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BY DAVID SAFFER
Jewish resistance to the Nazis. President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Chief Justice Esther Hayut and Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin together with other dignitaries will attend via video link. Israel’s annual ceremony is scheduled to begin at Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Centre and broadcast live at 1pm. Wreaths will be laid at the foot of the six torches by dignitaries and representatives of survivor
groups. Other sites of remembrance in Israel including the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz and Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, schools, military bases, municipalities and places of work will hold events. Among events is a project called Zikaron BaSalon (Remembrance in Living Rooms) where survivors will recall their
Events around the world will mark Yom Hashoah today. In Israel, a national day of commemoration sees places of entertainment close and memorial ceremonies across the country. A siren will bring the country to a halt for two minutes at 10 am. At the same time, a memorial to the Warsaw Ghetto uprising of 1943 will take place in Poland. Wreaths will be laid at a site of the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneebalg zt”l
Rabbi Osher Baddiel zt"l
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London mourns Rabbi Osher Baddiel The London community is was teaching. mourning the passing of RabRabbi Osher Baddiel also bi Osher Yitzchok Baddiel spent several years in Russia who passed away aged 74 in where he was extremely inthe early hours of Wednesday fluential in a boarding school morning after battling cancer. and was responsible for bringRabbi Baddiel was born in ing many Jewish people back London and studied in the Yeto their roots. shiva in Lucerne, Switzerland As well as publishing severunder the renowned Rabbi al books, he produced weekly Mosheh Soleveitchik zt’l, in sedra sheets translated into Gateshead Yeshiva, and in German and Russian. He was Yeshivas Chayei Olam in Lon- Rabbi Osher Baddiel zt"l involved in setting many unidon under Rabbi Ben-Zion versity examinations and was Rakow zt’l. a sought-after public speaker. For many years he served as Rabbi of the He did many acts of kindness and was Persian Hebrew Congregation in Stamford always willing to help people, such as his Hill following in the footsteps of his father involvement with shidduchim and getRabbi C K Baddiel zt’l. ting children a place in school. He was an Rabbi Osher Baddiel taught for many adept Baal Koreh and Baal Tefilah who inyears in Hasmonean High School for Boys spired the congregation and Jews from all and other North West London Schools. He walks of life from his vast knowledge of the taught a vast array of subjects with a passion Torah as well as his eclectic knowledge of for Gemorroh. He also taught bookbinding, the world. calligraphy and woodworking. He mainHe is survived by his wife Rebbetzin Rivka, tained his relationships with his students his son Dayan Dovid Baddiel in South Africa and was known for being an animated and his daughter Miriam Cope and several teacher who gave a clear and broad under- grandchildren K’H and he will be sorely standing of the information and context he missed.
Rabbi Schneebalg passes away over Pesach
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneebalg zt”l
Manchester’s Jewish community is mourning the passing of of the Rav of the Machzikei Hadass communities, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneebalg. Born to distinguished parents, Rabbi Dovid Zvi and Babtche Schneebalg, in Gartarn, Romania in 1921, Rabbi Schneebalg studied under Rabbi Eliezer Hager, known as the Damesek Eliezer of Vizhnitz. Rabbi Dovid Tzvi was Rosh Yeshiva in Grossvarden in Romania and later Dayan of Machzikei Hadas in Salford. Having served as a Dayan firstly in Damesek Eliezer in Prestwich, then as Rabbi of the Machzikei Hadass, Rav Schneebalg was not only a link to previous generations of Chassidic leaders, he was a much-loved Torah personality, respected across the orthodox communities in Manchester. The development of Manchester into the world-renowned host of Torah that it is today, is largely due to the efforts of the late Rabbi, who invested time and effort into the development of its dozens of Torah institutions. His impact on hundreds of families over the many decades is incalculable. He was the author of numerous Torah works, including Sifsei Ani on Halacha and on the Torah. Rabbi Schneebalg enjoyed a close
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relationship with Chabad Manchester and was a frequent guest at Yud Tes Kislev farbrengens and Siyumei HaRambam. Rabbi Leibel Groner introduced Rabbi Schneebalg to the Rebbe and mentioned his support of Chabad in Manchester. The Rebbe gave him an additional dollar to merit long years at the helm. Rabbi Schneebalg married Rebbetzin Feiga, daughter of Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Ehrenreich, but tragically she died after the birth of their son. Rabbi Schneeblag remarried to Rebbetzin Bluma, daughter of Rabbi Shraga Feivel Steinmetz. He leaves behind a distinguished family of Rabbonim in the USA and in the UK. His children include Rabbi Moshe Yehudah Leizer Shlomo (Chernovitzher Rebbe of Williamsburg), Rabbi Chaim Feivel Schneebalg (Rav of Khal Avrechim in Monsey), Rabbi Yisrael Shneebalg (Rav of Khal Bolchov in Borough Park), Rabbi Yitzchok Eizik Shneebalg (Rav of Machnovka-Belz in Williamsburg and Rabbi Pinchas Shneebalg (Rosh Yeshiva of Vizhnitz in London.) His daughters are married to the Stropkover Rebbe and Rav Chaim Halpern. His levaya began on Motzei Yom Tov, continued to London and the burial was in Israel.
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CAA call for “real action” in Labour on Starmer anniversary BY DAVID SAFFER Campaign Against Antisemitism Chief Executive Gideon Falter has called for “real action” from the Labour Party in the ongoing fight against antisemitism a year on from Keir Starmer’s election to the leadership. Falter’s sobering view of the Party’s progress regarding antisemitism is clear. More work needs to be done to convince the Jewish community of Starmer’s pledge to “tear out this poison by its roots”. Starmer must prove he is serious regarding eradicating antisemitism in the Party. Starmer’s statement last year provided a degree of reassurance but actions are louder than words. “It was always clear that addressing Labour antisemitism would be the work of many years,” Falter said in summing up the past 12 months. “While the Party has taken some welcome steps over the course of (Sir Keir) Starmer’s first year in office, the inaction speaks far louder. “MPs sharing platforms with expelled members with no sanction, no acknowledgement of our complaints, incoherent disciplinary outcomes at the national and local level, and polling that shows an unchanged attitude among ordinary Labour members reinforce the view, held by almost ninety percent of British Jews, that the Labour Party is too tolerant of antisemitism. Sir Keir himself has rightly said that words are not enough. It is time to see some real action.” CAA note that there has been positive actions illustrated by the removal of Rebecca Long-Bailey from the Shadow cabinet after she shared an article promoting an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. There have also been calls from Labour’s General-Secretary, David Evans, to local branches to avoid discussing antisemitism, publicly-announced investigations and reports that discipline was being imposed. Meantime, Brighton and Hove City Council and Crawley Borough Council saw the suspension and resignation of councillors regarding antisemitism cases. All have been welcome news. Starmer’s response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into Labour antisemitism then subsequent suspension of disgraced leader Jeremy Corbyn within hours of the publication of the report was well received. However, according to CAA, a vow to suspend MPs or Party members who share platforms with those expelled over antisemitism have failed. CAA cite controversial MP Diane Abbot and former Respect Party leader Salma Yaqoob in this respect. CAA acknowledge reports of an exodus of far-left members from the Party,
Campaign Against Antisemitism Chief Executive Gideon Falter
“MPs sharing platforms with expelled members with no sanction, no acknowledgement of our complaints, incoherent disciplinary outcomes at the national and local level, and polling that shows an unchanged attitude among ordinary Labour members…” many voluntary rather than expulsions, whilst Corbyn’s suspension from Labour and readmission to the Party was roundly lambasted. There are also reports that CAA’s complaint against Deputy Leader Angela Rayner was dismissed without an acknowledgement contrary to the Party’s new complaints handling policy. All are examples that the Party has not reformed its ways according to CAA. As for Labour’s Complaint Handling Handbook, CAA have labelled it as a “bad April Fool’s joke”. And various polls do not auger well. A ballot by Lord Ashcroft after the 2019 General Election found that nearly three quarters of Labour members believed antisemitism in the Party was “invented or wildly exaggerated” by the right-wing media and opponents of Corbyn. And a more recent YouGov survey last month reportedly found that over two thirds believed the antisemitism in the Party has been “exaggerated” CAA’s antisemitism barometer at the start of the year showed that British Jews felt Labour was more than twice as tolerant of antisemitism than any other political party. The coming 12 months will be eagerly observed by CAA and Jewish communities.
CAA, meanwhile, have slated the Party’s much publicised Complaint Handling Handbook. The publication is part of its compliance with the Action Plan devised with the EHRC following a damning report into antisemitism in the Party. CAA note the handbook makes “specific provision” for complaints relating to antisemitism and sexual harassment, both areas where the Party has fallen short in recent years. Regarding antisemitism it was deemed institutionally racist by the EHRC. The publication, CAA note on its website is “an important step” as the Party addresses its “woefully inadequate” disciplinary system. Whilst positive provisions include a “more advanced discussion of the nature of antisemitism” than previous reports by the Party and a requirement for anyone found to have engaged in antisemitic conduct to attend training, in other areas, CAA regard the handbook as “deeply disappointing”. CAA’s reaction will be of concern to Starmer who vowed to “root out” antisemitism. Joe Glasman, CAA Head of Political and Government Investigations, noted, “Labour’s new complaints handbook is
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like a bad April Fool’s joke. The idea that a prospective member can be as antisemitic as they’d like until they join the Party is another Chakrabarti-like attempt to turn a blind eye and move on. “The illustrations of current practice, far from inspiring confidence, show just why the system is broken, for someone to be able to breach the International Definition of Antisemitism, which Labour adopted only after a massive row, and only get a formal warning, is a betrayal of the Jewish community. “If this is what (Sir Keir)Starmer was referring to when he vowed to tear antisemitism out by its roots, then we can be sure that the fight against antisemitism in the Labour Party is very far from won.” According to CAA, anyone can submit complaints about Labour members, but if a complainant is not directly affected the Party cannot provide “ongoing information” due to data protection. CAA’s website also notes it has submitted complaints against MPs and officeholders but are unlikely to be informed how complaints are progressing. The handbook, according to CAA, limits conduct of individuals or organisational bodies during their time of membership and will not consider conduct prior to membership. Should a Labour member be found to have engaged in antisemitic conduct prior to joining the Party, there is no recourse. The handbook also cites the recommendation of the Chakrabarti Report that Labour members should “resist the use of Hitler, Nazi and Holocaust metaphors, distortions and comparisons in debates about Israel-Palestine in particular.” The report fell short of designating such comparisons as antisemitic under the International Definition of Antisemitism. Astonishingly, CAA added, the handbook presents examples of how complaints relating to antisemitism were dealt with. These illustrate how broken the disciplinary system is and make the case for the independent disciplinary system that the EHRC has mandated. CAA has lodged a complaint against former leader Corbyn, holding him responsible for conduct prejudicial or grossly detrimental to the Party. They noted, “Given the serious detriment that this conduct has caused, we are seeking Corbyn’s immediate resuspension and, if the complaint is upheld, we will be requesting his expulsion.” CAA also noted that on the day of the publication of the EHRC’s report, they submitted a complaint against Corbyn and other sitting MPs. These complaints are yet to be acknowledged by the Party.
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Holocaust denier Chabloz handed custodial sentence BY ADAM MOSES Antisemitic blogger Alison Chabloz has been handed a custodial sentence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty of sending offensive material by a public communications network. District Judge Michael Snow sentenced Chabloz last week to 18 weeks in prison. The notorious Holocaust denier will serve nine months in jail. This is her first significant period in prison. Campaign Against Antisemitism has pursued justice against Chabloz for over four years. District Judge Snow noted the Jewish community needed protection in sentencing Chabloz, 57, who committed the offence whilst on a suspended sentence following a separate conviction brought by CAA. Chabloz was convicted for her latest offence under Section 127 the Communications Act relating to two interviews she gave to far-right online outlets. CAA noted Chabloz publicised the interviews via her account on Gab, a far-right social network, claiming Jews controlled “anything that’s worth controlling”. She also accused Jews of turning their children
into “psychopathic maniacs” because they are “indoctrinated from birth” with the idea that “their grandparents were gassed.” Chabloz further stated that Jews were persecuted in Nazi Germany because they “had been behaving in a certain fashion, as we’re seeing again today”, and that Jews not conforming to her idea of Western values should be deported. Stephen Silverman, CAA Director of Investigations and Enforcement, noted, “Chabloz’s repulsive opinions about Jews can be traced back to the beer halls of 1930s Germany. Despite already having been convicted of similar offences, she continued, while serving her suspended sentence, to use the internet to attempt to radicalise others and convert them to her hateful way of thinking about Jewish people. “Today’s verdict and sentence finally give the Jewish community justice and protection from someone who has made a vocation out of denying the Holocaust and baiting Jews. It also sends a clear message to those who might be tempted to go down the same path.” Silverman added that Chabloz now faces serious charges of incitement to racial hatred under section 21 of the Public Order Act 1986. Matters have been brought to the
attention of the police. The charge concerns a video of a scene in the Oliver Twist when Fagin, a fictitious Jewish criminal, is explaining to a recruit how his legion of children followers pick pockets. Chabloz uploaded the video and sings a song about how Jews are greedy, “grift” for “shekels” and cheat on their taxes. “We will not rest until all antisemites like (Alison) Chabloz are behind bars, where they belong,” noted Silverman. CAA note on its website that Chabloz is “fixated on the idea that the Holocaust did not occur” and that it was “fabricated by Jews” and their supporters as a vehicle for extorting money in the form of reparations. Chabloz has an extensive record of using social media to publicise her hatred of Jews. In October 2019, Chabloz had an application for a judicial review denied by the High Court following a landmark conviction a year earlier on three charges of sending grossly offensive communications via a public communications network. Chabloz had sought to overturn her conviction on technicalities relating to the case but the High Court upheld the earlier judgment. Charges related to self-penned songs
in which Chabloz denounced a supposed Jewish conspiracy to dominate the world and attacked the Holocaust as a fraud perpetrated by Jews for financial gain. The conviction set a new precedent in British law. Chabloz received a 20-week prison sentence suspended for two years, 180 hours of unpaid community service, an indefinite order against contacting two CAA leaders and banning order from social media for 12 months. Earlier in 2018, the conviction was upheld by Southwark Crown Court. Judge Christopher Hehir said at the time that Chabloz was a “Holocaust denier” and “manifestly anti-Semitic” and obsessed with the wrongdoing of Jews. Chabloz described herself as a Holocaust revisionist and her music as “satire”. Two songs were performed at a far-right London Forum meeting in September 2016 and uploaded to YouTube. A third song was uploaded to YouTube in September 2017. The case began as a private prosecution by CAA and continued by the CPS. Chabloz is banned from entering France where Holocaust denial is illegal, for forty years until 2059.
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Hatzola mourns passing of dedicated volunteers BY SIMCHA ABIR Hatzola has endured a difficult few weeks with the deaths of three popular and righteous Borough Park neighbourhood volunteers in Brooklyn, New York City. Hundreds attended the funerals of Rabbi Mordechai Anshel Lax, Rabbi Moshe Dovid Kish and Rabbi Aharon Yochanan Fleishman. Rabbi Anshel, 55, passed away on Monday just hours after returning from Florida after Pesach. He was rushed to hospital where his condition deteriorated. His passing has been a shock to family and friends. Members recalled Rabbi Anshel’s dedication to the organisation, ensuring every new member had pristine equipment. He was especially welcoming to new members settling in to the emergency medical service. Rabbi Mordechai came from a family of Viznitzer chassidim in Hungary. His father, Rabbi Chatzkel Ber Lax, was shammas at the Viznitzer Synagogue in Williamsburg for decades. Growing up in Williamsburg, Rabbi
Rabbi Aharon Yochanan Fleishman Rabbi Mordechai Anshel Lax
Anshel studied at the Yeshiva of Rebbe Mottele of Viznitz with whom he became close. He served as Chazan on a Shabbat and in recent years was Chazan at the children’s minyan on High Holidays. Rabbi Anshel was a manager at Park Lumber where he was known as a “real gem” who would do anything for anyone. The funeral took place at the Viznitzer Synagogue before burial at the Viznitzer cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Chana, and children. Last month saw the passing of Rabbi Kish, 49, who was a dedicated paramedic who passed away before Pesach. Though ill for a
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Rabbi Moshe Dovid Kish
decade, he responded to emergencies until physically unable. A fellow paramedic reportedly told local media his esteemed colleague spent years counselling others. “He did things for people without wanting anything in return and without fanfare or publicity,” he recalled. “Through the worst times and the most dire prognosis, he was focused on being there for others,” recalled another friend. “He refused to contemplate or hear about negativity. He was filled with humour and positivity.” “The chessed he has accomplished in his short time on this earth is mind-boggling,
Antisemitism in Aalborg and Michigan BY SIMCHA ABIR
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he was a shining beacon to all those around him,” noted a further colleague. Rabbi Moshe is survived by his wife, Devoiry, who stood by him through difficult times, eight children and grandchildren. Rabbi Fleishman, 62, was a Hatzolah coordinator who passed away following years of illness. Born in Williamsburg in 1948, where his family were staunch members of the Viener kehillah, his maternal grandfather was Rabbi Herschel Liphshitz, Rosh Hakahal of Vien. A respected member of the Belzer community, Rabbi Fleishman was a longtime coordinator at Hatzola, frequently at night. His calm voice was a comforting sound to volunteers around New York. After finishing a shift, Rabbi Fleishman would go to work as a bus driver for Belzer mosdos. He spent his summers as a cook at the Belzer Camp in Woodridge where a Hatzolah ambulance was parked at the camp. Rabbi Fleishman would respond to hundreds of calls every summer. He is survived by his wife and extended family.
A Jewish cemetery in Aalborg, Denmark was vandalised over Passover. Security in Denmark has increased and the incident is being investigated as a hate crime. Red paint, baby dolls and antisemitic literature relating to the blood libel conspiracy theory were discovered at the cemetery. Flyers related to a website linked to Nordic Resistance Movement, a Pan-Nordic neo-Nazi organisation banned in Finland. Henri Goldstein, chairman of Denmark’s Jewish community, reportedly said, “Historically, a lot of antisemitism with a physical outcome has started with, among other things, vandalism against cemeteries and Jewish shops.” He added, “The vandalism at the cemetery around Passover is simply as classic antisemitism as it can be. We have seen this for centuries in Europe.” Danish politicians slammed the attack. Justice Minister Nick Hækkerup described it as “outrageous and deeply shameful”. Combat-Antisemitism tweeted that leaflets described Pesach as a “Jewish celebration of carnage”. The Israeli Embassy in Denmark tweeted, “Horrified by anti-Semitic act against the Jewish cemetery in Denmark during the holiday of Passover and Pesach. We have
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full confidence in Danish authorities to deal with this swiftly to protect its Jewish citizens.” Antisemitic graffiti referring to the Ku Klux Klan was discovered at Albion College, Michigan. Albion community leaders, including Robert Dunklin, President of NAACP’s Albion branch, condemned the attack. “Students have been dealing with issues like COVID-19, locked in their dorms and now they have to deal with racial graffiti,” he reportedly said. “It is not acceptable in this community. And we are here to stand with this community and the community of Albion College. Whoever it is, they’re best to come forward or get out of town.” Albion College President, Mathew Johnson, confirmed police are investigating the attack. The college is offering a $1,000 reward for information. “The racist and antisemitic actions taken on our campus over the last week are cowardly and will not be tolerated,” he reportedly said. “We are outraged and angered that this incident occurred within our community. In addition to caring for and protecting the students most directly impacted, and addressing the safety concerns of the broader student body, we are currently investigating who is responsible for racist graffiti on our campus.”
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Sudan cabinet has repeals 1958 bill affecting Israel BY ADAM MOSES Sudan’s cabinet has repealed legislation from 1958 banning diplomatic and business relations with Israel. The move needs approval from Sudan’s sovereign council but illustrates the development of relations between Israel and Sudan. It is hoped official visits and further diplomatic ties will follow. Normalisation with Israel in Sudan is an initiative led by the military, which has welcomed visits by Israeli officials. “The council of ministers approved a bill repealing the 1958 boycott of Israel law,” the cabinet said in a statement which noted Sudan’s position on a Palestinian state within a two-state solution. The 1958 law included up to 10 years in jail and a substantial fine. Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen said in a statement, “This is an important and necessary step toward the signing of a peace accord between the countries. Cohen led a delegation to Sudan for the first time last January.
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
On his return, Cohen told reporters he was confident the visit would lay foundations for “important collaborations” including security and stability in the region. The delegation included representatives from the National Security Council and met Defence Minister Yassin Ibrahim, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan along with other senior officials. Discussions centred on economic cooperation on water, agriculture, renewable energy, health and aviation. Israel is hopeful a Sudanese delegation will visit Israel. Sudan followed the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco in normalising relations with Israel. US President Joe Biden has stated the US wants to build on these accords. Sudan normalised ties with Israel last October with Washington removing the country from its “state sponsors of terrorism” list in return. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and US President Donald Trump confirmed the historic accord in a joint
statement. Following the announcement, Netanyahu welcomed the news. “This is neither luck nor coincidental,” he noted at the time, “It is the result of the clear policy that we have led and the efforts that we made in the face of all of the experts and all of the commentators who said that it was not possible. It was possible, we believed in it.” “HUGE win today for the United States and for peace in the world,” tweeted Trump. Netanyahu added that the map of the Middle East was changing as Israel could fly east over Saudi Arabia and west over Sudan. The UAE, hailed Sudan’s decision as “an important step to boost security and prosperity in the region”. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, also welcomed the deal. World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder backed the announcement. There was “shifting societal attitudes” towards Israel and Jews in the region, he noted.
