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COVID TRAVEL CHAOS

BY DAVID SAFFER

WISHING ALL OUR READERS A RELAXING WINTER BREAK THE NEXT ISSUE WILL BE OUT ON JAN 13TH 2022

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Bennett met with Education Ministry officials led by Education Minister Dr Yifat Shasha-Biton in Jerusalem to agree the national vaccination effort.

“The main national mission of the State of Israel, the Government and the education system is to quickly vaccinate and protect the children of Israel before the main part of the Omicron wave arrives.

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JEWISH FAMILIES ON ‘RED ALERT’ AFTER ABDUCTION

UK ON ISRAEL’S ‘RED’ LIST

BY DAVID SAFFER

CST has warned youngsters in Jewish communities to be aware of their surroundings after a gang abducted a Jewish boy on his way home from school in Stamford Hill last week Families have expressed their anger and concern after the 10-year-old was released shortly after the incident last Thursday.

The youngster suffered no physical injuries but was shaken.

The abduction is the latest in a spate of hate crimes against the Jewish community in recent months.

“This was a shocking incident which could have ended up far worse than it actually did,” Mark Gardner, CST CEO, told The Jewish Weekly. “Members of our community especially our young boys and girls need to be very aware of their surroundings and know what might have happened.”

Stamford Hill Police have

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identified four of the suspects and passed details to Hackney Police.

The suspects have reportedly been issued with Anti-Social Behaviour and Community Protection warnings. Their parents have been warned they face eviction by the council if their children commit further attacks.

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A local mum of five, who did not wish to be named, told The Jewish Weekly she was scared when her children went out. “It’s terrible, police have to do more,” she said.

“Our children are finding it hard

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quarantine at home.

Government ministers have expanded the list of ‘red’ countries.

The USA, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Canada, Switzerland and Turkey joined the list of red countries on Tuesday night.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett who has never shirked action when it comes to the global pandemic, this week announced that Israel would be offering a fourth COVID-19 vaccine to adults over the age of 60 to combat the latest variant.

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Dozens of Jews who live in ‘red’ designated countries were outraged when they received a nasty surprise at Ben-Gurion International Airport yesterday.

Without any warning, airport officials announced to stunned travellers that they had to submit a new online form that would take 24 hours to process. After intense arguments they were eventually allowed to fly after signing documentation promising not to return to Israel within 3 months.

COVID-19 measures are changing at such a rate, often daily, around the world that travellers have an impossible task to plan visits, and the travel industry has been paralysed.

In the past 48 hours it got even worse for students traveling to Israel as Rabbi Nechemya Malinowitz, head of the Igud of Yeshivas and Seminaries, said he has been notified by the Israeli Airport Authorities that non-Israeli citizens vaccinated outside of Israel must quarantine in a hotel for a week.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 inspector, principal and teacher to understand that in the next two weeks, this is the supreme mission, above all others.”

Bennett has called on business owners to allow employees to work from home to fight the Omicron variant. With Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman and Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov, Bennett agreed an assistance package for the tourism industry to aid tour guides and travel agents whose work has been affected.

Additional funds are available to hotels to restrictions on entry of tourists to Israel.

There is also support for tourism organisers in marketing, retraining personnel and recouping costs. “The tourism industry is a central component in the economy,” he said.

“We are aware of its needs and are coming to the assistance of the workers in the sector.”

Liberman commented, “We are not giving up on the tourism sector. The new reality obligates all of us to prepare accordingly.”

Razvozov added, “The assistance will maintain vital tourism infrastructures.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not bring in lockdown restrictions before Shabbat with new data revealing the Omicron variant is weaker according to latest studies. But with daily Covid cases exceeding 100,000 the NHS remains in danger of being overstretched.

Johnson may update measures anytime from Sunday.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have announced new rules from Boxing Day.

23 DECEMBER 2021

Washington teacher on ‘leave’ over Holocaust re-enactment

AAD closer to No 10 support over antisemitism in sport Following a conversation between Jonathan Metliss, Chairman of AAD and The Jewish Weekly, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the Conservative Friends of Israel annual lunch on Monday November 29, AAD has been speaking with the

Jonathan Metliss

Downing Street Policy Unit about its work in fighting racism, including anti-Semitism, in sport and explaining how the Government can provide support for this ongoing initiative.

Jonathan Metliss says: “We at AAD are delighted to have been consulted by the Government on this issue after so many years of hard work in this area and trust that the Government will provide the long-awaited support for its activities. This is just what is needed. We will know more in the New Year.”

BY DAVID SAFFER A primary school teacher at Watkins Elementary School in Washington DC has been placed on ‘leave’ after reportedly instructing pupils in her class to re-enact Holocaust scenes.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has expressed its shock over the incident involving eight and nine-year-old children reported in The Washington Post last week.

Amongst horrific scenes youngsters had to pretend to shoot one another, dig mass graves while the teacher made antisemitic insults at them. A Jewish child also had to play Adolf Hitler then re-enact the Nazi leader’s suicide.

A CAA spokesperson said, “The reports of what took place in this class are so shocking as to be unbelievable. Ordering children to re-enact the Holocaust is not merely racist and of no pedagogical value, but is traumatising for the children, professionally derelict for the instructor and potentially abusive.”

They added, “It is right that an investigation takes place, and if the reports are borne out, the instructor must be fired and the school board must open its own inquiry.”

School Principal Scott Berkowitz e-mailed parents with details of the appalling incident.

An investigation is pending. “Students should never be asked to act out or portray any atrocity, especially genocide, war or murder,” commented Berkowitz. The class has since met the school’s mental health response team.

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Watkins Elementary School

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The incident was reported to Washington D.C. Public Schools’ Comprehensive Alternative Resolution and Equity Team.

A DCPS spokesperson said, “This was not an approved lesson plan, and we sincerely apologise to our students and families who were subjected to this incident.”

This is not the only incident to take place in Washington DC this month as swastikas were reportedly written on a wall at Woodrow Wilson High School.

Interim Principal Gregory Bargeman said an investigation has not ascertained who was responsible for the graffiti. “Hate and bigotry have no place in our community,” Bargeman noted. “We are committed to working hard to make certain that Wilson’s environment embodies kindness, equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Jewish Student Union leaders are concerned over a lack of Holocaust education at Wilson.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a hate speech expert at American University, has a child at the school. “It’s important to pursue accountability, but also to express solidarity in a way that immediately makes people feel seen, included and supported,” she said. Miller-Idriss added that it was essential to call out racist and white supremacist extremist language for what it is.

Bargeman has reportedly agreed to educate students on the history of hate symbols and hateful language.

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Jayoosi jailed for 16 weeks

BY SIMCHA ABIR A man has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to wearing t-shirts backing two banned antisemitic terror groups last June.

Feras Al Jayoosi, 34 and of Swindon, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in November to four counts of wearing an article supporting a proscribed organisation contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.

One t-shirt reportedly worn by Al Jayoosi supported the Izz al-Din al Qassem Brigades,

the “military wing” of the Hamas . The other t-shirt supported the banned Islamic Jihad group. Al Jayoosi was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service and pay £288 to the magistrates court.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said, “You had multiple warnings that the path you were taking, the organisations you sought out to align yourself with, would get you into trouble, but you carried on.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed news at the time as it was a “brazen display” of support for Hamas.

Arrests follow murder in West Bank

BY SIMCHA ABIR

al-Harithiya. Four suspects believed are to be directly Israeli security forces have involved in the attack, arrested four Palestinians two aided them. Guns suspected of murdering Yeused in the attack have huda Dimantman in a fatal been retrieved following shooting in the West Bank a combined operation by after a two-day manhunt. the ISA, IDF and National The 22-year old yeshiva Counter-Terrorism Unit.

Shin Bet have quesstudent was in a car ambushed near Homesh on tioned the alleged terrorists who surrendered his way home to Shavei Shomron. Dimantman died without a fight. in hospital. Two passengers Prime Minister Naftali suffered light injuries. Hun- Yehuda Dimantman z”l Bennett Bennett comdreds attended the funeral mended security forces on in Jerusalem. the operation. He said, “There is no terrorist Six Palestinians were arrested in Silat who we will not pursue and who we will not

CAA added, “Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are terrorist organisations, the presence of a man walking round Golders Green openly supporting these terrorist groups while wearing a large backpack was understandably alarming.”

CAA commended cooperation between security guards in Golders Green, CST’s National Security Control Centre and counter-terrorism police.

Commander Richard Smith, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command head, said that Al Jayoosi’s actions caused a great deal of concern in local communities.

They added, “Communities defeat terrorism and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations.” reach, whatever it takes.”

Bennett added, “Every terrorist must know that they are on borrowed time. Terrorism will not win and will not move us from here.”

Defense Minister, Benny Gantz commented, “We will increase our vigilance and readiness to thwart terror, and continue to take any measures necessary in facing terror groups in the area.”

Islamic Jihad in Jenin claimed responsibility for the attack.

Elsewhere, there was another attempted stabbing at the Cave of the Machpelach in Hebron.

A 65-year-old woman from Idna attacked a 38-year-old man walking with his son. Security forces arrested the assailant.

Israel remains on high alert regarding “copycat” attacks. There have been eight attacks, including two shootings, stabbings and car-rammings in the past month.

Herzog welcomes five new ambassadors

Klein is Ecuador’s first Jewish ambassador in Israel and told Herzog about her family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Europe to Latin America before discussions on Ecuador’s biodiversity and tourism.

Herzog lastly met the non-resident Ambassador of Nauru, Margo Deiye, who is accredited as a permanent repBY ADAM MOSES resentative to the United Nations.

Israel’s President expressed President Isaac Herzog has concerns about climate change welcomed the new ambassaon Pacific island nations and disdors of El Salvador, Malta, Coscussed Nauru’s efforts to confront ta Rica, Ecuador and Nauru to rising sea levels.

Herzog welcomed Nauru’s swift Israel.

Incoming ambassadors inrecognition of Jerusalem as Israspected an IDF guard of honel’s capital after the United States. our prior to being presented They discussed a collaboration with letters of credence in the through the MASHAV internationGreat Hall of the President’s al development agency.

Residence in Jerusalem.

In other news, Herzog congratulated the King of Bahrain, Hamad Herzog held a meeting with the ambassadors then signed bin Isa Al Khalifaon on his counthe guest book.

President Isaac Herzog and El Salvadoran Ambassador Susana Edith Gun de Hasenson try’s fiftieth national day The Ambassador of El SalKing Hamad thanked Herzog vador, Susana Edith Gun de Herzog welcomed direct Tel Aviv-Valletta and welcomed Israel and BahHasenson, is returning for a second post- flights. rain’s aspirations for peace in the region. ing in Israel. Herzog discussed with de Following his meeting with the Ambas“We both want regional peace and mutual Hasenson a plan of President Nayib Bukele sador of Costa Rica, Rita Maria Hernan- prosperity,” commented Herzog, who added to establish a ‘Bitcoin City’ powered by vol- dez Bolaños, Herzog commented, “Costa the importance of economic cooperation canic energy and talked about El Salvador’s Rica has been a friend of Israel since its between the nations. establishment.”

Herzog has received the credentials of growing economy.

Herzog then met the Ambassador of MalTalks reflected environmental issues with Bahrain’s first ambassador in Israel, Khaled ta, Cecilia Attard Pirotta, also on a second a focus on sustainability and environmental Yusuf Al Jalahma and regarded it as a “movposting. technologies. ing moment” in the relationship between They discussed regional affairs and opHerzog also welcomed the Ambassador the two states. portunities to enhance diplomatic and eco- of Ecuador, Helen Sophie Deller Klein, Israel’s first ambassador in Bahrain, Eitan nomic ties between Israel and Malta to im- before talks focussing on technology and Na’eh, is to present his letter of credence to prove multilateral relations. Noting tourism, agriculture. the King of Bahrain in a special ceremony.

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23 DECEMBER 2021

Iran is a “ticking time bomb” says Herzog

BY DAVID SAFFER Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan yesterday in Jerusalem for the latest round of talks over the threat of Iran to the Middle East.

The two discussed negotiations between Iran and major powers in Vienna aside from issues of joint interest to both countries. Israel’s national security advisor Dr. Eyal Hulata and President Isaac Herzog also met the US delegation.

Israel’s president described Iran as a “ticking time-bomb” that threatened Israel and the Middle East when he attended the Israel Air Force’s 183th flight course graduation ceremony later in the day.

Bennett and Sullivan held frank discussions over the Iranian threat at his official residence.

“What happens in Vienna has profound ramifications for the stability of the Middle East and security of Israel for the upcoming years,” noted Bennett.

Sullivan commented, “It’s important that we develop a common strategy and find a way forward that fundamentally secures your country’s interests and mine.

Israeli Ambassador to the US Mike Herzog and US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Richard Nides attended the meetings.

Herzog stressed that the Iranian nuclear threat must be “neutralised once and for all” to US officials.

And he was even more to the point at the IAF ceremony.

“Many activities and operations, which are best suited to silence, prove the ability of our air force to reach anywhere, in any situation, both during a war or a campaign and also, sometimes all the more forcefully, in the important and uncompromising war known as the ‘campaign between the wars,’ in which the air force successfully plays a supremely vital role,” Herzog explained.

“This ability is much more important for us at this time, in days when the Iranian octopus continues to reach its tentacles all across the Middle East.”

He added, “Iran is a ticking time-bomb that threatens Israel and the whole Middle East. This matter is a point of agreement in Israel’s society and leadership. I am following the negotiations around the nuclear deal, and I call on the international community not to be led astray and not to underestimate the gravity of the threat. The Iranian nuclear threat must be neutralized once and for all, with or without an agreement. Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities.”

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Israel was ensuring security in the region “in the face of all threats” and called for an end to Iran’s ‘footdragging’ strategy.

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23 DECEMBER 2021

Concern over Archbishop’s Stibbe to take State of ‘Holy Land’ article Israel prayer into space

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has written to Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby regarding “deeply troubling” passages in an article of his on the Holy Land in the Sunday Times.

Ms van der Zyl agreed with the Archbishop that assaults on the Christian

community carried out by extremists in the Holy Land were unacceptable as all people of faith have a right to freedom of worship and belief. However, she took issue with specific reasons cited for a decline of Christians in the Holy Land over the past century.

She noted in her correspondence, “I was especially troubled by your description of “the first Christmas”, which allows for the possibility of comparison to current events. In particular, I noted your reference to “the backdrop of a genocide of infants”, a clear reference to the narrative of the “Massacre of the Innocents”, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew.

I found this reference troubling because of the potential linkage which could be made between Christianity, Jews and the killing of children in any current context.

