe's birthday at AL34 our favourite Rome Restaurant.
We'll
be in Naples for my birthday but 84 years doesn't need much of a
celebration.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
13th April 2024
The small fishing bay in Larnaca
A view of the small fishing marina a
short walk from our apartment in Larnaca. We bought fresh fish in the
mornings and enjoyed delicious lunches. We even ate lionfish so well
known in Eilat both for their appearance and for their poisonous fins.
See picture.
See picture of the stall where the fish are displayed and sold.
See picture of the stall where the fish are displayed and sold.
- We have returned from a restful and enjoyable week in Larnaca. We
took a break from eating fish and went to the Panos Meat Restaurant. It
was OK but not nearly as good as the Hobo Steakhouse where we enjoyed a
meal on a previous visit. The pepper
grinder (!) partly made up for the slightly disappointing steaks.
- The less said about our bridge results at the Limassol Bridge Festival the better!
- We invited Louise and Colin Kessel for lunch today to compensate for our absence from Louise's 80th birthsday. We forgot to take a picture so we need to rely on a picure from April 20 years ago when we also missed Louise's 60th party!
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
6th April 2024
Itamar celebrates his 21st birthday on April 4th
The Levy family with grandmother Margalit Sadeh.
Traditionally the keys of the house were
given to a son on reaching his 21 st birthday. The 21st birthday is a
significant milestone for any young person. It marks the
transition into adulthood symbolizing new opportunities and exciting
adventures ahead. (In
some countries the legal age for alcohol is still 21)
.
So congratulations Itamar. You already have the key to the house but go
easy on the alcohol..
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Daughter Vered Ron and Aviv are in Brazil (after 50 hours of
multi flight issues). But they got there in the end. Click
for a picture at the Iguazu Waterfall between Brazil and Argentina,
considered to be the biggest waterfall in the world.
- I'm writing this from Larnaca Cyprus where Doreen and I are spending a week, including participating in the Cyprus Bridge Festival, We had hoped that son Aviv and Limor would join us but that didn't work out in the end.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
30th March 2024
Making a Sandwich Cake
Although she is busy and occupied by
writing a Vegan Cookbook Doreen still finds time for volunteering.
Every week she spends time with one of the women who need help and ....
Doreen writes: I am a volunteer with the
splendid ESRA Netanya group that has many worthwhile projects.
Among them is a cooking class for disadvantaged children at a local
community center. Each week a volunteer cooks something with the
12 children who are signed up. I wanted to make something that didn't
contain sugar and remembered a savory sandwich cake I had made years
ago. As the date approached so did my misgivings increase, quite sure I
was overly ambitious. With the help of Rika, another volunteer, and
Maya their madricha it turned out well.
They loved mashing the eggs, although many didn't like the yellow and only wanted the white. Mayo - ugh, tuna - a teaspoon full, avocado - okay with cream cheese. They all loved cream cheese, prepared the fillings to place between the four layers of bread and then covered the 'cake' with more cream cheese and showed much creativity in decorating their cakes which they proudly took home.
They loved mashing the eggs, although many didn't like the yellow and only wanted the white. Mayo - ugh, tuna - a teaspoon full, avocado - okay with cream cheese. They all loved cream cheese, prepared the fillings to place between the four layers of bread and then covered the 'cake' with more cream cheese and showed much creativity in decorating their cakes which they proudly took home.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- Second cousin Yaffa Loew was in a traffic accident. Her car is a total write-off and she is suffering from some injuries but fortunately nothing was broken. She will need more treatment and we wish her a speedy recovery. We, Doreen, her sister Louise and I, made a lunch and visited her today (see picture) and in spite of the pain, she was her usual positve self. After visiting Yaffa we visited her brother Yaakov and Ziva and spent an enjoyable couple of hours with them.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
23rd March 2024
Doreen toasting Maureen Fain
We celebrated Maureen Fain's 80th
birthday today with her family and friends in Jerusalem..
Maureen is a well known artist and has held many exhibitions. She and Doreen were schoolmates and we were all in the Habonim Youth Movement. I have probably known Maureen since she was 8 years old!
We see her regularly and have always enjoyed meeting her and her husband Dick who passed away 3 years ago.
See here for another picture and also a picture taken 20 years ago at her 60th birthday celebration..
Maureen is a well known artist and has held many exhibitions. She and Doreen were schoolmates and we were all in the Habonim Youth Movement. I have probably known Maureen since she was 8 years old!
We see her regularly and have always enjoyed meeting her and her husband Dick who passed away 3 years ago.
See here for another picture and also a picture taken 20 years ago at her 60th birthday celebration..
- Congratulations to granddaughters Amit Levy and Lotem Segoli who now have driving licences - well done!
