Jewish Weekly Issue 137

EE FR

CHARITY ACCOUNTS

FUNDRAISING PLATFORM PAYROLL GIVING CORPORATE GIVING

www.smartgiving.org.uk

MATCHED GIVING

07 APRIL 2020/13 NISAN 5780

WISHING ALL OUR READERS A HAPPY AND HEALTHY PESACH

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EDITORIAL BY YOSSI SAUNDERS

As The Jewish Weekly went to press on Monday evening, news just broke that our Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been taken into intensive care. On behalf of all our readers we join with the rest of the world in wishing him and all other Coronavirus victims a refuah shalema (speedy recovery).

For Jews around the world Pesach 5780 is going to be very different to any other.

As communities from London to Jerusalem, New York and further afield are under lockdown, extended families will not be able to gather for seder night as they traditionally have done throughout generations.

Across the globe tragically many families have lost loved ones. In the United Kingdom,

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115 Jewish funerals have taken place whilst in Israel the number has risen to over 55. In the United States, it is even worse.

The figures are sadly set to keep rising for some time.

We have seen both the worst and the best in our people these last few weeks.

Some people both here and abroad are still choosing to ignore the rules and are putting lives at risk in the process.

But look at the other side of the coin. The brave frontline staff in hospitals around the world, heroically putting their lives at risk each day as

they battle against an invisible enemy.

Countless chessed funds have been set up for bereaved families (https://thechesedfund.com/) whilst daily psalms are being recited in the tens of thousands worldwide for hundreds of Jews.

See our double page spread overleaf for those who have been affected and urgently need tehillim recited on their behalf.

Read further inside a powerful letter from someone who has survived the deadly disease, a letter that will move

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many people to tears.

The heroes who deliver food to the vulnerable, and the people who go out of their way to help others even if it is just a phone call to see how they are doing.

The many charities, pulling all their resources together to help the most needy in our communities, although still desperately short of badly needed funds.

With Britain in the midst of a crucial two-week period with calls to stay indoors, the Queen on Sunday, for only the fifth time in her reign, made a rallying call to the nation.

Thanking everyone on the NHS front line, Her Majesty said there were heart-warming stories of people coming together to help others across CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Due to the Coronavirus, we cannot guarantee when our next edition after Pesach will be printed, so follow us online for updates at www.thejewishweekly.com To be added to our weekly newsletter, email office@thejewishweekly.com SHABBAT: LONDON MANCHESTER LEEDS BIRMINGHAM BOURNEMOUTH LIVERPOOL ANTWERP GATESHEAD

PESACH 1ST / 2ND DAY DAY 1 BEGINS DAY 2 BEGINS 19:34 19:34 19:42 19:42 19:37 19:37 19:37 19:37 19:34 19:34 19:43 19:43 20:09 20:09 19:39 19:39

PESACH SHABBAT CHOL HAMOED SHABBAT: BEGINS ENDS 19:34 20:40 LONDON 19:46 20:56 MANCHESTER 19:41 20:58 LEEDS 19:40 20:50 BIRMINGHAM 19:37 20:47 BOURNEMOUTH 19:46 20:56 LIVERPOOL 20:12 21:25 ANTWERP 19:43 21:02 GATESHEAD PESACH 7TH / 8TH DAY DAY 7 BEGINS DAY 8 BEGINS PESACH ENDS SHABBAT: 19:41 20:47 20:49 LONDON 19:53 21:04 21:06 MANCHESTER 19:48 21:06 21:08 LEEDS 19:47 20:57 20:59 BIRMINGHAM 19:44 20:53 20:55 BOURNEMOUTH 19:53 21:03 21:05 LIVERPOOL 20:19 21:33 21:35 ANTWERP 19:51 21:11 21:14 GATESHEAD

We can point you in the right direction for: United Synagogue Registered Charity Number 242552

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

CORONAVIRUS HELPLINE

020 8343 5696 helpline@theus.org.uk

Celebrating 150 Yea r s

Emotional support

Practical support

Spiritual support

Our Helpline will be available from Monday to Thursday 9am–5pm and Friday 9am–1pm. (Outside of these hours you will be able to leave us a message and somebody will get back to you.)

Please note: Our helpline is run by community volunteers and US staff. We are unable to offer medical, legal or financial assistance but we will do our best to point you in the right direction, including to your local community care group or to the charity GIFT. If you are feeling unwell please follow the current government guidelines.

2 TEHILLIM

7 APRIL 2020

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

Please pray for Jewish Covid-19 patients around the world…

Aharon Shaul ben Rachel Avrohom Aharon HaLevi ben Rasha Roiza Aharon Yehoshua ben Ettel Aharon ben Golda Aharon Tzvi ben Liba Sara Aharon Yaakov ben Bonia Aaron Mordechai ben Golda Asher ben Bracha Sima Arye ben Chaya Rochel Avrohom Yosef ben Rochel Leah Aaron ben Chana Aharon ben Pessel Leiah Avrohom ben Malka Avraham Lev ben Sara Maya Avraham Meir HaKohen ben Aliza Avrhom Arye ben Tzipora Avrohom Shmuel ben Rochel Avraham ben Yehudis Avigder Sosson Meir ben Rochel Leah Avraham Abba ben Gittel Avrohom Shloima ben Baila Avichai Yisachar ben Rachel Aharon ben Mindel Arlene Chana bas Leah Aharon ben Giti Aharon ben Soro Abraham ben Chana Rivka Avrohom Yekusiel ben Gittel Aharon ben Rochel Avraham Nachman ben Rivka Reizel Aryeh Zev ben Aidel Aharon ben Chana Golda Alexander ben Sora Aaron Ben Toiba Ettel Adina bat Pelka Avraham ben Pesha Faga Aryeh Leib ben Chaya Sara Aliza Miriam bas Yocheved Avraham Ben Esther Malka Azriel Dovid ben Shulamis Avraham Shraga Feivil ben Leah Avraham Meir ben Chana Aharon Moshe ben Chaya Bina Aaron Eliyahu ben Leah Avraham ben Shaindel Avigdor Yiddel ben Raizel Aharon Shulem ben Sarah Ahron Arya ben Chaya Tzortel Asher Zelig ben Shaindel Avrohom Yaakov ben Golda Leah Aidel bas Sarah Avraham Rachamim ben Yeshua Aron ben Chana Golda Avrohom Aron ben Yenta Abraham ben Bolisa Ahron ben Yenta Asher ben Devorah Avraham ben Miryam Avraham Dovid ben Chava Avraham ben Gila Alexander ben Nissel Leah Avraham ben Mindel Avraham ben Rachel Ahron Shmuel Yeshaya ben Chava Avraham Zechariah Menachem ben Sara Aidel Alter Chaim Mordechai ben Rochel Aryeh Yehoshua ben Chaya Aidel Avraham Mordechai ben Slava Avraham Yirmiyahu ben Chava Avrohom Yaakov ben Chaya Avraham Baruch ben Sara Rivka Avraham Meir ben Gittel Leiba Avraham Yitzchak ben Chana

‫ִׁשיר‬

'‫ל־ה ָה ִרים ֵמ ַאיִ ן יָ בֹא ֶעזְ ִרי׃ ֶעזְ ִרי ֵמ ִעם ה‬ ֶ ‫לַ ַּמ ֲעלוֹ ת ֶא ּ ָשׂ א ֵעינַ י ֶא‬ ‫עֹשֵׂ ה ׁ ָש ַמיִ ם וָ ָא ֶרץ׃ ַאל־יִ ֵּתן לַ ּמוֹ ט ַרגְ לֶ ָך ַאל־יָ נ ּום ׁש ְֹמ ֶר ָך׃ ִה ֵּנה‬ ‫ישן ׁשוֹ ֵמר יִ שְׂ ָר ֵאל׃ ה' ׁש ְֹמ ֶר ָך ה' צִ ְּל ָך ַעל־יַ ד יְ ִמינֶ ָך׃ יוֹ ָמם‬ ָ ׁ ִ‫לֹא־יָ נ ּום וְ לֹא י‬ '‫ל־רע יִ ׁ ְשמֹר ֶאת־נַ ְפ ׁ ֶש ָך׃ ה‬ ָ ‫ַה ׁ ּ ֶש ֶמ ׁש לֹא־יַ ֶּכ ָּכה וְ יָ ֵר ַח ַּב ָּליְ לָ ה׃ ה' יִ ׁ ְש ָמ ְר ָך ִמ ָּכ‬ ‫את ָך ּובוֹ ֶא ָך ֵמ ַע ָּתה וְ ַעד־עוֹ לָ ם׃‬ ְ ֵ‫יִ ׁ ְש ָמר־צ‬ Avrohom Kaddish ben Malka Baila Aron Daniel ben Latifa Avrum Ezriel Meir ben Miriam Leah Aharon Yaakov ben Yocheved Ahron Moshe ben Leah Zelda Aharon ben Yenta Aharon Peretz ben Chaya Mirel Yitel Aharon ben Leah Ben Tzion Chaim ben Shayna Necha Bina bas Chana Baruch ben Serach Boruch Tuvia ben Leah Binyomin ben Camila Bracha Basya bas Chaya Rivkah Baruch ben Tzipporah Binyamin Elimilech Ben Yehudis Boruch Naftali ben Devorah Chava Binyamin Reuven ben Veronique Rivka Julie Binyumen Arye ben Etye Burech ben Miriam Batsheva bas Rochel Leah Binyomin ben Chaya Rivka Benzion Mordechai ben Miriam Rivka Baruch ben Sarah Binyomin Elimelech ben Malka Binyomin Mende HaLevi ben Simona Chaya Baruch Boris ben Shushana Baila Kreindel bas Alte Tziporah Rochel Leah Ben Tzion ben Masha Yehudis Benzion ben Gittel Ben tzion ben Betta Bracha bat Frayda Bracha bas Saryl Chaim Dov ben Kraindel Chaim Meir ben Fraida Rivka Chana Leba bas Rivka Chana Rivka bas Rachel Esther Chaim Yitzchak ben Frieda Feiga Leah Chaim Shimon Chanaya Yeshua ben Leah Eida Chaim Mordechai ben Rochel Chaim Elozor ben Aidel Chaya Mallah Chaim Levi ben Chana Priva Chananya Yom Tov Lipa ben Chana Mindel Chaya Geetel bas Recha Devorah Chana Reizel bas Breindel Chaim Moshe ben Ratza Chaim Moshe ben Perel Ceti bas Miriam Chaim Shmuel ben Fraidel Leah Chananya Yom Tov ben Pessel Leiah Chana Nechama bas Figlu Chaya Chaya Faiga bas Chana Reva Chana bas Adele Chaim Yosef Dovid ben Shifra Chanyanya Yom Tov Lipa ben Esther Channa Malka bat Pepi Chana bas Henneh Chaim Nisan ben Basya Leah Chaim Avigdor Ben Leah

Chana bas Miriam Chaim Eliyahu ben Tzirel Chana Baila bas Basha Chaim ben Roiza Chana bas Devorah Chaim Yaniv ben Varda Chasya Rochel bas Chaya Chaim Isaac ben Yenta Chaim Yosef ben Feiga Esther Chaya Leah bat Sarah Chaim Mayer ben Leah Chana bat Raisel Chaya bas Sarah Chaim Alexander ben tons Chana Pesel Miriam bas Chaya Sarah Chaim Yitzchock ben Rivka Yenta Chana bas Miriam Perel Chava Rochel bas Yenta Chaim Yisrael Shimon ben Chava Chaya Perel Chaim Tuvia ben Tzirel Perel Chana Teibe bat Nechama Leibe Chaim Tzadok ben Tzirel Chaim ben Sara Chaim Zalman ben Hinda Chaim Yaakov ben Sara Rivka Chana Sarah bas Sheindel Pesha Chaim ben Rachel Chaim Asher ben Shprintza Perel Chanah Sol bat Sarah Chana Sara bas Fayga Chana bas Sara Chaim Yaakov Zev ben Sara Chaim Yechezkel Shraga ben Rochel Esther Chava Ratza bat Sheindal Baila Chiem Burach ben Devora Peral Chaim Lazer ben Pesha Chaim Nachum Naftali ben Sara Ettel Chaya Tzipora Shaindel bas Chana Leah Chaya bas Elka Chaim Nochum Naftoli ben Sarah Ettel Chava bas Aviva Chaim Dov ben Tzivia Trana Chaya Feiga Feigel bas Sarah Rivka Chaim Yitzchok ben Baila Chaim Yosef ben Chaya Shaindel Dominique Messaouda bat Sultana Dovid ben Chaya Rivka Daniel Yosef ben Pesha Dovid ben Feiga Devorah Bat Irit Dovid Yitzchok ben Zissel Dovber ben Liba Raizel Don Zev ben Pesil Penina Dovid ben Shoshana Daniel ben Emily Dovid ben Zisla Mariasha Devorah bas Chili Dovid Mordechai ben Matil Yehudis Dovid ben Ettel Dovid Meir HaKohen ben Chanah

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Dovid ben Feigah Rachel Dov Shraga ben Chaya Tzivia David ben Rivkah Devorah Nechama bas Chana Dovid ben Ella Freidel Dovid ben Serel Dovid Menachem Levi ben Leah Daniel ben Ilana Daniel Joseph ben Menasche Dov Ber ben Mattel Pessel Dovid Aryeh ben Rochel Sara David Tzvi ben Zisel David Shimon ben Yehudis Dovid Binyamin ben Doba Faiga Devorah Basya bas Chaya Devora bas Sarah Eliezer Yehuda ben Chaya Esther Roza bas Sara Mindel Eliezer ben Anela Surah Elazar Chanoch Yechezkel ben Zahava Eliezer ben Mohtaram Esther bat Yamina Ettel bas Rus Leah Epharim ben Leah Eliezer Yehoshua ben Perel Bluma Esther bat Mazal Eliezer Nosson Ben Tzirel Eliyahu Yosef Chaim Yedidya ben Sara Marina Eliyohu Pinchos ben Miriam Esther bas Penina Eluzer ben Anele Sara Esther Raizel bas Chaya Malka Ester Sarah bat Divora Feiga Eliezer ben Shaina Miriam Eilan Avreich ben Nava Eliza bas Rivka Esther bas Penina Ezriel Dovid ben Shulamis Eliezer ben Gruna Feiga Esther bas Sarah Elchonon Shimon ben Baila Elchonon ben Rivka Esther Tzina Eige bas Sarah Edmond ben Rachel Elchanan Hillel ben Sarah Esther Shaindel bas Kreindel Eliyahu ben Talia Eliyahu Yitzchak Yisroel ben Rivka Shprintza Eliezer Chaim ben Tziperl Ettel bas Sheindal Elinatan Yisroel Shlomo Yaacov ben Malka Eliezer ben Faiga Esther Sima bas Chaya Hadassah Efraim Demikreh Eduard Demikreh Edik ben Rivka Etan Moshe ben Hila Hinda Elimelech Dovid ben Frumit Fraida Esther bas Malka Elimelech Mordechai ben Shulamis Elazar ben Gamileh

Esther Sima bas Chaya Haddasa Eliezer ben Kayla Eliezer Shlomo ben Esther Yutta Malia Faiga Bas Rivkah Freyda Rifka bas Gittel Fleur Perl Penina bat Helen Simcha Chaya Fraida Dubra bas Razel Rivah Fradel bas Sara Faiga Malka bas Glickel Gershon ben Miriam Gimpel Mordechai Daniel Ben Sora Ita Gershon Avrohom ben Miriam Malka Gittel bas Ruchel Gavriel ben Liza Leah Gershon ben Sarah Gruna Feiga bas Bluma Gittel bas Mindel Gur Aryeh ben Elka Gedalia ben Chaya Rivka Gavriel Yonason Halevi ben Naomi Gittel Sheinfel bas Chana Malka George ben Maria Galia bat Goltaj Gershon Dovid ben Bluma Sheva Elka Harriet bat Lillian Henna Devorah Perel bas Esther Pesel Hanan ben Margot Hana bas Mazel Henoch Yisroel ben Esther Necha Henna bas Malia Hadas Chana bas Rivka Chaya Ita bas Leah Ita bas Shifra Israel David ben Miriam Irit bat Dorith Iris bat Barno Isaiah Eliyahu ben Rivkah Rochel Jacques ben Alice Jaya Olga bat Linda Jaim Mordechai ben Leah Leah bas Miriam Leah bas Chaya Leah Devorah bas Chana Leon ben Emilia Leah Naomi bas Sarah Leah Eidel bas Rivka Etya Leah bas Tobah Yehudis Levi ben Shira Liba bas Freida Milka Leah Sima Charna bas Risha Leah bas Rivka Leah Chaya bas Rivka Moshe Sholom Eliezer ben Shoshana Roiza Moshe Eliezer HaLevi ben Esther Tziporah Moshe Yaakov Yosef ben Rus Moshe Bentzion ben Rochel Yehudis Michoel ben Dina Mordechai Dovid ben Leah Pesia Menachem Mordechai ben Miriam Moshe ben Rozette Mordechai Leib ben Miriam Menashe Dov ben Rasha Riva Moshe Mordechai ben Shaina Baila Menasha Yaakov ben Liba Moshe ben Rachel Meir ben Esther Mordichai Yehuda Leib ben Rivka Mordechai ben Chaya Sara Miriam bas Penina Moshe Shaul ben Sara Mazal bat Leah Miriam bas Ceti Mordechai ben Baila

