The Jewish Weekly Issue 154

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• Residential • Respite • Independent Living

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COMMUNITY COVID-19 DEATHS AT ZERO 13 AUGUST 2020/23 AV 5780

@TheJewishWeekly 154

BY DAVID SAFFER

No Jewish funerals appear in community Covid-19 weekly statistics for the first time since Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s addressed the nation in his historic ‘lockdown’ speech on March 23.

Board of Deputies President, Marie van der Zyl welcomed the milestone data but there are caveats.

As of week ending August 7th, 508 Jewish funerals took place where a deceased contracted Covid-19. This represents no increase on the previous week.

Though cautious over data a trend is clear.

A caveat is smaller communities don’t report to the Board weekly so there may be COVID-19 funerals in the wider community.

Those reports will arrive soon.

“This should strengthen our resolve to continue to take handwashing seriously and follow

Marie van der Zyl

PHOTO: BOD

social distancing guidance strictly,” noted Ms van de Zyl. “Our community has suffered disproportionately from the pandemic, and we must not slip back.”

The Board’s thoughts are with bereaved families and survivors with long-term effects of the disease.

Board data relates to a seven-day period. The Board liaises

with seven of the largest denominational burial boards to collate an indicator of deaths where Covid-19 was a factor.

Burial boards include the Adath Yisroel Burial Society, Federation of Synagogues Burial Society, Spanish and Portuguese Sephardi Community and United Synagogue Burial Society.

The Board receives regional community reports or accounts through burial boards where COVID-19 is on a death certificate. Deaths in hospitals and the wider community are covered.

The Board notes that data separate to this indicator may not have similar parameters. The Board does not take successive figures as indicative of trends as smaller communities cannot report weekly. Comparable figures are available from the Board.

There have been 736,000 deaths and 20m cases of Covid-19 globally.

TRIBUTES TO “MODERN-DAY RASHI”

Rabbi Steinsaltz zt”l

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2 NEWS

Hate incident at Leeds pub

BY NATALIE ASH Investigations continue into an anti-Semitic incident where a man was caught on camera at a Wetherspoons pub in Leeds telling a university student “we should have gassed the lot of you”.

The identity of the man has been established and his employer has been contacted.

The hate comment was made whilst Danielle Greyman, who is studying sociology, was videoing a couple at The Hedley Verity pub in Leeds during an argument.

Ms Greyman posted the hate incident on Facebook.

During the altercation, Ms Greyman was told she looks like a Jew and “We should have ****ing gassed the lot of you” by a man who claimed to be a German.

Ms Greyman retorted, “If you want to gas my people, I will take you to court. I’m not joking.”

Wetherspoons staff asked the couple to leave and have banned them from returning.

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Campaign Against Antisemitism has offered assistance.

A CAA spokesperson said, “Clearly this man felt completely comfortable telling a Jewish student that he felt the Holocaust was unfinished business in broad daylight in a busy pub.

“He must face the full force of the law.

We are encouraged that West Yorkshire Police is taking this seriously and that the perpetrator has reportedly been identified, and we stand ready to assist the victim should she decide to contact us.”

A Police spokesperson confirmed the victim reported being verbally abused by three suspects last Thursday evening before the suspects made off. They have appealed for witnesses. Enquiries remain ongoing.

Police added, “Any incidents motivated by hostility and hate are unacceptable and are taken very seriously by West Yorkshire Police.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting log 1439 of 06/08.

Netanyahu calls for appeal hearing

BY SIMCHA ABIR Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an appeal hearing after the High Court ruled against destroying the home of a terrorist who killed IDF soldier Amit Ben-Yigal last May. Nizmi Abu Bakr, 49, is charged with Ben-Yigal’s death following an operation in the West Bank village of Yabed.

Justices Menachem Mazuz and George Karra made its decision as Abu Bakr’s wife and eight children still live in the apartment.

The IDF are allowed to seal one room where the terrorist lived.

The High Court has made a “sad decision”, Netanyahu reportedly said.

“I demand to hold an additional hearing with an expanded panel (of judges). My policy as Prime Minister is to destroy the homes of terrorists and I intend to continue with it.”

Ben-Yigal’s father, Baruch, reportedly said it was a “wrong and unjust decision”.

He added, “I’m not looking for revenge because I don’t need it, it’s merely a matter of deterrence, which this decision lacks.”

Baruch continued, “This verdict is humiliating to our soldiers today.”

Shin Bet security service arrested Abu Bakr following a manhunt a month after the terror incident.

Netanyahu commended the IDF, Shin Bet and security forces for catching the killer.

Rivlin noted, “We will act uncompromisingly against terrorism and its perpetrators to keep Israelis safe.”

Nizmi Abu Bakr

PHOTO: SHINBET

Ben Yigal was among a Golani Brigade reconnaissance conducting an overnight arrest of four terror suspects when the tragedy occurred. The 21-year-old was fatally struck leaving the village. Ben Yigal was transferred to a Haifa hospital but pronounced dead.

The IDF detained over 10 residents from a building, including Abu Bakr, where the block was thrown. Abu Bakr denied involvement.

Ben Yigal, who was one month before ending his army service, was buried at Be’er Yaakov cemetery. He was the first IDF casualty in the West Bank of 2020.

Former Defense Minister Naftali Bennett and IDF officials attended the funeral.

Call for Facebook to adopt IHRA Campaign Against Antisemitism is part of a 128-strong global group calling on Facebook to adopt the International Definition of Anti-Semitism. The international coalition has welcomed a revision of Facebook policy standards in an open letter to the company’s board of directors but appealed to the social media giant to implement a hate speech policy on anti-Semitism that includes the full IHRA definition at its core.

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The letter goes on to ask whether Facebook will take responsibility and move toward removing the scourge of anti-Semitism from today’s “online public square”.

The group concluded by urging Facebook to put “words into action and power behind commitment”.

Approaching 40 countries have adopted the IHRA definition either through membership or independently.

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Cabinet Office to review Wiley MBE

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The Cabinet Office has officially opened a case into reviewing anti-Semtic rapper Wiley’s MBE. The move follows Campaign Against Antisemitism contacting the Honours Forfeiture Committee about the controversial grime artist being stripped of the honour.

CAA has welcomed the news from the Honours and Appointments Secretariat.

The committee can consider a case for a various reasons including “being found guilty of a criminal offence” and behaviour deemed to bring the honours system into “disrepute”.

CAA will be kept informed of progress made.

A spokesperson said, “It is extremely important to us that Wiley is held to account for his actions, which is why we campaigned successfully with others for his removal from social media to stop his incitement, and why we are in touch with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that he is prosecuted and the Cabinet Office to ensure that he is stripped of his MBE. “We are pleased that the Cabinet Office has confirmed that a case in respect of forfeiting Wiley’s MBE has been opened, and shall continue to monitor progress.

For now, we are urging the public to support our petition calling for racists to be stripped of their honours automatically.”

The lobbyists, meantime, have two parliamentary petitions calling for racists to be stripped of honours and the government to bring forward an Online Harms Bill by the end of 2020. Legislation would be in place by July 2012.

A CAA spokesperson noted, “From their pitiful responses to the hate spewed daily on their platforms, it is evident that social media companies will stop at nothing to make a profit.

“It is time for these deeply damaging and irresponsible companies to be held accountable for the hatred they help to spread. Anti-Semites are able to use these platforms to reach millions and by failing to act on anti-Jewish incitement technology companies are enabling it.

“Social networks are allowing racism to run rampant and it is high time they were regulated like all other mass media.”

The petitions followed CAA’s call to the Cabinet Office for Wiley to be stripped of his MBE CAA have also written to the Ivors Academy calling for Wiley to be stripped of his 2019 Inspiration Award and to be prosecuted for his actions.

Wiley was eventually banned from Facebook, who own Intagram, and Twitter following a global 48-hour Twitter boycott last month.

Following Wiley’s anti-Semitic rantings, over 700 musicians, songwriters, producers, managers and publishers from

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music industry signed a letter condemning racism.

Signatories included Alexandra Burke, Labrinth, Lewis Capaldi, Little Mix, James Blunt, Jess Glynne, Naighty Boy, Olly Murs and Rita Ora. Heads of EMI, Universal Music UK, Warner Music UK and Sony Music UK participated, Signatories expressed a determination that “love, unity and friendship, not division and hatred” must be our common cause.

“In recent months anti-black racists and anti-Semites, plus those who advocate Islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, have repeatedly demonstrated that they want us all to fail,” they noted. “Whether it be systemic racism and racial inequality highlighted by police brutality in America or anti-Jewish racism promulgated through online attacks, the result is the same, suspicion, hatred and division. We are at our worst when we attack one another.

“Music brings joy and hope and connects us all. We stand together to wipe out racism.”

CAA has finally been informed by Google it has banned Wiley from YouTube.

Wiley was using his channel to broadcast disturbing videos to some 250,000 followers.

Videos attracted thousands of views, comments were vehemently anti-Semitic.

Google initially removed one video, which it said was anti-Semitic.

Following an appeal by CAA, Google reversed its position and banned Wiley from its platform.

A CAA spokesperson said, “This should have happened faster but we are pleased that this now means that Wiley can no longer incite anti-Semitism on any of the major social media platforms and has lost the ability to broadcast his hatred to the hundreds of thousands of people who followed him.

“It is extremely important to us that Wiley is held to account for his actions.”

Board of Deputies vice president Amanda Bowman welcomed the belated YouTube decision after Wiley’s anti-Semitic rants appeared on Twitter and Instagram.

Anticipating that Wiley would reach out to other platforms to reoffend, the Board kept up the pressure.

“Sadly, we were proven correct and, although we would have wanted YouTube to take advance action on this, we welcome their decision today to terminate Wiley’s channels from their platforms for his repeated violations,” she noted. “There can be #NoSafeSpaceforJewHate.”

CAA petitions: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/333141/ https://petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/333146/

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Faith leaders unite behind Uyghurs

BY ROBERT LEVY The Board of Deputies, Stop Uyghur Genocide, World Uyghur Congress, Coalition for Genocide Response and human rights campaigners CSW have welcomed a joint statement calling for action to stop atrocity crimes against the Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region.

Some 76 faith leaders including senior UK rabbis, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams alongside the Bishops of Truro, Coventry, Southwark and St Albans back an initiative to end one of the most “egregious human tragedies” since the Holocaust.

Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Spanish & Portuguese Sephardi community and Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski, Golders Green Synagogue are among 20 rabbis to sign the statement.

Signatories noted, “After the Holocaust, the world said ‘never again’. Today, we repeat those words ‘never again’ all over again.

We make a simple call for justice, to investigate these crimes, hold those responsible

to account and establish a path towards the restoration of human dignity.”

An estimated one million Uyghur and other Muslims in China are in prison camps.

Outside camps, basic religious freedom is denied. Recent research reveals a campaign of forced sterilisation and birth prevention targeting at least 80% of Uyghur women.

“The clear aim of the Chinese authorities is to eradicate the Uyghur identity,” the statement noted.

“China’s state media has stated that the goal is to “break their lineage, break their roots, break their connections and break their origins.

“As faith leaders we have a duty to call our communities to their responsibilities to look after their fellow human beings and act when they are in danger.”

Signatories made clear their intent to stand by the Uyghurs, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners and Christians throughout China against the “worst crackdown on freedom of religion or belief” since the cultural revolution.

“As faith leaders we have a duty to call our communities to their responsibilities to look after their fellow human beings…”

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams

Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski

They concluded, “We urge people of faith and conscience everywhere to join us in prayer, solidarity and action to end these mass atrocities. We make a simple call for justice, to investigate these crimes, hold those responsible to account and establish a path towards the restoration of human dignity.”