“This is particularly distressing because I know that you have advocated for policies that support Jewish communal concerns. I fear that rather than encouraging reasoned dialogue on the issues you raise, this may in fact divide communities.”

Ms van der Zyl has asked the Archbishop for a meeting to discuss concerns and to work closely in pursuit of peace and harmony between Jewish and Christian communities in the Holy Land and UK.

BY DAVID SAFFER Eytan Stibbe will become Israel’s second astronaut when he takes his seat on board the Rakia Mission to the International Space Station in February 2022.

A private astronaut on the mission, he will take a special prayer on board SpaceX Axiom Space-1.

President Isaac Herzog presented Stibbe with a glass cube inscribed with the Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel in handwriting of his grandfather, Israel’s first Chief Rabbi, Yitzhak Isaac HaLevi Herzog.

Herzog wished Stibbe success ahead of the mission and heard first-hand about preparations for the mission.

“The whole nation is watching you,” he told Stibbe. “May you influence the whole of humanity for another hundred years. Fly in peace and return in peace. Look after yourself.”

Stibbe responded, “The mission’s purpose is to arouse curiosity about our existence here on planet Earth and to allow Israelis to take part in a unique international project in a range of scientific, technological, and artistic fields with an emphasis on innovation and education. I’ll take this prayer with me and as it says here, from the

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‘edge of the heavens’ it will return here, to Israel, to the President’s residence.”

The purpose of the mission is to advance the Israeli aerospace industry.

During Stibbe’s time at the space station, he will perform scientific experiments for Israeli companies, give a platform to works of Israeli art and will conduct educational physics activities for Israeli children, which is part of an initiative of the Ramon Foundation and Ministry of Science & Technology.

Stibbe is following in the footsteps of Ilan Ramon who died in the 2003 Columbia disaster.

The fighter pilot served under Ramon during his IDF service.

Stibbe visited Ramon at the Johnson Center in Houston where Ramon showed him a simulator of the Columbia shuttle and pool to train for space walks.

Following Ramon’s death, Stibbe helped co-found the Ramon Foundation.

Rakia was the title of a book published with fragments of Ramon’s diary on the doomed mission.

Stibbe will take a number of Jewish items with him into space including a Chanukah dreidel. Zero-gravity conditions will enable the dreidel to spin continuously in space. At

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23 DECEMBER 2021

President Isaac Herzog meets Eytan Stibbe

a Chanukah lighting ceremony in Houston earlier this month, Stibbe presented Mayor Sylvester Turner with a dreidel.

Looking ahead to the mission, Stibbe told reporters at Israeli Space Week, “Our impact won’t only be on the space industry or a certain sector of technology such as medicine or food tech, it will also inspire children to pursue STEM fields or artists to be inspired by space exploration and life on other planets.”

Stibbe added that his military service helped in terms of cooperation and continual practice for perfection. As for what he is most looking forward to, he noted, “I think the excitement and that first experience

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of floating in zero gravity will be exciting.

And, of course, the big excitement in Israel which I feel is pushing me forward.”

Born in Haifa in 1958, Stibbe’s parents immigrated from the Netherlands to Israel in 1953.

Stibbe grew up in the United States until the age of seven when his family moved to Ramat Gan. He recalled watching Neil Armstrong walk on the moon in 1969 as a child and later meeting Ramon during his army service 30 years ago which was life changing for him.

Stibbe, who was active with Israeli Tzofim (scouts) movement, was a colonel

with the Israel Air Force. A Skyhawk, phantom and F-16 pilot, he flew F-16s under Ramon and served as a reservist until 2012.

Among hundreds of sorties, during Operation Mole Cricket 19, Stibbe shot down a number of Syrian aircraft. He participated in an operation above the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon where a quartet of Hawk (F-16A) planes from Squadron 117 brought down nine enemy aircraft. Stibbe was responsible for four strikes. He is one of an elite group of IAF pilots to shoot down four aircraft during a single sortie.

An instructor at the IAF Flight Academy for six years, for his IAF service he received an Outstanding Reservist award and Distinguished Service Medal.

After IAF service, Stibbe, who is married to Ora and has three children, went into business and eventually, founded venture capital firm, Vital Capital, which is involved in building infrastructure in Africa.

A member of the World Economic Forum in Geneva, he is a member of Bridges Israel that invests in Israeli businesses among other business interests.

An Honorary Fellow of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Stibbe has connections with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Be’er Sheva and University of Haifa. He is also associated with non-governmental organisations devoted to humanities, education, art and culture.

Stibbe and his wife are founders of social benefit company Anatta, they also established the Human Spirit Treatment Center in Lod that subsidises mental health treatment for families in need.

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Portman refused leave to appeal The Hon. Piers Portman has been refused leave to appeal a four-month prison sentence handed out last October.

Portman must pay a £20,000 fine after being found guilty of calling Campaign Against Antisemitism Chief Executive, Gideon Falter, “Jewish scum” in a confrontation at a courthouse in 2018.

Falter is reassured by the sentence handed to Portman. “This sends a very clear message to antisemites that even the wealthiest and most privileged cannot escape British justice,” he said.

Justice Hilliard commented, “I am satisfied that there are no arguable grounds of appeal against conviction and the application for leave to appeal must be refused.”

The total fine includes a £10,000 compensatory payment to Falter that he has donated to CAA. Falter noted it would ensure anti-Jewish racists like Portman “face the consequences of their actions”. Portman was prosecuted after approaching Falter at Westminster Magistrates’ Court following the sentencing of Chabloz three years ago.

CAA brought a private prosecution against Chabloz which the Crown Prosecution Service took over before a landmark ruling.

Falter testified against Chabloz, who has been imprisoned over antisemitic statements. The defence case was that Falter and a colleague “fabricated” the fact Portman said “Jewish scum”. Jurors found Portman guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm and distress.

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23 DECEMBER 2021

Second Temple synagogue discovered

BY SIMCHA ABIR A 2,000-year-old synagogue from the Second Temple period has been discovered in Migdal, a Jewish village from the Second Temple period near the Kineret.

Migdal served as a rebel base under commander Flavius Josephus during the first Jewish war with the Romans in the Galilee.

This is the second synagogue from the Roman period uncovered in the village, 200 meters apart, and the first case of two synagogues in a locality from the Second Temple period in Jerusalem.

Prof. Adi Erlich, Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa, and Dina Avshalom-Gorni, University of Haifa said the discovery highlighted social and religious life of Jews in the Galilee during this period. It also indicated a building for study, reading

Migdal Stone discovered

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

the Torah and social gatherings.

In the middle of the synagogue’s main hall is a stone portraying the Second Temple of Jerusalem, with a carved menorah on one side.

Erlich said, “The synagogue we are

excavating now is close to the residential street, whereas the one excavated in 2009 was surrounding by an industrial area. Thus, the local synagogues were constructed within the social fabric of the settlement.”

Avshalom-Gorni added, “We can imagine Mary Magdalene and her family coming to the synagogue here, along with other residents of Migdal, to participate in religious and communal events. The exposure of a second synagogue casts new light on Jewish communal life in the Galilee.”

According to Israeli law, development projects require antiquity supervision.

The excavation is being conducted by YG Contract Archaeology Ltd, headed by Dr Yehuda Guvrin.

The Israel Antiquities Authority is to hold meetings to discuss opening the site to the public.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met a delegation of UN ambassadors led by Israel Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan on Monday. The delegation discussed regional challenges, especially the Iranian threat. Ambassadors from South Korea, Argentina, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Uruguay, Ecuador, Hungary, Nauru, Palau, Samoa and Zambia participated in the meeting.

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Provenance sought over stolen art by Nazis The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG/FCSI) has condemned the “frightening” stance of the Kunsthaus Zurich and E.G. Buhrle Collection Foundation over an art collection stolen by Nazis.

German-born industrialist Buhrle amassed a fortune selling weapons to the Nazis and its Allies during World War Two that helped him procure some 600 artworks.

The foundation has confirmed Nazis stole 13 paintings bought by Buhrle from Jews in France.

Buhrle, who acquired Swiss citizenship, returned the pieces after various court cases then repurchased nine of them. Provenance of other pieces include works by Degas, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin and Picasso.

After the Kunsthaus and foundation defended its provenance this month a SIG/FCSI statement criticised both for not accounting for The Independent Commission of Experts Switzerland, Second World War (ICE) (known as Bergier Commission).

A SIG/FCSI statement noted, “Thousands of people were turned away at the Swiss borders and often sent to certain death. All the more reason, therefore, for the refugee property in Switzerland to be so important and for each individual case to be investigated for its provenance.”

SIG/FCSI said Kunsthaus and the foundation were unaware of an “indirect responsibility” when Switzerland co-signed the Washington Declaration in 1998 and Terezin Declaration in 2009.

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10 OPINION

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OPINION

23 DECEMBER 2021

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

Some things don’t change OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN Six years ago, I wrote an article in The Times of Israel about Israel’s (now former) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In it I explored the idea that despite all the cries that he and he alone was the reason there was no peace, was in fact nonsense.

What comes as some support for this idea is that Mr Netanhayu’s replacement Naftali Bennett appears to be getting the same treatment. Frankly, this comes as no surprise.

What is a surprise, and an unwelcome one at that, is the growing noise coming from small groups of Jews in the UK complaining about Israel. What is unwelcome is not the complaints themselves, but the determined cries that these people are representative when there is no basis at all for such an assertion. A recent motion passed at the Union of Jewish Students annual conference called on the union to “ensure representation on panels and at events for the 40 percent of Jews in the UK, including many Jewish students, who do not identify themselves as Zionist”.

It is not at all clear whether that 40%

holds up to scrutiny. Probably not, given the established difficulties in tracking down non-affiliated Jews and canvassing their views. The attack on Zionism has not been limited to students. The head of the Zionist Federation in the UK has openly stated that he will not attend a meeting where the Israeli Ambassador is in attendance due to her comments concerning the Reform Movement. The comments it should be said were made before her appointment as sovereign representative of the State of Israel. The fact that there is a distinction between the office and the office holder has been ignored.

So what is it about Israel and Zionism that organisations or their officers which traditionally have been staunch supporters are now turning away? It is difficult to reach one answer. The pandemic has given greater reach to online messages in lieu of face to face meetings, so that the noise generated by these messages is disproportionate to the numbers involved. In the same way I don’t accept the 40% figure in relation to non-Zionist Jews, I also don’t accept that members of those organisations affiliated to the Zionist Federation would refuse to attend a meeting with the Israeli Ambassador.

The noise though is significant, since

it is that noise that certain communal bodies listen to when picking a path to follow. The Board of Deputies have maintained a stunning silence on the identity of those people who attacked the bus carrying Jewish children on their way to a Chanukah event. They were swift to accept the apology from Azeem Rafiq in relation to anti-Semitic remarks made some years ago but have done nothing to examine why it was he made the remarks in the first place. Too uncomfortable I am sure, to formally recognise that an ethnic minority might hold anti-Semitic views, and that those views are being handed down to their children.

So, what has 2021 shown us. Firstly that for Israel, much has stayed the same. The prospects of peace are as far away now as they were in 2015. All that has changed is the identity of the person responsible.

Secondly, that sadly, what used to be some sort of consensus amongst the Jewish communal leaders is breaking down and that is very serious. The great benefit of there being some sort of agreement across the board is that when representations are made to Government which are claimed to be on behalf of the community this is largely true. Should this stop being the case, the ability of the

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leadership to largely speak with one voice will disappear.

We have already seen gaps appearing.

The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism brought their complaint about the Labour Party without the support of the Board of Deputies. Judging by the statements made by the Board at the time of the Corbyn leadership, if it were not for the CAA, no formal complaint would have been made.

What has not changed are the constant attacks on Israel and right to Jewish self-determination. If ever there was a time for a consensus it is now. The noise needs to be recognised for what it is – posturing by unrepresentative groups and people seeking the limelight. There needs now to be something substantive and supportive in favour of Israel and Zionism so that 2022 becomes the year when we can say we are proud to be Zionists.

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.

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12 GAMES

23 DECEMBER 2021

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Games

Bridge With Harold Schogger

Dealer: West Vul N/S s h d c

A63 KJ86 QJ65 75

N s h d c

952 73 84 K Q J 10 9 2

W

E

s h d c

Q7 A Q 10 5 2 10 9 7 3 2 3

S s h d c

W

3c End

N

Pass

K J 10 8 4 94 AK A864

E

Pass

S

3NT

This hand from is from the Bermuda bowl held in Lyon. At all of the tables broadcast, West opened with 3♣ and, at 63 of 66 tables, the final contract was 4♠. If West leads the Club King against that contract, declarer wins with the ace, plays a trump to the ace and a second trump, intending to finesse. Luckily, the queen of trumps appears, so declarer takes this with the king and draws the last trump with the jack.

Then, after cashing the ace and king of diamonds, declarer plays a low heart to the jack. East takes the trick with his queen and, as he is down to red cards only, he gets off play with a diamond to avoid conceding an overtrick. Declarer makes ten tricks – five trumps, four diamonds and the ace of clubs.

A 4♠ contract can be defeated if West leads a heart. Declarer plays dummy’s jack and East must take the queen and ace of hearts before exiting with the three of clubs. Declarer can do no better than cash the ace and king of diamonds followed by the king and ace of trumps so that he can play a winning diamond. Alas, it is West who has the third trump and he ruffs in, then cashes a club winner for down one.

If East plays a third heart instead of the club, declarer ruffs with the ten of spades as West discards a diamond. Declarer continues with the ace and king of diamonds.

West can do no better than ruff and play the king of clubs. Declarer wins with the ace of clubs and plays the king and ace of trumps. As this draws the outstanding trumps, declarer throws his remaining clubs on dummy’s three red-suit winners.

At three tables, South balanced with 3NT over 3♣ (two of them in the AustraliaNetherlands Bermuda Bowl match). The play at this table was routine: declarer ducked the king of clubs, won the next club with the ace and cashed the ace-king of diamonds. He then ran the jack of spades to East’s queen (avoidancce play keeping West off lead) . East exited with a diamond and declarer had nine tricks: four spades, four diamonds and a club.

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14 COMMUNITY

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HGSS appoint senior rabbinical couple

Rabbi Benjy Simmonds of Stenecourt Shul pictured with food donated by Shul members going to St James Church, Broughton, one of the region’s poorest areas. The Shul also donates food every Pesach.

Rabbi Benjy Simmonds with the Stenecourt Shul Foodbank

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

New head for Sacks Morasha JPS

Levene family

PHOTO: JEREMY COLEMAN.

Rabbi Marc and Rebbetzen Lisa Levene are the new senior Rabbinic couple at Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue.

