'Hanalei Bay, Disappointed Tourists, and the Rashbam!"
The Hawaiian Islands are not normally thought of as areas of extraordinary rainfall, with the exception of Kauai! In parts of the rainforest of the steep, impassable Napali range, precipitation exceeds 500 inches annually, making it the wettest place on Earth!
In some years, Winter months may be spent indoors on Kauai, with nary a trace of sun to account for, dampening the sunny plans of those tourists for whom a "Hawaiian tan" is a must!
For surfers, the Winter can be a waiting game, testing the patience of even the most dedicated waterman. As one famous Hawaiian surfer living on Kauai's North shore put it: "Life between the clouds!" If you're the type that gets discouraged about endless torrents of rain, well, there's always another island.......but if you can persevere, you'll remain to see the clouds lift one fine day, the Kona winds turn offshore and a huge rainbow shining down through the sunny clouds of "glory" an Hanalei Bay!
This annual ritual at Hanalei no doubt gives pause to the locals who might reflect on similar "clouds of glory" many centuries ago. As the Rashbam (z"l) points out in Vayikra (23-33), the clouds served as a humbling element, causing the people to give thanks for protection from the brutal desert sun, lest one think that "one's own strength and capability gave him his sustenance."
So if you're ever holed up at the Bay for a seeming eternity of rain squalls, and the murky storm overcast is chased away by warm, sunny and billowy trade clouds, bringing with them the classic lines of surf known world-over as Hanalei Bay, just be thankful and remember- there's a silver lining to those "clouds of glory!"
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).
**Surfing lessons available!
**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!!
E-mail us or call for details!!
**************************REGISTRATION LIMITED---DON'T MISS OUT
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Rabbi Nachum Shifren "The Surfing Rabbi" Email: rabbisurf@aol.com
Surf & Soul Online: http://www.surfingrabbi.com
P.O. Box 654, Jerusalem, 91006 * Israel Tel: (03) 906-7281 * Fax: (03) 906-7280