B"H

Jomtien Beach

Thailand

Thursday

October 9, 2025

 

Hello,

 

I was blessed with three separate birthday events this year.

 

On Thursday, September 18, my actual birthday, I decided to attend the morning prayer service at my synagogue.  I hadn't been in shul for two years. My friend Shmuel Avraham helped me straighten my tallis.  Rabbi Kantor was pleased to see me.  He assisted me with the tefillin and in the siddur, directed me to the Schema, the proper prayer.  On Thursday the Torah is read and since I am a Levi, I was called up for an Aliyah.  Of course!   I can still read and chant the Hebrew prayers.

 

The remainder of the day was quite normal. My Bangkok friends were either out of town or unable to meet me.  I did a little shopping, prepared meals, and read a bit.  

 

On Saturday, September 27, my friends Bijan and Lita organized a wonderful late afternoon-early evening birthday party at their condominium building at Jomtien Beach.  The 26th floor meeting room has an extended balcony that overlooks the Gulf of Siam.

 

Dan came down from Bangkok. My girlfriend Ooy took a day off from work. Olga brought a chocolate cake. Happi and LT and his girlfriend Cho completed the cheerful and celebratory group of close friends.  In addition to the food and drink and ice cream cake, Bijan popped open a bottle of champagne.  This is a party to remember.

 

On Saturday October 4 My friend and webmaster Aun and her husband Bill came down to Jomtien with their eight-month-old daughter "Baby Muffin."  Ooy and I met them for dinner.  Bill is an attentive father and Aun is always cheerful and energetic.  Across the table from me, Muffin seemed quizzical yet amused by my facial expression antics. 

 

After dinner Aun disclosed that Muffin screams when held by strangers.  Nevertheless! In my arms Baby Muffin was delighted with my conversation.  Eventually she even reached out to my beard with curiosity and dare I say, approval.  I told her I won't be here for her wedding or for her college graduation.   But I'll hang around for awhile as her friend and keep our conversation going.

 

Thank you my friends who have celebrated my birthday with me  Thank you to my friends who have sent me your best wishes.

 

Friends is what I have.

 

Be well,

 

Jan

 

PS I always know the Hebrew calendar year.  How is that?  This New Year is 5786.  I am in my 86th year.   See you next September.