The Levenes, who have four daughters, are expected to start the new role at HGSS in the summer. HGSS members have voted overwhelmingly for the couple.

Rabbi Levene served the shul as assistant rabbi from 2012 for five years before taking a senior rabbinical post at Belmont United Synagogue.

“We are excited to ensure that it continues to be a flagship shul of Anglo Jewry,” said Rabbi Levene.

“Our primary focus will be to connect and engage with all members ensuring that everyone finds their unique space and place within such a diverse and vibrant community.”

James Kaufmann, HGGS chair commented, “Their warmth, enthusiasm and dynamism is evident to us all. It is wonderful to

be able to welcome them back to lead our community. Together with Chazan Avromi and Rochelle Freilich, we look forward to them enriching the experiences of all our members and helping us navigate as a community in these uncertain times.”

Barbara Mazliah, Belmont United Synagogue chair said the couple had contributed to Belmont through their spiritual leadership and pastoral care.

Rabbi Levene hails from Borehamwood, he spent six years at Darche Noam Yeshivah in Jerusalem. In 2011, he received Semicha from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg.

Rabbi Levene serves on the US Rabbinical Council.

Rebbetzen Levene is from Pinner, she enjoyed three years at Neve Yerushalayim Seminary and completed the Suzi Bradfield Programme for Rebbetzens at LSJS. She counsels brides before marriage and teaches Bat Mitzvah girls.

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WORKING IN COOPERATION TO BUILD A STRONGER ISRAEL THROUGH ALIYAH

Mrs Rachel Barbanel

Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School are delighted to announce that Mrs Rachel Barbanel will become the new Headteacher of the school commencing in the summer 2022 term.

After a rigorous interview process by a selection panel including members of the Governing body, the Board of Trustees and JCAT, the decision to appoint Mrs Barbanel was made in conjunction with valuable

input from Honorary Principal Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence. All involved believe that Mrs Barbanel embodies the special qualities needed to lead Sacks Morasha. Mrs Barbanel has a dynamic approach to learning and a vision that is filled with warmth and experience that will elevate the school to a new level.

Mrs Barbanel comes from Beit Shvidler Jewish Primary School where she has spent 4 years as Deputy Head teacher. Mrs Barbanel said “ I am delighted to be joining the thriving community and team at Sacks Morasha and look forward to leading the school into a new and exciting era. It is an honour to continue my commitment to developing Jewish primary education within this remarkable school”.

This comes after long-standing Head Mrs Hayley Gross, who has been at the helm of Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School since its inception, moves onto Hasmonean Primary School in January 2022. Until Mrs Barbanel’s arrival, the school will be led on an interim basis by Head teacher, Rabbi Joel Sager.

Zoe Silverman, Chair of Governors at Sacks Morasha said, “We are incredibly fortunate that Mrs Barbanel will be joining us and leading Sacks Morasha through the next phase of its incredible journey. After a demanding selection process, we are delighted to have appointed a candidate that shares our vision for a great school and also demonstrates such a warm approach to the School ethos. We believe Mrs Barbanel will be a fantastic leader and a real asset to the children’s education”

Editor Yossi Saunders on behalf of The Jewish Weekly team wishes Chayim Aruchim to our freelance photographer Avi Yodaiken and all the family following the sad loss of his mother Mrs Tova Yodaiken.

Every one of us, together

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Giving is more than just action

Mrs Rachel Barbanel

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R. Zeidman runs several weekly interactive in-depth discussion sessions for teenagers & older, delving into the philosophy behind giving. The classes & workshops on

giving are based on philosophy & Jewish Mysticism.

One participant explained ‘I love attending the GIFT weekly classes … they are always interesting, engaging and thought provoking!’

Another noted - ‘ Rabbi Zeidman’s chaburah has been a great way to realign our values and our actions and learn what it truly means to be a giver.’

To book your GIFT education sessions and Chaburahs, contact education@jgift.org

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Resource becomes a family matter It’s not often Resource get to help a family back into employment. The Grodner-Benjamins were its first.

Debby’s story Debby had stopped work to have a family, but as the children grew older, she felt the need to return to the workplace. However, she wasn’t sure what kind of work to go for.

“My luck changed when I turned to Resource. Their voluntary advisors are professional employment experts and thanks to Resource’s supporters and donors, everything is provided free.

“My advisor helped me build my confidence and I went to many of Resource’s workshops, including how to make best use of networking – in other words, getting to hear of employment opportunities among friends, acquaintances and former colleagues - preparing job applications Grodner family and CVs, and interview skills. she needed guidance on what to do next. Un“Together, my advisor’s support and surprisingly, she sought the help of Resource.

“My new advisor was incredibly supportive sharing the experiences of others at the workshops helped rebuild my confidence. and immediately got me thinking positiveThey got me thinking constructively about ly. I again went to a number of Resource’s the kind of job I’d enjoy, the employers to workshops. I became truly motivated and felt approach, and how to do so. I began to feel my self-confidence return. My advisor recogempowered. I decided to look into voluntary nised my strengths as a people-person and I work and with my advisor’s encouragement, I found work at a school where I specialised took on a role as a volunteer at the Holocaust in working with students needing learning Survivors’ Centre.” support. I’m delighted to say I’ve been there Later Debby found new work but felt that ever since.”

ON

E L SA

Dex’s success story Debby’s eldest, Dex, then 23, with a firstclass honours degree in English and a master’s in social history, was having a tough time finding work in the arts.

“I had applied for lots of jobs in galleries and theatre but with repeated rejections. I had performed and produced my own events for some time but lacked the necessary administrative experience.”

Mum persuaded Dex to make an appointment with Resource.

“I saw the same advisor who had helped Mum. He worked with me on my CV and interview skills, encouraged me to think more broadly about my career path and helped strengthen my resilience. I took on a range of ad hoc jobs while I was building up my creative projects as work in the arts can fluctuate.

“My advisor helped me understand that concentrating solely on the creative side wasn’t enough for me to advance my career; it was essential to learn and understand the business side too.

“I am now the director of two companies.

It’s been a slow build, but I have much to thank Resource for.”

Geoff’s Resourceful move Husband and dad Geoff qualified as a Chartered Accountant in his twenties, starting in accountancy practices before

heading the finance departments in a couple of fund management organisations and then moving into the property sector. He subsequently joined an office space management company as Finance Director, but after 19 years decided it was time to move on. Debby suggested he should see her Resource advisor.

“I was pretty rusty at job hunting, which in itself had changed considerably. For one thing, much of it is done via social media, particularly LinkedIn, of which I had little experience.

“My advisor encouraged me to up my game using LinkedIn and to develop a networking plan. It’s surprising how many contacts and friends you may have built up over the years without realising it.

“So many job opportunities began coming my way through past acquaintances, friends and even friends of friends. Within three months I found the perfect job through a combination of networking and using LinkedIn, back in the financial side of a real estate investment company.

“I owe so much to Resource and my advisor. He helped me create a job-hunting strategy, build my LinkedIn profile, strengthen my CV, select specialist workshops, attend networking events where Resource clients are put together with employers, and develop my interview skills. They all kept me busy, active and positive.”

For further information about Resource and its free support for those in the Jewish Community seeking employment, visit www.resource-centre.org or call 020 8346 4000.

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BENEFITING B E O U R PA R T N E R . S H A R E T H E Z E C H U S E A R N M O R E T H A N A L I F E T I M E O F R E WA R D

TorahAnytime Announces 30-Hour Mega-Event of Inspiration and Entertainment to Kick-Start $2 Million Matching Funds Campaign.

December 6, 2021 – TorahAnytime Headquarters (New York) –The indefatigable team at TorahAnytime announces the launch of a December 25th26th mega-event that will take place at Congregation Yad Yosef in Brooklyn, NY, in both virtual and in-person formats. Participants will be treated to thirty hours of inspiring words, Torah commentary, and entertainment, with the goal of raising $2 million in matched funds to support TorahAnytime’s current and future projects.

Since 2006, TorahAnytime has provided the Jewish public with the largest library of originally recorded Torah videos in the world, but now TorahAnytime needs your help. The Covid pandemic set off a surge in usage at TorahAnytime, as Jews from around the world hungered for Torah, chizuk and inspiration to see them through the troubling times. Responding to that, TorahAnytime’s website now logs over one million users, and its newly released mobile App has been downloaded by tens of thousands of users. The Daily Dose, a platform that sends out short, powerful, and life-changing video clips from top TorahAnytime speakers, launched in 2019. Currently, it has over 40,000 subscribers and can be accessed by WhatsApp, Podcast, Instagram, email, Naki radio, and even a dial-in hotline. The TorahAnytime hotline, which jumped from 8,000 callers in its initial 2015 launch, to over 134,000 callers, is now in the middle of a major upgrade, while the TorahAnytime newsletter addresses over 125,000 subscribers.

Answering the call of its dedicated users, TorahAnytime is working on re-engineering its website to work in tandem with its revolutionary new App, which is continually being updated and enhanced.

These scheduled upgrades will be launched within six to eight months; they will make the TorahAnytime user experience even more incredible and will allow for more Torah learning for Jews from all walks of life. A new sibling to TorahAnytime, called ChesedAnytime, has only recently launched and already connects over 4,000 users. It is a platform that matches those in need with individuals looking for and offering chesed opportunities throughout the world. As if all this wasn’t enough, TorahAnytime is now developing a massive new platform named TorahAnyONE, to serve the not-yet-religious, the beginner and the curious.

Historically, TorahAnytime has successfully outsourced its technology development, but it has grown immeasurably and recognizes the need to start to build its own in-house development team.

Says Rubin Kolyakov, Co-founder and Tech director at TorahAnytime, “There is so much more we can do, but everything depends on technological development. We need to be able to pump out more Torah programming and keep up with technology’s constant growth.” His brother, Shimon Kolyakov, Co-founder and Director at TorahAnytime concurs, “Technology is not going away. Every minute that someone logs onto one of TorahAnytime’s platforms, is a minute he or she is not visiting other wasteful, or even dangerous, web locations.”

Since Covid started, TorahAnytime has already doubled its staff – but its usage has tripled. Where is all this action happening? TorahAnytime is based in a tiny 400 square foot office space that is bursting at the seams. TorahAnytime needs funding for constantly upgrading and maintaining its website, mobile App, hotline, newsletter, development team and so much more. In addition, it plans to find a permanent home for TorahAnytime activities by building the TorahAnytime Worldwide Headquarters and Studios. This new location will house its staff, its new development department, conference rooms, and audio, video, broadcasting, and sound studios. “A permanent headquarters will allow TorahAnytime to grow and will take it to uncharted levels,” says Yosef Davis, Executive Director for TorahAnytime.

TorahAnytime has seen unstoppable growth, but that growth cannot persevere without help from those who appreciate and understand its mission.

To those individuals in the Jewish community who have been blessed with financial means, know that TorahAnytime’s need is your opportunity. You can become a major partner in helping to spread Torah learning throughout the world more than ever before. Those select few who are able to shoulder this responsibility for worldwide Torah learning are invited to reach out to Shimon Kolyakov at Shimon@TorahAnytime.com and take advantage of opportunities to support this massive Torah-spreading endeavor. The unique donors who will have the zechus to dedicate the new TorahAnytime Worldwide Headquarters and Studios will generate a tremendous amount of Torah, mitzvos and zechusim for themselves and the world, and create an everlasting legacy for their families.

“Come talk to us,” invites Shimon Kolyakov. “Let us share our vision with you and show you how you can partner in our mission.”

For those of more limited means, TorahAnytime invites you to reach out to participate in their upcoming campaign by creating a TorahAnytime Team Page, where friends, families and communities can band together to help TorahAnytime reach their campaign goal. If you’ve benefited from TorahAnytime and wanted an opportunity to give back, now is your chance. We need everyone to step up. We can’t do this without you. Join together in this exciting campaign to help TorahAnytime grow to meet the needs of fellow Jews. “Even though we are spreading more than ten million hours of learning a year, through nine different platforms, to over a million users, we can’t stop.” For more info on setting up a team page, go to TorahAnytime.com/team.

TorahAnytime’s upcoming event will be unique and transformative. It will empower TorahAnytime to spread more Torah, to more people, in more ways than ever. Saturday night’s Brooklyn program (Dec. 25 at 8pm EST) will be broadcast worldwide.

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TorahAnytime‘s well-deserved reputation as “the largest yeshiva without walls” invites all Jews to be a partner in its growth. “TorahAnytime needs you as supporters, teammates, and fellow learners.” says Shimon Kolyakov. “Remember, if Mashiach isn’t here yet, it means we have more work to do.”

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Project ImpACT embarks on an exciting Social Action School Roadshow

23 DECEMBER 2021

JNF UK Fellowship seminar

JNF UK Fellowship Seminar at the Central Synagogue

JFS students who took part in the roadshow

Project ImpACT took to the road traveling to eight different secondary schools to engage more than 800 students volunteering and brightening up the lives of others.

Hundreds of teens from JFS, Immanuel, JCoss, Yavneh as well as Habs and Hasmonean boys and girls schools gave their time to sweeten the lives of health care workers in an unique initiative, wrapping chocolates to say “thank you” for everything they have done over the last two years of the pandemic.

Excited students raced to wrap 2,000 boxes of chocolates, during the sessions which Project Impact ran together with the charity, Light up a Life as part of their winter volunteering initiatives.

Students learned about the importance of showing gratitude to others, especially those working in hospitals, who have supported us during the extreme challenges of Covid. They wrote beautiful heartfelt notes to hospital staff thanking them for their work throughout the pandemic and were very enthusiastic to work together for this important cause. Students were happy to give their time to support hospital staff and hoped their chocolate presents would make a difference.

Elisha, a pupil at Hasmonean Boys

School said: “Wrapping chocolate gifts for the NHS is the least we can do to thank them for all their hard work.”

Naomi Amdurer, head of charity and social action at Immanuel said: “Everyone entered into the spirit, tutors and students alike. It was lovely to end the term on such a positive note; giving pleasure to those who have cared selflessly for others during these challenging times.”

Orit, Programme Coordinator: “It was amazing to see how keen each and every student was to show gratitude to our wonderful healthcare workers. The rooms were buzzing with excitement. These sessions are part of our sold out weekly youth volunteering initiatives”.

Dan, Year 9 JFS said: “Participating in this activity was truly inspiring. I felt like we were a part of something much bigger than ourselves for such an important cause.

I want to get involved in more volunteering opportunities with Project ImpACT.”

Following the inauguration of the JNF UK Fellowship with a launch at the home of HE Tzipi Hotovely, it was hard to see how this could be surpassed, but the second of the six seminars that took place in the Central Synagogue in London’s West End this month, delivered yet another engaging and riveting session.