7 APRIL 2020 Mordechai ben Sara Miriam bas Leah Mordechai ben Miriam Moshe ben Leah Mordechai Leib ben Feiga Mordechai David ben Nurit Hensha Moshe Yechezkel ben Rechel Chava Moshe Shimon ben Sara Leah Malka Feiga bas Gitel Mordche Zvi Binyumen ben Reizel Mordechai ben Clara Matisyahu ben Rochel Leah Menasha ben Dina Malka Mordechai Yehuda ben Alona Moshe ben Baila Etel Meir Isamar ben Chana Roiza Moshe Yitzchok ben Soro Tzvetel Menachem Mendel ben Masha Moshe Ezrah ben Esther Meir ben Chaya Mordechai ben Chava Mordechai Dovid ben Matil Yehudis Mordechai ben Freida Reiza Moshe ben Sarah Moshe ben Rivkeh Mattel bas Klerel Mordechai ben Rina Moshe ben Mattel Shaindel Mayer Dovid ben Fruma Hadas Moshe Dov ben Blima Moshe Mordechai ben Haddasah Mina Rella bas Elka Moshe Aharon ben Rivka Meir Yonah ben Chaya Sara Mordechai ben Baila hasya Marcos Mordejay ben Rina Mordechai ben Esther Gittle Meyer ben Perel Meir Nachman ben Rivka Mordechai ben Tamar Mordechai Gershon ben Pesha Mordechai ben Latifeh Mordechai ben Raizel Michoel Shmuel ben Rivka Moshe ben Yocheved Masha Esther bas Chaya Mirel Masha Tzivya bas Hentcha Mordechai Menachem ben Esther Moshe Aaron ben Naomi Mayer Shulem Yitzchok ben Yitta Chaya Malka Gittel bas Pessel Moshe Yosef ben Leah Mattel Pessel bas Chaya Sara Miriam Leah bas Rivka Menachem Mendel ben Yamimah Baila Moshe ben Chaya Mirel Yitel Meir Peretz ben Henya Menoach Yehuda ben Chana Meir ben Chava Leah Menachem Mendel ben Devora Masha Esther bas Chaya Mirel Miriam bas Esther Nehama Dinah bat Tsipora Nochum ben Chaya Gittel Nissim ben Daya Odet Nechemia ben Leah Chasya Nochum ben Tzartel Nesanel ben Charna Raizel Noson David ben Chaya Breindle Naftoli Hertz Anshel ben Devorah Nina bat Maria Nochum ben Rishka Nochum ben Sara Ettel Nisim ben Chana Nosson Moshe ben Sasha Mindel Nisan Leib ben Chana Nader Shlomo ben Miriam Nane Joon Noson Dov ben Soro Nechemia Rafael ben Ita Tziporah Noach ben Yuzpah Devorah Ovadia ben Sara Mina Osnas bas Rus Olga bat Linda

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 Ovadia ben Sara Mindel Osher Yaakov ben Esther Pesach Yehoshua ben Tovah Chaya Pina Rella bas Miriam Guta Parvanah bas Nosrat Pinchas Shalom ben Raizel Rochel Pepi bat Yehudit Pinchas Zelig ben Chaya Zissel Pessil bas Frumat Rivka Pinchas Meir ben Chana Pinchas Avrohom ben Hendel Pinchas Baruch ben Sara Esther Perel bas Rivka Pessel bas Shoshana Tova Pesach Yaakov ben Sarah leah Pinchas Levi ben Hencha Pesach ben Chana Rochel bas Malka Rivka bas Hinda Rami Rahamim ben Shoshana Rochel Mindel bas Faigel Raizel Rachamim ben Katerine Rivkah Rachel bat Tsipora Reuven Shmuel ben Mazal Rochel bas Leah Reuven Shmuel ben Chaya Sara Rochel bas Matel Reuven Dov ben Chana Chaya Raphael Yoel ben Nichole Nechama Rivka bas Fradel Rivka Zlata bas Dabbah Reuven ben Rachel Rachamim Rami ben Shoshana Rachel Esther bas Sarah Zeesil Leah Rachel bas Gamlielah Refael ben Margarita Rachamim ben Esther Rechel bas Baila Rajel bat ribka Raitzel bas Tzirel Ruth Simchah bat Ephrat Rochel bas Alte Chaya Rafael ben Sarah Rachel bas Faiga Reuven Dovid ben Yehudis Refael ben Esther Rochel bas Miriam Rifka bas Raizel Ruth bas Chana Ronni ben Yonina Raphael Dovid ben Etta Riva Rivka bas Yachat Rafi Rafael ben Miriam Nane Joon Rivka Refaela bas Leah Rivka Chaya bas Leah Saadya Yeshoshua ben Ahava Rivka Shabsi ben Esther Sholom Yisroel ben Bracha Simche ben Daniele Shlomo ben Tziviya Shoshana Fraida bas Malka Tziporah Simcha Yossel ben Malka Chana Shmouel Halevi ben Gretel Shmuel ben Rachel Leah Shimon ben Chaya Miriam Shamshen Raphael ben Miriam Chana Shmuel Leib ben Michal Dina Sara Mindel bas Hinda Shraga Dovid Yechezkel ben Shoshana Roisa Sasha Yonah bas Kuna Chana Shlomo Gershon ben Duba Mirel Shlomo ben Shoshana Shlomo ben Rivka Shulamis bas Sora Leah Sholom ben Sara Shlomo Tzvi ben Elka Yehudis Shalom Mordechai ben Zelda Shalom Yosef ben Hendel Sema Sasson Simcha ben Mafrat Shraga Tzvi ben Zissel Shiran Sara bas Ora Shimon Ben Miriam Hendel Shulem Eliezer Menachem ben Toba Leah

Shprintza bas Tila Shaindel Raichel bas Figlu Chaya Shlomo Elozer ben Miriam Simcha Daniel ben Kayla Shmuel ben Margareet Sharona bat Yehudis Shmuel Mordechai ben Miriam Shraga Feivel ben Yehudis Sion ben Tova Shlomo Chaim ben Frumit Shimon ben Baila Sholom Dovber ben Leah Shai Avrohom ben Esther Shmuel ben Raizel Simon ben Sultana Shmuel Dovid ben Faiga Shmuel Dovid Ben Yehudis Faiga Shimon ben Esther Shmaryahu Yehoshua Heshel ben Tova Shlomo ben Esther Rochel Sofia bas Grazia Shabsi ben Malkah Shlomo ben Freida Shlomo Chizkiyahu ben Mazal Shaul ben Sara Shimon Aharon ben Adda Necha Shloima Mayer ben Raizel Shulamis bas Chasya Rivka Shmuel ben Eidel Shalom ben Yamna Shlomo ben Nina Shamai ben Toba Kreindel Saadia ben Miriam Shimon Shalom ben Michal Dena Sima bas Chaya Hadassah Svetlana Ora bat Sarah Sidney ben Bahia Sarah Chana Pesil bas Alta Bina Shlomo ben Latife Shmuel ben Bluma Shmuel Zanvil ben Malka Sheindel Shoshana Lottie bat Fay Shlomo ben Bezalel Shmuel Tzvi ben Chana Nicha Stephane Yaacov ben Martine Haya Schneur Zalman Yehuda ben Hinda Yocheved Shmuel Abba ben Pessel Shimon ben Esther Shevach Shabsi ben Henya Rochel Shaul Yedidya Elazar ben Alta Esther Etta Shneur Zalman ben Slava Shmuel Zanvil ben Etya Shimel Meir ben Matl Esther Shimon ben Malka Sara bas Rivkah Shlomo Zev Asher ben Devora Shaul Zev ben Devorah Soro bas Raizel Shoshana Raizel bas Chaya Shmuel ben Chaya Shraga Feivel ben Sora Rivka Tzvi Yehudah ben Rivkah Tzvi Hersh ben Ruchuma Tzvi Yitzchok ben Pesha Tzvi ben Fraida Leah Tilla bas Toba Nicha Tzvi ben Yachat Tirtsa bas Rachel Brigitte Tziporah Tzivia bas Rochel Leah Tzvi ben Hinda Tzvi ben Chana Tzvi Yisroel Dovid ben Fayga Tzvi Hirsch ben Sima Raizel Tzion ben Tova Tziona Marusa bas Maste Esther Therese Tamo bat Suzanne Mazal Tzivia Daaba bat Yenta Tzvi Yisrael ben Ita Faiga Tanja bat Nina Tzvi Chaim ben Sheindel Tamar Tziporah bas Chaya Tzvi Chaim ben Halena Sheindal Tiqua bat Maatuka Helen

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Tzadkah Sidney ben Bahieh Beckey Tzvi ben Gittel Victor Yehia ben Sultana Vladik ben Nina Yitzchak ben Shifra Yisroel ben Sara Yehuda Aryeh ben Devorah Leah Yisroel Moishe ben Esther Chaya Yehoram ben Donna Yaakov ben Malka Yosef Moshe ben Sima Yosef Yitzchock HaLevi be Chaya Klara Yechezkel ben Gittel Yisachor Chaim ben Esther Malka (Dr Greenberg) Yona Eliyahu ben Sara Yisroel Yizchok ben Gitel Yisroel Yaakov Gershon ben Rivka Yehuda Leib ben Menucha Rochel Yakov Yehuda ben Chana Yaakov Shalom Ben Gittel Udyah Yoel Simhon ben Yaacov Yakkov Meir ben Mala Yehonoson Gavriel Ben Naomi Yosef ben Tziporah Yakov Yosef ben Miriam Chana Yitzchak ben Yehudis Yitzchak ben Esther – Dr. Wurzburger Yehuda Boruch ben Esther Yosef Halevi ben Chava Yisroel Chaim ben Leah Yakov ben Zohara Yocheved Leah bas Baila Yisroel Meir ben Sima Udel Yitzchok Uziel ben Rivka Yitzchok Dov Eliyahu ben Chana Yehuda Yitzchok ben Matel Yehudah Daniel ben Bunya Yitzchok ben Fruma Elka Yitzchok Meir ben Raizel Yaakov Dovid ben Soroh Yosef Meir ben Mattel Yosef ben Batya Yehudah Leibish Chaim ben Ruchama Yosef Shlomo ben Fayga Yitel Yisroel Yechezkel ben Chaya Yitzchak Isaac ben Chana Alta Feiga Yosef Mordechai ben Leah Yael Ella bas Sarah Shaindel Yosef Ben Monavar Yitzchak Yosef ben Michal Shoshana Yosef Zindel ben Serl Yaakov Yochanan ben Figlu Chaya Yosef Tzvi ben Chana Yosef Benyamin Ilan ben Emily Yakov ben Leah Devora Yitzchak Menachem ben Leah Yisroel Yakov ben Feiga Yita Yisroel ben Mafrat Yitzchak ben Rochel Miriam Yicheved bas Chana Yisrael Tzvi ben Yehudis Yosef Gad’le ben Sara Devorah Yitzchok ben Alte Nechama Shulamis Yehoshua Leib ben Miriam Yisrael Simcha ben Shifra Yaakov ben Yaffa Yehuda ben Esther Yitel Yaakov ben Yente Layeh Yael bas Mazal Tov Yaakov Mayer Yerachmiel ben Chaya Yisroel Dov ben Liba Yaakov ben Yaffa Yekusiel Yehuda ben Hinda Leah Yitzchok Mendel ben Sara Baila Yechiel Michel ben Chatzil Yosef Yitzchok ben Basha Yitzchok ben Baila Yehudah Chaim ben Esther Yakov Yosef ben Esther Malka Yakov Yitzhak ben Chyla Golda Yaakov ben Rivka Yitzchak ben Ester Tera

TEHILLIM 3 Yisrael ben Pearl Yechiel Dovid ben Shaindel Yerachmiel Shimon ben Rochel Yaakov ben Martel Yehuda Reuven ben Miriam Chana Yechiel Moshe ben Ritzel Yitzchok Elchonon ben Rivka Taibel Yehuda Leib ben Menucha Rochem Yaakov Aharon ben Fradel Nesha Bracha Yisroel ben Necha Yehuda Aryeh ben Sheindal Yehoshua ben Lotza Halevi Yechiel Michel ben Miriam Rivka Yocheved bat Batsheva Yoseph Duvid ben Yita Miriam Yosef ben Sultana Yehudis Simcha bas Sara Yosef Laibish ben Chaya Shprintza Yehudit Yael bat Golda Yehudah Yitzchok ben Rachel Yitzchok Naftali ben Sara Yaakov Eliyahu ben Rochel Yosef Tzvi ben Mirel Yehuda Leib ben Yehudis Yehoshua Zisha ben Malka Beila Yakov Chai ben Mazal Yosef Zvi ben Chana Hanala Yona ben Zehava Yom Tov Lipa ben Chaya Yitzhak ben Soroya Yisroel ben Shterna Sara Yaakov Yisroel ben Esther Tica Yehuda Aryeh ben Tamar Tziporah Yitzchok Eliyahu ben Chaya Sora Yitzchok ben Esther Yocheved bas Alte Tziporah Rochel Leah Yaakov Yitzchak Dovid ben Toyba Yosef Yitzchak ben Sima Leah Yosef Meir ben Yuta Elka Yisroel Menachem ben Bracha Mindel Yosef Tzvi ben Miriam Yechiel Dovid ben Shaindel Yaakov Yosef ben Esther Malka Yosef Sholom ben Sheva Etya Yaakov Yitzchak Dovid ben Toiba Gittel Yitzchok ben Nechama Yochanon ben Raizel Yaakov Meir ben Rishka Yaakov Naftuli ben Malka Baila Yeshaya Reuven ben Zelda Yechiel Michael Ze’ev ben Devorah Yitzchak Tzvi ben Rivka Tzivia Yehuda Leib ben Basya Yaakov Itzjak ben Ruth Jasibe Yehoshua Baruch ben yitta Chaya Yitzchok Naftoli ben Sarah Yuval ben Addi Yaakov Nachman ben Yuta Yehoshua Mordechai ben Shaindel Raizel Yosef Alexander ben Rachel Yisroel Mordechai ben Malka Yisroel Zecharia ben Ruchna Devorah Yosef ben Mazli Yosef Dov Ber ben Devorah Goldah Yosef Yehuda ben Fradel Yissacher Chaim ben Esther Malka Yitzhak ben Mazal Yaakov Shia ben Chana Yehoshua Zelig Halevi ben Tzirel Yosef Yehonasan Hakohen ben Zissel Yitzchok Tuvia ben Rickel Yoel Nosson ben Malka Yehudah Aryeh ben Malkah Yisroel Dovid ben Roiza Zev Velvel bas Rochel Zohar ben Nava Zahava bat Dvora Zipora Tsivia bas Rachel Leah Zina bat Mariah Zev ben Matel Sheva Zalman Yaacov ben Chana

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Chabad and Deliveroo Pesach partnership

BY NATALIE ASH Chabad-Lubavitch have joined forces with Deliveroo to bring Passover to people’s doorsteps across the UK and Ireland.

The partnership ensures a special seder kit arrives in time to Jewish households ahead of Passover on Wednesday night.

The service is available until Tuesday evening and will particularly benefit the vulnerable and isolated unable to go shopping due to the coronavirus crisis.

Delivery is free of charge and all deliveries will be contact-free to ensure safety.

The seder kit was created by Chabad Lubavitch UK in response to the global pandemic.

Each Seder-to-Go box contains a roll up seder plate, six containers for the seder plate, a box of Matzah, bottle of grape juice, bottle of wine, Kiddush cup and user-friendly Haggadah with English translation and instructions.

“These kits will help to ensure every Jewish person is able to celebrate the festival

of our freedom in these uniquely challenging times,” commented Rabbi Bentzi Sudak, ChabadLubavitch Chief Executive. “Not only do the kits provide essential supplies for people who cannot go out to shop for Passover provisions, they mean that vulnerable people who should be staying at home do not have to choose between their safety and having a Seder.

“For those in quarantine or self-isolation who have never conducted a Seder on their own, the included guide and Seder supplies will make that possible.”

Deliveroo customers are able to purchase a “Seder-to-Go” kit on the app.

“We are honoured to support the Jewish community and play a small role to help people, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Commented Stephen Goldstein, Deliveroo executive vice president.

The initiative is available from Battersea, Finchley, Islington, Wimbledon, Bromley, Manchester, Leeds, Crouch End, Bloomsbury, Golders Green, Kentish Town, Bushey, Watford and Dublin.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the Commonwealth and world in delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours or converting businesses to help the relief effort.

