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BY DAVID SAFFER
A surge in Aliyah is predicted next year due to the way Israel has battled the coronavirus pandemic. Criticism has come closer to home but statistics tell a revealing story. Pain and suffering have afflicted the world with 3.24 million cases and 229,239 deaths globally in today’s updated statistics (Worldometer, 2pm). Israel’s Health Ministry announced 219 fatalities this morning. Of 15,870 positive cases, 8,412 have recovered. Every death is a tragedy but comparing fatalities in Israel to size of population is astonishing. The United States has suffered some 61,734 fatalities. Italy heads European nations with 27,682 deaths followed by the United Kingdom 26,097 (including 358 Jewish funerals to date), Spain 24,543 and France 24,087. Deep Knowledge Ventures released a document surrounding Covid-19 data for 60 countries earlier this month. Analysts developed a ranking system for businesses and governments regarding health, the economy and communities. Results will
be analysed and updated over the coming months. Israel topped the ‘safety’ ranking ahead of Germany, South Korea, Australia and China. The US, UK, Spain and France all featured outside the top 40. Benchmarks analysed quarantine efficiency, monitoring and detection, government management efficiency and emergency treatment readiness. ‘Risk’ ranking had Italy at the helm ahead of the US, UK, Spain and France. None of these countries featured well in ‘treatment efficiency’ with Germany leading the way ahead of eighth-placed Israel. The US, Italy, UK and France did head Israel in terms of a ‘supportive government’ ranking. Regarding Israel, DKG managing partner Dmitry Kaminskiy commented, “The country is comparatively small, well-organised and their GovTech management system is quite efficiently applied nationwide.” With the global economic crisis
worsening, the World Health Organisation today warned Europe, which has 46% of cases and 63% of deaths, that it is “very much in the grip of this pandemic. “This virus is unforgiving. We must remain vigilant, persevere and be patient, ready to ramp up measures as and when needed,” said regional director Dr Kluger. Kluger added, “Every country is mapping out its route to a new normal.” Notwithstanding new safe distancing restrictions, rays of hope are appearing across the world. India is lifting its lockdown while China is to open tourist destinations including the Forbidden City in Beijing. In Israel, businesses and schools are beginning to open but there is a long way to go. A new sense of normality will ensue and Aliyah could benefit due to Israel’s government has handled the current global crisis. COVID-19 affects 211 countries and territories around the world.
23/03/2020 16:40:04
BRITISH JEWRY CELEBRATES
YOM HA’ATZMAUT
Every death is a tragedy but comparing fatalities in Israel to size of population is astonishing.
Year 5 Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School student Sammy Geist with his family
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BA praised for virtual service
Anti-Semitism test for Starmer BY HOWARD LAWRENCE
BY HOWARD LAWRENCE Bnei Akiva organised a virtual Yom Hazikaron commemoration and Yom Ha’atzmaut ceremony for the Jewish community in the UK on Tuesday night. UK Ambassador Mark Regev, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, political and community leaders praised the youth group for their efforts in putting together an inspirational event. Chazan Johnny Turgel led the commemoration service. “We would not have a State of Israel without the young men and women of the IDF who give the most important years of their life to protect our country to make sure it is strong and safe,” said Regev. Turning his attention to Israel celebrating 72 years as an independent state, UK’s Ambassador noted that Jews could be proud of Israel’s achievements.
“When we look back at where we have come from and look forward we can be confident in Israel’s ability to continue to beat the odds, to continue to succeed,” he commented. “Be well, be safe, be healthy,” said the Chief Rabbi at a challenging time. Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, commented, “We cherish our relationship with Israel and a special bond between our two peoples. A bond of friendship, of shared history and a shared future.” Rafi Cohen, Bnei Akiva Mazkir, called on everyone to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut in difficult times. “Even from our isolation, let us step out of reality and imagine we are together with our brothers and sisters marking this day all over Israel.” Eitan Freilich and Luis Herszaft led the community in a virtual Yom Ha’atazmaut concert.
‘I know I’m losing my memory. I’m so scared.’ Liliya has dementia. In these uncertain times, she needs you more than ever.
New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces an early test of his resolve to stamp out anti-Semitism in the Party following a Zoom conference on the “route to building an anti-racist agenda”. A far-left narrative asserted that fighting anti-Semitism was racist towards other minorities including BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic) people. MPs Diane Abbott, Clive Lewis, Dawn Butler, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Kim Johnson participated in the online event that attracted a few hundred people last Sunday. Campaign Against Anti-Semitism has called on Starmer to condemn offensive comments. CAA chief executive Gideon Falter described some observations as “deplorable” and “disingenuous”. “In anticipation of an adverse finding by the EHRC in its investigation, in which we are the complainant, this far-left faction is prepared to concede that Labour is racist but is adamant that this racism is not primarily directed against Jews,” he explained. “Instead, the far-left’s new narrative tells that the Labour Party whistleblowers, the Jewish community, the EHRC and others have conspired to prioritise, exaggerate or invent anti-Semitism within Labour in order to damage Mr Corbyn and in the process discriminate against other minority communities.” Falter added that offensive claims were the latest expression of anti-Semitism-denial from the usual suspects. Shah claimed Labour’s Right used the Jewish community as a weapon to attack Corbyn and “deliberately” obstruct the fight against anti-Semitism to damage his leadership. Lewis and Butler appeared to accept institutional racism as being to the detriment of BAME people rather than Jews despite
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anti-BAME racism being outside the terms of reference of EHRC’s investigation. Keynote speaker Abbott, meantime, said minorities must stick together. Citing “Black, Asian, minority ethnic and Muslim people” the former shadow minister failed to mention the Jewish community. CAA observed, “It is offensive to Jews and BAME people to suggest that tackling prejudice against either community is somehow at the cost of discrimination against the other, and it is an appalling sign of the lengths to which this far-left faction will go to try to exonerate itself from its own central role in Labour’s anti-Semitism scandal. “It goes without saying that it is appropriate for any substantiated allegations of racism to be investigated, and indeed for any form of racism within the Labour Party to be discussed. However, the use of such allegations, which have arisen in a report designed and leaked in order to give cover for racism against Jews, in order to deflect or excuse anti-Semitism is disingenuous and deplorable.”
Community leaders sent mazal tov messages to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his partner Carrie Symonds on the birth of their son at a London hospital on Wednesday. “We’re glad to hear that mother and baby are doing well.” tweeted the Board of Deputies. The couple thanked NHS staff.
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Israel remembers fallen soldiers and victims of terror The Yom Hazikaron ceremony at the Kotel
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BY ADAM MOSES The State of Israel came to a standstill for Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) on Tuesday morning. A siren signalled a two-minute silence across the country followed by a national remembrance ceremony for 23,816 fallen soldiers at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem. A memorial service for 4,166
victims of terror followed the ceremony. President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Naftali Bennett attended, but unlike previous years, bereaved relatives were not present due to the nationwide lockdown. With cemeteries shut until Wednesday evening police officers enforced a ban on visits to military cemeteries, by persuasion, though some families did enter to pay
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respects. Netanyahu sympathised with families in a televised poignant address. “This year we remember our sons and daughters, the glorious heroes in the midst of the fight against the coronavirus,” he said. “We will do so with determination, fierceness and national unity. These values are the legacy of the fallen, the legacy of our loved ones.” Noting his brother Yonatan, killed in the Entebbe rescue mission in 1976 mission, he added, “I know how hard it is, because like you, I want to be at the graveside of my brother, may his memory be a blessing. They would want us all to continue living in health and security. This year we will remember them in many other ways.” Just before the national event, a 62-yearold woman was wounded in a suspected terror attack outside a shopping mall in Kfar Saba. Meir Medical Center treated the victim after Magen David Adom medics attended following the stabbing by a 19-year-old attacker, reportedly from Tulkarm according to Army Radio. He was shot and lightly injured by a security guard at the scene. Police are investigating the incident. Commemorations for Israel’s fallen began on Monday night with a minute silence across Israel before a small ceremony at the Western Wall. President Reuven Rivlin and Chief of General Staff Aviv Kochavi attended. A small guard of honour was also in place but again there were no bereaved families, soldiers and dignitaries present. Names of the fallen were screened on a wall at the Knesset where a memorial service was held. “I know, dear families, that you do not need Yom Hazikaron, Memorial Day, to remember,” said Rivlin. “You have so many more days, so many more nights, all year. This day is for us so that we can, even just for a minute, know the names and the faces, the lives and the stories of the men and women of this country, of your loved ones. We can remember and be reminded of the two promises that are the basis of the Israeli covenant, to build by the sweat of our brow a life worth living, one that is peaceful and safe for our children, and to bring them
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home whatever the cost, even if they did not return from battle.” Rivlin added, “This year, we cannot cry together, this year we cannot look each other in the eye, but we remember these two promises. We will remember and be reminded, and we will feel fully, even this year, the inconceivable price we must pay so that these promises are kept.” Audiences watching at home were asked to sing the national anthem from balconies and windows to end the ceremony. Bennett visited Mount Herzl military cemetery, accompanied by Aryeh Mualem, Defence Ministry head for commemoration of fallen soldiers earlier on Monday. Both met Tami Shelach, IDF Widows and Orphans Organisation chair. All public transport was stopped from late Tuesday afternoon. Israelis could walk 100 meters from their homes to buy medications, food and essential services within municipal boundaries. Supermarkets were closed until last night when the lockdown was lifted. Numerous commemorations took place remotely due to restrictions including a ceremony from Yad La-Shiryon Museum in Latrun broadcast live on Masa Israel Journey Facebook page. Another saw the largest English service held in Israel for Jewish communities around the world. President Rivlin, Head of the Jewish Agency Yitzhak Herzog and Minister for Diaspora Affairs Tzipi Hotoveli participated. Almost 200,000 people watched a controversial Israeli-Palestinian ceremony live-streamed from Tel Aviv and Ramallah. The ceremony, established in 2006, calls for peace and reconciliation. Many Israelis see it as legitimising terror and equating Israel’s fallen soldiers to terrorists. Backers state it turns away from violence. UN Special Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov addressed the ceremony. “What we really need to see is Palestinians and Israelis coming together, not just to fight the virus, but to fight for peace,” he said. A transition ceremony to Israel’s 72nd Independence Day was held at Mount Herzl on Tuesday night. Festivities were due to end with the Israel Prize award ceremony last night.