Three influential and game-changing speakers had the opportunity to engage with the 11 JNF UK Fellows.

The Fellows enjoyed a truly memorable 40-minute first session with Lord Stuart Polak (Honorary President of CFI) who has advocated to share the achievements of State of Israel by taking people, who had little to no knowledge on trips to experience what a truly remarkable place Israel is.

Lord Polak told the Fellows. “You are future Ambassadors. See for yourselves. Learn for yourselves. You have a job to do.”

Gary Mond, followed the theme introduced by Lord Polak and held a Q&A that focussed on the some of the amazing projects JNF UK supports.

Rabbi Sam Taylor led a tour of the Central Synagogue, sharing stories of its illustrious166 year history and significance to Israel and world Jewry.

This evening concluded with a session by Natasha Hausdorff, a barrister who in her spare time serves as legal director for ‘UK Lawyers for Israel’ Charitable Trust. Natasha focused on the misrepresentation of international law against Israel. Citing the late, great, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ analysis of the evolution of antisemitism, she described how she agreed that the modern, ‘acceptable’ form of Jew-hate was targeted against the Jewish State, and that general lack of awareness of international law enabled it to be easily misrepresented in political discourse.

Young women of Hasmonean High School save memory of Polish shtetl

Project ImpACT inspires young people to volunteer and make an ImpACT through social action. Visit www.projectimpact. org.uk to get involved in innovative teen volunteering opportunities next term.

LSJS British Museum tour Member of the Parysow book project

BY ARIELLA GARREN

On the tour of the British Museum

Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, Dean of LSJS and newly appointed Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought, lead three groups on his new “Searching for God in the British Museum” tour. This tour, finally able to be run in-person, was sponsored in memory of Elisabeth Maybaum z”l, a former LSJS student with an insatiable desire to learn and understand.

The tour looked at the distinct nature of

the one true God by examining some of the many statues, icons and ritual objects found in ancient cultures that are housed in the British Museum, and comparing them to the prohibitions against idolatry and magic found in biblical, Talmudic and medieval Jewish sources.

For more information on LSJS tours, courses and special events visit www.lsjs.ac.uk

Six months ago, dozens of young women at Hasmonean High School for Girls organised themselves to translate the memorial book of the town of Parysow, Poland from Yiddish into English.

Over a thousand such books have been written, memorializing the life of Europe’s Jewry prior to the Holocaust, and documenting their tragic fate, but almost all were written in local Yiddish dialects. Due to the ever-changing nature of Yiddish as a language, a few decades later even native Yiddish speakers have a hard time understanding these books.

Year 12 student Ariella Garren found one of these books while researching her translation of the memoirs of a Holocaust survivor, Abraham Gutrejman, and her

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schoolmates volunteered to help her translate the memorial book of Mr Gutrejman’s hometown.

Using their knowledge of Hebrew and of Judaism, online tools, and with the help of elderly Yiddish speakers in our community, these young women have immortalized the memory of the town, now available at cost on Amazon as “The Parysow Yizkor Book: Life and Death of a Shtetl,” volume one of two. They have also compiled a glossary of difficult-to-translate Yiddishisms to help future generations of translators.

Students in the United States have volunteered to join the movement for the next translation in the series.

The young women, themselves, hope that by raising awareness of the brutal potential of the human race, their efforts may help avoid future genocides.

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23 DECEMBER 2021

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From the front line…

Covid looms with Gloom and Doom.

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Have a holly, jolly holiday… well, you can if you’re the PM. Everyone else should knuckle down and avoid any festive gatherings or celebrations!

Now, tell me, is this fair? We thought it was one rule for all and we were in it together, but recent disclosures from a sneaky source at No 11 Downing Street showed an assembled group of 19 back in December 2020, enjoying an outdoor Cabinet Cheese and Wine gathering, or a business meeting, depending on who you ask. I think this puts the tin lid on any notion of equality, given we were all told to stay apart, observing the draconian, government-imposed 2 metre rule. Whilst the ‘lucky’ people were waving goodbye to loved ones on zoom, or through windows, others sat it out in abject misery, waiting for the goodbye Jacqueline Curzon phone call. I care not a jot if it was a picPHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY nic or a business meeting in the PM’s back garden, it was completely outside staff absences and the knock-on impact to the spirit of the directive to the masses, the system. After a considerable delay in ie US. And then of course, there was the waiting for an op I was to have earlier this cheery indoor party also held in December week, it all came unstuck when the surgeon 2020, which Allegra Stratton joked about, this recently coming to light and forcing her was pinged as having a close covid contact.

Should he now be forced to isolate, his resignation and political denouement. It waiting lists will back-up and I might be was clear from her laughter and hesitancy lucky to see a resolution anytime soon. As I on camera, that she couldn’t deny it. Gone have been quite ill, this further delay could are any fantasies of the captain going down literally see terrifying results. Everyone is with his ship. What concerns me more is very sensibly keeping social distance, doing how many other covid infringements were regular lfts and working from home where committed behind closed doors, whilst the possible. I do wonder when I’m on the tube obedient British public followed orders. if the non-maskers are also non-vaxxers, Boris, you’re running out of lives!! and with my mask firmly in place, I avoid And so the covid hamster wheel keeps them like the proverbial plague. I don’t see turning. After promising us freedom if we why they should get to hide behind, ‘please got vaccinated - and most of us did - we be understanding, not all disabilities are find ourselves in the invidious position visible or obvious,’ when they look mostly of possible isolation and pending lockdown, which Sajid Javid is looking at as very healthy, and it seems to be just their a potential circuit breaker. What was the personal choice, and another kick in the point of vaccination, then? Even worse to teeth to everyone else. I’ve got many, many hear from medical staff in my latest stay in health issues and am mask-exempt, but I hospital that the anti-vaxxers are essentially still comply. I do it as much for others as for bed blocking the NHS. We can’t seriously my own safety. return to the disaster scenario of 2020 and What is the covid position elsewhere in 2021, which almost closed down normal the world? In the US, Joe Biden has now function in the NHS, leaving 100,000s of us agreed to a rollout of 500 million free tests at great peril. How many more deaths will from January, to set up testing stations and be on government hands, insisting on long to deploy military personnel to assist at quarantine periods, even for vaccinated hospitals. Until recently Americans were people. We concede that we might become expected to purchase kits costing nearly unwell if we caught the omicron variant, £20 for two tests, and then asked to claim but as evidence in South Africa shows, we costs back from insurance. Naturally those are unlikely to succumb to it. Presumably without insurance or on low incomes those with mild illness could be treated at would have been unlikely to have complied. In such a huge country it is alarming home, like those with the flu, and surely to hear that up to 40 million people have this has to be good enough? Whilst a refused to be vaccinated. In Wales, the reduction in the 10 day isolation period to government has made going to work a 7 days is an improvement, predictions of criminal offence, with a £60 fine for those 30% of NHS workers isolating by New Year travelling unnecessarily to the office. The are of massive concern. During my most flip side of this nonsense diktat is that the recent foray to hospital I was told of many

Welsh can still go to the shops, the pub or a restaurant, where there are undoubtedly more people to catch an infection from. In Scotland, Ms Sturgeon has cranked up restrictions for the next 3 weeks, cancelling most New Year events and reinstating lockdown measures. She admitted that this would effectively shut down theatres and render football matches ‘spectator free’ as well as enforcing a 1 metre distancing rule in any permitted venues. She urged the Scots to minimise socialising, with a review planned for January 11th.

Whilst the UK has had massive daily covid figures [91,000 on 20 December], Scottish cases have risen to 3,500 daily cases, fuelled by a 160% spike amongst 20-24 year olds, the majority of whom are unvaccinated or still un-boosted.

The FM is also doubtless furious that her appeal to central government for further furlough funding has been denied, but alas, public money still refuses to grow on the proverbial tree, irrespective of its tartan roots.

Over in Russia, there have been 10,293,000 cases of covid and 300,270 deaths in this fourth wave, [810,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic] according to The Moscow Times. The head of Rospotrebnadzor {Federal service for surveillance}, Anna Popova, claimed there were only 41 Russian cases of omicron, whilst the government claimed that their Sputnik V vaccine provided ‘robust protection’ to the omicron variant, despite an independent study which found it produced no antibody response whatsoever. I’m not sure transparency and honesty is their strong suit…

If covid wasn’t enough of a deterrent to my Siberian trip going ahead, Vladimir Putin has indicated he will take military measures in response to ‘Western aggression’ in Ukraine. Previously his threats came across as political posturing, but this notches up the escalation of threat. He said he was concerned about the build-up of US and Nato forces near the Russian borders, some 8,000 troops, but what of the build-up of 100,000 of his own forces, which prompted western forces to act? It seems that Putin, one of the most powerful leaders in the world, wants to play the playground bully, for Nato not acceding to his demands that they end membership talks with Ukraine.

Plainly he is used to getting his own way, and there are many Russian nationals who could speak - if they were allowed to - about punishments for rebelling against the establishment. Despite his anti-Nato stance, he stated that Russia is ‘against bloodshed.’ I wait, watch and wonder.

Elsewhere in Russia a fire broke out at a shipyard in St Petersburg, causing massive damage to a stealth warship, designed to carry hypersonic missiles known as Zircon.

The Provorny class warship, estimated to be worth around £305 million, is designed to patrol the coastline and strike both ground targets and vessels. Putin has said that Zircon can fly at nine times the speed of sound, with a range of 620 miles. The fire took 30 hours to extinguish, with Fontana’s (local news) website saying, ‘The stench from a fire of the highest rank covered the Kirovsky district of the city - a rare case when taxpayers can feel the smoke of their burning billions.’ If ever there was a plus to the saying ‘it never rains, but it pours,’ this would have been the perfect moment.

Now, to transport of a slower kind. For many years I was a keen cyclist, it being both enjoyable and my sole means of transport. I had a very healthy respect for vehicles, especially those bigger or faster than me, which was - let’s face it, everything else! I rode carefully, and never chanced my luck on a turn left or t-junction, nor did I squeeze through stationary traffic like many brave, foolhardy or arrogant cyclists of today. It then made for sobering reading last week to hear that priorities on the roads are to change. In order of priority, it will be pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and then cars. Now I take no issue with cyclists having priority in left turns, for there have been far too many deaths caused by careless or blind-sided vehicle drivers, but I take exception to giving pedestrians a green card to suddenly walk out at a junction.

Just imagine you are indicating left, there is no cyclist in sight, you begin to make your turn, and voila, a pedestrian (oblivious to you anyway by virtue of their natty ear pods) just strolls out in front of you. You slam on the brakes, since they now have priority, and regardless of that, you don’t intend to be done for involuntary manslaughter. The two cars behind you however have NOT seen the aforesaid pedestrian, jauntily ambling across the junction, and they slam into you, causing a triple car accident. Now, how will the insurance decide on this one? I’m sorry, but pedestrians’ priority is on the pavement (not cyclists or e-scooters) and on official crossings only.

How anyone thinks otherwise beats me.

And lastly, a Madagascan minister swam for 12 hours to shore after the helicopter he was in crashed off the island’s coast. Serge Gelle, the country’s Secretary of State for police, reached land after ejecting from the helicopter in which 4 others died. The cause of the crash was not clear and a search was still underway for other passengers. In a video shared on social media, 57-year-old Mr Gelle appeared exhausted, and still in his camouflage uniform. ‘My time to die hasn’t yet come,’ adding that he was cold but uninjured. Truly this was his Bond moment.

Love Jacqueline x

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Southend’s “Shul by the Sea” is active and dynamic

BY DAVID SAFFER Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation is affectionately known as the “Shul by the Sea” as it’s a short stroll to the seaside promenade from the synagogue.

The coastal recently-accorded city is famous for having the longest iron pleasure pier in the world and the dynamic 1,500-strong community enjoys a plethora of activities for its 550 families who are members.

Earlier this month saw a sell-out attendance for Chanukah at Cliffs Pavilion, which overlooks the sea.

The Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Cllr Margaret Borton is due to attend with religious and political dignitaries for an evening of music and entertainment.

The seaside-based shul will light a giant menorah at the pavilion every night.

“The community love celebrating Chanukah and it should be a wonderful occasion,” commented Rabbi Israel Geoffrey Hyman who hails from Belfast.

Rabbi Hayman’s rabbinical career before SWHC saw him serve Streatham, Sutton, Woodside Park and Belmont synagogues prior to running a garden landscaping business whilst serving part time at Welwyn Garden City before taking up a post at Ilford United Synagogue.

Post COVID-19 regular services have returned to the delight of Southend’s minister.

“We have regular services again and are slowly getting more people attending,” enthused Rabbi Hyman, who arrived at the seaside town with his wife, Michelle, in July 2019.

“We have a Monday friendship club, monthly drop in and cheder for youngsters. The Ladies Guild is very active and

Shacharit in the Shul’s Beit Hamidrash

there is a welfare committee that runs lots of events and functions.”

Apart from a weekly shiur, monthly discussion and women’s group, the community has a kosher shop in the precinct that supplies meat to the local area. There is a delicatessen full of traditional products, bread and a full array of products.

“The spirit permeates throughout the community whether it’s through shul services or engagement in other ways,” noted Rabbi Hyman. “The community is veered towards the retirement community although there has been a trickle of younger families moving in, which is something we hope to see increase in time. At the same time there are people looking to buy a holiday home because it’s a great place to have a break.”

He added, “There is a structure with the Chasidic community so there will be more facilities in the future for the Jewish community. We are set up to grow for people who want to move here in the future.

People are able to commute to the City or Docklands in under an hour, property is also reasonable. It’s a great area to live.”

During the pandemic, the shul established a Chesed Club with volunteers delivering to local people that could not get out.

“There is real community spirit in the town,” commented Rabbi Hyman. “It’s a wonderful, the community are engaged in different ways,” he noted. “People are ever so nice, it’s a great place to live. The sea front extends a long way and is wonderful for walks. It’s a happy place and very different from living in London. People are so relaxed, it’s a great lifestyle.”

The synagogue is involved in interfaith work with religious leaders, Rabbi Hyman is chaplain at the local hospital.

Southend Shul interior

Southend Shul

Enjoying a community event

“We represent the Jewish community at events, including the annual civic remembrance service at the cenotaph,” he explained. “Our leadership and members also attend a Holocaust Memorial Day run by the council. We interact a lot with the wider community.”

Community life is important to SWHC who were shocked to the core following the tragic death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess, fatally stabbed at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex last month.

Ali Harbi Ali, 25, has been charged with murder following the deadly attack of the MP. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the Queen had accorded Southend-on-Sea city status in his honour.

Sir David was a continuous driving force in Parliament for the Borough to become a city.

