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WORLD JEWRY MOURNS ANOTHER TRAGEDY

BY DAVID SAFFER

The Charedi community of Antwerp has been shaken to the core following the deaths of two sisters in a horrific road accident on Tuesday.

Hindel Adler, a”h, aged 9, and her sister Gittel, a”h, aged 18 months, were in the Jewish quarter when they The levaya in Antwerp were struck by a truck at a pedesMrs Adler was taking her daughters to day camp. Hindel was retrian crossing.

Hundreds of mourners attend- portedly giving Gittel a ride on ed the levaya which continued to a traditional scooter. When the Putte, The Netherlands, for burial. light turned green at the junction The girls were the daughters of the Lange Leemstraat with the of Reb Gavriel Adler, a respected Sint-Vincentiusstraat a truck remember of the Gerrer kehillah. versed into them.

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Hatzolah of Antwerp attended but were unable to save the sisters. Their distraught mother was not hurt but treated for shock.

Police closed the streets and opened an investigation. The shocked driver was treated at a local hospital.

Police have reportedly suspended his driving licence for two weeks, pending questioning.

Harav Aharon Schiff, shlita, Rav of Machzikei Hadass, shared words of condolence in his eulogy to not look at other people’s faults, but to take time for introspection.

Harav Schiff declared the girls’ deaths a korban tzibbur.

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Gantz spells out terms Bennett makes first White House trip for ceasefire

BY ADAM MOSES Israel will only agree a long-term ceasefire agreement with Hamas with the return of Israelis held in captivity in Gaza.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz outlined Israel’s terms to foreign diplomats regarding security yesterday in a special briefing.

Successive Prime Ministers have stated a prerequisite to a deal is dependent on the return of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed held captive by Hamas since 2014 and 2015 respectively, and IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul killed in the Operation Protective Edge 2014 conflict.

Hamas must provide proof of life as part of any prisoner swap negotiations.

There are reports Israel has provided a list of Hamas prisoners they will release in exchange for MIAs. “The conditions for a long-term arrangement with Hamas are the return of the boys to their homes, and a commitment to total calm in the south of the country,” Gantz said.

Gantz was speaking as tensions mount on the Gaza border with incendiary balloon attacks and border riots. An Israeli Border Police officer was also critically injured.

Israel has made it clear they will act swiftly to violence.

Gantz also spoke about Iran, noting Israel would act alone if necessary to stop the Islamic Republic acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Iran is two months away from accumulating the material needed for a nuclear bomb,” he explained. “We do not know whether the regime is ready to reach a (nuclear) agreement and return to the negotiating table, but the world must prepare ‘Plan B’ and halt its progress right now.”

Gantz further accused Iran of launching a deadly drone strike on The Mercer Street oil tanker last month.

Israel, Britain and the US blamed Iran for the attack on an Israeli-operated tanker in international waters off Oman. A British and Rumanian crew member died in the incident believed to be by UAV-style drones.

Gantz named Saeed Ara Jani, head of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps’ UAV Command, as behind the strike.

“Our assessment is that the UAV employed in the Mercer Street attack was launched from Iranian territory and approved by Iranian leadership,” Gantz noted, adding that the “attack on the entire world”.

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BY DAVID SAFFER Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is set to discuss halting Iran’s nuclear program with US President Joe Biden today in his first official trip to the White House.

After landing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland yesterday, he met government officials and Jewish leaders including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and AIPAC CEO Howard Kohr.

Speaking before his departure, Bennett told reporters talks would also focus on Israel’s qualitative military edge in the Middle East, technology, security, climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.

“We will confront many fronts, chiefly, the Iranian front and especially the step up in the Iranian nuclear program over the last two or three years,” he noted.

Bennett described Biden as a “true friend of the State of Israel” and was bringing a “new spirit of cooperation from Jerusalem” to Israel-US relations.

Bennett is expected to call on Biden to end talks with Iran on refreshing the JCPOA deal, which former President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018. It is anticipated Bennett will call for new sanctions on Iran and more countries to act against the Iranian regime.

Global concerns over Afghanistan could well also be on the agenda. Biden has been heavily criticised after refusing to extend his August 31st deadline for withdrawing American troops.

Biden has voiced concerns over an increased risk of attacks by Isis suicide bombers, noting, “The sooner we finish, the better.”

Republicans accuse Biden of a “colossal failure” of leadership.

G7 allies and world leaders fear thousands of people will be left behind.

The Taliban has begun blocking access to Kabul airport.

Tensions were strained with Biden following his inauguration with former Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu viewed as backing the Republican party.

Bennett has sought to “reset” relations with the White House.

“Right now, the biggest transaction taking place between the two countries is a refresh and a reset of bilateral relations,” Scott

Lasensky, former President Barack Obama’s senior policy advisor on Israel, reportedly told AFP. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid started the process in talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken following the transfer of power to a new Israeli coalition.

“In the past few years mistakes were made.

Israel’s bipartisan standing was hurt. We will fix those mistakes together,” Lapid said.

But Iran will be top of the agenda especially with its nuclear program.

“I will tell President Biden that it is time to stop the Iranians, not to give them a lifeline in the form of re-entering into an expired nuclear deal,” Bennett told reporters on Sunday.

Or Rabinowitz, a US-Israel relations expert at the Hebrew University, backs the viewpoint.

“We will present an orderly plan that we have formulated in the past two months to curb the Iranians,” he noted.

But there is scepticism about what can be achieved during the high-profile visit.

“The Biden administration understands this is a shaky coalition,” said Shira Efron, of Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies. Efron doubts Biden will push Bennett to restart peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Biden’s vow to reopen a consulate general in Jerusalem responsible for U.S.-Palestinian affairs is also expected to be discussed.

Trump closed the mission in 2019 after he moved the US embassy to Jerusalem.

Eugene Kontorovich advised the Trump administration on Israel.

Bennett is “ideologically and fundamentally committed to the integrity of Jerusalem”, he noted.

Speaking last week about the whistle-stop trip, Bennett noted the timing was at a critical point regarding Iran.

“Tehran is increasing its Uranium enrichment and has substantially shortened the time needed to accumulate material for a nuclear bomb,” he said. “We’ve inherited a complex situation.”

“Iran is behaving aggressively in the region and my message to Biden is that it must be stopped.” Bennett added. “We will present a plan that we have spent months constructing to block Iran’s nuclear ambitions and their belligerence in the region.”

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Israel braced for Gaza tensions

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel is ready for an escalation in violence on the Gaza border following clashes in recent days.

Tensions increased after a plethora of incendiary balloons launched from the Strip caused fires in southern Israel.

A violent rally last Shabbat saw an undercover border police sniper critically injured.

Staff Sergeant Barel Hadaria Shmueli sustained head injuries after being shot at point-blank range through the border wall. He is being treated at Soroka Hospital intensive care unit.

Israeli forces responded by striking Hamas targets including terrorist tunnels, a weapons manufacturing site and rocket launching site.

The IDF Southern Command has reinforced Border Police and Special Forces at the security fence.

After Palestinian groups announced on Monday plans to march from Khan Yunis and Rafah yesterday to protest Israel’s “blockade”, an IDF spokesperson said forces would “act firmly” against terrorist incidents near the fence which they did.

Reports circulated Tuesday that Hamas had agreed to stop the aerial attacks after talks with Egypt, according to Palestinian newspaper Al-Ayyam.

Notwithstanding rumours, with the attempting to steal his weapon. “The potential of protests increasing, Israel is weapon is in the possession of the soldier,” a spokesman noted. prepared for action.

The riots lasted approximately three The IDF Gaza Division have reportedly run exercises for scenarios including riots hours. at the border, further incendiary balloons Palestinian officials said Imad Hashash, and rocket fire at border communities.

15, was killed in a clash with the IDF in Nablus on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett vowed to “settle the score” to those who harm “During an operation by IDF troops in IDF troops and citizens at his weekly cabthe Balata refugee camp, live fire was used inet meeting. against the soldiers,” an IDF spokesperson Bennett added that security forces were said in a statement. “At the end of the operprepared for “any scenario” in the Gaza ation, a violent riot broke out that involved Strip. throwing of boulders and objects at IDF The move follows Defense Minister troops from the rooftops. During the riot, a Benny Gantz announcing plans to transnumber of fighters identified a suspect on the roof of a building holding a large object fer Qatari funds to the Strip last week. with both hands, who tried to throw it at a The Kerem Shalom crossing is open for soldier standing under the building. One transfer of goods from Israel to Gaza but Egypt has closed the Rafah crossing due to of the soldiers responded by firing.”

Hamas’ lack of cooperation in cease-fire There were no Israeli casualties.

Israeli media reported and the Iron negotiations.

Dome anti-missile system was deployed.

According to the IDF, in a resumption of weekly riots organised by Hamas on Barel, an only child, was due to be disShabbat afternoon near the Gaza border, charged from the army in October and demonstrators hurled firebombs and was at the border on Shabbos in place of rocks toward Border Police officers and Staff Sergeant Barel Hadaria Shmueli another soldier.

PHOTO: ISRAEL POLICE IDF soldiers. Troops responded with riot His mother, Nitza, told reporters that dispersal methods including when necGaza Strip and attempted to climb the fence her son had lost an eye after extensive essary live fire. and hurled explosive devices at IDF troops,” surgery that lasted a number of hours.

“Hundreds of rioters approached one a spokesman confirmed.

Barel’s name for tefillah is Barel Achiya area of the security fence in the northern During riots a soldier fought off rioters Ben Nitza.

Western Wall stones inspected

BY SIMCHA ABIR With the High Holy Days less than two weeks away a bi-annual inspection of the Western Wall stones has taken place.

The stability of age-old stones takes place in the run up to Rosh Hashana and Passover.

An inspection team uses a crane so every stone is checked including the area of the covered Wilson’s Arch. Each stone has a unique identity card which the Western Wall Heritage Foundation keeps track of through its inspection procedure.

Thousands of worshippers come specifically for the Jewish new year and Passover.

A carefully planned operation takes place under the halachic supervision of the rabbi of the Western Wall, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Israel Antiquities Authority and foundation engineers in accordance with halachic restrictions by Jewish legal authorities and chief rabbis of Israel.

Included in preparations for the High Holiday season are slichot prayers and for the month of Tishrei.

Due to COVID-19 measures constantly being monitored to spread out the vast numbers of visitors who wish to attend prayers, the Western Wall foundation has organised an additional 17 events with live broadcasts so those unable to attend can participate remotely.

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The first slichot event at the Western Wall Plaza took place earlier this month at midnight.

The Western Wall is among the most iconic and sacred places in Israel. Built in the time of King Herod, it is a must-see site with visitors from all over the world who traditionally write a prayer and place it between the large stones.

Placing messages has been restricted throughout the pandemic but over 800,000 people have visited the Western Wall online to write a virtual note to be placed in the stones.

Virtual tours are also available to enable Jews globally to keep a link to the historic site. www.thekotel.org/en/send-a-note/

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Israeli schools to reopen on schedule James shaken

BY ADAM MOSES Israeli schools will reopen as planned on September 1st despite a spike in COVID-19 cases.

The coronavirus cabinet announced the decision after a long debate on Monday.

Ministers backed rolling out vaccines on campuses to children over 12, subject to parental approval. Parents will test children at home and declare they tested negative for the virus.

In ‘red’ communities with high infection rates students in grades eight to 12 will study remotely unless 70% of pupils are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19.

The Green Pass policy is in place for school staff who must present proof of vaccination or recovery, or provide a recent negative test before entering a school building.

According to the Education Ministry, 37,000 teachers have not been vaccinated.

Israel, meanwhile, has begun a national testing initiative to glean the number of unvaccinated children aged three to 12 who have developed immunity ahead of the school year.

The health and education ministries along with the IDF Home Front Command are behind the program aimed at 1.5 million youngsters. Children with sufficient antibodies will not have to quarantine when exposed to a COVID-19 patient. The aim is to limit school disruptions.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz backed 6,000 IDF reservists helping with testing.

In related news, Israel has begun its vaccine booster campaign. Over 1.4 million citizens have received a third inoculation just weeks after the initiative was launched for over 60s.

Professor Ran Balicer advises the cabinet

On their way to school

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

and warned morbidity rates may rise, whilst the government will not rule out measures for the High Holy Days.

There are 670 patients hospitalised, 162 in critical condition including 108 patients on ventilators. To date, there have been 6,830 people fatalities from COVID-19.

Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz is pushing for a surge in first and second vaccinations in communities reticent to date. During a visit to the Arab town of Kafr Qasem near Tel Aviv, he noted, “I’m not going to give up on these weaker groups.”

Horowitz added that to avoid stricter restrictions or a nationwide lockdown more people must be vaccinated. The Tel Aviv suburbs of Kfar Shmryahu and Savyon are most vaccinated. The least vaccinated are

Bedouin communities of Kseifa and Hura.

The Health Ministry’s Director-General Nachman Ash told Channel 13 News that Israel would “most probably” expand eligibility for a booster vaccine to include people aged 30 up.

“We can see the operation is going well,” he explained. “We’re vaccinating the older population, and we can take the age down.

There are enough vaccines.”

According to Health Ministry figures 37.2 % of Israelis aged 50 to 59 have received a third vaccination. Over 60% of Israelis aged 60-69, 75.8% of 70-79s, 71.6 % 80-89s and 66.2 % of 90 plus citizens have also had a third shot.

As part of the initiative, mobile vaccination vans from the Health Ministry and Magen David Adom will join the initiative to vaccinate neighbourhoods and communities throughout Israel.

The coronavirus cabinet, meantime, have backed travel to Uman in the Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah. Regulations apply to Israeli travellers going to an “orange” country.

Passengers must present a negative test within 72 hours before the flight.

After Rosh Hashanah, Israelis in Ukraine must submit a quarantine declaration 24 hours before returning to Israel. At Ben-Gurion Airport, travellers will take a test and enter quarantine for 14 days. This can be reduced to seven days with two negative coronavirus tests.

Fully vaccinated travellers must have Ukrainian medical insurance (over the age of 12) but are not required to be tested for COVID-19 or enter quarantine on arrival.

Unvaccinated travellers to Ukraine must quarantine for 10 days on arrival and register with a surveillance app until they receive a negative test, which can taken at Kiev airport.

MDA UK supporters dedicate first of six lifesaving Mobile Blood vehicle A Mobile Blood vehicle has been dedicated to Magen David Adom at the Millennium Centre in Israel.

Batya and Barry Segal, and Vision for Israel, donated the first of six Team Blood Mobiles by UK supporters to MDA at a cost of £135,000 each.

Vision for Israel was founded 27 years ago and provides humanitarian aid, disaster relief and community support in Israel.

President and co-founder Barry is the first donor to give blood in the vehicle.

“This is a day we dreamed of seeing since Vision for Israel not only to save lives when needed, but to serve the community around us and all Israel,” he said at a dedication ceremony. “It gives us the privilege to serve, providing hope and strength in any time of need for emergency services provided by MDA. We do not just believe in miracles and visions but in their coming to fulfilment.”

MDA is Israel’s sole national medical emergency and blood service centre supplying hospitals across Israel and the IDF.

MDA collects 1,100 blood units daily, a total of 300,000 units every year.

Blood Mobiles are an integral part of the centre. Every day teams of phlebotomists are dispatched to perform blood drives in Israel.

Additional mobiles meet Israel’s increasing blood demand.

Daniel Burger, MDA Chief Executive, said MDA was indebted to the generosity of the Segal’s and Vision for Israel. “Their support over the years has helped save countless lives,” noted Burger.

“Kol ha kavod, here’s to many more years of collaboration between Vision for Israel, MDA, MDA UK and the American Friends of MDA,” he added.

MDA has also begun the rollout of mobile vaccination vans to neighbourhoods and communities across the country.

Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz has welcomed MDA’s efforts to get the booster jab to the elderly and compromised populations.

“Our booster shot campaign is an immense success,” MDA noted.

Barry Segal gives blood at a mobile blood vehicle

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after attacks

James Marlow

Jewish Weekly correspondent James Marlow was shaken after two shocking physical attacks close to his home in north west London this week.

Walking to a local shul in Brent Street, Hendon, a woman on a scooter crashed into him before claiming she was attacked.

During an altercation, the assailant verbally abused and punched James in the face, causing minor injuries. James had a witness.

Police eventually informed James the woman had a medical condition and was known to the force.

Later in the evening on route to another local shul, James was holding a siddur when he was verbally abused in an antisemtic incident by an Asian passer-by.

CST are aware of both incidents.

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CAA call on Patel to ban Hamas

NEWS 9

Sturgeon to tackle antisemitism

BY ADAM MOSES

“Following the UK’s exit from the EU, this reliance is no longer tenable, the UK Campaign Against Antisemitism has must now act to proscribe the entirety called on all MPs to ask Home Secreof Hamas,” note CAA. “There is no matary Priti Patel to proscribe Hamas in its terial distinction between the supposed entirety under the Terrorism Act 2000. ‘wings’ of Hamas, which share the same CAA provided Patel with a dossier personnel and where political leaders making the case for proscription of the launch military operations. Because of terror group last month. The dossier has this loophole, Hamas flags can be flown, now been made available to MPs from its ideology can be promoted, funds can be raised, material can be disseminated, all parties.

A loophole in British law allows Haand its representatives can operate in mas to operate in the UK. But after the the UK.” CAA’s Demonstrations and Events record-breaking surge in antisemitism Monitoring Unit has found evidence of in Britain during the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel, CAA has taken support for Hamas on British streets in the lead to close the loophole and ban recent months.

“This is undoubtedly tied to the recent Hamas in its entirety.

A CAA spokesperson said, “It is insurge in domestic antisemitism,” CAA tolerable that Hamas representatives explained, adding that the proscription and supporters can operate in the UK Hezbollah in its entirety in 2019 serves on the pretence that they only back the as a case study for a ban of Hamas.

Hezbollah’s ban sent a “powerful group’s supposed ‘political wing’. There is no distinction between the units of message to the Jewish community, and this Islamist, antisemitic, misogynistic Islamists, that antisemitism and terrorand homophobic terrorist organisation. ism will not be tolerate” in the UK, CAA Support for Hamas is tied to the recent explained. surge in anti-Jewish racism on British “The proscription of Hamas would PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA streets. The Home Secretary must move Priti Patel have a similar effect,” CAA added. to protect British Jews by banning HaA landmark CAA poll on the subject wing’, relying until now on the European in 2020 showed that 91% of British Jews mas in its entirety in the UK.” Currently, the UK proscribes the Izz al- Union’s proscription of the entirety of Ha- want the government to proscribe Hamas Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ ‘military mas as a de facto ban in the UK. in its entirety.

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Scottish First Minister and Nicola Sturgeon is “committed to tackling” antisemitism.

It has been reported that the SNP leader has met with The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and Glasgow Jewish Representative Council to discuss the rise in antisemitism.

Sturgeon was said to have understood the “community’s anxieties” and to tackle on-campus antisemitism. Describing the meeting as “incredibly useful”, she added that antisemitism would not be tolerated in Scotland. “We remain committed to tackling it,” Sturgeon noted.

Campaign Against Antisemitism have previously reported about SNP members comparing a political party to the Nazis.

Stephanie Callaghan, who is standing in Uddingston and Bellshill, Lanarkshire, apologised for “poorly chosen” words in an old tweet and offence caused after deleting the posting.

Colm Merrick, SNP candidate for Eastwood in Glasgow, apologised for a “stupid post”. And Peter Grant, MP for Glenrothes, “apologised unreservedly” for a highly insensitive tweet but posted another inflammatory tweet. McLaughlin’s tweet has since been deleted.

A CAA spokesperson said, “Politicians must set an example by learning the lessons of the Holocaust.”

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NEWS 11

Bennett slams Poland’s “shameful” restitution bill

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel, US and British leaders slammed Poland’s parliament for passing a restitution bill that ends most legal claims for confiscated properties during the Holocaust.

The legislation, backed by Poland’s Senate and ratified by President Andrzej Duda earlier this month, terminates pending claims over 30 years old and the reversal of property confiscations over 10 years ago.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett lambasted Duda over the ruling that affects Jews and non-Jews.

“Poland has chosen to continue harming those who have lost everything,” said Bennett.

“This is a shameful decision and disgraceful contempt for the memory of the Holocaust.”

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid added that Poland had approved, not for the first time, an “anti-Semitic and immoral law”.

Lapid confirmed Israel’s charge d’affaires to Warsaw would return and the new ambassador to Poland had suspended his departure.

He also advised that the Polish Ambassador to Israel should continue his vacation at home to explain to the Poles the significance of the Holocaust to Israeli citizens.

“We will not tolerate contempt of the memory of those who perished and the memory of the Holocaust,” he said.

Lapid added that Israel would be holding talks with the US on a response.

Polish President Andrzej Duda

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

“Poland has turned into an anti-democratic, non-liberal country that doesn’t respect the greatest tragedy in human history,” he said. “Israel and the Jewish people will certainly not remain silent.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Duda to veto the law.

David Mendoza-Wolfson, Board of Deputies, said the law dishonoured Holocaust victims. Jews and non-Jews, he added, wished to be treated with “morality and decency” to receive what was rightfully theirs.

