tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.comments2023-07-16T06:49:17.632-04:00SONSINO'S BLOGRifat Sonsinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553604291827953693noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-80581871114059366462022-08-17T20:08:38.996-04:002022-08-17T20:08:38.996-04:00Prayer is essentially an Affirmation of what one s...Prayer is essentially an Affirmation of what one seeks and is willing to extend his/her energies to bring about. Morris Adler ז"ל said it so well: "<br />Our prayers are answered not when we are given what we ask, but when we are challenged to be what we can be."Hillel Cohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03790970787983767169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-8978236393003426762021-11-09T21:25:07.234-05:002021-11-09T21:25:07.234-05:00Interesting...in Puerto Rico many people carry my ...Interesting...in Puerto Rico many people carry my surname Alomar, but we are not all related, some got it from their masters when Black slavery was terminated. It it's from Mallorca, Spain but when you ask the people from Mallorca where the name comes from, most say it comes from the German word "Aleman" in spanish...while very, very few say from the Arabic word Al-Omar...and yes, there are people in Saudi Arabia wit that surname "AlOmar..so, the True we may never know, it may have same roots but people differ and prefer to asociate it with their own personal interest and background.Felixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12692348199786575194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-50433336936842527952021-03-11T00:11:24.536-05:002021-03-11T00:11:24.536-05:00I will prefer this blog because it has much more i...I will prefer this blog because it has much more informative stuff. Visit <a href="https://www.religionsvsscience.com/2020/08/circumcision-and-religious-concepts.html" rel="nofollow"><b>circumcised vs uncircumcised</b></a> for more related information and knowledge.religionsvssciencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11759855838941974622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-49269986823041098102020-11-11T20:49:20.845-05:002020-11-11T20:49:20.845-05:00I'm writing after seeing R' Rifat on the S...I'm writing after seeing R' Rifat on the Shimon Rawidowicz Memorial Lecture. I am Judy Gordon Landau, daughter of Rabbi Theodore Gordon. I would enjoy having a chance to talk to you, or e-mail with you. My e-mail is Landafa@aol.com . Kol Tuv, JudyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14218609434731552952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-54640015460812863962020-09-01T11:32:11.798-04:002020-09-01T11:32:11.798-04:00Please see my notePlease see my noteRifat Sonsinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02553604291827953693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-40186146099159957432020-09-01T11:28:24.936-04:002020-09-01T11:28:24.936-04:00Thanks for asking. There were very few Jews from T...Thanks for asking. There were very few Jews from Turkey in Cincinnati then. Maybe one or two. I don't recall any. I have been back to Istanbul a few times but never considered moving back because there is not Reform Judaism in Turkey, and I did not want to start one, thus disrupting whatever there is left. I dont see too much furure to the Jewish community in Turkey. Rabbi Jerushalmi, got his Ph.D in Paris and became prof. of liturgy in Cincinnati. He was also my teacher in Paris, and my neighbor in Kuzguncuk. He encouraged me to become a Rabbi. <br />Rifat Sonsinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02553604291827953693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-47070813513784814962020-09-01T08:52:31.104-04:002020-09-01T08:52:31.104-04:00Was there anything like a Turkish Jewish diaspora ...Was there anything like a Turkish Jewish diaspora in Cincinnati? How have you been received by other Jews from Turkey. Have you gone back to visit or to teach? <br />Was there ever any thought that you might return to Turkey?<br />Was there a interest in your background? Yerushalmi was mentioned in your last post ... where did he fit in among faculty?Haimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08705612255566480092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-58980049087737070432020-08-29T08:48:30.516-04:002020-08-29T08:48:30.516-04:00Thanks.:More to come
Thanks.:More to come<br />Rifat Sonsinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02553604291827953693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-56135844750727225522020-08-28T09:10:42.080-04:002020-08-28T09:10:42.080-04:00I am always fascinated by your stories of your you...I am always fascinated by your stories of your youth and your journeys. Thank you for sharing. Rabbi Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08267822718907035565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-24623309262103288422020-08-26T19:30:28.359-04:002020-08-26T19:30:28.359-04:00Thanks , maybe next week Thanks , maybe next week Rifat Sonsinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02553604291827953693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-42196610194430024682020-08-26T12:51:00.671-04:002020-08-26T12:51:00.671-04:00Thank you for sharing about your life. I enjoyed r...Thank you for sharing about your life. I enjoyed reading and would like to know more.Haimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08705612255566480092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-4803471584956245082020-02-12T01:39:45.272-05:002020-02-12T01:39:45.272-05:00If true ?