WJC endorse German IHRA ruling and clarify New Yorker article viewpoint BY DAVID SAFFER
murdered millions of people, including six million World Jewish Congress Jews during the Holocaust. has welcomed endorseHowever, whilst the Polish ment by the German govgovernment has struggled ernment of the working to acknowledge crimes definition of anti-gypsism of local Poles and Polish and anti-Roma discrimigroups, the annihilation nation adopted in October of Polish Jewry cannot be 2020 by the International attributed to Polish society Holocaust Remembrance or Polish state. Alliance. Lauder reportedly notWJC executive vice presed, “It is most unfortunate ident, Maram Stern, comthat in seeking to draw mended the German govattention to the Polish ernment and hopes other government’s problematgovernments will follow ic confrontation with the their lead. tragic history of wartime Benjamin Netanyahu “The Roma and Sinti Polish-Jewish relations, were persecuted and murthe New Yorker’s Masha dered by Nazi Germany Gessen implies that Poles PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA (not Germans) were the and its multi-national ac- WJC President Ronald S. Lauder complices alongside EuroRoma, Muslims and other vulnerable prime perpetrators of the pean and North African Jewry during the communities. Holocaust. This historically false characyears of the Holocaust, and they continue In related news, WJC President Ronald terisation should not have found its way to face discrimination and violence in S. Lauder has responded to a controver- into the pages of the New Yorker or any parts of Europe to this day,” Stern report- sial article published in The New Yorker publication, and it should be evident to edly noted. last month regarding responsibility to the all that the genocidal killing of Polish Jews Stern added that the international com- murder of Polish Jews during World War during World War II was masterminded by munity must not allow discrimination of Two. the German Third Reich, not Poles. any kind whether directed against Jews, WJC have reiterated that Nazi Germany “To be sure, there were Poles in
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German-occupied Poland who aided and abetted in the Nazi oppression of Jews and in some cases even in the killings. Others risked their lives and those of their family members to rescue their Jewish neighbours.” He added, “When discussing history, the precision of language and facts is essential. Whatever the extent of local participation, Poland cannot be held accountable for masterminding the plan to wipe out Polish and European Jewry which was pursued by the Germans with ruthless zeal. Polish forces fought the Germans from the first day of the war until the last, on many fronts, and the Polish government-in-exile in London did a great deal to make known to the wider world the terrible slaughter of Jews taking place in occupied Poland and to alleviate their plight. “These contributions must never be forgotten, even as we continue to press the Polish government to desist from interfering with the work of historians who seek to chronicle the truth.” In other news, WJC participated in a panel discussion for Yom HaShoah last night regarding the publication of Poems Born in Bergen-Belson by WJC’s Menachem Z. Rosensaft, who is the son of Holocaust survivors.
8 APRIL 2021 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 experiences. An estimated 500,000 Israelis are expected to participate. Throughout the day, television and radio will broadcast programs about the Holocaust. Holocaust Remembrance Day ends in Israel with a ceremony themed “Last of Kin” at the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum at Kibbutz Lohamei HaGheta’ot, which was founded by Holocaust survivors in 1949 early evening. The closing ceremony revolves around survivors who immigrated to Israel after their families died during the Shoah. Few restrictions will halt memorial events taking place throughout Israel as they did 12 months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic. Netanyahu, Rivlin, dignitaries and survivors attended the State’s opening ceremony at Yad Vashem last night. The theme was titled ‘Until the Very Last Jew: Eighty Years Since the Onset of Mass Annihilation’ The six torches, representing the six million murdered Jews during the Holocaust, were lit by survivors Manya Bigunov, Yossi Chen, Sara Fishman, Halina Friedman, Zehava Gealel and Shmuel Naar. Netanyahu and Rivlin spoke at the ceremony. Netanyahu delivered a stark message to the U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration in his address to the nation that the Iran 2015 nuclear deal “will not bind” Israel.
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TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 “Let there be no mistake, an agreement with Iran will not bind us in any way,” he reportedly said. “The nuclear agreement with Iran that allowed it to advance its development of atomic bombs, is on the table again. But history has taught us that such agreements in such regimes are worth as much as garlic’s peel.” Addressing survivors, Netanyahu noted, “Throughout the coronavirus year, every day I thought of you, the Holocaust survivors. I know the stay at home, being away from family members, the isolation, the closures, were very difficult.” Rivlin recalled the 900 Holocaust survivors who had died of COVID-19 as a direct result of the pandemic. “They survived the ghettoes and the death camps, the immigrant ships and the internment camps but the final battle of their lives was fought with them bewildered and isolated, behind masks and gloves, yearning for contact but parted from their loved ones,” he said. “This evening, our hearts are with them and their families.” Rivlin added, “You Holocaust survivors, heroes of our rebirth, who found the fortitude do get up from the ground soaked in blood and tears, to look forward, to choose life, to love, to laugh, to enjoy, to believe, to build and to create. On your behalf, I swore to remember and remind that the Jewish people was not born at Auschwitz and that our spiritual, religious and political character was not formed there.” According to government data there are 174,500 Holocaust survivors in Israel,
14,264 have passed away since the last Memorial Day. In the UK, a plethora events started with a virtual national Holocaust commemoration event marking the 76th anniversary of the end of the Shoah last night. March of the Living UK are unable to travel to Poland for this year but have complied various online experiences. The International MOTL virtual commemoration and online memorial ceremony today will be led by President Rivlin, Holocaust survivors and Rabbi Israel Meir Lau. Participants from across the globe have been filmed using 3D technology so they appear to be marching along the traditional MOTL route at Auschwitz-Birkenau. As a tribute to medical professionals who risked their lives during the Holocaust, the World Health Organisation and those on the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 will participate. The virtual march can be viewed on www.motl.org/2021-march (3pm). Among other initiatives people have been able to write personal messages to be placed on the railroad tracks at Auschwitz-Birkenau. And there are a series of online Holocaust education sessions available online this afternoon. March of the Living UK, Generation 2 Generation, Jewish Museum London, Holocaust Education Trust, Association of Jewish Refugees, JRoots and Mizrachi UK host sessions from 2pm. www.yomhashoah.org.uk (2pm).
Likud-Herut UK activist, Joe Gellert passes away Former vice president of the Likud-Herut movement in the UK, Joe Gellert passed away this week in Israel. He was a long-time British Zionist activist who retired to Netanya several years ago. Yaakov HaGoel, Chairman of the Executive of the World Zionist Organization, eulogized Gellert Tuesday afternoon. “This morning we lost a pillar of the Jewish community of England. Joe Gellert was a man of Hadar, of Zionist vision, a Likudnik in heart and a Herutnik in soul who followed the ideology of Ze’ev Jabotinsky.” Joe was the Likud-Herut UK Life Vice President and extremely active in the Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland. He was instrumental in the campaign to free Soviet Jews along with his Likud-Herut colleage and friend, Eric Grauss, who passed away a few years ago. Joe loved Israel and finally fulfilled his dream by making Aliyah where he lived with his wife Beatie. Joe was a Likudnik at heart and Herutnik in soul. He will be greatly missed.
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Israel is midway through COVID-19 pandemic claims Health official Latest Health Ministry data illustrated there are 319 patients hospitalised in serious condition, the lowest figure since December with 175 patients ventilated. The death toll is 6,253.
BY DAVID SAFFER Israel is still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic according to the Head of Public Health Services, Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis. Alroy-Preis earlier in the week offered welcome news that the pandemic was “dying out” and the ministry was considering ending mandatory wearing of masks. The Health Ministry officials’ latest comments are sobering in comparison. “We are only midway through the battle, the pandemic is still here,” Alroy-Preis reportedly explained. “We have hundreds of verified patients every day. In addition, about 37% of the population is yet to be vaccinated. That is why we still must be careful.” Alroy-Pries warned the virus’ reproduction number (R) might yet rise again. “I hope this respite lasts until the war (on coronavirus) ends,” she reportedly noted. “There are a lot of threats (regarding variants) that can come from outside. Since a third of the country is not yet vaccinated, including children, we have a fertile ground for outbreaks.” Alroy-Pries added that herd immunity had yet to be achieved. She reportedly explained, “When we can move around without masks and the threat of new infections ceases, then we will have achieved herd immunity. Currently though, we are not quite there. We must also understand that herd immunity depends on the virus’ reproduction number and since each variant has its own R number, we still cannot safely say we have achieved herd immunity.” Alroy-Pries did have positive news about Israel’s response to the pandemic as a level of protection had enabled the government to ease measures.
“This is an achievement for all of us, this is a victory for the State of Israel, the numbers are falling and the R number is below 1,” she reportedly said. Alroy-Pries commented on vaccinating children aged 12 to 15 years of age. “This is a very important issue that needs to be discussed professionally with Israel’s pandemic taskforce,” she reportedly said. “The decision on the matter will be made based on the opinions of the Health Ministry’s many professionals and those outside it.” Alroy-Pries added, “Talks are already underway in the ministry, since we are working under the assumption that the FDA will approve the shots for adolescents.” Alroy-Preis also noted that the education system was not fully operational as around 2.5 million children had yet to be vaccinated. “In the past, when we reopened the education system too soon, we saw an increase in infections, especially among youths. That is why we are working in a responsible manner,” she reportedly explained. Latest Health Ministry data illustrates there are 319 patients hospitalised in serious condition, the lowest figure since December with 175 patients ventilated. The death toll is 6,253. Alroy-Preis earlier this week was not overly concerned the R number had increased from 0.52 to 0.78. “The R number is still well below 0.8 and is certainly below 1,” Alroy-Pries reportedly said. “The pandemic is dying out, albeit at a slower pace. But as long as (the R number) is below 1, there is room for concern.” “We currently have a little over 300 daily COVID cases. This is a very significant decline,” she added. “Most of the localities in Israel have low morbidity. Meanwhile,
there are almost no significant virus concentrations and no hotspots at all. This allows us to open up the economy and give the green light for weddings, concerts and events, as well as gradually opening up the education system.” Five million Israelis have received the first vaccination and over 4.8 million a booster jab. Alroy-Pries called for citizens to continue being inoculated. “We still have large swaths of the population that have yet to get vaccinated, including a large number of children,” he reportedly noted. “That is why we will open the education system carefully, all while keeping the capsule-learning format.” In related news, Coronavirus czar, Prof. Nachman Ash remarked that wearing masks outdoor mask could be ended next week. “Discussions about the mask mandate are ongoing and as soon as we reach a decision, we will publish it to the public,” Alroy-Preis reportedly confirmed. “We are considering allowing people to take off their masks outdoors. But only when we feel it is safe.” Meanwhile, Israel is allowing foreign students to return to Yeshivas since December 2020. Married students with unvaccinated children are able to return. Students must have visas, documentation regarding being vaccinated in Israel or having recovered from COVID-19. Students not infected, not vaccinated or with no Israeli certificates of recovery must quarantine. Rabbi Nechemia Malinowitz, Igud of Yeshivas and Seminaries, has helped obtain permits. Students requiring permits should contact places of study who will communicate information to Igud. Israel has been praised globally for its vaccination programme yet Health Ministry Director-General Prof. Hezi Levi had to scotch speculation Israel may be running out of vaccines last week. Claims reportedly came from sources including from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office after a cabinet meeting to approve the purchase of millions of additional vaccines was cancelled. “I will not list the numbers (of doses) because these are things that are under an
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NDA with the companies that provided us with the vaccines,” Levi reportedly said. “What I can say is that we have enough doses for both people who have not been vaccinated and also those who have recovered from the disease and only require one dose to be fully inoculated.” Levi however did explain that additional doses would be required should new strains of the deadly virus emerge. The Health Ministry has recommended to the government that Israel must purchase more vaccines that will last until 2023 to get a “head start” on the purchasing process. “The whole world is in an ‘arms race’ to buy vaccines that are being underproduced,” Levi reportedly explained. “Only recently we heard that Europe is trying to restrict the export of vaccines to other countries. This is why we want to buy vaccines for coming years, especially for next year.” He added, “We need vaccines for about 9 million citizens. We assume there will be a vaccine for children and maybe even new vaccines to protect against the virus variations. That is why we negotiated with a number of companies and that is what we asked the government to approve.” Levi also confirmed that although a third vaccination may be required for immunity against variants no official policy had been agreed. “Currently all that is needed is one vaccine dose for those recovering (from COVID) and two doses for everybody else,” he reportedly noted. “Currently, vaccine manufacturers have made no announcement regarding a third booster shot. Our existing vaccines cover the British variant, which is responsible for most of the infections in Israel, as well as the other variants albeit with less effectiveness.” In other news, a significant hike in outbound tourism from Israel is anticipated following the decline in morbidity and number of people vaccinated. Netanyahu’s office has released a statement regarding travel warnings for this spring and summer. The National Security Council Counter-Terrorism, Public Security and Home Front Division have assessed terrorism risks for Israelis abroad. Details are on the PM Office’s website.
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Spirit Airlines storm after orthodox couple are thrown off plane BY DAVID SAFFER Spirit Airlines is in the news for all the wrong reasons after an orthodox Jewish couple and two children, one a special needs seven-year-old child, was removed from an Orlando flight to Atlantic City. A flight attendant ruled the couple’s twoyear-old tot was not wearing a mask while eating a yoghurt as she sat on her seven months pregnant mother’s lap. Video footage went viral as an attendant told the parents they had to exit the flight. The father is heard telling the flight attendant another child is “special needs”. All passengers eventually departed the plane due to the tot. An hour later, all passengers returned and the flight departed. The only person not to board was the flight attendant who allegedly caused the incident. Spirit Airlines described media reports as “incorrect information”. They noted, “We’re aware of incorrect information circulating about Spirit Airlines flight 138 from Orlando to Atlantic City. The flight was delayed due to the adults in a party not complying with
the federal mask requirement. We have allowed the guests to continue on the flight to their destination after assurances of compliance. The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority.” Spirit received over two-thousand negative comments and have reportedly altered its explanation of the incident. Spirit have requested anyone concerned visit its website for further information on its mask policy which notes that children under two years old are exempt.
The child involved was two years and one month old. Their mother, Avital Eisenberg, reportedly told media outlets that the experience was “traumatic”. “I have no words. Next level craziness,” dad Ari Eisenberg reportedly added. This is not the first incident in the United States regarding orthodox families. Only last month, Frontier Airlines endured a media storm after video footage emerged of an orthodox family with a 15-month old toddler was forced to exit a packed plane before
take-off. Allegations of antisemitism by Frontier staff was forthcoming. The incident made national news. The shocking episode revolved around the tot not wearing a mask on flight from Miami International to La Guardia Airport. Witnesses allege Frontier staff ‘cheered’ and ‘high-fived each other’ after ordering the Jewish passengers off the plane. The airline stated that the baby was not the issue but adults in the group removing masks on the plane. The Anti-Defamation League and politicians called on Frontier Airlines to launch a ‘full and transparent investigation’. A week earlier an incident occurred on a Delta flight from Miami International to La Guardia Airport that resulted in a group of orthodox men were ejected were ejected. Before departure an elderly orthodox passenger, reportedly with heart issues, briefly took off his mask to eat. After protests, all passengers eventually had to depart the aircraft. Allegations of anti-Semitic comments were reportedly made.
Bibi’s confidence in Israel’s economy BY ADAM MOSES Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confident Israel will move forward economically after meeting with Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron to receive the annual report for 2020. Netanyahu noted that relative to other economies, Israel’s situation was “relatively good” but there was a challenge of taking control of debt and unemployment to “reasonable dimensions”. “This is relatively easy because we have given incentives to those on unpaid leave and these incentives are ending, naturally” he told a press conference. Netanyahu added, “We want to create high growth. If global growth is 5%, I have no doubt that our growth will be significantly higher, first of all because we are exiting the coronavirus first and because we also have attractive things in our economy. When we take a look, we understand the high-tech component of the Israeli economy, which is very attractive. It becomes absolutely clear that it will also aid us very much in this crisis.” Netanyahu stressed that exiting the pandemic was crucial, it was also essential to procure more vaccines to avoid a fourth lockdown. “There can be no conditions, we must simply complete a new procurement
contract,” he noted. “What has enabled us to exit from the coronavirus is that we made these contracts quicker than other countries, but they have all grasped the principle. There is now a line from here to Timbuktu and beyond of countries that want to close the contracts and we are delaying in an artificial and irresponsible manner. We must procure immediately and this does not cost much. What is more, afterwards we will be able to sell the vaccines that we do not use”. Benjamin Netanyahu Netanyahu added, “We can quickly protect ourselves from a re- proportion of high-tech in the GDP and surgence of the coronavirus, and then we economic damage in OECD countries, have an economic strategy that we will yet Netanyahu commented, “This is an amazneed to discuss and develop, but it seems ing piece of data. The graph shows the to me that we can exit this better than most strength of high-tech. Except for Ireland, countries.” He continued, “There are many we are in the best place in the world.” challenges and problems but relative to Prof. Yaron commented, “GDP this year the western economies, the developed contracted deeply by 2.5% but even so in economies, for which we have data, I think international terms, the contraction is that our situation is pretty good, but it relatively lower. This is mainly due to the must be excellent.” technology-intensive sectors including Regarding the link between the our high-tech exports. On the one hand,
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I think that is worthwhile to preserve the government decisions giving continued unpaid leave until June and on the other hand, not to announce their extension in order to let people understand that they need to return to the cycle of employment.” He added, “We are currently in a stage in which unemployment will decline as a result of the exit from the crisis. In another three weeks, we will have better data about what exactly happened in March and then we will be able to PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK understand if the decline in unemployment is broad or focused on tourism or the arts. Of course, our attention to arrangements for unemployment and unpaid leave must come within this context.” Netanyahu concluded, “We have managed the coronavirus well, even impressively so, but there is still a long way ahead of us.” Netanyahu’s meeting with Prof. Yaron took place at his official residence in Jerusalem.
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Election results special update The Jewish Weekly last went to press just over two weeks ago before the official election results were confirmed by the Central Elections Committee. Then came the Shabbat and eight days of Pesach and so NOW we present the full results, updates, analysis and news briefs.
FINAL RESULTS The Central Elections Committee presented the official and final results for the 24th Knesset held on the 23 March 2021 to President Reuven Rivlin last week. Out of the 39 parties that registered with the CEC, 13 actually passed the minimum threshold of 3.25% which is equivalent to 4 Knesset seats. This makes up approximately 140,000 votes. Last Monday the President spent the whole day meeting with party leaders and representatives. Each faction recommended to Reuven Rivlin their preferred candidate to be given the task of forming a government. The Likud who won 30 seats, of course recommended Binyamin Netanyahu, as did Shas with 9 seats, United Torah Judaism, 7 seats and the Religious Zionists party with 6 seats. This gave a grand total of 52 votes in favour of Binyamin Netanyahu. Yesh Atid with 17 seats recommended their leader, Yair Lapid for Prime Minister and this was also endorsed by Blue and White with 8 seats, Labor 7, Yisrael Beitenu 7 and Meretz 6, giving Lapid a total of 45 mandates. Yamina who won just 7 seats decided to back their leader, Naftali Bennett for Prime Minister, while New Hope headed by Gideon Sa’ar, refrained from naming any candidate. Last to meet the President were the Arab parties, Joint List and Ra’am, who also chose not to endorse either candidate. Had Yamina also given their 7 mandates to recommend Yair Lapid for Prime Minister, I am quite sure that President Rivlin would have nominated Lapid to form the next government. However Rivlin made it very clear to parties opposed to Netanyahu being given another opportunity to form a government, that he has no choice because in his words, “I don’t see how Lapid will form a coalition of at least 61 seats.” In fact the President gave a strong ticking off to Avigdor Liberman who pleaded with Rivlin, not to give the mandate to someone who is under three indictments. But the President replied, that it was his job to do everything possible to prevent a fifth election and that parties like Yisrael Beitenu were not helping, when they know they haven’t got the ability to form a government, but did not want the other side to even try.
PRESIDENT APPOINTS A CANDIDATE
Despite his reluctance and the President stating, “It was not an easy decision from a moral and ethical prospective” in light of the corruption charges against the Prime Minister, Reuven Rivlin appointed Binyamin Netanyahu to form a government. However he did add that in the current reality, he did not think that any candidate can form a government and that if he could, he would give the decision back to the Knesset. But he said the law does not allow him to do this. Rivlin also said that he knows the position held by many, that the President should not give the mandate to a candidate that is facing criminal charges. But he stressed that according to the law and the decision of the courts, a prime minister can continue in his role, even when he is facing charges. Rivlin announced that the President of the State of Israel is not a substitute for the legislature or the judiciary and it is the role of the Knesset to decide on the “substantial and ethical question of the fitness of the candidate facing criminal charges to serve as Prime Minister”. The President noted that in his consultations with representatives of the political parties on Tuesday, no candidate received 61 recommendations and that he had decided to give the mandate that had a slightly higher chance of forming a government. But Rivlin stressed it was not an easy decision for him. Netanyahu now has 28 days to form a government. In reaction to the President’s remarks, Yesh Atid leader, Yair Lapid said Rivlin has no choice but to give the mandate to Netanyahu. But he said “It was an embarrassing sign of disgrace that tarnishes Israel and brings shame to our status as a law abiding state.
24th KNESSET SWORN IN
Members of the new Knesset were swornin last Tuesday in a ceremony of uncertainty over whether a new coalition will be formed or Israel will head to another election later in the year. The President urged political leaders to break the prolonged political deadlock and display leadership. In his speech Rivlin told the Knesset Members of 13 parties to overcome ideological differences and end the two year crisis that has sent Israelis to the polls four times. Rivlin said, “If we do not learn to find a model of partnership that will allow us
to live together with mutual respect and obligation to each other, our national resilience will face real danger. “The people of Israel are looking to you and I expect each of you to demonstrate leadership”. He added, “I believe in this nation, I believe in it, because that is the lesson that history, both distant and near has taught me. “I believe in it because this nation has proven its strength during the current pandemic. “I believe and you should believe too” Rivlin said. During the swearing in ceremony, four of the six members of the Arab Joint List, altered the wording of the pledge, saying they were committed to “fighting the occupation, apartheid and the nation state law”. The Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin, told the 4 Arab MK’s that their swearing-in was not valid. Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas, whose Islamic party has been seen as the faction that could give the much needed support to Netanyahu, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, due to being hospitalised near Tiberius because of kidney stones. He was reported to have undergone surgery the next day. In contract to the Knesset swearing in ceremony last March, which was held under strict social distancing rules due to the pandemic, all lawmakers were allowed into the plenum last Tuesday. The relaxed rules come after Israel has vaccinated the majority of its population. Lawmakers were also allowed to invite one vaccinated family member to the guest gallery. As the swearing-in ceremony was being held, several hundred people protested outside the Knesset building. One demonstration was against the Prime Minister being given the mandate to form a new government, while the other was opposed to the new elected MK Avi Maoz who leads the Noam party. Avi Maoz and Noam ran with the Religious Zionists which together with the far right Otzma Yehudit faction, received 6 Knesset seats and gave their mandate to Netanyahu. Maoz is known for his anti LGBT activism. After President Rivlin’s remarks at the swearing in ceremony in the Knesset, Rivlin did not stay for the traditional photographs normally taken with the candidate tasked with forming a government. The President also refused to attend the meeting between the four symbols of government - President, Prime Minister,
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Speaker of the Knesset and the President of the Supreme Court, suggesting he could not bear to be in the same room as Netanyahu. Rivlin did not even present the letter himself to Netanyahu that gives him the mandate to form a government within the next 28 days, but instead sent an aide to deliver the document. In response Likud MKs said at the Likud faction meeting later on Tuesday, “This time Rivlin has crossed the line”.