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Israel celebrates 72nd Independence Day BY ADAM MOSES Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looked ahead to the day when Israelis can again celebrate in public during improvised Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations. A traditional torch-lighting ceremony took place at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl to mark the country’s 72st Independence Day on Tuesday night. But with a nationwide lockdown in force as Israel battles the coronavirus pandemic the show included pre-recorded speeches. No audience was present as Netanyahu’s message was screened. “A day will come and embraces will come back into our lives, but we are not there yet because the epidemic is still here and the directives must be observed.” Benny Gantz lit the first of the 12 torches symbolising the Twelve Tribes of Israel. “We’ve been dealing with hard times and we must prepare for even harder ones,” he said. “Now, we face an enemy we do not know. An enemy that does not differentiate among Jews, Arabs, Druze, Circassians,
Charedi, religious, secular, right or left-wing.” Prof. Galia Rahav-Rakover, head of infectious diseases at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, also lit a candle. “I carry this torch in honour of my colleagues and friends, doctors, lab workers, medical researchers and all the support staff of the Israeli health system who over the recent weeks have been on the front line in the fight against the coronavirus,” she said. Entertainment was provided by musicians Idan Raichel, Noa Kirel, Eden Hasson, Shiri Maimon and Itay Levy. Israelis were encouraged to continue celebrations at home and on balconies as street parties, live shows and firework displays were banned across the country. A number of municipalities made this possible by organising mobile stages playing music through empty streets.
President Reuven Rivlin addressed Israelis earlier, calling on them not to lose a sense to “togetherness” in the current crisis. “At every stage, in those joyful and festive days of independence, and in the harder and sadder times, we always had an Israeli “togetherness,’” he said. “We grieved together and we celebrated together. Today, on Yom Haatzmaut, in the shadow of the disease and its victims, and the economic crisis, we must not give up on our ‘togetherness.’” Praising Israel for continually being able to develop, renew and dream since its foundation, Rivlin said Israel was “a wonder and a miracle”. “We created advanced industry, we established wonderful and innovative agriculture that the whole world looks to,” he explained. “We have created a rich and diverse culture and become a country
Rivlin encouraged Israelis to help get the economy back on track.
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with a world-class reputation in development and invention, entrepreneurship and technology, medicine, research and science.” Looking forward, Rivlin encouraged Israelis to help get the economy back on track. “It is the Israeli spirit that helps us grow from the crises we face, to grow time and again, stronger than ever.” Police set up checkpoints across the country ahead of the lockdown which ended on Thursday morning. Public transportation was stopped.
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Peretz joins Bibi and Benny’s unity government BY NATALIE ASH
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Israel’s government has been strengthened by the Labor Party joining the unity coalition. Labor leader Amir Peretz won 64.2 per cent support in an online vote last Sunday. The move was criticised in some quarters following campaign promises never to sit with a Prime Minister facing criminal charges. Ignoring the controversy, Peretz revelled in the triumph. “We won sweeping backing from party members to change the government’s agenda and economic policy to a democratic socialist one,” he exclaimed to supporters. “We are not joining a right-wing government. We are joining an egalitarian unity government with a rotating premiership. Our strategic cooperation with Benny Gantz will return Labor to its place as a leading and influential political movement.” Peretz agreed a deal with Gantz for Labour to join the government. Gantz praised Peretz for demonstrating national responsibility as Israel battled the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the agreement, Peretz will serve as Economy and Industry minister, Yitzhak Shmuli will serve as Welfare and Social Services minister. Peretz will also be a member of a socio-economic cabinet and Labour will be represented on the Ministerial
Amir Peretz
committee dealing with the coronavirus crisis and national reconciliation cabinet. Labour MK Merav Michaeli refused to join the government. Describing the deal as “an embarrassing collection of lies and distortions”, Michaeli accused Peretz and Shmuli of performing the “worst act of political theft” and stealing votes of Israelis who elected them. Michaeli added in a video statement, “Voters will retaliate against us for this disgrace, and the glorious Labor party of (David) Ben Gurion and (Yitzchak) Rabin will simply be erased.” Some 3,800 Labor members voted electronically.
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Israel’s West Bank annexation hopes BY SIMCHA ABIR Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expects Israel to apply sovereignty over West Bank settlements and the Jordan Valley in the coming months. The U.S. State Department has given the green light but Israel must adhere to conditions in President Donald Trump’s ‘deal of the century’. The prospect of annexation is controversial but Netanyahu remains steadfast. “For decades I have been fighting those who sought to deny the millennial connection of the Jewish people to our homeland” he said. “I’m proud to say that the decades-long struggle has borne fruit.” Netanyahu added, “A couple of months from now, I’m confident that pledge will be honoured. We will be able to celebrate another historic moment in the history of Zionism.” While Trump’s peace plan recognises Israel’s rights to sovereignty the Palestinians would have a demilitarised State backed by U.S. investment. Israel’s national unity government deal enables Netanyahu to push for annexation
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by July 1. House and Foreign Affairs and Defence committees cannot delay the process but ratification is not straight forward as Blue & White leader Gantz ensured a clause as part of the coalition insists both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister must act in accordance with the US. Security and strategic interests of Israel must be upheld, new roadmaps have to be agreed aside from consultation with international opinion. U.S. State Department backing though eases the road forward for Netanyahu. “As we have made consistently clear, we are prepared to recognise Israeli actions to extend Israeli sovereignty and the application of Israeli law to areas of the Judea and Samaria that the vision foresees as being part of the State of Israel,” said a spokesperson, who added that recognition depended on Israel holding talks with the Palestinians. “Annexation would be in the context of an offer to the Palestinians to achieve
statehood based upon specific terms, conditions, territorial dimensions, and generous economic support,” the spokesperson noted. Trump’s Middle East plan allows Israel to retain control of Jerusalem as an “undivided capital”. Britain and the European Union both voiced concern over annexation plans at last week’s UN Security Council briefing on the Middle East peace process. “The European Union reiterates any annexation would constitute a serious violation of international law,” noted Joseph Borrell, Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Germany duly advised against annexation of occupied Palestinian territories while France warned that Israel’s annexation would not pass unchallenged. There was also concern from UN Special Coordinator Nikolay Mladenov who said Israeli annexation could threaten efforts to advance regional peace. The Arab League, who are intent on derailing Israel’s plans, organised a virtual conference this week. Arab League chief Ahmed Ahmed Aboul warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that Israel is “igniting tension in the region.” Arab States believe the plan would end any hopes of a stable two-state solution in the region.
Arab states reject the plan as it would end hopes of a two-state solution.
Israel tops 9 million citizens Israel’s population has reached 9.2 million. Data was released by the Central Bureau of Statistics ahead of Israel’s 72nd Independence Day. Israel’s population grew by 171,000 people in the last year. Figures show that 6.8 million (74%) are Jewish, 1.9 million (21%) are Arabs. Statistics include 164,000 foreign workers. It is forecast the population will reach 11.1 million in a decade. CBS forecasts a population of 15.2 million by Israel’s centenary in 2048. Among the population, 78% are Israeli-born, 3.3 million people have immigrated. There are 36.1% under 19 years of age, 31.6% aged 20-49, 25.1% over 50 and 0.6% over 90. In the past year, 180,000 babies were born, 44,000 people died and 32,000 people made aliyah. Since Israel was founded, 3.3 million people have made aliyah. Israel’s population was 806,000 in 1948.
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Israeli businesses and schools slowly reopen BY DAVID SAFFER As small businesses in Israel begin to reopen this week welcome news followed that the number of patients recovering from coronavirus exceeds new cases. The ongoing battle against the pandemic has seen 219 fatalities as of Thursday morning and Health Ministry data showed 8,412 patients have recovered of 15,870 confirmed cases. The government agreed to ease restrictions on businesses on Saturday night though a temporary nationwide lockdown was in place during Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. Hairdressers and beauty parlours proved particularly popular with Israelis after being shut for almost two months. There were however protests in areas including Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda Market as business owners clashed with police on Sunday over the market’s continued closure. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said the ruling would strengthen the resolve of merchants to open. Away from businesses the government backed an Education Ministry proposal for children up to the age of nine to return to school. Older pupils will continue studies remotely. As of Sunday, a maximum of 15 pupils is permissible with social distancing and hygiene rules in place. There is also a mix of school and remote learning. Groups of children are limited in playgrounds to avoid mass gatherings. A number of schools have put in place
partitions to separate each child in a classroom. Nurseries have also been allowed to resume with 60% capacity, children attending day cares are able to attend on alternate days during the week. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu welcomed the move but stressed Health Ministry guidelines are subject to a weekly review. Netanyahu also approved a “capsule plan” to re-open Israeli yeshivahs. The proposal was agreed in a virtual meeting with the National Security Council, Health Ministry, Education Ministry and Vaad Hayeshivos on Tuesday. Students will be divided into “capsules” with groups of 26 living on a floor at the yeshivah. They will not be allowed to leave the area. Access from one ‘capsule’ to another will not be allowed. A mini synagogue and dining room will be on each floor. Food will be distributed in wrapped trays. Students must remain in a capsule for 11 days. No contact with other students in capsules is allowed. Capsules will then integrate into the main yeshivah. The plan applies to large yeshivah’s with space to implement the plan. Another plan is being set up for smaller yeshivah’s. Officials from the NSC, Health Ministry, Education Ministry and Vaad Hayeshivos will track the re-opening in real-time to offer solutions to issues in a special ‘command centre’. The decision was given the go ahead as it will help reduce population in crowded cities and towns.
Discussions about reopening shopping centres has also been ongoing. A Ministry of Intelligence Services report for the retail market has been passed to the National Economic Council regarding reopening retail outlets under restrictions possibly by May 3. Restaurants and places of entertainment however will remain closed. The report, which centred on Tel Aviv, predicts a 1.5-5% rise in infections but it would not result in a significant increase in the rate of infection as most shoppers are not in high-risk categories. Shopping centres in areas with high mortality rates will remain closed. Economy Minister Eli Cohen confirmed safety guidelines would be required. “I estimate that if there is no deterioration in morbidity rates,” he explained as were defined entrances and exits. Cohen added, “We can do temperature tests, require visitors to wear gloves and masks and use an app to monitor customers to know if a sick or a quarantined person visited the area.” The report noted Jerusalem and Bnei Brak have the highest rate of coronavirus rates. Beit Shemesh, Modi’in Illit and the Bedouin town of Hura were next on the list. Of 10 cities with highest infection rates
seven are Arab, the rest are Jewish. The High Court meantime has halted tracking of cell phones of coronavirus patients by Shin Bet as it requires specific legislation as of this Thursday. Should legal proceedings begin the security operation can resume for a limited period. “We must keep watch so that the unusual events we are dealing with these days do not lead us down a slippery slope where such unusual invasive measures are used without justification,” noted Chief Justice Esther Hayut. The High Court also restricted Shin Bet surveillance of journalists to preserve confidentiality. “On the importance of journalistic freedom in a democratic country there is no need to mince words, adhering to this principle is of paramount importance in the days of a national crisis of the kind we are currently experiencing,” noted Hayut. Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz however criticised the High Court ruling as “excessive and unnecessary intervention.” “As head of the ministerial team that examined the Shin Bet involvement in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic, I say that its work has made a decisive contribution to reining in the epidemic and our ability to gradually lift the closure.”
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu welcomed the move but stressed Health Ministry guidelines are subject to a weekly review.
