To my dear Jody,
I guess my first response to this birthday is “unimaginable!” Birthdays always mark time in everyone’s life. For you, this birthday is a wonderful milestone, for me it is unimaginable!
In my mind’s eye, I see this special little baby, with the largest hazel eyes I’ve ever seen come into this world with Dr. Rubinstein saying, “She is so beautiful, you better watch that the boy babies don’t try to get into her crib.” On that score, I did a good job while you were young.
As you were growing up, you had a special calm about you, eager to learn new things, always ready to laugh and never afraid of anything new. You loved being around family, friends and animals. You did well in school! You even won first place in a writing contest when you were in 2nd grade, writing about “smiles!”
Through junior high and high school, the house was bustling with a deluge of friends that made everything so much fun! We got much use out of our swimming pool, and though Steven cannon-balled everyone, we had lots of fun in our back yard celebrating birthday parties and practicing your water ballet! And, don’t forget your bat mitzvah, a precursor to the joy of learning Judaism, that you would embark on after university was finished.
UCLA brought new experiences, new horizons to conquer, new people to meet, and your first experience living away from home, which fostered your independence. I believe that your love for Israel and all things Jewish was developing all along, but took a huge leap when you spent a month at BCI. That was the springboard for your move to Israel and your in-depth studies at Pardes.
I have wonderful memories of our little “mystery weekend” together with Nana & Marv when we went to Solvang for lunch, dinner & theatre in Santa Maria, and topping it all off in San Simeon at Hearst Castle. What a great time it was!
And now your life has taken on so much meaning, seeing the fruits of your labor in your beautiful children, your pride in their army stints, seeing what good people they’ve become and how they fill your house and heart with so much love. I know how you’ve always loved music, and you are now surrounded by a sax player, a guitar player and a piano player (sometimes) and not to forget, a DJ who loves music with you! And, to complete your life, you finally got what you always wanted, your darling dog, Monty.
You seem to have it all, my lovely daughter, Jody.
So, on this special day, though I can’t be with you physically, I’m with you in spirit, and I wish you the best, most wonderful birthday ever, and leave you with a big hug, and lots of love from Mom.
To my dearest Jody
I am so very happy and extremely proud of the person you’ve become since your birth at Cleveland’s Mount Sinai Hospital on Monday, August 20th in 1962. I’m sure you remember that one of my favorite sayings is…every man wants a son (and I was blessed with your brother as the first born)…until he has a daughter (and I was doubly blessed with you and then your sister).
I’ve loved and continue to love being your Dad and sharing all 50 years with you, even though sometimes it’s been from a distance. Your personal, spiritual and family growth over the years warrants a book…not just a few paragraphs. However, I want you to know how very proud I am of you with your many accomplishments…your growth as a person, a parent, a wife and as an important member of your community. I have a 50-year perspective of your life and it fills me with great pride and unceasing love for you and your family.
While going through old photo albums I was drawn back to memories of the past 50 years…viewing pictures of you as the years flew buy so quickly reinforced the memories. The picture of me holding you during your first month of life was one that I hadn’t seen in years, and it not only showed the infant you were, but also how young I was. We did a lot of growing and had many experiences over the years, and I’ve always felt something very special between us…we seem to have both been cut from some of the same “cloth” which has drawn us along many shared paths, thoughts and feelings.
You were such a cute little girl and through the years you have become a beautiful woman from many different perspectives. One of my all-time favorite pictures is your graduation picture from nursery school. I’ve included it in the book as well as several pictures where I see Merav in your face.
San Diego is a short distance from L.A., but we still managed to see each other on a regular basis. This was very important to me and still is even though Jerusalem is a little more difficult to reach as regularly as L.A. But, distance never stopped us, and in some instances even enhanced what we did… like vacations.
Our first vacation was in 1969 to Vacation Village in San Diego…remember?) Then there were great trips to Hawaii, Eilat, Turkey and Tanzania. We had wonderful visits in Israel while you studied there and eventually set down roots. Even though you were the one staying in Israel, I got so much nachas from the visits while sharing that part of your life with you and your family.
