The Jewish Weekly Issue 269 - February 23rd

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One year on: Support for Ukraine continues

BY DAVID SAFFER

Western Allies will “not waver” in their support for Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden spoke for the free world in landmark addresses this week in Kyiv and Warsaw a week ahead of the first anniversary of hostilities tomorrow. Standing by President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish President Andrzej Duda, Biden could not be clearer in his stance against President Vladimir Putin’s actions over the past 12 months.

“Kyiv stands strong, Kyiv stands proud, it stands tall and most important, it stands free,” Biden told 30,000 Poles waving Polish, U.S. and Ukrainian flags at The Royal Castle in Warsaw on Tuesday.

“Western allies will not waver in their support for Kyiv. When Russia invaded, it wasn't just Ukraine being tested. The whole world faced the test for the ages. Europe was being tested. America was being tested. NATO was being tested. All democracies were being tested.

“The questions we faced were as simple as they were profound. Would we, all of our allies, be united or divided? One year later, we know the answer. We did respond, we would be strong, we would be united, and the world would not look the other way.”

Biden added: “Autocrats only

understand one word: No. No. No.”

Responding to Putin’s address earlier in the day to the Federal Assembly in Moscow, Biden said that Putin was “solely responsible” for the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“The democracies of the world have grown stronger, not weaker,” he noted. “This war was never a necessity. It's a tragedy. President Putin chose this war. Every day this war continues is his choice.”

Biden added: “The war in Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia, never.”

A day earlier, Biden, under tight security, delivered a statement speech in Kyiv.

“Kyiv stands, Ukraine stands, democracy stands, America stands with you and the world stands with you,” he said. “Kyiv has captured a part of my heart.”

The US State Department announced $460m support, including $450m in arms and $10m emergency assistance.

Zelensky described Biden’s visit as a “huge moment” for Ukraine.

Biden’s visit cannot be underestimated.

“This was a historic visit, unprecedented in modern times to have the president of the United States visit the capital of the country where the United States military does not control the critical

infrastructure," noted National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. “The president was fully briefed on each stage of the trip and the risks involved.”

Biden ended a four day visit to Ukraine and Poland by meeting NATO leaders yesterday in Warsaw.

Biden said that the US commitment to Nato was “sacred”.

“We will defend every inch of Nato,” he stressed. “What is at stake is not just Ukraine, it’s freedom.”

The Bucharest Nine was formed after Russian President Vladimir Putin's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The alliance comprises of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

In related news, Yuli Edelstein, chair of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, called for Israel to stop “fence-sitting” and provide military aid to Ukraine after he met Zelensky with opposition MK Zeev Elkin in Kyiv on Tuesday.

Kyiv welcomed the comments. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has to officially respond.

In a joint statement, Edelstein and Elkin called on the coalition government to “significantly increase” support for Ukraine.

“We must assist Ukraine in all realms where Israeli technology, including military, is capable of helping protect the civilian population, its liberty and its independence,” they noted.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen vowed to assist Ukraine in developing a smart early

warning system similar Israel’s for incoming rockets during a visit to Kyiv last Friday.

He was the first Israeli minister to visit Kyiv since the onset of the war.

“Israel, as stated in the past, stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, he said. “We will hoist the Israeli flag over the Israeli embassy in Kyiv, which will return to regular operations with the aim of strengthening relations between the countries.”

Israel has condemned Russia’s actions and provided humanitarian relief. Netanyahu has stated he will play an ‘intermediary role’ at the right time.

The President of the Conference of European Rabbis, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, has voiced concern for Jews in Russian.

The exiled Chief Rabbi of Moscow made his comments after Russian Telegram group ‘Disclosed’ called for a ban on Chabad activities across the Russian Federation.

The group, which has some 23,000 subscribers, wants an investigation into Chabad foundational text, the ‘Tanya’ for signs of “extremism.”

The exiled Chief Rabbi of Moscow, said “This apparent initiative, if found to be genuine, follows the pattern of the words of the secretary of the Security Council of Russia of a few months ago. This manifestation of antisemitism is a grave indicator of the worsening situation for Jews in Russia. It should be clear that this attack against the Chabad Lubavitch community, which is prominent in Russia, is an attack against the whole Jewish community.”

Goldschmidt joined religious leaders

discussing the impact of the Ukraine war on European way of life last month. The meeting was organised by the European Commission.

Goldschmidt reflected on his experiences having fled Moscow in February 2022 as he refused to back Putin’s actions.

“Taking a moral stance is of vital importance,” he said. “I served as a pastoral guide to the Jewish community of Moscow, issued rabbinic rulings, lead services and gave sermons.”

Noting increased antisemitism in Russia, Goldschmidt observed: “When we look back over Russian history, whenever

the political system began to shake and a crisis took hold, the government tried to redirect the anger and discontent of the masses by channelling it towards the Jewish community.

“We saw this in Tsarist times and at the end of the Stalinist regime. Now, we are witnessing this again across Russia. Step by step, the iron curtain is coming down once again, and hatred towards the Jewish community is rising. We must not only remember and reflect on the past, but also stare down the future head on and be prepared, as faith leaders, to take a moral stance.”

Board welcomes Holocaust bill

The Board of Deputies has welcomed the Government’s announcement that the Holocaust Memorial Bill will be introduced to Parliament today.

The Holocaust Memorial Bill, announced by The Prime Minister in January, updates legislation dating back to the Victorian times, removing a statutory obstacle that has previously prevented the building of a new memorial and learning centre in Victoria Tower Gardens in Westminster

A statement noted: “This memorial will be a powerful and important tool in combatting the rising tide of Holocaust Denial and distortion.”

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt

Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies

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CFI Israel delegation to Israel

BY DAVID SAFFER

Conservative Friends of Israel coordinated a delegation to Israel last week.

Eight parliamentarians were visiting for the first time. Delegates included Gareth Bacon, Shaun Bailey, Alun Cairns, Gareth Davies, Jo Gideon and Suzanne Webb. CFI Parliamentary Chairman The Lord Pickles and Parliamentary vice chairman Andrew Percy accompanied the visit.

The itinerary featured a tour of a Hezbollah terror tunnel on the Israel-Lebanon border, high-level meetings with Israeli Knesset Members, entrepreneurs, diplomats and academics, strategic briefings

with the IDF and non-profit organisations.

The delegation was hosted by British Ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan, in Tel Aviv for a discussion on bilateral ties and update on the progress of free trade negotiations.

The group went on to visit Israeli NGO Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) in Holon, where they met children from developing countries receiving life-saving heart surgery from Israeli doctors, free of charge. Around half of over 6,000 children who have received life-saving treatment are Palestinians.

MPs toured the Old City of Jerusalem and paid a moving visit to Yad Vashem where

they laid a wreath in memory of Holocaust victims.

They also met Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum. During a tour of the Knesset they met with Speaker Amir Ohana and Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein. They also met former Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev, Israeli Deputy Director General for Europe, Daniel Meron, and legal advisor to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Tal Becker.

Bailey welcomed discussions that impact Israel and the United Kingdom.

“That bilateral partnership which has really matured over the last few years is going to be so key to our success as a nation,” he said. “We can learn so much from Israel.”

Bailey added that CFI was leading the way in ensuring a strategic relationship with Israel.

Lord Pickles described Israel as a “great ally” to the UK.

Conservative “Friends of Israel have played a very important part in ensuring that that maturity we have in our relationship is not a transient thing but a thing that will stay for a very long time,” he noted.

The delegation met PA Deputy Prime Minister Nabil Abu Rudeineh.

Bibi calls for talks

Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for dialogue in the ongoing furore over judicial reforms in Israel.

In a public statement Netanyahu said he had heard the praise and concerns of citizens.

“When there are disagreements among us, it is possible and necessary to talk in order to reach agreements or at least reduce the disagreements among us. It is within reach,” he said. “Come and let's talk, here and now, with neither pre-conditions nor excuses, so that together we might achieve broad agreement for the good of all Israeli citizens, and for the good of our country.”

Leader of the Opposition Lapid criticised

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Netanyahu over “phony slogans and spins”.

He observed: “Instead of making statements to the media, call the President (Isaac Herzog), tell him you are stopping all legislative processes and are beginning dialogue based on the president’s proposal.

“Citizens of Israel, I have no pleasant way to say this (but) Prime Minister Netanyahu is lying. We have been trying to hold talks with them for many weeks now.”

Lapid said Herzog and the Americans had pleaded to stop the legislation and engage in dialogue.

The Knesset passed the first two bills of the judicial reform in its first readings on Monday.

Delegates at the Western Wall

CFI participants at Yad Vasham

Prime Minister Netanyahu

CFI delegates in Jerusalem

BY LILY JOSEPHS

Zobin appointed new Beth Din Dayan Shechita UK backs Finnish ruling

Rabbi Eliezer Zobin is a new Dayan of the London Beth Din. Aside from Beth Din activities, he will support the Beth Din on United Synagogue Rabbinic and communal matters including community development and education initiatives.

Dayan Zobin takes up the role after Pesach and will work for the Beth Din part-time, under the leadership of the Rosh Beth Din, Dayan Menachem Gelley, and in close collaboration with the Chief Rabbi.

“The London Beth Din stands out for its influence, history, international stature and reputation,” he said. “British Jewry is blessed with a wonderful Rabbinate, dedicated lay leaders, warm communities and individuals of remarkable kindness, generosity and goodness.”

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: “Throughout his career he has demonstrated a rare combination of wisdom, sensitivity and creativity which will stand him in excellent stead for this role.”

Dayan Gelley added: “Rabbi Zobin is personable, humble and compassionate and will undoubtedly be a great asset to the Beth Din."

Dayan Zobin studied in a number of top yeshivot. He impressed the recruitment com mittee with his expertise in Pesak Halacha, rabbinate experience, understanding of the

US and similar communities.

