Ralph Blasbalg

A Bit About Me

My name is Raphael Eli Blasbalg. I was born in Haifa, Israel. In November 1952, our family immigrated to Canada and settled in Montreal.

I was educated in Montreal, where I met my future wife, Gina. We have shared a remarkable friendship and have been joyfully married for sixty-three years. Together, we raised four wonderful children, all of whom are married, and today we schep nachas from our nine grandchildren.

We are shomer Shabbat and usually gather for erev Shabbat dinners as a family. My life has been deeply blessed, but the true engine of my health and happiness is my wife. Gina calms me, mentors me, and brings humour into my life every day.

I love writing poetry and short stories and enjoy staying active with weekly gym visits. We spend time walking and talking, and on weekends we host a group of seniors in our home to preserve the art of shmoozing, something too often lost in today’s digital world.

Gina and I are reluctant seniors: active in our community, engaged in life, and determined to continue our work and connections for as long as we are able.