rosh hashanah magazine by Great Park Synagogue

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Great-Park Synagogue Rabbi Rabbi Dovid Hazdan Cell: 082 334 4352 E-mail: rabbihazdan@gmail.com

Rabbi Dovid Hazdan

Assistant Rabbi Rabbi Shmuel Simpson Chairman Clive Blechman Honorary Treasurer Paul Werner Chazan (Yamim Nora’im) Oshy Tugendhaft Minyan Leib Dovid Rabbi Shmuel Simpson Rabbi Yossie Medalie Naftali Mandelberg Choir Master Kevin Derman Youth Director Jessica Musnitsky Bnot Mitzvah Rebecca Sarchi Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre Chairman Ernest C Leibowitz Executive Director Leon Lotzoff Directors Hazel Cohen Rene’ Sidley 011 728 8088 Office Staff Shul secretary Sandy Budin Bookkeeper Sandy Zacharowitz Receptionist Julie Krossynski Administration Assistant Lynda Smith In Touch magazine Editor Rabbi Dovid Hazdan Coordinator Lynda Smith Design reproduction and printing Copystat Instant Print Services Cover photo Michael Meyersfeld Great-Park Synagogue Postnet Suite 95, Private Bag X92418 Norwood 2117 Tel: 011 728 8152 Fax: 011 728 8154 E-mail: sandyb@greatpark.co.za Website: www.greatpark.co.za

he Barmitvah year of our beautiful new synagogue ushers in the centennial year of our congregation. In 1913, the opening of the magnificent edifice in Wolmerans Street began an epic century of meaningful contribution to Johannesburg and South African Jewry. In 2013, with the help of Hashem, our community is flourishing and is continuing to have significant positive impact.

Our outreach projects are making a vital difference to the lives of fellow South Africans in Diepsloot, Orange Farm and Alexander Township. Our community hosted the ANC Centennial Flame in a tribute to the many Jewish South Africans who fought for democracy in South Africa. Out teen and youth services have gained new momentum. We are proud that Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations at GreatPark have increased exponentially. Our Shul has more frequent celebrations of engagements, weddings, birth and Briss simchas and second Barmitzvahs.

We are overjoyed to begin our centennial celebrations with the opening of our magnificent new mikvah. It is a beacon of spirituality and holiness that will help guide the future of our dynamic and growing congregation.

We are delighted at the increased interest across all age groups to prepare a Haftara.

We are excited that the Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks will be our Guest of Honor at our centennial celebrations on Shabbat 15/16 June 2013 and at a banquet on Tuesday night June 18th 2013.

We are excited to welcome the new members who have joined the Great-Park Family and made our Synagogue their spiritual home.

The pages of this magazine present a kaleidoscope of diverse energy and events that highlight the vibrancy of our Great-Park Synagogue.

The vibrant activities and events at the Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Center are reaching, embracing and adding value to the lives of huge numbers of South African Jewry.

We are grateful to Brian and Shelly Crook for donating a beautiful new Sefer Torah to our shul.

We are grateful to the CSO for their commitment to the security of our shul. I ask you to please volunteer your time to join the roster of our members assisting the CSO.

Our community has established a South African office for LIBI (Friends of the IDF – the fund for strengthening Israel’s defence) and has generously raised the funds to install a gym at an army base near Jerusalem.

We are particularly indebted to our chairman, Clive Blechman, and to our honourary treasurer, Paul Werner, for their devotion to our shul and for bearing the mammoth responsibility of leadership. We are appreciative of the efforts of our Shul committee.

Our congregants responded to the plight of a brilliant young Zimbabwean woman who has been afforded the opportunity to register and who is excelling at Wits Medical School.

We look forward to the beautiful teffilot and to the magnificent spiritual atmosphere that will fill our shul over the Yamim Noraim.

The broadening activities of Rabbi Shmuel and Goldie Simpson have increased the Shiurim, Torah Studies, JLI workshops, social events, luncheons and dinners and have enhanced our young adult scene which has, in turn, attracted young couples to our community.

May the dynamic, vibrant growth of our community usher in the post centennial years with enthusiasm, passion, joy and unity.

Our website www.greatpark.co.za and Facebook page are reaching ever widening circles of the Jewish community in South Africa and beyond.

May the year 5773 be blessed with peace, happiness and redemption. Feige and I wish you all a Ketiva Ve’Chatima Tova – a happy and sweet New Year.

The annual Lag Ba’omer event brings together over 3000 people from over fifty communities in joyous expression of Jewish Unity and Pride. 1

Leshana Tova Tekatev v’etachetem One day in Rome, the pope decided to go for a stroll in the streets. While walking he spotted two beggars sitting on opposite corners of the street. One held a sign asking for alms with a picture of a cross. The other beggar held a sign asking for alms but with a Magen David. The pope watched as person after person kept placing money in the beggar’s pot with the cross while ignoring the other man with the Star of David. The pope walked over to the beggar with the Magen David and said to him: “My dear Jew, this is Rome, don’t you know that with your Star of David, no one will give you money. In fact just out of spite they will give the beggar with the cross even more money, most likely twice as much!” The beggar with the Star of David looked across to the beggar on the other corner and called out:

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ome people think that Rosh Hashanah is a time to reflect on major world events of the previous year and to look ahead to the New Year. In South Africa there have been cabinet reshuffles, e-tolling protests, and a presidential race; in Israel tensions with Iran continue to rise, with terrorist attacks on Israeli targets around the world and Iran’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons.

a treasure of uplifting prayers composed by our prophets and sages and which has been a source of inspiration and comfort to Jews for thousands of years. Let us use this gift throughout the year by coming to shul and praying with inspiration, as individuals and as a community. In the merit of our heartfelt prayers, may Hashem inscribe us all for a good and sweet year filled with all blessings.

But Rosh Hashanah is also about our personal lives. In our Rosh Hashanah prayers we say: “Today the world was created,” which refers to the creation of Adam and Eve. In G-d’s eyes, each person is a whole world, and our personal lives are very meaningful to Him. Despite major world events taking place, G-d is interested in each one of us as individuals. Judaism is about the personal interaction between us and G-d. In fact, the very first word that G-d spoke to us as a people when we stood at the foot of Mount Sinai was anochi, Hebrew for “I”: “I am the L-rd your G-d who took you out of the Land of Egypt.” This is unexpected. Parliamentary statutes establishing the laws governing the country are all phrased in the third person. By beginning the Ten Commandments with the term “I,” G-d set the tone for all times that Judaism is not an impersonal set of rules but a direct connection with Hashem through His mitzvot. According to the Gemara (Shabbat 105a), the Hebrew word anochi is an acronym for the sentence “I give you My soul in these words.” G-d, so to speak, gave us a part of Himself when He gave us the Torah; it is a personal interaction with Him. He loves us, cares about us and is interested in our lives. All of the mitzvot connect us with Hashem, but the mitzvah of tefillah – prayer – has a special power to do so. The mitzvah to pray is important throughout the year but especially during Rosh Hashanah, when we spend so much time in shul. Prayer is a gift. In the world of politics, everything is about how to gain access to presidents and prime ministers. But G-d, the King of all Kings and Master of the universe, is accessible to each one of us. All we need to do is talk directly to Him with prayer.

With warmest wishes from Gina and me for a good Yom Tov to all at Great-Park Shul.

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This is the awesome opportunity of prayer. G-d waits to hear our words, particularly during the Amidah; hence, we take three steps forward into His presence. One of the laws of the Amidah is that one should whisper so that the words are audible only to oneself but not to others. A whisper connotes intimacy. When we pray, it is a private, one-on-one session with G-d; there is no intermediary. We have direct and immediate access to the King of all Kings every day of our lives. Whenever we want to talk, He is listening. This remarkable privilege is an invaluable gift. Let us use this gift by praying to G-d daily with our siddur, which is

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Clive Blechman - Chairman

t is a real privilege for me to write my Chairman’s message again and to be part of such a vibrant community. We have once again reached Rosh Hashanah, the head of the year and also the dawn of a new year. It is always a good time to reflect and also a time of spiritual renewal, a time to take stock of the progress we have made so far and what we want to do over the next year.

We in our turn can do nothing less than reward their effort by attendance in services. My family joins me in wishing you and your families a prosperous and healthy 5773. Shana Tova and may you be inscribed in the book of life for a good year.

I am again pleased to report that this past year has been an exciting year for the Great-Park Shul. Attendance has been growing and every year membership is higher than the previous year. We continuously reach new heights. This growth in membership extends to our teens and young adults. A special focus of ours has been the youth and an indication of its strength and success has been the record number of participants at the Bat Mitzvah ceremonies as well as the record number of Bar Mitzvahs this year. Our young adults have also celebrated numerous simchas ranging from births to weddings. The shul has many youth dinners and lunches, always with dynamic speakers and thanks have to go to the Rabbi Shmuel and Goldie Simpson for their hard work and intiative in making these events such a success and the “talk of the town.”

Wishing all congregants Shana Tova and an easy and meaningful fast.

There have been both Bar and Bat Mitzvah groups meeting regularly to study and enjoy fun activities. These groups have also been started for the teens with great success, and let us not forget our very popular children’s services.

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The shul has also been at the center of many community events with our Lag Ba’Omer concert attended by over 3000 people. We also hosted the community’s Mandela day event in partnership with Afrika Tikkun and the Chief Rabbi, and facilitated the packing of over 100 boxes of food by the broader community for those in need. Our Shavuot dinner was very well attended, with top quality catering and great speakers. We also have a host of weekly shiurim on various interesting topics.

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It is also of great importance and pride that the mikveh is near completion, which will add a new dimension to our shul.

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I am very grateful to have a competent committee whom I thank for their valued input and contributions to the shul. It is a great consumer of time and effort, and I am indebted to all of you, in particular my “treasurer of a treasurer” Paul Werner, and to all of you who have given so generously of their time and energy. At the heart of our community is our unique synagogue and its services. Without the continued hard work and dedication of our Rabbi and Feige Hazdan, we would not have this centre of our communal observance, spiritual guidance and sense of purpose. Their participation and dedication touches every aspect of our spiritual and communal life. On behalf of us all, I thank them. We once again will be led by the beautiful voices of our chazzan Oshy Tugendhaft and the choir ably led by our choirmaster Kevin Derman. 4

Paul Werner - Treasurer

Both your support and love for the synagogue is an inspiration to your congregation. A special mention must be made to both Feige Hazdan and Goldie Simpson who are both very involved in organising the various festival dinners and maintaining a standard that we can all be proud of. Thank you! A special thanks must go to all the ladies in the administration office namely, Sandy Budin, Sandy Zacharowitz, Julie Krossynski and Lynda Smith. I realise the office does experience its own highs and lows but you are all true troopers so thank you for your dedication and commitment. To our Chairman Clive Blechman you do one hell of a job. You have always maintained the highest ethical standard and you have never compromised the tradition of the Great-Park Synagogue.

am pleased to report that the synagogue in the last year under review had its most successful year from a financial perspective even after we strip out the collections from the Mikvah.Our turnover for the year was in excess of R4,6m which in itself was our highest recorded income since the year 2000. By achieving this income we are able to operate the synagogue in such a manner that we are offering more services and functions in order to reach a greater number of our members. We are offering more youth services for all ages, Friday night dinners for the youth, festival dinners that one can be proud of culminating in the Lag ba Omer evening where we attract in excess of 3000 people to our forest. All these events take an enormous amount of time and financing in order to maintain a standard that has become expected by the congregation of the Great-Park Synagogue. The demands to maintain this growth obviously creates its own internal issues which needs to be managed on a continuous basis. Old and new processes have to be reviewed on a going concern basis so that we can continue to service the needs of the congregation.

Next year we will be celebrating our centenary year which will be an incredible auspicious occasion. Many members of our community will be involved in making the event a reality so a special thanks to those members for committing their time and expertise to this most exciting project. To all our members thank you for your continued Tzedakah, your unbelievable generosity and for making and sharing the Great-Park Synagogue your spiritual home. A Shanah Tovah and a happy and healthy year to you all.

I believe it would be fitting at this time of the year to thank two members of our community who have contributed enormously over the last couple of years. The first person is Tyrone Zinman who has taken on the Mikvah project single handily and hopefully before Yom Tov the Mikvah would have been handed over to the community. It has been a daunting task and I can imagine how stressful it must have been. For anyone who knows Tyrone, he spends more time in an airplane than at home. Sadly the Zinmans have moved to Cape Town and we wish them all the very best in their new community. Added to this a special mention must be made to Julian Michaels the architect for the project who has donated all his professional time to the project. The amount of effort and time that Julian has committed has been invaluable. We are delighted to see him fit and healthy again. This is not the first time he has done this and it is most appreciated.Kol Hakavod to them both. One of my appeals to the greater community will never cease and that is from a going concern perspective, it is absolutely imperative that every member pays there fees timeously and they continue to dig deep into their pockets for the relevant appeals and especially when it comes to be honoured by an Aliyah or a Pesicha.I respectfully request that our members adhere to this appeal and assist where possible in order for the finances of the synagogue to be collected within a shorter space of time. A special word of thanks to all those members who have supported us in paying their current and outstanding commitments. To our generous donors you have made such a difference to our synagogue as your generosity is so well received.

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wish our customers a healthy and peaceful New Yea and well over the Fast.

A word of thanks to Rabbi Dovid Hazdan and Rabbi Shmuel Simpson for their dedication and commitment to the Great-Park Synagogue. 5

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The Fox Rabbi Shmuel Simpson

he Ba’al Shem Tov relates the following parable: It happened once that the lion became furious with the other animals of the jungle. They all feared the king of the jungle and nobody was willing to attempt to soothe his anger. Finally the fox came forward and agreed to intercede on behalf of all the animals. He led the procession to the lion’s palace but as he approached he suddenly lost his tongue and forgot what he was going to say. At that moment the fox turned to the animals and said: “I have brought you all this far. I may

not be able to express myself, but standing before the king each of you now has the opportunity to intercede on your own behalf”. The Ba’al Shem Tov uses this parable to explain the role of the Chazzan and the Rabbi during the High Holidays. So often we rely on others to intercede on our behalf before G-D. Whether it’s because we lack the courage to face the King of Kings or because we feel unable to express ourselves properly, we decide to leave it up to the pros.

But rather than relying entirely on the fox we must strive to express ourselves in our unique way. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are opportunities for to find our inner voice and create a personal connection with Hashem. May we learn the lesson of the fox and rely on ourselves to develop this relationship. Goldie and I wish you all a Shanah Tova and a happy and healthy sweet new year.

Simchat Torah Dinner

Monday night 8th October 2012 All are welcome to a dinner following hakafot, dancing with the Torah and exciting children’s presentation & programme

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Shul Committee Our Shul Team

From Left to Right (Back): Uri Krost, Les Matuson, Geff Geffroy, Sean Kramer,Kevin Norwitz, Brad Serebro. Front Row: Tyrone Zinman, Rabbi Hazdan, Clive Blechman, Paul Werner.

Mel Kur Gabbai

Sandy Zacharowitz Accounts

Sandy Budin Secretary

Lynda Smith Administrative Assistant

Staff

Julie Krossynsky Receptionist

Harvey Silver Catering Supervisor

Michael Ramanala Kitchen and Housekeeping

Alfred Mhono Kitchen and Housekeeping

Eric Moyo Kitchen and Housekeeping

Oshy Tugendhaft - Chazzan

am delighted once again to have been invited to officiate as Cantor of this Great Synagogue over the High Festivals led by your esteemed and beloved Rabbi Hazdan and with the choir under the excellent direction of Kevin Derman. Whenever I officiate in what must be the most august Synagogue in Johannesburg,

I am so reminded of my very early years as a child soloist in the Wolmarans Great Synagogue led by the world revered Cantor Israel Alter “zl.” It is inspirational indeed to be officiating on that very same Bimah, surrounded by the same décor and to stand before a replica of that same Aron Hakodesh replete with those very same resplendent Sifrei Torah. It brings to life the sanctity and

meaning of the famous prayer that we sing as we return the Sifrei Torah to the Ark-“ Chadesh Yameinu Kekedem”-Renew our days as in old. That is the chain, the link, the continuity of our incredible and miraculous existence and survival as a Jewish people. My family and I wish you all a G’mar Chatima Tova.

Choir

Kevin Derman

Dean Murinik

David Friedlander

Henry Stoch

Hymie Bloom

Jeff Levinthal

Allan Sasoon

Larry Mallach

Rob Meyer

Melvyn Seinker

Paul Minsker

Sydney Derman

Zvi Offer

With best wishes, Morris Bilchik and Family 9

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 Geff and Simon Geffroy Let us have a meaningful fast on Yom Kippur, and acknowledge our wrongdoings and repent and ask for forgiveness from Hashem our G-d and the G-d of our forefathers.

Let us look forward to Rosh Hashanah with faith and a spiritual will to improve ourselves and those around us.

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Geff Geffroy - Maintenance

ike we all say in the classics, the new year is here “deja” and we welcome it with all our heart and look forward to a fresh start and a new year, please G-d filled with good intentions and a lot of projects in the pipeline to keep us out of mischief. We are a dynamic community at Great-Park, which continues to grow. It is also the time to ponder on the past and recollect all we have achieved tainted with pride and giving ourselves accolades as a committee. Our Great-Park family strives and achieves their aim to work, stay and play together. The shul’s MAINTENANCE is “Les oeuvres” of many of us and thanks are due to both Sandys and to many, who although not part of the committee as such, are an integral part of the “milieu” who have assisted us in keeping the shul, its environment and forest in good shape giving us all the desire and pleasure to share in its surroundings. There’s always room for improvement and that’s the catalyst to keep on keeping on.

The construction of the Mikvah is now part of the shul’s history which will make its mark on our Centennial Celebrations. Thanks in particular to Tyrone Zinmann and our Rabbi Hazdan who took the lead and kept the leadership to its present final stage. Thanks also to our meticulous visionary architect, who is no other than Julian Michael, who has made us beneficiaries of his hard work, dedication and total professionalism. Merci Mon Ami! The new acquisition will enable us to encourage young ladies who have an attachment to the shul, to fulfill their religious obligations in a luxurious and comfortable surrounding. I must thank our President, Clive Blechman and our Treasurer, Paul Weiner for their integrity in keeping the flame alive. May your desire to maintain the community continue growing and remain incensed and alive.

understanding and friendly attitude that we have all become familiar with and do not take for granted. To Mon Ami, our young Rabbi Shmuel Simpson, we thank you for being an integral part of our shul and may you continue to display your enthusiasm when standing on the Bimah and reciting the Haftorah and also being bold enough to introduce our members and the community to your initiatives of various programmes and lectures. I extend my sincere thanks and gratefulness to everyone who has helped to ensure that our shul is not only a place of peaceful prayer but is one of vibrancy and enthusiasm which is enjoyed by members of the congregation and guests alike. Le Chaim to “La Joie de Vivre”,

To our Rabbi Hazdan your contribution in all aspects of our shul’s activities is greatly appreciated and may you be blessed with health and happiness to maintain these energies which are mirrored in your

Have a Blessed Yom Tov and Well over the Fast, Yours “Mon Ami” Geff

Phillip Silverman

ne of the very important pillars upon which our Great-Park Synagogue rests is the Leib Dovid Minyan, which we refer to as The Small Shul. This shul is the venue for those services, which are held 365 days a year. On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur the shul is used as an alternative platform for those congregants who wish to be part of an interactive service.

We again look forward to inspirational services under the guidance of Rabbi Shmuel Simson and Ba’al Tefilah Naphtali Mandelberg.

This becomes relevant when one considers that the “fate of the average individual who is neither perfect, nor wicked is reviewed, beginning with Rosh Hashnah and judged on Yom Kippur”. (Rabbi Yochanan (3rd Centuary).

May you and your Families all be inscibed and sealed for a Shanah Tovah and Metoekah.

May the forthcoming year 5773 be not only our Barmitzvah year,but also a year filled wth many joyous occasions to be celebrated by our Great-Park Community.

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GUNMAN MURDERS RABBI AND THREE YOUNG CHILDREN AT JEWISH DAY SCHOOL IN FRANCE

Ozar Hatorah School Shooting, Toulouse, France, March 19, 2012.

Murdered: Rabbi Jonathan Sandler (30), Gavriel Sandler (3), Aryeh Sandler (6) and Miriam Monsonego (8).

THE CSO IS WORKING CONSTANTLY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING HERE... With your help!

n Ethics of the Fathers [1:17] we learn that "it is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes a difference.” Every day and night, in good weather and bad, professional volunteers from our community, together with private security officers, remain vigilant protecting us and our families against those who seek to do us harm. This is a esting, often thankless task and its importance should never be underestimated. On behalf of the community and he CSO, we convey our sincere thanks to all of these selfless individuals who make a difference by protecting our community. The protection of all Jewish installations in South Africa is facilitated under the auspices of the Community Security Organisation ("CSO") which has for the past sixteen years built up a highly trained management team supported by hundreds of volunteers. Its mission statement remains the Protection of Jewish Life and the Jewish Way of Life and it has done so successfully, b'ezrat Hashem, since its inception.

The brutal murder of four Jews on March 19th 2012 at the Ozar Hatorah School in France reminded us that errorism can strike at any time and in any place from Argentina (1994), Mumbai (2008), Toulouse (2012) and Bulgaria (2012) and everywhere in between. Recent attacks could possibly have been averted or at the very least diminished in severity had a volunteer protection team been in place at the time. Anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism and terrorism are not French, Bulgarian or Israeli problems alone – they are problems which can affect each and every one of us regardless of where we live. Recent widely publicised comments by Prime Minister Netanyahu about averted attacks on potential Israeli targets in South Africa drive the immediacy and necessity of the CSO home – a fact evidenced by our constant monitoring of the threats our community may face, and the steps taken to prepare for them in a proactive, professional way - with your help!)

Physical and technical security upgrades together with effective private security are important aspects of this protection, as is your volunter assistance. In partnership with you, we hope to increase the already high level of security at the installation. All contributions from the community towards this vital inititative will be most welcome – please contact the office or the CSO for further details.