The statement followed a letter from Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl to the Chinese Ambassador in London Liu Xiaoming and a message from former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks last month.

Both compared the Holocaust to atrocities committed against the Uyghurs.

Ms van der Zyl said China risked sabotaging its legacy if it failed to learn the lessons of history.

“The world will neither forgive nor forget a genocide against the Uyghur people,” she said.

Ms van der Zyl added, “The world is watching. The hand of history is poised.

For its future, China has a choice between great glory and eternal shame. Let it choose the former.”

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accused China of “gross” human rights abuses against its Uyghur population and has not ruled out sanctions.

Tributes paid to Sadiger Rebbe

Rebbe’s father honoured

BY ADAM MOSES

BY ADAM MOSES

Rebbetzin Zippora, the daughter of Rabbi Yosef The Sadiger Rebbe, RabAryeh Feldman. bi Yisrael Moshe FriedThe Rebbe had a close man, passed away on relationship with his Monday night. grandfather known as The Rebbe, aged 65, the Knesses Mordechai. had undergone treatHe studied at ment in Los Angeles.

Kaminetz Yeshiva in JeHe returned to Israel a rusalem and Ponovezh few weeks ago but colYeshiva in Bnei Brak. lapsed at home in Bnei A renowned scholar, Brak and passed away after marrying his wife, at Sheba-Tel Hashomer Sara, daughter of Rabbi Hospital.

Chaim Moshe Feldman, The Rebbe reportedly they moved to London attended the funeral of where he founded Ohr Rabbi Tzvi Deutsch who Israel synagogue in died of coronavirus last Golders Green, serving week. the local community PHOTO: YWN until the death of his His funeral took place The Sadiger Rebbe zt”l at Sadigura Synagogue father in 2013 when he in Bnei Brak yesterday. returned to Israel.

The procession passed notable yeshivAs Sadiger Rebbe, he founded a Talmud ot en route to Nachlas Yitzchak cemetery Torah in Bnai Brak among other shuls in where his father, Rabbi Avrohom Yaakov Beit Shemesh, Tzfat, El’ad and Beitar Illit.

Friedman, and grandfather, Rabbi MorClosely associated with the Chabad dechai Shalom Yosef Friedman, both Sa- movement, he met the Lubavitcher Rebbe, diger Rebbes, are buried.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 30 Born in New York, the Rebbe grew up in years ago.

Tel Aviv and was part of the Ruzhiner chaDespite being seriously ill, the Rebbe sidic dynasty. continued his holy work offering guidance A direct descendant of the Ruzhiner and encouragement to all.

Rebbe, he was the only son and successor He is survived by his wife, 10 children of the Ikvei Abirim, Rabbi Friedman, and and grandchildren.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson’s resting place has been designated a Kazakh National Heritage site.

United States and former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan officials announced the news this week on the 76th yahrtzeit of his death.

A renowned Kabbalist and Torah scholar, Rabbi Schneerson is the father of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Paul Packer, United States Commission, said in a statement, “His teachings, carried forward by his son, the Rebbe, continue to transform the lives of Jews around the world.”

Vaad Or Vechom Hahiskashrus hosted the event.

Rabbi Mendel Shemtov, noted, “At many occasions, the Rebbe thanked those responsible for the preservation and upkeep of his father’s gravesite, certainly this measure is one that is deeply appreciated.”

Born in 1878, Rabbi Schneerson was appointed chief rabbi of Yekaterinoslav, Ukraine in 1908, leading the community during World War I, the 1917 Russian Revolution, Bolshevik seizure of power and years of communist repression of Jewish life.

Rabbi Schneerson strengthened Jewish

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learning in Yekaterinoslav, renamed Dnepropetrovsk in 1926, and throughout the former Soviet Union.

Following the 1927 arrest and exile of the Sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson became the leading rabbinical figure, continuing his work in Joseph Stalin’s reign. But in April 1939, he was arrested by the NKVD, Stalin’s secret police.

Imprisoned and tortured, in 1940 he was sent to a desolate village, Chi’ili in Kazakhstan.

His wife, Rebbetzin Chana, joined him.

In 1944, he settled in Almaty but his health was fading. Rabbi Schneerson died August 9th aged 66. Local Jews buried him in Almaty’s Jewish cemetery.

The communist government allowed degradation of Jewish cemeteries but devoted Jews maintained his resting place. Following the Soviet Union’s disintegration in 1991 and Kazakhstan independence, a small mausoleum was erected over the site, which draws mourners annually.

The KGB succeeded the KNVD and formally apologised for his treatment.

KGB officials presented ChabadLubavitch with the rabbi’s arrest file, which was passed to the Rebbe in New York. In 1993, Ukraine and Kazakhstan presented more documentation.

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Elections “not an option” says Rivlin

BY NATALIE ASH New elections in Israel are “not an option” while Israel “counts its dead” during the coronavirus pandemic.

President Reuven Rivlin flexed his political power on Tuesday as the deadly virus grips the country amidst political infighting in the unity government.

And his message clearly resonated as the Knesset approved the preliminary reading of a bill to postpone a deadline for parliament to pass a state budget or be dissolved yesterday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz now have until December 3 to negotiate an agreement on a budget.

Derekh Eretz MK Zvi Hauser and Communication Minister Yoaz Handel presented the bill.

Hauser reportedly said, “Just 88 days ago we all stood here and pledged to put our differences behind us. We made a pledge to the citizens of Israel to stand together against the pandemic, a challenge Israel has never faced before. It seems that

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only now, in August, we begin to understand the real scope of this challenge.”

Netanyahu and Gantz have been at an impasse over the budget which threatened fourth elections in just over 12 months that would be disastrous for the economy.

Both leaders backed moving the August 25 budget deadline but problems persist in party factions.

Political shenanigans in Israel are not unusual but tensions have escalated in recent days.

“I won’t restate the warnings which you know well, I will just say this, as a citizen of this country, an (election) is not an option,” Rivlin reportedly said after a meeting with Handel. “It cannot be that we continue to deal with this as if it were a logical option, while we are counting our dead.

“If you take us there, you, the elected officials of whatever party, if you take us to that dreadful nadir, you will inflict on this country a hard, painful and unforgivable blow. Beware of it.”

Netanyahu backs a short-term budget until the end of 2020, Gantz favours a

biannual budget as agreed in the coalition agreement going back just four months.

Without a budget resolution, Netanyahu can remain Prime Minister through to an election campaign in November or March 2021.

Earlier this week, Blue & White made its position clear on the prospect of new elections.

“In the throes of one of the most severe crises in the nation’s history, we are choosing to do everything to prevent elections, which would be harmful to the economy and which would tear the fabric of Israeli society to bits,” they reportedly noted in a statement which called for the government to pass a biennial state budget as agreed in the coalition deal.

“Now is the time to approve a longterm budget, which will give the public some economic certainty, which is simply critical,” They added, “History will judge anyone who behaves otherwise as having acted to their own benefit, in opposition to the needs of the Israeli public.”

Some analysts have reportedly cited

Netanyahu’s corruption trial as central to the deadlock.

The matter escalated when Likud cancelled a weekly government meeting on Sunday.

In a statement, Likud blame Blue & White for its refusal to put a NIS 8.5 billion coronavirus aid program on the agenda.

Blue & White contest the claim. “This is not the first time the Likud has failed to fulfil its commitment’s” they reportedly noted.

“This is a multi-billion, long-term aid plan that has not presented in full and has not been finalised,” Blue & White added, “The attempt to table it overnight is nothing more than an irresponsible political spin. We expect the Likud to abide by the coalition agreement and approve the government’s bylaws.”

“Israeli citizens expect stability and credibility from the government, and Blue & White will not agree to undemine this.

Blue and White informed the Likud that any vote related to coronavirus bills will not be delayed and will go through via a telephone vote.”

According to Likud, the rescue package would benefit population sectors worst hit by the pandemic.

“The package will create about 10,000 new jobs, NIS 700m will be transferred to fund food for underprivileged families and NIS 600 million are meant for the extension of the unemployment payments to those aged 67 and over and people put on unpaid leave,” Likud reportedly wrote.

Lebanon’s government resigns after blast

BY SIMCHA ABIR Lebanon’s government has resigned in the aftermath of the catastrophic Beirut blast last week.

President Michel Aoun has asked the government to remain until the establishment of a new cabinet.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab made the announcement on Monday evening amidst growing anger among Lebanese people who lay the blame at a corrupt government.

Over 200 people died in the disaster when 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate ignited in the port area.

The explosion, which caused damage up to 20kms from the port, injured 5,000 people, over 100 are missing and 300,000 are homeless.

Hospitals, medical centres, schools, offices and houses have been destroyed. Thousands of citizens have lost jobs and businesses. The blast has left an estimated four weeks staple food supplies.

Officials anticipate $3bn damage and a $15bn economic hit to the beleaguered country.

Israel remains on standby to support the aid effort. Negotiations through a United Nations intermediary has reportedly taken place.

French President Emmanuel Macron made the reference during an emergency global donor video-link conference but

there is concern funds will not be used for a huge rebuilding programme.

“I guarantee you, this aid will not go to corrupt hands,” Macron reportedly explained.

Israel is available to help although they are technically at war with Lebanon.

“Israel signalled it is willing to help,” Macron said. “Our role is to be by their sides.

Lebanon’s future is at stake.”

Macron’s comments came as reports emerged the hazardous materials belonged to Hezbollah.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Macron for his “demonstration of leadership” in Beirut but called on Hezbollah to remove missiles and arms from populated areas.

“Hezbollah is sorely mistaken if (it) thinks it can solve the crisis in Lebanon by creating a crisis with Israel,” Netanyahu reportedly told the French president.

“I expressed Israel’s willingness to send humanitarian aid which must be delivered directly to the population,” he added.

In related news, Humanitarian NGO Israeli Flying Aid launched a crowd-funding campaign with a NIS 1m target food, clothing and medical equipment supplies.

“I call on us, the citizens of Israel, to donate for the residents of Beirut,” IFA founder and chief executive Gal Lusky reportedly said. “I think it is important that we show the beating heart of Israeli civil society, which is based on the DNA that sanctifies life. This

Protesters march in Beirut against the corrupt political system in the country

has been our little duty for years both to identify with the terrible grief and with the suffering.”

Lusky praised Tel Aviv municipality for lighting up city hall with the Lebanese flag to show solidarity, although it was criticised in some quarters.

He noted, “I am proud of the Tel Aviv municipality for the move, it warms my heart, and I am sure that also the hearts of many Israelis and Jews in Israel and around the

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world.”

World Jewish Relief, meantime, has launched an emergency appeal to provide cooking materials, food, medical essentials, accommodation support or repairs to make homes habitable.

“We as a Jewish community can help in their hour of need,” commented WJR chief executive Paul Anticoni.

Donations: worldjewishrelief.org/Beirut or 0208 7361250

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IDF hits Gaza targets

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel Defence Forces have struck back hard against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip after a wave of incendiary devices were launched towards Israeli communities.

At least 60 fires were reported in southern Israel on Tuesday causing damage to hundreds of acres of woodland in the Beeri Forest.

Most blazes were in the Eshkol Eshkol Regional Council but there were also outbreaks in the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council. There were no reported casualties but fires forced the evacuation of Bedouin families living in the region.

A military compound, underground infrastructure and observation posts were targeted.

“Fighter jets, attack helicopters and tanks hit a number of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip,” an IDF statement noted.

The IDF spokesperson’s office added that Hamas was responsible for acts of terrorism aimed against Israeli citizens.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned terrorists in the Gaza Strip they would pay a heavy toll if the bombardment of incendiary balloons continued.

“The balloon terror will carry a heavy price. We will not put up with it. We will act and the toll will be high,” Netanyahu reportedly said. “I want to make it clear to all of Iran’s proxies, including Gaza. We did it before, and they better not forget it because we will do it again.”