I am reminded that we agreed you would go to Israel for a year (after college), but stayed 3 years. I can’t complain as Jaymie made the same request and promised me that the same thing wouldn’t happen to her as she promised that she would stay in Israel for only one year. Of course, she was right. She didn’t do the same as you…she stayed 7 years. However, even though I’d very much prefer that all of you were living closer…like in California, I’m happy and very proud of you and for both of you and your families.
My cup is overflowing with 17 grandchildren. They represent to me all that I treasure most. in addition to Carol, you, Brian, Jaymie, Aryeh, Steve, Susan, Amy, Mike, Kate & John. And now, we will, in the future, welcome into the family, the next generation…our great grandchildren. You and all the other adult members of our “clan” will see the family multiply into the future…possibly in great numbers and diversity. What do you think Grandma and Grandpa Fox would think of all that? They’d never believe it, eh?
Jody, I have treasured watching you grow over the years into the beautiful and loving woman/daughter/wife and mother that you are, and look forward very much to our visit and the celebration of your 50th birthday.
My wishes for you are to continue forward with your strong brand of commitment, great health and happiness for you and your family and to know that your Daddy is thinking of you always.
With lots of love and many… 0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0
Have a very Happy Birthday on the 20th, but be prepared to celebrate again on the 23rd.
Love,
Dad
Jody,
I want to wish you a very Happy 50th- you look mahvelous -like Elizabeth Taylor!
You are a terrific person & mother as exemplified in Amir, Merav and Aviv (& Monty)! You have welcomed me into your life and I am very proud of you & happy that you are in my life. You are constantly growing and striving to be a better person and possess so many wonderful qualities. You deserve the best that life has to offer!
Have a great celebration – you have accomplished a lot in 50 years and the world is a better place having you in it! We are all blessed!
Love,
Mike
Fifty Rhymes on Reaching Fifty
Fifty rhymes is a bit ambitious, I admit it
But I believe it’s possible, so let’s get with it
You’ve made it to fifty, now that’s a fact so true
Writing verses to honor you is the least I can do
So get out your abacus or calculator of choice
And tally up the verses composed to rejoice
The life of Jody Michelle Fox Blum
Beautiful birthday girl – you’re number one
You’ve reached fifty, how did THAT happen?
In a blink of an eye, hands a-clappin’
When no one was looking, the years piled up
As you danced through life with a full cup
Born on August twentieth 1962 in Cleveland, Ohio
Sister to three year old Steven, oh my oh my-oh
Raised in California, in Van Nuys to be exact
Where you were encouraged to travel life’s track
Brandeis-Bardin, UCLA, then a graduation trip
Led you to Israel, Pardes and a new life script
Brian Blum entered your life at this time
Enriching it, now life was sublime
After much hard work and introspection
Expressions of love and deep affection
You & Brian under the chuppah stood
Family & friends knew the match was good
Twelve rhymes are behind me, only 38 to go
The thoughts keep coming, let’s go with the flow
Married life agreed very well with both of you
As you studied and achieved degree # two
MSW now came after MRS & your name
Caring help for seniors became your game
An observant and holy home was your goal
You achieved this right down to your soul
Shabbat dinners and lunches were spiritual & fun
With all sorts of guests, you included everyone
Lovely Shabbat meals continue to this very day
Shared with family and friends in your unique way
Your life in Berkeley was lovely and sweet
But something was missing, something incomplete
A rosy-cheeked boy soon came on the scene
Amir was born, with the longest toes ever seen
The first grandchild, a wonder to behold!
We couldn’t get enough of him, if truth be told
Motherhood changed your busy life
You succeeded at juggling without any strife
Then all of a sudden, (not to you, I am sure)
Merav arrived, precious, pink and pure
What, only 23 rhyming lines in this ditty so far?
