GENUINE SENSATION OF WELL BEING AND HOPE FOR A BETTER YEAR AHEAD

 

I broke the fast yesterday night with my good friends at their home. 

In my heart, i had been feeling that this year 5782 has begun well and that it augurs well for all of us, not only for us individually and our peoples but the entire world. 

The covid isolation has been difficult for most people and every single person around the world has been affected. we can look forward to an end of this very soon. 

Certainly what helped many people psychologically, in this era of internet and social contact was the ability to provide company for the other. 

I would like to thank a friend of mine from Brasil whose company on line alleviated any undue anxiety from creeping in.

As always, very happy to offer my gratitude to the three important people in my life:

Maqroll El Gaviero Judio who at this moment, after having missed our meeting in Paraty is steaming towards Montevideo. We have a rendezvous in Marrakech in the coming months.

My travel companion, Sr Carlos always dressed nattily in a linen suit and his trademark Ray Ban sunglasses and Panama hat (the one woven in Ecuador). I recently saw him in Europe and our next meeting is in Jerusalem where he wants to follow the path of the cross with its various stops. I have consented to accompany him.

and last but not the least, the petite poete de Cote Sauvage, whose presence in my life is a blessing. Occasionally I get a poem which I enjoy very much. 

KOL NIDRE, MELODIES FROM ASHKENAZ, SEFERAD AND MIZRAHIM. LET US TRAVEL, OJALA, AND EAT WELL IN 5782

Last night, it was Erev Yom Kippur, the beginning of the day of atonement. I had been with the Indians are hurried home before the sunset, missing the opening hours of  the Israeli Arab restaurant near my house. 

Central Synagogue has a livestreaming of their services which is a great help for those of us, stranded in different places and without the usual family support.

How do Jews keep being Jewish, when the centrality is not exactly the practice of the religion. In Melbourne, Australia I was so much part of the community that religious affirmation by attending the services at the synagogue was not absolutely necessary. But in the USA, perhaps with the influence of the strong christian church attendances, community has the synagogue as focus. Of course in Israel, just being there affirms your identity and I have celebrated sacred days there just with the family and friends without the assistance of any clergy. The Central Synagogue clergy are impressive: The Chief Rabbi is very Korean looking but was born and brought up as Jewish and has a nice jewish family, the Cantor (Chazzan) who chants the melodies is an American Jew of Turkish heritage. The architecture of the synagogue is wonderful and there is an emphasis on rituals and order. 

Last night's service, called the Kol Nidre service was very enjoyable and at the end I felt the absence of something. Oriental (middle eastern) melodies that soothes my ears. The Americans follow the european jewish traditions and tunes (with exceptions of course, I discovered there is a oriental (sefardic) chantor at a synagogue in Miami Beach. Would be nice to listen to him one day. 

I am going to briefly describe four different prayers and contrast the Occidental and Oriental melodies.

Kaddish 

Kaddish is a 13th century, Aramaic prayer said during every traditional prayer service. Kaddish means ‘sanctification’ in Aramaic and it is related to the Hebrew word Kadosh, which means ‘holy.’

Of the five variations of the Kaddish; the best known is the Mourner’s Kaddish. The prayer never mentions death or dying, but instead proclaims the greatness of God. By reciting it, mourners show that even as their faith is being tested by their loss, they are affirming God’s greatness.

Two versions here

One an Eastern European Hassidic version, this melody is familiar to most American Jews. The other is a kaddish from Morocco. 

This one from Chazzan Ari Schwarz from the Park Avenue synagogue in New York.

contrast the above with this prayer from Morocco. I liked the fact that the video had paintings of certain historical events and also of great jewish personages, such as Maimonides.

Adan Olam

This is a favourite prayer of many, attributed to Solomon Ibn Gabirol who was born in Malaga 1020 CE. You can see a building dedicated to him in Malaga with a statue in front. 

I was surprised that many of the Yemeni Israelis could sing the melody well as seen in this clip.

I like the Israeli version sung here by Sarit Hadad, who is of Azerbaijani Mountain Jewish origin. 

The versions in Australian or American synagogues are quite different. 