Though self-isolating is hard it has offered people of all faiths a chance to pause and reflect in prayer or meditation.

The Queen’s words could not be more apt. In Jewish communities, through using the wonders of technology, there have been Shabbatons, daily, Friday night and Havdalah services, concerts, daily schmooze discussions and endless pastoral words of comfort.

And a call by 11 Chief Rabbis for unity last Shabbat reached over one million people worldwide.

“We will succeed and that success will belong to every one of us,” the Queen stated.

El Al crisis El Al has issued a stark warning to the Knesset that it is “likely to close” without a financial bailout.

The carrier’s chairman Eli Defes addressed a special committee meeting yesterday. Without government help closure is potentially imminent.

El Al has suspended regular flights since March 26th but is running humanitarian flights in coordination with the Foreign and Defence Ministries.

Defes said the airline had asked the Finance Ministry for a $350 million aid package. “El Al entered the crisis before all the other companies.” he said.

Noting the revenue cycle had ceased, he added, “El Al is spread out over 30 locations

Labor-Meretz union over The Labor-Meretz union has officially ended. The Knesset Arrangements Committee approved the anticipated breakup after Labor chairman Amir Peretz announced the party join the Blue & White Party. “We don’t see eye to eye on how to serve the citizens of Israel,” Peretz said. Peretz met with Blue & White leader Benny Gantz to agree a deal.

Blue & White MK Avi Nisenkorn and Labor

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worldwide. If we do not receive immediate help, within the next few days, El Al is likely to close.”

The first plane carrying medical essential equipment from China landed at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday morning.

Mossad has organised planes bringing supplies including ventilators in the coming days. Israir and CAL Cargo Airlines are also involved in the airlift.

El Al’s repatriation flights have taken place from Melbourne, Lima, Bogota, Delhi and Perth.

Talks have reportedly taken place with the Finance Ministry for two months. It is hoped a deal can be agreed to save the national airline.

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In a powerful conclusion, she observed, “Better days will return, we will be with our friends again, we will be with our families again, we will meet again.

So dear readers remember that whilst this year will undoubtedly be tough for many, we must not lose hope or become too disheartened.

Saving lives even by something as mundane as staying indoors is a great mitzvah and we should take great heart and courage that we are doing the right thing.

Pesach is a time of redemption and we all pray that the world will be healed of this deadly disease and we can all return to normality once again for the better.

May I take this opportunity to wish all of you a healthy and happy Pesach and as the Haggadah says, may we all merit next year to be in Jerusalem and to be FREE, Amen.

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MK Itzik Shmuli will facilitate the collaboration between the parties. Labor MK Mirav Michaeli has lambased Peretz’s decision. “You don’t sell out the party of Ben-Gurion, Rabin and Peres,” she said.

“I call upon all my colleagues in the party to resist this move. Our camp deserves good and proper leadership that keeps its promises and fights for the State of Israel.”

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 04 News 12 Opinion 13 Letters 14 Community 22 Features

26 Obituaries 28 Judaism 33 Kids 34 Youth 35 Cookery

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Keir Starmer

BY ADAM MOSES

Sir Keir Starmer

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Sir Keir Starmer’s election as Labour Party leader has officially ended the Jeremy Corbyn era.

The new leader, who comfortably won the leadership ballot, has vowed to “tear out” anti-Semitism by its roots from the party.

Starmer has called for a video conference with Jewish leaders from the Board of Deputies, Jewish Leadership Council, Community Security Trust and Jewish Labour Movement.

Writing to the Board of Deputies, Starmer, who adopted the Board’s Ten Pledges on tackling anti-Semitism on the day they were released, apologised over anti-Semitism within the party.

Reiterating comments in his acceptance speech, Starmer noted, “Anti-Semitism has been a stain on our party. I have seen the grief it’s brought to so many Jewish communities.

“On behalf of the Labour Party, I am sorry. And I will tear out this poison by its roots and judge success by the return of Jewish members and those who felt that they could no longer support us.”

Jewish organisations have welcomed his

appointment but want action not words.

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl congratulated his victory.

“We were very pleased that he and all the other leadership contenders signed up to the Board of Deputies’ Ten Pledges on anti-Semitism. The new deputy leader Angela Rayner also signed up to these pledges and we also congratulate her on her election victory. Now they must act to rid the party of the awful disease of anti-Jewish racism.

“As the Corbyn era comes to an end, it is clear that history will not look kindly on Corbyn’s leadership of the Labour Party where anti-Jewish racism has been allowed to run amok and some at the highest levels of the Party have appeared to collude to protect, rather than discipline, anti-Semites.”

Noting that Starmer had made headway in his letter, she added, “We have always said that the Labour Party leader will be judged on his actions rather than his words.”

Ms van der Zyl also noted the Board would work with Starmer and Rayner to draw a line under an awful period in Labour’s history.

“The party can begin to repair its relationship with the Jewish community in the months and years ahead,” she added.

#SederStories

Every year, it is our duty to tell the Pesach story.

SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE

This year, more than ever, it is Norwood’s duty to tell their stories…

By now, you do not need us to tell you why this year is different from all other years for Norwood.

In spite of the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in this Pesach, Norwood will be spending this time – as best we can – commemorating and celebrating 225 years of service to the community. That’s why, this year, it is our duty to tell the stories of some of the extraordinary people Norwood has supported over the years. We will be telling these stories in a variety of ways over the coming weeks.

Norwood has been here for our community for 225 years.

With your support, we’ll be here for ever. This Pesach, help us to keep telling the extraordinary stories of the people we support by donating at norwood.org.uk/jwappeal or call 020 8420 6970.

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ends Corbyn era Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said Labour had started the process of turning the page on the Corbyn era but retrieving a once fiercely anti-racist Labour Party from the grip of institutional anti-Semitism was not as simple as replacing its former leader.

“Starmer faces a long-term campaign if he is serious about the very welcome promise he made in his victory speech,” CAA noted. “This is not about politics, it is about justice.”

They added, “Even though we have published ample information on anti-Semites in the Labour Party, including Corbyn himself, there has been little justice.”

Noting the Jewish community had doing everything to express its alarm and stop the anti-Semitic rot within Labour, Britain’s Jews held their breath wondering if the next Prime Minister would be Corbyn.

“It was not the Labour membership or its officers who rejected Corbyn, it was the British public. Never again should a minority be put in such fear by a political party in this country.

“The people who did this must now face justice and political expedience must no longer stand in the way.”

CAA continued, “As new leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir must disentangle the

corruption that allowed anti-Semitism to be institutionalised in his party.”

CAA wants those that committed anti-Semitic acts, interfered in disciplinary processes or dismissed Jewish fears as being part of an orchestrated smear campaign to answer for their actions.

“As the new leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir has no time to lose in making good on his pledge to seek out anti-Semitism and ‘tear out this poison by its roots’…”

“As the new leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir has no time to lose in making good on his pledge to seek out anti-Semitism and ‘tear out this poison by its roots’ and rebuild relations with the Jewish

community,” commented Gideon Falter, CAA chief executive.

“As a Queen’s Counsel and former Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Keir knows that this is not a matter of politics but of justice, and justice requires an impartial process of inquiry with sanctions for offenders. This must start with addressing our outstanding complaints against Corbyn and disciplining him in order to send a message that anti-Jewish racism no longer has a home in the Labour Party.”

Jonathan Goldstein, JLC chair, is hopeful the elections are “the beginning of a healing process between the Party and our community.

“Along with our partners, we look forward to discussions with the new leadership as to how we can all move forward and eradicate the scourge of anti-Jewish bigotry that has infected the party,” he noted.

CST welcomed the statements and actions made by Starmer and his closest colleagues.

The Jewish Labour Movement said the change of leadership must mark a “turning point “for Labour in its relationship with the Jewish community. “Nobody should be under any illusion, restoring trust will take effort, time and political will,” they noted.

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WJC message of support World Jewish Congress has issued a video message to 100 affiliated Jewish communities.

President Ronald S. Lauder took the initiative as communities battle with health, economic and social impacts due to the coronavirus crisis. “The coronavirus has completely upset our daily lives in ways we never imagined possible,” he said. “Our lives have changed overnight”.

Lauder called on Jews around the world to focus on a shared heritage and values in order to support each other.

“We are one people,” he said. “What makes the Jewish people strong, what has always sustained us, is our faith in God and our trust in each other. This situation, I believe, has unintentionally made that abundantly clear.

“All Jews, indeed, all of humanity, are the targets of this disease. That is why now, more than ever, we must discard any divisions in our community. This should be an unexpected opportunity for all of us to embrace each other as one people. Challenges can bring out the best in us, and that’s what we need now.”

Lauder added, “Stay safe, act prudently have courage, support those around you who may need help, and always remain optimistic. And remember, we will get through this all together.”

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Bibi and Benny “positive” coalition talks

Conference of European Rabbis hosts emergency virtual meeting ahead of Pesach

BY SIMCHA ABIR

The Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis yesterday hosted an emergency Zoom meeting to discuss how the current COVID-19 outbreak is affecting various Jewish communities.

The CER has had ongoing conversations with its Rabbis around COVID-19 from the middle of February, agreeing clear guidance on a number of issues including the precautions that individuals should follow prior to official lockdowns being announced. The CER has been outspoken throughout on its calls to strictly follow government advice in all countries. There has also been Halachic advice around Pesach and the seder, as well as a new prayer for the protection of patients and medics.

Yesterday’s meeting brought together some 50 of Europe’s leading Rabbis and was an opportunity to review how communities have coped over the last few weeks and to share advice and support ahead of what is set to be a Pesach unlike anybody has ever experienced. At the meeting, a new platform was launched for Europe’s Jewish communities to share their online activities providing a comprehensive directory of online shiurim,

Likud and Blue and White have made “positive” progress in negotiations for an emergency national unity government. But a formal agreement is not anticipated before Pesach.

Even if compromise is reached prior to the festival on Wednesday the Knesset is unable to meet due to legislation that has to be passed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, currently in quarantine following Health Minister Yaakov Litzman’s coronavirus diagnosis, will lead a new coalition for 18 months. Benny Gantz, who stunned his party last month, by entering talks, will succeed Netanyahu for the remainder of parliament.

A joint statement noted that “understandings were reached,” and negotiating teams are trying to “bring about a coalition agreement “as soon as possible”.

“It is clear to all of us that there is no other alternative for either party [other than a unity deal] and that the State of Israel needs a government,” Gantz noted on Facebook.

Coalition talks have been ongoing since Gantz split his own party after being elected Knesset speaker with Netanyahu’s rightwing bloc backing. Netanyahu and Gantz discussed key issues last Friday. Netanyahu sat inside his official residence with Gantz on the patio.

Gantz, meantime, has informed President Reuven Rivlin by phone he is to seek a mandate extension.

Rivlin is deliberating the request but under Israeli law only a Knesset member heading the government can try form a coalition. Currently that is Netanyahu.

Notwithstanding this latest development, coalition issues include the Justice Ministry and annexation over Judea and Samaria, and Jordan Valley.

Likud have agreed to Blue and White’s Avi Nissenkorn as Justice Minister if they have a form of veto power over appointing Supreme Court justices.

Blue and White agreed to Yaakov Litzman as Health Minister, despite calls for his sacking over his handling of Covid-19 pandemic.

In terms of annexation, Netanyahu wants sovereignty as part of his legacy before Gantz takes the helm.

Gantz opposes unilateral annexation as it could hit relations with Jordan. But he has reportedly accepted limited annexation to enable an agreement though it must be in coordinated with the Defence Ministry.

Gantz is expected to be Defence Minister in a unity government.

President Donald Trump’s controversial Middle East ‘deal of the century’ is also an issue.

Gantz agreed to talks to avoid fourth elections and coronavirus crisis.

classes and resources which are now available on https://torahonline.rabbiscer.org/.

Another agenda item looked at how well positioned communities are to fight back from this outbreak and the possibility of a new fund that will help support Jewish communities later in the year.

Reflecting on the emergency meeting, Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt, president of the Conference of European Rabbis, said: “We felt that it was important for us all to take time out of our schedules and come together to share our ideas and work together to better support our congregants, many of whom are suffering. The new resources that we are launching will, I hope, help our communities get through and eventually rebuild from this pandemic.

“There is something incredibly special about seeing friends and colleagues during this very challenging time and I was pleased to have the opportunity to do this before Pesach.”

The Standing Committee was scheduled to meet in Bucharest, Romania, after Pesach.

This meeting has now been postponed until further notice.

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Israelis national lockdown over Pesach

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel faces a four-day nationwide lockdown for Pesach.

Ministers approved the emergency measure on Monday night.

Escalating measures had taken place in recent days and a meeting was scheduled to approve a lockdown for eight ultra-Orthodox communities during the afternoon.

After that meeting was shelved a remote debate was anticipated for the latest measures that would affect the whole country.

The move follows ultra-Orthodox ministers, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri protesting against restrictions against mainly Chareidi communities.

Deri told Channel 12 full lockdown on the eve of Pesach was possible.

“We want everyone to do Seder night with the family that lives with them now, without movement of families,” he said.

Prof. Itamar Grotto, Health Ministry deputy director-general, backed the claim.

“There will be strong enforcement on this matter so that everyone stays with only their

family,” he said.

Israelis will be unable to leave municipal boundaries but can shop for essential supplies.

Measures will run from Tuesday 4pm to Friday 6am. Residents can only move between cities in specific cases.

Measures followed reports that ultra-orthodox communities had recorded the sharpest rises in coronavirus cases in the past week.

Eight cities and 15 Jerusalem neighbourhoods faced lockdown by the government.

Bnei Brak alone has seen cases hike over a seven-day period from 410 to 1,200 by last Sunday. Figures have soared in Jerusalem Haifa and Safed.

Ministers were expected to approve a week-long extension on Bnei Brak.

Eight cities cited were Tiberias, Elad, Migdal Haemek, Beitar Illit, Ashkelon, Or Yehuda, Modiin Illit and Beit Shemesh.

Jerusalem neighbourhoods included Har Nof, Bayit Vegan, Givat Mordechai, Ramat Shlomo, Sanhedria, Shmuel Hanavi, Beit Yisrael, Mea Shearim, Geula, Bucharim, Zichron Moshe, Ramot, Makor Baruch, Givat

HMH

wishes the community a Happy Pesach and anyone unwell a Refuah Shelema

Shaul and Kiryat Moshe.

Government authorities brought in measures due to a fear of escalation over Pesach.

They included a custom-made face mask for Israelis with beards for religious reasons instead of being advised to shave.

“We are creating an industrial certification for masks, which means that in a few days there will really be masks of different sizes,” Health Ministry deputy director-general

Israelis will be unable to leave municipal boundaries but can shop for essential supplies.

Itamar Grotto told Army Radio. “Those with beards will be able to use the appropriate masks.”

The Health Ministry confirmed the death toll in Israel had reached 58 with over 8,900 cases on Monday afternoon.

There has been a rise of 760 cases in 24 hours with a reported 140 people in serious condition and 109 patients on ventilators.

Hospitals are treating 730 patients, 5,551people are battling the virus at home, 803 people are in designated hotels. Over 1,000 are awaiting a decision on whether they will be treated.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, still in quarantine as a precaution following Health Minister Yaakov Litzman’s coronavirus diagnosis last week, has escalated measures on an ongoing basis.

It is believed Litzman contracted the virus after failing to follow guidelines issued by his ministry.

In spite of his situation, the Health Minister has been vocal about ultra-Orthodox residents experiencing “discriminatory and degrading” treatment.

His comments came after the Ramat Gan municipality installed a wire fence on the border with Bnei Brak.

“I urge the Mayor of Ramat Gan to avoid meddling and creating friction between the populations,” Litzman said. “Residents of Bnei Brak and the entire ultra-Orthodox population should not be discriminated against.”

Bnei Brak city workers attempted to take down the fence.

“As long as the Israel Police don’t block the entrance points (to Bnei Brak) even though the movement between cities is now forbidden by law, the conclusion is that it’s appropriate and correct to plug all openings,” Ramat Gan municipality said in a statement.

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Bnei Brak Mayor, Rabbi Avraham Rubinstein, said it was like being in a “ghetto”.

“The coronavirus epidemic will eventually pass, but the inhumane conduct of Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen will be remembered in infamy,” said Rubinstein.

“The man who tried to cut a political coupon on the plight of Bnei Brak residents, who are under harsh traffic restrictions, erecting fences around the ghetto which he demanded to establish.”

He added, “The Bnei Brak municipality strongly protests this nasty and ugly act of its ‘good neighbour’ Ramat Gan, which has chosen to initiate this sickening step without any authority. Putting up fences is a violent step that suits the conduct of criminals and reminds of darker periods of the past in the lives of the Jewish community.”

The Interior Ministry has since ordered the fence to be taken down.