Michael Goldstein, US President, said: “Dayan Zobin is known to be a superb communicator with the precious ability to engage people of different ages and background.”

Dayan Zobin has a Masters in Jewish education and a teaching qualification.

Are you affected by abuse?

BY ADAM MOSES

Finland’s Parliament has rejected a proposal to outlaw religious slaughter.

The Constitutional Law Committee voted 10-5 as restrictions were “not proportional” with freedom of religion. The Agricultural Committee backed the decision with a 12-3 vote.

Jewish organisations including Shechita UK and World Jewish Congress welcomed the landmark decision that Finnish Jews are able to practice their faith freely.

Shimon Cohen, Shechita UK Campaign Director, said: “This is a significant contribution to the preservation of Jewish life in Europe.” He added: “We are very pleased to have been able to support the Finnish community and delighted with the outcome. They will rightly be proud of this achievement. We are very grateful for the efforts of Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt of the Conference of European Rabbis, the EJC and WJC.

“We appealed to the highest levels of the Finnish government, while a WJC task force on religious freedom worked closely with the Finnish Jewish community to protect the rights of religious minorities

in that nation,” said WJC President Ronald S. Lauder. “One of our organisation’s core mandates is to support the right of Jews, wherever they may be, to freely and safely practice their religion.”

Yaron Nadbornik, Central Council of Finnish Jewish Communities President said: “I am very grateful that the rights of the Jewish minority were safeguarded with reference to the freedom of religion. It’s been a long road but now it seems that we can continue with the Jewish slaughter method in Finland to secure food according to our culture.”

Jonathan Arkush, WJC task force chair, added, “Today’s vote is an important affirmation of the right of Jewish people to practice their faith without state interference. We extend our appreciation to the 10 members of the Committee for their astute decision to vote against the proposed law.”

According to the committees, the slaughter of animals for religious reasons should continue in Finland under current circumstances. If the bill is implemented, animals slaughtered will be initially stunned. The proposed change applies to a special method of slaughter on religious grounds.

Dayan Zobin and his family

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Anne Frank House ‘laser’outrage

BY LILY JOSEPHS

Dutch police are investigating a “despicable” antisemitic laser message projected on to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte condemned the incident earlier this month as “reprehensible”.

The message referenced a far-right conspiracy theory that Anne was not author of her acclaimed diary. Images were shown on a private US Telegram channel.

“There is no place for antisemitism in our country, we can never accept this,” Rutte said in a statement.

A spokesman for the museum, which attracts a million visitors a year, expressed its “shock and revulsion” at the cruel stunt.

The museum has reported the incident to the police, city council and public prosecutors.

The reported message, ‘Ann Frank, inventor of the ballpoint pen’ refers to false claims that Frank’s acclaimed diary was partly written with pen that came into use after the war.

“With the projection and the (online) video, the perpetrators are attacking the authenticity of Anne Frank’s diary and inciting hatred. It is an antisemitic and racist film,” the museum noted.

An Anne Frank Foundation spokesman said the incident was “a hate crime” directed at Anne whose diary is “one of the most important witness accounts of the persecution of the Jews during World War II”.

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema labelled the incident a “cowardly and repulsive deed” and hopes the perpetrators are tracked down.

“The projection refers to a conspiracy theory about the denial of the Holocaust,” said Halsema. “This is an act of uncut anti-Semitism, and an attack against Anne Frank’s legacy, our international symbol of the fight against anti-Semitism. This is painful for the survivors, relatives of the victims of the Holocaust and anyone who is aware of the consequences of hate, racism and intolerance. The remembrance of Anne Frank should not be disgraced by the loathsome malice of extremists.”

“It is a despicable act that tries to cast doubts on the experiences of the

witnesses of the Holocaust,” added Eddo Verdoner, national coordinator for a campaign to combat anti-Semitism.

“The intent is to inflict direct hurt on the people who survived the Holocaust. People return to these old tropes to be used in the current landscape.”

The museum confirmed the disturbing message was projected for several minutes after footage appeared in a ‘hate video’ on Telegram. An antisemitic song plays in the background, noted Dutch newspaper Het Parool, which reported the incident.

The claim is based on a number of sheets in ballpoint among Frank’s papers in the 1980s accidentally left by a researcher in the 1960s, Dutch media noted.

This is the second incident police are investigating this year following an antisemitic message by Neo-Nazis during New Year celebrations on the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.

Dutch group’s Telegram channel reportedly took credit and are linked to US white supremacist organisations.

Police believe the antisemitic messages were projected from a boat.

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) confirmed that projecting messages on the bridge was criminally punishable.

“The use of discriminatory hate speech was evident, based on the context in which the statements were made, and their coherence,” the OM reportedly said.

Prosecutors noted the importance of freedom of speech but there were limits to freedom of expression.

“One of those limits is that expressions may never incite discrimination or offend another segment of the population,” noted an OM statement.

Frank in May 1942, two months before she and her family went into hiding.

PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA

Canal-side façade of the former Opekta building on Prinsengracht canal in 2008. The Secret Annex (Achterhuis) is at the rear in an enclosed courtyard.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA

Israel pavilion at Abu Dhabi exhibition

BY HARRY SIMONS

The Israel Ministry of Defense has inaugurated a national pavilion in Abu Dhabi at the International Defense Exhibition.

The landmark IDEX initiative is set to strengthen defense relations with Abraham Accords countries.

SIBAT, the Israel MoD International Defense Cooperation Directorate, heads up the delegation of Israeli defense industries at in the event.

Head of SIBAT, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Yair Kulas, and senior officials opened the national pavilion.

“The inauguration of the Israeli national pavilion is an important milestone in deepening our highly esteemed defense partnership with the United Arab Emirates,” he said. “As our defense relations continue to expand, we are proud to present and share the innovative technologies and systems developed and created by Israeli defense industries and the Israel MoD. We plan to hold multiple meetings during the exhibition to discuss new areas of collaboration and are looking forward to bolstering future cooperation with our partners in the UAE.”

Over 30 leading Israeli defense industries are presenting technological solutions at the

Aerodan Systems, Aitech Systems, Beth-el Industries, Bird Aerosystems, Controp Precision Technologies, Copterpix, Dagan-Optics, Edgy Bees, Elbit Systems, Emtan-Israel Small Arms Industry, Fibrotex, Gate Technologies, Gilat Telecom, Hagor Industries, Heven Drones, Israel Aerospace Industries, Magam Safety, Nimda Co, Omnisys, Ophir Optronics Solutions, Orbit Communication Systems, Plasan Sasa, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Reshet Graf, RT LTA Systems, Semi Conductor Services, SDK Embedded Systems, SK Group, Smart Shooter, Spearuav, Steadicopter, Thermal Beacon, Tomer, Uvision Air, Vidisco and YTS Systems.

SIBAT is uniquely positioned within the

Brig Gen Kulas, left, opens Israel's pavilion

PHOTO CREDIT: ISRAEL MOD OFFICE

Israel blasts UN

BY ADAM MOSES

Israeli politicians have blasted a UN Security Council statement on Monday denouncing Israeli West Bank ‘settlement’ activity as “one-sided”.

The Council discussed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government authorising nine settlements in Judea and Samaria earlier this month.

The UN statement expressed “deep concern and dismay” as settlement activities imperilled the viability of a two-State solution based on the 1967 lines.

Netanyahu criticised the UN and comments by officials from the United States on the contentious matter.

“The UN Human Rights Council is a biased and ineffectual body,” noted the Prime Minister's Office. “Instead of condemning the repeated and recurrent violations of human rights in Iran, Syria, the Palestinian Authority and many other places around the world, there are those on the Council who decided today to criticise the State of Israel for our having decided to carry out a reform that will only strengthen democracy in Israel. What an absurdity.”

Israel Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan criticised the Council for its apathy to terror attacks.

“This council should have been convened when innocent Israelis paid with their blood due to incitement and hatred

by the Palestinian Authority,” he explained. “I won't let those victims be forgotten. I will take a moment's silence to honour the victims of Palestinian terror. I hope you think of them in the future when you speak of the real impediments to peace in the region."

Erdan illustrated his point with a picture of Yaakov and Asher Paley murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in a car ramming attack at a bus station in Jerusalem last week.

Israel remains on high alert after thousands of mourners attended the funerals of the brothers, Staff Sgt. Asil Sawaed and rabbinical student Alter Shlomo Lederman in the horror attack.

Erdan raged: “Israel mourns the loss of eleven terror victims and dozens injured, but this meeting is simply to scorn Israel. You convene meetings about building settlements but say not one word about murdered Jewish children. It's a disgrace.

“The Palestinian Authority is conducting a monstrous propaganda campaign. They are a terrorist entity that rewarded a total sum of $175 million for murderers of Jews in the last year alone. Their support of terror is a violation of international law and the main obstacle for peace.

“Where was your concern when they were handing out candy for those celebrating the killing of Israelis? Israel will never accept a terrorist entity dedicated to our destruction right on our borders.”

US Ambassador to the UN Linda

Thomas-Greenfield said that unilateral measures exacerbated tensions.

“They harm trust between the parties,” she commented. “They undermine the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution. The United States does not support these actions full stop.”

And UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, said in a statement: “Unilateral actions are moving the parties still further apart, exacerbating tensions and driving the conflict. I call upon the parties to match security efforts with political steps that can halt the negative slide and restore hope in an end to the conflict and prospects for a viable two-state solution.”

The number of terror attacks have shocked Israelis and the coalition government.

Netanyahu’s cabinet have discussed launching a widescale operation in East Jerusalem to fight terrorism.

Israel’s Security Cabinet have reinforced Police and Border Police units in Jerusalem and expanded Police operations against backers of terrorism.

