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BRITAIN’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER 2 April 2020

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8 Nisan 5780

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Issue No.1152

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@JewishNewsUK

Virtually everything you need Your definitive online directory of Jewish life in lockdown Pages 2-3

Extraordinary Care from Extraordinary People

• Residential • Respite • Independent Living 020 8908 4151 jewishchoice.org

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Dear Jewish News Reader,

We find ourselves living in strange and scary times.

Our thoughts are with our customers and employees in these extremely testing times, stay safe and keep well. If you have any specific enquiries you would like to direct to me as General

As I write, we have just closed the doors to our business

Manager at Toyota Edgware Road, you can email me on

for at least three weeks as we follow government advice

diana@jemca.co.uk

as the nation attempts to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Take care and we hope to see you soon.

Our plan is to open on Wednesday 15th April but the situation is changing daily and none of us know what

Best wishes

the future will bring.

Having recently moved into our new showroom on the Edgware Road, we were looking forward to inviting you to visit, even if it was just for a cup of coffee. Our showroom is located about halfa-mile from our site next door to Sainsbury’s and is opposite our

Diana Mackinnon General Manager Toyota Edgware Road

sister business Lexus Edgware Road. Here, we’re able to offer more parking although our concierge system will still operate so all you have to do is drive onto our site and our staff will ensure your car is parked safely and securely. Our former showroom is now a dedicated service facility complete with comfortable waiting area and private kiosks where you can discuss your vehicle’s requirements with our service advisors.

Whilst our physical business is closed, we are delighted to invite you to browse our virtual forecourt. Simply Google ‘Jemca Toyota Edgware Road’ or visit jemcaedgwareroad.toyota.co.uk where you’ll find our latest new and used car offers.

Our digital sales and service team are still on hand during this time via website enquiry, live chat, messenger and by phone to assist you in any way such as selecting the best car that suits you, finance quotations and service bookings as well as to provide advice and guidance about your vehicle purchase, service due date and MOT postponement details.

Jemca_Toyota_EdgwareRoad_JFS_Editorial_260x330_03-20.indd 1

01/04/2020 10:56

OUR INSPIRING 25 UNDER 25 COUNTDOWN BEGINS ON PAGES 16 & 17!

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BIGG PUZZ ER SECT LE See pION 39

Virtually everything you need Your definitive online directory of Jewish life in lockdown Pages 2-3

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER 2 April 2020

•

8 Nisan 5780

•

Issue No.1152

•

@JewishNewsUK

Extraordinary Care from Extraordinary People

• Residential • Respite • Independent Living 020 8908 4151 jewishchoice.org

Thank you...

to all the Jewish medics risking their lives to save others

Emily Simon general practitioner

Dr David Jackson, leading a COVID ward at St Thomas’ Hospital

Dr Michelle Jacobs, consultant, paediatric/adult emergency medicine

Abigail Barnett, physiotherapist, St Pancras Hospital

Dr Yehudit Bauernfreund trainee psychiatrist

Dr Ellie Cannon general practitioner

Dr Andrew Sawczenko consultant paediatrician

Dr Charlotte Benjamin, chair, Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group

Prof Liz Lightstone consultant nephrologist

Dr Abigail Swerdlow child psychiatrist

Dr Joanna Rees general practitioner

Dr Lila Dinner, consultant anaesthetist and medical director

18 PAGES OF CORONAVIRUS NEWS, ANALYSIS & OPINION FROM ACROSS THE COMMUNITY

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Virus pandemic

ur virtual .community Andrew Gilbert’s essential online directory of Jewish life in lockdown OUR community is responding with gusto to the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, powered by a series of internet platforms that, just a few weeks ago, had been relatively unkown.

However, new Jewish content is springing up on the internet every day and communities are finding ways to work online with their members for services, shiurim, entertainment and social interaction – with their rabbis at the centre.

To access content, sometimes users are required to join a group or fill in a short form.

Other times, one may need Facebook, Skype YouTube, Zoom or Streamyard. But whichever ways are being used to reach more people, this is a revolutionary moment in how we do Jewish.

A Facebook group, Synagogue Tech (www. facebook.com/groups/Synagogue.Tech), discusses all of this and mentors those providing online Jewish content. The group’s Leo Mindel says: “The community is coming together to help each other solve the challenges of streaming.”

Check the websites and other social media channels of your community for online and live services; below is an overview of just a few of the many activities taking place.

CENTRAL ORTHODOXY

Kabbalat Shabbat was already being streamed

by South Hampstead Synagogue around an hour before candlelighting. Two weeks ago, Mill Hill, Western Marble Arch, Cockfosters & North Southgate were among the communities offering a similar option. The United Synagogue (US) livestreamed a lively Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Chazan Jonny Turgel with a dvar Torah by Rabbi Daniel Fine. The US’ Richard Verber says it is “engaging people who would not or would find it difficult to go to shul. We will be rotating every week, with services being led by a different community.”

The Havdalah service can feel very personal, watching the rabbi and their family as the flame in the stream burns bright. Cockfosters Rabbi Daniel Epstein has been a pioneer across the US in using technology and, last Shabbat, along with thousands of others, I saw Rabbi Benjy Morgan and his musical sons on the Jewish News/JLE stream.

For Rosh Chodesh, there were even more shuls with an online Hallel including Hampstead Garden Suburb, Golders Green and Sutton, while.

Stanmore United has its own YouTube channel.

Less than two weeks ago, the first online barmitzvah was held at Borehamwood, with more screened across the community. At Finchley United and South Hampstead, there were split screens, with one following the Torah scroll while the barmitzvah boy leyned. There were words from rabbis, chazans, parents, siblings and even accompanying films.

One of the early funerals was that of David Proops and, unfortunately only a very limited number of family members could attend in Bushey, so the service was streamed from a special Facebook page. The eulogy was given by his son, Rabbi James Proops, live from his LA home and 430 people tuned in live.

The regular broadcasts from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis (https://chiefrabbi.org), former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (http://rabbi sacks.org) and Rabbi Joseph Dweck, the head of the Spanish and Portuguese community (www. sephardi.org.uk/senior-rabbi/senior-rabbi-

We have found new ways to stay connected in a matter of weeks

blog and https://buff.ly/3b9Ah1d), are bringing comfort and have all been expanded as has study content from virtually every synagogue.

Chazan Albert Sebastian Chait of UHC Synagogue in Leeds: www.facebook.com/albert.chait # LivingOnAPrayer United Synagogue: www.facebook.com/ UnitedSynagogueUK

REFORM, LIBERAL & MASORTI

Many Reform and Liberal communities have been streaming their Shabbat services for more than a decade. Now, with the lockdown, there is demand for so much more, and synagogues are offering Shacharit, Maariv, coffee with clergy, study opportunities and singing.

Rabbi Josh Levy, Senior Rabbi at North Western Reform, said in response to his members taking part in so many more Jewish activities every day that “they were challenged and pacing themselves, creating new ideas each week for a community living a full modern Jewish life”.

Sinai Synagogue in Leeds (www.sinaileeds. uk) has set up a resources page (www.sinaileeds. uk/resources) that includes services, exercise, museum exploration and virtual walks.

Finchley Reform Synagogue (http://frsonline .org/watch-online), one of the pioneers in streaming religious services in the UK, offers options for daily prayer, elevenses with clergy, Jewish at two-ish (learning) and a full Shabbat programme from a pre-school service with Tevye the Dinosaur all the way through to Havdalah.

The Reform Movement has launched a full day programme in the form of a TV channel, RJ:TV (www.reformjudaism.org.uk/rjtv-onlinecommunity-from-reform-judaism).

Liberal Judaism lists what it and its congregations are doing and also links to their streams (www. liberaljudiasm.org/lj-at-home and www.liberal judaism.org/live-streaming).

Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (www.

npls.org.uk/live) offers the widest programme of activities among British Liberal synagogues with activities and services for all ages.

The Masorti movement has set up a dedicated site for community content during COVID-19 (http://masortijudaism.social), through which one can access all the synagogues’ programming.

Veranenu (www.spreaker.com/show/virtual -veranenu) is a new grassroots, egalitarian, progressive Jewish community focused on finding the perfect balance of kavana (intention) and joyous song in Kabbalat Shabbat.

The Movement for Reform Judaism’s page

JEWISH YOUTH

Youth organisations faced with activities, weekends and summer activities being cancelled have instead become sensational online stars.

Reshet, which was created by the Jewish Leadership Council and UJIA a few years ago, and has focused on professional development and safeguarding, has launched a page with a wide offering from across the Jewish youth world (www.reshetnet.com/busy-bbayit). It is a ‘onestop shop’ for all youth activities and it is adding initiatives all the time.

Bnei Akiva (www.facebook.com/bneiakivauk) has an updating daily schedule of online activities

and will set up people with a chavruta (partner).

BBYO is working with a global website (https:// azabbg.bbyo.org/on-demand/home), offering a virtual experience for Jewish teens worldwide.

Habonim-Dror (www.facebook.com/ habodroruk) is focusing on online activities, but also self-help tips. It is continuing its ‘Rosh Chodesh Knowledge Bomb’.

FZY (www.facebook.com/FZYUK) is posting daily new content and activities to its Facebook page hub, including an education programme and a welfare drop-in.

PJ Library (https://pjlibrary.org/familyactivities) has a resources page for the isolated and the isolating family.

Noam Masorti Youth (https://masortiyouth. org/noam-is-fine-online) says it is ‘fine online’, with a full co-ordinated programme and has created challenge packs for those currently in Years 5 to 8.

JLGB has launched Virtual JLGB with a varied programme from Monday to Thursday, accessible through different platforms depending on if you want to watch or take part (www.facebook.com/ jlgbhq or www.jlgb.org/virtualactivitygroups).

JLGB CEO Neil Martin says: “As in other times of national crisis during our 125-year history, the show must got on, and I’m so proud of our staff and volunteers who together have turned JLGB Virtual into such a professional production that’s entertaining thousands of children, young people and families.”

RSY-Netzer (www.reformjudaism.org.uk/rsy -netzer-remote-synagogue-youth) has become Remote Synagogue Youth, and any young person can access their programme following parental sign-up. Alfie Futerman says: “RSYNetzer’s virtual synagogue youth has been running numerous activities per day ... virtual arts and crafts sessions, dance classes, yoga, big group socialising, movie nights, sign language classes, Ulpan sessions and much more.”

Tribe (www.facebook.com/TheTribeUK) is

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Virus pandemic doing an enormous amount with online reunions, storytime, kahoots quizzes and the timely matzah baking. Every Monday from 4pm to 5pm.

Jewish Interactive (www.jewish interactive.org) has created free Jewish resources for remote learning and this includes a Pesach competition.

FZY, LJY, RSY, Habonim, RSY and Noam have launched the Inter-Youth Movement Games (https://forms.gle/gRX7aeGYGS21irCn9).

For something a little left field, Rabbi Simon Taylor, who now works in the US for NCSY, is doing online breakdancing lessons for his community with one of his sons, Simcha (www.facebook.com/simon.taylor.9041/ videos/10156846219186700/UzpfSTUwMTA3OTg4MjoxMDE1ODYyODUwODUxNDg4Mw).

ADVICE PAGES FOR ORGANISATIONS AND PARENTS

Reshet has updated its notes on safeguarding for this period and any organisation focused on volunteering or using volunteers should read them (https://reshetnet.com/safeguarding2/ covid-19-reshet-safeguarding-guidance-fororganisations). Director Shelly Marsh says: “It is vital that safeguarding is in place in these challenging times. We are all keen for young people to go out and deliver support and befriending. We do need to ensure is safe and that young people are trained and their needs are met.”

Streetwise is focused on the new reality of family being in the house together 24/7 and has produced “a parent’s guide to working from home” (www.streetwisegb.org/post/a-parent-sguide-to-working-from-home).

CAMPUS/STUDENTS

The Union of Jewish Students has created an online JSoc, Chicken Soup, with online cooking, exercise, dancing, as well as dvrei Torah, lectures (www.facebook.com/groups/249229576096220).

Masa Israel Journey (http://join.masaisrael. org/masa-online and http://tiny.cc/f8zxlz) has educational resources online to create a lecturestyle offering with a cultural element to them.

Rabbi Alexander Goldberg, Chaplain at the University of Surrey, tells of the growing online presence of chaplaincy at universities. www.facebook. com/surreyunion/videos/569118217033476

STUDY AND LEARNING AND ACTION

Online study has been available for a long time, but now there is now plenty of time and, sometimes, no paywall.

The Jewish Learning Exchange (JLE) (www.jle. org.uk) has migrated its programmes online, and highlights include its Virtual Lunch & Learn (with Deliveroo in the north-west London area) aimed at those working from home, singalong Havdallah Live every Motzei Saturday at 8pm on Facebook for the whole community. It also has regular webinars from Rabbi Tatz, attracting a global audience of more than 3,500 each time.

Reform RJ:TV runs each day at 12.30pm.

Masorti learning is available on the movement’s portal as well as its archive.

London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) (www. lsjs.ac.uk and www.facebook.com/LondonSchoolofJewishStudies) has made its classes available live online through Zoom, including Rabbi Dweck on Monday nights, and Rabbi Rafi Zarum on Tuesday lunchtimes.

Leo Baeck College (https://lbc.ac.uk) has also added more online content.

Some of us are excited by genealogy, which makes this a great time to join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain (www.jgsgb.org. uk) for the many webinars, mentoring, networking and access to research material.

There is also the Jewish Historical Society

Jewish History Matters (www.jewishhistory. fm) features interviews and in-depth discussion of new research and enduring debates about Jewish history and culture and why it matters.

Jewish Journeys (www.jewishjourneys.info) is now doing virtual journeys, including a session ‘Jews, Plagues and Places’ tomorrow (Friday).

Rabbis Unscripted from JLE (www.

of England (https://jhse.org), again with large archives and materials for members.

Limmud (https://limmud.org), now global, is very au fait with the online world and, last weekend, held the first e-festival in North America.

EXERCISE, YOGA, DANCE & SPIRITUALITY Local communities and youth organisations often offer up a mix of exercise, spirituality and dance, as do wider communal organisations and individual rabbis. In addition to this, the Israel Dance Institute has developed a programme, “a daily dose of dance” (https://reshetnet.com/ busy_bbayit/a-daily-dose-of-dance-shabbat).

Israel Tour guide Muki Jankelowtiz has developed a sensory journey around Israel (https:// reshetnet.com/busy_bbayit/israel-sounds -visions). Turn up the volume to enjoy the scenery with sounds from iconic and historical moments along with the crunch of sand underfoot.

JW3

JW3 turned itself into a virtual Jewish community centre within 48 hours of closing its physical doors, moving all of its adult Hebrew courses from JW3 to online (www.jw3.org.uk). It has commissioned a new pre-Pesach show, Alone at JW3, by Charedi Jewish comedian Ashley Blaker next Sunday, with all-new topical material, and launched a weekly ‘Shababoom’ pre-Shabbat online event with stories and crafts. It has also launched a pre-Shabbat good news round-up with Jewish News live on Zoom and is creating a virtual season of events and activities postPesach. It has launched https://jewishonline.jw3. org.uk, a portal to help promote content from all British Jewish organisations.

JLGB offers a weekly programme

tabletmag.com/podcasts/take-one), has just started so is a great time to join.

Tablet’s Unorthodox (www.tabletmag.com/ author/unorthodox) is a smart, fresh, fun weekly take on Jewish news and culture hosted by Mark Oppenheimer, Stephanie Butnick and Liel Leibovitz.

J-TV (www.j-tvchannel.com) is a Jewish UK TV channel created and run by Oliver Anisfeld with a great archive.

The Jewish Story (https://elmad.pardes.org/ topic/the-jewish-story) looks to deepen your relationship with Israel.

Two Nice Jewish Boys (https://2njb.com) is a weekly Israeli podcast in English. Naor and Eytan offer you a glimpse of Israel and some of the interesting people there.

Jewish Women’s Archive’s podcast (https:// jwa.org/podcasts/canwetalk) offers up stories and conversation about Jewish women.

The Book of Life (www.stitcher.com) features interviews with authors, illustrators, musicians, film-makers, web creators and others to bring you the backstory on the Jewish arts.

JLE’s impressive online resource

facebook.com/JleYoungProfessionals/ videos/520557302187807) offers up Rabbi Benjy Morgan and Rabbi Dov Cowan talking about the hottest topics of the day.

Meanwhile, treasurer of the Board of Deputies Stuart MacDonald talks about investment on The Naked Short Club on Mondays between 9pm and 10pm on London’s not-for-profit arts radio station, Resonance, on 104.4 FM within London (Digital/DAB in Southern Eastern England and worldwide, www.resonancefm.com, with downloads on MixCloud).

Other interesting podcasts include: Judaism Unbound: www.judaismunbound.com Jewish Live: www.jewishlive.org Bagel Podcast: www.bagelpodcast.com

PREPARATION FOR THE SEDER

There are many resources offering tips and activities for Pesach, including Neshama, which has one more online shiur (www.ou.org/women/ seder), Dr Ron Wolfson – author of the 1988 guide to Passover with Joel Grishaver – has published his tips for that Zoom Seder (https:// jewishjournal.com/commentary/blogs/312689/ how-different-will-night-be-10-tips-for-your-virtual-seder) and Reshet (https://reshetnet.com/ resources/reshets-ultimate-pesach).

Other resources include: Chief Rabbi: bit.ly/ChiefRabbiSeder2020 Aish https://aish.org.uk/events/haggadahseries-part-1-four-sons-or-one-what-is-the-haggadah-trying-to-achieve-26-03-2020-08 -00-to-26-03-2020-08-30 Reform Senior Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go1hKupWXO8& fbclid=IwAR2jtfDxi_meN5Wl3zYmi8nchTyOXlDT2NU7BkpnFJnL5vRAkElnbRA-Bg Reform Judaism: www.reformjudaism.org.uk/ festivals/pesach LSJS: https://tinyurl.com/foursons

PODCASTS & BROADCASTS & CHANNELS

While we can’t currently fly to Tel Aviv, we can still tune into TLV1 to its six great podcasts (https:// tlv1.fm). The Promised Podcast is a weekly discussion with contemporary Israeli music. Kol Cambridge by Israeli tour guide and former mazkir of FZY Sam Greene showcases the amazing talent of Israeli musicians. Israel in Translation explores Israeli literature in English translation and Streetwise Hebrew is a bite-size podcast showcasing Modern Hebrew and its slang. Tel Aviv Review offers long-form interviews with scholars, writers and thinkers. The Why Why Why show is people sharing true stores about misadventures in Israel.

A UK-based podcast launched by Hayden Cohen after Limmud 2018 discusses the Jewish community and more (www.haydencohen.co.uk).

Take One, The Tablet’s Daf Yomi podcast (www.

‘I know I’m losing my memory.

I’m so scared.’

Liliya has dementia.

In these uncertain times, she needs you more than ever.

DONATE NOW

www.worldjewishrelief.org/pesach 020 8736 1250

Registered charity no. 290767

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Virus pandemic

‘Painful decision’ to cancel Israel Tour More than 1,200 UK Jewish teenagers were told yesterday of the “painful decision” to cancel the annual Israel Tour, after UJIA Israel Experience said it was pulling its programme owing to the coronavirus pandemic, writes Stephen Oryszczuk.

In a widely-expected move, UJIA Israel Experience and 11 Jewish youth movements announced the tour’s cancellation, leaving a raft of 16-year-olds with one less thing to look forward to this summer.