Tensions though are rising. And politicians have been vocal including Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, who is among those opposed to a lockdown.

“Imposing a lockdown on ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods is not the solution,” he told reporters. “The ultra-Orthodox public has a high fertility rate and many families live in very crowded spaces, which makes it harder to isolate the sick from the rest of the population.”

Litzman and Deri were angry most communities in lockdown are ultra-Orthodox.

Both called for criteria to be confirmed cases in a city rather than the rate of spread.

Israel Defence Forces had sent troops to Bnei Brak in an attempt to halt the spread of the deadly virus, a partial lockdown by police was in force to 210,000 residents last Friday.

“Bnei Brak is on lockdown, as of this morning, and police will prevent any movements in or out of the city,” commented police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

IDF Home Front Command facilitated Operation Laser Beam which included paratroopers and naval commandos to provide food, medical supplies and transportation to coronavirus treatment centers at hotels.

The IDF military worked with the Bnei Brak municipality.

“Soldiers will have protective gear to ensure they remain safe,” said Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, Home Front Command head.

Soldiers have information on 4,400 residential buildings with people infected by coronavirus.

Around 10,000 meals were delivered to over-80s up to Monday. More will be sent for Pesach. Soldiers were also delivering hygiene products.

The IDF has initiated an education programme for residents with limited access to the internet and news.

Observance to Jewish law is in place over concerns from orthodox leaders.

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NEWS 11

Wishing our members, volunteers and partners a peaceful and healthy Passover

“

During this challenging time, I feel that isolation shuts out family and friends. To alleviate the boredom the mind must remain active and I do this by reading, writing and other activities. I have received calls from my AJR social worker which made me feel that I have not been forgotten. This illustrates the care and time taken by the AJR to contact the elderly.”

- Rev. Bernd Koschland

Stay connected enquiries@ajr.org.uk · www.ajr.org.uk · 020 8385 3070 AssociationofJewishRefugees @TheAJR_

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12 OPINION

7 APRIL 2020

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Op-ed: A corona call to the nations from Jerusalem

BY DAVID HERMAN

F U N IN STO UL TI L CH CK LY ER A E EV ME D PE TZ SA CH

I call upon all the nations on earth to seize the opportunity offered by the universal corona virus threat to all of humanity to at long last let peace reign permanently on our planet and make wars and threat of war a distant memory in the post-corona world that will eventually be created. The alarming epidemic has shown each and everyone of us how insignificant we really are and how powerless when facing a threat of such magnitude, and that only by peace and peaceful cooperation on the part of all the nations can we overcome and survive such terrible threats.

For too long, almost from man’s first appearance on earth, hatred and prejudice have throughout the generations erupted into cruel wars costing millions of innocent lives. And all because the nations and their leaders have stubbornly and stupidly refused to heed the prayers of ordinary people who, unlike their power-hungry leaders with their increasingly deadly weapons of destruction, realize what the blessing of peace in a world ruled by peace and peace-loving leaders can mean for a happy human life and for the prosperous and praiseworthy future

of the world itself – a world devoid of war and the crazed obsession with power and superiority, translating unfailingly into a world torn and rent by unending conflict and destruction.

It is as if we have learnt nothing in the blood-filled school of history with all our innovation and modernisation, but at this precise moment the corona virus is implacably and painfully teaching all of us, and all of our leaders and nations, that we are facing an enemy against which we are currently powerless and impotent, and only when, at some as yet unknown time in the future, it will leave our broken and disrupted world will human beings on earth be able to begin rebuilding the shaken foundations of their lives.

We must see the corona epidemic as a wake-up call to the nations, the leaders, to all ordinary human beings wherever they are in the world, to once and for all abandon the tragic and inexorable march of history towards nuclear war and the final extinction of the human race.

But the question remains: Will the nations and their leaders and humanity as a whole finally learn what corona is teaching us – that human beings and humanity as a whole must live in a world ruled by peace

It is as if we have learnt nothing in the bloodfilled school of history with all our innovation and modernisation… and peaceful cooperation and by leaders who have forsworn war and conflict in order to build a new and happier world.

And so here, housebound in the corona-struck city of Jerusalem, I call upon the leaders of all the nations, without exception, to seize this Heaven-sent opportunity to change the conflict-cursed course of human history, and the moment that the

world becomes corona-free, to gather together as one man and declare their unanimous and irrevocable decision to forever forsake the path of war and conflict and dedicate themselves and their peoples to create a new and far better world for us all to live in happily, a new proud world of peace, peaceful cooperation and prosperity.

You may say that all the above is simply beyond belief, and that after the corona pandemic pandemonium has passed the world will remain unrepentantly conflict-plagued as it was before, but I firmly believe that thanks to the corona we and our leaders will at last realize that peace, not war and conflict, must and can and will reign in our world.

David Herman is a London-born Israeli living in Jerusalem since 1966, not long after graduating from Cambridge University, after a twenty-year career as a publisher of simplified English, French and Arabic teaching newspapers for the Israeli school system and today he is working as a freelance translator/editor.

CUSTOMER ANNOUNCEMENTS

In light of government guidelines we have implemented the following for people’s safety:

One door will be left open to be used as entrance & exit No more than 7 people at a time in store We will use two tills for serving for safe distancing between customers

Home Delivery Service available* for Pesach or Chametz goods *terms & conditions apply

Opening Hours Sunday to Tuesday: 7.30am - 10pm Wednesday Erev Pesach: 7.30am - till 1hr before Zman Chol Hamoed: 7.30am - 10pm

Pelters Deli is ready now for all your Pesach cooked food needs. List available to pick up in store

Wishing Everyone a Kosher and Healthy Pesach @mendyskosher

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LETTERS 13

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Letters to the Editor Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.

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NEWS 3

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 President Marie van der Zyl in a statement. this country has faced for decades and this “Our hearts go out to all those who have country is not alone,” he told the nation. lost loved ones and those who are caring “All over the world we are seeing the Across Israel, strict measures came into for the sick. There is no higher value in Ju- devastating impact of this invisible killer. effect last night, normal bustling streets, daism than preserving life, so please, do Without a huge national effort to halt the promenades and markets were empty this everything you can to follow the govern- growth of this virus, there will come a momorning. ment’s guidelines and stay home unless ment when no health service in the world In the UK, positive tests are approaching you absolutely cannot. could possibly cope because there won’t be 10,000 and there are over 460 deaths due to “For our part, we care about communi- enough ventilators, enough intensive care the deadly virus. Among the growing fig- ties large and small and we are doing all we beds, enough doctors and nurses.” ures are at least 20 members from Jewish can to maximise the continuity of Jewish Johnson called on people to stay at home communities. life through this process and ensure we can during the pandemic.

Measures have cenAmidst the carnage however many or- celebrate a happy and healthy Pesach. We tred around shopping for basic necessities, ganisations have launched campaigns to will get through this, but it needs everyone daily exercise, medical needs, travel and support communities. to play their part.” contact with friends.

“The coronavirus outbreak is a devastatPrime Minister Boris Johnson anShops selling non-essential goods, libraring national and international tragedy and nounced strict new measures in a national ies, playgrounds outdoor gyms and places these figures show that our community TV address this week. of worship have shut. A curtailment of is not immune,” said Board of Deputies “The coronavirus is the biggest threat weddings and other ceremonies, excluding

funerals, has also come into force.

Parks are open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.

Economic measures have been brought in to aid businesses but Johnson is acutely aware there are are “no easy options”.

“The way ahead is hard and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost and yet it is also true that there is a clear way through,” he noted. “We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together and therefore I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.”

In the UK, positive tests are approaching 10,000 and there are over 460 deaths due to the deadly virus. Among the growing figures are at least 25 members from Jewish communities.

NHS STAFF SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN From the editor’s desk

Dear Editor, I wanted to compliment you on many aspects of this paper. Especially the editorial which was very direct and said all the right things however one thing has prompted me to write to you which is that unfortunately in my opinion there was a grave omission when you thanked all volunteers/charities there were NO THANKS for all the NHS workers, among whom there are also yidden who are going to I write this editorial with great sadness for many reasons. For the 22,000 plus people worldwide who have died from Covid-19, and the 500,000 plus patients who have currently tested positive.

The trauma that the deceased would have suffered right up until their last agonising breath and the pain of their families now left behind.

The 25 plus Jews who have died in this country. Tens of other Jews who have passed away around the world. All buried without hardly anyone present at their funerals.

A shiva house where people cannot visit.

Family members left to grieve over the phone or alone.

Do not be naive and think it is just elderly people who are affected either. I have spoken in the last few days to clients of this newspaper who have the Coronavirus. A 26 year old, who’s struggling to breath. One of our most established clients, currently hooked up to a ventilator in intensive care in London. A man with no prior symptoms.

The 15 people in London and 10 in Manchester that I know, who are currently in the ICU, alive only by means of ventilators.

work every day and are in the front line and they are also scared and worried as are their families who worry about them.

I hope you take this in the spirit in which it was you intended ie as constructive criticism.

May we ALL BE and STAY WELL! AMEN AMEN!!!

The tragic story yesterday in Manchester where a Misaskim member worked with the Hatzalah to desperately try and save his father from Covid-19 but to no avail.

The fact that over 1/3rd of the worlds population is now under lockdown, with businesses fighting for survival, and many people out of work.

Having to pray at home, having to homeschool the kids. This is a strange new world for many people, a world no one dreamed of just a few weeks ago!

These things make me sad. But what makes me sadder still is the attitude of a small minority of people within our faith, who think they are invincible and above the law.

These people continue to go out and about, going to shool, going to yeshiva, attending weddings in peoples houses with dozens of people all crammed together.

Actually sad is not the right word. Anger is more appropriate. How dare these selfish people put other people’s lives at risk.

Whilst most decent people are adhering to the governments advice to only go out for bare necessities, we are all at risk because of these self righteous individuals who are a law unto themselves.

They may have no symptoms. They may be physically fine. But they can kill many people by transmitting it to others.

Remember this is an invisible virus that has

spread around the entire world. If we were the same size as the virus, over 360,000,000 of us would be able to stand on top of a pencil.

So readers I beg you:

STAY INDOORS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!

However there is a ray of light. Look at all the selfless volunteers who have put their very lives at risk to deliver food to people who are in self isolation. The tremendous work of all the charities, stepping up to the plate during these dark days, to ensure people are never completely alone. You can read more about our wonderful charities in our charity supplement further on in the paper. This newspaper salutes your courage, your bravery and wishes you are all well enough to continue this vitally important work.

May I take this opportunity to wish all our readers and advertisers the very best of health, and may we all be able to return to a normal world once more as soon as it is safe to do so.

Yossi Saunders Editor

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Sincerely Denise Kienwald

BACK TO GOOD OLD BASICS Dear Editor, An outpouring of thanks and praise have rightfully been given to all the Social Services and those on the front line risking their lives for us, but we should not forget gratitude owed to our Chief and Emeritus Chief Rabbis, our Dayanim, Rabbanim and ALL our spiritual leaders who have offered comfort, inspiration and hope during this worrying time - a wake up call - the Shofar of Shofrot! But are we internalising their lessons? Will we change for the better!

By nature I am an optimist, acknowledging and appreciating the outstanding and amazing good people in the wonderful world G-d gave us, yet the words of our 7th BCE prophet Isaiah ring in my ears and I believe speak to all of us, now. In chapter 1, Isaiah powerfully inveighs against us.

‘HaShem says “... Children I have reared.... and they have rebelled .... The ox knows his owner ......but Israel does not know........

The whole head is sick, And the whole heart faint; From the sole of the foot even unto the head......” (the body politic is diseased).

When you come to appear before Me, who required this.......to trample My courts?

Bring no more vain oblations .......... I will hide Mine eyes from you: Yea when you make many prayers , I will not hear; ........

WASH you, make you CLEAN,.......Learn to do well; Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, Judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Come now and let us reason together........

If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;.........Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and they that return of her with righteousness”’. The entire chapter is worth reading!

Translating these stirring and thought provoking words into our present lives, we are told to always be grateful and mindful, ridding ourselves of spiritual sickness including disrespect or dislike for differing levels of religious practice and beliefs, vain or rushed prayer (sadly our Shuls are empty), necessity for “cleanliness” which is next to G-dliness” and finally the remedy through practice of Social Justice bringing about Healing. We must put others first!

The corona virus has sadly affected the world but if Jews are to be “ a light to the nations” as Isaiah exhorted, we must set the example. We have the tools - our spiritual Leaders! Let us listen and act enabling us to return to the GOOD old basics of our daily pursuits. After all man is a social animal!

Yours sincerely Mrs Flora Frank

TRIBUTE TO DAYAN WESTHEIM Dear Editor, Forever grateful and indebted for the time, effort and care he gave to me over the years. He was a brilliant man, humble, unassuming and incredibly insightful. A true Godol in every sense. I will forever cherish our conversations and the guidance, especially during tough times He taught me so much. Somethings

repeatable , some not , but all of them were such treasures.

He will be missed terribly.

Yehi Zichro Boruch!

Anon

Dayan Westheim z”l

REB OSHER ZATZAL Words can’t describe our enormous pain and loss, Manchester’s lost a leader, Manchester’s lost it’s gloss, From far and wide they came to seek his sage advice, His towering breadth of knowledge so certain-so precise, Till early in the morning, men, women they all came, Pouring out their hearts at his study on Broom Lane, Resolving so many disputes - sholom bayis and much more, Whatever issues we may have had - his was an open door, To all the community’s simchos he’d partake to come rejoice, Always with immense humility- and never raising his voice, He detested pride and honour - he never shouted his opinion, With humility and with steadfastness he was Rov of a modest Minyan, Never did he judge us - with love he kept us going, His eyes always smiling and his face forever glowing, Our hearts are broken it’s so surreal so hard to make any sense, That from this day on we’re to refer his name just in past tense, A mountain of a Gaon and above all a *‫*צדיק וישר‬ We will miss you forever more we say farewell to our dear *Reb Osher*

‫יהי זכרו ברוך‬ Anon

LOCKDOWN & ISOLATION - POSITIVE FALLOUT Dear Editor, There is a deep underlying message behind the current devastating health crisis. It is that we human beings do not run this world. Technological advancement, instant global communication and scientific achievement may lead many to believe that we do. Then, from time to time the Almighty sends a thunderbolt that shakes the planet to its foundations, so to speak, and reminds us who really is Boss.

Throughout history this has been the case. From Noah’s flood, the Tower of Babel, The Giving of the Torah, the Destruction of the Temples, through to last century’s massive two World Wars. All were cataclysmic events with colossal repercussions for humanity. They were not just accidents of history. They were events from which we have to learn lessons – for ourselves and for future generations.

With all its trauma, suffering and tragedy, we have to see a positive side to the lockdown and isolation imposed on us all. For Jews it provides an opportunity for those suddenly with more time on their hands than before to strengthen their observance of mitzvos and to come closer to the Creator. To increase their hours of Torah learning, using the technology at their disposal to its most positive effect.

To consciously avoid “loshon hora” (bad speech), which the world’s leading sage Rav Chaim Kanievsky recently declared to be the most powerful weapon in defeating the current virus.

It’s an opportunity for people of all faiths to intensify their prayers for the terrible virus to be removed from the face of the earth , for the indiscriminate illness and death toll to end. It is frustrating and painful, to say the least, for people to be unable to attend their dedicated places of worship to recite those prayers. However the Almighty has Himself created the circumstances of that deprivation for a reason. He still waits for us to cry out to Him. The heartfelt individual prayers of millions of people in a spirit of “virtual” collectivity will surely penetrate to the uppermost reaches.

Equal to that, the isolation is an

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opportunity for people of all backgrounds to increase their acts of kindness and generosity towards others who feel terribly lonely and abandoned and are genuinely in need. For family and friends to become closer and more caring – even if this can only be done through telephones and computers.

Those of who reside in the London Borough of Barnet are specially placed to take the lead in demonstrating all these values of faith, friendship and goodwill.

Our Borough has by far the largest Jewish population in the entire UK, with more Shuls , schools and communal institutions than any other. Our communities are highly loyal and disciplined in following the decisions of their Rabbis . This was evidenced by the closure of all Shuls without exception as soon as the respective rabbinical authorities published an order to this effect. There were no protests, arguments or underhand efforts to defy the rulings.

On the wider level, there is more to say.

Barnet is the most multi-cultural of all London Boroughs. People of numerous faiths and backgrounds live here together in harmony and mutual respect. They do so not because the Council tells them to, though mutual tolerance and social cohesion is very much part of the Council’s ethos. Nor do they do so because of doctrines of political correctness. There is simply a prevailing attitude that this is a decent , civilised way to behave , in a country which thankfully still remains true to its free and democratic traditions.

With Pesach almost upon us we will soon be striving to remove all our Chametz and cleanse our homes both physically and spiritually. The removal of the Coronavirus is likely to take somewhat longer. But our plea for the eradication of this scourge will surely sound an extra note of poignancy in every Jewish home when we recite the Ten Plagues at this year’s Seder .