ANALYSIS
Politically Netanyahu remains 9 seats short of 61 to present a government. Even if Bennett’s Yamina party joins with their 7 seats, 59 is still not enough. We await to hear what demands the Arab Ra’am party (4 seats) will make, as its leader Mansour Abbas is recovering in hospital from kidney stones. Political observers have suggested that at the first stage, a minority coalition of 59 seats may just be enough to present a government in the Knesset, as it is unlikely that all 61 remaining MKs would vote against and bring the country to a fifth election. Stage two would come at a later date as maybe some MKs from other parties may consider their positions very carefully and eventually join the government. The other possibility is the Arab Ra’am party may diminish some of their recent extreme demands and join the government. Last week, Mansour Abbas insisted that permits needed to be given to all the illegally built Palestinian and Bedouin houses in Judea, Samaria and the Negev. Abbas also reiterated something that the far-left wing Meretz party even rejects, which is the “right of return” for Palestinians. Although the Religious Zionists party is opposed to Ra’am joining the government or even supporting the government from outside - if Religious Zionists were faced with a fifth election where their 6 seats may completely disappear, the party may in the end, accept the deal with Ra’am.
FINALLY…
The Jewish Weekly’s James Marlow will continue to publish coalition negotiations and election news briefs in the coming weeks (and possibly months) as we remain the only Jewish newspaper in the UK that contains full in-depth election coverage and news. Let us know what you think by writing to letters@TheJewishWeekly.com.
8 APRIL 2021
ELECTION NEWS BRIEFS: • Yamina’s Number 3, Alon Davidi, decided to remain the mayor of Sderot, which is probably a good career move, under the current stalemate circumstances. His departure from Yamina means that the next candidate on the list at number 8, Idit Silman, became a Knesset Member last Tuesday. Idit Silman brings the number of women MKs sworn in for the opening of the Knesset to a record 30. • The Arab Joint List party reported that they would have endorsed Yair Lapid for Prime Minister had Gideon Sa’ar of New Hope done so. But Sa’ar and his party decided to abstain when they met with President Rivlin last Monday. • The trial of Netanyahu began last Monday and a great deal of press coverage was focused on the proceedings and how, it is claimed, the Likud party looked for favourable press coverage for Netanyahu with the popular Walla news website. The trial is expected to last for maybe 3 or 4 months and court proceedings will take place every week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. • Netanyahu responded afterwards in a press conference calling the prosecution’s case against him “a witch hunt” and that it was an attempted
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political coup through trumped up charges. • The Israeli voice index for March 2021 released by the Israel Democracy Institute found that the majority of Israeli voters were disappointed with last month’s election results and 80% believe there will be a fifth election later in the year. However those that were quite satisfied with the result were Arab Ra’am voters, who received 4 seats. Those that were most unhappy were Yamina voters, who received only 7 seats. • The survey also found that 48% of the Israeli electorate support forming a government with Arab parties. The largest support came from right wing voters with 34% in favour, compared to 10% in February 2020. However once you read the report, I discovered that the “Arab parties” was referring to the Joint List. Today, the breakaway faction known as Ra’am, (Islamic Movement, inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood) led by Mansour Abbas, has made gestures that he would support a government in return for improvements to the Arab sector. BUT in the last few days, (after the survey was released) Ra’am has hinted at some very extreme demands they would require, before supporting a government. These include legal permits to be given to
the illegally built houses in Judea and Samaria, a commitment not to remove the tens of thousands of Bedouin squatters across parts of the Negev and a right of return for Palestinians.
egalitarian prayer hall at the Knesset, organised by new Labor MK, reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Michaeli replied “I will come along and show my support but I don’t pray”.
• Yesh Atid party leader, Yair Lapid, admitted in a statement last Monday night that he offered Naftali Bennett of Yamina to form a unity government with a rotation in which Bennett would serve first as Prime Minister. Lapid said, this is what the country needs right now.
• The current Labor party is the first ever where more women are MKs. Leader Merav Michaeli insisted that each candidate had to be female first and then male, which is the reason why Nachman Shai at number 7, (who received more votes in the Labor primaries) was dropped to number 8 in preference of Arab MK Ibtisam Mara’ana-Menuhin. Michaeli said she would propose a bill requiring every party must have 40% of each gender.
• Since Netanyahu has been given the mandate to form a new government, he appealed to political parties to end their personal boycott and join his government. Netanyahu said he will make every effort to remove Israel from the cycle of elections and establish a strong government for all of Israel’s citizens. • Sharren Haskel who defected from Likud to Gideon Sa’ar’ new party, was sworn in last Tuesday wearing a new baby cloak strapped with her 6 month old baby around her. She said later that Knesset guards asked her to remove the baby from the plenum, but she adamantly refused. • When the Jerusalem Post asked Labor leader Merav Michaeli if she plans to pray at the new
• Naftali Bennett of Yamina blasted Betzalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionists for insisting their faction would not agree to a government with the Arabs. Bennett said, “There are those who would drag us into a fifth election” comparing him to those who destroyed the Jewish storehouses during the Roman siege of Judea 2000 years ago. • After the Knesset swearing-in ceremony last Tuesday, Knesset Members Areyeh Deri of Shas and Yaacov Litzman of UTJ submitted their resignations from the Knesset in order to make room for the next candidates on their respective lists. The two will continue to serve in the cabinet.
FINAL OFFICIAL RESULTS JAMES MARLOW compiles the results of the Election to the 24th Knesset based on the counting of ballots by the Central Elections Committee. NAME OF PARTY
HEADED BY
RESULTS IN MARCH 2020
RESULTS IN MARCH 2021
LIKUD
Binyamin Netanyahu
36
30
YESH ATID
Yair Lapid
Broke from Blue & White (33)
17
SHAS
Aryeh Deri
8
9
BLUE AND WHITE
Benny Gantz
33
8
YAMINA
Naftali Bennett
5
7
UNITED TORAH JUDAISM
Moshe Gafni
7
7
LABOR
Merav Michaeli
1
7
YISRAEL BEITENU
Avigdor Lieberman
7
7
JOINT LIST (Arab Parties) Hadash, Balad, Ta’al
Ayman Odeh
15
6
RELIGIOUS ZIONISTS – OTZMA YEHUDIT – NOAM
Betzalel Smotrich (3 Parties)
RZ broke away from
NEW HOPE
Gideon Sa’ar
NEW PARTY
6
MERETZ
Nitzan Horowitz
5
6
RA’AM (Arab)
Mansour Abbas
Break away from Joint List
4
TOTAL NUMBER OF KNESSET SEATS
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16 OPINION
OPINION
8 APRIL 2021
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The debate over the Holocaust Memorial Day OPINION PIECE BY JAMES J MARLOW Holocaust Remembrance Day, known as Yom Hashoah, begins Thursday (today), when sirens across Israel were sounded. The official Hebrew date for Yom Hashoah is 27th Nissan, although this year was pushed forward to 26th, because of a possible clash with Shabbat on Friday evening. But many ask, why was 27th Nissan chosen to recall the deaths of more than six million Jews at the hands of the Nazis when Nissan is a month of joy and redemption? When the modern state of Israel received it independence in May 1948, there was a huge debate between the Chief Rabbinate and Education Ministry over how and when to commemorate 6 million. The Rabbinate said the best day to honour their memories would be Asarah B’Tevet (10th of Hebrew month of Tevet), which had already been established by the Sages to be a fast day. It recalls the soldiers of Nebuchadnezzar surrounding Jerusalem during the time of the First Temple period in 586 BCE. No person could enter or leave the city and there was no food or water, so the people starved. The Rabbinate declared 10th of Tevet, (normally falling in December) would be a Yom HaKaddish Ha-K’lali, a general day of Kaddish for the victims, whose Yahrzeits (date of death) are unknown. The Ministry of Education however insisted the remembrance date should be on 27 Nissan, (April – May) because this was a significant time of actual Jewish resistance to the Nazis, known as the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. In the early statehood days, the idea that Jews went passively or were led to the slaughter, was an embarrassment and shame upon the newly established proud Jewish state of strength, defiance and fighting ability. In 1951, the Knesset deliberations agreed that the first day of revolt and attack against the Nazis was a proud moment in pre-state Jewish history and should be commemorated. However, the actual date of the Warsaw uprising occurred on 19 April 1942, which was the first night of Passover. Debate then centred on whether Seder night would be an appropriate time to recall the victims of the Holocaust, until an agreement to postpone the Warsaw uprising Remembrance Day by two weeks was agreed. The 27th Nissan would now fall one week before Memorial Day for Jewish and Israeli soldiers killed in battle. Several years later, another suggestion was
put forward by Menachem Begin who said, Holocaust Memorial Day should fall on 9th Av (Tisha B’Av) and when he became PM in 1977, he sought Knesset support to change the date. But he failed to obtain enough backing. The Education Ministry was opposed to the proposal because Tisha B’Av would always fall in the summer, when the entire school system is closed. Other suggestions came from outside of Israel – Kristallnact or Reichskristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass) which occurred on 9-10 November 1938. Some synagogues in Europe did observe this date as a memorial. But most European communities rejected a date that the Nazis were proud of and referred to that fateful night as the Reichspgromnacht. Jews in Israel could not understand how some Jewish communities in Europe would honour the memory of 6 million Jews on a date that the Nazis were proud of. In the nineties, many Jews from the former Soviet Union made Aliyah and on arrival in Israel, they brought with them, “Victory Day”, which was commemorated on 8th May 1945. (Joseph Stalin declared 9th May was really the day to march annually and proudly with war medals, showing the world, the Soviets won the war). However, many of the former Soviet Union Jews did not accept this date because for them, remembering the Holocaust as a “Victory Day” was inappropriate. In recent years, the international Holocaust Day was founded on 27th January, recalling how the Red Army liberated the largest Nazi death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau on this day. Tony Blair introduced 27th January as a remembrance to the victims of the Holocaust in 2001 and the UK has observed this date every year since. On 24th January 2005, the UN General Assembly marked the 60th Anniversary of the genocide that killed 6 million Jews. Later that year, on 1st November, the General Assembly designated that 27th January would be the International Day to remember the Holocaust and all other genocides that have occurred since. At a time when more people are being radicalised to believe that such a murderous crime never happened, it is imperative that we never cease teaching about the worst evil that occurred less than 80 years ago. May the memories of the 6 million be remembered and blessed forever.
Tony Blair introduced 27th January as a remembrance to the victims of the Holocaust in 2001
Games
Bridge With Harold Schogger
Dealer: East Love All s h d c
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S s A K Q 9 3 h A Q J 5 d 7 6 3 c 9
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2s Pass 4s
Pass 2NT Pass End
1s Dbl 3h
East’s second-round 2NT was Unusual No Trump promising the minors. (East might have opened in the first place but didn’t) South doubled to show a good initial opening bid. When 3♣ was passed back to him, South made a long-suit game try in hearts, which North was happy to accept. West led the king of diamonds. If trumps were 3-2,declarer had ten top tricks. So, he took the king of diamonds with his ace and drew two rounds of trumps with the Ace and King. When East showed out on the second round of trumps, declarer continued with four rounds of hearts, discarding a diamond from dummy while East parted with a diamond and three clubs. The crucial point of the hand had been reached. Declarer played a diamond next, preparing to ruff his third diamond
in dummy. East won and led a third round of diamonds which West was able to ruff with eight. West continued with a low club to East’s ace who played a fourth round of diamonds. It did not matter whether declarer ruffed high or low, West would take the setting trick with the ten of trumps. An uppercut had occurred. Dummy pointed out that all declarer had to do to prevent this trump promotion was to lead a club rather than a diamond at trick eight. This Scissors Coup cuts the communication between the defensive hands; East can win the club and give West a ruff in diamonds but, as declarer can ruff the second round of clubs, there is no way for West to get back to his partner’s hand for a trump promotion.
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James Marlow is a broadcast commentator and communications trainer Facebook: James Jeremy Marlow Twitter: @James_J_Marlow
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DOV NEWMARK: dov@nbn.org.il www.nbn.org.il 0800-075-7200
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COMMUNITY 17
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Kisharon welcomes LSJS trainees
Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary school which is Bury’s only Jewish School help raise money for the Bury and Heywood Family Bank with donations by the school’s virtual Holiday club to purchase essential goods for elderly people, victims of abuse and vulnerable adults.
Deputy Headteacher Lyna Panas reads with pupils
Wohl Campus, Kisharon Noé School, a Loftus family learning centre opened its doors, virtually, to give student teachers a unique insight into special needs education. Nine teachers training at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) had a packed day of remote learning which opened in refurbished premises in Hendon. The secondary teachers sat in on lessons and had sessions on communication and autism. They also learnt, tried and tested techniques for managing challenging behaviour in children with learning disabilities.
The training day, the first run remotely by the school, impressed trainees. Several with special needs children in the schools where they have placements, pledged to put new skills into practice. Deputy Headteacher, Lyna Panas said, “The trainees benefit from our expertise in communicating and supporting pupils with special educational needs in mainstream. We also give the trainees a small taste of what Kisharon Noé School does to support our community and our pupils.” A training day for primary school trainees will be run at the campus later this month.
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Mr Tsubara shows Jewish Weekly readers in Hadar Edgware how to wear a mask but still be recognised
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Yitzchok Mordefield ensuring locals in NW London fill out the census forms. The community is urged to send them back if not already in before the £1000 fine comes into enforcement.
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GIFT’s pre-Pesach online camp
Pesach meals delivered to London hospitals BY SIMCHA ABIR
Handwritten thank you note to Rabbi Zeidman for the camp
Over 100 children signed up to GIFT’s pre-Pesach online camp, educating primary school students about the power of giving whilst giving parents an opportunity to prepare for Pesach. Sessions included: Start the Day the Giving Way - an understanding of the true meaning of being free. An incredible Magical Ancient Egypt Tour with Rabbi Zeidman showed the power of gratitude once an understand was gained of what life was really like in Egypt. Origami frog-making by a GIFT volunteer was extremely riveting as was the Pesach giving Kahoot game run by GIFT educator Shira Joseph. Finally Rabbi Peretz of Connect Borehamwood entertained the children with his one man band Hagadah show.
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The feedback was incredible with thank you emails received as well as a handwritten colourful thank you note from a very grateful young boy. “Dear GIFT, we wanted to thank you for this beautiful camp, it really made my children’s day... And on my side, I was so busy with the Pessach cleaning... it was a big help for me to know the children were involved in something educational for Pesach. I was amazed at how my 6 y old son stayed stuck to the virtual Egypt Tour... I never thought he would be so interested. Rabbi Zeidman knows so well how to captivate them, it’s amazing... And my house is full of cute little paper frogs, waiting for the Seder !!! Thank you so much again from all the family.”
Some 3,000 Kosher for Pesach meals were delivered to patients across 34 London hospitals during Pesach by Hospital Kosher Meal Service (HKMS). Every meal was produced under rabbinic supervision (Kedassia or London Beth Din for puréed meals) and in facilities certified for strict hygiene requirements. HKMS, who have been supplying kosher meals to UK Hospitals continuously since 1968, ensured patients that requested a kosher meal whilst in a London hospital during Pesach had them delivered. A wide variety of nutritious meals were created by the dedicated HKMS team especially keeping in mind the high volume of Yom Tov days this year. Patients were offered up to three daily meals from a broad menu including vegetarian options. Dishes included traditional roast chicken and beef goulash, fisherman’s pie and vegetable casserole. “This Pesach was extremely demanding
given it was a three-day Yom Tov paired with the challenges of Covid, noted Michael Freedman, HKMS. “Not only did we deliver thousands of meals to hospital patients, we also secured three new hospitals to provide our services to. Patients far and wide were well catered for during Pesach regardless of their level of Jewish observance. The priority was to cater and give those in a hospital bed the comfort that they could eat in accordance with the dietary laws of Pesach”. Feedback has been positive from families of patients benefiting from the HKMS service. Looking ahead, HKMS will resume normal catering service which includes a range of 14 different menu meals with a broad range of dietary requirements plus catering for Shabbat meals. All HKMS food is deep frozen and double-wrapped. The organisation deliver in refrigerated transport six days a week throughout the Greater London area. Most orders are fulfilled within 48 hours. HKMS: www.hkms.org.uk
Yom HaShoah candles at King David Primary School
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
Judy Benton passes away at 100 07807 254 142
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Judy’s daughter, Ruth Abraham, says, “My mum always wanted to celebrate her 100th birthday and I’m so pleased that she was able to do that. I am very grateful to everyone at Jewish Care and the organisation’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre and AJR for everything they have done for my mother.” Rabbi Junik said, “Judy was very inspirational and a role model to us all. It took tremendous confidence when, as a teenager, Judy thought on her feet to survive
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and ended up being a source of comfort to many parents who were sending their children away on the Kindertransport. It has always been an honour to be involved when Judy has taken part in the traditions around the Jewish festivals at Wohl Court which she always enjoyed. She was very engaged talking on her birthday Zoom just last week and it was very special that we were able to facilitate her celebrating her 100th birthday with her family and friends. We wish all the family long life.”
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PRIVATE NURSING BY CAVENDISH HOMECARE
"Clients consistently told us that the management and staff were highly motivated and provided care and support to them and their relatives that was exceptionally compassionate and kind." CQC Inspection Report 2020
We are Cavendish Homecare, a Private Nursing homecare agency offering high quality services in London and the home counties. We pride ourselves on providing an outstanding level of private home care for you, your loved one and patients referred professionally. Our years of experience in private healthcare and the NHS and our trusted, professional approach means we are able to give you personalised nursing and care whenever and however you need it. Our bespoke homecare packages are all tailored to suit our patients needs and can be adapted if circumstances change. Our Private Nursing services include: Dementia Care Palliative Care Parkinson’s Care End of Life Care Post-Operative Care Live-In Care Mental Health Care Cancer Care
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Antenatal classes to remember long after your baby is born! labour and birth … from recognising labour stages to incorporating good positions and breathing; from when labour begins to birth partner’s role; from relaxation to hypnobirthing techniques; from understanding pain to choosing pain relief; from learning about interventions to managing them … everything you need to achieve a better birth. Not forgetting the ‘cherry on the cake’ of antenatal classes: meeting like-minded others, at the same life stage as you, who can become your friends and support network, from new beginnings to breastfeeding; from nappies to nursery ... and beyond. Above all, we learn birth is not a medical condition, it’s a natural physiological triumph of nature and everything that happens is supposed to and, counterintuitively, the less we think about it, the more we allow it to reveal itself in the beautiful, one-step-after-another way it’s meant to. It’s extraordinary, but women are born with everything (instinctively, physically and emotionally) they need for birth. Just as you have innate ability to breath, keep your
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heart beating, so your body KNOWS how to bring your baby forth. You don’t think about breathing, your body just does it. So it is with birth. Interestingly, it’s only the combined anxiety and negativity about birth, accumulated over centuries into a collective ‘forgetting’ of nature’s gift to humankind, that curtails our faith in a physiological system both complex in its synchronicity and yet breath-taking in its simplicity and beauty. Once you are aware of the precise choreography of hormones, emotions and processes of labour resulting in the crescendo of birth; once you rebuild belief that your body can be trusted to do its life-affirming work – you’ll surprise yourself with your ability to birth your baby. We can leave deliveries to the mailman! As an antenatal teacher, my privileged role is simply to reacquaint mothers with this inherent, deeply-held knowledge of how to expertly birth her baby. That’s not to say medical intervention cannot help and support your efforts. Of course it can, and indeed should when needed, as per the mothers’ choice. But it is empowering
to see birth as women-led, and a woman in labour is an awesome, unstoppable creature of pure strength railroading over everything, including her own disbelief, to birth her baby. Birth ebbs and flows, peaks and troughs, and it’s impossible to reduce this miraculous, complex experience of bringing new life into existence down to figures, measurements and predictions. So I have the privilege of telling mums what they already know in their heart … “No one can know how your birth will be - you may or may not use pain relief, you may or may not need interventions, it matters not the manner of your birth’s unfolding - but it will be yours, it will be right for you and your baby, and you will find the strength, courage and confidence to embrace it. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be the adventure of your life, enjoy the ride, I’m right beside you!” For more information on classes, TLC and support please call 07960 781 605 andrea. silverman@ntlworld.com
2 U 20 3r p d c t 11 h M o th Ju a m Ju n y ( in ly e ( Ju g (S Au n/J C ep g/ u t/ Se ly/ ou O p A r ct t/ ug s /N O b e ov ct b ab s: ba ab ies bi ie ) es s) )
As an NCT Childbirth Educator for over 25 years I promise you it’s a unique role – you’re invited into a couples’ world at a most special and life-changing moment. You’re witness to, perhaps co-discoverer of, a plethora of astonishing emotions and privy to this rollercoaster ride of discovery and joy. Couples and their antenatal teacher inevitably form a close bond - it’s where it all becomes real, it’s the start of your child’s life and yours as parents - everything connected to this time is tinged with a distinctive, unique quality, challenges and all, forever a special memory. From the moment of my own births, I wanted to be part of this, offering parents a safe environment to open up and prepare for birth. We call this ‘Informed Choice’ and it’s the foundation of antenatal teaching the more you know, the more choices you have. An antenatal teacher is an enabler, a facilitator, and a very lucky one at that. My work’s in addition to, distinct from, midwives and doctors, in no way supplanting their medical care. However, it happily covers every aspect of late pregnancy,
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Chai to restart complimentary therapies as cancer surge expected The Jewish Weekly’s David Saffer discovers how Chai Cancer Care has responded to the coronavirus pandemic and is getting set to reopen its centres for clients in the second of a two-part feature. BY DAVID SAFFER Chai Cancer Care is the Jewish community’s national cancer support organisation providing an extensive range of specialised support services. With 11 centres throughout the UK, including a flagship centre in Hendon, north West London, Chai responds to calls within 24 hours. There are no waiting lists. Counselling, complementary and physical therapies, advocacy and advice, group and social activities are available through 59 specialised services to clients aged three to 97, nationally and internationally. From financial, legal, medical and nutritional advice to acupuncture, hypnotherapy, reflexology, Reiki, Pilates and bereavement counselling, clients receive tailor-made support from professionally trained staff. Chai works in partnership with the NHS, social services, schools, Jewish voluntary agencies, community groups, hospitals and hospices. And they link between different agencies following a cancer diagnosis. There is an outpatient rehabilitation and palliative care service, and three-way collaboration with the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust and Marie Curie Cancer Care based at Chai. There is no charge for services, Chai depends on the Jewish community for funding and celebrated its 30th anniversary during the pandemic. Soon they will open centres for clients. “The past 12 months has been really challenging,” said Chai Chief Executive Lisa Steele. “Our counsellors and client service managers have had to alter their way of working. Zoom, Skype, FaceTime have become the norm to manage clients. We have 3,600 clients, aged 3-97, and we’ve continued to support them. Most has been done via Zoom so the client and counsellor can see each other but for elderly people not able to use Zoom we have used the telephone. “Our counselling service has grown by 30%, we’ve had to take on more counsellors because of new diagnoses. But there are isolated clients who have not been able to come into centers so have taken up counselling when they might not have previously.” Lisa added, “Clients have missed coming into our centers in London, Manchester and Leeds for face to face support. Not being able to see other people in similar situations has been difficult especially for
people isolated at home. Sometimes we are the only people they speak to, it’s been very challenging. But we have done complimentary therapies such as Reiki through FaceTime which has been amazing. It’s something we didn’t think we’d be able to do. Clients isolated want to come together so we’ve done gym sessions on Zoom, one to one and group sessions. There has been Pilates, yoga, social groups, mindfulness, meditation sessions, we’ve also run two bereavement groups and branch support groups.” Chai’s CEO continued, “Most clients attend weekly counselling sessions or every other week, but all services are to suit the client. If a client thinks weekly counselling is too much then we will do it every other week, whatever suits them. We don’t have set ways. All therapies, everything we do is to suit each person. And of course, we have done child therapies. We’ve been going into schools when we have been able to. When schools were closed, vulnerable children have been going in, so therapists have been allowed to see children face to face. It can be harder supporting children on Zoom, it depends on their age, we have done as much face to face as possible.”
treatment has continued but it’s difficult in some cases to get scans,” noted Lisa. “People have been frightened to see a GP and reluctant to go to hospitals as they don’t want to catch Covid so are not getting appointments. But we are coming out of lockdown so issues are going to come to light, which is a worry.”
