Well… here I am.
One hundred years old. I’ve been called many things in my life, but “a century old” is a new one.
Thank you all for being here today. Seeing so many familiar faces — family, friends, and people I care about — means more to me than I can put into words. If nothing else, today proves one thing: I must have done something right along the way.
I was born into a very different world. I’ve seen more change than I ever imagined — from how we travel, to how we communicate, to how fast everything moves today. I’ve watched history happen, sometimes from the front row, sometimes just trying to keep up. And through it all, I learned that while times change, people really don’t — we still need love, kindness, and each other.
With Hashem’s help, I have always tried to keep up my faith and have been proud of our traditions. I’ve been blessed with a life full of memories — some happy, some hard, all important. I’m grateful for the family I’ve been given, the friendships I’ve made, and the moments that turned into stories we still tell today.
When one realizes that I’m addressing four generations of my family, thank you for your love, your support, and for making me feel so cherished today. To my friends — thank you for the laughter, the loyalty, and the years we’ve shared. And to everyone here — thank you for helping me celebrate a day I never thought I’d see.
Thanks to young and old for travelling long distances; Michael and Caroline from Sydney, Aaron and Laura from London; Leora and Marc, Elyssa and Caleb, and Sanford and Frieda from Chicago; Alan, Lisa and Jordan, and Martin and Sharon from Boston; and Marian and Ira from Philadelphia. I really appreciate your efforts in being present.
Unfortunately, on a sad note, we honour and remember those family members who are not with us; my husband, Fred, with whom I had sixty-six years of a happy marriage. Also, we lost our wonderful, David, whom we sadly miss every day.
At this stage, I would like to thank Leora and Hylton for their help always. I don’t think I could manage without them. During her busy work schedule, Leora will always find time to contact me every day and she visits whenever possible. Hylton sees to everything I do, for my general wellbeing and special thanks for all his work and effort to organize this special simcha today. And thanks to Gail, Gavin and Craig and their families – I always look forward to their visits on the weekends.
I thank my 24/7 caregivers: Myra and her weekend relief, April, for taking care of me and for their great service and dedication. My sincere thanks to Ana-Marie, for the many years of her assistance and friendship. They have all become great tennis enthusiasts and rummy-cube players!
Last year I was questioning the use of AI and funnily enough I consulted ChatGPT to help me write this speech! Here is something from ChatGPT and it’s something I’ve learned in these 100 years. Life goes by faster than you think. Don’t waste time holding grudges. Laugh often. Be kind when you can — and patient when you can’t. And never underestimate the power of showing up for the people you love.
I think I have spoken enough. Thanks once again and enjoy the food and drink and great company.
Thank you.