Avinu malkeinu

The Talmud records Rabbi Akiva (died 135 CE) reciting two verses each beginning "Our Father, Our King" in a prayer to end a drought (apparently successfully).  In a much later compilation of Talmudic notes, published circa 1515, this is expanded to five verses. It is very probable that, at first, there was no set number of verses, no sequence, nor perhaps any fixed text. Apparently an early version had the verses in alphabetic sequence, which would mean 22 verses. The prayer book of Amram Gaon (9th century) had 25 verses.  Mahzor Vitry (early 12th century) has more than 40 verses and added the explanation that the prayer accumulated additional verses that were added ad hoc on various occasions and thereafter retained.  Presently, the Sephardic tradition has 29 verses, among the Mizrahi Jews the Syrian tradition has 31 or 32 verses, but the Yemenite has only 27 verses, the Salonika as many as 53 verses, the Ashkenazic has 38 verses, the Polish tradition has 44 verses, all with different sequences. And within traditions, some verses change depending on the occasion, such as the Ten Days of Repentance, including Rosh Hashana and the bulk of Yom Kippur (when it is generally said kotvenu - "inscribe us"), or the Ne'ila Yom Kippur service (chotmenu - "seal us"), or a lesser fast day (zokhreinu - "remember us").

Here there are two examples , one in the western tradition and the other in the eastern tradition sung by a Turkish Rabbi. Rabbi Isak Maçoro.

Kol nidre considered sacred in itself has had a checkered history beginning with Gaonic period 11^th century. It is an Aramaic compilation of rules (much as the Ketubah the wedding contract of the Jews in Aramaic). But Kol Nidre appears on the eve of the sacred day of Yom Kippur and such has acquired a holy status, even if it is not a prayer.

In this video, you can see some memories of Sefarad (Spain ). In Miami Beach there is a strong Sefardi Orthodox Jewish Community with a very busy schedule at their synagogue.

I was first introduced to the turkish way of singing at the Synagogue in Rhodos, Greece where the jews are of turkish origin.

As melodies differ, so does the food. I am very fond of Israeli cuisine which now is amalgamating the various foods from the jewish communities of Levant. It bears no resemblance to the ashkenazi influenced jewish cuisine one can have in Australia or USA. 

Here is an example of Cochin Jewish food at Nevatim, Israel.

My younger brother who lives in Haifa, can cook up a storm and I am already looking forward to his cooking on my forthcoming visit.

A good example of amalgamation of cuisine is this table from a restaurant in Israel 

WISH ALL OF YOU A PEACEFUL, FRIENDLY, TRAVEL RICH, TASTY YEAR 5782

MITAKUYE OYASIN. WE ARE ALL RELATED. AN EVENING OF CONNECTIONS WITH CUBA, BRASIL, MIAMI, ISRAEL

LAN is a pan Asian fusion restaurant here in Miami. It is owned by a Filipino Chinese chef who has built a reputation for tasty, healthy food based on recipes from around the Southeast Asian region. I had lunch there, a small cup of Miso soup, a salad, a small California roll and Salmon with glazed teriyaki sauce. As it was a Monday, I thought of filling the car up with petrol, getting ready for the week ahead which includes Yom Kippur.

While at the Petrol station, I remembered that my Israeli friend (Sudanese, Egyptian, Iraqi Jew) who has a hair dressing salon nearby. I had not seen him in a while. I decided to drop in, pulled into a small strip mall and walked towards his salon. From a few feet away, I could see him typing something into his telephone.

I opened the door, and his face was reminiscent of one who has seen a ghost. Pleasantly frightened I suppose. You will live to be 120, he said. I was writing a message to you, wishing you well over the fast on Yom Kippur, and I look up and here you are. We chit chatted for a while and he asked me, you are a healer, are you not ? I did not know what to answer. The best, closest to the truth would be, yes I am associated with people who are capable spiritual healers. 

My phone rings, which is rare, as I do not conduct my business on the phone, chatting. Messaging and texting but not talking.

It was my Cuban sister, the very person with whom an alliance in spiritual healing. The very topic we were discussing. 

I have to tell you what I saw in my healing table (mesa) this morning. Can you talk? I said I was with a friend. I noticed a sense of urgency in her voice. I will ask you a quick question, she said, is it necessary for you to travel this Friday to Brasil ? I was hesitant to answer, Yes, thinking of the person I was going to meet in Paraty, a seaside town much reminiscent of Baracoa in Cuba. Talk later, she hung up.

My Israeli friend and I went to a Cuban coffee shop and enjoyed some coffee and continued our conversation, but I couldn’t take my mind off the call from Cuba. 