WJC holds virtual Independence Day celebration El Al cargo flight contract BY HOWARD LAWRENCE
World Jewish Congress partnered Jewish organisations in Brussels for a virtual Israel’s Independence Day celebration. The program featured an address from Israel’s Ambassador to the European Union and NATO, Aharon Leshno-Yaar together with a ‘Make your own cocktail’ event led by Israeli Chef Joseph Hadad and concert led by Yaniv Hoffman who performed well known songs by Israeli artists. WJC Vice Presidents Maram Stern and Yohan Benizri gave addesses. B’nai B’rith International, B’nai B’rith Europe, Israeli Mission to the European Union, European Jewish Congress, European Union of Jewish Students and ELNET helped coordinated the event. WJC President Ronald S. Lauder sent global congratulations to Israel President Reuven Rivlin. “The State of Israel and our Jewish communities are demonstrating exceptional fortitude and cohesion in the face of the pandemic,” noted Lauder in the letter. “Our difficult hour is also our finest. At a time when darkness seems to be descending upon the world, together we are lighting the candles of dedication, determination, and
love. Now we must also raise our eyes and look toward tomorrow. As the pandemic begins to abate with the resulting devastation plain for all to see we must understand its implications for the near and far future.” Lauder added, “Never before has the challenge of Jewish solidarity been greater. More than ever, it is clear just how dependent we are on one another. It is doubly clear that we
must overcome that which divides us, rediscover what unites us, and above all, support one another.” Lauder concluded, “We must act now to foster the Jewish spirit of enlightened, generous, humanistic, and democratic nationhood. And we must vow, as a unified extended family, confront all that still lies ahead with courage and determination.”
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El Al is running daily cargo flights between China and Israel during the coming six months. Flights drop off and collect from European locations including the UK, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. With passenger flights decimated in the current Covid-19 the new routes are welcome to the under-pressure carrier. Cargo flights were under 50% of El Al operations before the pandemic but that has changed dramatically with a from German company Kuehne + Nagel International. El Al have converted passenger jets for the proposed flights. “This project allows El Al to open regular cargo flight for imports from Europe on a daily basis from London, Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Zurich,” explained El Al Cargo Director Ronen Shapira. “Adding the flights represents a major addition in capacity for importing from Europe and this will let Israeli industry and importers get businesses back on track as the Israeli economy returns to work.” Negotiations are ongoing regarding a $350 million loan to El Al by the Finance Ministry.
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Germany bans Hezbollah
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BY DAVID SAFFER Germany has officially classified Hezbollah a terrorist organisation. The extremist group is banned from carrying out all activities in the country. Police raided four mosques after the ban was announced this morning in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bremen and Berlin along with the homes of each associations’ leaders due to suspected ties with Hezbollah. It is estimated around 1,000 people have links to the terror group. Hezbollah symbols can no longer be displayed in print, audio or by visual material. An Interior Ministry press release noted, “The organisation is fundamentally against the concept of international understanding, regardless of whether it presents itself as a political, social or military structure. It’s violent denial of the right to exist of the state of Israel also fundamentally opposes Germany’s national ethos.” Israel and the United States have pressed Germany to make the landmark move. Political leaders welcomed the decision. “It is a very important decision and a valuable and significant step in the global fight against terrorism,” said Foreign Minister Israel Katz. “I call on other European countries as well as the European Union to do the same.”
Israel Katz
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
Katz added, “All the parts of Hezbollah, including the social, political and military wings are terror organisations and they should be treated as such.” “This is a welcome, much-anticipated and significant German decision,” added David Harris, American Jewish Committee. Germany had distinguished between Hezbollah’s political and military arms. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s parliament backed a motion calling for the government to ban all Hezbollah activities last December. Britain classified Hezbollah a terror organisation last year. Canada, the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab League have also taken a similar stance against the group.
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Dear Editor, I agree with the comments headed, “STARMER,” under the item, “From the editor’s desk,” in last week’s edition (THE JEWISH WEEKLY, 23 APRIL). Like many Jewish (and non-Jewish) people, what a relief it was for me that Jeremy Corbyn resigned as the Labour Party leader last December. His few words issued dealing with the scourge of anti-Semitism in the Party; lacked any conviction, the potential for being acted upon and, failed completely to meet the criteria set out by Jewish organisations for there to be any rapprochement between the British Jewish community and Labour. I have belief in Sir Keir Starmer that his words are sincere, and intentions towards rebuilding this broken political relationship where they should be – a priority. Yes, it will take much hard work, and considerable time to even scratch the surface of ridding Labour of its deep-rooted, anti-Semitic bent of recent years, but he has made an encouraging start – Jeremy Corbyn never got started on this at all. Yours faithfully J D Milaric
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12 COMMUNITY
Emunah hosts lockdown quiz night
Emunah quiz committee on zoom
Imperial College may have won the University Challenge crown this year with their star player Brandon Blackwell, but on Sunday night the Son team were the winners in the British Emunah Consolation in your Isolation On-line Zoom Quiz. The Son family conferred with three other households in their team to beat one hundred other households taking part. All participants had to submit their answers by email within five minutes of quizmaster Camille Compton posing questions on Art, Music, History and other general knowledge topics.
It was a hugely enjoyable evening, with a break in the middle for everyone to chat on zoom to their friends, and watch a short video updating them on the current situation in the Emunah children’s homes in Israel during the corona pandemic. The markers and committee members were Michelle Stern, Mindy Wiesenberg, Laura Sint, Co-Vice Chair Sara Greenfield, Events Administrator Alison Cohen and Co-Vice Chair and Director Sharon Dewinter. All money raised from the evening will go towards Emunah’s projects.
Camp Simcha’s 2.6 challenge Camp Simcha’s trustees, staff and supporters rose to the #twopointsixchallenge in numerous and inventive ways on Sunday. The charity’s presidents Jonathan and Sharon Goldstein, honorary guardians Philippe and Deborah Katz, founders Meir and Rachely Plancey, together with its board of trustees completed a team marathon. Meanwhile staff and other Camp Simcha supporters baked 260 biscuits for the NHS, ironed for 26 minutes, did 26 chores, read 26 books, did 26 activities, ran, dog-walked, back-flipped, did keepie-uppies, cycled, planked and organised a marathon 26-person baby shark dance. In addition Camp Simcha volunteer ‘Big Brother’ Dovi Hammond who had been due to run the marathon this year for the charity, ran his own solo marathon to raise funds. The 2.6 Challenge was created to help charities recoup some of the income lost as a result of cancelled challenges and
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2.6 challenges by Jewish Care supporters for Jewish care homes Members of the community from 2 to 96 took on 2.6 challenges on the day that the Virgin Money London Marathon should have taken place, in order to raise funds for Jewish Care, The Fed and Nightingale Hammerson, as part of the Jewish Homes Emergency Appeal. Ruth Brook, 96, has taken on a 6-day challenge to walk 2km. Families the Woolf and Falk families took on obstacle courses with 3 years old Samuel Kossoff taking on the playing of 26 musical instruments in a row. There were 26 exercise challenges from the Marks family, 260 burpees with a 10k vest by Raphi Bloom the Director of Fundraising at The Fed, 26 2.6 minutes of planks by Natasha Zack and 26 t-shirt Lisa Martin and 26 skirt challenges taken on to help support those working hard every day for the older members of our community. Sunday 26 April was the first day of Ruth’s walk yesterday, she says “I’m walking 10k over 5 days to save lives for Jewish Care because I want to contribute to this great charity.” “Her fundraising page says “I am 96 and at my stage in life it’s still important to make a contribution. I know how desperately urgent it is for the care staff in residential homes to have Personal Protective Equipment to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to protect the residents and staff. Helping to prevent the spread of the virus also means fewer people will be taken to hospital and therefore decrease the pressure on the NHS. Your donation will go a long way to making a huge difference. Thank you.”” Adam Overlander-Kaye, Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement, took on his own challenge with his family by completing a 2.6k run/ bike and 26 minutes of TikTok, said, “What was amazing about the 2.6 challenge is the way that the whole community did all sorts of things; some fun and some incredibly tough, to challenge themselves to raise money for the care homes and the
96 year old Ruth’s 2km 6-day challenge
Lisa Martin 26 Tshirt Challenge
magnificent work carers are doing to look after the most vulnerable members of our community.” You can still donate to the 2.6 challenges and the link to Ruth Brook’s fundraising page is shorturl.at/cqyOS
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DOV NEWMARK: Meir and Rachely Plancey, Camp Simcha founders
sponsored events. Camp Simcha’s group effort has so far raised nearly £18,000 for the charity’s work supporting families with seriously ill children.
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dov@nbn.org.il www.nbn.org.il 0800-075-7200 WORKING IN COOPERATION TO BUILD A STRONGER ISRAEL THROUGH ALIYAH
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With English Mushrooms With Straw Mushrooms With Chinese Mushrooms With Seasonal Greens With Asparagus With Lemon Smoked & Shredded With Baby Sweetcorn Sweet and Sour Kaifeng Style Sweet and Sour Hong Kong Style Special Fried With Cashew Nuts in Yellow Bean Sauce Sliced with Black Bean Sauce & Green Pepper Sliced Mango Chicken Sliced Chicken with Chinese Leaves Char Siu Chicken Pineapple Chicken Peking Style Honey Chicken Chicken & Almonds in Yellow Bean Sauce Chicken & Broccoli Kaifeng Chicken with Lemongrass Sweet Chilli Chicken Chicken with Aubergine
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2.6 challenge supporting Chai across all generations Chai Cancer Care was one of the many charities who took part in the 2.6 Challenge, raising much needed funds lost due to the cancellation of the London Marathon on the 26th April. Raising over £10,000 and still counting, many took part, sharing their messages of support on social media. There was a huge variety of creative, exciting, and exhausting challenges on the day. 1. 26 exercises, 26 times on the 26th April Alissa and Richard Freeman challenged themselves to 26 different exercises repeated 26 times on the 26th April. Including 26 reps of deadlifts, press ups, the dreaded burpees and more, it was a heavy workout, but one they were determined to complete in Richard and Alissa Freeman aid of a charity very close to their hearts. was suddenly diagnosed with Chronic Only 8 months ago the Freemans lives Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). The devaswere tuned upside down when Richard tating news came just a week before their
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son was born, a time that should have been simply pure excitement and joy. The Freemans found tremendous support when reaching out to Chai: “We never imagined that we would need to be on the receiving end of their support at such a young age, but Chai was immediately there for us. They provided incredible help through physiotherapy to help Richard manage his side effects, as well as offers to provide support for our entire family, and have been in touch to check in since the covid-19 measures began.” Sharing their moving story and setting up their 2.6 challenge fundraising page in aid of Chai they over exceeded their target of £260 and have raised £2,435 so far. Sharing video content of their impressive challenge on social media ensured everyone could celebrate their successes with them, even their baby got involved and made an appearance too!