In Israel there were political ramifications over the new settlements in response to attacks.

The communities are Avigil, Bet Hogla, Givat Harel/Haroeh, Givat Arnon, Mitzpe Yehuda, Malachei Hashalom, Ashael, Sde Boaz and Shaharit.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Jerusalem terror attack victims Yaakov and Asher Paley

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Bibi meets Boeing CEO

BY HARRY SIMONS

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Boeing’s CEO Ted Colbert have discussed future developments in the industry in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu and Colbert covered various areas including cooperation with Israeli industry, security deals and the global aerospace industry including impending and long term innovations.

Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi, Boeing Business Development President Avi Gil, Security Global Services Heidi Grant and Boeing Israel Defense Systems Vice President Avi Barber also participated.

Netanyahu, meantime, met with the Conference of Presidents of American

Abraham Accords

BY LEAH WAXLER

Jewish Organisations on Sunday.

Frustrated over ongoing judicial reforms, he told delegates about positive aspects of Israeli life.

He said: “Israel is a democracy and will remain a democracy, with majority rule and proper safeguards of civil liberties. All democracies should respect the will of other free peoples, just as we respect their democratic decisions. There's been a lot of rhetoric that is frankly reckless and dangerous, including calls for bloodshed in the streets and calls for a civil war. It isn't going to happen. There's not going to be a civil war.”

Within 48 hours of his comments, Brig. Gen. (res.) Michel Ben Baruch, IMoD Procurement, signed a $100m agreement with Oshkosh Defense to produce hulls for the IDF's new wheeled ‘Eitan’ APC, financed by American aid funds.

The APCs were developed by the Israel MoD Tank and APC Directorate.

Hulls are expected to arrive in Israel in 18 months. The MoD will deliver the first operational ‘Eitan’ APCs to the IDF's Nahal Brigade in the coming weeks.

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt and former Minister-President of North Rhine Westphalia Armin Laschet hosted a debate at the Munich Security Conference last week.

The ‘New Perspectives on Cross-Cultural Relations and Regional Integration in the Middle East’ event comes over two years after the celebrated United States mediated Abraham Accords signed initially by Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in September 2020.

The discussion, led by Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis and Accords Institute chairman, centred on progress made and the future potential of Israeli-Arab agreements.

“The great changes which happened in the Middle East, unbelievable changes, not only externally, not only relations between countries of different faiths but the internal changes of those countries have transformed the Middle East”, said Goldschmidt, who initiated the Institute for Freedom of Faith and Security in Europe (IFFSE).

“The Abraham Process is such an important process but nobody in the European Union or in Germany knows about it, Laschet warned in the debate. “We need to create awareness and find ways in the EU and Germany to support this process.”

In spite of a lack of knowledge in some quarters, delegates noted that Europe and the West have benefited in security cooperation in the Middle East in the ongoing battle against politically motivated extremism.

Israel’s Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant, said that global priorities had changed to confront difficult questions on security.

Asked about the threat of Iran, Galant said: “When I speak of preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapon we must keep all possible cards on the table. While others want to destabilise the region, we see an opportunity to derive in building a future of security and prosperity.”

Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, noted: “The Abraham Accords are a game changer. We must focus on common things that unite us and not on what distinguishes us, so that we are able to communicate and understand each other. That's a step towards peace.”

Galant, concluded: “I'm optimistic about the future. But to ensure peace between the Gulf States we have to foster education.”

Speakers at the lunch debate led by Ali Aslan included Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Bahrain Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Galant, Laschet and Almheiri.

Letters to the Editor

BECAUSE IT’S “TRADITION”

Dear Editor

I refer to Eric Silver’s letter, “TURKEY EARTHQUAKE,” published in last week’s edition (16 February) and would like to proffer an answer to his question, “Why then………….”

Israel’s enemies wish to kill us due to, sadly - TRADITION. By this I mean tradition of the very sad type. It doesn’t matter what good Israel does in the World and how positive it is reported by the media – Israel and Jewish people have historically been blamed for the World’s evils. We have hardly ever received the credit due (not that this is sought), for having been, “A light unto the nations.”

Traditionally anti-Semitism, and more recently with the establishment of the State of Israel anti-Israel behaviour, has been the order of the day. As Jewish

people, we can be proud of our contributions to helping our fellow humans and the part played by Israel in helping other countries cope with the aftermath of natural disasters such as the terrible Turkey-Syria Earthquake.

We know, and most importantly Hashem knows, what we have done and do. That will have to do for us, for the foreseeable future. Having said that, there are many of our fellow humans who do appreciate and acknowledge Israel’s humanitarian activity and we should know and take comfort in that.

Kol Hakovod to Israel.

J D Milaric

PHOTO CREDIT: GPO PM Netanyahu leads discussion

PHOTO CREDIT: GPO PM Netanyahu and Ted Colbert

Losing the way

OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN

The issue of boycotting Israel and Jews has been around for a long time. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s I was aware of the Arab boycott of Jewish businesses in the Palestine Mandate in the 1920s, the attack on Jews generally in Germany and after the second world war the Arab League’s determination that as many countries as possible should refuse to trade with Israel. In addition pressure was put on organisations by the Arab League not to trade with Israel on threat of their being boycotted as well.

The Word Conference Against Racism in Durban 2001 is seen as being the start of the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement, an inherently anti-Semitic programme designed ultimately to destroy the State of Israel. The movement was taken up enthusiastically by many around the world including in the UK. BDS has been at the heart of attacks against the Jewish State and many local authorities over the years have tried and

sometimes succeeded to bring in motions based on boycotting Israel in one form or another.

Essentially those supporting this movement wish to see all commercial contact with Israel brought to an end. Often those promoting BDS claim that Israel is an apartheid state and use that as a basis for demanding sanctions. The difficulty with local councils bringing in boycott motions is that they inevitably stoke the fire of anti-Semitism and crucially bring international politics into a local arena where it has no place. Some councils have tried to introduce policies which enable those councils to refuse to invest (usually tied with pension funds) in companies which have an association with Israel.

The Government has declared its intention to bring in legislation to prevent local councils from implementing boycotts against Israel or Israeli related products.

All good news you might think, given the disproportionate and discriminatory characteristics of the BDS movement. Not for everyone though. The Union of Jewish Students last week passed a motion in opposition to the BDS bill on the basis that “the UK government’s recently proposed BDS Sanctions Bill weakens the ability of British Jewish students to approach the conversation about Israel in a nuanced manner”.

According to the Jewish News the motion also states: “UJS reaffirms its support for the democratic right to non-violently protest and opposes the government’s proposed Boycott Bill which is a curtailment of that right, as well as presenting a risk to British Jewish communities and a setback to Israeli-Palestinian peace.”

BDS is not about non-violent protest, it is about destroying the State of Israel. As for a setback to Israeli-Palestinian peace, I fail to see how local councils being prevented from implementing BDS motions can have any impact on the peace process. Quite the opposite, since for as long as the Palestinian leadership see local UK

councils implementing BDS motions, any prospects of their giving up their murderous intentions towards Israel and Jews will be diminished.

What UJS has missed is that the Palestinian leadership is not interested in peace. And why should they be, when despite their public determination to kill Jews (Hamas) and payments to killers of Jews (Palestinian Authority) no-one takes any notice. Where is the motion from UJS calling for the payments to murderers of Jews to stop? Or condemnation of the very many human rights abuses at the hands of Palestinian Authority or Hamas?

How does one approach in gentle terms a discussion on payments being made to killers of Jews? Where is the nuance in the pay to slay policy? I didn’t read anything about that in the Jewish News, maybe there was a motion but it was not reported. Sadly I don’t believe there was, though I hope I am wrong. In any event, the UJS motion is a step back as well as a green light to those who continue to demonise Israel and Zionism. Not so much losing the way, but picking the wrong path.

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

How does one approach in gentle terms a discussion on payments being made to killers of Jews?

Company for Israel (International)

Dealer: North Vuln: E/W

In a team game, both sides reached six diamonds on the auction shown. The raise to 2♦ was inverted, promising a maximum pass with four-card or longer support. 4♣ showed club shortage and 4♠ was control-showing. South then made a key-card enquiry before bidding the slam.

The opening lead at both tables was the ♣Jack, taken by dummy’s ace. At the first table, declarer was a simple fellow. He drew trumps and led a low heart to his ten and West’s queen. After ruffing West’s club return, declarer crossed to the king of spades and led a second heart to the jack. West produced the king and declarer was one down.

At the other table, declarer ruffed a club at trick two, then led a trump to dummy’s ten to ruff a second club with his ace of trumps. After crossing back to dummy with a low trump to the jack, declarer ruffed dummy’s remaining club, thereby eliminating the suit.

Having now produced this elimination play he only now crossed to dummy with a low spade to the king to lead a low heart to the ten.

After taking this with the queen of hearts, West was endplayed, with only major suit cards remaining. It did not matter which one he played, for declarer would make two tricks in that suit and be able to ruff his losing card in the other major for 12 tricks.

World Jewish Relief Annual Dinner 2023

As war in Ukraine, earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and food insecurity in the Horn of Africa mean global need is exceptionally high, Jewish humanitarian agency World Jewish Relief’s work is more important than ever. On Tuesday 21st February they marked their 90th anniversary with a special Annual Dinner at the Roundhouse, celebrating their remarkable history and looking forward to their ambitious future. The event, produced by award-winning theatre director, film director and producer Nicholas Hytner, brought together more than 740 supporters, and was wonderfully hosted by broadcasters and friends of the charity Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel.

in 1933. Notable guests also included Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, German Ambassador Miguel Berger, Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty The King and Queen Consort, David Baddiel, and actor Elliot Levey.

