Giris and Narayani were parents to many young people coming of age in London in the 90's when our biological parents weren't able or conscious spiritually to be there. Their humble apartment on Holland Road held as many wayward teenagers and guests as the later, larger sanctuary in marble arch. Giris and Narayani's homes were always home to many of us growing up-Love, support and wonderful, healthy vegetarian food was always available; the door always wide open literally and spiritually.
Giris caught Zoe and I smoking near school one morning and I was more scared of his disappointment and fear for my health than I ever was of my own Father's wrath. The terror when that Rolls rolled passed and his piercing, completely present look seemed to bore right through my very soul! His concern always came from deep love, never anger or control. When I struggled in my early teens, it was Giris that talked at length with me and tried to encourage me to see myself differently, later arranging a therapist to assist me with a specific problem.
Giris was the only person who could bring together a yogi guru from India, a lawyer, an accountant, a masseuse, several teachers and an out of work artist to a chinese restaurant on a tuesday! Choosing and booking a restaurant could take the best of two hours but there was never a dull moment. You never knew who would show and Amari has inherited this wonderful, non-judgemental way of bringing any and everyone together, anytime. Whenever Amari returned from Canada, vast swathes of old friends were taken to restaurants to bring everyone back together. Despite working long hours, all her friends were always welcome at the house-an eclectic commune of sorts, where food and sharing (sometimes random ear-candling!) and laughter was commonplace.
Giris was the first guy in London to use hands-free on a brick sized mobile phone. He looked completely crazy shouting to himself on Kensington high street and never gave a damn what anyone thought. He reminded us that we're all equal and belong anywhere and everywhere-he never discriminated with that either. If you ever needed something done or picked up, he'd drive up pavements or one way streets , any day, any time! If you needed bagels from east London, he'd get you there in rush hour in 20 minutes, minus any sound mind you had beforehand. Parking zones never applied to Giris-an apt metaphor for who he was. There's no specific category for Giris; he never ticked any boxes nor abided by anyone's rules.
He was however, the most incredible Father and husband-that love and commitment spilled over and drenched the lives of many people, myself included. I have always felt honoured and so proud that I was welcomed into the Rabinovitch's family-people would often comment on photographs I had of Giris in his 'Spiritual Gangster' T-shirt, Amari and Narayani doing yoga in Spain and the many incredible wedding photos I have from Jamaica and Montreal. "Wow! Who are they?", I've been asked...A million fond memories ensue followed by a further million great stories.
Thank you Giris for your love, acceptance and limitless generosity. My love and prayers go out to Amari and Narayani at this time.
Always, Kate.