2. Three Generations of Home Heroes-Team Marks Led by ‘Captain’ Barbara, 89, the Marks family came together to complete the ultimate 2.6 challenge in support of Chai. Barbara a loyal supporter of Chai did not hesitate when choosing them as her designated charity to support when she read about the 2.6 challenge on the news. Having always been active she decided to cover 2.6 miles of walking up and down her flat’s corridors and gardens. Deciding this wasn’t enough she roped her whole family in too and in line with social distancing measures created an incredible challenge. Between Barbara, her children, in laws and grandchildren there was 26 cakes baked, 18km cycled, 2.6m walked and 26 minutes of exercise. The 13 of them, completing an outstanding 52 miles, the equivalent of two marathons between them. Most importantly Barbara who lives on her own had the opportunity to unite with her family, collaborating and creating something brilliant and impactful. “I had so much fun! In these difficult times the 2.6 challenge lifted my morale. Although myself and my family never got to see each other, we all connected to support everything that Chai does to support those who need it.”
Mitzvah Day launches interfaith volunteering scheme
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Eight leaders from different religions came together to cook for the vulnerable, via Zoom, and launch the new Every Mitzvah Matters interfaith volunteering scheme. Created by the charity Mitzvah Day, the scheme will see regular online get-togethers by people from all faiths and none, where they will take part in various social action projects designed to help their neighbours and the most vulnerable in their local communities. It is intended to highlight and encourage the small every day acts of heroism that people are doing for each other during this coronavirus crisis.
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The cooking event saw the faith leaders unite online from their own kitchens and chat about the dishes they were cooking, the significance of food in their religions and who the final meals would be going to. The interfaith cooking was hosted by Mitzvah Day’s founder and chair Laura Marks OBE. She said: “The little of acts of kindness we are seeing every day in this crisis are bringing our local communities together in a way I’ve never witnessed before. Our aim is to encourage even more people to take part, and show just how easy it is to be part of Britain’s new army of carers.”
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British Candidate to take part in the World Chidon HaTanach A British candidate has earned a place at the renowned World Chidon Hatanach for Jewish Youth. Batsheva Schwab, a Year 10 student at Hasmonean High School for Girls, will participate in Wednesday night’s virtual event, amongst other finalists from around the world. The annual contest, coinciding with Yom Ha’atzmaut, celebrates the success of 16 teenagers who excelled in their study of the Tanach. This follows an intense qualification process which involves a participant winning their own national programme and subsequently ranking in the top 16 internationally in a written semi-final. The UK contest took place in January and was supported by The Jewish Agency in Israel and Rabbi Eliyahu Silverman from Hasmonean High School and Mizrachi UK shaliach to the UK, whose insights became the foundation of the course’s syllabus. Batsheva was among the three Senior Stream winners of the UK Chidon HaTanach, gaining her place in the final following excelling in the written exam semi-finals. Due to the current climate, the semi-finals took place remotely and were digitally examined and supervised, involving 64 candidates from 29 countries who participated in 14 languages. The final is usually held in Jerusalem and is attended by dignitaries including the Prime Minister the Minister of Education and the Speaker of the Knesset. However, this year the event will take place digitally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of Chidon HaTanach is to promote and celebrate Tanach study amongst
Jewish youth to both deepen Torah knowledge and strengthen Jewish identity. The international programme is jointly sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Education and The Jewish Agency, who also provided Chidon HaTanach UK with informative educational materials for the course. In addition to Batsheva achieving a spot at Wednesday’s acclaimed event, the Senior Stream winners are honoured with a trip to Israel for the two-week International Chidon Bible Camp, the date of which has not yet been confirmed. This will see them join 80 finalists from over 40 other countries, giving these Jewish children an opportunity to witness the places they have studied first-hand. Ahead of the semi-final exam, Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, addressed the participants via zoom: “Throughout the ages, despite tremendous challenges, the Jewish people have always found creative ways in which to continue the tradition and pass the Bible on from generation to generation. The Bible quiz at this time has a very important message that even in times when the Jewish people and all of humanity are facing a challenge that paralyzes the world, the book of books continues its exciting tradition. Personally, it really excites me that the Bible quiz that my mother founded 57 years ago continues at this time and even serves as a virtual bridge that unites Jewish young men and women from around the world.” Rabbi Eliyahu Silverman said “We are all very proud of Batsheva’s achievement. She has worked extremely hard and this is certainly a well-deserved honour.”
COMMUNITY 15
The GIFT of education in lockdown
GIFT education session on Zoom
The GIFT education team worked tirelessly as soon as lockdown was instituted to create a world-class context which was spear-headed by GIFT’s Senior Educator Rabbi Avrohom Zeidman who has created a number of high quality video presentations on a plethora of giving-related issues. The entire GIFT education team have been involved in live online sessions. A number of primary schools have begun using the video content as their informal education sessions. There is an array of free different and engaging activities on the GIFT website - Check out: www.jgift.org/education/online This week, GIFT’s Shira Joseph put together an exciting & inspiring four week course for years 11 - 13, teaching a skill whilst being inspired by people who have overcome personal challenges. Guest speakers tell their story, how they have used their experiences or talents to make a difference in the world.
Speakers include Suzie Simons who has MS and lost her eyesight, yet founded her own charity helping those with sight loss; magician Martin Rees, who entertains children in hospital; Jodeci Joseph, who despite his mental health condition has set up a motivational organisation for youth; and David Akinin who used to work in the city and gave it up to work for a charity in Namibia. The sessions also focus on learning sign language with two qualified instructors, a skill which hopefully the students will build on after the end of the course. Shira Joseph said ‘the point of these classes are to teach students that it really doesn’t take much to make a difference, all you need are your hands and knowledge of how to sign; and with this you can really change lives.” To find out more about GIFT’s services or opportunities, contact info@jgift.org or phone 0208 457 4429.
No Marathon, no sweat for Norwood When the cancellation of the London Marathon was announced, many charities, including Norwood, wondered what they could do to plug the gap in their annual fundraising budget. As things turned out, that decision was taken out of the individual charites’ hands when the organisers of the London Marathon announced the 2.6 Challenge – an opportunity for people to join in however they saw fit, to raise money for a charity of their choice or for a shared pot, that would be distributed later. Team Norwood immediately sprang into action and, astonishingly, the charity has so far matched the about £35k it raised from the London Marathon last year and is hoping to surpass the £40k figure when the shared donations are allocated. It was an unbelievable team effort from the wide Norwood family but some individual 2.6 Challengers simply have to be listed here: • Norwood’s chief executive Beverley Jacobson cycled 26km on a tandem with her daughter Talya (who had already made greetings cards for Norwood staff
Sammy completes his 26 minute walk
and residents as part of the challenge), joining her for 19 of the 26km. • At Ravenswood, residents and staff did a variety of activities from walking round the site 26 times, to bouncing for 26 minutes on a trampoline, to doing 260 keepy-uppys with a football. • Norwood’s chair, Neville Kahn, cycled
Peter, Jon and Julian on their way around Ravenswood 26 times
10 times around a 2.6km circuit. • Norwood’s vice president, Ronnie
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Harris, climbed Primrose Hill 26 times and raised an unbelievable amount of money single-handedly. • Laurence Smith is walking 50 miles every week to raise money for Norwood. Laurence’s son Jeremy lives in Norwood’s Woodcock Dell residence. • Residents of Lyonsdown, Stephanie and Joe, did 26 lengths of their garden in their wheelchairs (with help from Stephanie’s mum, Judith) • Norwood’s new chair of fundraising, Rachael Davis-Stollar, enlisted the help of more than 200 children to undertake a range of “mini Marathons”, which ranged from shooting 26 basketball hoops to giving 26 kisses to drawing 26 monsters. • Sammy, who is supported by Norwood, walked for 26 minutes. • Philip Hertz, a Norwood trustee, did a 26km combined bike and walk. Norwood would like to say a massive thank-you to everyone who took part, had fun and raised such an incredible amount of money.
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From the front line… BY JACQUELINE CURZON I have not been to the theatre in such a long time that I almost forget what it's all about. My last sojourn was to watch the Mariinsky and Bolshoi dancers performing in Ballet Russes & Beyond. We were sitting in smart seats in the dress circle, but the first half danced to an exquisite rendition of Bach Goldberg Variations on solo piano - was marred by chatting and whispering behind us from a whole gaggle of teenagers more anxious to return to teen topics, than to appreciate the esoteric elegance of Baroque ballet. Whispering is indescribably loud in an echoic hall and so at the interval I requested a change of seat. We were then moved to a small box to the left of the stage where we had an up and close view of some truly beautiful ballet with orchestral accompaniment, and my girls were leaning enthusiastically, heads craned out of the box, to watch sheer dancing magic. The prima ballerina saw them at the end and gave them a special wave. What an honour. The reason I mention theatre is that it's often about cloaks, daggers and mystique, and then at the end of the day the curtain comes down, the performers and soloists step forward and take a graceful Reverence, replete with well-deserved applause. At the end of the day what you've seen is Theatre, a way of being transported into some fictional world, away from all the mundane and dreary matters of everyday living. Then you leave, and life cranks quickly back to reality. Now in today's paper I want to lift the curtain, the veil on some of the facade which we are being fed by government, by scientists and by external agencies, on the real and omnipresent topic of coronavirus. We are told that the government was warned back in 2019 that even a mild pandemic could have catastrophic consequences, overwhelm the NHS, and cripple the economy. The 2019 National Security Risk Assessment stated that such a pandemic could lead up to 60,000 deaths and cost us over £2 trillion. It was signed off by Sir Patrick Vallance, chief scientific advisor: The confidential cabinet paper advised Ministers that 'an influenza type pandemic could come in waves, infecting 50% of the population and take years to recover financially.' [Telegraph]. They were spot on, aside thanks goodness from the death toll! More on the science another time. Now a back story of some relevance, told to me by a verified witness on the ground. In autumn 2019 a group of tourists arrived in San Roque, a satellite hamlet of Sotogrande (Spain), which is renowned as an International Polo location. The season was already finishing so the locals were thrilled, if somewhat perplexed, to see this delegation arrive. They consisted of a large contingent from China, although nobody knew exactly why they were there. Once a small run-down polo pitch was swiftly converted into a football pitch, it then transpired that a team were sequestered for training. Now, why were the Chinese sending their premier players from Wuhan out of the country? You think