This is my day off, said my Israeli friend, I decided to drop in by the Salon and what a surprise, I got to see you. When I said goodbye, he said, please send some blessings to my shop and I know you can. 

As I got into the car for the short ride home to my sister’s, I began feeling a strange sensation in my body. As soon I reached home, I had to use the bathroom and I took a shower. Called my spiritual sister in Cuba. She explained, what I saw in my mesa is that if you do go, you have to be extremely careful, as I cannot promise full protection for you. If you do go, I will have to go to 4 caminos outside Havana tomorrow and get some ingredients for a ritual I have to do for you. 

Things do not happen without a reason, the wise advice given to me by Meskwakia elder ran in my ears, it is just that we are not smart enough to understand them. I knew everything is related. As soon as I sat down after my conversation with my sister in Cuba, a message arrives from the person, the reason for my travel to Brasil. Would it be possible for you to postpone your trip? I discovered a forgotten appointment in another town as well as a mistaken appointment (by a month) with a governmental agency.

I was in the liminal state, but I knew at that minute that I was not going to Brasil this Friday. I told my friend in Brasil, I will cancel my trip and we can meet soon in Paraty, Paris or…..

I called the airlines, cancelled the trip and they informed me that I wont be penalized for the cancellation and that I can rebook it at any time. 

A sense of relief and a great calmness came over me, much like what a patient feels after having a fit (post ictal sedation).

I felt closer to my spiritual sister in Cuba, my friend in Brasil and I thanked all the Indian teachers over the years. I began preparing in my mind for the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur .

Today, I received a message from my closest friends in south florida: would you like to join us for breaking the fast meal?  Of course, it would be my pleasure.

Our year 5782 has begun well for me, feel close to all the people important in my life and also feel good about looking after the special group of people I work with and with lots of unexpected pleasures on the horizon

October in Israel

November in France 

I would like to return to the Amazon. Visit my friends in Westport, Washington and Portland, Oregon, Piedras Negras, Mexico. I would like to  re visit the colonial city of Merida in Mexico. Mexico City.. all before the end of the year .

And CUBA is waiting.. 

The Synagogue in Cochin, Kerala, India 

The synagogue in Yangon, Myanmar 

at the synagogue in La Habana, Cuba.

To my mischpochah in Miami, Portland, Haifa, Brussels and the rest of the world 

A special hello to my jewish friends in Iquitos, Peru; Cochin, India, Yangon, Myanmar...

Well over the Fast on the day of Yom Kippur and wish every one a wonderful 5782

Like always , la shanah ha ba' a........

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD ...EACH GENERATION CREATING THEIR OWN IDENTITIES

I am not a fan of watching sports on TV but I like to be abreast of what is happening, especially from an anthropological point of view. 

When we were growing up in Australia, Tennis and Swimming loomed large and the great athletes were heroes of a country, beginning to look for its own identity. Cricket was also huge in our imagination. I remember watching a one day cricket match at MCG between the West indies and Australia, without realizing that it would have a profound effect on my life and travels in the Caribbean, I did get to know the Caribbean reasonably well, the English and Spanish parts.

This week's US Open pitted two teenagers. their backgrounds were very interesting and a tale of the times .

Both were born in Canada, one of whom now is British.

The Canadian had an Ecuadorian father and a Filipino mother. She confesses not knowing much about the Philippines or Ecuador, except to say that my maternal grandfather cooks great filipino dishes.

On the other hand, the British teenager, whose father is Romanian and mother Chinese, talks proudly of her Romanian and Chinese backgrounds and in fact, can speak Mandarin and also visits her ancestral lands frequently.

The Chinese social media celebrated Emma's victory.

This is a wonderful moment, to see these two young women representing so many different cultures, and not to downplay the role of Canada and Britain in their victories.

To me Leylah is Canadian and Emma is British. I am happy Emma speaks Chinese, I am sure Romanian too. Leylah speaks Spanish and French, I am certain.

My interest in genealogies started long before I became an Anthropologist but studies in Anthropology (kinship system) only fired that flame.

Emile Durkheim is considered Father of Modern French Sociology and had influenced many an anthropologist, including his nephew Marcel Mauss (The Gift).  I would dig a little deeper, the curiosity which is characteristic of my people, and find out that Durkheim's father was a Rabbi. 

I wanted to know what made the great founders of modern anthropology (why rather than what?) become the persons they became.. and their personal journeys 

Malinowski was British but was born into a Polish well off family.