“By ratifying a law that legalises theft, Poland is sliding backwards towards decline,”

he noted. “Until it reverses this measure, Poland’s Government is complicit in the dispossession of Polish citizens. The attitude of its leaders in penalising Holocaust survivors brings shame on the country.”

The Board is continuing to work with international partners, including the World Jewish Restitution Organisation. They have raised concerns with Lord Pickles, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Post-Holocaust Issues, British Embassy in Warsaw and Polish Embassy in London.

Duda said in a statement the law ended “legal uncertainty” and fraud linked to properties. Duda denied the law was directed against Jews who survived the Holocaust.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki rejected accusations of anti-Semitism from Israel and Lapid’s announcement over the charge d’affaires as “baseless and irresponsible”.

Morawiecki warned Israel’s move would “increase hatred towards Poland and Poles” and said children of Poland’s ambassador to Israel would return.

After the senate passed the bill, Israeli politicians called on Duda to veto the ruling.

“Poland knows what the right thing to do is, repeal the law,” Lapid said in a statement.

Knesset Speaker Micky Levy described the law as an act of “outrageous thievery” and axed efforts to create a Polish-Israeli inter-parliamentary friendship group. Legislation,

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Levy added, “desecrates the memory of the Holocaust” and harms relations between the two nations.

Blinken called on Duda not to sign the bill until a “comprehensive law” for resolving confiscated property claims was enacted.

“The pathway to compensation should not be closed for new claims or those pending decisions in administrative courts,” he noted.

Gideon Taylor, World Jewish Restitution Organisation, slated the decision.

Should Duda sign the bill, he added, the Polish government, would “effectively legally” foreclose the possibility for rightful owners to secure redress.

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski claimed on state television that Warsaw would explain the legislation to Israel Ambassador Tal Ben-Ari Yaalon to “set the record straight”. But Alon Bar, Israel’s Foreign Ministry, told Magierowski the bill would negatively impact 90% of property restitution claims by Holocaust survivors and descendants. Bar added that it was not too late for Poland to halt process.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder said the draft law was a “slap in the face” to what remained of Polish Jewry and survivors of Nazi brutality.

“Perhaps the time has come to treat Poland with the same consideration it accords to Polish Jews and their descendants seeking justice,” Lauder noted.

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Lapid hails historic Morocco visit

BY DAVID SAFFER Foreign Minister Yair Lapid hailed a historic diplomatic trip to Morocco earlier this month.

Lapid inaugurated a liaison office in Rabat where he met officials including Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who hosted the trip.

Lapid and Bourita signed a trio of agreements during an official ceremony.

“Strategically, what we’re creating here is a diplomatic axis featuring Israel, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to present a pragmatic alternative to religious extremism,” Lapid said at the inauguration. “We are creating a cycle of life against the cycle of death of Iran and its proxies.”

Lapid added, “Something is happening in the Middle East. People and leaders look at Libya and Syria and Lebanon and say to themselves, ‘This is not what we want for our children. This is not what we want for ourselves.’ The only war worth devoting our lives to is not against our neighbour, or against anyone who prays differently from us. The only war that has meaning is the war on poverty, the war on ignorance, the war on epidemics and drought.”

Lapid continued, “Hostility and hatred are created by human beings, and human beings can also decide to bring them to an end.”

Lapid and Bourita will develop ties between the nations and open official embassies.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Morocco and Israel creating a more “peaceful, secure and prosperous future” for people in the Middle East.

Israel President Isaac Herzog called for an official meeting with the King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI after establishing “full

Yair Lapid

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations”.

Herzog thanked the Moroccan monarchy for protecting Jewish communities “throughout the years.”

After formally opening the Rabat office alongside Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister, Mohcine Jazouli, Lapid visited a synagogue, Temple Beth-El in Casablanca, and mausoleum where King Mohamed V is buried.

Documents signed by Lapid and Bourita established a political consultation between the ministries, cooperation on culture, sport and youth, and direct flights between the two nations.

Agreements will bring Israel and Morocco “innovation and opportunities”, noted Lapid.

Bourita praised future economic benefits

MJLC condemn Imam rhetoric The European Muslim Jewish Leadership Council has condemned long-standing antisemitic rhetoric conducted by an Imam in Norway.

MJLC commended Norwegian police for launching an investigation into comments by Noor Noor Ahmad Noor Ahmad Noor and are hopeful the justice system will ensure accountability and prevent future inflammatory remarks.

“As a body that was founded by European rabbis and imams in response to a rising tide of intolerance in Europe, including growing islamophobia and antisemitism, the MJLC is appalled by the revelations of an ongoing pattern of hateful statements against followers of the Jewish faith in Norway,” noted a statement.

“We are additionally dismayed that the

comments that have been uncovered, some purportedly including incitements to violence against Jews, were issued by someone who claims to represent the movement for enhancing inter-religious understanding and the PHOTO: FACEBOOK promoting rights of people of different faiths to live without fear of harassment or violence. These expressions are wholly contradictory to the values that define us as Europeans and as people of faith.”

Noting Jewish communities are aware of a dangerous link between hate speech and real-world violence, MJLC said Europe’s Jewish and Muslim communities were united in rejecting antisemitism.

Conference of European Rabbis president, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, is an MJLC board member.

and called for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

“Our ties with Israel are unlike any other ties,” he told reporters adding that Morocco’s Jewish heritage was integral to its identity.

Referring to the Palestinians, Bourita urged “trust from all parties” for a political solution.

The landmark visit by an Israeli minister, the first since 2003, took place less than a year after Israel normalised relations.

The historic two-day mission was a continuation of “deep roots and traditions” the Moroccan Jewish community and Israelis with origins in Morocco share, Lapid tweeted ahead of the trip.

Moroccan-born Welfare Minister Eli Cohen, Foreign Ministry Director-General Alon Ushpiz, Ram Ben Barak and senior Health

Ministry official Inbar Zucker also attended.

Lapid’s visit came as Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry undersecretary visited Israel for official meetings.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa agreed a partnership between Israel’s Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy and the Gulf country’s Derasat think tank.

“We can confidently say that we have a solid foundation to develop these bilateral ties,” he noted.

“We sign this at the time when our shared security interests are taking centre stage again,” added Ron Prosor, the institute’s head.

Proser is a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations and United Kingdom.

National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat bolstered diplomatic ties with Morocco last December. Former senior White House adviser Jared Kushner led the US delegation on the first El Al Israel Airlines direct flight from Tel Aviv to Rabat.

Former US President Donald Trump brokered the accord and recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as part of the agreement.

Morocco’s 1975 annexation of Western Sahara is not recognised by the United Nations.

A number of political parties in Morocco back the US-brokered agreement but Islamist groups rejected the deal. Hamas and Palestinians branded the accord a “betrayal”.

Around one million Jews originate from Morocco in Israel, 70,000 visited last year to trace roots.

The two nations had low-level diplomatic relations in the 1990s, but Morocco ended diplomatic ties with Israel and closed its mission in Tel Aviv in 2000 though informal ties continued.

Police investigating antisemitic attacks

BY SIMCHA ABIR Police are investigating a number of antisemitic attacks against orthodox Jews in North London. It has been reported one suspect is responsible for two recent attacks in Stamford Hill.

One incident took place on Holmdale Terrace where the suspect slapped the back of the head of a child last week (CAD6568 20/08/2021). Another incident at the junction with Colberg Road saw a 64-year-old victim going to a synagogue before being struck and left unconscious. He suffered facial injuries and a broken foot (CAD4492 20/08/2021).

Stamford Hill Shomrim reported both incidents where the suspect is dressed in religious Muslim clothing.

The Mayor of London, Saqid Khan, condemned the attacks. “Let me be clear, racist abuse and hate crime, including antisemitism, have absolutely no place in our city,” he said. Khan called on witnesses to contact the Metropolitan Police.

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A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said, “These attacks are not ‘random’ in the usual sense. These victims were chosen because they are Jews. Violent antisemitic crimes have surged in recent months, but they have already been prevalent against religious Jews for some time, particularly in Stamford Hill.”

CAA applauded Shomrim for reporting the incidents and urged police to act swiftly to “apprehend the assailant and deliver justice” victims.

Anyone with information should telephone the police on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim on 0300 999 0123 quoting a relevant reference number.

In other incidents, Jewish graves have been desecrated in Layton, Blackpool.

Photographs on Twitter show graves toppled over and smashed. Vandalism is believed to have occurred in the Jewish section of Layton cemetery.

A Twitter user noted a destroyed grave “filled with litter”.

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26 AUGUST 2021

Arrests made after Denver yeshiva student murder

Shmuli Silverberg z”l

BY DAVID SAFFER Denver Police have arrested four suspects following the ‘random’ killing of yeshiva student Shmuel (Shmuli) Silverberg z”l last week.

Seth James Larhode, 21, Isaiah James Freeman, 18, Aden Sides, 18 and Noah LoeppHall, 19 face multiple charges including murder, burglary, aggravated robbery, aggravated motor vehicle theft, menacing and assault.

Samuel Fussell remains at large. A Crime

PHOTO: YWN

Stoppers appeal includes a $27,000 reward for information leading to his arrest following the shocking killing that has devasted the Jewish community.

Suspects’ previous offenses have now been reported.

Yeshiva Toras Chaim yeshiva has written an open letter to students, families and the Jewish community expressing deep pain at Silverberg’s death.

Whilst still in a state of shock, the yeshiva

noted its thanks for the “tireless work” of local, state and federal law enforcement authorities over the four suspects in the case.

“We are particularly indebted to Chief Paul Pazen for his leadership and commitment to making the security, community well-being and the safety of Toras Chaim a top priority,” Rabbi Aaron Boruch Kagan, Rabbi Naftali Seidenfeld and Rabbi Ahron Yisroel Wasserman wrote.

They also offered “deep gratitude” to the Jewish Federation, Secure Community Network, Chai Lifeline, Anti-Defamation League and Rose Community Foundation for support.

Regarding the case, the rabbis added that Shmuli was caught in a “random string of horrific violence”.

“Though vicious and tragic, it is our belief at this current time that this was not a targeted hate crime motivated by anti-Semitism,” Rabbi Kagan, Rabbi Seidenfeld and Rabbi Wasserman noted.

They added, “There are many conflicting stories and rumours as to what unfolded at the Yeshiva that night. Untruths are being amplified on social media and are causing unnecessary and additional pain for all those involved which adds to our pain.”

The yeshiva’s priority is to protect the Silverberg family from more pain and to get Bochurim and staff professional counselling if required. The yeshiva is bolstering security protocols.

Rabbi Kagan, Rabbi Seidenfeld and Rabbi Wasserman concluded, “During these days of Elul, may the A-lmighty comfort our yeshiva and our community as we move forward with resolve.”

Pazen confirmed at a press conference that Silverberg was shot outside the school

and ran back inside the building, with the suspects following him before racing from the scene of the crime. But there are eyewitness reports that tell a different account.

“At this time in the investigation, it appears that the victims were targeted at random,” a Police statement said. “Therefore, the homicide near the Yeshiva Toras Chaim does not appear to be bias-motivated. However, if evidence is discovered that it was, the Denver Police Department will work with the Denver District Attorney’s Office on adding appropriate charges.”

“We continue to send our condolences to those who were impacted by these terrible crimes,” added Pazen.

The suspects were taken into custody after work from Denver Police investigators, the Crime Lab, District Attorney’s Office alongside local and federal partners.

“Violence will not be tolerated in Denver,” noted Pazen.

Shmuli’s funeral began in Denver prior to burial in Lakewood, New Jersey last week.

The suspects reportedly burgled a business in Lakewood, Colorado and stole a Toyota RAV4.

Yeshiva Toras Chaim released a statement following the incident.

“Our community is grief stricken at the killing of one of our students overnight,” it noted. “We are caring for our faculty, staff, students and their families in the face of this tragic and incomprehensible act of violence. We are grateful for the support we are receiving from our Denver community and from around the country, and for the work of local law enforcement authorities who have made this their top priority. Our community is seeking solace and privacy at this time.”

Crown chat for US in The City Cliff Crown offered insights into running a Premier League football club this week.

The Brentford FC chairman, a Radlett United member, was taking part in a video interview with Rabbi Jonathan Hughes of the US in The City and spoke of his excitement at Brentford reaching the top-flight.

“It was a dream come true,” he said. The full-house atmosphere at the first home game against Arsenal was “amazing” and helped lift the team to victory.

Brentford as a club, Crown noted, was a “team effort” with every member of staff and the players pulling together. Crown felt that the team had more than enough to stay in the Premier League.

Crown was totally energised, enjoying

every minute of his chairmanship and was part of the club’s PR machine in replying to letters received from fans.

Two of his biggest life lessons, he said, were “never plan to fail, but you must never fail to plan” along with the ability to spot the mistakes of others.

As chairman, he was the last port of call and in the best position to rectify mistakes.

Crown recalled his transition from being an accountant to helping run a business where he had to make the decisions as opposed to advising others to do so.

Answering a question from Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Discrimination

Cliff Crown

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chairman, he said that Brentford took a tough stance against racism and would “root out” any offenders.

Rabbi Hughes said, “Cliff was a delightful guest who shared with us the highs and lows of his exciting life as a Premier League football club chairman.

US in the City continues to go from strength to strength providing exciting and engaging programming for the Jewish public.”

The online interview, which took place on UStv and Facebook, forms part of an outreach programme run

by Rabbi Hughes of Radlett Synagogue and promoter of the US in The City initiative.

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1NT - 15-17 West led the ten of hearts against 3NT and the original declarer was happy to take what he saw as a free finesse in hearts, playing the jack from dummy. When East covered with the queen, the contract could no longer be made, no matter what declarer did next.

Let’s see how the play went: declarer ducked the queen of hearts, won the next heart and knocked out the ace of clubs. After West won that, he knocked out declarer’s remaining heart stopper. All would have been well if East had held the ace of diamonds. However, as West had started with both minor-suit aces, declarer lost three hearts and two aces for one down.

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“You should have played low from dummy at trick one and won the king of hearts in hand,” commented dummy . “As before, you attack clubs. If East holds the ace of clubs, he will not be able to continue hearts profitably, since he would be leading into dummy’s king-jack tenace. As the cards lie, West will win with the ace of clubs and lead another heart. Now you finesse the jack of hearts and this loses to the queen. This does not matter now because East began with only two hearts and cannot continue the suit. The best he can do is to shift to a spade. You win and attack diamonds, to ensure two tricks in the suit. As you still have a heart stopper at that point, the contract cannot be defeated.

“The only time this plan fails is when West has chosen to lead a doubleton heart and East began with five hearts to the queen and the ace of diamonds.”

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26 AUGUST 2021

OPINION

Perhaps we should stop looking for peace OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN I read an interesting article earlier this month about the bombing of the Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem 20 years ago where 15 Israelis and tourists, including seven children, in the restaurant were killed by the explosion and 130 injured, some with appalling life changing injuries.

The bombing was part of the Second Intifada which in turn prompted the building of the security barrier. Following its construction, the number of attacks fell dramatically and as matters stand there is no desire for it to be removed. The Sbarro atrocity was accompanied then by open calls from Palestinian leaders for the destruction of Israel. Whilst the attacks might have reduced since then, sadly the demands for Israel’s demise have not.

The withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 was intended to allow the Palestinians to create a ‘Hong Kong in the Middle East’.

Instead, the territory was taken over by Hamas who since then, have been determined to shun every opportunity to make

peace with their neighbour. It seems odd that a territory which is so poor, and which could so easily be wealthy seems determined to stay poor. Similarly the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority remains implacably wedded to their ‘pay to slay’ policy so that terrorists or their families are rewarded if an Israeli is injured or killed as a result of the terrorist attack.

What makes the Sbarro bombing significant, is that nothing appears to have changed in the last 20 years. Hamas are determined to kill Jews and destroy Israel, and the Palestinian Authority are as far away as ever from coming to the negotiating table.

In simple terms, Israelis want peace and Hamas/PA don’t. Little wonder then that

the issue of this particular conflict did not feature particularly highly in the recent Israeli elections, simply because most Israelis recognised that for as long as the Palestinians are not interested in peace there is little point in trying to do anything about it other than contain the situation as best they can.

Yet despite the clear evidence, the demands for Israel to give concessions in exchange for peace remain shrill and urgent on both sides of the Atlantic even though the only demand from Hamas and the PA is the destruction of the Jewish state. The push for concessions amongst some UK Jewish groups ignores the reality that as matters currently stand, no concession is going to bring about peace. As a community we need to come together

Hamas are determined to kill Jews and destroy Israel, and the Palestinian Authority are as far away as ever from coming to the negotiating table.

and recognise this. Instead of bringing pressure to bear on Israel, the pressure needs to be directed to those who are the real barriers to peace, Hamas and the PA as well those who fund them.

There needs to be a rethink amongst the groups who are blaming Israel for lack of peace and the development of a strategy which addresses the real issues. It is simply unrealistic to expect Israel to give away land as part of a peace process when that process simply doesn’t exist. All that this does is give support to those who hate the Jews and pushes the prospects of a settlement further away. For as long as the Palestinians refuse to even try and get involved in a peace process, we will remain stuck in August 2001 and the hatred that brought about the deaths and injuries at the Sbarro pizzeria will go unchecked.

Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.

FJL Students meet with President Herzog and Chief Rabbi Lau Participants of the Forum for Jewish Leadership (FJL) Summer Programme had the distinct privilege to meet with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and Chief Rabbi Lau during their summer experience. 45 students from the UK, USA and Canada embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey of two growth-filled months in Israel dedicated to cultivating young Jewish leadership.

The Q&A session at the President’s residence, was a highlight of the programme at the end of an incredible day dedicated to meeting a host of Jewish leaders including Founding Director of Momentum, Lori Palatnik, as well as Founding Director at Palestinian Media Watch, Itamar Marcus, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau amongst others. The various scholars and experts equipped the students with a passion to lead proud Jewish lives and the tools to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment back at home.

Director of FJL, Ben Thwaites, said, “FJL range of courses and programmes provide an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of Jewish leadership as well as Jewish perspectives on a host of legal,

FJL Students’ Q&A with President Herzog

political and social issues associated with the modern world. Despite the extra Covid-related challenges faced this year, FJL has provided these young people with the skills and confidence they will need to become effective and committed leaders of the Jewish community.”

During the programme, participants undertook internship placements in a range of industries including hi-tech, law, finance, media, engineering and more. The combination of professional and educational opportunities enabled the students to understand the centrality of Jewish values in

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

one’s career pursuits. At weekends, the students spent Shabbat with their new friends in community-hosted experiences in the cities of Ra’anana, Efrat, and Jerusalem.

The Shabbat experiences provided an opportunity for students to reconnect after a busy week of work, gain inspiration from FJL Educators, and plug into the magical atmosphere of Shabbat.

The weekends were topped off with travel up and down the length and breadth of Israel’s ancient and modern sites partaking in powerful and important experiences, including: a visit to the Sodastream factory in the Negev to see Jews and Arabs working together; recommissioning broken wheelchairs for third world countries; and a tour of the former Pussycat nightclub in Tel Aviv where they learnt how the venue has become a centre for supporting activism and training for at-risk groups, including women from troubled backgrounds.

One participant said, “I’ve been on trips to Israel before but nothing compares to the opportunities on FJL to simultaneously gain important career experience and also transform my understanding of my Jewish identity and connection to Israel.”

26 AUGUST 2021

OPINION 23

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Why Israel’s Kashrut Reform Bill m atters for the Diaspora OPINION PIECE

BY RABBI DAVID STAV In mid-July, Israel’s Minister of Religious Affairs proposed a bill that would introduce a reform to the country’s kashrut industry. While this is a development that most directly affects Israeli businesses and consumers, by definition as the center of the Jewish world, it will have both practical and broader implications for Jews all across the globe.

As this is a complex and nuanced development, I welcome the chance to explore its ramifications and better explain why it’s so historically significant.

Perhaps the next time you come to Israel (and may we be blessed to see the full re-opening of our borders very speedily,) or even when you purchase products manufactured here, you might be initially confused by these new developments. It is therefore important that you understand that the ramifications of this process will be that there will be increased effectiveness and greater integrity while always promising that the ultimate commitment remains steadfastly to preserving halachic standards and ethics which are at the very heart of our tradition.

Beyond the practical aspects of this reform, it deserves to be heralded as a major step forward in making Jewish observance in Israel something which can be embraced by all its people as food is so central to celebrations and family gatherings. It therefore , alongside many other aspects of daily Jewish life, cannot be something which is held hostage or controlled based on political or personal considerations in the hands of one agency or rabbinical group. Rabbinical services and those aspects of Jewish life that are defined by our ancient traditions must be transparent and open. It is for this reason that this reform is so important for the very future of our Jewish nation and for Judaism in general.

In many ways the passage of this bill should be viewed as a victory for all people who have long sought-out this more transparent, effective and competitive kashrut infrastructure – but also for those who strive for a more inclusive and just Israeli Jewish society.

While such a structure is something which exists in other parts of the Diaspora, here in Israel kashrut has always been managed under one centralized monopoly - in the form of the Israel Chief Rabbinate.