THIS
WEEK'S PICTURE
16th March 2024
Friday Night Dinner with the Eilatis
Aviv R, Danielle R, Ilay L, Aviv L, Limor L, Itamar L, Amit L (front), Jordyn, Doreen, Eitan, Vered R
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
9th March 2024
16th March 2024
Friday Night Dinner with the Eilatis
Aviv R, Danielle R, Ilay L, Aviv L, Limor L, Itamar L, Amit L (front), Jordyn, Doreen, Eitan, Vered R
It's been a long time - too long - since
we saw the Eilatis. They came up this weekend and it was wonderful
seeing them again. Vered, Aviv and Danielle Ron, and 'our lone
soldier' Jordyn joined us for Friday evening dinner. It was an
exceptionally successful evening. We were sorry to
see them go back to Eilat the following morning.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- The Eilatis' visit was a good opportunity for Doreen to
show them how her vegan cookbook is progressing. They were very
interested and promised to submit their contributions for the book. See
picture.
9th March 2024
Itamar and Maayan with Flopsy
Dogs have always had an important place
in our family and they have their own page on
this site. Everyone in the family loves dogs and the feeling is mutual.
We have been fortunate that all our dogs were gentle with babies
and toddlers, and the babies and toddlers loved to snuggle with
them.
These two pictures were taken in March 2004 - 20 years ago.
These two pictures were taken in March 2004 - 20 years ago.
- We retuned from Larnaca a few days after completing all the
paperwork needed for the apartment and buying all the neccesary
items and equipment.
- While in Cyprus we drove to Limassol and visited Galit Rubin who now lives in Cyprus. Galit is friend of our son Moran and we haven't seen her for many many years. We enjoyed meeting her again and received some useful information about life in Cyprus. (see picture)
- Son Moran and Mikhal paid a surprise and welcome visit to relative Yaffa Loew this weekend. (see picture and see Schank tree)
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
2nd March 2024
After some months of negotiations we
have a holiday apartment in Cyprus. It's on the fourth floor, on the
right as arrowed in the picture and has two bedrooms. It's a 15 minute
drive from the airport, 200m easy walk to the beach promenade and about
an 8 minute walk to a bathing beach.
More pictures and details here.
THIS WEEK'S NEWSMore pictures and details here.
- We received a collage from Melodie and Mark Nathan ( see Nochimovitz/Nickel tree)
showing daughter Gabriella's Scout Eagle Project work. She and her
volunteers made
20 elevated dog beds for as local rescue organization. We're
always pleased to have contact with Melodie and Mark and daughter Gabi.
See collage here.
- Congratulations to niece Yahel Braverman and Donny Dvir on their marriage this month. Yahel and Donny have been partners for a long time and decided to tie the knot. Congratulations too to their son Rafael and his daughters Gaby and Avigael. See picture. (see Gordon/Glasser and Schank family trees).
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
24th February 2024
We
celebrated 2nd cousin Joel Klotnick's birthday with his wife
Beryl and his family. It was very enjoyable,
especially that we so seldom see Joel's family. We see Joel
and Beryl frequently, and visited
Cyprus together with
them a couple of years ago.
(See Hershovitz/Levy and Matz family trees.)
THIS WEEK'S NEWS(See Hershovitz/Levy and Matz family trees.)
Congratulations to niece Yahel Braverman and Donny Dvir on their marriage this month. Yahel and Donny have been partners for a long time and decided to tie the knot. Congratulations too to their son Rafael and his daughters Gaby and Avigael. See picture. (see Gordon/Glasser and Schank family trees).
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
17th February 2024
On this day, 49 years ago, 24 year old
cousin Charles married 19 year old Sheenagh Singer. Their wedding and
their dress was rather unconventional for those days for a Jewish
couple. . A couple of weeks later they had a more conventional ceremony.
Also happy birthday to Charles on his birthday last week. We have spent many enjoyable days with them but haven't seen them for far too long, and I hope we can rectify this sometime.
(See Hershovitz/Levy and Matz family trees.)
THIS WEEK'S NEWSAlso happy birthday to Charles on his birthday last week. We have spent many enjoyable days with them but haven't seen them for far too long, and I hope we can rectify this sometime.
(See Hershovitz/Levy and Matz family trees.)
How quickly grandchildren grow! Good luck to granddaughter Ilay Levy who had her first call up registration for the army this week. On the way to Beer Sheva they visited the Segolis. See picture.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
10th February 2024
Happy February Wednesday 14th -
Valentine Day - to all friends and
relatives.
- Another quiet week. Doreen is hard at work writing her Vegan Cookbook. She hopes it will be finished and printed in time for her 80th birthday in June. I'm fairly busy with some of my bridge duties involving tournament directors and regulations and helping Doreen with her book..
- The operas we subscribed to have been canceled or postponed but
we saw and heard an excellent a performance of Verdi's Requiem this
evening.
- Special birthday greetings to 2nd cousin Sydney (Brunow) Lossin on her 95th birthday this week on the 14th . (See Matz family tree.)
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
3rd February 2024
McCay Park, Wyoming at the Iowa border.
It's nice to remember when we were a
little younger - in the days before frequent visits to doctors and
swallowing multiple pills. In 1995 we took a motor home trip in the USA
West coast. We visited local places of interest by cycling.
