A special day to honour our fathers.Young fathers, including my 3 sons,"get it." They intuitively know it is important to be part of their children's lives.Somehow with all the demands placed upon them they find the time to be there.I kwell(take great pride) in my sons,who all have thrived as fathers, each in their own unique way.
Today is also a day for me to pay tribute to my own father,Roy Nozick,who had a tremendous influence on me.The values I learned from my father are values I have tried to integrate and pass on to my children, so they in turn , can pass them on to my grandchildren.
Who was Zaidi Roy and what are those values he taught me?My Dad was a charismatic short, stocky man who commanded attention and respect when he entered a room.A high school drop-out, he had a creative and brilliant mind who was not afraid to think outside the box.As a training psychologist I used him as a subject while attempting to learn how to administer intellectual tests.An experience he truly enjoyed and excelled.at.
The youngest of 3 sons of Joe and Ann Nozick,he was a product of a conservative businessman and a card carrying communist mother.Although his parents were borne in Canada they became a part of the Jewish immigrant experience in North End Winnipeg.The North End in the 1920s and 1930s was a melting pot where Jews who came from all walks of political life felt free to live their life.
Roy Nozick was a free thinking man who believed one had to put forth one's best efforts whether it be in school, business or sports.A very active businessman he devoted much of his time to helping others whether through personal deeds or working with service clubs.My father loved organizing parties to raise money for social causes. I recall one such party for the March of Dimes where people were fined money for sitting too long or not drinking enough.
A gifted athlete, he once had a try-out for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, His passion for golf influenced 3 generations of Nozicks. He would have loved that 2 of his grandsons became professional golfers.
I onced asked my Dad,"What does it mean to be Jewish?' His response, "To be a Jew is to be a good person and to do good deeds." Similarly he once told me," after you accumulate $1 million dollars you have an obligation to give back to society."
So what are the values I have learned from my father that I hope to pass on to future generations of Nozicks. Namely, be yourself and be true to your values, be passionate about what you do,care about your neighbour and community,and find meaning in your life by performing the Jewish mitzvah(blessing) of Tikun Olam(to repair the world.)
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Saturday, March 16, 2019
TRAVELS WITH DR DAVID
Hola from the beautiful,sunny Costa Del Sol.Yesterday,we arrived in Torremolino ,2 planes and a local train ride after leaving Albufeira,Portugal..Portugal ,where we spent the previously 2 weeks in Lisbon and the Al grave, was a perfect place to start our month long retreat from the cold ,winter in Ottawa.
After a long overseas flight to London,we quickly run through terminal 1 at Heathrow airport to catch our 2 hour flight to Lisbon. On arrival,we were met by Fredrick, our driver who would prove to be a valuable resource,in helping us negotiate the mazes, that is the old city of Lisbon.
After a good night sleep, we were ready to explore the sights and sounds of Lisbon.We choose to go on a 5 hour walking tour which proved to be one of the highlights of our trip.We meet our fellow travelers from Toronto,England and Belgium at Rossio square, the main square in Lisbon. Our guide Pedro, an anthropology graduate from the University of Lisbon,was a major source of stories and information,that allowed us to learn the culture and history of Lisbon.
As a Jew I was particularly interested in the history of the Jews in Portugal.Apparently after the 1492 inquisition in Spain, many Jews migrated to Portugal.Unfortunately 2 years latter, when the king married a zealous Catholic woman,The Jews were exposed as pretending to practice Catholicism,and subsequently murdered. We saw a very moving
monument dedicated to the Jews who were slaughtered in 1494.
Other highlights of the city were the palace, the magnificent cathedral and the old city.
After leaving Lisbon,we rented an automatic car and visited Sintra,Obidos and the medieval town of Evora before taking the superhighway to Albufeira which is the most southern part of Portugal .
Before commenting on the warm ,humanistic nature of the Portuguese people I'd like to comment on driving in Portugal.The superhighways are simply marvelous, with well marked signage,clean rest spots with quality food.Traffic is sparse because of the tolls,which is a major controversy in Portugal.Driving through the narrow streets of the towns is quite a challenge, as is the art of negotiating the nerve racking round abouts..