This is harder than I thought, like breaking par
There’s one thing I’ve learned over the years
Keep on truckin’, no whining, no tears
I hope this creation doesn’t bore you to death
I’ll try to finish without taking a breath…
A son and a daughter, happiness all around
Time to turn the Blum family’s life upside-down
Aliyah to Israel, a dream through and through
After years of planning finally comes true
In Los Angeles we bid our sad goodbyes
With more than a few tears in our eyes
In Yisrael Aviv the sabra is welcomed to the clan
While saving for a home is added to the plan
Your mothering skills are beyond reproach
Three terrific kids—you needed no coach
Your evolving career makes twists and turns
Reflecting your growth and all that you learn
With so many miles between family and friends
Keeping in touch becomes a major trend
Skype & Facebook helped retain close ties
Like trips between continents where El Al flies
Visiting as often as we can, never often enough
Flying such distances can really be rough
After 35 lines that rhyme, the time has come
To honor the woman of the hour, Jody Blum:
You were a youthful 28 when first we met
Pregnant with Amir, though you hadn’t told yet
We’ve had 22 years to hone our relationship
Through visits, events and many a trip
I relish our conversations, our heart-to-hearts
During which our mutual affection is off the charts
One special benefit of marrying your Dad
Is having you as a stepdaughter, of that I’m so glad
Something I know for sure – on you I can always depend
More than my stepdaughter, you’re also my friend
Someone who makes me laugh and allows me to cry
Lifts my spirits and encourages all to ‘fly’
Thank you for caring and understanding me
For all that you do so thoughtfully
You’ve reached an auspicious age with love & with grace
Finding ways to learn, to grow and keep a-pace
My sincere wish for you in the coming years
Is good health, peace, joy, love and cheer
May your family bring you the greatest pleasure
Providing you all you hold dear and treasure
Happy Birthday Jody, dear
I’ve run out of rhymes, I fear
So I’ll close this ode with heart-felt love
And abundant blessings sent from above
I’ll have to pull a rhyme out of a barrel
To sign in rhyme, with love from Carol
P.S. and by the way, I hope you think it’s been nifty
That I have managed to come up with rhymes times fifty
August 20, 2012
Dearest Jody,
This short letter to you, dear sister, is in honor of your 50th birthday.
We have shared many memories together; probably the most meaningful one (for me) was when we traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East together in the mid 1980s. We finally began to know each other as adults rather than children and that experience allowed us to relate to each other in a different way.
Of course, there are many other large memories, including your marriage, children, and the big move to Israel.
I wish you the continued happiness you seem to enjoy in life with your Israeli family, your non-Israeli family, work, and personal growth. And, surrounding yourself with the people that help you feel loved and fulfilled.
Love,
Steve
Dearest Jody,
At this special time of your 50th birthday, I want to let you know how very precious you are to me. From the time we were little, you were so nurturing and caring.
Many of my memories of us as kids were of you taking such good care of me and trying to teach and guide me whenever possible.
You took this gift of being a nurturer and grew with it to give to your immediate and extended family, in addition to a large group of devoted friends; remembering birthdays, calling and visiting, and I’m sure much more. To keep in contact and to maintain a close bond to so many relatives and friends near and far is no small feat. But year after year you have managed to pull it off with grace and sincerity.
You are a natural giver, you know how to relate to so many different types of people in your life wherever they may be holding, giving them what they need, while putting your own desires and needs aside. I love watching you in conversations with whomever is fortunate to be in dialogue with you at the time, watching you deeply gazing at them with your piercing loving eyes, creating a feeling of genuine closeness through understanding and love without judgments.
Hashem should bless you, until 120, with the ability to continue to grow and to spread love and warmth to all those that are fortunate enough to be in your life.
Happy Happy Birthday sweet sister!
All my love,
Jaymie
My sweet, sweet cousin Jody.
Ever since we were little girls I have loved you with all of my heart. Who knew we’d turn 50 someday!! I remember most of times we have spent together, some of them I have forgotten, but the warm place I have for you in my heart never goes away!
Wishing you every happiness you dream of and a peaceful heart as you cross over your 50th birthday!
Love always,
Cousin Tami:)
My fondest memories of my dear cousin Jody are the many long days/nights we’ve spent talking about just about everything over the years. You’re a great friend, a great listener, and one of the most compassionate people I know. I love you and wish you many more years filled with mitzvos.