Despite the expected cancellation, UJIA Israel Experience nevertheless said it was “unparalleled”, pointing to the long-running programme’s continuation

Happier times: A group of young people on Israel Tour 2019

through wars and terror threats in previous years. In a letter to parents this week, it outlined “the steps taken

to minimise financial exposure” and said the youth movements “will begin the process of organising refunds after

Jewish toll rises to 55 The total number of Jewish people who have now died from contracting coronavirus stands at 55, an increase of 11 in 24 hours.

The Board of Deputies, which is keeping a record, has gathered data from key communal groups including Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, the Fed-

A family takes precautions

eration of Synagogues, the United Synagogue, the Joint Jewish Burial Society and

Liberal Judaism. A further 563 people nationwide died as of Wednesday, bringing to overall toll to 2,352 people.

The number of fatalities in the community accounts for close to 2.3 percent of the national toll.

Sweeping measures saw Jewish charities, shuls and schools close last month.

Pesach… Parents are requested not to contact the movements until then to allow them time to manage the process”. It is understood the decision to cancel was taken after confirmation that costs arising from the coronavirus pandemic would not be covered by insurance.

Only last week, UJIA chair Louise Jacobs and chief executive Mandie Winston expressed hope Israel Tour would go ahead despite acknowledging “substantial challenges to any planned international travel” at the moment.

Organisers are now considering whether to offer an alternative Israel experience at a future date, while

UJIA and the Jewish youth movements said this year’s would-be participants would not be overlooked.

The 11 youth movements involved are BBYO, Bnei Akiva, Chazon, Ezra, FZY, Habonim Dror, JLGB, LJY-Netzer, Noam, RSY-Netzer and Tribe.

Jacobs said this week said: “Cancelling Israel Tour is a painful decision. We will do everything we can to ensure that those due to attend this summer are given opportunities to develop their leadership skills and their own sense of Jewish commitment and connection and to experience Israel at a later date.”  Louise Jacobs, page 25

SHABBAT SERVICE ‘HACKED’ A London synagogue’s online vice. [This added] to anxiety Shabbat service was interrupted and distress at what is already by abusive text messages, a con- a really challenging time.”

The messages, suspected gregant told Jewish News.

The member of North to have been automated, were Western Reform Synagogue in sent to 250 members who had Alyth Gardens, who did not wish tuned into video conferencing to be named, said on Monday: app Zoom for Kabbalat Shabbat.

“It was incredibly upsetting Some peddled the antisemitic to see such vile abuse during a canard that Jews control the Jewish News and Wills Ad 16.5x12.8 16:03 Page 1Screenshot of message Others had the n-word. really special moving ser- media. 17/3/20

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PASSOVER MEALS IN LONDON HOSPITALS

Someone has died

Once again this year, my Committee will be making meals available in many London hospitals, Kosher for Pesach under Kedassia supervision (puree under London Beis Din).

We are offering, as usual, main meals (to include vegetarian and puree meals), soups and desserts as well as disposable cutlery packs. In addition to lunch and dinner, we are again offering Kosher breakfasts for Pesach.

Anyone needing to use this service should check carefully that any food offered by the hospital bears our yellow label on the outside of the packaging, stating that the food is ‘Kosher for Passover’.

In the event of any query or problem, patients or their relatives should contact the Catering Officer at the hospital.

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Virus pandemic

20 Jewish docs speak as one to keep us safe A letter signed by more than 20 Jewish medical professionals this week urged members of the community to stay at home and avoid busy shops during the pandemic, writes Mathilde Frot.

The stark warning came as the death toll reached 55 among UK Jews, making up nearly 2.5 percent of national numbers, according to data collated by the Board of Deputies.

The letter, signed only by women, most of them on the frontline of the crisis, warns that the virus is “spreading fast” and “many in our community are sick, and some have lost their lives”.

Dr Sharon Raymond, a GP and lead in unscheduled care, who initiated the message, told Jewish News yesterday: “I drafted this letter as I realised there was an urgent need for a letter to the public to be signed by medical colleagues.

“The community and the public at large need to be aware of the possible range of symptoms of Covid-19, how to limit the spread of the virus, including avoiding crowded local shops, and how to self-isolate. We need to follow the guidance to stop this virus spreading.”

Some of those who signed the letter

The message, widely circulated on WhatsApp, cites a loss of taste and smell, headaches, feeling weak, chills as well as a cough and fever among some of the possible symptoms of the virus.

Anyone self-isolating should remain at home for at least a week from day one of showing symptoms, or until they are symptom-free. All those living with anyone self-isolating should stay at home for at least 14 days.

Members of the public should keep two metres away from each other and avoid crammed shops, wash regularly and refrain from visiting friends’ houses.

Meanwhile, a team of five mainly Jewish volunteers, led by Raymond, has

raised thousands of pounds to buy specialist equipment for the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The group has already raised more than £28,000 of its £100,000 target and is setting up a disaster relief foundation, Plan Iron Bird.

Since the campaign was launched on Just Giving a week ago, thousands of items of protective gear have been bought or delivered to doctors and centres across London, including Hatzola, the ambulance service catering to mainly Jewish communities.

The team aims to plug the gap for protective gear and testing kits and raise money to set up mobile Covid-19 units and self-monitoring kits.

They will fund one-day coronavirus testing kits and intensive treatment units, as well as hand-held devices for patients to monitor their oxygen saturation levels at home.

“I call on the community to back this plan, so that we can support medics in safely undertaking their role, limit the spread of this virus, and reduce the pressure on stretched NHS urgent and emergency services,” Raymond added.

Brit milahs continue Circumcisions are continuing in the community, with extra precautions in place to ensure safety, writes Jack Mendel.

Only parents are allowed to attend brit milah ceremonies for eight-day-old boys, and those conducting it must wear protective equipment, a rabbi, who is also a GP, confirmed this week.

Dr Leslie Solomon, an examiner for the Initiation Society, said the main restriction on circumcisions is “the number of people who can be present”, and that mohels who perform them must “wear pro-

tective equipment”.

He added: “There’s only one consideration – safety. Protection for me is not just the babies. It’s everyone in contact, and especially anyone who is vulnerable and older. A bris will wait until everyone’s safe around the baby. If a bris to be be delayed by a week or two, so be it.”

He did, however, urge parents “not to wait unduly. There is an obligation to have a bris as soon as feasible” but said he “will not put any pressure on parents if they want to wait a bit longer”.

MIKVEHS REMAIN OPEN Public Health England (PHE) is to issue guidance imminently on whether to close Jewish rituals baths during the coronavirus lockdown, as dozens around the country kept their doors open.

Some community members have expressed dismay online that the mikvehs have remained open amid synagogue and school closures, but the Office of the Chief Rabbi said guidance had been issued to the baths to increase precautions.

Usage is now by appointment only, with preparations such as showering required to be done at home, as large synagogue groups privately said they would close their baths if asked to by the government.

A PHE spokesman this week said: “We are consulting with faith groups to develop guidance on infection prevention and control in faith settings. This will be published in the coming days.”

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Virus pandemic

Doctor to Charedim: obey distance rules A Jewish consultant paediatrician on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19 this week urged Orthodox Jewish communities to fully obey social distancing rules, writes Stephen Oryszczuk.

Dr Andrew Sawczenko, who works at Homerton Hospital in north London, said living conditions in the Charedi community presented “ideal conditions” for the virus to spread.

“There’s a lot of overcrowding in the community, which typically has large families and we see health problems because of this,” he told Jewish News. “Such conditions are ideal for spreading infection.”

Sawczenko, an honorary senior Lecturer at University College London who also works at Moorfields Eye Hospital and has contributed to national and international research, said Homerton treats many Charedi Jews owing to its proximity to a large community, and voiced concern that Charedim might not have full access to public health information.

“While everyone got a text from the UK government, because the situ-

ation is evolving fast, all of us need they had rehearsed how to use these. to keep updated, using information This is one of numerous potential issues, not least the expectation that from radio, TV and the web.”

Although children are less suscep- the department’s junior doctors tible to Covid-19, in part it is thought will be redirected to help deal with owing to their reduced number of adult Covid patients in other parts ACE (angiotensin converting of the hospital. “It feels like enzyme) receptors, which is the calm before the storm,” what the virus uses to take over Dr Sawczenko said. “We a cell, Sawczenko is nevertheare running phone clinics less part of the front-line battle. but people are electing to “We undertook a drill at avoid A&E, and the chilHomerton this morning, on dren’s ward is less full, as we what to do when an ambulance discharge as soon as we can. comes in and a child is “We have a Covid acutely unwell with bay for children Covid symptoms. with proven No doubt it’ll all infection, or become clearer awaiting conwhen we repeatfirmation, edly face this alongside a scenario.” lot of worried parVery young ents. We’re children need specialised venexpecting tilators, but older junior staff to be ones can be cared taken away to help for using adult venthe adults, which tilators, and he said will present chalDr Andrew Sawczenko

Child in coronavirus Inspection officer outfit in Stamford Hill for Purim

lenges. Just taking blood from a child is a skilled task [typically carried out by junior staff ] and not something I’ve practised for two decades now.

“We’re talking about lengthening shifts, putting a blow-up camp bed so we can sleep in the outpatients area to provide extra support at night, working out where we can shower in the morning and such.

“It reminds me of the old days.

When I was training we’d regularly work 80-100 hour weeks. Today’s doctors are used to a 48-hour week.”

Asked if he had made special provisions personally, Sawczenko, who has a private practice in Harley Street,

said he had “made sure my will and life insurance are up to date”. Although he has not been tested he was “suspicious that I may have had it”.

On the subject of personal protective equipment in hospitals, he said: “It is still sub-optimal. We’ve had a lot of stealing from members of the public. If you leave masks and gloves around they go.” Morale was “generally high”, with most staff “highly motivated,” but said: “I’ve never known anything like this. Some colleagues in their 70s recall polio outbreaks and the 1968 flu, but this is the most major health event that any of us has seen.”

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are ignoring [social distancing rules] A leading Charedi rabbi in Stamford are a very small minority who, for Hill has said London’s strictly unknown reasons, choose to put Orthodox community is no worse themselves and others at risk”. than any other for sticking to However, he added that police social distancing rules, despite had to remind people to adhere police being called to break up to the rules. “The percentages outdoor prayer meetings. [of Charedim and other comRabbi Avroham Pinter, head munities]are approximately the of a Charedi school and a trustee same.” of the Union of Orthodox Hebrew He said: “Both from a Congregations, argued that common law perspective as strictly Orthodox Jews were, Rabbi Avroham Pinter well as a halachic perspecif anything, better at staying indoors than other communities.“When doing tive, public health must be taken most seriously essential shopping in Stamford Hill I noticed and all the guidelines must be strictly adhered that the number of people from the Charedi to.”

Police confirmed they had engaged with community was low, much less than that of any the community encouraging them to follow other community,” he told Jewish News.

Police were called earlier after photos of the government’s very clear instruction to stay Orthodox men in an outdoor minyan were posted at home after they “become aware of a small on social media. Pinter said those Jews “who number of religious meetings in Stamford Hill”.

Chief stops short of virtual seder REACHING THE INNER

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Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has stopped short of recommending a video-conference seder experience but has said technology can be used to connect families an hour or two beforehand.

“Understandably, there are so many people searching for acceptable methods to unite people, to enable members of the family to connect for the seder,” said Mirvis, in a video posted to his Twitter account on Friday.

“The seder is the ultimate family experience and we want to have it this year as always…

We cannot use telephone, Skype or Zoom on yom tov but we can use modern technology

to enhance our Pesach experience. This year as always we should carry out the seder in its entirety after nightfall. In addition, there are parts of the seder that can be read and enjoyed before yom tov commences.

Mirvis said prayers, chanting and singing could then be done together, so that grandparents could join in and see and “share in a lovely way, interactively”.

Last week senior Sephardi rabbis in Israel said the seder itself could be enjoyed via videoconference as long as the technology was switched on beforehand.

2 April 2020 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

7

Virus pandemic

Our community is stepping up to help

US works to protect Jewish life in crisis While the coronavirus has brought much of Britain to a standstill, the United Synagogue is working hard to preserve Jewish life. From putting together Pesach kits with seder plates, educational material and a three-course meal for those in isolation to setting up a Covid-19 helpline, the movement, which closed all its shuls last week, has come up with ways to bring together members during the pandemic.

Community rabbis are live-streaming services, and talks and programmes are led online. The US, which is hosting webinars for members ahead of Pesach, plans new content in the coming weeks.

More than 8,000 people watched a

Kabbalat Shabbat service on Facebook Live last week. This Friday, at 5.10pm, Rabbi Bentzi Mann, of the Mill Hill East Jewish Community, will lead an “uplifting service”, available to watch online.

Its youth department, Tribe, is uploading material on Facebook – including a matzah-baking video and weekly story-telling sessions with Rabbi Eli Levin on Thursdays at 5pm.

More than 100 members have used the US’s coronavirus helpline (020 8343 5696), open 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm on Friday for emotional support and help with shopping or medicine collection or for advice.

BY NEVILLE GOLDSCHNEIDER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CAMP SIMCHA

Barry Coleman helps pack the United Synagogue Pesach food parcels

“The response to the coronavirus crisis has been inspiring: hundreds of people, from across our communities, have put their own needs second to help those who require more urgent support,” said the US’ Richard Verber.

Kosher bakery threatened with fine for lines A policeman issued an £80 last Friday to Grodzinski’s in Edgware after a worker used chalk to draw social distancing lines outside the shop.

The officer was filmed telling the worker, who gave her name as Gemma: “I can’t help the law. We’re going to be

ticketing soon to stop people congregating – is that wrong too?” and issued a fine to the bakery for “criminal damage”.

Gemma replied: “It’s chalk, it washes off. Would you rather my customers don’t stand two metres apart?

I’m doing it for people’s safety,

to stop the spread of coronavirus.” The officer responded: “It’s criminal damage.”

Police liaison officer Adrian Jacobs said: “No ticket will be issued and after filming stopped the officer after reflection went back into the shop to rebuild rapport with the lady.”

#Isolatedbutnotalone is the Camp Simcha hashtag – and never has that felt more true, both from my perspective and that of the Jewish community.

As one of the 1.5 million UK citizens with a health condition categorised by the NHS as making me vulnerable, I received notification this week to stay in for three months. However, that requirement is nothing compared to what many of our families are dealing with.

With children in very vulnerable positions, for them it is a truly terrifying situation.

I have been privileged and humbled over the past two weeks to see our amazing staff team, family liaison officers (FLOs), therapists and consultants work round the clock to make sure all our families feel they are not alone. Even remotely, they are supporting

terrified parents – some of whom we supported historically, with calls, virtual support groups, crisis meals – demand for which has gone up 70 percent – art packs and activities, and organising counselling, art sessions and benefits advice.

I will be asking for sponsorship to grow by beard for my 12-week lockdown – although I think my wife is disappointed I didn’t opt for the 90-day ‘abs challenge’.

The coming months will be an unprecedented challenge, but I am proud that the community is stepping up immeasurably and looking after each other to make a difference.  To sponsor Neville, see www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/neville-gold schneider. Call Camp Simcha on 020 8202 9297 or email office@ campsimcha.org.uk

8

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Virus pandemic

’

Adored’ rabbi dies just before retiring On Tuesday, Susannah Kraft-Levene watched her husband Rabbi Neil Kraft’s funeral via a live computer stream with their sons Eli and Oscar by her side, writes Brigit Grant.

During the service, which was watched by 1,400 people on Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS)’s website, theatre producer Susannah gave a moving tribute to her husband, who died aged 69 from coronavirus last Friday.

Recounting their first meeting at South London Liberal Synagogue in Streatham, where Kraft succeeded Rabbi Julia Neuberger, she described the “invisible cord” that tied the couple together. “When we met, he told me he had been the Chief Rabbi of Guatemala, but I then discovered the country only had one rabbi.”

Other online tributes referred to Kraft’s wicked sense of humour. Volunteer Michael Webber described him as the “people’s rabbi”.

Fighting tears as she officiated alone at Edgwarebury Cemetery, Rabbi Emily ReitsmaJurman said she had learnt from Kraft as a student rabbi and later as a colleague. “It was obvious every interaction he had with his congregants came from a deep love for people. One thing Neil didn't have patience for was public recognition.

For him, helping people was its own reward.”

Kraft was at Woodford Liberal Synagogue before he joined Edgware Reform in 2002. Rabbi Stephen Katz, who worked alongside him for 18 months at EHRS and retired last year, said: “As a dear colleague and friend, he was a joy to work with and the supreme definition of a mensch – warm, empathetic, caring and generous.”

These words were echoed by many,

NEWS IN BRIEF

MICHAEL ROSEN 'STABLE & ALERT' Former children’s laureate Michael Rosen is “very poorly” after spending a night in intensive care, according to his family. The statement posted on his Twitter page said he was “stable” and “alert” having been moved to a ward on Sunday.

Rosen, 73, who is Jewish, is known for works including We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, Little Rabbit Foo Foo and Chocolate Cake, and was children’s laureate between 2007 and 2009.

TEL AVIV CITY HALL DISPLAYS MDA LOGO The symbol of Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom appeared on Tel Aviv’s City Hall building this week, to honour those on the front line against coronavirus. Israel’s normally bustling coastal city has ground to a halt, with public transport closed and its famous Carmel Market shuttered, as the country battles the spread of Covid-19. However, Tel Aviv’s local authority wanted to show its appreciation to medical workers battling the disease. The illness has so far killed 18 people in the country.

Rabbi Neil Kraft with his wife, Susannah and their sons

including Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, who became senior rabbi at EHRS in 2018. “He was a rabbi who inspired love from and within the communities which he served. He was warm, deeply caring with a wonderful sense of humour and fun. He was the pastors’ pastor, caring deeply for colleagues and student rabbis and went the extra mile to support congregants in distress and this was the foundation of his rabbinate.”

Among those bereft at Kraft’s death is Michele Robey from Radlett. He helped her son Hadley create a special barmitzvah ceremony after Michele’s father, Peter Benedict, was diagnosed with a brain tumour (pictured, top right).

“We didn’t know if my dad would survive and he was barely able to talk on the day, but he held out and I read his part of the portion. Within 24 hours, my dad passed away.”

Robey credits the achievement and joy to Kraft, and hundreds of families share her sentiments. Author Debra Barnes said: “He officiated at our wedding in 2003 and at our daughter Aimee’s batmitzvah in 2016. When my mother died he did the shiva prayers and, just a weeks ago at Purim he was the life and soul of the party as usual.”

EHRS's Marian Cohen said: “He connected to all ages and would ask me, 'How is the Egyptian?’ a reference to my husband who was born in Egypt. Our condolences go to Susannah, Eli and Oscar.”

Hearing that the service crashed because of the numbers trying to watch, Susannah smiled.

“Neil was never really good with technology and it would amuse him that he crashed the internet.”  Editorial comment, page 20

Rabbi Kraft with b’nei mitzvah Aimee Soller and (top) Hadley Robey and grandfather

JCC FOUNDER CRITICISED Effect on mental health OVER COVID-19 CAMPAIGN will take time to heal

The founder of an organisation representing parts of London’s Orthodox Jewish community has been branded a “dangerous amateur” for starting a campaign to urge the government to approve a high-risk drug to treat coronavirus, writes Adam Decker.

Levi Shapiro, of the Jewish Community Council (JCC) of North London based in Stamford Hill, issued a press release this week stating: “As part of our communal response to Covid-19 we started a campaign to ask the government to follow the US in approving the hydroxychloroquine drug to treat Covid-19 patients, which the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] and President Trump approved in America and has so far proven to work saving thousands of patients from being admitted to hospital and 100% making a full recovery.”