Yours sincerely Cllr Brian Gordon (Mayor of Barnet)

14 COMMUNITY

7 APRIL 2020

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Adopt-A-Safta Seder boxes Adopt-A-Safta, Israel’s leading nonprofit initiative that pairs young adults all over Israel with lonely elderly, is appealing for donations for “Seder Boxes” - a complete Seder kit delivered to your front door. It is also making the Seder Boxes available for purchase for anyone in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem unable to attend a Seder this year due to social restrictions as a result of coronavirus.

The Seder Box is a fully loaded Seder plate, including dinner, plastics, matzah, Haggadahs and resources to support those who have never run a Seder before, all delivered directly to the home - was originally designed to be delivered to the elderly and vulnerable populations who are unable to spend Passover with their families.

The Seder Boxes are now available for Olim across Israel, as well as for the lonely elderly in need thanks to partnerships with professional Kosher chef Sara Black of Asparagus Catering to ramp up production, the Schusterman Foundation ROI Community, Nefesh b’Nefesh and the Am Yisrael Foundation.

In a time of global Corona crisis, where the elderly are most at risk, Adopt-A-Safta has been working toward its mission to combat loneliness among the elderly while also protecting them. The team has been sourcing volunteers to phone shutin seniors, and go shopping on their behalf, but this won’t be enough for Pesach.

“Nothing in the Jewish calendar is more familial and communal than Seder night.

No matter your level of Jewish observance, almost everyone looks forward to a night with friends and family around the Passover table. Skipping Passover was not an option, putting people at risk was not an option, getting creative to avoid a lonely Seder experience was a must.” - Says Jay Shultz, Founder of Adopt-A-Safta, White City Shabbat & President of Am Yisrael Foundation.

AJEX plays its part

Adopt-A-Safta founder Jay Shultz also is the founder of White City Shabbat - the main portal for young Jewish life in Tel Aviv for the past decade - which annually hosts the largest community Tel Aviv Seder. He recognized that the Corona restrictions would impact the thousands of young community members who may not know how to prepare a Seder, and that the Seder Box could also support this community.

Designed for people who may have never run their own Passover Seders before, White City Shabbat partnered with the NY based nonprofit JewBelong to produce a beginners English/Hebrew “how-to” Kosher Haggadah, included in each Seder Box. White City Shabbat will also be hosting a series of pre-Seder how-to lectures on Zoom by Tel Aviv Olim Rabbis Shlomo Chayen and Jonathan Feldman. The details of lectures will be shared on the White City Shabbat Facebook page.

Jay comments, “It is always a great time to give charity, but during a time of global pandemic it’s even better. And if you wanted an answer to the 5th question being asked this Passover season,”Why is this box different from all other boxes? It’s ‘Because there is a full Kosher seder in the box, silly.’ You bring off key singing voices, and the love of freedom, and let the Seder Box do the rest.

Social distancing doesn’t mean that we can’t all leave Egypt together as one big family, despite each being cozy in our own homes.

Elbow bumps all around, Chag Kosher & Coronaless Samayach!”

“Every society should be judged on how they care for their elderly. The Jewish People, specifically in Israel, are truly a shining light, with their dedication to our holy elderly generation. Especially around Pesach, please help us help them.”

If you want to order your own Seder Box, or donate one to a Holocaust Survivor, please order here: www.SederBox.eventbrite.com.

AJEX The Jewish Military Association (AJEX JMA), the charity which looks after the welfare of Jewish veterans and serving Armed Forces Personnel, is weathering the storm of the current international COVID-19 pendemic.

AJEX JMA National Chairman, Mike Bluestone, said: “We are living through such incredibly unusual and tough times.

However we are still looking after the needs of our members and our network of branches is monitoring the requirements of members and their families who have special needs or who are vulnerable.

“We continue to work alongside other veterans’ and service charities as well as community support groups and our own branch network and we hope to be able to provide support for our members wherever they might be located and when needed.”

Although the AJEX JMA head office has been closed to protect staff and visitors, the head office staff and the organisation’s volunteer officers are working remotely from home to maintain a continued service.

Mike Bluestone continued: “We intend to continue as best possible to promote the three strands of AJEX – welfare, education and remembrance. Our education officer

is working on educational packages in the run up to VE Day and VJ Day which can be delivered remotely to groups and individuals. Lt Col Colin Shieff, our welfare officer will continue to be available to advise our members on a range of welfare matters which might be putting our veterans under addition strain at this time.”

The AJEX JMA management team will continue to monitor and respond to Government advice and the well-being of staff, members and volunteers will remain a priority. Mike Bluestone concluded: “Despite these unprecedented times we will continue to support our veterans and Armed Forces personnel and assure them that we are still operating. I would also ask members of the public who might know of any Jewish veterans in need to contact our welfare officer on 0208 202 2323 or email welfare@ajex.org.uk.”

Sadly some of the remembrance events planned, including Bergen Belsen and Armed Forces Week event at The National Memorial Arboretum, have been cancelled in accordance with Government guidelines. Further developments will be notified through the AJEX JMA social media sites and to members via regular bulletins.

GIFT caring for the carers

CONSIDERING ALIYAH? Join hundreds of British Olim making their Aliyah dream a reality.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

DOV NEWMARK: dov@nbn.org.il www.nbn.org.il 0800-075-7200

A Carer at Sydmar Lodge Care Home in Edgware with her GIFT gratitude pack WORKING IN COOPERATION TO BUILD A STRONGER ISRAEL THROUGH ALIYAH

Every one of us, together

GIFT distrubuted boxes of goodies to hospital staff. One nurse told us ‘After working 12 hour shifts, the staff greatly appreciated

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the gratitude packs and the beautiful cards from all children too! Thank you so much GIFT for all you’re doing!’

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COMMUNITY 15

Reaching out on Virtual Seders at Jewish Care this Pesach Whilst this Pesach will be very different for all of us this year, Jewish Care are doing everything they can to ensure that residents, independent living tenants and the Jewish Care and wider community can celebrate Pesach this year by attending a Seder, all be it a virtual one.

A virtual Seder will be available for residents across care homes to see in the afternoon and to participate in a Seder before the festival begins on first night Yom Tov. The link will also be available for the whole community online and is accompanied by a condensed Haggadah in Hebrew, transliteration and English, as well as a Montessori Haggadah for residents to read out to tell the Passover story.

There will also be links so the whole community can listen to Pesach songs with access to a Pesach Kumzit (campfire) sing-a-long with Eitan Freilich and songs

by Jonny Turgel.

In other years, volunteers from across the community have visited Jewish Care’s ten care homes to lead Seders on each floor of the home, to ensure that all the residents can celebrate Pesach. School children have also previously visited the residents to sing.

This year, children from schools across the community have sent e-cards that will be printed and given out to residents before Pesach.

Individual Seder plates and meals will

be available for Jewish Care’s Independent Living tenants. Kosher for Pesach, frozen meals will be delivered to the growing numbers of people who need them this year in the community from Redbridge to Stanmore and Stepney to Southend. They will be delivered by Jewish Care’s Meals on Wheels delivery drivers before Pesach.

In Jewish Care homes, redeployed Jewish Care staff continue to assist carers to set up Skype and video calls with residents to keep in touch with their relatives on iPads.

Daniel Carmel-Brown, who joined the virtual Seder, Jewish Care Chief Executive said, “We know Pesach will be very different for us all so it is even more important that we enable our residents and tenants to celebrate the festival as fully as we can.

Being able to participate in a Seder is what makes Jewish Care special so we are pleased to share the virtual Seders in our homes and with the community.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the school children and members of the community who are sending their thoughts, good wishes and songs to our residents and everyone in the Jewish Care community. Whilst we are not able to be together physically this year, we are reaching out and connecting with each other spiritually and emotionally as one community this Pesach.”

Mark Creeger leads virtual Seder for Jewish Care residents and independent living tenants

Virtual Seder participants

COVID-19 CRISIS APPEAL

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

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

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

•

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

•

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

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

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

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

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COMMUNITY 17

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Lockdown life for Kisharon front line staff During these unprecedented times Kishron support workers are facing very difficult circumstances and are putting big changes into place to ensure everyone they support is safe. Isolation, limits on outdoor time and socialising are especially challenging for those with special needs, having a detrimental effect on mental health and well-being. Structure, routine and creative schedules have become vital to ensure happiness and stability for those with special needs. Some of Kisharon’s key workers have spoken about their day-today challenges.

Necola Reid-Warner, who is Kisharon’s Operations Manager for the Supported Living Services, says “I am looking after 11 people in a Kisharon-supported living home. At the moment everyone is in good spirits but for the first time ever last weekend no one went home to see their family. We have been reassuring parents and helping them maintain remote contact.

We created a fuller schedule to keep everyone busy and stimulated, working in a less traditional and institutional way.

Both front line staff and residents are more deeply involved with one another ensuring that everyone is supported and engaged. Remarkably this new adjustment has created many new friendships.

Residents who previously may not have wanted to engage are joining in and

Kisharon Simcha Ballon’s birthday celebrating with social distancing

communicating differently which is inspiring to see. Our residents’ levels of anxiety are currently very low.

Services are running 24/7 and our employees are working over and above. We screen staff, contractors and suppliers to ensure that no one who has travelled or feels unwell enters any of Kisharon’s homes. We have the full range of protective clothing to minimise exposure and extra thermometers available so staff and service users can take their temperature regularly. Posters are displayed to remind people of Covid-19 symptoms. We are doing the very best we can to make this a positive experience during these especially challenging times.”

David is a support worker at the Brenner Kisharon Adult Day Centre in Stamford Hill. “I assist with a range of activities that normally include bowling, visits to a local gym and horse riding for men. Due to Covid-19 these have all been cancelled and the day centre has restricted its visitors and activities. We are focusing on arts and craft, baking and teaching how to make practical dishes such as fruit salad.

In addition, we have begun book clubs and friendship clubs and increased online activities. We are educating users on social distancing and personal hygiene.”

Kisharon runs an annual charitable appeal for Passover and, with the help of

the service users, David ensured that over 700 envelopes were filled and mailed each day! This operation was conducted with positivity and taught service users how to work on a charity mail out. Morale was high as everyone knew they were part of something important.

“This is a challenging time for our organisation,” says David, “but we continue to remain positive and are continuously looking for ways to keep people motivated.”

Eytan Bordoley manages the Kisharon bike shop where people visit with their bike troubles, whether for a routine check or a full rebuild. He says “In Covid-19 circumstances the shop has had to close and those with learning difficulties whom the shop supports are now training remotely.

Equipment has been sent to their homes and they are having virtual training sessions.

In the current climate cycling has been recommended as a good form of outdoor activity. If you are having trouble re-inflating a bicycle tyre or chain trouble the Kisharon Bike Shop Team will be ready to help you as soon as the shop opens again.”

To make a donation to Kisharon please visit: http://kish.live.thankqcrm.co.uk/ public/donate/donate.aspx

In these critical times… across the globe it is imperative that medical professionals and key hospital workers are able to continue performing their vital work.

WIZO has many Day Care Centres located in hospitals in Israel.

There, children of these dedicated individuals are looked after in a safe environment allowing parents to focus on their vital, often life-saving work. These Centres MUST remain open. In other WIZO Day Care Centres which have had to close, they have been the only chance for vulnerable children to receive a hot meal. WIZO’s food campaign will ensure nutritious meals continue to reach these families throughout the crisis.

WIZO’s Children, Israel’s Children, Need Our Help!

Please donate now, as much as you are able to

www.wizouk.org/donate

WIZOuk Registered address: Charles House, 108-110 Finchley Road, London, NW3 5JJ. Registered charity number: 1125012. Registered company number: 6634748.

170320_Coronavirus Appeal 130x158mm_C.indd 1

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26/03/2020 14:06

18 COMMUNITY

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GIFT’s kindness goes viral An incredible effort to help those people. Many of the volunteers most in need at this time of globthat are either self-isolating or unal crisis is being exerted in every able to leave home and have also corner of the globe – no more or been connecting with residents less than in our own community. of care homes with nearly 100 Finding a way to deliver 3 weeks of letters being sent and hundreds chometz and Pesach food to over of well-being phone calls to the 300 households in a single week elderly being made. In addition, operating within government over 50 hot meals were delivered guidelines was highly challengto doorsteps, generously provided ing, but that was accomplished

by JAMI. largely in part to a few incredible Before the lock-down was in volunteers who went way above place and social distancing had and beyond to help. not yet become a societal norm, Due to the extreme circumvolunteers also created and destances of the last few week, the livered over 3040 care packages GIFT team have worked tirelessly and boxes of useful goods such to coordinate the efforts of over as hand creams and chocolate to 800 volunteers who contacted NHS staff in local hospitals.

GIFT within hours of therequest The team at GIFT are enorfor urgent volunteer support.The mously thankful at this time to speed in which the COVID 19 everyone who has been there to Coronavirus is spreading is frightgive to others in whatever capacening, yet the speed in which the ity they have been able and will volunteers responded to give continue to do make our most of themselves in such a critical serious endeavours to support time has been remarkable and our community through this very inspiring. challenging time.

Within this short period there Family Jacobs pack Pesach Packages for hundreds of GIFT’s service users has been an unprecedented upTo volunteer, email volunteer@ surge of households who are struggling In addition, GIFT has coordinated over jgift.org; for information about GIFT’s serfinancially, registering with GIFT’s Food 500 volunteer requests to provide shop- vices and new online education as well as Bank with an over 15% rise in registrations. ping and prescriptions from households to support GIFT’s emergency appeal, please This figure is predicated to only get bigger. with vulnerable, sick, isolated and elderly visit jgift.org.

Sacks Morasha run a virtual mock Seder

Taking prt in the virtual mock seder

Sack Moracha Primary School have run a remote mock sedar for all of the families which was sent out on the school’s new You Tube channel.

Video clips of each teacher playing their part were edited together and compiled into one film. The children were given a checklist of requirements they would need to make their sedar plate and play along with actions.

The children have got so much out of it and they have been flooding the school’s email inbox with fabulous feedback. It’s a really novel and exciting way to feel the connection between the school and the children at this time and of course it was educational and inspiring for the kids to see their teachers.

100 young people enjoy Tribe’s online quiz

Rabbi Cobi Ebrahimoff

Tribe recently hosted an online interactive Pesach quiz on Zoom, led by Rabbi Cobi Ebrahimoff, one of the Tribe Rabbis.

100 young people participated in this Pesach quiz, and participants were able to compete with their friends, using gamebased learning platform ‘Kahoot.’ The winners were Family Moss!

Rabbi Ebrahimoff ending the call by saying to participants, “Spend lots of quality time with your family, and prepare for Pesach with lots of enthusiasm!”

Jonathan Ross picks pet therapy dog as this year’s JBD PETron winner In order to bring a smile to people’s faces in such a challenging time, Jewish Blind & Disabled and TV star Jonathan Ross are pleased to announce the winner of this year’s PETron competition – a pet therapy dog from Stanmore.

The victorious Saluki, named Artemis, beat off competition from pets all around the UK in the annual competition, which this year had a special Pesach theme.

Jonathan, who judged the entries, said: “This was a worthy first place as you could see Artemis is all set for Passover and even has her own seder plate.”

Jewish Blind & Disabled Chief Executive Lisa Wimborne added: “Our PETrons are unique supporters of Jewish Blind & Disabled and the wonderful photos we receive for this annual competition are always a highlight of our year – especially now, in these difficult times.

“A huge congratulations to our deserved winner Artemis and a special thanks to all of our PETrons and their owners, as its through their ongoing help that we can transform lives.”

Artemis is a very special dog, as she provides pet therapy for Cure Cancer @ UCL and also won her class at Crufts this year.

Her owner Natasha Hamilton said: “We are thrilled that Artemis, our very own pet

Artemis - the winner

Jonathan Ross

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

therapy dog, has been chosen by Jonathan Ross to win this wonderful honour. Artemis has plenty of love to share so if anyone would love a visit when the isolation measures have

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stopped please let us know via JBD!” The runners-up in the competition were rabbit siblings Fluffy and Cutie, who were snapped learning about Passover, and dog Huckleberry who was about to do some Pesach baking.

Jewish Blind & Disabled’s PETron scheme allows supporters to sign their pets up and help provide a life of independence, dignity and choice for physically disabled or vision impaired adults. For just £5 a month (£60 a year), each PETron receives handpicked gifts, a personalised certificate and a chance to enter this annual competition.

To register a PETron, please email Abi Spital on abi@jbd.org.

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7 APRIL 2020

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Entertaining the neighbours Barnet Pesach refuse

collections set for this week

Brian and Maxine Warner entertaining the neighbours

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

A Prestwich singing couple Brian and Maxine Warner, gave a 30 minute performance in their driveway to the delighted neigbours to spread joy during the coronavirus outbreak, earlier this week.

