Katanga Ezra's Opinion Column

"The May Report" - Katanga's Gala Bowling Night

Motzei Shabbos Parshas Re'eh, 26 August 2000, saw another Katanga Youth Minyan social function. This was a gala event, held at Chadstone Bowls. Unlike Shul earlier that day, when Isi was on time and everyone came progressively later, most people were on time and Isi and Miriam were late.

Approximately 30 people attended, including International guests Gidon Klein from Israel and Ilan Rabinowitz from South Africa, and the competition was fierce. Steven Goldman led the early charge and was closely followed by another early pace-setter, Rebecca Maman. Steven ended up on 143 with Rebecca scoring 144. Most thought that that would be enough to clinch the title as other games ended with top scores in the mid 120's. However, in the last game to finish and in the final bowl of the final frame, Yirmie Elkus took all before him and unleashed a superb performance to eclipse the winning score and bowl his personal best of 145.

As well as the 'Golden Pin' award to Yirmie Elkus, there was much interest and pride in the many grudge games and player v player personal competitions. Selected highlights include Chana Franck starting with a strike then slowly fading, David Amzalak being consistent with his strike, gutter, strike routine, Daniel Franck coming back in the final frame to beat wife Chumi and most importantly Ezra May beating Mark Franck by 1 solitary point.

Special mention must be made of the extraordinary dedication of those members who attended, knowing they would not be bowling. Post bowling, the group moved over to attack the arcade games. Jack Zaks outplayed cousin-in-law Leible Sziewicz in air-hockey, while Ezra May showed outstanding concentration to out-drive Gidon Klein in car racing. Yirmie Elkus once again proved his class by clinching a toy in the skill-tester which he graciously donated to Yardena Franck.

By that stage, the rumblings in people's stomachs had outgrown the tumbling of bowling pins and we all headed off to partake in Pizza, freshly baked under the orders of Danny Amzalak, at the home of Isaac & Shoshi Berkovits. Once again Yirmie Elkus climbed to the top of the mountain and proved to be the pizza champion. To the surprise of many, there were actually still a few slices left over at the end which we all look forward to eating at the next Kiddish.

The night was a resounding success, (with crowds numbering in excess of 40 people) and much thanks must go to all those who organised the evening. Everyone agreed that the opportunity to mix socially with other Katanga members was most enjoyable as it allowed us to see each other in different surroundings, other than being totally immersed in a siddur or chumash as we all are during davening each Shabbos.

People left hoping that the next Katanga Youth Minyan Social Function won't be too far away as some were already plotting the downfall of Yirmie Elkus.

Well done to all!

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