The 26-year-old, who is understood to have no medical background, continues: “We have reached out to many senior government officials who have knowledge of this drug but are extremely slow in providing answers why not or yes [sic] to facilitate this drug. We know NHS doctors have written to the government asking them to consider this option given the fact the 100% success rate of this drug.”

However, Ellie Cannon, one of |

BY DR MARK SILVERT

PSYCHIATRIST

Pills are 'high risk'

the UK’s most high-profile GPs, told Jewish News: “Medicine should be dealt with by responsible professionals, not dangerous amateurs.

The Centre For Evidence Based Medicine, which publishes data on Covid-19, issued a study last week, which shows hydroxy-chloroquine carries high risks of side-effects including liver and kidney damage.

"Even if it does work, we need to save it for people seriously ill in intensive care, not taking it freely in the community. This drug is used by people for rheumatological conditions such as lupus, so it would be absolutely unethical to use up their supplies.”

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency advises hydroxychloroquine should not be used to treat Covid-19, unless within a clinical trial and cautioned prescribers that hydroxychloroquine is not licensed to treat Covid-19 symptoms or prevent infection.

This pandemic is the most serious threat we have faced in most of our lifetimes. The threat to public health and the world economy looks devastating. Timing is everything.

Had we locked down too soon, we would have risked public fatigue, loneliness, poor mental health outcomes and a potentially higher economic toll.

Lock down too late and we risk millions falling ill. Neither brings comfort.

For those with obsessive compulsive disorder and health anxiety, or any generalised anxiety disorder, this pandemic is their worst nightmare coming true. With one in three of us suffering from one of the above diagnoses, it goes without saying it’s a lot of people who are struggling.

I treat many people who will have to isolate alone and already struggle with social interaction, whether it’s owing to a chronic psychotic illness or an array of others. Keeping the mental health of the nation together feels a bit like mission impossible right now, but that does not mean we should not give it a bloody good British go.

One of the best things about my job as a mental health professional is that I don’t need to be in the same room as

my patients. I can connect with them virtually and continue to see as many as possible. So let’s use the technology we have and a bit of creativity .

Mental health treatment, even with the best team, takes time. Therapists and psychologists: stand ready to listen and absorb the mental health burden from this pandemic that is to come.

This will be a marathon, not a sprint.

Since February, we have witnessed the Kübler-Ross model (aka the five stages of grief ) and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in action on an unprecedented level since the Second World War. Society and the individual are currently going through shock, denial, frustration and depression, but then will come experimentation, decisionmaking and integration.

Maslow’s hierarchy basically argues that humans have a series of needs, some of which must be met before they can turn their attention toward others.

To overcome this, we must play for time and let our brightest scientists and brave medics find a way to bring us all back to the planet we miss.

Let’s work hard to support each other and give ourselves the badly needed time to work the problem.

At the Blue Tree Clinic, we are doing as much pro bono work as we can for those in our community who find themselves in need at this time for their mental health.

2 April 2020 Jewish News

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Virus pandemic

Wolfson Hillel acts as educational hub Jewish schools are staying open intermittently during the lockdown, with the number of children of critical workers varying drastically, Jewish educators have said, writes Adam Decker.

Coordination efforts are being led by umbrella body Partnerships for Jewish Schools (PaJeS), which said “the situation regarding how many schools are open and number of children is very fluid and changes from day to day”.

A spokeswoman said: “There have been some cases where a particular school may have expected the day before that they need provision for 10 children of key workers and by 10pm the night before that number is down to one.

“This can be due to children developing symptoms, family members developing symptoms [meaning they must all isolate] or one

Jewish Care gets £135k donation The family behind Krispy Kreme and Pret A Manger has pledged €1million (around £898,000) for Holocaust survivors affected by COVID-19, with the British charity Jewish Care among its beneficiaries.

Some €150,000 (£135,000) will go to Jewish Care, the community’s biggest social care organisation, which supports survivors and refugees.

Wolfson Hillel has become a primary hub for pupils

parent working from home.”

Wolfson Hillel Primary School is acting as a hub for schools that are part of the Jewish Community Academy Trust, which also includes Rimon Jewish Primary School, Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School, Moriah Jewish Primary School and Hertsmere Jewish Primary School “Other schools have opened on some days but not every day, and the numbers can be as low as three or four children,” she said.

“Some children need provision only for two or three days per week. When a school has only required support for one or two children, in some cases those children have been able to go to another school that is open and has capacity.

“It is possible that after Pesach numbers may be more stable and a clearer picture of support and provision requirements will emerge.

We are going to ask schools to estimate their post-Pesach requirements if they can.”

Other beneficiaries will include the Central Welfare Organisation for Jews in Germany, the US philanthropic organisation UJA Federation New York and Israel’s AMCHA, which offers mental health and social support to survivors.

The fund is aimed at helping organisations support survivors affected by the pandemic, whether through

Singer Elaine Paige meets survivors at Jewish Care

illness, self-isolation or travel restrictions. It was pledged by the Alfred Landecker Foundation in Berlin, established to support Holocaust survivors.

'SAVING YOUR LIFE MORE IMPORTANT THAN MATZAH' Saving lives is far more important than sourcing the perfect matzah for Pesach, said Senior Reform Rabbi Laura JannerKlausner (pictured) in a short clip uploaded to YouTube.

Janner-Klausner spoke after the London Beth Din relaxed dietary restrictions for Pesach, publishing a list

of

regular products that can be used this Pesach.

“Saving your life and the people around you is far more important than the right matzahs or kosher l’pesach things,” said Janner-Klausner.

"This is not a leniency.

This is the ruling pretty much across the Jewish world.”

“My son’s a doctor... again!”

COVID-19 CRISIS APPEAL

ANXIOUS, ISOLATED, AT RISK The additional anxiety and physical isolation caused by COVID-19 can heighten the risk of suicide for people living with mental illness.

Jami are prioritising contact with the most vulnerable and expanding our services to help people who may be isolated. This includes: •

Providing food deliveries and door-step chats to ensure essential provisions and human contact are maintained

•

Expanding our telephone befriending service to check in regularly with people self-isolating at home

•

Supplying the community with regular information on caring for their own and their loved ones’ mental health throughout this crisis

We have already seen a rapid increase in demand for our support. In the current crisis, your donation will help us provide critical mental health services for our community.

Please donate online today via jamiuk.org/crisis If you or someone you know needs our help, please visit our website to refer and find useful information on boosting your mental health whilst at home.

@JamiPeople JAMIMentalHealth Jami UK

Registered charity no. 1003345. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in London no. 2618170

2 April 2020 Jewish News

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TC EN O

GIFT can help!

G UR

GIFT

Stuck at home?

‫בס”ד‬

ITY

UN M M

Your

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Our incredible family of volunteers are delighted to offer: HELP TO PICK UP AND DELIVER SHOPPING AND PRESCRIPTIONS

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Chometz PRE-PESACH FOOD DRIVE

GIFT will store your chometz, sell it & then distribute it after Pesach.

PHONECALLS FOR THE ISOLATED

CHAMETZ COLLECTIONS WILL BE RUN IN STRICT ADHERENCE WITH COVID 19 GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES

'VIRTUAL VISITS' OVER SKYPE, ZOOM, FACETIME OR WHATSAPP

Sunday 5th April: 11am - 2pm Golders Green: Outside Kosher Kingdom Russel Parade, Golders Green Road, NW11 9NN

Email: volunteer@jgift.org GIFT Office: 020 8457 4429 Shira Joseph: 07801 953 207

Borehamwood: Family Jackson 20 Chandos Road, WD6 1UZ

Hendon: The GIFT Warehouse 61-63 Watford Way, Hendon, NW4 3AX

Edgware: Family David 17 Windsor Avenue, HA8 8SR

Monday 6th/ Tuesday 7th April: 10:30am - 12 noon Hendon: The GIFT Warehouse, 61-63 Watford Way, NW4 3AX

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Registered charity 1153393

the GIFT of connection URGENT COVID-19 COMMUNITY SUPPORT INITIATIVES

EMERGENCY COMMUNITY APPEAL GIFT NEEDS URGENT FINANCIAL AID TO FUND EMERGENCY RESPONSE INITIATIVES, SUPPORTING THE RAPIDLY INCREASING NUMBER OF VULNERABLE AND ISOLATED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY NETWORK OF GIVING

VITAL FOOD SUPPORT

GIFT is in touch with those most in need in the community and those unable to leave their houses, coordinating volunteers to: pick up prescriptions / run errands / go shopping / provide meals.

Hundreds of families, thousands of individuals receiving WEEKLY food support packages.

Over 13000 delivered in 2019.

On course to DOUBLE in 2020.

CARE FOR CARERS

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Make a difference to those making a difference.

GIFT volunteers are providing carers, nurses, doctors and ambulance drivers with ‘gratitude packs’.

GIFT is matching up volunteers with isolated individuals through regular phone/video calls to brighten someone’s day.

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As schools are closed, those families who rely on free school meals need our support. GIFT is coordinating the delivery of hundreds of lunch packs.*

As schools are closed, children now need academic support. GIFT has mobilised volunteers to tutor through video chats.

EDUCATION ONLINE

ü ü ü ü ü

1,000+ VOLUNTEERS 3,040 PACKAGES given to carers in hospitals and care homes 900+ SHOPPING REQUESTS by isolated, vulnerable & elderly 300+ FAMILIES RECEIVING WEEKLY PARCELS delivered by GIFT volunteers – a rise of 15% HUNDREDS OF LETTERS to care home residents HUNDREDS OF WELL-BEING CALLS to the elderly and vulnerable HUNDREDS OF HOT MEALS SERVED to most vulnerable ONLINE TUTORING CLUB CREATED ONLINE EDUCATION CONTENT CREATED

GIFT’s many emergency initiatives have had a huge impact on thousands throughout London, Manchester and Jerusalem. Our wonderful volunteers are our community’s giving heroes – we are truly blessed to have witnessed an outpouring of giving, and kindness at this time.

The team at GIFT are enormously thankful to the incredible NHS front line staff and to everyone in our community, young or old, who has taken it upon themselves to help someone else in some way, whatever their personal circumstances.

Check out our growing collection of free education sessions and downloadable material online at *subject to logistical capability

IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS: ü ü ü ü

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WE SALUTE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR GIVING!

www.jgift.org/covid19 Registered charity 1153393

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Virus pandemic in Israel

Fears of a ventilator lottery A new statistic dominates coronavirus conversations in Israel. It’s not the number of fatalities or people infected, but how many machines there are to save the lives of the worst-stricken patients, writes Nathan Jeffay.

“We won’t get to a situation where [we] need to choose to whom we administer artificial respiration,” Boaz Lev, who heads the Health Ministry’s pandemic unit, told the Kan public broadcaster last Thursday. He said Israel had 4,000 ventilators and was working to acquire more.

This contrasted starkly with a warning issued by the Ministry’s director-general, Moshe Bar SimanTov, who said the same day he was “not optimistic” the healthcare system would be able to properly deal for much longer with the scope of the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted last week as having told ministers: “If the current pace of infection continues for another 15 days [with the number of cases doubling every three days], we’ll find ourselves in a situation where we’ll have to decide who to put on ventilators and who not.”

Israelis are anxious about the numbers of ventilators available

Former Health Ministry director general Gabi Barbash, now professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science, also thinks hospitals could run out of ventilators. “If you would have asked me a month ago, I would have said no; today I am worried,” he told The Times of Israel.

He estimated that around one in 20 people with coronavirus will need a ventilator at some point.

With large numbers of coro-

navirus patients expected to need ventilators as a matter of life or death, interest in the supply level of these machines is so high that some elderly Israelis are trying to invest in their own units.

Lior Hessel, a high-tech engineer in Kiryat Bialik, has been inundated with calls from pensioners, who heard of his simple ventilator invention, made from pistons normally used for his agritech business.

“They are hysterical and wanting to buy ventilators,” he said.

While his machines would be of little use at home without a hospital support system, he said, the calls capture the mood of some Israelis.

“There are older people worrying they will not be accepted for a ventilator because they are too old, like what’s happening in Italy right now,” said Hessel.

Some doctors and philosophers are already starting to ask how resources should be allocated if they become scarce, but the Knesset Research and Information Center, which gathers statistics for lawmakers, is “confused,” spokesman Shmulik Grossman told The Times of Israel.

In the morning, as Lev told an interviewer there were 4,000 ventilators, the Knesset’s coronavirus committee announced there are 2,173 ventilators, but just 1,437 were available. Grossman said this was based on a response sent to his research centre and he understood the figures to cover all ventilators, civilian and military.

The review said that of a total 2,173 machines in medical centres, 708 are currently in use and another 28 are not working.

UN praises Israel over co-operation The United Nations has praised Israel for its work over the COVID-19 pandemic and its coordination with the Palestinian authorities.

Since the start of the crisis, Israel has allowed the entry of critical supplies and equipment into Gaza, including swabs for collection of samples and other laboratory supplies required for testing, and personal protective equipment to protect Palestinian health workers.

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov described the “excellent” cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in tackling the virus.

MEDICS ATTACKED Residents of Jerusalem’s strictly-Orthodox Mea Shearim neighborhood threw rocks at a team of Magen David Adom medics performing a coronavirus test on Monday, lightly injuring one of them and damaging a car that accompanied them, the ambulance service said.

“A volunteer MDA emergency response medic who was standing near the building where the test subject lived was suddenly struck by a number of rocks," the charity said. "He was only lightly injured in the shoulder, while the windshield of a municipality vehicle, which was used

by MDA to carry out the tests, was shattered."

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2 April 2020 Jewish News

13

Virus pandemic in Israel

Israeli labs declare war on virus Israeli scientists and students have leapt to the challenge of defeating the novel coronavirus, writes Jonathan Shamir.

Researchers are using modelling and artificial intelligence to understand the virus, how it spreads, how to vaccinate against it and how to emerge from the pandemic.

At the Weizmann Institute, social engineers led by Prof Uri Alon have presented an “exit strategy” model, focusing on how to restart the economy after the crisis.

“Think of dieting,” they said. “You can fast for two months and lose weight, but you’ll probably die. Even if you survive, you’ll quickly gain weight again. Similarly, a two-month lockdown will suppress the virus but kill the economy.”

Amid mass unemployment and poverty, sectors of the economy could collapse, with every resurgence forcing another lockdown: the yo-yo effect. “When the dust settles more people will have died of hunger.”

Alon’s team has suggested a policy that suppresses the virus and “at the same time allows sustainable if reduced economic activity”. This is based on “intermittent lockdown – five days of lockdown and two days

Israeli medical personnel work at a drive-through complex for Covid-19 testing of the Israeli Magen David Adom service in Bnei Brak

of work every week” – causing the number of people infected by each infectious person to drop below one, the number needed to cause a decline.

A four-day work/ten-day lockdown strategy is even better, they said. Until there is a vaccine, they said, intermittent lockdown “may be the only viable option... It allows millions to work two days a week, sustaining key economic sectors… an economic and psychological game-changer”.

In a different Weizmann depart-

ment, researchers led by Prof Ron Milo have been organising data on the coronavirus from around the world to come up with a universal “language” on measurement and estimation.

Working with US colleagues, they filed through hundreds of studies to “translate and consolidate” the findings on cell numbers and biomass distribution, and found similarities between this novel coronavirus genome and those of other viruses.

For instance, the new virus was

found to be 96 percent identical to an existing virus that infects bats, and 91 percent identical to a virus that infects scaly anteaters known as pangolins. The team also shone further light on how the virus attaches to targets such as the bronchi (airways that lead from the trachea) and lungs.

Milo said the virus’s mutation accumulation rate was slow compared with flu viruses, which could indicate that drugs and vaccines developed by scientists will be more durable.

At Bar-Ilan University, researchers are working with a Swedish pharmaceutical company on a vaccine, using a different virus which contains parts of the novel coronavirus.

In another project, researchers are using remote-sensing technology to monitor the initial stages of pneumonia, which the virus causes, while new technology developed by BarIlan’s Dr Amos Danielli is aimed at cutting diagnosis times from one hour to 15 minutes using saliva testing.

At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, more than 50 projects related to the new coronavirus are under way.

Working with the virology laboratory at Hadassah, headed by Prof Dana Wolf, the university said it had managed to increase in the number

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of tests being conducted. A team led

by Prof Yehuda Neumark have been examining community initiatives for underprivileged and vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

Scientists from Weizmann and Hebrew University are working together on a new method of predicting and monitoring the virus’s spread using data based on 60,000 completed questionnaires from the Israeli public since 22 March.

Faculty of Medicine staff, together with Magen David Adom paramedics, have been training students how to carry out Covid-19 tests, with those students now integrated into the labs of hospitals such as Hadassah and Sha’are Zedek. Many have “volunteered to babysit for the children of doctors and nurses, as well as assisting schoolchildren and the elderly”.

Psychologist Dr Eli Somer at University of Haifa warned of the “accumulative stress” on the elderly, migrants, unemployed, domestic abuse victims and those with a history of anxiety and depression.

He said most people would not develop long-term psychological effects from self-isolation. “Many may even come out of this pandemic with a deeper appreciation for life.”

14

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

News / Labour leadership / Israel lessons

Board urges new Labour leader: clean out closet The next Labour leader should resolve all outstanding disciplinary cases within four months of taking office, the Board of Deputies’ president Marie van der Zyl said on Tuesday, writes Mathilde Frot.

The community leader made the demand in an article published in The Times this week – days before the party is expected to announce the result of its leadership contest on Saturday.

In her piece, van der Zyl said that areas “to be looked at closely” should include the leader’s office, Parliamentary Labour Party, shadow cabinet, party headquarters and ruling body and “arguably the network of outriders including sympathetic commentators, trade union leaders Labour leadership candidates at a Jewish News debate in February and various quasi-media outlets.”

“We will be urging the new leader pledges – which included the resolu- last month at Jewish Labour Moveto take determined and swift action tion of future and outstanding cases ment hustings backed by Jewish News and Labour Friends of Israel. not just against people who have “under a fixed timescale”.

In the 90-minute hustings, all Labour MPs Rebecca Longcommitted such offences, but disciplinary measures against whole Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir candidates vowed to implement branches or CLPs when necessary,” Starmer are vying to succeed Jeremy recommendations made by the Equality and Human Rights ComCorbyn as leader. she added.

All three leadership rivals, who mission following their investigaIn January, the Board of Deputies called on Labour leadership backed the 10 pledges, vowed to tion into allegations of antisemitism and leader candidates to adopt its 10 mend relations with the community in the party.

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Thornberry: Learn from Israel Labour's Emily Thornberry has said the UK should “learn lessons from Israel” on the repatriation of its nationals from overseas.

The comments raised eyebrows this week, given the shadow foreign secretary's record of castigating Israel, but she acknowledged its success working with foreign governments and airlines to bring Israelis home.

The front-bencher

suggested the UK take a leaf out of Israel’s book in a parliamentary question on 19 March, which was answered by Middle East minister James Cleverly just before parliament went into recess last week.

She asked “what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Israel on the plans that that country has in place to repatriate Israeli nationals from overseas, and whether the UK can

learn lessons from that approach”.

Last week 517 Israelis were evacuated from India aboard two flights despite a nationwide lockdown that included all forms of transport, leaving some Indians to walk 200 miles home.

Brits in countries such as Peru and New Zealand have taken to social media to complain about a perceived lack of government effort to repatriate them.