We wish you and your families a healthy, peaceful and safe year ahead and urge you to assist wherever possible with the protection of our community.

Sincerely GAVIN MORRIS HEAD OF OPERATIONS: CSO GAUTENG

These Shiurim are interesting and relevant to teenagers lives. I enjoy everyone of them and they leave me thinking about it more and more. It makes attenders think out of the box. If you are reading this, and haven’t been to these inspiring talks (and if you are a teen) I suggest you come! It is worth your time! - Lauren Heller

I find the teen shiurs fun and enjoyable to attend. They are interactive and everyone is encouraged to join in and ask questions. My friends and I are able to learn about Judaism while having fun and discussing topics that are relevant and appropriate to teenage girls. I look forward to attending many more shiurs in the future. Natasha Silverman

I have been attending the teen group for two years now, and can honestly say that its success is based not only on the participation of all the other girls but also on the outstanding effort, consideration and organization of Sheina. They serve as both an enlightening and fun opportunity to delve deeper into the roots of our religion as well as a relaxed environment in which to get to know other Jewish Youth from around our community. The topic that left an impression on me was one of our most resents called ‘Choose Life’, in which we learnt that the seductive shell of physicality can only deteriorate with age where as our beliefs, knowledge values and spirituality can only grow. We must therefore base our judgments on the ‘life’ or neshamas of others. - Tali Weinstein

I like our teen groups because we discuss topics that are relevant to all of us, and that allow us to chat and learn with each other in a fun way. - Emma Porter

I enjoy the teen shuirs because we get to meet new individuals from different schools and I find the content of what we learn extremely inspirational - Genna Chatz

Every person feels comfortable enough to give their input and share their own opinion on the subject. Through our fun filled times and laughter we always come out positive and inspired, having learnt a lot. We all have bonded with Sheina and enjoy the times we spend together. We have learnt a lot from Sheina and she is always helpful and eager to answer our questions. Every discussion is both enlightening and is a guidance into our everyday lives. I look forward to many more shiurs. Thank you Sheina! - Alexa Blechman

I enjoy our teen group as we always learn lessons that will help us through life. Each group that we do focuses on one lesson, and is taught in a fun, age appropriate way that allows us to remember this lesson. - Rachel Klevansky

Once a month our shul holds a teen shiur hosted by Sheina Hazdan. Every time we get together we have discussion groups related to our lives and always accompanied with delicious food. Every shiur is filled with insightful quotes or poems on which we can learn from. I always look forward to these sessions and it is one of the highlights of my month. It is a very informal shiur with a very relaxed atmosphere and great vibe.

Thursday, 20th October 2011 10:45 – 11:45 @ Great Park Synagogue Contact Sheina 071-420-3115 for more details

Thank you to Glenn Silverman for making the teen groups possible 13

Jessica Musnitzky - Youth Director

his year Great-Park children service began with a BANG filled with crazy fun and exciting adventures.

successful event was our ‘Shavout Basket Decorating’. Creativity was flowing on that Sunday morning as kids decorated their baskets with colourful wrapping paper, stickers and lots more utensils. This Shavout day was an exciting and vibrant one in which many kids walked into shul with their decorated baskets filled with fruit and afterwards we had a “Master Chef” where edible delicacies were displayed and using these foods kids had to re-create something with a Shavout theme. The creations included some amazing Moshe Rabbenus, Har Sinai and many other creative portrayals of shavout events. All round the kids had a great time, challenged their creativity and had some really yummy food!!

We introduced new age groups headed by a new team of Madrichim. Aharon Shapiro takes the boys, Friday night and Shabbat day. They always have an awesome time with him, learning about the parsha and also getting a good work out- playing different types of sports. Gabi Blumberg, Ashleigh Favish and Thea Shapiro alternate with the little ones having a ball playing various games. Jessica Blumberg takes the older girls 8 – 13 and they always have crazy fun, learning about the parsha and participating in exciting games ranging from creating adverts to playing murder mysteries.

Friday night random brochas are also fun for everyone. We had a delicious first brocha with scrumptious food and many more to come! There is still half of the year left and exciting events are still to follow. Get PUMPED for an exciting youth lunch we will be having as well as great fun during Rosh Hashana and more scrumptious brochas to follow.

We are so fortunate to have such a vibrant, energetic and entertaining team of madrichim that make Great-Park services enjoyable and exciting while at the same time a learning and stimulating environment where everyone has a big fat joll!

I would like to thank Liron Ross for all the guidance and support she has given me and the children service team. I would also like to thank GreatPark for being so warm and welcoming to me when I joined – families opened up their homes and invited me in. I am so proud and privileged to say that I am part of the Great-Park community

Additionally at Great-Park we strive to make each Chag an exciting and eventful one. On Purim night we had a crazy carnival with many different stalls including arts and crafts, apple bopping, delicious candy floss- in which over 100 candy floss were handed out and many more exciting stalls. We also had a “PICK A BOX” for the younger children.

Blessing for a healthy and prosperous new year!

Pesach was also a delight where we had some wonderful chaggim bingo cards which proved to be entertaining and educational. Our next

CYCALIVE 2012 WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING THIS PIONEERING AND INSPIRATIONAL TORAH ACADEMY OUTREACH INITIATIVE

We welcome the delegation of Israeli students, sponsored by Partnership 2Gether

JOHANNESBURG TO DURBAN 5 – 12 AUGUST

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Global Communications Coca Cola Avis Van Rental Nandos Aquazania Bhani’s Cycles KZN Jewish Board of Deputies

Meltz Success Newlands Trailers Firzt Realty Netcare Discovery Wachenheimer’s Food Y Signs cc

RCHCC

Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre

R Hazel Cohen Director

Leon Lotzoff Executive Director

Ernest Leibowitz Chairman

RenĂŠ Sidley Operations Director

osh Hashanah is a time of thanksgiving and celebration, highlighting themes of renewal and contemplation. It is an emblem of the profound mystery and history of humankind, and the distant horizons of progress to which we all aspire. It is a time to reflect upon past actions, and to envision a better future. It is a time that reinforces the values of family and community. In our commitment to enriching the quality of life for everyone in Johannesburg and further afield, we hope that the events at the RCHCC have contributed to this sense of community. The RCHCC is by now a well-known and popular venue where people enjoy coming, certain of being stimulated and informed by the high standard and wide range of events and of participating in the warm social ambience. We are proud to have provided such a worthwhile and clearly much needed Community Centre. The exciting programme of the past year is indeed a source of pride. Once again we at the RCHCC have fulfilled our aim to provide a diverse range of interesting and stimulating events which have both informed and entertained our demanding audiences keeping them abreast of Jewish culture, past and present, international and national. There is nobody who attends our events who leaves without having been stimulated, provoked, amused or moved, as the case may be, entertained, involved in vigorous debate with old friends or new acquaintances.

Launch of Mandela Book Courtesy Ilan Ossendryver

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Launch of Mandela Book Courtesy Ilan Ossendryver

Much of the credit for the success of the Community Centre must go to the many talented people within our own Johannesburg and South African community who have contributed to our programme, and it has been a most gratifying discovery to recognize that we do not lag behind the rest of the world in producing fine intellects of the highest international standard. I would also like to thank our very many loyal and interested supporters who not only attend regularly and enthusiastically but who also contribute valuable suggestions and advice. We hope that the New Year will continue in a spirit of innovation, creativity and imagination.

Duo Galay

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS L ect u res • P resentation by Kevin Lings (Chief Economist at Stanlib) – “Global Economic Insights”

L ive P erformances • S anta’s Story in Song by Sisters in Sync - The Singing of Pelham 123 • S oulfire & Fireflies – A musical journey reflecting on life and love with Samantha Peo & Clifford Cooper

• A udio-visual presentation by photo journalist Ilan Ossendryver “The Last Remaining Jews of Ethiopia”

• Duo Galay: Rachel Galay (cellist) and Daniel Galay (pianist/composer) from Israel present a programme of music and tales based on Jewish folklore

• A udio-visual presentation by Hugh Raichlin - “The Jews of Argentina”

B ook E vents

• “ Pride of a Nation” – recently injured Israeli soldiers share their experiences. • L ecture by author Chris Van Wyk “A South African Childhood” based on his memoir Shirley, Goodness & Mercy • “A Conversation on the Constitution” with Arthur Chaskalson, Leon Wessels, Lwando Xaso & Sello Hatang to mark the release of One Law One Nation by Lauren Segal & Sharon Cort • L ecture by David Shapiro(Deputy Chairman of Sasfin Securities) – “ Warren Buffett” • L ecture by Roger Cohen (columnist – The New York Times & International Herald Tribune) - “Israel after the Arab Spring: New Threats or New Opportunities?” • V isual presentation by Chonat Getz – “The Strange Affiliation Between Mathematics and Art” • L ecture by Victor Gordon – “Tchaikovsky’s Women”

F ilms • S ketches of Frank Gehry

• L aunch of Jewish Memories of Mandela – in partnership with SAJBD • F iona Forde - An Inconvenient Youth: Julius Malema • M arcia Leveson (editor) – South African Odyssey – The Autobiography of Bertha Goudvis • Steven Boykey Sidley - Entanglement • D ouble Bill - Hazel Frankel – Illuminating Love plus SATV2 documentary From the Ashes: a New Beginning • A ndrew Feinstein – The Shadow World – the Global Arms Trade • M ona Berman – Serendipity in My Seventies • J ane Raphaely – Jane Raphaely: Unedited

E x hibitions • G roup Show - Regi Bar David, Rael Blieden, Rhona Gorvy, Elaine Hirschowitz, Sheila Jarzin, Glen Josselsohn, Ruth Schneider, Jenny Stadler. • Trevor Coleman – Samarkand

• 8 04: South African Volunteers in Israel’s War of Independence

• Group Show - Philippa Graff, Hannah Katz, Ingrid Keizan, Avril Kentridge, Charmaine Levy, Greta Sadur.

• The Most Dangerous Man in America

• Chonat Getz & Collin Cole

• A merica Ballet Theatre Now: Variety & Virtuosity – Introduced by Gail Dendy

• Clive Evian Photography

• The Silent Exodus: Jewish Refugees from Arab Lands

gainst the Tide – the American Jewish • A Community in WW2 • No Direction Home : Bob Dylan • Inside Job – the global economic crisis • Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work • Herb & Dorothy • G ood Evening, Mr Wallenberg • H olocaust: A Music Memorial Film from Auschwitz

romises - insight into Israeli • P Palestinian conflict through the eyes of children • Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin

hoah – the definitive film on the • S Holocaust. Introduced by Ronnie Mink

We are privileged to host Pride of the Nation. Recently injured Israeli combat soldiers who are part of “Hope for Heroism” will be visiting Johannesburg and sharing their experiences as part of their healing and rehabilitation. Their stories open a new realm of understanding to Jews in the Diaspora of the sacrifices made and commitment shown by these young warriors. Everyone is a soldier in Israel but to World Jewry these young men are heroes.

And this is just a taste of what is on offer! With its warm and pleasant atmosphere the RCHCC has become a cultural and social hub in Johannesburg offering both intellectual and social stimulation. The regular full houses and “repeat performances” are indicative of the huge popularity of the RCHCC which is recognised as providing an important forum for dialogue. Local and international speakers welcome the Q & A sessions which are challenging and invigorating for both speakers and audience. The twice weekly bridge sessions supervised by Jeff Sapire continue to be very well attended, with people coming from far and wide for the lectures he offers every second week. The Yiddish Academy is now in its 10th year. Warm and productive relationships with other

Soulfire and Fireflies. Join two award winning artists, SAMANTHA PEO Musical Theatre Performer and CLIFFORD COOPER Musical Director and Pianists as they take you on an intimate musical journey reflecting on life and love.

organizations such as the JHGC, the SAJBD, and the SA Jewish Museum confirm the cohesion of the community which we are proud to be a part of. The work we do does not come without challenges, the most critical and consistent of which is raising the funds necessary to operate our programme. We appeal to all of you to take out membership and become a “Friend” of the RCHCC. Our chairman Ernest Leibowitz, executive director Lolly Lotzoff, and Rene Sidley join me in wishing you all a happy, healthy, peaceful and sweet 5773. Shana Tova!

Hazel Cohen

Fan Club Dear Hazel “As always you guys provide an amazing service to the community. I for one really appreciate your effort and enthusiasm.”

Tickey Klawansky

“I extend my words of thanks and appreciation for organizing the interesting and enlightening events presented at RCHCC. I truly enjoyed the programs I attended and I definitely will keep attending and supporting this important community center providing such cultural and needed service to the Jewish community.”

David Medalie who introduced Chris Van Wyk who spoke on his book “Eggs to Lay Chickens to Hatch”

Eli Levy “Thanks so much for a fantastic season at RCHCC – I have no doubt you will continue to surprise and inspire.”

Mike Golding

“We love coming to your events, you do a great job with warmth, charm and professionalism, we are fortunate to have you!” Regards,

Zelda & Charles Isaacson “You have so many wonderful things on at the moment that it is difficult to choose!!” Thanks,

Kathleen Kransdorff

“Thanks Hazel. It was a pleasure and I enjoyed the evening. You manage a wonderful project which is an asset for all of us.”

Arthur Chaskalson

“Your events get better and better.”

Clive Evian’s photgraphic exhibition

“It really has been an excellent year with an awesome programme of events! Thank you so much for all your hard work and wonderful stimulating and interesting events!”

Penny Aires

“Thanks Hazel and Rene for yet another fantastic year of superb Jewish culture!”

RCHCC Bridge exhibition

Hugh Raichlin

Yoel Strous

“Thanks again for such an interesting and inspiring evening – yet again!”

Denise O'Callaghan

“Thank you for exposing us to such a magnificent, deeply thoughtprovoking and moving film.”

Simone Segal RCHCC bridge

“You’re getting great speakers!! kol hakavod!”

Eli Gordon

“Hazel, what a marvellous evening – the very best I have attended in ages. Thank you!”

“I'd like to add my thanks to you both for an interesting, diverse programme. I don't know how you source and compile the wide range of compelling documentaries, speakers and exhibitions - but you do a fantastic job!”

Lucille Scheurenberg

Penny Hochfeld

Ochberg orphins

Chag Samach Clifford, Jackie, Kevin and Richard Amoils 18

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy New Year and a meaningful Fast. The Matuson family R • GROW

• EMPOWE

T SA N OF OR A DIVISIO

MENTOR

The Lubner family wish our beloved Rabbi and his family and the entire congregation a happy New Year and a meaningful fast.

THE STORY OF THE GREAT-PARK MIKVAH MIKVAH MA’AYAN GANIM

Rabbi Dovid Hazdan

hree years ago, nine years after the relocation of our shul from Currie Street, a dynamic young core of ladies from our community approached me with the request to build a mikvah. Their sincerity and passion highlighted the spiritual growth that had taken place in our congregation. The idea of a mikvah at the Great-Park seemed to be an impossible dream. The first mikvah meeting was finally scheduled for the 5th of April 2009. It was the earliest date that our mikvah committee and our architect, Julian Michaels, could get together. We looked at the corresponding Jewish date: it was Yud Aleph Nissan 5769, the anniversary of the birth of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schnneerson OBM. We embraced the divine providence of the timing of our first meeting, as a significant connection to the Rebbe and to the fulfilment of his mission to intensify Judaism in our corner of the world. In a diary (Hayom Yom) compiled by the Rebbe, the following entry appears for the 10th of Nissan – the date preceding the date of our first meeting: “On the subject of the campaign to popularize the observance of Taharat Hamishpacha (Family Purity) in your community, ponder this deeply: let us imagine that G-d were to give you the opportunity to save a Jewish community from extinction (G-d forbid); you would certainly be willing to risk your life for this and you would thank and praise Him for His great kindness in offering you an opportunity of such enormous merit. The same then holds true to an even greater degree with regard to the campaign for Taharat Hamishpacha; it is an endeavour which literally saves lives.” The timing of the start of our journey was filled with potency and meaning.

I was unable to attend the meeting as I was in Durban on the Torah Academy’s Cycalive trip. In the early hours of Sunday morning, I received a call from our son, Yosef Chaim, who had arrived home for Pesach. He had spent the night organizing the many letters that my father, Reb Yisroel Hazdan Z”L, had received from the Rebbe. He came across correspondence from the Rebbe regarding a proposed mikvah in the town of Bethlehem, South Africa, where my father had been appointed as the Rabbi. The letter included the Rebbe’s personal contribution of $18 to the Bethlehem Mikvah Project. Although the community had agreed to my father’s precondition that they build a mikvah, they had subsequently reversed the decision. There had been mounting opposition to the Bethlehem Mikvah. The South African Jewish newspaper included a letter lambasting the ridiculous proposal to build a “useless and antiquated institution probably patronised by one or two isolated fanatics.” The Bethlehem community wrote to the Chief Rabbi of South Africa and the Rabbi of The Great Synagogue, Rabbi Louis Rabinowitz, as well as to the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Isaac Hertzog, to establish whether a mikvah was in fact a necessary requirement for their Jewish community. Both Chief Rabbis wrote powerful letters of support and motivation for the Bethlehem Mikvah. It was the content of a subsequent letter from the Rebbe that my son passionately wanted to discuss. The Rebbe wrote, “the 18 dollars that I sent as participation in building a mikvah are to remain in your hands, since I hope that in time a mikvah will be organized in Bethlehem, or at least somewhere else. Then the aforementioned sum will be included in the expenses.”

Shortly after the community’s decision to abort the mikvah project, my father left his position in Bethlehem. The words of the Rebbe: “… in Bethlehem or at least somewhere else” seemed to have relevance to our new Great-Park mikvah project. The $18 had been received but had not been used to build the mikvah in Bethlehem. A generation later it was coming to fruition at Great-Park in Johannesburg. Having returned to Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon, our family sat at the dinner table and reread the Rebbe’s letter - “… or at least somewhere else.” We read the words over and over.

“ Gavi and Rivky Holtzberg ZL

I looked down to the bottom of the letter. The Rebbe concluded with the words: “Wishing a chag Pesach kosher v’sameach”. We looked at each other in amazement. Pesach was to begin that Wednesday night. I looked up at the date on which the Rebbe wrote the letter in 5714/1954. It was written on the 12th of Nissan 5714. It was written on the morrow of the very day that our Great-Park mikvah project was born – 55 years earlier. As the Great-Park mikvah was nearing completion, we began discussing a name. Wendy Zinman, one of the driving forces of our Great-Park mivkah, approached me at the end of a Shabbat kiddush. She spoke with gentle strength – her voice soft but resolute. “We embarked on this project just after the Jewish world reeled from the horrific events in Mumbai. In the face of tragic loss of life, we were determined to intensify, to grow, to add holiness and sanctity to our community through the building of our mikvah. Gavi and Rivky Holtzberg lost their lives whilst adding holiness to Am Yisroel. Would it not be appropriate that our mikvah – dedicated to adding holiness to Am Yisroel - be named to honour their selfless dedication?” Chassidut explains what it means to be “alive”. True life must be eternal. We are only truly alive when we connect to that which is eternal. “ Atem hadveikim Bashem Elokechem - Chayim kulchem hayom - And you, who cleave to Hashem your G-d, are all alive today (Dvarim 4:4).” A mikvah is designed so that a pool of regular water touches a pool of specially gathered pure living water and is thereby transformed. It becomes an extension of the living ‘pure water’ by virtue of the connection. Such is the case with every mitzvah that we perform. In one moment of connection to Hashem’s Eternal Truth, we transform a limited human being into an extension of the Omnipotent; a finite moment into eternity. With grateful thanks to our tenacious project coordinator Tyrone Zinman, our architect, Julian Michaels, international expert on mikvahs, Rabbi Meir Posen, and the generous commitment of our entire community, our Mikvah has been built to the highest halachik requirements, and to meet the standards of the most luxurious spa. It will welcome many brides in preparation for their wedding day. It has an extra-large foyer which will be used to teach groups of women and senior high school girls about the significance of family purity and to introduce them to a magnificent mikvah. Our community is blessed with a new mikvah, in a gorgeous forest setting alongside our shul. It has threaded connections through time, through people and through space. It has touched and accessed the eternal bonds of Am Yisroel. 21

Child prodigy Bortnick wows SA audiences ALISON GOLDBERG PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER CHILD MUSICAL prodigy and celebrity, 10year-old Ethan Bortnick from Florida, USA, pictured here with Chabad Miracle Drive’s Rabbi Dovid Masinter at a special Miracle Drive performance on Tuesday evening at the Yamaha Theatre in Sandton, wowed South African audiences both here and at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg this past week. Rabbi Masinter, who drove Bortnick’s visit to South Africa, identified this extraordinary young pianist, singer and composer, to inspire parents to identify their children’s G-d given talents and share them with the world. This is part of Chabad’s four-year-old, non-denominational programme: Grow Your Life, also designed to encourage parents to spend more with their children. Bortnick’s visit to South Africa was sponsored by musical instrument manufacturer, Yamaha, and supported by Scoinshop (of

the SA Gold Coin Exchange). He is still to appear in a matinee charity performance this Sunday at the Lyric, where 300 disadvantaged children will be admitted free. Tickets are available at Computicket.

Great Park mikvah welcome addition to shul amenities

Rabbi Shmuel Simpson; Rabbi Dovid Bedil; Rabbi Sholom Ber Groner; Rabbi Siggy Suchard; Rabbi Meyer Posen; Rabbi Dovid Hazdan; Julian Michaels (architect); Tyrone Zinman (mikvah project director); and Ian Clasen (builder).

on the Jay Leno Show, Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Good Morning America and other shows. With stage presence aplenty, he showcased his wide repertoire of jazz, top-ten chart stoppers, the classics and his own compositions - 10 of which will feature in a film he has just made - as well as his amazing ability to make people laugh. Bortnick has a desire to help other children. By performing, inspiring and educating, he has helped raise $30million for charities around the world.