Boas was American but was born in what is now Germany.

When I was reading Anthropology in London, we had lovely sessions with Prof. Adam Kuper (south african born, british) about the history of Anthropology. I had read Medicine previously and very proud to be a Physician but Anthropological education was a medal to be worn proudly on a Medical Uniform!

What a nice way to start a week in Miami..at the end of the week, I expect to be in another continent, as usual with the hopes of unexpected pleasures..

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH.. THE STAB THAT BEGAN AS A TRICKLE NOW FLOODS THE RIVERS OF HATRED IN THIS WORLD

Saturday, September 11, 2021

Miami

Remembering the Terrorist Event 20 years ago in which we all lost so much: mainly an innocence. It was a pivotal moment for those with connections with USA.

20 years later we are once again in a setting of isolation, this time more individual than collective, this time more physical than emotional, this time No religious group is involved or targeted.

20 years ago there was an Unity 

Not only in the USA but also around the world 

Now, not only countries are divided from one another, China from India, Hungary from Poland, Belarus from Lithuania, Hong Kong is but a memory but within the countries the division is as deep as the rivers of the arctic which were recently revealed under the submerged ice age glaciations. Brasil, USA, Australia come to mind but I think if you analyze each country, I don’t think there is any that can be called cohesive, but only fall into the Just Okay category. 

Humanistic sympathy which prevailed the aftermath of the tragedy now has categorized people into so many divisions that we may soon have only a Left-wing dictatorship or a Right-wing dictatorship to choose from, all in the name of progress.

In this last year of this isolation which has affected every single one of us, I was able to observe the depth of sadness and depression that exists in this world. I try to alleviate it a drop knowing that each drop is important in this vast ocean.

USA changed irrevocably in 2001, suspicion of the OTHER was emphasized and now twenty years later it has become the path of no return: the other has become any one who does not believe in a selfish, destructive, conservative ideology. 20 years ago it was United States of America, now it is Dis-United States of America. 

Countries close to my heart are all either dictatorial control or lacking in democracy: Iran, Cuba, Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia but I have had the privilege of living in countries where I could breathe freedom: France, England, Belgium, Australia, USA, Sweden

I have always struggled with the concept of Freedom. Freedom without the consciousness of the Other is not freedom but tyranny. Obviously in the countries which are close to my heart, there are elements which satisfy my emotions. How I enjoyed being associated with Myanmar! The underlying element is always the sweetness of the people or as you can call the people who live in Cuba, less polluted by the greed of capitalism. Iran where I have many friends whom I cannot visit, I still can see in each one of them the shining lights of their glorious past, my interest being in the classical Persian literature.

Intellect with access to education, Health with access to universal health care, curiosity about the world with access to travel, freedom from the oppression of any religion or caste or creed. Belief in God will not save you if you are not a Good Samaritan here on earth. This is my wish for all the people of this world, those living comfortable lives (when they talk about comfortable, they usually mean, reasonably good wages that they can flash and splash ), security about their lives and the lives of other people (whether the street violence of Caracas, San Pedro Sula or Rio de Janeiro) or the oppression by the State players, dictators like Assad or nincompoops like the Lebanese leaders.

What would I like to do on a day like this?

Take the boat from the Amazonian town of Leticia, upstream to Nazareth, the village of the Ticuna Indians where in their one room clinic, I can meet and offer assistance (health problems and planning for good health).

And to know that there are many places in the world like that where I am welcome.

PS. I have to remember also a personal Loss which was to become a symptom of the sickness of the western mind. A very close friend of mine, under the influence of his Arab lover, called me to say that Jews are to blame for the Terrorist attacks.  Anti semitism has been played well to unite the hatreds among Blacks, Browns as well as Whites in the USA towards this constructed enemy of theirs and also in the  other richer part of this globe. 

You cannot expect me to be a friend of an anti-semite.

JEWISH NEW YEAR 5782 WITH ALL LOVED ONES IN THE HEART .. FROM MIAMI WITH LOVE

The Jewish New Year has already begun for me. Second year in a row, that there would be no communal get together. 

So be with the people who mean friendship over a period of time.. lucky to be able to do that in Miami.

Dr M and Mrs G

The Samos brought back memories of Durban and Jo'burg and Cape Town.. the country of birth of Mrs G.

So let the new year begin with tantalizing taste, a little bit exotic..

Dr M poured a nice drop of the wine.. soft and not too harsh on the stomach. May this year be blessed with plenty of wine to drink.