A documentary film presented by Sir Simon Schama took guests through World Jewish Relief’s 90-year history, from its founding to rescue Jewish refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe up to the present day, as the charity’s lifesaving and life-changing work reaches at-risk communities in 23 countries worldwide. Schama quoted Chief Rabbi Mirvis, saying that “From 1933-2023 the same Jewish imperative has inspired generations of UK Jews to bring support where there is hostility, relief where there is pain and hope where there is despair”.

dinner guests to increase their gifts and generosity given the depth of need.

Underpinning the evening was Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, which this week marks its one-year anniversary. The crisis prompted World Jewish Relief’s largest emergency response since the 1930s and 40s, with immense and unprecedented support from the Jewish community. A moving film showed frontline humanitarian worker Oleksiy Tolkachov delivering the first aid assignments, by World Jewish Relief, into areas liberated from the Russians, now completely destroyed. Tolkachov, who attended the dinner, said that alone he could do nothing, but with the British Jewish community behind him his team could save lives in the hardest to reach parts of Ukraine.

together in person once again with World Jewish Relief’s donors and supporters, who make our lifesaving and lifechanging work possible. Thanks to each and every guest for your generosity, to our speakers, and to all those members of the global World Jewish Relief family who could not be there in-person. A special thanks to His Majesty The King, for his unwavering support. As our organisation turns 90, the war in Ukraine marks its 1-year anniversary, and Ukrainians urgently need our support. That is why this Friday we launch our ‘They Need More’ matched funding campaign. Together we must show Ukrainians we will be there, and we will not abandon them in their time of need.”

Guests included Holocaust survivors whom World Jewish Relief helped rescue and bring to the UK in the 1930s and 40s, individuals and families the charity helped flee from war and persecution in Iran, Bosnia, and beyond, and descendants of the visionary men and women who founded their forerunner, the Central British Fund,

Guests watched powerful films about a farmer supported by World Jewish Relief in Nepal and an Afghan refugee adapting to a new life in the UK. They heard from Sabina Artemieva, a Ukrainian refugee who now works for the charity, who shared how “Relief came to me with World Jewish Relief”, through “helping other Ukrainians and, together, saving lives all over the world”.

Chair Maurice Helfgott emphasised the speed and quality of their response, just two weeks ago, to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and thanked the community for their concern and generosity as World Jewish Relief scales up its response to this emergency. He urged

Thanks to the community, World Jewish Relief has been able to reach almost 187,918 Ukrainians since 24th February 2022 with safe passage, medicine, food, power, employment and psychological support and basic hygiene products. That is equivalent to one Ukrainian helped every three minutes since the invasion began. But the Ukrainian people need more, and as conflict shows no sign of relenting the charity predicts it will need £10 million over the next 12 months to meet urgent needs.

This Friday, on the anniversary of the invasion, they re-launch their campaign at www.charityextra.com/theyneedmore and all donations will be doubled.

Maurice Helfgott, Chair, says “At a time of immense global need it was inspiring to be

Suicide prevention training for all at Jami

Between February and May 2023, all staff members and volunteers at Jami, the mental health service for the Jewish community, will be undergoing suicide prevention training. This is to ensure that everyone can play their part in working to reduce lives lost to suicide.

Philippa Carr, Jami’s education manager and Emergency Response Initiative Consortium lead, says: “All our staff will benefit from taking time out to think about how people are affected by suicidal thoughts, how suicidal behaviour disrupts a person’s life and how distressing that is for them. It’s also a good reminder that we all have mental health and that it can deteriorate in life’s great yet complex journey.”

For Jami, making sure that its whole workforce can have those life-saving conversations is paramount, not just because they may be working with people who use its services, but also to support staff mental health. As Philippa explains: “We’re not just thinking about the people we serve. We also need to be looking out for each

other. Through simple and life-affirming mechanisms, we can help people take that first step on the road to recovery.”

The training, which is being delivered by Grassroots, a leading suicide prevention charity and campaign organisation behind the Stay Alive app – an app that has saved many lives already – will be particularly important for managers and volunteers. “For managers, it’s about being confident to check in with their team and have the skills to begin the conversation if someone is distressed,” says Philippa. “For volunteers, especially Jami’s befriending volunteers, this training will be invaluable in helping them to support someone who may open up about having suicidal thoughts. She adds: “It’s not the volunteers’ job to offer treatment, but it is an opportunity for them to be able to acknowledge what they’ve heard, and then help that person to find the appropriate support.”

As part of Jami’s suicide prevention strategy, the organisation is constantly reflecting on the best ways to prevent suicide. It

has already put mental health support on the high street through its Head Room café in Golders Green. In addition, it brought together and coordinates the Emergency Response Initiative Consortium (ERIC), a partnership of voluntary sector agencies that provide guidance and a face-to-face first responder service to Jewish schools after a student suicide or sudden traumatic death. And in March, Jami, together with Barnet Council and Community Barnet, will be holding an online and in-person session, inviting people from the Jewish community to share their ideas and thoughts about how to save lives and support each other’s mental health and distress.

But in the meantime, Jami sees its suicide prevention training for all staff members –not just clinical staff – as the next step in supporting as many people as possible to gain the skills to have these life-saving conversations. And, as the mental health charity for the Jewish community, it is clearly leading the professional field on this.

World Jewish Relief supports, empowers and saves marginalised people in crisis who are suffering the consequences of conflict and disaster and enables them to survive and thrive. Learn more at www.worldjewishrelief.org.

If you need support or are supporting someone who needs help, visit jamiuk.org/get-support/ or call 020 8458 2223.

If you are struggling to cope or need immediate help, contact Shout’s 24/7 crisis text service. Text Jami to 85258 for free, confidential support.

For free, safe and confidential online counselling and emotional wellbeing services for adults, contact Jami Qwell at www.qwell.io/jami

For face-to-face support, contact The Listening Place at listeningplace.org.uk/ or call 020 3906 7676. You can self-refer via a form on their website.

If you’re under 35, call the Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 41 41 or text 07860 039 967

The Roundhouse

World Jewish Relief turns 90

NJA Condemns Brixton Palestine Solidarity Campaign Pamphlets

The NJA strongly condemns the pamphlet recently posted on Instagram by a Brixton branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), urging British workers to root out “Zionist” colleagues and have them fired. The pamphlet promotes hatred and bigotry towards a particular group of people and advocates for their discrimination based on their beliefs.

The booklet suggests that Zionists should be boycotted and sanctioned and their supporters should be refused conversation. Such extremist views have no place in a civilized society and only create further division and animosity. We believe that constructive dialogue and peaceful coexistence is the only way forward towards achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

Garry Abrams, Chair of the NJA Israel Committee, said “As the vast majority of Jewish people in the United Kingdom support Zionism, this call from the PSC Brixton branch to root out Zionists and have them expelled from their places of employment is not only disgusting but is against the PSC’s own charter which specifically states they are against anti-Jewish discrimination. We call for the PSC to immediately disassociate themselves from their Brixton branch and for any public figures who support the PSC to condemn this anti-Jewish racist declaration.”

Concert raises £12k

300 guests joined the Israeli singer Danny Robas for his first ever concert in London, which raised over £12,000 for people in need, in Or Akiva, Israel.

Danny visited the Manna Meir Panim centre in Or Akiva and was overwhelmed by the work the charity does.

The NJA also condemns the harmful language used in the pamphlet, labelling Zionists as a “brainwashed, racist minority” and that “if a Zionist wants to talk to you, direct them to a therapist. As no logical, sane or moral person is a Zionist.” The pamphlets also call for Zionists to be fired from their workplaces. Such language only serves to further polarize and incite hatred towards a group of people based on their beliefs.

We stand by the International Definition of Antisemitism and recognize that Zionism is simply the movement to afford Jews the right of self-determination in Israel afforded to other peoples all over the world and recognized in Article 1 of the UN Charter. To deny this right is to deny the basic principles of human rights and equality.

We call on the Palestine Solidarity Campaign to retract the pamphlet and issue an apology for their promotion of hate speech and discrimination. We also urge all individuals to educate themselves on the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict and to reject attempts by anti-Israel agitators to demonise Israel and its supporters. For further inquiries, please contact Heath Sloane – NJA Press and Marketing Manager (heath@nja.org.uk)

Lev Properties were the main sponsors of the event alongside Kedem who donated wine, Re’evim London and Keff.

Danny performed his famous Israeli songs in Hebrew and Beatles songs in English. The event’s producer Shay Har-Zion, who played the keyboard for a few songs alongside Danny said that plans are already underway to bring more Israeli artists to London to raise funds for Meir Panim activities in Israel.

EFRAT Empowers Women to Choose Life

The word “choice” loses all meaning when one is coerced into making it.

When a woman turns to EFRAT, it’s because poverty and other circumstances have cornered her into believing that she is incapable of supporting her unborn baby. She feels trapped. EFRAT helps women to make the choice they want to make, instead of the choice they feel forced to make.

Often, it is the people closest to them, the spouse or parent, who exert the most pressure, insisting that having the baby is not economically feasible. Tragically, tens of thousands of babies are lost every year due to economic distress.

“These women are in a stressful, complex situation. They feel desperate and alone, says Ruthy Tidhar, head social worker at EFRAT.

The first thing that EFRAT’s trained volunteers do is to assure the woman that she is not alone, she has support. The volunteer will seek to understand the woman’s distinct needs, and will go on to become a steady source of comfort, strength and hope.

“We don’t only provide assistance through the immediate crisis,” adds Ruthy. “We offer ongoing postpartum support and resources for a sustainable path forward.”

BIRTH PACKAGE

After she has her baby, each mother receives baby equipment as needed, including a crib, mattress, baby bath, and stroller—all brand new and of high quality. She also receives a kit of essential supplies including linen and blanket sets, clothing, diapers, wipes, pacifiers, pacifier clips, bottles, bibs, and more.

