Page 1 of 28 - Sounds scary, eh?

Dear Hosts and In-Laws, Relatives, Friends

Winston Churchill was apparently once asked to address a Prep School. He got up and said 'Never, never give up', then sat down. Well you're not getting away quite as easily as that. (but I will try to be brief).

As most of you know I am Karen's dad, Jack. Unaccustomed as I am to making speeches, I will ask you to forgive me when I frequently resort to my notes.

Today we are surrounded by most of the friends and family who have been important to us during our lives. Some of you have traveled a long way just to be here today. We thank you sincerely for sharing this special day with us.

I would also like to thank our Rabbi (Rabbi Alpern) for the beautiful service and his boss for providing such excellent weather for the photographs. (for providing dry weather, thus enabling us to celebrate in the garden)

We're delighted Karen chose someone we like so much to be her partner. Jake is affectionate and caring. In the 7 years we have known him, Jenny and I have seen his great ability to make Karen happy.

The old saying is exactly right - we haven't lost a daughter, we've gained a son. I would like to welcome Jake into our family. He has been added to our family tree in a very important place, right next to my daughter Karen.

What we find gratifying, is that Jake's parents feel the same about Karen. They have taken her into their hearts.

I am so happy that my daughter is marrying into such a good family; Marilyn and Charles, you both are the kindest, warmest and friendliest people I've known, I am sure you will take only the best care of my daughter.

I'm very proud to have such a lovely daughter as Karen - the blushing bride, and I must congratulate Jake on his perception.

Only a few years ago we saw her graduate from university with honors. I remember that moment with great pride.

Karen is a unique character, with her own way of doing things and achieving her personal goals. She always tries her best to accomplish the tasks set out for her. Jake, I'm sure life won't be dull in the future.

One vivid example:
My wife was in her car when the telephone rang. It was Karen. She sounded agitated, and came up with her historic sentence: " Mum I've got ten minutes in which to get your opinion on the following decisions I've taken:
1. I'm quitting my job and going into teaching
2. We are therefore moving to Houston for a couple of years and have to buy a house there
3. After that period I intend to go to university in California
There was silence for a full minute, when Karen said: "Are you there mum?" "Certainly I'm here. I'm trying to find my tranquilizers" answered Jenny. (Now my wife is a practical person and she somehow managed to cope with it.) Seriously though, she is special in every sense of the word and has continued to fill our lives with happiness and pride.

I have confidence in the couple's future together - as far as I have observed them they are well matched and work together as a team - one thinks of something, the other corrects it and off they go.

Jenny and I are really fortunate that our elder daughter, Yona has made a match with her Mr. Right. I would like to say what a wonderful and considerate daughter she is. The little twins you may have seen hopping and running around are my grandsons Aksel and Jeff. A thrilling experience!

Taking this opportunity, I now turn my attention to my beautiful wife Jenny. She has been my companion for over 30 years. Inevitably, we have had our ups and downs, but our relationship is now bonded by a lifetime's memories And mutual experience.

The occasion of a wedding presents itself as a great temptation for us older folks to pass on some advice to the happy couple:

Well, marriage isn't only about finding the best partner but also about being one, so, just keep four things in mind.... The first is love, closely followed by friendship, tolerance and communication. Easy to say!

Also 'May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten'.

And the nicest line of all - I quote: Happy marriages begin when you marry the one you love and they blossom when you love the one you married'.

Well, I finally would like to return to Winston Churchill and my advice to you both is: 'Never, never give up on working together to make your marriage last and become everything that you both want and deserve'.

I started planning this speech about a month ago and you must feel that I've been delivering it equally as long. I thank you for your kind indulgence. But I haven't quite finished yet!

It now gives me great pleasure to propose a toast to Karen and Jake.
Here's to the past, for all that you have learned
Here's to the present, for all that you share
And here's to the future, for all that you look forward to together
LE CHAIM - TO LIFE