“AS WE approach the centennial year of our Great Park community, and just after celebrating the 11th anniversary of the opening of our magnificent new campus, our new mikvah is finally coming to fruition,” Rabbi Dovid Hazdan of the Great Park Shul said in a media release. “Building began just before Rosh Hashanah and the mikvah will hopefully be operational after Pesach.” He said the mikvah had been motivated by a growing group of young dynamic women “who are passionate about this new addition to the Great Park campus”. He says the mikvah will have the feel of a modern spa “and will encourage and inspire many more women from the Great Park community and beyond, to embrace the experience of the mikvah in an environment that will meet exceptional standards of aesthetic beauty and comfort. “It will also be the only mikvah in the broader Oaklands area (of Johannesburg) that will be in walking distance on Shabbat or Yomtov.” Rabbi Meyer Posen, a world authority on mikvaot, is ensuring that the mikvah will conform to the highest halachic standards and specifications. He is working closely with Rabbi Suchard and Rabbi Klein of the Johannesburg Beth Din. 18th - 25th November 2011

Sad farewell to GM Ingrid Olmesdahl

Sponsorship Available: Brick R1,800

Bronze R9,000

Gold R36,000 Room Sponsorship P.O.A.

Platinum R54,000 Double Platinum R108,000 CELESTE EVERITT PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED

Silver R18,000

All donations will be graciously accepted INGRID OLMESDAHL, general manager at Sandringham This is a most beautiful way to honour someone dear to you. Gardens, retired from the Home at the end of October, after

more than 10 years at the helm. Contact Tyrone Zinman 0825745444 or Rabbi Hazdan 0823344352 rabbihazdan@gmail.com To show their appreciation Sandringham Gardens’ residents

held a surprise farewell tribute tea for Ingrid. International

With best wishes to all the congregation for a happy and healthyReeva new year. Jeff gave Bortzan inspiring motivational businesswoman Forman, Sandringham Gardens GM Ingrid Olmesdahl, Chairman Simon 22 Chilchik and guest speaker, Reeva Forman.

speech and resident Fred Miller, made a beautiful painting for Ingrid which was presented to her on behalf of the residents by Simon Chilchik, chairman of the resident’s committee.

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here is nothing more holy in this world, nothing more precious to its Creator, than the union of a man and a woman. It is, after all, the fountain of life. What could be more precious than life—other than the source from which life comes? And it is holy—because the first, pristine creation of a human being was as male and female as a single whole. That is the way we exist in G d’s mind. And so, none of us can achieve wholeness until we regain that original oneness in both body and soul.

it’s withheld for a while, becomes a coveted jewel. Modesty and the period of separation inject that flavor of the forbidden into a relationship. Consistently, couples report their relationships rejuvenated when they start living by the rules of separation and mikveh. Perhaps that’s why mikveh parking lots have become so crowded in the past few decades as more and more young couples make it a part of their lives -- some who have no other formal Jewish observance. A Spa for the Soul

Precious things are kept in sealed boxes. Roses hide behind the thorns. There are clothes you wear to work or play, but there are also treasures in your wardrobe so beautiful, of such value, that they come out only at special times, under specific conditions. The union of a man and a woman is so precious that if it is treated casually, without conditions or boundaries, it becomes ugly and even destructive. Which all goes to explain why in the Jewish way of life there is a cycle of union and separation between husband and wife. And why the most important institution of Jewish life, next to the home, is the mikveh that stands at the vortex of that cycle. Because precious things only stay beautiful when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Enhancing Marriage There is a very practical reason, as well, to keeping these rules: They keep things sparkling. After all, even swimming with tiger sharks can get pretty dull if it’s the daily fare. On the other hand, a plain stone, if

Today’s mikveh looks more like a fashionable spa than a ritualarium. Luxurious bath and powder rooms, complete with commode, bathtub and vanity have become the standard. Fresh towels, disposable slippers, a comfortable robe, soap, shampoo, nail clippers and all the other essentials necessary are usually provided. Many women talk about the immersion in the mikveh as a spiritual high, a state in which nothing stands between you and your G-d; a return to the innocence of birth; a sanctification of all that is feminine. In fact, it’s not just your soul and body that become spiritually uplifted -- it’s your entire family and home. Your Child’s Soul There are three partners in the conception of every child: the mother, the father and the One Above. The Talmud explains that the mother and father create the body, and One Above

Which all goes to explain why in the Jewish way of life

provides the breath The husbandof andlife. wife. And whyKabbalists the most important institut stands at the vortexthe of that cycle. Because precious thin take this a step further: also spiritual self manufacturer's instructions. is a product of the three-way partnership. For the G-dly soul is tooMarriage lofty, too holy, to Enhancing be contained within a physical body without very practical reason, as well, to keeping the protection. Just There asis aan astronaut needs swimming with tiger sharks can get pretty dull if it's th a spacesuit andwithheld a deep-sea diver needs for a while, becomes a coveted jewel. Modest an armored diving suit, the soul needs forbidden intoso a relationship. an outfit that will allow it to survive and Consistently, couples report their relationships rejuven communicate with the body and the outside mikveh. Perhaps that's why mikveh parking lots have b world. That survival suit is provided by the more young couples make it a part of their lives -- som mother and father. It is fashioned according the Soul to their thoughtsA Spa andfor conduct before and during conception, their modesty and their adherence to the rules of separation and immersion. All the good deeds and thoughts a person accomplishes in a lifetime are through the medium of that “suit.” Even the life and blessings that a person receives from Above must come through it. The soul itself may be pure and luminous, but if its suit doesn¹t match, that light will have great difficulty breaking through. That is why the Kabbalists say that the spiritual state of the world depends on the sanctity of our relations as men and women. Where to Begin The best way to learn about the mikveh is to consult your local rebbetzin or mikveh attendant. Men can talk with a rabbi. Visit www.mikvah.org for more information and essays, as well as a worldwide directory and photographs and virtual tours of mikvehs around the world.

The Turquoise Waters Thea Soggot

t is perhaps my first memory of being shaken viscerally by a colour. I was fifteen. The aqua colour of Rosh Hanikra consumed me, as do those few moments in life, when one is witness to something truly magnificent.

which was of greatest interest was to meet my husband’s parents’ very good friends in Nahariya. Part of the outing, was to visit Rosh Hanikra. We arrived at Rosh Hanikra. There lapped and gushed and settled the turquoise waters that I had seen decades ago.

And so, a story begins of a coming together of seemingly unrelated facts.

The magic was impossible to retain in one’s conciousness and impossible to absorb with three of my far too energetic family

Early on this year, Julian Michaels called to ask whether I would be interested in doing a piece for the Great-Park Mikvah. Julian spoke of the way I work and the materials I use as being meaningful in this context. For the last two decades I have worked with the human figure, using Magaliesberg earth and water as the medium. As these are ‘essences‘ in themselves, this was felt to be relevant to the concept of the Mikvah. I had just completed my second seascape of a new series, using ink, earth and water. In this work, the materials moved in a way that, together, they had their own life. The sense of water emerged with this spontaneity. It was new. A couple of weeks before this special invitation, my family and I had booked for an overseas trip. It was a heavily weighted time as we were exploring the possibility of leaving South Africa. The trip included Israel, I had not been back in twenty four years.

with me. I felt this might be material for the Mikvah and took many photographs.

I would like to say at this point that I have been coming to Great-Park Synagogue for close on a decade and more regularly in the last two years. I have found all that a Friday night has to offer and the words of Rabbi of great significance. So, to be going off on a journey that felt quite threatening, and to have this meaningful project to accompany me and to immerse myself in at times, was comforting.

On my return, back in the studio with silence and time, the photographs spoke. The images were born. The ideas were possible.

On our arrival in Israel, our dear cousins Avi and Oded and my dear friend Dani, offered much. Avi invited us to go up North. That 24

My Passion in Life Mandy Loeb

ver since I was a little girl I have loved the world of storytelling. I remember walking into CNA to buy the first book I could read all on my own. From the minute I opened the first page the world around me grew quiet, a little wonder that has remained whenever I open a novel. It was many years and a law degree later however before I realised that storytelling was the passion I wanted to pursue.

And even though the publishing space is changing as the popularity of e-books and kindles increases, I firmly believe that the need to experience a world different from our own, in the comfort and safety of an armchair, will remain. Writing for me is a journey. Each stage of the process is fraught with new challenges and opportunities that I didn’t envision. And every time I think I’m done it turns out I’m just beginning. Where the road will take me I have no idea. What I do know is that every day writing teaches me lessons in commitment, dedication, faith and the power of creativity. Often it makes me smile for no apparent reason and without exception it excites me. And for now, that’s enough.

The idea of being a writer was terrifying. Still is some days. Cliché’s about starving artists haunted me and the mountains of unsold books on the Exclusive’s sale tables made me wince. However the world of words continued to beckon, refusing to remain in the corner where I shoved it. When the idea for a novel struck I felt I had no choice but to see where it would take me. Leaving everything comfortable and sensible, yes the law degree, behind I stepped off terra firma and waded into the world of make believe. I say unequivocally, it is not made of sugar and crystals. Rather it is murky and dark and often very hard to find a way forward. But every day I get to weave words into a tale that would otherwise not be told and I wouldn’t trade that. Sometimes it’s as if the story has always been there waiting for someone to tell it while on other days words dance like whispers of smoke disappearing when you try grasp them. Often it is lonely and frustrating. Never does it feel safe or comfortable. But when your words construct the right sentences and the sentences gracefully arrange themselves into paragraphs there is nothing more thrilling or satisfying. As a writer I am constantly exploring humanity, be it past or present. The creation of real characters means a constant effort to see the world from a different point of view. The people that pepper my stories dream, want and wonder; more often than not making choices I disapprove of. But, I have no option but to set them on course and go along for the ride, learning as they do – seeing through a new set of eyes. My story, my characters have become real to me. Where once there was nothing there is now a whole world and this ability to take a blank page and fill it with beautiful type, create something from scratch, feels like a gift. The best stories stay with us. Characters become treasured friends who we can return to when we need a lift or a little inspiration. Tales become part of our consciousness and affect the way we think. They are something permanent in a world that is constantly shifting. 25

Africa Tikkun Marc Lubner

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frika Tikkun, a Jewish lead community development NGO continued to experience significant growth over the last year. The organisation founded 15 years ago, by Great-Park Congregant, Dr Bertie Lubner and the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris has grown from a community outreach organisation into a comprehensive holistic Child and Youth Development initiative operating in 6 township sites, with over 16 000 beneficiaries receiving support, life skills, educational as well as social upliftment opportunities delivered by community members employed and trained by Afrika Tikkun.

abuse on specific cases reported through the service networks run by the organisation. This project is unique and hopefully would further support or will completely change the circumstances for many children who have been abused and particularly for those who are physically challenged and unable to defend themselves in such circumstances. The second project adopted involved giving children access to an online educational website through the computer centres and libraries at the Afrika Tikkun centres. The website, Top Dog, offers the full school curriculum where children complete past exam papers, can be individually assessed and refer to tutorials so that their academic performance through formal schooling necessarily improves.

The Holistic Model of Development is unique in South Africa. According to Minister of Health Western Cape, Theuns Botha, Afrika Tikkun is a pioneering organisation in so far as its ability to deliver government approved programs directly into the homes of township shack dwellers, with the services being provided by community members who originate from the very communities they serve. This model ensures community buy in and participation which is a key requirement for sustainability. The fundamental principle of Tzdakka are at work as individuals are taught the necessary skills to be able to empower themselves in the vital role of raising their children from cradle to employment.

Matric pass rates doubled six months after the program was introduced. The support from the Jewish community continues to be valuable and in particular from the Great-Park congregation. The role played by Rabbi Hazdan, both as board member and more importantly as a humanitarian and member of the Afrika Tikkun family is inspiring and meaningful. It is imperative that the Jewish community participates in caring, not only for its own but also for fellow South Africans living in dire circumstance in under privileged communities. It is also important that Jewish led organisations actively participate with government in addressing issues of national significance that affect all citizens of the country. Afrika Tikkun is committed to the process of creating material opportunities for township youth to create futures that are productive, aspirational and in support of economic prosperity and social stabilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Afrika Tikkun has in recent years moved from being an organisation focused on the wellbeing and early childhood development services to now importantly adding programs that look to the development of youth. Whilst early childhood development services ensure that over 450 early childhood learners are properly prepared before they enter into the school system, youth programs ensure that Afrika Tikkun maintains an involvement as children migrate into the school system by providing extra-curricular computer skills training, access to libraries, sports, Established in 1993 and still run by its drama as well as career path development, instruction and support. During the past year 12500 children original owner, Ian Clasen, Quoin aged 7 to 21 received support from Afrika Tikkunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Construction (Pty) Ltd specialises in Centres of Excellence, whilst 2 new sites were being constructed in Mfuleni (Cape) and Hillbrow (Gauteng). the construction of private homes, The opening of these new centres will see a significant commercial and industrial buildings, as rise in the number of beneficiaries participating in their development as productive citizens capable of being well as alterations and additions. gainfully employed Whilst numerous programs are constantly added to the array of service offerings, two significant developments are worthy of mention. Afrika Tikkun launched a pilot project in Orange Farm, to educate and assist families living with children who suffer from disabilities. The outreach program teaches families basic coping mechanisms as well as offers referrals and transport to accredited OT facilities whilst at the same time the Community centre is used as a base from which to provide service training for parents living with children facing such challenges. Afrika Tikkun management at site actively engage in following up cases of child abuse and lobby local police to act timeously to prevent further

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Diepsloot Experience Sandra Hirsch

t all started when I received an email from the Shul inviting all girls and boys celebrating their Bar and Batmitzvahs this year to join in the distribution of blankets and clothing to those in need in Diepsloot through Afrika Tikkun. When I was in High School, I was very involved in Interact (a charitable organization run through Rotary for high school children) so I thought this was an amazing opportunity for both my children and I to participate in.

Once we got home, it was proven to me so clearly a few weeks later that our trip was worthwhile when we had a cold spell. The security guard at my children’s dancing class was sitting outside at six in the evening waiting for class to end. As my daughter came out she insisted I go and get him a blanket the next day as it was so cold. Clearly our visit to Diepsloot had made an impression on my children. I believe the experience was a real eye opener for my children, and I look forward to hopefully making this an annual outing for my girls and me.

The day arrived and I was looking forward to my children experiencing a facet of South African life that they know exists in theory but have never witnessed in real life. It’s one thing to give tzedakah and know there are people who need our help but it brings reality home to actually witness it. There were two incidents that happened there that really made an impression on me. The first was when I saw someone calling two of my daughters and their friend to see something. Curious and somewhat concerned, I followed. They were led to a room full of children. The kids stood up and started singing “We are the World, We are the Children” whose words include “lets start giving”. Here were children who were grateful for receiving the basic necessities in life singing about giving with such vigor. The other incident occurred while taking photos. As an amateur photographer, photography is a passion of mine and I am often taking pictures of small children, I have found one of the most effective ways of getting children to smile is to tell them you will show them the picture you have taken if they smile. I did just this when taking a photo of a little boy who must have been about 2. When I showed him the picture, it became obvious that he had never seen a camera before, he was trying to figure out how I got his picture into the funny black box. To experience all this through the eyes of my children was a heartwarming experience. It was obvious that they have taken their own warmth in winter for granted, compared to other people for whom it is not a given.

Wishing everyone a Shana Tova and well over the fast. Leslie Freedman 27

Bat Mitzvah O

nce again we have had a wonderful fun filled and motivating Bat Mitzvah year. The girls have all benefitted from the Bat Mitzvah programme. Well done to all the girls for their excellent results on their exam, they worked hard and fulfilled their potential.

Bnot Mitzvah

Rebecca Sarchi

Programme Officiating: Rabbi Dovid Hazdan Choirmaster: Kevin Derman Choir: Great-Park Synagogue Accompanist: Evelyn Green

Please switch off cellphones & respect the decorum of the service

This year we have had numerous discussions on our Jewish heritage and becoming a Bat Mitzvah. The ceremonies were heartwarming and informative.

Processional - Bnot Mitzvah Welcome - Clive Blechman, Chairman Great-Park Synagogue

Kiara Lee Joelson

Shira Farrah Rozentvaig

Choral verse "Gemilut Chassadim - acts of kindness" - Bnot Mitzvah

The Bar and Bat Mitzvah Friday night family supper was a real treat. The stories and words of Torah the participants shared enhanced the evening and made everyone feel a part of this special evening. Thank you to Goldie Simpson for arranging it.

Address to Bnot Mitzva - Rabbi D. Hazdan Presentation of certificates and gifts to Bnot Mitzva Paul Werner, Hon. Treasurer Bat Mitzvah Prayer - Bnot Mitzvah

Great-Park Synagogue (011) 728 8152 We are grateful to Rebecca Sarchi for the tireless effort and energy that she dedicates www.greatpark.co.za to inspiring and leading the Great-Park Bat Mitzvah Programme

Will the congregation please remain seated until the GREAT-PARK SYNAGOGUE SUNDAY 26 have FEBRUARY Bnot Mitzvah left the2012 shul. 03 ADAR 5772

So what is on the Bat Mitzvah horizon for 2013? G-d willing 4 ceremonies with a total of 28 young ladies participating. The biggest group ever at Great-Park shul. We are so excited!

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So to all this years Bnot Mitzvah and to the ones to come, remember:

Bnot Mitzvah

Programme Officiating: Rabbi Dovid Hazdan Choirmaster: Kevin Derman Choir: Great-Park Synagogue Accompanist: Evelyn Green

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are!â&#x20AC;?

Wishing everyone a Ksiva Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;chasima Tova lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;shana Tova Uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mesuka! May the new year be filled with abundant blessings of good health and happiness for the entire Jewish nation.

Please switch off cellphones & respect the decorum of the service Julia Rosenzweig

Yakira Cohen

Liora Michaels

Carly Soicher

Processional - Bnot Mitzvah

MIRACLES

Welcome - Clive Blechman, Chairman Great-Park Synagogue Choral verse "Miracles" - Bnot Mitzvah Address to Bnot Mitzva - Rabbi D. Hazdan

Georgia Bryer

Teegan Chernotsky

Eden Vogelman

Talya Lipshitz

Presentation of certificates and gifts to Bnot Mitzva Paul Werner, Hon. Treasurer

Save the Date : 25 January 2013

Bat Mitzvah Prayer - Bnot Mitzvah

Great-Park Barmi/Batti Friday Night Dinner

Great-Park Synagogue

We are grateful to Rebecca Sarchi for the tireless effort and energy that she dedicates (011) 728 8152 to inspiring and leading the Great-Park Bat Mitzvah Programme

for the families of the bar/bat mitzvah boys and girls of 2013.

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Officiating: Rabbi Dovid Hazdan Choirmaster: Dean Murinik Choir: Great-Park Synagogue Accompanist: Evelyn Green

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Gabriella De Abreu

Tori Rabinowitz

Tarryn Forman

Lauren Hirsch

Jordana Liebmann

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Parents bless their daughters Dan, Dana, Daniel, Daniela,

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Devorah, Dekel, Dganit, Dora, Dorit, Doron, Dove, Dror Distribution of gifts - Paul Werner, Hon. Treasurer Dvorit, Eden, Edna, Ehud, Eilat, Eilona, Einat, Elah,

Talia Werner

Distribution of gifts - Clive Blechman - Chairman

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We are grateful to Rebecca Sarchi for the tireless effort and energy that she dedicates (011) 728 8152 to inspiring and leading the Great-Park Bat Mitzvah Programme www.greatpark.co.za

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Welcome - Clive Blechman, Chairman Great-Park Synagogue

Choral verse - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jewish Namesâ&#x20AC;? - Bnot Mitzvah

Ariella Werner

Officiating: Ami, Amichai, Rabbi Dovid Hazdan Choirmaster: Kevin Derman Choir: Great-Park Synagogue Accompanist: Evelyn Green

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Eliyahu,

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Bar Mitzvah

Josh Victor

Great-Park Barmitzvah Programme 2012

he Barmitzvah programme has once again had a tremendously successful year. Taking place every Sunday, the Barmitzvah programme is specifically designed for our Barmitzvah boys and aims to provide them with understanding and insights specifically aimed at enhancing their Barmitzvah experience, whilst also providing them with a strong Jewish foundation for years ahead. Through our weekly lessons, we have explored a wide range of topics relevant for a Jewish teenager in today’s modern world.

Joshua Bloom son of Denise and Ivor

Jake Solomon son of Lisa and Greg

Joshua Friedman son of Lisa and Laurence

Our learning is done in a fun and informal environment and in addition to the time spent learning, time is spent bonding with the group whilst playing games, sport and partaking in food and drink. We have also enjoyed a few external exciting activities such as go-karting and tenpin bowling. I have thoroughly enjoyed this year spent with our Barmitzvah boys, getting to know them and seeing them taking up their roles of responsible Jews entering adulthood.

Samuel Cohen son of Jan and Stephane

Jonathan Kantor son of Lisa and Paul

Jaime Boolkin son of Lauren and Errol

Brett Goldblatt son of Janice and Allan

Joshua Waksman son of Gaby and Greg

Gabriel Itzkin son of Helene and Milton

I would like to thank Rabbi Hazdan; Clive Blechman, Liron Ross and the rest of the committee; and to all the parents of the Barmitzvah boys, for their continuous support. Looking forward to seeing our Barmitzvah programme continue growing from strength to strength. Wishing the whole congregation a Shana Tova.