Such a centralized system by definition leads itself to inefficiency and sadly even corruption. A widespread presence of such irregularities were the conclusions of a comprehensive report on Israel’s kashrut industry issued several years ago by Israel’s State Comptroller.

It is important to stress that such

corruption and operational failures are not because the Chief Rabbinate is intentionally seeking to impose anything other than a high level of kashrut. But when you have a system with no competitors and limited oversight, it is only natural that it will lead to cutting corners, improprieties, increased costs and sadly a truly broken system.

It is also well worth pointing out that many within Israel’s ultra-orthodox community recognize this and even the very individuals who are involved with overseeing the Rabbinate’s kashrut don’t trust it when it comes to the foods they will eat. Israel’s High Court has found that the current system is problematic because of the existence of illicit compensation relationships between business owners and supervisors.

Operationally, the very structure where local rabbinates are meant to be supervising local businesses is also broken . At present there are some 30 municipalities, including major cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, where for several years there has been no local rabbis overseeing the religious councils- an absurdity that lends itself to lax kashrut standards and supervision.

In business, no one would accept such a scenario. So it is hard to believe that the people of the Jewish State should accept it when it comes to one of our most important and sacred traditions.

In February of 2018, following an intensive review of the report and the options under the law to begin to introduce kashrut reform, the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization which I founded and Chair, opened a program to act as a kosher supervising agency. Due to restrictions under the law to keep the Rabbinate’s power centralized, we were prohibited from using the word kosher in our certification. While we faced intense political, public and communal pressures, we knew that this was a process that needed to take place if we wanted to increase the level of integrity of kashrut in Israel.

The Reform Bill introduced in July has now taken that vision for alternative kashrut supervision and intends to make it the operating standard. Should the bill be passed into law, multiple agencies, fully committed to strict halacha, would be able to provide kosher certification It is once again critical to explain that despite the ill-informed criticisms that are launched against the proposed changes by political rivals, this process will in no way weaken halachic standards – in fact quite the contrary. The very structure of the bill ensures that the halachic oversight and regulation will remain in the hands of members of the local rabbinates – people who I know to be G-d-fearing advocates of strict halacha whose entire goal is to ensure that kashrut observance is accessible and managed in a reliable, professional and

transparent way.

While the details are complex to the point that they cannot be fully explained in this forum, on a technical level, the way this reform will take place is that it will allow groups of qualified city chief rabbis to certify independent kashrut organizations to provide kashrut across the country. The practical significance of this change in the law is that independent agencies – like Tzohar kashrut but certainly others that we look forward to welcoming into the marketplace- will now be able to provide full kashrut services all over the country. The key point is that there will be a clear separation between the role of the rabbis, who will set the standards , and the independent organizations who will certify the eateries.

That transparency, competition and integrity that we spoke about above will become the accepted form of supervision throughout the system. Costs will be reduced and as importantly de-centralization will allow for far better oversight that

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Rabbi David Stav is the Chair and Founder of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization in Israel.

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translates to enhanced efficiency from both the operational and halachic perspectives.

I know that there are those who fear that such a move delegitimizes the Chief Rabbinate or will lead to reduced stringency in kashrut supervision. But as explained above, the effect will be just the opposite because it will preserve the standards of the Chief Rabbinate as the halachic regulator while promising that the operational implementation will be placed in more competent hands.

For Jewish life in Israel to be observed in a way that respects all, it ultimately needs to be conducted in a manner that is first and foremost driven by real Jewish valuesvalues only possible when they are guided by integrity, justice and respect. This is an understanding that deserves to be embraced by every Jew- regardless where on the globe we find ourselves.

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Students volunteer their time JWA Volunteer’s recipe for fundraising to help Afghan reugees

Student volunteers

BY MENUCHA SAMPSON As most of you surely know, Afghanistan is plunged into dark days by the hands of the Taliban. This fundimentalist group of terrorists have returned to power after twenty years of war, but only a week of swift advances led them to take over the capital.

Leaving the president to flee the country.

Fear is flooding into Afghan citizens, but thankfully there has not been any large scale violence against civilians. Over 12,000 people have been evacuated since the hostile takeover of the Taliban.

Tony Blair said “Why we must not abandon the people of Afghanistan - For their sake and ours” A group of Jewish sixth form students on JLGB NCS (National Citizen Service) have collected clothes to distribute

to the refugees who have recently arrived in our local community. They have also completed a sponsored spin session to raise money for the charity “Gratitude”. Gratitude is a fantastic charity that has collected and distributed necessities to these courageous individuals. The group of students has chosen to give their time as part of their social action project to help the community.

We all know how scary and confusing it can be in a new place, it can be especially hard when speaking a different language.

These brave Afghans have fled their home land in fear for their safety.

Please give a kind donation to help this community at - https://www.gratitude.charity/ donations/

A volunteer at Jewish Women’s Aid has put her passion for cooking to good use by creating a digital cookbook to raise money for the charity. ‘Cooking for Comfort’ was created by Talia Powell, a 19-year-old Psychology student at the University of Liverpool. Having been a volunteer with the organisation for the past two years, she has seen the importance of the work being done and wanted to help the organisation in some way.

“Throughout my time with JWA, I’ve seen so many amazing things that the charity and all of its volunteers has done for the Jewish community, for women and girls across the UK, for anyone that needs helps.

I wanted to be able to give back a bit to the charity, so I decided to use my love of cooking and that’s where the cookbook came from.”

Jewish Women’s Aid supports Jewish women across the UK and their children who have been affected by relationship abuse and sexual violence.

Since the start of the pandemic, JWA has seen a significant increase in demand for their services, and between April 2020 and March 2021, it has supported 465 women and girls, including those between 14 – 24 years old.

‘Cooking for Comfort’ is full of delicious but easy-to-make recipes from marinated duck legs to Talia’s personal favourite, the brownies. It has been written with students in mind, making it the perfect gift for students going away to study, but would also be a great addition to any kitchen.

The book is available to buy via the JWA website, and costs £10, (£5 for students), with 100% of the profits going towards supporting frontline services for Jewish women and girls affected by domestic abuse or sexual abuse. These services offered include a

Talia Powell

domestic abuse helpline, the Dina sexual violence support line, specialist domestic abuse support & sexual violence support advisors, counselling, children’s therapy, prevention work, and outreach & training for community professionals.

Judy Roth, Volunteers Coordinator at JWA, said she was ‘tremendously proud’ of Talia and all of the new young volunteers’ group that have become involved with the organisation.

“They are incredibly passionate individuals who are using their skills and experiences to support Jewish Women’s Aid in a variety of ways. Particularly during this difficult past year, they have surpassed all our expectations in their support for our work.”

To purchase a copy, go to: jwa.org.uk/ cookbook To find out more about the services offered

by JWA, or to become a volunteer visit www.jwa.org.uk or call the JWA helpline on 0808 801 0500

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Pre-Rosh Hashanah Supplement

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26 AUGUST 2021

Rosh Hashanah Poems

Jewish Wisdom

My poem for the yamim noraim – 5782

Inside each person Lies a spark That lights their life Brightens the dark

In fact, pick any Jewish book Open its pages Take a look

When one’s feeling No longer whole She needs connect To her true soul

Then one more time Explore your soul Take a deep breath Set a great goal

For most of us, the end of this Jewish Year 5781, can’t come soon enough It’s been a right, royal, annus horribilis Lockdowns, and restrictions on our freedoms aplenty – it’s been really tough Yes, for sure these we won’t miss

Israel was once again drawn into a violent conflict with her enemy – Hamas Many people on both sides were injured or killed Israeli and Palestinian, because of this Islamist, terrorist regime, and alas, So much blood has been so sadly spilled

Some say read Psalms Or Jewish law…..

Kabbalah links To what’s before

For G-d, with purpose Chose to give Us many more Fine days to live

This year, the Coronavirus pandemic has played havoc with our lives And it’s certainly not over yet In 5782, there will surely be many continuing challenges to recognise And that will have to be met

Let’s hope and pray that the New Year is much better for us all Everywhere, in all sorts of ways For the global Jewish community as well as all other people As our lives enter a new phase

and what is now and what will be The key that solves Life’s mystery

So thank Him Each and every day Please don’t forget To sometimes pray

Pirkei Avot…..

Mussar is great To improve our Character traits

And if still wonder How to mend…..

Treat G-d and life As your best friend!

Pray, explore Piece of Talmud…..

Jonah is also Very good!

By Marvin Shaw

Full of good things, health, all forms of sustenance and many simchas Starting with the joyous days of Succoth and Simchat Torah May this pandemic end, and peace come to Israel and her neighbours I wish you all a L’Shanah Tovah U’metukah

Our normal observance of, and ability to practise, our Judaism Has been via a new paradigm Doubtless this was the case for the followers of other religions Who’ve also endured a torrid time We have rarely been able to go to Israel throughout all of 5781 Or indeed travel to anywhere We have been at home, often feeling lonely, isolated and numb Living our lives in despair

By J D Milliarc

Chai Rosh Hashanah Gift Sale Wednesday 1st September 2021 9am - 8pm

Entry £5

Coll ections

Chic Millinery

Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956

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Modern

Fashion

Judaica

Generously sponsored by

Fabulous

Exciting

** We will be following all government Covid guidelines and regulations **

Tony Page Honey Cakes

New Stalls

For more information please contact giftsale@chaicancercare.org

Artisan N E W C H A I Food Market C O O K B O O K Jewellery Beautiful Blooms Gorgeous Gift Concepts

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28 SUPPLEMENT

26 AUGUST 2021

Rosh Hashanah & 1820 If you have never considered the significance on the number 1820 in Judaism, Rosh Hashanah may be the perfect time to do so.

Rosh Hashanah is the day in which we crown Hashem as the King of the Universe and, of course, the King over ourselves! It is very appropriate therefore, to look for ways to strengthen our belief in the primary method of communication between Hashem and mankind – the Torah, and to see some of the hidden wisdom contained therein.

The starting point for discovering the uniqueness of the number 1820 is to recognise that this is the number of occurrences of Hashem’s four-letter name (Yud-HehVah-Heh) in the Torah. Then, the statement of faith which we recite each day and night is the verse of “Shema Yisrael”. Shema Yisrael… etc. has the numerical value of 1118. Immediately prior to that verse, which appears in Parshat Va’etchanan, we are told that we are being brought to a land flowing with milk and honey, which in Hebrew is ‫זבת חלב ודבש‬. If you take the final letters of those three words in reverse order you spell the word “Shabbat”. Shabbat has the numerical value of 702. If you add “Shabbat” to the entire verse of “Shema Yisrael” you reach 1820.

This is all but a drop in the ocean, a miniscule introduction to the fascinating world of 1820, brought to the attention of

Shana Tova from the

team

Wishing the community a healthy, happy and sweet New Year For information about our legal and personalised pastoral care services, please get in touch Call 020 8732 6101 or email enquiries@kkl.org.uk KKL Executor and Trustee Company Ltd (a Company registered in England No. 453042) is a subsidiary of JNF Charitable Trust (Charity No. 225910) and a registered Trust Corporation (authorised capital £250,000).

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contemporary scholars by a less-known, pre-WW2 Torah giant, Rabbi Pinchas Zalman Horowitz zt”l. If your appetite is whet, try to obtain (from Hebrewbooks. org for example) his book, “‫”אהבת תורה‬, published in Krakow in 1905 and prepare to be amazed!

What connection does 1820 have to Rosh Hashanah? Well, the author informs us that the Sages who structured our prayer services on Rosh Hashanah were also aware of the secret of 1820. How do we know? Firstly, he points out, the number of words contained in the Ashkenaz version of the Amidah of Mussaf of Rosh Hashanah is exactly 1820!

A total of 100 blasts are sounded on the Shofar, each one the length of 9 short blasts (i.e. equivalent to the length of a Teruah).

If one adds the “Tekiah Gedolah” sound to the equation, one has the equivalent of 910 sounds on each day of Rosh Hashanah. The Rosh Hashanah falls in is called “Tishrei” – which is Gematria 910. As there are two days Rosh Hashanah, it would only be appropriate to double 910, which leaves us with the now-familiar number of 1820.

Hopefully, we will be fortunate to merit the fulfilment of the verse that G-d performs kindnesses for a thousand generations for those that love Him and keep his Mitzvot – in Hebrew: ‫וְ ֤֥עֹשֶׂ ה ֶ ֖ח ֶ֙ס ֙ד ַֽל ֲאלָ ִ֑֔פים לְ א ֲֹה ַב֖י וּלְ ׁש ְֹמ ֵ ֥רי מצותו‬ which totals 1820!

‫בס׳׳ד‬

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SUPPLEMENT 29

Chai’s Rosh Hashanah gift sale is back!

Your 1% can help end Jewish poverty A little from a lot of people can make unimaginable changes.

Leaving World Jewish Relief a gift in your Will of just 1% of your estate could end Jewish poverty and bring hope to the world’s poorest Jews.

To find out how or for more information on leaving a gift in your Will please contact Richard Budden on 020 8736 1250 or go to worldjewishrelief.org/will

Chai Cancer Care’s Rosh Hashanah Gift Sale takes place at its flagship centre in Hendon on Wednesday.

Therapy needs will be available at over 30 vendors offering an eclectic mix of homeware, Judaica, jewellery, clothes, flowers and chic millinery.

And back by popular demand is Chai’s Artisan Market with a tempting selection of indulgent food and drink stalls including a gin bar, freshly cured smoked salmon, chocolates and Tony Page’s honey cakes.

Oh Brown Bear’s iced coffee and cookie van, Crepes & Shakes London by One Ashbourne and Ben Tenenblat’s famous ‘Crave’ trailer will be on hand serving gourmet street food, snacks and refreshments. And Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich of Honey & Co will be hosting an exclusive live session.

Social media channels and Chai’s website have further details. Due to limited spaces pre-booking is essential.

The Gift Sale sees the launch of a new chocolate cookbook in aid of Chai.

‘Babka, Boulou & Blintzes, Jewish Chocolate Recipes from Around the world’, is packed with a range of sweet and savoury recipes for every occasion, from

WHAT IS VIOLET LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN THE NEW YEAR?

‘sourdough rye brownies’ and ‘chocolate and roasted beet ice-cream’ to ‘Sicilian caponata’ and ‘chocolate chilli’.

Chai’s chairman Louise Hager said, “The Gift Sale will be extra special this year as it’s the first major event back in our centre since COVID-19. Not only is this an important fundraising event, it’s an ideal opportunity for many to visit Chai for the first time and experience the special atmosphere that has such a positive effect on all those who benefit from our specialised services.”

Debra Zender and Julia Abrams, Chai Society Co-chairs added in a statement, “We are thrilled to be back at the Chai centre and able to welcome so many familiar faces taking stalls and some new ones coming on board too. We look forward to a wonderful event.”

Chai supporters can enter a £10 prize draw with prizes including a Porsche driving experience, Jimmy Choo clutch bag and Orchant selection C.Gars Malt Scottish Highland Whisky.

Further information: https://chaicancercare.org/ourevents/ or carolinetunkel@ chaicancercare.org

Violet lives on her own. But she’s not alone.

Violet, along with other members of our community centres, was supported over the pandemic through our online virtual programme.

Violet said it was her highlight week after week.

But now Violet is waiting in anticipation for her centre to reopen to see old friends and the new ones she has met online; “it will be a real party”.

So, whilst we are continuing to support the community through our virtual programmes, Meals on Wheels and telephone befriending service, we can’t wait to welcome back Violet and thousands of others in our community who both deeply rely on our centres – and miss them.

But we can’t do it without your help.

We rely on generous people like you to ensure we can continue to provide all our vital services and bring sweetness and joy to more people like Violet this Rosh Hashanah.

To make your gift please call 020 8922 2600 or visit jewishcare.org/donate

Charity Reg No. 802559

RH Appeal advert 21 JW 158x265mm.indd 1

“I’ve already chosen my favourite outfit for when I can see all my friends again at the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre.”

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24/08/2021 12:44

Twinning Project Make your Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah more meaningful by twinning it with a young victim of the Holocaust who tragically was unable to celebrate this milestone in Jewish life.

• Research details of the family of your ‘twin’ • Research the community they came from • Learn about their experiences during the Holocaust The photo above is of twins, Izabel and Solly Marton who came from Romania, both died at Auschwitz. They must never be forgotten.

• Receive a special certificate from Yad Vashem in Jerusalem

Yad Vashem UK Foundation 46 Albert Road London NW4 2SG

Phone: 020 8187 9881

Charity number: 1099659

guardianofthememory.org

Email: office@yadvashem.org.uk www.yadvashem.org.uk

@yadvashemukfoundation @yadvashemUK @yadvashemukfoundation

Remembering the Past Honouring the Memory Shaping the Future

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26 AUGUST 2021

SUPPLEMENT 31

‫אלול‬

For more information and to book go to www.lsjs.ac.uk or call 020 8203 6427

01

BEHIND EVERY DOOR IS A CHANGED LIFE TOGETHER WE CAN OPEN DOORS AND TRANSFORM LIVES “At the age of 40 I was registered blind. Living in my Jewish Blind & Disabled flat has made a complete difference to my life. I am now living in a place of safety and security. I can live life as I choose, not as my disability might otherwise dictate.”

Michael, Jewish Blind & Disabled Tenant

Help us to enable people, like Michael, to live independently with dignity and choice.

To donate or find out more, please visit www.jbd.org or call 020 8371 6611 Charity No. 259480

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32 SUPPLEMENT

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26 AUGUST 2021

The Avodah of Elul

BY RABBI SHAUL ROSENBLATT Elul, that precious and special month of opportunity is upon us once again. It is such a gift for Klal Yisroel. Our only job – to use it well.

I well recall those heady days in the Old City of Yerushalaim, many years ago, my rebbe, R’ Noach Weinberg ztzl reminding us, again and again during Elul, from start to finish – that Elul is about “Ani Ledodi, Vedodi Li” (Shir HaShirim 6:3). And nothing else. He would often recall to us that his father, brilliant educator that he was, regularly used to engage with him after school. ‘Did you remember that Hashem loves you today, Noach?’ he would ask. R’ Noach would reply, ‘Yes, of course I did’.

And his father would tell him, ‘You did an amazing mitzvah today if you remembered that’. Over and over again, his father would remind him, Hashem loves you. Hashem loves you. Hashem loves you. And his persistence paid dividends: my Rebbe felt Hashem’s love as deeply and as fully as anyone I have ever met. It was his mantra.

As a talmid, I was reminded of it at least two or three times a week. And, during Elul – every day. I still see his beaming smile as though it were yesterday, ‘do you remember that Hashem loves you, Shaul?’

I was once trying to understand if Torah would consider Hinduism Avoda Zara and so I spoke with a

Hindu priest about his religion. Part of our conversation was about consequences to our actions. I asked him if, in his religion, those consequences were concrete or if things could be fixed. He stared me in the eyes and said, ‘No forgiveness.

NO forgiveness. If you make a mistake, there is no forgiveness.’ It sent a shiver through me. What a way of life. You make a mistake and there is no way to fix it. Yes,

have come into existence without teshuva being in place first. A world without teshuva is not a world that anyone would want to live in and not a world that Hashem would want to create. It is not the world of a loving G-d. My rebbe once suggested that I make a list of all the gifts Hashem has given me in my life – my arms, my legs, my brain, my wife, each of my children etc and then prioritize them

Teshuva is not just from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Yom Kippur. It is available every day, every moment. It is one of the Taryag mitzvos. you can change yourself going forward, but you cannot in any way fix the past. It is there to haunt you forever. I saw clearly this huge difference (amongst many!) between Judaism and Hinduism and that is the idea of a loving G-d. “Avinu Av Harachaman”, we say every day. Chessed, love, kindness, mercy. These are all fundamental G-dly traits. It sent a shockwave through me, a religion with no loving G-d. That sounds like a nightmare.

And Chazal tell us the same thing. They say that seven things preceded the world and one of them is teshuva.

(Pesachim 54a) Our universe could not

in order of value. For many years I had my top fifteen and would thank Hashem for each one every day. Number two on my list was the gift of teshuva. Hashem did not want to create a world without teshuva – and I would not want to live in a world without teshuva. I’d live without my arms and my legs before I lived without teshuva.

Teshuva means that Hashem loves us. Teshuva means that He wants us to succeed. He gives us chance after chance after chance after chance.

Teshuva is not just from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Yom Kippur. It is available every day, every moment. It is one of the Taryag mitzvos.

Hashem, wise and loving Father that He is, appreciates that His children are human and will make mistakes. So He built into the very fabric of the Universe the means through which we can correct them. The Gemara (Kiddushin 49b) tells us that if a person says to a woman you are “Mekudeshes Li” on condition that I’m a Tzaddik, even if he’s a rasha

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gamur, it’s mekudeshes as perhaps he had a hirhur of teshuva (and hence can be considered a tzaddik). How amazing is that? A moment of teshuva and the slate is wiped clean; a moment ago he was a rasha gamur. Now, suddenly, he is a Tzadik. Even on a regular weekday! Is there a greater chessed bestowed upon us by our loving Father in heaven? The Rambam says (hilchos teshuva 2:1) that if a person does full teshuva on his deathbed, even if he was a rasha gamur, all of his sins are forgiven. Wow. Now that’s a G-d who loves us. He doesn’t do it for us, because he wants us to take responsibility – but he gives us every opportunity and at every moment of our lives to resolve the mistakes that we have made.

