If Shylock wasn't proof enough that Shakespeare was not of the Jewish faith, one of his most famous quotes definitely suggests he was somewhat foreign to our beliefs. Contrary to Juliet Capulet's claim, AJ4, we hold that names are not an artificial and meaningless convention but rather a statement of your character, your specialness and your path in life. Whether named after a deceased relative (Ashkenazi Jews) or a living one (Sephardi Jews), the hope is that as you grow, you will learn to emulate the positive attributes of the person you're named for. And so it was said, and so it was done for you...
...but not before we had seven days of getting to know you, AJ4...
And then the big day arrived. Tuesday, 21st April. First out the door were AJ1 and AJ2...
...whose job, with Pater, was to ensure that the hall looked beautiful. And lime green. And, as a memory to Grandpa Toronto, mustachioed...
With every mustache in place, your Bris - the lifelong covenant between you and your Maker - was ready to begin. Every aspect of the ceremony had significance, starting with the honoured people who literally carried you in...
...through to the honoured people who figuratively carried you through the circumcision and naming. Yup, right from the outset, we wanted you to know that your family and your community are there for you!
This was a joyous day and with joy comes food, or maybe the other way round. Either way, there was lots of it. And mustaches. Because we celebrate life with our friends and family (Toronto now, London and Tel Aviv in the near future), but we never forget the people who got us there.
And so to your name, AJ4. Your Hebrew name is for Grandpa London's late twin brother, who exhibited a lifelong dedication to his brother (your grandfather) through Russian gulags, Middle Eastern wars and British football rivalry (your English first name is a Latin translation of that name). Your English middle name is for Grandma Toronto's recently departed cousin, who successfully dedicated his life to being the best doctor he could be, despite the evil attempts by the Nazis and Communists to end his life and his dreams.
Names are important, AJ4. If you ever forget what Mater and Pater want you to aspire to, please reflect on your names and the people who carried them before you, and never forget the importance of dedication to your family and to helping the people around you, even in the face of adversity.
And in case you forget AJ4, don't worry, us Avocado Hasses will be there to remind you...
...without or without a mustache...
On Tue 16 Mar 1952 BC or thereabouts, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah. 8 days later he was circumcised thus beginning 3,000 years of tradition and a ton of bad jokes (Why are Jewish men circumcised? Because Jewish women won't touch anything unless it's 20 percent off.) And so it was done and so it was established. Every Jewish boy for three millenia has experienced a "little off the top" without even stepping foot into a barber shop. And at 7.45ish on Monday 21st November at Toras Emes Synagogue in Toronto, AJ2, you joined the club (at cut price membership).
Yes, obviously Pater ensured a ton of photos and videos were taken. Yes, obviously Mater forbade any of the explicit photos and certainly none of the videos to be shown to anyone. Ever. So here are some G Rated photos from the big day.
But, AJ2, you should know that the day was deeply significant to Pater and Mater, and not just because of the religious and spiritual aspect of you entering into the Covenant of Abraham. Today you were named after a great man, a man who, even after two years, is still deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him: your Grandpa Toronto. 
As Pater said at the breakfast after the ceremony, your Grandpa Toronto's time with us was too brief and it is our deepest regret that you and AJ1 will never know him; never see the twinkle in his eye as he tells a joke or makes a play on words; never pull on his moustache; never receive his ultimate accolade, “ah, this one's a smart one”; never learn from all that this warm, intelligent, God fearing man had to impart. Pater has many duties as a father but perhaps the most important one is to teach you and AJ1, everything you would have learned sitting on the lap of your Grandpa Toronto. And Pater's not just referring to his encyclopedic knowledge of economics, finance, the English language and literature, or even single malt whisky. When Pater thinks of Grandpa Toronto the one attribute that always stands out was the extent he went to avoid conflict. He wasn't scared to express his opinion but at the same time he was someone who actively pursued peace with his fellow Man. And, AJ2, Mater and Pater hope that you and your sister will continue in your Grandpa Toronto's footsteps and grow into warm, friendly, loving, wise, respectful adults who avoid conflict and strive for peace.
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