Jake Solomon “Aliya Latorah” at morning Minyan

Dean Kramer son of Glynda and Sean 29

Dr Bentley Phillips Second Barmitzvah on 16th June 2012

Births Jamie Weinstein son of Victoria and Greg

Emma Milla Barlev daughter of Shira and Nimrod

Georgia and Kiara Dave twin daugthers of Nicky and Steve

Samuel Asher Shevil grandson of Rene and Clive Sidley and Sharon Shevil

Erin and Noa Frankel twins girls of David and Tracey

Eitan Marcan son of Melissa and Gaby

Yehudah Simpson son of Goldie and Shmuel

Laim Rhys Davies son of Seth and Candice

Jack Yisrael Myerson son of Caroline and Neil

Levi Richard son of Nikki and Darryl

Opsherin Yisroel Simpson son of Goldie and Shmuel

Johanna, Tobias, Devorah and Dovi Ginsberg wish the congregation a Shana Tova Umetukah 30

Weddings

Loren and Lior Lanzer

Sarah and Mark Newstead

Lauren and Daniel Levy

Sarah and Mark Judaiken

Lisa and Dean Murinik

Lisa and Danny Koppel

Cara and Michael Sleeman 31

The Gan Eiden project Sowing the seeds of possibility

Nikki Richard

he Midrash tells a story of an old man observed planting a fig tree. When asked if he really expected to live long enough to consume the fruits of his labour, he replied: “I was born into a world flourishing with ready pleasures. My ancestors planted for me, and I now I plant for my children...”

of a fragile eco-system and thus responsible for one another; they recycle their waste in designated bins; they resourcefully incorporate organic produce into their meals; and they are gently embracing lifeaffirming and health-promoting values. Perhaps the greatest gift that the training has yielded is that several residents, of their own accord, now work in the garden. Simple tasks such as planting, weeding, mulching, watering and harvesting have assumed an exalted status in their ability to cultivate fellowship and nurture self-esteem. These residents connect with nature on a daily basis, add tremendous value to the project, and most significantly feel as though they’re productive, valued and contributing citizens.

Captured so tenderly in this message is the spirit of unreserved giving: an act inspired not by ego or by self-gain, but rather by a serene understanding that one’s material needs have, in this lifetime, been met. Inspired by a blessing that he received from the Lubavicher Rebbe in 1981, Prof Michael Rudolph devoted his career to finding ingenious ways to provide for the less fortunate within the wider community. This dedicated path of outreach and compassion eventually led to the establishment of the Siyakhana Food Garden in Bezuidenhout Park.

More than its perceptible achievements, the Gan Eiden project is about sowing potential, nurturing it, and watching it grow. It is indeed a union between a burgeoning seed and fertile ground, and a blueprint of possibility from which knowledge, capacity building and skills enhancement have emerged.

This flagship food garden, once an arid and parched acre of earth, is now a flourishing profusion of nutritious vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit. It feeds many hungry children at Early Childhood Development Centres; it serves as a training site so that the ethos of Permaculture can penetrate the sensibilities of even the most indigent of our communities; it unveils alternatives to the modernday agricultural practices that are rapidly bleeding our earth of its precious resources.

What the elderly man in the Midrashic story appreciated is that the act of planting is an act of great faith. To bury a seed and hope that it flourishes demands a deep-rooted trust in G-d. And yet, the end results can be astounding. Allowed to mature and thrive, one seed can truly nourish generations to come.

Most of all, however, the Siyakhana Food Garden has demonstrated that from a single seed, a paradise can indeed prosper. And nowhere is this paradise more evident than at the site of our ‘Gan Eiden’ project, a Permaculture food garden established on the grounds of the Selwyn Segal’s ‘Kibbutz Lubner’. Thanks to a generous sponsor, the Gan Eiden project has maximised the sustainability of the kibbutz’s production, lowered the Chev’s annual fruit and veg spend, and given the residents a chance to sow seeds of their own. One of the more rewarding aspects of the project has been the training of the residents in various topics that are connected to the project. These sessions are aimed at providing the residents with transferable skills, as well as empowering them through the acquisition of knowledge. Our hope was that this would bring them one step closer to adopting the ideals of a sustainable livelihood. And indeed, it has: residents have an awareness of how we’re all part 32

The Root of All Evil? The Jewish view on wealth

Rabbi Shmuel Simpson

fter being elected in May, French President Francois Hollande called for a wealth tax of 75% on those earning greater than 1 million Euros annually. With the world economy falling further into recession there are many who believe that the rich are not paying their “fair share” in taxes. This super tax is an attempt to redistribute the country’s wealth in a “fairer” way, in an effort to help those falling under the weight of day-to-day expenses.

issues of conflict of interest. The acquisition of wealth is fraught with the challenge of ensuring that it is acquired in a moral and ethical manner. The second challenge relates to the use of one’s wealth. Oscar Wilde once said “There is only one class that thinks about money more than the rich, and that is the poor”. When money is scarce there is less of a possibility for it to be squandered on wasteful and forbidden things. Even when acquired ethically, excessive wealth can present a person with the opportunity to use the money improperly.

Henry Hazlitt, in his book “Economics in One Lesson” explains that the single most important principle in economics is that of “looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy”. Many politicians have noble intentions, but their policies often suffer from the law of unintended consequences. Besides the possibility of disincentivising higher earnings, these “tax-the-richto- oblivion” policies can create a culture in which high income earners are viewed as being at fault for amassing wealth and the acquisition of wealth begins to be viewed negatively.

Furthermore, the Torah views wealth as a gift from G-D. When one does not distribute charity as required by Torah law one is, in a sense, misappropriating a gift that G-d has provided. The third challenge is the effect that wealth can have on our personality. Ibn Shu’ib speaks of the tendency of wealth to create a feeling of superiority and arrogance. He quotes the verse (Devarim 8:17): “Beware lest you eat and be sated build good houses and dwell therein…and you will say to yourself, my strength and the might of my hand have accumulated this wealth for me.” It can put one out of touch with the needs of others to the extent that they are told “to eat cake!”

What is Judaism’s attitude towards wealth? Is the accumulation of wealth something positive or is it preferable to maintain a more modest level of income? Should one strive to earn as much as possible or should one rather suffice with a more meager salary? Examining the classic Torah texts we find contradicting views regarding wealth. In the book of Proverbs (30:8) King Solomon states: “Give me neither poverty nor wealth; provide me my allotted daily bread” and in ethics of Our Fathers (6:4) the Mishna states: “Such is the way of Torah: Bread with salt you shall eat, water in small measure you shall drink, and upon the ground you shall sleep; live a life of deprivation and toil in Torah”. Both these passages seem to extol poverty, or at least a state of modest living.

To summarize, there are three challenges faced by the wealthy: 1) how the wealth is acquired 2) how it is used 3) its effect on the individual. But as much as wealth is a challenge it presents an even greater opportunity for it to be used in a constructive manner. Wealth gives one the means to have a powerful impact on the world. The Lubavitcher Rebbe once paid a visit to a summer camp in the Catskill Mountains and during a tour of the campgrounds he passed the tuck shop and noticed a sign that read “Money is the root of all evil; leave it here”. The Rebbe commented that while money can be used for evil it is certainly not the root of all evil. Money, like many other things, can be used for good or for bad purposes; it all depends on how we choose to use it.

Conversely, the Talmud (Eiruvin 86a) states that “Rabbi Akiva would honour the wealthy”. Elsewhere, the Talmud describes the riches one will receive as a reward for giving charity, implying that wealth is a blessing and something worthwhile. These opposing views can be reconciled by taking a more neutral view on wealth.

For some the challenges of wealth may be so great that they are unable to overcome them. Indeed, avoidance of wealth may be the correct route for such individuals; hence King Solomon’s words “Give me neither poverty nor wealth”. On the other hand wealth must be respected. We must recognize its power and utilize it accordingly. It provides an opportunity to influence the world around us and to change the world for good.

The 13th Century Spanish scholar, Rabbi Yehoshua ibn Shu’im writes in his commentary on the Torah that there are three challenges people face with regard to wealth. The first relates to the manner in which it is obtained. Every day we read of another case of financial fraud. From Ponzi schemes to insider trading to outright theft, people find new and ingenious ways to acquire money illegally.

May G-d grant us all the opportunity to face the test of wealth and overcome its challenges, and in the doing so making the world a better place.

More recently the issue of CEO compensation has come to the fore, where executives were being compensated based on short-term results. This creates an incentive for executive to take greater risks which are often not in the best interest of shareholders and raising

Based on a JLI class given at the Great-Park Synagogue titled Money Matter: A Jewish Exploration of Ethical Dilemmas in Business.

My Journey Energy Mapingere

am on a journey- a journey to achieve my dreams. A journey to fulfill the desires of my heart. A journey to make a difference to my life, my family, my community, in South Africa and the world at large.

In all the situations that I have faced so far, I now know that worry is a natural reaction when we experience trouble but despite the hours of extra work and the sacrifices I made I never allowed worry to consume my time, to stall my efforts and immobilize me. When I was still doing my matric I had no idea who was going to fund my tertiary education but I chose to work hard and trust in the Lord. The only time I got nervous and anxious about the situation was when my family could only raise half the fees, when I was offered a place at the University of the Witwatersrand. I told my story to Mr Dan Zimba who brought it to the attention of Mr Rabbi Dovid Hazdan.

My desire to be a cardiologist started in 2007 when I visited the hospital, during a nurses and doctors’ strike. Even though I was young what I witnessed that day pierced my heart. Many patients were in pain and crying for help but there was none. What I witnessed that day deeply penetrated my heart and left a deep scar that I still have even today. I vowed that day that I would do whatever it took to become a doctor and make a difference. Life is just not easy sometimes but I will give all I have got to accomplish my heart desires and live a meaningful life.

In life we make it because we are surrounded by positive people, who encourage us, cheer us and help us to stand when we are down. I want to give special thanks to Rabbi Hazdan and to all the members of Great-Park Synagogue who joined to assist and paid my tuition fees, textbooks, laptop and other school related expenses. The generosity of the wider Jewish community helped me walk through life ‘s circumstances with great peace. I now can walk with my head high, my shoulders thrown back and a joyful smile on my face because I am not a victim of circumstances but a victor. To me walking in victory is when I have lived through the reality of many unavoidable battles of life and still achieve my goals and desires.

My journey to achieve what I desire was flanked by obstacles. In 2009, I lost a source of strength, I lost an inspirational person in my life. I lost my father. I was bruised and battered emotionally. I moved to South Africa to live with my brother and his family. In 2010, tragedy again struck the family- my brother’s wife passed away. I had to take the role of a mother figure to my brother’s three kids in November 2010 when I was doing my Grade 11. I had to cook for them, wash their clothes and do all household chores as well as concentrating on my studies. My day started at 4:30am because I had to leave home at 5:30am to catch a taxi to school. Living far from school was my first hurdle because I had to wake up very early and get into bed at around 1am. I did my matric at Pace Commercial College in Soweto. Pace is a commercial school and one of the challenges I faced there is that the school doesn’t offer science subjects but this did not discourage me nor cause me to give up on my vision thus to become a cardiologist. To me being a cardiologist is a desire which is not driven by monetary gains but a passion for helping people.

Special thanks to all who have helped me to live my dream.

When the demands and responsibilities placed on me continued to mount I made a decision not to dwell on the problems around me. I promised myself that I would have a neverquit, endure-to-the-end mind-set, a tenacity to fight until I win. I decided to study Life Sciences and Physical Science on my own. Mr Zimba (Pace Principal), my high school teachers and my brother were all very supportive and I managed to pass matric with six distinctions. 35

May the year ahead be filled with health, happiness, sweetness and redemption. Hazdan & Simpson families

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Kosher Kitchens A Member of Great-Park

was asked to write a short note about turning my kitchen into a kosher one. Firstly let me preface this story that I am and have been a deeply religious person all my life although I have not specifically followed any designated mitzvot.

Why, do you ask at the age of 65 do I want to kosher my home? It is about identity, spirituality and just being part of a larger and higher community. For me, it is as though when we eat kosher food, we have a direct connection with Hashem – it is as though we are eating His food specifically. It is like bringing Hashem directly into my home to be more part of our everyday life. So Judaism becomes a daily, hour by hour occurrence in which I feel as though I am part of a divine plan that I have nothing to do with – and yet I also play a role. After all, if you are going to win the lottery, you have to buy a ticket!!!! It has been an absolute win for both of us, we have needed to change some products that we used previously but all in all, it has been a relatively simple transition to being one of the children of God.

Several years ago, I began to have a longing to eat ONLY kosher meat – and so with the acquiescence of my husband, we decided to make our home a kosher one. I attended the kosher course run by Chabad to be more au fait with the subject. I have to say though, that my husband does not have any desire and so for him it was more of a drag than anything else. He only agreed as long as we had a ‘cheat cupboard’ – which I was fine with. Shalom Bayit took preference in my view. So from then on we only bought kosher meat and chicken. In our house, we rarely eat meat – it is really only fish and chicken and a great deal of vegetarian food. And over years, what eventually happened is instead of having a kosher home with a cheat cupboard, we had a ‘cheat home’ with a ‘kosher cupboard’. So I threatened that if and when we ever renovated our kitchen, we would then make it kosher. Finally this has happened. I have turned our house upside down and done what to me is a very significant change. We have koshered our home so that anyone can eat our own home made delicious food. Well, once this was going to happen, I began to do some research. I bought a book on how to make the home kosher, made notes, asked all my friends about what works for them in the kosher kitchen and then designed the kitchen appropriately. As it turns out, it is really a simple process to do and to keep, once things are laid out as well as they are with us. Several times I consulted with the Rabbi at the UOS who deals with this issue and found him extremely helpful and willing to give advice. I had thought that it was going to be a hugely expensive affair but ultimately, there were not many utensils that needed to be thrown out – I took all our crockery to Kovi Cohen who has a kiln and who did whatever was required. Only a few things broke – and the rest was just reassigned. We cleaned EVERYTHING – every pot, every knife, every fork, every plate. Kovi lent us an enormous urn with boiling water and we did the required ‘doonking’ with the cutlery, steaming up the newly painted kitchen walls. As I am in full time employment, I found the assistance of a lovely lady, who teuvels for a bit of extra money. She kept coming back to pick up the kitchen necessities. My husband and I went off to Kosher World and the kosher Spar in Fairmount (which is now no longer) to see which are the kosher products and which are not. As it happens, most of what we had been buying anyhow was kosher. Every time we did the shopping, we went armed with the little UOS kosher notebook and searched around. People were so helpful, saw us consulting the little book and then asked us if they could assist us in any way and every time we didn’t know what to get, our friends got a telephone call. The funniest was getting tomato soup – of which there is apparently only one kind – and my husband spent two hours going from place to place to try and find it – of course not being a cook, he did not think of just using tomato paste with a bit of water. 39

Three Privileges, Three Blessings Mina Sable

ecently, before Stanley and I, left for the 14th International Council of Jewish Women’s Conference of “Breaking Walls, Sustaining Jewish Life in a Changing Europe (29 April - 1 May 2012) in Berlin Germany”, the Council’s first 100 years, I mentioned to our Great-Park Chairman, Mr. Clive Blechman, that we were going to this Conference, and thereafter, on an Iberian cruise, and he said, that on our return we could perhaps share some of the experience and write something about it for our shul magazine. This was also at the time of Stanley’s 80th birthday, and the cruise was part of the celebration. Prior to this amazing Conference, which was attended by the President of The Union of Jewish Women, three colleagues and myself, Dr. Harold Serebro, suggested that Stanley and I visit Wannsee, where on the 20th January 1942, “The Final Solution Conference” was held. This Conference was a meeting of senior officials of the Nazi German regime, held in the Berlin suburb of Wannsee. It is most difficult to believe that this horror, could take place at such an exquisite villa facing the most beautiful lake. After world war ended on May 8, 1945, allied powers began a search for the Nazi documents that they would need as evidence at the Nuremberg International Military Tribunal. They found tons of paperwork, but the most important document, the order signed by Adolf Hitler which gave the authority for the genocide of the Jews, was never found. The Union of Jewish Women of S.A., is an affiliate of the International Council of Jewish Women. After my four year term of office as President of the Union of Jewish Women, I was appointed as the South African affiliate Vice President of the International Council which entails having a portfolio (Interfaith Intercultural) and attending the minimum of four conferences. In 1912, representatives of Jewish Women’s organisations from the United States, Britain and Germany, decided in Rome to establish a worldwide organisation of Jewish Women. It was Bertha Pappenheim, leader of the League of Jewish Women (Judischer Frauenbond) in Germany, who was elected to become the first President of the International Council of Jewish Women.

While engaging in Tzedakah - traditional Jewish Welfare - and supporting Jewish Women and children in need, Bertha fought vigorously for equal rights for women. Bertha, believed the Jewish woman, was the agent of passing on the cultural and religious heritage and therefore, it was her duty to involve herself in serving the continuation of Judaism. Jewish paths from everywhere in Europe and beyond, met at this excellent 14th European Conference in Berlin. Berlin a mosaic of cultures and a new aspect of contemporary Jewish Life. At the Conference, which was held at the Centrum Judaism, part of the old synagogue, we heard about the quest for Jewish identity in a new Europe after the world war 2, the reunification of East and West Germany, and the collapse of communism, the Soviet Union and it’s satellites, and the impact of education in sustaining Jewish Life and democracy with the resurgence of anti-semitism. We were privileged to have a private interview with Petra Pauw (of the left party) and one of the Vice Presidents of the Bundestag. This was a completely open interview with an excellent translator, who translated everything from German into English. We were hosted at a reception at the Red City Hall, by the Berlin Secretary of State, Andre Schmidt and had our closing ceremony at the ultra modern Jewish Museum of Berlin. I was priveleged to propose the vote of thanks to Sara Winkowski, (Uruguay), past President of ICJW on the conclusion of the Conference. At the end of the Conference the importance of the State of Israel was stressed, and the need for us as Jewish Women to continue to share our solidarity in every way. When you cruise, you have the added privilege of chosing from a selection of day tours. We chose a nine and a half hour tour to Cordoba by highspeed train to visit it’s Jewish Quarter with 40

the only synagogue in Andulasia to survive the expulsion and inquisition of the Jewish community in 1492, and one of only three ancient synagogues left in all of Spain. The synagogue, was built in 1350 and is an important historical monument and a treasured symbol of Spain’s modern Jewish communities. The synagogue over the years, had been a synagogue, a church and a hospital. Apparently Mymonides was born in Cordoba and there is a large seated monument of him there with gold Muslim slippers and attire. Apparently, the benefactor of the monument was a Muslim. Another tour was the Jewish Quarter in Morocco, where it was stated that all live in harmony together. The last port of call was Bordeaux which has eight functioning synagogues. These were our privileges and blessings, and may Stanley and I, take this opportunity of wishing you Rabbi Dovid Hazdan, your family, our Chairman, and all our congregation at our Great-Park Synagogue, a healthy peaceful and sweet New Year. How satisfied, Bertha Pappenheim, would have been to know that her ideals are still the ideals of the International Council of Jewish Women.

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hat an Amazing experience to see the snow in South Africa. The children were so excited and couldn’t believe what they were seeing. All they could say was “snow snow snow”. With Rosh Hashana nearing, we at the Great-Park are blessed with many blessings everyday, especially when we see the beautiful smiles on the little children faces. The Great-Park school is a loving nurturing environment where the children learn and develop at their own pace, giving them confidence for their future years ahead. We have revamped our classroom and painted the jungle gyms to make the school aesthetically pleasing and a more fun and happy environment.

Children are special gifts from Hashem and to see these little children grow in our loving caring school environment, where we learn about the chaggim and life values, gives our school and I real nachas The Great-Park Jewish Montessori School would be privileged and proud to teach your kids there first basic steps in life. We have spaces for children from 16 months upwards. For more information contact : Michelle 083 377 1597

Wishing everyone a Shana Tova and well over the fast!

With best wishes, Cedric & Jenny Ginsberg and family 41

My Second Barmitzvah Dr Bentley Phillips

to send my children to Kind David. Through them the significance and nuances of Shabbats, Yom Tovs and Chaggim became part and parcel of our lives.

ith awe I was called to the Bima to say my Haftarah “Shlach”, this being the culmination of one of the biggest mountains I have yet had to climb, it wasn’t easy. I did not have the opportunity nor the encouragement to do more than my first Barmitzvah, but there I was, given the years being smiled on by Hashem, standing with my three boys and having my wife and daughter looking proudly on. I also had time to reflect on how blessed I was to be surrounded by grandchildren, relatives and many friends, some of whom I had known over a lifetime.

Roselyn and I followed our children to Great-Park Synagogue where Rabbi Hazdan encourages us to upgrade our religious commitment. With this in mind and our childrens encouragement, we undertook a new level of understanding culminating in this my second Barmitzvah. At times the effort seemed tedious, but when I stood on the Bima, surrounded by so much love, I sang my 27 verses of “Shlach” with all my heart. The wonderful years between my two Barmitzvahs were recalled with much emotion.

The months of practice with Rabbi Simpson allowed me to relearn Hebrew, to sing with some sembalance of the “Trop”, and understanding of the Parshah, while Rabbi Simpson showed great patience and empathy, during this period.

We could think of no better way to celebrate this than be surrounded by our Rabbis who had given such spiritual upliftment, our children, grandchildren, our friends and the community. We drank Lechaim after Lechaim and more Lechaims.

It also afforded me time to think of my first Barmitzvah in 1942. It was a time of war, where petrol, sugar, flour and all luxuries were in short supply. But we were luckier than Jews in Europe who were denied the right to live and certainly not have Barmitzvahs. Mine was a very low key affair and that was the end of my formal Jewish education.

Having good health for 83 years, I suffered two major setbacks soon after. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to make this commitment and thank Hashem for the beautiful journey, not for one Barmitzvah but two, it certainly must have been a powerful Haftarah to restore me to good health.