And so, back to Elul. Elul is not so much about teshuva; that is what the aseres yemay teshuva are for – like it says on the tin. Elul is to remember that Hashem loves us. “Ani Ledodi, Vedodi Li”. ‘Ki avi vuimi yaazvuni, vuHasem yaasfaini’. He loves us even more than we love our children. But, it’s more than that also. My Rebbe used to point out that it is something of a strange order in the possuk (and indeed elsewhere in Shir Hashirim it states “Dodi Li Vuani Lo” 2’ 16’). Surely, knowing that Hashem loves us is what would make us love him – shouldn’t we use this posuk instead? (Other than for the obvious, that it would spell DLUL, not ELUL!) No, said my Rebbe. This is the correct posuk. Loving Hashem by remembering his goodness, his kindness, the incredible blessings that he bestows upon us, is what makes us realise that he loves us. This, he would say, is the avodah of Elul. To feel Hashem’s love for us. To remember that he cares. To remember that he is a forgiving G-d. To love Him and, in doing so, know just how much He loves us.

Security in our relationship with Hashem is the foundation for teshuva.

And the twenty-nine days of Elul are there to create this platform for us. Ready and excited for Rosh Hashana. Only when we know in our hearts that Hashem loves us unconditionally and cares for us absolutely, will we have the courage and confidence to shed our egos, look at ourselves long and hard in the mirror and say to ourselves – and to Hashem of course – ‘I am not the person I want to be; I am not the person You want me to be; I know that You are ready for me to be different next year; Tatty, I am too’.

Rabbi Shaul Rosenblatt is the CEO of The Rabbinic Training Academy based in London. He brings 30 years’ experience in the world of Jewish education to this project. Independent-thinking, and an outward looking philosophy are what set Shaul apart from his peers. His success at establishing flagship programmes, Light Up A Life (LUAL) and Innate Health, demonstrate his vision that integrity and meaning, must be pursued and lived always.

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WEEKLY SINGLES NETWORK GATHERING Members of the community are invited to participate and network in a weekly singles gathering to be held: Place:

Host: Ner Yisrael Community 9 The Crest, Hendon, London NW4 2HY

Dates & Times

Every Sunday at 11.00 am (over 4 weeks) 10 October to 31 October inclusive

Objectives

Networking opportunities, relationship development and general personal empowerment

Topics

An introductory, interactive talk in communication, motivation, confidence, dealing with vulnerability and isolation, networking, character development

SUPPLEMENT 33

The perfect gift for a sweet new year!

Send a Rosh Hashanah gift with Head Room Café

Enquiries

Chayim Lubin: 020 8201 9515 (10.00 – 17.00)

No appointment or pre-booking required. Light Refreshments.

The singles group is a pilot project and will be potentially extended subject to demand

Our Rosh Hashanah coffee and brownie boxes, freshly baked at Head Room Café, contain a generous and decadent slab of chocolate brownie with a Shana Tova edible icing sheet, and a 60g bag of Head Room Café’s 100% Arabica Espresso signature blend coffee.

Boxes can be sent nationwide and fit

through the letter box. Gift cards can be personalised to include a new year message.

All proceeds go to Jami, the mental health charity for the Jewish community www.headroomcafe.org/shop<http:// www.headroomcafe.org/shop>

While everyone was dealing with isolation and lockdown, I was also trying to save my daughter’s life.

Rachel’s daughter was struggling with severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Rachel was finding it hard to cope.

Jami helped her through an unimaginable time. Listening without judgement, giving practical help, and supporting every step of the way.

Your gift will help more families like Rachel’s get the support they need to cope with the impact of mental illness.

Please donate at jamiuk.org/roshhashanah

For help and support visit jamiuk.org

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

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26 AUGUST 2021

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SUPPLEMENT 35

Helzel, tzimmes and teiglach made Rosh Hashanah special!

BY DAVID SAFFER So, Rosh Hashanah is here once again.

Where has the year gone!

Of all the festivals, alongside Pesach, Rosh Hashanah is the one where Jews gather for a traditional get-together. My own family plans are coming along nicely although the fine details of the ‘menu’ are still being debated.

When I think back, times haven’t changed that much, and that is what I love most about this time of year. But it does seem an age ago that I was celebrating the Jewish New Year in Leeds with my parents, Harold and Valerie Saffer, both getting on a bit and nowadays taking it easy.

But with my siblings, Rosh Hashanah was always a special time of year with mum's parents, Harry and Jean Moss always joining us for meals. Sending and receiving New Year cards, Shono Tayvis, was the norm, nowadays it’s a pre-Rosh

Hashanah text.

My earliest recollections include waking up on the first day to find a box of chocolates at the end of the bed for a sweet New Year, and grandad, who was a dab hand at roasting peanuts for a nosh, slipping me the Typhoo Tea football cards at the dinner table without anyone noticing. He knew I was a football nut, so receiving a coveted Billy Bremner or Bobby Moore card was always special.

When it came to the main Rosh Hashanah meal there were plenty of festive delicacies we enjoyed especially mandlen and kreplach in chicken soup, helzel stuffing and tzimmes with the turkey then teiglach and honey cake for desert. There was also a battle for the giblets and ‘chucky’ eggs. I’m not normally a fan of eggs but for some reason they always seemed great in the must-have soup.

When it comes to the mandlen and kreplach, I’m not talking of

over-the-counter products.

Mum's were the real deal, homemade and utterly scrumptious. And for anyone unaware of teiglach, they were sensationally sweet and sticky. Certainly, no good if you have any loose fillings, a trip to the dentist would probably follow!

I’m not plugging any particular cookbooks here but my family have always sworn by the late, great Evelyn Rose, whose recipes my clan have traditionally taken on board.

As the years passed and more members of the family came along the thrill of Rosh Hashanah never waned, although with the passing years teiglach sadly disappeared from the menu as they were fiddly to make I’m told, but the memories endure.

Of course, the highlight of the shul service was hearing the shofar. Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue was packed to the rafters back in the day and there

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were occasions when the main ‘shofar blower’ struggled so a substitute was called in to complete the task. Certainly, that’s how I remember things! Then after the main event teens would disappear for a ‘shul crawl’ to see friends. Those were the days.

So as the Jewish New Year gets ever nearer it only remains to wish all our readers a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead.

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26 AUGUST 2021

ChocoBee Honey Cake With ‘Honey’ Bees A honey cake for Yom Tov with a ‘buzz’ to it! I have used Rowse new Chocbee honey paste which is made with just honey and cocoa. A delicious way to add sweetness to your Rosh Hashanah celebrations.

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

Ingredients For the chocolate cake 5 large eggs Pinch of salt 75g caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 30ml vegetable oil 175g plain flour 50g cocoa powder 50g Rowse chocobee honey 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tin 400g coconut milk

Chocolate and Honey Ganache 200g dark chocolate – roughly chopped 200g whipping cream 50g Rowse Chocobee honey

Method - For the Base For the Chocolate cake 1. Preheat the oven to 170C/ 350F/ Gas mark 4. Line a 22cm round cake tin with baking parchment paper.

2. Whisk the eggs, pinch of salt and sugar together until thick.

3. Add the vanilla and oil and whisk until smooth.

4. Sift flour and cocoa powder and then add to mixture together with the chocobee honey, baking powder and coconut milk. Whisk again until smooth.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, level the top and bake for 30-40 minutes or until when you insert a skewer in the middle it comes out dry.

6. Cool the cake completely at room temperature.

7. For the ganache, chop the chocolate and put in a bowl.

8. Add the Rowse Chocobee honey, cream and melt together over

Which honey?

BY DENISE PHILIPS Rosh Hashanah is really early this year; it is now just weeks away. Since there are SO many styles, flavours, colours and types of honey now available that are kosher I thought I would share some information so that you can make the perfect yummy sticky choice.

Honey varieties are primarily classified by the type of flower the nectar was collected from. ... Honey that comes from just one source is called a “unifloral” honey, while it’s known as “multifloral” honey if it’s been produced from the nectar of more than one type of flower.

There is also raw and regular honey.

Regular, or pasteurized honey, is clear and smooth. The pasteurization process improves the honey’s appearance, increases its shelf-life, and kills yeast cells that can affect the taste of the honey.

However, some people believe that pasteurization reduces the number of antioxidants and nutrients in the honey.

Raw honey is naturally cloudier than regular honey due to honeycomb debris that is too small to be filtered out.

It also tends to have more variation in colour and texture than regular honey.

The colour of raw honey may change depending on what flowers the bees pollinated.

The kosher flavours that are currently Kosher include lime, Spanish lavender, Spanish orange blossom, Mexican Yucatan, Acacia, Bulgarian coriander, Brazilian mountain. And there is a new

kosher brand called Kindtobee offering a wide style of raw honey. They produce raw honey with blackcurrant, bee propolis, raw apple blossom, ginger, sea buckhorn and willow honey.

They also sell perga which is a fermented and enzymatically activated product made by bees in limited quantities. This natural superfood is enhanced with all the treasures of the hive and is considered to be the most valuable product of beekeeping. Add to your smoothies, salad, soup or pasta.

Another new and exciting product this year from Rowse is chocoBee, a spread with only two ingredients – honey and cocoa powder.

One of the positive customs at Rosh Hashanah is to wish for a Healthy New Year. Honey has so many healthy elements. It is rich in antioxidants, meaning it may reduce your risk of some cancers or heart disease. Honey also has antibacterial properties and can soothe a cough or effectively treat wounds.

This year, why not give a honey pot of goodness whilst supporting a good cause. Kisharon gives support to people with learning disabilities and their families and are selling two sizes of honey for this Rosh Hashanah – one of 335g for £5 and the other 42g as place settings for £2.50. These can be personalised to make great gifts.

So much to choose from and don’t forget whatever type or flavour of honey you use in your cooking it will have an impact on the finished recipe.

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double-boiler until everything is melted and the mixture is smooth.

9. Cool the ganache at room temperature for about an hour until it thickens slightly.

10. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake and let it drizzle slightly down the sides.

11. Decorate the top of the cake with the coloured icing bees.

For the bees – make 10 as they may break!

25g ready made yellow icing or add yellow food colouring to regular marzipan 10g ready made black icing 20 flaked almonds You will need cocktail sticks or BBQ sticks Make two small barrel shaped balls from the yellow icing - one larger than the other. The small one is for the head and the large is for the body. Roll out the black icing into very thin strips so that each bee has three strips. Attach to the body.

Add two almond flakes on either side of the body for its wings.

When the cake is nearly set, add them to the top of the cake. Use either cocktail sticks or BBQ sticks to attach to the cake.

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SUPPLEMENT 39

Mekor Chaim

BY RABBI GARY WAYLAND I first approached learning Mesaches Shabbos I had several years of serious yeshiva learning under my belt. Nevertheless, starting with the third perek – Kira – one of the biggest challenges I personally encountered was trying to understand the metzius – the reality about which Chazal spoke: what exactly did their stoves and ovens look like? How did they cook? What were their fuel sources like?

But then comes the much greater challenge of trying to relate the Talmudic kira and tanur to our modern stoves, ovens, hotplates and chulent pots - which of these are halachically equivalent to ‘garuf and katum’ and so the drabanan leniencies of shehiya and chazara (leaving food on a source of heat from before Shabbos and returning to an existing source of heat)? And, is my chulent a ‘tavshil’ or ‘chamin’ – and so can be reheated under certain circumstances?

Of course, this work is the avodah of the great poskim. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, in particular, established his

reputation as a leading posek with his work on the status and use of electricity on Shabbos, Meorei Aish, written when he was only 25 in 1935. The works of every gadol – such as Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Ovadiah Yosef or Dayan Weiss – are replete with detailed discussions on every aspect of Hilchos Shabbos.

The Chafetz Chaim began his magnum opus, the Mishnah Berurah, from Chelek Gimmel, dealing with Hilchos Shabbos. In the introduction he quotes Rav Yonasan Eibishutz that it is impossible to be saved from the issur of Shabbos without knowing the details of Hilchos Shabbos.

Thus a detailed knowledge of Hilchos Shabbos is essential. However, this negative mitzvah of Shamor is only one half of the picture: the Zachor is just as critical. Zachor – the positive mitzvah of remembering Shabbos – is expressed in a specific sense with the mitvos of Kiddush, the seudos, as well as more general mitzvos of kavod and oneg. According to the Rambam, as explained by Rav Chaim Brisker, kavod – honouring Shabbos – is that which is

Mekor Chaim, in essence, is a series of short articles, psakim and excerpts from the sources on an astonishing range of extremely common hilchos Shabbos shaylos

done in advance of Shabbos to facilitate its enjoyment, and oneg – is the expression of the joy on Shabbos itself.

In our modern lives, with our complex technology, a knowledge of both the metzius and the halacha is every more pertinent: not only do we need to avoid chilul Shabbos, but we need to ensure that our homes and our routines are arranged so that we can enjoy Shabbos fully, to fully engage with the zachor through knowledge of the shamor.

The study of Hilchos Shabbos, therefore, never ends. In an ideal world, as in any area of halacha, we would spend time engaged in learning the gemara and rishonim, followed by delving into the Tur, Beis Yosef, Shulchan Aruch, acharonim and then modern poskim. Given the urgency of the task, many of us will either learn the Mishnah Berurah, Shemiras Shabbos k’Hilchasa, Kitzur Hilchos Shabbos, Orchos Shabbos or one of the excellent English guides such as the 39 Melachos or the Artscroll series.

Rav Chaim Cohen, a Manchester based teacher and rav, in his new sefer Mekor Chaim, has made a valuable contribution in the study of hilchos Shabbos. Mekor Chaim, in essence, is a series of short articles, psakim and excerpts from the sources on an astonishing range of extremely common hilchos Shabbos shaylos, many of which arise from modern technology of lifestyles.

A brief overview of some of the topics include: • lighting candles before plag - more common for families or those living alone eating out, and more prevalent when all shuls in the area daven Mincha at the earliest possible opportunity (to be avoided but, post facto, a mistake is not considered an omission in this case) • covering the cakes at a shul Kiddush (ideal but custom is not to if difficult, although leaves out the opinion that says the mekadesh should be makpid for what he will eat) • use of hotplates, timers, slow cookers, and what to do if it goes off • making ice (ideally beforehand, but one can be lenient on Shabbos) • eBay auctions that end on Shabbos (ok to bid before Shabbos, although ‘bots’ and automatic bidding are not discussed) and next-day deliveries (should

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avoid doing so specifically to arrive on Shabbos) • coin collections (not muktzeh) and pets (holds they are, although Rav Cohen avoids a level of controversy here, as certain poskim in America are lenient) • sending messages abroad when Shabbos for them (no problem, as long as no concern of them being mechalel Shabbos c’v) Rav Cohen has clearly thought about these issues, and he has taken guidance from poskim about the correct approach for his kehilla. His pesakim are nuanced, not consistently permissive or strict, but he writes with a sense of authority and responsibility knowing that the reader may rely on his rulings leniently.

However, what makes Mekor Chaim unique is that Rav Cohen concisely and accurately guides you through the sugya, providing sources or excerpts in Hebrew, managing to do so for each topic in one page in English and one in Hebrew. To take one example, the use of baby wipes is potentially fraught: Rav Cohen quotes potential concerns of sechita (squeezing a liquid from a solid), and that the Minchas Yitzchak and Rav Falk indeed held them to be thusly forbidden. The Rivevos Ephraim said that this is only a potential concern, and one can use them provided one is careful to not squeeze them; Rav Wosner held that practically speaking one cannot avoid squeezing them and so was machmir.

On the other hand, Rav Cohen brings Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and Rav Moshe Feinstein who quotes precedents in earlier sources that seem to support use of baby wipes: one may wipe one’s face with a damp cloth on Yom Kippur, or wipe a surface with wet paper towels. Finally, he quotes Rav Asher Weiss who allows them based on the fact baby wipes are designed to be used without squeezing, and that the liquid primarily rests on the surface and is not absorbed into the material (although this is a reality that may change if manufacturers move away from synthetic materials) Every Jew needs a rov, and there is no replacement from the regular limmud of hilchos Shabbos from your own rov. But I’ve picked up Mekor Chaim at my Shabbos seudos recently and my children and I have had wonderful discussions, learning about the reasons from contemporary psakim, discussing where poskim may be coming from, as well as learning and relearning some halachos that may have not been at the top of our mind. I am sure that others will gain from this sefer, whether as a basis for thinking about contemporary shaylos, getting a sense of how halacha works, or to see the words of the poskim quoted and then go and learn the full sources. I am sure that this sefer will be a source of Bracha for the author and all who learn it.

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Great offers and half price card deal from Voucher Gallery Voucher Gallery Discount Card is offering a special offer of £20 per year rather than £40.

It is also offering free listings to businesses at the moment dropping its usual £100 fee per year.

Founded in 2007 The Voucher Gallery Discount Card offers discounts across Restaurants, Butchers, Bakers, Caterers and many more. All the Kosher establishments on the site are supervised and over the past few weeks since restrictions have been easing more businesses have joined offering new great discounts.

Philip Pell who runs Kaifeng says “We love to welcome Voucher Gallery members. Frequently it is their first visit and first taste of Chinese Food. What a great idea to encourage more people to use Jewish Community businesses.” Kaifeng is offering a great deal with 15% off lunches and dinners eating in only.

As well as long standing supporters of Voucher Gallery new businesses join too.

Yossi Hoffman of La Brioche says ‘La Brioche has a new shop in Hendon and a long standing one in Stanmore where there is a bakery and cafe for all to enjoy a quick coffee and Danish or sit down for lunch with the family. We have the pleasure to be working together with The Voucher Gallery to offer even more for our local customers.”

La Brioche is offering 10% off eat-in or takeaway with no minimum spend.

Voucher Gallery Discount Offers include great deals across London, Edgware &

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Borehamwood. Including restaurants in Edgware, Hendon and Golders Green as well as Hampstead Garden Suburb and Mill Hill.

Butchers also feature such as Gross Butchers and Menachem’s in Golders Green offering 10% discount when you spend £50 or more. So if you want a Taboon, Taim Takeaway, White House eat-in or takeaway, Kasa Grill, Maxim, Bricky’s, Machane Yehuda and of course a Kaifeng to celebrate a Simcha or any special occasion use The Voucher Gallery Discount Card and make those savings count.

Recent other additions include Ananas in Mill Hill with Sababa and Balagan in Borehamwood offering great offers too.

Bakeries that are offering a discount too include Hendon Bagel Bakery and Coco Bakery in Golders Green.

Fruit & wine shops feature too with Be Fruitful in Edgware and Sussers in Temple Fortune offering deals too.

Household, Gift Shops & Beauty is also not forgotten with JR Blinds, Home from Home and MYA Nails offering special deals too as well as The Silver Place and Gorgeous Gifts.

Offers also come from the swimming,recruitment, car sales & service, supermarket and photography sectors.

Finally especially great for this time of year Kosher To Go Ready Meals are offering 10% off their menu making it easier for meals when travelling away.

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26 AUGUST 2021

Helping people to help themselves: World Jewish Relief’s approach then and now

BY MAURICE HELFGOTT As a lifelong supporter of World Jewish Relief, I have long admired how the organisation empowers people to reach their full potential. From assisting individuals to find employment, to improving resilience so communities can better respond to disasters, and helping older people become more comfortable and independent in their own homes: dignity is at the heart of its work.

Maurice with his father Ben

Oskana

Earlier this year I had the honour of being appointed Chair of World Jewish Relief.

Our work resonates even more keenly as we negotiate a pandemic and one of the worst job recessions of our lifetime.

Over the past decade, World Jewish Relief has supported almost 13,000 people into employment, from Jews in Eastern Europe who face challenges such as displacement and disability, to individuals in East Africa who, through agriculture, are breaking out of the cycle of poverty. Since 2016, we have provided specialist support to resettled refugees in the UK on their journeys into employment, in partnership with local and national government.

This approach – helping someone to help themselves and become independent – is one I am a strong advocate of. My father, Ben Helfgott – now well known as Sir Ben - was brought to Britain in 1945 along with 731 other survivors of the Holocaust by World Jewish Relief, then called the Central British Fund for German Jewry (CBF). Having survived the atrocities of the Nazi concentration camps, and aged only 16, the CBF ensured that he and the other “Boys” went through an intensive process of rehabilitation, including

This approach – helping someone to help themselves and become independent – is one I am a strong advocate of. learning English, playing sport, and building camaraderie.

With the benefit of the early care and continued mentorship my father received, he and the other “Boys” were able to build successful careers and family lives. The CBF helped build the foundations, with which he achieved great things on his own merit. He knew the CBF would be there for him if he ever needed support, and in the end became its Honorary Treasurer and remains a loyal supporter of the organisation.

Oskana (pictured above) fled the conflict in Ukraine in 2014. When she joined World Jewish Relief’s Workability programme she had two small children and a baby on the way. She had no support, no job and no place to call home. A trained physiotherapist, Oskana did everything she could to find work, but she was rejected time and again due to the stigma around employing

a mother. As internally displaced people, the government gave Oskana’s family just £25.75 each per month to live on, which didn’t stretch to cover even the essentials.