Love,
Cousin David
What makes Jody so special to me is she is just an awesome person…. open and real, loving and giving, passionate and inspirational…I feel very blessed to have her in my life…
Nechemia
To our beautiful Israeli cousin…best wishes on 50! Enjoy the ride
Rick and Bev
Dearest Jody,
Mazel Tov on this milestone in your life. Yom Huledit Sameach!
You are a very special and dear person to us; you have touched our lives with your warmth, kindness, generosity, hospitality, intelligence – your heart and soul. You make each one of us feel special and unique.
For me, Jody, I have never felt as honored as when you asked me to have an aliyah at Merav’s bat mitzvah. The memory of how I felt at that moment in my life will always fill my heart and soul. It is so vivid. I felt more connected to Torah and my heritage; I cannot compare it to another time in my life. One unique experience. Thank you for that lifetime memory.
Thank you for welcoming us – the Schaefer family – into your home. Visiting Israel is made more special when we spend precious moments with you and your beautiful family. Sharing our first experiences at the Light Show in Jerusalem, or the musical instruments show at the Tower of David (not sure what it was called), or walking along Emek Refaim, or just hanging out at you home; It doesn’t matter what we do; being with you if what makes Israel our second home.
Lots of love, hugs and kisses,
Dori and Rich, David, Rina, Cindy and Dave, and Rebecca
Our best to Jody on her most special day. We wish her a hundred svantzek with health and happiness.
All of our love,
Sunny, Mick, Dylan and Talia
One of my favorite memories is from your wedding day. There you were, Jody, resplendent in your wedding dress, and in dances Brian escorted by his groomsmen. It is the first time you have seen each other in days. I recall fondly your glowing face, and how happy you seemed – both to be getting married to my brother, but also to be doing it in this very traditional, very Jewish way.
Dave
Dear Aunt Jody,
It’s your birthday and I’ve been thinking about all sorts of memories from my childhood, which include you. I remember your family coming to visit years ago by Grandpa Marv and Nana’s birthday party, staying in our house. I remember coming to Saba’s house and you waiting up to see me, but then my flight got delayed and you gave me a beautiful journal, but then I got up early so I would have a chance to see you before you went back to Israel. New York was sooooo much fun last summer and I think it was the first time that I really got to spend quality time with you and Merav. It’s also amazing how important family is to you, that you have made an effort to come in to Toronto for as many bar mitzvas as you could. And it means soooo much to me that I had your entire family at my wedding. It’s so nice to have you guys so close by!
I love you,
love, Ariella
my dearest jodala / where has the time gone / you were just a little girl visiting us on Bainbridge / grandpa marv and i loved having you / we did lots of things together / went on some nice trips to michigan and Washington / we hated sending you back to California / then you came here with merav and that was wonderful / any time i could see you is a joy / have a wonderful birthday/ i wish i could be with you on your special day / much love always my darling jody.
nana
Ima, mommy, mom…
Where to even begin? You’re simply so special. In the past few years as I’ve grown up, I’ve gotten to know you as a person, and not just as “the one who brought me here” and I’ve realized how lucky I am to have you as my mom.
I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for your endless caring and giving, for always putting others before yourself. For the compassion, listening to all the teenage whining, making sure we’re never left cold or hungry or alone. You take care of us because it’s your duty as our mom, but I can feel the love pouring through with everything you do.
I kind of wanted to tell you I admire a certain quality of yours. It’s not easy to put the world as a top priority, but you manage to. That really shows what a wonderful person you are. I hope to be more like you as I grow older.
The best and most recent memories I have with you are the weeks of preparation for my giyus, specifically the day before. It’s amazing we can sit together in a coffee shop and talk so openly about such deep topics. I love that you just “get” me.
Thank you for always believing in me, pushing me forwards, and helping me always try become a better person.
Happy birthday Ima. I love you.
Always,
Merav
Dear Imma,
You have been a wonderful mom and I love being with you. You are always there for me. To help. To talk. Anything I need, you just run up to my help. And I thank you for that. I love you SO SO much. I wish you a HAPPY HAPPY 50th Birthday. And I’m sure it will be AMAZING! With lots of love!