CHANGING COURSE NOT EASY

BY REBECCA FILER JEWISH LABOUR MOVEMENT

As Labour’s leadership election draws to a close, many in the community will be hoping the result marks a watershed.

Almost five years of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership has seen the darkest period in its history. Changing course will be no easy task. It will take a monumental effort from the new leader to rebuild trust with the Jewish community. For one, the new leader will need

to navigate, including the balance of power on Labour’s ruling NEC. The Jewish Labour Movement has long called for an independent disciplinary process. Instances of political manipulation have consistently plagued the Labour Party’s complaints system and shown just how badly we need an independent process.

We’ll have a new leader on 4 April, but not a new membership. Changing the culture of the party is one of the key hurdles that the new leader will have to face. Time will tell whether they succeed.

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15

Invictus Games / Rabbinical role / Goldstein tributes / News

Israeli veterans on their marks for Harry Israel is to send its first delegation to Prince Harry’s biennial Invictus Games for injured military veterans, writes Stephen Oryszczuk.

An Israeli team comprising IDF veterans could take part in Germany in 2022, according to reports in the Mail on Sunday, which said the prince faced “a backlash” over the decision to admit the Israelis.

The newspaper reports that the decision to allow former IDF soldiers to take part was made on 10 March, five days after Israeli Ambassador to the UK Mark Regev reportedly met Richard Smith, chief executive of the

Invictus Games Foundation. It said a “highranking US politician” had also been pushing for Israel’s inclusion.

Last year, injured British and Israeli service personnel took part in the inaugural Veterans’ Games in Israel, conceived and developed by Beit Halochem UK chairman Andrew Wolfson together with the Israeli Embassy and funded by British Jewish philanthropists.

It is due to run again this year.

Harry, a former soldier, launched his Games in 2014, and although he has now stepped down from Royal duties, the Games

are still one of his most treasured projects.

Israel was invited to send observers to this year’s ten-sport competition, due to be held in the Hague in May, but cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Funding for an Israeli team has been sought from the Genesis Philanthropy Group, which supports several British Jewish charities. It remains to be seen whether there will be a backlash from other teams or whether the boycott movement will target the event if injured Israeli veterans compete at the Invictus Games.

Harry and competitors at the first Invictus Games

Mitchell starts top job

VIRTUAL EAST END

‘Beloved’ Jerry mourned

Rabbi David Mitchell will assume his role as joint senior rabbi at West London Synagogue after “taking time away” following unproven bullying allegations, writes Jack Mendel.

Sir Michael Burton, a former high court judge and president of the Employment Appeal Tribunal, led an investigation which found there were “no grounds” to the complaints.

The shul’s board of trustees “unanimously agreed to support these recommendations and expects Rabbi Mitchell to start alongside Rabbi Helen Freeman from this week”.

The board wrote to congregants, saying: “All those who initially raised the concerns were interviewed by Sir

A virtual map of London’s Jewish East End was launched this week in an effort to preserve memories of the area through audio testimonies, research and pictures.

The colour-coded map, at www.jewisheastendmemorymap.org, explores the Jewish histories of more than 70 historical landmarks and significant sites, including Jewish schools, shuls, markets, youth clubs and theatres.

Some 33 former and current residents – including Stepney Green-born playwright Bernard Kops – were interviewed for the Jewish East End Memory Map, which was built and researched over the course of two years. It was created by Rachel Lichtenstein, a former archivist at Sandys Row Synagogue, together with academics in University College London’s built environment department.

Tributes have been paid to Jerry Goldstein, the father of two prominent communal figures, who died on Sunday aged 80.

Jerry was the father of Michael Goldstein, president of the United Synagogue, and Jonathan Goldstein, the chair of the Jewish Leadership Council.

He leaves a widow, Ann, and a third son, Daniel, who lives in Israel.

Steven Wilson, chief executive of the United Synagogue, said: “We wish chayim aruchim, long life, to our

Rabbi David Mitchell

Michael” who “reviewed the content of every email and read notes of every phone call from people who had come forward since January”.Rabbi Mi tchell has been approached for comment.

president, Michael Goldstein and the Goldstein family, on the sad passing of his dear father, Jerry.

“Jerry was a beloved stalwart of Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue and will be sorely missed by the community and all who knew him.”

Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies, described Jerry Goldstein as a “kind man, who will be sorely missed”.

It is understood that Jerry Goldstein’s death was not related to the coronavirus.

16

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

News / Twenty-Five Under 25

Faces of our future Before offically beginning our countdown, honourable mentions must go to these young (but not young enough) go-getters!

AMOS SCHONFIELD, 27

HANNAH BRADY, 26

JOSH HARRIS, 25

LEVI SCHAPIRO, 26

MIRIAM MIRWITCH, 26

BINYOMIN GILBERT, 25

HANNAH REUBEN, 25

JOSH NAGLI, 26

LIRON VELLEMAN, 25

NATACHA WOODCOCK, 26

Founder of Our Second Home & Vashti; youth rep for Yachad at the Board of Deputies; leader of Young Deputies and former mazkir, Noam

Programme manager, Campaign Against Antisemitism

DALIA FLEMING, 27

Executive director, Keshet UK, aimed at ensuring inclusion of Jewish LGBT+ people and their families in Jewish life in the UK

Co-chair, Limmud Festival 2019/ former president Union of Jewish Students; former mazkir, Noam

Former mazkira, Bnei Akiva; project director, United Synagogue Living and Learning

IZZY LENGA, 26

BBC Panorama documentary; London Labour Executive Committee & Former VP Welfare NUS

Co-Chair of JAMI young committee Deputies and former mazkir, Noam

Head of Jewish Civil Service Network (JNet) and former campaigns officer of UJS

JOSH SEITLER, 25

Community engagement at the Office of the Chief Rabbi and former UJS President

Founder of JCC Stamford Hill

Worked night and day for Remain in the EU referendum.

Jewish Labour Movement and former campaigns UJS, now Hope not Hate

National chair of Young LabourUK. Fulham fan. Former mazkir, Noam

Operations manager, UJS

MARCUS MENDLESON, 27

OLI DAVIDSON, 26

Programme director of Aish Essex Jewish life in the UK

Co-founder, Laviot, a community of queer Jewish women

ELI GAVENTA, 26

JAKE BERGER, 25

JOSHUA GARFIELD, 25

MATHILDE FROT, 26

RACHEL MILLER, 26

ELLA ROSE, 26

JOSH GAVENTA, 25

JOSHUA PELLED, 25

MICHAEL RUBIN, 27

REBECCA VINEY, 27

Israel engagment educator, UJIA; organising teams of Limmud and Tzedek and a youth worker

Former national director of the Jewish Labour Movement and former president, UJS

Education policy and youth engagement officer, the Board of Deputies of British Jews

Youth director, boxer and mental health advocate

Labour parliamentary candidate in 2019 – future Labour star

Founder and CEO of BrightFuturesUK and twice cancer survivor

Jewish News reporter

Deputy director, Labour Friends of Israel, former chair, Labour Students

Community engagement manager at Jewish Care

Middle East peace process & Occupied Palestinian Territories desk officer

2 April 2020 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17

Twenty-Five Under 25 / News

COUNTING DOWN FROM 25 TO 11...

BOLCHOVER, 20 25 ANTHONY A “relentless campaigner”,

HARRIS, 20 20 JAMES Union of Jewish Students (UJS)

Anthony is a regular voice on LBC radio and online arguing the case for Israel and calling out antisemitism. The 20-year-old is driven by his passion for Zionism and his belief that engaging in public debate is a worthwhile activity, even if it makes him unpopular. Last September, Anthony volunteered with a Jewish community in Eastern Uganda, an experience he found “exhilarating and somewhat audacious”. Part of the first cohort of UJIA Israel Fast Track and now involved in Bnei Akiva as a madrich, he has a bright communal future.

president-elect James’ dedication to Jewish student activism has received widespread acclaim. As president of Birmingham University JSoc, he ran a string of successful events to improve inclusively and accessibility, including the first Reform Friday night service.

He also worked closely with the Guild of Students to combat antisemitism, reporting a lecturer who promoted Holocaust denial content, as well as ensuring a society abusing Jewish students was barred. Nationally, he engages with the UJS providing students around the country with advice on combating antisemitism.

MORRIS-EVANS, 22 24 NINA A “dignified young leader for

LIBSON, 21 19 NOAH Noah chairs the youth committee

progressive Jews”, Nina rose to prominence after organising the controversial ‘Kaddish for Gaza’ in 2018. She has helped to launch Na’amod, a movement campaigning to end British-Jewish support for the Israeli occupation, although her communal activity extends much further than anti-occupation activism. Last year, she served as president and Interfaith Rep of Oxford University JSoc. She built exceptional relationships with the Islamic Society and Christian Union, working on successful interfaith Ramadan Iftars and even engaging Malala Yousafzai.

WAGMAN, 21 23 ZAK A former StandWithUs Emerson

Fellow and executive member of Warwick University’s Jewish-Israeli Society, Zak has an “exemplary” record delivering Israel education. His standout event was bringing former vice-president of the Israeli Supreme Court, Justice Elyakim Rubinstein, to Warwick.

Zak also helped to organise a Eurovision 2019 event, which was attended by 1,500 students. The 21-year-old recently ran to be a Conservative Party councillor, falling short but achieving an 11 percent swing. He will be working in retail management next year and aspires to stand for political office again.

COHEN, 23 22 RAFI Rafi Cohen is unquestionably Mr

Bnei Akiva. For eight years, he has held leadership positions in BA, now serving as mazkir of the UK’s largest Jewish youth movement. An “effective and expert educator with outstanding leadership skills”, he has successfully overseen the entire movement and its ideological direction, as well as professionalising internal management processes. He was recently praised for introducing several changes to protect the welfare of madrichim over winter camp. Widely viewed as a custodian and proponent of religious Zionism, he has left his mark on a generation of young leaders.

TUNK, 24 21 HERSHY Hershy is the founder and

director of Lecheiris UK, working with more than 200 volunteers to support families going through difficult times.

Activities include transporting people to hospital, delivering food and supporting young people worried about sick family members.

Warmly described as “hard working with a heart of gold”, he and his team have helped more than 5,000 people in the past four years. Hershy has skilfully adapted his organisation to the recent Covid-19 pandemic, setting up a new WhatsApp group for temporary volunteers to help those quarantined with their shopping and prescription collections.

of Noam, where he holds the movement workers and staff to account, as well as mentoring younger members.

Most notably, he produced an Israel at 70 project, in which ‘Noamniks’ chose a memorable picture since Israel’s independence and wrote about what it meant to them and their personal connection to Israel.

He also represents Yachad on the Board of Deputies, speaking on the need to engage with younger members of the community. He features frequently in the media discussing Labour’s antisemitism crisis, including on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Show.

BERENS, 21 18 TAMARA Tamara made headlines last year

as president of King’s College London (KCL) Israel Society, fighting discrimination against Israel speakers and, working with UK Lawyers for Israel, she convinced KCL to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition. She served as CAMERA Campus Associate for two years, helping students run events to counteract anti-Israel narratives. Tamara is currently the inaugural Krauthammer Fellow at Mosaic magazine in New York, where she addressed delegates at the Jewish Leadership Conference alongside former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

SACKS, 22 17 DANIEL As president of Birmingham

University JSoc, Daniel revolutionised religious student learning and leadership. He organised a cross-denomination Shabbaton and brought students and locals together through a regular ‘klunch’.

Working with Mizrachi UK, he bolstered numbers attending the Student Bet Midrash and started a Modern Orthodox Zionist Students WhatsApp group for students to share a dvar Torah.

He also developed interfaith relations and worked closely with West Midlands Police to tackle antisemitism. He hopes to make aliyah and work in either Chinuch, a start-up or politics.

JACOBS, 22 16 EMMA Already a successful Jewish media

personality, having starred in the show We are British Jews, Emma undoubtedly has a bright future. The 22-year-old is currently a freelance producer for Sky News, having written previously for The Times, The Guardian and The Huffington Post. Emma regularly uses her platform to campaign on vital issues, most recently featuring on BBC News to discuss the importance of young people engaging in politics. A highly active student leader, Emma sits on the National Council of UJS and was Leeds JSoc campaigns officer, where she hosted Israel/Palestine speakers and even ran hummus making workshops.

BERNSTEIN, 24 15 CHANA Chana has been highly lauded as

a movement worker for Bnei Akiva (BA) over the past two years. As Israel worker, she secured the largest number of Israel Tour participants in 2018, while growing the Gap Year programme. Now, as education worker, she has developed interactive educational resources for the 19 BA chapters nationwide. Chana advocates for increased roles and responsibilities for young Jewish women, recently setting up a programme with the United Synagogue and Mizrachi UK that trains female university students to become educators in the Anglo Orthodox community.

PINTO, 22 14 AMBER Amber is the “phenomenal”

former coordinator of the StandWithUs UK Sixth Form Leadership Programme.

She managed the six-month programme on Israel and antisemitism across 20 schools, while engaging 20,000 people a day on social media by producing sharable content. She is also a former Student Union president at the New College of the Humanities, where she successfully lobbied for the student areas to be refurbished and organised freshers’ week for 100 students.

She has worked at the Israeli Embassy as an intern trade officer, and after graduation plans to work in the financial sector.

STONE, 24 13 YONI As mazkir of Noam, Yoni is a

committed youth movement leader who is “universally liked and respected”. A capable manager, he was recently praised for moving Noam online to deal with the Covid-19 restrictions. He also co-chairs the Zionist Youth Council, where he liaises with the Jewish Leadership Council and Board of Deputies. A former president of the Oxford University JSoc, he won JSoc of the year at the UJS Awards, and was heavily involved in fighting antisemitism at the Oxford University Labour Club. Smart and strategic, Yoni certainly has a bright future in communal and lay activity.

LUBNER, 18 12 JACK Jack is one of the Jewish Labour

Movement’s youth and students officers.

His letter calling for Chris Williamson’s expulsion from Labour was signed by 500 Young Labour members. He set up Barnet Young Labour in 2018, organising Youth Question Time events and a conference. He also sits on the LGBT+ Labour committee and co-wrote an article with Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner calling on the party to keep Ofsted’s power to enforce LGBT+ inclusive education.

Most recently, he has been active in Lisa Nandy’s campaign for Labour leader while in Israel on RSY-Netzer Shnat.

BORODA, 21 11 NATHAN Nathan has combined his

commitment to his Jewish, Labour and Manchester identity through his involvement in the leadership of the North West branch of the Jewish Labour Movement. He has a strong and growing network, and is in direct contact with many of the Manchester and North West MPs. The 21-year-old is also the first person in nearly 40 years to have sat on the UJS National Council and Labour Students National Committee.

Praised as the “ultimate Jewish student leader”, Nathan will undoubtedly be a key figure in Manchester’s political and Jewish community in years to come.

18

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

World News / Israeli unity / Righteous death / Virus stats

Bibi poised to head coalition Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks set to head a new unity government after coalition talks between his Likud Party and the opposition Blue and White neared conclusion this week.

Israel’s biggest two parties

want to agree terms by Monday, despite talks being delayed through Netanyahu’s self-isolation, but a potential sticking point is who will run the Justice Ministry, given the premier’s pending corruption trial.

It follows a rollercoaster

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week in Israeli politics that included Speaker Yuli Edelstein closing parliament then resigning after the Supreme Court ruled he was trying to stymie democratic processes.

Edelstein in a Netanyahu ally and did not want the Opposition to replace him with one of their own.

Days later, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz was elected Speaker. He and party colleague Gabi Ashkenazi then agreed to enter a coalition with Netanyahu, but the decision split Blue and White, leaving Gantz’s co-leader, Yair Lapid, to walk away with his Yesh Atid contingent and former Israel Defense Forces chief,

Netanyahu and Edelstein

Moshe Ya’alon.

Gantz’s remaining Blue and White parliamentarians are now negotiating with Likud, which wants Edelstein to return as Speaker. Gantz is expected to become defence minister, but may have to give up the foreign ministry if he wants Edelstein gone.

Netanyahu’s trial is now due to start in May.

The last Righteous German dies at 97 The last surviving German recognised as a righteous gentile for saving Jews during the Holocaust has died.

Gertrud Steinl, who was honoured by Yad Vashem in 1979 as a Righteous Among the Nations, died just one day before her 98th birthday.

Steinl was the final German to be honoured for rescuing Jews during the Nazi regime. She spent the war years in the Polish town of Stryj, where she saved the life of a Jewish girl called Sarah Shlomi.

Gertrud Steinl

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Some 34 percent of the mostly Charedi Orthodox city of Bnei Brak in central Israel who have been tested for the coronavirus are positive.

The high percentage of positive tests reported on Tuesday

by the Health Ministry compares to six percent in Tel Aviv and 10 percent in Jerusalem.

There are 505 confirmed cases of coronavirus among residents of Bnei Brak compared to 568 in Jerusalem, which has a population five

times higher.

Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who is Charedi Orthodox, said he proposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Interior Minister Arieh Deri to impose a total lockdown on Bnei Brak to stem the

spread of Covid-19.

“The situation there is horrible,” Litzman said, according to Ynet.

“Every day we stall, we put lives at risk.”

He rejected accusations that the Charedi, or strictly-Orthodox, community was flouting

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government rules regarding coronavirus.

“You cannot accuse an entire public of the actions of several rogue groups here and there,” Litzman said. “Ninetynine percent of the public listen to the state and the rabbis.”

www.jewishnews.co.uk

2 April 2020 Jewish News

19

Righteous aid / Norway online / Kosher coalition / Diaspora News

Jewish charity helps Poland’s Righteous during lockdown Volunteers at a Jewish charity in Poland are using a donated London taxi to deliver groceries to ageing Poles who helped save Jews during the Holocaust.

The initiative began as Europe went into lockdown over the coronavirus, with Poles who risked their lives during the Second World War now among the country’s most elderly – and therefore most at risk of dying from the virus.

Poland introduced stay-at-home orders on Tuesday, which has left the Holocaust rescuers – all named Righteous Among the Nations by Israel’s Yad Vashem – with no way of getting food.

Among them is 88-year-old Krystyna Kowalska, who hid a Jewish family of four at her family’s Warsaw bakery when she was a teenager. Kowalska’s son died several years ago, meaning she now lives alone.

“It’s a scary time for me to be outside as I see the impact of this virus on my age group,” she said, speaking to The Jerusalem Post.

From the Depths, a Jewish heritage foundation set up by British-born Jonny Daniels, last year began working with a group of 20 Poles who saved Jews, using a London black cab donated by a Jewish fleet owner, and on Sunday

Your weekly digest of stories from the international press UNITED STATES

A Jewish teenager from Seattle has built a coronavirus update site that has been viewed more than 12 million times since it launched in December. Avi Schiffmann, 17, updates the nCoV2019.live site’s dashboard every few minutes, as countries publish infections, deaths and recoveries, noting any percentage change. The site takes information from various sources, including official government health organisations and trustworthy news outlets.

MOROCCO From the Depths’ Jonny Daniels with the cab that is being used for deliveries

expanded the help.

Daniels has converted the foundation’s taxi into a shopping delivery vehicle, disinfecting it after every delivery, with volunteer drivers, wearing a mask and gloves, taking the shopping to the rescuer’s door.

“After the pandemic broke out, we started seeing more demand for the taxi, not less,” he said. “They still need to

NORWEGIAN JEWS ‘ARE MORE ACTIVE THAN EVER’ Norway’s Chief Rabbi, Joav Melchior, has said the country’s small Jewish community, which comprises around 1,000 members, was “more active than ever, if virtually”.