The people of Portugal are simply marvelous. One example is worth noting. On our first night in Lisbon we were hungry and not sure where to eat. We decided on a pizza.Unfortunately when it arrived, it came with ingredients that were against my strict diet.I offered to pay for another one but the owner refused to take my money and insisted on making me another pizza free of charge.
The Algrave,where we spent a week, boasts of 300 days of sunshine a year,excellent food and pristine beaches set against the cliffs.all at a reasonable price, a fraction of what you would pay in Florida.The people of Portugal are warm, engaging and proud to share their culture and land with visiting foreigners The country is clean safe and easy to find your way around.Renting a car was inexpensive(120Euros for 9 days)and allowed us to explore out of the way villages and beaches. On one drive we travelled to St. Vincent to see the famous lighthouse guarding the Atlantic Ocean. .
Having visited over 60 countries worldwide Portugal is highly recommended as a destination to counter our cold Canadian winters.
After leaving Portugal and arriving in Torremolina in the heart of the Costa Del Sol,we quickly settled in our 4 Starr hotel on Playa del Bajondillo..Mornings we walked the 7 km boardwalk;with the occasional trip up the steep slope to the Plaza Costa del Sol,followed by a leisurely afternoon taking the sun.Three days we booked excursions to Gibraltar,Granada and Malaga.
The Costa del Sol, 300 km of beach between Malaga and Gibraltar,is saturated with resorts and hotels,devoted to foreigners looking for the warmth and sun(330 days) it brings.The Brits,Danes,, Germans and some Canadians are here.A very civilized and tourist friendly atmosphere exists with accommodation and service for all tastes.
I personally found the Costa del Sol too commercialized as well as some in the tourist service industry rude and arrogant.
Your choice whether to visit Portugal or Spain very much depends if you see yourself as a tourist or an independent travellor. The choice is yours. Safe travels.
.
After a long overseas flight to London,we quickly run through terminal 1 at Heathrow airport to catch our 2 hour flight to Lisbon. On arrival,we were met by Fredrick, our driver who would prove to be a valuable resource,in helping us negotiate the mazes, that is the old city of Lisbon.
After a good night sleep, we were ready to explore the sights and sounds of Lisbon.We choose to go on a 5 hour walking tour which proved to be one of the highlights of our trip.We meet our fellow travelers from Toronto,England and Belgium at Rossio square, the main square in Lisbon. Our guide Pedro, an anthropology graduate from the University of Lisbon,was a major source of stories and information,that allowed us to learn the culture and history of Lisbon.
As a Jew I was particularly interested in the history of the Jews in Portugal.Apparently after the 1492 inquisition in Spain, many Jews migrated to Portugal.Unfortunately 2 years latter, when the king married a zealous Catholic woman,The Jews were exposed as pretending to practice Catholicism,and subsequently murdered. We saw a very moving
monument dedicated to the Jews who were slaughtered in 1494.
Other highlights of the city were the palace, the magnificent cathedral and the old city.
After leaving Lisbon,we rented an automatic car and visited Sintra,Obidos and the medieval town of Evora before taking the superhighway to Albufeira which is the most southern part of Portugal .
Before commenting on the warm ,humanistic nature of the Portuguese people I'd like to comment on driving in Portugal.The superhighways are simply marvelous, with well marked signage,clean rest spots with quality food.Traffic is sparse because of the tolls,which is a major controversy in Portugal.Driving through the narrow streets of the towns is quite a challenge, as is the art of negotiating the nerve racking round abouts..
The people of Portugal are simply marvelous. One example is worth noting. On our first night in Lisbon we were hungry and not sure where to eat. We decided on a pizza.Unfortunately when it arrived, it came with ingredients that were against my strict diet.I offered to pay for another one but the owner refused to take my money and insisted on making me another pizza free of charge.
The Algrave,where we spent a week, boasts of 300 days of sunshine a year,excellent food and pristine beaches set against the cliffs.all at a reasonable price, a fraction of what you would pay in Florida.The people of Portugal are warm, engaging and proud to share their culture and land with visiting foreigners The country is clean safe and easy to find your way around.Renting a car was inexpensive(120Euros for 9 days)and allowed us to explore out of the way villages and beaches. On one drive we travelled to St. Vincent to see the famous lighthouse guarding the Atlantic Ocean. .