We took quite a few motor home trips usually with bicycles attached to rear of the vehicle. Here are two more examples - in South Australia and in Northern Queensland. during our round the world trip in 2001.
THIS WEEK'S NEWSWe took quite a few motor home trips usually with bicycles attached to rear of the vehicle. Here are two more examples - in South Australia and in Northern Queensland. during our round the world trip in 2001.
- We were invited by granddaughter Lior Ron to brunch at a local cafe. It was very nice and it was lovely being with her, even though I was a little cold. See picture.
- We received an unusual bottle of wine from daughter Vered and Aviv. The wine was bottled on the day of the heinous attack on Saturday October 7 and is dedicated to the casualties of the attack. See here for more.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
27th Jan 2024
Happy Birthday to Ilay and Moran
This week we celebrate the birthdays of granddaughter Ilay Levy (17 on the 28th) and son Moran Segoli (51 on the 30th). May the future bring health and happiness. In Hebrew we wish עד מאה עשרים (May you live to 120!)
The are many more pictures of Ilay on her page . See this iconic picture of Aviv and
Moran emptying a bucket on our
first
motor home trip.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS- We attended the 95th birthday party of long-time friend Ziona Glassman. We have known her since our days in Hofit nearly 60 ago and have shared many moments with her and her late husband Dovvie in many places, including Eilat, Sinai, The Bahamas and the Virgin Islands.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
20th Jan 2024
In the Eilat Mountains 1976
Today I am commemorating a 20th
anniversary.
I started this site devoted to the family in 2004, and the very first This Week's Picture was of Doreen with children Vered, Aviv and Moran on January 18 2004.
The picture brings back many happy memories of the time we lived in Eilat.
(The picture has been enhanced and colourized by ACDC and My Heritage).
I started this site devoted to the family in 2004, and the very first This Week's Picture was of Doreen with children Vered, Aviv and Moran on January 18 2004.
The picture brings back many happy memories of the time we lived in Eilat.
(The picture has been enhanced and colourized by ACDC and My Heritage).
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- We spent 3 days in Cyprus and enjoyed the rest and the quiet. Cyprus is an ideal "get away" destination as the flight time from Tel Aviv is only 40 minutes.
- Daughter Vered Ron spent about a week in New York with her daughter Lior, and they tell us they had a lovely visit. See pictures of Lior.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
13th Jan 2024
Tamir Klaff at NASA Florida
Congratulations to Tamir Klaff who was
recently appointed Director of Space Robots at Astrobotics, a company
that builds moon landers and space rovers.
Earlier this week NASA in conjunction with Astrobotics launched an unmanned vehicle, Peregrine, with a Vulcan rocket. This is the first US rocket to the moon in 50 years and the Peregrine will perform various experiments on the moon.
You can read about the launch and mission here.
The lander separated successfully from the rocket but there was a problem with a fuel leak and the Peregrine mission was in danger as its batteries were not charging (see report here.). Attempts to correct worked but not enough fuel remained and the lander was not able to land on the moon.
Video report on the mission on CNN
(Of interest is that there is much controvesy over the fact that the moonlander carried human remains - the ashes of two persons. see CNN)
Tamir is the son of Frankie and my late cousin Vivian Klaff. (see Goldberg family tree).
Earlier this week NASA in conjunction with Astrobotics launched an unmanned vehicle, Peregrine, with a Vulcan rocket. This is the first US rocket to the moon in 50 years and the Peregrine will perform various experiments on the moon.
You can read about the launch and mission here.
The lander separated successfully from the rocket but there was a problem with a fuel leak and the Peregrine mission was in danger as its batteries were not charging (see report here.). Attempts to correct worked but not enough fuel remained and the lander was not able to land on the moon.
Video report on the mission on CNN
(Of interest is that there is much controvesy over the fact that the moonlander carried human remains - the ashes of two persons. see CNN)
Tamir is the son of Frankie and my late cousin Vivian Klaff. (see Goldberg family tree).
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
- It's been a busy week for us and some of our family with doctor visits and medical procedures. I'm happy to report that all procedures were successful and all tests and examinations showed no worsening.
- Doreen participated in a demonstration of solidarity with the hostages at Haogen near us. Her attempt to participate in a demonstration calling for elections now and a massive demonstration concerning the fate of the 136 hostages after 100 days warfare, were less successful as she couldn't find anywhere to park and returned home, 'undemonstrated'.
THIS WEEK'S PICTURE
6th Jan 2024
At the Sandwich Shop
Granddaughter Dani was recovering from a
medical procedure so it seemed like a good idea to have a light lunch
because Doreen was preparing for a medical procedure and near to where
son Moran was preparing for his medical procedure.
The Sandwich Shop in Herzliya was the answer.
- We arer saddened to hear the news of the passing of Ari Lossin, husband of second cousin Sydney Lossin (Matz family tree). We have kept up contact with Sydney and Ari and as always, enjoyed our visit to them a month or so ago. We send condolences to Ari's children Yonat and Adi and grandchildren and share in the grief of Sydney and daughters Michal and Yael. Click for a picture of Ari.