Additionally, for the first two years of the baby’s life, the mother receives a monthly package of basic baby products, and where required, she can also receive a monthly delivery of staple food products.

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY

Based on the woman’s circumstances

and needs, EFRAT’s volunteer coordinator and head social worker may also involve additional professionals — doctors, lawyers, psychologists, doulas, life coaches and social workers — who offer their services pro bono. Women may also receive advice, guidance and advocacy to procure the government benefits they are eligible for.

EFRAT’s newest department, Working Moms, empowers women even further, helping them to achieve financial independence through vocational testing and support, free educational opportunities and childcare vouchers. EFRAT helps these women emerge from the cycle of poverty and reclaim a future of physical, emotional and financial security.

SPREADING AWARENESS

EFRAT staff and volunteers work tirelessly to increase public awareness of services so that women everywhere will know how to access support.

Each year, over 3,000 women are empowered by EFRAT’s generous donors and volunteers to have the children they deeply desire.

At a recent event in Boca Raton, Florida, popular columnist and media personality Ben Shapiro pointed out that a person donating to EFRAT knows with absolute certainty that every dollar is helping to save a life. “Literally, that child would not be here if not for EFRAT’s assistance. I can hardly think of a better cause to give to,” Shapiro said.

With 150+ trained volunteers, EFRAT’s overhead costs remain low, so that more funds go directly to helping the women who need it. For $125 per month for one year, you can help a woman bring her precious child into the world.

For more information and to partner with EFRAT, please visit our website at www.cribefrat.org, call us at 718-697-7022, or write us at info@cribefrat.org.

Sharon Osbourne pictured with her Aunty Mrs Eileen Somers who celebrated her 100th birthday. The party was held on Sunday afternoon at the Ateres Rochel Hall, Salford.

Eileen’s Brother was Don Arden musical

impresario and Sharon’s father. Mrs Somers was in the Crumpsall Shul office for over 30 years.

The party continued on Monday afternoon at the Nicky, where earlier the Chief Rabbi was a guest for lunch.

Mazel Tov to Eileen on her 100th birthday

PICTURES BY LAWRENCE PURCELL

Ben Shapiro

300 guests joined the Israeli singer Danny Robas for his first ever concert in London

It was JTeen’s second anniversary this week. The organisation was established with the aim of providing support and resources for all teens encountering any emotional challenges and struggles. Since its inception, the charity has continued to grow and expand its reach to better serve the needs of teens across the UK and Belgium.

Over the past year, the charity has made significant strides in increasing access to mental health support for teens, including expanding the popular helpline support service by adding a phone option besides for text. Jteen support is now accessible for teens who either don’t have a text option or who prefer to talk to a counsellor. JTeen has also established partnerships with several schools to provide mental health education and support to students and staff as well as launching several new programmes, including the school programme which has engaging workshops to help promote teen resilience.

With stigma still a strong factor within the community, JTeen has continued to raise public awareness about the importance of mental health through parent events

and effective marketing campaigns. With the support of generous donors, JTeen has also been able to have a team of qualified therapists ready to engage with teens who contact the helpline with signs of early onset mental health disorders.

“We are proud of the progress we have made over the past two years, and we are grateful to our supporters and the unbelievable volunteers who have made it possible,” said JTeen trustee Avi Barr. “We are committed to continuing our work to support teens and improve mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population.”

Former head of Childline/NSPCC, John Cameron, who is now JTeen’s safeguarding consultant reflected on how empowering it is for young people to see how many adults in the community are volunteering their time to help support them in their times of need.

For more information about JTeen, or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.jteen.co.uk

JTeen Celebrates Second Anniversary Mother and daughter Israel trip

day centres, schools and residential homes, which support Israel’s most vulnerable atrisk children and families, including the Lady Brodie Day Care Centre in Haifa, Sarah Herzog Children’s Center in Afula, Neve Sarah Wolfson High School in Bnei Brak and Neve Landy Children’s Residence in Even Shmuel.

The girls on the tour got to know the children in Emunah’s care through baking challah, playing games, making art and recording TikTok videos together.

The jam-packed five-day trip also included visits to the old city of Jerusalem, Beit Guvrin caves, museums and Har Herzl - the site of Israel’s national cemetery.

we will hold in our hearts always. As part of Mia’s batmitzvah, over the coming months, she has chosen to fundraise for British Emunah to help improve the bedrooms of the girls of her age who she met in Afula.”

The group were accompanied by British Emunah director Sharon Dewinter and covice chair Sara Greenfield.

Sharon said: “It was exhilarating to be able to spend quality time with such a lovely group of people, to watch the mothers and daughters bond and become even closer during this trip, to meet new people and embrace relationships.

“For me, the highlight was seeing the

interaction between the children in our care and the girls. Emunah helps vulnerable children rebuild their lives by instilling in them a sense of worth and self-belief and these visits help to show them that someone out there in world cares enough to come and spend time with them.”

British Emunah is now planning its Mother and Daughter Israel Trip 2024. For more details, please email sharon@emunah.org.uk.

Fourteen children, 12 mums and a grandma enjoyed “the most amazing bonding experience” by spending half term in Israel with British Emunah.

The charity’s Mother and Daughter Israel Trip, which was running for the first time since 2019, began at the President’s Residence where the group were given a private tour followed by an audience with First Lady Michal Herzog. She spoke about the long connection between the Herzog family and Emunah and how the President’s grandmother, Sarah Herzog, was instrumental in the founding of the organisation.

The group visited a number of Emunah’s

Joanna Lipman, who was on the trip with daughter Talya, said: “This was the most amazing bonding experience with my 11-year-old daughter. Together

we saw the phenomenal projects that Emunah helps and the many disadvantaged children and families they look after and cherish. It was thought-provoking and filled with warmth, kindness and a lot of fun activities!”

Marlene Binder, who was with granddaughter Mia, added: “It was the most inspirational and fulfilling experience. We both made precious memories which

2nd year anniversary with a photo of Chair Of trustees, Avi Barr with John Cameron OBE, Jteen Supervisor

Emunah group at Har Herzl

Emunah group at Presidents House with First Lady Emunah daughters during a nature walk

An Inside Job Paperweight Perspective

BY ABIGAIL COX, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

I wish I’d known about Paperweight eight years ago when we moved our parents to London from the provinces. As their health declined, so their need for help increased and the endless form-filling began - throw in an unscrupulous landlord and we had to become lawyers, doctors and bureaucrats overnight. For many in our community, the admin associated with life can be overwhelming, whether it is their own lives or those of their loved ones.

In my first two weeks in my new role as Communications Coordinator at Paperweight, I have been fortunate enough to spend time immersing myself in the amazing and hugely varied work of our charity - from our incredible volunteer team leaders and assessors – the first responders to all calls in to Paperweight - to some of the selfless volunteer caseworkers who use their extensive knowledge, experience and valuable free time to help

and support our clients across the UK.

One of the main things which has struck me during my short time here is that Paperweight is for everyone. It’s not just for those who have a particular condition or illness or for those experiencing one of life’s challenges. It is unique – in the breadth of its work and those it helps. Poor mental and physical health are frequently bound together with all of the above, but particularly with debt issues, which can be improved by the FCA registered Paperweight Debt team which can tackle debt at the highest level.

What I have also learnt is that as with my siblings and my experiences with our parents, client cases are rarely straightforward or one-dimensional. Often, what began as a call regarding help for receiving benefits due to a cancer diagnosis, for example, can lead to a need for an LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) or helping a homeless person regain entry into the

care system can lead to long-term help with debt-management, enabling them to regain some control over their life once again. Helping people at their most vulnerable due to age, illness, bereavement, debt or a myriad of other situations is why Paperweight is here – and why we are here for everyone.

All our staff and volunteers are vetted, fully trained and all calls are confidential – a great comfort when you are feeling overwhelmed and at your most vulnerable. At Paperweight, we understand that for many in our community, asking for help can be the hardest thing, especially when it comes to finances, but our team leaders and case workers have the knowledge, experience and contacts to lift that weight.

My job is all about communications –talking and writing – raising awareness of the Paperweight Trust and the amazing work we do. I want to shout it from the

rooftops, but a more effective way is through our press, our synagogues and rabbis and community leaders nationwide. I want everyone to know that help is there, but it’s not just the clients and their friends and family who need to know about us. We are always looking for volunteers and professionals who can offer pro bono support – so I need to ensure they are aware and inspired to offer their time. It is important to remember that Paperweight is a charity offering its services free of charge to every member of the UK Jewish community in need, so attracting donors and communicating about fundraising events is a vital part of my role.

If my first two weeks are anything to go by, there are exciting times ahead as I build relationships and use my role to metaphorically shout from the rooftops that Paperweight is here in the centre of our community, ready to help.

To contact Paperweight for help, to potentially volunteer or to donate, please call 0330 174 4300 or email info@paperweight.org.uk

If my first two weeks are anything to go by, there are exciting times ahead.

Hasmo pupil delights the country

15-year-old Jonathan Masteran, a Hasmonean High school student, and an amazing pianist, went through auditions for a new TV show called “The Piano” on Channel 4. The show is a celebration of the piano as an instrument and musicians from all across the United Kingdom who share their unique talents performing on pianos in public spaces such as the biggest train stations in the country. Jonathan was chosen to perform in Kings Cross St Pancras station in front of passing travellers and the host Claudia Winkleman, whilst being secretly watched by the judges who were the world famous performers Lang Lang and Mika. Out of the 80 performers, four were chosen

to perform in the Royal Festival Hall and Jonathan was invited as a VIP guest to see the final.