Aviv
Dearest Imma,
Here I am writing a letter to you for your 50th birthday, which will be compiled into a book along with letters from tons of other people that care about you a lot.
This unoriginal yet wonderful idea came around two years past, when you did the same for Abba’s birthday. Such an idea can only have come from someone as loving and caring as you, so it’s great to get the opportunity to tell you that in greater detail:
I love you Imma.
I love how you are constantly looking for ways to improve yourself, your life, and especially the lives of others. Your selflessness inspires me in my life as well, and I try to emulate it, though I don’t always succeed.
I love how you always notice the good qualities in me and tell me the things you appreciate, and the patience you show regarding the things you appreciate less. I love when you say, “have I told you I loved you yet today?”
So I thank you for being you, and wish you the happiest of happy birthdays there could ever be!
To the best Mom ever,
Love,
Amir
The first time I met you, Jody, was 18 years ago, when you and Brian showed up for my mother’s (Aunt Ruth) 65th birthday party in Montreal. It was held at my dear sister Maureen’s home. You came with Amir, who was such a cute little guy, and with Merav who was still under a year old (she looked like a cabbage patch doll!).
I remember thinking you were so pretty and it was such a shame that you kept your hair covered. Religious Judaism was such a foreign concept to me in those days (who knew??). What struck me was how dynamic you were – within a few weeks, I received a genealogy chart of the Schwartz/Vinitsky family with instructions on how to fill in the missing data. Remember, this was well before the time that genealogy became trendy! You did all this, and you barely knew the Schwartz family – you had just met most of them. This blew me away! I remember thinking then that you were a very special person.
And a very special person you remain.
I will always hold one special memory of you (and Brian) in my heart. We were sitting on your roof with your family one Shabbat evening 3 years ago (time of Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah). We listened to your voice join in harmony with Brian’s as you said the blessings and later sang some beautiful melodies in honor of Shabbat. The sweetness of your voices intertwining was holy and magical. I will always carry that memory in my heart.
Mazel tov, Jody. May you live many, many more healthy, wonderful years. Thank you for always welcoming Paul and me so warmly and so lovingly into your home when we visit Israel. And thank you also for sharing your home, your family, and your great cooking with my kids (Gila/Ilan and Talya) and grandkid (Ari) as well.
We love you and wish you always life’s best.”
Love,
Cousin Sue and Paul Bregman
Dearest Jody,
As I remember, Jody, you were starting college and selling your car. What I will never forget were your negotiating skills. A man came to the house in Van Nuys to buy the car and he offered you less than what you wanted and you refused his offer. I remember thinking to myself it was not a bad offer, take it, but you felt it wasn’t enough and held out. And, he came back, offered you your asking price, handed you the money and away he drove.
What amazing confidence, courage and backbone. And, Jody, it has aided you to be the success you are today.
You accepted Richard into the family without reservation and made him feel so very welcomed. That you and the kids were at our wedding means so much to both of us. You have been so supportive and always inclusive. And we love your communications. From Skype to sharing your feelings, to sharing photos of your adventures, you share it all so we know what the Blum family is doing even though we are thousands of miles away.
That you welcomed David to your Shabbat table and all holidays and festivities as well as always being there for him, will always be special to me. Thank you for being his go-to family in Israel.
Jody, remember the time we were in San Diego for your father’s 70th birthday and you wanted to go “contra” dancing. I had never heard of it but it was something you really loved doing, so we went. And it was fun. Jody, you have so much vitality, energy and passion and it shows in all that you do.
What is success? A wonderful, loving relationship with your husband. Which you have. Healthy, independent, responsible children. Which you have. A career that both challenges and fulfills you. Which you have. A balanced life with time for yourself for your personal growth. Which you have.
Jody, you are a passionate, loving, caring 50-year young woman and we are so proud of you and love you,
Aunt Marlene and Uncle Richard
A Little bird told us it was your birthday!
We’re thrilled to send you our very best wishes for a wonderful birthday! Having your family and friends with you to mark your special day is a treat for you, we know. Nothing could be better- except maybe chocolate.
With Love From
Amy & Mike and Kate & John