“We went without almost everything.

We had to ask people for food, blankets and clothes. The children understood and never complained, which somehow made it worse. I cried into my pillow every night.

It was unbearable.”

On World Jewish Relief’s Workability programme, she was given counselling to improve her emotional resilience, and joined a Mutual Support Club where she opened up to other participants. She joined courses including ‘Self-assesment and Motivation’, ‘CV Writing’ and ‘Effective Communication’ to improve her employability. Her self-confidence soared. Oskana set up her own physiotherapy business.

When Covid-19 struck, and her business was forced to close, Oskana was supported

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by the programme once again. “Their staff called me regularly, offering help and reassurance. They also provided financial support and food packages, which were very, very important to me and the children.”

When restrictions lifted, the programme staff helped her to secure a full-time role in a local clinic.

This approach, someone to help themselves, is not simply a World Jewish Relief approach – it is a deeply Jewish one, inspired by our texts and traditions. Jewish philosopher Maimonides taught that the highest level of charity is supporting someone through a business partnership, or a loan, to get them back onto their feet. This value underpinned the CBF’s approach in the 1940s, and it underpins World Jewish Relief’s work today.

As we support some of the most vulnerable members of the Jewish community and beyond through a period that has put unprecedented strain on employment and livelihoods, I am immensely proud of the work World Jewish Relief continues to do.

You can learn more about World Jewish Relief’s Workability programme and support single mothers like Oskana www. worldjewishrelief.org/roshhashanah.

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Kisharon Yom Tov gift pack

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SUPPLEMENT 49

‫שׁנ ָה ט ֹוב ָה‬ ָ

Help couples step into the New Year with new beginnings at Chana Please support Chana this Rosh Hashanah chana.org.uk/donate

Over 4,000 families will be open a Rosh Hashanah gift pack in Kisharon’s biggest social enterprise initiative.

Shuls, community groups and the Armed Forces have snapped up Yom Tov packs.

Packing gifts has provided paid work for people Kisharon support, many have been shielding during the pandemic.

The venture raises awareness of how Kisharon help people of all ages with

learning disabilities. Teams of volunteers helped.

Many shuls are using packs to welcome members back after community buildings closed.

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COMMUNITY 57

WJR and BoD launch appeals

BY DAVID SAFFER World Jewish Relief has launched an emergency appeal to help people being forced to flee Afghanistan.

Following the Taliban’s insurgency women, girls and ethnic minorities are facing acute threats to safety and security and have no choice but to try escape.

Up to four million Afghans are in neighbouring countries. They have lost families, livelihoods and homes and have nothing but clothes on their backs. Urgently needing humanitarian assistance there is immense pressure on host countries to protect them.

“The Jewish community’s response to this crisis has been incredible,” noted WJR. “We have gone above and beyond to show empathy and extend our support to Afghan refugees arriving in the UK. “WJR will be there for Afghans in the coming months and years as they rebuild their lives in the UK.” WJR is in contact with local authorities about basic assistance to those arriving.

They are determining the most effective way to deliver emergency food, shelter and hygiene assistance to those most in need in Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries.

In the UK and overseas WJR is working with trusted partners focusing on the needs of women, children and older people.

WJR chair Maurice Helfgott said, “WJR is very well placed to provide the Jewish community with exactly what it clearly wants and needs now, the ability to contribute to a trusted, effective and professional response to the urgent needs of Afghan refugees, both at home in the UK and in the affected region.”

Conference of European Rabbis president Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt issued a statement as the situation in Afghanistan escalated.

Kabul airport “The distressing situation in Afghanistan demands a compassionate and urgent response from international governments and communities alike,” he said. “The images that we have seen of this unfolding situation are tragic and difficult to watch.”

He added, “We must not let the Afghan people become subjected to the cruel repression of this barbaric regime and we call for the immediate restoration of security and civil order. The Afghan people, like all peoples of the world, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We continue to pray for the protection of innocent civilians.”

The Board of Deputies, meantime, has

United Synagogue is making a collection on Sunday (10am1pm). Items can be dropped off at the synagogue.

The Board has launched a resource to help those in the community who wish to assist refugees.

Over the coming weeks, the Board will share initiatives from members of the Jewish community to support refugees.

“There are thousands of refugees in dire need,” said Ms van de Zyl. “Many Jewish communities in the UK have already PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK stepped up. I am proud that people are spending so much called on the UK Government to help re- time and effort are providing this urgent settle Afghan refugees. humanitarian aid.”

“The Taliban’s sickening record of the repression of women and girls, and complete BoD details: https://www.bod.org.uk/ disregard for human rights, fill us all with bod-news/how-we-can-help-refugeesgreat anxiety for the Afghan people,” said from-afghanistan/ President Marie van der Zyl. “The world To donate clothes, shoes, phones or owes a “duty of care and moral responsi- other essentials: www.care4calais.org/ bility” to the Afghan refugees, she added. thedropoffmap British Jews have shared the world’s horror at the scenes unfolding.

WJR’s appeal is supported by the UK’s A number of communities have coordi- leading Jewish communal agencies. nated collections of goods and a number To donate: www.worldjewishrelief.org/ more have events in the pipeline. Bushey afghancrisis

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Interfaith therapeutic art session

Participating in the interfaith art session

A joint interfaith therapeutic art session has been hailed a success.

Chava Erlanger of Community Arts and JAMH taught a group of Muslim ladies about the Hebrew alphabet through drawing and art.

Participants had a lively discussion about diversity of religions and cultures.

“Art has the power to bridge between communities, it has the ability to create a dialogue when other means fail,” Erlanger said.

US High Holy Days guidance

The role of art in mental health is being recognised. It can help boost confidence and resilience.

Muslim textile artist Taslima Ahmad from CDM UK taught the JAMH art group about the South Asian history of the paisley pattern.

“Making something with your hands is healing and promotes wellbeing,” she said.

“It is amazing how much our faiths have in common.”

Kate Lurie, JAMH, added, “This project is so important as it helps to reduce fear of other communities, builds respect and understanding, both of which can contribute to reduced anxiety.”

Sue Gordon from Prestwich participated in the art sessions.

“I have not enjoyed the last year and a half, being a vulnerable adult, and being locked up,” she explained. “The art sessions have greatly improved my health and well-being.”

The workshops are part of a partnership with Neshomo that has seen over 280 people receive free counselling or therapy.

More than 500 have participated in group workshops since March 2020.

The United Synagogue has issued an updated High Holy Days COVID-19 guidance.

An emphasis has been given to children and young people given the likelihood of high infection levels as schools reopen next week. Among new requirements, the US has recommended those planning to attend services take a lateral flow test on Erev Yom Tov. “Our shuls are looking forward to welcoming back bigger crowds this year but will still want to make sure members feel comfortable and can daven safely,” commented Rabbi Nicky Liss.

The US is running a number of online programmes over the coming weeks. On Saturday night at 11pm, the US will broadcast its Choral Midnight Selichot service with the Shabbaton Choir live from Bushey United Synagogue.

The US will also broadcast Yizkor on the afternoon of Erev Yom Kippur for those unable to attend shul and highlights from Kol Nidre.

TheUS.tv has a range of programmes including musical highlights from Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with Belmont United’s Rabbi Marc Levene, shiurim and divrei Torah.

Donations: www.givey.com/jamh Information: email kate@jamh.org.uk

www.TheUS.tv Selichot service: www.theus.tv/midnight-selichot COVID-19 guidance: www.theus.org.uk

Sunday morning at the Talmud Torah Chinuch Neorim School. 13 year old Shulem Grinfeld blows the Shofar for the younger boys.

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Honey Cakes can make a difference Holocaust Survivors’ Centre members return to meet in person

Almost a year ago, For Starters’ founder and visionary Lauren Fried hosted an incredible cross-communal charity event which saw almost 200 sign ups for a honey cake masterclass, raising thousands of pounds for Jewish Care, UJIA, GIFT, Norwood, Jami and Leket.

Having led the successful event for Jewish young professionals , Lauren felt passionate about working together with GIFT to set up ‘The Giving Kitchen’, a new initiative, created in response to rising food poverty in our community. GIFT has piloted this project for 6 weeks, cooking and delivering hundreds of fresh, nutritious meals to those most in need. Lauren explained “GIFT found a creative way to respond to the current food poverty crisis by simultaneously getting volunteers engaged in cooking whilst helping to feed those most vulnerable in our community at the same time.”

A range of amazing gifts are now on sale to help support this initiative. All honey cakes have a Federation hechsher and can be delivered locally. The range of gifts start at just £10 for ‘The GIFT’, which comprises a delicious honey cake, especially prepared for GIFT by The Treat Factory. Other options include ‘A Sweet GIFT’, a delicious honey cake with a jar of honey; the ‘Taste of Giving’, a honey cake together with honey, served on an elegant platter; ‘Give it with Flowers’, a honey cake with a beautiful white orchid; ‘Seeds of Giving’, a honey

Founders of GIFT’s Giving Kitchen, Michelle Barnett, Lauren Fried & Roxanne Stross with the honey cake gifts that are on sale.

cake, scented candle, herbal teas and fresh pomegranates and ‘Give a L’Chaim’, a honey cake served with a fine single malt whisky. These gifts will be available in various kosher stores in North West London or can be ordered from the GIFT website.

To order your Rosh Hashanah gifts with a difference, go to www.jgift.org/thegivingkitchen and Give the GIFT that makes a difference. To get involved with this exciting new initiative, please email givingkitchen@jgift.org or call 0208 457 4429.

New nursery to open in Hendon A new nursery opens at Hendon Chabad in September.

Prospective parents attended an open day to view the nursery and meet Chaya Levy, head of the facility. Chaya has experience working in different settings.

Children enjoyed different activities including crown making and biscuit decorating. “It was lovely welcoming prospective parents and their children,” said Chaya.

The playgroup is accepting children who are two years plus. www.hendonplaygroup.co.uk

Reb Binyomin Leitner has donated a Sefer Torah to Belz Shul where he is a long standing member.

Members of Jewish warmly welcomed Care’s Holocaust and it’s good to see Survivors’ Centre our friends and the were delighted to be staff again. The staff back together again from the Holocaust for activities in-perSurvivors’ Centre son last week when have been marvellous the centre reopened through this time.” in its new location Before the reopening, another member, at The Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Kurt Marx BEM, said, Campus in Golders “I’ve been looking Green. This was the forward to the refirst time that the opening of Jewish Ivor Wieder and Rene Inow members of Jewish Care’s group had been able Holocaust Survivors’ Centre at the reopening Care’s Holocaust to see each other in Survivor Centre. For 18 months, since the start of the Covid-19 the past few decades, the centre has been pandemic. an important and safe space for survivors to The members started the day with a warm meet and socialise and to enjoy the events welcome from staff and volunteers, with that they put on.” coffee, cake and a chance to catch up. They Ivor Perl BEM, 89, who has also been a enjoyed a general knowledge quiz and en- member of Jewish Care’s Holocaust Surtertaining readings from Francine which vivors’ Centre for many years and lives at had everyone laughing, followed by lunch. Jewish Care’s Selig Court Retirement Living Francine Liebert, Jewish Care’s Holocaust apartments in Golders Green, adds, “JewSurvivors’ Centre and JC Presents Program- ish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre is a mer, said: lifesaver for me, it’s a second home. I came “We’re delighted to be back with the team here when I was 13 having lost everything and welcome all of our members who we’ve and now I look at my family and the life I kept in touch with over the last 18 months. built and I think it’s wonderful to look and The survivors are incredible people. They celebrate what we’ve all achieved.” have put down new roots and started afresh From now through to October, the organito make amazing contributions to the com- sation is carefully and safely reopening all of munities they live in. It was very special to the dementia day centres, community censee everyone again – there was a wonderful tres and Connect@ services. Jewish Care’s Meals on Wheels, telephone befriending, and unique atmosphere.”

Vera Schaufeld MBE, member of the Hol- online activities and social work and family ocaust Survivors’ Centre, and who arrived carers support services will all still be availin the UK at the age of 9 on Kindertransport able to support the community.

Jewish Care’s JC Presents online prosaid, “It’s good to be back for a social occasion. I’ve been keeping busy on Zoom calls gramme and events, which are attended by with speakers interviewed by Francine and hundreds of older people each week in the I’ve been joining the Keep Fit and drama community will continue, along with the online, but it’s really good to see everyone befriending services and Meals on Wheels. again today.”

Safety is still the priority, and the organiVera’s friend, Rene Inow, also a member sation will follow enhanced infection conof the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, and trol practices and regular Covid testing for who also arrived on Kindertransport at the staff and volunteers, who will wear masks age of 10, agrees. She says, “I was looking indoors throughout the centres to protect forward to being back. We’ve been very clients, staff and volunteers.

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Binyomin Leitner leaves his house with his Sefer Torah

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

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Golfers above par as they raise over £60,000 for Chai On Monday 9th August, more than 100 golfers attended the seventh biennial Golf Fore Chai golf day at Hartsbourne Country Club.

The event, hosted by Golf Fore Chai Committee members; Jo Fogel, Mel Rom and Carolyn Joels, raised over £60,000 for Chai’s ‘Counselling for Individuals, Couples and Families Service.’

A shotgun start kicked off the round of golf. Following the tournament, guests were welcomed by Jo Fogel, Chairman of the Golf Fore Chai Committee who presented awards to the winning teams.

The winning men’s team comprised of Mark Posniak, Matthew Plax, Andrew Wolfson and Simon Berg. The winning ladies team comprised of Caroline Arnold, Sara Lauder, Sara Brett and Sharon Miller.

Following the event Jo Fogel said: “I am completely overwhelmed by the incredible amount of money we’ve raised for Chai! I would like to say a massive thankyou to my left and right hands, Carolyn Joels and Mel Rom who have worked so tirelessly since 2008 alongside myself. Their loyalty and support has been unwavering and our golf days wouldn’t be what they are without them.

Another huge thank you must go to our sponsor of the day, Mookie Toys. Most of all I’d like to thank everyone who came and supported us at the event and in previous years. Your generosity is so appreciated and together we can ensure that no one has to face the cancer journey alone.”

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The winning ladies team

Chai’s Chairman, Louise Hager said: “Jo, Carolyn and Mel – there are no words to express how much your enthusiasm, dedication and true grit means to us all!

The continued and loyal support that you have shown towards Chai and this event is nothing short of incredible. With numerous changes, amends and a global pandemic to contend with, you have let nothing hold you back and we count ourselves truly blessed to have such fantastic friends like you to the organisation.

The Golf Fore Chai Committee have raised in excess of £330,000 over the last 12 years, which has helped ensure that Chai can continue to provide its specialised services and cater to all those in our community affected by a cancer diagnosis.”

Service led by Rabbi Yossi Fachler Tony Page Kiddush lunch following the service All welcome, space is limited so please reserve early

Friends producer a hit

Rabbi Yoni Golker and Ben Winston

Friends: The Reunion special director Ben Winston was special guest at a Young US and St John’s Wood Synagogue’s event.

Winston, executive producer of the Late Late Show with James Corden, told 150 young professionals how he got into Hollywood, worked with A-listers and gave the inside story of how he created the Friends ratings winner.

Rabbi Yoni Golker, St. John’s Wood Synagogue, said, “The event was a huge success and a wonderful experience at our first in-person gathering in 18 months. We hope

this will be the start of many more.”

Ariella Epstein was amongst the guests, she added, “It was so much fun to hear anecdotes from Ben as he described some of his experiences in Hollywood. The Friends Reunion couldn’t have been more apt post-Covid-19, given the whole evening was a friends reunion!”

Guests enjoyed a barbecue, cocktails and music.

Young US is the US’s young professionals and young people’s network for members aged 21-39.

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Waitrose GIFTs it forward

The GIFT and Waitrose partnership

Waitrose, Temple Fortune has generously donated £250 worth of food to GIFT’s London food bank.

Vikki Warner, Partner & Team Manager of Waitrose Temple Fortune explained “We are so happy to help this wonderful charity who are out there supporting the community in so many incredible ways.”

GIFT currently supports over 1,000 people each week with food support packages, giving out over £450,000 of fresh fruit and vegetables, dry food, challah and bread parcels each year.

Unfortunately, the intensity and longevity of the pandemic has placed a big financial strain on many people in our

community and GIFT has seen a dramatic increase in those requiring vital food support. Over 100 additional families have requested weekly support within the last year.

Michelle Barnett, GIFT’s Founding Director said, “We have almost doubled the amount of food we now need to give out. This has had a huge financial and logistical impact on our food bank/ GIFT hub. The community’s support both in donations of food and money is absolutely essential.”

Roxanne Stross, Community Engagement Coordinator explained, “We are truly grateful to Vikki at Waitrose for her support and generosity; it’s vital that we have our food bank well stocked so our recipient families can rely on our support during their time of need. Our food stocks are currently depleting at the rate of almost £10,000 per week, so we are appealing to the community to help in any way they can, especially by way of street collections.”

For more information or to sign up to a street collection, please contact Roxanne@ jgift.org

Norwood’s star bakers present a gift of a honey cake this Rosh Hashana

Delicious honey cakes from Norwood’s star bakers

After a busy three weeks for the people we support, they all were left with smiles on their faces and lovely things to say. Having made some 50 cakes, Gillian said that “it was nice baking with my support workers Juliette, Sasha and Tola and Julie took lots of lovely photos of me to share on Facebook”.

Sophie, meanwhile, enjoyed the “many laughs” and had “a lot of fun baking honey

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cakes at KL with my lovely friend Julie”. Volunteer Michele felt “very proud” of her first attempt at making honey cakes and loved socialising with the team of volunteers at Kennedy Leigh. And the team has received orders from as far afield as Wales, South London, Bristol. You can order your choice of either normal (£7) or gluten-free (£8) on 0208 4574745 by 1st September.

Satmar Rabbi YC Horowitz, addressing the L’Chaim in the Ateres Rochel hall, Ohel Torah to celebrate the purchase of the new building for the Community Centre, Shul, Beis Hamedrash and Mikvah. The house was originally owned by the Father of the Manchester Rosh Yeshiva.

The Ateres Rochel Hall

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Hatzola Manchester held a four day Pfizer Vaccination event at its Broom Lane HQ with two days fully booked up, just 85 slots were available last Thursday and Sunday a few slots were still available, all arranged by Salford City Council, NHS and Pfizer.

Shimmy Hanson a senior Hatzola member gave the Covid Pfizer vaccination to young members of the Kehillah.

Shimmy Hanson giving a Pfizer vaccination

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Camp Simcha brings the fun to fun day Camp Simcha put the fun into fun day organising an afternoon for families packed with everything from a 60ft assault course to a rodeo bull.

Some 150 family members attended the outdoor event in Hertfordshire, the first of its kind for the charity since the pandemic began.

Children and parents alike all threw themselves into the fun - enjoying a giant slide, gladiator and ‘last one standing’ contests, bouncy castle, basketball challenge, crazy golf, sumo wrestling, rodeo bull, side stalls and giant games, balloon modelling, face-painting - and of course ice cream.

Camp Simcha Head of Services Daniel Gillis said: “While our families have had the opportunity to meet up at the individual family day trips we have organised as part of our summer retreat and Keshet summer day scheme programmes, this is the first group event we have curated in nearly 18 months and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces.”

The Stern family from Prestwich, Manchester were in London at the time, so attended the event. Mum Rifka, whose son Ari has a serious heart condition, said: “It was just an incredible day. Although it was raining it didn’t put a stop to the kids’ fun.

We all had such an amazing time doing all

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Ari being a scary tiger

PHOTO: RICHARD EATON.

the different activities. The kids came back on such a high.”

Ari, aged five, agreed, saying: “I had so much fun and loved being a scary tiger, while his sister Penina,10, said: “Camp Simcha always do the best and this was just out of this world.”

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Sacks Morasha expanding school site

Sack Morasha Jewish Primary School

Finchley Jewish Primary School Trust has this week completed the purchase of additional land adjacent to Sacks Morasha from Barnet Council.

This significant development has been long - awaited by staff and parents since the site was acquired in 2012. It involved many years of negotiations which intensified over the past year between Trustees and Barnet Council.

The focus now is the expansion of the building’s footprint. The immediate change whilst plans are finalised is to incorporate some of the new land into the playground – hopefully in time for September.

Elliot Goodman, Foundation Governor, coordinating the building project said ‘I am delighted and immensely grateful that Finchley Jewish Primary School Trust has managed to achieve this milestone for Sacks Morasha which now paves the way for a prosperous future for the school. We are excited to begin the project and transform the learning environment for pupils and our teachers.’

Jeremy Newman, Chairman of the Trust added ‘We have spent many years working to secure this land and we are looking forward to further enhancing the school and its facilities for the benefit of current and future pupils.’

COMMUNITY 63

The Ronson Family Community Centre at Sandringham opens its doors The Ronson panoramic views across London.

