Wine, Purim, and Reflections on My 60th Birthday

Wine, Purim, and Reflections on My 60th Birthday

My birthday coincides with Purim. This year, as I celebrate my 60th, I find myself reflecting on life—on the things that have accompanied me through the years and continue to shape my experiences.

They say a man has three great loves: wine, women, and food. For me, it has always been wine, my wife, and cricket—each deeply intertwined with memories, traditions, and the places that have shaped me.

The Wisdom of 60: Happy Wife, Happy Life

They say with age comes wisdom, and one of the greatest truths I’ve learned in 60 years is this: happy wife, happy life. It’s a cliché for a reason—because it’s absolutely true.

My wife, Charmaine, and I are opposites in many ways, but that’s precisely what makes our marriage work. While I can be unconventional, and rough on the edges, she is sensitive, refined, and always proper. I like to think of her as Miss Proper—a guiding force who helps me see the world through a different lens. Over the years, I’ve realized that we grow the most when we learn from those who challenge us and bring a different perspective.

And food is a part of that. Charmaine is the perfect host—her guests revel in her delicious meals and meticulous attention to detail.

Cricket: The Gentleman’s Game and My Great Escape

Every person needs a form of escape—some turn to movies, Netflix, or running. I used to play squash, but now I’m trying pickleball. Yet, my great escape has always been cricket.

To the untrained eye, cricket may seem slow, uneventful—perhaps even dull. But to me, it is a game of patience, precision, and strategy. Unlike soccer or basketball, which thrive on instant gratification, cricket is about the long game, the uncertainty, the suspense—how one or two wickets can change everything. It is a game of endurance, just like life.

At 60, I realize that the best things—whether in cricket, marriage, or wine—require time, patience, and an appreciation for the process.

Wine and the Cape Town Roots That Shaped Me

What do my wife, cricket, and wine have in common? They all started for me in Cape Town.

Growing up in Cape Town, I was surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular wineries. The Constantia, Stellenbosch, and Paarl wine routes were more than scenic getaways; they were a part of our culture, our weekend traditions, and the backdrop to some of my fondest memories.

One winery stood out: Backsberg. I have a treasured photograph of myself enjoying a glass of their wine, a reminder of a time when wine was simple, uncommercialized, and personal. Our routine always included a stop at Fairview, where cheese and wine pairings became a ritual. Even after leaving South Africa, whenever we returned, we took our kids to Fairview, indulging in their kosher cheeses and reliving those golden days.

When I moved to Israel, my love for wine only grew. Wine is an integral fixture of our Shabbat Meals. It has been incredible to witness the rise of the Israeli wine industry, with wineries becoming business hubs, restaurant staples, and growing wine tourism experiences.

Purim and Wine: The Struggle to Recognize Evil

On Purim, we are commanded to drink until we cannot distinguish between Haman and Mordechai—between good and evil.

At first, this may seem absurd. But in truth, our failure to recognize evil when it exists has been one of the greatest failings of our time. October 7th was a tragic example of this failure. Our leadership failed—but more than that, we all bear responsibility.

We were distracted by false gods: judicial reform debates, two-state solutions, and political divisions—while we should have been focusing on what unites us and building a strong, vibrant, and safe Israel.

The Fight Against Amalek: A Battle for Every Generation

These are not isolated events. They are part of a larger historical pattern. The concept of Amalek—the embodiment of moral evil—reminds us that each generation must fight its own battle against darkness.

The horrors of October 7th, the Holocaust, and countless atrocities throughout history prove one thing: when a society loses its moral compass, evil thrives

Gratitude and Blessings

I am extremely privileged to live in Israel and blessed BH by my children and having grandchildren. While I was named Jeffrey, I believe the name Saba Kobi is the name that I cherish the most. Thank you Hashem.

As I Turn 60, a Final Thought

The challenge before us is immense—overcoming evil without compromise. Our leaders—and we, the people—must reclaim moral clarity. There can be no negotiation with terror. No appeasement of injustice.

And so, as I step into my 60s, I ask this:

Recognize evil.

Find your voice.

Speak out.

And, of course, enjoy wine, cherish your wife, and find your escape.