perhaps they knew something was a-foot…? Further negotiations began, apartments were then purchased for the players and the delegation were told to keep 'themselves to themselves.' Despite China previously reporting low death rates, it would appear that we may have been 'misled' about the fatality rate from Covid 19, which - if UK calculations are correct - would take the true tally up to nearly 400,000. Wow! I extrapolated a similar figure from our national death-toll, then multiplying it across to China's national population of 1.5 billion. This would make sense and roughly equate to the scientist’s current guesstimates. With China further having stockpiled for many months in advance of their 'declaration' the equipment they needed to deal with the epidemic, it was then farcical that they were later selling surplus stock back to us - possibly at a profit - supplies we critically needed for OUR unexpected emergency. Clever tricks and fancy footwork indeed! In my mind this brings a whole new meaning to the expression, 'made in China'. ROC - Reminiscent of Coronavirus. No wonder President Trump is throwing a wobbly with the WHO. Not even a remark about Who -dunnit! We are hearing internationally about massive profiteering, and I'm not just talking about your local chemist selling a bottle of hand sanitiser for £20 (previously £5.99). We're talking about massive amounts of equipment procurement for PPE. NHS leads have likened this to 'being in the Wild West.' We had a consignment due to arrive from Turkey this week with 400,000 surgical gowns. Our first RAF plane sent over for it arrived in the UK with only a fraction of the order. Two more RAF planes were sent to Istanbul and they came back carrying gowns, masks, and gloves, but who knows if it's even all there? One must further ask, 'what's the cost of sending 3 aircraft from the UK to Turkey to collect these?' The inflated costs currently overwhelming our society are apparently in some cases over 800%. Even if we got a discount (which we don't) it would be a bit like shopping in Tesco and coming back with toilet rolls, on special, one roll at a time. The fuel cost surely outweighs any purchase discount. We have factories here in the UK, owned by dressmakers, manufacturers, designers and other step-up individuals. They have offered, or are actively producing face shields, masks, gloves, gowns and some have remarked their offers have not been taken up. I get it if you want to only have regulation blue, but in a deep crisis such as this, most doctors and surgeons would happily wear a union jack flag, as long as it did the job. Moving on to NHS hospital car parking. On my recent sojourn to the Royal Free, aka the Marie Celeste, I spotted parking bays a-plenty, perfect of course if you have your preferential blue badge. For the rest of the world parking is a different and stressful ballgame. On that note, tycoons Ellis Green and Ian Langdon (owners of CP Plus) are planning to furlough their staff and let the Treasury pick up part of their 5.8 million wage bill, and then defer tens of thousands
of pounds in due VAT. Their company has responded to the covid-19 pandemic by offering free parking to NHS staff across its 1000+ car parks. Very noble, but they are still intending to charge the patients and their visitors. That's not cricket! You would think having accrued £16 million from the business, they could afford to upscale their good deeds. Who says there is no money in misery? The president of the Royal College of Surgeons says that physicians are facing an impossible task in deciding whether to operate and has called for more sterile areas to be created. This might be in private hospitals, and be restricted solely for non Covid patients, or they could be in cities with more than one major hospital. Their survey of 15,000 members found nearly 90% of cancer surgeons are limiting the number of procedures they carry out, whilst 50% said their NHS Trust had not established any suitable area for them to perform cancer surgery. From my own experience the cancer surgeons in my unit at the Royal Free are not operating within the hospital complex (as far as I am aware), but in conversation, related they were outsourcing surgery to private hospitals. GP cancer referrals by GPs are down by 75%, representing around 2000 cases each week, which may result in a vastly huger death toll than that from Covid 19. There is no time to sit it out. I won't get to re-run my pancreatic journey if treatment doesn't stop this beast before it wakes up and storms the battlements. I will be forced to watch with horror as it ravages my organs and demolishes my life. It's a lose-lose toss of the coin. If they don't operate or treat the unsuspecting cancer clientele, they could significantly reduce one's chances of cure or limit disease progression. If they go ahead with treatment, it could hypothetically increase your chance of catching Covid-19. So, as I said this last week: - it's a no-brainer. Cancer patients have got enough of a headache without being left in limbo, wondering if they are ever going to receive due care, (chemo, radio, surgery) or if they will instead be heading to meet their maker ahead of schedule. We have numerous purpose-built Nightingales now sitting empty (Birmingham) or under-capacity (London). London has a 4000-bed capacity but has treated 41 patients. Meanwhile I'm told that all outpatient services are cancelled in major hospitals, or in the case of oncology, they have moved chemotherapy to cottage hospitals. Should non-Covid patients and clinics now return to business as usual, subject to sensible preventative measures? Plainly many NHS beds are just sitting empty whilst the administrators are championing their policy for The Emperor's New Bed, and you - Mrs Shapiro - can sit home, sit tight, and hope for a miracle. What is going on!?! I don't undermine the scale of this disaster, but is there a further need for surgeons and physicians to function as porters and non-specialists, whilst their patients sit at home wondering if their hernia will
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Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
strangulate, their heart valves leak like a dodgy tap, or their cancer can enjoy the freedom to travel not afforded to their host? Far too many sick people are evidently staying home, fearful of dying from Covid contamination, rather than properly addressing their serious health conditions. Finally, back to more upbeat news. It's great to see our Captain back at the helm. BoJo has regained his Mojo, so I trust all the kindergarten bickering in the parliamentary Chambers will now cease. No more talk of who should be holding the havdalah candle. Congratulations to Team Johnson on the arrival of their new son. Wish them lots of nachas. Lockdown now very useful for these new parents, in keeping inquisitive well wishers at street length! Additionally, a massive congratulations to the wonderful, and charming Captain Tom Moore who has now reached his 100th birthday and has walked the 100 laps around his garden. Having hoped to raise a few thousand pounds for the NHS, he has captured the hearts of a whole nation and raised more than £28 million. His marathon is not even at an end, as he is intending to do a second set of laps. What a trouper! I hope he will sit down occasionally with a celebratory glass of Johnny Walker, and we in our community will raise a glass of Bartenura in return. I sincerely hope he makes it to a knighthood, and a shake of the gloved hand, or indeed a tapping of the sword, from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. She is likely going to have a bit of a backlog with all the anticipated, but now deferred, summer awards. Captain Moore is incredibly special, a gentleman with a massive heart, showing us that with a little bit of effort each and every one of us can do our bit for charity, and help move mountains. For an additional chance to move a mountain - this one being a medical one, we remind you of my ongoing appeal. Every step, every lap I take, with you by my side will p"G help me beat pancreatic cancer and bring hope to many others struggling with their nemesis. I am still waiting to hear when my next medical chapter can begin. 4 months have lapsed, so we march Into May - month 5. Love Jacqueline x To support Jacqueline through the GoFundMe appeal, please follow this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jacqueline039s-front-line-cancer-battle-fund
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COOKERY 17
Leek & Asparagus Shakshuka Shakshuka, meaning ‘ all mixed up’ in Hebrew is a dish of eggs traditionally poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers and onions; my recipe omits the tomatoes and replaces them with a mix of vibrant green vegetables. Enjoy with crushed matzah for a tasty brunch or vegetarian dinner. Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time 15 minutes plus cooling time
Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients 250g freekeh 1 tablespoon vegetable stock powder ~ 75g baby spinach leaves 100g red cabbage – tough core removed, very finely sliced 1 small eating apple – cored and cut into matchsticks ¼ small red onion – sliced wafer thin 15g walnuts pieces – toasted 75g blackberries Dressing: 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 ½ tablespoons cider vinegar 90ml extra virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3) For the dressing – combine all the ingredients together. 4) Bunch the spinach leaves together on a chopping board and slice Method them finely. 1) Put the freekeh and 1 litre water in a pan together with 1 teaspoon salt 5) When the freekeh is cool, stir in the spinach, cabbage, apple, onion, and 1 tablespoon vegetable stock powder. walnuts and blackberries. 2) Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer covered for 15 minutes or 6) Transfer to a serving bowl. until just tender. 7) Add the dressing, just before serving.
A Grainy Adventure and the Counting of the Omer
BY DENISE PHILLIPS We are now counting the Omer and this is traditionally a time of self-reflection and self-improvement like all aspects of the Jewish religion the Omer has a strong connection with food. In fact the literal meaning of the word ‘omer’ is a measure of grain. In the times of the Temple, until the second day of Passover, when ‘an omer’ of new wheat was offered up in the Temple, it was forbidden to benefit from selling any of the new crop of barley. 49 days of the Omer are then counted until Shavuot. The Omer count begins with barley and ends with wheat; it is a symbolic journey - from unrefined to refined, from the real world to the spiritual. Barley is an unrefined food but can be eaten raw and was often used as animal
fodder in ancient times. Wheat is inedible in its raw state and must be refined and milled in order to be usable for food. Wheat must be manipulated by man, employing his creative abilities to transform it into bread. Today we are spoilt for choice: so many ancient grains have come back into fashion in response to the general move towards healthy eating and the search for good health. Fonio, a newly certified Kosher grain (KLBD) by Aduna, is predicted to be one of the hottest new food trends for 2020. It is an ancient Super-Grain that has been grown in West Africa for 5,000 years. Fonio is a delicious, gluten-free, nutrient-rich, low GI grain from the millet family. It has a light nutty flavour and fluffy couscous like texture. Fonio is rich in iron
and amino acids and a source of zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins B1 (thiamin) and B3 (niacin). It can be cooked in just 3 minutes and used as an alternative to rice, couscous, quinoa or polenta in stir-fries, stews, soups, salads, porridge or as a side dish. But more than that, it provides life-changing income to women farmers in West Africa and restores degraded soils. Other tasty and exciting grains include Freekeh is a green grain made from young durum wheat which is roasted or smoked to remove the shells. It has a rich, nutty and smoky flavour. To cook freekeh bring to the boil with some salted water and simmer for about 15 minutes, just like quinoa. Spelt is one of my favourite grains especially spelt flour. It is wheat free but not gluten free and gives a lighter texture to your recipes and is also much easier to digest than regular flour. I use spelt flour to make bread, pastry and cakes. It has a nutty slightly sweeter flavour than regular flour and has all the nutritional benefits of wholegrain flour. Teff, a popular gluten free grain comes in a variety of colours – red, white and brown. It looks like poppy seeds and is a great substitute for wheat flour in anything from bread, pasta to waffles and pizza. When I was last in Tel Aviv I went to a Kosher Ethiopian restaurant that used teff flour to make ‘injera’, a fermented flat bread with a spongy texture. Delicious.. High-fibre foods like whole grains can significantly improve your digestive
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health, though people with gluten intolerance must avoid wheat, barley, and rye. Others believe that certain grains can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Now is certainly the time to be more experimental and to try different grains. Enjoy your ‘omer’, whether you are counting or eating it!
