Leons Welcome Speach
“Mojito … speech”
“Speech .. Mojito”
Let’s see how this speech turns out
“I’ve received some advice from people about making a speech.
I’ve received advice from people who have heard me speak in public before.
The most common refrain I heard, the most common piece of advice, was
Leon, they said, Leon … keep it short.”
“I have NO idea why … but I will do my best. “
“Anyway, A VERY warm welcome to Naomi Pein’s batmitzvah! …
“Are we going to have a good time?”
“Well, After I’ve finished my speech you will”,
“and After this speech I will too”
“So, for those of you who saw her in shul yesterday, wasn’t Naomi excellent?”
“What a brilliant dvar Torah. Well done Naomi!”
How can I describe to you what I think of Naomi. Lots of things spring to mind.
But I’ll just share 2 things :-
First, In the best tradition, of our best-known Jewish hero, Moses, who was selected by G-d, not because of his powerful oratory, nor because he was a great leader of people, but because of his kindness to animals, and so Naomi has decided to become vegan and is working very hard at that.
I am very proud of her.. despite the fact that I supply Organic Kosher meat and poultry.
Another thing that springs to mind is
I recall seeing her, not once, but twice, packing two swimming caps for her school swimming lessons. The first time, I thought, leave it, don’t mention it, don’t interfere, don’t ask. The second time it just piqued my curiosity too much, so i asked why are you packing 2 swimming caps?
i should explain that naomi school is quite strict.
If a pupil does a minor transgression they receive a written notice. If they get 3 written notices they receive a house mark. Naomi has never received a house mark and is very proud of that.
So, Naomi patiently explained to me that one of her friends had forgotten her swimming cap twice, and if she did it again, her friend would get a house mark.
So Naomi was taking a spare one for her just in case.
I asked Naomi about it, at the end of that day and all was fine, her friend had remembered her cap. i then discovered that Naomi had not mentioned it to her friend and so her friend had no idea that Naomi had done it.
I was very impressed, not just because of her caring and organisation, but because she hadn’t sought any thanks and, in Jewish law, this is the highest form of charity.
Naomi, I am delighted, I’m thrilled and I’m proud at how well you’re doing, and I am sure that I speak on Shara’s behalf also, when I say those words.
———–
Naomi, Shara, is the partner I have when facing life’s challenges and joys and Naomi, if you ever have any doubts about what kind of a person to be, and how to think and behave, all you have to do is look at your mother and follow.
———-
Shara, as usual, I simply sat back in amazement at how seamless, smooth and streamlined the event preparation was and on behalf of the shareholders of Amazon and Ebay, I thank you for that. I cannot tell you how many deliveries we have had from the 4 corners of the universe.
So many times have they delivered parcels to my door, that i feel like i know the delivery drivers from DHL, Parcelforce and Federal Express personally and should invite them in for a cup of tea. All I did for this batmitzvah was just shlep boxes.
Shara, you look very elegant tonight and I am privileged to be your husband.
I look forward to the next 18 years.
———–
I would like to welcome, especially, friends and family who have come from afar
- Robin and family from Liverpool
- · Josie and Lionel from Lytham St Annes
- · Helen and Joe from Blackpool
- · Sandra and Barry from Manchester,
- Vera all the way from New York
And – A very warm welcome also to all of Naomi’s, and our, non-Jewish friends, who are sharing our nachas (nachas means pleasure in seeing .. anyone else doing well) and getting their first taste of Jewish culture and food.
On the other side I am very sad that Shara’s father David, and brother Mark, and my mother Linda, are not with us tonight.
But, there is only one rule and one commandment tonight – You are obliged to enjoy yourselves.
Eat, drink and be merry … Enjoy