GIFT launches first mother daughter bat mitzvah trip

A 5-day Bat Mitzvah trip to Israel proved to be a life-changing experience for a group of mothers and daughters who volunteered and explored the country together. The trip, organised by GIFT charity, which inspires and enables lifelong giving, was filled with memorable experiences, including volunteering with children at Save a Child’s Heart, a basketball workshop with a former NBA star; picking kohlrabi for families in need, packing food parcels at Pantry Packers, and a Jeeping adventure in the Judean Desert.

The group spent a day volunteering at Shalva, a center for children with disabilities, where they participated in various activities and spent time interacting with the children. They were deeply moved by

the children’s resilience and the dedication of the staff and volunteers at the centre. The group also visited over 12 other impactful charities throughout the trip, where they learned about the various programs and services provided to those in need.

Hannah Herskovic, participant mother said: “Thank you for an amazing trip! GIFT managed to make it appropriate and exciting for both my daughter and myself. We’ve created memories together that we will have forever!”

In addition to volunteering, the group indulged in local cuisine and shopped at markets and bazaars throughout the country. They enjoyed the sights and sounds of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the surrounding areas. They curated an itinerary that balanced meaningful volunteer work with exciting cultural experiences.

“We’re thrilled to have been a part of this special journey for these mothers and daughters,” said GIFT’s Bnei Mitzvah Coordinator, Esther Zneimer. “Our goal is to empower our youth to make a difference, and this trip was a perfect example of how that can be achieved. We hope this experience will inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact in their daily lives.”

20th Finchley Scout group visit the Bank of England Museum

A group of Beavers from the 20th Finchley Scout group enjoyed a day trip to the Bank of England Museum. Children started their outing by traveling on the underground and learning about public transport. At the museum, the children had the opportunity to try to pick up a gold bar and see and do lots of interactive activities. They saw old money, and current money and heard about the history of banking life in the UK. Lots of fun was had by all. The children learnt all about the history of the Bank of England and the history of coins and notes. Sadly there were no souvenir notes to take away!

Almost four hundred Young Norwood (YN) supporters gathered in-person at The Londoner Hotel on Monday night for Norwood’s YN Property Awards Dinner, which saw the charity engage the community’s future leaders. Attendees raised £140,000 for Norwood’s work supporting people with learning disabilities and autism and children and their families facing social, educational and mental health challenges, whilst celebrating the industry’s key achievements from the past year.

The awards in six categories were presented by Charlie Green and Olly Olsen from The Office Group and made possible thanks to lead event sponsors General Projects, Derwent London and Montfort Real Estate (formerly Blackstock Consulting) and reception sponsor Patron Capital.

Amongst those recognised by a panel of judges featuring Camilla Dell, Norwood Honorary Life President David Ereira, Charlie Green, Jacob Loftus, Mark Pollack and Trustee Gary Sacks were Daniel Elia of Singer Vielle in the Commercial Agent of the Year Category and Great Portland Estates who won the Sustainable Property Company of the Year award. The category reflected the carbon neutral focus of the event, as emissions were offset through Worldwide Ocean Protection Projects.

Presenting the award to Daniel Elia on account of his “drive and tech-focused approach to property, working within a system which facilitates a high turnover of sales”, Green and Olsen also wished Daniel a Happy Anniversary to him and his wife Sylvie, who he’d met at a previous YN Property Awards Dinner.

Other winners included Orly Lehmann of Knight Frank for Residential Agent of the Year, ASK Partners for Financier of the Year, Howard Kennedy LLP for Real Estate Law Firm of the Year, and Greg Manson of OakNorth Bank and Sebastian Simpson of AWOL, who were jointly recognised in the One to Watch category.

Elsewhere, the evening featured an auction hosted by Journalist and Broadcaster Olivia Wayne, who also compered an ‘In Conversation With’ “Mr Super Prime” Daniel Daggers of DDRE, a former YN ‘Estate Agent of the Year’ winner in 2014, who entertained guests with his thoughts on current trends in the property market.

Among the auction prizes bid for were a dinner party for 10 in your home, catered by Taste by Marc Sharer, framed and signed presentation of Muhammad Ali following his victory over Sonny Lister in 1965, and drinks and sushi for 12 at the Art Flat, exhibiting images of Andy Warhol by John Kennedy.

Introducing service user Michael Kuperberg, Norwood Trustee and judging panellist Gary Sacks spoke of his “proud support” for the “important” charity and the growing need for donations to facilitate “the vital difference we can make”. His comments referred to a 2021 survey conducted by Survation found that one in four members of the Jewish community will likely need Norwood’s services over the next few years. Welcoming his “dear friend” to the stage, he referenced the multiple cycling Challenges the two had undertaken together to raise funds for Norwood over the years. Describing how the charity has supported him to live his best life, Michael told attendees: “Norwood has been there for me every step of the way and has helped transform my life.”

Challenges and Events form an important part of Norwood’s fundraising activities and in helping the charity secure the £12m in voluntary contributions it requires to support the delivery of its life-changing care and support, which costs £32 million to provide each year.

For further information, please contact Shari Ryness, PR and Internal Communications Manager at Norwood.

Email: shari.ryness@norwood.org.uk

Phone: 07512 616 417

Young Norwood supporters celebrate “the future of the property industry and Norwood” at annual property awards, raising £140,000

GIFT group at Save a Child's Heart Charity

PHOTO CREDIT: GIFT

20th Finchley Beavers group visit the Bank of England Museum

Jonathan Masteran on the piano

Enjoying the awards evening

Celebrating success

AJEX needs 170K for vital services

BY DAVID SAFFER

AJEX has a £170K match funding campaign this weekend to ensure it continues its vital communal work in remembrance, welfare and education. The 36-hour fundraiser runs from Sunday until Monday 27th February.

AJEX’s website includes an illuminating interview by Cadet Edgar Santos with 98-year-old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh and exclusive interview with Rachel Riley on Sunday (6pm).

The Jewish military association is dedicated to Jewish men and women who fought, and continue to fight, for freedom and security. AJEX ensures their immense contribution is not forgotten. The charity, counters antisemitism, spans the UK Jewish community across generations and supports veterans and their families.

Nearly every family has a connection to AJEX through a parent, grandparent, great grandparent or relative.

Aside from the Remembrance Sunday parade, AJEX provides educational resources, school visits, speaker programmes and attendance at military events with AJEX Standards flying the flag.

AJEX has enabled National Chair Dan Fox to tell the story of Jewish service to the Crown.

“My grandfather served in World War Two, he was a member of AJEX and went on the parade, so there has always been a family connection,” he explained. “AJEX has given me the chance to give talks to Jewish communities, schools and associations. My passion for the work AJEX does has grown from there.”

Regarding the fundraiser, Fox explained what funds will go towards?

He said: “It is so important we support veterans and their families whether they are at home or in care facilities. There are also serving Jewish veterans who could find themselves to be a veteran in need of help. Funds will help the National Memorial Arboretum by paying for transport, more educational initiatives and other services. The AJEX parade is also a huge undertaking.”

Regarding the online interviews, Fox observed: “Edgar and Mervyn have a very moving interaction. They reach out across the generations to understand each other’s experiences. It’s about appreciating what the World War Two generation did for us and how the new generation can honour that. With Rachel, it’s a wide-ranging interview on the work she has done

in combating antisemitism, but also her career and family.”

AJEX is busy throughout the year. Two major events are the Arboretum ceremony during Arms Forces Week and annual parade at the Cenotaph. There are other activities, as Fox explained.

“A priority is to campaign to get Jewish families to claim their medals,” he said. “Medals get lost but you can get replacements whether they are from great grandparents, grandparents or parents. And you are entitled to wear them at remembrance events. It is really special to see families on the annual parade. I want to see as many medals as possible to re-emphasise the Jewish service over the decades. They are wonderful artefacts for families to have and pass on.”

Veterans are getting older, why is it so important to preserve their memory?

Fox observed: “They took part in some of the most momentous events in British history. There is a responsibility to ensure their stories, experiences and contribution made is remembered. It’s particularly important for the Jewish community to ensure we maintain a sense of pride and understanding that our history hugs the contours of Britain’s history. This goes for all parts of society and includes the military. The story is still being told today with Jewish members of the armed forces serving.

“But perhaps the main point is that Jewish service to the Crown stands in the starkest contradiction to vile antisemitic accusations that gets thrown at us. In particular, the idea of dual loyalty or somehow standing apart from society. Those that served and those who support those who served are obvious contradictions to that slur.”

How inspiring is it to walk with the veterans at parades?

“You can’t put that into words,” he said. “I recently had tea with a DDay veteran and, despite all that has been learnt over the years, it’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to land on a beach in France. dropped in to a Netherlands town or set up camp in a Burma jungle and face what they faced every day. That generation is incredible. They remain a source of inspiration for what they did, but also for everything they have done since. They came back from a war or national service to build lives, families, businesses and communities. Their lives without military service is inspiring, but with it is the most incredible story an individual can tell.”

Educating youth and the Jewish contribution are key aspects for AJEX. The charity accepts invitations from schools, groups and synagogues to tell the history of AJEX and Jewish service to the Crown.

Fox noted: “We produce educational materials, not just for young people, but for everyone to use.”

And youngsters enjoy meeting veterans and military personnel?

“I took a history GCSE pupil when I met with a DDay veteran,” enthused Fox. “He’s a budding historian and was fascinated. You only have to see the faces and enthusiasm of school groups and cadets on the annual parade to know they are getting to feel a part of something special. They find the experience of a military event and the history that comes with it enriching.”

AJEX is well known for playing a huge role in tacking antisemitism.

“Our history is part of the fight,” explained Fox. “Jewish veterans from World War Two formed the 43 Group that involved in the 62 Group, which became the CSO then CST. That is very much a part of the history and inspiration.”