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E-Commerce Do you also want a slice of the Cake? ashkelon properties
being in
isolation PHOTO: MRSIRAPHOL / FREEPIK
Moshe Dov Strom is a Brand Consultant and CEO of VMAL Ltd – a London based branding, marketing and web development company. He can be reached by email at darren@ vmal.co.uk or on 0208 133 3527
BY MOSHE DOV STROM You are sitting at home at your computer, oblivious to the surroundings of empty Coke cans and last night’s Pizza boxes. The virtual world is open in front of you enticing you to buy those things you wanted to buy before the corona outbreak. With lots of time on your hands you are tempted, but you stop yourself “ no one has spare money to spend right now” That is when your competitors new E-commerce site flashes up on your screen. And you think “ I need an E-commerce site like his...but how?” Depending on your industry the Corona virus is probably affecting your income. Many people are looking for an alternative revenue stream or trying to open up their business to online sales. The process to setting up an online store can be daunting and there are many who start the process but end up just throwing up their hands and doing nothing. There has been a noticeable surge in the shift from retail to E-commerce during the corona outbreak and this is not just a temporary result of isolation. The whole world is getting more used to shopping online because of the epidemic and people are
changing their buying patterns. Even the older generation who previously were not used to shopping online are now joining the ranks of the rest of the population who do a large amount of the weekly and daily purchases online. A new study, commissioned by Detail Online, covering Europe’s three largest E-commerce markets: France, Germany and the UK, shows that the share of consumers that do more than half of their total purchases online has increased by up to 80 percent since the outbreak of the virus. Your starting point should be to seek a reliable web development company with experience in E-Commerce. They should advise you on the necessary points and the rest of this article will help you ascertain if the developers know what they are talking about! For starters set aside a budget for creating the E-Commerce and a separate budget for marketing. An E-commerce website can be relatively cheap to run. Fulfillment and delivery can be via third party so if you already have a physical store it should not be a big leap to sell online. On the flip side there are two things to bear in mind. The first is that you can’t set up an online store and hope for the orders to flood in. You need to market your web store as much as you would market a physical store. In a way, a web store needs a more marketing because it is hidden away in cyberspace with no passing trade like a physical store would have. Some marketing methods that have proven to be successful to market E-commerce stores are PPC
- Google’s pay per click advertising, Social media and Influencer marketing. The marketing has be conceived with a plan and strategy that will depend on the age gender, type of product and many other factors. The second thing to bear in mind is that customer experience will determine if the customer follows through the buying process till the end. The customer experience is the brand style of your online store and the “ease of use”, that will allow the customer journey on your site to be a pleasurable one. Remember, that your best customers will be repeat customers so besides for a good shopping experience, follow up with email offers to keep in touch with the buyer once they have left the store. The more technical aspects that you have to consider is choosing the right platform for your online store. A platform is the E-commerce software that is used, the main ones being Magento, Shopify and Woocommerce. You will also need to process payments via a Payment service provider such as Paypal, Sagepay or Worldpay and the commission per sale on each will differ. Lastly the photos and the description of your products will make the greatest difference to the users buying decisions, so make sure the photos are professionally shot and use a copywriter to make sure the products are described in a way that will create an impression on the buyer. Listing special offers and discounts on the homepage is a must, as it will help keep the user from leaving your site and going elsewhere. Best of luck, and looking forward to visiting your new online store soon!
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ASK THE RABBI
Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com WHY CAN’T I SAY A ZOOM KADDISH?
Dear Rabbi I am appreciative of all the online opportunities that are out there and I have been joining my Rabbi daily for a virtual service. My frustration is that I am in my year after the loss of my father. I very much want to say kaddish but my Rabbi says it is not an option. If ten of us men are assembled online why can’t I say kaddish? Rick Dear Rick I appreciate the challenge and the difficulty that people feel in being unable to say kaddish. Anyone who has ever had to say kaddish can appreciate the sense of deprivation if you will, by not being able to say kaddish for a loved one. Let alone those who have started out in this situation in the first instance, losing a loved one, and have never had the opportunity to say it properly altogether. First, let me explain the spiritual reality. When you have ten different people – builders gathered together, they take their cement and their bricks and they construct whatever it is that they are building. Now imagine these same ten builders are in quarantine. Each is on zoom with their own brick and their own cement. As much as they want they cannot build. The virtual reality doesn’t compensate for the physical reality. Why do we have shuls – Synagogues? Once upon a time we had a Temple and there was an incredible Divine energy therein – a manifestation of G-dliness. In the absence of the Temple, the ancient Rabbis, men of unique spiritual stature introduced the
prayer service and within that they introduced the kaddish prayer as well. They indicated that certain prayers require a particular physical dynamic in order to achieve the spiritual energy if you will, generated through this prayer. A minyan – 10 within immediate physical proximity of one another can achieve this. Their combined physical presence enables them to construct this spiritual dynamic. And as in the physical so too in the spiritual – the virtual reality cannot compensate for the physical. Kaddish is an incredibly holy prayer. The famous middle line – Yehay shemay raba etc. is made up of 7 words and 28 letters. So is the first verse of the Torah discussing creation. So is the first verse of the Ten Commandments introducing the Torah. Thus the Kaddish links the most fundamental components of Judaism all together – creation – revelation - and thereby gives immense comfort and elevation to the soul of a loved one. But it has to function within a designed formula in order to achieve that objective. So whereas one may argue – emotionally – that they want to recite it on their own – or through a virtual minyan – I get it. It’ll placate you - but insofar as the formula is concerned – what the kaddish is intended to achieve for the benefit of a loved one – that won’t happen. But this brings me to my second point. Like your synagogue, since we went into lockdown one of the myriad things we are doing in Mill Hill shul is assembling together on ZOOM and praying together. In fact, typical of Jews – we have not one but two morning
Tehillim Psalm 139 Nothing is hidden from Hashem. Not even our thoughts. King David expresses this so eloquently, “Hashem, You have scrutinised me and You know”. Hashem knows about how (and when!) I get up and lie down, where I travel and all my conduct. King David continues, “Where can I run from Your spirit?… If I go up to heaven there You are and if I descend to the lowest depths You are there.” Wherever King David imagined going – up to the sky (as was common practice for so many who frequently travel abroad) or deep into the oceans, he knew that G-d would be there. Besides the awe that this inspires, it is also tremendously comforting. “Your hand will guide me and You grasp me with Your right hand”. Hashem knew our future when we were still in the mother’s womb. The wisdom in creation inspires such awe in all who honestly investigate the wonders of the universe as King David says, “Were I
services – no joke. Even in our virtual world everyone needs a service they don’t go to! For the past many weeks, when we get to those parts when Kaddish would normally be recited, I ask everyone who would require kaddish, to take a minute – what we call “Kaddish meditation” – to think about their loved ones. There is a dignified silence and it is very meaningful. In addition, at the end of the morning service and again in the evening, a Mishna is studied in the merit of all those who would otherwise have kaddish recited for them. The Hebrew names are read out and then the Mishna learnt. Mishna has the same words as Neshama meaning soul and this study also gives unique joy and elevation if you will to those souls. This has provided immense comfort for the mourners. I have recently shared this with a number of other Rabbis who are implementing the same. So it should be less about what works for the mourner – and again, I fully appreciate where one is coming from – and more about what works for the loved one. As a final point, I would ask that you consider this: It is not the case that we are being denied doing something. It is the case that we are not required to do those things. I have said this before and I believe it absolutely, there are many currently who are unable to have a tahara – the special purification ritual prior to being laid to rest. One young man, whose mother was in the chevra kaddisha, performing this tahara process on so many for so many years – was distraught on account of his own mother not being able
to have a tahara. And as I said to him – it’s not that your mother can’t have a tahara. If circumstances have dictated this – then your mother is a special soul – she doesn’t require a tahara. It’s not that you cannot say kaddish for your loved one. It’s that, at the moment, the alternatives are all that is required and necessary to give their special souls the special elevation and nachat they require. Wishing you and others comfort and a long life.
A UNITY TORAH
Dear Rabbi There is this “unity Sefer Torah” that I have heard various people speak about. Can you enlighten what it is all about and what it has to do with the current pandemic? Isabelle Dear Isabelle Our Sages tell us very categorically that the reason for the destruction of the Second Temple was on account of baseless hatred - people consciously choosing to isolate one another. 2000 years of exile I think it is fair to say that we have redressed much of that balance. Sure there’s a farible here and a broiges there. But by and large we tend to be getting along with one another. Comes along the evil inclination in the guise of COVID-19 and seeks to force that isolation upon us. To separate parents from children, friends from one another – even as we are no longer looking to isolate others, we are now being forced to self-isolate. But he’s losing. He’s losing because we are connecting in ways like never before. For twenty years we have been preparing for this with the advancement of technology. People are reaching out to one another, helping
to count the main ideas of Yours, they would be more numerous than the sand! (Think of the 7 octillion atoms in your body – that’s 7 billion billion billion – oh! How ahead of his time was the author of Tehillim!) King David then asserts that having expressed how clear he is of G-d presence, he will not hesitate to stand up to the wicked, showing hatred for those who hate G-d, leading others astray and closes by saying, “Test me and you will know my thoughts, (how genuine I am), and that no hint of rebellion is within me”. Unfortunately Kind David’s request for a test may have been inappropriate but that is a subject of Talmudic discussion. Amen.
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one another in ways previously unimaginable. But there is something else, something so incredibly powerful that we can all do as well. UnitedforProtection.com was set up to include as many people as possible in the writing of a Torah scroll. We are called “Am Yisroel” and the word Yisroel is an acronym for yesh shishim ribu oisiyois laTorah meaning “There are 600,000 letters in a Torah scroll.” By definition, a Torah scroll has a compelling unifying ability – it brings people together in one common spiritual cause. This is needed now more than ever. Historically there is precedent for the writing of a Torah that has helped in a pandemic. It costs a mere 2 dollars, or nothing at all if you so choose – to purchase a letter for each of your loved ones. It helps unite you with thousands of others who are doing the same from across the Jewish world. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. In fact since you raise it, I would encourage everyone to join in this beautiful campaign – go to UnitedforProection.com today. We can all do with the added unity and all the blessings it can bring.
Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.