Are Chai aware how many people have not seen a doctor or treatments delayed? “We don’t have a figure but there is going to be a surge in people needing to use our services,” Lisa said. “We are already seeing people coming to us are in later stages of diagnosis, which is very difficult mentally and physically for them and also for family members. Our medical board have reiterated there is will be a surge. It’s also been in the media that cancer is going to be the next pandemic.”
How long will it be until Chai is fully operational? “We are aiming to run complimentary therapies by the end of April,” Lisa explained. “It will be different as we will not have waiting areas, people will be in a car park as they do now for appointments. We will continue counselling remotely and slowly bring that back when centers are up and running. The safety of staff and clients is really important. Hopefully everything will be back to normal by June, it would be wonderful to see our clients fully supported.” Regarding Chai’s staff, Lisa was full of praise for their efforts in very difficult circumstances. “We are blessed with an amazing team who were thrown in the deep end working from their own homes going above and beyond to hold and support our clients through this challenging time,” she noted. “We look forward to our doors opening physically again very soon.” Chai’s £3.5m annual budget received a major boost with its Big Campaign fundraising campaign. Without statuary funding Chai traditionally relies on events including marathons and being nominated for a donation regarding simcha’s. The pandemic ended those options but Chai’s online matched funding £1.5m target was smashed as £3.1m was raised. “Our fundraiser last November was amazing, we cannot thank the community enough,” said Lisa. “We have two golf days coming up, hopefully they happen. As they are outdoors it’s easier to run. Fundraising though is challenging and holding events inside is a real concern. We don’t know what is going to happen, we have to do things stage by stage. But we have funds to run at the moment though fundraising is a continuous challenge.”
Are you surprised people have not sought medical advice when they have suspected something? “Our medical team have said that essential
Looking ahead, are Chai optimistic they can offer full services in the coming months? “In terms of opening up services Chai is
What services have Chai been unable to do? “Unfortunately, most of our complimentary therapies such as massage, reflexology, acupuncture were not possible,” explained Lisa. “These therapies sound like a luxury, but they are not. They help with the side effects of treatments. But we are really looking forward to opening them up in the next month or so.”
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Chai CEO Lisa Steele
always advised by our medical advisory panel but it’s very exciting that we are able to restart complimentary therapies,” Lisa confirmed. “We will prioritise those in most need but it will be wonderful to see clients face to face. Normally, when we start to support clients, it’s face to face so they can build a relationship. We have built relationships but clients will be able to benefit from all Chai services and that’s really important.” Lisa added, “We are really looking forward to being fully operational. We are taking on more counsellors and child therapists because there is the need. We need them now.” Has the pandemic changed Chai in the past 12 months? “It has opened up possibilities,” noted Lisa. “No one could have predicted we would run so many services by Zoom. But we are stronger in terms of people and as an organisation. We are also more flexible and that is really important. The client is the center of everything we do. We bend over backwards to do whatever we possibly can for clients in whatever way we need to.” Chai Lifeline began in 1989. Landmark events in the 1990s included Chai’s first base in Golders Green and fundraising dinner. Re-named Chai Lifeline Cancer Care in 2001, the decade saw a major expansion with home, teenage and family services and official opening of a refurbished Chai Centre by The Duke of Kent in 2004. A first satellite service launched in Redbridge followed by South London, Manchester, Glasgow, South Manchester, Hackney and Southend by the end of the decade. The most recent decade has seen the outpatient and palliative care service, Chai in schools programme, services in Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham and an image resource centre in Hendon. www.chaicancercare.org
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Your Home Is Your World Your Care Is Ours
Supporting your needs and independence at home
You can expect the best from Caremark The people we care for: Anybody over the age of 18 requiring care would be able to benefit from the services available from caremark. More specifically these groups include: Older people. People with learning disabilities. Adults. Those with HIV/AIDS. Those with physical disabilities. Anyone suffering from terminal illness. People with mental health problems.
Our range of services is extremely broad but includes: All aspects of personal care such as bathing, showering, toileting, dressing, help with getting up and going to bed. Assistance with shopping. Collecting pensions.
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Caremark is a domiciliary care provider, dedicated to delivering the highest standards of professional domiciliary care to those in need and who choose to continue living in their own home. We know that all of our clients are individuals, with their own specific needs and requirements, which is why all of our care packages are tailored to the bespoke requirements of our clients, on a case by case basis.
We encourage the independence of our clients, and respect their dignity, confidentiality and freedom of choice at all times. Our care workers are well-trained, carefully vetted and thoroughly assessed, to ensure our high standards are always maintained. We match our carers on a permanent basis to our clients’ religious, cultural, ethnic and language backgrounds.
“Many thanks to all your carers who have been marvellous, the office staff and supervisors have all been brilliant and I would recommend Caremark to anyone. . . We couldn’t have asked for people to be more caring and efficient.” RG: Private Client
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“Exactly one year ago, our world came crashing down when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Five days later the UK went into lockdown. I was not yet ‘in the system’ and when my GP surgery closed, we had no idea what to do next. But somehow, we knew to call Chai. They have been a constant source of strength to me and all my family – unwavering at each stage and through every challenge.” Alexia
Together we can cope. Together we will care.
For more information on Chai’s specialised services please call 0208 202 2211 or our Freephone Helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit chaicancercare.org
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We offer you flexible times to suit your lifestyle. We can provide you with visits of varying duration, which can be made once, or several times a day, if required.
Accompanying to doctor and hospital appointments. Preparation of light meals. General companionship. Various domestic duties.
Live in services and night care We can provide you with waking nights, sleeping nights and 24 hour care. Our services are available to you 365 days of the year.
Your professional guarantee We are happy to arrange an initial, no-obligation visit at which we can discuss the type of care you require. We then select a care worker who has the appropriate experience and qualifications to best meet those needs. Our Field Care Supervisor will make regular visits to you to make sure we are providing you with the highest standards of care. You will receive complete honesty and openness at all times.
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Love-Teeth is a ‘one-stop dental shop’ Love-Teeth dental practice in Prestwich, Manchester is a state-of-the-art clinic offering quality private dentistry at affordable prices. Family care, nervous patients and after-hours emergency care are at the heart of its ethos. Appointment times can be made to fit busy schedules. Highly trained dental surgeons, therapists, hygienists, nurses and staff put patients interest first at all stages of a dental journey. Whether patients are nervous,
haven’t visited a dentist in many years or require a consultation regarding a specific treatment, Love-Teeth is a welcoming practice. Treatment rooms are equipped with the latest dental technology. A comprehensive range of treatments covering general dentistry, preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry is available. The past 12 months has seen the Love Teeth team rise to the challenge during
the global pandemic. “Initially the pandemic was a shock and we were forced to close for 10 weeks,” recalled Love Teeth principal dentist Ilana Pine, who opened the practice in 2016. “We worked hard to open because we had lots of patients calling us with toothaches and problems with teeth. We offered triage advice and worked out how we could help without seeing them face to face. A lot of practices put on answering machine but we looked after patients delivering temporary filling kits, prescriptions and crown cement sealant.” Love-Teeth eventually opened June 1st with all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment whilst policies and procedures were put in place including screens in reception and hand sanitiser units. Ilana’s father, Leo Klein, ran his own practice, Barton Cosmetic Dentistry Centre, in central Manchester. He joined Ilana when she opened her practice but passed away during the first lockdown. Following in her father’s footsteps was always on the cards. “I wanted to go into a caring profession and knew about dentistry because of dad,” she noted. “Dad loved what he did, was very passionate about it, really enjoyed it, was challenged by it and loved helping people.” As a dental practice, Love-Teeth is a ‘one stop dental shop’. “Everything dental is available from dental implants to straightening, whitening, composite bonding and general dentistry such as root canal, bridge work, oral surgery and sedation for treatment,” noted Ilana, whose daughter, Rachel is training to be a dentist.
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Love-Teeth has grown, in fact it expanded over COVID-19 with the addition of a fourth treatment room in October 2020. The practice serves clients across Manchester and further afield with patients from the outskirts of Manchester, London and the Lake District. National health treatment is not available. Ilana is proud of what the practice has achieved. “The practice does everything to make patients feel comfortable,” she explained. “There are TVs on the ceiling so they can watch Netflix, they can also wear sound blocking headphones.” Ilana added, “We use state of the art techniques to stop processes being painful. We try not to talk about pain, we use numbing jell, take our time and are happy to go at a patient’s pace. “If a patient is nervous we won’t force them to do anything but talk them through it, get them used to what we do and acclimatise them to treatment. We also have a computerised anaesthetic system called The Wand where you do not feel anything at all. We make it as comfortable as possible.” Membership schemes for adults and children are available to help spread the cost. A dental plan includes general care, check-ups, cleans, X-rays, emergency appointments plus 20% off treatment. The total price is spread with 0% finance available and there are offers for children. Love Teeth Dental Practice, 3 Kings Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0L . Telephone: 0161 773 7080. Website: www. loveteethdp.co.uk
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: OUR COMMUNITY’S BEST KEPT SECRET WHAT IS JNETICS?
WHAT DOES JNETICS TEST FOR AND HOW?
Jnetics is a charity that provides carrier screening for lifethreatening Jewish genetic disorders (JGDs). Our mission is simple- to eliminate new cases of these devastating disorders from the community by providing accessible carrier screening to all young Jewish adults. Our hope is that screening becomes standard practice, thereby saving couples the unnecessary heartbreak of having an affected child.
Jnetics offers genetic screening for 9 of the most severe JGDs via the Jnetics Clinic, which at present is being delivered entirely virtually. In the next few months, we plan to expand the screening panel to include Sephardi disorders along with further disorders prevalent amongst the Ashkenazi Jewish community.
WHAT IS GENETIC CARRIER SCREENING? Screening identifies if a person carries a gene associated with a genetic disorder. Carriers typically do not show symptoms of the disorder that they carry, and because of this, are unaware of their status unless screened. Being a carrier typically has no impact on your own health, but does mean that you are at an increased risk of having a child that is affected by the disease that you carry; If 2 carriers of the same disorder have children, there is a 1 in 4 risk in every pregnancy that the baby born will suffer from the condition. Fortunately, there are ways for ‘carrier couples’ to manage this risk and have healthy children but they are only available if both partners have been identified as carriers first. This is why screening is so important.
The clinic is offered at a subsidised rate of £250 and the virtual service means anyone across the UK, irrespective of where they live, can take part in screening. Clinic participation is extremely simple, with 5 easy steps including online registration, receipt of a saliva kit in the post and a video appointment with Jnetics’ dedicated NHS genetic counsellor.
WHY OUR WORK IS SO IMPORTANT? Too many babies are being born today with these truly devastating conditions. Getting screened empowers In America, Israel, Australia and in the Charedi community, carrier screening has been the norm for decades. However, the UK Jewish community has been far behind. It is time for our community to take control of its own future and ensure that these disorders are not passed on to the next generation. For further information on Jnetics, please contact info@jnetics.org or call us 020 8158 5123. To book an appointment at the Jnetics Clinic go to www.Jnetics.org/screening.
FAMILY PLANNING? WHY RISK YOUR BABY’S HEALTH? 1 in 5 people of Ashkenazi origin is a carrier of at least one severe, recessive Jewish genetic disorder. Nowadays a ‘carrier couple’ can manage their risk of having an affected child, but only if they know they are carriers first.
Help us arm the community with that knowledge.
To donate towards funding our screening programme this Pesach, please visit Jnetics.org/donate
in partnership with
@JneticsUK Jnetics Reg charity no. 1134935 5997 Jnetics Ad EUS Pesach Mag 210mmx297mm.indd 1
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Do you suffer from flat feet? Treatment options for an adult with flat feet…
BY MR MATTHEW WELCK
WHAT IS A FLAT FOOT?
A flat foot is when the arch on the inside of your foot is flattened, allowing most or all of the sole of your foot to touch the floor when you stand.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Flat feet are common in children and are often, but not always a part of normal development. In adults it is more likely to affect women than men, at a ratio of 3 to 1.
WHAT CAUSES A FLATFOOT IN AN ADULT?
The most common cause is the stretching and wearing out of one of the main tendons that supports the arch, called the tibialis posterior tendon. Other causes include Inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis), Osteoarthritis and after trauma. As in children, a flatfoot in an adult can be normal for them if it doesn’t cause any symptoms.
painful. There may be pain in front of, underneath, or behind the bony prominence of the inside of your ankle, which represent different structures being stretched. Also, as the arch goes downwards, the heel bone tends to go outwards and that can conversely cause compression on the outer aspect of the ankle and foot, which can be felt as pain on the outer aspect of the ankle or foot. Finally, over time, the Achilles tendon (behind your ankle) and plantar fascia (on sole of foot) get tight when the foot is flat, and when they are tight, they are more likely to become inflamed causing pain behind the ankle, on the heel and on the sole of the foot.
IF I HAVE A PAINFUL FLAT FOOT, WHAT TREATMENT WOULD I NORMALLY START WITH?
If it has become suddenly very painful, it sometimes helps to rest the foot in a boot for 1-2 weeks. The usual first stage in treating a painful flat foot will be insoles. These may be custom made arch supports, or shoes to accommodate the flat foot if it is fixed in that position. If the foot is fixed in its flat position, arch supports can be painful as they push up on bony prominences. In this situation insoles are less likely to be effective. Physiotherapy is also useful to stretch out any tendons that have become tight and to increase the power of any weak tendons. Targeted injections can also be used.
I work very closely with orthotists, podiatrists and physiotherapists to come up with a non-surgical plan that is tailored to the specifics of your flat foot.
I HAVE A FLAT FOOT BUT NO PAIN, SHOULD I GET INSOLES?
In children this is usually not required, but in adults I would normally suggest a shoe with a good arch built in, or an off the shelf simple arch support insole. This is mainly to prevent worsening, but also to prevent the Achilles tendon getting tight and making it more difficult to correct the flat foot in the future. The need for this depends on the severity of the flat foot, as a mild flat foot, with no symptoms will likely not require anything.
IF I HAVEN’T GOT ON WITH ORTHOTICS AND PHYSIOTHERAPY, WHAT CAN BE DONE SURGICALLY?
There are a large range of operations that can be done to correct a flat foot and to give you an arch back. This will also relieve the pain on the inside and the outside of the foot. Thee type of operation depends on the severity and the stiffness. The procedures range from a simple tendon clean out, to bony re-alignment procedures and tendon procedures, to fusion surgery. The type of surgery required is very individualised to the person’s problem and also to their needs and expectations. An implant that I use as part of the operation in certain cases is
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A FLAT FOOT?
There are several ways of telling. 1. You should be able to push the tips of your fingers under your arch to reach just inside. If you cannot get any of your fingers under your arch it is flattened. 2. You can look at your wet footprint. You should see a kidney bean shaped curvature on the inner arch. If the footprint is completely flat, it may signify a flat foot. 3. Your heel bone may have gone further out to the side than it used to. 4. You may struggle to stand on tiptoes when standing just on that leg. 5. You may notice you are wearing out the inside on the soles of your shoes.
HOW DOES A FLAT FOOT CAUSE PAIN?
Typically, when the arch sinks down, all the structures on the inside of the foot get stretched and therefore can become
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FLAT
NORMAL
called an arthroeresis screw, and this is a conical screw that goes into the outer part of the foot and acts as a blocker to help prevent the arch from sinking.
SO, WHAT’S THE MAIN MESSAGE?
If you recognise the symptoms mentioned in this article, and are having problems with a flat foot, there are a wide range of treatments available, and they are effective at reducing pain. The earlier the problem is managed, the more options there are available and the less invasive they are, so don’t suffer in silence! Mr Matthew Welck is a Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon. He consults at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hopsital, Spire Bushey Hospital, HCA The Wellington Elstree ad The Princess Grace. For appointments Email: secretary@matthewwelck.com Website: www.matthewwelck.com
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Your home is where you feel the most comfortable and the happiest. It is the place you know the best. If you want to stay living comfortably at home, Home Instead ® can help make that possible. Dementia Care Home Help Personal Care Companionship Live-in Care
Let’s talk about care 020 8446 7044 barnet@homeinstead.co.uk homeinstead.co.uk /barnet Each Home Instead franchise is independently owned and operated. Copyright © Home Instead® 2021.
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I’ve been told I have Gallstones – now what? risk of gallstones. Many people have a “family history” of gallstones but there is no single gene that has been associated with this.
operation that removes the gallbladder. This is called a cholecystectomy. Today, most cholecystectomies are performed by ‘keyhole’ surgery with patients going home the same day. In the UK, 60000 cholecystectomies are performed each year and although it is a serious operation, the results are usually extremely good. Endoscopy: A procedure, called an ERCP, can get rid of stones in the bile duct, but stones in the gall bladder cannot be removed this way. A flexible camera is passed through the mouth, down to the stomach to reach the opening of the bile duct. Stones in the duct can then be removed. Occasionally, this is all the treatment that is required, especially in patients unfit for surgery.
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN GALLSTONES CAUSE?
BY MR LEE DVORKIN MD FRCS
WHAT IS THE GALLBLADDER AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped sac located on the right-upper part of your abdomen, just underneath your liver. The gallbladder stores the bile that is produced by the liver. After a fatty meal, the gallbladder squeezes the bile along a tube (the bile duct) and into the intestines. Once there, the bile helps digest our food. Bile is a liquid that, amongst other things, contains cholesterol and a yellow pigment called bilirubin.
WHAT ARE GALLSTONES AND HOW DO THEY FORM?
Gallstones are small hard lumps that form in bile. If the bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, then stones can form. Gallstones are either made from cholesterol or bilirubin or a mixture of the two. Gallstones can be tiny like a grain of rice or as large as a walnut and they tend to live in the gallbladder or in the bile ducts.
WHY DO GALLSTONES FORM AND WHO GETS THEM?
Gallstones are very common. One in six men and one in three women suffer from gallstones at some point in their life. By the age of 60 nearly a quarter of women will have gallstones. The condition is commoner in women who have had children and who are overweight or diabetic. Avoiding foods high in saturated fats can help to reduce the risk of gallstones developing. Other risk factors include; HRT, birth control pills, sickle cell anaemia and Crohns disease. Rapid weight loss (from dieting or surgery) and certain cholesterol-reducing drugs can also increase the
Most people who have gallstones do not have any symptoms. They are only found incidentally during investigation for another condition. These gallstones usually need no treatment. However, gallstones can cause the following problems: Severe pains (Biliary colic): Unfortunately, this is the most common complication of gallstones. The pain is usually in the upper abdomen, often more to the right, and can move to the right shoulder blade. It may come on after eating fatty foods. The pain can be continuous or come in waves and tends to last a few hours. Occasionally patients may feel sick or may vomit. It is not uncommon for patients to feel so uncomfortable that they see their GP or attend A&E. Cholecystitis: This is an infection in the gall bladder and usually requires admission to hospital for antibiotics and/or surgery. If the infection of the gallbladder is severe patients can get very sick. Jaundice (yellow eyes/skin): Gallstones moving out of the gallbladder and into the bile duct can block the flow of bile and cause jaundice. If you have severe abdominal pain, a high fever, yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin and pale stools, you should urgently consult a doctor. Pancreatitis: Gallstones passing down the bile duct may also cause inflammation of the pancreas. This is a medical emergency. Most attacks of acute pancreatitis settle down, but it has the potential to cause life-threatening complications.
CAN GALLSTONES CAUSE CANCER?
Symptomatic gallstones, if left untreated for many years can be a risk factor for gallbladder cancer. This is one reason to treat gallstones once they become symptomatic.
COULD MY PAIN BE FROM SOMETHING ELSE? Yes, gallstones can cause symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, peptic
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO SURGERY?
Symptomatic gallstones, if left untreated for many years can be a risk factor for gallbladder cancer. ulcer, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, hiatus hernia, hepatitis and occasionally cancer. It is therefore very important that the correct diagnosis is made. Other tests may be required, including an endoscopy to look inside the stomach.
HOW TO YOU DIAGNOSE GALLSTONES?
The most common investigations for gallstones are an ultrasound scan and a blood test. We also use MRI and CT scans sometimes.
TREATMENT
Diet: Once diagnosed, a reduced fat diet is recommended. This will not cure gallstones, but it can reduce any symptoms and pain experienced. Surgery: Once gallstones start to cause symptoms, they are best treated by an
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Yes, but they are not usually recommended. Some medicines do exist that may dissolve gallstones if taken over a long period of time. They only work for a small number of patients and once the treatment is stopped the stones generally return. These drugs, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, have various side effects and are rarely prescribed these days. Lithotripsy (using high energy shock waves to break up the stones) can work well for kidney stones but does not work for gallstones. In fact, such treatment may be harmful and is not recommended. So usually, if you have troublesome gallstones, your best option is to consider surgery.
WHAT NOW?
If you feel you have symptoms suggestive of gallstones or abdominal pains that you want investigating, please ask your GP to refer you to a General Surgeon. Mr Lee Dvorkin MD FRCS (Gen Surg) Consultant General, Laparoscopic & Colorectal Surgeon, London, UK Private secretary: Jayne on 07867 491761 E mail: Jayne.broccolo@bmihealthcare. co.uk Consultations available at: BMI Hendon, The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth and BMI Cavell www.leedvorkin.co.uk https://www.doctify.com/uk/specialist/ mr_lee_dvorkin_1
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Jami.Kooth.com Free, safe and anonymous online counselling and support for students Jami’s online mental wellbeing community, created just for students Talk to us free of charge, 365 days a year Private one to one support via message or live chat with our online counselling team Discussion boards and live forums with our friendly Jami Kooth community, 24/7
“It’s been nice to talk to someone who listens and can help”
Helpful articles, personal experiences, advice and tips from young people and our experts
Visit www.Jami.Kooth.com
– Marc, 19 years old Registered charity no. 1003345. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in London no. 2618170
Care at Home Spend more time doing the things you want to. We want you to enjoy living in your home and we can help. We are a passionate team, some say a great big family, who take pride in the care we provide.
Our care at home services include: • Live-in care • Personal care • Domestic duties • Shopping • Meal preparation • Companionship • Dementia care
Get in touch today. Call us on 01923 729 898 watford@caremark.co.uk caremark.co.uk/watford THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
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How to feel less lonely Approximately 10% of the population aged over 65 is chronically lonely, equating to over 860,000 people in England alone (ONS 2012). Loneliness might be a temporary feeling, or it can linger, staying with you for a long time. If feeling lonely becomes a constant state of being, it affects health and well-being. Knowing how to feel less lonely can help you, or a loved one to feel less isolated and happier. There are things you can do to help combat loneliness. It’s possible to learn skills that help you to manage feeling lonely. These need to be worked on regularly until you feel more comfortable with doing different things. Eventually, you will feel much better, make new friends, or be able to overcome those fleeting feelings of loneliness more easily.
TALK WITH PEOPLE
When you are already feeling lonely and perhaps a bit low, it can be difficult to talk to people. However, once you start having a chat with someone, you begin to feel less alone. Sitting and thinking about how lonely you feel will only make it worse. It’s always best to catch up with friends or family on the phone or to visit them where possible. One in four older people may not have many people they can call. Esther Rantzen has launched Silverline which is a free and confidential helpline, offering friendship as well as information and advice.
might be entitled to with your local council. • See what local activities are happening, there are often coffee mornings in most places which are regular events where you can meet people and make new friends. • Think about what hobbies you might want to take up or continue. • Do you have skills that you could teach to others? • Could you volunteer with any local organisations? • Is there a local class you could sign up to and learn something new?
space in your plan where you don’t see anyone, you’ll still have that next activity on the list to enjoy.
LET PEOPLE HELP
Often, lonely people feel anxious about making new friends or meeting new people. We can all have negative feelings sometimes, but often, this is over-amplified by thinking too much with all that time alone. Be brave, get out there and you will soon wonder what you were worrying about. If you are worried that you or a loved one may be feeling lonely and isolated, another option is to consider a companionship care service. We can provide some company, on a suitable regular interval. It is also great for helping less mobile people to get out of the house and stay active within the community. To find out more, please get in touch with us on 020 8492 9494. Offices across London Enfield & Barnet 020 8492 9494 Brent 020 8205 4862 Bexley & Bromley 020 8303 3330 Kingston-upon-Thames, Merton, Wimbledon 020 8330 0070 Southwark & Lewisham 020 3829 5930 National enquiries visit www.carewatch. co.uk
PLANNING YOUR WEEK
Plan things for the week ahead, make a list of things to do, places to go and people to see, as this can help you to keep looking forward to things. Even if you have some
CONNECT ONLINE
The internet has proved to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation for many people. Even if you are unable to get out and about so much, the internet is always there. You can find forums to engage with others, who may be in a similar situation to you. For older people, Gransnet is a fun and engaging online community to join. There are also many different social media options that you can use to find some online friends.
CONNECT WITH NATURE
Nature has a great way of helping us feel more connected with the earth and each other. Spending as little as ten minutes a day with nature can significantly improve feelings of well-being. • Go for a walk in a local park • Spend a few hours gardening or tending to a local allotment • Start a kitchen herb garden • Join a rambling group • Help out at an animal rescue centre • Get a pet like a cat or a dog
KEEPING BUSY
Keeping busy is a great way to avoid feeling lonely. You may be able to get help to be busy so check out what financial help you
Visiting Home Care
Live In Care
Specialist Care
Carewatch Visiting Home Care offers:
Carewatch Live In Care offers:
Carewatch Specialist Care offers:
3 Regular companionship through the week
3 One to one support, day or night
3 A professional, nurse led service
3 An affordable alternative to residential care
3 Highly qualified, motivated and compassionate Health Care Assistants
3 A small reliable team of care assistants
3 Help around the home
3 The ability to spot any changes in health
3 It can be long or short term and can change as a person’s needs change
3 Personalised care planning that can be adapted when required
3 Long lasting friendship and companionship
3 Peace of mind, knowing your loved ones are being looked after
3 Monthly reviews by the Carewatch clinical team 3 24 hour support
3 Peace of mind for families
3 Discreet service - you choose uniformed or non-uniformed assistants
3 A bespoke, personalised service
Support with attending religious and social events
3 Support for a range of health needs and conditions including Dementia, Neurological, Spinal and Brain injury care and degenerative diseases
Call us on: 0208 492 9494 | Email us at: referrals@carewatch-barnet.co.uk Visit us at: Apex House, Grand Arcade, Tally Ho Corner, High Road, London, N12 OEH For more information visit: www.carewatch.co.uk
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Tongue Tie BY DR. SHARON SILBERSTEIN There is a widely spread perception that formula and breastmilk are equal. This could not be further from the truth. Even though the composition of formula has been refined and improved in the past decades there are properties of breastmilk which can never be imitated and are totally unique. Breastmilk is tailor made by the mother’s body for her baby. There is no other food that is so compatible and easily digestible for a human.
THE BENEFITS ARE ENDLESS BUT TO NAME A FEW:
• It does not need to be paid for (even though we call it ‘liquid gold’) • It is sterile, always at the right temperature and readily available when needed • It is composed of various important factors to support the baby’s health: each drop contains millions of live cells such as macrophages (to fight infections), stem cells, vitamins, antibodies, fatty acids (important for brain development), antibacterial and antiviral enzymes, hormones and growth factors, oligosaccharides and others. • Breastmilk lowers the baby’s risk for infections, allergies, asthma, obesity and haematological malignancies • Breastfeeding lowers the mother’s risk for ovarian- and breast cancer, diabetes type 2 later in life, obesity and reduced likelihood of postnatal depression. • Breastmilk typically does not cause allergies, although occasionally babies have allergic reactions to a food the mother consumes, such as diary, soy, eggs The UK has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world. Although the initiation of breastfeeding after birth has increased to 70%, only 40% of babies are getting any breastmilk at 6 weeks and less then 20% at 6 months. A lot of mothers struggle to establish breastfeeding and don’t get the help they need. In many cases Tongue Tie can be the reason for their struggling and should be assessed by a trained professional. Tongue ties are present in around 10-12% of all babies, not all of these are diagnosed and treated. They can cause symptoms for breastfeeding mothers as well as their babies, both in bottle fed and breastfed babies.
The criteria for treatment of the tongue tie are feeding difficulties. Also bottle fed babies can struggle with feeding and should be assessed but unfortunately not all NHS services will include bottle fed babies in their tongue tie clinics. Tongue Tie occurs when tongue movement is restricted by the presence of a short, tight membrane (known as the lingual frenulum) which stretches from the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This strand of tissue is visible when the tongue is lifted and is a normal part of anatomy. However, when it is short, tight, and inelastic, extends along the underside of the tongue or is attached close to the lower gum it will interfere with the normal movement and function of the tongue. Frenulotomy, the procedure to release a Tongue Tie is one of the oldest recorded surgical interventions, records go back to the 16th century, when the knowledge about the impact of Tongue Ties on infant feeding was known and Tongue Tie releases were commonly practiced by
midwifes and surgeons. Due to formula becoming accessible and breastfeeding falling out of fashion in the last century, Tongue Tie procedures became less relevant. Only in the last 15 years research has been carried out and evidence has emerged that this low risk, routine procedure is very beneficial to aid in infant feeding. Unfortunately, most healthcare professionals are not trained in assessment and diagnosis of Tongue Tie and many of the cases are missed. Some signs of Tongue Tie in breastfeeding mothers include painful feeding, cracked nipples, misshapen, white nipples, painful latch and engorged breasts, recurrent blocked ducts, mastitis. Symptoms in babies include a white membrane visible under tongue when
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crying, a heart shaped tongue, inability to open their mouths wide, tongue mobility is restricted, slow weight gain, clicking sound during feeds, sucking cheeks in, gulping and spluttering, very windy and colicky, screaming after a feeding, fussy on the breast, sliding off during a feed, needs repositioning, dribbling down the side of the mouth, symptoms of reflux and spitting up. The criteria for treatment of the tongue tie are feeding difficulties. Also bottle fed babies can struggle with feeding and should be assessed but unfortunately not all NHS services will include bottle fed babies in their tongue tie clinics. If the mother has received breastfeeding support and correcting latch and positioning have not improved the situation then surgical treatment as soon as possible is advisable. Dr. Sharon Silberstein, MD, IBCLC ( GMC 7011392) is an independent doctor, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Tongue tie specialist. She specialised in infant feeding 9 years ago and she runs a private clinic in North London, where she supports breastfeeding and bottle feeding mothers and their babies. She has treated over 3000 babies with tongue tie and helped many families to establish successful feeding. Mobile: 07421 223577 Web: www.breastfeedingdoctor.co.uk Instagram @breastfeedingdoctor.uk
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Care at home, at end of life As the end of life nears, most people would prefer to remain in their own homes, close to family and friends and in familiar surroundings. Traditional services that support people through the final stages of illness are well-known, but not everyone is aware that homecare has a vital role to play in supporting people at home and their families. This has been exemplified during the coronavirus pandemic, where vital support has been tirelessly provided by hardworking careworkers to those most in need in the community. WHAT IS HOMECARE?
Homecare enables people to live independently in their own home during life. It also helps people who are ill or a health condition, to remain active and living at home as long as possible, rather than move to a hospital or hospice. Nowadays the emphasis is on a person’s individual choice, and increasingly homecare agencies are offering a wide variety of services to help people at home, including specialist palliative care services. These could also include help with getting up and going to bed, washing, dressing, preparation of meals, the administration of medicines and symptom control, services to attend social or medical appointments, shopping and domestic services. Many homecare and nurses’ agencies can supply specialist staff to help when medical support and nursing are needed, and homecare can also be used to give a break to a carer or supplement the care a family provides. This could take the form of providing a night-sitting service for example. Homecare workers are specially trained to work in people’s own homes and provide care that maintains the person’s dignity and respect. All careworkers receive basic training when they join a homecare agency and many study for a vocational qualification in health and social care. In many cases they also undertake specialist training, such as end of life care, so they can carry out their duties sensitively and knowledgeably for service users. Before the homecare service starts, a trained assessor will help the person to describe the care they would like or need. They will liaise with family,
PAYING FOR HOMECARE
Homecare can be bought independently from a homecare agency or with funding from the local council known as a direct payment. Alternatively, if the person qualifies for state-funded support, the local Council may provide homecare itself either by using its own staff or by commissioning a homecare agency to provide care. In some situations the funding may be provided by the national health service.
REGULATION
TRAINING
ASSESSING YOUR NEEDS
and can adapt their duties to suit a client’s wishes expressed in advance, if the client has lost capacity to decide before the service starts. Homecare workers can visit for as long and as often as needed, from a series of visits throughout the day to night-sitting or a longer-term ‘live-in package’ where the worker stays in the home of the person they care for.
medical advisers and the local council, where appropriate. The assessors will then draw up a tailor-made care plan to describe how often careworkers will call
and the duties they will carry out, that incorporates the service user’s personal preferences. Homecare provider services are familiar with mental capacity issues
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It is compulsory for homecare organisations providing personal care in England to register with the Care Quality Commission. They are inspected regularly to ensure that quality standards are met and ensures that staff are appropriately trained. A very small proportion of homecare agencies are not required to register, because their services are solely to introduce careworkers to be employed directly by the person needing care and support, or their family. Homecare agencies can join United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA), the professional association committed to ensuring people receive the highest standards of homecare.* UKHCA helps homecare agencies obtain grants for staff training, runs training courses and keeps agencies up-to-date with the latest developments in the sector. UKHCA can supply details of homecare agencies in a specific postcode area from a list of over 2,200 organisations that have agreed to comply with the Association’s Code of Practice. Details are available anytime free from www.ukhca.co.uk/ findcare. We can also supply information on members through our helpline, call 020 8661 8188 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday for details. If you would like advice on choosing care and suggestions on what to ask providers when selecting a suitable service, see www. ukhca.co.uk/choosingcareadvice.aspx Supporting someone towards the end of their life can be challenging, but homecare services are there to help to support people enjoy life, continue to spend time with their loved ones, and support family members who may be combining work or commitments with caring responsibilities.
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Does your child complain about joint pain, especially at night? Has it been dismissed as ‘growing pains’? Does your teen complain of neck or back pain? These symptoms are typical of Hypermobility which is very common in the Jewish Community. At The Green Clinic, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach. We know that everybody and every lifestyle is different, and we tailor our recommendations and advice according to what works for YOU. Our Principal Physiotherapist Mr Stephen Parkus is an expert in treating hypermobility – a surprisingly common but often undiagnosed condition which can cause a child or teen to be clumsy, fidgety or experience cramps when writing or neck pain when studying. We’ll take the time to properly assess your child and help you to understand the diagnosis. Through tailored exercises for strengthening, balance and co-ordination, we’ll assist your child to feel better and help them to move with confidence. Stephen Parkus MCSP SRP is a state-registered Physiotherapist, qualified since 2001. The Green Clinic is recognised by all major health insurance companies, and with flexible opening times and three clinic sites (Edgware, Bushey and Radlett), we are sure to be able to help you, whatever the issue. CALL US TODAY Edgware & Bushey: 020 8728 0625 | Radlett: 01923 852 852
Expert Physiotherapy for the whole family We specialise in post-surgery rehabilitation, hypermobility, back pain, recovery from injuries, and arthritis. Our expert Physiotherapists are: Stephen Parkus, Dana Frank and Judith Cohen.
Tel: 020 8728 0625 Home visits offered around NW London. Covered by all major UK health insurers. Serving the community since 2008.
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38 COMMUNITY
AlPiDarko grows in reputation and support AlPiDarko, the foremost chinuch provider in the UK which is recommended by senior Rabbonim providing help, training and support for parents and teachers, has grown exponentially, now supporting parents and mechanchim in all the major Kehillos in the UK and abroad and also now on Zoom. Most recently for parents, Alpidarko ran the “Parenting Teens” course for a large group of parents of Menorah Grammar School which included sessions on the teen brain as well as presenting the natural social, psychological and physical changes of teenagers. Parents were enthralled throughout the course and reported back feeling empowered to be able to lead their teenagers successfully through this challenging period with a renewed sense of confidence. In six sessions, the course had such an impact that AlPiDarko received an email from a grandparent in Eretz Yisroel commenting on how “meaningful and uplifting” the course was to their son and daughter-in-law, “who sounds like a different person, in control and confident” , ending by commenting “We have seen , although we live in Israel, the huge impact your parenting classes have made.” Another new initiative, “Building Back Better” in education, AlPiDarko presents three key educationalists in our community – Dr Leon Bernstein, Mrs Julia Silver and Dr Yaakov Barr – who have made short videos showing schools how they can indeed Build Back Better after lockdown.
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Parents, school leaders and teachers can now access all AlPiDarko services in NW London and Edgware, Stamford Hill , Manchester and Gateshead and also now in Zurich and Vienna. Building on the platform of Chanoch Lenaar AlPiDarko and using the teachings of Rav Shlome Wolbe zt”l, all trainers empower parents and teachers using a unique approach of training and engagement, to lead their children to reach their potential by responding positively, setting and maintaining clear boundaries, disciplining effectively. It is wonderful to know that our mechanchim are not alone in their difficult task. Chinuch nowadays presents many challenges for parents and teachers which our parents and teachers never dreamt of; but they are not alone – AlPiDarko will support you throughout your journey. New courses starting straight after Pesach now target every age and stage: parents of tots, tens and teens as well as teachers in primary and secondary schools. And AlPiDarko specialises in understanding the dynamics of large families as well as smaller ones. The journey starts with parents and teachers; there is no excuse whatsoever for anyone involved in chinuch to say they do not know where to turn with their chinuch challenges. AlPiDarko identifies that the challenge starts with the adult: we have the ability to get this right – change the environment, change the child’s behaviour.
Father Yitzi Spielman and son Pini aged 7, holding a bag of Bagels after Pesach in Kosher City
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GIFT volunteers Nathan and Abigail Freeman pack up Pesach food packages during Chol Hamoed, for hundreds of families receiving support.
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
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March Of The Living UK ‘Meet The Survivors’ series with UK celebrities commemorates Yom Hashoah Leading British celebrities Matt Lucas, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Robert Peston, Baroness Karren Brady and Eyal Booker have teamed up with Holocaust education charity March of the Living UK to make a series of emotional, hugely moving, inspirational and educational films. The stars of TV, sport and business were each paired up with a Holocaust survivor who shared their experiences of making it through one of the greatest human tragedies in history in a series of one-to-one interviews. The films will be released as a ‘Meet the Survivors’ series on Thursday April 8th to mark Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) 2021. Actor, comedian, and writer Matt Lucas met 93-year old Harry Olmer. Professional snooker player and reigning world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan learnt about 90year old Eve Kugler’s experiences. Robert Peston, political editor of ITV and host of the channel’s ‘Peston’ show, witnessed Lily Ebert’s testimony. Lily is 97. Star of BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ and vice-chairman of West Ham United Football Club, Baroness Karren Brady walked and talked with Agnes Kaposi (89). Love Island star Eyal Booker delved deep into 90-year old Mala
Robert Peston with Lily Ebert
Tribich’s story of her life before, during and after the Holocaust. The March of the Living is an annual event where in excess of 10,000 people ‘march’ the 3km from the gates of the Auschwitz concentration camp to the gas chambers at Birkenau as a tribute to all those murdered by the Nazis. Poignantly, it is proudly led by some of the remaining survivors from the Holocaust. Given that the Covid-19 pandemic has made travel to Poland impossible again this year, the ‘Meet the Survivors’ series was created in its place.
Matt Lucas with Harry Olmer
Scott Saunders, the founder of March of the Living UK, said: “The Holocaust survivors are living embodiments of what it means to show resilience in the face of hatred and adversity. The incredibly powerful ‘Meet the Survivors’ series of films with Matt, Ronnie, Robert, Karren and Eyal will help to educate people about the atrocities
of the Holocaust and with that knowledge hopefully make sure that something like that will never happen again.” The series of films can be viewed from Holocaust Remembrance Day on Thursday April 8th onwards at: www.marchoftheliving.org.uk/ meet-the-survivors
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From the front line… BY JACQUELINE CURZON Well our 8 days of celebrating the exodus from Egypt is now over, and I admit to being gr<eat>ly relieved. That's my entire consumption of matzas over, until April 2022, and of course I hope I'm still here to joke about being cream crackered. Seriously, this year was unusual thanks to a close friend who had a due date for 1st night pesach. Off we went, with myself as the intended doula, only for it to go frustratingly wrong and finally have a theatre appearance at the end. (Rather that, than a court appearance). Baby Miriam arrived, clocking in at 3.5 kilos, or 7lb 11oz, for those non-metric folks. It's been 7 years since my last child made her debut, so Jacqueline Curzon it was a pleasure and an honour to hold PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY a little one again. It is heartbreaking for us to hear this week that the mother of missing student Richard Okorogheye (19) found out her son will never come home. Richard, a first-year business and IT undergraduate, had been shielding throughout the lockdown due to having sickle cell disease, and only left home to attend hospital appointments. He left home without his medication on 22 March and was later captured on cctv heading into Epping Forest. Police have now found his body, and his mother has spoken of her devastation at the stood back whilst on a call-out to a heart loss of her only child, who she said had attack victim, and instead let bystanders been ‘struggling to cope.’ carry out CPR whilst he watched. Peter A 21 year old patient, Evan Smith, died McDonald (52) was fighting for his life in after calling 999 from his hospital bed because he had been refused oxygen. Smith, December 2019, having collapsed at a bus an analyst, died in April 2019 at North shelter. Only when a second emergency Middlesex hospital after suffering sepsis vehicle arrived 10 minutes later did Mr following a procedure to remove a gallblad- McDonald finally get hooked up to a defider stent. Smith suffered from sickle cell brillator, but by then he was beyond saving. disease and oxygen is often used to treat The assistant coroner Peter Nieto asked paramedic Gary May why he had not acted, to low blood oxygen saturation. The sepsis is thought to have triggered a sickle cell crisis. which he replied, “I may have been having an off day, and could have been distracted.” Barnet Coroners Court heard that Smith of Walthamstow, London might have survived The coroner recorded a narrative verdict, as the inquest was told there was no certainty if he had been offered a blood transfusion that Mr McDonald would have survived, sooner, but the haematology team was even had he received proper treatment. not informed he'd been admitted and the How obscene is that? nursing staff told him he didn't need oxygen. Smith told his family that he called the Over in the East, Alexei Navalny has been ambulance thinking was the only way to get moved to a medical facility after showing help. The court heard that a haematologist signs of a respiratory illness following a later prescribed the oxygen, but by then he message from him last week saying that could not be saved and suffered a series of several cell mates had been hospitalised cardiac arrests. with TB. He also talked of filthy plates in Now if you happen to be taking a ramble the food hall, joking that he was surprised up Moel Famau on the Flintshire- Denan Ebola outbreak hadn’t yet happened. bighshire border, you'll be pleased to hear Navalny went on hunger strike a week ago, that the Welsh Ambulance Service has left after being denied the chance to be seen by a defibrillator there, handy should you find a civilian doctor for acute back pain which yourself having a heart attack. According appeared to be spreading to his legs. His to Search & Rescue, thousands (!) climb family are concerned this could be linked the hill each week. The rescue team leader, to the Novichok poisoning last summer; Chris Griffiths, said it would save lives. both his private doctors and lawyers have Keeping the above in mind, it made debeen denied access to him. Dmitri Peskov, pressing reading to hear that a paramedic a Kremlin spokesman, said decisions as to
The mobile phone is weapon of choice for those intent on wrecking classroom order.
hospital admission or special treatment lay in the hands of prison officials. Good to know! Vladimir Putin has approved legislation which will allow him to hold office for two additional six-year terms, raising the possibility he might stay in power until 2036. He has already been in power for more than 20 years and his current term expires in 2024. Kremlin opponents say the legislation is a pretext to allow the 68 year-old to become effectively ‘president for life.’ This wouldn’t be so bad if he had a positive track record, rather than being known for his frequent abuses of human rights. This behaviour is reminiscent of despots who clutch onto power until their dying breath, and then pass the reins over to one of the family. Frequently they live in indescribable luxury whilst their citizens rebel, their policies flounder and their economies fail. Russian democracy is being put to the test. At home we are being told to test twice weekly with lateral flow tests, to catch a potential outbreak in the bud. Putting aside the £1 billion cost of this, and the non-compliers, is this another step towards covid passports? There is a wave of dissent, claiming LFTs will generate too many false results. However Professor Alan McNally, a microbial genomics expert at Birmingham University, said fears of inaccuracy were overblown, citing only one false positive result [1:20,000] in 5 months, these findings corroborated by lab-based PCR tests. What happens if you don’t comply with testing, though? Perhaps you have been vaccinated and feel you present no risk, or what if you simply forget? Will you be stopped at Sainsbury’s and sent home? This week attention is drawn to schools, behaviour and mobile phones. Top of the list is that face masks are to be mandatory until mid-May. I bet that’s going to be fun for the staff; mumbling, call-outs, bad language, all under cover of a legitimised mask, with the offender looking in every other direction, to rounds of peer laughter. Only a non-teacher would sanction such madness, ironically being extended to placate the unions. Second on the to-do list is mobile phones, One has to ask again why children (sorry, but it’s what they are) need a smart device which functions as a word processor, phone, internet browser and social media tool? Ermm. Actually, they don’t. It’s no longer a phone. Perhaps it’s a micro-laptop intended to replace a decent dictionary and thesaurus, an up to date Encyclopaedia Britannica - although that’s also available online, and a set of good reference books. Books - those old fashioned jotter things with paper pages are how I learned (what a dinosaur), and also how Einstein, Stevenson, Marie Curie, Plato, all learned. And none of them were regarded as intellectually stunted. My own
offspring rail loudly, often abusively, at me for trying to pry them off technology and onto something more tangible, even though it has been shown by science that the mind absorbs information better, by reading and making notes, than by looking at screens. I really do think kids become screen-blind, and those less naturally gifted academically perhaps process it poorly anyway, with negative outcomes. So no surprise then that Gavin Williamson has appointed 22 lead schools with glowing Ofsted reports, to assist and advise struggling schools, to help them improve discipline regimes. Top of his list for offender behaviour is the mobile phone, weapon of choice for those pupils intent on wrecking classroom order and teacher sanity, putting aside the applications which enable peer bullying. With my twins approaching high school, the nagging for a phone has reached dizzying heights, but my preference is to resist, or as a sop to allow a brick phone. I’ve seen phone addiction up close and personal, and it isn’t pretty. I was once told I would be stabbed if I didn’t hand the phone back. But I didn’t, and confess to having a frequent, insatiable urge to put all the phones under the front wheels of my car, and accelerate like the Stig. But I digress. I’m minded to ask schools to introduce classes in etiquette, manners and citizenship, for far too many children today behave antisocially, treating their parents as pals (at best), or the enemy (at worst). The Home Office have revealed that only 4 million people applied for passports in 2020, compared to the 7 million in a normal year, and they are concerned that there could now be a surge in requests and advise travellers to allow up to 10 weeks to get a passport. If you’re planning a trip you’d better check your passport first. We’ve got 3 expired passports in our house, but with no plans for foreign travel, we can relax. Unless Ms Sturgeon insists on them at a cross border check. Bet you didn't know April 6th is known as 'Tartan Day' in the United States and Canada. The day honours Scottish Americans and the links between Scotland and North America. In the US, the day officially began in 1998 when the Senate passed a resolution. April 6 was selected because it marks the day the Declaration of Arbroath was signed at Arbroath Abbey in 1320. Arbroath is known for its “smokies” (haddock), but it is also known for its historic Arbroath statement asserting Scotland’s status as a sovereign country. Many signatories of the Declaration of Independence were Scottish. Blow me bagpipes! Nicola will be pleased to read this. After taking a sojourn across the border recently to a distinctly frosty reception, I've probably got more chance of a welcome in America. I’ll take my chances, and my accordion! Love Jacqueline x
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Nanny to the rescue BY MICAELA BLITZ Gillian Assor has always had what she describes as ‘a natural affinity’ with children, and knew that from a young age that she wanted to work with them. At just nine years old she started organising children’s birthday parties, and by 13 had taken on an after-school job as a mother’s help looking after three children. So, it was no surprise, that after leaving school, she went on to qualify as a nursery nurse working in various childcare positions in the UK and abroad for many years before starting her own family. Having worked in childcare for many years, Gilly was well known in the community and when a Rebbetzin Esther Boudilovsky from Borehamwood synagogue contacted her in need of emergency childcare for a few hours, Gilly was happy to help. Gilly turned up with toys, games and arts and craft activities to keep the children amused. The Rebbetzin was so impressed that she told others and word soon began to spread with more people contacting her for ad hoc childcare. “People were looking for help for specific reasons like if they had an appointment, funeral or hospital visit. I saw that there was a need for this kind of service, and Nanny to the Rescue was born!” That was over 11 years ago, and since then Gilly has developed her Nanny to the Rescue business offering short-term, and ad hoc nannying services. Gilly’ now spends most of her time working as a Parenting Coach applying her many years of experience and knowledge to offer private parenting sessions. She offers helpful solutions on a huge range of subjects including eating, bedtime routines, as well as behavioural issues. For many parents, these are areas that they often struggle with, and this can often lead to feelings of stress, guilt or frustration. Gilly covers London and Hertfordshire areas, or further afield via zoom and prior to lockdown, she would usually visit families at home to assess the situation. Currently these sessions run either at home if the parents prefer or via Zoom, Skype or video call, where parents send through footage relating to the child’s challenging behaviour for Gilly to review. Her sessions offer coping strategies and new approaches that she has developed over the many years she has been working with children, so that parents feel confident in implementing changes, and achieve a positive outcome.
“Parenting can be tricky for everyone at times, and there is a lot of pressure to always get it right, which can be very stressful. I don’t have a magic wand, but what I do have is a significant amount of experience, and an understanding of children and how they work. Obviously, every child is different, and what works for one child, may not work for another, so I tailor my approach accordingly, and just try to make it more like a play session. That way the child feels more relaxed, and this helps the parents to get results.” Another area that Gilly helps parents and children with is toilet training. She has even created a book to help to accompany this process called ‘Polly Poo Goes Home’. The book, which is available to buy on Amazon, is a fun, light- hearted story to help children who
Gillian Assor
use her experience and knowledge, both as a professional and as a mother herself to assure her clients that whatever concerns or issues they might be having, they should not worry, and try to stay calm. “All parents can feel overwhelmed at times, but it is important to remember that everyone struggles, and it is completely normal. My aim is to help parents to understand their children better, so that they can be the best parents they can be.” Gilly would also like to offer 10% off her Gold Parenting Package until the end of April. Please quote JW10 when booking.
is as passionate about now as when she first started. Over her career, which has spanned more than 30 years, she has in her own words ‘seen it all’. She is able to
If you would like to get in touch with Gilly about the services she offers, please go to www.nannytotherescue.co.uk or to find out more about her book visit www.pollypoogoeshome.co.uk
No one comes. There’s nobody to talk to. I’m all alone.
may be anxious about the whole process of toilet training and helps them to overcome this. For Gilly being able to work with children every day is something that she
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8 APRIL 2021
Key Shaped Challah – Baked Schlissel Challah
Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com
Making a key shaped, or schlissel, challah the Shabbat following Pesach is a Chassidic tradition dating back as early as the Eighteenth Century. Schlissel is the Yiddish word for key. Challah baked in this shape signifies an increase in financial blessings. We ask G-d to open the Gates of Heaven for our prayers and on Passover, we ask G-d to recall how He opened the gates for the entire Nation of Israel in the days after they left Egypt and were welcomed in to the “Promised Land.” When the challah is made to represent a key, we are asking for the key to unlock the Gates for us as well. Many still bake the challah with an actual key baked into the dough and many form the dough into the shape of a key. Some people do both and place a key into their key shaped challah. It is a challah with good mazel. So if you use a real key, make sure you wash it well! If you use 100% whole wheat dough, as opposed to my 50% whole wheat, certainly the dough will rise less, and the end results will be more beautiful. You can shape the dough using a line of knots or plaits. Ingredients 7g fast action dried yeast 600g strong bread flour – use a mixture of spelt, wholemeal and multigrain 20ml vegetable oil 1 ½ teaspoons salt 50g caster sugar or honey 2 large eggs 350ml warm water 1 tablespoon oil – to grease the bowl Glaze: 2 egg yolks Toppings: Sesame seeds/ black onion seeds
The Tradition of a Shlissel Challah BY DENISE PHILLIPS The word ‘Shlissel’ means key in Yiddish and in some Jewish communities it is the tradition to make a challah for the first Shabbat after Pesach in the shape of a key or with a key baked inside. Chefs like myself just love to be creative with challah dough and this is a wonderful way of combining Judaism with symbolism in a tasty artistic way! Essentially it is an Ashkenazi tradition hailing from the Eastern European communities of Poland, Germany, and Lithuania. It is considered good mazel by those who make it as a way of expressing a forthcoming life or journey of good times. The explanations are numerous and come from different sources and historians; a great way to start Shabbat after a week of matzah. The Shlissel Challah symbolises that the ‘key’ to our parnassa [livelihood] is in Hashem’s hands. Whilst we separate the challah and say the bracha, we pray that G-d will bless us with a fortunate year. There are various types of Shlissel challah, some resemble regular challah with a piece of dough added on in the shape of a key, others make the whole dough key shaped and then some people add an actual key inside the dough. Other shapes include the dough to
looking like matzah and adding a key shaped dough as an attachment and some make regular challah dough and use sesame seeds to decorate the top in the shape of a key. The key is added in to allude the Gates of Heaven kept open from Passover to Passover Sheni (2nd Passover). The choice is yours! The connection is linked to the Shir HaShirim, the Song of Songs which we read on Pesach Chol Hamoed. ‘Open for me, my sister, my beloved.” The rabbis understood this as G-d asking for us to open within ourselves or our hearts, a small hole, even as small as the tip of a needle, and in return, G-d would open a larger hole. The key in the shlissel challah is a link to Jews opening a small hole so G-d can fulfil his end of the bargain. Furthermore, Second Night Passover commences the counting of the Omer which lasts 49 days, counting up to 50 to Shavuot. It is at this time we try and improve ourselves with spiritual elevation and self-fulfilment and emotional refinement. Kabbalah teachings explain the ’50 ‘gates’ or ‘levels of understanding’ during the Omer all need a key to access. During Passover, it is said that all the Upper Gates of Heaven are open and that after it ends, they are closed. To open them, Jews place a key in the challah. Above is my shlissel challah.
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Method 1) Combine 100ml warm water with the dried yeast. 2) Put the flours into a large bowl, add the salt, oil, sugar or honey, eggs into the mixer. Add the remaining water slowly ( you may not need it all) to form a ball. 3) Remove the dough, knead by hand briefly. 4) Grease a large bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover and leave for about 2 hours or until double in size. 5) Knock out the air in the dough. Shape according to the images with a 3 strand plaits and knots. Enclose the key if using. 6) Glaze with egg yolk. 7) Bake for 20-25 minutes at 200C. Leave on a rack to cool.
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Travel Summer holidays Malcolm Ginsberg, Jewish Weekly Travel Editor, is the Editor-in-Chief of Business Travel News, a member of the International Travel Writers Alliance, a noted analyst on aviation matters. Over the years he has been hosted by Jewish communities as varied as Hong Kong; Hobart, Australia; Quito, Ecuador and Cape Town, a very Jewish city at the tip of South Africa. Travel organisers please contact malcolm. ginsberg@btnews.co.uk www.btnews.co.uk Thinking about an overseas summer holiday? Don’t make your booking just yet. Last Monday the Prime Minister held a much-anticipated Press Conference at Downing Street. He made it quite clear that the rules for international travel would not be relaxed until “hopefully 17 May” at the earliest and that for holidays they would be dependent on the regulations at the other end. He was waiting for the report of the Global Taskforce to be made public, expected 12 April. What he termed “Covid Status Certification”, the so-called travel passport, would not be required for pubs, shops and hospitality venues but for travel abroad some form of recognition would be needed. Israel, with its successful Covid-19 vaccination programme, remains potentially a highly popular destination, even Eilat with no direct flights, but an easy connection at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. If all goes to plan by the middle of August there will be flights from Heathrow by British Airways, El Al and Virgin Atlantic, out of Luton from easyJet, El Al and Wizz, and also from Manchester by easyJet and El Al. El Al and Virgin Atlantic offer kosher food on board. It will also be available to eligible travellers in the Aspire lounge at Luton and if Virgin are back at Heathrow T3 (currently T2) in the splendid Clubhouse. Check with the British Foreign Office www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ israel Cruising has proved to be a popular form of holiday and in 2019 two million Brits chose a waterborne experience. Deep-sea trips are banned for now but from 17 May cruises in British waters are likely to be
allowed with all the UK-based cruise lines coming in with tours from Tilbury, Southampton, and later on Liverpool. Some lines offer sealed kosher (and generous) meals without charge, particularly P&O and all have vegetarian offerings. I’ve picked out few early sailings from each cruise line and there will be a rush with initial bookings particularly during the school holidays. Do support your local travel agent. They really need your help at this time and can offer you their knowledge and experience of the cruise line you are considering. If you are thinking of taking children the bigger the ship the better with more activities typified by Royal Caribbean, huge vessels offering great fun for the younger elements, with enough space for their handlers to hide away in quieter places. Don’t forget for the most part there is no getting off the ship on short trips. Since August the Italian line MSC has been operating a series of cruises from Genoa and has carried over 50,000 passengers. Douglas Ward is perhaps the world’s authority on cruising. From its very beginning in 1985 his “Cruising and Cruise Ships” tome has emphasized health and safety on board. He joined the first MSC sailing. “For me it was a seven-day cruise aboard MSC Grandiosa and a PCR check within 72 hours of boarding. At the cruise terminal I had a full Covid-19 test and provided a completed health questionnaire. One hour+ later my negative result arrived, and I was allowed to proceed to the check-in area of what is a beautiful historic building and the home port of the Italian North Atlantic liners pre and post the Second World War. “Everyone has a Covid-19 antigen test at the cruise terminal before they are allowed to embark. MSC publishes a list of ‘high risk’ countries and only those on the regularly updated register also need to have a PCR test within 72 hours of embarkation. “All crew members have three tests: Before leaving home, prior to joining the ship, then quarantine for 14 days, before being tested again. If they are Covid-19 negative, they are allowed to board. There were 1,000 guests on this cruise but for subsequent trips the number allowed has been increased.” Read Douglas Ward’s exclusive report on MSC Grandiosa in BTN 2 November 2020. www.btnews.co.uk/article/16828 If it is real old-fashioned luxury you want Hebridean Island Cruises starts the summer season 18 May with an eight-night trip around the Scottish Western Isles from Oban including Skye and Lewis. The tiny Hebridean Princess, normally 50
passengers, has twice hosted The Queen for post-Britannia trips. www.hebridean.co.uk On 20 May MSC Virtuosa goes to sea from Southampton for a four-night cruise via Portland followed by the brand-new Viking Venus departing Portsmouth for a seven-night trip which includes Liverpool, the Scilly Isles, Falmouth and Portland. A whole series of cruises follow with Tilbury as a home port for the summer. www.vikingcruises.co.uk There are also early departures by Noble Caledonia from Plymouth, Portsmouth and Oban with small specialist ships. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk SAGA is using Tilbury this year, a very easy to get to port from London and easy to use. The first trip on Spirit of Discovery is 27 June followed by the brand-new Spirit of Adventure 26 July. travel.saga.co.uk/cruises On the same day P&O reintroduces Britannia departing Southampton the first of 3- and 4-night cruises through to September. The brand-new Iona leaves the port on 7 August bound for the Scottish islands after which she is named with the promise of a special party into the sunset. www.pocruises.com Fred Olsen is back on 5 July with the new
MSC Grandiosa
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TRAVEL 43
Borealis taking a three-night maiden voyage from Liverpool. Borealis, the former Holland America Rotterdam is a quantum leap forward for the Ipswich-based cruise line that is taking a cautious programme of ship reintroductions, the popular Balmoral starting from Rosyth (Edinburgh) 10 August with an overnight to Newcastle and Bolette (Amsterdam) out of Dover 16 August. www.fredolsencruises.com The 7 July sees Royal Caribbean International with Anthem of the Seas at Southampton offering UK families a choice of four-night Ocean Getaways followed by 5to 8-night British Isles cruises, starting 15 July featuring visits to Liverpool, Kirkwall and Belfast. The 31 July introduces Regal Princess leaving Southampton for a threenight cruise. www.royalcaribbean.com www.princess.com The next key date is 6 August. No news yet on Britain’s flagship Queen Mary but its smaller sister Queen Elizabeth departs Southampton on what will be a no-port mystery cruise, with 24/7 entertainment and food, plus plenty of deck space to sit outside. Who is on board to keep you entertained is also a secret at this time but if past voyages are anything to go by if you want to be kept busy the QE crew will keep you occupied. www.cunard.com
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ASK THE RABBI
Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com FIRST PERSON OR SECOND PERSON
Dear Rabbi, I really enjoy reading your section in The Jewish Weekly and I would like to ask you a question. We know and have learnt that G-d wrote the Torah. The Torah itself claims that G-d wrote it. So why isn’t the Torah written in the first-person, G-d’s perspective? A verse at the beginning of the Torah says, “And G-d said......” and then the next verse says, “And G-d saw......” Why would G-d write in this way? A way that does not make it clear to us that G-d was the author of the Torah. So why isn’t the Torah in first-person? Leora Dear Leora It’s an excellent question. The Ten Commandments switch from first person (the first two commands) to third person (3rd command and on). Nahmanides explains that the Jewish people heard the first two clearly articulated from G-d, whereas the last eight had to be taught by Moses in the third person (because they found the whole experience too overwhelming). This is also alluded to when we find the Torah says, “Torah tziva lanu Moshe” – “Moses commanded us the Torah.” Did he? Wasn’t it G-d? Yet when you add the numerical value of the word Torah you get 611. Indeed 611 of the 613 commandments were communicated over to us by Moses. The initial two of the Ten Commandments were communicated directly by G-d thus ensuring that we would know that the rest came from Him as well.
Moreover, if Moses was talking and he would keep communicating in the first person then that too would have sewn confusion – is this from Moses or from G-d. Some parts would seem totally incomprehensible if written in the first person e.g. the first verse would read “in the beginning I created the heaven and the earth...” this may leave more questions than answers. Now inasmuch as G-d could have switched the person even if He Himself was articulating that may have confused people to believe that there were two G-d’s speaking. Finally, The Torah is written “in the language of mankind.” Hence it uses human terms like, “G-d’s wrath,” “G-d’s jealousy” etc. It is a narrative that was chosen by G-d as best to communicate the divine message. “Getting to know G-d” is gradually transmitted through the narrative, stories and subsequent lessons we learn. Ultimately however, we may never know the real reason for the exact stylistic choices of the Infinite.
THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS IN YOUR CHALLAH
Dear Rabbi There is this concept of making a “key challah” on the Shabbat after Pesach. I don’t know if that means sticking your house key into the Challah (how hygienic is that) or making a Challah into the shape of a key (sounds like fun for pre-school kids). Whichever way, can you please tell me, what on earth is that all about? In fact I heard that this is more a pagan concept which somehow
Pirkei Avot This weeks Mishnah is a short one but packed full of punch nonetheless. Rabbi Tarfon tells us that ‘the day is short, the task is abundant, the labourers are lazy, the reward is great and the master of the house is insistent.’ Rabbi Tarfon was one of the most prominent members of the great Academy at Yavneh. Not many people can count the great Rabbi Akiva as their colleague yet Rabbi Tarfon could count him as his
made its way into Judaism. Is that true? Maybe you can let me know this week so I’ll have time to still bake if I am convinced of your answer. Cynthia Dear Cynthia Apparently, keys used to be manufactured in the form of a cross, and at Easter time, Christians would bake them into a rising loaf of bread to symbolize you-know-who rising from the dead. (This is the source of everyone’s favourite, “hot cross buns.”). That is the basis therefore, for some self-acclaimed historians to argue that the custom of making key shaped, or key filled, Challah’s is also sourced in Christian or even pagan culture, and should hence be banished from amongst Jewish tradition. Certainly there is no issue for one to perform an action customarily done by Jews for righteous reasons, even if there are non-Jews who do so for their own pagan reasons. Moreover, this is a Jewish custom that has been passed from generation to generation and mentioned in numerous sacred texts, and is done for specially Kosher and Jewish oriented reasons then it does not need any defence or legitimisation to legalise its continuity, even if something similar is done in other faiths. We find many other precedents of Jewish customs that can be presumed to have originated from non-Jewish sources, and are nonetheless traditionally done, and defended by the great Halachists through the ages. As to the actual reason for this custom: Pesach is a particularly
auspicious time when Jewish mysticism tells us all the heavenly gates are open. (In fact the 7th day of Pesach is analogous to Neilah on Yom Kippur). After Pesach these same heavenly gates are closed once more. The symbol of the key on the Challah is to show that we are opening the gates slightly through our continued honouring of the Shabbat and our commitment to take the spirit of Pesach with us into the weeks and months ahead. In response, we anticipate that G-d will be sure to open
Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.
For Refuah Shalema for Mordechai Ben Chaya Sara student! Together with Rabbi Akiva, he made a famous statement that if they were members of the Sanhedrin, they would have used all their power to abolish capital punishment in favour for the lesser punishment of life imprisonment. In Talmud Yerushalmi, he is referred to as the father of all Israel.’ This is because he used his vast wealth to support less fortunate Jews. We must learn from the great
Perek 2: Mishna 15
sages of old who used their talents and means at their disposal to serve Hashem in the greatest possible way. Whether wealthy like Rabbi Tarfon who fed his town, or poor like Hillel, who famously climbed upon the roof to listen to words of Torah as he couldn’t afford the entrance fee to the Beit Hamidrash, we must use every available tool to help us served G-d in the greatest possible way.
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them for us fully once more. Alternatively, it represents the opening of the gates of sustenance, as after Pesach the manna that fell in the desert ceased, and we were required to fend for our own livelihood. As such, it is considered a special omen for livelihood. As to whether it involves sticking a key into the Challah or baking it into the right shape, you might want to hedge your bets and do both. Either way, you still have 24 hours from reading this, so get baking.
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Yom HaShoah
JUDAISM 45
The Holocaust and the shift of history BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, a leading Chassidic Rabbi was one of the most prominent Rabbinic victims of the Holocaust. A leader of the Warsaw ghetto, he secretly ran a shul as well as covertly supervised outlawed Jewish rituals such as marriages and milah. He also delivered weekly Torah lessons which addressed the terrible nightmare which had engulfed European Jewry. The sefer was titled “Eish Kodesh” or sacred fire- a title which evokes the infernal horror which ultimately took his life. Writing in the winter of 1939, during the initial phase of the Holocaust, he criticizes Jews who struggled to understand the meaning of the Holocaust. After all, Jewish history is littered with antisemitism, hatred and persecution; sadly, this had defined much of our experience over the past two millennia. Though we battle valiantly to defeat anti -Semitism, we acknowledge that this ancient hatred will only cease when history itself is completed and fully redeemed. Excess “agonizing” about the trails of the Holocaust was deemed a deficiency of faith and was also insensitive to the great trail of tears which has lined Jewish history. Three years later, during Chanukah of 1942, Rabbi Shapiro changed his tune. Acknowledging the severe and excessive Nazi persecution, Rabbi Shapira recanted his original assessment and now conceded that the Holocaust was unprecedented. Though Jews had suffered in the past, the Holocaust felt different- its ferocity and breadth were both unimaginable to previous generations. Something in history had shifted and it was now legitimate and even necessary to question the tragic events and reexamine our response to this nightmare. 1942 felt very different from 1939 and exploring the larger meaning of this trauma was now essential. Which version of the Eish Kodesh is correct- the 1939 reprimand or the 1942 retraction? Was the Holocaust merely another ‘installment’ in the lineage of antisemitism or was it a historical shift? It seems as if each statement is correct and that only the synthesis of these two opinions can properly frame what befell our people eighty years ago. Antisemitism is woven into the fabric of human history. Jews challenge the world morally and theologically and for this we are despised. Hatred of the Jew is perennial, and the Holocaust is a modern chapter in that ancient story, whose wretched narrative is a stain upon the moral legacy of humanity. Just in the hundred years prior to the Holocaust, gruesome pogroms were committed across Islamic lands, in Russia, and in Israel. Imagining the Holocaust without accounting for the broader trail of
antisemitism is myopic. Additionally, the roots of the Holocaust were formed in the intellectual and cultural landscapes of the 20th century. Darwin taught the world about natural selection and cast the natural order as a perpetual competition between weak and strong species. For Nature to advance only the fittest could survive. Social Darwinism extended these concepts to human society: for society to thrive, weaker elements must be discarded so that the stronger races could thrive, and so that a superior society could be constructed. In his work Mein Kampf, Hitler quotes these theories to justify his plan of cleansing the world from the inferior Jews. Furthermore, the Holocaust was deeply molded to the political realities of the 20th century. Losing WWI and dissatisfied with the ‘unjust’ terms of the post-war treaties, Germany became extremely resentful to foreign powers and to the Capitalist establishments which had imposed such onerous fines as part of Germany’s surrender. Highly distrustful of the wealthier nations of the West, Germany was also wary of the encroaching Communist revolution to the East. These dual suspicions gave rise to an ultra-nationalist ideology which shunned the outsider and launched the Fascist -Nazi regime. These simmering fears of the foreigner were easily projected upon the ultimate foreigner- the Jew- who has always served as a convenient scapegoat. Social Darwinism and Nazi Fascism were instrumental in launching the early 20th century version of antisemitism. The Holocaust was not just a product of the intellectual discourse of the 20th century but was also propelled by dramatic scientific and technological innovations of that period. Mass extermination required efficient transportation of victims to centralized “murder camps” and the advent of modern railroads provided this ghastly infrastructure. Developing the science of mass extermination, German researchers pursued more effective methods of sterilizing women, murdering mass populations and, of course, burning their remains in newly developed crematoria. The “idea” of genocide was nurtured by 20th century culture and politics, but the logistics of genocide were patented by 20th century science and technology. The Holocaust wasn’t merely another installment in the ongoing tragedy of antisemitism. It is the grotesque reflection of advanced modern society unhinged from moral restraints. However, as Rabbi Shapira himself asserted in 1942, the Holocaust feels different from history. Unlike previous localized pogroms, inquisitions and crusades, the Holocaust was the first methodical, state-instituted attempt to destroy everything and anything Jewish from the streets of Europe. Amidst the rubble of Hitler’s bunker, a
list of a few hundred Albanian Jews was discovered, underscoring just how meticulous he was about liquidating every single Jew. Designing to ultimately export his genocide to the USA, Hitler obtained blueprints of synagogues in NYC- one day to be demolished or converted into museums of the extinct Jewish. Furthermore, during previous persecutions, Jews could generally escape discrimination and hostility by conversion or by cultural assimilation. Jews
Some have argued that the nightmare of the Holocaust demands an altered religious or theological response. who were willing to ‘change sides’ – either religiously or culturally- were able to walk away unscathed. The Holocaust targeted every Jew regardless of their level of Jewish identification. The Holocaust targeted the most basic aspect of Jewish identity- our ancestry and ethnicity. Though the Holocaust is an extension of historical antisemitism it is also a break with history. This dark period launched a horror which hadn’t occurred in the 2000 years since the Jews left Jerusalem. Rabbi Shapiro was correct both in 1939 and in 1942. The Holocaust was an extension but also a historical shift. There are enormous ramifications as to whether the Holocaust is an extension or a shift. If the Holocaust was merely a continuation of classic antisemitism, we shouldn’t expect dramatic transformations in our overall religious experience. What was, continues to be. If the Holocaust was also a shift, we face a transformative question: what else in our world has changed? Some have argued that the nightmare of the Holocaust demands an altered religious or theological response. If G-d could allow the Holocaust to occur, we must view Him differently or relate to Him in a different manner. Perhaps our historical Covenant with Him must be reformulated under different terms. I find these suggestions erroneous (and dangerous) since faith itself is meta-historical and lies beyond the human realm. The events of Har Sinai, which launched the history of faith were otherworldly and hover above historical events. My Rebbe, Rav Lichtenstein zt”l ( whose yahrzeit is this week) once described faith as follows: your faith should be strong enough that you can be the last remaining Jew in the world, walk out of Auschwitz and
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still remain committed”. Torah and faith are eternal and in no way impacted by events on this Earth. The tonality of our relationship with G-d may change, but the basic terms of our relationship with G-d remain immutable. However, though religious faith is immutable, historical perspective is very dynamic and historical perspective deeply influences our religious mindset. The Holocaust was a historical shift precisely because the long night of Jewish Exile was concluding. It is always darkest before dawn and the nightmare of Jewish history occurred just as a new sun was rising upon Zion and launching the final chapter of history- Jewish redemption. It is intellectually dishonest and morally treacherous to trace the relationship between the Holocaust and the State of Israel. However, the sheer proximity of these two events – occurring less than three years apart- should remind us that we have been chosen to be part of the final chapters of Jewish history. We are living in a different historical period and the demands of history and by extension of religion have expanded. The decade of the 1940’s was a historical hurricane in which the world shifted twice: first it was plunged into the nightmarish misery of the Holocaust, and then it pivoted again to herald the great return of an ancient people to their lost homeland. Rabbi Moshe Taragin is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.
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Weekly Dvar Torah FR O M ER ETZ Y I S RA E L
The Kosher Command BY RABBI BEREL WEIN One of the more distinguishing life values which Judaism advocates is the type of food that a Jew eats. There are foods that a Jew is commanded to eat such as matzah on Pesach and, continuing with Pesach, there are also forbidden foods such as leavened bread. The laws and customs regarding kosher food are numerous and complex. Perhaps no other area of Jewish life, except for the Sabbath and its laws, has evoked, over the centuries, so much scholarship and divergence of opinions regarding Halacha and practice. Nevertheless, there are clear lines of the delineation that established the basic rules regarding kosher food. There have been many explanations and reasons given regarding this facet of Jewish life concerning permissible and forbidden foods. These reasons range from the mysteries of Kabbalistic thought to the seemingly practical ideas of good health and proper diet.
However, even after all the rational explanations have been expounded upon, the laws of kosher food remain one of the great commandments of the Torah for which we have no completely rational explanation. Therefore, Kashrut belongs in the realm of chukim – laws and commandments that we follow simply because that is the Will, so to speak, of our Creator. Our limited capacity of human understanding makes for the mystery behind the commandment. But the commandment itself stands, and it is binding for whatever reason we may or may not assign to it and its performance. One thing, however, remains crystal
clear. All Jewish history attests that the commandment of the consumption of only kosher food has been one of the main contributors to the survival of Judaism and the Jewish people over the ages. It has created the necessary boundary that delineates us and our faith. By so doing, it has given us a deep realization that being a Jew relates also to the body and internal organs of a person, and not only the cerebral notion of religion that many people have. It is very important to be a good Jew in heart and mind. But for all the unknown and unseen reasons that lie behind the survival of the Jewish people over the millennia against all odds, it is
All Jewish history attests that the commandment of the consumption of only kosher food has been one of the main contributors to the survival of Judaism…
just as important, if not even more so, to be a good Jew in one’s stomach. Difficulties in maintaining proper standards in kosher food and the abandonment by many secular Jews of the entire concept of kosher food, has inevitably contributed to the rates of assimilation and intermarriage of their succeeding generations. People who can eat together eventually realize they can socialize together, and the rest is obvious. One of the great blessings of our modern time is the abundance of all types of kosher food. In Israel and in the United States there is little challenge left in having to observe the commandments of kosher food. Nevertheless, a large section of the Jewish people still has not broken the bad habit of past generations, and, therefore, we are faced with numerous crises of disappointments in Jewish national life. As the Torah is our friend and protector, we should therefore always be aware of its demands. It is for our own sake that we should do so. Rabbi Berel Wein is Senior Rabbi of Beit Knesset HaNassi in Jerusalem and Director of the Destiny Foundation.
A Torah bite for the Shabbat table
Keeping the Mitzvos for the right reason RABBI GOODMAN Explaining the reason behind a Mitzvah is a tricky business; we, as finite beings, cannot possibly grasp the essence of an infinite command. Nevertheless, appreciating the benefits of Hashem’s directives is certainly within our reach. Watching Covid-19, the product of abhorrent eating habits, ravage the world population, unquestionably assists in comprehending the numerous prohibitions, found in this week’s Parsha, against eating “shratzim” insects, rodents, and reptiles. The Gemara in Bava Metziah (61b) cites a proclamation of Hashem, that He would have happily redeemed the Jewish People from Egypt for them to observe only one Mitzvah- the Mitzvah not to defile themselves by eating shratzim. The Gemara subsequently explains the reason for this surprising notion: although other Mitzvos bear a greater reward than this Mitzvah,
nevertheless, eating creepy-crawlies is disgusting. Rabbi Avraham Binyamin Shmuel Sofer (1815-1871), commonly referred to as the Ksav Sofer, strives to understand the Gemara’s curious explanation. On the contrary, since eating shratzim is naturally repulsive, observing this Mitzvah does not require excessive self-sacrifice. Why should this Mitzvah alone justify redeeming an entire nation from slavery? The Ksav Sofer explains that the answer lies within the words of Hashem’s pronouncement, namely that Hashem would have redeemed the Jewish People for not defiling themselves by eating shratzim.
It is not the revolting nature of entomophagy which lies behind the prohibition to eat shratzim, rather it is their appalling spiritual effects upon those who consume them. Were Bnei Yisroel to have observed this Mitzvah because of its dangerous spiritual consequences and not because it naturally repulsed them, Hashem would have happily redeemed them. To perform what comes naturally, but for a higher purpose, displays true allegiance and dedication. A Torah lifestyle certainly brings immeasurable benefits to all aspects of our lives, however, we keep the Mitzvos because Hashem has commanded us to
To perform what comes naturally, but for a higher purpose, displays true allegiance and dedication. THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
do so. Our challenge is to maintain our observance for the right reasons. As we see from this incredible Ksav Sofer, the “easier” the Mitzvah, the harder it is to achieve this lofty goal. A project of My Dvar Torah, Torah Bite is your resource for a short, dynamic, and meaningful Dvar Torah to share at the Shabbos table. Originally from London, Rabbi Ben Goodman has spent 20 years in Jerusalem, teaching and inspiring students from all backgrounds and from all over the world. He is the director of My Dvar Torah, providing tailor-made Divrei Torah for all occasions. www.mydvartorah.com. He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com
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Shemini
Sidra Summary the Divine presence will rest upon them (Rashi).
3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 9:24-10:11
1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – VAYIKRA 9:1-16
The sidrah begins almost a year after the Exodus from Egypt, on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. After seven days of inaugurating the Mishkan (Tabernacle), Moshe instructs Aharon to bring two special offerings, an elevation offering (olah) and a sin offering (chatat). The people are also told to bring a chatat, two olah offerings and two peace offerings (shelamim). Aharon approaches the altar (mizbeach), together with his sons, and they begin the process of bringing these offerings.
2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 9:17-23
Aharon and his sons finish the offerings, after which Aharon blesses the people with the priestly blessing (Rashi). Moshe and Aharon then bless the people that
A fire comes from heaven and consumes the offerings on the mizbeach. The people fall to the ground in awe of G-d. Nadav and Avihu, two of Aharon’s sons, bring an incense offering (ketoret) in a pan, which they had not been commanded to do. A fire descends from G-d, killing them instantly. Aharon is silent. Moshe asks two of their cousins to remove the bodies. Moshe tells Aharon and his two surviving sons, Elazar and Itamar, not to display any mourning in public. G-d says to Aharon that no one is allowed to perform the service in the Mishkan when drunk. Point to Consider: What reward did Aharon receive for his silence? (see Rashi to 10:3)
4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 10:12-15
Moshe tells Aharon and his sons to eat the remaining parts of a special meal offering (mincha) that they themselves had brought that day, as well as parts of the shelamim offering which they had also brought.
5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 10:16-19
Moshe criticises Elazar and Itamar (Aharon’s other sons) for burning one of the chatat offerings instead of eating parts of it. Aharon defends their actions, based on their status as mourners (Rashi). Moshe accepts Aharon’s justification.
6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 11:1-32
G-d teaches Moshe and Aharon some of the laws of kashrut. Only an animal with completely split hooves and which chews the cud is kosher (see p.3 article). Therefore, animals like the camel and pig, which have only one of these characteristics, are forbidden. Fish are only kosher if they have both fins and scales. The Torah lists forbidden birds by name. Flying insects are also prohibited food, with limited exceptions (that are today difficult
to identify). Kosher animals which die without proper slaughter (shechitah), as well as dead non-kosher animals, transmit ritual impurity (tumah) to one who touches them.
7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 11:33-47
The Torah lists some basic laws of how certain utensils can become impure (tameh) and how they need to be treated thereafter. All creeping insects are forbidden to eat. Keeping these laws allows a person to become sanctified and holy.
HAFTARAH
The prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel) admonishes the nation for worshipping idols and desecrating G-d’s Name. However, he says that one day G-d will purify them, giving them a ‘new heart’ and return them to the Land.
Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat Once a person has appreciated that G-d is the One Who sustains them and one only pursues a livelihood due to that being G-d’s decree, they should ensure to not chase every option that comes there way but to choose a living that suits their personality best so that it won’t frustrate their service of G-d. Some jobs require minimal physical effort such as being a shop keeper (in those days…). Professions such as a tailor or a writer do not need too much physical labour as opposed tiring work like mining, building and schlepping. Travel and working the earth also take up time. A person who is blessed with more physical might than intelligence should choose a job that suits their nature and likewise the opposite for a person who is intellectually blessed but physically limited. G-d grants a person a
leaning towards a certain profession as He gives animals certain strengths too, for example a cat is capable of chasing mice for its food so that is what it does. G-d gave stronger teeth and nails to lions and a long beak to a bird. Not so to animals that live off vegetation. A person should not resent their livelihood efforts, even if they don’t enjoy every
minute of it. When engaged in earning a livelihood a person should ensure to do so with pure thoughts and good intentions - to sustain their body and their wife and family. As shulchan aruch teaches: one who has pure intentions even in their so-called mundane activities, is actually serving his Creator constantly. So, one can actually spend their entire day (and night) serving Hashem!
We will now address the topic of Muktzah. Literally meaning “Set Aside”, Muktzah as far as Shabbat is concerned, refers to items and their surfaces which may not be moved on Shabbat. There are numerous reasons for the rabbinic prohibition of Muktzah. The reason provided by Rambam is: The Sages reasoned: If our prophets saw fit to limit even what one speaks about on Shabbat (for example, one may not discuss commerce on Shabbat) and how one should walk (unless for a Mitzvah, one may not run on Shabbat) then certainly it would be suitable to not move items which cannot be used on Shabbat. This is all to add to the spirit of Shabbat that it should not take on a weekday appearance. For example, it would lessen the aura of Shabbat if a person would walk around with a pen in their hand – even if they would not use it. Worst still, they would neglect the purpose of Shabbat which is to be a day of rest. There are four categories of Muktzah: (1) An item whose principal use if one that is prohibited on Shabbat. A pen or a
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hammer would be easy examples of this (2) An items which is generally not moved due to its high value, for example an expensive camera or wall hanging. (3) Something which is not of any use for example fruit peels, stones, or certain raw foods. (4) An items which serves as a base for a Muktzah item. If a Muktzah item was intentionally left on it throughout the twilight period of Shabbat coming in then not only is it forbidden to move the surface with the Muktzah item on it, it is also forbidden to move the surface itself on Shabbat. We will explore all of these topics in further details over the coming weeks b’ezrat Hashem.
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Business ethics and Jewish religious life
BY RABBI DONIEL GRUNEWALD Having left Pesach and as we now head towards Shavuos, we come to a time of year which is an unusual hybrid of the holy and the mundane. On the one hand we have left Yom Tov and are back at work. On the other hand, we are in the period of the Counting of the Omer, which acts as a bridge between Pesach and Shavuos and the giving of the Torah, a period which, according to the רמב”ן1 is even somewhat akin to Chol HaMoed, the Intermediate Days of a festival. Given this context, this is an excellent time to reflect upon the relationship of our working and our Jewish life. Are they, and should they be, inextricably intertwined or are they simply two separate points of life? Should we perceive a synergy between these two parts of our life and in our growth or are they simply like two different areas within which we must live? It seems to me that the former is the case, and that, actually, the extent to which Business Ethics and our values at work are part of our Jewish Religious Experience is generally greatly underestimated. This is because of three distinct aspects of connection that exist between these two areas of life, in Jewish life. The purpose of this article is to introduce and briefly discuss each of these three, in them.
(1) ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR AS A RELIGIOUS OBLIGATION
It’s well known that there are many interpersonal religious obligations. We are instructed not to steal ()לא תגזול, not to cheat or mislead, and not to overcharge – which would incidentally contradict any legal doctrine of Caveat Emptor in many cases. In a similar vein, we are instructed to pay workers on time. These are wellknown religious obligations. But there are also less well-known Jewish ethical directives which are perhaps even more extensive. The famous precept of ואהבת לרעך כמוךtranslates into certain “dos and don’ts” of Business practice, and the Mitzva of Hashovas Aveida, the 1
Parshas Emor 23:15
simple meaning of which is that we must return lost articles, obligates us to protect others from loss in certain cases in a Business context as well, even if they are potential customers or clients – or even competitors. As a classic example, the doctrine of Caveat Emptor, though perhaps popular in many legal systems, might be religiously prohibited based on several of the above principles. Though there may be people whose entire livelihoods may depend on principles like this, this may be impossible for the ethically committed Jew. And there are even deeper aspects to this, which even touch on how we think, thus guiding us into forming ourselves into really ethical personalities. King David, in Psalms, in defining the qualities that he feels people ought to strive for, writes of being 2“”דבר אמת בלבבו, which the Gemara explains as referring to one who will be faithful to a price he has thought of giving in a transaction, even if he had not communicated that price to the buyer in any way. And, to cite a second example, none other than one of the Ten Commandments – – לא תחמודenjoins us to refrain from trying to obtain things from others who own them and do not wish to consider selling. Mitzvos such as these push us to promote even within ourselves an inner Truthfulness and Contentment, as opposed to dishonesty, envy and greed.
(2) ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR AS A PATHWAY TO THE DIVINE
Thus far, what we have established is that Judaism contains many מצוותbetween Man and his fellow Man. It is clear, however, that one’s working life directly relates to one’s obligations between himself and G-d, as well, in several ways. Firstly, and perhaps most fundamentally, King Solomon instructs us: 3“בכל “דרכיך דעהו- that one should know G-d in all ones ways. What does this mean? The sages explain – and in fact this meaning is even codified in Shulchan Aroch4 – that all we do should be done לשם שמים, “for the sake of Heaven”. Put another way – we as Jews believe that we were created and placed in this world to fulfil a Divinely-mandated purpose. It is almost as if we should see ourselves on a lifelong mission through life, and all that we do should be positive and constructive in the context of that “Mission”. How does one apply the principle of בכל דרכיך דעהוto one’s working life? The basic question to ask oneself is: Why am I working? If one’s answer is that one is working for one’s own desire, that is somewhat negative in Jewish thinking. If, however, the answer somehow fits into the bigger 2 3 4
Tehillim 15:2 Mishlei 3:6 Orach Chayim 231:1
framework of one’s life in the way that we have mentioned, it becomes part of one’s Jewish religious life and one’s connection to G-d. This can be even rather indirect, such as that one is working to earn money to have one’s needs, in order to be happy, enthusiastic and energetic in one’s religious life. Secondly, there is a מצווהin the תורה known as 5 והלכת בדרכיוwith which הinstructs us to “walk in His ways.” How is it possible to walk in His ways? The sages explain “Just like He is merciful, so too should you be.”6 This means that every time one behaves with one of these attributes, one is literally imitating G-d. On a deeper level, says Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto, this brings a person “closer” to G-d7.
(3) ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR AS A VEHICLE TO SELF-PERFECTION
A third aspect of the religious value of business ethics and of ethics in general, is the Jewish concept of Good Character as a fundamental and intrinsic value. It is well known that many Jewish works emphasise the importance of character improvements in Jewish Thought. In this context, a basic question has often been asked: If ethical excellence is so important in Judaism, why is its cultivation not in itself an explicit Torah obligation? It appears that the answer to this is twofold. Firstly, to a certain extent, the premise of the question is mistaken. There are a number of Torah commandments which do demand, or at least strongly apply in need for, good ethical character. ואהבת לרעך כמוךrequires me to be kindly predisposed to my fellow, for which I will require a trait of kindness . מה הוא אף אתה, as we mentioned above, exhorts us to be merciful and compassionate. According to R’ Moshe of Coucy, the “Smak”, there is even a מצוהnot to be conceited. In פרשת שופטים, the Torah gives special instructions to a Jewish king, and explains that they are לבלתי רום לבבו מאחיו8 – so that his heart does not become haughty over his brethren. The Smak explains that the Torah is forbidding even a king from being haughty; all the more so does this apply to a common man. In other cases we find the cultivation of good character subtly embedded in instructions which the Torah gives us. A good example of this is in Mishpotim, where the Torah says “”אם כסף תלוה את עמי9 – “if you will lend money to [members of ] my nation”. The Sages explain that although this directive is couched in a 5 6 7
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Devorim 28:9 Shabbos 133a In fact, since G-d is entirely non-corporeal, this is in a sense the only way one can really consider oneself close to G-d. Devorim 17:20 Shmos 22:24
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conditional form, it is actually an imperative. If so, asks Maharal of Prague, why does the Torah say it as if it is optional? The Maharal’s answer is “יש לו לרחם על ”העני10; that a person ought to be compassionate towards a poor person, and perform the mitzva of lending him money as if it were optional, even though the truth is that it is not. Secondly, and most fundamentally, this question is dealt with by a famous insight of R’ Chaim Vital, the famed principal disciple of the Arizal. He writes that the reason why the requirement for positive character traits is not stressed so clearly as a mitzva in Chumash is precisely because of its crucial significance; it is so axiomatic that it belongs not as a detail in Chumash but fundamentally as the essential foundation on which the whole of the Torah rests in the first place!11 It seems that what R’ Chaim Vital is saying is that, without good character, a system of law and of good behaviour between Man and both G-d and his Fellow Man would be simply unsustainable. According to this, the fact that Middos are perhaps less explicitly stated in the Torah does not weaken the mandate for their place in Jewish religious life, but in fact strengthens it! It is well-known that Jewish Law generally divides itself into two areas – בין אדם למקוםand בין אדם לחברו. Some commentators add, however, that there is in fact a third category which they call בין אדם – לעצמוBetween Man and Himself! This is exactly the foundational obligation to be of good character to which R’ Chaim Vital refers – the duty of each individual to take care of his personal growth and character development to make himself the best person he can become.
(4) CONCLUSION
Having looked at all these ideas, we can now return to the question with which we began. There can be no doubt that Ethics and Ethical Development are a crucial and highly integral part of Jewish values and of our whole religious system. Studying and contemplating aspects of this is therefore surely a most fitting way to prepare ourselves for our annual remembrance of the Revelation at Mount Sinai which we look forward to celebrating in just a few weeks’ time. Rabbi Doniel Grunewald is a Dispute Resolution Consultant and a qualified Mediator, Dayan and To’en Rabbani. He is the Founder and Director of Jewish Dispute Solutions, as well as Rabbinical Director of the Jewish Association for Business Ethics. He can be contacted via director@jewishdisputesolutions.co.uk or on 07401-661-152. 10 11
Gur Aryeh on Shmos 22:24:1 Shaarei Kedusha: Hashaar Hasheini
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Shemini
Shemini Word Search
Parshat Shemini opens with the final day of the grand launch of the Mishkan! Aaron and his sons are encouraged to begin their unique purpose of serving Hashem as representatives of the entire Jewish People! Sadly the day was not entirely cheerful though as two of Aarons children died after bringing a Ketoret offering into the holiest part of the Mishkan. The Jewish people were taught the laws of kosher and non kosher animals, birds and fish. We are proud to keep kosher and thankfully, when it will be possible, if we visit a farm or a zoo we can try to identify (from a safe distance!) Which animals have split hooves and (perhaps) which ones chew the cud! We are encouraged to stay pure and holy as representatives of Hashem in this world! That is true even today when we unfortunately do not have a Beit Hamikdash but we hope for the day that it will return in all its glory!
Tangram Challenge! Using all the shapes on the left can you make the tortoise shape on the right?
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AHARON • AVIHU • FIRE • KASHRUT • KETORET • MISHKAN • NADAV • NISSAN
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Shemini In a nutshell Parshat Shemini tells of the final day of the grand opening of the Mishkan. Moshe tells Aharon, who was shy to approach, that he has been chosen to be the Kohen Gadol and he has special offerings to bring up in honour of the special day. When a heaven-sent fire appears and consumes the offering on the Mizbeach the people rejoice, knowing that Hashem has accepted their Korban! This would have been one of the happiest days in history, indeed it has many “crowns” as our Sages taught, however, unfortunately it turned to a day of sadness, as the two sons of Aharon brought their own idea of a Ketoret offering to Hashem, which had not been commanded by Hashem, and they unfortunately died in the process. Aharon accepted Hashem’s decree with silence. Some say the reason they were punished is because they drank wine prior to going into the Mishkan and
therefore immediately following this unfortunate episode, Aharon and his children were taught the strict law of not consuming wine before performing the service in the Mishkan. There were gifts given to the Kohen from every eaten sacrifice that a non-kohen brought. The Jewish people are then taught the famous laws of kosher and non-kosher animals. All animals that have split hooves and chew the cud, are permitted to be eaten. Common examples of this are cows and sheep. If an animal has only one of those signs, for example if it only chews the cud but does not have split hooves like a camel or to the contrary, if it has split hooves but does not chew the cud, like a pig, then it may not be eaten. Fish too, are given signs of Kashrut. Only a fish that has both fins and scales may be eaten. If a fish has scales but sheds them whilst still in the
Word Wheel 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.
water they may still be permissible to consume. Not all birds are kosher either. An eagle is one example. There is another bird called the “Chasida” which may not be eaten, for although it may have the signs of Kashrut and has a very pious sounding name, it only is kind to its immediate family and that is not something we wish to emulate. We try to be kind to all those who will benefit from it! We are also taught the general laws of impure animals. For example, if one touched a dead animal, they would need to wash their clothes and at times a person needed to immerse themselves into a Mikvah to remove impurity when coming into contact with Tamei items. We may not fully understand all the reasons for these Mitzvot but we keep them anyway for we do understand that G-d knows what is good for our body and our soul!
Use this area to write the words you have found.
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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! age gap nag neg peg pig rag
reg rig veg gain gape gave gear
gene give grin grip page rage rang
ring agree anger eager gaper genie genre
given giver grain grape grave green gripe
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range reign vegan verge avenge enrage grieve
paring paving raving regain avenger engrave peering
reaping veering vinegar repaving grapevine
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Q:Why do pandas like old movies? A: Because they are black and white.
Q: What is a horse’s favourite sport? A: Stable tennis! Q: How does a bird with a broken wing manage to land safely? A: With its sparrowchute.
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3. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Lettuce. Lettuce who? Lettuce in it’s cold out here.
2. What can be seen in the middle of March and April that cannot be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
3) Footsteps
1. A kite
2) The letter ‘r’
1. Three point turn 2. Bags under the eyes 3. Hunch back
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Hammers fighting for Sixteen-goal Lions Champions League spot rout Scrabble in Cup BY DAVID SAFFER
Manchester City are four wins away from clinching the Premier League title but the BY DAVID SAFFER race for Champions League spots is set to continue until the six final games of the Reiss Mogilner scored goals as Maccabi season. Lions thumped Scrabble A in the London Manchester and Leicester City second round ofUnited the Cyril Anekstein Cup. areThwell-placed to join but e Premier League sidethem racked upfourth a 16-0 place is up for grabs with West Ham,Kenley Chelwin with Daniel Green and Michael sea, Tottenham Hotspur,EdLiverpool both bagging a hat-trick. Brafman, and DaEverton separated by just five points for a vid Dinkin, and Adam Hassanali completlucrative place. ed the rout in a mismatch of a tie. The Hammers fourth following Lions could havesitscored in the openinga thrillingof 3-2 win overbut Wolves Molineux minute the clash soon at opened the on Monday night. manager David scoring and led 9-0 Should by half time. Moyes guide West Ham to the elite EuroThe Division One team, though outpean competition it will be end. an astonishing classed, battled away to the achievement. Lions boss was lost for words at full time Jesse Lingard, Pablofrom Forlans such was the display his and teamJarrod who Bowen scored firsttohalf goals to set up a gave every respect the opposition. vital Tottenham “I’mwin notwith reallyChelsea, sure there’s anythingand to Everton dropping points. say, we are happy to make it through to the Wolves close whilst the next roundwent of the cup,”tohescoring commented. visitors built a leadSports and did before Hendon United ranhit outback 3-1 victors the interval through Dendonker. against League One Leander outfit North London Moyes had seen his side lose a two-goal Raiders. advantage against Arsenal time out The Premier side led early last in the second but lightning didn’t strike twice,but although half only for Raiders to equalise struck Fabiolate Silva pulled another goal in back on two goals to book a place round 66 minutes, as his team who were missing three of the competition. injured midfielder Rice held out to Hendon now turnDeclan their attentions to the seal a huge victory. league as they travel to Oakwood A for a Moyestop told “For on a manager crucial of Sky the Sports. table clash Sunday it is torture. Scoring three last week and (10am). three this,Kristall’s unfortunately conceding a few Daniel team stunned the league as well.last It was really open. leaders month when theyBoth won teams 2-0, a could have felt like deja victory wouldscored move more. them toItwithin a point vu.Hendon We didn’t manage too well. We were of with a matchit in hand. going to try and make it four instead of setElsewhere in the latest round of fixtures, tling for 3-0 at half-time. Some of our play 10-man North London Galaxy made it a in the first title half race was in scintillating. Jesse (Linthree-way the only Division One gard) of was clash thefantastic.” day after defeating Oakwood B. Regarding a top four “We Jamie Murray saw redspot, earlyhe onnoted, but Galaxy have towith go and it Josh on. Why not? I am rallied goalstake from Cohen and Jahearing talking about West Ham cob Leighpundits to record an important 2-1 away having a chance of Champions League. win. Nobody have envisaged or menGalaxy would head Redbridge Jewish Care A in tioned that Can we10 keep it gothe table by last just season. one point after matches, ing? We are Fairlop going toFC tryare andficompete third place ve pointswith bethe big teams until the end.” hind with two right games in hand. Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood. told “In possession we started “It Sky wasSports, a fantastic performance in a
Gabriel Jesus took Manchester City another step towards the title 16-goal but Maccabi well, weLondon wereLions very poor in defence. There were players running 30, 40 metres and it takes away from all the Galaxy good things must-win game, ” commented playwe did in attack.” He added, “Conceding er-manager Luke Lewis. three against a top team like West “Wegoals sat back and allowed Oakwood the Ham given makesthe it very difficultadvantage to reverse and the ball, one-man result.” to hit them on the counter attack looked Chelsea with pace. lost to West Brom in a shock 5-2 defeat Stamford Bridge. “Bothatgoals came down the right-hand TheLeigh Baggies havethe a mountain to climb to side. crossed first one into Cohen avoid the before drop but came home from behind to finish, slotting himself.after Up Christian Pulisic reacted quickest to tap to first we go. ” home 25-yard free took kick The Marcos DivisionAlonso’s Two title race also post. After Thiago Silva was awhich twiststruck with a league leaders Herstwood red carded for two offences the Vale going down to bookable a 2-1 defeat at Temple visitors took a half time lead courtesy of a Fortune. Matheus Pereira brace in first half injury Faithfold B have played a game more time.Vale Alonso a post onwith the resumption than but hit moved level a 5-3 win at but theLondon Baggies were not to be denied as North Raiders Masters. Callum Robinson onwho 63 Jacob Kalms struckslotted twice forhome Fortune minutes. A slickleading break saw Mbaye Diagna scored through scorer James Milfinish, Mason reduced the deficit letwith his 17thMount goal of the season. before Robinson completed scoring The result was all the more the remarkable lateTemple on. as were down to 11 players with Chelsea’s Tuchel toldaBT Sport, ‘keeper Ben Thomas Rebuck dislocating shoulder “Every shot was in the warm up. a goal from them. Clearly it “Th wasisnot ouraday today. We get the was fantastic win will given
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
relegation. The hosts opened the scoring through Joelinton only for the visitors to hit back with a Harry Kane brace just past the half hour. Tottenham’s Japhet Tanganga had a header cleared off the line but Steve Bruce’s side more than matched the visitors, and after Kane twice failed to bag a hat trick, Newcastle levelled through Joe Willock five minutes from time. Jose Mourinho told BBC Radio 5 Live, “We needed to win the match and we came to win. We were not far from winning it but, at the same time, we created some instability on the game with so many individual defensive mistakes that we made. We always gave Newcastle a chance to be in the game. Of course, we had the biggest chance of the game to make it 3-1 and kill it, then we concede a game the next minute.” Newcastle boss Steve Bruce told Sky Sports, “I thought we were the better side. It was as good as I’ve seen us play for a long, long time. Just disappointed we haven’t won it. You take a point. I’m really DAVID SAFFER pleased with the performance.”PHOTO: Regarding the relegation battle, he noted, “If you’re down at the bottom end it’s so difficult. We’re not alone down there. At times it seems like we’re the only team in the bottom half of the division. Hopefully we can get a result against Burnley (on Sunday).” Liverpool are level on points with Tottenham after an impressive 3-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and James Milner went close before Diogo Jota thundered home a header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross one will enjoy. ” on 64 minutes. Mo Salah doubled the Jacob lead four minutes later withto a Vale boss Emanuel was quick clinical finish. Salah almosthis made it three wish Rebuck well following injury. before his secondeveryone on 82 min“FirstJota andnotched most importantly, at utes after woeful defending by the‘keeper GunVale would like to wish the Fortune ners. Mane was denied twice more a quick recovery, we hope to see himbefore back full time. on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports, “A top, said. top counter-pressing was at As game. for theOur defeat, Emanuel commented, the highest matter level which very important. “It doesn’t how isbig a squad you In general, the never defending fromforthe whole have, you can account unavailteam exactly asfiitve should. I’m really abilitylooked or injury. Only of today’s team happy whole anda played with in ourthe recent winperformance over FC Team, more the three points.” lack ofsotogetherness and poor individual
Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and James Milner closeold school performance, “It was went a proper before Diogo Jotadefended for the 90 minutes we battled and thundered home a and took our chances. Experience proved header from a Trent to be the winner.” Alexanderright response.” First all, it’s important circumstances, said ofdelighted Fortune we digest (the result). I did not see it boss SimonitLinden. coming, nowa we have tooftake our responsi“We had number players out, Rebilities, included, shakehave it off.” buck gotme injured, so Iand couldn’t asked Baggies bossthe Sam Allardyce told any more from players. We wish BenBT a Sport, “Our goals were all quality goals, speedy recovery. not finishing the build ups. It’s “Itjust wasthe a proper oldbut school performance, justbattled a bit ofand a shame wefor didn’t show that we defended the 90 minutes quality in our some others games. But this still and took chances. Experience proved gives bit of hope.” to be us theawinner. It’s a big win, one we will Tottenham are three points West enjoy and we hope to build onbehind it in 2019. ” Ham after shipping late goal against He added, “This winamarks 50 years as a Newcastle United in abe 2-2 draw at St James’ football club and will one Nigel Kyte and Park, whoassociated deserved with a point they battle everyone the as club from day
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TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 injured talisman skipper Jack Grealish and took time to settle against Fulham who opened the scoring through Aleksandar Mitrovic after a horrendous error by Tyrone Mings on the hour. But the hosts battled back. Mings atoned for his error by setting up substitute Trezeguet to fire home, Trezeguet then slotted Villa ahead nine minutes from time prior to Watkins tapping in a third late on. Parker told Sky Sports, “We had a poor 15 minutes after we got our noses in front. They got into the game at 1-1 and they were easy goals, silly goals. That has let us down.” Regarding the relegation scrap, he added, “We were in an unbelievable position, this is a bump on the road. We have proven that we can respond and regroup all season. We will be brutally honest with ourselves, we were not good enough for 15 minutes but there are seven games left and everything to play for.” Villa boss Dean Smith told Sky Sports, “It was a hard fought win and it’s nice to come back from behind because we haven’t done that this season.” Pep Guardiola’s City are close to wrapping up the title after easing to a 2-0 win at Leicester City. Fernandez had a goal chalked off for offside whilst Kevin de Bruyne rattled the crossbar with a free kick as City bossed
Mason Greenwood scored Manchester United’s first against Brighton
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports: “They were better in every department and deserved to win the game with the margin they had, or even more. I accept responsibility for the way we played today. They made the right decisions, we didn’t. It is my fault. I have to set the team up to perform in a different way and that is it. Congratulations to Liverpool because they were exceptional today.” Everton have a game in hand on their Champions League rivals but are five points off the pace after wasting a golden opportunity to get into the mix after Crystal Palace’s Michy Batshuayi scored a late equaliser at Goodison Park. Palace keeper Vicente denied Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in the first-half but the points appeared to be in the bag when James Rodriguez struck on 56 minutes. However, the Toffees’ defensive frailties were capitalised by Batshuayi in a 1-1 draw. Carlo Ancelotti told Sky Sports, “We were not clinical in front of the goal. We could deserve to win but this is football. We were better of course, James put more quality up front.” He added, “We lost two points and that could be important for the fight for Europe. There is a lot of competition in front of us.” Fulham let a lead slip in a disappointing 3-1 loss to Aston Villa. The result means Newcastle are three points clear of Scott Parker’s side with a match in hand in the battle to avoid relegation. Villa have struggled without
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“If you concede against a team with that much quality they can just hide the ball from you. We have been brilliant this season with what we have had to contend with…”
Tyrone Mings set up Aston Villa’s equaliser against Fulham
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
possession. The pressure eventually told when Benjamin Mendy opened the scoring on 58 minutes with a fine finish. And a club record 15th successive away win was confirmed when Gabriel Jesus finished off a wonderful move initiated by de Bruyne. Guardiola told Sky Sports, “They (Leicester) are an incredible team, we suffered at home against them but we are more patient and it is a big step to winning the Premier League.” Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports, “If you concede against a team with that much quality they can just hide the ball from you. We have been brilliant this season with what we have had to contend with, injuries and stuff, so now we can recover for a few days and freshen the guys up.” Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s United came from behind to defeat Brighton 2-1 at Old Trafford. Mason Greenwood hit a post early on before the visitors struck through former United star Danny Welbeck on 13 minutes. Lewis Dunk went close to doubling the lead before half time but the hosts hit back just past the hour when Marcus Rashford slotted in a Bruno Fernandes pass. Greenwood went close before nodding in a Paul Pogba miss-hit strike at goal for the winner
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SPORT 55 seven minutes from time. Solksjaer told BBC Sport, “I thought we started well but when they scored, after that we couldn’t find our rhythm again and we needed half time to compose ourselves and go again. Second half we played some good stuff. More runs in behind, more movement, better movement.” Brighton are six points clear of Fulham and have a game in hand as they battle to avoid the drop. Seagulls boss Graham Potter told BBC Sport, “We took the lead and were probably the team which carried the most threat in the first half. We just missed that final pass.” He added, “I’m confident in terms of the team, the way we’re playing and the personality in the team but until you get the points you can never relax. Sometimes the opposition have some quality that you have to hold your hands up to and say ‘that’s good.’ We’ll keep going.” Southampton came from two goals down to defeat Burnley 3-2 at St Mary’s Stadium. Chris Wood went close in the opening minute before firing home a penalty on 12 minutes. Wood then set up Matej Vydra to finish left footed for a 2-0 lead before the half hour. But Saints hit back immediately through Stuart Armstrong then Danny Ings levelled with a solo effort against his former side before the break. James Ward-Prowse, Armstrong and Ings were thwarted by Burnley’s Nick Pope prior to Nathan Redmond volleying the winner on 66 minutes. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team are 10 points clear of the relegation spots. He told BBC Sport, “We have belief in what we are doing and I think you grab the chance when you get it. It was important to make the equaliser before half-time. Then you are in a better position mentally to keep on going. I don’t know a lot of teams who turned it around like we did, so it’s a massive boost. It was a six-pointer today.” Burnley boss Sean Dyche told BBC MOTD, “We had a lot of control in the first half an hour and did the simple things well. Then we flat-lined for 15 minutes. You cannot do that in the Premier League. Without being disrespectful to Southampton, we presented them with a chance to win the game and were a little bit naive. The second half was a ding-dong.” Leeds United are eyeing a top-10 finish after defeating Championship-bound Sheffield United 2-1 at Elland Road. Tyler Roberts and Raphinha combined for Jack Harrison to tap in the opening goal of this Yorkshire derby. After Harrison failed to double the lead Ben Osborn struck in first half stoppage time for the Blades, whose relegation will soon be ratified. However, the hosts were not to be denied as Harrison’s left wing cross was turned into his own goal by Phil Jagielka with Raphinha waiting to pounce on 49 minutes. Dallas and Patrick Bamford had opportunities to add a third. Leeds have won many admirers on their return to top flight football but will be mindful how their Yorkshire rivals’ twoyear Premier stint has ended. Manager Marcelo Bielsa however will be relishing taking on Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United in the next league fixtures.
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