The professional singing duo have had all of their bookings cancelled for the forseeable future and thought what better

way to keep on singing than to entertain all their wonderful neighbours and keeping spirits high in these uncertain times.

Dressed in glitzy outfits the duo performed popular classics from Musicals, Opera and chart hits, ending with a rousing flag waving of Land of Hope and Glory.

Barnet Council’s dedicated Pesach refuse collection service for the Jewish community is due to take place this week, despite the staff and administrative problems arising from the COVID-19 outbreak.

All the 300-plus pre-designated roads in the Borough will have one special Pesach collection day this week when a maximum of three sealed refuse sacks will be collected from the boundary of residents’ homes.

These collections will be quite separate from the standard weekly bin collections , which are scheduled to take place as usual.

The special collection day is allocated as follows. For those whose standard bin

collections are Wednesday or Friday it will be Wednesday 8 April. For those whose standard bin collections are Tuesday or Thursday it will be Tuesday 7 April. The special collection truck will arrive once ,at any time after 6 am on that day, so residents must take care not to miss it.

Edgware Councillor Brian Gordon said “It’s a real achievement to have the dedicated Pesach collections at such a difficult and challenging time, which our community deeply appreciates. Hopefully it will all proceed efficiently, but if there are any blips, I am sure patience and goodwill will prevail”.

Thoughts from a hospital bed…

Thoughts from a hospital bed.

I, along with many, have been struck with Covid these last few weeks. I have an underlying medical condition, which was triggered by Covid, making treatment and management far more complex. After being under full sedation for about 8 days, I was eventually brought around.

My wife spoke to me - I had a breathing tube so couldn’t speak - but she told me about the amazing amount of learning, tefillos and people taking on takonos; all in my zechus. She sent me a link to one tehillim site where people had taken hundreds of rounds of tehillim.

I simply lay there crying my eyes out. I was effectively a zombie at that time, barely able to breathe, and yet there were hundreds of people continually storming shomaim on my behalf. "Please give him back!"

Who were all these people?

How could I ever show hakoros hatov to all those who helped me?

After spending a lot of time thinking about matters over the last few weeks, as I was not able to do very much else, I decided to present two simple concepts as shevach to Hashem and a siman of hakoros hatov.

1. Why was Hashem mekabel the tefilllos of all these people, not only for myself but for other cholim too? It was for one simple reason – Achdus.

Everyone was so focused on the needs of the cholim, that machlokes and petty matters were forgotten.

People with single mindedness were looking for even more ways to achieve Achdus.

The obvious corollary that comes out of the above is that Hashem hates machlokes and loves Achdus.

People say there are so many gemachim and so much chesed performed nowadays but I would suggest that we are now on a different level. Hashem has clearly demonstrated that the ikar is Achdus and has clearly shown us the results b'h.

I believe R’ Elya Lapien used to tell people to spend a huge amount of time on chesed on erev Rosh Hashana as a zechus on the same line.

If we would just think of two people who are always baalei machlokes or communities who argue, what would happen to them in similar circumstances when needing rachemei shomayim?

2. About 18 months ago I was zoche to be Choson Torah and I used the opportunity to make a Seuadas Hadaaah. I had recovered from a medical condition which meant that at times I couldn't see properly, couldn’t talk or couldn’t swallow.

I made the point that we take everything for granted from Hashem and it is only when He takes it away from us that we realised the immense amount of cheesed that Hashem does for us every second.

Every morning we all gabble off the brochos without thinking. I plead with you to think about it in more depth.

Who thinks of anything when saying Hanosen Layoeph Koach? I willl now be thinking very clearly, due to the Covid affecting my lungs, that it took me an HOUR to eat a simple puree meal with plenty of gasps of oxygen in between. If I need to pick up something from the floor it took me five minutes on oxygen to recover.

We have so much to thank Hashem for and let no one be in the position where Hashem’s kindness is removed because we don’t appreciate it.

May we all have a healthy and simchadik Yom Tov.

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From the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Another 7 days has gone past and I've been on a roller coaster. Not as much fun as those in a theme park by any means, although I should really be getting used to it by now.

My latest obstacle was the CT, which took place at the beginning of last week, and the results came back the following day. I hoped they would be much the same as the last set, which were stable. I took a phone call from the consultant, whereupon I knew instantly all was not well. This showed no change on the primary tumour but unexplained changes to the lungs. I was devastated as so much was hanging on this, but the consultant had checked it with his trusted radiologist - the eminent Dr Dominic Yu. They were not sure as to whether they were seeing new pathology or infection. If the former it could be ominous.

This sniper bullet shot me to pieces, but my nightmare wasn't quite finished for now I was told I had to wait another month to have a repeat CT, and this was going to necessitate being off chemotherapy for an additional month. This will make 4 months off treatment in a disease - for those new to the column - where most people only have 3 to 6 months predicted survival. One of my very generous friends got in touch with a medical herbalist who suggested the first thing I should do was embark on a 72-hour fast, this intended to reboot the immune system. Given I'm not shy about taking on challenges I agreed, although unfortunately this also meant it would include shabbat.

Being grounded, I stayed mainly sequestered in my room with reading material, words of inspiration, and of course, scientific and oncology research papers, all the time trying to forget the sounds and ignore the aromas of Shabbat meals.

For any of you who have been on a 72 hour fast, it's enough to make our two critical fasts pale into insignificance, but I was driven forward when I thought of people in Heroic Children (Teller), where one particular child had to stay hidden with his mother, in the dugout roots of a tree, this lasting for weeks and months. For many days at a time they ate and drank nothing, so I thought, 'what's 72 hours?' Determination and defeat are partly in the mind. Terry Waite wrote about his 5 years in captivity in Beirut, without conversation, daylight or anything to do. He re-read books in his mind and insisted psychologically he would survive.

I would have to play music in my mind to survive. We are all locked away now, quasi prisoners, but it is not with unbearable hardship. Not really. When you're further in a terminal position you will literally do anything to stay your execution. I’ve taken on several chumrahs, and am willing to try mostly anything, because if my repeat CT 2+ weeks from now has not improved, I run a very serious risk of being put on palliative chemotherapy, which could likely hasten my death. And that’s assuming they ever resume oncology services, in the midst of what is fast becoming a plague within our

Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

own lifetime.

Readers may be unaware that for several months I've been taking an organic product called Myshroom, which is manufactured in the United States, derived from scientifically grown mushrooms. These mushrooms have been designed to modulate and strengthen the immune system.

They have a scientifically accredited track record for supporting how the immune system addresses a whole gamut of medical conditions, a few of which include diabetes, heart disease, lung and liver lesions, as well as neurological conditions.

The Myshroom products have been developed collaboratively with universities and hospitals across the world, and the company is currently running clinical trials of their own. They have the support of major philanthropists and investors in the business world. One of their aims is to enable third world countries to utilise these products as sustainable food, ultimately preventing famine as they provide all the requisite nutritional components. While it is marketed for IMMUNE HEALTH, there is no claim for these products to be a treatment or a cure, but make no mistake, there is a lot of scientific evidence to back this up.

On Saturday evening I tuned into a Zoom webinar with the company in the States who make Myshroom. Gathered online were medical practitioners, nurses, scientists and product consumers on the web. After a scientific presentation on this product, which is currently going through an accreditation process for the insurance industry for reimbursement to patients, there was a Q&A session which included testimony from people who have experienced results. Amongst these people was a nurse who had taken it for a serious sinus/ dental infection that had ultimately caused her significant neurological issues. She had met the founder of the company at a conference and decided 'to give it a try.' She pulled up her radiological slides showing before and after treatment, and the results were indisputable. I messaged the webinar host and said if he wanted to mention the

fact I've also been taking it, they could, and in fact I was then invited to speak on the platform where I shared that my blood work had returned to normal, most likely as a result of taking the product. They told me afterwards they found my contribution inspiring. Remember then I was midway through my 72-hour fast and still feeling quite low after my other news, but it was important to share whatever progress I have made: my liver bloods are now normal, my lesions have disappeared, and my primary tumour is much less active. I am impressed....

At this juncture I have to thank the staff of the Jewish Weekly who have supported me for several months in providing Myshroom, but the time has also come to reach out to you as a community and ask if you would be willing to help? Any contribution, be it great or small, will be much appreciated, and you will be assured that you will be helping with my treatment and ongoing support.

There is no greater mitzvot than in helping save a life. I remember being in Holland back in 1986 when embarking on a solo Inter-rail trip. I was sitting in a waiting room, and someone collapsed in front of me and fell off his seat; I intervened to help whilst he lay on the floor, until the medical team arrived to save him. I wrote a journal which sits on my shelf, and there it is, printed and hard bound, for my children to read one day. Anyhow, perhaps what ultimately may help extend my life may also encourage and help others. A crowd-funding link is provided at the bottom of this page and we will keep you updated on a regular basis as to how my treatment progresses.

Our national corona-counter is still rising, and finally we are all taking this far more seriously. Our figures are not yet on the magnitude of Italy, which - having the most elderly population in Europe - may have exacerbated their staggering death toll of 1:2. Our rate is slowly declining to 1:13 but with 25,000 infection cases recorded, 1,800 deaths and a projected infection figure of nearly 2 million, this should leave us in no doubt there is no escape. There have been several horror stories of victims of coronavirus: - a healthy 13-year-old in London, a baby in Israel and hundreds of others, including transplant surgeon, Dr Adil el Tayar (63), who had volunteered to assist at the local A&E. His transition from active doctor to dying on a ventilator took only 12 days. Dr Habib Zaidi (76) a GP for 50 years, had self-isolated for a week and died in intensive care within 24 hours. It is with great shock that we also hear of the death of William (Willie) Stern (84), who was revered and loved in our community. He will be sadly missed.

I am told reliably ‘assume everyone is exposed to it now; most may not even know, some will become ill, and others will perish.’

Social distancing is working, so it is then encouraging to hear the NHS are adopting some of the tracking measures from South Korea (the worlds’ exemplar for dealing with coronavirus), which will identify known persons in a geographical area, and

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alert you through an app, this preparatory to a plan for breaking our lock-down.

Now, many people have been frustrated in trying to reach their GP, who often will not admit any patients to their surgery. Now I do understand the logic of not wishing to be infected, but surely if a patient presents [genuinely] without a temperature or a cough, is wearing a mask and gloves, one must ask why a GP wearing the same protection, could not see that patient?

Last week I finally managed to get a phone consultation but this is never going to be the same, for a kick-off you could be in the bathroom, in the street, or in bed when the call comes in, and take it you MUST or risk losing your call. You may not have time to collect your thoughts, as the phone trills out of the blue, whilst you throw your clothes on, or your washing up gloves off, and dash for your phone. I do hope ‘people service’ will resume once our pandemic has approached a semblance of normality.

Lastly, a fairy-tale Jewish ending. Grodzinski's Edgware had a narrow escape last week when an overzealous police constable decided to present a ticket to the manager for spraying chalk lines outside. This had been done as a measure to keep customers a safe distance from each other, but the PC was having none of it, implying 'anarchy' would rein if he didn't stamp down such brazen vandalism. The events were filmed and naturally went viral, and the hapless gent was forced to return an hour later to retract his rebuke. They say, 'a Policeman's lot is not a happy one,' (so says the Mikado), well I bet it dampened his jurisdictional ardour that afternoon. The Met said in response this was ‘untypical’ and agreed common sense must prevail, especially in such challenging times.

I hope this finds all our readers, and extended community staying strong, staying safe and staying in touch with family and friends. We are frustrated and devastated to be kept at such a distance. Like all plagues it will end, please G-d, but be clear, this virus could still take you, me, or anyone you care about. It has no preferences, no BFF, no conscience. So, we must act, and if not now, when?

TAKE NO CHANCES. Until next time Jacqueline x Myshroom website can be found on https:// www.mycoldiscovery.com . (+1) 267-355-3925 (USA) info@myshroom.com Please contact Simon on 07939 157358 for further details.

To donate and support Jacqueline, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ jacqueline039s-front-line-cancer-battle-fund Disclaimer:- although Myshroom Immune Health has been sponsored recently, Jacqueline Curzon has not been paid or incentivized to promote this product. All testimony is authentic.

7 APRIL 2020

FEATURE 23

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CAMP SIMCHA URGENT PESACH APPEAL WHY IS THIS YEAR DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER YEARS?

None of us could have imagined quite how different this Pesach would turn out to be.

It’s incredibly worrying for all of us, but particularly frightening for the families Camp Simcha support who are already coping with very seriously ill and vulnerable children.

Camp Simcha is still here, making a difference to those families who desperately need us. Our Family Liaison Officers are providing 24/7 support to worried parents, and isolated families need our crisis household support more than ever before - we have received a 70% increase in requests for meal deliveries.

The Covid crisis has seriously affected our income and has put some of our most critically needed services in jeopardy. Please help us now!

We cannot abandon these families now and we urgently need your help.

Your support will enable Camp Simcha to give vital support to these families this Pesach and beyond - please donate directly online at www.campsimcha.org.uk/pesach This advert has been kindly donated

020 8202 9297 • office@campsimcha.org.uk Amélie House, 221 Golders Green Rd, NW11 9DQ

CAMPSIMCHA.ORG.UK Charity Number: 1180646. A Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England & Wales No. 11478657

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A KOSHER TAKEAWAY

7 APRIL 2020

The first night of Seder too!

Jewish Weekly’s temporarily redundant travel expert Malcolm Ginsberg (who is also filling in his time with road tests – see last week’s issue) has now turned himself into a restaurant critic.

An advertisement from the Aviv restaurant in Edgware High Street offering kosher takeaway caught his eye. As a regular he thought he might give it a try. He reports on the experience.

“Aviv has been around for a long time. It was established in 1985 with just 50 covers, it now holds up to 170 and claims to be the largest Kosher restaurant in the whole of Europe. The awkward step, where the original two shops joined, has long gone, although the wooden flooring makes it less than quiet. Weddings, engagements, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthdays, and sheva brachot and other celebrations are a regular occurrence and it is annoying to find that it is sometimes closed when taken over by a whole family. But they did book well in advance! With Edgware’s many synagogues within walking distance Friday night and Saturday pre-booked group dining is possible.

The ad that I focused on was one for a new Shabbat and home delivery service.

Aviv always did takeaway but here was something upmarket. I am also very aware that in 35 years the menu had not changed very much, except with the arrival in more recent times of Thai Green Chicken Curry and Mediterranean Breast of Chicken, not traditional East European dishes.

At Aviv the dining norm is chicken escalope and lamb shaslik plus a good selection of other dishes in a noisy but friendly environment. Sister company Met Su Yan, at the other end of the town, offers more

exotic cuisine from the Far East.

First the price for what is termed a COVID-19 contact-free Friday AM delivery service. You order over the phone (Aviv knowing its customers have not (yet) gone into the password screen selection routine).

The four-course meal is £25 per person of very generous proportions. It is fully inclusive with no VAT, or a service charge. If you live within two miles of the restaurant delivery is free (£30 minimum order) or you can collect at the front door.

For last Friday the choice easily met my requirements although there is no flexibility. Coleslaw was not on as much as I pleaded. Delivery came in a substantial box outside the front door with a phone call to confirm arrival. No wine but Barkan’s we keep in any event. Straight into the refrigerator then warmed up just before Shabbat and onto a hot plate.

We both chose chicken soup with a large single kneidlach ball and lockshen, and bean & barley was available too.

Mix and match is our norm with delicious chopped liver clearly very fresh and just a little moist, and a light hummus for the lady.

That way we could sample both. The menu varies from week to week with egg and onion also available next Friday, ‘Jewish Medicine’ a standard and bean & barley soup on offer as the alternative.

We both chose as a main course a Hungarian beef goulash, perfectly cooked and the size of portion that makes for a ‘doggy bag’ in the restaurant proper. For us it was roast potatoes and sautéed mixed vegetables as the ‘sides’, with a choice of two from the already mentioned roast potatoes, plus yellow saffron basmati rice or tabbouleh salad. I still would have preferred Coleslaw!

Also on offer was roasted chicken in red wine and mushroom sauce. The problem is you have to take a chance as there are no other customers on adjoining tables to take a sneak view.

If that does not fill you up there is a sweet course, taken much later by this couple with black coffee. Here the choice was dark chocolate mousse or plum crumble or fresh fruit salad. There is a variance once again for this week with the plum crumble swapped for an apple crumble. What we had was very good and I am sure the apple

will be just as delicious. Aviv points out that the package includes a challa roll per person and an extra one can be ordered.

For this coming Friday (April 3), according to the web site, the ‘main’ is a choice of rosemary & thyme roasted chicken or slow roasted asado beef ribs.

Did we miss anything normally available at Aviv? No dairy free ice cream. Even Aviv can’t deliver that item cold. The trick is to get in a supply beforehand.

The full take-away menu is on the Aviv website and available daily except Friday PM and all-day Saturday. It’s much more extensive than the Shabbat meal and by dropping two courses offers even greater value for money, chopped liver and chicken escalope (or goulash for instance) plus the two veg priced at £16.50 each, breaking the £30 embargo for free delivery.