Around 700 Jews are based in the capital, Oslo, and Melchior said: “We have more Torah classes than ever; every evening we have a class for people to listen to. We have committees who continue working.

“Celebrating together will be just before Shabbat and just after Shabbat.

We have songs for kids, others for adults, which people can attend either through Zoom or live-streaming, where we can sing together… In that way, we try to build the life we can continue as before.”

He said this year’s annual communal seder for around 120 people has been cancelled; instead, the community has organised a group to deliver

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

Norway’s Chief Rabbi

food for the seder to people’s homes.

“As they say [in Ethics of Our Fathers 2:16], ‘It’s not on you to finish the task, but neither can you quit it.’

“This is always the case, but we feel it more this year, that we do our best, but in the end we’re in the hands of someone higher.”

buy food, often at several supermarkets because of hoarding.”

The charity’s volunteers said they were also setting aside time for phone chats with the Righteous to help combat their sense of isolation.

“These are people who stood up for the Jews in our people’s hour of need,” said Daniels. “Well, now this is their hour of need and we need to stand up for them.”

At least three members of Casablanca’s tiny Jewish community have died from COVID-19, according to local reports. They included businessman and philanthropist Ari Peretz, 58, his mother Simone Peretz, 75, and businessman Michel Tourgeman, 62. Ari and Tourgeman were related to Israeli Labor Party leader Amir Peretz.

ARGENTINA

The cremation of a Jewish victim of COVID-19 in Argentina has caused outrage after authorities went ahead despite protests from the local Jewish community. Ruben Bercovich, 59, a construction company owner, died last Thursday in Chaco. Argentine authorities said cremation, which is considred to contravene mainstream Jewish law, was needed to avoid spreading the disease.

BRAZIL

One of Brazil’s most prominent children’s artists and educators has died of COVID-19 in Rio de Janeiro. Daniel Azulay, 72, was being treated for leukaemia when he contracted the virus.

Azulay, who was born in Rio to a Moroccan Jewish family, was the creator of Turma do LambeLambe, a group of children’s characters, which a generation of Brazilian children had grown up watching on television.

Jewish coalition created in US North American Jewish organisations have created an emergency pandemic coalition, saying “we are all being challenged” by the coronavirus crisis.

Eight major Jewish federations pooled resources to aid the Jewish community’s collective response and management of the outbreak, they said in a joint statement.

The coalition includes Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), BBYO, Hillel International, JJC Association of North America, Foundation for Jewish Camp, Prizmah, Moishe House and Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies.

The groups said they would share local information about the spread of the disease, fund families affected by unemployment and provide financial aid to Jewish institutions hit by the increasing shutdown.

“Working together, we can

North American Jewish groups have pooled resources

achieve more than any one of us can do alone,” said JFNA chair Mark Wilf. “We are all being challenged by this crisis to sustain Jewish com-

munal life in North America and it is heart-warming to know we are empowering and supporting each other to sustain Jewish life.”

Pesach in Slovakia relies Hungarian Jews Form ‘coronavirus corps’ on neighbours for goods Slovakia’s small Jewish community of 3,000 has said it is relying on kosher for Pesach food provisions from across the border in Austria and Hungary, despite extensive lockdowns in those countries owing to the coronavirus.

Chief Rabbi Baruch Myers said he hoped every Jewish family could have a seder and observe Passover at home,

with kosher wine and matzah being delivered to homes, but admitted it was “quite a challenge” logistically.

“We are still working out the details,” he said. “The bad news is that we are dependent upon Austria and, to some extent, Hungary. The good news is that it is probable shipments can be made from those countries.”

Orthodox Jews in Hungary have set up “operative corps” to shore up kosher food supplies and establish alternative medical centres staffed by Jewish doctors volunteering.

The initiative was explained last week by Rabbi Slomo Koves of the Chabad-affiliated EMIH

Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation, who said in mid-March that he “did not feel compelled” to shut synagogues, despite rules prohibiting large gatherings.

He said EMIH was preparing 1,500 special home seder kits, having closed the community’s Jewish

schools.

The Budapest community has a kosher bakery, plus a chicken farm and a dairy farm for milk production, giving a degree of self-sufficiency.

Zsuzsa Fritz, director of the city’s Balint House JCC, which caters mainly for progressive Jews,

said its rabbis “have gone online and are streaming prayers, Havdalah, classes…”.

She added: “We are planning to do the seder online... The not-soobservant community will be ready to participate in online events on the holiday.”

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

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Editorial comment and letters ISSUE NO.

1152

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS

Neil was the best of us News of Rabbi Neil Kraft’s death from coronavirus shocked and saddened a community already weighted by misery and fear.

As minister of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, which has the biggest congregation in Europe, Kraft was beloved in a way most religious leaders can only dream about. The reasons for this were illustrated by the hundreds of condolence messages from members, visitors and those who knew him only by sight, extolling the virtues of a man dedicated to his community.

Bringing a smile to the faces of the young, old and even those who had given up on faith entirely was his mission and he wore his tallit like the cape of a superhero, sweeping in to humour disenchanted barmitzvah boys or share homemade chocolate vodka with colleagues who needed their spirits lifting, literally.

EHRS colleague Rabbi Emily Reistma-Jurman reflected on him turning Sunday cheder classes into a winter wonderland for the pupils by throwing snowballs at them.

That he was the one to initiate the fun perfectly illustrates his have-a-go philosophy, whether sharing recipes in his cookery column (Kraft’s Kooking Corner) for the shul magazine; wearing a symbolic tie for every festival or donning balloons to dress up as a woman for Purim.

But it was in moments of real sorrow that Rabbi Kraft truly came to the fore, as for him there was no shame in showing emotion while officiating at funerals and by shedding real tears mourners immediately felt connected to him.

How cruel it is that this man who gave everything to so many and offered solace to total strangers died alone on Friday night and was then buried on Tuesday without his family and friends in attendance because of corona restrictions. Ahead of officiating in unprecedented circumstances at Rabbi Kraft’s virtual funeral, Rabbi Reistma-Jurman said: “I know there are many people out there who will agree that they are better, kinder, more compassionate people because they knew him.”

THIS WEEKEND'S SHABBAT TIMES...

Shabbat comes in Friday night 7.22pm

Shabbat goes out Saturday night 8.27pm

Sedra: T zav

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Chad gad yah There once was a bat who caught a virus.

Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Along came a Pangolin who devoured the bat that caught the virus.

Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Along came a Chinese man, who ate the pangolin, who devoured the bat that caught the virus. Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Along came an Italian, who shook hands with the Chinese man, who ate the pangolin who devoured the bat that had the virus.

Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Along came a French man who kissed the Italian, who shook hands with the Chinese, who ate the pangolin who devoured the bat that had the virus. Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Along came a Brit that drank a pint with the French man, who kissed the Italian, who shook hands with the Chinese man, who ate the pangolin that devoured the bat that had the virus. Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Along came an American that hugged the Brit that had a pint with the French man who kissed the Italian, who shook hands with the Chinese man, who ate the pangolin that devoured the bat that had the virus. Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Along came a long flight with 300 passengers and the American that hugged the Brit that had a pint with the French man who kissed the Italian, who shook hands with the Chinese man, who ate the pangolin that devoured the bat that had the virus. Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Along came a Global pandemic that freaked out the whole world, a global rush on toilet paper and home schooling. Chad gad yah.

Chad gad yah.

Along came God, who reassured us that family closeness, shared meals, slowing down, being still, grateful and compassionate, and praying together, even by video, is itself a blessing and exactly what the world needs right now. Chad gad yah. Chad gad yah.

Sanford R. Sampson Bar-Ilan University

OUR LEADERS ARE A LIGHT Outpourings of thanks have been given to those on the front line risking their lives, but we should not forget gratitude is owed to rabbis and other spiritual leaders who have offered comfort, inspiration and hope during this worrying time.

If Jews are to be “a light to the nations” as the prophet Isaiah exhorted, we must set an example. Let us listen to our spiritual leaders and act.

Flora Frank Edgware

THANK YOU JEWISH NEWS I expect Jewish News receives many letters of thanks for its work for the community.

In such times, when isolation can be lonely and demanding, your gift of care, kindness,

consideration and commitment is precious. When all this ends, let us not forget the gifts you have bestowed upon us.

Mr S.Myer-O’Reilly Thornton Heath

Sketches & kvetches

“Despite the two-metre social distancing rules, Ruth and Josh decided to go ahead with their wedding.”

Caring. Compassionate.

Communicative.

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Opinion

Virus reinforces view Pesach food is a racket ALEX BRUMMER

CITY EDITOR, THE DAILY MAIL

P

esach, and seder nights in particular, always evoke family memories.

Those fortunate enough to have seen Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt before the curtain came down will have seen that even in the most assimilated of homes, where Christmas was celebrated with a giant tree, the seder and making sure the most elderly of family members are at the table is the last bit of Yiddishkeit to go.

Growing up in Brighton, the family seder was a thing to behold. Presided over by my late father, Michael, and his greatest friend, chazan Kalman Fausner, they were truly festive. They would grow bigger each year, topping out with more than 30 souls and the melodies rang out loudly.

Kalman, my Hebrew teacher, had a wicked sense of humour. The stories he told are up until this day repeated by my younger brother, Daniel, with great enthusiasm, although several (not to be repeated here) would drive the ‘woke’ generation to distraction.

As things stand, this year’s seder will consist of just me and my wife, Tricia. For some years, I have been keeping an informal diary of our ceremonies on the notes pages at the back of the beautifully designed New American Haggadah first published in 2012. Looking back through the entries over the past several years, the one that provoked the most nostalgia was that of 2012. I recorded there were a ‘barmitzvah’ 13 at our table in the Richmond Park area, ranging in age from my father, then 97, to my youngest grandson, Benjamin, who was six weeks old.

As was the case almost to his last couple of years of a life, which ended at the age of 103, my father would summon up his strength and the tunes of his own childhood on the CzechHungarian border with a mournful rendering of Ha Lachma Anya (This is the Poor Man’s Bread).

He would then joyously call on the youngest capable person to lead Ma Nishtanah.

The memory of my beloved parents makes that, for me, the most evocative and nostalgic moment of the seder a slice of the shtetl. It is not quite confined to the memory. Among the long lived Brummers my two aunts and first cousin,

❝

THE BETH DIN HAS RELAXED KOSHER STANDARD THIS YEAR SO STANDARD ITEMS CAN BE USED

all Auschwitz survivors, live on. Aunt Sussie, in her 90s, who sometimes joins us, brings with her the sweetest of voices and Hungarian folk tunes.

This year she will be confined to isolation.

Pesach shopping for my parents was made easier by the annual delivery to our home, and those of Rev Fausner and Rev Joseph (the white bearded schochet), from Brewer and Spitzer in Stamford Hill. There was no quarrel about the hechsher, the kashrut symbol of the Kedassia, it was and is still considered irreproachable.

I remember there was an obscure dispute between kashrut authorities as to whether

Rakusen’s or Bonn’s matzah was acceptable.

Dried fruit, it seemed, was off the approved Kashrut Commission list. Not for the Kedassia, which had its own meticulously supervised label.

As for milk, I have my own first-hand experience of supervision. My father owned a farm in the village of Ovingdean, east of Brighton. Neighbouring Grange Farm had a milk herd, from where the milk for Brighton Jewry came.

It was my duty and that of my older brother, Martin, to watch the milking – using brand new galvanised vessels – to make sure non-Jewish milk persons did not allow the crumbs from a sandwich to go near the process.

This year, Covid-19 has led the Beth Din to ease the kosher for Passover standards. Nonkosher milk, fresh fruit juices, Tate & Lyle sugars and other standard items will be acceptable without the usual labels. That may not be a great development for kosher shops and come as a bit of a stunner to those of us brought up on the Kedassia label. But it is likely to reinforce the view among large parts of the community that Passover food – sometimes at twice the price – is a bit of a racket. Perish the thought.

Even Pesach in lockdown is a chance to count our blessings CLIVE LAWTON

COMMONWEALTH JEWISH COUNCIL

I

don’t want to get things out of proportion. Events of far more importance are being lost, put off and cancelled than my, by comparison, little concern. But it is still a loss and one you might be interested in, not because it didn’t happen but because it might have done – and still will, sooner or later.

We at the Commonwealth Jewish Council were planning a model seder. We’re not alone in that. Usually, around now, schools and churches here and abroad run such events.

Indeed, I wrote and produced the original Seder Handbook for such model seders when I worked at the Board of Deputies in the 1980s.

But few would have been so colourful and diverse a gathering as that which we were anticipating.

We invited all the High Commissions of the Commonwealth. That’s 54 countries.

We added folk from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to our list. The response was instant and enthusiastic.

We would have had people from Pacific

Island nations, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Asia: a glorious multicultural gathering at which we would have showcased and shared our traditions while exploring Pesach’s relevance for today. Modern slavery is still a thing, oppression and discrimination are common across the world and refugees still flee unacceptable lives – just as our ancestors did more than three millennia ago.

Doing a seder with non-Jews present is salutary. You can’t just settle into familiarity, taking refuge in ‘this is how we’ve always done it’, but must ask openly – or often be asked by our guests! – what does this all mean to us? just like the four children in the Haggadah.

Why did our invitees respond so readily and warmly? I think it’s because many expect Jewish tradition, so ancient, so rich, to have something wonderful to say, and they’re right. It does. A model seder never fails to impress.

But what of our real seders? Jewish

❝

communities throughout the Commonwealth, like us, are having to grapple with Covid-19. When I was in Singapore and Hong Kong back in February, the shape of things to come was only just starting to emerge.

People there are used to the restrictions we are only now getting our heads around.

India, with more than a billion people, as yet has only a few cases, but if the pandemic takes hold there, its health service simply can’t manage. Recently, its government imposed a curfew to keep people indoors. But what of the hundreds of thousands – or more – who live on the streets? Here, we still don’t know what to do with our small but persistent band of street dwellers. In India, it’s an established fact of life.

What of the Caribbean islands, which rely utterly on tourism to keep their heads above water? (I mean financially. Soon, owing to the adverse impact of climate change, many small islands will be literally unable to keep their heads above water.) The Jewish communities

PESACH WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MOST OF US TO REMEMBER HOW LUCKY WE ARE

in the Caribbean are small but long established. Many have got used to communal seders and have lost the habit of domestic practices. What will Pesach look like to them if they cannot gather? Who will know what to do?

Currently in Africa, most countries are hardly touched. But that is unlikely to stay the case. Like India, but more so, their health systems, sometimes very rudimentary, will buckle easily under the strain.

So, as we sit in our small sederim this year – or even on our own – let’s remember that Pesach is supposed to finish with us looking to the future, speculating on the coming Messianic Age and what we must do to bring that forward.

Spare a thought for the really helpless, the refugees, those trapped in slavery, the homeless who cannot self-isolate. Give thanks as the seder instructs us – dayenu, count our blessings.

Difficult though it may seem, Pesach this year will be another opportunity for most of us to remember how lucky we are and concentrate on those who do not share our good fortune – in our own Jewish community, in the wider community around us and in the Commonwealth of Nations of which we are a part. Chag sameach.

2 April 2020 Jewish News

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Opinion

Food campaign helping NHS staff battle through LOUISA WALTERS

FOUNDER, THE RESTAURANT CLUB

W

hen Boris Johnson announced, nearly two weeks ago, that all restaurants must close their doors, I burst into tears.

I launched The Restaurant Club Facebook group and discount scheme to promote and support restaurants and share my passion for eating out. There are more than 22,000 hungry mouths on the group and several thousand using the discount scheme. We review and recommend, we debate and discuss. We don’t always agree on what’s good, but we are united in one thing – we love restaurants, cafés, bars and takeaways.

Three of these are no longer available to us, but takeaways… ah, now this is still a thing.

Being on the frontline, as it were, of the restaurant industry, I had been hearing first hand for weeks about how much restaurants were struggling as fewer and fewer people were going out to eat. The restaurants bravely soldiered on, but the thought of them all being

❝

I SAW THE NEWS CLIP OF THE DISTRESSED NURSE FINDING NOTHING ON THE SHELVES AND KNEW I HAD TO DO SOMETHING... FAST forced to close their doors and send their staff home broke my heart. At the same time, I was hearing about NHS staff being asked to work longer and longer shifts with hardly any breaks. And then I saw ‘that’ news clip about a distressed NHS nurse coming off her shift to find that there was nothing left on the supermarket shelves to buy to make a meal at home.

I knew I needed to do something, fast.

At 6pm on Friday night (20 March), I set up a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money to buy takeaways to deliver to NHS staff at hospitals.

The restaurants get paid, the staff get fed – it’s a win-win! Within 48 hours, the campaign raised £20,000 and the first delivery took place on Sunday. Bombay Central, an Indian restaurant in Harrow, delivered 100 veggie biryanis with

‘I’m not going to be around forever so this is the practice run for when I’m not here.’

Shelley, mother of Langdon member Adam

The current climate is testing and difficult for us all to comprehend. For Langdon members with learning disabilities and autism, it is an even greater challenge.

That’s why Langdon are here and continuing to provide support, reassurance and friendship to our members – leaving parents like Shelley confident that their children are in safe hands.

We need your support now more than ever, so please donate to our crisis appeal at langdonuk.org/donate or by calling 020 8951 3942.

Registered Charity no. 1142742

yoghurt and salad to staff at Northwick Park Hospital. Owner Rishi Lakhani was thrilled to be involved and wouldn’t even take the money.

“I’m grateful for the support The Restaurant Club gives to independent restaurants.

I feel honoured to take part and would like Louisa to donate the money to Covid-19-related shortages,” he said.

The hospital nurse who took in the delivery said: “Everyone was touched by the amazingly kind gesture. The support you are all giving us is amazing. It’s keeping us going to battle through.”

The campaign has also paid for Bite Me Burger in Chalk Farm to deliver 180 tasty mini burgers to Barts, The Royal Free and Charing Cross, Bombay Central in Harrow to deliver veggie biryanis to Northwick Park and BAW pan

Staff at BAW prepare food for health workers

Asian restaurant in Mill Hill to send 100 Thai green curries and spring rolls to the Whittington.

Further deliveries have been arranged and will continue until the money runs out.  See Louisa’s campaign here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/help-feed -the-amazing-nhs-staff

2 April 2020 Jewish News

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25

Opinion

Decision to cancel tours was sad but inevitable LOUISE JACOBS CHAIRMAN, UJIA

T

his week, UJIA Israel Experience took the painful decision to cancel this summer’s Israel Tours. In the current circumstances, and with no certainty as to when normality will return, the decision had become inevitable. To safeguard both the welfare of our participants and their parents’ financial commitments, we felt we needed to communicate it now.

Together with our operational partner, the Jewish Agency for Israel, UJIA has been supporting youth movements in bringing British Jewish 16-year-olds to Israel for more than 40 years. Even in the face of war and terror, the tour programme could be adapted to give young British Jews an inspirational, enriching and, above all, safe Israel experience.

In the second intifada, and during wars with Hezbollah in 2006 and Hamas in 2014, careful changes to the itinerary made sure Israel Tour went ahead. But with the invisible enemy of

coronavirus, that just isn’t possible.

More than 1,230 participants signed up for Israel Tour this summer, with numbers set to be higher than at any time since 2010. We are determined that while those teenagers might be missing out this summer, they will not miss out on the often life-changing opportunities Tour provides to connect with Israel, strengthen Jewish identity and develop leadership skills.

I have never been prouder of our community than in seeing its response to the coronavirus crisis. For so many of the leaders, staff and volunteers galvanising that response, Israel Tour was a vital step in their journey to Jewish leadership. One day, it will be the current year group of 16-year-olds who we will need to take up that mantle of leadership.