From Egyot 40 years..not to Israel but t...If true ?<br />From Egyot 40 years..not to Israel but to China. Nelson Gluek..The Wilderness of Zin.<br />Zin=ChinaRabbi Steven Jacobshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10845461731236777327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-21038386339109207792019-11-25T21:54:00.022-05:002019-11-25T21:54:00.022-05:00I saw your name as a commenter on the photo of you...I saw your name as a commenter on the photo of young men from OML in Istanbul. You mentioned you were in Boston, and when I looked you up, found that you were a Rabbi. I grew up in Malden, and while I live in Vermont right now, I’m in Boston frequently, especially since my older son and his family are there. I went to Istanbul in 1999 and stayed for 5 years while building and running a music library at Istanbul Technical University. I became very close to many in the Jewish Community, including Musa Albukrek, who is included in the photo you commented on. I read your piece on nostalgia for Istanbul, and, while I can understand your reluctance to face the “pain” of disappointment in changes that have come about, I must say that there are certain timeless things about Istanbul. The most important is its geography, climate, and relationship to the water. That is all still there...probably more polluted than one would like, but eternal, nonetheless. And while the islands are overrun with day trippers, once you get out of the iskele, the architecture and the “hava” is probably what it’s always been. You can find jewels of neighborhoods that evoke the past, even though they are becoming increasingly rare. I go back as often as I can, and always discover something new and much that is old. JudithFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07607572275453139615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-24940887632769454432019-08-27T22:02:14.819-04:002019-08-27T22:02:14.819-04:00 I read all your blogs and agree with almost every... I read all your blogs and agree with almost everything you post. I consider you my teacher and inspiration, although I , unfortunately, never had the privilege of studying with you. How I envy your students at Framingham!Rabbi Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08267822718907035565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-15253692892805050832019-07-07T11:54:43.757-04:002019-07-07T11:54:43.757-04:00Thanks, Hillel, we are in deed blessed.Thanks, Hillel, we are in deed blessed.Rifat Sonsinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02553604291827953693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-24979015977194715502019-07-07T10:47:12.639-04:002019-07-07T10:47:12.639-04:00I read your blog on "Getting Old" with s...I read your blog on "Getting Old" with special interest. Inasmuch as you and I were born on the same day and same year I could identify with it in many ways. There are also some ways in which our experiences differ. I want to thank you for your sensitive reflection. And then I read the response by our mutual friend Peter Kasdan. I especially identified with what Peter write. I, too, see myself as playing harder though I don't seem to think that I need to push myself very much to do that. I consider myself to be abundantly blessed in that I do not have any significant health problems, I have a wonderful family, I am quite active in numerous community activities including serving on numerous boards and chairing committees. All in all, I see myself as being extremely fortunate. But I also realize that this can change either gradually or instantly. I am always amazed and delighted when people express surprise when I tell them that I am now 80 years old. I guess I still see myself as "youthful" and don;t think of this as a matter of self-delusion. The most difficult thing about reaching this age is seeing my contemporaries face serious health challenges, dementia or dying. Last August, preparing for my 80th birthday Rita and I hosted a dinner at a local restaurant for close family and friends. There were 25 of us in attendance. Since then 6 of the 25 have died - each of them a dear friend. That is both sad and sobering, especially since 3 of the six were younger than I. I do want to thank both of you - Rifat and Peter - for sharing your reflections. While I don't see any of us reaching the Mosaic 120 I do hope that all of us can have quite a few more years of good health, contentment, fun. Like Rifat I hope that when the time comes I might be remembered as having done some good in my limited time. I have no doubt that both Rifat and Peter will be so remembered.Hillel Cohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03790970787983767169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-18903793485383046142019-07-07T02:53:01.352-04:002019-07-07T02:53:01.352-04:00Hi Rifat, wonder if advice me about bar mitzvah gi...Hi Rifat, wonder if advice me about bar mitzvah gift amount in Spain? Foe example in US https://besttraditions.info/bar-mitzvah-gift-etiquette/ $50 is enough. thanksJewish Traditionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05262149020111055099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-63521134551586904482019-07-03T16:06:30.517-04:002019-07-03T16:06:30.517-04:00that’s lovely. truly is. that’s lovely. truly is. BETTYANNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11245561151858360491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-24161135280428793942019-07-03T12:40:47.754-04:002019-07-03T12:40:47.754-04:00Thanks, Pete. You are a good friend.Thanks, Pete. You are a good friend.Rifat Sonsinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02553604291827953693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-91010178230686222072019-07-03T11:21:42.936-04:002019-07-03T11:21:42.936-04:00To my classmate and friend Rifat,
I deeply apprec...To my classmate and friend Rifat,<br /><br />I deeply appreciate your personal reflections on aging, and your ability to face what we all must eventually face, the concluding moments of life and what, after we are gone, will be left behind of us that will both tell our life’s stories and preserve our memory in other peoples minds. I, too, have “rehearsed” these thoughts of the “what” and “why” of human life - of my human life - and come away with similar conclusions. Where I differ with your analysis is in living out the “end game.” I just turned 79. My father died at 74, my mother at 83, my paternal great-grandmother at 104. I do not know - or assume - the number of years I will be privileged to continue my life’s journey. What I do know is that rather then succumb to the aging process, I will continue to push myself to play harder. I’ve given up softball, but play tennis (mostly doubles) by adjusting from the once “big serve and volley” to a slower serve with better placement and more spin and an incredible “drop shot” from the deep end of the court. I swim, though fewer laps, but also exercise/stretch in the pool before and after swimming. I try to keep my mind sharp by taking on newer and more diverse responsibilities in the community (both Jewish and secular), by challenging my mental capacities with new concepts and intricate sets of information in the fields of genetics, bio-ethics, condominium law and public-pension regulations, all of which are intricate in and of themselves, all of which require me to read and study the ever-evolving information applicable to each of these fields. And, at the very same time, I try to pay more attention to family, friends and the two synagogues where I have taken an active role - our synagogue in New Jersey (where I am Emeritus) and our synagogue on Longboat Key where I chair a major committe.<br /><br />I am both content with my lot, challenged by my present responsibilities, positive in my outlook and embracing of the changes that my body and mind are experiencing and, everyday, more and more in love with my life’s partner and best friend, amazed by our children, exhilarated by our grandchildren and embraced by our multi-generational friends whose impact on our lives is better than all the vitamins we “pop” each morning. I do not know when I will take my final breath - I do know that I will not fixate on that moment or the particular circumstance that will cause it to be. Each evening when I turn the lights off, and each morning, when I awake, the last and the first words I speak are to Sheila, and they are “I love you!” <br /><br />My life, to this point in time, has been mostly good; like all human beings, we have had our ups and downs. We have mastered the art of dealing with those high, and low points on our journey. We wish you and Ines calm seas and new and exciting adventures. Enjoy the highs, master the art of surviving the lows, and greet each new day with a smile. We, two of your long-time friends, will always be here to embrace you both. If you should stumble, we’ll help Ines pick you up; if you forget a fact or moment in history, we’ll ask google or Siri. You are not alone; though geography keeps us apart, we are as near to you as one human being can be to another. <br /><br />We wish you ad meah esrim- so focus on that!Peter Kasdanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16700916934367964831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-55014179910833254792019-07-03T10:13:40.876-04:002019-07-03T10:13:40.876-04:00Thanks.Thanks.Rifat Sonsinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02553604291827953693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-32300618196544433472019-07-03T10:07:01.570-04:002019-07-03T10:07:01.570-04:00yes dear Rifat.. aging and knowing the reality tha...yes dear Rifat.. aging and knowing the reality that comes from breathing..ie, .. living to older age.. yes, it can be harsh..it is...unless we surrender to the pure and simple reality that nothing and (as my mother used to say) “no one lives forever.” She was right. It would be nice to be remembered. My aunt Bea would say, “don’t forget me.” I haven’t .. I will carry with me forever, the light of the lives now gone. I can only hope the next generations will continue the traditions of memory as a blessing. But, if not... the blog, books, texts, social media .. may..MAY.. be a reminder that we have deep roots, strong ..very strong connections to our history, and herstory. .. so you will be remembered dear friend.. especially if you leave a bunch of money to family members. ������<br />BETTYANNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11245561151858360491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-25193991644337273922019-07-03T09:55:36.285-04:002019-07-03T09:55:36.285-04:00See edited comment below. See edited comment below. Rabbi Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08267822718907035565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-66318493941442828042019-07-03T09:54:56.265-04:002019-07-03T09:54:56.265-04:00You have a wonderful way of expressing the persona...You have a wonderful way of expressing the personal and universal aspects of almost everything you write. This touches close to home - I am 72, my husband 74. We are looking to downsize our possessions and maximize our experiences. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. Rabbi Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08267822718907035565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270651388045341301.post-29370749542479424792019-07-03T09:50:23.489-04:002019-07-03T09:50:23.489-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rabbi Paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08267822718907035565noreply@blogger.com