Grilled fillet of salmon is on the menu, grilled plaice and also cod goujons, all

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at £12 per person. If you are looking for a lighter meal, and perhaps some other delicacies, there is a variety of items in pitta bread served with salad and tehina, and some 24 appetisers ranging from chopped liver (£3 qtr), lamb cigars (£5.50) to BBQ lamb ribs (also at £5.50).

COVID-19 is a strain and forgive the pun ‘This Pasech will be different from every other Pasech.’ Aviv is trying to erase the seder night problem and is suppling a special meal on Tuesday morning. It plans to reopen for Shabbat am Friday 17 April and for normal takeaway the following Sunday onwards.

Aviv, 87/89 High Street, Edgware HA8 7DB 020 8952 2484 020 8381 1722 www.avivrestaurant.com

7 APRIL 2020

FEATURE 25

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GIFT

‫בס”ד‬

G UR

Stuck at home?

TC EN O

GIFT can help!

M

Your

M ITY UN L EA PP A

Chometz

HELP TO PICK UP AND DELIVER SHOPPING AND PRESCRIPTIONS

PRE-PESACH FOOD DRIVE

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

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

Borehamwood: Family Jackson 20 Chandos Road, WD6 1UZ

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

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

Edgware: Family David 17 Windsor Avenue, HA8 8SR

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

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PHONECALLS FOR THE ISOLATED 'VIRTUAL VISITS' OVER SKYPE, ZOOM, FACETIME OR WHATSAPP

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Our incredible family of volunteers are delighted to offer:

the GIFT of connection URGENT COVID-19 COMMUNITY SUPPORT INITIATIVES

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

VITAL FOOD SUPPORT

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

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

Over 13000 delivered in 2019.

On course to DOUBLE in 2020.

CARE FOR CARERS

CONNECTION TIME

Make a difference to those making a difference.

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

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

LUNCH WITH LOVE

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

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

EDUCATION ONLINE

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

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

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

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

IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS:

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R’ Benzion Eliezer Hackner z”l FROM COLLIVE.COM R’ Benzion Eliezer Hackner, a community activist and Gabbai of the Stamford Hill Shul in London, passed away.

R’ Benzion Eliezer Hackner, a community activist and Gabbai of the Stamford Hill Shul in London, passed away this morning, 12 Nissan, 5780, after a short illness.

He was 81.

When WWII ended, he was from the first children to be enrolled by his parents R’ Shmaryohu O”H and Mrs. Leah O”H in the Yesodey Hatorah Talmud Torah in London while most others were attending public school, and only went to Cheder for a couple of hours in the afternoon.

As a Bochur he was from the organizers of Camp Aguda and the midwinter Siyum Mishnayos of Pirchei.

In the early 1960’s he was heavily involved with the establishment and

legalities of many of the projects of Lubavitch London at the time that they were building themselves up and knew who to call and how to negotiate the officials and how to get things resolved.

He was the Lubavitch representative to the Hisachdus Hachareidim of the Greater London Community.

He was also a staunch pivotal member of the Lubavitch and general London community.

He spent many nights working the Shidur, the live hookup, for the Rebbe’s Sichos and Farbrengens in London, for the whole UK, Europe, Eretz Yisroel, South America and Australia, that enabled Chassidim and Shluchim to be connected and hear the Rebbe live.

He was also in charge of collecting Maamad from the Chassidim in London to be sent to the Rebbe.

He was a long-standing Gabbay of the

Lubavitch Stamford Hill Shul.

Since the Rebbe instituted the daily learning of Rambam, he has continuously given a daily shiur of the Rambam, as well as an Ein Yaakov shiur between Mincha and Maariv.

Was also the Gabbay Tzedakah for many Organizations.

As well as the administrator for the Chuppas that took place in the Lubavitch community of London as well as helped many people all over the world.

R’ Benzion was the heart of Beis Lubavitch in London, and was involved in many other community affairs, many of which are not known.

He is survived by his devoted wife Mrs. Shoshana Hackner (London, England), his children; Mrs. Miriam Edelman (Brunoy, France), Mrs. Soroh Eidelman (Manchester, England), Mrs. Yocheved Zirkind (Weston, Florida),

R’ Benzion Eliezer Hackner z"l

Moshe Hackner (Crown Heights), Rabbi Chaim Hackner (Boca Raton, Florida) as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother R’ Yonason Hackner (Crown Heights).

Reb Chaim Hillel Monos Gittleson z”l The Manchester kehilla was deeply saddened by the news of the petira of Reb Chaim Hillel Monos Gittleson Z”L. He was a highly respected man who impacted tremendously on anyone that he came into contact with.

His simchas and cheshkas hachaim was legendary and electric. He was youthful and energetic and he was always full of life. Everything he did was with a passion, emotion and great fervour and he was the happiest, bubbliest person.

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Music has a proven powerful effect on the human psyche not only to maintain mental health but also to increase the quality of one’s performance and happiness in so many areas of life. A positive mood, in turn, boosts the immune system!

‘Your music lessons are a life saver’. (a student) ‘It’s made me so happy to see this is happening’. (a student)

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. ALL IS FIGUREOUTABLE. LET’S GO.

‘I wish there were more people like u… Being so positive is the number one rule’. (a mother)

Ruchniyus was his chiyus and the way he was oved Hashem with his whole being and the fire and enthusiasm he had for torah and mitzvos without compromise made a deep impression on so many- his dramatic, meaningful davening enunciating each word clearly and with deep feeling, his leining which truly brought the Torah to life and the effort that he expended when blowing the shofar for many years will be fondly remembered by all those zoche to have experienced it.

His love of Torah was one of a kind. He learnt with a tremendous bren and hislahavus and was truly an example of what it says in the Possuk “aish tamid tukad al himzbeiach….” . As well as being one of the foremost, chashuve members of the Daf hayomi shiur of Reb Simcha Bamberger Shlita for over 45 years, he would awake early in the morning to learn halochos and mishnayis and during the day prepare and learn the daf hayomi and other various limuddim and chavrusos.

Even when working as a prosecuting solicitor, during every spare moment at work he would have a sefer before him as is evident from his many annotated sefarim. He always had a good vort to share and absolutely loved hearing a dvar torah even ones which he had heard many times before. He knew many mishnayis baal peh and when walking to and from his house, he would quote them verbatim. He was a pioneer in mishnayis tapes and recorded himself saying mishnayis so that he could learn them while travelling to work.

He was renowned for his ahavas habrios.

He had the unique quality to be meurov bain habrios and be able to mix with any level of yid or non Jew and many considered themselves his best friend, expressing how privileged they were to have known him. His neighbour for many years testified that never once was there a bad word between them. He loved his children and grandchildren and they all considered him their favourite zeida although this name

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Rabbi Avraham ‘Romi’ Cohen z"l

was shared by many other members of the community who also considered him their Zeida.

Although numerous times over the years he suffered from illness, even to the extent of the doctors giving up on him and having an extra name added 9 years ago, he maintained a fighting spirit and was a brave and courageous person who never gave up, pushing himself far beyond his physical abilities. He maintained his learning of Daf Hayomi which was his constant lifeline in every situation even while very sick in bed. He was perpetually full of shevach vehodah for all the chasdei Hashem in his life and appreciated everything that he was given. He appreciated every breath that he breathed and often quoted that “al kol haneshima tehallel Kah” He inspired so many others to be grateful for life and what Hashem gives us and he hung up in many shuls in Manchester and beyond a large Modim Derabbanon plaque feeling that this was part of his life’s calling to encourage others to be indebted to Hashem.

He is sorely missed by his two daughters and two sons and many grandchildren and great grandchildren who take comfort in what he often explained- if “ivdu es Hashem besimcha” on this world then “boiu lefonav

28 JUDAISM

ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com SEDER DIY

Dear Rabbi I very much appreciated your message of last week about making a Seder. But what if I don’t know how to? I would simply be sitting around with my family eating a meal and matza but missing out on so much of the ritual. Is there anything I can do to learn more in this short time?

Darren Dear Darren The sacred 18th century Sage, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev was sitting at his Seder one Pesach night. Towards the end of the Seder he instructed his assembled followers and disciples to place their hands upon one another’s shoulders and to close their eyes.

Whereupon, through Divine inspiration Rabbi LY heard a voice from heaven which declared: The seder of Rabbi LY is extremely beautiful and holy but that of Beryl the tailor is more pleasing before G-d. R L”Y suddenly opened his eyes and instructed his students to go immediately in search of this special Jew. Who was he? What was it about him that made his Seder so special?

He must be one of the famed 36 hidden righteous of the world, he concluded. They went in search still that same night and were directed to a small squalid house.

This only confirmed Rabbi LY suspicions. He proceeded to knock on the door. The lady of the house answered and you could imagine her utter dismay when she saw the scared Rabbi himself standing there. “Is this the home of Beryl the tailor?” “One minute – I’ll call

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him she replied with trepidation, wondering to herself what her husband must have done so wrong prompting the great Rabbi to come out at night and on Seder night of all nights!

What followed next was the sound of splashing water. “Get up you shiker. The Rebbe is at the door. I don’t know what you did but you’re in trouble now!” The dishevelled man awoke quickly, now soaked from head to toe and rushed to the door all apologetic.

“Rebbe, I am sorry. I don’t know what I did but whatever brings you here I am sorry!”

Reb L”Y smiled softly. Please just tell me how you conducted your Seder tonight. The tailor turned 3 different shades of red.

Again Reb LY encouraged him gently and the man explained: “I’m an ignorant man with limited Jewish knowledge. This morning I woke and went out into the market place. I saw people rushing about, so much hustle and bustle. I went to one market stall and asked what all the tumult was about. He looked at me, “Oi Beryl did you forget? Tonight is Pesach!” And I immediately thought, “oh no Pesach! I must get ready! Then another thought dawned on me. Pesach means no daily cup of vodka for eight days!

So I did the most obvious and natural thing. I drank all eight cups of vodka this morning! Needless to say a little while later I fell into a drunken stupor. My wife bless her – she got everything ready for Seder night while I was sleeping.

Then she came with a bowl of water and threw it over me – well, you saw how that happens, I

Tehillim Psalm 137 This week’s psalm is ironically appropriate for this tragic time as the world suffers the terrible effects of a deadly pandemic. ‘Al naharot Bavel..- by the rivers of Babylon there we sat and also we wept when we remembered Zion.’

As the Jewish people were exiled from Jerusalem they were led away in chains and in disgrace. As they approached the Euphrates river their captors gave them flasks. In anticipation they opened the flask but found nothing within it except salty water. Many died, others lay in agony.

As we move through the psalm, we come across one of the most horrifying episodes in our history.

The victorious Nebuchadnezzar insisted that the Jewish musicians who excelled in making the holy Temple a bastion of sound, play for him at his royal court. Distraught, the Jews wondered how their instruments which had been used to play beautifully for Hashem in His House could be used for such a wicked murderer?

In utter despair they hung their lyres upon the willows and chopped

immediately jumped up. “It’s Seder night! What’s the matter with you. Wake up and celebrate. So my head swirling I went to the table – I couldn’t even think straight let alone read any of the Hagada – besides I am pretty clueless about much of this stuff anyway. So I proceeded to put the matzah in a bowl threw in the morror, then the egg and the charoset – then I poured in the wine and mixed it all up. And then I spoke to G-d as I speak to you: “Dear G-d. I don’t really know what to do. I don’t really know how to celebrate. I don’t really know how to read!

What I do know is that years ago You sent Moses to take the Jews out from Egypt and that You promised that You will once again show us wonders by sending us Moshiach to take us out from our exile.” Then I tilted up the bowl and ate the whole thing down.

Reb L”Y looked up to the heavens and declared: “How precious are your children O G-d. Even I their stupor they look to connect in their own way to You. Seder tonight is filled with rich ritual and splendour – and no matter where we are at on the Jew scale that’s irrelevant. It’s simply about the heart that goes into it.

So many of us will have always attended Seder with family, or communal, or hotel or some other form of Sedarim where someone else was leading. This year we are on our own and maybe you feel out of your depth and you wonder whether there is any meaning to whatever you’re going to do.

But as on Yom Kippur – even those few brief sincere moments count so much up above. Be

your own leader and do your own seder. As Beryl in our story demonstrates, a simple, sincere moment of heaven on earth is more valuable and pleasing before G-d than even the greatest, deepest meditations of all the righteous men in our world.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe once explained that when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat and we therefore do not blow the Shofar it is not that the Shabbat deprives us of the opportunity to fulfil the mitzvah. It is that because it is Shabbat the very power and holiness of the day is such that it achieves whatever the Shofar on a weekday would otherwise achieve.

We are living in a most unusual time. The primary Jewish principle of vochai bahem - “preservation of life” above all us – disenables us from praying in our Shuls, and performing numerous other mitzvot. In fact so fundamental is this principle that performing a mitzvah in a precarious situation is in fact a sin! But know this: It’s not that we are being denied those mitzvot. It is that our present situation dictates that what we are doing achieves the same of what we would otherwise do in normal circumstances. That is the power that is presently in your hands.

Praying with a minyan today – in any format – against medical and Rabbinical directive is an unequivocal sin. But right now, praying on your own, even in the absence of the energy associated with a minyan, can achieve the same if not in fact more.

A woman who was a member of the Chevra Kaddisha for so many years, performing the Tahara – the ritual cleansing process on

Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.

This Tehillim is a refuah sheleima for Shmuel Yosef ben Faiga Chaya off their thumbs so they could no longer play.

We now approach some famous words, heard at most weddings before the groom breaks the glass.

‘Im Eshkachaich , Yerushalayim... if I forget thee O Jerusalem... let my tongue adhere to my palate if I fail to remember you..’

At the time of utmost joy, as two lives are about to become one, we always remember Jerusalem.

Indeed it’s never far from our hearts. The prophets words have worked as still to this very day we have Israel in our minds.

At this auspicious time of Pesach may we all merit to be saved from the Coronavirus and spend next Pesach in Jerusalem with our righteous Mashiach, Amen.

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countless other women before being laid to their final rest, sadly passed away last week from this wretched virus. Owing to circumstances and in keeping with government regulations she could not have the tahara herself beforehand. I explained to her distraught son: “The fact that this current climate, in G-d’s world, has dictated the unprecedented situation where she cannot have a tahara suggests that she a very lofty soul that does not require that tahara. I believe that wholly and absolutely.

In each of these instances, as indeed on Seder night, know that you are living in conditions beyond your control. There is a new kind of power – a new sort of energy that is now in your hands.

Your heart, your mind, your soul, just connect in your own way and know that what you do brings heaven down to earth and is more pleasing before G-d than the acts of even the most righteous of men.

May our actions indeed bring about personal and collective redemption for all mankind. Amen.

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JUDAISM 29

Corona Diary #3 Size Matters

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN There are rare and dramatic moments in history in which it becomes clear to humanity that we have reached the upper limits of technology and can proceed no further. G-d desires that we decipher our world, as well as improve it and thereby advance the human condition. However, periodically He reasserts the limits of human achievement. When religious people live through these moments, we more deeply appreciate the superiority of G-d and we more readily submit to His authority. The Corona crisis is such a moment in history; for religious-minded people it should evoke awe and ‘surrender’ the combination of which yields yirat shamayim.

Typically, we reach our upper limits because we encounter a phenomenon which we can’t interpret or understand. Bowing to the limits of human intelligence, we acknowledge the difference between G-d and man.

As Yeshaya (55) stresses, “Ki lo machshevotai machsevoteichem” - My thoughts aren’t even similar to your thoughts. The difference between human knowledge and Divine wisdom isn’t quantitative; the process of our thinking is completely dissimilar to Divine Wisdom. We aren’t even on the same playing field!

Perhaps the phrase which best captures this type of submission appears in Tehillim (92)– which according to Chazal was first recited by Adam when viewing Nature. He

was so overwhelmed by the infinite wisdom on display that he exclaimed “ Mah gadlu ma’asecha Hashem’ - how magnificent are Your creations. Marvelling at the splendour of creation, this exclamation conveys inadequacy of human intellect. Subsequently, in this very chapter, a very different issue is broached: the reality of evil in G-d’s world– another matter which defies human comprehension. Whether viewing a natural world we can’t grasp or a moral system which disturbs our sense of right and wrong, we reach the same conclusion: the ways of G-d are beyond the mind of man; humbled by our limits we submit to a Higher Being.

Interestingly, our struggle with the current pandemic has a very different feel to it.

Medieval people, suffering through the black plague had no clue about the origins of their pandemic, the manner of contagion, nor possessed any scientific strategy for medical response. Likewise, it took humanity close to twenty years to trace the cholera outbreak of the 19th century to rancid water. These pandemics remained elusive to the human imagination and created a sense of “mah Gadlu”- G-d’s world resided beyond human comprehension.