We want to make a commitment to them and to the community. First, we are exploring with our partners and the youth movements alternative options to give the school year missing out this summer an inspirational Israel experience at a future date.

Circumstances are hard to predict, but UJIA will do everything within our power to

❝

TEENS MIGHT BE MISSING OUT ON TOUR – FOR NOW – BUT WE WILL STRIVE TO STRENGTHEN THEIR ISRAEL CONNECTION

make that happen. Secondly, UJIA is committed to nurturing and supporting the Jewish youth movements and organisations to ensure that despite the obstacles of this pandemic, we are able to adapt.

Even at this time, our young people need opportunities to develop their leadership skills and their own sense of connection to their community, to Israel and to the Jewish people.

The youth movements provide young people with an invaluable support network.

Throughout Jewish history, when facing our biggest challenges, it is our youth who have stepped up and shown leadership.

We will be striving to harness technology, to connect young people to each other and to Israel and to empower them to recognise their potential value to our community and society.

With the right support, I know that this generation can produce some of the most innovative, creative and resilient leaders our community has known. They might be missing out on Israel Tour – for now – but UJIA will always strive to strengthen their connection and commitment to Israel and the Jewish people. As a community, our connection to Israel makes us stronger.

We now need to find new ways to connect with Israel at a time when flights to Ben Gurion Airport are not an option. And we need to support British Jewish youth to make sure that far from being a generation who “missed out”, they become the generation best placed to harness their formative experience of these difficult times to face the leadership challenges of the future.

Why is this Pesach different from all other Pesachs?

For

it isn’t.

We know that Pesach feels very different this year. However, the important elements of family and tradition still remain.

These are at the heart of what we do. Our clients are our family and looking after them is our tradition. During times of uncertainty you can still rely on us.

We wish you all a Chag Kasher v’Sameach For a no-obligation and confidential consultation about our will-drafting and pastoral care services, please get in touch.

Call 0800 358 3587 or email carolyn@kkl.org.uk

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JN#- NEW PESACH AD.indd 1

31/03/2020 16:32:03

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

COVID-19 CRISIS APPEAL

ANXIOUS, ISOLATED, AT RISK It is perfectly okay to be feeling anxious at the moment. We are living in unprecedented times and it is a normal reaction to the situation. For people already living with mental illness, the additional anxiety and isolation can become a matter of life and death.

What Jami are doing: Telephone support •

Expanding our telephone befriending service to enable us to check in regularly with people self-isolating

•

Redeploying our office and other staff to support service users

Online facilitated groups and activities

Provision of meals and doorstep chats

•

Developed a new online hub programme to ensure people who regularly attend Jami hubs can still attend groups

•

Providing regular deliveries of hot meals made by Head Room Café staff

•

•

Providing tablets and virtual technical support to those who are not connected to ensure they can participate

Delivery of essential provisions and door-step chats to ensure human contact is maintained with the most vulnerable

Outreach support •

Supplying the community with regular information on caring for their own and loved ones’ mental health throughout this crisis

•

Advising organisations and volunteer groups on how to deal with the mental health issues of the vulnerable people they are supporting

What you can do: Support Jami

Look after your own mental health

Jami has always relied on the wonderful support of our community to fund our vital work – being able to provide critical mental health services to the community has never been more important.

Find areas of your life you can control – plan a routine, activities that help you relax, daily exercise and fresh air, establish a network and stay connected, be kind to yourself.

Social isolation has a devastating impact on many people with mental health problems all year round. In these unprecedented times, for the people we support, setbacks can be life-threatening.

If you know of someone who needs our help at this time, please visit jamiuk.org/get-support/referral or call 020 8458 2223.

Support family and friends Find ways to keep in touch, especially with those that are self-isolating and acknowledge how they are feeling. For some people with underlying mental health issues, they will have added distress. Find out how you can best support them at jamiuk.org Offer local help If you are able – volunteer to pick up shopping and urgent supplies.

In the current crisis your donation will make even more of a difference.

Please visit jamiuk.org/crisis and make a donation.

@JamiPeople JAMIMentalHealth Jami UK

Registered charity no. 1003345. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in London no. 2618170

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27

Community / Scene & Be Seen

1 GENUINE GIFTS

A staggering 800 people have answered GIFT’s request for urgent volunteering support to deliver food parcels to more than 300 families ahead of Pesach. The Jacobs family is pictured with packages for hundreds of service users. The charity said more than 500 people have offered to bring shopping and prescriptions to isolated or vulnerable community members. GIFT volunteers also delivered thousands of care packages to NHS staff before social distancing guidelines were introduced.

And be seen!

The latest news, pictures and social events from across the community

2 WORKING HARD

Staff at Sinai Jewish Primary in Brent have been posting pictures on social media of the school’s pupils and teachers ploughing on from kitchen tables and desks. Pictured is the school’s headteacher, Juliette Lipshaw, with her dog, Fudge, while working from home. “We know how well you are all doing with your home learning,” the school wrote on Facebook, before urging parents to email photos of their hardworking children to Debbie Joseph on djoseph@sinai. brent.sch.uk. “We thought you might like to see some of our teachers hard at work too,” the post read.

3

Email us at community@thejngroup.com

2

PESACH PARCELS

The United Synagogue continues to rally around isolated or vulnerable members. Pictured are Hendon United Synagogue members Avidan and Gabi Peston, who helped to put together food packs for fellow members for Pesach. Volunteers with the movement helped distribute parcels to at least a dozen congregants.

4 CARING CALLS

Jewish Care volunteer Linda De Rose, pictured, is calling elderly residents to combat loneliness. “It is very warming how the Jewish community has rallied round,” she said.

“I would say to everyone that it’s a privilege to be befriending and it’s as good for you to talk as it is as for people who are lonely. It’s important we take care of ourselves too, and I make sure I put on my lipstick every day, even though I’m not going out.” Moriah Jewish Day School pupils created stories and poems for residents to enjoy online. CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown said words could not convey the charity’s appreciation of the tireless work of the care teams and chefs.

“We are so proud of all of them and want to say a huge thank you.”

3 1

Condolences My beautiful cousin David, bestest friend & rock.

One year since his passing leaves a painful void in our hearts It’s been a privilege to share 35 years together and our lives have been enriched.

His memory will live on, and we pray the illness that took him will be a thing of the past.

Shalom Sam, family & friends

4

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www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 2 April 2020

Weekend / Bar and batmitzvahs

The SIMCHA must go on!

As coronavirus takes hold on plans many years in the making, our community is coming up with ways to ensure people can still mark their special days SAVE THE DATE Brigit Grant’s daughter Madison rethinks her 13th to ensure she still has her big day in shul

Above: Madison and, left, with mother Brigit

“23 MAY. We must have said the date a million times. It was circled on the wall calendar long before the ‘save the date’ emails went out – and we know how important those are to Jewish mothers.

Planning diaries of uber social off-spring is essential, as it allows those who can’t attend to forewarn hosts and flashes any clashes. A clash of simcha dates can be as fraught as one with the Titans and mothers will battle to secure their child’s guest list.

But back to 23 May, the date of Madison’s batmitzvah, which is still ahead of us, but the likelihood of her performing the Bamidbar (her parsha) in front of anything other than a screen grows more unlikely by the day. The beautifully designed invitations went out just weeks before the impact of the virus was felt on our shores, and now the only large gatherings of people are on hospital wards or in mortuaries.

Our plans to host lunch then a party for kids in a marquee in our garden are currently just words, and watching my daughter cry about what will inevitably be a cancelled simcha is upsetting. I have told her that we are currently the lucky ones as the anguished cries of those who have died

or lost loved ones are the victims. When our beloved minister died, she wept, as only four weeks ago she had urged the soon-to-retire Rabbi Neil Kraft to come back to Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue for her big day. For now, there are no big days.

Selfishly, I still harbour the hope that in eight weeks time, our marquee provider Max Hermet of W.A. Carr & Son will be hoisting a tent outside and that, despite having lost thousands due to cancellations, he will hold on to staff. Nick Richmond of Event Capsule, who was making our special film, has also waved goodbye to work and is now making commemorative videos for Year 6 pupils who missed out on their end of primary school events. At £10 per child it is a small fee for an essential memory and the schools love it. Of course none of us are loving much, not chocolatier Kushan Marthelis of Chocim Artisan Chocolate, who was making the shoe-shaped sweet treats or the Hebrew tutor, Hannah, who is still lesson streaming with Madison.

To hear our girl singing her parsha makes me think of that date on the horizon now steeped in clouds. I just have to remember a simchah is a luxury, survival is not. Rather than miss out on her full bimah moment Madison has decided to learn a new parsha for a date in the future and the synagogue are making it happen. Suddenly, the only important save the date is the one that brings an end to this horror.” https://wacarrandson.co.uk, www.eventcapsule.it, https://chocimchocolate.com

THE VIRTUAL BARMITZVAH

“WE’VE BEEN PLANNING SAM’S BARMITZVAH for two years and booked Mosaic Jewish Community in Harrow, followed by a party at the Village Hotel in Elstree on Sunday. But as things progressed, we realised we wouldn’t be able to go ahead as planned and our rabbi suggested we do it over Zoom instead.

So that’s what we will do this Saturday. We’ll be at home in our finery. Rabbi Kathleen de Magtige-Middleton will be at her home in her finery. We’ll be able to do some of what we would have done, but Sam will have no official scrolls and instead read his portion from the book he’s been practicing from.

At a later stage, when we are back in shul, the rabbi said he can do a Haftarah or a couple of blessings and will be called up.

Sam was disappointed to begin with, because he’s just missed out having his barmitzvah in shul by a few weeks. But he’s still excited about this weekend, and we’ve been dropping off the personalised kippot to his friends so they can wear one while watching his barmitzvah.

It’s not the same, but it’s as close as we can get in this situation. A neighbour on our road was taken off in an ambulance last week, his friend’s grandfather is on a ventilator and I think Sam is mature enough to know that although things are not going to be what we’d hoped they would be, he’s lucky to do anything and commemorate his barmitzvah.

We also have some really beautiful photos taken a couple of weeks ago in shul, when it was looking unlikely we could have his barmitzvah, along with the Torah scrolls, both sets of grandparents and the four of us, and these are something we will really treasure now.

I went through a phase of getting upset, but you do have to have perspective.

It’s a situation that you would never have predicted in a million years and, for many people, they are losing loved ones and their financial security.

We have much to be thankful for and are focusing on what we have, rather than what we don’t have.”

Photos by James Shaw Photography

Anita Feldman will still get to celebrate her son Sam’s barmitzvah this weekend, albeit from their home in Bushey: ‘It’s a situation you could never have predicted in a million years.’

Anita Feldman with her husband Jonathan and sons, Sam and Adam, in a photograph taken two weeks ago at the Mosaic Jewish Community synagogue in Harrow

2 April 2020 Jewish News

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Bar and batmitzvahs / Weekend THE BUSINESS OWNER

THE LIBERAL RABBI

Samantha Kingsley, owner of Twenty@N20 in Whetstone: “Life is on hold for everyone.”

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Senior Rabbi of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue: “Our sense of community will only be doubled after this.”

Photo by E Jacobs Photography

“WE’RE VERY CONCERNED RIGHT NOW, because this is our business, which we’ve put years and years of work into, and we love what we do. For anyone working in the events industry, which is a very close community, the situation is really, really sad. In the past few weeks, I’ve had to move around 20 functions, and we are doing our best to accommodate anyone who wants to move their dates.

April was set to be a busy month for us and, towards the end of March alone, we had three or four bookings each week. Many people have also now moved their events that were booked for May and June.

We will get through this, thanks to a grant from the government to help us stay open, and we also know our landlords well.

Obviously everyone is in the same situation, but away from the business, I’ve found the situation emotionally hard and really feel for our clients.

Samantha and her husband Michael People have saved up for years. It’s such a big thing to have a bar or batmitzvah, so I’ve been trying to help as much as I can and have been helping to rearrange the DJs when they book in a new date. For many people there’s so much uncertainty because we don’t have an end date for this. Life’s on hold for everyone. www.twentyatn20.com

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“THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR FAMILIES have chosen to move their bar and batmitzvahs for later in the year and we’ve been doing all we can to make that happen. The children will not have to learn a new portion.

This is a topsy turvy world where everything is different, so it will be a topsy turvy year where we’re going to do things slightly differently to what we are used to.

In the past weeks, I’ve been asked to conduct funerals and shivas online.

The funeral was for a woman named Rita Wright, and her son, Russell told me: ‘I was full of doubts and it was a surreal experience, but it allowed a lot of people to participate. The comfort I gained surpassed my expectations.’

One of the most important things for me in my job is the pastoral element, and I appreciate that in the long run some people may find it difficult that they did not actually witness a coffin going into the ground or being cremated.

But the worst thing we can do right now is to keep saying to mourners it must be so difficult, because what we can do for families is really express the incredible warmth and love they can receive from people.

It’s not a physical hug, but it is a sense of connection and contact, which they would never ever have dreamt they would experience.

We can commemorate life and, most importantly, comfort the bereaved, rather than keep focusing on what we can’t do.

Technology is going to double the number of people attending simchas, funerals and shivas in the future, especially for those living abroad and elderly people. It’s going to bring different life cycle events to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience them.

Likewise, I think there will be a huge outburst of appreciation for physical contact when we can meet up together again and our sense of community will only be doubled.”

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Weekend / Real life stories

Coronavirus has stolen my grief Saying Kaddish with others gave Marc Shoffman a communal hug, but mourners have now lost this comfort because virtual minyans are not allowed FIVE MONTHS AGO I became part of an exclusive synagogue grouping when my dad died suddenly from a heart condition after 15 years of battling Parkinson’s.

Our group doesn’t have badges but are represented by the jagged edges that have been left on our hearts.

We are mourners and as part of this club I have been trying my best to say Kaddish three times a day and lead services as the Jewish grieving process suggests.

My dad was in no way religious. He had no issues working on Saturdays and wasn’t too worried about the odd full English breakfast, so the idea of me going to synagogue in his memory regularly probably would have done little to make him look up from his bacon sandwich.

But as a rabbi once said to me after I stumbled through the Mourner’s Kaddish the first time on my own during Minchah, this isn’t just for him, it is for me.

It is the community rallying round to recognise my loss. The acknowledgment that a space has been left in my life and an opportunity to stop and take time to remember him as life continues around me.

It is a communal hug and a comfort blanket that has now been ripped away by the coronavirus.

The outbreak has rightly caused synagogues to shut, but at the same time that has held up the grieving process for

❝

me and many others. Life in lockdown limits the outlets for my grief.

There are plenty of happy reminders of Dad around my home. The memories of Seder night and other family gatherings, the photos of him, his scarf that I took from his old flat. But the routine of sharing my grief has gone. I was in for the long haul, committed to taking the stipulated 12 months after a parent’s death to say Kaddish as part of managing my own mourning process.

But Orthodox rules stipulate that Kaddish cannot be said unless you are in the presence of 10 men. This has to be done physically so there is no option of logging in to Skype, Zoom or Houseparty.

Even the Chief Rabbi can’t say Kaddish for his father who passed away last year.

He has been learning three times a day instead and this has been offered as an alternative for the rest of the community.

This is seen as good for the soul of the departed and provides spiritual nourishment, but where is the support for me?

Other denominations are offering alternative approaches. I could log into a Reform synagogue livestream but that is not my community. It would be like me going to have dinner with someone else’s wife because mine is in isolation or social distancing.

ORTHODOX RULES SAY KADDISH CANNOT BE RECITED UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF 10 MEN, AND THIS HAS TO BE DONE PHYSICALLY – NOT ON SKYPE OR ZOOM

Just a phone call at this time can make all the difference RABBI ARIEL ABEL OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS, I have been running a very successful Zoom get-together on Thursday nights for people to receive encouragement, to commune with each other and to receive, if nothing else, a ‘virtual hug’ at this time.

For those who don’t have technology – and there are many in that situation – just a phone call can make all the difference, particularly for mourners.

Calling them to see how they are or say a

Marc Shoffman with his late father. ‘Surely something has to be done to help me grieve?’

There are none of the recognisable faces that I see and share my grief with on a daily or weekly basis. Learning Mishna can’t replace the nod from community members who know you have forgotten whether you are supposed to be reciting the Mourner’s or Rabbi’s Kaddish. It can’t replace the various pronunciation and tunes each individual brings to their oration. It can’t replace the uplift as the community responds in unison to your prayer.

There has been recognition of the unprecedented times we are living in by the London Beth Din when it comes

to kashrut rules for Pesach. There is an opportunity for the United Synagogue to follow this precedent and relax its rules to allow a minyan to be formed virtually.

This would help people like me recite these important and comforting prayers.

I am, in some ways, lucky that my dad died before the coronavirus struck. My brother, sister and I were able to attend his funeral.

He is at peace and hopefully his soul is elevating, but burying someone is just the start. You need to be able to grieve for them too.

prayer is all the more poignant, because of the fact you can’t actually be there in person.

I’ve seen the power of this first-hand: my uncle has coronavirus and is in hospital in France, though thankfully he seems to be turning a corner now. I called him and he immediately perked up. After our call, I came off and burst into tears, because I realised that the power of a phone call is just so great. In the situation we’re all in at the moment, I would say it’s worth at least as much as a shiva house call.

The other way I have been affected by this situation is that my wife and children, who were visiting family in Columbia, have had the borders shut on them and they cannot return home.

If nothing else, I am extremely conscious and sensitive to those who are alone right now – and have always been in this position – so connecting with them is more important than it ever was. � Rabbi Ariel Abel leads Liverpool’s Old Hebrew Congregation Marc Shoffman with sister Amanda, brother Jason and their dad, Elan

2 April 2020 Jewish News

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Real life stories / Weekend

Technology is the one thing my mother avoided in life... and the one thing that saved our situation Sandra Waldman lost her mother, Edna Schneider, 94, from Barkingside, after she contracted Covid-19 while in hospital

M

y mother passed away last Thursday and we had the levoyah on Sunday.

There was a hold-up, because we weren’t allowed to get the death certificate in person and then we didn’t know if there was going to be taharah (ritual washing of the body).

In the end, it was literally a case of taking her straight from the hospital to burial. We only found out a few hours beforehand whether the funeral would go ahead on Sunday and then arranged it online, via Zoom, where 179 people logged on.

My husband, myself and my two daughters were at the burial ground, as well as Rabbi Rafi Goodwin, of Chigwell and Hainault United Synagogue, but we all had to stand apart, separate from each other.

My mother was involved in the chevra kadisha for about 50 years, so she’s probably done more taharas than anybody ever. And yet,

for her it was very different because there was nobody there for us.

She was always the one who would do keriah, the cutting of garments for mourners. She would do anything for other people. But for her, it wasn’t to be.

We all joke about the fact that she hated a fuss, so she arranged it in such a way that no one could make a fuss.

On the day, we had hailstones, followed by sunshine when we went over to the grave, and then hailstones

❝

MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN THE CHEVRA KADISHA FOR 50 YEARS... BUT BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS, THE SAME COULD NOT BE DONE FOR HER

again. It’s almost like she was there doing that and making sure that we didn’t have to hang around too long.

We had an online shiva last night and there were 79 different devices watching it. We would never have got 50 to 150 people into our house. My brother is in Israel, so it was good for him to be able to take part, given that he couldn’t come over here.

My mother never even had a mobile phone. We find it amusing that the one thing she avoided in life – technology – is the one thing that saved the situation.