He added, ‘We view this with utmost gravity and you will see the results of this very quickly. It is more important that Hamas and Islamic Jihad see the harsh implications of this ordeal.”

Israeli authorities in their response indefinitely stopped cargo passing the Kerem Shalom crossing except for “essential humanitarian aid and fuel”.

“In the South, Hamas is continuing to enable explosive balloon attacks to be launched into the State of Israel,” Defence Minister Benny Gantz reportedly said. “We are not prepared to accept that and have closed the Kerem Shalom border crossing as a result. They would do well to stop violating Israel’s safety and security. If that doesn’t happen, we will need to respond, and forcefully.”

Kerem Shalom is the major crossing for goods entering Gaza from Israel.

Over 500 acres of forests and agricultural lands have been affected since the renewal

Gantz on mend from back surgery

of the incendiary balloons.

No injuries were reported on the Palestinian side.

Hamas, as well as the explosive balloons, test fired several rockets into the sea as a show of force.

In related news, IDF soldiers responded to gunfire at Israelis civilian at the Gaza border this week.

Work at the security barrier was halted.

There were no reported injuries.

Eshkol Regional Council suspended agricultural work. All roads to the border was blocked by the IDF. “For now and until further notice, there will be no entrance to the border zone throughout the region, including for agricultural work near the security fence,” the council stated.

Local leaders in Gaza communities issued a joint statement.

“The rule for an explosive balloon needs to be the same rule as for a rocket,” they reportedly said. “The rule for flying balloons needs to be the same rule for a security escalation. We demand that the Israeli government set its differences of opinion aside and provide a permanent security solution for the residents of the Gaza periphery communities and Sderot.”

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Defence Minister Benny Gantz is recovering from back surgery at Sheba Medical Center yesterday.

Gantz underwent the procedure after medical advice for a herniated disc sustained during his army service. For some time, he has tolerated pain. The hospital said in a brief statement that the operation was “successfully completed as planned.”

Gantz will work from his hospital bed in the orthopedic department. A few days recovery time is anticipated.

Blue and White colleague, Minister Michael Biton, will deputise during Gantz’s inaction.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent Gantz best wishes for a full recovery.

The party leaders are involved in a bitter dispute over the budget but a Knesset vote yesterday has delayed the prospect of elections.

Gantz was pictured praying before his operation, an image that moved Finance Minister Israel Katz.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, Yesh Atid, also wished Gantz a “speedy recovery and good health.”

Gantz spent Tuesday visiting the coronavirus task force command centre and an Airforce base in Haifa. He also held meetings at defence headquarters in Tel Aviv.

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Coronavirus czar warns of lockdown

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel’s coronavirus czar Prof. Ronni Gamzu has warned of an impending lockdown as there is growing concern of a fall in coronavirus tests across the country.

Latest Health Ministry data shows that Israel now has 86,959 cases. There are 793 patients fighting the virus, 170 in a serious condition and 622 fatalities to date.

Gamzu lays the blame squarely at Israel’s citizens.

“If you cannot prevent yourself from gathering, then perhaps there is no choice but to go into lockdown,” Prof. Gamzu reportedly told a press gathering. “It is not a simple burden. I am trying to give the government confidence and hope to the public that it is still possible to follow our current course.

Lockdown means another half a million unemployed.”

Gamzu added, “The public and business owners must understand that a business that exceeds the crowd limit will be shut

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down. I want to say that very clearly.”

Hot spot areas include ultra-Orthodox communities Bnei Brak, Elad, Beitar-Illit and Modi’in Illit.

Jerusalem, Ashdod and Tel Aviv are also being closely monitored.

“These cities are not managed properly,” noted Gamzu. “There is much more work to be done there, and it is not happening fast enough.

“If the infection rate will keep soaring, we may well have to place Modi’in-Illit under lockdown.”

Prof. Ron Blitzer is a member of the Health Ministry’s coronavirus task force and leads the innovation department at Clalit Health Services.

Blitzer’s viewpoint illustrates the difficulties in planning a way ahead.

“The decrease in the percentage of newly-infected is an optical illusion,” he reportedly warned.

“If we take away the survey (coronavirus) tests in nursing homes, what we see is a constant increase in new infections throughout the month of July. There is no decrease in the number of infections, but a stabilisation of the increase, which we saw in the country for many weeks.”

Blitzer added, “We will not be able to take this for long. It produces an overload for the health system and pushes it dangerously close to its limits.

“What is needed at this time is a broad framework for the future, aimed at lowering the R, which is the percentage of infections, the number of daily infections and the seriously ill. Only then, can we safely enter the month of September, the High Holidays and the start of the school year.”

Blitzer continued, “Lockdown at this time is not on the agenda yet due to the stabilisation that we see. Closure is a quick and effective solution for lowering the infection rate, but it has an unbearable cost that affects the economy, society and public health.”

In related news, only Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Rwanda will let Israelis enter the country if they provide a negative COVID-19 test.

Foreign and Health Ministry officials had been hoping to ease travel restrictions.

Yamina MK Ayelet Shaked slammed the government’s actions to resume air travel, noting a lack of testing capabilities at airports.

“I find it hard to believe that a country that can locate and remove Iran’s nuclear archive cannot set up proper testing at the airport,” she said.

Meantime, the Health Ministry and National Security Council have set out measures for educational institutions with student dormitories, which includes Yeshivot and social service institutions.

Regulations permit up to 50 students in each dormitory.

The Ministry is considering shortening

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the quarantine period to 10 days. Students found to be positive will be quarantined under medical supervision.

Israel’s Institute for Biological Research in Ness Ziona, meantime, is to begin testing a vaccine in October. Defence Minister Benny Gantz made the announcement this week.

IIBR hope to produce 11 million vaccine doses within eight months.

“We have a terrific vaccine,” IIBR director Prof. Shmuel Shapira reportedly said. “We are starting after the (September) holidays with safety and efficiency tests, but we have the product in our hands”.

It is believed IIBR is behind companies developing vaccines around the world.

Elsewhere, the Israel Medical Association have warned that doctors may strike unless the government increases staffing at hospitals.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein backs IMA demands and the government is adding 400 doctors to the public health system. But IMA President Prof. Zion Hagay said the Ministry had not allocated sufficient funds for the proposal.

Israel’s ministerial committee, meanwhile, have reinstated measures including only three people to a car, including the driver, a ban on over 10 people at an indoor gathering including restaurants and synagogues.

No more than 20 people can attend outdoor meetings.

Closures affect nightclubs, bars, cultural venues, water parks and amusement parks.

Existing restrictions on public events including conventions, parties and festivals are extended until further notice.

Workplaces have restrictions and regional health officials can close down violating businesses.

Finally, of the many institutions that have been affected by the pandemic is demise of libraries.

This week saw the National Library of Israel based at the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem suspend services indefinitely.

Some 300 employees will go on unpaid leave from Monday.

Of some four million items in the complex, 100,000 are rare. There are 60 million digitised items.

Donations especially has taken a hit resulting in the current pandemic.

The closure is seen as a monumental cultural loss to the State of Israel and Jewish people.

Board chair, David Blumberg, and library director Oren Weinberg presented a letter appealing to the Education and Finance Ministries to help balance budgets drastically hit by government cuts.

Blumberg and Weinberg called on ministries to help as they had other “bodies and institutions”.

The plea failed and will be felt across the country as a great loss.

Hot spot areas include ultraOrthodox communities Bnei Brak, Elad, BeitarIllit and Modi’in Illit

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BY DAVID SAFFER The Jewish world has lost one of its great scholars following the death of Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz last Friday.

Future generations will draw upon his back catalogue of books, commentaries and teachings.

The esteemed rabbi, 83 died from a lung infection at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Jerusalem. A small funeral took place due to the coronavirus pandemic. The service was broadcast live on his website.

Author of over 60 books on a range of subjects, Rabbi Steinsaltz’s greatest legacy was enabling his life’s work, a 45-volume translation and commentary of the 2,711page Babylonian Talmud, to be accessible to millions in a landmark publication in 2010. The Steinsaltz Talmud in addition to its Hebrew translation has condensed parts in English, French, Spanish, and Russian.

President of Yeshivat Makor Chaim and army yeshiva, Yeshivat Tekoa, Rabbi Steinsaltz was greatly influenced by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Indeed, in 1992, he changed his surname to Even-Israel as guided by the Rebbe.

President Reuven Rivlin described Rabbi Steinsaltz as a “modern-day Rashi”, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was a “Torah genius” and man of “exemplary spirit”.

“The Rebbe’s exceptional personality made a strong impression on him, just as happened to me in my meetings with him,” Netanyahu reportedly said. “In my view, in both of them, the Lubavitcher Rebbe and his student, Rabbi Steinsaltz, I saw the same great light of love of humanity and of the Jewish people.”

He added, “Rabbi Steinsaltz was an outstanding example of the persistent Jew. He invested unceasing effort in his commentaries, especially his explanation of the Talmud which made the study of Gemara accessible to the public at large in clear and understandable language. His important works will stand for generations at the foundation of Jewish heritage, as an eternal flame in his memory.”

Rivlin noted, “He was a man of great spiritual courage, deep knowledge and profound thought who brought the Talmud to Am Yisrael in clear and accessible Hebrew and English.”

Ambassador Ron Dermer said the Jewish people and the state mourned the loss of one of our greatest teachers.

World Jewish Congress said Rabbi Steinsaltz was one of the “towering intellects” of the modern era.

“In his gentle, unassuming manner, he taught thousands upon thousands the beauty and depth of Jewish culture and tradition, making the Talmud accessible to contemporary and future generations as never before,” said President Ronald Lauder.

A plethora of heatfelt tributes appeared on his website including from the Mantel Foundation.

“One will no longer read the Bible or the

Rabbi Steinsaltz zt”l

PHOTO: STEINSALTZ.ORG

Tributes paid to “modern-day Rashi” “His teachings, his advice, conveyed, here and there, in memories and parable-narratives in the best of Chasidic traditions, and his beautiful gestures, smiling and generous, will continue to guide us on the philanthropic path.”

Talmud without inquiring into the “comments of Steinsaltz”,” they wrote. “His remarks, always lucid and luminous, echoed on everyone’s humanitarian chords. It is the entire “Matanel family” made up of its craftsmen, its leaders and its activists that his death plunges into a disarray of mourning and a sea of gratitude.

His teachings, his advice, conveyed, here and there, in memories and p a ra b l e - n a r ra tives in the best of Chasidic traditions, and his beautiful gestures, smiling and generous, will continue to guide us on the philanthropic path.”

“Rabbi Steinsaltz has left a great legacy within the Jewish people, popularising the Talmud for the greater public and

illuminating the Torah with a new light.

One of the great intellectual giants of our generation, he embraced Soviet Jewry at the time of the opening of the Iron Curtain by creating a learning centre in Moscow,” said Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, Conference of European Rabbis.

Born in Jerusalem, Rabbi Steinsaltz grew up in the Old Katamon neighbourhood.

Influenced initially by Rabbi Abraham Chen and Rabbi Dov Eliazarov, he studied chemistry and physics at The Hebrew University, dedicating spare time to Jewish Studies. Inspired by Rabbi Shmaryahu Sasonkin and Rabbi Shlomo Zavin, he studied at Chabad Yeshiva in Lod. The youngest high school headteacher in Israel aged 24, in 1965, Rabbi Steinsaltz, with aid of the Israeli government, founded The Israel Institute for Talmudic Publications in Jerusalem.

The institute became the Steinsaltz Center for Jewish Knowledge in 2006, an umbrella organisation for educational activities.

An accomplished author, including an introduction to Kabbalah, the Talmud

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and Chasidic movement, Rabbi Steinsaltz recently published his thoughts on a blog from around the world.

He also founded Makor Chaim institutions in Jerusalem and Russia. A network of schools in the former USSR includes the first yeshiva acknowledged by the authorities.

The Aleph Society operates in the U.S., UK, Australia and Israel to spread his vision.

Rabbi Steinsaltz has received numerous accolades during an extraordinary life including The Israel Prize, The President and Prime Minister’s Award, the inaugural Israeli Presidential Award of Distinction and Yakir Yerushalayim annual citizenship prize.

He received honorary doctorate degrees from Bar Ilan University, Ben Gurion University, Yeshiva University, Brandeis University and Florida International University.

Rabbi Steinsaltz is survived by his wife, Sarah, sons Menachem and Amechaye, daughter, Esther Sheleg, and 18 grandchildren.

13 AUGUST 2020

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14 LETTERS

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

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

STEPHEN LAMONBY Dear Editor, It is perfectly correct that your writer Jonathan Hoffman should come to the support of Dr Stephen Lamonby (“When Philosemitism Becomes Antisemitism,” The Jewish Weekly, 6 August 2020). Why should someone who speaks nicely of us and is punished for doing so be ignored by us? Even if the issue wasn’t antisemitism, it would be only right to stand up for a decent and kind human being and show that we object to his victimization.

But there are other undercurrents in that story that are most disturbing.

It appears that 73-year-old Stephen Lamonby was sacked from his teaching position in Solent University in such a disrespectful way because of “gross misconduct.” Three women marched into his class and told him that he had to come at once to the Dean’s office. He never returned to his class — he was dismissed on the spot — and never returned to teaching again. And for what? What was his “gross misconduct”?

He had previously remarked — not in his classroom and to his students, mind you, but during a private conversation with his “course leader” — that “Jewish people are among the cleverest in the world.” (He had also said that the Germans, Americans and Japanese were good engineers.)

He appealed against the dismissal and the tribunal rejected his appeal. He remains sacked.

It’s enough to make your blood boil!

Stephen Lamonby is being extremely kind when he says that, “They’re spiteful anti-intellectuals.” Because really, beneath the surface, there lies something much more sinister. First of all, the madness of these “anti-racists” is so wrong! But next, of course, is how they can make their madness sound so right, so correct, when any normal person can see that it’s all wrong!

Ask these loony lefties, “Why do you fight racism, why are you so worked up about your anti-racism? Because you want to do good for those who are disadvantaged, whether it be through racism, through being unfairly treated, through prejudice.

Right? Tell me, this chap Lamonby is a good teacher? His pupils find his lessons interesting and enjoyable, they’re all making progress in their subject?”

“Yes.” “Does he go out of his way to help disadvantaged people, pupils who can’t quite manage otherwise?”

“Yes.” “In his own time, without charge?”

“Yes.”

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“Does he give them a leg-up in the world so that they shouldn’t be disadvantaged anymore? I mean, if they find it difficult to come to grips with some concepts, be they in mathematics or in engineering or whatever, is he helping them?”

“Yes.” “So what do you object to?”

“That he considers them as disadvantaged — proof: he’s helping them! He’s being positively discriminatory and any discrimination is bad. He’s a racist!”

“But my dear Loony, if Lamonby didn’t see that they were struggling, if he didn’t accept the fact that they find certain topics difficult to grasp, if he acted as if they were not disadvantaged and therefore did not kindly give them the extra help they needed, then they wouldn’t be able to cope, would they? They’d fail their exams, wouldn’t they? Is that better for them? Tell me, Ms (pronounced the same as the first syllable in the word “misery”) Loony — tell me, Ms Loony, if we were talking about a crippled student who found it difficult to get up the stairs to the lecture room and Lamonby gave him a helping hand, would that be discriminatory on Lamonby’s part, too? After all, he’s treating the cripple as if he’s disadvantaged, isn’t he? According to your warped thinking, that’d be discriminatory, wouldn’t it? Positive discrimination, true, but discrimination, right?

“Yes.” “So, either Lamonby has to help everybody, whether they need it or not, or he mustn’t help anybody! Is that what you say?”

“Yes. All discrimination is wrong and disgusting and must be stamped out.”

“Ever heard of Sodom and Gomorrah, Ms Loony? There’s no doubt that they had some sort of a law system to regulate their society, no? And some very powerful rationale for not helping the poor and the hungry. Even a rotten society needs rules and I’ll bet you that they too justified their wickedness with the same clear logic that you’re using. But meantime, what have you achieved? These students were being helped along in their lives by this kindly chap who knows the realities of the workplace and the real world, unlike you, Ms Loony, who, as an “academic,” no doubt has been wrapped up in cotton-wool all your mollycoddled life. Now, because of your crazy ideas of “discrimination” and “racism,” you’ve ruined the chances of these youngsters by getting their good teacher dismissed, and in such a disgustingly insulting and hypocritical way, too! Happy, now, are you? Who have you

helped? Nobody!

“But I’ll tell you what really lies behind your disgusting behaviour, you lefty lunatic!

You were outraged that Stephen Lamonby dared to say something good about the Jews, that, “the Jews are among the cleverest in the world” — that’s what upset you!

And then, to top it, he innocently asked you — because he seemed to think you were clever, too (though I can’t imagine why) — if you were perhaps Jewish yourself — and that was the ultimate insult to you!

You know what, you crazy lunatic? You’re a rotten anti-Semite! If you are clever, it’s only that you know how to manipulate the system, that you and your like-minded crackpots know how take a good idea, a correct idea, namely, that it is wrong to take advantage of somebody because of their race or their physical limitations or their cultural background or their mental abilities, and you twist that good idea into something so grotesque in its utter wrong that the original good idea is warped into something completely ridiculous. The proof, of course, is — what is the result of your oh-so-correct madness? Is anybody helped by your antics and your hypocrisy?

The students? The lecturer who has been hounded out of his position? Anybody?

You’re clever, yes, in that you have been able to dress up your disgusting anti-Semitism in the cloak of righteous anti-racism!

But shame on you! Shame on the Solent University “Administration” ass-heads for allowing themselves to be manipulated by miserable malcontents like you. And shame on the so-called Tribunal “judge” for being such a wimp that he’s scared to stand up to the mob of politically correct hooligans and even take their side. He should never be allowed to judge a case like this by himself ever again.”

Mr Hoffman is to be commended for his research and for telling us a number of things about the case, and about the “judge” at the tribunal, that we otherwise would not know. All in all, it’s a very disturbing case because it shows how, with all the pious rubbish-talk such as, “Anti-semitism has no place in our society,” blah, blah, blah, not only is there indeed antisemitism but that antisemitism is now disguising itself as something righteous and good, it’s “anti-racist.”

There must be justice for Stephen Lamonby, real justice, not this circus of dangerous clowns.

Name withheld

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Stamford Hill £10m building

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Cooking up some fun

Construction starts at Side by Side special needs school

Side by Side special needs school in Stamford Hill has begun construction for a new £10m state of the art building.

The project will open its doors to approximately 130 children pupils in September 2022.

The school, which is currently located in portacabins, has a waiting list of over 30 children. Chair of governors Jacob

Sorotzkin said the provision of a purpose-built school would help more children reach their maximum potential.

The site has been purchased with locally raised funds within Stamford Hill.

“We now need to look to the wider community to help us complete the project and share in the mitzvah,” noted Sorotzkin.

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At the beginning of July Chabad in Golders Green were given the ok, to go ahead with running our CGI day camp. With only four weeks to pull it off and with a long list of rules and regulations. Starting with having much smaller groups and each “bubble” not mixing. Staff wearing visors or masks and temperatures being taken each day.

As the bubbles can’t mix together, they even had a socially distant camp photo!

It was really exciting for the children to meet again in a face to face setting, as lots of the children hadn’t met since March.

“This is a great transition to get them ready for going back to school” said Rabbi Yossi Simon the Camp Director.

The children have had a wide range of activities, from baking to woodwork, to crafts to science experiments and lots more. Chabad thanked to their team of dedicated Staff.

In addition to the fun times, the children enjoyed a hot lunch. A wide range of external providers came into camp, like the Happy Puzzle Company, Bradley balloon modeling, juggling and magic workshop, boomwhackers and of course a special visit from Uncle Doovey’s Kosher Ice Cream Truck!

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Kisharon – a welcome home A NW London family have just bade farewell to an unexpected lockdown guest. Their beloved daughter, Jess, 23 who has learning disabilities, has just moved from the family home back to her Kisharon supported living flat.

Jess had come home to celebrate her birthday, but that fateful weekend in March turned into a five-month stay when the government announced the lockdown.

Throughout those long weeks, Jess’s desire to go home never faltered, and indeed the return to her flat and her reunion with her support workers was full of delight.

Yet while mum Amanda is pleased to see Jess smiling, she admits to anxieties about what life now holds for her. Covid-19 has taken away so much of what her daughter, who has a mild learning disability and is on the autistic spectrum, was expecting in the months ahead.

Jess moving back to her flat Amanda explained: “From the very beginning Jess wanted her old life back... difficult to explain, and there are no anto return to her flat, to meet her friends swers if you ask when everything will be and have them over. We tried to tell her back as it was. it wasn’t going to be like that but it was “In letting her return, we are facilitating

what she wants. We don’t want to impose our thoughts on her. Jess does feel it’s going to be as it was before.

We’re just playing it by ear.”

Amanda worries too about how Jess will occupy herself. She graduated this year from Langdon College, and would be expecting work experience, or a job placement by September but neither are on the horizon.

And until Jess was enrolled at KEF’s Summer Camp, what Jess would do throughout the long summer also weighed heavily on Amanda’s mind.

While having Jess at home in Edgware was a pleasure, life had its ups and downs. With Dad Laurence, a surveyor, Amanda who works with her husband, son Elliott, 22 also a surveyor and youngest daughter Shifra, at 15 busy with online school lessons working from home, peace and quiet was essential, but not always a given.

There were online Zoom sessions run by Kisharon and others, and Langdon College when it reopened, to engage Jess, but her involvement always depended on her frame of mind at the time.

“Whatever she did had to be her own choice. I didn’t want Jess to feel I was forcing her to do anything.”

Often she’d miss the start of a Zoom programme, because she couldn’t enter the meeting code, and regularly needed someone to help.

Amanda said: “During the year when Jess was in supported living, I felt supported too and had more time for day to day life. I have found these past months difficult and naturally the siblings did get on each other’s nerves from time to time.”

Despite that, Amanda is watching and waiting to see whether Jess’s life now lives up to expectations. Amanda says: “Whatever happens, we’ll always be here for her.

So on Sunday 2nd August Jess arrived home to her Kisharon flat after 16 weeks.

Jess’s key worker Sarian was delighted to prepare her flat and greet Jess back home. Sarian and the supported living team look forward to help support Jess in engaging in activities again and reassured her parents that Jess would be well taken care of. Jess on her arrival said, “I’m happy to come home, I’ve been at my parents house for so long, I couldn’t wait to come back”.

Honour the 75th anniversary of VJ Day with a l’chaim Saturday 15th August marks the 75th anniversary of VJ (Victory in Japan) Day which commemorates the end of the Second World War. It signified the final end to the fighting as in all the theatres of the Second World War Jewish men and women serving in the Allied forces took part in the fighting and were victims of the brutal Japanese POW camps.

The VJ Day anniversary provides AJEX and the community the opportunity to honour and remember all of the Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women who served in the Far East which resulted in bringing an end to the Second World War. Due to the overwhelming success of the AJEX L’Chaim for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, and given that VJ Day also falls on Shabbat AJEX are asking the community to raise a glass once more on Friday 14th August at the Shabbat table.

To mark this key anniversary AJEX will be broadcasting a virtual lecture on Jewish soldiers who fought the Japanese on Thursday 13th August at 8pm. This fascinating talk will be given by AJEX Education Manager, Paula Kitching and

introduced by Mike Bluestone, the National Chairman of the Association.

Mike Bluestone, the national chairman of the Association commented: “The surrender of the Japanese military on 15th August 1945 marked the final defeat of the Axis forces, and the end of World War Two. On this 75th Anniversary of VJ Day we remember all those who fell fighting the Axis powers, including those Jewish members of HM Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Please join us in remembering the fallen by raising a glass and offering a L’Chaim at your Shabbat table on Friday 14 August. We must never forget…”

Earlier this summer AJEX hosted a commemoration service for National Armed Forces Week and launched their You Tube channel with the service and a series of talks. If you are not able to view the VJ Day lecture live or want to view previous talks you can visit AJEX online.

You Tube channel & Facebook pages at tinyurl.com/ajexjma or email headoffice@ ajex.org.uk for details.

Celebrating victory in Japan. London 15th August 1945

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13 AUGUST 2020

Camp Simcha road trip to bring fun to families A magical Camp Simcha touring float brought balloons, juggling, music – and most importantly, joy, to seriously ill children the charity supports.

Touring the neighbourhoods of London, the float brought the fun of the charity’s annual summer scheme direct to the doorstep of families who have been shielding with their very vulnerable children.

Camp Simcha Head of Services Daniel Gillis said: “Our summer day scheme normally brings a huge boost to our families.

The children we support get to experience some of the activities their peers enjoy in the holidays, while parents have some much-needed respite. While Covid has prevented us from running it in the usual style, we were determined to find a way to bring some of that summer fun to them.”

Some 100 children throughout Barnet, Borehamwood, Elstree, Finchley, Golders Green, Hackney, Hendon and Islington received a visit from the Camp Simcha float.

Arriving on the scene with music and confetti, the children enjoyed entertainment from a balloon modeller, a stilt

Camp Simcha mascot Simi the Monkey

walker, bubbles, Simi the Monkey – and a chance to sing along to their favourite songs. The fun didn’t stop when the float went on its way, with each family receiving a box with craft sets, magazines and a smoothie-maker with the ingredients, ready to use.

Single mum Gina Greenwood, from

Eli Pearl

Bushey, said she felt overwhelmed to see her children’s excitement when the float arrived. Her son Jake, 11, twin to Harry and brother to Ella, 14, has short gut syndrome, which has had life-threatening complications over the years.

“I suddenly heard the boys screaming ‘Camp Simcha are here, they’re here’,” she said.

“I went outside and it was the most magical sight - a rainbow of confetti and balloons for the boys. It all felt so safe, with everything wiped before they were given it. Then they both started singing along to Abba on the microphone; they were standing on the drive way belting out Mamma Mia, having the most awesome time.

“It has been such a hard few months, shielding for 16 weeks and really barely seeing anyone since then. But the steady stream of treats and activities from Camp Simcha has truly kept me from breaking – and this was just unbelievable.

“Then came the gift box with the smoothie-maker which was the best treat afterwards. It really was such a great day for them.”

New faces at the Nicky Yavneh Nursery in Woodside Ronnie Levene, a former chairman of Manchester Jewish Community Care which runs the Nicky Alliance Centre, has been voted to take over the chair once again to replace Brian White. Brian retired as chairman at the recent Annual General Meeting of the Nicky after six years in the post.

Paying tribute to Brian, Ronnie Levene said: “I want to record our thanks to Brian for all his services to the charity over all the years, especially during the recent difficult period which we are now coming through.”

Ronnie also thanked former committee members Vivienne Kennedy and Simon Mehlman who have both stood down after several years continued support to The Nicky and went on to warmly welcome new committee members. Elected to serve were David Lewis, Suzanne Kay and Michael White. “All our new members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table and I’m looking forward to working alongside them in the future,” said Ronnie.

He concluded: “Together with all our newly formed committee we all look forward to a speedy return to welcoming old and new members into the fold, thanks to the wonderful support recently received from the community.”

The Nicky will re-open its facilities to members as soon as it is safe and

Park have fun in the sun!

Children enjoying fun in the sun

Ronnie Levene

comfortable to do so and on receipt of appropriate Government, medical and local authority advice.

Yavneh nursery had fun in the sun this week. Head Teacher Natalie Mayer said, “at Yavneh we are always thinking on our feet about how to best plan for the children’s development with what fits best for that day. The sun came out on a week when the children were following an

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interest in how water changes things and so it seemed obvious that they would want to wash the cars. They loved it” For more information on Yavneh Nursery September 20/21 contact Natalie on 020 8445 7448.

13 AUGUST 2020

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20 FEATURE

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From the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON This week I begin with news from over the pond. In the US private schools are reporting a huge increase in applications from parents concerned their children will miss out in public education. State schools in California, Virginia and Washington, amongst others, are not offering in-person learning when term starts later this month. Consequently private schools are offering increased financial aid packages to help those unable to afford fees, which can typically range from $15,000 to $50,000 a year. In the UK we are seeing some similar trends, with parents making application to private schools because they can’t cope with the uncertainty of state education. If we look at the much feted alternative of zoom lessons, which became all-the-rage during Jacqueline Curzon lockdown, the uptake of zoom PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY lessons in primary schools was 60% in the private versus 3% in the state sector [72% in independent versus 6% in state secondaries]. Now, given our children were out of school for around 4 months, what were the other 97% doing? Were they - like so many others - just engrossed in online games or the perennial villain, TV? What were all the state financed teachers doing, if not in school, or not delivering online?

And yet unions are screaming out for their right (not) to work…

Despite our government's insistence that our children are going back to school ‘at all costs,’ it would In the Edinburgh study, Mark Woolhouse, seem that once again the teachers union head of infectious disease epidemiology, has a sizeable agenda, proffering a 25 page corroborated that not a single case of Covid ‘ransom note’ with a list of 199 non-netransmission (pupil to teacher) exists gotiables. This includes, as an example, across the whole world. Unsurprisingly rubbish bins all requiring lids and being many teachers are walking away from the double bagged. Probably sound advice in unions, as they can see the power struggle the wider world, but far less critical in an for what it really is. This officious pedanenvironment where - according to the science - it is known that children cannot pass ticism has also been transferred to many other sectors via the Big Brother mechaa virus on to adults. It seems another game nism. Gavin Williamson is obviously not a changer moment for the NEU: how many obstacles can we put in place? This Machia- man but a meagre mouse, plainly unfit to end the stranglehold of unions. He should vellian tactic has been labelled a Wreckers’ pass the school chalice to another individCharter by MPs, as it is wholly devoid of ual with more fortitude, before it becomes any social sense of obligation. I doubt totally poisoned. these 200 checklist points are in place in Thanks to the ‘wisdom’ of Sage, (now any returning businesses. Why would it? there’s an oxymoron if ever there was) and Despite many outstanding teachers in our the shambolic contradictory guidance, communities, we have edged down the social distancing has become synonymous path of Safety, along the cliff of Sensibility, with business ruination. Their risk aversion to the Rocky Cove of no return. Sounds to get back on the bike has not only brought like an Enid Blyton moment, but without down British industry and investment, but the predictable happy ending. This union strategy comes as new studies emerge from the near death of the Arts, Entertainment and associated Hospitality sectors. Many both Oxford and Edinburgh Universities. friends of mine are musicians and some [Ok, everyone should be happy cross-borhave reported their orchestras have not ders, now!] The former study confirms the long lasting effect of interrupted schooling, been able to do ONE concert since March.

Now perhaps - if they’re lucky - these combined with an additional study of musicians are on furlough, rather than 20,000 pupils and 100 teachers, which being made redundant, but inactivity is no showed that transmission is virtually zero.

The teaching unions have devised a Wreckers’ Charter.

We are edging down the educational path of safety, along the cliff of sensibility to the Rocky Cove of no return.

replacement for artistic endeavour.

Another friend, who is involved in the management of an organisation, said that they ARE allowed to do a concert, as long as they only have 20 musicians on a stage, although normally they would have up to 60. So, they can only have a full orchestra concert now, if they have extended stages. However, as long as they don’t play, they won’t sell tickets. And, I bet you our musicians unions are looking for solutions to get back to business, not drawing up a thick rule book to stay home and vegetate. This is, of course, but one side of the coin; the other side being a whole generation of music lovers and potential musicians who are being slowly and surely starved of all artistic education or appreciation.

Opera, Theatre and Dance have also experienced a similar fate, and a specific arena affected - especially upsetting for me - is the pending demise of one of the most influential ballet schools in the world. This school has just announced its intention to close its doors permanently.

Some readers will know which ballet school I’m referring to, as it’s one of international excellence, one which will likely never be replaced.

They shared with me that they were reduced to surviving on 20% of normal revenue, and able to run only 15% of their classes, and even those were on zoom. Anyone who is interested in preserving this particular Ballet school, can contact me for further info. I also heard months back that The Globe, beloved to Shakespeare artisans, was going to close forever. Distancing, masks, quarantine, track and trace - its fast creating an artistic apocalypse, either through ministerial lack of awareness, a dafkenik attitude or sheer ignorance.

Dozens of us can now go shopping, but not attend shul - unless you follow a myriad of rules; you can mix on the beaches in flabbergasting numbers, but not find a swimming pool open; you can attend a rave without police enforcement, but be forbidden to resume normal life at school.

And for all those ‘permitted activities’ …. you still have to conform to ridiculous extra measures. It’s bonkers. Can you imagine the chorus in Marriage of Figaro singing, whilst wearing visors, or the corps de ballet in Petrushka tripping across the stage in surgical masks? The notion of ‘chorus’ is additionally lost if you’re moving in a formation 1.5 metres apart. It truly is a death knell. For anyone still not sure about the joy of wearing a mask, I’m struggling, as I find it rides up my face to the point where I can neither see properly, nor hear well. It’s a total sensory nightmare.

Returning to my opening comments on schools, I reiterate that we’ve been promised they will go back as a number one priority, and stay open. This to be guaranteed,

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even if it means pubs and shops should shut. Let’s take it one step further, and just shut all superfluous industries, to ensure our centres of learning and excellence can (stay) open. No exceptions; Music schools, Drama schools, Art schools and Ballet schools, all these must be included. The rest is dressage. Although, having said this, I’m savvy enough to realise every business owner regards his business as essential, and he needs to stay open to survive. So, maybe just open everything, Boris.

Also in this week's Telegraph there was a massive call for the public to be protected from fakery in alternative treatments for cancer. Obviously, as a cancer patient myself, this was of interest. Unsurprisingly MPs are concerned that with the backlog of cancer treatments during Covid-19, patients will take themselves to alternative agencies, in the absence of proper provision in the NHS. At the end of the day none of us wants to die prematurely, so we are willing to try off-book remedies. Some of the controversial treatments include the Gerson therapy (includes coffee enemas); consumption of apricot kernels (to be used with caution, as they contain cyanide); cannabis oil also gets a hammering, although many people would argue that there are properties in plants that are definitely beneficial. I know individuals who fortunately have effected cures, for their cancers. So the jury really is still out on that one. Another treatment which came in for a slating was one based on sound & light treatment. Now curiously enough, this one has been suggested to me, but I’m a little too cynical to follow such an unorthodox and expensive remedy. One lady called me up to encourage me to buy a Rife machine, but for right or wrong, I remain unconvinced.

I recently had an article published in an American Journal, and on the back of it, I received dozens of emails, mainly offering me support or sharing that they were inspired by the article. There were a few well meaning individuals who were trying to get me to follow some completely unregulated treatments. I've declined, as I’ll only take on those with good evidence. Sadly, as a cancer patient you’re often absolutely desperate, and you’ll consider anything, but if I have any words of advice for somebody considering such methods, it might be to undertake these in conjunction with mainstream therapies. I take the pragmatic view if one doesn’t work, the other one might. And two weapons are better than one. Are my therapies making me healthier, you ask? I know not, but my forthcoming scan will be the litmus test.

Finally a huge congratulations to someone who has beaten all the odds. Neil Heritage (39) is the first above the knee, double amputee to scale the Matterhorn. Neil lost his legs whilst serving in Iraq and was told he’d never walk again. He refused to be beaten, by disability nor by the mountain.

Fighting spirit, and we’re right behind you.

Love Jacqueline x To follow Jacqueline’s journey blog {Yocheved bas Sara} please go to https:// whenallissaidanddone.home.blog

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22 JUDAISM

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com WILL YOU MARRY ME?

Dear Rabbi Is it appropriate for a religious Jew to propose while kneeling on one foot? Is there any pagan significance to this? I am wondering whether it is OK for me to do this.

Larry Dear Larry The idea of kneeling on one foot originates from knights who demonstrated their subservience before their kings by kneeling on one foot. It became common practise to proposals to occur in this way as well, as a means of illustrating that same intended subservience and respect. I don’t think my grandparents or your grandparents were into that sort of thing, but there is no pagan association. Nor would I argue, does it fall into a “chukas hagoi” – “copying the way of the world” category. It’s a cute gesture and if that’s what you might be thinking of doing, then by all means.

But here’s the catch Larry. It’s not enough to make the gesture at the time of your proposal. If you make sure you treat her as your queen always and look to be mindful, respectful and yes, sometimes subservient too, then you have my blessing. Here’s hoping she says, “yes.”

to this question. Obviously a person has a paramount responsibility to provide for one’s family. In the words of Ethics of the Fathers, “if there is no livelihood there is no Torah.” If years in a Kollel study to the preferred choice, then hopefully there is family to rely on as well.

Let me say this loud and clear for the record, however unpopular: Government welfare programmes are intended for those who genuinely struggle to make ends meet. That should be at least after having tried. To prima facie take from the programme depletes the pot, which, in the longer term can adversely affect others who really need it.

I’m aware of too many people who portray themselves as devout, pious, they’ll never miss attending shul, they’ll go to regular Torah classes – but they’ll exploit this system – which is just plain wrong.

WILL KOSHER MAKE ME STRONGER?

CAN I BENEFIT FROM BENEFITS?

Dear Rabbi Is it true that kosher food is more a health issue than anything deeper or more spiritual than that? In which case, it would be far less applicable today because what was healthy then might not be healthy now.

Leonard

Dear Menachem There’s no straightforward answer

Dear Leonard Contrary to popular misconception, the laws of kosher were not designed for a specific time and place because that’s what was conducive to healthy living then.

If, as is fundamental to Jewish belief, we are bodies animated by souls, then a divinely ordained

Dear Rabbi Do you think it is right prima facie for you a young married couple to go on benefits, rent rebate and other such like government grants?

Menachem

diet has implicit spiritual health benefits which sustains the soul and by extension the body, hence transcends all time and place.

A continuing source of disappointment is that so many Jews still believe the kosher laws to be outdated. After all, they reckon, in the desert our ancestors needed to protect themselves from trichinosis and all sorts of diabolical diseases so some kind of dietary system was needed. But today, they argue, in an age of refrigeration, government inspection and modern hygiene standards, the kosher laws are archaic, anachronistic and quite dispensable.

The fact of the matter is that the kosher laws were never given to us for health reasons. If they happen to be healthy or provide good hygiene that is purely a fringe benefit. It may well be one of the perks but it has never been the reason. In fact, if the kosher laws were for health, then many orthodox Jews should have bulging muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger! And let’s face it. For many, the only bulge they have is in their stomachs! So kosher is not for our physical health but for our spiritual health.

It is not for our bodies but for our souls. It is a Jewish diet to help Jews remain spiritually sensitive to their innate Jewishness.

On a practical level, they act as a bulwark against assimilation.

If we keep kosher, inevitably, we will shop with fellow Jews, socialize with fellow Jews and remain close to Jewish communal life. It’s very important to have a mezuzah on your door. It identifies your home as Jewish. But what really defines your home as a “Jewish Home” - what your Zayde meant when he said with

pride “my children run a Jewish home” - is the kitchen. A kosher kitchen makes a Jewish home truly Jewish. It also extends a very warm and eloquent invitation to all fellow Jews. Here you are welcome. Here it is safe to come in and eat. Make yourself at home.

On a deeper, more spiritual level, keeping kosher keeps our Jewish souls sensitive to things Jewish. This is clearly a mystical concept and imperceptible to our physical senses, but according to our sages it is a fact. Just as too much red meat or fatty foods are bad for your cholesterol, non-kosher foods are bad for your soul.

They clog your spiritual arteries and prevent those warm, healthy Jewish feelings from circulating through your kishkes and your consciousness. Thus, while one’s favourite diet may build healthy bodies, a kosher diet builds healthy souls.

Moreover, as implied by the Talmud, you are what you eat.

The physical attributes of all animals reflect their psychological and spiritual qualities. Hence the food a person consumes has a profound effect on his/her

psyche. Therefore, when one eats the flesh of a particular creature, the “personality” of that creature affects the person in some way.

By way of example, fins & scales are the identifiable markings for kosher fish. Scales are the armour that protects the body of the fish, thereby representing the quality of integrity, which protects us from the many pitfalls that life presents stirring our consciences to establish a value system that is committed to a morality which transcends one’s moods and desires. Fins, the wing-like organs that propel fish forward, represent ambition.

A healthy sense of ambition, knowing one’s strengths gives a person the impetus to traverse the turbulent sea of life to maximize our potential leaving our unique imprint on the world.

While science suggests that fish is brain food Judaism says that eating kosher fish preserves our souls from temptation and propels us to fulfil our dreams.

There’s much more to be said about this, but you get the general gist. Besides, you’re spoiled for choice of kosher food products on the market today.

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

Pirkei Avot As we move steadily on through the first perek of Pirkei Avot, we see the decline in spiritual stature of the leading lights of the generation. Until last week’s main man Antiginus, we always had one leading rabbinic figurehead, but we now need two, as the level of the generation had dipped significantly following the end of the Men of the Great Assembly.

But we can also take the positive aspects too. As it say in the beginning of Bereshit, ‘it is not good

Mishna 4

for a man to dwell alone.’ A man needs a wife to build a home and raise morally superior children. By working together with other people we can achieve far more than going solo.

The trend from here on is usually that when two Rabbis give life advice, usually one gives advice on loving Hashem and one gives on fearing G-d.

The two new characters this week are Yose Ben Yoezer who was the leader of Tz’reda, and Yose Ben

Yochanan, from Jerusalem.

Yose Ben Yoezer gives us solid advice, based on loving Hashem.

‘Let your house be a meeting place for sages, sit in the dust of their feet and drink in their words thirstily.’

The home should be a model for human beings and having wisdom permeating from within can only enhance oneself. Far better to fill ones house with sages full of Torah and worldly knowledge then fill it with drunks and louts, who pass on

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nothing meaningful only emptiness and vanity.

‘Dust of their feet’ does not need to be taken literally; rather the message here is to ensure that you recognise their superior knowledge and don’t treat them like equals.

Drinking thirstily alludes to filling up on Torah knowledge which satiates our spiritual goals in the same way water nourishes our body. May we all be spiritually nourished Amen.

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JUDAISM 23

A TORAH BITE FOR THE SHABBAT TABLE

How to get rich RABBI GOODMAN Following on from his first law that “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion,” Cyril Northcote Parkinson’s second law states, “Expenditures or ‘money paid’ out rises to meet income.” In other words, no matter how much money you earn, somehow there never seems to be enough.

Why Mr. Parkinson’s law should be true is beyond the scope of this Torah Bite, however, one thing it does account for (pun intended) is why it always ends up being so hard to give charity. The Torah instructs us to donate at least a tenth of our earnings to a charitable cause, and even though it may help us with our tax returns, nevertheless, relative to all our other financial obligations, the charity expense is not exactly top priority.

Ironically, though, the Torah—the longest running financial advisor of all time—tells us that the more charity we give, the more money we will earn. Rabbi

Yochanan, one of the Sages of the Talmud, derives from a word in this week’s parsha how fulfilling our charitable obligations is the key to becoming rich.

Regarding the Mitzvah to separate tithes for the Kohanim and Leviim, instead of stating simply “T’aser es kol tevuas sadecha” – ‘You shall tithe the entire crop of your planting,’ – the Torah uses a double expression, “Aser t’aser es kol tevuas sadecha.” From this seemingly unnecessary repetition, Rabbi Yochanan expounds: “Aser bishvil sh’titasher” – ‘tithe so that you shall become rich.’

The Ben Ish Hai, Chacham Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (1835-1909), questions Rabbi Yochanan’s exegesis, wondering how Rabbi Yochanan turns the grammatical form of the word “t’aser,”— a verb affecting others— into “titasher,” a verb affecting oneself. Strictly speaking, the homiletical interpretation should read, “tithe to make others rich,” rather than “tithe to make yourself rich.”

The Ben Ish Hai explains that since

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Hashem chose not to allocate land to the Kohanim and Leviim, and instead arranged for their support to come via Bnei Yisroel’s tithes, were Hashem to provide Bnei Yisroel with a limited income, the Kohanim and Leviim would lose out as a result. Therefore, to ensure the Kohanim and Leviim receive a fruitful income (pun again intended), Hashem must provide Bnei Yisroel with a fruitful income. Accordingly, the verse uses the grammatical form “t’aser” – tithe to make others rich i.e. the Kohanim and Leviim, and Rabbi Yochanan adds the inevitable follow through, that as a result of supporting the Kohanim and Leviim, you too will become rich.

Although giving charity is an extremely challenging Mitzvah, ironically, and in the words of musician Moshe Yess, the more you give, the more you get. Scrupulously fulfilling your charitable obligations “forces” Hashem, as it were, to provide you with a lucrative livelihood for the sake of those relying on you. Indeed, had Cyril

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Northcote Parkinson been aware of Rabbi Yochanan’s lesson, instead of “Expansion means complexity, and complexity decay,” perhaps his third law would have read, “Income rises to meet charity obligations paid out.”

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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Torah from Israel

13 AUGUST 2020

Is Kosher Food Healthier?

Does It Matter?

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN Parshat Re’eh reviews Jewish dietary laws supplying a sweeping list of banned foods. It catalogues kosher and non-kosher animals, bans the drinking of blood, mentions the prohibition of mixing meat and milk, and also references the procedure of shechita.

These comprehensive details regulate the entire experience of eating and dining. In our era, which unfortunately has witnessed a broad decline of full halachik observance, observance of kosher food regulations remains a baseline for religious identity. We often refer to those who observe Shabbat and maintain kashrut as “Orthodox” Jews even as we hope for their adopting a more augmented and expanded religious lifestyle.

At first glance, many of the laws of kashrut seem random. Admittedly, the prohibition of drinking blood, is understandable as this act seems barbaric. Likewise, many commentators have identified logical reasons for prohibiting the mixing of meat and milk. However, the actual list of kosher and non-kosher animals appears to be extremely arbitrary. Kosher species are determined by physical animal attributes which do not directly correlate to any apparent function.

It is not obvious, nor has it been proven, that animals with split hoofs are healthier than their counterparts. Fins and scales don’t directly reflect higher grades of fish. If the list of kosher animals feels random, then the intricate laws of shechita seems puzzling and bereft of any logical explanations. Do these kashrut rules and regulations, which so deeply permeate our experiences, possess any logical explanations?

An interesting midrash (Breishit Rabbah 44:1) does imply that shechita restrictions have no particular rhyme or reason: “Does God really care whether shechita is frontally executed (which is permitted) or performed on the back of the neck (which is improper)? Rather, the laws of shechita were installed solely to purify human behavior [through obeying God]”. This Midrash may imply that there is no essential difference between legal shechita and disqualified shechita. The process is only meant to test our obedience and build religious discipline. If religious discipline and submission to G-d are the ultimate goals, the actual content and core logic of these practices is less significant. What is significant is our ability to submit to the Divine will.

Similar impressions emerge from Rebbi Elazar Ben Azaryah’s very provocative declaration (Sifra 20:26): “A person shouldn’t be disinterested in forbidden foods. Rather, a person should desire forbidden items but

abstain solely because of Divine decree”. If forbidden foods were inherently harmful it would be absurd to encourage us to covet these toxic items. The simple interpretation of this Midrash implies that kosher food possesses no medical or health related advantage to non-kosher food. We avoid consuming these foods exclusively because of Divine command. Conceivably, God could have instructed us to consume pig while banning cows. Our compliance is purely based upon submission to the Divine decision, but not based on any other benefit or advantage.

By and large, Jewish tradition doesn’t endorse this extreme but interesting perspective. We believe that every Divine command must be based on some inherent logic and must be geared to our benefit and prosperity. Every mitzvah is built upon a solid logical foundation– some reasons are revealed to human intellect whereas the logic of mitzvoth such as as parah adumah and sha’tnaez remain inaccessible. God doesn’t command or instruct in an arbitrary fashion and, at some level, - perhaps beyond human comprehension- his mitzvoth are beneficial while His prohibitions are dangerous. Many medieval authors catalogued ta’amei mitzvoth or “reasons” for various mitzvoth- a programme which presupposes logical foundations for mitzvoth. If the Rambam identified reasons for mitzvoth it was because he believed that God would not just randomly issue commands. There must be some underlying logic and the Rambam determined to illuminate that logic.

The conviction that kosher food is healthier than non-kosher food may have been more compelling in an ancient world which knew less about the human body and human health. In a world of hit-or-miss medical knowledge it was easier to suspend contemporary science and assume that kosher food was medically preferable to non-kosher food. The modern world has mapped human biology and possesses a more precise knowledge of the roots and causes of human health. As modern science hasn’t proven any advantages of kosher food, our belief that kosher laws are geared to human health and prosperity is less obvious and requires critical reinforcement.

Beyond the specific details of kashrut, the more general sense of limiting the range of foods we consume, is an important concept. Limiting the types of foods which can be eaten can help lend dignity and restraint to an experience which, if left unregulated, can become animalistic and degrading. Presumably, with more limited food options, Jews are less prone

Limiting the types of foods which can be eaten can help lend dignity and restraint to an experience which, if left unregulated, can become animalistic… to gluttony, drunkenness and many other forms of vulgar behavior which can stem from overindulgence in eating. If the Torah is meant to help us even slightly dislodge from the sway of the flesh, laws governing our eating habits are central to that goal.

Interestingly, the modern changes in in the availability of kosher food have dramatically altered the equation and diminished this particular function of kashrut. Overwhelmingly, Jews enjoy almost unlimited access to kosher food and obtaining kosher food often requires few serious compromises.

The national spread of kosher food in Israel as well as the burgeoning of kosher supervision in the broader Jewish world have created almost unlimited availability of kosher food. Though this development is welcome and enables a broader spread of kashrut observance, this change also lessens the potentially healthy impact of curbing excessive food indulgence.

Secondly, kosher food establishes an important socio-cultural barrier between Jew and non-Jew. Because food and dining is such a central element of cultural experience, kashrut regulations create distinct cultural identity and, to a degree, reinforce separation of the Jew. Throughout the generations, our Masorah installed additional food- related prohibitions to more fully

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enforce these essential cultural barriers.

Laws banning wine which was handled by a Gentile or kosher bread manufactured in non-Jewish settings, further delimited Jewish cultural experience. A separate Jewish diet is intended to demarcate a separate Jewish cultural identity. The kashrut ‘cultural barrier’ continues to influence Jewish public experience even in the world of modern kashrut.

Though the specific details of kashrut seem arbitrary they possess profound logic, as God banned us from consuming hazardous items while allowing beneficial foods. Modern science hasn’t yet traced human health and well-being to kashrut laws but we still trust that this system isn’t random. In a broader sense, limiting us to kosher foods is a method of curbing against the potential imbalances of unlimited food consumption. Secondly, kashrut experience erects vital cultural barriers intended to safeguard our unique Jewish identity. As the patterns of kosher food change it is important to revisit these seminal principles.

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

13 AUGUST 2020

Re’eh RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

CHOOSING TO ACT

The sidra begins with Israel being told that they have a choice between life and death, good and evil. The choice they make is up to them.

The problem is that the Torah makes it clear that God determines earthly events (it is He that sends the rain, He that controls the sun, He that chooses Israel as the Holy Land), so how can it also be possible that human beings have the freedom to choose their own path?

Both principles are part of Judaism, the principle of determinism and the principle of free will.

One explanation is that the external event (i.e. what happens to us) is beyond our control, but the internal event (the way we handle the external event) is up to us.

Whatever the final answer is to the problem, it is clear that there is a partnership between man and God. God has control but so does man.

A rather radical possibility is to say with GK Chesterton that man’s power lies in the distinction between choosing to act and refraining from acting.

Chesterton says, “I believe in a fate that falls (on men) unless they act.”

NO WEAPON SHALL PROSPER

The haftarah contains the comforting

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promise, “No weapon that is forged against you shall prosper” (Isa. 54:17).

Nehama Leibowitz raises the fair question, why did God let weapons be forged against Israel at all? Could He not have avoided the whole problem by ensuring there were neither enemies nor weapons to threaten us?

Her answer is that it was not God who created the weapons, but human beings.

He gave them free will, skill and energy, and whether these gifts would be used for good or ill depended entirely on the human recipients.

If no-one were ever able to opt for the path of evil, tragic though such a choice is, then human beings would be automata without minds or hearts.

Nehama Leibowitz concludes, “Their test (as Israelites) is – and there is no end to such challenge – weapons will be forged against them, and in every age, but if they are the servants of God, they will be shown

JUDAISM 25

that these weapons will not prosper” (“Studies in the Weekly Sidra”, 5721).”

SINGULAR & PLURAL

The parashah opens in the singular – re’eh – “see!” – and proceeds to the plural – lifneichem.

A similar usage occurs in the Shema – singular, shema – “hear!”, then plural – E-lohenu – “our God”.

The call is addressed to the individual, who is then informed that he or she is part of the people as a whole and their destiny is his or hers too.

A child cannot escape from being part of their family. Much as some children would like a divorce from their parents or siblings, it simply cannot happen. You are who you are.

A Scot cannot throw off their Scottish inheritance, a Spaniard cannot avoid the Spanish connection, a Jew cannot cease being a Jew. True, from time to time a Jew

If no-one were ever able to opt for the path of evil, tragic though such a choice is, then human beings would be automata without minds or hearts

tries to merge into the scenery and pretend that they really aren’t Jewish, but in the long run it never works.

The best way is to embrace your identity and if you are Jewish, be the best possible kind of Jew you can.

Some of the commentators interpret our verse a little differently. They say that if the majority of the people are worthy, their righteousness works backwards and envelops even the individual who may not personally deserve the reward.

Conversely, if the majority merit Divine punishment, that also comes upon the individual even if he or she is a good and upright person. In that case the righteous individual has to work harder to avoid the effect of the unworthy deeds of the majority.

Rabbi Apple served for 32 years as the chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, Australia’s oldest congregation. He is now retired and lives in Jerusalem. Rabbi Apple blogs at http://www.oztorah.com

Mesillat Yesharim: Hilchot Shabbat Part 49 RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN Our Sages raised an apparent contradiction. On the one hand we are taught that it is sinful to be afraid but on the other hand we are taught by King Solomon, “Fortunate is one who is constantly fearful”. The sages reconciled these two teachings by explaining that fear belongs in one part of our life only: With words of Torah – extended to include all performance of Mitzvot. Ramchal explains that Yirat Chet is the fear that accompanies a person through life lest they have transgressed a sin, even unwittingly.

A person who is on constant alert will not come to sin and if they do, it will be considered accidental.

Kind David likewise taught, “From Your word did my heart fear”. The angels too are overwhelmed by fear of G-d. How much more so should human beings tremble and quake, when aware of the knowledge

that they are constantly in the presence of G-d, lest they act in a manner not befitting to G-d.

This fear has two aspects, one for the present – which is maintaining a constant state of awareness to prevent them from falling short in service of G-d and one for the past. There were individuals in the past, such as Avraham Avinu, Moshe Rabbeinu, Iyov and others who even after performing a Mitzva, were worried lest a sin has inadvertently been committed.

This “treasury of Yirat Shamayim” may have only been easily accessible to the giants of our history, but anyone seeking to attain the elevated levels of Chassidut as defined by Ramchal, must make the effort to attain a level of true and constant fear of G-d as we say in Birkat Hamazon, “Yeru et Hashem Kedoshav” – fear Hashem, His holy ones.

In the next chapter, Ramchal explains how to go about attaining this type of fear.

In the next few columns, we will address the Halachot pertaining to the Melacha of “Borer” – sorting. Sorting on Shabbat is a Torah prohibition according to all if it is done using a dedicated tool OR if it is done with intention of non-immediate use. According to most, it is also a Torah prohibition if one chooses the “undesired” item from the “desired” item(s).

So, in order to be allowed to select anything from a mixture on Shabbat one must ensure to be do so only if all three of the following conditions are satisfied: 1 One selects the desired item AND does so 2 By hand (or an acceptable “extension” of the hand such as a fork) AND does so for 3 Immediate use

The laws of Borer do not only apply to food; it also includes (but is not limited to) any mixture such as books (newspapers), clothing, clothing, cutlery, and toys.

One must always ensure that the above mentioned three conditions are satisfied whilst selecting.

Needless to say, the laws of Borer and its practical applications are intriguing for those able to look deeper into the subject

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but are absolutely essential for everyone to be somewhat familiar with. This is because we all come across the laws of Borer on a weekly basis. Most of us eat, read and dress on Shabbat and most of us have preferences.

We must also clarify what exactly counts as, “a mixture”, what is considered “immediate use” and what is considered “desired” compared with “undesired”.

Are there any circumstances in which peeling an egg would be permitted? Is that not removing the non-desired casing from the food? How about removing the skin of chicken or fish whilst eating?

In the next few columns, we will address common applications of the laws of Borer.

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Re’eh Parshat Re’eh opens with Moshe’s words to the Jewish people that are to remain with them throughout their daily lives - If you keep Mitzvot and don’t go against the word of Hashem you will be blessed.

They are also taught the Mitzva of taking a portion of their crop and giving it to the poorer people. We are told that giving charity is actually a form of taking because Hashem tells us that if we give charity we will enjoy more success as a reward.

The Parsha closes with reminding us of the three major festivals. Pesach Shavuot and Sukkot. Each of them give the Jewish people (who were then very involved with working their fields etc) an opportunity to reflect on the blessings that Hashem had given them and celebrate how happy they were with the variety of foods that Hashem has blessed the holy land with.

We too, use special occasions such as Shabbat and the Chagim to thank Hashem for keeping us alive and for bringing us to the day.

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BLESSING • CURSE • GERIZIM • KOSHER • LOANS • SERVANT • SHEMITA • TITHE •

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes on the left can you make the sword shape on the right?

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Re’eh

In a nutshell Parshas Re’eh is commonly read the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Elul and is highly suited to get us into the High Holy Days mode which needs at least 40 days preparation!