Our current corona situation is very different. We know exactly what causes Covid-19, we can dissect this virus down to its DNA makeup and, most importantly we know exactly how to treat this flu-like epidemic. We are limited not by our inability to understand

this phenomenon but by the sheer volume of contagion and the sheer volume of resources necessary to simultaneously combat this illness for the volumes of patients who are infected. Society would be fully capable of mounting an effective response if an average number of people had contracted this virus.

However, the numbers are overwhelming, and we don’t possess the resources to adequately combat this epidemic.

This is a very different encounter with the superior wisdom of G-d. We understand His workings but stand amazed at the vastness of His creation and the manner in which that vastness is managed and balanced. It is the “size” of this epidemic which lies beyond human reach and we are humbled by G-d’s sweep and His ability to balance the overwhelming mass and size of creation. Perhaps the verse which best captures this moment of awe isn’t ‘Mah gadlu ma’asecha Hashem’ but instead ‘Mah rabu ma’asecha Hashem’how vast are Your creations, This latter verse appears in Tehilim chapter 104 (known as Barchi Nafshi)- a chapter which details the vastness of creation and the manner in which they interlock and are harmonized. Corona virus feels more like a moment of Mah Rabu and not just Mah Gadlu!

This moment comes on the heels of prodigious human efforts to ‘manage volume”.

The past 150 years has witnessed ambitious urbanization- developing concentrated population centers. We thought that the science

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of statistics would enable our management of these urban sprawls of humanity. Statistics predict trends to help determine the allocation and distribution of limited human resources. How much money should be spent on medical preparedness as opposed to sanitation, transportation or culture? Our statistics worked well-until they didn’t; our statistics didn’t predict these levels of medical needs! G -d reminded us that though we may have cracked some of the code of science we haven’t fully achieved the ability to manage vast volumes. We thought we had those tools, but we have now discovered that we didn’t.

A religious person steps away and marvels at G-d not just when he fails to comprehend our world but also when he senses the vastness of creation and the manner in which G-d manages and balances the entire sweep of His world.

Prayers for refu’ah for all ill people across the globe.

Rabbi Moshe Taragin has taught at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion, for the past 22 years.

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The culinary & cultural dimensions of the Seder RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

THE SEDER: THE CULINARY & CULTURAL DIMENSIONS

The Seder meal has both culinary and cultural dimensions.

There are Biblical precedents for both, beginning in the 12th chapter of Sh’mot.

The Seder meal began the first year after the exodus from Egypt, developed accretions as it went, was added to in the days of the Greeks and Romans, and became what Cecil Roth called “a fossilised domestic feast of twenty centuries ago”.

There are two ranks of Seder foods.

Top priority goes to the Biblically-ordained “pesach” (roasted lamb), matzah and “maror” (bitter herbs). Without them a Seder is incomplete, and Rabban Gamli’el says that one who does not expound these three items has not done his duty.

Now that the Temple service is in limbo, the Passover offering is no longer possible, and Judaism and Christianity handle the problem differently.

Judaism leaves the list unchanged but moves up the other two foods, with matzah now receiving top billing and the lamb left symbolically to the “z’ro’a” (bone). Christianity avers that the sacrifice remains, though in a new form with Jesus as the “lamb of God”.

This is not the only problem. What should we use for maror?

The Talmud uses the Hebrew name “chazeret” (Pesachim 39a), which many writers (e.g. Mishnah B’rurah 203:10) identify with “chrain”, horseradish. However, it is “chassa” in Aramaic (lettuce in modern Hebrew). Rashi calls it “letuga”, akin to lettuce.

What ranking do we give to the wine?

Though not Biblically-ordained at Seder, we consider it highly important. Its role

is not unique to Pesach. It is part of every happy event: Psalm 104 says, “Wine gladdens the heart of man”.

The second-level foods – egg (“betzah”), sweet paste (“charoset”), vegetable (“karpas”) and salt water (“mei melach”) emerge from the history of Pesach.

The egg represents the festival offering, the charoset recalls the mortar binding the bricks used by the slaves, the salt water symbolises the tears which the Israelites wept.

The karpas is not important in itself but is needed for the dipping of sweet into sour (the sour is dipped into the sweet when we dip maror into charoset). The meal customs derived from the Roman gentry include appetisers dipped in condiment.

There is a range of theories about karpas, focussing on its name, its nature and its purpose.

The name is Greek or Persian and is found in Megillat Esther. Karpas is sometimes explained as a vegetable and sometimes as a fabric. In a drama that begins with Joseph and moves into and out of Egypt, either view has Biblical precedents in the dipping of Joseph’s coat or alternatively hyssop.

There is a light-hearted thought that karpas is a “notarikon”: kartoffel (potato) / radish / parsley / celery.

THE WHEEL KEEPS TURNING

Why do we wish each other “Chag Same’ach”?

It derives from the Torah command, “v’samachta b’chagecha”, “you shall rejoice on your festival” (Deut. 16:14).

It sounds like a simple, straightforward mitzvah, and yet, as Elie Wiesel has pointed out, the Vilna Gaon regarded it as the most difficult commandment in the Torah.

Wiesel says, “I could never understand this puzzling remark. Only during the war

did I understand.

“Those Jews who, in the course of their journey to the end of hope, managed to dance on Simchat Torah, those Jews who studied Talmud while carrying stones on their back, those Jews who went on whispering ‘z’mirot shel Shabbat’ while performing hard labour ­- they taught us how Jews should behave in face of adversity.

“For my contemporaries one generation ago, ‘v’samachta b’chagecha’ was one commandment that was impossible to observe ­yet they observed it.”

This reminds me of a London family I knew which suffered a bereavement.

The family patriarch, a highly respected public and communal figure, had died.

The funeral was on Friday.

One might have thought nobody would have been in the mood for Shabbat. But the widow had other ideas. In that home Shabbat was Shabbat and always had been.

She made certain that everybody assembled on Friday night as usual. Candles were lit, Kiddush was recited, they ate, they sang z’mirot, they bensched.

The simchah of Shabbat was hard to observe, but they observed it.

If the Jews whom Wiesel had described had decided that yom-tov was over for ever for them, if the London widow had said, “Shabbat has died with my husband”, one would have understood. But giving in to despair is not the Jewish way.

To paraphrase a famous passage in Holocaust literature, a Jew says when necessary, “God, no matter how hard You

sometimes make it to keep Your commandments, we are going to observe them nonetheless.”

Not that it is only tragedy that tempts us to find yom-tov difficult. It’s also a problem when things are going well and we are so taken up with our affluence and achievements that we can hardly spare a thought for God, for the commandments, and even sometimes for the festivals.

The wheel turns from tragedy to triumph and we have to follow the Jewish pattern in both circumstances.

The word “chag” is connected with “chug”, a circle.

Whatever the wheel of life brings, it should be our privilege to observe the circle of the year.

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 33 RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN Ramchal reminds one seeking to acquire Chassidus, that it is imperative to be careful not to cause distress even to animals. This will mean that mercy and kindness are very present in the Middot of a Chassid and their entire agenda in life is to be good to people and all creatures.

Ramchal now turns to further areas of service of G-d that a Chassid will be particular about. The first is fear of G-d. A person needs to consider when they are praying or performing any Mitzvah, that they are actually standing in front of the King of Kings. How does one get to that appreciation? Firstly by contemplating that that is literally what is transpiring - even

though the human eye cannot comprehend G-d’s presence, that does not mean He is any less present. Therefore, when they pray for mercy for themselves, their family, the Jewish people and of course, for the welfare of the country in which they reside, they will do so fully aware that on the other

end of the line is a friend - the ultimate in goodness and kindness - G-d Himself.

That’s step one. Step two is to consider how awesome and above all praise Hashem actually is. Only then, should one recognise how lowly a human being is compared to the Divine and how our

A person needs to consider when they are praying or performing any Mitzvah, that they are actually standing in front of the King of Kings…

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less-than-perfect service of G-d should render us unfit to stand before Him, were it not for His will that we do communicate our needs to Him. Once one has achieved this awesome appreciation of G-d internally, it eventually begins to show in their outward conduct too - so one may find that a person’s head is bowed and their hands clasped as they daven as a servant in front of its master.

Then, in addition to the humility and shame the Chassid feels, they know how to show due honour to G-d. This is based on a verse we read on 7th day Pesach - Zeh Keli Ve’anveihu - which our sages said alludes to the concept of beautifying a Mitzva. More on this after Pesach and we hope it will be beautiful for all.

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Pesach Its finally here! The highlight of the Jewish year! Pesach may be a bit low key this year but it’s a Yom Tov nonetheless and we will once again be listening to the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim - how Hashem redeemed the Jewish people from being slaves in Egypt. Special Mitzvot accompany the Chag and you will of course be aware of Matzo and Wine as well as the bitter herbs and the Mitzva of relating the story of the Geula - the redemption on this night. Thousands of years have passed since that great

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night, but the story has remained intact, faithfully handed down through the generations. After our first two days Yom Tov followed by Shabbat, we will have three days Chol Hamoed, more opportunities for spending time with (immediate) family and earning a Mitzva of eating Matzo each day!

Finally we reach the 7th and 8th day where we remember crossing the Yam Suf and how we sang our hearts out praising Hashem for saving us from what looked impossible! Have a happy Yom Tov!

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CHAROSET • FREEDOM • HAGADAH MARROR • MATZA • PESACH •SEDER • WINE

Using all the shapes on the left can you make the moose on the right?

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7 APRIL 2020

YOUTH 33

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Pesach

In a nutshell Plagues and Zoom. Once the Egyptians were finally hit with their final plague, there was no time to waste.

Hashem told Moshe to firmly instruct the entire Jewish people to remain indoors (without exception) as He struck the Egyptian firstborns - not only the important people but even the firstborns of the captive slaves.

And then it was time to Zoom out of Egypt to the extent that the dough that they had prepared for their journey had no time to rise so they were left with Matza. And, with full faith in Hashem, they left, the old, the young, the great and the simple.

For thousands of years, this story has been told with myriad more detail, from father to child, as this was a national experience that formed the nation we became. Although it is a Mitzva to remember Yetzi’at Mitzrayim each and every day - in fact, twice a day, there is a special Mitzva to discuss it at great length on Seder Night.

We tell the story from low to high. We discuss the

humble beginnings of the Jewish people, an idolworshipping great-grandfather and a group of tribes that was enslaved to Pharaoh. And then we detail how we were uplifted to the other extreme - drawn near by Hashem to His service - which was in fact the entire purpose of leaving Egypyt, being freed as slaves to Pharaoh and being able to say, “Hallelu Avdei Hashem” - Praise oh slaves of G-d”.

We do not just retell it though, we relive it. We eat the Matza and Maror, remembering the bitter times we had in Egypt, but then we don’t stay stuck in grief; we act like we are the men finally set free, so we lean whilst eating and we make the Seder table as fancy as possible. The message of Pesach is to renew our belief - our knowledge - that the holy tradition from Jewish father to child across the globe, from Yemen to Yugoslavia, Afghanistan to America, Tel Aviv to Thailand, Iran to Ireland, Brazil to Belgium, all saying the same story as each other despite being hundreds

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.

of miles apart (and before the days of Zoom and even telephones) is a story that we too, will be proud and passionate to tell our children one day.

Above all, it assures us that G-d can get us out of impossible situations. Our sages taught that no slave EVER escaped Egypt, so firm were its borders.

Nevertheless, when the time came for the Jews to be redeemed, they left in broad daylight (or almost), without even a dog barking. (BTW when you steal the afikoman you are remembering that fact, for when a dog senses a thief they usually bark).

The message of Pesach carries us through life “Hashem, who created the entire world from Electrons to Everest - is equally involved with the “small” miracles as He is with the grand ones and is equally capable of bringing an end to any problem we may face, whether on a personal level, on a national level or even for problems affecting the entire world.”

Enjoy the light of Pesach!

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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 arc cab

car cat cel acre

carb care cart cert

crab lace race talc

acerb brace caber cable

caret carle carte cater

celeb clear cleat crate

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elect erect lacer react

terce trace cabler cartel

cereal claret create relace

treacle bracelet celebrate

34 YOUTH 

7 APRIL 2020

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Q: What kind of music do mummies listen to?

A: Wrap!

Q: What do olympic sprinters eat before a race?

A: Nothing. They fast!

Q: Why are penguins socially awkward?

A: Because they can’t break the ice!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. I have no life but I can die.

What am I?

3.What has keys but can not open a door?

Q: Where do you learn to make ice cream?

A: Sundae school!

2. Shira has four daughters, each of her daughters has a brother. How many children does Shira have?

3) A piano 1. A battery

2) Five - four daughters and one son

1. Welcome back 2. The cost is clear 3. Tripos

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4. Ice cube 5. Captain Hook 6. Midwife

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COOKERY 35

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: 15 minutes Cooking Time 8 -10 minutes

Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com

Serves: 4

Ingredients 18 asparagus tips – trimmed and roughly chopped ~ 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 red onions – peeled and roughly chopped 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1 leek sliced ~ Pinch chilli flakes or chopped fresh green chilli 200g kale or cavolo nero– shredded 200g courgettes – roughly chopped ~ 6 – 8 eggs 2 tablespoons dill chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method 1. Bring a pan of salted water to a boil then add the asparagus and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan.

3. Cook the onions, garlic, and leeks until soft, then add the chilli flakes or fresh chilli.

4. Blanch the kale and courgettes in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and add to the pan.

5. Season, then make holes for as many eggs as you want and crack an egg into each space.

6. Keep cooking gently on the hob until the eggs are cooked as you like them (cover with a lid if you want to speed things up).

Scatter over dill and add another drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Nutritional Food for A Healthy Passover & Isolation.

BY DENISE PHILLIPS These are unprecedented times. Covid 19 has officially been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation and has been responsible for the deaths of many thousands. The main way to keep safe is to keep isolated, but I believe that we can also help ourselves boosting our immune system through a healthy balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and by being physically active, reducing stress and getting enough sleep. All of these things help support our normal immune functions.

But this Passover and going forward, there are several nutrients that play an important role in our immune system and could help us strengthen our resistance. They are copper, folate, iron, selenium, zinc and vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D. The best sources of vitamin A are eggs, milk, red peppers, carrots, butternut

squash, sweet potato and green vegetables to include broccoli, spinach, kale and cabbage. Fruits rich in vitamin A include mango, dried apricots, papaya and melon.

Foods rich in Vitamin B that are permissible during Passover include meat, fish and poultry, avocados, bananas, nuts, eggs and dairy.

Vitamin C foods include all the citrus fruits, pineapple, berries, melon, kiwis and vegetables such as tomatoes, cauliflower, peppers and leafy greens.

For some people, especially the elderly and vulnerable, being in isolation has meant a lack of sunshine possibly resulting in a reduced level of vitamin D. In addition, if you have had the virus and spent most of the day sleeping, again your vitamin D could be low. Salmon, herring, sardines tinned tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms and milk are all solid sources of vitamin D and should be consumed in plentiful quantities.

Pre-planning your meals is the

best way to ensure a healthy diet. Leaving meals to when you feel hungry tends to encourage a meal that is high in fat, not balanced and high in carbohydrates.

Start the day with a good breakfast, perhaps enjoy my avocado smoothie or asparagus shakshuka. (see above).

One obvious contribution to staying healthy is a big bowl of chicken soup, rightly called ‘Jewish Penicillin’ but a hot lemon and honey is also a good way of calming a cough and lack of appetite.

Other recipe ideas to reflect and enhance your healthy diet include heritage tomato salad and herb salad, Israeli citrus salad with pomegranate seeds ( ie oranges, grapefruit, pomelo and pomegranates), oriental courgette and cabbage salad – a salad made with white cabbage, courgettes, ginger, mint, garlic, lime, chilli and garnished with cashew nuts. red and green salad – strawberries, red peppers, avocado and baby spinach).

Make your daily menu reflect the colours of the rainbow and you will certainly be achieving a healthy diet.

Learn new skills & recipes at one of my forthcoming classes:

New FREE Online Cookery Classes

Autumn SCHEDULE includes: Best of Autumn, Thai Feast, Crea ve sushi, Tea Time Classics, Seasonal Entertaining, Winter comfort foods, Winter Vegan Plus special evening Class: Tues 12 Nov

10am- Chef 2pm inCookery Northwood.

Junior Expertly Taught. All Kosher.

Class on facebook live.

Cost: £65 inc lunch & wines Call Denise Phillips 01923 836 456 Every Tuesday 11am – 11.30am

www.jewishcookery.com

Aimed at 8 -12 year olds https://www.facebook.com/denise. phillips.9085 To watch and join you need to be my facebook friend.

And adult Cookery Classes Every Friday at 10am

https://www.facebook.com/denise. phillips.9085 Wishing you well, keep safe over this very To watch and join you need to be my different Pesach. facebook friend. www.jewishcookery.com ~ check out my Pesach recipes on line!

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