Somebody said people come to a shiva, they shake hands with the mourner and then talk to everyone else. But because of this, I’ve had so many phone calls and messages, so many stories that people have wanted to tell, from the four communities that we have been involved with.

If there is ever a blessing from our situation, it’s the fact that people can still reach out to us.

Sandra Waldman with her late mother, Edna Schneider

Private HealtH insurance and coronavirus

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32

Jewish News 2 April 2020

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Weekend / Food & Drink

W

hile the Soviet Union officially embraced multiculturalism, andthe food I grew up with was indeed reflective of this, matzo was not readily available. Perhaps this had something to do with the fact that, in Jewish culture, matzo is very much connected to religious practices, and religion was not accepted in the atheist Soviet state. So this simple flatbread was a bit of an illicit, guilty pleasure our family enjoyed. My great-grandma would get big boxes of matzo sent to her from Moscow by her cousin, and these were always kept at the back of the cupboard and never openly displayed. She made some delicious dishes with it, my favourite being a baked matzo omelette, so this dish is a homage to our family ‘secret’ ingredient that elaborates on my gran’s ideas and also embraces my love of aubergines and harissa (adding a Sephardi Jewish touch to the recipe).

SERVES: 2

INGREDIENTS Vegetable oil, for drizzling 1 aubergine 200g tomato purée 2 tablespoons harissa paste 2 teaspoons toasted and freshly ground coriander seeds* 1 teaspoon dried mint 2 sheets of matzo, broken to fit the loaf tin 150g crumbly cheese, such as Feta cheese salt and freshly ground black pepper

O AUBER GINE MATZ

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/Gas Mark 6.

2. Line a medium-sized loaf tin with baking parchment and drizzle with vegetable oil.

3. Cut the aubergine lengthways into thin slices.

In a cup, mix together the tomato purée and harissa paste, coriander, dried mint and some salt and pepper.

4. Add boiling water until a thick pourable consistency is achieved.

5. Arrange a layer of aubergine slices in the base of the tin, top with a layer of matzo and a layer of cheese, then smother two heaped tablespoons of the sauce over.

5. Repeat for five more layers until all the aubergine and matzo and 100g of the cheese are used up and the tin is full.

6. Finish with a final layer of aubergine.

Pour over the remaining sauce and top with the remaining crumbly cheese.

7. Bake for 35 minutes. Cut in half and serve with the fresh coriander leaves. * You might want to ask your rabbi whether coriander is considered kitniyot or requires special checking.

To serve Coriander leaves* Extracted from Salt and Time: Recipes from a Russian Kitchen by Alissa Timoshkina, published by Mitchell Beazley, priced £25 (hardback). Available now.

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2 April 2020 Jewish News

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33

Orthodox Judaism

Torah For Today

SEDRA Tzav

What does the Torah say about: Coronavirus and celebrating Pesach

BY RABBI JEFF BERGER This week’s sedra includes the thanksgiving offering (korban todah) performed by resident Kohanim. It was brought on four occasions: after crossing an ocean, surviving a perilous journey, being released from prison or recovering from serious illness.

As we no longer have Temple sacrifices, rabbis of the Talmud instituted reciting the HaGomel prayer instead. In modern times, the parameters were expanded to include air travel as well as childbirth.

The Torah’s thanksgiving offering was accompanied by 40 loaves of bread, four of which were given to the Kohen for private use, with the remainder shared by family and friends. Perhaps this is the origin for our synagogue Kiddush nosh.

The general custom to recite the Gomel blessing in the presence of a minyan applies to women as well as men. Ideally, it would be said within three days of the incident but, if necessary, can be postponed for 30 days until a minyan is found.

Curiously, while meat from

a peace offering (korban shelamim) could be consumed over the course of two days, Thanksgiving offerings, a sub-category of shelamim, had to be eaten the same day.

Miracles sustain our lives constantly, although we sometimes fail to notice them. By limiting the todah eating period, the Torah reminds us to focus on living ‘one day at a time’.

Of recent there is also a custom of giving extra tzedakah after emerging from danger. In light of the struggle charities will have this year, perhaps this, too, is a lesson to take from Tsav. We will emerge from the pandemic at some point. Tragically, it has already claimed too many lives. Yet, thankfully, many who had the virus have recovered.

May we again be worthy of offering our HaGomel prayers and Kiddushim in synagogues around the world.

◆ Rabbi Jeff Berger is interfaith advisor for Mitzvah Day and can be contacted at Rabbi JeffLondon@gmail.com

BY RABBI ZVI SOLOMONS PESACH. The very word stirs our memories from our earliest moments and deepest origins right up to this year. We have been cleaning the house for a month, and now it is only a few days away.

But we all know how this Pesach will be different from every other.

Coronavirus has blighted our celebrations. For weeks we have been avoiding contact with others and vulnerable people are staying indoors.

The presence of a killer bug has turned our normal life upside down, and Pesach preparations harbour lower expectations.

The pandemic has cast its shadow over us this year, and we are staying firmly at home to take shelter from this particular “angel”, hoping it will pass us over.

Some of my family members,

who are not religious, are simply ignoring Pesach this year.

This is a shame and utterly unnecessary. After all, supplies are available, and with a little common sense we can still celebrate a kosher Pesach by following these rules: Do not go to large external sedarim, because that risks your health and that of others.

Support kosher shops and in

cases where it is hard to get hechshered supplies, use the approved list of products from the Beth Din. If you are in an at-risk group, get your food delivered if possible.

Additionally, Zoom has been permitted for use on seder night by the Israeli Sephardi communities, as long as it is set up in advance – a must for any grandparent not wanting to miss their youngest grandchild saying Mahnishtanah for the first time.

Ashkenazi rabbonim have however not permitted this.

Above all, life comes first.

Wishing you chag kasher v’Sameach. ◆ Zvi Solomons is Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Berkshire, JCoB.org

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Jewish News 2 April 2020

Progressive Judaism

The Bible Says What?

How can we enjoy Pesach when we can’t be together?

‘Celebrate the deaths of your enemies’

BY RABBI SYLVIA ROTHSCHILD During Pesach we recite the plagues in which many Egyptians died and sing Shirat HaYam, detailing the horrific drowning of the pursuing army, as the Israelites celebrate that “horse and rider are thrown into the sea”. Yet is it fair to say that the Bible allows us to celebrate the deaths of our enemies?

There are two seemingly contradictory statements in Proverbs: “When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is song” (11:10).

And “when your enemy falls do not rejoice, and when he stumbles let your heart not exalt” (24:17).

So which is it? We have the custom of reciting only half-Hallel on the last six days of Pesach, referencing the Talmudic story that “when the Egyptians were drowning in the Sea of Reeds, the angels wanted to sing. But God said, ‘The work of my hands is drowning in the sea, and you want to sing?’” (Meg. 10b).

Progressively Speaking

We spill a drop of wine when reciting each plague at seder, lessening our joy as we consider the fate of those whom the plagues affected.

In Pirkei Avot Shmuel haKatan repeats: “Do not rejoice at your enemy’s downfall”. Talmud tells of Rabbi Meir, praying for his harassers to die and being reminded by Beruria his wife that his prayer is wrong, we pray for the end of sin, not sinners. He should pray for their repentance.

So while Torah may be ambiguous, Rabbinic Judaism is clear that celebrating an enemy’s downfall is not acceptable. We can resolve the biblical contradiction with a nuanced reading – “enemies” are individuals who hate us, while the “wicked” are not personal adversaries, but can be read as a generic or systemic wickedness.

◆ Sylvia Rothschild has been a community rabbi in south London for 30 years

BY RABBI DR ANDREW GOLDSTEIN The Torah tells us to gather the family together on erev Pesach and, if we consider our household is small, invite our neighbour to join with us. At the beginning of the seder we declare: “Ha lachma anya… this is the bread of affliction… let all who are hungry come and eat, let all who are in need come and share our Pesach.”

This year, so many face seder night in self-isolation. The mitzvah of inviting the stranger or the lonely person to join us can’t be contemplated. Ma Nishtana – this year, this night will certainly be different.

We Jews have, in the past, coped with much worse situations.

Fifty years ago, the Refusniks in the Soviet Union celebrated in secret or alone in the Gulag.

Eighty years ago, seders were held in Nazi concentration camps, the leader reciting the service by heart and with makeshift or makebelieve symbols. Rabbis composed a prayer to be said when forced to eat

bread as no matzah was available.

For some, it was the burning desire to perform the mitzvah of marking the festival of deliverance even, or especially, in times of oppression and persecution. For others, it was the hope that just remembering the story of liberation would keep up one’s spirits and the belief that freedom would come.

In 2020, while we may be alone or in very small family units, we can join with others through Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Live and all other manner of online services.

A number of synagogues and rabbis are live-streaming their seder with details available on the Liberal and Reform Judaism websites.

Also on the Liberal Judaism website, you will find a shortened and easy-to-use Haggadah – perfect for those putting on Pesach for a very small number of people, or even going solo, to enjoy the key parts of the seder without the need to go over every word and ritual.

The important thing is to mark Pesach in some way because, as in past times of difficulty, it can help boost the spirits with memories of the good celebration.

Jews have faced extraordinary times in the past and, as the very essence of Pesach tells: we will survive and we will be able to celebrate in the future, in freedom and without fear.

Bimheyra b’yameynu… soon and in our days. ◆ Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is president of Liberal Judaism

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www.jewishnews.co.uk

2 April 2020 Jewish News

To all of the heroes in our community right now: The doctors and nurses, the pharmacists and care-workers, the rabbis and volunteers, the home-schoolers and home-carers, the meals-on-wheels-ers and delivery drivers, the educators and shelf-stackers, the helpers and the social carers, and the ones who left some toilet paper in Tesco for our mums to buy.

We are in awe of your commitment and so grateful for what you are doing for us all.

Thank you from all of us at JW3.

To everyone else: Let’s help keep our heroes safe by staying indoors and keeping physically away from people. To help you all do that whilst still feeling connected to community, we’re bringing the whole community directly to you – at a safe distance – via our new free service:

jewishonline.jw3.org.uk.

It’s your cross-communal one-stop-shop for the best of British Jewish online services, programmes, events and more from across our diverse Jewish community. We recommend it best served with a glass of Palwin No.4a and a coconut macaroon.

Remember, we survived slavery in Egypt and managed 40 years in the desert.

What’s a few months at home to save others’ lives, hey?

Chag Pesach Sameach, From all of us at JW3.

35

36

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 2 April 2020

Ask Our Experts / Professional advice from our panel

Our Experts Got a question for a member of our team?

Email: editorial@thejngroup.com PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST TREVOR GEE Qualifications: • Managing director, consultants in affordable family and corporate health insurance.

• Specialise in maximising cover, lowering premiums and pre-existing conditions.

• Excellent knowledge of health insurers, cover levels and hospital lists.

• Board member UK International Health Management Ass • LLB, solicitor finals, FCA Regulated 773729.

PATIENT HEALTH 020 3146 3444/5/6 www.patienthealth.co.uk trevor.gee@patienthealth.co.uk

DIRECTOR OF LEGACIES

DYSLEXIA PRACTITIONER SARAH BENARROCH Qualifications: • Director of Literacy Specialist Ltd, educational services for children with literacy difficulties and dyslexia.

• MA in Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia), APC, British Dyslexia Association, PATOSS, 20 years’ experience in child education and development.

• Full diagnostic assessments and reports for dyslexia.

• Primary-age tuition in reading, writing and spelling.

LITERACY SPECIALIST LTD 07940 576 286 sarah@literacyspecialist.co.uk

JEWELLER

ISRAELI LAWYER ELI ROSENBERG Qualifications: • All aspects of Israeli law. Specialising in property law, property tax, inheritance law and dispute management.

• Third generation lawyer from Israeli firm established in Israel in 1975.

• Authorised and regulated by the Israeli Bar Association and Ministry of Justice of the State of Israel, with teams in Tel Aviv and London.

ROSENBERG & ASSOCIATES 0203 994 2278 www.israeli-lawyer.co.uk eli@israeli-lawyer.co.uk

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

CAROLYN ADDLEMAN Qualifications: Lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in will drafting and trust and estate administration. Last 14 years at KKL Executor and Trustee Company.

In close contact with clients to ensure all legal and pastoral needs are cared for.

Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

JONATHAN WILLIAMS Qualifications: • Jewellery manufacturer since 1980s.

• Expert in the manufacture and supply of diamond jewellery, wedding rings and general jewellery.

• Specialist in supply of diamonds to the public at

SUE CIPIN Qualifications: • 18 years’ hands-on experience, leading JDA in significant growth and development.

• Deep understanding of the impact of deafness on people at all stages of life, and their families.

• Practical and emotional support for families of deaf children.

• Extensive services for people affected by hearing loss/tinnitus.

KKL EXECUTOR AND TRUSTEE COMPANY 0800 358 3587 www.kkl.org.uk enquiries@kkl.org.uk

JEWELLERY CAVE LTD 020 8446 8538 www.jewellerycave.co.uk jonathan@jewellerycave.co.uk

JEWISH DEAF ASSOCIATION 020 8446 0502 www.jdeaf.org.uk mail@jdeaf.org.uk

• • •

Got a question for a member of our team?

Email: editorial@thejngroup.com

Thinking about ALIYAH? Contact the Jewish Agency for Israel certified by the Israeli government to facilitate Aliyah!

0-800-051-8227 | 020-8371-5250 | gci-en@jafi.org

TRAVEL AGENT

CRIMINAL DEFENCE SOLICITOR

DAVID SEGEL Qualifications: • Managing director of West End Travel, established in 1972.

• Leading UK El Al agent with branches in Swiss Cottage and Edgware.

• Specialist in Israel travel, cruises and kosher holidays.

• Leading business travel company, ranked in top 50 UK agents.

• Frequent travel broadcaster on radio and TV.

CARL WOOLF Qualifications: • 20+ years experience as a criminal defence solicitor and higher court advocate.

• Specialising in all aspects of criminal law including murder, drug offences, fraud and money laundering, offences of violence, sexual offences and all aspects of road traffic law.

• Visiting associate professor at Brunel University.

WEST END TRAVEL 020 7644 1500 www.westendtravel.co.uk David.Segel@westendtravel.co.uk

NOBLE SOLICITORS 01582 544 370 carl.woolf@noblesolicitors.co.uk

REMOVALS MANAGING DIRECTOR

PRINCIPAL, PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

STEPHEN MORRIS Qualifications: • Managing Director of Stephen Morris Shipping Ltd. • 45 years’ experience in shipping household and personal effects.

• Chosen mover for four royal families and three UK prime ministers.

• Offering proven quality specialist advice for moving anyone across the world or round the corner.

LOUISE LEACH Qualifications: • Professional choreographer qualified in dance, drama and Zumba (ZIN, ISTD & LAMDA), gaining an honours degree at Birmingham University.

• Former contestant on ITV’s Popstars, reaching bootcamp with Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw and Kym Marsh.

• Set up Dancing with Louise 10 years ago.

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING LTD 020 8832 2222 www.shipsms.co.uk stephen@shipsms.co.uk

DANCING WITH LOUISE 020 8203 5242 www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk louise@dancingwithlouise.co.uk

2 April 2020 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

37

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

ACCOUNTANT

PROPERTY DEVELOPER

DENTIST

ADAM SHELLEY Qualifications: • FCCA chartered certified accountant.

• Accounting, taxation and business advisory services.

• Entrepreneurial business specialist including start-up businesses.

• Specialises in charities; Personal tax returns.

• Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation Volunteer of the Year JVN award.

JOE GRIFFIN Qualifications: • More than 13 years’ experience in the construction and property industry, with a specialism in high-end residential and commercial property • Negotiation of site acquisitions and property deals; design and planning strategies • Focus on niche market purchasing airspace above commercial and residential blocks to create additional stories of accommodation and penthouse apartments.

DR ADAM NEWMAN Qualifications: • Dentist at the Gingerbread House, a Bupa Platinum practice in Shenley, Radlett.

• Regional Clinical Services Advisor for Bupa Dental Care UK. • Providing NHS and private dentistry, whitening, implants and cosmetic treatment.

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Member of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners RCS England. GDC registered 212542.

SOBELL RHODES LLP 020 8429 8800 www.sobellrhodes.co.uk a.shelley@sobellrhodes.co.uk

LONDON PENTHOUSE 020 7665 9604 www.londonpenthouse.com info@lphvgroup.com

GINGERBREAD HOUSE 01923 852 852 www.gingerbreadhealth.co.uk Adam.newman@gingerbreadhealth.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS SPECIALIST

INSURANCE CONSULTANCY

IT SPECIALIST

NAOMI FELTHAM Qualifications: • Leading currency transfer provider since 1996 with over 500 expert employees.

• Excellent exchange rates on your transfers to/from Israel.

• Offices worldwide, with local support in Israel, the UK, mainland Europe and the USA. • Free expert guidance from your dedicated Account Manager.

ASHLEY PRAGER Qualifications: • Professional insurance and reinsurance broker. Offering PI/D&O cover, marine and aviation, property owners, ATE insurance, home and contents, fine art, HNW. • Specialist in insurance and reinsurance disputes, utilising Insurance backed products. (Including non insurance business disputes).

• Ensuring clients do not pay more than required.

IAN GREEN Qualifications: • Launched Man on a Bike IT consultancy 15 years ago to provide computer support for the home and small businesses.

• Clients range from legal firms in the City to families, small business owners and synagogues.

• More than 18 years’ experience.

CURRENCIES DIRECT 07922 131 152 / 020 7847 9447 www.currenciesdirect.com/jn Naomi.feltham@currenciesdirect.com

RISK RESOLUTIONS 020 3411 4050 www.risk-resolutions.com ashley.prager@risk-resolutions.com

MAN ON A BIKE 020 8731 6171 www.manonabike.co.uk mail@manonabike.co.uk

ISRAELI ACCOUNTANT LEON HARRIS Qualifications: • Leon is an Israeli and UK accountant based in Ramat Gan, Israel.

• He is a Partner at Harris Horoviz Consulting & Tax Ltd. • The firm specializes in Israeli and international tax advice, accounting and tax reporting for investors, Olim and businesses.

• Leon’s motto is: Our numbers speak your language!

HARRIS HOROVIZ CONSULTING & TAX LTD +972-3-6123153 / + 972-54-6449398 leon@h2cat.com

ALIYAH ADVISER

PHOTOGRAPHER HARRISON GALGUT Qualifications: • Experienced wedding and event photographer.

• Specialism in portraits and light management.

• BSc(Hons), BTEC music tech, specialising in film, and member of Royal Photographic Society.

LISA WIMBORNE Qualifications: Able to draw on the charity’s 50 years of experience in enabling people with physical disabilities or impaired vision to live independently, including: • The provision of specialist accommodation with 24/7 on site support.

• Knowledge of the innovations that empower people and the benefits available.

• Understanding of the impact of a disability diagnosis.

EDIT6 07962599154 www.edit6.co.uk harrison@edit6.co.uk

JEWISH BLIND & DISABLED 020 8371 6611 www.jbd.org Lisa@jbd.org

CAREER ADVISER

DOV NEWMARK Qualifications: • Director of UK Aliyah for Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organisation that helps facilitate aliyah from the UK. • Conducts monthly seminars and personal aliyah meetings in London.

• An expert in working together with clients to help plan a successful aliyah.

CLAIRE STRAUS Qualifications: • Free professional one-to-one advice at Resource to help unemployed into work.

• Practical support, workshops and networking opportunities to maximise prospects.

