Thursday, November 30, 2006
Happy Birthday Bobbe Gourarie (IMA) Tes Kislev
Shnas Hatzlacha Begur and lots and lots of gezunt, nachas together with Aba from all of us, einiklech and Ur-einiklech !!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
"The Athletic Scholar"
Hey everyone,
"Long time no blog"!
School is gr8 the food is even better, which is learning and good food which makes a heavy scholar. I decided to change all that, well... not the learning part- I will become an athletic scholar ;-) . So wednsday night I traveled to the world famous gym in Canarsie with our dear uncle AvremiG to play Racquetball!! Hey Dad? you remember RC10?
well folks, we had a gr8 night avremi played really hard I thought I had him one game, I scored 9 points ! but then of course I lost to the pro.
we had the most wonderful, bonding experience that is to be felt by uncle and nephew, but I'll tell ya'll one thing:
Its my first time playing in 3-4 years the man gives you no slack he just pounds that ball around with such skill his points add up a lot faster then mine.....
"Reb" Moish
"Long time no blog"!
School is gr8 the food is even better, which is learning and good food which makes a heavy scholar. I decided to change all that, well... not the learning part- I will become an athletic scholar ;-) . So wednsday night I traveled to the world famous gym in Canarsie with our dear uncle AvremiG to play Racquetball!! Hey Dad? you remember RC10?
well folks, we had a gr8 night avremi played really hard I thought I had him one game, I scored 9 points ! but then of course I lost to the pro.
we had the most wonderful, bonding experience that is to be felt by uncle and nephew, but I'll tell ya'll one thing:
Its my first time playing in 3-4 years the man gives you no slack he just pounds that ball around with such skill his points add up a lot faster then mine.....
"Reb" Moish
Friday, November 24, 2006
Good Shabbat
Hello everybody. It was so nice spending time with Aunty Chana this past week. I hope she is home safely. we are G-d willing spending Shabbas with Yirmiyahu, my mother, Hindy Yitzchok, Moishie.... we are missing the rest of the Postville Gouraries. yirmiyahu and Baby Hindy are becoming fast friends with Getzy supervising. Have a wonderful Shabbat everybody.
P.S. If you are in the neghborhood you are invited to stop by Sabbat day.
P.S. If you are in the neghborhood you are invited to stop by Sabbat day.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I Am Off
Hi Everyone
Have not posted lately
I am off in a few hours to Eretz Hakodesh
Iyh I will have an inspiring time there
Although I will try and accesses email there
Probaly unlikely because a pretty Chareidi neighborhood with little internet (often I think how right they are )
Anyway wishing everyone one a great week
Mihaeli
Have not posted lately
I am off in a few hours to Eretz Hakodesh
Iyh I will have an inspiring time there
Although I will try and accesses email there
Probaly unlikely because a pretty Chareidi neighborhood with little internet (often I think how right they are )
Anyway wishing everyone one a great week
Mihaeli
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Blogging live from the Rubashkins.....
Hi Everyone! I am having a great time in Ny and am right now in Rochel Leah's house where I ate a delicious supper of Hindy's leftovers from Shabbos. We all had a fantastic shabbos lunch by Avremi and Dini (thanks guys, your kids are yum!). If anyone wants a rendition of Avrohom Frieds "Father don't cry", just ask Yehudah, he will be more than happy to oblige.He can also sing songs from the Yeshiva Boys chior, complete with motions.....
Getzel and Hindy Rubashkin are the cutest cutie pies ka"h!
Getzel and Hindy Rubashkin are the cutest cutie pies ka"h!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Michoeli's Weekly E-mail
Guilt – The Guest That’s Got to Go.
Guilt is a complex emotion. It seems to ignite a desire for change but it can also be a destructive force. Is there good and bad guilt?
Complacency is perhaps the strongest force that stands in the way of true growth. If we feel totally comfortable with who and where we are, there is no need to change. If we cannot recognise any deficiency in our personality, there will never be a necessity for behaviour modification. If we are never guilty, we will be indifferent, apathetic and resistant to any improvement.
A critical ingredient, therefore, for personal growth and real change, is an intense feeling of discomfort. The more uncomfortable we are with our level of performance the more we are driven to change. The more we regret having hurt the feelings of another, the harder we will work to make up. The more remorse we have for our transgressions, the deeper our resolve to improve will be. If we are really unhappy with our outbursts of anger and aggression, we will have a strong desire to control ourselves. A healthy dose of guilt is not only helpful but critical for personal development
But guilt in its extreme can be very destructive and debilitating, preventing us from moving forward. Intense guilt can affect our performance, leaving us with depression, shame and despair. It can damage our feelings of self worth, convincing us that we are intrinsically evil. We can start to believe that we are unable to change and that any attempt to improve will be unsuccessful.
The test to know if our feelings of guilt are beneficial or destructive is to ask a simple question: Who is in control? Are we in control of our guilt or does it control us? Controlling guilt means having the ability to allow a healthy dose of remorse to enter our minds and hearts – enough to create a real desire to rectify and improve. However, as soon as we are committed to change we need to dismiss the guilt and move on with confidence and strength. We move forward with the conviction and belief that G-d always welcomes our positive deeds no matter how much we may have failed in the past. We recognise that our soul has infinite good that can always be accessed and used to reconnect and rectify that which needs fixing. Guilt should only be a temporary guest to get us started. It is not welcome to stay and eat away at our confidence.
Guilt is like a powerful electric saw. If you control it, it can be used to build and repair. If you lose control it can hurt yourself and damage others. Get in control and learn how to use guilt as an effective tool for personal growth.
Wishing you a Good Shabbos
Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
Bina - Sydney
Guilt is a complex emotion. It seems to ignite a desire for change but it can also be a destructive force. Is there good and bad guilt?
Complacency is perhaps the strongest force that stands in the way of true growth. If we feel totally comfortable with who and where we are, there is no need to change. If we cannot recognise any deficiency in our personality, there will never be a necessity for behaviour modification. If we are never guilty, we will be indifferent, apathetic and resistant to any improvement.
A critical ingredient, therefore, for personal growth and real change, is an intense feeling of discomfort. The more uncomfortable we are with our level of performance the more we are driven to change. The more we regret having hurt the feelings of another, the harder we will work to make up. The more remorse we have for our transgressions, the deeper our resolve to improve will be. If we are really unhappy with our outbursts of anger and aggression, we will have a strong desire to control ourselves. A healthy dose of guilt is not only helpful but critical for personal development
But guilt in its extreme can be very destructive and debilitating, preventing us from moving forward. Intense guilt can affect our performance, leaving us with depression, shame and despair. It can damage our feelings of self worth, convincing us that we are intrinsically evil. We can start to believe that we are unable to change and that any attempt to improve will be unsuccessful.
The test to know if our feelings of guilt are beneficial or destructive is to ask a simple question: Who is in control? Are we in control of our guilt or does it control us? Controlling guilt means having the ability to allow a healthy dose of remorse to enter our minds and hearts – enough to create a real desire to rectify and improve. However, as soon as we are committed to change we need to dismiss the guilt and move on with confidence and strength. We move forward with the conviction and belief that G-d always welcomes our positive deeds no matter how much we may have failed in the past. We recognise that our soul has infinite good that can always be accessed and used to reconnect and rectify that which needs fixing. Guilt should only be a temporary guest to get us started. It is not welcome to stay and eat away at our confidence.
Guilt is like a powerful electric saw. If you control it, it can be used to build and repair. If you lose control it can hurt yourself and damage others. Get in control and learn how to use guilt as an effective tool for personal growth.
Wishing you a Good Shabbos
Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
Bina - Sydney
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
**NEWS FLASH**
ATTN: Everyone!
A store that sells chirs has been located in the streets of NYC!
Let this remain a family secret.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi & Rebbetzin Labkowski (north side of EP) apoun completing their beutiful kitchen set with hand crafted chairs made in china that were purchased from Target
(if you want the secret location to this store please tell me your email adress as the NSA might be listening to our telephon conversations)
A store that sells chirs has been located in the streets of NYC!
Let this remain a family secret.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi & Rebbetzin Labkowski (north side of EP) apoun completing their beutiful kitchen set with hand crafted chairs made in china that were purchased from Target
(if you want the secret location to this store please tell me your email adress as the NSA might be listening to our telephon conversations)
First try
a) Firstly I made esrog jam for the first time . it is the middle of coking and looks more like compot than jam - what should i do
b) I am trying to post a picture for the first time - an old picture of bayla am am not being sucsessful -any ideas ?
michaeli
b) I am trying to post a picture for the first time - an old picture of bayla am am not being sucsessful -any ideas ?
michaeli
Monday, November 13, 2006
First Foray in Cyber Family Space
Greetings to All: Sh'
This would be my first contribution to the "Family Blog" - thanks to Avremi G's kind and simple instructions. I will add to this effort in the days ahead, once I have confirmed that it actually works. Hope all are well.
Our next feat will be to add Rochel-Leah's Israel photos to the blog site. Oooh, this is so much fun!
This would be my first contribution to the "Family Blog" - thanks to Avremi G's kind and simple instructions. I will add to this effort in the days ahead, once I have confirmed that it actually works. Hope all are well.
Our next feat will be to add Rochel-Leah's Israel photos to the blog site. Oooh, this is so much fun!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Two Of My favorite songs
Dov Shurin's 'Vlo'
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5057235609161828665&q=shurin&hl=en
and Yehuda Glantz's 'Gay Shoin Davenen'
http://jewishnotes.com/glantz/guey_shoin_davenen_.wmv
Enjoy
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5057235609161828665&q=shurin&hl=en
and Yehuda Glantz's 'Gay Shoin Davenen'
http://jewishnotes.com/glantz/guey_shoin_davenen_.wmv
Enjoy
Michoeli's Weekly E-mail
Kindness – Strength or Weakness?
Kindness and charity are one of most honourable and elevated traits. Yet sometimes the kind-hearted and generous feel taken advantage of and trodden upon. The inability to ever say no results in feelings of resentment and frustration. What should have been an experience of goodwill becomes a source of tension. How do we ensure that acts of kindness generate a feeling of fulfilment and not a sense of letdown?
True kindness is an expression of selflessness. It reflects strength of character – an individual that has a strong identity and is secure enough to put him/herself to a side and make room for others. But sometimes compassion and kindness can be an outcome of extreme weakness. Some people engage in good deeds simply to ease their conscious and remove a sense of guilt. Others will do favours to seek approval. These are the people whose identity is completely based on what others think of them. They will always engage in activity that will gain admiration and approval from others. Benevolence borne out of weakness is often misguided and results in unhappiness.
Our father Abraham was the ultimate model of kindness and hospitality. On the third day after his circumcision at the age of ninety nine, a weak and recuperating Abraham was looking for guests. When he noticed the angels (who he thought were human), he ran after them and begged them to enter his tent, eat and refresh themselves. Yet at the same time he insisted they wash their feet before entering his home. He did so because in those times a common pagan practice was to bow down to the dust upon the feet. The kind and tolerant Abraham would not allow idol worship into his home. He would do anything for anyone but there were lines he wouldn’t cross. He had a strong identity with clear direction and principles. His selflessness was an expression of strength, not weakness. To allow a guest to invade and damage his identity would have resulted in tension and unhappiness rather than an atmosphere of true love and friendship.
On a plane the flight attendant announces: “In the unlikely event of a loss of cabin pressure, masks will drop down before you. Those who are travelling with small children, make sure to secure your own mask before assisting your child.” That is not being selfish, rather it is ensuring that -- have enough oxygen and the strength to help others. Having a firm and secure identity provides the inner strength and clarity to really help others with properly guided decisions.
Generosity needs direction. Giving a person money that he will use for a destructive addiction is harmful not helpful. Spending time helping others at the expense of your own family can be misguided kindness. Always saying yes to our children might be spoiling them, not loving them. Allowing yourself to be taken advantage of is a weakness, not a strength, and can lead to resentment and unhappiness. To be truly selfless one must have a strong identity, a set of values and a clear direction. Kindness based on strength will be appropriately guided and bring inner happiness.
Wishing you a Good Shabbos
Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
Bina - Sydney
Kindness and charity are one of most honourable and elevated traits. Yet sometimes the kind-hearted and generous feel taken advantage of and trodden upon. The inability to ever say no results in feelings of resentment and frustration. What should have been an experience of goodwill becomes a source of tension. How do we ensure that acts of kindness generate a feeling of fulfilment and not a sense of letdown?
True kindness is an expression of selflessness. It reflects strength of character – an individual that has a strong identity and is secure enough to put him/herself to a side and make room for others. But sometimes compassion and kindness can be an outcome of extreme weakness. Some people engage in good deeds simply to ease their conscious and remove a sense of guilt. Others will do favours to seek approval. These are the people whose identity is completely based on what others think of them. They will always engage in activity that will gain admiration and approval from others. Benevolence borne out of weakness is often misguided and results in unhappiness.
Our father Abraham was the ultimate model of kindness and hospitality. On the third day after his circumcision at the age of ninety nine, a weak and recuperating Abraham was looking for guests. When he noticed the angels (who he thought were human), he ran after them and begged them to enter his tent, eat and refresh themselves. Yet at the same time he insisted they wash their feet before entering his home. He did so because in those times a common pagan practice was to bow down to the dust upon the feet. The kind and tolerant Abraham would not allow idol worship into his home. He would do anything for anyone but there were lines he wouldn’t cross. He had a strong identity with clear direction and principles. His selflessness was an expression of strength, not weakness. To allow a guest to invade and damage his identity would have resulted in tension and unhappiness rather than an atmosphere of true love and friendship.
On a plane the flight attendant announces: “In the unlikely event of a loss of cabin pressure, masks will drop down before you. Those who are travelling with small children, make sure to secure your own mask before assisting your child.” That is not being selfish, rather it is ensuring that -- have enough oxygen and the strength to help others. Having a firm and secure identity provides the inner strength and clarity to really help others with properly guided decisions.
Generosity needs direction. Giving a person money that he will use for a destructive addiction is harmful not helpful. Spending time helping others at the expense of your own family can be misguided kindness. Always saying yes to our children might be spoiling them, not loving them. Allowing yourself to be taken advantage of is a weakness, not a strength, and can lead to resentment and unhappiness. To be truly selfless one must have a strong identity, a set of values and a clear direction. Kindness based on strength will be appropriately guided and bring inner happiness.
Wishing you a Good Shabbos
Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
Bina - Sydney
NU??
How come its been more 24 hours and no new post
So I have decided to try out this new technonolgy and post myself (without Avremi's assistance)
It is nearly Shabbos here down under
everything is BH fine
for those who don't know I will be in Eretz Yisroel iyh from beis kislev - zayin kislev
can't wait to catch up with my kinderlach and of course my dear cousins
have a gebentche shabbos to everyone
So I have decided to try out this new technonolgy and post myself (without Avremi's assistance)
It is nearly Shabbos here down under
everything is BH fine
for those who don't know I will be in Eretz Yisroel iyh from beis kislev - zayin kislev
can't wait to catch up with my kinderlach and of course my dear cousins
have a gebentche shabbos to everyone
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Check this...
By the way everyone I love this blog :-) I check it everyday.
Try this, I think everyone should have a cute Avatar, or you could just check mine out and tell me what you think.
(1. click "MosheG" by the contributers and check out the profile)
:^)
P.S. Michaeli, look where it says Photo after you follow #1
Try this, I think everyone should have a cute Avatar, or you could just check mine out and tell me what you think.
(1. click "MosheG" by the contributers and check out the profile)
:^)
P.S. Michaeli, look where it says Photo after you follow #1
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Happy Birthday to........
Moshele Fogel (yud Zayin Cheshvan)
We had an amazing time at your Bar-mitzva last year and its hard to believe that a year has gone by!
Mazeltov! Shnas Hatzlocha begur!
We had an amazing time at your Bar-mitzva last year and its hard to believe that a year has gone by!
Mazeltov! Shnas Hatzlocha begur!
Template Changes
I kind of liked the template I had till now. But I could not figure out how to list the contributors. Hence the change. For now....
hello
hi everyone
finally i am on
now avremi can donate to bina
looking foward to blogging
averemi yasher koach
finally i am on
now avremi can donate to bina
looking foward to blogging
averemi yasher koach
Family Survey
HOW IMPORTANT ARE CHAIRS IN A HOUSE?
Some of you are probably wondering why I would be asking such a silly question. Well, here's the sitch. B"H after 5 months of marriage we decided to temporarily stop our travels and move into an apartment. Well since we've been traveling all along we were very practical and did not buy any furniture. Before we moved in we furnished it with the basic necessities- beds, table, and toilet. We could not find a place to get normal chairs or at least folding chairs. With my busy schedule of work and school I find it hard to go shopping and would rather eat chinese style. My mother thinks I should stop everything and go buy chairs.
So I am asking everyone to post their opinion so I can see how important this piece of furniture is. Thank You
Hindy
by the way if anyone knows where to buy folding chairs in the big apple please let me know.
Some of you are probably wondering why I would be asking such a silly question. Well, here's the sitch. B"H after 5 months of marriage we decided to temporarily stop our travels and move into an apartment. Well since we've been traveling all along we were very practical and did not buy any furniture. Before we moved in we furnished it with the basic necessities- beds, table, and toilet. We could not find a place to get normal chairs or at least folding chairs. With my busy schedule of work and school I find it hard to go shopping and would rather eat chinese style. My mother thinks I should stop everything and go buy chairs.
So I am asking everyone to post their opinion so I can see how important this piece of furniture is. Thank You
Hindy
by the way if anyone knows where to buy folding chairs in the big apple please let me know.
Howzit
Hello everybody. It was so nice to see all those wonderful pictures from Chava Itta. I got inspired to try and add some of my own picture, wish me luck. Anyway, I just made my first official shopping trip to Boro park since Hindy is born, I think I am cured and dont need to venture out that way fo another long while. We are all feeling a bit under the weather here. I was wondering if anyone knows how to take care of an ear infection without giving antibiotics? Well thats all folks. Have a great 
day. Rochel Leah P.S. well there you have it, the proud Papa. I only seem to know how to get one picture on but i guess that is better than nothing.
day. Rochel Leah P.S. well there you have it, the proud Papa. I only seem to know how to get one picture on but i guess that is better than nothing.
Greetings from the Holyland Memories from SA (pesach)
Hi to you all!
Hope I'm doing the right thing 'cause its a wonderful way to keep in touch with all the lon lost couzies. Hope you are all OK. Greetings from the Holyland!
Some nostaglia (I meant the pool...)
Chava-Ita
Monday, November 06, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Great Tzedaka for you hard-earned Maaser dollars!
Great news! You can now donate to the Chinuch Foundation of Sydney, Australia (run by the famous Rabbi M) and get $$ back from Uncle Sam (that is, if you pay taxes).
Simply make out the check to 'Ezrat Israel' and mail it to Chinuch Foundation, c/o Yossi Gourarie, PO Box 612, Postville, IA 52162. It's as simple as that!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Esrog Jam...Yum!
For the first time ever, I just finished making Esrog Jam....its yum! Of course I won´t be able to make shehechiyanu on Tu bishvat because I´ve already tasted it! But I am very pleased with my accomplishment:)
If you want some, you´ll have to come for a visit to Brazil.......
If you want some, you´ll have to come for a visit to Brazil.......
Hello From "Da Hood"
Pheww!!
Its been a another whole week and its only getting tougher. Well, its not that its tough its more like I'm "over-worked and under-paid" Just kidding Ta! :-)
So here I am in Newark in Da Hood-get it? Like they say here its same ol' same ol' I'm shteigin away soon I'll be a godol. Next week we are having a Shbbaton near woodbourn IY"H I'll try to get some pics I dont know how its gonna work.
But I'll make sure they have kosher-Meat
Until next time have a good shabbos!
;-)
Its been a another whole week and its only getting tougher. Well, its not that its tough its more like I'm "over-worked and under-paid" Just kidding Ta! :-)
So here I am in Newark in Da Hood-get it? Like they say here its same ol' same ol' I'm shteigin away soon I'll be a godol. Next week we are having a Shbbaton near woodbourn IY"H I'll try to get some pics I dont know how its gonna work.
But I'll make sure they have kosher-Meat
Until next time have a good shabbos!
;-)
earth to everyone
Hello again, now that I've got the hang of this I thought to touch base with everyone again. for everyone on the east coast "is'nt the weather wonderful"? I keep thinking about when it gets cold and we wont be able to enjoy the great outdoors. too all the rest of you folks have yourselves a great day. the Rubashkins
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