This Tehillim is a refuah sheleima for Shmuel Yosef ben Faiga Chaya
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בס״ד
JUDAISM 21
ing for him to go straight to university (not just any university – he excelled in his studies and was accepted to LSE!). Deferring LSE for a year was not really done. The likelihood was that if he did they would not accept him again, nevertheless the need for truth, clarity and purpose led my brother to one of the best Yeshivot in the world - Kol Torah. At the time his Rosh Yeshiva was Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Aurbach Z’l. LONDON’S LEADING PLATFORM FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS After a year of intense Jewish Study my father wanted him back. Of course, my brother wasn’t contempt Parsha sheet is sponsored Lirfuat Rav Yona Ben Chava Betoch Shaar Cholei Yisrael with one year and asked to stay for a second year. It was already a miracle that LSE accepted him after a year’s deferral would they now accept him if he th RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL defers again? bornIyarin7tha5780 simple home in The Rabbi, who wasThe born Rabbi, in a simplewho home was in My father was concerned, until he received a phone SHABBAT BEGINS: 8:09 PMwas Jerusalem and beganJerusalem his career in Bat Yam,began was and his career in Bat Yam, call from Rabbi Bakshi Doron He was a Rabbi, a teacher, andknown a father to many contempt one his tradition. HeZ’l. is in Yeshiva now c the year past fewand years the Rabbi to wasstay unwell for and a for promoting dialogue between faiths, withOver SHABBAT ENDS: 9:19 asked PM The Rabbi asked my father for a favour. The converpassedbetween away due to faiths, the coronavirus. 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After aempire year intense Study my-2003, has potential, so much character traits, andfather his and accepting of“He all people passion and the devotion toof Judaism and G-dJewish and Israel See my Facebook page for more from 1993 was the leader of the so much Spiritual growth is working on area ... hearts. any particular sector; his ’s Only a few people went from his school, and they Kid without the use Q&A & STORY P4were This humanity. man wanted started investing human Of resources “Benin in Ramat Shlomo and “Dabeiyet he really out. Av” e ■ Shabbat Shalom himof inback. course,institutions my stood brother wasn’t passion, has been lost, stolen away from im RABBI ALAN GARBER T from the “more families.the This “Yeshiva idea” big heartreligious” contained many years beforeabout the advent of internet, and was Eliyahu” in the Beit Dagan area of Jerusalem. I ammedia? talking Rabbi Bakshi Doron Z’l. social Shabbat Shalom. was news to our parents, who at the time were push-
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RABBIman ALAN GARBER This started - SHENLEY UNITED JEWISH COMMUNITY
HILLEL THE ELDER
"The Rabbi was a man of investing in human theweareas that working we find the most re rather holy and aspiring plains that the beginning of the sedra contains being the the 10 commandments and thereforeto it is holiness appropri- time that are specifically on our spiritual andtogiving who resources many years main body of the Torah and therefore it was fitting for atekindness that it was taught the entire assembly. growth. We study and internalise the teachings of the applies are to everyone. toofput ourour-efforts 1 to it to betotaught directly to the entiretopeople. restatesoftheIsrael 5th commandment Ethics is of where our Fatherswe withhave the goal making worked bringThere the heartsWhen of the thesedra people before the advent of internet, and was able keep several explanations as to what the “main body of To- honour our parents there some significant changes. selves a fitting vessel to receive the Torah on the inHALACHOT P closer together," all his followers. Our sedra says teaches “Each person, his mother and credible festival of Shavuot. rah” refers to;
Guidelines for One Who Forgets to Coun
The Alshich (1508–1593, Safed) explains the father, he shall fear” (Leviticus 19:3). Under the current “Covid-19 lockdown crisis” How? It’s something that sometimes goes Heiswas an important linkto inRashi the chain ofhere thethetradition According Rabbi Akiva, the command Omer RABBI MANSOUR We are inthe.../ the middle of the term “you shall be holy” an overall imperative to cites that Torah states mother be- toHashem isthe showing 7 billion of ELI Humanity what isperiod overlooked. every person and that of Judaism does not subscribe to fore father because a child usually fears his father important in life. It is a life dedicated to Torah, Avodah Torah in“love the Jewish nation. His vast knowledge your neighbour as yourself”, that also the between the idea that only certain people are obligated to live more than his mother. In the actual 10 command- (prayer) and Omer, acts of kindness (Avot 1:2)Pesach that is our and of the sources of learning, along with his unique The personal touch, the care, the understanding, the oftells theus tosedra (Vayikra a spiritually elevated life, rather being appears holy and aspir-at the mentsbeginning however, the Torah honour our father goal and what keeps the world going, rather than the A BURST OF LIFE is during this time that we are ing toG-d holiness to everyone. traits, and hisfirstaccepting and then our mother, aspeople the natural tendency is running after the transitory pleasures of life. of all passion and the devotion to Judaism and andappliescharacter 19:18) the main teaching offather. theThisTorah s working According to Rabbi Akiva, the command to “loveis to honour our mother first before our isK a id’May Hashem us toour turn this time of “crisis” Our sedra opens by stressing that the teachings of spiritual growth. Q&Abless &on STORY P humanity. really stood out. appearssimilarly at the wonderful for ustaught in our spiritual intoea time of personal growth and through this may Kedoshim were specifically taught to the “entire as- your neighbour as yourself”, that also and hadlesson to be to development. the entire Tim and the teachings beginning of the sedra (Vayikra 19:18) is the main In the areas that we find the most resistance that is Hashem blessinternalise all of Humanity with spiritual and phys- of sembly the Children of Israel” (Vayikra 19:2).Doron The Z’l. I am oftalking about Rabbi Bakshi assembly. The Baal HaTurim gives us a third
SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS WORKING teaching of the Torah and similarly had to be taught to where we have to put our efforts in to grow. ical healing! our Fathers with the goal of maki the entire assembly. The Baal HaTuriminsight gives us a third We are in the middle of the period of counting the that within the sedra of Kedoshim we ON AREA OF GREATEST RESISTANCE This newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot Please dispose of accordingly insight that within the sedra of Kedoshim we can find Omer, between Pesach and Shavuot. It is during this Shabbat a Shalom! fitting vessel to receive the T
usual procedure would be that Moses would teach Aaron, and then Aaron’s sons, then the 70 Elders and then he would teach the entire assembly. Rashi ex-
can find the 10 commandments and therefore Our sedra opens by stressing that the teachings it is appropriate that it was taught to the entire THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM of Kedoshim were specifically taught to the assembly. “entire assembly of the Children of Israel”
incredible festival of Shavuot.
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Corona Diary #6
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Empty Cemeteries and Jewish Sovereignty BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN I just returned from the Gush Etzion cemetery having attended a very unusual Yom Hazikaron ceremony. It was a discouraging but also a triumphant experience. Let me explain. My family often refers to me as a crybaby- and they are right. When I witness an emotionally poignant situation, I find it difficult to suppress my tears. Fortunate for them, I quickly regain my composure and dry my tears. There are three days a year I can’t stop crying: On Yom Kippur I sense the overwhelming awe of G-d’s presence and His offer to forgive my many failures. On Tisha B’av I sense the frustrating tragedy of wasted opportunities throughout Jewish history. On Yom Hazikaron- Israel Memorial Day- I sense the great sacrifice of Jews in returning to our homeland and facing our enemies. It is an intensely sad day but also a deeply soulful and cathartic experience- I emerge feeling altered or changed. The day opens our hearts to bereaved families who have paid the ultimate price for our return to our homeland. Divisions between religious and secular, between Ashkenazi and Sefardi and even between Jews and non-Jews fade, as we stand unified before the immense heroism of our soldiers and the enormity of our common mission. The day reminds us of everything which is right and noble about life in our State of the Jews – even if this State fails to live up to our heady expectations. In addition to remembering our soldiers and terror victims, my imagination races back to our long and challenging historical journey. As we stand in reverence before the graves of our modern heroes, it is difficult not to remember so many Jews who suffered during our long Exile and whose eyes didn’t witness the miracles which we have gazed upon. So many Jews lost their lives as Jews but weren’t buried in Israel and in some cases weren’t even buried properly. We are ‘fortunate’ that at least we can identify the purpose for this heroism: without our courage and commitment, our State would fall. The price is steep but the achievements historic. On this day, I think of all the Jews who died silently while “lost in history”. This day of national memory has so many powerful images: the moments of
silence, the flags at half-mast, the videos honouring the fallen. However, the cemetery ceremonies are the most overwhelming, and emotionally riveting. Thousands inundate cemeteries to visit graves, listen to sorrowful songs, and chant Ani Ma’amin and Hatikvah. Today I attended a ceremony in an empty cemetery. I attended the Gush Etzion ceremony (held a day earlier in accordance with police restrictions) with about 25 people-basically all those directly involved in the actual ceremony. As my eyes scanned the bare cemetery, my imagination reminisced about past gatherings in this cemetery. I longed for the past Yom Hazikaron ceremonies with thousands in attendance. I couldnt forget that autumn midnight when the entire Gush-it seemed- came to honor Ari Fuld HY”d. It was upsetting to stand in an empty quiet cemetery; the silence and the absence were each deafening. Yet, it was specifically this corona-virus edition of Yom Hazikaron which deepened my appreciation of, and love for, my Jewish State. For the first time in history, we are facing a pandemic “at home”. During past pandemics, Jews were always “outsiders” living on the margins of society. At best, Jewish needs were secondary to the overarching needs of the local population. Pandemics create financial and social pressures and, as society at large was convulsing, Jewish needs could hardly be prioritized. Of course, in so many instances, Jews were scapegoated for epidemics and inevitably faced terrible pogroms which erupted in the aftermath of these epidemics. We have all learned to appreciate the comfort which our homes have provided during this fearful epidemic. During previous medical crises Jews were never “at home”. The corona crisis of 2020 marks the first epidemic we are facing as a people in our homeland. The restrictions which banned most of my neighbours from the ceremonies were installed by our own Ministry of Health and enforced by our own police. The quiet in the cemetery on this day reflected the triumph of Jewish sovereignty. We are finally home and are finally managing our own affairs- and our own medical crisis. Our return to our homeland is the start of some larger historical process. The wheels of history have begun to advance
As we stand in reverence before the graves of our modern heroes, it is difficult not to remember so many Jews who suffered during our long Exile… and we are progressing toward the final stages of history. However, before we consider these heady dreams and expectations, we must appreciate the State of Israel in a more simple or even minimal fashion- it has afforded Jews a home, safety and self- definition. My quiet and empty Yom Hazikaron reinforced the meaning of sovereignty, the value of living at home, and the privilege of adhering to policies which my own people were adopting on behalf of my own people. In Israel, there were several Orthodox communities which suffered disproportionately higher rates of corona-virus. In many instances, this higher rate of infection was triggered by delayed adaptation of health guidelines. The Army quickly mobilized to both isolate the ill and provide food boxes for needy and elderly- even supplying Mehadrin kashrut (at extra expense) knowing that residents of these quarantined communities would
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not consider eating less. The outpouring of love from the general society was inspirational. What treatment would these unfortunate corona victims received in non-Jewish settings? Would they have been blamed and scapegoated? Would they have been ignored and left to suffer the consequences of their decisions? The love and care extended to them, once again reminded me of the great gift of living at home as one as one large (dysfunctional family); family takes care of each other – even when a family member commits a mistake. Today’s empty cemetery reinforced my appreciation of Jewish sovereignty and homeland.
Rabbi Moshe Taragin has taught at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion, for the past 22 years.
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Acharei Mot Kedoshim RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE
THERE ALONE
We believe in community. We do not greatly value hermit-like seclusion from the world or from other people. Yet there are times nonetheless when you need to be away from the madding crowd and to commune with your own soul in the presence of G-d. The high priest, for instance, had to do so on Yom Kippur ln the Holy of Holies. The Torah says, “And no man shall be in the tent of meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the holy place, until he comes out, having made atonement for himself, for his household and for all the assembly of Israel” (Lev. 16:17). What an awesome moment it was when the one man on whom rested the whole fate and future of the people of Israel confronted the eyes of G-d. Others could accompany him through many or most of the duties of office, but not at this ultimate moment. Then, as always, leadership was lonely. Minders, advisers, support staff – all have their important role to play. The high priest too had a team to work with him and back him up. But if you are really going to be a leader, there will come, perhaps quite frequently, the moment when the buck stops with you, when the final word is yours, when you are and have to be on your own. Sometimes an educated instinct will ensure that you make the right decision; presumably your whole career has been a preparation for this moment. But as far as Judaism is concerned that is not enough.
At the moment of loneliness that is when you need the Almighty; that is when you should look on high and see G-d pointing the way.
HOLINESS & K’DUSHAH
The second sidra tells us to be holy people (Lev. 19:2). The word “Holy” is from a Middle English word for “whole”. It tells us that holiness is not something that is limited to certain places and times. It unites all things. People become holy if they elevate every aspect of life, both heaven and earth, both the connection to Heaven and the connection to earth. Maybe you think there is a contradiction between the Hebrew kadosh (“separate”) and the English holy in the sense of whole - but there really is no contradiction. If you try to be holy and to unite heaven and earth what you are trying to do is to separate everything from ordinariness, to raise every aspect of life onto the highest possible level.
