The One Minute Farbringen

Surfers are about as persevering and dedicated as any group of people in the world. They travel thousands of miles and spend vast sums of money in their quest for the perfect wave. And in between their journeys, they're constantly maintaining their physical fitness in order to be ready at the drop of a hat to "hit the water"!

But what about those "older" watermen, the pioneers of the "Sport of Kings" who have "seen it all, done it all?"

Peter Cole, originally an L.A. school teacher and Venice Beach lifeguard, has been a permanent fixture out in the line-up at Sunset Beach, Hawaii, for over 30 years. Legendary waterman, big-wave rider, and mentor for many a younger surfer, Peter could be seen out at the horrendous Sunset line-up "initiating" many less experienced young surfers about the shifting peaks and perilous rip-tides!

Lt. Thomas Zahn (of blessed memory) was a legend in the world of lifeguarding. For years the rescue boat lieutenant at Santa Monica Beach, he held the record for the treacherous Molokai Channel paddleboard race as well as the Catalina Open. Whenever Tom would see a young paddler out in the ocean swells, he became excited and saw to it that he got the proper "low down" on the art of long-distance paddling. Two protoges of Tom Zahn were Bill Mount and Mike Young, both of them dominating the paddleboard competitions for years!

When recalling Peter Cole and Tom Zahn, one can't help but reflect on this week's Torah portion (Haazinu, 32-7) regarding the passage: "ask...your elders, they will tell you." The Talmud tells us that "elder" is acutally an acronym for 'he who has obtained wisdom". And what is the benefit of their protoges? They are compared to one who "eats sweet, ripened grapes and drinks wine that has mellowed with time!" (Avot, 4)

In the ocean of life, how fortunate are we who can turn to our "elders"!

A wonderful, peaceful new year to you all!!

California Winter Surf Safari!
Surf the famous Hollister Ranch, Rincon, Pitas Point, the Ventura Overhead......all the world class point breaks with Rabbi Shifren and friends during Winter break (Dec. 24-Jan 2).
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**Learn Rabbi Shifren's secrets (of more than 30 years esperience) for staying in top surfing shape!!
**Accomodations at one of Santa Barbara's finer hotels!
**Great food!
**horseback riding and deep-sea fishing excursions to Channel Islands! (optional)
**Beginning classes available in Kabbalah and Chassidut by the world-famous "Surfing Rabbi", Nachum Shifren!!
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