Family Community Centre Miriam, Avril at Sandringand Ralph were ham opened amongst those enjoying their first its doors on day back at in-perTuesday 24th son activity. Miriam August to 40 members who Fleisher, 101 years previously atold, said, “I celetended Jewish brated my 100th Care’s Edgbirthday in lockMiriam, Ralph and Avril at the Community Centre ware and Hardown and we had a row Day Cencelebration out on tre before the pandemic. Amongst some the street. People went out to the pavement familiar faces were some new ones too, and were saying “hello young lady!”. It was as members gathered to enjoy in-person so lovely to celebrate but I’m glad we can be activities for the first time in 18 months. back in person at the centre after so long.”

Members were welcomed with tea and Avril and Ralph Sassen have been marhoney cake in anticipation of Rosh Hashan- ried for 47 years and regularly came to ah in just two short weeks. As they gath- Jewish Care’s Edgware and Harrow Day ered, there were plenty of warm embraces Centre together before the pandemic. Avril and lots of smiles as members were reu- said, “This is our first time at The Ronson nited with one another and some of our Family Community Centre. It’s so nice to long-standing volunteers. see everyone again after 18 months and It was the first time that members have we’re looking forward to many more visits!”. been able to enjoy the brand-new, state-ofMembers of The Ronson Family Comthe-art community centre, which is part of munity Centre at Sandringham will also be the stunning Sandringham campus, situat- able to access and take part in services at ed on the border between Hertfordshire and the on-site synagogue, attend yoga classes Stanmore. Sandringham boasts 16 acres of in our specially designed garden, and grab natural woodland, landscaped courtyards a bite to eat at the new café, serving hot, and gardens, overlooking meadows and kosher food throughout the day.

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From the front line…

School’s back - Let’s hope no more lockdowns are ahead…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Having been in and out of hospital for several weeks, I have fallen severely behind with the news, both here and abroad, but the following stories have caught my attention.

Russell Group universities have largely decided that returning and new students must wear masks at all times inside buildings. This is devastating news for youngsters who thought they could return to something resembling a normal student life. Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, has stated that they must return to faceto-face learning immediately, unless Jacqueline Curzon there are ‘unprecedented reasons’ not PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY to continue. Two of the Russell group universities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, several languages and with an impressive are in Scotland which still adheres to command of science, she decided to go the mask mandate. I strongly feel that in into higher education, but had to work these circumstances universities should for several years to pay for college. Those either permit a voluntary gap year, or offer who went to the selective grammars were a significant rebate on their fees. Who educationally very gifted, but nonetheless is going to enjoy sitting at a distance in it sounded very hard work, although those lectures, and live life like one of the Three finishing grammar school were conseMasketeers? The requirement to wear quently more easily able to gain places in masks in England was lifted on July 19th, but many institutions, aside from universi- university. She accepted her lot with broad ties, are keeping up the trend. shoulders and good humour. When she Hospitals are another example. Signs finished school at 18, she was presented at every entrance remind us we are to with the obligatory Leaving Certificate. I mask-up, but in tiny writing it states ‘those would love to see her actual certificate, but who are exempt are still EXEMPT.’ Tell that as in all fun families, it was scurrilously to some of the officious auxiliaries who appropriated by my sibling. (Don’t even shouted at me in the Royal Free during ask!) However, I do vaguely recall mother my stay, for daring to walk round the ward had to pass every subject to complete it. (prison yard style) for exercise, only for Those who didn’t pass all the subjects left me to flag it up to the ward sister and Pals, school and generally went into trades, blue who took a pretty dim view of their chalcollar work or similar. lenge. I then had an appointment at Barnet Exam results season has just passed Hospital where the same thing happened: and there was again a veritable blur of top I was asked by a passing nurse if ‘I’d like grades making it impossible to distinguish a mask?’ ‘No,’ said I, ‘I’m exempt.’ “That between candidates. For many their doesn’t apply in hospitals,’’ she said. I grades were awarded by generous teachers, especially in the private sector, but this refused to give in, and she finally marched largesse has far reaching consequences off. The posters clearly state that you do other than the obvious. Many genuinely not have to wear one if you are exempt …..

Most staff do leave you alone, but there are talented and deserving academic students will as a consequence miss out on a place. always those who want to jump rank. Now Several top universities including Oxford you know. I personally refuse to be bullied and Cambridge have already indicated and having had covid twice, in addition they will run entrance exams in future, to being double vaccinated, I want to as that way they can be sure of incoming enjoy what’s left of my life, without further standards. Entrance exams have always encumbrances or accidents caused by the been run for access to certain courses wearing of masks. (I’ve had more than my like medicine where contenders for share). highly sought places on courses have to Back in the 1940s and 50s pupils finished primary school and went either to sit written BMat [Biomedical Admissions a secondary modern or grammar school.

Test] exams and also pass an interview.

I remember my mother ‫ ע’ה‬regaling us Essentially grades are fast becoming with stories about her schooldays. She was worthless, and I’m not sure adding a grade ranked one of the highest ability in her 10 to GCSEs or an A** to A levels would be secondary school, fluent to degree level in more than an interim move. Where does it

stop? There has been discussion over the last few years about scrapping traditional exams completely in favour of the International Baccalaureate [IB] which seems to be universally accepted and rated highly, but I doubt the DoE would willingly take such a climb down, for GSCEs have only been in place since 1986, when they replaced the much tougher GCE O levels, which had a cap on numbers for each grade.

GCSEs were instead designed for those who wanted to leave school at 16 without attempting A-levels or pursuing a university education. The irony is that several years ago the government decided in its wisdom to compel students to stay in education until 18, which doesn’t suit everyone. Since all then had to take GCSEs it is small wonder that the most academic of students are pushing the grades up. Many international students are able to gain places easily as they are more rigorously tested at school.

We live in difficult and testing times, and across the world we see evidence of extremism. Largely ideological or political, it is most disturbing to read about the recent flag on incel ideology. What is this, exactly? Incel is an abbreviation of Involuntary Celibates, who believe the world is a feminist gynocracy - a world dominated by women. The incel community, developing over the past 10 years, largely comprises men who have been unable to form meaningful relationships with women, and therefore perceive themselves as societal victims, whereas there could be many other reasons why they are on the periphery of society. The tragedy of the 5 victims in Plymouth of Jake Davison (22), which included a father and his 3 year old daughter, was foreseeable if people had been more aware of his rants and ramblings on social media. A separate question must be asked as to why someone so young was granted a shotgun license, this being subsequently returned after an assault charge. His mother Maxine (51) had fought repeatedly with her son over his misogynistic views and behaviours, only to ultimately be his first victim, and none would accuse her of acquiescence to his actions. Across the world, similar womenhaters have raised arms and committed atrocities in the name of Incel. They have their own code, such as ‘foids’ (female humanoids). In Tokyo a man murdered 10 people on a train just last week, just because they ‘looked happy’; Elliot Rodger (22) murdered 14 in the States in 2014; Alex Minassian (28) murdered 10 and injured 16 in Toronto, and so the list goes on. We worry in this country about racism, but the incel brigade are apparently also

racist, as well as misogynistic. We need to worry about them, too. Bearing in mind my recent remark that most violent sexual crimes are committed by men, the government can no longer ignore attacks on women. Statistics show that a woman is murdered by a man every three days in the UK, the time has come perhaps for the law to crack down on this group, as it would other extremist haters.

Josephine Bridges (31) from Birmingham, who lost her leg in an accident whilst jumping off a jetty in Windermere, Cumbria was thrilled to see a social media post

by Angus Hosking, of Lake District Diving, following an appeal, discovering he had found her leg. Ms Bridges was delighted to get her leg back, especially as it had cost £15,000, being a specialist prosthetic leg specially designed for water sports. Ms Bridges had her leg amputated in 2018 after bone cancer.

Now to finish with a gastronomic discovery. We found ourselves in Manchester on one leg of a journey and paid a visit to Feast by Ed, a pop up restaurant catered by award winning chef Ed Shaerf, who has worked alongside top chefs at restaurants including The Ivy. It was recommended by good friends and despite being sited in the grounds of Maccabi, Prestwich, it still had much of the ambience of a regular restaurant, and in fact the rustic seating indoors combined beautifully with the silver Airstream food trailer from which the dishes were served. We chose an assortment of foods from the menu including tomato soup, mixed leaf salad, courgette frites for starters. Mains included meatballs, lamb kofta, chicken schnitzel with herb and lemon batter, beef sliders, beef steak, and skinny chips. For dessert there was a choice of dulce de leche doughnuts, chocolate pot and sorbet of the day. We unanimously opted for the sorbet, which was - on this occasion - lemon & lime. A selection of drinks was available, and the charges were very reasonable by kosher eatery standards, which means you will not feel guilty having extras or going back.

It’s worth booking yourself in for a postyomtov supper and enjoying a 10/10 Feast

by Ed. It was a lovely experience which we will happily repeat. They are also available for bespoke simcha and home catering, supervised by Manchester Beis Din and KLBD. And so our summer is all but over, and I hope yours has been as stress free as possible, hopefully with some pleasant memories to make for positive holiday reflection.

Love Jacqueline x

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Greece on a budget and back in London

BY CARON BLUESTONE

century and steal back one of the most valuable paintings ever to be taken in art heist history. It combines immersive theatre - Rogue Productions, the theatre company behind the Crystal Maze - and puzzle solving into an escape room experience that has adrenalin pumping at every twist and turn and cleverly recreates the true story of the 1990’s theft of Rembrandt’s The Storm on the Sea of Galilee and Vermeer’s The Concert, both of which remain missing to this day! Our mission; ‘break into the storehouse of the veteran thief and evade their security…overcome their extensive security systems… crawl through their laser matrix..’ all whilst avoiding the pesky guards. Steal back the artwork and claim the one million dollar FBI reward or choose to sell for a potential value of one hundred million on the black market instead. The choice is yours. Set inside Theatre Deli in Finsbury Circus, the Perfect Crime might bring out your inner criminal! www. theperfectcrime.co.uk/

Finding ourselves back in London, having escaped to the Greek Islands-more of which later, I decided to make it my mission to dig up some fun things to do as a family. The Capital is absolutely full of interesting and mostly little-known activities. So, rather than watching the kids in the park or supervising at soft play, I put on my researcher’s hat. Here are my top picks so far.

VIRTUAL REALITY.

Now, virtual reality has always been something that I’ve secretly been interested in, with high hopes for what would be out there when I eventually found the motivation to look. I’d never tried it before and hadn’t really considered the options. For those of us based in North London, my research took me to DNA VR with three venues. They tout themselves as London’s Largest VR Arcade. Don’t be fooled when your satnav takes you to some nondescript door in Camden. Walk down the stairs and you’ll find yourself in the waiting area, where you wait your turn to enter the individual VR pods. It’s lovely and clean and covid-friendly-toilets included- always a bonus when with children.

Once the group ahead of us had left and all the equipment had been sterilised, it was our turn. Within our booked time slot of 60 minutes, we were allowed to play as many or as few of the multi-player games that we wished. The pods are simply small, darkened rooms, within which you can move freely. Each player stands in their own pod with their VR headset and two handsets that become your weapons. After a quick intro we were ready to play. As a family of four consisting of 6 and 9 year old boys, we couldn’t go far wrong. Gaming is their life, unfortunately. Now, for me not so much.

However, I am competitive and I do like to win, so that helped from the get go.

The VR Masters are there talking to you through the headset to monitor your experience as you go, helping to keep the whole process running smoothly and this really is key to a great first experience. We played two very different games but kept everyone playing together, visible to one another in the same game. The graphics were exceptional and you get to see how it might feel to fly!

Having help in the background meant that we made use of every second of our 60 minute session and all I can say is that all four of us can’t wait to go back. www.dnavr.co.uk/

ESCAPE ROOMS

London, it appears, is also full of escape rooms. So make sure that you go with a recommendation. Again we went as a family of four, so our choice had to be suitable and fun for two quite different age brackets. My

CRAZY GOLF

two picks in this category also turned out to be distinctly different with Modern Fables, set inside a commercial premises in East London being extremely mentally challenging and based in two, smaller-sized rooms (great for the adding to the atmosphere), whilst The Perfect Crime, set in a theatre in the City of London, saw us dodging lasers and hiding from guards in a series of rooms. Both proved to be brilliant and their contrast an advantage.

Modern Fables offers the choice of three distinctly different, themed escape rooms.

We chose the Oracles, as the one that would be most suitable for our youngest. The scene is set from the moment you arrive at Dr Model’s lockup in an already eerily empty commercial building in Hackney. As you step inside the room itself, you leave the real work behind and enter into a mystical adventure. You are given a dream journal which holds the link to a series of clues, all to be found somewhere within your escape room. There, Dr Morel explains what you must do to solve the mystery that will unlock the room. Relying on the children to spot the clues and the adults to solve the trickier puzzles, we eventually escaped, jubilant and victorious. There is also, always a subtly-dropped helpful hint along the way for those in need. www.modern-fables.com/ Our second escape room was slightly more action-packed and less cerebral but suited me down to the ground, due to my severe lack of patience! Our mission was simple - pull off the art heist of the

Crazy golf, along with ping pong, darts and bowling, have really become a ‘thing’ in London. Taken off in a way that we haven’t seen before. Many places have popped up where adults can drink, party and play. This really means that if you choose your venue and timing carefully, there’s a huge amount of fun to be had by adults and children alike. Again preferable to the usual suspects where parents are usually spectators on the sidelines.

Crazy golf has the most universal appeal in our family and after much research, we decided on Plonk golf. With five venues across London, they offer 9 hole crazy golf both indoors and out. Their London Fields venue sits in a cosy private yard, looking across the trees to London Fields park.

Perfect for some fun in the fresh air and sunshine and accessible to all ages and abilities. Their colourful courses are just the right size for a family game and they also offer birthday parties - a definite contender for us. The indoor venue is in Camden! www.plonkgolf.co.uk Last but by no means least , I’d like to mention three fantastic travel recommendations for families. We chose the Greek Islands this summer for a change of scenery, some adventure and real value for money. Flying into Mykonos - not only the party central for which it’s infamous for but a gorgeous town with plenty to suit every taste. We then took the ferry to Naxos - the largest of the Cyclades - an island of splendid, empty, sandy beaches, important cultural and historical heritage and a laid-back, island feel of yesteryear. Our home, Hotel Stella; a hidden gem with comfortable, spotless

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26 AUGUST 2021

family rooms for around €150 a night.

Directly on one of the best beaches on the island and with its own pool and park filled with fragrant lavender. www.stella-apartments-naxos.gr/ Next stop, another short ferry ride to Paros. The smaller sister to Naxos. More nightlife, more touristy but the whitewashed villages dotted with bougainvillea and the plentiful shopping in the jaw droppingly beautiful village of Naoussa all make it worthwhile and that’s just your starting point. Here, we made firm friends and lounged by the pool, cooled by the Cycladic winds, at a wonderful boutique hotel steps from the beach. Margarita Studios is like finding a home away from home.

One which you won’t want to leave. www. margaritastudios.com/ Back to Heathrow, where the queues were nowhere to be seen and a quick call to Meet and Greet had our car waiting for us in the T5 car park, steps from the terminal door. www.holidayextras.com/ One last recommendation for the dreaded covid tests back home. This time we used the extremely convenient home testing kits from Oncologica. Already at home when we arrived, simply test and post to receive results in less than 24 hours from receipt in the lab. At £55 for each adult, the cost is low too. https://covid19.oncologica.com/

NXT GEN ACTIVITIES.

And Finally….This couldn’t wait for my next column because it might just save some of you from wasting money on sub-standard day camps for the kids, for when you might need a few mornings or days off. I found NXT GEN through a recommendation; one of my best friends with a challenging son to manage. My kids had been at a fantastic tennis camp which has now finished for the summer and I was looking for something new. NXT GEN offers activity-based camps both in Golders Green and Finchley, Christs College. Just down the road from me, extremely reasonably-priced, they provide sport-based camps, including girls-only, for multiple sports including football, dodgeball, table tennis, netball, rounders, badminton and zoneball. There’s something for everyone. What is special about NXT GEN, you will immediately feel when you speak to its founder Scott. A father of three little ones himself, he is passionate about the wellbeing of the children who attend his camps. ‘Providing a safe environment for children to grow, physically, mentally and socially’. They truly follow through on their marketing. My sometimes shy and difficult nine year old was desperate to leave home early this morning and my five year old too. Camps can become a numbers game and lose that personal touch and attention to the wellbeing of the children. Here they do not. A breath of fresh air for one and all. nxtgenactivities.co.uk/

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM?

Dear Rabbi My question pertains to social media. I have always resisted it but it seems to have invaded my home. To be clear we are not an internet free zone in our home and my kids all have mobile phones. But it seems as though this has taken over their lives.

One is obsessed with reading everyone’s stream on Instagram, even actually complaining about what she sees some of her friends getting up to and “why can’t we do that?” Another is constantly posting pictures on Facebook with all sorts of captions. I get it that this is some form of entertainment and I know it is better than roaming streets, hanging out in clubs and whatever else worse than that, and my wife insists it is harmless. Personally I think it is toxic and welcome your opinion.

Malcolm Dear Malcolm Social media has provided a unique opportunity to engage with the world in a whole new way. Many Jewish organisations have found that social media is the optimum way by which to engage audiences and market events. During a year of lockdown social media also provided much opportunity to broadcast classes and spread Torah to many who might have previously never had any real affiliation.

But like any double edged sword, social media is also the bane of society. It amplifies news for eyeballs and clicks and people are constantly consumed with everything going on in the world. Against that all sorts of

mental health issues are on the increase and anyone who thinks there is no correlation is delusional. Your own child proves the point with her prevalent jealousy when watching other people’s lives on social media.

There are those who spend much time gazing at strangers’ holiday snaps, or spending hours fine tuning selfies in order to post on social media then check back every day to see if they’ve acquired more than just the two likes already there – one from their best friend and the other from the anonymous friend who is really their mother trolling to see what they’re getting up to. And yes, that generates all sorts of inner anxiety and is very counterproductive.

Like nuclear power that can either light up a city or wreak havoc, it all comes down to how one utilises social media. If used as a tool for spreading light, (perhaps with occasional news and entertainment updates) then it is serving purpose in keeping with the concluding Mishna of Ethics of the Fathers: “Everything was created in order to enhance G-d’s glory.” By definition, everything as it exists can be and is meant to somehow enhance positivity in the world.

Otherwise it is an incredible time waster, can prove addictive and indeed wreak havoc with one’s life.

TO GET OR NOT TO GET

Dear Rabbi I want to get married to a wonderful man who got divorced from his wife several months ago but only civilly. There was no Jewish divorce. He doesn’t care

Pirkei Avot

and says he’s happy to marry me as he is. His ex-wife doesn’t seem to care either. But I come from a different sort of background and while I am really keen to marry him, it wouldn’t feel right without him getting a get document. I would always find myself feeling a little guilty.

Marylyn Dear Marylyn Do you want to spend the rest of your life always feeling ‘a little guilty?’ To be sure, the wrong that your husband would commit in marrying you without a Jewish divorce pales in significance against the enormity of the sin his ex-wife would be committing were she to remarry without a get but your marriage would still be wrong. So in encouraging him to pursue a get you’d be doing a double mitzvah in both freeing him and her up to doing the right thing. If he’s as keen to marry you as you are him, he’ll look to do the right thing by you.

IS THE OLYMPICS KOSHER?

Dear Rabbi What are your thoughts regarding the Olympics. I enjoyed watching them (however different they were this year). A friend however told me it is essentially a pagan thing and should be avoided at all costs. Is this actually true or just another “holier than thou” mishugas?

Donna Dear Donna The original games some 2700 years ago, within the boundaries of Olympia, the altar of the sanctuary dedicated to the goddess

Hera maintained a continuous flame. It was thought to have been stolen from the gods by Prometheus. Therefore, fire was also present at many of the sanctuaries in Olympia, Greece.