Jews have served the British Armed Forces for centuries. In World War One, 50,000 Jews served. In 1921, Jewish veterans laid the first wreath at the Cenotaph. With rising antisemitism and fascism in Europe, the Jewish Ex-servicemen’s Legion was formed in 1929. To avoid confusion with the British Legion (now Royal British Legion) AJEX, the Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and women, came about in 1936. After World War Two, when over 70,000 Jews served, AJEX provided support to veterans along with programmes.

AJEX’s National Chair is aware of the legacy. The upcoming fundraiser is essential for the organisation.

Fox observed: “Anything people donate will enable us to keep up our momentum to the community.”

MDA CEO, Daniel Burger

Rachel Riley (credit: Alan Strutt)

AJEX National Chair Dan Fox

Edgar Santos with D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh

ASK THE RABBI

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

CHILD BRIDES – A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE

Dear Rabbi

“If a man sells his daughter to be a maidservant…” (Shemot 21:7). That’s what we read in last week’s portion. Doesn’t that make Judaism on par with other faiths that we are so critical of? Child brides? Selling your daughter? How utterly degrading is that?! I would love to hear your explanation Rabbi.

Estel

Dear Estel

Let me preface by saying that you’re asking a great question. And to be sure, much of what the Torah writes might not be aligned with modern sensibilities. Still, Torah laws communicate powerful messages of empathy rather than cruelty, and this law is no exception. The specific scenario, as explained by Maimonides, is that the father becomes so destitute that he loses all his possessions, including the shirt off his back. Then, and only then, is he allowed to “sell” his daughter.

In this context, this law is actually intended to protect the daughter. When a father is not in a position to support her, he has the opportunity to hand over her care to someone who will provide for her. To be sure, even so, says Maimonides, the father should be forced to redeem her at first given opportunity. Rabbi

Levi Ben Gershon (Ralbag 13c) agrees that a man is not allowed to sell his daughter unless he has absolutely no other way to support himself. Rashi says that inasmuch as the father got himself into a situation that resulted in

him doing this for his daughter’s sake, the man behaved deceitfully with his daughter. The Meam Loez (Torah Anthology) suggests that the father behaved in an extremely cruel way. “He should rather become a stone carrier to avoid selling his daughter.”

R. Avraham Menachem Rapa of Porto (Mincha Belula 16c) notes that the verse calls the father “a man” because he does not deserve the title “father,” since he had no mercy on his daughter.

Even when the father does “sell” his daughter, per the Torah law, the master treats her exactly as his own daughter, providing her with the same standard of beds, clothing and food. He is also not allowed to make her do degrading kinds of work such as tying his shoes.

So with that in mind, imagine what would happen in Biblical times to a poor girl without this social institution. She might die of starvation, or have to degrade herself searching through rubbish for scraps of food. Who would ever want to marry this sullen eyed girl in rags? Becoming a maidservant protected her from having to sleep rough and scraping to get by for the rest of her life. It really did provide her with a fighting chance.

Now, it is important to understand another parameter. Marriage in Jewish law takes place in two stages. The first is called eirusin, which we translate as betrothal. This is more than the modern-day engagement: a girl who is betrothed is considered married even though the wedding has not been consummated. If a couple calls it quits after eirusin, the woman requires a

bill of divorce. The second phase is the nesuin – actual marriage. (Today we do both at the same time, with the various blessings and procedures at the Chupah). This young girl may be technically “betrothed” to her master, but there is no intimacy between them. And, until she reaches the age of maturity, she actually reserves the right to refuse the match. This is called mi’un (refusal). Indeed, the girl can dissolve the union unilaterally, without a get, and she is not considered a divorcee. Moreover, when she reaches maturity and doesn’t object, then the man who took her in is expected to either marry her himself or marry her off to his son. And upon marriage, the Torah makes clear that she receives the exact same rights as any other wife.

As a final point: Rabbi S. R. Hirsch observes that the only place in which the Torah mentions the obligations of a husband towards his wife is in this case of the “maidservant.” He says, the Torah purposely defines the elementary rights of every Jewish wife through the example of a child of a beggar compelled to sell his daughter to save her from starvation. When she is placed besides an ordinary bride, a girl married out of a free rich family, the Torah proclaims: “Not by one hair’s breadth may the treatment of the one differ from that given to the other.” The Torah singles out this case as an example of the general rights of married women in order to teach the following principle: “With marriage a woman rises to his station in life, but never falls from hers.”

Bottom line: there are things in the Torah that some might struggle to understand. But many of the things that people assume are misogynistic or otherwise “politically incorrect” are the

result of not fully understanding what’s going on. An in-depth analysis will always help one develop clarity on the matter and an appreciation for the eternal values of the Torah.

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Refuah Shalema for Shneor Zalman Ben Elisheva and Hadassa

Pirkei Avot Chapter 5 Mishnah 1

‘With ten utterances the world was created. And what does this teach, for surely it could have been created with one utterance? But this was so in order to punish the wicked who destroy the world that was created with ten utterances, and to give a good reward to the righteous who maintain the world that was created with ten…’

The creation of Hashem’s world is shrouded in mystery. We only know a minuscule amount of information from the limited verses that describe it in Bereshit. Much delving and study is required to understand the words at the beginning of the Torah and even the it is only a tiny fraction of what actually transpired. Nonetheless, we

Soro bas Lesley

must go with what we can. Our Rabbis tell us at the beginning of this 5th Perek that Hashem created the world with Ten utterances.

The Bartenura questions this as it only says ‘and He said’ nine times? He proves from a verse in Tehillim that the words ‘In the beginning’ is also a statement.

The Bartenura continues and discusses the phrase ‘who destroy the world.’

Anyone that destroys one soul of Israel is as if they destroyed an entire world. Since the wicked destroy their

souls because of their sins, it is as if they destroy the entire world at the same time, as they tip the scales of the whole world towards guilt, and it comes out that the world is destroyed on their account.

We see Hashem’s mercy at the end of the mishna; not only do we get rewarded for our good deeds, but we also get rewarded tenfold!

NAFTALI

Torah from Israel Do non-Israeli Jews have a say in Israeli politics

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

Judaism has a rich and storied tradition of philanthropy. As people of moral spirit, we venerate acts of charity and personal generosity. Avraham, the founder of our people demonstrated his generosity and his gemilut chasadim by enthusiastically welcoming three complete strangers into his home, days after undergoing excruciating surgery. Charity and chesed became part of our collective Jewish legacy. The gemara in Yevamot cautions us to inspect the Jewish pedigree of a miserly person who doesn’t display sympathy or kindness. If that person were Jewish, they would, obviously, be more generous and openhearted. Charity and tzedakah lie at the heart of Jewish identity.

In addition to providing charity for individuals, Jews have always donated to large and great projects. Our philanthropic tradition began in the desert as we assembled the mishkan. Hashem had already performed numerous jaw-dropping miracles and could easily have deposited a heavenly temple in the desert. Yet, He preferred that we donate the various materials and personally perform the labor necessary for His temple. Work and labor are ennobling and purged us of the moral decay caused by the worship of the egel. More importantly though, donating to this great cause would transform us into agents of this divine project, granting us personal shares in the house of Hashem. Through our philanthropy we become more invested in important projects and idealistic missions. Philanthropy affords grants personal agency.

Ironically, our long-suffering exile reinforced the centrality of Jewish philanthropy. Constantly living as outsiders in foreign lands, we rarely received local governmental funding for religious services. We were forced to provide our own communal and religious needs through internal contributions. This codependency created tighter and more durable communities and, additionally, networked Jews across the diaspora, as often, wealthier communities supported poorer ones. As Jewish donations crisscrossed the globe, scattered Jewish communities remained united.

THE HALUKA SYSTEM

Gradually, as we began to return to our homeland, philanthropy was channeled to Jews living under the harsh and unforgiving financial conditions in Palestine.

In the late 18th and 19th century, Jewish emigration to Israel slowly expanded, and a process of financial support known as the chaluka system became institutionalized. In almost every European Jewish city, funds were collected for the old yishuv (generally referring to Jews who emigrated prior to 1880s) who had little financial means to support themselves.

The chaluka system figured prominently in the notorious incarceration of the first Lubavicther Rebbe. Living in Liadi, in White Russia, Rav Shneur Zalman, the first Rebbe supervised the collection and allocation of funds to Chassidim in Palestine, which was then governed by the Ottoman empire, the sworn enemies of the Russian monarchy. He was arrested and imprisoned on trumped up charges of treason for transferring currency to an enemy of the state. These charges were exaggerated by opponents of Chassidism who incited local Russian authorities against the Rabbi. After 53 days of imprisonment, on the 19th of Kislev, the Rebbe was liberated from prison, transforming this day into the major holiday of Chassidut. For 150 years, beginning with the late 18th century, the chaluka system was an integral part of Jewish communal life in Europe.

This distribution system became far more complicated in the 20th century in the aftermath of the financial collapse during WWI. Financially challenged Eastern European Jewish communities struggled to support an ever-growing Jewish population in Palestine. The chaluka system was first conceived in the late 18th century to support select Jewish pilgrims who abandoned the “good life” in Europe for a noble life of holiness and hardship in the land of our ancestors. By the early 20th century, the Jewish population in Palestine had expanded, and not everyone was living a holy life worthy of financial support from mother communities in Europe. The chaluka allocations slowly dwindled, coming to a complete and abrupt halt during the Holocaust.

In the desert Jewish philanthropy had raised a mishkan for Hashem. Thousands of years later, in the leadup to modern state, Jewish philanthropy provided a platform for the first returning Jews. Jewish philanthropy would have a further say in shaping Jewish destiny.