“Sir David was a great support to us,” said Rabbi Hayman.

The first Jewish people recorded in Southend dates back to the 1890s.

SWHC was formed in 1906 with a purpose-built synagogue on Alexandra Road built in 1912.

The current synagogue building dates from 1968. By the 1980s there were 1500 families registered as members of our Shul. That has declined by around a third in the ensuing decades.

Former Chief Rabbi, the late Lord Jonathan Sacks, and other dignitaries joined centenary celebrations to mark 100 years of the shul in May 2006 saw.

Rabbi Binyamin Bar joined the synagogue the same year and the Chief Rabbi was present at his induction 12 months later as he was for a Hachnasat Sefer Torah parade in 2010.

The Synagogue was packed when two Sifrei Torah were sponsored by SWHC community members.

For shul president Michael Nelkin, the future is bright for the SWHC, especially with commuting links and holiday home prospects in the town.

“We’re a vibrant community, we tease family and friends in London that to travel to Southend is twice the distance from Southend to London!” he quipped. “They do not realise how easy it is for us to get to London. It takes about an hour to get to north west London by road and an excellent train service takes 45 minutes

Rabbi Geoffrey and Michelle Hyman

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The Zone leads the way for empowering youngsters across Europe

BY DAVID SAFFER The Zone in Leeds is recognised

by Jewish communities across European as “one of a kind” when it comes to empowering youngsters.

At the Zone “every young person matters” is the motto with leaders committed to offering exciting experiences and opportunities by inspiring and empowering young people to learn and develop within a safe and secure environment, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

So how has the Zone got to this standing. Raina Sheaf is chief executive and has witnessed the growth of the centre since 2003.

Taking time out of a hectic schedule, Raina told the Jewish Weekly what is uniquely special about The Zone.

“We are so much more than a youth centre, it’s a safe space promoting well being and positive engagement,” she explained. “It’s a warm welcome to the community for many, a place offering social interaction, informal education and youth support.

“The Zone is not home and is not school, it’s a place where young people build healthy and trusting relationships with youth mentors and leaders which is very important in a teen’s life. We have been told by The European Council of Jewish Communities and Community Centres and others that they have never come across anywhere like The Zone, it’s one of a kind in the Jewish world.”

So why was the Zone, which is based in north Leeds, set up and what are its core activities?

“The Zone has been an important part of community life for generations of children and youth from as early as the 1900’s when it was first established as The Leeds Judean Club for Boys and Girls,” Raina explained. “The need for Jewish youth provision in Leeds was identified after children were excluded from certain social activities.

“We have many core activities from sports to multi media, creative arts, studio-based work, drama, science, cookery etc. Our schedule on offer is up to date and continually changing.”

As an example, the Cookery Club are involved in a five-week course including creating a Chanukah ‘Show Stopper’ cake and a four-week Social Action project focused on homelessness for Mitzvah Day, the New Year sees an Up-Cycling initiative.

Then there is a Marvel and DC Club, Israel

Culture Club, Zone Ed, which is a ‘Zone style’ Cheder in conjunction with the local Kollel and Talmud Torah, social nights have included “I’m a Zoner: Get Me Out of Here”, spa and movie nights.

There have been holiday themed weeks such as ‘Discovery Week’, ‘Water Week’, ‘Creative Week’, ‘Media Week’ and ‘IsraFest’. There is also a ‘drop in’ every Monday to Thursday at the site.

And in the new Year there will be a series of trips out, COVID-19 permitting, multi sports are ongoing and plans are afoot for a Zone Youth Council for young people to steer social action, youth development and other projects.

Looking back to 2020, how were services affected during the global COVID-19 pandemic?

“One of the biggest tests in decades was how to deliver youth services, it was unprecedented,” Raina recalled. “With creative thinking, the team at The Zone were able to move its social programme online, set up youth support via small group work, one to ones, outreach engagement and a confidential chatline. We created a website called Jewish Leeds Online to keep inter-generational people connected and together with partner organisations established volunteering opportunities for people, including for some students who were struggling having had to come home from university. We had to close the centre completely for periods of time and reopen as and when government guidelines

permitted.”

She added, “As soon as the pandemic hit, The Zone team also created accessible provision for youth and parent support. As families found themselves living in a new reality, it become more important than ever for some children and teenagers to have contact with youth workers outside the core family unit to help them through these crucial times. The Zone’s Youth Support Service works with a network of professionals, being a pro-active service taking the approach that early intervention is more effective that having to prevent a potential crisis later on.

However, if crisis intervention is needed then The Zone will provide confidential support in a safe space for as long as it takes to access a referral.”

So, are services back to normal post pandemic?

“We are certainly getting there,” noted Raina. “We have made lots of changes to parts of our early years programme due to the fact that some external providers have had to close their businesses during the pandemic. We have re-vamped our cafe which is under the auspices of the Beth Din to a family fun cafe with a movie and creative corner for the children. We have launched lots of new social nights and projects for older children and teens.

People are using the Zone in a different way post pandemic.”

Who uses the Zone and why?

“It’s used by everyone who would like to access it,” Raina said. “Families with young children, years five and six enjoying their first taste of independence, teens and young adults engaging in the programme schedule, volunteering and steering groups.”

What changes have you seen in the past few years in terms of specialisation?

“The biggest changes to specialist services are within the Children Youth and Support Services, as well as to the structured activity programme incorporating informal and Jewish education,” explained Raina. “The Zone is a reflection of what is going on in wider society, for instance within the support services as well as a range of mental health and social media issues. The world for young people has changed beyond recognition, virtual reality is their reality and we have to adapt to it. Our services must be totally flexible in order to meet the ever changing needs.”

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23 DECEMBER 2021

Raina is qualified as a parent coach to be able to support families more effectively.

“Our team includes those with degrees in psychology, expertise in sports leadership and a degree in youth and community work,” she said.

What are the biggest challenges now and moving forward?

“Funding and staffing are certainly up there, people seeing and understanding enough value in youth work to choose it as a career path,” she noted. “We are living in constantly changing times.”

How do you view your team at the Zone?

“They are passionate, committed, all bringing different skills and professionalism to The Zone,” said Raina. “They all value youth work and hold young people in high regard.”

And what are you most proud of?

“From its conception as the Leeds Judean Club for Boys and Girls to now, I’m most proud of what everyone has achieved, every single lay leader, volunteer, employee, donor, sponsor, supporter and member has contributed to creating The Zone as it is today,” noted Raina. “The Zone community was not built overnight. It is the culmination of generations working together over decades to achieve a shared objective.

“My proudest moments are too numerous to mention, however, 18 years is a long time to be involved in youth work. Some of the children who were at The Zone when I started are now parents themselves, bringing their own children to The Zone and contribute themselves to Leeds community life, or in other communities where they have chosen to settle. That makes me very proud.

Finally, what is the best and toughest thing about the role as CEO? “The best is seeing young people develop into independent people with interests and hobbies inspired by my incredible team, coupled with supporting young people through particular harrowing and challenging times in their lives,” she said.

“The toughest is meeting the demands of youth support in current times and ensuring we continually make a difference to young people’s lives within the perimeters of safeguarding and child protection.”

To see how The Zone is viewed in other Jewish communities you only need to see the testimonials on its website.

When it comes to supplying youth services for the Jewish community Leeds certainly leads the way.

Details: www.1zone.org.uk

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New Grain Vegetarian Cholent.

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

Wheat, barley, oats, rice, corn, millet, quinoa and rye are just some of the grains available that can make your Shabbat cholent slightly different each week.

Including a colourful combination of root vegetables will enhance the ‘brown’ appearance which is typical of the traditional cholent recipes.

NB: The dried chickpeas need at least a few hours in advance to soak. You will also need the use of a slow cooker, an oven safe saucepan or Shabbat hot plate that is safe to leave on all night.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 12 hours Serves: 8 Ingredients 150g dried chick peas 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 large red onions – peeled and sliced into large pieces 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds 1 tablespoons whole cumin seeds 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoon parev chicken/ vegetable stock ~ 150g green lentils 600g butternut squash – peeled and cut into large batons 200g quinoa – mixed red, black and white ~if possible 4 cloves garlic – skins left on 4 large tomatoes - cut in half 6 eggs in shell - washed Garnish: sprigs of parsle

Winter Comfort Foods

BY DENISE PHILLIPS When it’s cold, wet and miserable, classic winter comfort foods are a good way to feel warm and a tasty way to boost one’s well-being and offset the negative impacts of stress, illness and fatigue.

But not all of them are good for your health! Typical British comfort foods include pizza, fish & chips, sandwiches, burger & chips, roast dinners and pasta.

Typical Jewish comfort foods vary depending on whether you have an Ashkenazi, Sephardi or Mizrachi background. Your geographical location and heritage will also be a factor as well as your childhood memories. Friday night dinners and Shabbat gatherings when families are together, food often becomes a focus and a ‘comfort.’

As an Ashkenazi Jewish chef, my comfort foods include chicken soup with kneidlach, roast chicken, kugel of all varieties, challah or bagel with smoked salmon or hummus, latkes, apple cake, crumble, chocolate challah pudding.

When I visited my great aunt many years ago in New York, her Friday night dinner

featured pot roast and brisket with apple pie for dessert.

Other Jewish comfort foods include cholent, barley soup and stews. All are tasty winter warming recipes. These dishes can tend to look very ‘brown’ and unappetising, so make sure that you add a good selection of vegetables, fresh herbs and spices to improve both the colour and the vitamin content, texture, and overall appearance.

This week’s recipe features my vegetarian cholent.

You can vary the grain with a choice of wheat, barley, oats, rice, corn, millet or quinoa. Add fresh parsley and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds as a final garnish to add colour and freshness.

To make vegan just omit the eggs!

And remember the words in Ethics of the Fathers ‘Rabbi Shimon would say, “for the three who eat at one table and speak words of Torah, it is as if they had eaten at G-d’s table” (Avot 3.3) Their eating is an act of unification, a revelation of creation and definitely a taste of comfort!

Denise www.jewishcookery.com

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Method 1) Soak the beans in cold water for 5 – 8 hours, rinse several times and then drain. You may wish to use a variety or mix several kinds together.

2) Heat a large saucepan with vegetable oil.

3) Pan fry the onions, coriander, cumin and smoked paprika.

4) Transfer to an ovenware dish or crockpot.

5) Stir in the salt, lentils butternut squash, quinoa, garlic, tomatoes.

6) Add water to cover plus 1 litre.

7) Sit the eggs inside the mixture.

8) Cook tightly covered and bake at 130C for at least 12 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, dig out the eggs, shell them and slice in quarters.

Garnish with sprigs of parsley to lift the final brown appearance.

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ASK THE RABBI

30 JUDAISM

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Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com BEING JEWISH ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Dear Rabbi I have been invited to a New Year’s party and I want to know if it is right and appropriate to go? Isn’t there some religious connotation to the day? What about generally wishing people Happy Holidays or a Happy New Year?

Solomon Dear Solomon Is it right to celebrate Halloween? Is it OK to do Thanksgiving? Is it appropriate to go to a New Year’s party? Why am I always being asked about secular days? What about Chanukah, Purim, not to mention Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot!

The history of New Year’s celebrations date back to the Julian calendar [pre-Christendom], in which it was celebrated as a day of worship of the Greek deity called Janus, hence its name “January”, according to some historians. Later on, in the Gregorian calendar [Christendom], it was celebrated in Europe, and all Christian countries, as a Christian Holiday, commemorating the circumcision and naming of Yoshka. It was customary for the gentiles to receive gifts on this day as a good omen for the coming year.

Until this very day, Catholic churches throughout the world hold a New Year’s mass, which is considered a day of obligation for Catholics. Protestants, however, do not necessarily view it as a day of obligation, do not hold mass, although many hold services on New Years’ Day. Practically, today, many gentiles do not affiliate New Year’s with any religious

observance, and in fact are not even aware of the above history.

It is simply a day to celebrate the start of the new-year on the calendar, and make new- year resolutions. Nonetheless, being that this holiday of new-years was affiliated with Christianity, which is defined as idolatry, many codifiers discuss how Jews are to approach this day.

To all practical intent and purposes, there is nothing wrong with wishing someone “Season’s Greetings,” especially where they don’t typically apply any religious significance to the days. Moreover, it is related that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev would sometimes wish others “Happy New Year” on January 1st. This is based on the verse in Psalms, “G-d will count in the register of the nations.”

The renowned Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apt, would wish fellow Jews a Happy New Year and bless them on January 1st. The reason suggested is because he wanted to draw a stark contrast in the way Jews celebrate their New Year, with solemn prayer and reflection, thus bringing Divine grace upon them.

The takeaway from this is, if you’re attending an office party that’s one thing. If you have other genuine reasons to be in attendance that too makes sense.

However, if any of these parties are being celebrated with some pagan element involved as described, then one cannot attend.

And frankly, if it is just for the sake of celebration and having fun, well, you’d be missing out on the opportunity to highlight your uniqueness as mentioned. Why not focus on dancing on Simchat

Pirkei Avot ‫נֹוחה‬ ָ ‫רּוח ַה ְּב ִרּיֹות‬ ַ ‫ ָּכל ֶׁש‬,‫אֹומר‬ ֵ ‫הּוא ָהיָ ה‬ ‫ ְו ָכל‬.‫ימּנּו‬ ֶ ‫נֹוחה ֵה‬ ָ ‫רּוח ַה ָּמקֹום‬ ַ ,‫ימּנּו‬ ֶ ‫ֵה‬ ‫ ֵאין‬,‫ימּנּו‬ ֶ ‫נֹוחה ֵה‬ ָ ‫רּוח ַה ְּב ִרּיֹות‬ ַ ‫ֶׁש ֵאין‬ ‫דֹוסא ֶבן‬ ָ ‫ ַר ִּבי‬.‫ימּנּו‬ ֶ ‫נֹוחה ֵה‬ ָ ‫רּוח ַה ָּמקֹום‬ ַ ‫ ְויַ יִ ן‬,‫ ֵׁשנָ ה ֶׁשל ַׁש ֲח ִרית‬,‫אֹומר‬ ֵ ‫ַה ְר ִּכינַ ס‬ ‫יבת‬ ַ ‫יׁש‬ ִ ‫ ִו‬,‫יחת ַהיְ ָל ִדים‬ ַ ‫ ְו ִׂש‬,‫ֶׁשל צָ ֳה ַריִ ם‬ ‫יאין‬ ִ ִ‫ מֹוצ‬,‫ָּב ֵּתי ְכנֵ ִסּיֹות ֶׁשל ַע ֵּמי ָה ָא ֶרץ‬ …‫ֶאת ָה ָא ָדם ִמן‬ He used to say: one with whom men are pleased, G-d is pleased. But anyone from whom men are displeased, G-d is dis-

Torah and drinking l’chaims on Purim. It’s more Jewish.

HOW CAN I KICK THE HABIT?

Dear Rabbi I was in the habit of going to Synagogue on a weekly basis, even as I am not really all that observant. Since Covid I haven’t been and now frankly I have gotten into the habit of not attending, rather enjoying my lie-in. But I do feel somewhat guilty and need some compelling motivation. Over to you Rabbi.

A Big Fan Dear ABF The Talmud coined a phrase hergel na’aseh teva – which means that when you do something enough times it becomes second nature to you. In psychological terms, you’ve become a creature of habit. When we are doing something that is habitual, we are not engaged in the task in the same way as when we are doing something that is not habitual. Consider making breakfast in your own kitchen on any given weekday. Next time you do it, watch how effortlessly it happens. Your movements through the kitchen are stereotyped. You grab the milk out of the fridge, turn toward the counter and give the door that little nudge you with your foot that you know it needs. If something is on your mind, you might not notice that you’re sitting at the table and munching on your second piece of toast until you’re halfway through it. Now, compare that to getting breakfast at a friend’s house. Where’s the milk? The bread? Oh my goodness, so complicated!

Someone resolves to change

their bad habits but time and again they fail. Why? You’re failing because, simply put, habits are extremely hard to change.

They’re hard to change because they’re so ingrained, because they’re so almost automatic.

Let’s be honest – as human beings we all are creatures of one habit or another which essentially define our personality. The creature we become is defined by the habit we nurture. We first make our habits and then our habits make us. Benjamin Franklin said, “Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what happens when your bad habits are deducted from your good ones.” Sometimes we need to take an inward look and ask ourselves, “What are my habits?

What do they say about me? How do they define me? If they’re not good, how can I break them?

The point is, there are certain things that we get used to doing – we get locked into patterns almost each day of our lives. These

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

Dedicated in memory of Tova bas Chayim Hillel Monis and Meir Shimon ben Avrohom Yakov pleased. Rabbi Dosa ben Harkinas said: morning sleep, midday wine, children’s talk and sitting in the assemblies of the ignorant put a man out of the world.

As the Bartenura so beautifully explains, a person who is beloved by mankind will certainly be loved by Hashem above. Of course to be loved in the upper worlds, it is obvious that the person needs to be a real Tzadik, loved below for genuine good deeds, not a charlatan with a beard who fools the masses with fake piety. Again, the opposite is true.

People are sometimes hated by mankind

Perek 3: Mishna 10

but are in actual fact righteous people who are misunderstood or slandered by wicked people.

Korach tried to destroy Moshe Rabbenu, and the Rambam had his books burned!

So one must never judge a book by the cover, however the Mishna refers to people who rightly deserve to be honoured down here. Late morning sleep is no good as it forces people to miss the

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idiosyncrasies are a major part of who we are. But fundamental to Jewish thinking and indeed general psychology is that there is no such thing as this is who I am, this is all I can be. There is no such thing as I am stuck in this pattern and there’s no way out.

We are in control of our own lives and destiny.

The secret to breaking any bad habit is to change it to a good one. Maimonides maintains that when you are veering in one, negative direction, you have to first go to the opposite extreme, before you can find your happy middle ground. More than anything you have to want to change and you have to be present and able to identify a bad habit and then look to replace it with something good. Cultivate your habits to be positive and meaningful because while you cannot change your future you can change your habits and they ultimately become your future and your destiny.

shema. At this time of year one would have to stay in bed till after 10.15 to achieve that, but at some times of the year, it can be much earlier. The beauty of reciting Shema is that it gives a person a sense of purpose in life, a reason to wake up every morning.

May we all feel spiritually uplifted each morning to rise up out of our beds like lions to do the will of our creator, Amen.

23 DECEMBER 2021

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Torah from Israel

JUDAISM 31

Home Sweet Home…

Even During a Pandemic

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN As the epidemic continues to unfold, we struggle with extremely complex dilemmas. We are now facing a bizarre and jarring situation in which world Jewry is barred from entering their homeland of Israel. We have been in this position before- in the early stages of the pandemic- but the renewal of these measures in the end of 2021 is disturbing. In the initial stages of Covid-19, much of the world shut its borders, in defence against a sudden, deadly, and unpredictable plague. At this stage however, much of the world is vaccinated and we have learned to manage the contagion. Travel hasn’t been restored to its pre-pandemic levels but, by and large, at least for vaccinated and tested travellers, borders remain open. At this stage, shuttering Israel to Jews feels “unnatural” and has elicited public frustration. Isn’t Israel the homeland for all Jews? Aren’t Jews expected to unconditionally defend Israel as their own country. If Israel is the country of all Jews under normal conditions, shouldn’t it also be their home during a crisis? Isn’t the state of Israel meant to function as a haven for Jews during emergencies?

This is an extremely important and sensitive issue and obviously, Israeli citizens aren’t best suited to comment upon it.

Israeli citizens are guaranteed entry into Israel and our comments may come off as presumptuous. None the less, it is an important enough issue to be discussed by both Israelis and overseas Jews.

First of all, as an Israeli citizen, I completely identify with the sense of insult.

Israel is the heritage of every Jew across the globe and is far more than a “local” country belonging to a “particular” indigenous population. Some Jews enjoy the great privilege of actually residing in our collective homeland, while others have not yet received that honour. However, we are all partners in this great project of rebuilding Jewish history and resettling our ancient homeland. Israel belongs to history.

Living as a “historical citizen” of Israel carries both duty and privilege. The duties of every Jew toward our joint “historical” country are obvious: support, travel, political activism and general Israel consciousness. With those obligations however, come privileges. For example, non-Israelis absolutely have a right and a responsibility to voice their political opinions about Israel. The decisions we take in Israel will impact our collective future and these decisions, in theory, belong to every Jew. That being said, perhaps non-Israelis

should voice their positions more cautiously, recognizing that they may be less sensitive to nuances which can only be appreciated “up close” through daily life in Israel. Fundamentally though, rebuilding our homeland is a joint enterprise, and should animate every Jew’s religious and national identity. This gives every Jew a “seat at the table”.

This is precisely why the current situation is so frustrating. Jews are being sent away from that “table”. I would be disappointed if Jews outside of Israel weren’t disappointed by being denied entry into Israel. Lack of disappointment would signal lack of interest and lack of investment in our land.

On the other hand, Israel, along with the rest of the world, is struggling to contain a resurgent epidemic which threatens lives, economic stability and, at some point, even national security. Shouldn’t Jews be willing to sacrifice personal travel to contribute to Israeli public health and welfare? It is a complex and painful issue- especially for those separated from family. My comments merely attempt to shed some “perspective” upon the situation, rather than endorsing or opposing current policies.

A Jew’s relationship with Israel must supersede politics and policy. The land was delivered from G-d to our people as a historical gift. For centuries, this gift remained an abstract historical concept, inhabiting our prayers and our dreams.

We fantasised about a land and a country which didn’t exist outside of our historical imagination. When Israel only existed in our imaginations it was easy to “idealize” the land. What happens when we actually return to this land? Reality sets in, and reality always leaves a lot to the imagination.

Disappointments which stem from life in the “actual” country of Israel should not quash our excitement about returning home for the first time in centuries.

Let’s face it, the Israel of our imagination doesn’t contend with pandemics. In 2021, the actual “real-life” state of Israel is struggling to manage Covid-19. Reality comes at a price.

A little perspective goes a long way.

This is the first time that we have undergone a pandemic in our homeland. Past pandemics weren’t too friendly to Jews, who often bore the brunt of post-pandemic anger and resentment. Thankfully, Jews across the world currently enjoy equal rights, including access to medical attention. If the price of this pandemic is partially restricted travel to Israel, we are far ahead of our ancestors, who suffered

If Israel is the country of all Jews under normal conditions, shouldn’t it also be their home during a crisis? Isn’t the state of Israel meant to function as a haven for Jews during emergencies? terribly during past pandemics.

Additionally, current travel restrictions as painful as they are- resurrect an important ‘lost’ sentiment in our relationship with Israel. We have forgotten what “longing” for Israel feels like. “Longing” is an important part of any relationship, and is crucial in our relationship with Israel. Our world of immediacy and instant feedback has stripped us of the important experience of longing. Longing and desiring are as much part of “love” as the experience itself. In fact, longing for something often builds deeper romance and desire. I am not sure that our generation appreciates the value of longing.

For centuries, Jews longed for their homeland. Thankfully, Israel has become completely accessible to every Jew. Transportation has afforded immediate access to Israel. Just imagine how many months our ancestors spent on a ship or on horseback anticipating their long-awaited arrival in Israel. How deeply did Jews long to tread in their homeland or caress the stones of the Kotel. Now, for the first time

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in decades, Jews can’t simply parachute overnight into Israel. In an odd fashion way this period feels historically “familiar”. Many Jews are once again longing for a country they can’t immediately visit.

Shouldn’t this be an opportunity to reset our relationship with our homeland.

Will this help us appreciate our great privilege of Israel now that we can no longer take it for granted? Perhaps those who can afford it should purchase a ticket to Israel and visit as soon as the shutdown is lifted. If Israel is really a “home away from home” shouldn’t everyone at least “check in” when the doors re-open. You never forget your home.

Longing for the day when every Jew can live in the homeland…

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.

32 JUDAISM

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

The Champion of Justice

BY RABBI DORON PEREZ One of the salient qualities of great leaders is their intolerance for injustice.

The gap between how the world ideally ought to be and how it is in reality causes them great distress. They cannot sit idly by when they encounter unfairness – they simply have to get up and do something about it. We see an incredible example of this quality regarding arguably the greatest leader of all, Moshe Rabbeinu. His heightened sensitivity to injustice is the very quality which the Torah specifically highlights at the dawn of his transition to adulthood and lays the foundation for his leadership role.

The Torah presents in this week’s Parasha three examples of Moshe Rabbeinu’s great sensitivity to the plight and suffering of others. These cases clearly reveal three different and interrelated stages in the

development of this critical quality.

We see, first and foremost, that Moshe sees the plight of his brethren, as the Torah puts it, when he goes out to his people and sees an Egyptian taskmaster grievously harming a fellow Jew. He notices that this is the norm and that no one cares to do anything about this blatant immoral act and the potentially fatal blows of the Egyptian taskmaster. He acts intuitively and immediately gets up and does something about it and strikes down the cruel perpetrator.

As noble and courageous as this act was, one could argue that the reason he did this was out of a sense of ethnic belonging to his people, a camaraderie with the suffering of his own people at the hand of others – not more. Hence the next case.

The following event involves two Jews fighting amongst themselves and he can’t tolerate this either – why should two Jews

Shemot

Nile. Moshe is born. After hiding him for three months, his mother Yocheved places him in a basket in the reeds at the riverbank. Pharaoh’s daughter retrieves the basket and identifies the baby as a Hebrew infant. Moshe’s sister Miriam, watching from afar, offers to get a Hebrew nurse. Pharaoh’s daughter agrees; Miriam brings Yocheved, who looks after him until he is weaned. Moshe is then brought up in Pharaoh’s house.

The Torah names the sons of Yaakov who came down to Egypt. Yosef’s death is recorded again. His brothers also die.

The nation increases in number. A new Pharaoh comes to power, who subjects the nation to hard labour. Yet the more they are afflicted, the more they increase.

The Egyptians intensify the labour. Pharaoh instructs the Hebrew midwives to kill new-born Hebrew males. They refuse, instead giving the babies food and drink (see Rashi’s commentary).

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 2:11-28

Point to Consider: What miraculous birth-rate is hinted to in verse 1:7? (see Rashi)

Moshe, shepherding Yitro’s flock, arrives at the ‘Mountain of G-d’. He encounters a fiery blaze in a bush, which is not consumed by the flames. G-d appears, instructing Moshe to take off his shoes. G-d tells Moshe that He will rescue the nation and that Moshe should go to Pharaoh

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 1:18-2:10

Pharaoh commands the Egyptians to drown all new-born males in the River

others, a wrong is a wrong and the cry of an innocent victim at the hands of an aggressive perpetrator must be heard and acted upon.

Here is the great Moshe Rabbeinu, teaching us a remarkable quality of a leader – a deep sensitivity in all situations to the agony of unjust pain and suffering.

A leader must feel it, be highly sensitive to its cries for help and aspire to do something about it.

May we all, in our spheres of influence – on a personal, communal, national and societal level – follow the towering example of Moshe Rabbeinu to bring empathy where there is suffering, healing where there is pain, action where there is apathy, justice where there is injustice. To do all we can to heal a fractured world.

Rabbi Doron Perez is the Executive Chairman of World Mizrachi.

“Moshe saw and behold! The bush was burning in the fire but the bush was not consumed” (Shemot 3:2)

Sidra Summary

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – SHEMOT 1:1-17

be fighting? He acts to try and rectify. This does not involve an attack on his brethren, no ethnic superiority over others but rather a care for infighting amongst his own.

This though is still amongst his own – does he care for others and feel the same sense of injustice when it is distant from his own people? Hence the next event in the life of Moshe that the Torah portrays.

The third injustice occurs when he flees to Midyan and sees Yitro’s daughters being mistreated by local shepherds. Now he is distant from both his own people and from Egypt where he grew up. He has no national, ethnic or personal connection to the Midyanites yet Moshe springs into action to fend for the victim. This is a squabble between unknown Midianites yet he displays the same sense of justice.

Moshe’s deep sense of rectifying wrongs is universal. Whether it is done to his people, amongst his people or amongst

Moshe encounters an Egyptian striking a Hebrew; he kills the Egyptian. Pharaoh hears of Moshe’s crime. Moshe flees for his life, arriving in Midian, where he meets the daughters of Re’uel (also known as Yitro) by a well. Moshe marries Re’uel’s daughter Tziporah. They have a child, called Gershom. G-d hears the Hebrews in Egypt crying out because of their hard labour.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 3:1-15

and instruct him to let the nation leave Egypt.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 3:16-4:17

G-d reassures Moshe that the elders of Israel will respond to his call. Moshe is to request from Pharaoh that he let the Hebrews out for three days, to bring offerings in the desert. Pharaoh will refuse, after which G-d will smite Egypt with plagues. G-d empowers Moshe with three signs to show the people – a staff that turns into a snake, his hand turning white with the appearance of leprosy and water taken from the Nile turning to blood.

Moshe is reluctant to take the leadership.

G-d tells Moshe that his brother Aharon can be his spokesman.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 4:18-4:31

Moshe returns to Egypt from Midian.