During the Olympic Games, which honoured Zeus, additional fires were lit at his temple and that of his wife, Hera. The modern Olympic flame is ignited at the site where the temple of Hera used to stand. Moreover, even the fact that the Games take place every four years, as well as the Olympic symbol of five interlocking rings, are connected to idol worship. The five intertwined circles represent

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

For Refuah Shalema for Mordechai Ben Chaya Sara

.‫ ֵאין דֶּ ֶר ְך ֶא ֶרץ‬,‫ ִאם ֵאין ּתוֹ ָרה‬,‫ַר ִ ּבי ֶאלְ ָעזָ ר ֶ ּבן ֲעזַ ְריָ ה אוֹ ֵמר‬ .‫ ֵאין יִ ְר ָאה‬,‫ ִאם ֵאין ָחכְ ָמה‬.‫ ֵאין ּתוֹ ָרה‬,‫ִאם ֵאין דֶּ ֶר ְך ֶא ֶרץ‬ ‫ ִאם ֵאין‬.‫ ֵאין דַּ ַעת‬,‫ ִאם ֵאין ִ ּבינָ ה‬.‫ ֵאין ָחכְ ָמה‬,‫ִאם ֵאין יִ ְר ָאה‬ ,‫ ִאם ֵאין ּתוֹ ָרה‬.‫ ֵאין ּתוֹ ָרה‬,‫ ִאם ֵאין ֶק ַמח‬.‫ ֵאין ִ ּבינָ ה‬,‫דַּ ַעת‬ ,‫ ָּכל ׁ ֶש ָחכְ ָמתוֹ ְמ ֻר ָ ּבה ִמ ַּמ ֲעשָׂ יו‬,‫ הוּא ָהיָ ה אוֹ ֵמר‬.‫ֵאין ֶק ַמח‬ ,‫ לְ ִאילָ ן ׁ ֶש ֲענָ ָפיו ְמ ֻר ִ ּבין וְ ׁ ָש ָר ׁ ָשיו ֻמ ָע ִטין‬,‫לְ ַמה הוּא דוֹ ֶמה‬ ‫ ׁ ֶש ֶּנ ֱא ַמר (ירמיה‬,‫וְ ָהרו ַּח ָ ּב ָאה וְ עוֹ ַק ְר ּתוֹ וְ הוֹ ַפכְ ּתוֹ ַעל ּ ָפנָ יו‬ ‫יז) וְ ָהיָ ה ְּכ ַע ְר ָער ָ ּב ֲע ָר ָבה וְ ל ֹא יִ ְר ֶאה ִּכי יָ בוֹ א טוֹ ב וְ ׁ ָשכַ ן‬ ‫ לְ ַמה‬,ֹ‫ר…א ָבל ָּכל ׁ ֶש ַּמ ֲעשָׂ יו ְמ ֻר ִ ּבין ֵמ ָחכְ ָמתו‬ ֲ ‫ֲח ֵר ִרים ַ ּב ִּמ ְד ָ ּב‬ ‫ ׁ ֶש ֲא ִפלּ ּו‬,‫יל…ש ֲענָ ָפיו ֻמ ָע ִטין וְ ׁ ָש ָר ׁ ָשיו ְמ ֻר ִ ּבין‬ ֶ ׁ ‫ לְ ִא‬,‫הוּא דוֹ ֶמה‬ ֹ‫כָ ל ָהרוּחוֹ ת ׁ ֶש ָ ּבעוֹ לָ ם ָ ּבאוֹ ת וְ נוֹ ׁ ְשבוֹ ת בּ וֹ ֵאין ְמזִ יזִ ין אוֹ תו‬ …‫ ׁ ֶש ֶּנ ֱא ַמר (שם) וְ ָהיָ ה ְּכ ֵעץ ׁ ָשתוּל ַעל ַמיִ ם וְ ַעל‬,ֹ‫ִמ ְּמקוֹ מו‬ ‫ וְ ָהיָ ה ָעלֵ ה ּו‬,‫יו ַּבל יְ ׁ ַש ּ ַלח ׁ ָש ָר ׁ ָשיו וְ ל ֹא יִ ְר ֶאה ִּכי יָ בֹא חֹם‬ … ‫ וְ ל ֹא יָ ִמ ׁיש ֵמ ֲעשׂ וֹ ת‬,‫ ו ִּב ׁ ְשנַ ת ַ ּבצּ ֶֹרת ל ֹא יִ ְד ָאג‬,‫ַר ֲענָ ן‬

Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah said: Where there is no Torah, there is no right conduct; where there is no right conduct, there is no Torah.

Where there is no wisdom there is no fear of G-d where there is no fear of G-d, there is no wisdom. Where there is no understanding, there is no knowledge; where there is no knowledge, there is no understanding. Where there is no bread, there is no Torah; where there is no Torah, there is no bread. He used to say: one whose wisdom exceeds his deeds, to what may he be compared? To a tree whose branches are numerous but whose roots are few, so that when the wind comes, it uproots it and overturns it, as it is said,

Perek 3: Mishna 17 pt1

“He shall be like a bush in the desert, which does not sense the coming of good. It is set in the scorched places of the wilderness, in a barren land without inhabitant” (Jeremiah 17:6). But one whose deeds exceed his wisdom, to what may he be compared? To a tree whose branches are few but roots are many, so that even if all the winds in the world come and blow upon it, they cannot move it out of its place, as it is said, “He shall be like a tree planted by waters, sending forth its roots by a stream. It does not sense the coming of heat, its leaves are ever fresh. It has no care in a year of drought; it does not cease to yield fruit.” To be continued next week…

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Venus, which traces a perfect pentacle across the sky every 8 years. To the ancient Greeks, Venus became the symbol of perfection and beauty, qualities prized in athletes’ bodies. As a tribute to Venus, the Greeks used “her” 8-year cycle to organize their Olympic Games. The 4-year schedule follows Venus’ half cycle. So there is a clear pagan connection.

That said, today most people would be clueless about any of the above and really just watch the Olympics for the sake of enjoying the sportsmanship. So to each their own and you be your own judge and jury on this.

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Torah from Israel

26 AUGUST 2021

Saving Shmita

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The experience of Shmita is both fascinating and iconic. Occurring once in seven years, it carries the mystique of something “extraordinary” or even enchanted.

Intended as a seminal national experience, it was rarely practiced in its truest form.

In the modern context, our encounter with shmita has dramatically shifted from the fields and orchards to the rows of the supermarket. What are the deeper meanings of this multifaceted and complicated mitzvah?

Shmita distills several important Jewish values. It qualifies our ownership of land while moderating our response to financial successes. Returning the land back to its Creator, prevents the arrogance typically follows economic success. A full year of work stoppage underscores that human wealth is Divinely allocated and therefore transitory.

Additionally, shmita reaffirms our national rights to the land of Israel. As G-d’s chosen people, we possess moral and historical warrant to this land. Throughout history, our deed to our land has been vehemently disputed. Every seven years, Shmita certifies that it will be Divine allocation and not political diplomacy or military aggression which will dictate the future of this land.

Furthermore, shmita reorders socio-economic hierarchies. Lands are left barren, and produce is equally and readily available to both rich and poor. The related laws of “shemitat kesafim” or the annulment of loans, in theory, are meant to dissolve all debt, effectively resetting financial imbalances. Every society struggles with wealth inequality and its potential social repercussions. The rich accumulate more wealth as the poor sink into greater debt, eroding social unity and destabilizing economies.

At our particular stage of history, wealth disparities are particularly exaggerated, as 1% of the world’s richest possess twice as much wealth as 6.9 billion people. By resetting financial parity, Shmita rebuilds a more egalitarian and classless social fabric.

Finally, Shmita serves as a spiritual and personal ‘retreat’ from the hustle bustle of society and the pressures of our daily routine. Functionally similar to Shabbat, it provides a yearlong “leave of absence” enabling spiritual, personal and communal rebooting. As Shmita incorporates so many core elements of religion, it serves as a benchmark for Jewish residence in Israel.

Adherence to shmita secures our presence in Israel, while violation of this commandment ousts us from the land of G-d.

Historical Cycles of Shmita Similar to the Jewish people, shmita has undergone dramatic shifts throughout history. Many of the Torah’s commandments are static and remain, more or less,

unaffected by history. Other mitzvoth are more fluid, fluctuating with the revolutions of Jewish history. Shmita has been deeply impacted by Jewish history and, particularly, by our unending struggle to settle our homeland. The journey to full shmita observance mirrors the odyssey of Jewish history.

Tragically, during the First Temple era, shmita was largely ignored. During that deeply flawed 400-year period, seventy shmita and yovel periods were disregarded. A seventy- year exile in Babylonia provided respite, allowing the land to recoup its lost shmita cycles. Ironically, the Jews of the second Temple era did adhere to the laws of shmita. However, during this period, the caliber of this mitzvah was compromised. Most Jews did not return from Exile, as the majority of our people resided outside the boundaries of Israel.

Under these disappointing conditions, the Biblical experience of shmita no longer applied. Shmita was still practiced at a Rabbinic level, but the ideal performance of the mitzvah remained elusive. In effect, during the initial nine hundred years of residence in our homeland, shmita never achieved its full stature. In the year 70 AD, the long night of Jewish exile began and shmita, effectively, faded from view for close to eighteen hundred years. When it resurfaced, it would become entangled in significant controversy.

SURVIVING SHMITA

Toward the end of the 19th century, Jewish settlement in Israel expanded beyond the vicinity of Jerusalem. New agrarian settlements, almost exclusively dependent upon farming, were sprouting up. The specter of a full year of shmita, absent of any agricultural activity, threatened both the livelihood and the lives of these new yishuvim or moshavot. In the lead up to the shmita year of 1889, a fierce controversy erupted surrounding potential workarounds for shmita. Leading Israeli and European rabbis debated the legality of circumventing Shmita prohibitions by selling Jewish lands to Gentiles. Many authorities rejected this legal fiction known as ‘heter mechira’, recommending instead, full compliance and a complete work stoppage. Alternatively, many rabbis who were exposed first-hand to the dire situation, were more supportive of this potential leniency. Shmita became a divisive issue.

The struggle wasn’t only divisive, it was also sadly ironic. We had dreamed of this historical “moment” for centuries.

Having been scattered across the globe, we yearned for a return to the fields and pasturelands of Israel. How sadly paradoxical that, clawing our way home in the late 19th century, we were obliged to sell our land to Gentiles. What a sad commentary upon the imperfect nature of our return.

Evidently, history and the land were not yet ready for a full Jewish return.

Gradually, as the cycles of Shmita passed, reality overcame ideology and the heter mechira policy of selling the land of Israel finally became institutionalized by Rav Kook in the year 1909.

PERSONAL RELIGION OR NATIONAL RELIGION

For most of us who do not live agricultural lives, Shmita has transformed into a year in which we insert one more “check box” to our kashrut checklist.

During shmita, in addition to inspecting general kashrut, we also examine “shmita kashrut”. Most of the overall population relies upon the heter-mechira sale, while continuing to purchase Israeli products, as they would during a non-shmita year.

Others, who are uncomfortable with this “halachik bypass”, import their produce or purchase it from local Arabs, or from farms located outside the boundaries of Biblical Israel. It should be plainly obvious that each of these solutions is severely deficient.

Interestingly, these two differing strategies reflect two fundamentally different attitudes about religious life in Israel.

One approach places almost exclusive emphasis upon personal religious experience. Imported fruits or Gentile-owned vegetables are optimal for preserving the kashrut level of my personal plate of food.

If personal religious quality is the primary factor, this approach is far superior.

Other Jews adopt a more nationalistic view- one concerned with sweeping shmita ramifications, beyond their own kitchen or meal plan. Individuals may be able to import from Gaza, Turkey or Jordan. Nationally though, a full cessation of labor would starve the agricultural industry. Shutting down this sector for an entire year and ceasing exports, would practically forfeit international markets.

My personal salad can be imported, but the agricultural industry- a vital national asset- requires a different shmita solution.

Additionally, the heter-mechira bypass is valuable for national kosher ‘coverage’.

Fervently religious people may be willing to incur greater cost or enjoy lower quality produce to maintain shmita laws. General Israeli consumers, though, may be less dedicated and less willing to sacrifice quality. To enable national shmita observance, heter mechira is necessary to insure readily available “kosher” produce.

Heter-mechira may not represent the highest standard of kashrut but it remains the best vehicle for stretching shmita to the national stage.

RELIGIOUS ONE-UPMANSHIP

Shmita possesses unifying potential: Collectively we return the land to G-d

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and retire for a year-long spiritual retreat. Economic ledgers are wiped and, for an entire year, the divisions between affluent and poor vanish. During Sukkot immediately subsequent to shmita, in the aftermath of this economic and spiritual unity, an entire nation descends upon the city of unity for a public recital of Torah.

The harmony of Hakhel torah-recital caps the solidarity built during shmita.

In the modern world we have lost so much of our shmita experience. Can we at least retain shmita as a unifier? Let us not turn shmita into a “kashrut competition” or a smug conversation about which “flawed approach” to shmita kashrut is halachikally superior. If we still haven’t solved shmita in the modern state, let it not degenerate into sanctimony or holier-than-thou posturing. Those who don’t rely upon the heter-mechira workaround should appreciate the needs of national shmitta. Those who do rely upon the workaround should have the intellectual honesty to realize how flimsy it is and how, in an ideal world, we would not sell off our country to non-Jews.

Shmita is also a year of humility before G-d. Hopefully, we all navigate the upcoming shmita with humility, appreciating and respecting different approaches to this quandary.

Shmita holds a mirror to Jewish history. Do we trust G-d enough and are we spiritually courageous enough to adopt full shmita compliance? Our track record isn’t great. We still haven’t cracked the riddle of returning to the modern Israel and maintaining shmita. As we inch closer to a fully redeemed state we draw closer to full shmita compliance. One day we will reach it. Until that day, let us stand together during shmita united by one common dream.

The writer is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.

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JUDAISM 71

Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y I S R A E L

Serving Hashem Properly

BY RABBI JESSE HORN

At the end of the Tochacha, the section of the Torah describing the horrific events prophesizing what will occur when Bnei Yisrael are exiled from Eretz Yisrael, the verse states: Tachat lo avadetem et Hashem Elokeycha b’simcha u-v’tuv levov m’rov kol, “Because you did not serve Hashem, your G-d, with joy and a good heart, with much good” (Devarim 28:47).

The Mesilat Yesharim (19) explains that m’rov kol “with much good” and b’simcha u-v’tuv levov “with joy and a good heart” refer to poor attitudes of the Jews. The verse criticizes Bnei Yisrael’s performance of mitzvot with the wrong approach. Their service of Hashem lacked enjoyment, simcha, and for that reason they receive these horrific curses.

Rashi (Devarim 28:47), however, accepts an alternative interpretation of the verse.

He reads m’rov kol to refer to a time period, not an attitude. M’rov kol refers to a time period when things were good and the Jews prospered. The verse explains that when the

Jews were thriving, they forgot Hashem, and went astray. It was during well-to-do times that the Jews had abandoned Hashem and the mitzvot and in effect brought about these curses.

This concern, overconfidence and arrogance leading to forgetting Hashem, is one that the Torah addresses often. Moreover and more specifically, the Torah offers two types of prescriptions designed to deal with the problem.

Firstly, many mitzvot are aimed at combating this arrogant mindset that leads one away from Hashem. A great example is the mitzvah of Sukkah according to the Rashbam (Vayikra 23:43). He argues that we sit in a Sukkah, precisely to avoid this problem.

At the end of the harvest season, one can naturally feel empowered and accomplished after a successful harvest. The Torah’s response is to move out to the Sukkah. When it is natural to feel too much like the baal habayit the Torah orders you to go out and live in a Sukkah.

This suggestion of the Rashbam also

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explains why we sit in the Sukkah on Sukkot and not Pesach, a question many commentaries struggle to answer. It is because specifically then, after the harvest, that it is natural to develop this sense of overconfidence. It also may explain why s’chach is used as a roof. One should use some of the crops harvested as the s’chach, a covering for the Sukkah symbolizing that it has the potential to protect him, but realize that real protection comes from Hashem.

Besides mitzvot, there is a second weapon the Torah has against claiming credit and allowing that to forgetting Hashem. Awareness of the problem, education, and the proper perspective are psychological tools used to help man overcome this potential trap. Moshe warns the Jews explicitly of this concern saying, “Be careful lest you forget Hashem, your G-d” (Devarim 8:11). Preparation and knowledge is a large part of the battle.

But even more than warning us of the potential problem, the Torah offers an alternative attitude, a better way constructing one’s

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outlook on one’s success. The Torah says, “And you will say that ‘With my strength and might of my hands I succeeded’” (Devarim 8:18). Often misunderstood, in this verse the Torah never tells man to dismiss his own accomplishments. On the contrary, as the Ran (Drashot HaRan, Drasha 10) points out, the Torah does encourage one to recognize one’s talents, but to realize something else as well: “He is the one who gives you strength to succeed.” It is Hashem who gave you the strength, so you can succeed for yourself.

Humility is not ignoring one’s talents, but recognizing they come from Hashem, whereas arrogance is taking credit yourself when Hashem is deserving of it. That is what Hashem warns us from doing, what he encourages us to rethink, and punishes us for violating, if we don’t deal with it correctly.

Lastly, if Hashem exiles us because Tachat lo avadetem et Hashem Elokeycha b’simcha u-v’tuv levov m’rov kol then one can assume that to succeed in Eretz Yisrael, one should serve Hashem humbly and happily.

Rabbi Jesse Horn is a Senior Ra”m at Yeshivat Hakotel and Program Director of Mizrachi Mechanchim. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.

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Ki Tavo: “But it’s in Private…”

BY GAVRIEL COHN

In this week’s Torah portion, Moshe commands the twelve tribes that after they enter the Land they are to divide themselves and gather upon two opposing mountain-tops for a quite perplexing, foreboding event (which Yehoshua later performs, see Yehoshua, 8:33). As the entire nation waits on these peaks, listening, “the Levites are to speak up, saying in a loud voice to every man in Israel:” “Cursed be the man who makes any graven image, an abomination to the Lord, the handiwork of a craftsman and sets it up in secret! And all the people shall respond, saying, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who degrades his father and mother. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who moves back his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who misguides a blind person on the way. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

Cursed be he who perverts the judgment of the stranger, the orphan, or the widow.

And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who lies with his father’s wife... And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who lies with any animal. And all the

people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who lies with his sister, his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who lies with his mother-in-law. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who strikes his fellow in secret. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Cursed be he who takes a bribe to put an innocent person to death. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’”

Why are these sins specifically enumerated? What makes these wrongdoings more curse-worthy than any other? Why perform this ceremony anyway?

All of the details within this peculiar event hint to its purpose. The Levites’ declarations of damnation are addressed not to the nation or the tribes but rather to “every man in Israel” – to each and every individual. Nevertheless, at the same time, this was to be a national affair, a gathering of all the tribes together. The sins mentioned are those committed “in secret” – behind closed doors or when few people would be watching.

This mountain-top rite was intended to

shape the future Jewish society of the Land and to send a critical message to each and every member of it. One may think that these sins, despite being forbidden, are tacitly permitted by the public as they do not harm society at large; they are committed privately, hidden from the public, and off the community stage. One could move his neighbour’s border-marks or slightly fudge one’s business dealings without any large-scale or collective damage incurring or, for that matter, without anyone finding out. He could “strike his fellow in secret” (which Rashi takes to mean gossiping); be ill-mannered to his parents at home; or exploit and abuse the vulnerable in private – he wouldn’t be harming society or the State as a whole, so why would anyone else mind? He may not even get caught. Thus, to combat this attitude, Moshe demands that all the tribes assemble together and, as a nation thunder against such private crimes. As the tribes respond “Amen!” they are moulding Jewish society. They are showing to “every man in Israel” that the public, the tribes, equally abhor those

if a person wishes to repent for his sins towards his fellow man he should confess his wrongdoings publically

misconducts committed in private as it does those in public. That no one is to take advantage of someone else; even if he may remain untraceable and hidden – society condemns him nonetheless.

Perhaps for this reason, according to some, if a person wishes to repent for his sins towards his fellow man he should confess his wrongdoings publically, telling a whole gathering of people how he slighted this particular friend, even if his offence was committed in private (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah, 2:5). By publically confessing his misdeeds, this wrongdoer would come to appreciate that the community is indeed concerned with what happens “in secret.” Previously, he wrongly assumed that society as a whole would turned a blind eye to what goes on discreetly between two people; now, with his public confession, he would see that he was mistaken. This repentant soul will finally hear the roaring “Amen!” of the tribes that Moshe commanded to ring out from those mountaintops: That Jewish society cares about morality and honesty behind closed doors as well.

Gavriel Cohn is an informal educator at Immanuel College, Bushey. He has written a number of Torah articles for various publications. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch! gavcohn@ gmail.com.

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot and The author continues to list the seven ways in which one shows their folly by refusing to properly engage in service of Hashem until they have taken a “security” on their “efforts”, meaning only if all their needs (and extras) are met prior. (People who say, “If I have one million pounds, then I will give charity” or If I have a car then I will do Chesed etc.) Hashem is not to be treated like a person shopping on credit, whom one only allows to take goods if one is satisfied that they will be able to repay their debt.

The first thing we say to such a person is: Understandably, one may wish to take a security from their friend or a stranger prior to extending credit to them. However, it would be highly inappropriate for a hired worker to say to his boss, “I am not doing any work for you unless you give me your silver candlesticks as a security so that I can be sure you will pay me!”

Similarly, we are on a log term contract

with Hashem, and it is self-understood that we will serve Him properly and not make demands of Hashem prior. To the contrary, we are enjoined by the Tanna in Avot to not conduct ourselves as slaves who seek reward but as slaves who do not seek reward (although of course there is reward for every Mitzvah we do or sin that we are tempted by and refrain from).

Secondly, in the usual course of lending money, one knows how much the loan is and therefore knows what security to take against it. When it comes to serving Hashem, on the other hand, how can a person say, “Give me X, Y and Z before I begin to serve You, Hashem, properly”? Surely, one does not know what they need for their life and their family’s life, how long they will all live for and what their needs will be! Thus, it is completely unreasonable to withhold service of Hashem due to not having everything that one needs.

Minhagei Rosh Hashanah

Below, we present some pertinent Halachot and customs to be aware of on and around Rosh Hashanah.

The forty days between Rosh Chodesh Elul and Yom Kippur are days that have been designated for introspection and closeness to Hashem. This started with Moshe Rabbeinu ascending the Mountain to receive the second set of Luchot, which he brought to us on the day after Yom Kippur.