Moshe tells the Jewish people: See – I am placing two options before you. Blessing and Curse. Follow the Mitzvot and you are and will be blessed. If you don’t then the opposite occurs.

The Jewish people are taught that when they enter the land of Israel, they are to encounter two mountains – Grizim and Eival and carry out a very interesting ceremony with further details to follow next week.

For now, Moshe reminds them to destroy all idols from the holy land, including the Mizbechot that they sacrifice on, the trees that they hold holy and the molten images that they bow down to.

G-d has chosen a place for the Beit Hamikdash to be and, once it is built, that is where all sacrifices are to be

offered up – nowhere else.

If someone gets up and announces to the Jewish people – in the name of G-d – that all should go and serve idols, they must receive capital punishment. We need only follow the Torah and Mitzvot and must not be afraid of those who try to influence us to do otherwise.

The Jewish people are reminded of the laws surrounding their farming and agricultural lifestyle. They are told to take a percentage of their crop and give it to the Levites.

The laws of Kashrut are once again taught to the nation.

Do you remember the signs of a Kosher animal? One that chews the cud and has split hooves? Have you looked out for those on holiday? Check out the hoof of a camel or rabbit and then see the difference in a sheep, goat or (from a safe distance) and ox!

You can turn a trip to the zoo into a(n even bigger) Mitzvah!

How about fish? The only Kosher ones are those

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.

with fins and scales. There are plenty birds that are permissible to eat but we are told of the select few that are forbidden. Nevertheless, we only tend to slaughter the birds for which we have a tradition that they are fit for our consumption.

We are told to free the Hebrew servant after seven years and shower him with food gifts upon his return home. Remember that once upon a time we were slaves in Egypt so be sure to treat all your workers with compassion.

We are taught to offer up the firstborn animal and bring it as a Korban to Hashem, ensuring that it does not have a serious blemish that would make it unfit for the Mizbeach.

Finally, the Parsha concludes with the three festivals.

Pesach, which reminds us of the day that G-d took us out of Egypt, and on which we eat Matza for seven days.

This is followed by Shavuot but with an important bridge – Sefirat Ha’Omer. Finally, we have the festival of Sukkot.

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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aced acid aide avid

cave date dita diva

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acted cadet eaved evade

active advice deviate adjective

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Q: If fish lived on land, where would they live?

A: Finland!

Q: What colour is the wind?

A: Blew!

Q: What is at the end of a rainbow?

A: W!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. What 4-letter word can be written forward, backward or upside down, and can still be read from left to right?

Q: If you drop a yellow hat in the Red Sea, what does it become?

A: Wet!

2. You answer me, although I never ask you questions.

3. What are full all day and empty at night?

3) Shoes 1. NOON

2) A phone 1. Equal rights 2. Get underway 3. Make ends meet THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

4. Poles apart 5. Forever and ever 6. tripod

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City and United Lions aim Sixteen-goal for Euro glory rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

BY DAVID SAFFER Manchester City and Manchester United are onMogilner track to meet in six thegoals European Super Reiss scored as Maccabi Cup next season.

London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the Both round clubs of arethestill chasing European second Cyril Anekstein Cup. glory which would herald a first cup The Premier League side rackedEuro up a 16-0 final ‘derby’ after near misses in domestic win with Daniel Green and Michael Kenley competitions recent seasons. both bagging in a hat-trick.

Ed Brafman, DaGuardiola’s City take on Lyon in the vidPep Dinkin, and Adam Hassanali completlast of the Champions League quarterfied the rout in a mismatch of a tie. nals while Ole have Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges Lions could scored in the opening face Sevilla in the Europa League semi-fiminute of the clash but soon opened the nals at the scoring andweekend. led 9-0 by half time.

The edged FC Copenhagen Th e Reds Division Onepast team, though outthanks to a clinically penalty from classed, battled away tostruck the end.

Bruno in extra time on LionsFernandes boss was lost for words at Monday full time night.

But this match should have such was the display from his team been who over every long before Portuguese midfieldgave respectthe to the opposition. er“I’m slotted winner. to nothome reallya 95th sure minute there’s anything United time settle but aftertohalf say, we aretook happy to to make it through the time round they ofdominated quarterfinal next the cup,” hethis commented. clash.

Only the heroics of out Copenhagen Hendon United Sports ran 3-1 victors ‘keeper Karl-Johan Johnsson denied them against League One outfit North London easily booking a semi-final berth.

Raiders.

Whilst Johnsson touch good forTh e Premier sidehad led aearly in of the second tune as Fernandes and Greenwood struck half only for Raiders to equalise but struck atwo post twice, had a late goalsand to Marcus book a Rashford place in round goal disallowed, time and again the Danthree of the competition. ishHendon stoppernow denied United with wonderous turn their attentions to the saves stops to to Oakwood deny Fernandes, leagueincluding as they travel A for a Greenwood, Rashford, Anthony Martial crucial top of the table clash on Sunday and substitute Juan Mata during the game.

(10am).

United won thisteam trophy in 2017 toleague claim Daniel Kristall’s stunned the aleaders Champions League spot, Solskjaer last month when they won 2-0, isa looking to endmove his first season at the helm victory would them to within a point by matching that achievement. of Hendon with a match in hand.

Solskjaer his team’s to Elsewherepraised in the latest roundpatience of fixtures, finally overcome a resilient defence at full 10-man North London Galaxy made it a time and title haverace an in opportunity to avenge three-way the only Division One losing EFL Cup and FA Cup semi-finals clash of the day after defeating Oakwood B. earlier season.

Jamiethis Murray saw red early on but Galaxy United’s rallied with boss goals told fromBT JoshSport, Cohen“We anddeJaserved it, their keeper was unbelievable cob Leigh to record an important 2-1 away and win. we hit the post a few times.

“It could have been oneJewish of those nights Galaxy head Redbridge Care A in that you end up with a shootout.

We had the table by just one point after 10 matches, to block, defend well and they made it third place Fairlop FC are five points behard for us.

They were well organised with hind with two games in hand. a gameplan, knew they would be hard to Rafi BloomIscored for Oakwood. break down so we had to be patient.inWea “It was a fantastic performance

knew we would get chances, our attackers will always create chances.

“It’s Wolves or Sevilla, two good teams, we don’t mind.”

Regarding the winner, Solskjaer noted, “He (Fernandes) knows keepers will wait for him to do the jump. He practices both of them (run-ups) and he practices both sides, so he’s got them sorted.”

Three-time winners Sevilla broke Wolves hearts with an 88th minute winner on Tuesday night.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side battled gamely but eventually got caught out from a quickly taken corner, Lucas Ocampos glancing home a pinpoint Ever Banega cross.

The defeat was tough on Wolves, who went close in the opening moments of the game when Jimenez had a header saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from Adama Traore’s cross. Jimenez then made a hash of a penalty after Traore was brought down after a driving run.

Nuno’s team though 16-goal Maccabi London Lions had a case for a second chance at the spot kick as Bounou looked to game, be off” his goalline whilst must-win commented GalaxyDiego playCarlos was in theLewis. box before the kick was er-manager Luke taken.

Carlos ball clear “We sat backthen and headed allowed the Oakwood the from danger after Jimenez’s weak ball, given the one-man advantageeffort. and VAR failed to spot looked to hit themboth on incidents. the counter attack In spite of the heartbreaking defeat, with pace.

Wolves 13-month 383-day campaign has “Both goals came down the right-hand been a success although they will notCohen comside. Leigh crossed the first one into pete in Europe season as they finished to finish, beforenext slotting home himself.

Up just outside the qualification places.

Jose to first we go.”

Mourinho’s Tottenham pipped The Division Two titleHotspur race also took the Molineux side on goal difference in a twist with league leaders Herstwood the final game of the season with a draw Vale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple at Crystal Palace as Wolves lost to Chelsea.

Fortune.

Watch outBfor Wolves though nextmore seaFaithfold have played a game son, without European football to distract than Vale but moved level with a 5-3 win at them could be a great shout for a top Norththey London Raiders Masters. sixJacob finishKalms next time around. struck twice for Fortune who In other quarter final clashes scored through leading scorer Inter JamesMilan Mildeservedly defeated 04 Leverkusen letwith his 17th goal ofBayer the season.

2-1 Shakhtar thumped BaThwhile e result was allDonetsk the more remarkable sel 4-1. as Temple were down to 11 players with Milan’s anda shoulder Romelu ‘keeper BenNicolo RebuckBarella dislocating Lukaku struck inside 21 minutes only for in the warm up.

Havertz to immediately hit back but the “This was a fantastic win given the

European Champions League Trophy

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Italians bossed the game and should have won more comfortably.

Substitutes Christian Eriksen, Alexis Sanchez and Victor Moses all went close to scoring a third for Milan and Lukaku twice lined up a penalty only to denied taking it due to VAR. Commenting after the win, Inter manager Antonio Conte said, “I’m very satisfied because we played exactly how we planned the game, never allowing Leverkusen to play calmly with the ball, always with a certain level of pressure. A coach can only be happy when he sees such commitment.”

Shakhtar made a blistering start in their game, opening up a 2-0 lead by the 22nd minute, Junior Moraes and Brazilian Taison hitting the target. Alan Patrick slotted in a penalty spot after Taison was fouled, Dodo made it 4-0 before Ricky van circumstances, ” said delighted Fortune Wolfswinkel struck a consolation. boss Simon Linden.

Conte’s play Shakhtar andout, willRebe “We hadMilan a number of players favourites for a place in the final but don’t buck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked underestimate side who imany more from the the Ukrainian players. We wish Ben a pressed in this demolition job. speedy recovery.

United would be a final “It was aversus properMilan old school performance, worthy of the competition’s growing stawe battled and defended for the 90 minutes tus clubs being former winners andwith tookboth our chances.

Experience proved of oldwinner.

European to the be the It’s Cup a bigand win,modern-day one we will Champions League.

But it be easy enjoy and we hope to build will on itnot in 2019. ” forHe theadded, former“Th European giants to progress. is win marks 50 years as a Sevilla in Nigel this competifootballare clubpast and masters will be one Kyte and tion and also knocked United of day the everyone associated with the clubout from

Europa League Trophy

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Champions League in 2018. The Spaniards and Shakhtar will be going all out to stop a nostalgic final.

Whoever wins the Europa League earns a place in next season’s Champions League so there is huge pressure on all four sides left in the tournament.

Champions League quarter finals kicked PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER off last night with Atalanta taking on Paris Saint Germain.

RB Leipzig face Atletico Madrid tonight before a titanic battle between former winners Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Manchester City take on Lyon in the final tie of the round.

If the form book is anything to go by, next week’s semi-finals will see PSG play Bayern and Atletico face City before the grand final on August 23rd. That would mean disappointment for Barcelona’s talisman but the Catalonia club one willLionel enjoy.Messi, ” areVale not boss the force of a few years ago.quick NeverJacob Emanuel was to theless, don’twell be surprised the mercurial wish Rebuck following ifhis injury.

Messi a shock.

“Firstinspires and most importantly, everyone at However, should Citythe and United‘keeper evenVale would like to wish Fortune tually prevail the ultimate Manchester a quick recovery, we hope to see him back ‘derby’ would pitch be onasbut it will be behind on the football soon as possible, ” he closed doors due to the coronavirus pansaid. demic, would be hugely disapAs for which the defeat, Emanuel commented, pointment for both sets of supporters.

In “It doesn’t matter how big a squad you these challenging times though getting the have, you can never account for unavailmatch played willOnly be an achievement and ability or injury. five of today’s team could well attract one of its biggest ever played in our recent win over FC Team,TVa audiences. lack of togetherness and poor individual

“It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes and took our chances. Experience proved to be the winner.”

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