Some men walked on the moon, but my giant step was a decision

An Inspiration Talya Jacobson

Wishing everyone a Chag Samach. The Hersch Family 42

How to Build a Sukkah Your Sukkah Building Manual: the what, where and how of sukkah construction Chabad.org Staff

For forty years, as our ancestors traversed the Sinai Desert prior to their entry into the Holy Land, miraculous “clouds of glory” surrounded and hovered over them, shielding them from the dangers and discomforts of the desert. In the words of the verse (Leviticus 23:42-43), “For a seven day period you shall live in booths. Every resident among the Israelites shall live in booths, in order that your [ensuing] generations should know that I had the children of Israel live in booths when I took them out of the land of Egypt. I am the L-rd, your G-d.” Ever since, we remember G-d’s kindness, and reaffirm our trust in His providence, by “dwelling” in a sukkah for the duration of the Sukkot festival, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (in Israel, through the 21st only). A sukkah is essentially an outdoor hut that is covered with vegetation, known as sechach. But there are many guidelines and requirements that must be followed in its construction, and regarding the location where it is erected, in order for a sukkah to be deemed “kosher”—fit for use. There are excellent prefabricated sukkahs available, in a variety of sizes, from many Judaica vendors. If you choose this less adventurous (and less time-consuming) route, make sure that the sukkah comes with proper rabbinical certification that it meets the requirements. Where Do I Build My Sukkah? Construct your sukkah outdoors, ideally in a spot that’s most accessible to your residence. Popular sukkah locations include: porches, backyards, courtyards, lawns, balconies and rooftops. Basically, any location under the open sky. An important requirement is that there should be nothing between your sukkah and the open sky. So make sure that there are no trees, canopies or roofs of any sort overhanging your sukkah. What Materials Do I Need? If you’re building your own sukkah, here are the basic materials you will need: The Walls: The walls of a sukkah can be made of any material, provided that they are sturdy enough that they do not move in a normal wind. You can use wood or fiberglass panels, waterproof fabrics attached to a metal frame, etc. You can also use preexisting walls (i.e, the exterior walls of your home, patio or garage) as one or more of the sukkah walls. An existing structure that is roofless or has a removable roof can also be made into a sukkah by covering it with proper sechach.

The Roof Covering: The sukkah needs to be covered with sechach—raw, unfinished vegetable matter. Common sukkah roofcoverings are: bamboo poles, evergreen branches, reeds, corn stalks, narrow strips (1x1 or 1x2) of unfinished lumber, or special sechach mats. Mats made of bamboo, straw or other vegetable matter can be used only if they were made for the purpose of serving as a roof covering. The sechach must be detached from its source of growth—thus a live trellis, or branches still attached to a tree, cannot be used. You may also need some plain, unfinished wood beams to construct a framework on which to lay the sechach. Lighting: If you’d like to set up a lighting system, and your sukkah is built close to an outlet, purchase a lightbulb with a rain protection cover and electrical cord. Chairs and Tables: Remember, you will be taking all your meals in the sukkah for the duration of the festival. Plus, it is a special mitzvah to invite guests to share your sukkah. Decorations: Many communities decorate the sukkah with colorful posters depicting holiday themes, by hanging fresh fruits or other decorations from the sechach beams, or both. The Dimensions and other Requirements The Walls: A sukkah must have at least two full walls plus part of a third wall (the “part” needs to be a minimum of 3.2 inches wide). It is preferable, however, that the sukkah have four complete walls. The walls must be at least 32 inches high, and the entire structure may not be taller than 30 feet. In length and breadth, a sukkah cannot be smaller than 22.4 inches by 22.4 inches. There is no size limit in how large— in length and width—a sukkah may be. The sechach: There must be sufficient sechach to provide enough shade so that in a bright midday there is more shade than sun seen on the floor of the sukkah. The sechach has to be spread out evenly over the entire sukkah, so that there should not be any gap larger than 9.6 inches. Anything that is directly supporting the sechach should not be made out of materials that are not fit to be used as sechach. Thus, if the sechach is resting directly on the sukkah walls, and the walls are not made 43

out of wood, strips of wood should be placed between the sukkah walls and the sechach. In larger sukkahs, where a framework of beams is needed to hold up the sechach, wood or bamboo poles should be used, not metal. Nor may the sechach be tied on with wire or fastened with any metal object. Some More Details: A sukkah must be built anew every year for the purpose of the mitzvah. This requirement, however, applies only to the sechach, since it is the sechach that makes the sukkah a sukkah. Thus, one can leave the walls standing all year, and place the roof covering before the festival. If the sukkah and the sechach have been up all year, one can simply lift up and replace the sechach, which allows the sukkah to be considered as new. One must first erect the walls and only then place the sechach covering. If the sechach is put up before there are walls in place, the sechach should be lifted up and reapplied. It is best that a sukkah have four solid walls (aside from the doorways and windows). However, under certain conditions, incomplete walls will qualify, as follows: 1. If there is a gap between the bottom of the walls and the ground, the bottom of the walls must be less than 9.6 inches from the ground. 2. If the walls are at least 32 inches high, the roof may be higher (up to the maximum height of 30 feet off the ground), as long as the walls are beneath the roof. 3. There may be gaps of empty space in the walls, as long as these are less than 9.6 inches wide. (Thus, a fence made of upright or horizontal slats can be used, as long as the spaces between the slats are less than 9.6 inches.) 4. The sechach should be placed on the sukkah by a Jewish person—one who is obligated to sit in the sukkah.

Global Young Leadership Conference Taly Matuson

his July, I was privileged to attend the annual Global Young Leadership Conference (GYLC), in the United States.

As a Jewish student, from a private school, it is not often that I am given the opportunity to meet and engage people from other religions or cultures from other parts of the world,.

Being given the opportunity to be a part of this special program would not have been possible without the support of my school, King David Linksfield, for which I am very grateful.

I gained an insight into how the world could be a peaceful and beautiful place if people could be more tolerant and respect each other’s points of view.

GYLC is a program that gives approximately 300 teenagers from around the globe a unique perspective and appreciation of the world’s economy, international politics, and the part played by the United Nations in running global affairs

I thoroughly enjoyed being in such a diverse environment and learning that there is a fascinating world outside of the King David ‘bubble’.

During our program, we were divided into groups with people we had never met. We experienced what it’s like to represent a country in the international arena, and finally to participate in a Global Summit. The Global Summit was an interactive simulation that introduced us all to the exciting world of global politics, including the opportunity to draft, discuss and vote on international policy.

I was happy to share with my curious new friends, the ways of Judaism, and what it was like to be Jewish. Whilst eating Kosher foods, leaving Washington a day early by train so we would not drive to New York on Shabbat, and our commitment to our religion was strange to our new friends, I encouraged them to embrace into their lives one of the overarching principles on which our Jewish religion is based, ‘To love thy neighbor like you love yourself’.

Our first week was spent in Washington DC, and the second in New York City, otherwise known as the ‘Big Apple’.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Peaceful New Year

These two weeks were an eye-opener, both intellectually, as well as from a Jewish perspective.

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Whilst in Washington, we visited the Holocaust Museum, which was very moving and emotional. We were also introduced to a woman who I was tremendously honored to meet at the State Department. Our special guest was Hannah Rosenthal who came to talk about Anti-Semitism, and the importance of activism and social justice.

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Ms. Rosenthal was appointed by US President, Barak Obama, specifically to monitor and combat Anti-Semitism around the world; her involvement in this global fight against Anti-Semitism was energized by the tragic experience of her father who suffered the Holocaust but miraculously survived. Rosenthal’s presentation included the current conflict in the Middle East.

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This powerful speaker encouraged everyone to turn away from the hate and discrimination our complicated world faces on a daily basis and to make a difference by being more tolerant.

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As the GYLC program has participants from all parts of the globe, it was inevitable that some of the students would be from Dubai, Egypt, and Lebanon. My Jewish peers and I, had the unique opportunity to discuss and vigorously debate with our Arab peers, in a constructive manner, our differing viewpoints with regards to the Middle East conflict .

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Throughout these interactions, my Jewish pride and commitment grew stronger.

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Both sides were extremely passionate and eager to voice their opinions, and I found this one of the most incredible experiences of the program.

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The Yiddish Academy at Great-Park Cedric Ginsberg

Bund in Lite, Poyln un Rusland The General Jewish Labour Union in Lithuania, Poland and Russia). This was a secular Jewish Socialist Party which gained substantial popular support in Eastern Europe. They viewed Yiddish as the preeminent Jewish language, opposed the Zionist movement and regarded Yiddish as the primary vehicle of Yiddish (as opposed to ‘Jewish’) culture.

iddish is alive and well at Great-Park? Who would have thought? This is the response of some people when they hear that Yiddish classes are offered by the Yiddish Academy at the Rabbi Cyril Harris Cultural Centre (RHCC) housed at the GreatPark Shul. An anachronism, is another response. Who needs Yiddish? It is the language of another era – and that era is gone – so why bother? It is clear that people who think in this way have unfortunately had little contact or exposure to Yiddish. It is very easy zikh makhn mitn hant, to reject something out of hand, if one knows nothing about it. It is true nevertheless, that Yiddish is regarded as a language under threat. The European Union regards Yiddish and many other European languages and dialects as endangered languages.

Some of the Jewish immigrants to South Africa wrote in Hebrew and published articles in the Barkai. Others, wrote in Yiddish and published in the journal Dorem Afrike and the Yiddish weekly Afrikaner Yidishe Tsaytung. There exists in South Africa, a substantial and quite varied body of writing in both languages. Included in this writing, particularly in Yiddish, is information pertinent to the history, culture and literary expression of the South African Jewish community. There was a greater output of writing in Yiddish than there was in Hebrew – and this body of writing remains an untapped source of opinion and information concerning a large segment of the South African Jewish community.

Like all the European languages, Yiddish was influenced by the languages with which it came into contact. The basic linguistic structure of Yiddish is most likely a dialect of medieval mittel-Deustch. There is a palpable similarity between Yiddish and German – but they are recognisably two separate languages – something approaching the likeness between Dutch and Afrikaans. Onto the basic Germanic language frame, Yiddish melded many Hebrew and Aramaic forms. Also added as the language evolved in Eastern Europe were many Slavic words – both Russian and Polish. Yiddish drew on aspects of all these languages and emerged as one of the most richly expressive tongues in the world. Take the sentence:

The Yiddish Academy was founded in 2003 by Eli Goldstein as an offshoot from Shtetl Connections, whose main interest was Jewish Genealogy in South Africa. Eli approached me suggesting that Yiddish courses be offered at the RHCC. It was felt that there was a need to be able to read Yiddish texts in Yizker Bikher and other historical writings in order to gather genealogical information. That was how it started off, with one class mainly of students who had some knowledge of Hebrew characters and the ability to slowly read a Yiddish text. We gradually progressed to being able to read complex literary and historical texts, A reader was compiled which included a selection of texts gleaned from South African Yiddish literature, Yizker Bikher published in Johannesburg, memoirs of di alte heym, Holocaust chronicles by survivors living in South Africa and world Yiddish literature. Among our students we are proud to number the children of two prominent South African Yiddish writers: Aaron Ehrlich, son of H. Ehrlich and Mona Berman daughter of Rakhmiel Feldman. We have included in our curriculum, poetry H. Ehrlich and short stories by Rakhmiel Feldman. We also learn a little grammar and regularly read a contemporary newspaper produced expressly for students of Yiddish. This newspaper is called Vayter and is published in Yiddish by the Forverts Association in New York City. We also run two beginners classes – one for rank beginners, and the second, more advanced, for those who have made strides in their knowledge of the language. These classes are taught by Tamar Olshvang. For more information contact Hazel Cohen or Rene Sidley at the RHCC.

ʺʥʰʥʹʬ ʲʸʲʣʰʠ ʯʥʴ ʱʲʷʥʥʲʹʨʩʴ ʨʩʮ ʨʹʰʲʡʲʢ ʪʠʸʴʹ ʠ ʹʩʣʩʩ ʦʩʠ ʠʮʠʺʱʮ “Mistome iz Yiddish a shprakh gebentsht mit pitshevkes fun andere leshoynes”. It contains elements of no less than FOUR languages! Mistome = ‘probably’, comes from Aramaic; Yiddish = ‘Jewish’ (frequently, though not always referring to the language); iz a shprakh = ‘is a language’, this phrase is of German origin; gebentsht = ‘is blessed’, in origin traced to the Latin ‘benedicere’; pitshevkes = ‘details’, a word of Slavic origin; leshoynes =’ languages’, from the Hebrew, lashon, leshonot. What distinguishes Yiddish from other European languages is the fact that it is written in Hebrew characters. Yiddish has had a long history of strong opposition expressed by the very people who used it as their vernacular. Proponents of the Haskalah Movement (Enlightenment) in the 19th century were highly critical of the language for any other usage than as a vehicle of daily communication. They did not regard Yiddish as a legitimate language, but rather as a composite mishmash of many languages. They derisively and dismissively referred to Yiddish as Zhargon – ‘a barbarous or debased language’. Hebrew, they said, was the only legitimate language of the Jews. Hebrew it is true, is the language of the Tanakh, of prayer of the Mishnah and together with Aramaic the language of the Talmud. However, in Europe, over the last 1000 years and particularly in Eastern Europe over the last 700 years, Yiddish has been the daily language of communication among Jews. With the spread of the Haskalah Movement in Eastern Europe from the early 19th century, both Hebrew and Yiddish began to be used for the writing of poetry and prose. This occurred with greater frequency and intensity after mid-century. The animosity between the champions of the two languages increased as time passed. By the beginning of the 20th century a polarisation had occurred. Supporters of Hebrew writing were generally also supporters of the Zionist endeavour. Those who opted for the use of Yiddish as the preferred language of expression, tended to ally themselves to the Bund (Algemeyner Yiddisher Arbeter 45

SAICC Stephen Danziger WITH THE SOUTH AFRICA ISRAEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING IS IN THE EATING

he SAICC has been instrumental in facilitating many business and trade opportunities.

The SAICC hosts many networking functions during the course of each year and since 1999 has had just over 230 activities with its members. These include monthly meetings, executive breakfasts, a yearly golf day, a year-end function, AGM, whiskey tasting and cocktail events. It also publishes 3 magazines per year where it focuses on the local membership as well as information from Israel. These magazines started in 1999 with 8 pages and now consists of over 100 pages. The publication that is produced 3 times a year allows for companies to advertise their product/service at a low cost and is wonderful for the smaller company to use this as a platform for exposure of their product/service. One of the regular functions it hosts is the pre Budget function where a number of keynote speakers give informative and varying perspectives on the implications and impact that the budget will have on individuals and the business community. The Chamber currently has 200 members – a miscellaneous of South African and Israeli companies and so far it has put together over 7,500 introductions between these members. Members are also able to promote their product/service both locally and in Israel through the website an email database. The forum of breakfast meetings enable members to network, interact and promote their products in a more intimate environment. The Chamber also has a procurement division aimed at smaller member companies being offered the opportunity of benefitting with “special deals” as well as on occasion from larger companies’ buying

power. We have approximately 300 different types of suppliers – many with a BEE component and we are particularly strong in our offerings of motor vehicles. The SAICC has promoted and facilitated several Trade Missions to and from Israel in recent years and will continue doing so going forward. Opportunities are currently being pursued in the fields of agriculture, information technology, telecoms and water technology. The Chamber continues to have close relations with the Israeli Embassy as well as the Israel Trade Office. We believe that there is a growing array of prospects for those who are prepared to expand their interest beyond the local markets. Expansion invariably involves commitment and the SAICC can play a meaningful role in assisting with expansion of trade locally and with Israel. However, not all companies that are members of the SAICC do business with Israel and it is not a prerequisite to join the Chamber. We are continuously experiencing opportunities from our members for international trade as well as local members wanting to meet each other. We find that inquiries are less and less being oriented towards parastatals and big organizations but increasingly from mid-sized Israeli companies looking for local distributors, agents and partners. Similarly, as confidence in the Chamber grows, large and SME enterprises are approaching our offices for introductions and leads to business opportunities, products and services that can be sourced from both the South African and Israeli market places. South African exports to Israel totaled $800 million in 2011, 46

the main products exported were foodstuffs, coal, chemical products, diamonds, base metals, machinery, medical equipment and optical goods. South Africa imports from Israel in 2011 were $400 million. This comprised of foodstuffs, information technology, medical equipment and optical goods to name but a few. The SAICC was formed 33 years ago by a number of business people who believed that it is vital for an organization like this to exist for the promotion of trade between the 2 countries. It is an organization which was reinstituted in 1999 and that has historically represented the positive links that are so important between the 2 countries. It is will continue to play a role in local networking, giving SMEs the opportunity to do business as well as keeping the main artery of business links open to the State of Israel. Should you wish to have more information please contact Stephen Danziger, CEO – SAICC, Telephone 011 483-2272 or 082 465-2222

Going for Gold in Russia Nikki Silverman

ver the recent June/July school holidays, I was privileged to be able to compete in the Karate World games, held in Moscow, Russia. I went there as part of the Dorfman team, along with 30 other South African karateka from a number of other dojo’s around the country. We were there for a full week of which 5 days comprised training and touring, and then two days of tournament. There were teams representing 12 countries, including France, Russia and a number of other European countries.

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The experience, for me, was unlike any I had ever encountered. Being in an extremely foreign country, without my parents, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures, made for an incredible chance to grow, learn and improve my sense of independence. The 6 hour, relatively short journey to the hotel from the airport, especially after 19 hours of travel, was certainly character building.

extremely grateful for the opportunity. I made many new friends on the trip, with whom I will always share a special bond, and this incredible experience will remain with me forever.

The actual tournament was a blur, with 4 separate floors of karate taking place at the same time. The spirit, the support, the excitement was electric. To have children and parents alike, whom you had never met before, shouting your name and screaming words of encouragement from the sidelines, just pushed me on. To have won anything, let alone 4 medals, 1 gold, 2 silver and a bronze, was beyond my (or my parents’) wildest expectations! It was an inspirational and life changing experience, and I am

The trip itself was a great mixture of fun, laughter, tough training, nerves and bonding. Obviously the trip came with a few challenges, such as food and Shabbos, due to the fact that I was the only observant Jewish girl there, but I was pleasantly surprised at how helpful and understanding everyone was. There were many too who were most inquisitive about Judaism, and asked some great questions.

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My Vietnam Experience Natasha Meyerowitz

he only reason that I can think of for my parents allowing their 16 year old daughter to travel the distance to Vietnam accompanied by her best friend to do volunteer work is that they were not in the right state of mind. Not many parents are willing to let their children do the trip that I did, including mine in the beginning, but with a lot of persistent determination they finally came through and agreed to let us go to Saigon on our own (lead by our tour coordinator) as volunteers.

The monksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; orphanage was located about 20 minutes from the very touristy area where we stayed in Saigon. We played with the children, helped them with their English work and just spent quality time with them. It was an incredible privilege to be around each and every one of them. They did have difficulty pronouncing our names: Natasha and Yakira, so it was very interesting to hear all the variations that we were called by but then again their names werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly what we found remotely pronounceable. We were able to spend mealtimes with the children and they even sang for us and taught us some Vietnamese.

A good friend of mine, Yakira Amoils, had been determined to volunteer abroad for a while and we found an American organisation where our best bet was to go to Vietnam and there was no way that we would pass up an opportunity to go.

We travelled about an hour or so out of the city and stayed in a local area where our coordinator is originally from: Bien Hoa. We stayed with her and her family in their home. That was when the culture shock hit me. The entire family stays in the same house from the grandparents to the grandchildren and they have no concept of privacy. There are no doors and the walls donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t touch the ceiling so we got to know the family well even though our coordinator and her children were the only ones who could speak English.

We had both done a lot of meaningful charity work around South Africa and we thought it would be fun and exciting to broaden our volunteer work where it was needed. And it really was well needed. Vietnam is a wonderful and exciting place to visit but I would say just go for a few days. We went for two weeks. The people there are incredibly generous and helpful but many of them live with nothing. We met up with another American nurse who was going to volunteer with us a few days into our trip.

That week I discovered a whole new way of living. Yakira and I got our own room which we were very grateful for but we were the only ones who slept on beds. Most of the family just sleeps on the floor (which was great because it was so hot). I even had my first shower by bottle: their shower head sprayed water like a person drooling on a pillow so eventually I gave up and used a bottle.

We volunteered at orphanages run by monks as well as at government-run orphanages. It is amazing to see the contrast between South African childcare and Vietnamese care. They cannot be compared. The children were fantastic to work with. Even with a slight language barrier for some of the children, we managed to have the most meaningful and special times with them.

The orphanage that we visited there was government-run which meant that children and babies with disabilities and deformities went to school there and most lived there. We went to the classes

Chag Samach Les Levine 48

and helped the teachers with the students. The students we were with inside the classrooms ranged from about 7 to 17 years old. They were the most inspiring group of people that I have had the privilege of spending time with. Their classrooms were decorated superbly and each and every one of them contributed to the beautiful standard of the classrooms. There were paintings on the walls and drawings hung up around the classes as well as projects and handmade figures giving the classrooms the lively and colourful appearance that they had.

Vietnam. We got to know Jews from Israel, England, Hawaii, America and Europe and we were so impressed with how some of them living in Vietnam manage to keep a kosher home in a place where there is a population of about 250 Jews. My entire Vietnamese experience was a once in a lifetime chance and definitely one of the most interesting and rewarding trips that I have done. The culture differences and the obvious fact that we were tourists made the trip all the more exciting and moving and experiencing it with a close friend made it even more special. I will always be grateful for this opportunity that was afforded to me.

There was also a section for the abandoned babies in that same orphanage where I loved to go and help. Every baby had a medical condition and craved human affection. Every child loved being played with and it was heartbreaking to leave each time. Many of the babies had hydrocephalus and cleft palates and there were the few who were not going to make it past the age of three. As heartbreaking as their faces were, it was worth going just to see them smile. As well as all the volunteering, we also did our fair share of touring. We went to outstanding museums and colourful parks, historic sites and local markets and we also saw delightful shows and New Year’s celebrations. What made it even more special is that we had just done the history of Vietnam in our History syllabus at school. We were lucky enough to spend both of our shabbatot at the Chabad of Vietnam. That was a wonderful experience because there were Jews from all over the world living in Vietnam as well as Vietnamese Jews. Everyone there was welcoming and hospitable which made us feel close to home and we knew we had something in common with each of the people there which was rare for us in such a foreign place. It was also thrilling to have our first bit of meat since arriving in

Chanah’s Prayer By Tzvi Freeman

Some people see the human being as a lonely creature in an indifferent, and even hostile, universe. They need to look deeper, for the two are essentially one: The soul of man is G-dly, and the soul of the universe is G-d. Only in their outward expression does a conflict appear—or even that which may resemble indifference. But within is a love affair, an eternal, inseparable embrace. It is a drama King Solomon entitled “The Song of Songs,” for it is what lies at the core of every song, every human expression and all the cosmos: the longing to reunite, to be one, to create a harmony in the outer world that matches the perfect union that lies beneath. This, too, is the work of prayer: We have our concerns. G-d seems so distant from them. There is a vast chasm between our world and His. But then He says, “Speak to me about what bothers you. Tell me with all your heart what you desire, and I will listen. For what is important to you is important to me. Speak to me. I wish to dwell within your world.” The chasm merges and seals. Outer and inner, higher and lower, spiritual and physical, holy and mundane, heaven and earth, kiss and become one. There is a condition, however, to this healing of lovers’ hearts: that first we must find the inner sanctity that lies behind our own desires and strife. For there is nothing of this world that does not contain a divine spark, no movement of the soul without G-dly purpose.

Only once we have made this peace within ourselves, between our inner souls and our outer desires, between the sanctuary of our hearts and the words of our lips, only then can we create this cosmic peace between the Essence of All Being and our busy, material world. This is why prayer is called throughout the Psalms “an outpouring of the soul.” That which lies within pours outward, with no dam to obstruct it, no mud to taint it, nothing to change it along the way. The entire world may be ripping apart at the seams, but the beseecher’s heart and mouth are at peace as one. And then that peace spreads outward into all things. There are many things we learn from the prayer of Chanah (recounted in I Samuel, chapter 1, and read as the haftorah for the first day of Rosh Hashanah). We learn that our lips must move in prayer, that we must be able to hear our own prayer but no one else should. We learn that prayer is to be said standing. But most important, we learn how to pour out our soul. Eli thought Chanah was drunk with wine. He was the high priest, the holiest member of the Jewish nation. The divine spirit rested upon him, and he was able to see within the hearts of men and women. Yet, he saw Chana as a drunkard—drunk with a worldly desire, a desire for a child so that she would no longer suffer the shame and ridicule afforded her by Peninah. 49

But Chanah answered, “No, it is not wine, but my soul, that pours out to G-d. For my desire for a child has purpose and meaning beyond the pursuits and follies of man. My child, the precious jewel of my heart’s desire—I have already given him to G-d.” So it is with our prayers: we pray for material things, but it is not the material, but the spiritual within them, that our soul desires. The mission of every human being is to bring the many things of this chaotic world into harmony with their inner purpose and the oneness that underlies them. To do this, each of us must have those things related to our mission: our family, our health, our homes, our income. We pray for these things from our innermost heart; our soul pours out for them—because our soul knows that without them, she cannot fulfill her mission in this world. And G-d listens. Because He wishes to dwell within our mundane world.

The Fall of Mighty Rome? Glenn Silverman

he well documented interaction, much of it conflictual, between the Jewish people (Israel) and the Romans (Italy) dates back now well over 2,000 years. My family and I recently visited Italy in the July school holidays, which got me thinking about the subject all over. Italy in general, but Rome in particular, always elicits a strong emotional response from me, something that other overseas trips do not. I travel extensively on business, and whilst there are many beautiful and interesting places in the world, few ‘tug at me’ like Italy does. But why? Just like in Israel, and Jerusalem, one walks along streets that hearken back to such ancient times. With almost each step one takes, one wonders over just whose footsteps, and over what moment in history, one has just stepped. Then there’s the overt and obvious display, of the wealth and might of the Catholic Church, in every corner of the country, from the smallest village to the Vatican In Rome itself. The wealth, might, power and omni-presence of the church, is impossible to miss. This was clearly intentional – the church and its message is intended to be paraded for all to see. And the grandeur and splendor grew, as we made our way towards the might city of Rome. And what a city – the crowds, the bustle, the activity, and the heat! It made me think of Jerusalem - just multiplied a 100 fold or more. The crowds at the Trevi fountains or at the Vatican museum were something I had never experienced, except at a huge sporting event. And these crowds repeat day in, day out. 5 million people visited the Vatican museum in 2011 alone. That’s almost equal to the number of Jews who live in Israel. But the weight of numbers was always on the side of the Romans! So how then did the Jews of the second temple era stand up to the might of Rome? Or even have the temerity to attempt do so?! It was never an even battle – at least ostensibly. This was made even more poignant and relevant as our trip occurred during the 3 weeks, and I write this article just after Tisha B’Av, as we recount the destruction of both our temples.

Signs and evidence of the destruction of the second temple and our subsequent exile, are all too visible in Rome. We were informed on our tours, that the great Coloseum of Rome was built, at least in part, by the almost 50,000 Jewish slaves/exiles to Rome, and funded from the treasures stolen from the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. My family and I gazed in awe (and some anger), at Titus’s arch, where the victory of Rome over Israel is depicted. We see the images of the menorah and the Jewish slaves, in chains, being lead triumphantly into Rome. It’s so obvious - the winner has been declared – the Romans won, the Jews lost. The victor lauds over the vanquished – it was game over!

product) is a most important indicator of both its current, and more importantly, its likely future state of health, Italy looks even more infirm. The great Roman empire faltered when its empire grew too big, and complacent. It became simply unaffordable. And worrying signs for Italy are back. Whilst Israel has a manageable debt to GDP ratio of 73%, Italy’s was a far more worrying, and probably under-stated 120% at the end of 2011, and worsening. Its bond market is the third largest in the world, and its government bond yields continue to climb. And yet, walking the streets of Rome, one again senses the complacency. Could Italy, and with it Rome, fall again?

One only now begins to appreciate the full impact and consequence of the destruction and our exile, the enormity of G-d’s hiding his face from his people. Without Him in our corner, it was never a fair fight. Viewed from the magnificence of Rome, the pain is amplified, the punishment even more unfathomable.

So who will win this race in the end - the down-trodden ‘tortoise’, the Jew, or the once, mighty, speedy ‘hare’? Only the fullness of time will tell, but I know which side of this bet my money would be on … !!

But as we learn from our sages, we need to beware the ‘obvious’, and look deeper. Things are not always as they appear. Not unlike Jerusalem, the ruins of Rome itself now serve as a tourist destination. But the ancient Romans, whose empire at its peak, stretched the length of the known world, are here no more. The vanquished and exiled Jew has returned to his land, and rebuilt it. Israel and Jerusalem are flourishing again. And, as an investment person, especially post the recent global financial crisis, where the level of a country’s debt to GDP (gross domestic

Being a Jewish Kid TV Presenter Micaela Tucker

was asked by Rabbi Hazdan to write a six hundred word article about my career. At the age of 13, I think this request is probably one of the biggest challenges I have had to face so far - not even filming for TV is as scary for me as a six hundred word article!

It has been such an amazing experience for me, I have met so many different people from so many different walks of life. But, I don’t really think much about it - In the same way that I do ballet, drama and my other extra-murals, I am a presenter on “YOTV”. Its something I love doing…

You see, the filming for me is a passion, something I have dreamt of doing since I was about five-years-old. I used to watch Jeanie D on “Top Billing” and tell my mom that one day I wanted to be like her on TV. In January 2009, when I was 10 years old, my dream came true, when my drama teacher put me forward for an audition with Urban Brew Studios who are the producers for “YOTV”, the daily kids show on SABC1. I was so excited - This show has one of the widest audiences in South Africa, with over 6 million viewers daily. When I got there however, I realized that I was one of 700 people auditioning to become one of YOTV’s newest presenters. I was the first to audition and there were so many people following after me, that I honestly didn’t think they would have remembered me when they got to number 700, so I went home and got on with my day as usual. That night my mom got a call from Urban Brew to say that I had been short-listed and I had a call back the next day, I was one of 20 who were called back for their second audition and was then lucky enough to have been chosen as one of the five “YOTV” morning links presenters. Almost 4 years now, and it is easy to take things for granted. But Hashem gave me a gift, a chance to live my dream. I cherish and appreciate every minute of being able to do that. On YOTV, everyday we teach the kids watching us simple and useful facts about everyday life. It’s always something new for example, from learning about animals, to how to cook and especially about our many different cultures in our wonderful country. I have done many shows, where I am fortunate enough to teach the South African youth small aspects about Judaism. I have spoken about Jewish festivals and taught a few Hebrew words. As YOTV is not a Jewish TV program and probably all of the people watching it aren’t Jewish, I feel honored that I can give them some insights on Judaism.

Best wishes for the New Year

In my daily school and social life, my career is you could say undercover…. I am just another grade 8 pupil. It’s only at times like when we play sport against a mainly African school or an outing outside of the usual “Rosebank” or “Sandton”, that I am recognised by other kids who rush over to say hi or sometimes even ask for a hug. Being able to touch so many people’s lives and put a smile on their faces is such an awesome feeling.

Toni, Jade and Jamie Copans 51

Teshuvah, Tefilla and Tzedakah Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

he following talk by the Rebbe is about the difficulties of translation itself.

The act of translation assumes that for every word in one language, equivalents can be found in another. But this may be untrue, especially when we are dealing with ideas that are central and unique to Judaism. We may then fall into the error of equating a Jewish idea with one drawn from another culture when the two are in fact dissimilar, even opposite.

of guilt about the past and an intention to behave in a completely new way in the future. The person decides to become “a new man.” But teshuvah means “returning” to the old, to one’s original nature. Underlying the concept of teshuvah is the fact that the Jew is, in essence, good. Desires or temptations may deflect him temporarily from being himself, being true to his essence. But the bad that he does is not part of, nor does it affect, his real nature. Teshuvah is a return to the self.

This is the case with the three words constantly on our minds during the Ten Days of Teshuvah. In English they are repentance, prayer and charity.

While repentance involves dismissing the past and starting anew, teshuvah means going back to one’s roots in G-d and exposing them as one’s true character.

How far these differ from their Jewish counterparts - teshuvah, tefillah and tzedakah - the Rebbe emphatically explains.

For this reason, while the righteous have no need to repent, and the wicked may be unable to, both may do teshuvah.

The Service of the Ten Days

The righteous, though they have never sinned, have constantly to strive to return to their innermost. And the wicked, however distant they are from G-d, can always return, for teshuvah does not involve creating anything new, only rediscovering the good that was always within them.

We express the hope that on Rosh Hashanah G-d blessed us with a “good and sweet year” to come, a year made fruitful by children, health and sustenance. But there is no limit to goodness and blessing. Thus, during the Ten Days of Teshuvah we have the opportunity through our service, to cause G-d to grant us yet greater benefits from His “full and expansive hand.” What is this service? It is, as we say in our prayers, “repentance, prayer and charity” which avert evil and bring the good. But the words “repentance, prayer and charity” are misleading. By thus translating the Hebrew terms teshuvah, tefillah and tzedakah we are led into a false comparison of these three elements of the religious life as they exist in Judaism and outside it. In fact, there are crucial differences. Teshuvah is not repentance. Tefillah is not prayer. And tzedakah is not charity. Teshuvah and Repentance “Repentance” in Hebrew is not teshuvah but charatah. Not only are these two terms not synonymous. They are opposites. Charatah implies remorse or a feeling

Tefillah and Prayer “Prayer” in Hebrew is not tefillah but bakashah. And again these terms are opposites. Bakashah means to pray, request, beseech. But tefillah means, to attach oneself. In bakashah the person asks G-d to provide him, from above, with what he lacks. Therefore when he is not in need of anything, or feels no desire for a gift from above, bakashah becomes redundant. But in tefillah the person seeks to attach himself to G-d. It is a movement from below, from man, reaching towards G-d. And this is something appropriate to everyone and at every time. The Jewish soul has a bond with G-d. But it also inhabits a body, whose preoccupation with the material world may attenuate that bond. So it has constantly to be strengthened and renewed. This is the function of tefillah. And it is necessary for every Jew. 52

For while there may be those who do not lack anything and thus have nothing to request of G-d, there is no-one who does not need to attach himself to the source of all life. Tzedakah and Charity The Hebrew for “charity” is not tzedakah but chessed. And again these two words have opposite meanings. Chessed, charity, implies that the recipient has no right to the gift and that the donor is under no obligation to give it. He gives it gratuitously, from the goodness of his heart. His act is a virtue rather than a duty. On the other hand tzedakah means righteousness or justice. The implication is that the donor gives because it is his duty. For, firstly, everything in the world belongs ultimately to G-d. A man’s possessions are not his by right. Rather, they are entrusted to him by G-d, and one of the conditions of that trust is that he should give to those who are in need. Secondly, a man has a duty to act towards others as he asks G-d to act towards him. And as we ask G-d for His blessings though He owes us nothing and is under no obligation, so we are bound in justice to give to those who ask us, even though we are in no way in their debt. In this way we are rewarded: Measure for measure. Because we give freely, G-d gives freely to us. This applies in particular to the tzedakah which is given to support the institutions of Torah learning. For everyone who is educated in these institutions is a future foundation of a house in Israel, and a future guide to the coming generation. This will be the product of his tzedakah - and his act is the measure of his reward. Three Paths These are the three paths which lead to a year “written and sealed” for good. By returning to one’s innermost self (teshuvah), by attaching oneself to G-d (tefillah) and by distributing one’s possessions with righteousness (tzedakah), one turns the promise of Rosh Hashanah into the abundant fulfillment of Yom Kippur: A year of sweetness and plenty.1 FOOTNOTES 1. Source: Likkutei Sichot, Vol. II, pp. 409-411.

Brad Blechman

Once another kid came up to me and told me this joke.:

ellavista is a school which accepts every religion, culture and race. It is a nurturing environment where each kid is given personal attention and care to overcome their learning problems.

There was once a Jewish man who asked a non-Jewish- dry cleaner to wash his tzitzit for $50. When he came back to collect the tzitzit, the dry cleaner said “you must give me $120.”

At the school I never felt different to the other kids, no matter where we came from. They accepted me for who I was and immediately allowed me to be myself. I am very proud to be a Jew and walk around with my tzitzit and kippah. Bellavista is very nice to me by providing kosher tuck and on special occasions like the Bellavista Bash, they provided only kosher food so we could all participate as one. They also let me go home on Jewish holidays and respect my long hair during the three weeks.

The man was shocked at the high price and asked why, and the drycleaner said “Because I had to untie all the knots!”

People don’t mock me because of my kippa and tzitzit, They even respect me more, and often teachers and children come up to me and ask me what the three weeks is and other Jewish holidays are. I am very proud to wear my tzitzit and kippa because they remind me that G-d is above me and that I am doing a mitzvah and when other Jewish kids see me wearing my kippa and tzitzit they want to be more observant. The other Bellavista moms are very kind and when I go to their houses they provide me with kosher food. Bellavista provides Jewish kids with Jewish studies classes. Almost half of Bellavista is Jewish today. I have been very happy at Bellavista and believe that my time there has given me a solid foundation for the future while allowing me to retain and take pride in my sense of Jewish identity. Bellavista will always be in my heart.

How Dare You Ask! Ki Anu Amecha By Shais Taub

ur G-d and G-d of our fathers, pardon us, forgive us, grant us atonement -- for we are Your people and You are our God; we are Your children and You are our Father…

certainly not nearly as rich but much more likely to feel for your plight? It’s not just that asking the billionaire is impractical. It’s inappropriate. What relationship does he have with you that warrants your advances?

What makes a request inappropriate? Is it the nature of what you are asking for or from whom you are doing the asking?

What if you were to suffer a major setback in life, G-d forbid? Something went very wrong and you’re feeling hurt. You need someone to talk to, a literal shoulder to cry on. Should you ask the newspaper vendor who you pass everyday on the way to work? Or how about the neighbor down the hall to whom you’ve been waiting to introduce yourself? Or should you bare your soul to a parent, a sibling, a spouse? Again, it’s not just that the newspaper vendor or the down-the-hall

If you were to need a large sum of money -- say a few thousand dollars -- in order to buy a car or to pay your child’s tuition or get your creditors off your back, would you call the top fifty wealthiest people in the country expecting them to have pity on you, or would you call a trusted friend or relative who is

neighbor would be unable to comfort you. It’s that asking them to do so is inappropriate. On Yom Kippur, we ask G-d to give us life and happiness and a fresh start. What gives us the bravado to make such grandiose a request? It is that our request does not come out of the blue. It comes from within the context of a long-running and deeply meaningful relationship. “We are Your people; You are our G-d. We are Your flock; and Your are our Shepherd.” It is this relationship that justifies our request on this day and makes it not only appropriate to ask, but, more so, an expression of true intimacy.

SA JEWISH REPORT

20 - 27 January 2012

BU I L D I N G S O U T H A F R I C A People doing remarkable things

Rabbi Dovid Hazdan (centre) dancing with soldiers of the IDF at their base outside Jerusalem. On the extreme left is Shaun Zagnoev, a parent at the Torah Academy, and standing next to Rabbi Hazdan (in civilian clothes) is Ariel Nachum, who co-ordinated branches of LIBI in a number of countries.

Cementing bonds between religious leaders and IDF SUZANNE BELLING PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHNEOR SCHIFF RABBI DOVID Hazdan, spiritual leader of the Great Park Synagogue and dean of The Torah Academy, returned recently to Johannesburg from Israel after representing LIBI South Africa (Friends of the Israel Defence Forces) - an organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of soldiers in the IDF. “We are highlighting the potential to develop trust and a productive working relationship between religious leaders and the IDF,” he told Jewish Report. “It is so important to establish warm bonds of communication and co-operation between the Diaspora and Israel and among various sectors of the Jewish community, particularly at a time when one is feeling the pain of division and intolerance.” Rabbi Hazdan met with Minister of Finance Yuval Shteinitz and Minister of Information and Diaspora Yuli Edelstein, as well as high-ranking representatives of the IDF. Discussions with Lieutenant-Colonel Raanan Simchi and Asher Goldshlager, who heads LIBI and reports directly to the prime minister, resulted in the establishment of LIBI South Africa which will work to assist with specific projects in the IDF such as education, spiritual programmes, recreation,

assisting the “lone soldier”, and improving the quality of life of the soldiers. The partnership began with the celebration of the barmitzvah of Jonathan Werner which was celebrated at the Kotel in July last year. His parents, Paul (honorary treasurer of Great Park) and Lisa decided to host 200 soldiers at the reception which was held in an army base through the assistance of Ariel Nachum. “The dancing and celebration was indescribable and unforgettable and left a huge impact on the chayalim (soldiers) as well as on the Werner family. The Werner family together with other families from Johannesburg and Pretoria, made a meaningful contribution to the IDF which procured thousands of winter jackets for the soldiers and will result in the establishment of a magnificent gym in an army base on the outskirts of Jerusalem,” said Rabbi Hazdan. The bridgehead of co-operation is now being extended into the establishment of a South African office for LIBI. LieutenantColonel Raanan Simchi will visit the South African Jewish community in the near future in this regard. • For further information regarding LIBI visit www.libi-fund.org.il or contact Rabbi Hazdan at the Great Park office (011) 728-8152 or at The Torah Academy on (011) 640-7561.

Rabbi Dovid Hazdan, spiritual leader of the Great Park Synagogue and dean of The Torah Academy, lighting a Chanukah candle on his recent visit to Israel where he represented LIBI South Africa (Friends of the Israel Defence Forces). On the extreme left is Yossi Kochavi, deputy mayor of Kiryat Ono, and on the right are Finance Minister Yuval Shteinitz and Minister of Information and Diaspora Yuli Edelstein.

AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

ISRAELI HACKERS BRING DOWN ARAB WEBSITES JERUSALEM - Israeli hackers said they brought down the websites of the Saudi Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. The hackers, who call themselves IDFTeam, said in a post on the PasteBin website that Tuesday's attacks were in retaliation for the cyber attack the previous day on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and El Al website, adding: "This is only the beginning." The Israeli hackers also threatened to paralyse websites for up to a month if attacks on Israeli sites continue. Saudi hackers used the PasteBin website last week to publish the credit card infor-

mation of thousands of Israelis. Also on Tuesday, the pro-Israel hacker Hannibal published a list of e-mail addresses and Facebook passwords for some 30 000 users from Arab countries, Haaretz reported. He also claims to have information to allow access to 10 million Iranian and Saudi bank accounts. Meanwhile, a different group of Israeli hackers posted the details of e-mail accounts belonging to dozens of Saudi medical students. The Saudi hacker 0xOmar said he would continue to attack Israeli websites until Israeli officials asked for forgiveness from the people of Gaza for "genocide". (JTA)

Basil Kransdorff receiving an Ashoka fellow award from Ashoka director, Valeria Merino, in Kenya. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Basil Kransdorff - is a true change-maker par excellence ALISON GOLDBERG FOR MOST of his working life, industrial chemist Basil Kransdorff has been at the cutting-edge of new processes. He is father of the revolutionary, micronutrient-fortified e’Pap porridge, which earned him an Ashoka social entrepreneur award in April last year. This drive for social change, he comments, is a feature of Ashoka’s 3 000 Ashoka fellows around the world, half of whom have been responsible for policy changes in their home countries. The Washington-based NGO describes its fellows as being the “one in 10 million” real change-makers in society. Kransdorff has a number of other credits to his name. Foremost, in 2000, as a result of his “fight for pension fund justice” in the Adjudicators Court (Kransdorff vs Sentrachem), legislation was implemented to force pension funds to distribute “members reserves” assigned as “surpluses” back to employees. After leaving his former employer Sentrachem, he applied his specialist skills to the mining industry with technologies for mine dump rehabilitation, backfill and slimes dam settlement. “The development of e’Pap arose curiously,” he says. “It was at the start of the Aids pandemic in 2000. CARE (Community Aids Response) founder Jenny Marcus, for whom my wife Rose was a volunteer, successfully raised donations from former South African anti-apartheid legal activist-turned UK insurance businessman Joel Joffe, and the Elton John Foundation. “Jenny asked me ‘to apply some science’ to food packs for HIV/Aids patients queuing outside the hospitals. Most had lost their jobs and been alienated by their families. “As a social responsibility project, we accessed the best brains in the world on food fortification. We understood that nutrient form, nutrient interactions and bioavailability (absorption by the body) to achieve nutrient repleteness, were key.” Kransdorff remembers with special gratitude the contribution of the late Professor Oscar Penado of the Guatemalan Institute of Biochemistry for sharing his understanding of nutrition. “In the early stages of the HIV pandemic anti-retrovirals were not yet available, so doctors advised their patients to ‘eat a well-balanced diet’, something which was unaffordable to most. “Most were advised to return to their ancestral homes to die so that the transport costs would not be a burden on their families. Because most people were succumbing to opportunistic diseases, we concluded, nutrient status was important.” The e’Pap formulation approach was designed to deliver many of the important micronutrients found in a healthy, well-bal-

anced diet in an affordable single meal portion. The objective: address the “hidden hunger” and achieve nutrient repleteness. Today the price of e’Pap varies between R1 and R2 per meal portion, depending on the area and mechanism to market. Prices are kept at the low end for outreach organisations and NGOs working in the poorest communities. In South Africa, the United Sisterhood is using the product in its community outreach programmes, as is Sandringham Gardens Medical Centre and Our Parents Home. e’Pap, is a pre-cooked, whole-grain maize, fortified with whole grain soya and 28 minerals and vitamins in a form chosen for its ready absorption. Flavour options and line extensions include e’Soup , e’Drink and e’Spread. e’Pap is gluten and lactose free and carries a Beth Din hechsher. It is best eaten with cold or hot (but not boiling) water, milk, or maas, fermented milk. Kransdorff and his family eat it every day for breakfast; it can be made into a “nutrition smoothy” or into bread, crumpets and muffins. “In the past 12 years we have distributed over 120 million food portions to 15 African countries. The product is used in different programmes which include TB/HIV patients, early child development, old age, corporate wellness, and sport. We have just sent 110 tons to Kenya for Somali refugees.” In response to international demand for e’Pap, Kransdorff is now creating the technology to manufacture it in countries that have different taste preferences. Gaining support from the medical fraternity has been difficult since the “waters were muddied” by the dysfunctional nutrition debate around pronouncements by late Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang. “In our view, she could have been lauded for having the guts to raise the nutrition agenda, but the dunce for defining it as only ‘garlic and beetroot’. The media frenzy around the Minister’s pronouncements on nutrition polarised the medical and nutrition industries. It resulted in doctors refusing to engage and investigate effective nutrition as a support tool for fear of giving TshabalalaMsimang any credence. Attitudes, however, are changing, with recognition at an international level of the importance of nutrient repleteness as part of a holistic medical treatment versus a drugsonly approach for malnourished people. Kransdorff, ever the change-maker, has his eye on the whole food chain. It is acknowledged that over the past 40 years, up to 75 per cent of nutrients have been lost in many vegetables and fruits. The fault lies with modern agriculture approaches and food processing that is focused only on yield/taste and ignores the nutrient content of food.

Jewish community takes Mandela Day to heart

15 - 22 2012 Farewell to Professor Phillip Tobias

News

June

SUZANNE BELLING There was an overwhelming response to Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein’s call to the Jewish community to make Mandela Day – marking former President Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday “bigger and better” this year.

entleThursdan of y, but

lavista

In this, the fourth year of Rabbi Goldstein joining forces with Afrika Tikkun, schools and Jewish organisations, who came to the fore in droves, bringing books, blankets and nonperishable foods to the Great-Park Synagogue in Johannesburg and the Claremont Synagogue in Cape Town on July 18, Madiba’s birthday.

Former President Thabo Mbeki talks to Rabbi Dovid Hazdan. (PHOTO: ILAN OSSENDRYVER)

ROBYN SASSEN

Some organisations had independent initiatives, others performed their 67 minutes – and more – throughout the month.

Born in Durban on October 14, 1925, to Fanny Rosendorff and Joseph Tobias, as a 15-yearold Phillip promised himself he would one day understand the diabetes-related death of his 21-year-old sister, Val and his grandmother, also from diabetes. His childhood was troubled. His parents separated following the bankruptcy of his father’s toy shop. But, according to Rabbi Hazdan, “this sadness was for him a great motivator that enabled him to take on the world”. Tobias enrolled as a medical student at Wits University in 1943. He deviated to do a medical BSc; by 1946, he was already lecturing. He completed doctorates, and was awarded professorships, in medicine, genetics and palaeoanthropology. Among other accolades, he Veteran anti-apartheid activist George Bizos at the funeral. was granted honorary doctor- (PHOTO: ILAN OSSENDRYVER) ates from 11 universities, inthe darkest days of South Africa, when he cluding Pennsylvania and Cambridge, and was nominated three times for could have got a job anywhere in the world, he chose to stay; this was his country, where a Nobel Prize. In 1959, at 33, Tobias became head of he could make a difference.” In 2001, he won the SA Jewish Board of anatomy at Wits Medical School, the first SA-born person in the chair of any medical Deputies’ Human Rights award, followed facility nationally, and the youngest in this by the Jewish Achiever’s Lexus Lifetime Achiever Award the next year, and the Walposition, which he retained for 32 years. Among his other achievements in this ter Sisulu Special Contribution Award from discipline was a mandatory course in medi- the City of Johannesburg in 2007. Also in 2002, the SABC screened Tobias’ cal ethics for medical students, which he mooted. “He felt it was important for any- Bodies, in which Tobias showed how food one dealing with the human body, that they shaped humankind’s evolution. The series did so with respect and a sense of connec- won a Creative Excellence award in the US International Film and Video Festival and tion,” recalled Rabbi Hazdan. Internationally, he is best known for his Best Educational Programme for Adult Auwork on human evolution, and his key role diences, in the Ide Suisse Award. A frequent Shabbat guest at Rabbi in establishing the Cradle of Humankind as a world heritage site. In 1966, he began the Hazdan’s home, Tobias was “a man of deep excavation programme at Sterkfontein, the beliefs” - having as a youngster nurtured world’s longest continuously active palaeo- an idea to become a rabbi. “He appreciated anthropological dig, which has yielded over beauty,” the rabbi recalled. “He took im1 000 hominid fossils, about one third of all mense joy in nature; he loved theatre, music and art.” Tobias, who never married or hominid fossils ever found. His crowning palaeoanthropological had children, referred to his thousands of find was “Little Foot”, four 4,17 million-old students, as “in some way” his children. “It foot bones at Sterkfontein, identified as of is not a genetic legacy I leave, but a cultural human ancestry in 1995. More Little Foot one, orally transmitted through education,” bones were found; to date, Little Foot is SA’s he told colleague Anthony Paton. Blessed with a wry sense of humour, Tomost complete skeleton of a direct ancestor. In 2002, Tobias led the process of hav- bias was genuinely generous in his acknowling the remains of Saartjie Baartman re- edgement of others. His dapper presence turned to SA, for a dignified burial. Parts downplayed his iconic status, making him of the body of this Khoi woman had been universally adored in any context. There were hundreds of mourners at his exhibited in Paris as ethnological curiosities funeral at the West Park Cemetery on Sunin the 19th century. day, representing the cream of South Africa’s An immensely prolific writer, Tobias was respected not only for his research, but also intelligentsia; pall bearers included former for his anti-apartheid stance. President of President Thabo Mbeki, Advocate George Bithe National Union of SA Students in 1948, zos, Mr Justice Edwin Cameron, Wits Vicehe embraced his role of bringing about so- Chancellor Professor Loyiso Nongxa, and cietal change. He launched the university’s others. Tobias was buried in a special section first anti-apartheid campaign and was a reserved for those who extend themselves vociferous presence against the closing of beyond their immediate needs by contributing to the world at large. Wits to black students. See editorial on page 6 Said archaeologist Lyn Wadley: “During

Rabbi Goldstein, president of Afrika Tikkun, exhorted SA Jewry: “As Nelson Mandela is Afrika Tikkun’s patron-in-chief, it is fitting the Jewishcommunity honour him by supporting a cause so close to his heart. “One of the most important teachings of Judaism is to live with compassion and to act with energy to help all people in need.” Th e items collected at the Great-Park Synagogue were distributed through Afrika Tikkun to communities in Alexandra township, Diepsloot, Braampark, Hillbrow and Orange Farm in Gauteng and Delft and Mfuleni in the Western Cape. Jewish day schools, including King David High Linksfield, contributed to the Chief Rabbi’s eff ort, as well as Torah Academy Boys’ High, which formed a team with its Cycalive 2012 outreach partners, Pace College and Moltesane, both from Soweto, gathering together at Great-Park to hand over their donation.

My Commitment to Start Keeping Shabbos

Basil Lishansky

’ve always believed in G-d. Ever since I can remember I prayed to G-d before I went to sleep every night. As a young child I remember always worrying about my mom and dad. They were old, they had me late in their lives and I was always worried that they would die too soon. I prayed all my life. I prayed for my families health, for passing my exams, for happiness, for success, for meeting the right woman, for my wife, for my child, for my children, for my grandchildren, And thank G-d, all my prayers were answered. All I had to do was pray and G-d would answer my prayers.

those years ago a neshoma that had potential and that through time I would eventually return home. I remain forever indebted to him for his friendship, patience and trust in my journey.

My Mom was from Vilna and my Dad was from a little shtetle in Russia. My dad had a very religious upbringing but after the holocaust and the decimation of their families they turned their back on religion and I received only the most basic teachings of the Jewish religion. Nevertheless my belief in G-d was unwavering. I believed in my version of who G-d was. My version of his laws. I manipulated every challenge and outcome into believing that this was ok with G-d.

It has taken me too long to realize this but at least I am on the way. My family and I have moved closer to the shul and pray to Hashem that He guides us every step of the way on our journey into the future.

And a journey it was and please G-d still will be. The support and involvement of my wife, children and sons in law have made it that much more possible. I now put on tefillin and daven everyday, I keep Shabbas and have realized that it is the most wonderful day of the week, a day of rest, prayer and family.



But just 5 years ago I began to realize that my thinking had been flawed. Whilst it was noble to have an unquestionable belief in G-d, it was equally important to understand and study the laws of His Torah. I was fortunate to have met Rabbi Hazdan over 20 years ago. Our families became good friends. He understood who I was and never tried to push his ways onto me. I believe he saw in me all

With Compliments of

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 Hide & Seek Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson

Rosh Hashana, the Baal Shem Tov taught, is a game of hide and seek. G-d hides, we seek.

judging His subjects strictly by the book until the most sublime angels shiver in dread.

But where can G-d hide? Wherever you go, there He is. As the Zohar says, “There is no place void of Him.”

And we seek. We seek the father behind the stern voice. We are the small child who climbs into the king’s arms, tears off the mask and exclaim, “Daddy!”

So perhaps what the Baal Shem Tov meant is more like peek-aboo—when the parent hides behind his or her own fingers. So too, G-d hides Himself within the guise of an awesome, indifferent king,

Which is just what He was waiting for.

Best Wishes from Travice and Irwin Rabinowitz and family 59

Hachnasat Sefer Torah Brian Croock

hat better way can there be to honor ones family, friends and the entire Jewish community?

On Sunday the 1st of April 2012 the Croock family together with friends and fellow members of the Great Park Synagogue were blessed to have the opportunity of celebrating the mitzvah of Hachnasat Sefer Torah. Hashem gave Moses the 10 commandments to hand down to the children of Israel. It is these very commandments that guide and direct us in everything we as mortals do. A Torah is made up of the 5 books of Moses and comprises over 300,000 letters hand-written in exact fashion. If even one of these letters is missing, the entire Torah is rendered invalid! It is commanded that every, Jew should write his own Torah, at least once in their lifetime. As we all know it is not possible for all of us to do this and the Rabbis have decreed that to write at least one letter of the Torah will suffice for this mitzvah. It was with this in mind and to thank Hashem for all the many, many, brochas that, Hashem has given to my family and I, that the least we could do was to give to our children, family and friends, what Hashem gave to his children. So it is with great appreciation and honor to Hashem that as a family we decided that each one of our children should have the merit of providing a Sefer Torah, for the use of the community, to remind them on a daily basis of what is truly important and to give them the Torah values they deserve. One can only imagine the emotions conjured up when Hashem gives us the opportunity and zechus to fulfill such a beautiful mitzvah. I personally felt and could imagine the excitement the Jewish people must have felt when they received the Torah on Mount Sinah. I could not thank Hashem enough for putting me in a position and giving my family the honor of being able to fulfill this mitzvah.

Hatzolah Wins Top Award At the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa’s AGM in November this year, outgoing chairman Martin Botha presented the prestigious Chain of Survival Award to Hatzolah for two enormously successful community projects: •

Hatzolah has installed a resuscitation cabinet in every shul and community facility in Johannesburg. This cabinet includes, among other medical rescue equipment, an automated external defibrillator, complete with simple, lay-friendly instructions. In the event of a person suffering a cardiac event, the defibrillator will allow a bystander to start the CPR process while emergency services are on their way, saving precious moments in the Chain of Survival.

•

Hatzolah also launched a large-scale training initiative to teach as many people as possible how to perform CPR. Training courses were open to anyone in the community and the entire campaign was a great success. Hatzolah’s CPR training initiative is ongoing, as we strive to ensure that it is not only emergency medical rescue responders who have the ability to save lives, but the whole community. The Chain of Survival award is given to medical organisations that achieve excellence in the essential, 6-link chain that ensures a patient has the best chance of surviving a medical emergency. These 6 links in the chain are:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Early awareness that a patient is in medical distress. Early access to emergency medical care. Early CPR – this should be performed immediately by a trained bystander while emergency medical personnel are on their way. Early Defibrillation. Early advanced life care. Good post-resuscitation care. We thank the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa for their recognition and we are honoured to accept this award.

November February 2013 2012

DISCOVER WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF

A new six-week course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute Register Today! Visit www.myJLI.com

THE KABBALAH OF YOU LIVING WITH INTEGRITY Everyday Ethical Dilemmas Guide to Unlocking Hidden Potential ANavigating Navigating Everyday Your Ethical Dilemmas

A NEW SIX-WEEK COURSE FROM THE ROHR JEWISH LEARNING INSTITUTE

awareness that assures that every aspect of our life is imbued with our core consciousness.

Starting this November at The Great-Park Synagogue

This doesn’t happen naturally; we must partner in our own creation. We must be artists, making every one of our brushstrokes an expression of the infinite beauty and truth that is our very identity.

Course Overview and Outline There is one thing that is always present in your life. Not your body, for sometimes you soar aloft in thought or meditation. Not your heart, for there are surely things that preoccupy you about which you are indifferent. Not your intellect, for there are times when your mind must rest. But no matter what state you are in, no matter your thoughts, mood, or level of awareness, it is always you who is in that state.

Lesson 3: A Question of Joy We all know the feelings of sadness and misery and are never content to rest in them; we seek a good that we experience as good. We are guided towards the experience of good by the questions we ask in our search. What do

Welcome to The Kabbalah of You, a journey of discovery, in which we will ask—and answer— the most fundamental question of all: Who is the mysterious being at the heart of what it is to be … you? The same Kabbalah that leads us up and beyond the highest heavens also leads deep within to explore the divine mystery of your soul.

we seek? If we seek what we want, our search will yield pleasure, physical delight— powerful, but short-lived, and can lead to selfdestructive behavior. If we seek rather what we need, we will find happiness. We will then be satisfied with very little—but we can stagnate and become complacent in that satisfaction. But if we seek what we are, then we will find energizing joy.

Lesson 1: Uniquely Human

Lesson 4: A Question of Faithfulness

No matter where, no matter when, humanity searches for the ultimate. We are transfixed by a sense of self, and despite the enduring mystery of what a self actually is, we assign it the greatest importance. We have a sense that

If faith is so simple, why is it so hard? Complexities come easy to the rationalizing human mind. We craft our own sophistication and take pride in it.

there is goodness and that we are meant to be aligned with it. The Jewish mystics teach that we have a drive towards the good and the G-dly because that is who we are—nothing less than G-dliness in disguise. This means that we have boundless possibilities; our limitations are but symptoms of the disguise that we are meant to shed. Lesson 2: If I Am So Good, Why Am I So Bad? If I really am nothing less than G-dliness in disguise, why do I fall short so often? Surely, none of us have realized our infinite potential, and our awareness of that is a heavy weight. Our need is to weave a web of concrete

love for the other, and not just to mold our actions, we need to realize that we ourselves are emerging each moment from the Infinite unknown as well. That is really who we are. When we embrace that in ourselves, then our love of our fellow human being is the living process of the Infinite coming to dwell in our own lives, whether at the solitary core of our soul or in our relations that are interwoven with every aspect of creation. Lesson 6: Perfectly Imperfect Let’s get down to it. No matter how clever the talk about the soul and its G-dly source, we know ourselves well enough to be secret experts in our own shortcomings. Others might not know our faults, but we do. So how realistic is all this talk? Perfection is for the perfect. But there is something better than being perfect. The one who gropes in the dark, whose life is a perpetual struggle, is greater than one who is “perfect.” True, such a person will always know himself as one who fails—but this person more than compensates with heightened passion and unquenchable thirst. Ultimately, only such a person can make perfection stretch beyond its narrow boundaries and fill the entire world.

Faithfulness to something beyond our own grasp, something larger than our own achievements and deeper than our own thoughts demands much more of us. What we seek tolerates no clichéd response and can be satisfied by no mere intellectual answer. Knowing what we seek, we know that faithfulness to the task will require the soul commitment of all we are and all we can be. Lesson 5: The Self That Loves Your Neighbor Even if I can love someone else, how could I love him or her as I love myself? I take myself for granted, but the one I love is different, emerging each moment from the unknown. The mystics tell us that to truly feel

Rosh Hashanah greeting to all family and friends, from Seymour & Matty Talpert and family 62

JLI Lectures 63

Our Daily Minyan Dr Greg Stoch

y father Eric Stoch passed away on 7th December 2011. As a member of the Great-Park I approached the morning Minyan to begin saying Kaddish. Armed with my Tefillin but a bit rusty not having worn them for some time I tentatively entered the Small Shul. I needed not feel intimidated at all. Within minutes I had personal supervision and the familiar feel of wearing my Tefillin soon returned. After a quick crash course in the order of the Shacharit service I was ready to continue. It was time to recite the first Mourner’s Kaddish and as I began I realized that several other congregants were also reciting the familiar ancient Aramaic words. I immediately felt one of the group and followed the rhythmical tone as we recited Kaddish in unison , a most powerful experience. The week of shiva ended and as I entered sheloshim I already felt an integral part of the morning Minyan. I soon realized the power of this unique team with its strong, yet supportive leadership, the senior members and the “newcomers” all forming

vital components of the Minyan, essential for davening Shacharit and of course reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish. The morning or daily Minyan is truly the engine room of GreatPark ensuring its continuity and provides the foundation for our Shul. The morning Minyan provides a space for private individual prayer in a quiet and respectful environment and I found that my love and understanding of tefillah flourished. The powerful feeling of community and support of the other congregants is palpable. The mutual respect for each other has been truly inspirational. There is always an attempt to ensure that the Minyan forms as early as possible to facilitate reciting the first Mourner’s Kaddish. The morning Minyan provides a unique feeling of spirituality and it has been a privilege to recite Kaddish in my father’s honour in this intimate environment. It wasn’t long before a “new” mourner entered the Shul with that familiar tentative look and I could now contribute to welcoming someone else into our midst with words of comfort and some advice.

Assisting another to become familiar with the role of mourner is a most powerful experience . I realize that this is the way it should be. The support that I received empowered me to understand and deal with my experience as a mourner while enabling me and others like me to assist and support “new” mourners. We conclude Shacharit with the final Kaddish and as we disperse and head off to work we wish each other a good day. This is a group that cares for its members and it leaves me feeling a bit stronger each day facilitating my spiritual healing. I would like to thank and acknowledge Rabbi Hazdan and Rabbi Simpson for their understanding, encouragement and assistance during this time. I am certainly richer for this experience and I hope to be able to continue contributing to the morning Minyan and to the Great-Park Synagogue, my spiritual home.

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A Hundred Years of Jewish History Rose Norwich

he small beautiful synagogue which stands in Glenhove Road, Houghton, is the custodian of a hundred years of important Jewish history in Johannesburg. This year, 2012, it is a hundred years since the purchase of the 10 stands in Hillbrow on which the large synagogue was built in Wolmarans Street. Through a secret competition the Swiss architect Theophile Schaerer was chosen as the winner. He used the Santa Sophia Mosque in Istanbul as its prototype. At a special meeting at the end of 1912 the plans were accepted by the committee with Hoheisen & Co as the builders. Sammy Marks provided all the bricks. The cost was estimated at ÂŁ20 407 and it would seat 850 men and 550 women. It was to be the first synagogue in Johannesburg with the ark facing north. The foundation stone was laid in 23 September 1913 by Sigmund Raphaely who had worked hard to bring reconciliation to the congregation and the building was opened by Rabbi JL Landau on 23 August 1914. Schaerer left South Africa in 1915 and fought for his home country, Switzerland, during World War 1. English born architect Alan Wilson completed the raised Marriage platform, the Ark and the Pulpit in the north interior. Even in 1912 few people remembered the congregations which built it. Jews had been amongst the earliest arrivals on the Witwatersrand goldfields. They worshipped in temporary premises until the first President Street Synagogue was built by the Witwatersrand Hebrew Congregation in 1889 (WHC) later called the Witwatersrand Old Hebrew Congregation (WOHC). Following a problem with their minister the whole committee resigned forming the Johannesburg Hebrew Congregation (JHC). The JHC moved on to build the second synagogue in Johannesburg which was opened by President Paul Kruger on 15 September 1892. It was named the Park Synagogue after the Wandererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park and Park Station which were nearby. This is where the name Park originates. As the years progressed many of the Jews

moved out of dusty Johannesburg to the suburb of Doornfontein which was blessed with water. The President Street Synagogue needed repair and their proposed new building in End Street never proceded further than laying the foundation stone in 1906 because of the depression. Their Minister Rabbi Dr Hertz had left for overseas and they had no one to replace him. The WOHC were keen to join the JHC. The JHC wanted to move out of the city. Fortunately the SA Railways wanted to buy the Park Synagogue and school in order to build a new enlarged Railway Station on the site. The money received from the sale was used to build the new synagogue in HiIlbrow. The government undertook to build the Park School in Doornfontein as the Jewish Government School. After years of negotiating the JHC agreed to allow the WHC join them. The combined congregations formed the United Hebrew Congregation (UHC) in 1915. Strict conditions controlled the merger including having their minister Dr JL Landau as the first Chief Rabbi of the new congregation and regulating the number of members on the committee. The names of members of both existing congregations were recorded as founder members in the constitution and includes my father. The Park Synagogue in Wolmarans Street became the home of both congregations for many years. It was officially opened by Rabbi JL Landau on 23 August 1914. Only in 1945 when Rabbi LI Rabinowitz became the Chief Rabbi was the name changed from the second Park Synagogue to the Great Synagogue. Hence the origin of the name Great. Most of us only remember the United Hebrew Congregation (UHC) which sadly disappeared about the time when the Great Synagogue in Wolmarans Street was sold in 1999 and is now used for other purposes. The neighbourhood had become unsafe for the worshippers and many no longer lived in the area. The building was protected by the SA Heritage Resources Agency as it was older than 50 years and could not be demolished. Finding a new home for the congregation was difficult and temporary 65

premises were used in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg until the Great-Park Synagogue was built in Glenhove Road. The Great-Park Synagogue has been a wonderful solution to the problem and its curved plan, dome and aspect are reminiscent of the old building. The bimah and the ark, the seats, pulpit and the lights all come from the building in Wolmarans Street. Its atmosphere reminds one of the services held there over the many years. In the wall in front of the Great-Park have been placed the foundation stones of all the old buildings - the President Street, the one in End Street (never built) and the Great Synagogue. The first Park Synagogue had no foundation stone. The Great-Park has now become the custodian of a century and more of religious services of this congregation. With the next couple of years there will be several centenary functions. The congregation has of course changed. Members are now the children and grandchildren of the original members and the families who live in the area. Its youthful congregation have embraced the Great-Park as their spiritual home with its many activities. Let us hope that they will also remember and acknowledge the congregations and people who founded and built it. It is part of Jewish history in Johannesburg and one of which we should all be very proud.

ANDREW LEVY EMPLOYMENT C o n ta c t: Andrew & Dan Levy On all aspects of Employment Law and Practice

info@andrewlevy.co.za Tel 011 887 5082

Addie, Mark and Jade Blumberg, Taryn and Adon Solomon wish you all a very happy new year and a meaningful fast 66

FAMILY WORKSHOPS with Dr. Ronel Duchen Wednesdays 17 October & 24 October Preparing for Jewish Parenthood Parenting workshop for expecting parents and parents with young children Introductory insights by Rabbi Shmuel Simpson

Session I: The impact of relationships on your baby’s brain development: Parents are introduced to new research describing the link between the attachment relationship between parents and child and the baby’s brain development. It is taken for granted that parents and children share a special bond; as is the case with all relationships this bond needs to be nurtured. Session II: Moving from spousal to parental relationship: Couples explore the new dimensions that parenthood brings to their spousal relationship. The joy of having a child is accompanied by new demands that can cause unexpected stress in a couple’s relationship. A better understanding of these changes and a proper approach to this transformation is needed in order to sustain peace and love in the home.

WX Wednesday 31 October Building a Relationship with your Toddler Parenting workshop for parents of toddlers Recent research highlights that a child's earliest experiences and relationships have a long-lasting impact on a child's development. Parents explore practical tips in forming a nurturing, warm, responsive relationship with young children during the stage of temper tantrums, sibling rivalry, fussy eating, and other such behavioural issues.

WX Wednesday 14 November Two homes but one world Parenting workshop for separated and divorced parents This workshop for separated and divorced parents explores insights and techniques for parents in supporting their children in dealing with the fragmentation that can result from divorce. It remains a challenge for parents to create one world for their children living in two homes. The creation of one world and one sense of self is essential for the child's experience of authentic well-being.

WX All workshops are held at Great Park Synagogue @ 7:30PM. Donation: R30.00 per session BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: goldiesimpson@gmail.com; 072 832 2001 Dr Ronel Duchen is a counseling psychologist. She is the founder of the Familyzone Mediation Centre and the author of various books. Read more at www.familyzone.co.za. She is married with two daughters.

Shana Tovah and well over the fast - love the Werner Family 67

Looking Back Moving Forward An article from www.mikvah.org A new beginning

Myth: I’m not so religious. It would be hypocritical to go to the mikvah.

Entering menopause: A time of transformation. A new phase of life begins. Invigoration. Inspiration. It is a time for a woman to explore her spirituality and increase her focus on herself, her marriage, and her family. Judaism offers a unique and incredibly special way to celebrate this transition and expand the spirit through the ritual of mikvah.

Reality: Every mitzvah counts! Immersing in the mikvah offers a wonderful sense of renewal and rebirth. It’s the perfect mitzvah for a woman who wants to expand her Jewish horizons

A link to the past, a promise for the future A mikvah is a ritual bath, constructed according to intricate laws and specifications, for particular mitzvotcommandments. The mikvah has the power to transform the every day world into the realm of the holy and spiritual. The most important and general use of the mikvah is by brides and married women. For thousands of years, Jewish marriages and families have been strengthened through the sanctity and holiness inherent in Taharas Hamishpacha-the laws of family purity which require a woman to immerse in the mikvah after her menstrual period and prior to resuming physical intimacy with her husband. Generations of Jewish women have found that the mitzvah of mikvah brings them closer to G-d - the Source of life, purity, and holiness.

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Myth: I’ve been married for years. It’s too late to start going to the mikvah. Reality: The Torah teaches us that it is never too late to observe a mitzvah. The blessings of the mikvah can be bestowed upon a woman and her family even if she goes after her childbearing years have ended. A single act, infinite rewards Immersion in the mikvah at the appropriate time is a mitzvah that can be performed only by women. For women who have experienced their last menstrual period, a single immersion -performed in accordance with specific guidelines - can reap a lifetime of blessings for herself and her family. It can elevate her marriage to new heights of holiness, enabling her to enter the next phase of life with a symbolic rebirth and a spiritual renewal. A personal journey, a private mitzvah The mitzvah of mikvah is an extremely private one. It is a way for a woman to integrate her spiritual nature with her physical being, to connect with Jewish women throughout the world and across time, and to move closer to G-d. To learn more about mikvah, contact your local Orthodox rabbi or his wife. 68

Community News 2011 - 2012 Whats been happening through the year

BIRTHS Caroline & Neil Myerson a son Hilary & Roger Hanson a granddaughter Loren & Neil Eppel a daughter Shmuel & Goldie Simpson a son Reuben & Vanessa Shapiro a granddaughter Carol & Dicky Penn a grandson Nicky & Darryl Richard a son Tracey & David Frankel twin daughters Ernie & Elinor Brenner a grandson Malcolm & Simone Segal two grandsons Mike & Joan Krost a grandson Nicky & Steven Dave twin daughters Melissa & Menachem Skuy-Marcan a son Greg & Victoria Weinstein a son Nicky & Trevor Shevil a son David & Sarah Sassoon a son David & Donna Gewer a son Sylvie & Lester Meents a grandson Lance & Linda Milner a son Darren & Sandy Durbach a daughter Sharon & Nimrod Barlev a daughter Brad & Amy Serebro a daughter Elan & Lara Krug a daughter Teresa & Martin Yudaken a grandson Janet & Howard Zev a son Jill Frankel & Johnny Frankel a grandson OPSHERENIS Rabbi Shmuel & Goldie Simpsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son Yisroel BATMITZVAHS Georgia Bryer Teegan Chernotsky Yakira Cohen Talya Lipshitz Liora Michaels Julia Rosenzweig Carley Soicher Eden Vogelman Shira Rozentvaig Kiara Joelson Gia Croock Gabriella De Abrue Tarryn Forman Rachel Gerber Tori Rabinowitz Maya Rutstein Paige Sundelson Lauren Hirsch Jordana Liebmann Ariella Ross Talia Werner Ariella Werner BARMITZVAHS Amit Weltman Joshua Waksman Bailey Hassall Jonathan Kantor

Samuel Cohen Jacob Teeger Brett Goldblatt Gabriel Itzkin Dean Kramer Joshua Bloom Jamie Boolkin Joshua Friedman Aaron Seinker ENGAGEMENTS

Stanley & Barbara Victor Anthony & Efrat Wald Alexandra (Alice) Weil Irwin & Lisa Zimmerman CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THE SAD LOSS OF:

Zeev Blieden & Dana Gork Kim Heine in Australia Clifford Rosen & Debra Beswick Wayne Zwiers & Romy Salant Martin Croock & Kaili Basserabie Richard Croock & Jade Solomon WEDDINGS Dean Murinik and Lisa Gordon Tamsyn Egnos & Gary Rutstein Marc Yudaken & Sarah Aires Lior Lanzer & Loren Ratner Daniel Levy & Lauren Marcus Danny Koppel & Lisa Gundelfinger Cara Shapiro & Michael Sleeman Michael Harf & Lia Jacobs David Kaplan & Gabi Milner 2ND BARMITZVAHS Hans Loewenburg Bentley Phillips NEW MEMBERS Russ & Bianca Sidelsky Jan Cohen Toni Copans Brian & Shelley Croock Howard & BeverlyAnn Croock Martin Croock Ricky Croock Gidon & Fran Fainman David & Melanie Jacobs Mitch & Tracy Kaplan Clifford Kupritz Jonathan & Mandy Loeb Michael & Saranne Meyersfeld Gidon & Lindie Novick Yonatan & Haley Rom Joel Rosen Robert & Lisa Rubenstein Hylton & Ingrid Sevitz Trevor & Nicki Shevel Russ & Bianca Sidelsky Martin & Adrienne Speier Martin & Nadine Stern Seymour & Mathilda Talpert Norma Utian Graham & Sigal Utian Graeme & Tania Victor 69

Avis Abel Taitz Bernard Cohen Bernice Firer Colleen Sergay David Frenkel Dorothy Davidson Dr Hessel Utian Dr Rene Heitner Dulcie Teeger Eric Meyersohn Eric Stoch Flora Fish Florrie Segal Gertie Kacev Ilana Nathan Issy Schlapabersky Julia Rajak Lewis Pasvol Lionel Vilensky Maureen Jacobs Norman Nossel Phyllis Rothbart Professor Phillip Tobias Selwyn Levick Shelia Heyman Steven Goldblatt Taubette Tucker Tova Shulman

Please inform the Shul Office of all important occasions! Data on this page was compiled by the office and reflects information available to us as of our going to print. Please inform us of all relevant community and family news to ensure that it appears in our publication. We will welcome additional new members and acknowledge family events in our forthcoming publication.

If you know of anybody who is not well, please contact the office at 011 728 8152 so that a visit can be arranged.

GUNMAN MURDERS RABBI AND THREE YOUNG CHILDREN AT JEWISH DAY SCHOOL IN FRANCE

Murdered: Rabbi Jonathan Sandler (30), Gavriel Sandler (3), Aryeh Sandler (6) and Miriam Monsonego (8).

Ozar Hatorah School Shooting, Toulouse, France, March 19, 2012.

THE CSO IS WORKING CONSTANTLY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING HERE... With your help! In Ethics of the Fathers [1:17] we learn that "it is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes a difference.” Every day and night, in good weather and bad, professional volunteers from our community, together with private security officers, remain vigilant protecting us and our families against those who seek to do us harm. This is a testing, often thankless task and its importance should never be underestimated. On behalf of the community and the CSO, we convey our sincere thanks to all of these selfless individuals who make a difference by protecting our community. The protection of all Jewish installations in South Africa is facilitated under the auspices of the Community Security Organisation ("CSO") which has for the past sixteen years built up a highly trained management team supported by hundreds of volunteers. Its mission statement remains the Protection of Jewish Life and the Jewish Way of Life and it has done so successfully, b'ezrat Hashem, since its inception. The brutal murder of four Jews on March 19th 2012 at the Ozar Hatorah School in France reminded us that terrorism can strike at any time and in any place from Argentina (1994), Mumbai (2008), Toulouse (2012) and Bulgaria (2012) and everywhere in between. Recent attacks could possibly have been averted or at the very least diminished in severity had a volunteer protection team been in place at the time. Anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism and terrorism are not French, Bulgarian or Israeli problems alone – they are problems which can affect each and every one of us regardless of where we live. Recent widely publicised comments by Prime Minister Netanyahu about averted attacks on potential Israeli targets in South Africa drive the immediacy and necessity of the CSO home – a fact evidenced by our constant monitoring of the threats our community may face, and the steps taken to prepare for them in a proactive, professional way - with your help!) Physical and technical security upgrades together with effective private security are important aspects of this protection, as is your volunter assistance. In partnership with you, we hope to increase the already high level of security at the installation. All contributions from the community towards this vital inititative will be most welcome – please contact the office or the CSO for further details. We wish you and your families a healthy, peaceful and safe year ahead and urge you to assist wherever possible with the protection of our community. Sincerely GAVIN MORRIS HEAD OF OPERATIONS: CSO GAUTENG

CSO EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: 086 18 000 18 PLEASE REPORT ALL SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, PEOPLE, OBJECTS AND VEHICLES IN AND AROUND OUR INSTALLATIONS

Shana Tovah and well over the fast and a healthy prosperous and joyful year ahead. Love Stepha, Jan, Samuel and Ava Cohen 70

Ongoing Shuirim

FRIDAY EVENING: Kabalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Children Service 6:15 pm SHABBAT DAY: Shacharit

8:45 am

DAILY BETWEEN MINCHA AND MA’ARIV Kitzur Shulchan Aruch - The Code of Jewish Law with Rabbi Shmuel Simpson

Mincha 11/4 hours before the end of Shabbat Maariv

when Shabbat ends

SUNDAY Mishna shiur with Rabbi Hazdan 8:45 – 9:15 am in the Small Shul Current Tractate: Shabbat

MORNING SERVICES Sunday and Public Holidays

7:45 am

Monday & Thursday

6:45 am

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday

7:00 am

MONDAY Jewish Learning Institue – see magazine for upcoming courses.

DAILY AFTERNOON/EVENING SERVICES 1 October - 31 March

6:00 pm

1 April - 15 April

5:45

16 April - 30 April

5:30 pm

May

5:20 pm

June

5:15 pm

TUESDAY Lecture series on Jewish Thought and Interest with Rabbi Hazdan 7:45—8:45 pm in the Small Shul WEDNESDAY The Siddur Inspired with Rabbi Shaun Wingrin 6:15—6:45 pm in the Small Shul Current Theme: Amida

July 5:20 August

5:30 pm

September

5:45 pm

THURSDAY Talmud shiur with Rabbi Berel Rodal 6:30— 7:30 pm in the Small Shul Current Tractate: Berachot SHABBAT Parsha Perspectivces – In depth studies with Rabbi Y. Medalie 8:15 – 8:45 am in the Small Shul Teen Discussion with Sheina Hazdan For Girls, age 14 – 16, once a month

GROUP

Shiur after Kiddush with Rabbi Shmuel Simpson on the essentials of Judaism.

Tefillin Breakfast Club

Starting November 2012 join us on the first Friday of every month for shacharit and a scrumptious breakfast sponsored by Mooz.

We operate nationally! 71

Tishrei Calendar 5773-2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

16 September

17 September

18 September

Erev Rosh Hashanah Selichot/Shacharit/Hatarat Nedarim (Annulment of vows) 6:00am Light Candles 5:43 pm Blessings 2 & 5 Mincha 5:45 pm Maariv 6:00 pm Apples dipped in honey

1st Day Rosh Hashanah Shacharit 7:30 am Minyan Leib Dovid 8:30 am Shofar 10:45 am Mincha 5:45 pm Light Candles from pre-existing flame 6:33 pm Blessing 2 & 5 Partake of first fruit of the season

2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Shacharit 7:30 am Minyan Leib Dovid 8:30 am Shofar 10:45 am Mincha 5:45 pm Maariv 6:34 pm

1st Night Rosh Hashanah

2nd Night Rosh Hashanah

29 Elul

23 September

1 Tishrei

24 September

Shacharit 7:30 am Mincha/Maariv 5:45 pm

Shacharit 6:10 am Minch/Maariv 5:25 pm

Days of repentance

7 Tishrei

30 September

8 Tishrei

1 October

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

19 September

20 September

21 September

Fast of Gedaliah

Shabbat 22 September Parshat Vayelech Shabbat Shuva

Fast begins 4:52 am Shacharit 6:25 am Fast ends 6:21 pm

Shacharit 6:10 am Mincha/Maariv 5:45 pm

Days of repentance

Shacharit 6:25 am Mincha 5:45 pm Light Candles before 5:46 pm Maariv 6:00 pm

Shacharit 8:45 am Mincha 5:20 pm Maariv/End of Shabbat 6:35 pm

Days of repentance

2 Tishrei

25 September Erev Yom Kippur KAPAROT EARLY IN THE MORNING Shacharit 6:45 am Mikvah Mincha 1:00pm Fast begins and light candles before 5:47 pm Blessings 4&5 Kol Nidrei 6:00 pm

9 Tishrei

2 October

3 Tishrei

4 Tishrei

5 Tishrei

26 September

27 September

28 September

Yom Kippur Shacharit 8:00 am Minyan Leib Dovid 8:30 am Yizkor 12:00 pm Sermon 12:30 pm Musaf 12:45 pm Mincha 3:30 pm Sermon 5:00 pm Neilah 5:15 pm Fast ends 6:37 pm START PREPARING FOR SUKKOT

10 Tishrei

3 October

6 Tishrei

29 September Parshat Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azinu

Shacharit 6:45 am Consider purchasing your own Lulav and Etrog Set Minch/Maariv 5:45 pm

11 Tishrei

4 October

Shacharit 7:00 am Sukkah Building Mincha 5:45 pm Light Candles before 5:48 pm Maariv 6:00 pm

12 Tishrei

5 October

Shacharit 8:45 am Mincha 5:25 pm Maariv/End of Shabbat 6:39 pm

13 Tishrei

6 October

Erev Sukkot

First day Sukkot

Second Day Sukkot

Chol Hamoed Sukkot

Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot

Shacharit 7:00 am Complete Sukkah building Mincha 5:45 pm Light Candles 5:50 pm Blessings 2 & 5 Maariv 6:00 pm

Shacharit 8:45 am Lulav & Etrog Mincha 5:45 pm Maariv 6:00 pm Light Candles from preexisting flame 6:39 pm Blessings 2 & 5

Shacharit 8:45 am Lulav & Etrog Mincha 6:00 pm Maariv 6:40 pm

Shacharit 6:30 am Lulav & Etrog Minch/Maariv 6:00 pm

Shacharit 6:30 am Lulav & Etrog Mincha 5:45 pm Light candles before 5:52 pm Blessing 1 Maariv 6:00 pm

Shacharit 8:45 am Mincha 5:30 pm Maariv/End of Shabbat 6:42 pm

Our home is our Sukkah

FIRST NIGHT SUKKOT

14 Tishrei

7 October

15 Tishrei

8 October

16 Tishrei

9 October

Hoshana Rabbah Chol Hamoed Sukkot

Shemini Atzeret

Simchat Torah

Shacharit 7:30 am Last Lulav & Etrog Mincha 5:45 pm Light Candles 5:53 pm Blessings 2&5 Maariv 6:00 pm

Shacharit 8:45 am Yizkor 10:45 am Take leave of Sukkah Ligh candles from preexisting flame 6:43 pm Blessings 2&5 Mincha 5:30 pm Maariv 6:00 pm Hakafot Simchat Torah dinner

Shacharit 8:45 am Hakafot 9:45 am Mincha 5:45 pm Maariv/End of Yom Tov 6:43 pm

21 Tishrei

22 Tishrei

23 Tishrei

17 Tishrei

10 October

18 Tishrei

11 October

19 Tishrei

12 October

20 Tishrei

13 October Parshat Bereishit

Shacharit 7:00 am Mincha/Maariv 6:00 pm

24 Tishrei

Shacharit 6:45 am Mincha/Maariv 6:00 pm

25 Tishrei

Shacharit 7:00 am Mincha 5:45 Light Candles before 5:55 pm Maariv 6:00 pm

26 Tishrei

Shacharit 8:45 am Mincha 5:30 pm Maariv/End of Shabbat 6:46 pm

27 Tishrei

Blessings for Candle Lighting 1. SHABBAT 2. YOM TOV 3. SHABBAT & YOM TOV 4. YOM KIPPUR 5. SHEHECHEYONU

Baruch-Ata Ado-Nai Elo-HeiNu Melech Ha-Olam Asher Kid-Isha-Nu Be-Mitz-Vo-Tav Vi-Tzi-Vanu Le-Had-Lik Ner Shel Shabbat. Baruch-Ata Ado-Nai Elo-HeiNu Melech Ha-Olam Asher Kid-Isha-Nu Be-Mitz-Vo-Tav Vi-Tzi-Vanu Le-Had-Lik Ner Shel Yom Tov. Baruch-Ata Ado-Nai Elo-HeiNu Melech Ha-Olam Asher Kid-Isha-Nu Be-Mitz-Vo-Tav Vi-Tzi-Vanu Le-Had-Lik Ner Shel Shabbat Ve Shel Yom Tov. Baruch-Ata Ado-Nai Elo-HeiNu Melech Ha-Olam Asher Kid-Isha-Nu Be-Mitz-Vo-Tav Vi-Tzi-Vanu Le-Had-Lik Ner Shel Yom Hakipurim. (NB: NOT Shel Yom Tov). Baruch-Ata Ado-Nai Elo-HeiNu Melech Ha-Olam She-Heh-Che Yah-Nu Vi-Kiye-Mo-Nu Ve-He-Ge-O-Nu La-Zman Ha-Zeh. 72

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