IS THE GOLDEN RULE SELFISH?.
“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev.
19:18) is k’lal gadol baTorah – the fundamental principle of the Torah (Jer. N’darim 4:9). Generally, people focus on the “love your neighbour” segment of the rule. If this were all that the verse said, it would be easier to understand and to obey. But “as yourself” makes it more difficult. It seems egotistical. It seems to put oneself first. Nachmanides, the Ramban, acknowledges this when he points out that the text does not say v’ahavta et re’acha, but l’re’acha – not et which implies that I and my neighbour are on a par but l, which denotes “for” – i.e. my duty is not necessarily to love my neighbour as myself but to love for him that which I love for myself. As I wish to be done to me, so must I do to others. As I wish others to feel my pain, so I must feel theirs. As I wish others to respect my dignity, so must I respect theirs. It is all very clear and very pragmatic. Other commentators, however, read the verse differently.
But if you are really going to be a leader, there will come, perhaps quite frequently, the moment when the buck stops with you, when the final word is yours…
JUDAISM 23
The author of the Or HaChayyim HaKadosh emphasises the word kamocha, which he says indicates that my neighbour is not only like me but part of me, and only through loving him or her do I become complete. If I fail to love my neighbour my own identity is defective. If I love you, I am truly me; if I do not love you, I am not even me. Since each of us is made in the Divine image, if I fail to love another being who, like me, is in G-d’s image, then G-d Himself is in some way also diminished.
Rabbi Apple served for 32 years as the chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, Australia’s oldest congregation. He is now retired and lives in Jerusalem. Rabbi Apple blogs at http://www.oztorah.com
Mesillat Yesharim: Part 35 RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN Continuing the theme of showing honour to Hashem in keeping with Yirat Haromemut, Ramchal now explains the honour that one must show to Torah and those who study it. In the spirit of showing honour to the Torah itself, one must ensure not to sit on the same level as a sefer, nor to place mundane books on top of Seforim. Even the Prophets and Writings may not be placed on top of a Chumash. (Although these laws apply to all Jews equally, nonetheless when the Chassid is made aware of these laws, he goes further and deduces from that further ways of honouring Seforim.) Not only the physical books of the Torah must be accorded honour; their content must too be shown due respect.
Thus, one may not think of Torah in unclean places. Nor may one say words of Torah if their hands are unclean (Ramchal seems to imply that even thinking in Torah is forbidden with unclean hands). This leads to the honour that one must show to those who learn Torah. By no coincidence, in this week’s Torah
portion we are taught “Rise before the grey head and give honour to the face of the learned”. This leads the Chassid to appreciate that whatever honour can be shown to a learned individual – they ensure to show it. We are taught about Yehoshafat the King of Judah, who, when encountering a Torah sage, would
Finally, there is the respect that one must show a prayer or study hall. One ensures to not be frivolous there, and conduct themselves how they would in the presence of an awe-inspiring king. THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
rise from his throne, embrace and kiss him and say, “My Rabbi, my Rabbi, my teacher, my teacher”. Further, Rav Zeira, despite his weakness, would sit at the entrance of the study hall so to be in a position to give honour to Torah scholars (upon their comings and goings) and perform this mitzva. Finally, there is the respect that one must show a prayer or study hall. One ensures to not be frivolous there, and conduct themselves how they would in the presence of an awe-inspiring king. The gist of the matter is – the Chassid sees what the entire Jewish nation are instructed to keep and extrapolates from and expands on that, using his creative mind to go further in showing respect to G-d, His Torah, His scholars and His house.
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Acharei Mot Kedoshim Acharei Mot Kedoshim Word Search
The holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur was the only time the Kohen Gadol was allowed to enter the holiest place in the world - the Kodesh Kadashim in the Beit Hamikdash. The Jewish people would gather in the Beit Hamikdash for this holy day and would delight at knowing that Hashem had forgiven them for anything they may have done wrong. On Yom Kippur in our days, we don’t have a Beit Hamikdash, but we still reach forgiveness by fasting and davening to Hashem. The second of the Parshiyot this week
Kedoshim, is jam-packed with Mitzvot. You may be more familiar with some, like honouring parents, not lying and not stealing, and you might be less familiar with ones such as Orlah, which is the Mitzva of leaving a tree for three years before eating from it. There are also many Mitzvot surrounding the Korbanot. Perhaps the one you are most familiar with is “Ve’ahavta Le’reiacha Kamocha” which Rabbi Akiva famously taught us is a central theme of the whole Torah. Love your fellow Jew and, when necessary, tell them gently if they need to do things better.
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Acharei Mot Kedoshim
In a nutshell With 28 Mitzvot in Acharei and 51 Mitzvot in Kedoshim you can be sure you won’t be bored this weekend (if you even know what boredom is, having been at home for seven weeks). Acharei Mot begins with the service of the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. Words could never do justice to the elation and the feeling of closeness to G-d as the Jewish people watched the Kohen Gadol carry out the once a year service. From the Korbanot to the Ketoret, the two Goats to the bowing down at the recital of Hashem’s full name. Only the poet whose prayer we read could summarise “Emet Mah Nehdar” – if you want to know what beauty is then you had to see the Kohen Gadol upon his exit from the Kodesh Kadashim on Yom Kippur and the happiness that resulted from the entire Jewish nation achieving purity. Today, we can only retell the story during the Yom Kippur Musaf, but we are assured that “our lips can in some way replace the actual service”. The Parsha continues with the laws regarding not slaughtering Korbanot outside the Beit Hamikdash. G-d
set aside the place of the Beit Hamikdash as the location in order for the visit there to leave an indelible impression. One simply cannot create the same experience in the back garden. Then we are taught about the Mitzva to cover the blood of certain animals and birds when we prepare them for eating. Acharei Mot closes with the laws surrounding marital decency. Hashem strongly wanted marriage to be a serious commitment between a man and a woman and this would in turn ensure the continuation of society. In order to prevent sin, the Rabbis made further boundaries to ensure that non-related people keep appropriate distances. Which leads us to Kedoshim. “I am holy”, says Hashem, “so you people also make sure to be”. And the Parsha launches into a delightful variety of Mitzvot. Here are a few samples: Having awe of one’s parents (not interrupting, contradicting, ignoring them etc.). Leaving the corner section of a field for the poor, as well as forgotten stalks and odd bundles. Avoiding theft, cheating and false promises. Paying workers on time. Providing suitable
Word Wheel
Use this area to write the words you have found.
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The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.
advice. (“Yes – you should open a grocery right next door mine” even though it may hurt you to say so instead of pretending that, “Business is slow in this area”.) Judging favourably, not gossiping. We are taught the concept of rebuking someone, but not embarrassing them in the process. Don’t take revenge nor bear a grudge. (“Ok I’ll lend you my lawnmower even though you didn’t lend me your caravan last year” – is forbidden talk and even thought…) There is the most famous line of the whole Torah “Love your fellow as you do yourself” – spreading peace and friendliness everywhere. We also have the laws of forbidden mixtures in plants, clothing and animals. Leaving the Peyot – the corner part of the head and not shaving with a razor are also highly symbolic Mitzvot that give identity to the Jewish people. All in all, these two Sidrot are packed full of Mitzvot and each one we review, talk about and chew over, give us great merit and bring Hashem much Nachas and blessing to the Jewish people!
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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! ace act cat cel
cot tec ache cate
celt chat choc clot
coal coat coco cola
colt cool each echo
etch lace loch loco
taco talc tech cache
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catch cheat cloth coach
cocoa latch leach loach
teach cachet chalet chalot
clothe locate ocelot chocolate
30 APRIL 2020
YOUTH 27
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Q: What did the mama cow say to the baby cow? A: “It’s pasture bedtime.” Q. What did the pop star do when he locked himself out? A. He sang until he found the right key! Q: How do you make antifreeze? A: You steal her coat!
(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)
1. Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?
1. Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
2)starting! Starting, staring, string, sting, sing, sin, in, I.
1. Top of the morning 2. Bungee jump 3. Broadband
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3) What stairs? You live in a one storey house.
3. You live in a one storey house made entirely of redwood. What colour would the stairs be?
Q: What is brown and sticky? A: A stick!
2. What 8 letter word can have a letter taken away and it still makes a word. Take another letter away and it still makes a word. Keep on doing that until you have one letter left. What is the word?
4. A splitting headache 5. Scrambled eggs 6. Open and shut case
JEWISH CHILD’S DAY – HELPING CHILDREN NOW MORE THAN EVER! Jewish Child’s Day has just provided £40,000 to projects requiring immediate assistance during these unprecedented times. Anthea Jackson, Executive Director said “In this current climate, the needs of vulnerable children cannot be put be on hold and the requests to support them have been so overwhelming”.
adolescents and adults with severe complex disabilities and accompanying medical conditions. They cannot ensure their own safety and hygiene and all have compromised immune systems as well as weakened respiratory functioning.
“Our Board of Trustees and National Council of Jewish Child’s Day has chosen a number of worthwhile projects where they felt additional funding was a necessity!” Bikur Cholim, a maternity hospital situated in Jerusalem has been designated a ‘Covid Free’ facility. As such, the number of births has risen sharply in recent weeks, requiring a need for additional ventilators and monitors for new born babies requiring intensive care. Jewish Child’s Day has purchased one of these ventilators. Akiva Holzker, Director of Public Relations at Bikur Cholim after learning of Jewish Child’s Day’s recent grant said “Thank you so much for the wonderful news. It is heart-warming to see the solidarity and commitment of our friends around the world towards the hospital at this critical time.” Rachashei Lev is a paediatric National support centre in Israel providing support to approx. 500 cancer-stricken children and their families every year. Emphasis is placed on maintaining the children’s moral helping them cope with the difficult challenges of this awful disease.
As the pandemic intensifies, Aleh who are based in the Negev have implemented extreme sterilisation protocol. It is absolutely imperative that they protect their staff from contamination – at all costs! Jewish Child’s Day has been instrumental in providing this vital equipment. In addition, Jewish Child’s Day is supporting a number of smaller projects providing food vouchers to those families living below the poverty line as well as funding a telephone hotline for blind or sight impaired children who are in desperate need for their on-going therapy at such uncertain and volatile times. If you would like to know more about the work of Jewish Child’s Day or how to support us please contact our Fundraising Manager: shelley.lopez-salzedo@jcd.uk.com or call 020 8446 8804
There has been an urgency for additional medical protection equipment for their teams, volunteers and ambulatory support staff as well as added requirements for hand sanitisers and soaps. Orna Shalomoff, Vice President for Foreign Relations at Rachashei Lev said “Together with more good people like you we can continue to help the kids fight this!” Aleh, is a special educational and rehabilitation village for hundreds of Israel’s most vulnerable and high-risk children, Registered Charity No. 209266