• Career coach with MSc in career management and coaching with a background in human resources and general management and experience of private, public and voluntary sectors.

NEFESH B’NEFESH 0800 075 7200 www.nbn.org.il dov@nbn.org.il

RESOURCE 020 8346 4000 www.resource-centre.org office@resource-centre.org

DIVORCE & FAMILY SOLICITOR

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

PALLIATIVE CARE MANAGER

VANESSA LLOYD PLATT Qualifications: • Qualification: 40 years experience as a matrimonial and divorce solicitor and mediator, specialising in all aspects of family matrimonial law, including: • Divorce, Pre/post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, domestic violence, children’s cases, grandparents’ rights to see grandchildren, adoption, family disputes.

• Frequent broadcaster on national and International radio and television.

POLLY LANDSBERG Qualifications: • Polly has worked in health and social care for over 35 years.

• Has a degree in nursing and a diploma in health visiting.

• Polly is responsible for the day-to-day management of the palliative and end of life care service.

LLOYD PLATT & COMPANY SOLICITORS 020 8343 2998 www.divorcesolicitors.com lloydplatt@divorcesolicitors.com

SWEETTREE HOME CARE SERVICES 020 7644 9500 www.sweettree.co.uk polly.landsberg@sweettree.co.uk

Got a question for a member of our team?

Email: editorial@thejngroup.com

All our services are free Call us on 020 8346 4000 or visit www.resource-centre.org Follow us on @resourcecharity resource employment advice centre Charity Reg No: 1106331 Registered in England No: 5211299

Helping unemployed members of the community get back to work

38

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 2 April 2020

Deputy Head Teacher (Senior Leader) Are you an ambitious and successful teacher?

Are you looking to take the next step up?

Are you creative and able to inspire the next generation of students and teachers?

Secretary / Administrator

If the answer to all of the above is ‘yes’ then we would like to hear from you.

We are looking for a confident, ambitious and experienced teacher to join our outstanding Senior Leadership Team and help move the school even further forward.

You will be part of a warm and close-knit school with an outstanding Menahel and Headteacher who will support and encourage you.

Our school is looking to employ a Secretary/Administrator to help with the general running of the school.

Our school prides itself on its warm and friendly environment.

The candidate should be able to work on his/her own initiative, work well under pressure, be well organised and have experience using Word and Excel.

You will also have access to further training and development in order to enhance your professional career.

Please contact us in confidence: Email: info@elyon.org.uk Or call on 07973 137420 / 07500 086872 BME is committed to safeguarding children and young people.

All post holders are subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Please send in your CV to headteacher@elyon.org.uk Please feel free to call the school if you have any questions.

SECONDARY PROGRAMME MANAGER for the Jewish Teacher Training Partnership This is an exciting and challenging role that would suit an individual who is flexible in their approach, highly motivated and passionate about Jewish school education and about curricula and learning. You will develop and deliver inspiring courses for trainee teachers at secondary level. You and the wider team will seek to maintain the Ofsted status of Outstanding in every category for the Jewish Teacher Training Partnership (JTTP) at LSJS (Nov 2018). Expected time allocation 0.5/0.6 FTE Please see our website for a job description and more information or call us on 020 8203 6427. Applications deadline Monday 20 April 2020.

At LSJS we train and develop inspirational teachers and educational leaders, enabling them to have a transformative impact on our schools and communities.

LSJS, Schaller House, Wohl Campus for Jewish Education, 44a Albert Road, London, NW4 2SJ Registered charity no: 1131850 Registered company no: 06997994

www.lsjs.ac.uk

• All your Seder resources including an abridged Haggadah • Siddurim and Shabbat liturgy • Rabbinic commentary • Live streamed services and classes • Family activities

Visit www.liberaljudaism.org/lj-at-home

39

2 April 2020 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Running head / Fun, games and prizes

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

6

13 17 18 19 20

7 8

9

10

11

14

15 16

17

18

19

20

8 Junior Scouts (7) 9 Drollery (3) 10 Promoter (10)

ACROSS 1 Fury (4) 3 Amnesty (6)

WORDSEARCH

The words related to dried fruit can all be found in the grid. Words may run either forwards or backwards, in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction, but always in a straight, unbroken line.

Y O K D C Y W M U D R S R

1

22

E S R R Y

P C

23

P F E E V P E E M S T E T

21

W H E O B W P D

I

I

Z V

A

L M A N

C G Y G A E A N F X G

I

11

F N P T U D S R G H R

23

A R N D L H Q U N H

20

P Y E M

V

12

F R X N C R B A N A N A T

25

J D U J O R S U L T A N A

15

Q K A N T U U R J

X Q P H

22

B B O T E C A T

F Z

4

APRICOT BANANA BLUEBERRY CHERRY

I

A L B B K L

CRANBERRY CURRANT DATE DRIED FRUIT

J

FIG MANGO PEACH PEAR

I

I

M

PRUNE RAISIN SULTANA

12

12

19

1

4

22

14

4

5

9

4

22

14

14

4

22

24

22

22

4

SUGURU Each cell in an outlined block must contain a digit: a two-cell block contains the digits 1 and 2, a three-cell block contains the digits 1, 2 and 3; and so on. The same digit must not appear in neighbouring cells, not even diagonally.

16

15

6 23

20

12

12 1

22

22

18

16

G

20

1

26

25

5

22

1

12

9

20

14 8

19

1

12

22

3 1

19

5

11 23

22

4

23

2

11

3

20

3

22 6

6

4

4 2

4

2

3

3 12

22

6

R

22

4

8 22 4

See next issue for puzzle solutions.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1

T

14

G

2

3

4

5

6

15

16

17

18

19

R

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

A

All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd - www.puzzler.com

Crossword

THE

LAY MEN MES

OUT PAY SES

5 5 3

9

Last issue’s solutions

ACE BOO ING

4

15

25 7

4 1 5 3 5

16

26 23

5

4

20

4

T

1

6

20

22 23

25

4 4

13 22

10

4 11

5

22

18 5

9

5 8

1 7 2 3 8 7 4 1 2 9 6 7 5 6 4 1 9 3 6 7

4

22

23

12

BOXWISE Can you place the three-letter groups in the boxes, so that neighbouring boxes always make a six-letter word, like PAR-DON or DON-ATE? We’ve placed one group to start you off.

16

5

25

C C

I

I

17

5 2 6

In this finished crossword, every letter of the alphabet appears as a code number. All you have to do is crack the code and fill in the grid.

Replacing the decoded numbers 1, 6, 14 and 23 with their letters in the grid will help you to guess the identity of other letters.

22

G T A Z

1 3

CODEWORD

O R Y R R E B N A R C A B I

Business middleman (10) Loud noise (3) Cut corn stalks (7) Write hastily (6) Earnest student (4)

DOWN 1 Official gown (4) 2 Impressive (5) 4 Fool (3) 5 Quickly drinks (5) 6 Certifier of deeds (6) 7 Expunge (6) 11 Play a sport together (4,2) 12 Reddish turnips (6) 14 One in possession (5) 15 Jostle (5) 16 Opening for air (4) 18 Observed (3)

12 13

SUDOKU

ACROSS: 1 Heron 4 Syrup 7 Oaf 8 Deadpan 9 Clef 10 Tsar 13 Fit 15 Rosy 16 Holt 19 Close in 21 Nag 22 Steer 23 Steps

TEE TEN THE

DOWN: 1 Hoof 2 Raffles 3 Nod off 4 Slat 5 Rap 6 Penury 11 Silence 12 Fracas 14 Things 17 Peer 18 Ages 20 Owe

Sudoku 6 5 9 2 7 1 8 4 3

1 7 4 8 9 3 5 6 2

3 2 8 4 5 6 9 1 7

2 4 1 7 6 9 3 8 5

7 8 3 5 1 4 2 9 6

5 9 6 3 8 2 1 7 4

8 3 7 9 4 5 6 2 1

9 6 2 1 3 7 4 5 8

4 1 5 6 2 8 7 3 9

02/04

40 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

2 April 2020

Business Services Directory ANTIQUES 44

The Jewish News 22 September 2016

www.jewishnews.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY

Top prices paid

Antique – Reproduction – Retro Furniture (any condition)

Carer

Clothing

WE BUY ANTIQUES Carer FURS WANTED Auxiliary Nurse VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS.

Epstein, Archie Shine, Hille, G Plan, etc.

Antiques

Dining Suites, Lounges Suites, Bookcases, Desks, Cabinets, Mirrors, Lights, etc.

Cash paid for Mink Available support Allto Antique Furniture Hille & Epstein jackets, coats, you in your home.

Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Silver,boleros, Paintings, stoles, Porcelain, also fox coats, etc.

Glass,Days/nights.

Bronzes, Ivories, Oriental & Judaica Antiques jackets etc.

Very reasonable rates.

Full house clearances organised.

Wardrobes cleared Call Please 0208 look 958 at 2939 our website for more details Call 01277 352 560 or 07495 026 168

House clearances Single items to complete homes MARYLEBONE ANTIQUES - 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED

WE BUY ANTIQUES

07866 614 744 (ANYTIME)

www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk

VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS. All Antique Hille & Epstein 0207Furniture 723 7415 (SHOP) Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Silver, Paintings, Porcelain, closed Sunday & Monday Glass, Bronzes, Ivories, Oriental & Judaica Antiques etc.

Computer FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON:

0800 840 2035 or 07956268290

STUART SHUSTER - e-mail - info@maryleboneantiques.co.uk

Man on aOPEN Bike8am will TOget 9pm 7 DAYS. you working fast! RD LONDON. PORTOBELLO

Full house clearances organised.

MAKE SURE CONTACT BEFORE SELLING Please look YOU at our websiteUS for more details www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk

Rapid Response IT support for your PC & Mac Networks, virus problems, broadband, wireless systems, new computers and everything else you may need.

CHARITY & WELFARE For small businesses & home users.

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON: 0800 840 2035 or 07956268290 OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS.

Call Ian Green, Man on a Bike on

PORTOBELLO RD LONDON.

020 8731 6171 • www.manonabike.co.uk

ARE YOU BEREAVED?

Stirling of Kensal Green Established over 60 years.

Know who you are dealing with.

Top prices paid

All quality furniture bought & sold.

Antique – Reproduction – Retro Furniture (any condition)

Best prices paid for complete house clearEpstein, Archie Shine, Hille, G Plan, etc. ances Lounges includingSuites, china, Bookcases, books, Dining Suites, clothing etc. Also rubbish clearance Desks, Cabinets, Mirrors, Lights, etc. service, lofts, sheds, garages etc House clearances Single items to complete Please contact Gordonhomes Stirling

020 8960 5401 or 07825 224144 CHURCH STREET ANTIQUES � 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED

͔͚͚͛͜ ͚͕͘ ͛͘͘ (ANYTIME) Email: gordonstirling65@gmail.com 0207 723 7415 (SHOP) closed Sunday & Monday

STUART SHUSTER � e�mail � stuart@churchstreetantiques.net

MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT US BEFORE SELLING

WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION Sheltered Accommodation

Charity & Welfare Counselling for adults & children who are experiencing loss, and support groups.

Contact The Jewish Bereavement ARE YOU BEREAVED? Counselling Service in confidence

Labels are forTURN, jars.

Refer yourself or aKNOW loved one by IF YOU DON’T WHICH WAY TO Not people. calling 020 8458 2223 orOUR visit HELPLINE. REMEMBER

Counselling for adults & children who are 020 8951 3881 experiencing loss. Support groups offered. enquiries@jbcs.org.uk | www.jbcs.org.uk Call The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence

www.jamiuk.org

For confidential advice, information and support don’t forget Jewish Care Direct.

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1003345

020 8922 2222

jcdirect@jcare.org

jewishcare.org/helpline

020 & 8951 3881 • 07765 693 160 CHARITY WELFARE E: enquiries@jbcs.org.uk

Sheltered Accommodation

For further details andlist application forms, contact We have an open waiting for our friendly andplease comfortable on 020 8201 8484 wardenWestlon assisted Housing sheltered Association housing schemes for Jewish people in Ealing, East Finchley and Hendon. We provide 24-hour warden support, seven days a week; a residents’ lounge and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.

For further details and application forms, please contact Westlon Housing Association on 020 8201 8484

Charity Reg No. 802559

PLUMBSAFE (UK) LTD

We have an open waiting list for our friendly and comfortable warden assisted sheltered housing schemes in Ealing, East Finchley and Hendon. We provide 24-hour warden support, WESTLON HOUSING seven days a week; a residents’ loungeASSOCIATION and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER Jami supports and represents people with mental illness across FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK the Jewish community.

“Better Safe Than Sorry�

For all your heating and plumbing requirements | boiler repairs and installation | complete central heating | | power flushing | complete bathroom installation service | | landlords certificates | project management | home purchase reports |

#jamithinkahead

Are you a Jewish woman experiencing domestic violence?

With abuse in your home, do you worry about your children?

We are here to help Email Sales today at sales@thejngroup.com

Give support • Get support • Get involved

All NW-London postcodes covered

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

020 8458 2223 | info@jamiuk.org www.jamiuk.org

Not shabbat

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

with free support, advice and information and confidential counselling.

Kosher Refuge available for women and children in need.

Reg Charity No. 1003345

Free Confidential National Helpline 0808 801 0500 advice@jwa.org.uk • www.jwa.org.uk

HOME & MAINTENANCE

Home & Maintenance

L

K

PLUMBSAFE (UK) LTD

No further, your

LOCAL PLUMBERS

“Better Safe Than Sorry�

Hall & Randall Plumbers

CENTRAL HEATING, PLUMBING REPAIRS & ADVISORY SERVICE EMERGENCY REPAIRS, BLOCKED PIPES DRAINAGE GUTTERING, ROOFING, CENTRAL HEATING AND BOILERS 12 MONTHS GUARANTEE, 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

For all your heating and plumbing requirements | boiler repairs and installation | complete central heating | | power flushing | complete bathroom installation service | | landlords certificates | project management | home purchase reports |

hallandrandallplumbers.com

) *" " - *'

STONEMASON

PROFESSIONAL A. ELFES LTD PAINTING, DECORATING memorials & New PAPER HANGING Additional inscriptions Over & 20renovations years experience Friendly, reliable & Clayhall Showroom 14 Claybury Broadway Ilford. IG5 0LQ T: 0208 551 6866

Edgware Showroom 41 Manor Park Crescent Edgware. HA8 7LY T: 0208 381 1525

Email : info@garygreenmemorials.co.uk

Gants Hill service.

Edgware personal

Gary Green ad 84 x 40mm JM Group v2.indd 1

12Very Beehive Lane 130rates High Street competitive Gants Hill, IG1 3RD Edgware, HA8 7EL Telephone Telephone

STEPHEN: 07973 342 422 0207 754 4659 0207 754 4646

www.garygreenmemorials.co.uk

18/03/2019 12:50:51

LOFT CONVERSIONS & UPVC Fitter

Not shabbat

Home & Maintenance

The specialist masons in creating bespoke Granite and Marble Memorials for all Cemeteries.

!

! # ! " " #

+ " ) "# ,! " " ! #

!

•DRIVEWAYS •PAINTING London 020 8485 8176 •PATIOS •PLASTERING •BRICKWORK •PLUMBING ADVERTISE IN THE •ROOF REPAIRS •ALL BUILDING UK’S BIGGEST ADVERTISE IN THE •GUTTERING WORKNEWSPAPER JEWISH City and Guilds Electrician UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH All types of electrical work undertaken FOR LESS THAN NEWSPAPER FOR LESS A WEEK £24.00 FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE Rewiring, extra sockets, BT points, Economy 7 storage heaters, Shabbat time switches, security lighting, THAN £24 A WEEK ALL WORK FULLYCall GUARANTEED LED spotlights, fault finding, CCTVportable appliance tests, Marc today landlord tests and house buyer’s surveys. on 020 7692 6943 Email Sales 581 Bowrons Ave, Wembley HA0 4QP For an efficient reliable and friendly service. today at Call Harvey Solomons on 01245 211 002 / 07773 102 386 Jewish sales@thejngroup.com 020 8958 6495 / 07836 648 554 hilineroofing.site123.me

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

office@hallandrandall.com

HI LINE ROOFING

All NW-London postcodes covered

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

020 8953 2094 office 020 8207 3286 home 020 8386 8798

LONDON

srindsmc@hotmail.com

www.memorialgroup.co.uk

2 April 2020 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

41

Business Services Directory COMPUTER

SILVER

AERIAL REPAIR

Man on a Bike will get you working fast!

Rapid Response IT support for your PC & Mac Networks, virus problems, broadband, wireless systems, new computers and everything else you may need.

For small businesses & home users.

AERIALS & SATELLITE • Repairs & Installs • Any work under taken • Sky & Freesat

Call Ian Green, Man on a Bike on

020 8953 4539

020 8731 6171 • www.manonabike.co.uk

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK Email Sales today at sales@thejngroup.com

DOMICILIARY CARE FREE CARE if you book before 31st October 2019, for every 4 hours of care booked the 5th hour will be 50% Free.

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK

HOME CARE AGENCY Established Over 30 years

Email Sales today at sales@thejngroup.com

Professional Care at Home Day & Night Care available North and Central London T: 020 8088 2789 info@kells-care.com kells-care.com

PROPERTY

LEGACY- LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR MEMORY

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

Leave the legacy of independence to people like Joel.

& THEIR DEPENDANTS NEED

YOUR LEGACY

PLease remember us in your wiLL.

eNABLeD

Tel: 020 8202 2323 Web: www.ajex.org.uk Email: headoffice@ajex.org.uk

visit www.Jbd.org

Registered Charity

or caLL 020 8371 6611 No. 259480 18-361-JM Small legacy advert v1.qxp_Legacy 09/10/2018 10:27 Page 1

Registered Charity No: 1082148

HELP US CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL. Call Alison on 020 8922 2833 for more information or email legacyteam@jcare.org Chancellors House, Brampton Lane, London, NW4 4AB Tel: 020 8903 8746 | Fax: 020 8795 2240 www.bfiwd.org | email: info@bfiwd.org

We modernise property, rent and manage it. We finance it all. No upfront fees. No ownership changes. We’re a family team.

30 years in North London property and letting services. Lots of references. We’ll make any property work for you.

020 8830 1870 | MrAndMrsSimons.com

Charity Reg No. 802559

WASTE REMOVAL

Secure our

children’s future

Please include

CST in your Will

Charity no. 1042391

Every gift makes a difference legacy@cst.org.uk

Your outdated property can be your income

020 8457 3700

ISRAEL PROPERTY

Legacy advert 84x40.indd 1

Ramat Bet Shemesh Aleph.

New Project from ₪1,290,000

www.cst.org.uk

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK Email Sales today at sales@thejngroup.com

07/04/2017 14:47

Rannana New Project from ₪2590,000

Hertzlia Pituach New Project ₪12, 999, 000

Jerusalem New Project From ₪1999, 000

www.israel-properties.com

42

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 2 April 2020

Lloyd Platt & Co. Family, divorce & criminal solicitors

We are pleased to help with all forms of matrimonial work including:

• Divorce

• Pre-Nuptial Agreements • Cohabitation Agreements • Domestic Violence • Childcare • Adoption • Settlement for Co-habitees • Civil Partnership • Financial settlements on Divorce • Any aspect of family law To make an appointment please telephone

020 8343 2998

Lloyd Platt & Company, Third Floor, Elscot House, Arcadia Avenue, London. N3 2JU Website: www.divorcesolicitors.com Email: lloydplatt@divorcesolicitors.com

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority