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BY DAVID SAFFER

Jewish Weekly columnist Jacqueline Curzon is fighting for her life.

The mum of seven is battling pancreatic cancer, but time is running out.

Jacqueline started a GoFundMe fundraiser back in April 2020, but funds have now dwindled rapidly.

Since then she has undertaken many therapies, in particular Intravenous Vitamin C (IVC), with medicinal mushroom and other treatments. Despite these her disease has now progressed, leaving Jacqueline with no further options of surgery or radiotherapy within the NHS arena. There are emerging and promising therapies available, in the USA, Europe, Israel and Scandinavia but these will need to be pursued privately.

“Succumbing to pancreatic

cancer is hardly an option,” she said. “The few treatments offered for metastatic pancreatic cancer are known to be thin on the ground, and incredibly resistant to effecting regression, which makes a very poor outcome for individuals like myself. I am already having unacceptable side effects from chemo, which makes it unsustainable in the long term.

Targeted radiotherapy may still be possible, but not under the NHS.” Jacqueline has always remained optimistic but feels that her life will be sucked away despite her best efforts. When asked how she felt about moving overseas, possibly for a few months to undertake these treatments, Jacqueline replied, “I feel guilty even contemplating these therapies given the cost, but in the absence

of pushing myself to try, I know I will die.”

“We have just celebrated Chanukah, the annual festival of miracles. I need a nes gadol, and appreciate readers may have already helped, but without an injection of further funds, it will be impossible to continue.”

With seven children and much to still live for, Jacqueline hopes readers will support her in a bid to stay alive. An initial target of £20,000 would facilitate a first round of flights, therapies and accommodation. The overall target is £50,000.

To quote Chazal, “if you save one life, you can save the world”.

Funds can be directed to Jacqueline via: https://thechesedfund.com/jacquelinesbravebattle/saveamother Or call The Jewish Weekly on 020 3906 8488 or email office@thejewishweekly.com PARASHAT VAYIGASH SHABBAT: London Manchester Leeds Liverpool Bournemouth Gateshead Antwerp Birmingham

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24 DECEMBER 2020

London Beth Din CAA file criminal complaint against Wiley announces new Dayan

BY LEAH WAXLER Campaign Against Antisemitism have filed a criminal complaint against grime artist Wiley with the Public Prosecution Service in the Netherlands.

The anti-Semitic rapper was located there when he launched a tirade of abuse against Jews during the summer.

Ron Eisenmann, a partner at Eisenmann & Ravestijn, filed documents on behalf of CAA seeking Wiley’s prosecution over anti-Semitic incitement.

Eisenmann and his firm are representing CAA on a pro bono basis.

Stephen Silverman, CAA Director of Investigations and Enforcement, said, “Wiley used his social media following to attempt to ignite a race war between black people and Jews. He accused Jews of ‘doing anything to ruin a black man’s life’ and called for them to be shot. His brazen calls for racist violence were made whilst on Dutch soil and we will use all of the means at our disposal to ensure that he answers to a Dutch judge. Anti-Semites do not stop at national borders and neither will we in pursuing them. We will always do whatever it takes to defend the Jewish

community. It is why we are here.”

Richard Kylea Cowie, known as Wiley, had over 940,000 followers on social media when he was banned from Facebook and Twitter after posting a torrent of unrelenting despicable anti-Semitic posts last July.

Rantings saw Wiley liken Jews to the Ku Klax Klan, Jews controlled “the Law” and were “snakes”. Wiley recounted conspiracy theories that Jews were responsible for the slave trade. There were also claims about Israel “not being a Jewish country” and he targeted Jewish celebrities.

TikTok eventually followed the stand by on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

CAA have thanked the Community Security Trust for providing evidence showing that Wiley was in Rotterdam at the time of his anti-Semitic abuse.

They are still meeting with executives from Twitter, Facebook and Google to address their response to anti-Semitism on its platforms. CAA are also working with the Cabinet Office’s Honours Forfeiture Committee to ensure Wiley’s MBE is revoked and for the music industry to remove his awards.

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Dayan Dovid Engalnder with his young son, Shimon

BY ADAM MOSES Dayan Dovid Shlomo Englander has been appointed the new Dayan on the London Beth Din and takes up the role with immediate effect.

Hailing from Manchester, he studied at the internationally-renowned Institute for Dayanim in Israel, led by Rabbi Yosef Fleischmann where he successfully completed dayanut. More recently, he served on Bais Havaad in Lakewood, New Jersey and Kollel Harabanim in Monsey, New York.

Dayan Englander said he was humbled to serve an institution that played a critical role in the British Jewish community on his appointment.

“The London Beth Din is unrivalled Diaspora-wide in its rich history, collective experience, breadth of influence and international prestige,” he noted. “I view this as a heaven-sent opportunity to serve the Jewish community and I welcome the challenge and the opportunity to observe and serve alongside senior and experienced Dayanim.”

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis commented, “Dayan Englander commands the requisite global expertise in halacha which is necessary for him to serve as a first rate Dayan and also has the depth of wisdom and sensitivity which are required for him to be a leading voice of Torah for the British Jewish

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community as a Dayan of the London Beth Din.” Dayan Gelley, Rosh Beth Din of London Beth Din, added, “He comes as an experienced Dayan of high repute with a particular expertise in civil arbitration. Dayan Englander is learned, compassionate and has a broad understanding of Jews from varying backgrounds.”

Michael Goldstein, United Synagogue president noted, “He is erudite and principled and, as so many people attested to during the interview process, he is also a mensch. We are delighted to have attracted someone of the highest calibre following an exhaustive search around the world.”

Dayan Englander has a reputation for applying halacha in a way that is relevant to modern life.

An acclaimed author of a three-volume work on Jewish monetary law, popular teacher and talented communicator, Dayan Englander has authored a weekly set of articles explaining beth din cases for a lay audience and is expected to bring to the British Jewish community a flair for transmitting Torah ideas in an accessible way.

Due to the volume of work undertaken by the London Beth Din, the Beth Din is planning on making another Dayan appointment next year to ensure that the Beth Din has the requisite capacity to fully service the growing needs of UK Jewry.

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 2 News 13 Opinion 14 Community 20 From The Front Line 22 Behind The Business Card 23 Health & Wellbeing

24 Cookery 26 Motoring 28 Judaism 33 Feature 34 Kids 36 Youth 38 Sport

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24 DECEMBER 2020

Labour publishes plan to ‘root out’ anti-Semitism

BY ADAM MOSES

and Rayner conclude. “It will hold us to the highest standards and ensure we neiThe Labour Party has published its action ther miss incidences nor accept denial or plan to ‘root out’ anti-Semitism from the excuses. Restoring trust with the Jewish party. community and changing our Party’s culLabour’s ‘Driving out antisemitism from ture will take time and hard work, but we the Labour Party’ plan as required by the will do it. As a Party, we know we have a Equality and Human Rights Commission mountain to climb. But our determination calls for a culture change in the Party and is undimmed and our commitment to getgreater consultation with the Jewish com- ting it right is absolute. We will only conmunity among numerous actions. sider this work a success when members Labour leader Keir Starmer and deputy who left our Party because of anti-Semileader Angela Rayner in a foreword note tism feel safe to return.” that rooting out anti-Semitism in the party Gideon Falter, CAA Chief Executive welhas been the “number one priority” since comed the plan which showed how far their election this year.

Labour had fallen.

Findings in the EHRC report on an“We look forward to working with Lati-Semitism in the party had been “clear bour to drive out anti-Semitism and reand stark” as Labour breached the Equal- store the Party to its fiercely anti-racist ity Act 2010 in terms of unlawful harass- past, but there is a long way to go,” he said. ment and indirect discrimination towards But Falter pointed out the plan did not Jewish members. envisage an independent disciplinary pro“We failed the Jewish community, our cess for 12 months. members, our supporters and the coun“This extremely long delay is down to try,” Starmer and Rayner wrote. “We must the Party’s refusal to hold a special conact to drive anti-Semitism out of our Party.” ference of its membership to make the The action plan is committed to ze- necessary changes to its rulebook sooner,” ro-tolerance of anti-Semitism in setting he explained. “Until then, our complaints concrete steps and a timetable to change against 15 sitting MPs, including Mr Corthe way complaints of anti-Semitism and byn, will remain outstanding, and other forms of racism are handled. it will be impossible for BritLabour’s leader, deputy leader nor ish Jews to assess whether officers will be involved in deciding Labour is addressing anticomplaint cases. External lawyers semitism effectively. will advise anti-Semitism panel “This document hearings. shows just how much Labour’s website will be updatLabour still needs to ed with anti-Semitism complaints do to transform its while social media guidelines culture and processes. and due diligence checks will be The Action Plan prostrengthened. There will also be vides a roadmap, but greater transparency in the comit is a very long road plaints processes to increase trust indeed.” in procedures.

The Action Plan An Advisory Board offers timescales composed of Jewish for delivery and community memmechanisms to bers and a Refermeasure success ence Group will of activities. act as a sounding The EHRC board to help will monitor implement the the Action Action Plan Plan for two effectively. years. Key A Complaints m o n i t o rHandling Handing dates book and approare April priate antisemi2021, July tism training for 2021, Deall staff will be cember provided.

2021 and “This Action Plan December will help us act 2022. decisively against The Laanti-Semitism in all bour Party PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA its forms,” Starmer will make Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner

Labour leader Keir Starmer

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

“We failed the Jewish community, our members, our supporters and the country. We must act to drive anti-Semitism out of our Party.” monthly returns for six months to the EHRC to report progress then quarterly. The Party will also meet with the EHRC to discuss progress bimonthly then to quarterly meetings as agreed.

Labour’s move follows the EHRC publishing ‘guiding principles’ relating to the Equality Act 2010 for political parties and associations following its damning investigation into the Party.

Guidance covers unlawful discrimination, the importance of setting standards of behaviour and creating an inclusive culture and role of leadership. There is also a need for a clear, accessible complaints policy, training and a clear social media policy.

A CAA spokesman noted, “This guidance is a useful resource in that effort. We will continue to hold all political parties to account over anti-Jewish racism.”

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Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said EHRC’s acceptance of Labour’s response to its recommendations shows it is satisfied the plan will tackle problems identified within the Party.

She commented, “Labour’s Action Plan provides a suitable basis to move to the next stage although there are certain things that require further detail, including around the independent disciplinary process and cases that are currently in progress under a broken system.

“We note Labour’s ongoing attempts to deal with this issue. For it to work, the plan will have to be followed closely at every step. We and other Jewish communal organisations will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that Labour follows through on the changes it has pledged to make.”

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US Shuls move to Tier 4 Many United Synagogue communities have moved to Tier 4 following the recent government announcement.

In line with guidelines, places of worship can remain open but each community is deciding whether to close.

The US is supporting communities by adding a range of online programmes for those that close. They will also offer daily online davening three times a day on weekdays and its Kabbalat Shabbat series. Its ‘Kaddish Pairing Project’ will ensure those who are unable to attend a minyan can have kaddish said in memory of a loved one. In addition, TheUS.tv continues to offer a wider range of educational programmes.

Jo Grose, Untied Synagogue’s Director of Communities, said: “Given the local situation varies from place to place, we know our communities will be taking careful decisions that are right for their members as they have done all year. We know some will prefer to close while others will remain open and Covid-secure.”

Contact the US for its policy on lifecycle events including Bar/Batmitzvah, Brit Milah, shiva services, funerals and stone settings.

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Polish ambassador acts after anti-Semite praised

BY BELLA WAXLER Polish Embassy employee Agata Supinska will no longer use a social media account to praise the work of notorious anti-Semite Wladyslaw Studnicki.

Board of Deputies senior vice president Sheila Gewolb raised concerns about Supinska’s online comments with Polish Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki in a recent meeting.

Supinska reportedly said Studnicki was “one of the greatest Polish thinkers of the 20th Century” and expressed hope his ideas were remembered.

Studnicki however supported the Nazis until at least 1940 when he visited Nazi Germany to try meet Hitler and the infamous 1930s treatise Sprawa polsko-zydowska (‘The Polish Jewish Question’).

The anti-Semite also referred to the emigration of 100,000 Jews a year from Poland as “parasites on the healthy branch of the Polish tree” and “dejudaisation of Poland”.

“The Ambassador shared his concern about the comments, not least given the

indescribable brutality inflicted by the Nazis on all Poles, including Catholics and Jews, and confirmed that he had spoken to Ms Supinska about the views she had shared on her social media, and received assurances that she would no longer indulge in them,” Ms Gewold said.

The Board have welcomed Ambassador Rzegocki demonstrating friendship to the Jewish community during his tenure. To this note, the ambassador described an upcoming embassy project to celebrate Wojciech Rychlewicz, a Polish diplomat, who is buried in London, who issued Jews visas to rescue them from the Holocaust.

He also informed Ms Gewold about the embassy and Polish diplomatic efforts to honour the memory of Polish diplomats who saved Jews during the War. “He (Ambassador Rzegocki) noted this was the true priority of the embassy in respect to the history of the 1930s and 1940s and regretted the distraction from it,” said Ms Gewolb, who also raised concerns about private restitution and legislation, currently frozen, preventing export

Neo-Nazi jailed for life over Halle shul attack

BY LOUIS LANDSMANN Neo-Nazi gunman Stephan Balliet has been jailed for life by a German court over the deadly Halle synagogue terror attack on Yom Kippur in 2019.

Judges said holocaust denier Balliet was “seriously culpable” which bans him from an early release. The 28-year-old was convicted of two counts of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder.

Global condemnation followed Balliet murdering a female passer-by and a man in a kebab shop during the sickening attack.

During the trial he reportedly laughed when the Holocaust was mentioned and expressed no remorse, describing Jews as his “enemies” and “the root of all problems”.

Holocaust denial is a criminal offense under German law.

Balliet, who wore combat fatigues during the attack, apologised for shooting the woman passer-by as he “didn’t want to kill whites”. He was caught by Police after fleeing the scene.

President of the Board of Deputies Marie van der Zyl, said, “After the murderous rampage we saw in Halle last year, this was absolutely the correct verdict. European states must confront anti-Jewish hatred with every means at their disposal. Our full solidarity with the Zentralrat der Juden in Deutschland and the German Jewish

community.”

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder commended the German justice system.

“Federal Prosecutor Kai Lohse appropriately emphasised to the court and the world that the assailant attacked ‘Jewish life in Germany as a whole,’ and that the rampage was a product of his ‘racist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic ideology.’ The speed, follow-through and decisiveness of this trial is a definitive example of how the judicial system must respond to such horrific violence, making crystal-clear there is no place for such hateful, harmful rhetoric or behaviour in society.”

German police stated Balliet had a “right-wing extremist background” and posted a manifesto online detailing his ideology.

Balliet was inspired by far-right Brenton Tarrant extremist who killed 51 Muslim worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tarrant has been jailed for life without parole, a first in New Zealand history.

Had Balliet been successful it would have been Germany’s worst anti-Semitic atrocity since the Holocaust.

The attack, streamed on Twitch for 35 minutes, was removed.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed outrage and called for tougher action against anti-Semitic violence, the

Agata Supinska

PHOTO: TWITTER

of kosher meat from Poland during the meeting.

Ambassador Rzegocki committed to pass the Board’s concerns to Warsaw and keep in close contact regarding issues.

CER concern over Jewish conversion

Stephan Balliet

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

European Parliament held a moment of silence, EU’s President, Jean Claude Juncker, condemned the attack.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the terror attack was another manifestation of anti-Semitism in Europe, President of Israel Reuven Rivlin called on the leaders of Germany and free world to bring the full force of law against anti-Semitism.

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, Conference of European Rabbis president, said the incident must be a wakeup call for those who follow the extreme Right in Germany and across Europe.

Gideon Falter, Campaign Against Antisemitism, said that all over the world, far-right, far-left and Islamist fanatics were stoking the flames of Jew-hatred with too little being done to stop them.

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The Conference of European Rabbis has expressed great concern at attempts to change legislation regarding Jewish conversion in Israel, especially issues of conversion certificates.

CER in a stark statement made its views clear on legitimising the process as it has caused “havoc and destruction” in Jewish communities across the Diaspora.

“Conversion is the process by which nonJews adopt the Jewish religion and become members of the Jewish nation,” CER noted.

“It is inconceivable that this process will be taken lightly and contravenes our Jewish tradition. There are also tangible risks that if conversions would be treated in an irresponsible manner, this would give rise to a situation where millions of gentiles would come knocking at the doorsteps of Israel, make some sort of loyalty pledge, and in a flash turn into Jews with equal rights and flood the country.”

CER added that conversions had direct ramifications on the ‘Law of Return’ to Israel.

Changing the status quo also held dangers to Jewish communities in Europe as “random” individuals can obtain alleged conversion certificates from Israel, return to Europe and join a community without CER knowing how a conversion took place.

“Jewish conversions should be dealt solely under the supervision of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel,” CER concluded.

CER is appealing to anyone that can keep the current status quo intact on conversion to prevent “catastrophic consequences” on Israel to act.

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Israel heads towards lockdown

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel is set to go into a third nationwide two-week lockdown on Sunday. Politicians gathered less than 24 hours after the Knesset was dissolved at midnight on Tuesday to make the decision. The cabinet will now meet on Friday to ratify the decision.

A further two-week lockdown will take place if cases are over 1,000 per day.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed a full lockdown but there are dissenting voices due to the impact on the economy and education system.

Latest Health Ministry figures illustrate 3,594 confirmed cases earlier this week which are not falling significantly. There were 472 patients in serious condition, 119 on ventilators and 3,111 fatalities.

Ministry officials want cases down to under 1,000 and a short, sharp lockdown will not help that rational. But there are ministers who view an accelerating vaccination campaign as key to averting a long lockdown to help the beleaguered economy.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein claimed Tuesday that Israel was experiencing a “third coronavirus infection wave”.

“We have missed the train with tightened restraint and there is no escape from a lockdown,” he reportedly said. “It will take between two and three months for the vaccine (programme) to take effect,” Edelstein

added. “We are in a critical situation. We wasted precious time, and the state of infections means we have no choice but to go into lockdown.”

Health Ministry Director-General Prof.

Hezi Levi expects the government to announce tighter measures in the battle with the deadly virus.

“Our reaction should be total restrictions,” he reportedly said. “I am not sure that partial restrictions will help anymore.

We have to talk about a new lockdown.”

The coronavirus cabinet, meantime, announced this week that Israelis travelling from abroad must isolate for 14 days or 10 days if they take two coronavirus tests that are negative.

Regulations came into effect yesterday and will remain for 10 days before a review.

However, former prime minister Ehud Barak avoided the sanction after an El Al flight on ‘security grounds’ according to officials.

Foreign nationals will not be admitted to Israel for two weeks except in exceptional circumstances.

Many Israelis cancelled holidays due to the new restrictions.

Israir Airlines added 12 flights to bring Israelis back before the deadline.

In related news, Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi

David Lau called on ultra-Orthodox communities to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

“We were told and we were blessed by the grace of G-d and a vaccine was found that prevents the coronavirus infection,” Rabbi Yosef wrote in an Ultra-Orthodox publication.

Rabbi Lau added, “I very much hope that this vaccine will bring complete health to all of us.”

The Rebbe of the Chasidic dynasty of

vaccinated,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Israel launched its coronavirus vaccine drive on Sunday targeting 60,000 daily vaccinations.

President Reuven Rivlin received the Pfizer’s vaccine at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center.

“We’re all on the same boat,” Rivlin reportedly said. “When you will go out to get vaccinated, you will be safeguarding not only your own health, but the health of all those around you as well and you will be helping to put life back on track. Help move the wheels of the economy and alleviate the enormous burden of our dear medical staff, the true heroines and heroes of this severe crisis.”

Rivlin added, “I know that there are quite a few among the Israeli public who have concerns and doubts about the long-awaited vaccines. These are legitimate concerns, but it is important to remember that the vaccine doses that arrive in Israel have undergone a rigorous testing process, passed stringent tests, and finally received approval from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Israeli Ministry of Health.”

According to a Channel 12 report on Saturday, Israel could be the first country globally to immunise its population.

“We have missed the train with tightened restraint and there is no escape from a lockdown.”

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Ger, Yaakov Aryeh Alter, is expected to be vaccinated after his wife tested positive. His actions will resonate in the Chasidic movement though other ultra-Orthodox leaders have yet to back the programme.

Netanyahu and Edelstein received the Pfizer vaccination on Saturday night.

“One small vaccination for man, one giant leap for mankind’s health,” Netanyahu said as he received the vaccine from Dr. Tzvi Berkowitz.

The vaccinations were broadcast live to “encourage the Israeli public to get

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European Court of Justice “chilling” shechitah ruling

BY SIMCHA ABIR Leaders of Jewish communities across Europe have given a stark warning regarding shechita following a European Court of Justice ruling upholding a ban on religious slaughter in Belgium.

The EJC judgement is far-reaching and follows Belgium’s Flanders and Wallonia regions banning religious slaughter.

Shimon Cohen, Shechita UK’s Campaign Director, said the verdict makes future legal efforts to protect shechita more challenging as EU member States can impose ‘national rules’ that could ban Shechita.

“The ruling of the ECJ is very significant to the UK Jewish community, even post Brexit,” he noted. “This ruling represents the first time a Court of the ECJ’s standing has upheld a ban on religious slaughter and will be taken seriously internationally. We are disappointed with the ruling and will be working with our team to understand the long term implications of the decision.”

Cohen added, “Mechanical stunning of animals has no place in Jewish law and it is absurd to tell a community, sure you can do Shechita, as long as you do it the way we tell you to.”

Regarding the UK, Cohen said successive UK Governments have been clear and committed to Shechita continuing in the United Kingdom. As there is cross-party support for Shechita the ruling will not have an immediate impact on meat supply.

Cohen though had a cautionary note due to experiences in European countries.

“Those who oppose Shechita will no doubt use this judgement as a catalyst for their work and we must therefore redouble our efforts to promote Shechita as a humane method of animal slaughter for food,” he explained. “It will not be straight forward as legislation is recalibrated post-Brexit, but Shechita UK will continue our work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to practise our religion in a free and safe manner as we have for generations.”

Conference of European Rabbis president Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt said the decision went further than expected.

“It flies in the face of recent statements from the European Institutions that Jewish life is to be treasured and respected,” he said.

“The Court is entitled to rule that member states may or may not accept derogations from the law, that has always been in the regulation, but to seek to define shechita,

our religious practice, is absurd.”

CER’s president added that the Court’s decision would be felt by Jewish communities across the continent.

“The bans have already had a devastating impact on the Belgian Jewish community, causing supply shortages during the pandemic, and we are all very aware of the precedent this sets which challenges our rights to practise our religion,” he noted.

Historically, bans on religious slaughter have been associated with the far-right and population control dating back to Switzerland in the 1800s, in Nazi Germany and 2012 in the Netherlands.

“We now face a situation where, with no consultation of the local Jewish community, a ban has been implemented and the implications on the Jewish community will be long lasting,” the Chief Rabbi added. “We are told by European leaders that they want Jewish communities to live and be successful in Europe, but they provide no safeguards for our way of life. Europe needs to reflect on the type of continent it wants to be. If values like freedom of religion and true diversity are integral, then the current system of law does not reflect that and needs to be urgently reviewed.

Shimon Cohen

PHOTO: SHIMONCOHEN.CO.UK

“We will continue to work with representatives of the Belgian Jewish community to offer our support.”

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said Justices had sent a “chilling” signal to the continent’s Jewish communities.

She noted, “The question we must face is whether Europe is to be a hospitable or hostile environment for Jewish communities, as well as for similar faith groups including Muslim communities. “The Court at the very least has registered a deeply concerning lack of interest in this challenge. We have reached out to the Belgian Jewish community offering our support.”

Ritual slaughter is banned in EU countries Sweden and Denmark aside from Switzerland and Norway.

IDF increase West Bank presence after brutal murder

BY SIMCHA ABIR

condolences to the Hurgan family, describing the killers as Israel Defence Forces have “human beasts”. He added, “I increased its presence on the am certain our security forces West Bank following the bruwill find the wretched murders tal murder of Esther Horgan and bring them to justice.” on Sunday. Security forces are Esther’s heartbroken husconducting a manhunt for the band Benjamin Horgan and killer and anyone behind the children were joined by friends terror attack. and politicians at the funeral ofThe mum of six children ficiated by a community rabbi. was laid to rest in her home “We all had a dinner together settlement of Tal Menashe on on Shabbat,” Rabbi Reuven UzTuesday. iel reportedly said. “I could nevEsther, 52, had been jogging er, not for a minute, think that in Shaked Forest when the murwould be our last time together.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE FAMILY Esther Horgan der occurred.

You were a loving person, full Police and Shin Bet are of happiness and smiles. Your investigating. forces will apprehend the murderer as fast murderers would never succeed in pollutAn IDF statement noted that after re- as possible and bring them to justice,” he ing the land of Israel that will remain pure viewing the situation in the area extra wrote on Twitter. and holy, as will you. We know your joy troops were being deployed to offer more Defence Minister Benny Gantz added, will stay with us.” protection to settlements in the West Bank. “Israel’s security forces are working to find Yossi Dagan, Samaria Regional Council Home leave has been suspended for some the despicable murderer and take him head paid tribute. “The murderers chose forces until tomorrow when the decision promptly into custody. We will never ac- death, but we here choose life,” he rewill be reviewed.. cept a reality in which human life becomes portedly said. “Those barbarians brought Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispensable.” darkness, but we will bring the light. They vowed to hunt down the killers. “Security President Reuven Rivlin sent want to scare us away from our land but

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we will not be cowards. We will walk freely everywhere. They will not compromise our hold on our land. We will strengthen it here in northern Samaria.”

There was a call to expand the settlement in response to the atrocity.

“The evil, extremism and foulness of our enemy is not new,” reportedly said Tzachi Hanegbi, Settlement Affairs. “It is an integral part of our Jewish history. But when evil reaches out to Esther, we must strengthen our hold and deepen our roots in the land. We must expand Tal Menashe.”

The community searched for hours when Esther failed to return home and her husband raised concern.

A paramedic pronounced Esther, who was an artist and couples therapist, dead at the scene.

Recent days have seen other fatalities.

Extremist Ahuvya Sandak, 17, of Bat Ayin, died during a police chase after he and four Hilltop Youth activists were caught throwing rocks at Palestinian cars near Ramallah. In the evening, a 17-year-old Palestinian was shot and killed after firing at police an entrance to the Temple Mount.

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10 NEWS

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Ben-Shabbat meets King Mohammed VI in an historic visit

BY DAVID SAFFER

Gillian Merron

Board CEO is made Life Peer Board of Deputies chief executive Gillian Merron is to be made a Life Peer.

Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer nominated the former MP to join the House of Lords in the New Year.

Commenting on the accolade Gillian said, “I have made it my life’s work to serve the country in whatever ways I can, whether in the trade unions, as MP for Lincoln, as a Government Minister and now

alongside the outstanding lay and professional team at the Board.”

Marie van der Zyl, BoD President commented, “We are all absolutely delighted at the announcement. I can think of nobody more deserving of such an accolade.

This is a great appointment which will be of great service to the whole country and we could not be prouder. Mazal Tov Gillian!”

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Israel’s National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat met King Mohammed VI to bolster diplomatic ties during a historic visit to Morocco on Tuesday.

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner and US Israeli-Palestinian envoy Avi Berkowitz were part of the delegation on the first El Al Israel Airlines direct flight from Tel Aviv to Rabat.

Ben-Shabbat and Kushner along with Israeli officials ratified deals for aviation, financial systems, visas and water management.

Israel and Morocco are expected to set up ‘liaison’ offices intended to become full embassies.

On landing at the airport, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the crew of the plane and Israeli-US delegation.

“We are creating a new era of peace, prosperity and hope for our region, for our peoples and for our future,” he said. “I would like you to convey my greetings to the King of Morocco who is doing a historic thing.”

Transportation and Road Safety Minister Miri Regev added, “As a member of the Moroccan community in Israel, this is an especially exciting day for the entire people of Israel.”

The delegation was welcomed by a regional governor, royal representative and foreign ministry member.

“This is a historic moment for the State of Israel,” said Ben-Shabbat, the son of a family that made aliyah from Morocco.

“Today we are advancing and strengthening relations between the countries.”

The group visited the graves of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II prior to trade meetings.

Tourism is expected to be boosted by Israelis of Moroccan descent.

“This type of agreement (with Israel) will help have a better interaction between communities and people,” Moroccan Tourism Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui reportedly told I24 television.

Morocco is the fourth Arab country to normalise relations with Israel following United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan.

US President Donald Trump brokered the deal and recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as part of the agreement last week. Netanyahu welcomed the news at a candle-lighting ceremony on the first night of Chanukah at the Western Wall.

Kushner arrived in Israel on Monday ahead of the joint visit to Morocco and held a press conference with Netanyahu.

Trump’s son-in-law said the accord reflected “common sense” and a new approach to the Middle East.

“The results are really what matters and I believe together we’ve achieved some

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Meir Ben-Shabbat

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

historic results,” Kushner reportedly noted.

“As this new Middle East moves forward, I hope that all countries will focus on pursuing common interests for the benefits of their citizens, instead of being held back by stale thinking and old conflicts.”

Netanyahu presented Kushner with a plaque of appreciation before joining him at a tree planting at the “Kushner Garden of Peace” in a Jerusalem forest.

Israel’s leader praised Kushner in advancing peace in the Middle East.

“President Trump’s Abraham peace initiative has already created a whole series of breakthroughs. There will be more to come,” he noted. “I believe many more if we pursue these policies.”

Netanyahu added that Kushner had taken a pivotal role in Trump’s peace plan.

He added, “It’s the only realistic peace plan that has been presented so far that addresses Israel’s fundamental national security interests and other interests. You can be proud of your contribution to normalising Israel’s relations with the Arab and Muslim world and for peace in the Middle East.”

The Trump brokered deal may be the last with President-elect Joe Biden taking power on January 20 although there are hopes Saudi Arabia may sign a deal with Israel.

News of the developing relationship sparked a mixed reaction.

Main political parties in Morocco welcomed the US-brokered agreement with Israel, but Morocco’s Islamist groups rejected the deal. Hamas and Palestinians branded it a “betrayal”.

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

Morocco ended diplomatic ties with Israel and closed its mission in Tel Aviv in 2000.

However, diplomats from Morocco, Israel and the US have brought about the landmark deal.

Trump is expected to hold a ceremony at the White House before stepping down.

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11

12 NEWS

Benjamin Netanyahu

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PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Gideon Sa’ar

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Naftali Bennet

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Israeli elections set for March 2021 Likud and the Blue & White blame each other for a breakdown in negotiations, but in reality, this day has been coming for months.

BY DAVID SAFFER The countdown has started to a record fourth election in less than two years in Israel next year.

The Knesset was automatically dissolved after a deadline for the unity government to pass a state budget passed on Tuesday at midnight. It is anticipated the country will go to the polls on March 23. The 24th Knesset would hold its opening session on April 6.

Early polls suggest Likud will not be able to form a coalition with the rise of Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope Party. Benny Gantz’s Blue & White Party just meet the electoral threshold.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in post during the election campaign and then until a new coalition is formed after March next year.

Likud and the Blue & White blame each other for a breakdown in negotiations, but in reality, this day has been coming for months.

“This is an erroneous decision on Blue and White’s behalf, but if they force these elections on us, I promise you we will win. With your help, the people of Israel, Likud will bring a huge win,” Netanyahu said. “I’m not afraid of elections. The Israeli public knows who has delivered millions (of) vaccines, four peace agreements, who is stopping

Iran, who has delivered security and who is going to rehabilitate the economy with greater momentum.”

Defence Minister Gantz responded, “More lies than words. Netanyahu has pushed us to elections only because he doesn’t want to go to court, anything else is nothing more than spin and trickery. We joined this government in order to protect our democracy.

Speeches like (Netanyahu’s) only reconfirm the importance of this process.”

Gantz’s party is adamant Netanyahu’s corruption trial is at the heart of the political deadlock.

“A criminal defendant with three indictments is dragging the country to a fourth round of elections,” a statement noted. “If there weren’t a trial, there would be a budget and there wouldn’t be elections.”

Gantz has continually stated that he agreed to the coalition in the best interests of the nation.

“Blue and White entered the government, while paying a heavy political price, to serve the best interests of the country,” he said earlier in the week. “I wasn’t afraid to do the right thing several months ago, and I’m not afraid to do the right thing now.”

Gantz added that his party would go to the elections with its “head held high”.

Formal ratification of the election arrived

after MKs rejected a bill 49-47 in the early hours of Tuesday to extend the state budget debate until December 31.

Blue & White MKs were told not to vote in the ultimately defeated bill allowing Likud a last-ditch compromise chance but three MKs, Asaf Zamir, Miki Haimovich and Ram Shefa, voted down the bill.

Likud MK Michal Shir also voted against the bill and has since joined Sa’ar’s New Hope Party. Sharren Haskel abstained from the vote. Four United Arab List members also abstained.

Likud chair Miki Zohar lambasted Shir and Haskel for their actions.

“Shir voted against the faction’s position and Haskel refused to be present for the vote, in contravention of the Likud position, (as we) did everything possible to prevent the elections,” he reportedly said. “It is time to put an end to those who exploit the Likud movement and are working against it.”

Sa’ar registered his party, New Hope: Unity for Israel’ last Thursday.

Netanyahu defeated his former ally Sa’ar in a leadership election a year ago but the new political party is problematic for Netanyahu and Gantz.

According to a Kan TV poll Likud would take 28 seats, New Hope 20, Yamina 15, Yesh Atid-Telem 13, Joint List 11, Shas 8, United Torah Judaism 7, Blue and White 6, Yisrael Beiteinu 6 and Meretz 6.

Channel 12 News saw Likud take 29 seats, New Hope 18, Yesh Atid-Telem 16, Yamina 13, Joint List 11, Shas 8, UTJ 8, Yisrael Beiteinu 7, Blue and White 5, Meretz: 5.

In both polls Labour, Gesher and Jewish Home miss the 3.25 per cent electoral threshold. Both the Kan TV and Channel 12 News poll blame Netanyahu for the Knesset ending.

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Benny Gantz

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

According to Channel 12 News, Netanyahu heads Saar and Lapid as the next Prime Minister.

Israel moved towards elections last week when the Knesset approved a ‘no confidence’ bill in the ‘unity’ government.

The two main parties formed a coalition after three inconclusive elections to jointly fight the coronavirus pandemic and growing economic crises. Netanyahu continued as Prime Minister and Gantz would take over the role after 18 months in a rotation deal.

A bi-annual state budget for 2020 and 2021 was part of the deal but Likud preferred an annual budget. This issue and Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial ultimately proved decisive.

For many political sceptics this outcome was inevitable as a doomed coalition battled on too many fronts.

A backdrop to the election sees the evidence stage of Netanyahu’s trial begin in February.

In related news, MKs discussed the impact of the pandemic on an election in a heated debate.

Health Ministry Director-General Hezi Levi expects up to three million citizens to have been vaccinated by polling day but millions more will be waiting to be inoculated.

“The virus will not be affected by elections,” he reportedly said. “We are working to transfer funds to hospitals and manage the pandemic, we will continue to do this and provide the vaccines in addition to everything else that will be required.”

Levi confirmed HMOs were setting up additional vaccination venues.

“By the end of the month, we will receive millions of vaccines, thus we will be able to vaccinate the public without interruptions,” he reportedly said.

Over the next six weeks, new alliances will form and party lists will be submitted by February.

After hearing petitions to disqualify a list or individuals, the Central Elections Committee must approve party lists on February 21.

The coming election will dominate the headlines as US President-elect Joe Biden succeeds Donald Trump at the White House aside from the ongoing battles with Iran, Palestinians and coronavirus pandemic.

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OPINION 13

OPINION

Sa’ar Wars: A New Hope

BY JAMES J MARLOW Much of the Israeli media in their hatred towards Binyamin Netanyahu, built up Benny Gantz as the saviour of Israeli politics and an alternative Prime Minister. But just nine months since the last election, Gantz’s Blue and White party may now fail to cross the minimum threshold in the upcoming fourth election in less than two years, according to polls released on Tuesday night.

Benny Gantz received 35 seats in his first ever election in April 2019 and 33 seats in both the September 2019 and March 2020 elections. But polls now put the Blue and White party on just 4 - 6 seats. Sure his party broke into four parties because his faction decided to join Bibi after a third stalemate election. But Blue and White was not a real political party. It formed under the banner of “anyone but Bibi”, and yet they still lost to Likud’s 36 seats.

The media cannot even recognise that when they built up Gantz, they got it so

wrong and that today he has fallen like a solid rock in water. Instead of acknowledging their mistake, the media have simply jumped ship and now are rooting for former Likud MK Gideon Saar’s new party, “New Hope”.

Blue and White was made up of so many different political backgrounds, it was bound to fail. In fact Benny Gantz’s party is now so close to the minimum four seats needed to gain entry into the Knesset, he may even pull Blue and White from running, just before the deadline of registrations, leaving his candidates no time to hop to another party.

Several of Gantz’s Blue and White MKs voted this week against extending the time to pass a budget. This was against his express orders and this is another reason why he would never have made a good Prime Minister - Gantz is not a political leader.

Of course Netanyahu wanted more time before going to another election. Enough time to distribute the vaccine to every citizen that wants it and stimulate the Israeli economy to get back jobs. There may even have been another few countries wishing to

Gideon Sa’ar

establish diplomatic ties with Israel.

It would also have been advantageous to Netanyahu, if Gideon Sa’ar’s “New Hope” party would have been fully vetted and tested, in terms of slip ups, mistakes and car crash interviews. So a May or June general election could have worked out well for Netanyahu.

But the problem Sa’ar may have is using “recycled politicians” because the public generally does not like them. The public wish to see fresh new faces enter the Knesset, untainted by the “back room” and “horse trading” deals that take place every day in the Knesset.

Gideon Sa’ar has already agreed to place Likud-Kulanu MK Dr Yifat Shasha-Biton at number two on his list and if Sa’ar becomes PM, she will serve as his Deputy PM. Shasha-Biton chaired the Knesset Coronavirus Committee and during the crisis, disagreed with many of Netanyahu’s decisions and refused to approve some government decisions.

Other Likud MKs are said to be looking for reserved spots in Sa’ar new party, so they have a guarantee of becoming a Knesset member in March 2021. This is what is called “playing both sides” and we all remember what happened to the Kadima party which was mostly made up of former Likud MKs - it disappeared from the political arena after just three elections.

There is not really a left or right in Israeli politics any longer, at least not in this election. Labour is gone and Meretz on the far left is only just making it into the Knesset.

Today it is all about personalities and which candidate you think you can trust to do what they say they will do.

Of course there are still “die hard” Labour supporters, but many switched to Blue and White last time to see the end of Netanyahu, which failed to materialise. This time they are in a major dilemma between the far left and Gideon Sa’ar or Naftali Bennett on the right. As for Lapid, his poll numbers are dropping as he no longer offers “hope” or anything new to the political climate except

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PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

unnecessary rhetoric.

So to sum up, Netanyahu, Sa’ar, Bennett and Lapid all are running to become Prime Minister. Netanyahu only has the two religious parties as potential coalition partners which is not enough for a 61 seat majority.

Sa’ar, Bennett, Lapid and Lieberman also cannot reach 61 seats and Lapid along with Lieberman will refuse to work with the religious. Neither side will bring the Meretz party into government. Blue and White will probably drop out of the election race in February.

So as it looks now, we are looking at another stalemate while the country continues to suffer under the corona pandemic, no budget passed since 2016, (which was for 2 years) and over a million unemployed.

But we can look forward to the ugliest campaign ever, and there really has been some nasty ones in recent years.

And they said the “only” obstruction to a stable government is Bibi Netanyahu.

Yet the egos of the above names, all have a hand in the political chaos.

Finally, just to show how silly it all is, the first Star Wars movie was called “A New Hope” which is the name of former Likud MK Gideon Sa’ar’s new party (Sa’ar Wars). According to polls on Tuesday night, New Hope will receive the second highest number of seats, behind Likud, but there is a long way to go before 23 March.

Likud....................................................28 - 29 NewHope.............................................16 - 20 Yamina.................................................13 - 15 Yesh Atid..............................................13 - 14 Joint List...............................................11 - 12 Shas......................................................... 7 - 8 United Torah Judaism.............................. 7 - 8 Yisrael Beiteinu........................................ 6 - 7 Meretz...................................................... 4 - 6 Blue and White........................................ 4 - 6

James Marlow is a news broadcast commentator and communications trainer Email: James@TheCommunicationBureau. com Twitter: @James_J_Marlow

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Essex Menorah run

24 DECEMBER 2020

400 attend Chanukah Drive In

Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin Taking part in this year’s Menorah Run

December. The event, now in its 4th year, covers a 21k route around seven menorahs erected in the local area. This year, there was also the addition of a new cycle route to Trafalgar Square and back again, which cyclists including Kantor King Solomon Head Teacher, Hannele Reece taking part in the gruelling 52k cycle challenge.

The generous donations given by the community meant that this year’s event raised over £4000. In previous years, the money raised has been split between the three Jewish schools in the area, Kantor King Solomon High School, Clore Tikva and WIJPS, but this year due to the current situation it was decided that the money should be used to help families in need from these schools. There was also a food collection, where people donated dried goods. In total, over 40 hampers and shopping vouchers will be distributed from the money and food donated.

Participant’s medal

Over 40 runners and cyclists of all ages braved the rain to take part in the annual Menorah Run in Essex on Sunday 13th

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/menorahrun

Over 400 people in 300 cars attended a Chabad Chanukah drive-in last Thursday.

Rabbi Brandman led the event from Buckhurst Hill Chabad in Essex supported

by Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, Rabbi Yossi Posen and Rabbi Mordechai Wallenberg, A giant menorah was built specially for the occasion made of chains representing the Covid-19 pandemic with light coming

showing hope for the future.

Father and son team, Alan and Hadley Grant, built the menorah.

The event included bands, magicians and fire jugglers and goody bags containing sweets and doughnuts for youngsters.

Rabbi Sufrin thanked everyone for attending during a very difficult period in our lives.

Kisharon host chocolate night in Kisharon raised over £5,500 with Firetree Chocolate at an online chocolate tasting event.

Firetree Chocolatier took participants on a virtual journey to cacao bean farms of the South Pacific and Oceania, tasting chocolate along the way.

Packs of seven single-estate chocolate bars were delivered to homes before the event with guidance for a taste journey to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Madagascar.

Chief Executive Richard Franklin thanked

everyone for joining.

“Every person irrespective of a learning disability has a talent,” he said. “Kisharon are here to support and nurture the talent and we wish to help people in a way they and their families wish to be supported. We are a unique place and a unique family.”

Jessica Levy, Kisharon stewardship manager added that the event brought a smile to the 200 individuals who joined.

“It was a great event deliciously enjoyed by everyone,” she said.

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Children visit Tribe’s Chanukah Truck

Sachs Morasha Jewish Primary School pupils are all smiles at a Tribe Chanukah event Great Ormond Street Hospital with donated toys

Heroic response to Camp Simcha toy drive A community of Toy Drive superheroes came together to ensure Covid-19 didn’t stop children in hospitals receiving Camp Simcha toys this December.

With Covid-safe collections in schools, nurseries, cheders, synagogues and businesses, as well as community drop-off points and an online Amazon Wishlist, the response to Camp Simcha’s ‘Be a Hero, Donate a Toy for a Child in Hospital’ request was overwhelming.

As a result of this year’s annual Toy Drive, some 10,000 toys have now been delivered to over 120 hospital wards, hospices and community teams in London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Manchester.

Camp Simcha Head of Services Daniel Gillis said: “With hospital playrooms closed due to Covid, no visitors allowed and a one-parent only policy, it was more important than ever that our Toy Drive was a success this year.

“We are so grateful to all those who donated, collected and volunteered for us.

We also had an amazing response to our Amazon Wishlist, which had items specially requested by hospitals.

“While we couldn’t hold our usual largescale packing event, we had small teams of volunteers and staff sorting the toys in a Covid-safe way over the course of two weeks.

“More volunteers then helped deliver these to hospitals, who were particularly pleased to receive them this year.”

Syreeta Gibbons, Healthcare Play Specialist at Homerton Hospital said: “I was a little worried that Covid-19 would impact the Toy Drive and the gifts and toys we would receive this year but Camp Simcha still managed to make it happen – because of these wonderful gifts, the children and young people will have a happy holiday season.”

Lchu Bonim the off shoot of Aim Habonim Special needs School held its very first Chumash Seuda

3,000 school children visited the Tribe Chanukah Truck.

Tribe Rabbis Rabbi Cobi Ebrahimoff and Rabbi Eli Levin and Tribe’s Tomas

PHOTO: MARC MORRIS

Belovski travelled around schools and communities for Chanukah in a Covid-secure way.

Each class received a Chanukah gift bag.

CORRECTION

The information online for Melanie Berenblut as part of the ‘Business Ideas Brought to Life in Lockdown’ in issue 169 on December 3rd contianed an error for Melanie’s company. The correct is BERENBLUT IT TRAINING & CONSULTANCY. The correct wib address is https://berenblut-it.co.uk/

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Rabbi Benjy Simmonds, Rabbi at Stenecourt Synagogue, delivers food to St James’s Church, Lower Broughton, this week.

The Church is located in one of the most deprived areas in the Country. This is part of the “In Good Faith’’ project launched in 2015 by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. The project was inspired by faith leaders for grassroots initiatives.

24 DECEMBER 2020

Schools and nurseries help AJEX raise £1,300

Sacks Morasha were one of the Schools that helped AJEX raise £1,300 by pupils wearing red, donating and Remembering

Rabbi Benjy Simmonds delivering food

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Schools and Nurseries remembered with AJEX as part of their Remembrance 2020 Campaign by wearing an item of Red. AJEX also provided Schools with educational materials, offered veterans to talk over zoom for Q&As and ran a Poppy drawing competition.

Chief Executive Fiona Palmer commented: “We were so delighted pupils took part in joining AJEX in Remembrance. We look forward to further working with Schools

in 2021 to pass the legacy onto the next generation”.

Schools and Nurseries that took part included Apples and Honey Nursery in Wimbledon, Hertsmere Jewish Primary School, Independent Jewish Day School, Kerem School, Little Bicks Nursery, Nancy Reuben Primary School, Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School, Sharon Kindergarten and Yavneh Nursery in Woodside Park.

Kisharon lights candles with Eitan Freilich

Eitan Freilich concert for Kisharon

Kisharon held a special Chanukah music concert and candle lighting with singer, Eitan Freilich. Eitan played a collection of festive music as well as taking song requests.

Kisharon College student Srulik led the candle lighting brachos, followed by Eitan continuing the proceedings with further Chanukah lighting songs and everyone joined in together during the musical concert.

Eitan said, “I am so delighted to join Kisharon again, this time to celebrate

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Chanukah, the festival of light. It was truly heart-warming to see familiar faces of the Kisharon family and welcome new ones too from the community. Singing, dancing and celebrating together was a truly humbling experience I was so privileged to be a part of”.

Kisharon invited all the services to join, as well as Langdon students who all enjoyed the concert and lighting their Chanukiahs together.

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ADVERTORIAL

Active or Passive investment funds?

Are you invested in a failing passive? Vol 2 The writer is the Owner and Managing Director of Alpha Wealth Management Ltd – a boutique independent financial advisory practice. As a Chartered Financial Planner and drawing on over twenty years’ experience in financial services, Marc helps private clients, businesses, charities, and trusts optimize their finances. Prior to acting as a financial adviser, Marc was a Director at several global investment banks, providing investment advice to Europe’s leading institutional investment and pension fund managers.

Responding to the growing appetite for passive investing from the general public, the next series of articles attempts to 1. Set out the differences between active and passive investment management.

2. Set out some of the reasoning behind why the passive fund market has seen rapid growth.

3. Encourage you to review your portfolio’s performance as there is growing evidence that UK stock market investors are being failed by passive funds.

We covered point 1 last week. Passive funds invest through a strategy that tracks a market-weighted index or portfolio.

Active funds involve the manager making specific investments with the goal of outperforming an investment benchmark index.

SO WHICH OF THESE STRATEGIES MAKES INVESTORS MORE MONEY?

You’d think a professional money manager’s capabilities would trump a basic index fund. But there’s plenty of research finding they don’t. Study after study (over decades) shows disappointing results for the active managers. Only a relatively smaller percentage of actively-managed collective funds consistently do better than passive index funds. Why?

PASSIVE INVESTING ADVANTAGES

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• Ultra-low fees: There’s nobody picking stocks, so oversight is much less expensive. Passive funds simply follow the index they use as their benchmark.

• Transparency: It’s always clear which assets are in an index fund.

ACTIVE INVESTING DISADVANTAGES • Very expensive: Thomson Reuters

Lipper pegs the average expense ratio at 1.4% for an actively managed equity fund, compared to only 0.6% for the average passive equity fund. Fees are higher because all that active buying and selling triggers transaction costs, not to mention that you’re paying the salaries of the analyst team researching equity picks. All those fees over decades of investing can kill returns.

• Active risk: Active managers are free to buy any investment they think would bring high returns, which is great when the analysts are right but terrible when they’re wrong.

SO WHY DO WE NEED ACTIVE FUNDS ?

Much of the ‘evidence’ that passive beats active investing is oversimplifying something much more complex. Both exist for a reason, and a professional investor who understands this may blend both in a portfolio. What skews the findings on passives is that many active funds end up shadowing their benchmark contradicting their raison d’être.

ACTIVE INVESTING ADVANTAGES

• Outperformance: Consistently outperforming funds do exist even if they are sometimes hard to find.

• Flexibility: Active managers aren’t required to follow a specific index. They can buy those “diamond in the rough” stocks they believe they’ve found.

• Hedging: Active managers can also hedge their bets using various techniques such as short sales or put options, and they’re able to exit specific stocks or sectors when the risks become too big. Passive managers are stuck with the stocks the index they track holds, regardless of how they are performing.

PASSIVE INVESTING DISADVANTAGES

• Too limited: Passive funds are limited to a specific index or predetermined set of investments with little to no variance; thus, investors are locked into those holdings, no matter what happens in the market.

• Small returns: By definition, passive funds will pretty much never beat the market, even during times of turmoil, as their core holdings are locked in to track the market. Sometimes, a passive fund may beat the market by a little, but it will never post the big returns active managers crave unless the market itself booms. Active managers, on the other hand, can bring bigger rewards, although those rewards come with greater risk as well.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND OUTPERFORMANCE IN ACTIVE FUNDS ?

Active funds tend to perform better in some markets rather others. Most of the research on passive funds focusses on the US equity market. It should not come as any surprise therefore that active funds have tended to underperform passive funds over a wide variety of durations in the US equity market. However in other markets the evidence has been less compelling. Moreover, active funds have tended to perform much better with i. small and mid-capitalised companies relative to the large capitalised companies and ii. emerging markets relative to developed economies suggesting active has advantages in areas which are less well known and researched.

For assistance with the construction of a suitable and optimal portfolio for your attitude to risk, please be in touch.

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Dame Fanny passes away aged 100 Dame Fanny Waterman passed away this week in a residential home in Ilkley at the age of 100.

Founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1961, she remained chairman and artistic director until retiring in 2015. As President Emeritus she attended live concerts until 2020. 100th birthday plans were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Internationally acclaimed pianists attended the most coveted prize in the piano world.

Born in Leeds, she studied with Tobias Matthay and at the Royal College of Music, London, with Cyril Smith.

A notable performing career included the 1942 Proms. She then taught, giving masterclasses on six continents, appeared on television and radio, and compiled Piano Lessons that sold over three million copies.

Among her greatest achievements as a teacher was in the 1950s when she trained four Leeds pianists under the age of 11, Alan Schiller, Wendy Waterman,

Kathleen Jones and Michael Roll, to perform piano concertos at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Awarded an OBE in 1971 and CBE in 1999, she was appointed a Dame in 2005 in recognition of services to music.

Dame Fanny received the Freedom of the City of Leeds in 2004, became Harrogate International Festival’s president in 2009 and a Royal Philharmonic Society honorary member in 2010.

Dame Fanny is survived by sons, Robert and Paul, and six granddaughters.

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Dame Fanny Waterman

18 COMMUNITY

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Jewel prepares businesses for Brexit The Jewel Foundation held a high level workshop for businesses which import and export to Europe.

Presented via zoom by the Head of International Trade of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce the 1-hour session covered a wide range of topics including registration with the relevant authorities in both the UK and Europe, shipping requirements and the steps companies need to put in place to ensure they comply with the regulations.

With so much uncertainty about Brexit this workshop was welcomed by so many businesses especially those who trade online.

Participants joined from across the UK with a number of businesses networking and sharing ideas at the end of the session.

Simon Rose from Easy Gift Trading commented how much he appreciated Jewel arranging this session and how the presentation, given with such clarity and providing so much information, gave him the confidence that his business will manage

with the new regulations.

Jewel worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce before the session, to ensure they understood the issues that local businesses are facing, and they are looking forward to continue working in partnership with the Chamber to support local businesses.

The Jewel Foundation which provides employment, training and business support to the Manchester Community and beyond has held a number of events in recent months including a recruitment information session with Greater Manchester Police, and is currently supporting close to 150 residents with online training.

They are also holding a “Job Searching in a Virtual World” workshop to help their job seekers and are also planning a series of business support events in the coming months.

Any business which imports and exports to Europe is welcome to request the presentation by emailing office@jewel.org.uk.

Leading brands of cooking oil gain Kosher certification Three well-known brands of cooking oil have been certified as kosher and parev by leading kashrus authority, Manchester Beth Din. Crisp n’ Dry (one, two and three litres), Flora Sunflower Oil (975ml, one and two litres) and Mazola Corn Oil (one litre) have been added to the organisation’s growing list of certified kosher products.

Rabbi Hillel Royde, rabbinical co-ordinator at Manchester Beth Din, said: “We are pleased to add Crisp n’ Dry, Flora Sunflower Oil and Mazola Corn Oil to our

20th Finchley scouts make their own doughnuts During Chanukah the 20th Finchley Scout group got together on zoom and all together followed a recipe for doughnuts - there were many happy children, and lots of yummy doughnuts. It is a tradition in the group for all the children to get together on Chanukah and make their own doughnuts (usually at shul with all the parents present), however this year they decided that nothing would stop that tradition, and instead did it over zoom.

range of certified kosher products.

“It’s a feather in our cap to have these well-known brands on board. They are all widely available in supermarkets and it’s a real boost for consumers who wish to keep a kosher kitchen, as these certifications provide them with greater choice.”

Manchester Beth Din is among the leading Kashrus authorities in Europe.

Its range of certified products includes breakfast cereals, confectionery, sauces, condiments and spreads, fish, vegetarian foods and alcoholic beverages.

24 DECEMBER 2020

Jewish Care over the festive break

Jewish Care volunteer delivering meals

Whilst some of us take some time off over the coming week, Jewish Care services stay open for the whole community. Care staff across Jewish Care homes will be working to support and care for residents as they do all year round. Public transport will be closed on Christmas Day so care staff who would normally travel to work by taxi and with the help of volunteers on Christmas Day, will be driven to work safely by Jewish Care volunteers and members of staff this year instead.

Volunteers will also continue to deliver Meals on Wheels to older, vulnerable people at home in the community over the break. Since the pandemic began, Jewish Care chefs have made over 36,000 Meals on Wheels which have been delivered by volunteers with the help of the 600 new volunteers who joined the team of 3,000 volunteers.

Telephone befriender volunteers, who have made over 35,000 calls since the first lockdown, will continue talking to older people at home on the phone and virtually to help them to stay connected. Jewish Care’s Helpline, which has received over 20,000 enquiries over the last 12 months, will also stay open to give help and advice to the community who rely on the support.

JC Presents… virtual events and social groups set up to move the charity’s community services online at the start of the pandemic, will continue to provide stimulating opportunities for older people in the community to connect and socialise with one another online over the holiday season.

The Chatty Café will meet on 28 December, which can be a particularly lonely time of year for many older people in the community at home. The Knit, Stitch and Natter group, attended by older members of the community and Jewish Care volunteers, will also be meeting and chatting on Zoom, whilst they knit twiddle muffs which help to provide sensory stimulation for residents at Jewish Care homes who are living with

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advanced dementia.

Ann Crook, one member of the Knit, Stitch and Natter group, said, “I really enjoy the group, it’s great to meet new people, to learn new things and do something useful for people who might need it in the care homes.”

Another member of the group, Jeanette says, “I lost my husband three months ago.

Knitting and the group takes my mind off it and I find it very therapeutic. It helps me that I have something to look forward to.”

Jewish Care’s Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, says, “Jewish Care’s Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, says, “The work in our care homes doesn’t stop over the holiday season. It has been the most challenging year and we owe a debt of gratitude to care staff in our homes for their hard work and dedication, and for continuing to work to protect and support our residents whilst putting themselves at risk this year during the pandemic. They continue to show their selflessness, as they work over the Bank Holidays.

“We are also here for older vulnerable people at home in the community who need us every day, whether that be delivering hot Meals on Wheels or connecting through our befriending service and virtual events programme. Our Helpline and Social Work & Community Support Team are also on the phone or online, for those who need support or advice.

“I’d also like to thank the Jewish Care volunteers and members of staff who will be driving care staff to their shifts on Christmas Day and all our volunteers who make it possible for us to support the community at this challenging time of year.”

If you need advice or support call the Jewish Care Helpline on 020 8922 2222 and helpline@jcare.org and for more information about JC Presents… contact jcpresents@ jcare.org or 020 8418 8114.

We are OPEN for Take Away and Home Deliveries Glatt Kosher Chinese - 020 8203 7888

Sunday Lunch 12 - 2.30pm and Sunday - Thursday 5.00 - 10.00pm and Motsei Shabbat Our drivers wear masks and gloves and will leave the delivery outside your door. If collecting, we bring the food to your car.

Shabbos meals blast chilled for delivery every Thursday Glatt Kosher Le Mahadrin under the strict supervision of the London Beth Din and Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa

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Hot and Sour Soup Chicken and Sweetcorn Chicken and Asparagus Straw Mushroom and Bean Curd Sliced Lamb and Cucumber Spicy Fish Soup Chicken Noodle Soup Mixed Vegetable Soup Mixed Meat Soup Minced Chicken Ball Soup Chicken & Glass Noodle Soup Sweet Corn and Bean Curd Soup

Chicken

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With English Mushrooms With Straw Mushrooms With Chinese Mushrooms With Seasonal Greens With Asparagus With Lemon Smoked & Shredded With Baby Sweetcorn Sweet and Sour Kaifeng Style Sweet and Sour Hong Kong Style Special Fried With Cashew Nuts in Yellow Bean Sauce Sliced with Black Bean Sauce & Green Pepper Sliced Mango Chicken Sliced Chicken with Chinese Leaves Char Siu Chicken Pineapple Chicken Peking Style Honey Chicken Chicken & Almonds in Yellow Bean Sauce Chicken & Broccoli Kaifeng Chicken with Lemongrass Sweet Chilli Chicken Chicken with Aubergine

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With Straw Mushroom With Ginger and Spring Onion With Seasonal Vegetables With Chinese Leaves With Asparagus Braised Brisket With Cashew Nuts in Yellow Bean Sauce Sliced Mango Beef Deep Fried Shredded with Chilli Beef with Broccoli Capital Beef Ribs Slow Cooked Five Spice Ribs Sesame Saté Beef

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With Asparagus With Seasonal Greens Char Siu Lamb Sweet and Sour Quick Fried with Spring Onion Deep Fried Chops with Peppercorn Salt Sliced Lamb with Chinese Leaves Lamb & Cashew Nuts Lamb with Straw Mushrooms Lamb & Broccoli Shanghai Ribs

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Cold Appetisers

With Spring Onion With Pineapple With Bean Sprouts With Orange Roasted Braised and Sliced Duck In Black Bean Sauce Lo Hon Duck

£16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00

£15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £19.00

Sizzling

Steak in Black Pepper Sauce Steak Cantonese Style Beef in Black Bean Sauce Beef with Ginger & Spring Onions Beef Rib Cantonese Style Lamb in Black Bean Sauce Lamb with Spring Onion Chicken with Ginger & Spring Onion Chicken in Black Pepper Sauce Three Meats with Spring Onion Duck in Black Pepper Sauce Mixed Vegetables in Black Bean Sauce

£19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £18.00 £18.00 £16.50 £16.50 £19.00 £20.50 £12.00

Rice and Noodles

Special Fried Rice with Meats Chicken Fried Rice Egg Rice Duck Fried Rice Beef Fried Rice with Lettuce Boiled Rice Mushroom Fried Rice Mixed Vegetable Rice Beef Fried Noodles Noodles & Bean Sprouts Chicken Fried Noodles Singapore Rice Noodles Kaifeng Fried Noodles with Meats Mixed Vegetable Noodles (Noodles can be ordered soft, crispy or Ho Fun flat noodles)

£9.50 £9.50 £5.50 £9.50 £9.50 £5.00 £7.50 £7.50 £11.50 £7.00 £11.50 £11.50 £11.50 £8.50

£19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £22.00

Fish

Steamed Fish (Whole) Sea Bass, Sea Bream or S Sea Bass, Sea Bream or Salmon almon £26.00 Fried Fish in Rich Soya Sauce (Whole) Sea Bass, Sea Bream or Salmon £26.00 Sweet and Sour Fish Slices £25.00 Fillet of Fish with Garlic and Spring Onion £25.00 Stir Fried Fish Slices £25.00 Drunken Fish £25.00

Hot & Spicy

Singapore Chicken Extra Spicy Peking Chicken Spicy Kung Po Chicken Curried Chicken Wings Double Cooked Spicy Lamb Tibetan Lamb Extra Spicy Lamb Ma Po Spicy Lamb Bean Curd Extra Spicy Peking Beef Spicy Bean Curd Family Style

Vegetarian

£15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £16.00 £10.00

Mixed Vegetables £7.00 Mixed Vegetables in Coconut Cream £7.00 Asparagus & Straw Mushrooms £11.00 Stir Fried French Beans Peking Style £7.50 Lo Hon Vegetables £7.00 Four Braised Vegetables £7.00 Egg Plant in Garlic Sauce £8.00 Stir Fried Bean Sprouts £6.00 Braised Bean Curd £10.00 Braised Bean Curd in Black Bean Sauce £10.00 Sweet and Sour Bean Curd £10.00 Spiced Vegetables in Kaifeng’s Oriental Sauce £7.00 Sweet and Sour Mixed Vegetables £7.00 Broccoli Peking Style £8.00 Broccoli & Chinese Mushrooms £11.00 Pak Choi £10.50 Chinese Leaves with Chinese Mushrooms £10.50

Safety at Kaifeng “Their safety arrangements are best I have seen”

£15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50

Rabbi Gruber, London Beth Din.

“ Pareve or meaty, vegan or vegetarian, all Glatt Kosher le’Mehadrin and in complete safety too!” Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa

20 FEATURE

24 DECEMBER 2020

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From the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Well, glad tidings are categorically nowhere to be found. I predicted many weeks ago that we would be locked up for the ‘extra’ month and then thrown back into the cauldron of tiers, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time, with everyone having finally made catch-up plans to reunite with distant or dear family, and friends. Boris has taken a giant draconian step, due to the emergence of yet another infectious strain of coronavirus: VU12020/12/01, a new variant, which is apparently up to 70% more transmissible, and has Jacqueline Curzon been detected in several countries, PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY with the WHO having been notified.

The mutation thought to have supercharged this latest variant is called N501Y, noticed in Brazil as far back as April, is only one of 23 separate strains which was later spotted in Australia and the US. Prof Peter Horby, chairman of the Nervtag Advisory Committee commented, “when you put various mutations together, the combination can have a different NHS hospitals, with only 20% less occupaneffect.” He also added that it was ‘possible’ cy than during the height of the pandemic. the vaccine would now be less effective. On This may reflect both social distancing Friday South Africa’s health minister Zweli within the sector, and also the fact people Mkhize, suggested a new strain [501.V2] may spend longer in hospital because they appeared to have a more severe effect on are less likely to die from the virus, with imyoung people, noting that they are seeing provements in ventilation and therapeutics a larger proportion with no comorbidities like dexamethasone. presenting with critical illness. So, in the To spoil any icing lingering on the cake, light of all the above, do we really have a Britain has now been hit with a travel ban by lid on this? It looks unlikely, even with a a host of countries which will affect passenvaccine. ger flights, freight transport and potentially Government screening had already food supplies, even if European powers have confirmed over 40% of cases in the south promised that vaccines will be still allowed east were in this group, rising to 62% in through. The government this week called London. Make no mistake, this is a disaster. an emergency meeting of Cobra to discuss Sir Patrick Vallance believes it could have the situation, with 50 countries internationmutated here ‘by chance’, or possibly even ally already closing their borders to us this started here. Transmission rates across the week, something which could potentially UK are now standing at 112 per 100,000 extend further. France, our closest European in Scotland, 174 in Northern Ireland, 219 neighbour, is believed to be insisting that all in England and 571 in Wales, meaning 16 million people in England alone will now be lorry drivers waiting outside Dover take the rapid PCR test, at £150 a hit, although with affected by this radical move, a mere 3 days after Boris vowed not to snaffle our seasonal up to 48 hours turnaround time for results, it's not guaranteed that the drivers will be gathering. I’m not feeling very confident able to clear the backlog. It was unbelievthat this will be the final countdown. able to see sections of the M20 closed to No bubbles or baubles are now permitallow hauliers to use it as a giant parking ted, except for those residing in tiers 1-3. lot for nearly 2000 vehicles, whilst further Wales is allowing only one day of family discussions are in progress. With covid gathering (Dec 25), whilst Scotland will do having provided a perfect excuse for further the same, but has also cheerfully blocked anti-British sentiment, it's difficult to believe all cross-border travel completely. Many Macron {l'Œuf pourri} - is not actually in people report harrowing tales of isolation, and others mourn the fact they are prevent- total ecstasy at having the opportunity to punish our Premier for our rebellion over ined from seeing loved ones, possibly - like stituting Brexit, and haggling over fisheries, myself - for the last time. How do I know if trade, welfare and tout le reste. But of course I’ll be around this time next year… ? I have trade relations work both ways, and we will been asked in certain quarters, what right have a long memory over France's decision do I have to worry about dying? Hmmmm.

But these I suspect are largely musings from to blockade the ports. For all we know given the proximity of Kent to France - the people too young and immature to see the new variant could feasibly have originated bigger picture and intrinsic value of life. there, so Macron should grow up and stop Medics have reported that a surge of gloating. covid patients are now blocking beds in

On the topic of freight it was refreshing - if sobering - to hear that 2400 cases of Glenfiddich's best 12 year old malt, valued at £200,000, had been appropriated by thieves from an industrial estate in Carmyle, Glasgow. The empty trailer was discovered in Blantyre several days later, so someone - somewhere - is definitely enjoying a big dram next to their tinsel and cream crackers.

One thing which is absolutely critical in this seasonal chaos is that Boris Johnson needs to have some kind of exit strategy, because people are not going to stay willingly locked up for the rest of their lives, even if in my book this coronavirus could be with us forever. Or at the very least, throughout 2021. Rumours that lockdown restrictions could potentially drag on until April could make it a full calendar year of disruption, chaos and misery.

As far as education goes, cases in secondary schools have spiralled out of control. Matt Hancock has so far refused to rule out closing schools again if cases rise further, with Gavin Williamson the Education Secretary saying only there are ‘no plans’ for [school] closure.

This is unsettling, especially as conflicting updates hint that teaching unions are pressing for a delay until February. We know children and young people are spreading the virus, but at what price do we throw the education of the next generation onto the back burner?

And then one must ask, how long can the economy be artificially propped up, whilst unemployment and redundancies are rising faster than emerging covid mutations? This is clearly not how Boris foresaw his critical first year in office, in fact I doubt no other Prime Minister will have suffered so badly, other than during wartime. It would be manifestly unfair for the new boy on the block [Sunak] to be considered as a possible rival for PM office, especially when he has had the pleasure of playing ‘banker’ to the millions struggling to survive. His decisions - and even the perceived largesse and benevolence of the Scottish powers in Holyrood - have of course been overseen by the man at the top. The fact Johnson has had a year of enduring the Brexit crisis, independence challenges, endless rounds of Covid, all compounded by Dickensian misery, is actually not his fault and none should slap him on the wrist for that. For Starmer - the new boy on the Labour wards - to slam his counterpart and accuse him of being ‘scared to make decisions,’ is totally below the belt.

A few musical notes to conclude this week. Firstly my girls asked me recently where my school report cards were. I told them ‘in the leather case with all my music certificates.’ Yup, I still have them, including my first certificate for playing accordion, and I really do hope my children hang on to them, because - like all you out there with skills and qualifications - we worked jolly hard for these accolades, even though

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essentially they’re just pretty bits of paper.

Mavis Wallis (86) who took a piano exam back in 1943, was due to be given a medal for her score of 99%, which was apparently the highest mark in the country, but because of wartime shortages she never received her medal from Guildhall School of Music [now part of Trinity College]. Imagine her surprise when she requested it one more time, only for the medal to then turn up in the post.

These days no-one gets a medal, unless you’re a Boy Scout or an Olympian athlete (or Lewis Hamilton!) but I guess back in the 1940s there were more methods of reward than exist today. If you have a skill, stick with it, and one day your children will appreciate you.

Recent research from Cambridge Assessment indicates that boys with good music grades 'do better in other subjects' especially if it's theory exams. Evidently boys passing even grade 1 theory can achieve half a grade better in other qualifications, particularly maths, while for girls the grade rise was only 30% of a grade. The basis of the study was DfE data relating to more than 475,000 students in England. Tim Gill, the reports author, said 'there is an association between taking a GCSE in music or music qualification and doing slightly better overall.'

This leads neatly to a name all pianists will know; that of Dame Fanny Waterman, intrepid founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition. She brought to our concert platforms the famous names of Murray Perahia, Michael Roll, Mitsuko Uchida, John Lill and many others, and through this raised the musical profile of the city of Leeds. She was a musical tour de force, an inspirational teacher who continued right up until her 80s, actively teaching, examining and adjudicating in the piano world.

Indeed she remarked to the BBC just this year that she had been forced out of her role as chairman of LIPC at the age of 95, countering that she 'wanted to be there forever.'

Having now died at age 100, I think it's fair to say wherever the harp, keys and strings are now playing, she is undoubtedly overseeing the band.

Finally, I’m sure Bill Bailey (55) the well deserved winner of Strictly Come Dancing would be the first to agree that a background of music makes for a well rounded individual. As one of the voting 13 million in the UK, we were right behind the outlier in this year‘s sparkling final where Bill showed not just his indomitable spirit, ebullient personality and unflappability. It must’ve been quite a tall order for a dancing novice to beat several very young finalists whose acting careers have without doubt been founded attending stage, drama and dancing school. For the oldest winner ever, we lift our glasses and extend massive cheers to our SCD champion.

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

24 DECEMBER 2020

21

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24 DECEMBER 2020

Love Teach Play

BY MICAELA BLITZ Teachers Lindsey Eivan and Chloe Alexander are keeping their business very much in the family. The sisters, who are both Primary School teachers from Essex, are using their teaching knowledge to create products to help children develop their reading and writing skills.

The business, Love Teach Play, was launched around a year ago when older sister, Lindsey began teaching part-time to allow her to look after her two young daughters. During this time, she started an Instagram page, @love_teach_play to share ideas with other parents and create a supportive community. Using her teaching experience,

Chloe Alexander and Lindsey Eivan

“We chat to customers about their children and what they are interested in, so that we can personalise them as much as possible.

Lindsey offered some creative ways to enhance children’s learning to develop key skills through different play-based activities. It was whilst she was researching and gathering ideas that she came across resin resources and thought that they were a great way to support learning. As she explains: “I felt so inspired and began to research tutorials on YouTube to create some for my own children”.

Lindsey then bought some moulds and resin and created her own alphabet set.

When she posted her children’s alphabet on Instagram, she received a lot of positive responses and many started asking her to

produce similar sets for their children. Realising that this could be a potential business idea, she enlisted the help of her sister, Chloe and between them they started coming up with various ideas and designs, all of which they posted on Instagram.

The business is run mainly via Instagram and @love_teach_play now has around 40,000 followers. People are able to contact them via private message to find out more about the products and discuss their specific needs. The sisters pride themselves on offering excellent customer service and discuss in detail with each client what they would like for their design to enable them to

create something unique. As Chloe explains: “We chat to customers about their children and what they are interested in, so that we can personalise them as much as possible.

We are able to add various fillings including coloured glitter, shimmer powder, flowers, beads, loose parts, whatever they want really!” Each unique set is packaged in a pretty organza bag and can also be personalised with a hand-written note if they are to be given as gifts.

All of the resin products that they offer are non-toxic and fume-free and are extremely hard wearing. Lindsey and Chloe make all of the products in-house themselves first by melting the resin, and then pouring into the moulds, left to set for 48 hrs and then are sanded and polished to avoid sharp edges for safety. Each set can be produced and sent out within 2-3 weeks. Their range consists of numbers (0 – 10) and alphabet letters (A-Z) which can help with numeracy and literacy as well as star, heart and circle counters which aid mathematical skills.

The sets are suitable for children from 3 years old and can be used in a variety of ways depending on the age of the child. As Chloe

explains: “Whilst older children can use them to develop their reading and writing skills, younger children can be exposed to the shapes of letters and numbers through play. They can be used in play dough, in paint for printing, as part of sensory play and water play, and because they are made from non-toxic resin they are easy to clean off and re-use”.

Both Lindsey and Chloe have been pleasantly surprised by the response they have received and the number of orders. During lockdown Chloe even moved in with her sister and her family partly so that they could work on their business and fulfil their orders. To date they have sold over 1000 sets and are working on new ideas which they will be launching in the new year including a range of cursive and pre-cursive handwriting fonts which are perfect for children learning to write. They also have a set of basic 2D shape including circles, triangles and squares.

To find out more, check out Lindsey’s Instagram account @love_teach_play or email on loveteachplay123@gmail.com

If you are a businesswoman and would like to tell us more about your business, please contact Micaela - micaela@thejewishweekly.com THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

24 DECEMBER 2020

HEALTH AND WELLBEING 23

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Epilepsy

Sharon Ross is a writer for Business Travel News (www.btnews.co.uk) the journal of Malcolm Ginsberg our travel expert. The Borehamwood mother of three suffers from epilepsy. Here are her thoughts and experience of this debilitating condition.

BY ARYEH SAMPSON I am always heartened when I look through the posts and comments on the various epilepsy Facebook groups. There are, without exception, always signs of courage and hope. There are, of course, people who are depressed, angry and frustrated – it is quite easy to feel that way if you have epilepsy, or indeed any chronic condition, but hope, strength and often, faith, always shines through.

Let’s make no bones about it – epilepsy is an awful condition to live with: it has a history of thousands of years and still not enough is known about it; it’s unpredictable – seizures can take place at any time day or night and leave you with scars for life as well as anxiety that can cripple. In my case, it leaves me with a cognitive function that is so impaired that mostly I feel detached

from the world – unable to process the events that are happening around me. On a visit to a specialist, I often feel like an experiment – ‘Try this medication, it might help,’ the neurologist says (but I know that it might not). The doctors don’t offer me the Hope that I crave. So why, I think, does a Facebook group full of people (and their carers) with epilepsy show signs of positivity and resilience? Why is there the will to fight on when many of these people have been given such a difficult hand. It puzzled me but I think I have found the answer.

Recently, the Jewish people lost one of its greatest leaders of our generation - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. He died of cancer at the age of 72. As an observant Jew, I like hundreds of thousands of people around the world, felt a profound sense of loss at his passing. Here was a man who had made the truths of Judaism not only relevant to

Sharon Ross

today’s modern Jews but to non-Jews as well. Here was a man who not only wrote about these truths, but lived them with humility, integrity and honesty. ‘Now that he has gone’, I thought, ‘how am I to understand how his teachings are relevant to me?’.

But the fact was, that even though I have read some of his works and even though I had actually been to hear him talk, I didn’t know. I knew he was great but I didn’t know why. Because that’s what epilepsy does to me. It’s screwed up my frontal lobe – the circuits inside it constantly misfire and however much I want it to, the stuff that I read or hear, doesn’t always go in.

But then I came across one short idea of his that really resonated with me and helps me understand how I live with my epilepsy.

In an interview on Youtube Rabbi Sacks was asked that timeless question which never seems to have a sensible response,

‘Why do bad things happen to good people?’ and he gave a very sound answer: ‘G-d does not want us to understand why bad things happen to good people because if we ever understood we would be forced to accept that bad things happen to good people and G-d does not want us to accept those bad things. He wants us not to understand so that we will fight against the bad and the injustices of this world and that is why there is no answer to that question because G-d has arranged that we shall never have an answer’.

Thus, Rabbi Sacks was able to articulate something that I strongly feel, and maybe other people with epilepsy feel it too – that although this bad thing has happened to me, it doesn’t mean that I should sit back and accept it. The world, indeed G-d, is ultimately good, and I have to find the courage and strength to seek the justice that I desire. If one doctor doesn’t know the answer, maybe another one will. If one treatment doesn’t help – maybe there’s another one. If one way of thinking about my illness isn’t helping, maybe there is another way that could help. But there is another way. Doctors don’t tell you that. They don’t encourage you to fight. It’s difficult for them to give you a sense of Hope when they don’t have all the answers. So, you have to find that sense of Hope yourself. And that is ultimately why I think that people with epilepsy have so much courage (notwithstanding histories of depression and distress) – it is because we cannot sit back and accept our situation – we have to fight on and battling in that way makes us strong. sharonrossblog.com

ourfreedomistheirlegacy MakeSupportingthemYours Every year, without fanfare, AJEX JMA helps veterans whose service and sacrifice represents the very best of the Jewish community. As winter draws on, the cost of food, heating and warm clothing is a worrying burden for them and their families. It is our duty and privilege to support them.

Please join us in this vital work. Call 020 8202 2323 to discuss leaving a legacy to AJEX JMA. If you’d like to donate now, or find out more ways you can support our Education and Remembrance work, email headoffice@ajex.org.uk or visit www.ajex.org.uk

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Nutty Red Cabbage Steaks Jewish people love red cabbage, and this is a trendy different way to cook it which is suitable for vegans. Serve as a side dish, with salad or include in the lunch box. Delicious hot, cold or warm.

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

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time 1 hour Serves: 4 Ingredients 1 large red cabbage 2 tablespoons Olive oil ~ 100g flaked almonds 150g skin on almonds 150g walnuts ~ 75g cherry tomatoes – roughly chopped Small bunch of fresh mint – finely chopped ½ lemon – zest and juice 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4) R oast for 30-40 minutes or until golden and a knife pierces the stalk easily. Turn the steaks over halfway through cooking and cover with foil if Method they start to brown too much before they are tender.

1) P reheat the oven to 180C Fan/ 200 C/ Gas mark 6.

5) P lace the nuts on a separate oven tray and bake for about 10 minutes or 2) Remove any damaged leaves and cut the red cabbage into 4 x 2 cm thick until golden. Remove and set aside, then roughly chop. steaks, leaving the stalk on so they stay intact.

6) T ip into a bowl with the cherry tomatoes, mint, lemon zest and juice, 3) Brush both sides with olive oil, season well and transfer to a tray lined maple syrup and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. with baking parchment paper.

7) S eason and drizzle over the steaks.

Caramelised Walnut, Crispy Sprout Salad with Tahini Dressing This is an interesting seasonal salad with delicious crunchy elements; walnuts and fresh pears topped with a lemon tahini dressing. I have used ‘date honey’ so it can be vegan, but regular honey works equally well.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time Approx. 40 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients 800g brussels sprouts ( about 40), trimmed and halved 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ~ 100g kale – stalks removed and roughly chopped 2 courgettes, ends removed and cut at an angle into slices 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 firm pears, skin on, cored and thinly sliced For the Caramelised Walnuts 100g walnuts plus 20g for garnish 1 tablespoon ‘date honey’ or regular honey For the Tahini Dressing 50ml lemon juice ( juice from about 4 lemons) 90g tahini 2 tablespoons ‘date honey’ or regular honey Garnish: Pomegranate Seeds and walnuts Method 1) Preheat the oven to 180C and line three trays with baking parchment paper.

2) Put the brussels sprouts in a large bowl and toss with the extra virgin olive oil. Season well and spread onto one of the trays in a single layer.

3) Roast for 25-30 minutes.

4) Blanch the kale in boiling water, drain and set aside.

5) Put the courgettes in a bowl and toss with extra virgin olive oil and season. Transfer to the other lined baking tray. Add the kale and roast for 10 minutes.

6) For the caramelised walnuts, mix all the nuts with the honey. Spread on to a lined baking tray in a single layer. Roast for 10 minutes or until caramelised. ( Keep back 20g for garnish).

7) For the dressing, put the lemon juice, tahini, honey and seasoning in a bowl. Whisk together with 2-3 tablespoons water.

8) To serve, combine the sprouts, kale, courgettes, pear slices in a bowl. Add the nuts and drizzle with the tahini dressing.

Garnish with reserved walnuts and pomegranates

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Seasonal Sides

BY DENISE PHILLIPS With so much more time spent at home, mealtimes are becoming a special event in the day, especially dinner. The main course is often easy to decide but what do you serve with it? Obviously, certain main course dishes have a traditional accompaniment like a roast dinner is classically eaten with roast potatoes. Side dishes complete main courses and vice versa.

And sometimes the side dish feels like the main event!

I would like to focus on Brussel sprouts and red cabbage – both from the cabbage family.

Brussel sprouts are one of those vegetables that you either love or hate. They are high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Personally, I feel they have had a positive revival with many new creative ways of cooking them. Steam, roast, stir fry, deep fry and transform these tasty, cooked Brussel sprouts into savoury potato cakes, add to cooked rice, cous cous, bulghur wheat or quinoa. Add to soups, stews, grate on top of pasta or pizza. Add to a creamy risotto with other green leafy vegetables. Make into salads adding pecans, cranberries, and fresh herbs. Shave raw sprouts and

enjoy with caramelized onions, toasted almonds and grated cheese, Brussel sprout Waldorf salad, Brussel sprouts Caesar salad, shredded Brussel sprouts with wilted kale, peas, roasted chestnuts and a lemon dressing and my recipe below.

Store Brussel sprouts, unwashed and untrimmed in a plastic bag for up to a week, however the longer you keep them their taste gets stronger and less sweet! The Brussel sprouts on a stalk will be fresher, more flavoursome and will stay fresher longer.

Red cabbage, characterized by its beautiful purple colour is a great Ashkenazi Jewish favourite traditionally gently simmered into a sweet and sour side dish with raisins. It is healthy, thrifty and robust; all the components of an extremely versatile ‘must use’ vegetable. A head of cabbage goes a long way, typically costing about 85p for about a kg and will last in your fridge if wrapped well for at least 3 weeks to up to 2 months!

To prepare strip off the outer layers,

COOKERY 25

wash and then slice into quarters, remove the hard central core on each and slice, chop or shred. Lock in the colour by adding a touch of vinegar when cooking red cabbage in water. This stops the lovely red purple hue from dulling.

Enjoy pickled with mustard seeds, bay leaves, red wine, onions, and garlic. Cook for 20 minutes and simmer with Chinese spices – soy sauce, spring onions, sugar and chilli and eat with cold meat/ fish or vegetarian quiches.

Slow cook with stews, hot pots and one pot meals. Flavour with apples, star anise, cinnamon and bay leaves.

Cut into steaks for a vegan/ vegetarian main course topped with a selection of caramelized nuts, goats or halloumi cheese or a pesto or tapenade topping.

Use as part of a coleslaw salad with walnuts, apples and sultanas or add to a roasted vegetable.

Red cabbage has a great affinity with beetroot. Mix together for salads, braised or even combine to make soup.

I sincerely hope you have now been inspired to add these two vegetables to your shopping list.

On the left are Brussel sprout and red cabbage recipes.

Sun 3 Jan : Age 50-60 Sun 17 Jan Age: 40-50 Sun10 Jan: Age: 25-35 Sun 24 Jan Age: 35-45

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Motoring: A car to put the woes of 2020 behind you Malcolm Ginsberg, our travel expert, continues with his series of road tests. The one time Lotus Public Relations Manager has been a trying a sports car to put the woes of 2020 behind him.

It was the British that invented the idea of a cheap, open two-seat sports car after WWII with the MG TF series and later Triumph Spitfire, Austin Healy Sprite and Lotus 7 (still around as a Caterham with much the same looks – but no longer cheap), and later the MGB, Triumph TR series and what was sensational at the time, the Lotus Elan several of which were purchased by Mazda during its secret MX-5 development stage.

Honda, best known at the time for motor cycles, had a clear vision of what the sportier motorist wanted, but with four wheels.

The little convertible emerged in 1989 just at the point of time the competition had more or less disappeared thinking the market had gone. How wrong they were, with now well over one million MX-5 built, it is by far and away the best-selling twoseat sports car in history. It still meets the original concept, just two seats, front wheel drive, good handling and smart looking. No other drophead can compete with the price either, starting out from £23k.

Now in series 4 form it has evolved as a very pretty curvaceous car, easy to get in and out of, with a simple one-handed manual roof. It is quite practical as a day-to-day transport and grown up in terms of sophistication with a proper centrally located navigation and multi-media communication system, remote door look, plus a light in a boot made for soft bag storage. You get Cruise Control with adjustable speed limiter and a fine Bose sound system that works well even with the roof down.

What it does not have is electric folding exterior mirrors, essential in this day and age. Rear safety bleepers are fitted, something the original designers would never have dreamt of. And a reversing camera on top models.

My other small gripe is the windows.

They go down when you unlock the roof but not when you raise it. If you have already got out make sure the ignition is on. Otherwise you will have to bend down to switch on to deal with the windows. Not that easy.

The seat can’t be raised and so your rather short scribe had to use a cushion. No doubt if I were the real owner I would organise a proper remedy.

The Mazda MX-5’s tapered headlights come with LEDs all-around. The front end really does look smart and is a huge improvement on earlier models. Aesthetically the car is equal if not better in looks than

The Mazda MX-5 2.0 184ps Sport Tech

any other sports car, most at a much higher price.

The ride is smooth and forgiving and makes one forget that you are sitting much closer to the road than with a normal salon.

It is nicely balanced, not quite an Elan as I recall, but nimble and neat, as a sports car should be.

The MX-5 has never been about 0-62mph times, majoring instead on a pure, lightweight driving experience made up of incredible handling and a short, snappy gear change with a lovely six-speed gearbox. For 2021 you have a choice of 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines. The 2.0-litre now has 184PS and was the one for the road test. As a result of a recent power boost, it will now hit 62mph in 6.5sec – 0.8sec quicker than before. But it feels faster than that although saloons costing at twice the amount can easily outperform from the traffic lights.

There is a hard top version available called the RF but it is not a proper convertible with a fixed rear canopy causing buffeting with the roof open in a high-speed

STAR RATINGS

(out of 10) Performance..........................8 Handling.................................8 Transmission.........................8 Noise......................................6 Economy................................7 Ride and Comfort..................7 Accommodation.....................6 Styling.....................................8 Brakes....................................7 Finish......................................8 TOTAL............................... 72%

The Mazda MX-5 interior

cruise. I would recommend the soft top, one of the best ever designed.

For the first time, start-stop technology has been fitted to the MX-5 to help it pass new WLTP fuel economy tests giving a figure of around 40mpg although robust driving might reduce it to 35mpg, still pretty impressive.

Practicality has always been the MX-5’s biggest downfall. It’s not that the boot’s small – it can fit a couple of overnight bags, which is fine most of the time – it’s the lack of storage space inside the cabin that’s more of an issue. There are two cup holders but no glove box or door bins. There is some useful storage behind the seats. The latest version does have somewhere to place a mobile phone and very comfortable heated leather seats.

Let’s face it a two-seater convertible is not for everyone, but it need not be a second car. This latest version is very practical. The original car was very good all those years

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Malcolm on the road

ago. It has evolved into something special. But if you are a sports car person, or wanting a reminder of what life was about in your youth this latest model is just that bit more perfect. There is nothing else that competes for the money.

Price on the road for the MX-5 2.0 184ps Sport Tech £29,185 including the lovely Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint scheme at £790.

24 DECEMBER 2020

27

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com BATHING IN WINE FOR GOOD LUCK

Dear Rabbi I attended a full on Sephardic Shabbat recently and observed several strange customs beyond just normal ritual. At the end of the Shabbat when reciting the special prayer over wine (Havdalah) I noted how they took the wine afterwards, and put it on their eyes, in their pockets, on the back of their necks, all for good luck. I’ve seen this nonsense elsewhere. It makes me wonder, if I bathe in a tub full of Kedem wine will I have super luck?

Alex Dear Alex It’s easy to mock and often funny how the ones with the most to say often know the least. But often people have a basis for their custom – and sometimes that basis is a lot closer to home than you think. The custom to dip one’s fingers in the Havdalah wine and to then place the drops upon one’s eyes is actually cited in Code of Jewish Law. The custom is brought in the name of Rav Amram Gaon (9th century) and also traces its roots to Pirke D’Rebi Elezer (approx. 100 C.E.). The basis for the custom is because the wine was used for a mitzvah, and in addition, is used to extinguish the candle which was also used for a mitzvah. We thus demonstrate how mitzvot are so precious to us in keeping with the verse in Psalms (19:9): “The command of the Lord is clear enlightening the eyes.”

I believe it is a particularly Sephardic custom to place the wine on the back of the neck.

This is brought in later sources and is based on the tradition that

there is a special bone called the luz and it is from this that the body will be reconstructed at the resurrection of the dead (see Bereishis Rabbah 28:3). The suggestion is that this bone is located at the back of the neck (specifically, at the top of the spinal column - the seventh cervical vertebra – or the protrusion where the knot of the head tefillin goes) and at least one source (Maavor Yabok, Rabbi Aaron Berechiah, d. 1630) suggests that this luz is nourished from the Havdalah wine. Other opinions (Rashi etc.) maintain this luz is the vertebra at the base of the spine (the coccyx) hence in accordance with that view one would not put wine at the back of the neck.

What should be appreciated is that whereas Jewish law is derived from the Talmud and is binding upon all Jews, there have always been local customs that emerged over time as well. Some of these customs were eventually adopted universally (e.g. wearing a yarmulke) or almost universally (e.g. monogamy). Others are observed by some major segments of Jewry but not by others (e.g., not eating rice on Pesach).

Within this, there are ancient customs which date back to the time of the Talmud and earlier.

Such ancient customs that are deeply rooted, even if not adopted by all, shouldn’t be mocked. If you have a problem with it, take it up with the ancient Rabbis. But be careful, because those same Rabbis are often responsible for a lot of the things that you might do. For example, the same Sage to whom the eye/wine custom is attributed to is also the one who was the first to arrange a

Pirkei Avot Beware of those in [positions of political] power, for they only bring a person close to them for their own needs.

They appear as friends when it benefits them, but they aren’t there for the person when he is in trouble.

Perhaps more than ever before, living in today’s times we can see the value of this Mishnah. Politics dominates front pages around the world on a daily basis, and it is clear to see how words from politicians are often valueless. We were told last week it would be inhumane to lock people down again and

complete liturgy which forms the foundation of liturgies used in Synagogues today. Besides, there are other things you might do that are essentially only customs as well – such as the oldest recorded custom which is the ‘beating of the willow branches’ on Hoshanah Rabbah, dating back to the era of the Prophets!

And yes there is disparity in custom also based on origin.

Jews of Middle-Eastern and African descent tend to follow a variety of customs that can differ from Jews whose ancestors lived in Central Europe in the Middle Ages. Within these broad categories there are also subgroups (e.g. Lithuanian, Polish, German and indeed Anglo-Jewish customs), and there are sect customs, (e.g. Hungarian based Chasidim will follow different customs than Chabad Chasidim). Families and even individuals might keep to specific customs not followed by others.

Beyond custom there is also something called segulah – or a spiritually propitious act. These are already more specific and personal, as well as less binding than a custom. One such segulah is placing one’s wine-dipped fingers into their pockets, as a good omen for financial security. My father once jokingly observed to someone: “Then you shouldn’t be doing it into your Shabbat trouser pockets, rather the ones you’d be wearing during your working week.”

Of course it is not the droplets of wine going into your pockets that is going to make you wealthy. But if the correlation between the mitzvah of Havdalah - which marks the onset of your working week, and your

livelihood, focuses your mind on the reality that you are ultimately dependent on a Higher Order for whatever blessings you will receive in the coming week, then that can only be a good thing – and indeed a good omen.

So live and let live and learn before you mock.

HOW CAN I COPE?

Dear Rabbi I’ve heard it said, “G-d will only give you what you can handle.”

Judging how my life is going at the moment I think He’s made me an exception to that rule.

Claudine Dear Claudine Or, you just haven’t dug deep

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

For a refuah Shalema for Yitzchak Refoel Chaim ben Rifka a few days later its done. They cannot be trusted to be your friend in a time of need as people in power care solely for themselves. Look how they treat their own friends, sacking them at will when it suits them.

There is a story told in the Weiss edition of Pirkei Avot of the Malbim, who needed to speak to some important government officials regarding a communal matter. Before he left for Paris, he asked his local mayor to write him a letter of recommendation to help him with the officials.

On the trip he suddenly thought to himself that he need not rely on human beings, Hashem runs the world of course! He took out the letter and tore it to pieces.

His accompanying students were eager to see what the mayor had written, so they took the pieces and put them back together. To their surprise they saw that the mayor had spoken of the Malbim in very disparaging terms, even advising the officials to throw the Malbim out! The words of our sages are truly timeless!

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enough to determine how to handle it. I’m not saying that life cannot be testing and I am sorry for whatever it is you may be going through at the moment.

But know this: Every challenge that comes your way is another opportunity to discover a newer, deeper you. There is something you can do that no one else can do. There is someone you can become, that no one else can become. Here’s the bottom line: What you can become, that is preordained from above; whether you become it that is down to your free choice, to how you maximise your potential, to the extent that you grab life with both hands and run with it. So keep calm and move on!

Perek 2: Mishna 3

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Torah from Israel

JUDAISM 29

Did the Avot Study Torah?

Why Does it Matter?

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The situation has become dire. An elderly One of the distinctive aspects of Judaism is its emphasis upon Torah study. Unlike other religions in which study is generally relegated for “men of the cloth”, in Judaism the study of the word and will of G-d – as distilled in His Torah, is incumbent upon everyman. It is the tri-part balance between belief, study and commandments which lends Judaism its durability. Yet, hundreds of years before G-d conveyed His word to man our Avot, the founders of our people, discovered G-d’s presence. In a confusing pagan world of immorality and violence, they discerned the presence of a One Creator and carved out lifestyles based on the Divine will. How did these great men and women uncover the presence of G-d in this confusing world?

Firstly, they were able to perceive a Divine artist of the grand masterpiece called the universe. The midrash describes Avraham as observing our world as a sprawling “city” noticing its order, proportion and symmetry. Convinced that there must be an architect for this city he searched for G-d’s presence. The world we inhabit bears the imprint of G-d’s intelligent design: some people are able to sense Him in the science of our universe, while others are more awakened to the Divine presence by the beauty of creation. Either way, our Avot peered at their world and traced it back to G-d.

However, they didn’t just sense G-d in “cold science” or even in the radiant beauty of our universe. Additionally, they identified a moral energy to our world. Rational science is emotionless and “morally blank” but our world bristles with moral spirit. Our universe is built upon science and math in a manner which supports life and human welfare; our world is a delicately balanced system which enables human existence.

Without this balance the world would be inhabitable, even though it would still exhibit scientific order. There is moral spirit which created a world of life and welfare.

Moreover, these great founders of our nation didn’t just detect moral spirit to this world- they fashioned their lives and their societies in the image of this moral Creator.

They introduced bold new ideas into the human experience: justice, ethics and respect for the human condition. Our Avot noticed the moral underpinnings of G-d’s world and re-landscaped the human realm based on the Divine image peering at them.

Finally, our Avot detected G-d through history. They appreciated that that human experience isn’t static but that history

is, instead, directly impacted by human behavior. History is adversely affected by human malfunction and misconduct just as it is redeemed by human virtue and moral heroism. History has a beginning and a definite endpoint- the perfection of Man in a kingdom of G-d. At the center of this historical struggle between good and evil are the Jewish people- tasked with redeeming humanity and teaching G-d to Man. This mission would be fiercely and violently opposed by enemies of G-d, but G-d would always protect his people and assure their survival. Sensing this historical journey, the Avot were able to detect the Divine author of history.

However, despite their remarkable ability to detect G-d in Nature and History our Avot also studied Torah. The midrash stresses that all Avot studied Torah, but the more famous images portray Ya’akov’s Torah study. Initially, Ya’akov is presented as a “tent–dweller” and the midrash identifies these tents as study halls of Torah.

Subsequently, the midrash reports that Ya’akov studied Torah for fourteen years in a yeshiva, prior to journeying to join Lavan and his family. Finally, in parshat Vayigash, the midrash describes Yehuda’s advance mission prior to the family’s descent: to assemble a yeshiva in Goshen to assure serious Torah study in Egypt. These are the more well-known sources; beyond these portraits of Ya’akov’s Torah study, the midrash also describes Avraham and Yitzchak as students of Torah.

These midrashim about the Torah study of our Avot raise very interesting questions.

Firstly, what exactly were the Avot studying, if the text of Torah as we know it had yet to be delivered? It is difficult to determine precisely what form of Torah text predated the actual delivery of Torah at Sinai. As Torah is the will of G-d, it obviously predates human history and Torah certainly existed prior to its delivery at Sinai. Additionally, there are many different “ways” to read the Torah, beyond the actual form which was delivered to us. Torah letters and words can be recombined in countless permutations, yielding numerous additional layers of meaning. Having received our version of the Torah at Sinai, we must read “our version”, but it is altogether possible that our Avot had access to different versions unbeknown to us.

In addition to studying the sections of Torah which had been delivered to them, our Avot intuited the Divine logic of Torah even without an explicit or precise text. The midrash describes Avraham’s “kidneys” as pulsing with Torah knowledge; Avraham lived in such harmony with G-d that his

The Avot viewed themselves as builders- they were laying a spiritual foundation for humanity. very being sensed and lived Torah and its logic. Even without organized texts of G-d’s word, our Avot were able to “feel” the will of G-d and implement that will in their actions and lifestyles.

Why does all this matter? Why is it significant that our Avot studied Torah before it was delivered to us at Sinai? Why is this a recurring theme in the midrash?

Firstly, their Torah study was their gateway to the Divine presence in Nature and Science. As Torah contains an “approximation of G-d” and His will it is a portal to understanding the entire universe, all of which is the handiwork of G-d. Ideally, and by definition, all science and all wisdom can be accessed through the study of Torah. As science is G-d’s system and Torah G-d’s will, Torah is, by definition, a blueprint for all science and all creation.

Sadly, most mortals cannot ever hope to understand Torah well enough and deep enough to access science, math or music solely through this blueprint; those who seek to study other elements of G-d’s world must study it frontally. However, hypothetically all reality can be accessed through Torah. If the Avot discerned G-d in their universe, they were aided by Torah and the revealed will it contains. Deciphering G-d through Nature alone without the “codes” which Torah provides would be imperfect and deficient.

Secondly, by studying Torah, we create a greater Divine presence in our world.

The more that human beings understand

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Torah the closer humanity is to Him. The more we study the more we know of Him; both rationally and supernaturally the presence of G-d is augmented the more that His creatures understand Him. The Avot viewed themselves as builders- they were laying a spiritual foundation for humanity; they imagined a world of G-d’s presence and laid a platform for this reality.

It is inconceivable that they structured this platform without interacting at some levelcognitively or intuitively- with G-d’s Torah.

Finally, the Torah study of the Avot was crucial in introducing a vital aspect of Judaism- observance of commandments.

Again, it is unclear what form and what level of mitzvah observance our Avot adhered to; however, it is abundantly clear that their lives were, at the very least, synced to the general halachik system. Perhaps they adhered to the entire system, but, minimally, their lives were harmonized with halachik fundamentals gleaned from Torah study.

Judaism is predicated upon a belief system, but also upon the concept of subservience to Divine commandments. Without a life of submission to commandments the religious platform our Avot were constructing would have been inadequate.

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

30 JUDAISM

Vayigash RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE ARE THE JEWS?

The story of Joseph and his brothers becomes especially dramatic when Joseph reveals his identity and promises to introduce his brothers to Pharaoh.

There are however 11 brothers. Why does he only present five of them to the king?

The Midrash says he did this deliberately, choosing only those brothers who were shepherds. He wanted the king to get the impression that the family were hard-working agriculturalists, not soldiers who might have plans to overthrow the regime.

There is something symbolic of Jewish history in this episode.

What sort of people are the Jews?

Peace-loving, dedicated to the constructive use of time and talents.

Unfortunately it also became necessary for Jews to be warriors, to defend themselves and fight for G-d (though there is no truth in the antisemitic canard that Jews want to conquer the world).

Fighting is not a Jewish ideal – it is an interim ethic which will become less necessary as time goes on, until the world reaches the messianic age which the prophets describe so eloquently.

LEARNING FROM JOSEPH

Commenting on Psalm 80:2, the Yalkut

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What it states is that Joseph stored corn in the period of plenty so that there would be food when the famine came, and in the same way the Almighty stores up the record of our good deeds so that blessings will abound in the future world when the Mashi’ach comes.

We wonder how anyone can suggest that G-d doesn’t have His own ideas – isn’t it impertinent to say that He needs to learn from human beings?

The Yalkut Shimoni has no intention to say literally that G-d needs a human example to follow. It is an effective piece of ethical homiletics. Its aim is to teach that human beings need to plan for the future, which is a G-dly virtue which HaShem endorses as wise and essential.

PLEASE, MY LORD

Several times the brothers address Joseph as Adoni, “My lord” – like the English “Milord”.

Of course the English translations of “HaShem” address the Almighty as “The Lord”, though the term really means Merciful One, He who exercises middat harachamim, the attribute of Mercy.

But there is a problem in Tehillim. Psalm 110:1 says, “The Lord said to my lord”. Christian interpreters think the second mention of lord refers to Jesus. Radak (R. David Kimchi), denies that this is possible or valid.

Apart from rejecting Christian theology, Radak points out that since Christianity ascribes divinity to Jesus, the Christian view of the verse implies that G-d speaks to Himself,

24 DECEMBER 2020

or at least one part of Him speaks to another.

The most that Radak will say is that the second lord in the verse is David the psalmist.

THREE TYPES OF BREAD

There is a verse in this week’s portion which reminds me of a caterer’s menu.

Such menus often say, “Three types of fish”, “Three types of meat”, “Three types of cake”. What the sidra says seems to be “Three types of bread”.

The context is the famine which sent Jacob’s children to Egypt in search of food.

After a whole series of dramatic events, they discover that the Minister of Food is their own long-lost brother Joseph.

What Joseph now does is to send them home to their (and his) father Jacob bearing bar, lechem umazon; one translation renders the words “corn, bread and victual” (Gen. 46:23), but the three words are almost synonyms, and it would be possible to translate them as “Three types of bread”.

The first of the three Hebrew words is the only one, however, which definitely means grain. In the Bible, lechem sometimes means meat.

Ibn Ezra defines mazon as “beans, peas, lentils, millet, spelt, figs, raisins and dates”.

He does not agree that lechem in this context means meat, possibly because meat can go bad on a long journey. But on the other hand bread can also go mouldy.

In some ways meat is an easy food to preserve, and it is likely that the ancient Egyptians knew how to use salt as a preservative.

Writing about the problem of the three

types of bread, the late Rabbi Louis Rabinowitz suggests (but doubts) that Ibn Ezra might have been a vegetarian who did not like the idea of people eating meat.

He adds that if the Torah had wanted to talk of meat it would have done so explicitly, since the Joseph story unambiguously says that Joseph commanded his servants, “Kill the beasts and prepare the meat” (Gen. 43:16).

The truth might well be that Joseph wanted Jacob to have ample supplies of bread and the ingredients for bread-making.

There is a well-known idea that bread is the staff of life, and in Jewish tradition it is not a full meal without bread..

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

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat The Chovat Halevavot now proceeds to list the five benefits - spiritual and material - of one who has Bitachon. In the previous segment we explained the attitude to money of one who trusts G-d. This itself has its benefits, whether one is tested with wealth or poverty.

The first of this list is “Menuchat haNefesh” - peace of mind. One who trusts in G-d doesn’t constantly worry, nor do they obsess about what they lack in this world. They live in tranquility, as we recite multiple times per day, “Baruch Hagever Asher Yivtach B’Hashem”.

The second is: they don’t feel a need to travel far to obtain their livelihood. Travel has always contained an element of danger, not only from the actual journey but also due to what foreign countries “offer” its guests in term of illnesses and viruses (as we unfortunately all now know too well).

Chovat Halevavot now brings a fascinating story in which a devout Jew took

inspiration from no less than an idol-worshipper! Once, a pious Jew, whom we will call Pinchas the pious, travelled to a faraway land to earn a livelihood. He met a non-Jew whom he chided: “How blind you idol worshippers are, serving idols!” The nonJew turned to Pinchas and said, “And whom do you worship, pray tell?” Pinchas answers: “I serve an all-powerful G-d who can support and sustain the entire world and to Whom no one compares.”

The idol-worshipper replied: “Your actions contradict your words! If you truly believed in such a G-d why on earth would you travel the earth to obtain your livelihood? Couldn’t G-d feed you more locally?!”Pinchas the pious had no answer and returned home, never traveling far again for his income.

We must reflect on our belief in G-d and ensure that it is not mere lip service. If G-d can find us an income in China, He can also do so closer to home.

relation to making hot drinks but will now be explained in further detail.

Whilst a pot is still on the flame (or electric ring or Halachic equivalent) it is forbidden to place any food item inside it.

This is whether the food item is: (1) fully cooked, semi-cooked or raw, (2) wet or dry, (3) to be cooked properly or merely to warm up.

If a pot is adjacent to a flame, or if the flame is fully covered, one can put any of the above food types (even uncooked) inside the post or on top of the flame cover, so long as it will not reach the “Yad Soledet Bo” temperature previously mentioned.

We will now address the topics of the “Keli Rishon” and “Keli Sheni”. These have been explained in an earlier column in

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Two introductions are needed.

1. Not only does a pot have the ability to cook whilst it sits on a flame, it likewise is also capable of doing so once the pot is removed from the flame. This means that a pot (or any cooking container such as a pan or similar) which has been removed from the stove stop is capable of cooking.

2. There is a difference in the laws of cooking on Shabbat between solids and liquids. (Mostly dry) solids which have been fully cooked (meaning, baked before Shabbat) do not involve the prohibition of reheating on Shabbat.

Liquids, on the other hand, do involve the prohibition of cooking if they have cooled down. So, if a pie needs reheating on Shabbat, one can do so in a Halachically-permissible manner (as will be explained in a future column), whereas if a soup has cooled down, one cannot reheat it on Shabbat.

Therefore, a pot which has just been removed from a flame may not have the following placed into it: (1) Uncooked dry food and (2) liquid food which has cooled down even if it was fully cooked before Shabbat.

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Weekly Dvar Torah F RO M ERETZ Y I S R A E L

Mutual Responsibility – The Seal of Leadership

BY RABBI DORON PEREZ We encounter, in this week’s Parasha, one of the remarkable acts of self-sacrifice and in the process the formation of a great leadership quality - the seal of the House of Judah. The tribe of Judah, as a result, would become the tribe where the leading kings of Israel would emanate from, King David, his descendants, culminating in the ultimate leader – the Mashiach himself.

Judah’s defining quality was a deep sense of personal responsibility for his brother. Joseph is yet to reveal himself to his brothers and has threatened to imprison Benjamin for life while allowing the other brothers to return home. Judah springs into action with remarkable self-sacrifice offering himself in place of Benjamin and prepared to suffer life imprisonment and rot in an Egyptian dungeon in order to free his brother.

“For your servant assumed responsibility for the boy from my father… So now, please let your servant stay instead of the boy” (Bereishit 44:32-33).

The reason Judah is prepared to do this is

in order to fulfill a promise made to his father. He promised Jacob that if he releases Benjamin to go down to Egypt with them – as was the request of Joseph – he will take full responsibility for him and personally guarantee his return.

“I will be a personal guarantee for him... if I don’t bring him back… I will have sinned before you forever” (Bereishit 43:9).

This remarkable trait of taking full and personal responsibility for Benjamin is a great rectification of Judah’s original role in the sale of Joseph. It was Judah himself who led the brothers to sell Joseph into slavery and in the process relinquished all responsibility for him. Here, Judah comes full circle, rectifying his sin as a complete Ba’al Teshuva, faced with a similar situation with Benjamin. Here he does exactly the opposite and takes full personal responsibility for him to the extent of being prepared to sit in his place in prison until

the end of days.

Rav Huna learns from this a specific type of responsibility knows as ‫ ערבות קבלן‬unlimited guaranteeship - where a person acts as a personal guarantor (Tractate Baba Batra 173). The Gemara continues that this is deeper than regular guaranteeship – known as ‫ערבות סתם‬. Here, the guarantor is not considered third party in a borrower-lender agreement, but rather acquires the same status as the borrower himself, and the lender may claim from them both equally. In short - full personal responsibility.

Furthermore, this case regarding Judah is the first time that the concept of mutual responsibility appears in the Torah. In time, it will become one of the most fundamental halachic and moral principles in Jewish life – “All of Israel are responsible for each other” (Tractate Shevuot 39). This important principle has far-reaching halachic

Our destinies are intertwined as we are mutually responsible one for the other.

ramifications. We’ll bring one example - a Jew who has already made Kiddush may make the same blessing again for someone else even though he has already previously fulfilled the mitzvah. This halacha seems illogical. How can someone who has already performed a mitzvah and thus fulfilled their obligation, then make Kiddush for someone else who has not yet fulfilled the mitzvah? The Shulchan Aruch Harav explains (Orach Chaim 8:11 and 167:23) that this halacha is derived from the principle of mutual responsibility. If another Jew hasn’t fulfilled their obligation, then on some level neither have I. Our destinies are intertwined as we are mutually responsible one for the other.

In facing the challenges ahead, every Jewish leader ought to learn this fundamental quality from Judah. The ability to feel full and personal responsibility for the destiny of those we have the privilege to lead.

Rabbi Doron Perez is the Executive Chairman of the Mizrachi World Movement.

A Torah bite for the Shabbat table

Cut the excuses RABBI GOODMAN Although talk of transgression and its consequences fails to earn the respect of “high-society,” and on the contrary, spells disaster for the undiscerning pulpit Rabbi, if we are to accept the axioms of free choice, responsibility and ultimate reward, we cannot afford to ignore the “other side.”

In connection to this week’s Parsha, the Bais Halevi (Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik 1820 – 1892), a Rabbi who was not afraid to expound upon the subject of punishment and retribution, broadens our view of misdeeds and their repercussions in a direct and no-nonsense way.

The Midrash explains that when Yosef revealed himself to his brothers, uttering those electrifying words, “Ani Yosef, Haod avi chai?” – ‘I am Yosef, is my father still alive?’ he was not simply inquiring after his father’s health; instead he was delivering stern words of rebuke.

Moments before, Yehuda had passionately informed Yosef that were he to

enslave Binyamin in Egypt, he would in effect be killing their father, an outcome which Yehuda was not prepared to tolerate at any cost. Yosef, however, was not prepared to tolerate Yehuda’s hypocrisy and therefore responded with “I am Yosef, is my father still alive?” meaning, “I am Yosef who you sold into slavery without concern for our father’s well-being and yet, he is still alive.”

Cries the Midrash, “Woe is to us on the on the day of judgment and woe is to us on the day of rebuke. Yosef was the youngest of the brothers and yet they had no answer for his claims and were embarrassed. When Hashem comes to each one of us and judges him according to what he is, all-the more-so that we will be ashamed.”

The Bais Halevi explains that “the day of judgment” referenced by the Midrash refers to the classical judgment of our actions while the “day of rebuke” refers to the judgment of the excuses for those actions. Every act we perform, whether good or bad, carries a justification of

some kind. Although we might not be consciously aware of this “justification process,” the fact that we can inevitably provide an excuse for anything proves that it exists.

The Bais Halevi adds that the judge of our excuses is in fact our actions themselves. In the same way the sale of Yosef smashed the brother’s justification for Yosef sparing Binyamin, so too our ten day cruise will smash our excuses for not giving tzedakah; our academic qualifications will smash our excuses for not learning Torah; and our time playing solitaire will smash our excuses for not spending time with our children.

Free choice is an awesome responsibility, fraught with danger but the key to eternity. By familiarizing ourselves with the way our brains work, and particularly with our process of justification, we have a greater chance of making the right choice. By pinpointing our excuses and preempting them with the truth of our actions we will save ourselves a lot of aggravation in the World to Come!

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A project of My Dvar Torah, Torah Bite is your resource for a short, dynamic, and meaningful Dvar Torah to share at the Shabbos table. Originally from London, Rabbi Ben Goodman has spent 20 years in Jerusalem, teaching and inspiring students from all backgrounds and from all over the world. He is the director of My Dvar Torah, providing tailor-made Divrei Torah for all occasions. www.mydvartorah.com.

He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com

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Elyon reaches new heights in education

FEATURE 33

The Jewish Weekly’s Mordechai Ullman interviews Elyon High School’s Headteacher Rabbi Yaakov Lang.

When I was assigned the task of interviewing the Headteacher of North West London’s Elyon High School for boys, Rabbi Yaakov Lang, I assumed it would entail learning how the school coped with education during lockdown(s) and other reports of how the school has progressed in the 20 years since inception.

What came to light, however, was far more intriguing.

Many people have a perception of the strictly Orthodox (Chareidi) community as one which is resistant to change. One of the most noticeable areas of this is perhaps in matters of technology. Chareidim have an aversion to much of today’s world’s culture and seek to block it from entering their home, be it in the form of television or internet. Even when the latter is used, it will usually only be allowed for specific and genuinely useful purposes.

This attitude to technology came to the fore once more in the recent lockdown, Elyon, along with many other Charedi schools in the country, did not engage with their students through Zoom or Google; phone lessons and assignments was the preferred - if not only - choice. Assignments, however, were involving the use of computers, perhaps more than before Covid kicked in.

One person had their eyes on what was developing. Mr Akiva Adler, proprietor of the school and a successful education entrepreneur, understood from the lockdown that these 21st-century boys were keen to learn if they did so in a manner that spoke to them. Simply put, this meant that as the boys were now using computers at home for their assignments, more work seemed to be getting done.

Elyon boys have always taken their studies seriously, but their enthusiasm was generally reserved for Kodesh - religious studies, due to most of the boys eventually spending the remainder of their unmarried life (after graduating Elyon) in Yeshivah. The ethos of the school is that the most precious commodity we have in life is time; therefore it should be used to its maximum, in all subjects.

Mr Adler had an innovative idea. “We haven’t merely improved our secular studies”, explains Rabbi Lang, “We have transformed it.”

How? “The school invested huge amounts of money to implement a completely new approach to learning. We now have all the boys learning all of their secular studies on laptops”.

The new approach means that each student has a curriculum tailor-made for them which they can learn at their own pace from their own laptop. Slide shows, audio lessons, and multiple-choice quizzes are only some of the features of the new programme “Century”. Century is an award-winning teaching and learning platform for schools, colleges and universities. Using learning science, artificial intelligence and neuroscience, Century creates constantly adapting pathways for students and powerful assessment data for teachers. Century learns how every student’s brain learns.

Many practical problems in education are solved this way. “Firstly”, explains Rabbi Lang, “You no longer have 25 boys with varying levels of ability, learning the same material at the same pace from one teacher.” The Headteacher explains what role a teacher plays in the boys’ education at all if everything they need is on a laptop. “It is not a replacement for teachers at all”, he clarifies. “The boys still need someone to motivate them, call on for help, someone to set them homework and review their progress throughout the year”. The teachers are most definitely ever present.

“Secondly, instead of glumly approaching another lesson to stare at a textbook, the boys are enthusiastic to retrieve their laptop from the cupboards and begin studying.”

“Thirdly, with each student able to log in in to their own system, it makes no difference where they are at any given time.

“If a boy is isolating or there is another lockdown, not only will they have material to study, they will be keen to study, logging in remotely from home”.

“Lastly but most importantly, it is super-efficient at tracking the boys’ progress. Not only their educational progress but using a powerful analytics feature, I, as the headteacher, can even tell how long a boy spent on each page, how much material he covered and what

targets in education are most suitable for the individual student.”

“The behaviour during these lessons have increased to 99% times better than before, the boys are so motivated!” adds Rabbi Lang Perhaps most revolutionary for a Charedi high-school though, is that is broadens the topics the school is thereby able to teach. Boys can now study art, geography and history with increasing interest.

Understandably, such an enhancement requires an enormous new IT infrastructure, explains Mr Gavriel Wulwick, who is the school’s administrator, and manages the day to day IT & Network issues.

How does a Charedi school offer its teenage boys a laptop with internet access? How does anyone, for that matter, entrust a laptop in the hands of a teenager during a school class?

“We didn’t merely filter the internet for the boys.” Gavriel answers. “We commissioned a large computer and network company to custom build the entire laptop. Our student laptops only offer the features necessary for the boys’ educational material, nothing else exists.

We have installed a state-of-the-art server and infrastructure to ensure 100% uptime of all laptops and learning.”

