Last’s week’s commentary sharing wishes appropriate to Father’s Day, meant a delay in sharing a proud parent moment involving our daughter Marisa, assistant director at the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in New York. Ten days ago (June 18, 2026), amNY featured Marisa’s op-ed, Jews Should Not Have to Explain Themselves Just for Being Jewish.
Golf has a funny way of keeping you humble.After 40 years of playing, I finally had my first hole-in-one last Tuesday, June 23, 2026, on the 14th hole at Engineers Country Club on Long Island. The odds for a non-professional golfer are 1 in 12,500. (professionals are 1 in 2,500)I was playing in an outing with Neil Seiden, who I’ve known for about 20 years, his wife Janet, and Becky from Peapack. I wasn’t having the round of my life, but I was hanging in there.
I am fortunate to be the patriarch of a wonderful, great and supportive Family and when could be better to wallow in it than on Father's Day!And wallow I did, spending quality time with each son and his family in separate settings. Was it perfect? Nearly so, as there was good food, harmony and little or no discord. Were there presents? Yes, but that was the least of it, as quality time, attention and love surpassed all. Thank you all for making it my best ever Father's Day!
Every day we are faced with important decisions that must be made, albeit some maybe more important than others.The car lease was up and it was time to move to a new car. We’ve had the same make and model for years so the big decision at lease renewal time is limited to colors.We were lucky last time around because there was a really special caramel brown interior that made the decision for us. Little did we realize how spoiled we would become. When we learned that special color has been discontinued, it was clear that the decision we faced would be more difficult.
I was recently reminded of a thing New Yorkers do; I noticed it years ago. After the Knicks’ won the championship, Spike Lee talked about how he saw everyone walking around NYC dressed in their “orange and blue.” He talked about how, with a nod and nothing more, they connected with each other. No words – just the nod. When I am out on a run in in NYC, runners nod at each other. I’ve never experienced that in other places - not on the trails, roads or beaches where I’ve run. Not in CA, GA or FL. If anything, they use words in passing. That’s it.
Yesterday’s Bring-A-Guest lunch was exactly what we aim for networking in Gotham style to feel like -- welcoming and generous. Hosted by our Next Level group, and its Co-Chairs Jon London and Caitlyn Ryan, the room reflected the best of what happens when people come to the table to share and have fun. A special thank-you to Jon London for providing both the space and the food. [And another special thank you from me to Shelley Simpson for coming up with this fun format. You’ll just have to attend the next one to see what we’re talking about.]
During this past week, a party who is now representing themselves in one of my cases, emailed the court appointed accountant asking for an update. The accountant’s response came quickly, “As soon as my outstanding bill is paid, I will be happy to give you an update.”
On occasions like this I feel blessed to blog. Any other Gotham blogger can offer wishes the day(s) after or before but not on the actual day. I get to blog and offer wishes appropriate to the day on both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. This year I get celebrate an addition aspect of today as Father’s Day: Me as Grandfather or Grandpa (I decided to use the Hebrew word, “saba” — pronounced sah-bah) and congratulate my son as a dad.