G-d tells Moshe to warn Pharaoh that He will eventually kill the Egyptian firstborn if Pharaoh refuses Moshe’s requests

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(Rashi). Moshe fails to circumcise his new-born son Eliezer when they stop in lodgings on the way; Tziporah does it instead. Aharon greets Moshe, who relates G-d’s words to him. Aharon in turn relays these words to the people. Moshe performs the three signs.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 5:1-6:1

Moshe and Aharon approach Pharaoh.

Pharaoh refuses their requests and increases the work load. The people complain to Moshe and Aharon. Moshe asks G-d why He sent him, if his intercession has only made life more difficult.

HAFTARAH

The prophet Yeshaya depicts how low the nation of Israel has stooped and bemoans the drunken arrogance of the tribe of Ephraim and the other lost tribes.

However, one day a great shofar will be blown and all those cast away in foreign lands will return to Jerusalem.

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JUDAISM 33

Shemot: Too much about ancient Egypt?

BY GAVRIEL COHN Our miraculous Exodus from Egypt is an event almost eternalised by Judaism. It dominates our prayers and Festivals, and is the reason for so many of the mitzvot. But why? What is so important about these “signs and wonders” of long ago, that G-d smote ancient Egypt with a “mighty hand”?

For the Ramban (Nachmanides), the reason is obvious. “These great signs and wonders performed in Egypt serves as trustworthy witnesses for faith in the Creator and the entire Torah.” This epic saga of Sefer Shemot, the Jewish People marching out Pharaoh’s kingdom of slavery as it was destroyed by G-d’s “mighty hand,” proves to all G-d’s utter mastery of nature, manifesting how He is the Creator and Controller of the Universe (Ramban, Shemot 13:16). As such, Yetziyat Mitzrayim is, for the Ramban, what Judaism is all about.

However, the Rambam (Maimonides) disagrees. He argues that “whenever someone’s belief is based on miracles, his heart will harbour doubts.” What appears to one person a miracle, could be explained away by another, less inspired bystander. For the Rambam, this was the very reason why Moshe hesitated to become G-d’s messenger at the Burning

Bush. Those impressive wonders God had told him to perform would still leave room for people to question whether he was truly G-d’s envoy, “speaking in G-d’s name.” For the Rambam, the later Revelation at Sinai was the far stronger, definite testimony and proof for G-d’s existence (and prophecy to Moshe), not the feats and plagues of Egypt (Hilchot Yesodei haTorah, chapter 7). Why then, for the Rambam, is the Exodus from Egypt such an overwhelming motif in Judaism?

Why mention it in our daily prayers, and hold Seder Night every year, staying up all night recounting these miracles?

Let’s explain. For the Rambam, “all the wonders performed by Moshe were not intended to serve as proof of his prophecy, but rather were performed for a purpose. It was necessary to drown the Egyptians, so he split the sea and sank

them in it. We needed food, so he provided us with manna. We were thirsty, so he split the rock providing us with water...

The same applies to the other wonders.”

So, all the “miracles, signs, and wonders” were done to help us. G-d “saw our affliction,” heard our bitter, groaning cry, and sought to rescue us and punish those that had so cruelly persecuted us. Even the initial signs that Moshe performed, turning his staff into a snake and making his hand leprous, served the purpose of sending messages of hope to the Jewish People (see Bechor Shor). G-d kept telling Moshe that He will smite Egypt with a “strong hand,” perhaps precisely to remind Moshe of what he had done.

As a young man, Moshe too “saw their suffering.” He didn’t stand idly by; rather, he bravely rose up and smote an Egyptian taskmaster that was mercilessly beating

Our wondrous Exodus from Egypt is the story of how G-d “saw our suffering,” His people broken, crying, oppressed, and downtrodden, and pulled out all the stops, revealing Himself in all His majesty and glory, in order to save us.

this Jew. That, G-d kept informing Moshe, is what He too would do, smiting Egypt with a “mighty hand” and with “signs and wonders,” rescuing His People from this terrible, unjust Egyptian brutality, and restoring their dignity (see also Rambam, Hilchot Sanhedrin, 25:2). So, these miracles occurred not just to make everyone believe in G-d, as per the Ramban, but were also “performed for the purpose” of helping us. Its message is not so much theological as it is ethical: G-d’s way of actively intervening in our plight.

Our wondrous Exodus from Egypt is the story of how G-d “saw our suffering,” His people broken, crying, oppressed, and downtrodden, and pulled out all the stops, revealing Himself in all His majesty and glory, in order to save us. That is why Yetziyat Mitzrayim is so dominant a theme in our Festivals and liturgy, as we recite in Maariv each night: “Who delivers us from the hands of cruel tyrants… Who performs great deeds that are beyond comprehension, and wonders beyond number. Who set our soul in life and did not allow our feet to falter… Who wrought for us miracles and vengeance upon Pharaoh… G-d has saved Jacob from a power mightier than him…

G-d protects and rescues us…”

Gav is an informal educator at Immanuel College, teaching Kodesh to Sixth Formers.

Questions? gavcohn@gmail.com.

Shemot RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

AN EGYPTIAN MAN

The Torah describes how Moses rendered assistance to the shepherd girls. The girls had no idea who he was, only that he was “an Egyptian man” (Ex. 2:19).

If they had had more details, they might have said that he was “an Egyptian Hebrew”; it is unlikely that they would have called him “a Hebrew Egyptian” because in Egypt the Hebrews were an alien group, not real Egyptians.

The episode reminds us of something Pinchas Peli wrote about Jews in America, that they are “American Jews”, not “Jewish Americans”. Their Jewish identity is somehow their main distinguishing factor even though at the same time they are full participants in American culture.

Thinking about my life in Australia, I would have called myself an Australian Jew even though at the same time I was a Jewish Australian.

The distinction may be that Australianism is an ethos whilst Jewishness is an arbiter. If ever there were a conflict between the two, my Jewishness would judge my Australianism.

Franz Rosenzweig was asked which part of his being was paramount, the Jewish or the German. He replied that the only way to find out was to cut open his heart, but the operation would kill him.

HE KNEW NOT JOSEPH

had introduced for the benefit of the Egyptian people.

The first chapter of Shemot tells us that a new king arose over Egypt who knew not Joseph (Ex. 1:8).

The general view is that this means that all that Joseph had done for Egypt in time of bitter famine had been forgotten. Since the “new king” could mean a new regime which dislodged the previous government, it could be that the newcomers did not know Joseph personally, i.e. the new leaders had had no dealings with their predecessors.

There is a quite different rabbinic interpretation which says that the new regime “did not fulfil the decrees of Joseph”: i.e. they were a new broom that swept out the policies which Joseph and his generation

30 YEARS

Next week begins the thirtieth year of weekly issues of OzTorah.

Week by week for these three decades OzTorah has conveyed the message of Torah to hundreds of readers and their families.

It might not have said strikingly original things but it has sought to open people’s minds, souls and hearts to the thinking and character of Judaism.

OzTorah has in its own way represented all of the three patriarchs of Jewish history – Abraham, who climbed mountains and raised eyes to heaven; Isaac, who dug his father’s wells and found the

Since the “new king” could mean a new regime which dislodged the previous government, it could be that the newcomers did not know Joseph personally, i.e. the new leaders had had no dealings with their predecessors.

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lifegiving waters of tradition; and Jacob, who struggled with outside forces and emerged triumphant.

Producing OzTorah has sometimes been hard work but it has brought inspiration to the writer and editor and we hope it has illumined the lives of its readers.

Rabbi Raymond Apple was for many years Australia’s highest profile rabbi and the leading spokesman on Judaism. After serving congregations in London, Rabbi Apple was chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, for 32 years. He also held many public roles, particularly in the fields of chaplaincy, interfaith dialogue and Freemasonry, and is the recipient of several national and civic honours.

Now retired, he lives in Jerusalem and blogs at http://www.oztorah.com

34 JUDAISM

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The Power of Perception: Creating Your Reality

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN Imagine you wake up one morning, and suddenly notice that your hands are green. As you pull off your blanket, you see that your legs are green as well. Your heart rate speeds up, as you realize that your entire room has turned green! As you walk around your house, you’re shocked to see that everything in your home has transformed into a leafy green. You head out of your house and make your way to work, and everything you see has somehow become green. As you pull up to your office, you pass by a reflection in the mirror, and you stop dead in your tracks- you’re wearing green glasses!

WE ALL SEE THE WORLD THROUGH OUR CHOSEN LENS

While this story might seem childish, it reflects a deep spiritual and psychological concept that lies at the heart of the human condition. Each one of us are wearing conceptual glasses – the lens and paradigms through which we see and experience the world around us Furthermore, we tend to translate our experiences based on our occupations and interests. A scientist might see the world through the lens of science, constantly comparing everything to his or her scientific perception of reality. When I was studying at Harvard, one of my professors did not let a single class go by without giving an abstract scientific analogy in an attempt to clarify and explain the idea we were discussing in class. An athlete or avid sports fan might see everything through the lens of sports, somehow finding a sports analogy for every possible situation.

Most of us have that friend who somehow finds a way to connect every single discussion to sports, no matter how ridiculous the relation may be. An artist might see the world through the lens of art, perceiving everything by its form, design, and texture. Personally, when I taught myself how to play guitar and piano, I began to see the entire world through the lens of music, connecting almost everything else I did throughout the day to the rhythm and beat of the song I was currently working on.

While we may unconsciously see the world through certain lenses, we also have the power to build new lenses through which we will see the world. We have the power to choose how we see the world, to choose the meaning and purpose we give to our experiences. As spiritual beings living in a physical world, the ideal is for us to develop spiritual glasses that allow us to see the world through a Torah lens, to see the physical world as a reflection of a spiritual reality. As the Ramban explains

in Parshas Bo (13:16), we must strive to see past the surface, to recognize the natural as the miraculous expression of Hashem’s will. Our very existence, the fact that we have air to breath, the fact that we have the ability to think and feel, are constant miracles. These types of glasses require regular polishing, constant attention, and persistent effort.

The spiritual glasses that we wear fundamentally affect every experience that we have in life. Ask yourself, how would you answer these questions?

1. Does our life have meaning and purpose, or are we living aimlessly without any goals or vision?

2. Does everything in our life happen for a reason, or is life completely random and chaotic?

3. Are our challenges happening to us or for us?

4. Are we destined for greatness or mediocracy?

Each one of these questions requires a decision, resulting in an underlying paradigm through which we come to filter and translate all our experiences in life.

The most important step is making the decision, choosing how we are going to perceive reality. (Not making that decision is also a decision.)

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOCUS: WE ARE WHAT WE THINK ABOUT

“We are what we think about.” This simple sentence contains one of the deepest truths of life. Wherever our focus goes, energy flows. Whenever we start to think about something and focus on it, we begin to see it throughout our life as well. Often, we’ll begin to realize that it has actually been there all along. The Torah explains that when Hagar was in the desert, only once Hashem opened her eyes could she finally see the well of water that had been there the whole time (Bereishis 21:19).

In your own life, have you ever bought a new shirt, car, or stroller (I recently had a baby, so it’s been quite the ride), and suddenly realized that everyone has that shirt, car, or stroller? In truth, people have always had it, but in the past you’ve simply filtered this information out, since you weren’t looking for it. Now, however, you’ve begun to focus on it, and you’ve therefore begun notice what has actually been there the whole time.

This is due to the reticular activating system, a bundle of nerves in our brain which filter out all unnecessary information. Only once something is important to you, and you start to focus on it, will you begin to notice it. Just think about how many times you’ve walked past your neighbor’s house. Do you remember what their front door looks like or how many windows they have? If not, it’s probably because this isn’t very important to you.

Here’s a fun exercise for you to try: close your eyes and think about the color brown. Brown. Keep thinking about brown. Now open your eyes and look around for a few seconds. Now close your eyes again and try to remember all the red things in the room. Can’t remember most of them? That’s because you weren’t focusing on them, nor were you looking for them.

Now close your eyes and think about the color red. Red. Keep thinking about red.

Now open your eyes and look around.

Now close your eyes again, and try to remember all the red things in the room. I’m sure you can remember far more this time.

Not only will we remember the red things, but we also tend to include other things in the “red” category, because we tend to see what we want to see. So if something is burgundy, maroon, magenta, or even pink, we’ll likely include it in the “red” category. We tend to see what we want to see; we tend to find what we’re looking for.

SHAPING OUR EXPERIENCE OF LIFE

The power of focus gives us the ability to control how we perceive the events of our lives. Choosing what to focus on can help us overcome our struggles, enabling us to find meaning and purpose in our lives, even in the darkest of times.

For instance, imagine there’s a shadow in the corner of a room. Some people will focus on the shadow, the somber darkness, the fact that nothing ever goes right in life. However, others will shift their focus to something slightly less obvious, but infinitely more radiant. They’ll realize that the reason there is a shadow is because the room is illuminated with light. A shadow only exists because of the luminescent source of light. Instead of focusing on the shadow, these people will shift their gaze upwards and search for the source of light.

When we focus on the light, we strive to see the good in everything. We begin to realize that our challenges and struggles are part of the process, part of our growth, part of our story. We don’t succeed in spite of our challenges, but because of them.

The power of focus gives us the ability to control how we perceive the events of our lives. Choosing what to focus on can help us overcome our struggles, find meaning and purpose in our lives, or _____ - I think we can expand this section a bit because it’s a very powerful concept and can be applied to more than just focusing on the good instead of the bad.

PERCEPTION AS THE KEY TO GREATNESS

Perception is also the key to greatness.

Many of us get inspired for brief moments, but then continue living average lives. We convince ourselves that we’re just “normal,” not destined for greatness.

Have you ever seen someone extraordinary, whether a talmud chacham (Torah

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23 DECEMBER 2021

sage), someone with exemplary middos (character traits), or someone with an amazing marriage, and then thought to yourself, “wouldn’t it be amazing if I could become great like that as well”?

You might have even begun to imagine what your life would be like if you could achieve something like this. So what happens? Why don’t we act on this inspiration?

The most significant factor involved is self-perception, the way we perceive ourselves. The underlying source of our self-perception comes from our identity.

So many of us lack an empowering identity, the self-perception necessary to create a life of greatness. What usually happens when we have that moment of inspiration, when we imagine a greater version of ourselves? A small voice (our lower self) creeps out from the back of our mind, and whispers, “Who are you kidding? What makes you think you can do that? Have you ever done something like this before?!

You’re not cut out for that kind of life, you’re just normal and average, and you’ll always be that way.” We then reinforce our un-empowering identity, letting the inspiration fade.