Having visited over 60 countries worldwide Portugal is highly recommended as a destination to counter our cold Canadian winters.
After leaving Portugal and arriving in Torremolina in the heart of the Costa Del Sol,we quickly settled in our 4 Starr hotel on Playa del Bajondillo..Mornings we walked the 7 km boardwalk;with the occasional trip up the steep slope to the Plaza Costa del Sol,followed by a leisurely afternoon taking the sun.Three days we booked excursions to Gibraltar,Granada and Malaga.
The Costa del Sol, 300 km of beach between Malaga and Gibraltar,is saturated with resorts and hotels,devoted to foreigners looking for the warmth and sun(330 days) it brings.The Brits,Danes,, Germans and some Canadians are here.A very civilized and tourist friendly atmosphere exists with accommodation and service for all tastes.
I personally found the Costa del Sol too commercialized as well as some in the tourist service industry rude and arrogant.
Your choice whether to visit Portugal or Spain very much depends if you see yourself as a tourist or an independent travellor. The choice is yours. Safe travels.
.
Monday, December 31, 2018
2018 IN REVIEW
2018 was a mixed year of blessings and challenges that tested my resolve. In the personal area. I moved into a new townhouse with my long time partner.As 2 very strong and independent people there continues to be many challenges integrating our lives.
Despite an initial set back in my health,which necessitated exhaustive and comprehensive medical procedures,I am delighted to report I remain cancer free, a blessing for which I am eternally grateful.
During 2018 I was fortunate to travel to the Caribbean,New York city and many times out west to visit my family. On one occasion I spent quality time in the Okanagan Valley with each of my 6 delightful, energetic, and highly adventurous grandchildren I was blessed to participate in the celebration of my granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah as well as my grandson's Bar Mitzvah. Both expertly reading their D'var Torah portion and delivered a commentary on their Torah portion that totally reflected their own distinct personalities.It is at these moments that I feel truly blessed.
2018 brought the mitvah(blessing) of the wedding of my godson.A newly minted M.D. he is a real mentch(honorable person). It was a privilege to attend this orthodox wedding in which the room was saturated with love and good will.
On a professional level over the past 6 years,I have been blessed with an opportunity to continue to practice my craft with a very supportive and congenial group of mental health professions.In addition, this year I delivered a series of lectures regarding the psychological aspects of retirement.
With the new continuing education requirement of The College Of Psychology Of Ontario,I participated in various professional activities that helped to refine old skills, as well as to learn new techniques applicable to the new age of internet psychology.
2018 has been a challenge on several levels, including the uncertainty and anxiety of having had cancer.There is not a single day that I do not think of the possibility that the cancer might re-occur.Living one day at a time becomes a reality.
Living with an an ostomy presents it own challenges.For the most part I am doing well ,occasionally my ostomy goes on steroids ,forcing me to adjust my schedule accordingly.
The Ottawa Ostomy Society has been a wonderful support to me. I am hopeful in the New Year to be trained to provide support to new ostmates. It is a way for me to give back, for the wonderful support I have received dealing with my new body.
Finally it is a year in which I have lost many friends to the ravages of cancer and heart disease.Others are facing the challenges of living with these diseases.
My family recently lost the matriarch of the Nozick family.My aunt,who was a renaissance woman, of grace and dignity,died on her 100th birthday.
2019 will present it's own set of challenges, which I look forward to meeting.
To each of you and your families,I hope 2019 brings to you an abundance of good health,happiness, and inner peace.
Happy New Year
David
Despite an initial set back in my health,which necessitated exhaustive and comprehensive medical procedures,I am delighted to report I remain cancer free, a blessing for which I am eternally grateful.