AND MOST OF ALL FRIENDSHIP. we were chatting at their home, then a short drive, but pleasant scenery, to a restaurant outdoors with good service and delicious food.

The Year has begun well.

when we came back to their home, we were sitting and chatting until 1 am, a record 9 hours of schmooze as we like to call it.. conversation touching on all humanistic aspects of life.. proud of our liberal tradition and our abhorence to all forms of extremism.

slow drive along the coastal roads with small townships with spanish memories, now completely anglicized, some still holding on to the charm of the pre-tourist days, the others embracing the tourists with abandon, with modern cuisine, bars, music, fusion of all sorts and a general air of enjoyment.

Dr M had chosen an open air restaurant , he was greeted warmly by the staff and thus I got more than my share of friendliness from the staff. 

Dr M having eaten there many times made excellent recommendations.

I liked this dish: Crispy Eggplant, goat cheese, orange and calabrian chili

I got the honour of choosing the wine. a sauvignon from Loire to pay homage to my association to that land 

We had gone to bed after 9 hours of conversations and in the morning , in no hurry, we ate some smoked salmon ..May this year be a year of eating a lot of fish..

My friends in Cuba are always close to my heart and I received greetings from them not for the Jewish New year but for them every day is a good day..

The morning was gorgeous and i was able to sit alone observing the clouds and feel the air and the warmth.

Just as I said good bye to Dr and Mrs MG, a message came from my clinical associate about an Indian patient I was concerned about. I had to convey to him on this sunday morning the good news about his health and he said. You made my day.

So the Jewish New Year has begun with Healing ..

My destination was the beach house of Mr and Mrs JS and as soon as I entered the house, they said that I must stay the night. A welcome invitation indeed.

Another greeting from Cuba wishing a good day. I am concerned very much about my island and the difficult times they are going through..

As the New Year begins I join the 15 million Jews in this world in welcoming the year and as the greetings below says..

LET THERE BE PEACE LOVE AND HEALTH TO ALL THE PEOPLE

Malaysia. Kerala. Iran.

To people who sacrificed their time during the past year of covid isolation. Thank you, MA.

There are some special people who I have to thank, really they dont need to be thanked as they are always in my heart .

Sr Carlos, he is my travelling friend, fond of linen suits, sunglasses and panama hats

Le petite poete de la Côte Sauvage

To my two good christian friends from Cochin, RN and MM. thank you and may you share my hope for a wonderful year of less suffering. Perhaps we can meet soon in your wonderful coastal land.

Many people kept up correspondence during these long months of isolation

Thailand

Cambodia 

Malaysia 

Kerala 

Qatar

Israel

Iran 

Colombia

Mexico

Cuba

Brasil

My Indian relatives and patients 

So the Jewish New Year has begun for me, it has begun well and I want TODOS OS POVOS all the people to enjoy the peace and happiness of the New year..

L SHANAH TOVA TIKKETEVU  5782

THIS JEWISH NEW YEAR FOR OUR SISTERS IN IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN..EVERYWHERE ELSE THEY NEED TO CELEBRATE

The Jewish New Year is upon us..Couldnt celebrate properly last year and this year seems we will celebrate on line with whoever wish to share these days..

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

Rumi (1207-1273)

May this New Year which I share with all of you, regardless of your creed or faith or nationality.. let each of our new mornings be a new arrival in the guest house of our life.. as Mawlana says.

At one time, all of the Middle Eastern countries had large number of Jewish people, alas, most of them have been made refugees. But let us invite the Jewish people and also the non-muslim people living in the Middle East to join us in this happy occasion.. Muslims and Hindus and Buddhists are all welcome.

Rothschild mahzor (Roman rite), Florence, 1490, Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York 

Rosh Hashanà 5782. To all my friends who celebrate the Jewish holidays and to those who want to share the celebration, wish a sweet and joyful new year with dates and figs and pumpkin, fennel, leeks, beets, pomegranate and a fish to look ahead!

Special thanks to friends who have ben with me on line during this long period of social isolation

I hope to see you all once the Covid 19 is under control and our past lives return.

Thailand

Cambodia 

Malaysia 

Cochin in India 

Qatar 

Israel 

Discover Portugal 

Spain, France, Belgique 

London

Mexico, Colombia, Brasil, BA, Rapa Nui..

have to catch up 

so better pray for a lovely good content travel friendly year 5782