The final and most pressing question is “Does this affect the boys’ attitude to their religious studies”? After all, the lessons in Talmud and Chumash are conducted using the good old fashioned “Gemara” or “Chumash”. Is this not less appealing to the boys once they have been “exposed”

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to digital studies?

This question was put to the Menahel (head of religious studies) Rabbi Zvi Lebovics. He answered as follows: “The most high-tech learning will never be able to match the unparalleled influence that a Rebbe has on his students.

When the students are presented with a Rebbe, who has a deep connection and relationship with them, and is passionate, completely engaged, and in love with Torah, the boys feel that true energy, and embrace the kodesh studies, with love and vigour, as in generations before.

At the end of the day, technology has its attraction to young minds and what better way to draw them in to a broad education than harnessing technology in a safe way?

Equally, empowering the boys with the tools to use technology, reading them to enter the working world, well prepared.”

Mr Adler was asked for a closing remark.

“Don’t think that the ball stops there.

We’re only just getting started! What is not available on Century, we have commissioned some of the leading educators in the world to create classes for.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that this curriculum is constantly updated and expanded upon. We will invest further, work, monitor, and continue to make sure that we provide only the very best for our students.”

Elyon is not merely embracing change.

Elyon is likely to be creating a revolution within the Charedi world of education and possibly beyond.

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Vayigash

Vayigash Word Search

The big moment had arrived. Yehuda, realising that the second-in-command of Egypt may take his brother Binyamin as a slave, approaches this gentleman and pleads with him not do. He tells him how his father is old and if he is separated from Binyamin it could mean he would die!

Yosef (who until now hadn’t explained who he really was) finally tells the eleven men that he is actually their brother whom they sold to Egypt!

The brothers are stunned! Yosef arranges for their father to be brought to Egypt.

Serach the daughter of Asher gently tells Yaakov (who is now 130 years old) that his

beloved child is actually still alive!

Yaakov travels down to Egypt to finally meet up once again with his beloved longlost son!

He meets Yosef, Yosef cries on his shoulder while Yaakov says Shema.

Yaakov meets Pharaoh and then settles down in Egypt with the seventy or so members of his family.

He will finally enjoy 17 years of bliss, knowing that his family and safe and sound and still keeping the Torah which was super impressive for Yosef who had been away from home for twenty two years!

Tangram Challenge!

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

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BINYAMIN • DONKEYS • EGYPT • FAMILY • GOSHEN • IDENTITY • PHARAOH • YAAKOV

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Vayigash

In a nutshell Yosef arranges his father’s transport to Egypt.

Yosef sends items that hint to Yaakov that he remembers the Torah they learned 22 years earlier.

Serach, daughter of Asher, gently breaks the news to her grandfather, after all this is quite heart-stopping information!

Yaakov travels down to Egypt, receiving prophecy on the way – this is after all, the beginning of the long Jewish exile in Egypt, which will contain (rest for the immediate future but would be followed by) suffering, sweat and tears for a significant part of 210 years.

Yaakov sends Yehuda ahead of him – to establish a place of study. The Jewish people always had their priority in educating the next generation.

Yaakov approaches Yosef and they cry. Yaakov has not seen his son for 22 YEARS! In expressing his awesome emotions, he recites the Shema.

Yaakov is introduced to King Pharaoh who asks him his age! Yaakov replies that he had lived 130 years,

Yehuda is aware of Yosef’s apparent plans to take Binyamin as a slave and is equally aware that there is no way in the world that the brothers can return home without Binyamin. He therefore approaches Yosef – the second in command in Egypt and pleads his point. He starts off respectfully, comparing him to Pharaoh (which was a compliment, a criticism and a threat all at once – see Rashi…) and explains the entire story from the beginning ending with the famous words, “For how can I go up to my father without the lad with me?!”.

Yosef can no longer hold himself back and the great moment of revelation arrived. He shooed all the Egpytians out of the room and said the (also) famous words, “I am Yosef – is my father still alive?”.

The brothers were completely shocked and Yosef continues, “Don’t worry about having sold me here – for G-d sent me to sustain you (and all the countries affected by the famine for that matter)”.

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.

“few and bad” – much heartache involved. Pharaoh asks the brothers of Yosef what their career has been and they advise that they were shepherds. Pharaoh offers the brothers of Yosef to live in Goshen – their own territory.

The Torah lists the 70 members of Yaakov’s family.

It has been pointed out that only 69 are actually listed. Some explain that Hashem Himself was counted as the seventieth; others say that Yocheved was the seventieth, born as they entered the walls of Egypt. She was later going to be the mother of Moshe Rabbeinu who would redeem the Jews from Egypt.

It must have been wonderful for Yaakov to finally be surrounded by all his children and grandchildren and for another 17 years.

17 is actually the numerical value of the Hebrew word, “Tov” and indeed these were “good” years all around, for our dear ansector Yaakov!

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! ace act aid ate cad

cat eat tea vat via

aced acid aide avid cave

date diva eave idea jade

vita acted cadet caved dicta

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evade vitae active advice dative

ejecta ideate deviate jadeite adjective

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Q: Why did the astronaut want to leave the party?

A: The atmosphere wasn’t right.

Q: Why don’t acrobats work in the winter?

A: They only do Summer-saults!

Q: What do you comb a rabbit with?

A: A hare brush

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. What has a neck but no head?

Q: Why was the baby strawberry crying?

A: Because his mom and dad were in a jam!

2. What type of cheese is made backwards?

3. What ship has two mates, but no captain?

3) A friendship

2) Edam 1. A bottle

1. Big dipper 2. Forever 3. Bee in a bonnet

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4. Crack of dawn 5. No through road 6. Shrinking violet

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Liverpool in seventh heaven Sixteen-goal Lions after crushing Palace rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

Defending champions Liverpool fired a warning shot to title pretenders in a crushingDAVID 7-0 win against Crystal Palace at the BY SAFFER weekend.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds six produced superb Reiss Mogilner scored goals as aMaccabi display of attacking football to move London Lions thumped Scrabble A infour the points clear ofofLeicester who stunned second round the CyrilCity Anekstein Cup. Tottenham Hotspur away home the The Premier League sidefrom racked up ain16-0 latest round of fixtures. win with Daniel Green and Michael Kenley Manchester sit alongside Everton both bagging aUnited hat-trick.

Ed Brafman, Daa point back, Toffees compounding vid Dinkin, andthe Adam Hassanali completArsenal’s whilstofOle ed the routproblems, in a mismatch a tie.Solksjaer’s outfit thumped Leeds United Lions could have scored in6-2. the opening Roberto Firmino Mo Salah, minute of the clash and but soon openedwho the came on as a second half substitute for a scoring and led 9-0 by half time. disapproving Sadio bagged a brace The Division OneMane, team, though outat Selhurst Park.away Takumi Minamino, Mane classed, battled to the end. and skipper Jordan Henderson alsotime hit Lions boss was lost for words at full the target.

Salah’s solo strike completed such was the display from his team who the scoring and was theopposition. pick of the goals gave every respect to the with Firmino’s counter attack a close “I’m not really sure there’seffort anything to second. say, we are happy to make it through to the This was of a the statement Liverpool next round cup,” hevictory. commented. have not been playing at full tilt at Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 and victors times have been shorn of key players but against League One outfit North London appear fully recovered from a 7-2 wobble Raiders. at Th Aston Villa in October and e Premier side led early in are the moving second through the gears to back up a 30-year wait half only for Raiders to equalise but struck for another Premier League title. Just over a two late goals to book a place in round third of the competition. season has gone but based on three of the this display they will take stopping.

Hendon now turn theirsome attentions to the Brendon Rogers’ Leicester claimed league as they travel to Oakwood A for aa hard-fought winthe at Jose Tottencrucial top of tableMourinho’s clash on Sunday ham.

The Foxes continue to surprise and (10am). passed a stern test.team stunned the league Daniel Kristall’s Jamie last Vardy’s penalty deep first halfa leaders month when theyinto won 2-0, injury time set them on their way after refvictory would move them to within a point eree Craig Pawson reviewed Serge Aurier’s of Hendon with a match in hand. nudge on Wesley on theofpitchside Elsewhere in theFofana latest round fixtures, monitor before awarding the spotmade kick. VAR 10-man North London Galaxy it a then ruledtitle out race a James Maddison effortOne on three-way in the only Division the resumption before a Toby Alderweireld clash of the day after defeating Oakwood B. own goalMurray from asaw Vardy the hour Jamie redheader early onon but Galaxy settled matters.

Harry Kane and Son Heurallied with goals from Josh Cohen and Jang-min went close for hosts but Leicescob Leigh to record anthe important 2-1 away ter almost grabbed a late third through win.

Youri Tielemans.

Galaxy head Redbridge Jewish Care A in Vardy co one lastpoint won after in the at the tableand by just 10 league matches, Tottenham when they amazed the footballthird place Fairlop FC are five points being world thehand.

Premiership. Was hind with by twowinning games in this clash an omen of things to come?

Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood.

As for the hosts, defeats to Liverpoolin anda “It was a fantastic performance

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 PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA Mo Salah struck the goal of the game against Crystal Palace a twist with league leaders Herstwood circumstances,” said delighted Fortune Vale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple boss Simon Linden.

Leicester in a few days was a tough reality Lindelof increased theoflead before Fortune.

“We had a number players out,Liam Recheck after an impressive run of form but Cooper made it 4-1 at half time.

Faithfold B have played a game more buck got injured, so I couldn’t haveDaniel asked Mourinho andmoved his charges will have say in scored onthe a counter then Ferthan Vale but level with a 5-3awin at James any more from players.attack We wish Ben a this title race. nandes slotted in a penalty.

Stuart Dallas North London Raiders Masters. speedy recovery.

Solksjaer’s have been exceptional in the goal ofold theschool game for never-sayJacob KalmsReds struck twice for Fortune who curled “It was a proper performance, on their travels and finally clicked into gear die Leeds but the points were long scored through leading scorer James Mil- we battled and defended for the 90 gone. minutes at Old his Trafford against Solksjaer on the verge of proved being letwith 17th goal of theMarcelo’s season. Bielsa’s and took ourwas chances.

Experience gung-ho Leeds team. sacked according to pundits not so The result was all the more remarkable to be the winner. It’s a big win, one welong will McTominay made history by scorUnited a game hand they asScott Temple were down to 11 players with ago, enjoyshould and we hope win to build on in it in 2019. ” ing twiceBen inside threedislocating minutes inaashoulder Premier will two points the league ‘keeper Rebuck Hebeadded, “Thisoff win marks 50leaders. years asAsa League match viewers a certain vintage will recall, in the warm up.to set United on the way to a TV football clubofand will be one Nigel Kyte and thrilling win.

Bruno Fernandes and Victor ‘football is a funny old game’ .

“This was a fantastic win given the everyone associated with the club from day

Everton, meantime, made it three consecutive wins with a deserved triumph against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at Goodison Park. Carlo Ancelotti has been at the helm 12 months and his experience is having a huge impact on the club.

The Toffees opened the scoring midway through the first half when Rob Holding deflected Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s effort past keeper Bernd Leno. The Gunners are on a horrific run of form but equalised against the run of play before half time from a Nicolas Pepe penalty after Tom Davies fouled Ainsley Maitland-Niles. However, the hosts were not to be denied, Yerry Mina heading home from a corner.

The Gunners have picked up just five league points from a possible 30. Arteta’s team are two points from the relegation zone and in desperate need for a change in fortunes. It seems an eternity when they won the FA Cup and Charity Shield at Wembley after the lockdown.

Chelsea returned to form after two successive defeats with a 3-0 win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge in the Monday night fixture.

Thiago Silva has impressedPHOTO: this DAVID seaSAFFER son and opened the scoring early on. The Hammers enjoyed plenty of possession but lacked a cutting edge. Tammy Abraham settled the match on 78 minutes, diverting a Timo Weiner effort home, before notching a brace with a neat finish 10 minutes from time.

Frank Lampard’s Blues sit alongside Tottenham with this victory one point off the top-four.

Pep Guardiola’s City have been inconsistent to date but ground out a solid win at inform Southampton courtesy of a Raheem one will enjoy.”

Sterling strike early on at St Mary’s.

Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to Saints began thefollowing day in third but slipped wish Rebuck well his injury. to“First seventh after struggling to break downat a and most importantly, everyone resolute defence and had ‘keeper Alex McVale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper Carthy thank for a second a quick to recovery, wedenying hope toCity see him back through Ilkay Gundogan. on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he After two draws this was a welcome resaid. turn City who like their high-flyAs to forform the for defeat, Emanuel commented, ing Manchester neighbours have a game in “It doesn’t matter how big a squad you on Liverpool.

A win will put them back in have, you can never account for unavailthe title mix. ability or injury. Only five of today’s team AstoninVilla been surprise pack-a played ourhave recent winthe over FC Team, age this season for many pundits and eased lack of togetherness and poor individual

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

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

24 DECEMBER 2020

Jamie Vardy fired home Leicester’s opener at Tottenham Hotspur

to a 3-0 win at West Brom at the Hawthorns.

Anwar El Ghazi opened the scoring from close range on five minutes as Villa bossed the game against Albion who went down to 10-men when referee Martin Atkinson dismissed Jake Livermore after viewing the pitchside monitor approaching half time.

Villa struck twice late on, Grealish setting up Bertrand Traore on 84 minutes, before El Ghazi slotted in a penalty two minutes from time.

Baggies new boss Sam Allardyce has never been relegated from the top flight but this result showed him, not that he didn’t know, that the road to safety is long and will be a tough challenge.

Elsewhere, Burnley moved clear of the relegation spots with a deserved 2-1 over Wolves at Turf Moor.

Ashley Barnes headed home Charlie Taylor’s cross in the first half and Chris Wood struck from close range after the break to put Sean Dyche’s team in command.

Wolves youngster Fabio Silva slotted in a penalty a minute from time but the hosts claimed a crucial win following a stuttering start.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s outfit remain in midtable whilst Burnley will feel they are on the right track.

Newcastle United and Fulham shared the spoils in a controversial encounter at St James’ Park.

Matt Ritchie opened the scoring for the visitors from a corner on half time but found themselves level just after the hour following a contentious incident when Joachim Andersen was dismissed for fouling Callum Wilson. Contact was outside the penalty area but Wilson fell in the box.

Referee Graham Scott checked the incident on the pitchside monitor but stayed with his decision to the astonishment of Fulham boss Scott Parker who accused Wilson of diving. Wilson slotted the equaliser but the hosts could not find the winner against 10man Fulham who felt bitter at the result.

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Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton are back in the top-four

‘Boxing Day’ fixture especially with the Reds stunning away form but it will be severely tested.

United are the fourth side in English topflight history to record 10 consecutive away league wins. The quartet includes Chelsea (2008) and Manchester City (2017) who are also the only teams to win their opening six away games in 2008/9 and 2017/18 respectively. Leicester then travel to Palace and Newcastle whilst United host Wolves and in-form Villa at Old Trafford.

Fourth-place Everton will be hot favourites against Sheffield before a huge test at home against Guardiola’s City then West Ham at Goodison.

Chelsea take a short trip to Arsenal where they could add to their woes prior to hosting Villa in what should be an entertaining clash then Manchester City, who start out with a clash at home to Newcastle before two beefy fixtures. Tottenham, meantime, travel to Wolves before a London derby against Fulham then Leeds when there could be goals galore for TV fans.

Down at the bottom, the Blades look doomed but will be going all out to get a win against Everton, Burnley or Palace. This could be a seminal period that defines their campaign.

Big Sam, meanwhile, has barely got his

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Tammy Abraham bagged a brace as Chelsea returned to winning ways

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Raheem Sterling scored the winner for Manchester City at Southampton

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder was likewise dismayed when midfielder John Lundstram saw red in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Lundstram was cautioned for a tackle on Joel Veltman in the first half only for referee Peter Bankes to show a straight red after viewing his pitchside monitor.

Against all odds, 10-man Blades took the lead through Jayden Bogle and almost doubled the lead only for Danny Welbeck to poach a goal four minutes from time. And the hosts almost won it when Welbeck had a header cleared off the line before Alireza Jahanbakhsh headed against the crossbar

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

in stoppage time. Defeat would have been cruel on Wilder’s team who are bottom, 10 points adrift of Brighton after 14 games.

Attention has now turned to the traditional festive fixtures where teams play three games in a week including a number of clubs lining up twice in three days stretching squads.

Pacesetters Liverpool will expect a home win against struggling West Brom before fixtures at Newcastle and Southampton when the Saints clash could be the toughest to claim the points.

Leicester face Manchester United at the King Power Stadium and is the standout

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

feet under table at West Brom. After their Anfield clash they welcome Leeds to the Hawthorns then Arsenal in a game that could see the Gunners drop into a relegation scrap if they fail to defeat Brighton in a huge game between two struggling sides.

The Seagulls are just behind Arsenal in the table and host them after a trip to West Ham before welcoming Wolves. Fulham are the other team in the bottom six. After hosting Saints they travel to Tottenham before a six-pointer at home to Burnley.

The seasonal fixtures are set to hit the headlines when there will be magical moments and surprises along the way.

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