Yet, there is a way to prevent this from happening. If we learn how to develop and transform our self-perception, then we will realize that we don’t have to repeat our past, that we can begin writing a new chapter in the story of our life. The key to doing so is understanding the power and nature of identity, which we will develop in our next column.

If you enjoyed this article and want more, then visit my website (ShmuelReichman. com) and learn more about Self-Mastery Academy, my online course. Join our vibrant community of 100’s of people striving to become their greatest selves.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is an author, educator, speaker, and coach who has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. He is the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy, the transformative online self-development course based on the principles of high-performance psychology and Torah.

After obtaining his Bachelors degree from Yeshiva University, he received Semikha from RIETS, a Masters degree in Jewish Education from Azrieli, and a Masters degree in Jewish Thought from Revel. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Exchange Scholar. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago.

To find more inspirational content from Rabbi Reichman, to contact him, or to learn more about Self-Mastery Academy, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com

23 DECEMBER 2021

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Shemot This week we begin the story of the Jewish people in Egypt becoming greater and stronger very fast and eventually being forced to be slaves to King Pharaoh. Pharaoh wants to make sure the Jews will never be freed, so he makes sure all Jewish boys are put into the river. Basya, Pharaoh’s daughter saves one baby whom she names Moshe.

Moshe is forced to run away to Midian and marries the daughter of Yisro, called Tzipporah. They have two children, Gershom and Eliezer.

Moshe is spoken to by Hashem at a burning bush and is told to go to Pharaoh and demand that the Jews be set free. When Moshe says – how will I prove that I am the right person to do this? Hashem tells him to throw down his stick and it would turn into a snake.

Moshe goes back to Egypt and is greeted by his brother Aharon, who is happy for his brother and together they go to Pharaoh with the message from Hashem.

Does Pharaoh agree? No! (Or, not yet! As in a few weeks he will let them go VERY dramatically). For now, he makes the work even harder.

However, Hashem will eventually punish the Egyptians for all they did to the Jews and next week we begin the 10 Makkos!

Tangram Challenge!

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ARON • MIRIAM • MOSHE • PHARAOH • PLAGUES • SLAVES • YOCHEVED • YOSEF

Using all the shapes on the left can you make the horse and rider shape on the right?

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Shemot Word Search

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H

adassa lay crying on her bed.

It had been a tough few weeks and it felt like it was just one thing after another going wrong.

First it had been that part in the play she had really wanted to get but hadn’t. Then she had forgotten to do her science homework and the teacher had given her a demerit. On top of that, she had fallen out with Liora over a stupid ball game they had been playing in break. Then last week her whole family had come down with a stomach bug and so she had been feeling really unwell. The final straw was that she ended up missing playing her part in the show because she was feeling so sick. It was so unfair. Everything seemed to be going wrong for her.

The next morning was the start of the winter holidays.

“We are going to a butterfly house today,” said Ima as she hurried round the kitchen preparing lunch to take with on the trip.

“I don’t want to go,” said Hadassa sulkily.

“We are all going, it is a family outing.

Abba has taken time off work especially.”

Ima replied.

Grumbling, Hadassa packed up her lunch into her backpack. She, Chaim and Rivki piled into the car, while Ima and Abba strapped in Yehudis and Shloime.

“Going to see butterfly” chanted Yehudis excitedly as they drove away from their home.

Half an hour later the Greengold family

Testing Times

arrived at the beautiful Hedgeley park.

As it was lunchtime they decided to have a bite to eat. Hadassa was still in a very bad mood, so she sat by herself, away from the rest of her family.

Abba came over and sat down next to her.

“You know,” he said, “sometimes Hashem gives us tests that are really

hard. It’s hard for us to see why we need to go through these tests. It can be to fix something that is inside of us or it can be to bring out some potential inside of us. Chazal says that Hashem tests the tzadikim. They are the ones strong enough to withstand the test and become better because of it.”

Abba put his arm around Hadassa.

“I know things are really tough for you

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23 DECEMBER 2021

right now, but b’ezras Hashem one day you will see that it is all for the best.”

After benching, the Greengolds entered the butterfly house. It was an amazing place full of different types of plants. There were butterflies of all colours and sizes everywhere you looked. Some were flying and some were perched on leaves.

Hadassa wandered off, away from her family. She noticed chrysalises hanging from the bottom of some of the leaves.

One of them, she noticed, started to move.

As she watched, it started to crack open and she could see a butterfly struggling to get out. She moved forward; she wanted to help the butterfly get out of its chrysalis.

“No,” said a deep voice behind her.

Hadassa spun around to see an elderly man in a Hedgeley Park uniform. He was pointing to the chrysalis she had been moving towards.

“We mustn’t touch it.” he continued.

“I know it seems like it would be nice to help, but this process of struggling helps the butterfly develop its wings. If we were to help it out, it could drop to the ground and get damaged, because its wings aren’t able to keep itself up.”

Wow, thought Hadassa, as she ran back to join her family. Maybe that’s a mashal for what Abba was saying earlier. These struggles are really hard, but Hashem only wants what is best for us, so even though I can’t see it right now, these too are surely good for me.

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YOUTH 37

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Shemot

In a nutshell Welcome to the second book of the Torah – Shemot. This epic chapter in our nation’s story begins with a scene that would replay itself throughout Jewish History. The Jews enter a land as strangers, settle down, increase exponentially, and eventually arouse the jealousy, fear and hatred of the locals. In this instance, it was King Pharaoh himself, who, notwithstanding the blessing Yosef and his family had brought to Egypt, planned to rid Egypt of the “threat” of the Jews. And so, the slavery began, first with gentle encouragement, then progressively harsher as the Jews suffered under their taskmasters.

Foreseeing that the salvation of the Jews would come through a Jewish male, Pharaoh schemes to prevent it.

Plan A was to demand the Jewish midwives kill the baby boys. But Shifrah and Puah (a.k.a Yocheved and Miriam) would not bow to such demands. For their selflessness, they were rewarded with descendants that would serve as either Kohanim, Levii’im or/and kings. Plan B was to throw all the Jewish boys into the river. The most famous of those was a

baby, Moshe, who was eventually rescued by none other than Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya.

Moshe is raised in Pharaoh’s palace and when he is an adult, he goes outside and sees how the Jews are being treated. In particular, one Jew who is being mercilessly beaten by an Egyptian. Moshe secretly exterminates the Egyptian and buries him in the sand. An act that did not go unnoticed though, by two Jews, one of whom eventually spills the beans, when Moshe tries to break a fight between them. Word reaches Pharaoh, and Moshe needed to escape to Midian.

Landing in Midian, he arrives at a well, and, like our other ancestors, that is where the Shidduch happens… He meets Yisro’s daughters, helps them out and is eventually invited in

by Yisro, who offers him Tzippora his daughter as a wife. Moshe serves as his father-in-law’s shepherd, faithfully caring for each and every sheep, which is also noticed by Hashem who recognises that this man is suitable to be the leader.

Moshe notices a burning bush, turns to see it, and hears a

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.

heavenly voice saying, “Remove your shoes for this place is holy.” Hashem tells him that he will be the leader and should go to redeem the Jewish people from Pharaoh. Moshe initially refuses, in particular as he has an older brother whom he considered more suitable for the task. Hashem tells him not to worry and that Aharon will be the spokesman, and will actually come out to greet him, with heartfelt happiness.

Moshe also questions, “What if the Jews/Pharaoh don’t believe you sent me?” Replies Hashem, “Take the staff that is in your hand and throw it to the ground and see that it turns into a snake.”

Moshe returns to Egypt with his wife and two boys, one of whom has yet to have his Brit. When Moshe’s wife realises the urgency of the situation, she performs the Brit.

Returning to Pharaoh in Egypt, Moshe, together with Aharon, demand, “Let my people go”. Pharaoh is so enraged by the request, he makes the work harder. Moshe complains about this to Hashem. Hashem says – “Wait and see – Pharaoh will let them go with a strong hand”!

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! asp ass gap gas par

pas rag rap sag sap

spa agar asps aura gaps

gasp pars pass raga rags

raps rasp saga sags saps

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spar spas agars agasp auras

gasps gauss grasp grass rasps

sugar grasps sugars asparagus

38 YOUTH

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Q. How much room is needed for fungi to grow?

A. As mushroom as possible Q: If you have 13 apples in one hand and 10 oranges in the other, what do you have?

A: Big hands.

Q: What do cats eat for breakfast?

A: Mice Krispies.

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1.The more you take, the more you leave behind.

What am I?

2. What has many leaves, but no branches?

3) The word ‘wholesome’

3. When you take away the whole, you still have some left over?

What am I?

Q: What do you call a sad coffee?

A: Depresso.

2) A book 1. Footsteps

1. In complete control 2. Good information 3. Last but not least THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

4. Square meal 5. Tennis ball 6. Hunchback

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Kohler penalty sinks Sixteen-goal Lions Brady in cup rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER Reiss Mogilner scored six goals as Maccabi London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. The Premier League side racked up a 16-0 win with Daniel Green and Michael Kenley both bagging a hat-trick. Ed Brafman, David Dinkin, and Adam Hassanali completed the rout in a mismatch of a tie.

Lions could have scored in the opening minute of the clash but soon opened the scoring and led 9-0 by half time.

The Division One team, though outclassed, battled away to the end.

Lions boss was lost for words at full time such was the display from his team who gave every respect to the opposition.

“I’m not really sure there’s anything to say, we are happy to make it through to the next round of the cup,” he commented.

Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 victors against League One outfit North London Raiders.

The Premier side led early in the second half only for Raiders to equalise but struck Maccabi close to Brady two lategogoals toscoring book against a place in round three of the competition.

BYHendon DAVID SAFFER now turn their attentions to the league as they travel to Oakwood A for a Maccabitop London FCtable won aclash tight Cyril Anekcrucial of the on Sunday stein Cup first round clash against Brady (10am).

FCDaniel with aKristall’s 65th minute Kohler teamBen stunned thepenalty league at Rowley Lane. leaders last month when they won 2-0, a Both would are struggling in the victory move them to Premier within a Divipoint sion so thiswith was an opportunity to advance of Hendon a match in hand. inElsewhere the cup. in the latest round of fixtures, The hosts dominated the firstmade half but 10-man North London Galaxy it a struggled to find a cutting edge againstOne an three-way title race in the only Division organised side.

MaccabiOakwood continued clash of theBrady day after defeating B. toJamie boss play and saw eventually goton their Murray red early butreward Galaxy with Kohler’s spotfrom kick.Josh Cohen and Jarallied with goals Maccabi Judah was cob Leigh to boss recordLaurence an important 2-1 away pleased with the victory and a chance to win. move forward the competition.

Galaxy head in Redbridge Jewish Care A in “We were delighted to get on the table by just one point afterthe 10game matches, and was third placeunaffected Fairlop FCby arepoor five visibility,” points behe said. having the majority of hind with“Despite two games in hand. possession, were pretty ineffective Rafi Bloom we scored for Oakwood. and clearperformance cut chances.inWea “It didn’t was acreate fantastic made some half time changes and while

16-goal Maccabi London Lions

must-win game,” commented Galaxy player-manager Luke Lewis.

“We sat back and allowed Oakwood the ball, given the one-man advantage and looked to hit them on the counter attack with pace.

“Both goals came down the right-hand side. Leigh crossed the first one into Cohen to finish, before slotting home himself. Up to first we go.”

The Division Two title race also took a twist with league leaders Herstwood Vale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple Fortune.

Faithfold B have played a game more SAFFER Another close call for Brady than Vale but moved level withPHOTO: a 5-3DAVID win at North London Raiders Masters. the second halfstruck performance great, Jacob Kalms twice forwasn’t Fortune who we had through enough opportunities score four scored leading scorertoJames Milor five.”his He17th added, letwith goal“Our of theobjective season. for the second half of theallseason is to remarkable have more The result was the more consistency in team selection if wewith can as Temple were down to 11 and players do that we’ll move up the table.”a shoulder ‘keeper Ben Rebuck dislocating in In theother warmties, up. Oakwood A romped into the next stage awith a 9-0 drubbing against “Th is was fantastic win given the Straw Hat Pirates.

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

optimism. We’re in both cups where our ambition is to try win both and will keep battling in the league.”

Mill Hill Dons came through a tough clash 2-1 against Club de Chigwell with goals from Josh Goldstein and Joseph Reece. Dons boss Brandon Hamme praised a superb all round performance.

Geez Park Rangers clash with Qarabagel was postponed.

All league fixtures were postponed at the weekend including a Premier League clash between second placed HMH and London Bears. In Division One, Redbridge JC Purple vs Brook Farm Rovers, Hamsptead Ducks vs FC East London Bees and NWL Azzurri vs league leaders Stoke Salmon were all off. Division Two saw clashes between Real Madreidel vs Boca Chillers and Temple Fortune B vs Redbridge White were postponed.

Away from the action promotion chasing London Athletico have signed Zacki Doumou who led London Bears to promotion last season.

Doumou was 2020/21 MGBSFL Division One Player Of The Year for his goal scoring exploits. The sharpshooter was top scorer DAVID SAFFER across all three divisions withPHOTO: 25 goals in just 10 games.

Teams are now on a mid-season break, fixtures resume on 9th January 2022.

“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.” circumstances,” said delighted Fortune boss Simon Linden.

“We had a number of players out, Rebuck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked Maccabi andfrom Bradythe battle for possession any more players.

We wish Ben a speedy recovery.

Basso six goals.

Cohen, Max Fos“It washit a proper oldMike school performance, ter battled and an and owndefended goal completed rout. we for the the 90 minutes O’stook manager Daniel Experience Blitz commented, and our chances. proved “It’s great win byone suchwea will big to beobviously the winner.

It’s atobig win, margin, most important enjoy andbut we the hope to build on it in thing 2019.” is getting our name in the hat 50 foryears the next He added, “This win marks as a round.” club He added, “We hadNigel a really rocky football and will be one Kyte and start to the seasonwith butthe have some everyone associated clubgot from day momentum. We go into 2022 with a lot of

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one will enjoy.”

Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to wish Rebuck well following his injury.

“First and most importantly, everyone at PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper a quick recovery, we hope to see him back pacesetters Hendon United onPremier the football pitch as soon as possible, ” he Sports travel to Oakwood, who currently said. sitAsinfor third justEmanuel behind HMH. Should thespot defeat, commented, thedoesn’t O’s win matter it will open thea title race.

“It howup big squad you Division One leaders Stoke Salmon have, you can never account for unavailtravel to whilst Division ability orTemple injury. Fortune Only fiveAof today’s team Two leaders Park Red-a played in ourGeez recent winRangers over FChost Team, bridge Care White in a full round lack of Jewish togetherness and poor individual of matches.