As it is a serious time and one of reflection on our conduct throughout the year, we pray with greater sincerity and spend time on added prayers, such as Selichot.

The Sefardic custom is to commence Selichot from the beginning of Elul, whereas Ashkenazim begin on a Sunday which allows at least four days. As Rosh Hashanah falls on Tuesday this year, Selichot will begin on the Sunday prior to the week of Rosh Hashanah.

We also sound the Shofar in shul on each day of Elul (besides for Shabbat and Erev Rosh Hashanah). This serves as a “wake up call” to alert us to the fact that there is a day of Judgement approaching

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and if we wish to be granted a happy and sweet new year, we would be strongly recommended to make some changes to our (often unhelpful) habits. For this reason too, some people fast on Erev Rosh Hashanah. However, even though we approach Rosh Hashanah in a solemn manner, we nonetheless are joyous that we have the privilege to crown Hashem as the King over the Universe once again.

We leave shul on Rosh Hashanah day in a respectful manner but also filled with faith that the community has earned itself a favourable judgment.

It is important to use a good Machzor on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as there are many insertions and small but highly significant changes to the prayer services over these days.

On Rosh Hashanah night, it is customary to wish our family and acquaintances to be written down (as it were, by Hashem) for a good year. We also eat various sweet fruit and honey and sincerely plead with Hashem that we all be granted a sweet new year!

Now is the PERFECT TIME to start learning DAF YOMI as ‫ מסכת ביצה‬begins soon Thursday 2 September 2021 | ‫כ"ה אלול תשפ"א‬

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Every day R’ Eli also gives an 8-Minute Daf review of the daf which helps tremendously. As hakaras haTov to R’ Eli, we want others to experience the life-changing effects of learning with R’ Eli and that is why we are encouraging new members to join R' Eli's online shiur to receive a FREE Gemara.

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Ki Tavo

Ki Tavo Word Search

The Jewish people were getting nearer to their grand entrance into the Holy Land. Moshe now informs them of a special Mitzvah which only applies to the 7 Minim that the Land is blessed with (do you remember them?). The Mitzvah is called Bikkurim and it was done with great joy. Moshe also tells the Jews about the great assembly that would happen on the two mountains when they entered Eretz Yisrael and how the Levi tribe would teach the Jews which kind of behavior earned blessing and which behavior the opposite.

The Parsha then teaches of the general blessing that the Jewish people get when they follow Hashem’s commandments and how the opposite comes to them when they do not. We study these verses with a view of the upcoming High Holy days and consider how our actions and words can be used to bring blessing to the entire Jewish people and the world as we focus on Teshuva!

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ALTAR • BASKET • BIKKURIM • BLESSINGS • CURSES • JORDAN • SHEMITAH • STONES

Tangram Challenge!

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

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Summer camp pt.3

A

fter davening and breakfast, it was the first tochnit in one of the activity rooms. Rivki sat with her dorm in a circle around a group of tables. The tables were filled with paper, coloured pens and envelopes.

At supper time when the junior and senior girls ate together, Rivki ran over to Hadassa to show her sister the card she had made for her parents. Hadassa gave her a hug and then returned to talking to her friends.

Michal, Shalva and Hadassa were discussing the latest hairband styles in the shops.

“I just love the new idea of big flowers, it’s so pretty,” gushed Shalva.

“The glittery ones are the best!” Hadassa replied.

“Gabriella has the worst hairbands ever. I mean, did you see her on Shabbos?! They are scruffy and dirty and totally out of fashion. How can she even bear walking around looking like that?” asked Michal.

Hadassa’s madricha Avigayil was just walking past as Michal spoke. She turned around and looked at Michal.

“I’m sure I didn’t just hear what I thought I heard,” Avigayil said with a

frown.

“Well,” Michal replied stubbornly, “Every word I’ve said is true, I’m not lying!”

Avigayil pulled out a chair and sat down next to Hadassa.

“Michal, we all know that we can’t speak lashon hora, but did you know that lashon hora is speech which puts others down whether it’s true or not.”

Michal, Hadassa and Shalva listened carefully and agreed with Avigayil that they would try not to say bad things about other people whether they were true or not.

Hadassa’s group had a great day, which included trying out canoeing and kayaking. Exhausted and wet they trudged back to their rooms to get changed for supper. As they were getting ready, Malka decided she wanted to see if she could slide on her wet clothes across the floor and reach from one end of the room to the other in one go.

“Wheee” she shouted as she leapt onto her clothes, the force sending her flying across the polished wooden floor of their dorm room.

“Wow!” gasped Shalva, “I want to have a go.”

Soon almost the whole dorm was trying

it out. There were some near misses of people almost banging their heads on the walls and floors, but no-one seemed to mind. The only one who wasn’t joining in was Michal.

Michal was getting really worried that one of her friends might get hurt, but she didn’t want to tell lashon hora about them. Finally, she decided she needed to ask Avigayil what she thought.

As soon as Avigayil heard what was going on, she and Michal’s other madricha, Ruthi, ran upstairs to the dorm.

They quickly stopped the dangerous sliding and warned the girls never to do such a thing again.

“I would also like to praise a certain someone,” Avigayil smiled and turned to Michal. “Although Michal was worried about telling loshan hora, she realised that this was more important and she has given us a great example of lashon hora l’toeles. She didn’t want to tell us bad things about her friends, but there was a good reason to do so here as it potentially saved a serious injury from happening. Well done, Michal!”

Michal smiled sheepishly as her dorm clapped and cheered.

Hadassa and her group gathered excitedly in the dark around their madrichot,

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KIDS 75

Avigayil and Ruthi. It was motzei shabbos and they had been taken to a surprise location.

“Girls, on this pebble beach we have painted some of the stones for your teams’ to collect. Red stones are worth ten points, blue stones are worth 5 points and yellow stones are worth one point each.” Avigayil announced.

“Each team will be given one torch and you will need to stay together and find as many stones as you can before I blow the whistle. The winning team will get a free snack from the tuck shop.”

One by one each team collected their torch and excitedly started scouring the pitch black pebble beach for coloured stones. Only Leah didn’t move; she just stood there shivering. Once everyone had left she said to Ruthi “I just can’t do it.”

“What’s wrong?” Asked Ruthi.

“I don’t like the dark and I don’t want to take part in this activity.”

Ruthi patted Leah on the shoulder.

“Ok, don’t worry, you can stay with us.

It’s a shame you are missing out on such a fun activity, but it’s ok to be scared sometimes. Just know that Hashem is watching over you and whatever happens to you is what He wants to happen and is for the best.”

Leah felt a bit better, but she still stayed next to the madrichot for the entire tochnit. She felt a bit left out of the excitement and she wished she was a bit braver.

The next evening was the last evening of camp. The girls were tired, but energetic after a very busy day of colour war.

They were eagerly discussing it as they packed their bags ready to go home the next day. All at once, the lights went out.

Everyone started shouting and panicking, trying to find their way to one another in the pitch blackness. People were stumbling and banging into suitcases and furniture. Leah felt very, very scared.

She wanted to cry and shout like some of the other girls. Then she remembered Ruthi’s wise words, to trust in Hashem and that everything is for the best. She said a small prayer to Hashem to give her strength, found another girl’s hand and started singing “‫כל העולם כלו גשר צר‬ ‫ ”מאד‬Slowly but surely, each girl started to join in, until everyone was singing with renewed energy and feeling “‫והעקר לא‬ ‫”לפחד כלל‬.

When the madrichot arrived with torches, they were in for a surprise. Instead of crying and shouting, they saw all the girls sitting on the floor, holding hands and singing kumzitz songs. Everyone was calm and happy as they felt Hashem’s presence in the unexpected situation.

The madrichot sat down and joined in.

Everyone appreciated ending camp with this wonderful achdus and emunah feeling. Leah was especially proud of herself. She didn’t think she would like the dark from now on, but she always knew that Hashem was with her, even when she was scared, and that was the greatest gift to take home from camp.

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Ki Tavo

In a nutshell Parshat Ki Tavo begins with Moshe instructing the Jewish people that when they enter the land of Israel, they are to be aware of the Mitzvah of Bikurim. This involves going down to one’s field, finding the first growths of any of the 7 species that the land was blessed with – Wheat, Barley, Grapes, Figs, Pomegranates, Olives, Dates and wrapping a reed around them, and preparing for what was a grand event at the Beit Hamikdash. The farmer would bring these “first fruit” and offer them to the Kohen. The journey to Jerusalem was very joyous and was carried out amidst great song and happiness. Not only were the fruit brought, but a special paragraph was recited, expressing the farmer’s gratitude to Hashem. The Bikkurin is given as a gift to the Kohen and the farmer was also grateful to be associated with spiritual people, albeit temporarily.

The Parsha continues with the declaration one makes once they have distributed or brought to the Beit Hamikdash, the various “Ma’asrot” – tithes. This too involved a declaration in the Beit Hamikdash but was

enjoyed by the owner themselves.

We are given detail of the blessings and curses which were to be announced on the two famous mountains – Mount Gerizim and Mount Eival. The Levi’im would stand in the valley, with the Jewish people split between the two mountain and the Levi’im would express the list of behaviours that invoke a blessing and the list of behaviours that sadly cause the opposite.

Moshe reminds the Jewish nation that they are the chosen people and they have also chosen Hashem (perhaps due in no small part to the fact that they – or rather our ancestor Avraham – chose Hashem against the common trends at his time).

The next part of Ki Tavo (similar to Bechukotai) tells of the blessings that meet the Jewish people if they remain faithful to Hashem, His Torah and Mitzvot. It also goes to great length to describe the sadness and less than happy things that happen in the event that the Jews try to abandon Hashem, the Torah or Mitzvot. We are

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.

taught that the warnings given in Bechukotai were sadly fulfilled at the time of the destruction of the first Temple, and the second at the time of the destruction of the second Temple. Unfortunately, we have not always “got the message” and until our times we sometimes hear of sad events and although we do not know the full reason for them, it has always been our tradition to reflect on our actions and consider how we can improve them in response to tragedy (may G-d spare us).

Not all is doom and gloom, though. Moshe reminds the Jewish people of the miracles that Hashem performed for them since they left Egypt and that therefore they are to remain loyal to thew covenant which they undertook at Har Sinai, which was the purpose of the Exodus from Egypt.

We look to this Parsha as a source of inspiration – we try our best to keep the Mitzvot and look forward to bringing blessing not only on ourselves, but upon the entire world!

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! arm dam elm lam mad

mar med ram rem dame

dram lama lame made male

mama mare marl mead meal

meld ream alarm armed drama

dream lamed lamer lemma madam

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medal realm armada dermal lammed

marled rammed alarmed marmalade

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Q: Why did the biologist not get on with the physicist?

A: They had no chemistry!

Q: What do you call a bagel that can fly?

A: A plane bagel!

Q: What do you get if you cross a fish with an elephant?

A: Swimming trunks!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. I weigh nothing, but you can still see me. If you put me in a bucket, I make the bucket lighter. What am I?

3. What five-letter word becomes shorter if you add two letters to it?

Q: Why do bees have sticky hair?

A: Because they use honey combs!

2. A man is washing windows on the 25th floor of a building. He slips and falls. He has nothing to cushion his fall, and no safety equipment—but he doesn’t get hurt.

How is this possible?

3) Short (er)!

1. A hole

2) He’s washing windows inside the building

1. Short back and sides 2. 2nd in command 3. Wide awake

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4. A twist of fate 5. Gross incompetence 6. Lucky dip

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Hammers top as Lukaku Sixteen-goal Lions stars for Blues! rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

West Ham United head the Premier League after the opening two rounds of fixtures.

BYMichail DAVID Antonio SAFFER struck twice for the Hammers in an impressive 4-1 against 10-man Leicester City at London Stadium onMaccabi Monday Reiss Mogilner scored six goals as night. David Moyes’ side head Chelsea, London Lions thumped Scrabble A in Livthe erpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup.on goals following Thescored Premier League successive side rackedvictories. up a 16-0 Manchester United, and Brentford win with Daniel GreenEverton and Michael Kenley are unbeaten two games. both baggingafter a hat-trick.

Ed Brafman, Dalate brace the story of the vidAntonio’s Dinkin, and Adam was Hassanali completweekend inin a wonderful West ed the rout a mismatch of aHam tie. display.

Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma HamLions could have scored in the hit opening mers opening Ayoze Perez saw minute of thegoals clashbefore but soon opened the red for aand stamp Youri Tielemans scoring ledon 9-0Fornals. by half time. cutThthe deficit prior Antoniothough sealingoutthe e Division Oneto team, win. classed, battled away to the end.

Moyesboss told was Sky lost Sports, a super Lions for “It’s words at fullnight time for us.was The team played really The sendsuch the display from well. his team who ing-off changes theto game a little bit we did a gave every respect the opposition. lot“I’m of good notthings. really” sure there’s anything to European champions Chelsea dismantled say, we are happy to make it through to the Arsenal andof should have won more convincnext round the cup, ” he commented. ingly than 2-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 victors Romelu LukakuOne scored his goal for the against League outfi t first North London Blues following a £97.5m signing from Inter Raiders.

Milan led the lineled superbly.

James The and Premier side early inReece the second thumped home Chelsea’s second from a Mahalf only for Raiders to equalise but struck son Mount pass.to book a place in round two late goals Arsenal never lost their opening two three of thehad competition. games without and are one of Hendon now scoring turn their attentions to five the teams yet register a point. league as to they travel to Oakwood A for a Rumours growing Gunners mancrucial top are of the tablethat clash on Sunday ager Mikel Arteta will be the first managerial (10am). casualty the season.

Hisstunned team face dauntDanielofKristall’s team thea league ing task last at champions Manchester City this leaders month when they won 2-0, a weekend. victory would move them to within a point boss aThomas of Chelsea Hendon with match inTuchel hand. told Sky Sports, “It is in a perfect start, twoofvictories Elsewhere the latest round fixtures, without conceding and a London derby.”itHea 10-man North London Galaxy made added, “Wetitle deserved win butDivision still room to three-way race into the only One improve. ” day after defeating Oakwood B. clash of the Arteta Murray told Skysaw Sports, Jamie red “The earlycircumstances on but Galaxy are difficult unprecedented.

Feeling sorry rallied withand goals from Josh Cohen and Jafor yourself help.

You have win cob Leigh todoesn’t record an important 2-1toaway football matches, keep it together and show win. spirit. ” head Redbridge Jewish Care A in Galaxy Liverpool to point a 2-0 win Burnthe table by eased just one afteragainst 10 matches, ley with goals fromFC Diogo and Sadio third place Fairlop are Jota five points beManewith at Anfield. hind two games in hand.

Jordan Henderson returned as skipper as Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood.

Jota earlyperformance on to settle nerves “Itnodded was a home fantastic in a

before Mane fired home a terrific second-half strike.

A packed crowd paid respect to Andrew Devine, the 97th victim of the Hillsborough tragedy with a minute’s applause before kick off after Henderson laid a wreath in front of the Kop. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport, “In a lot of moments, we played a brilliant game without scoring. In all the other moments we had to fight incredibly hard. We won it and nobody got injured.”

Burnley manager Sean Dyche told BBC MOTD, “We just got picked off a couple of times by a top side.”

Liverpool host Chelsea in the Premier League’s match of the day on Saturday.

Tottenham made it two wins with a hardfought victory against Wolves at Molineux.

Dele Alli scored a ninth-minute penalty.

Adama Traore went close to an equaliser though Harry Kane almost made a scoring return. His potential move to Manchester City is finally off.

Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has made the perfect start for his new club.

He told BBC Sport, “It was a very demanding 16-goal London Lions and defended well.” game,Maccabi we were compact Wolves boss Bruno Lage told BBC MOTD, “The way we defend, press high, managed the must-win game, ” commented Galaxy playball side to side, theLewis. chances we create, it’s just er-manager Luke about goals.

“Wescoring sat back and” allowed Oakwood the Brighton Watfordadvantage 2-0 and created ball, givendefeated the one-man and a slice oftotop-flight they completlooked hit themhistory on theascounter attack ed two opening league triumphs for the first with pace. time.

“Both goals came down the right-hand Shane Duffy nodded Pascal Gross’ side.

Leigh crossed the fihome rst one into Cohen corner onbefore 10 minutes prior to Neal Maupay to finish, slotting home himself.

Up doubling to first wethe go.lead ” before half time that proved pivotal in the win.Two title race also took The Division bossleague Graham PotterHerstwood told BBC a Seagulls twist with leaders MOTD, “Back to back winsdefeat at anyatstage are Vale going down to a 2-1 Temple hard to achieve. We are in a good place, but Fortune. it is just a start.

Faithfold B ”have played a game more Manchester Unitedlevel were disappointing than Vale but moved with a 5-3 win at in a 1-1 draw atRaiders Southampton North London Masters.at St Mary’s Stadium.

Jacob Kalms struck twice for Fortune who Saintsthrough took the lead when Che Adams’ scored leading scorer James shot Mildeflected Fredgoal beyond David de Gea. Maletwith hisoff17th of the season. son after half time but ThGreenwood e result wasequalised all the more remarkable theTemple Reds were indebted for awith late as were down to to De 11 Gea players save. Ben Rebuck dislocating a shoulder ‘keeper Solskjaer told BBC MOTD, “We inOle theGunnar warm up. lost our last 20 minutes. ” “Th is way wasin athefantastic win given the

Michail Antonio is West Ham’s record Premier League scorer

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Everton and Leeds shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side dominated possession but the visitors opened the scoring in the first half when Dominic Calvert-Lewin slotted in a VAR awarded penalty. Mateusz Klich levelled with a neat finish only for Demarai Gray to edge the Toffees ahead just after half time.

And Rafael Benitez’s side would have gone 3-1 ahead but for a great save from Illan Meslier to deny Calvert-Lewin from close range.

Leeds equalised again when Raphinha fired home a sensational strike on 72 minutes in circumstances, ” said delighted Fortune front Simon of the club’s first home capacity Premier boss Linden.

League in 17ayears.

“We had number of players out, ReBenitez told BBC of the Day,asked “We buck got injured, soMatch I couldn’t have fought for every little-by-little had any more from ball the and players.

We wishwe Ben a more chances and more control in the game. speedy recovery.

But, also under pressure against a “It we waswere a proper old school performance, really goodand team. ” we battled defended for the 90 minutes Bielsa MOTD, “We should have and tooktold ourBBC chances.

Experience proved created chances at goal to be themore winner.

It’s a big win,and onesuffered we will less chances at ourtogoal. enjoy and we hope buildOur on itgoalkeeper in 2019.” made two interventions that we He added, “This win marks 50valued years as a goal in our favour. football club and ”will be one Nigel Kyte and Brentford and Crystal Palace also from drew day in a everyone associated with the club

goalless encounter at Selhurst Park.

Conor Gallagher hit the inside of a post whilst James McArthur also went close for the hosts. But the Bees, who enjoyed a historic 2-0 win against Arsenal in their opening Premier clash, could have taken the points from a Bryan Mbeumo free-kick that clipped the crossbar.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank told BBC MOTD, “It was an intense atmosphere. We need a little bit more confidence and composure. I think the win was there to take. But it’s a fine point.”

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira told BBC MOTD, “This was a positive performance and it is important to build up from it.”

Manchester City thumped Norwich City 5-0 at Etihad Stadium.

Luck was on the Blues side when Grant Hanley’s clearance cannoned off keeper Tim Krul for the opening goal before £100m record signing Jack Grealish fortuitously made it 2-0. Aymeric Laporte scored from a corner, Raheem Sterling finished off a slick move and Riyad Mahrez clinically completed the scoring. Gabriel Jesus set up three City’s goals.

DAVID SAFFER Pep Guardiola told BBC MOTD,PHOTO: “One week ago, we are not contenders to win the Premier League. Now we are scary!” He added, “Everyone runs, they know the tough competition there is on the bench so everyone has to be ready.”

Norwich boss Daniel Farke was philosophical after facing Liverpool and City to date.

Farke told BBC MOTD, “I am disappointed with the way we conceded the goals because four times we conceded more or less the same goal.”

Aston Villa defeated Newcastle United 2-0.

Danny scored a stunning bicycle kick one willIngs enjoy. ” and Anwar Ghazi slotted in awas controversial Vale bossElJacob Emanuel quick to VAR-awarded penalty at Villahis Park. wish Rebuck well following injury.

Newcastle to rue a penalty chalked “First and were mostleft importantly, everyone at off bywould VAR as who ‘keeper missed Vale likeCallum to wishWilson, the Fortune earlyrecovery, opening,we was ruled the aanquick hope to offside see himinback build-up. on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he Aston Villa boss Dean Smith told BBC said.

MOTD, have toEmanuel battle forcommented, the first win As for“You the defeat, anddoesn’t we did that today. ” big a squad you “It matter how Newcastle’s Bruce told BBC MOTD: have, you canSteve never account for unavail“Not going for usOnly is it? fiWe a gameteam last ability or injury. ve lost of today’s week (against Ham) bigTeam, talkinga played in our West recent win with over aFC pointof and today we feeland aggrieved too.” lack togetherness 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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