During 2018 I was fortunate to travel to the Caribbean,New York city and many times out west to visit my family. On one occasion I spent quality time in the Okanagan Valley with each of my 6 delightful, energetic, and highly adventurous grandchildren I was blessed to participate in the celebration of my granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah as well as my grandson's Bar Mitzvah. Both expertly reading their D'var Torah portion and delivered a commentary on their Torah portion that totally reflected their own distinct personalities.It is at these moments that I feel truly blessed.
2018 brought the mitvah(blessing) of the wedding of my godson.A newly minted M.D. he is a real mentch(honorable person). It was a privilege to attend this orthodox wedding in which the room was saturated with love and good will.
On a professional level over the past 6 years,I have been blessed with an opportunity to continue to practice my craft with a very supportive and congenial group of mental health professions.In addition, this year I delivered a series of lectures regarding the psychological aspects of retirement.
With the new continuing education requirement of The College Of Psychology Of Ontario,I participated in various professional activities that helped to refine old skills, as well as to learn new techniques applicable to the new age of internet psychology.
2018 has been a challenge on several levels, including the uncertainty and anxiety of having had cancer.There is not a single day that I do not think of the possibility that the cancer might re-occur.Living one day at a time becomes a reality.
Living with an an ostomy presents it own challenges.For the most part I am doing well ,occasionally my ostomy goes on steroids ,forcing me to adjust my schedule accordingly.
The Ottawa Ostomy Society has been a wonderful support to me. I am hopeful in the New Year to be trained to provide support to new ostmates. It is a way for me to give back, for the wonderful support I have received dealing with my new body.
Finally it is a year in which I have lost many friends to the ravages of cancer and heart disease.Others are facing the challenges of living with these diseases.
My family recently lost the matriarch of the Nozick family.My aunt,who was a renaissance woman, of grace and dignity,died on her 100th birthday.
2019 will present it's own set of challenges, which I look forward to meeting.
To each of you and your families,I hope 2019 brings to you an abundance of good health,happiness, and inner peace.
Happy New Year
David
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND STEPHEN
Approximately 2 years ago my friend Stephen and I along with another friend Stanley, were diagnosed with different forms of cancer.Treatment varied widely among us including chemotherapy,radiation, and surgery
We supported each other in our trials and journeys battling against this insidious and life altering disease.Having dramatically different personalities we responded differently to our predicament.
Stephen was facing lymphoma, a systemic type of cancer. During his battle he had many setbacks.Nevertheless, he maintained a remarkably positive and resilient attitude always believing that he would beat the odds.He celebrated life , making new friends from all walks of life.Recently he took a cruise on the Caribbean and raved about the excursions he participated in, including swimming with the dolphins.
Stephen, a rather tall lanky fellow who often went unshaven, had a menacing rather gruff exterior, however when you got to really know him, he had a heart of gold.Despite his own troubles he was always there for me as I fought my own personal battle with cancer. Somehow he would always find the time to phone, inquiring about my health.
A genuine sport nut ,who coached hockey at a competitive level,he had an encyclopedia knowledge of all sports. He religiously followed the daily happenings in the sports' world, and was not afraid to voice his opinion when he disagreed with the experts .We attended many games together and I will miss his company and running commentary of the action
Rest in peace my friend.
We supported each other in our trials and journeys battling against this insidious and life altering disease.Having dramatically different personalities we responded differently to our predicament.
Stephen was facing lymphoma, a systemic type of cancer. During his battle he had many setbacks.Nevertheless, he maintained a remarkably positive and resilient attitude always believing that he would beat the odds.He celebrated life , making new friends from all walks of life.Recently he took a cruise on the Caribbean and raved about the excursions he participated in, including swimming with the dolphins.
Stephen, a rather tall lanky fellow who often went unshaven, had a menacing rather gruff exterior, however when you got to really know him, he had a heart of gold.Despite his own troubles he was always there for me as I fought my own personal battle with cancer. Somehow he would always find the time to phone, inquiring about my health.
A genuine sport nut ,who coached hockey at a competitive level,he had an encyclopedia knowledge of all sports. He religiously followed the daily happenings in the sports' world, and was not afraid to voice his opinion when he disagreed with the experts .We attended many games together and I will miss his company and running commentary of the action
Rest in peace my friend.
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