PHILANTHROPY AND THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL

As the State of Israel was declared,

Jewish philanthropy quickly shifted gears. A newly formed nation, financially fledgling and militarily challenged required substantial material support. Though much of this support flowed from foreign governments, much came from personal philanthropic donations of Jews pouring in from across the globe. The 20th century witnessed the greatest philanthropic project the history of mankind. Jewish money helped build our national infrastructure, advance our communities, and restore our natural landscapes and forests. Jewish return to israel became a global Jewish project.

Aliyah to Israel has always been a complex equation. Those who live in Israel don’t always appreciate how difficult it can be. Not everyone can pick up and immediately relocate to Israel. Jewish philanthropy provided a means for Jews who don’t yet live in our national homeland to still be part of this grand project of national regeneration. We wait for every Jew to return home, but until that day and given the fact that not every Jew has returned, we acknowledge the power of philanthropy to allow membership in this lofty historical project.

NEWARK, AMSTERDAM, AND GUSH

I teach in a hesder yeshiva in Gush Etzion which has a majestic campus which includes marble floors, a vaulted ceiling in a regal Beit Midrash, a campus surrounded by rolling gardens, and a stately waterfall at its entrance. Aesthetically outstanding, its beauty reflects the grandeur of religion.

Our beautiful campus was constructed in the mid 1970’s with funds donated by the Jewish community of Newark, New Jersey, which had recently closed its doors. After closing its synagogue, the community donated its leftover funds to a fledgling yeshiva in the West bank operating out of an old Jordanian army barrack. Often, as I stroll through the magnificent campus financed by an American Jewish community of the previous generation, I reflect upon the marvel of Jewish continuity.

Additionally, our spacious library contains a section of older books donated by a four-hundred-year old Dutch Jewish community, which was unable to survive after the Holocaust. As I leaf through the 500-year old seforim in this collection, I ponder the different roads of Jewish history. All roads lead home. Modern Jewish philanthropy for the state of israel

has empowered Jews across the globe to be part of the reawakening of history. It has also preserved the memories of past Jewish communities in our ancient homeland.

PARTNERS HAVE A VOICE

This partnership between Israel and Jews who live outside our country raises a very delicate and complex question. Should non-Israelis Jews enjoy a voice in determining Israeli politics and policies. Many Israelis chafe at the notion that our democracy should be compromised by opinions of non-voting and non-army serving citizens. But that is just the point: we aren’t a pureblooded democracy, but a historical project built upon democratic foundations. Every Jew is expected to participate in this project and every Jew the right to voice their opinion about our joint project. It is certainly true that non-residents may not appreciate the more nuanced factors which should govern our policy decisions. For non-Israeli, issues in israel always seem more black and white and more binary. Residents of Israel have a finer appreciation of the subtle complexities of our situation and their positions tend to be more balanced and judicious. However, fundamentally, every Jew is part of this process, and their philanthropy gives them a seat at the table of history. We are in this together.

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

New from

BACK IN PRINT!

Uplift Your Shabbos Davening with Rav Chaim at Your Side!

Rav Chaim Kanievsky On Siddur for the weekdays changed our day-to-day davening. Now, Rav Chaim Kanievsky On Siddur – Shabbos will do the same for our Shabbos davening. This volume includes insights on the words and themes of the Shabbos prayers shared directly by Rav Chaim and collected from his extensive writings, as well as dozens of stories about Rav Chaim, his wife Rebbetzin Kanievsky, and his illustrious family. Compiled by Rabbi Shai Graucher, who was an almost-daily visitor to Rav Chaim’s home, this is a work that will bring your Shabbos davening to a whole new level.

ALSO AVAILABLE: RAV CHAIM ON WEEKDAY DAVENING

Smile. Think. Laugh. Learn. With Rabbi Fishel Schachter

No one tells a story quite like Rabbi Fishel Schachter, and in Did This Happen To You? he uses stories as an incredibly effective means of guiding us through whatever challenges we are facing.

A popular speaker, columnist and storyteller, Rabbi Schachter combines practical advice in chinuch and middos development with anecdotes and stories that are always engaging and often laugh-out-loud funny.

So open this book and be prepared to laugh ... and to learn.

In Living Chessed, Rabbi Avrohom Asher Makovsky shows us how we “ordinary” people can also be “gedolim in chessed”— by grabbing the countless opportunities to help our fellow Jews.

Living Chessed includes inspirational insights and guidance about doing chessed and, above all, incredible stories of how chessed – even something as small as a compliment or a smile – can transform the lives of both the giver and receiver.

Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

The Mishkan as a Kiruv Project

BY RABBI HILLEL VAN-LEEUWEN

Parashat Terumah begins a series of five parashot dedicated to planning/building the Mishkan. Towards the end of our parasha, we read about the altar, on which, at peak seasons, hundreds of sacrifices were offered daily.

‘To sacrifice’ means to give up something of yours, for the sake of a higher cause, thus coming closer to Hashem. Indeed, the Hebrew word for ‘sacrifice’ is korban. The root is ‘karov’, meaning ‘close’. But how do I get closer to Hashem through the killing of an innocent lamb?

Maybe this shows I trust HaShem to fill the loss caused by giving up some food (meat), drink (milk), and clothes (wool, leather), thereby achieving a higher level of belief, binding my thoughts and actions to Hashem.

But there’s something deeper here. Visitors to the Mishkan experienced intense spirituality. The grandeur, the harmony, the swiftness of the worshipping Kohanim, the unity with Jews from

abroad in times when international travel was rare, the closeness between them and Hashem.

In 1980, I was a nine years old student in 4th grade. My teacher wished to clarify the issues we were studying in class – the korbanot – by inviting a local shochet, with his lamb, to the sandbox at our school’s back yard. I will spare you the gory details. Suffice it to say that several of my classmates turned vegetarian that day. However, the dominant feeling I vividly remember, was my awe and amazement at the swiftness of the transition from life to death! A minute ago that cute lamb was grazing grass, moving about and making gentle sounds; now it’s just a pile of meat and bones! Where, for heaven’s sake, did its life go?

The sacrificing of an animal offered our ancestors a moment of reflection. The owner of the animal would stand nearby, observing the Kohen shecht it with one quick, swift painless motion. Witnessing this sudden loss of life would cause those involved to reflect on how

Terumah Sidra Summary

gold-plated wooden stave left permanently between each pair of rings, in order to carry the aron. The Tablets of the Ten Commandments were placed in the aron.

Point to Consider: What is the deeper message of the aron being plated with gold not just on the outside, but also the inside, even though the inside was not visible? (25:11)

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – SHEMOT 25:1-16

G-d tells Moshe to ask the Jews for voluntary offerings towards the construction and functioning of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The materials needed are gold, silver and copper; turquoise, purple and scarlet wool; linen, goat hair, dyed ram skins, skins of the tachash animal, acacia wood, oil, specific spices and particular precious stones (for placing in the Kohen Gadol’s garments).

G-d then instructs Moshe about how to make different features of the Mishkan: The aron (ark) was made from acacia wood, plated with gold on both the inside and outside, and with a gold zer (crown) around the top. It had four gold rings attached to it, two on each side, with a

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 25:17-30

frail and temporary their own life might be.

And if life is so feeble, it should not be taken for granted! Nobody can guarantee I’ll wake up tomorrow to enjoy another day in Hashem’s world (real “life insurance” doesn’t exist), so I thank Hashem for each moment of life! Indeed, for as long as I live, I should strive to make the best out of my life, giving to others and doing good deeds. These simple thoughts work wonders to bring us closer to Hashem.

Here in Israel, many feel that Hashem has “shifted historic gears” over the past 10–15 years, moving the pieces on the global chessboard with greater resolve. Israel’s growth in multiple fields simultaneously, the unforeseen collapse of several Arab countries around us, the strengthening of political, military and commercial ties between Israel and India, Russia, Australia and the UAE, the global recognition of Israel’s assistance to African countries – all amount to us wondering what amazingly good things

Hashem still has in store for us in the immediate future. Suddenly, a sovereign Israel with the Beit HaMikdash as its spiritual heart doesn’t necessarily sound like a futuristic scene.

I do not know whether the Mikdash will include animal offerings to bring us closer to Hashem, or will “clean” tefillot do the trick. Either way, may we merit building it soon, in unity and peace!

Rabbi Hillel Van-Leeuwen is the Head of Leadership Development at World Mizrachi.

“G-d spoke to Moshe, saying: ‘Speak to the Children of Israel and let them take for Me a portion, from every person whose heart motivates them shall you take My portion” (Shemot 25:1-2)

enjoining bars were made from gold-plated acacia wood.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 26:31-37

The parochet (partition) was made of wool and linen. It was placed on the southern side of the Mishkan, to cordon off the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies) area, which housed the aron.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 27:1-8

The mizbeach (altar) was made of copper-plated wood, with four corner pieces and staves attached to rings to carry it.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 27:9-19

The kaporet (cover) of the aron was made of pure gold, with two cherubs moulded on top, facing one another and with their wings touching. The shulchan (table) was made from gold-plated acacia wood, with a gold zer (crown) on its misgeret (lid). It had rings and staves to carry it, like the aron. The lechem hapanim (show bread ) was placed on it.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 25:31-26:14

The menorah was hammered from one piece of pure gold, with seven lamps. The Mishkan had ten yiriyot (curtains), made

of linen and patterned wool, with golden hooks joining them together. The ohel (tent), draped over the Mishkan, was made of 11 curtains of goat hair, with a further double michseh (cover) on top, one made from dyed ram skins, the other from tachash skins.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 26:15-30

The kerashim (planks) and their

The chatzer (courtyard) surrounded the Mishkan; its outer ‘fence’ was made of linen yiriyot (curtains), attached to wooden pillars.

HAFTARAH

The reading, from the Book of Kings, records King Shlomo’s (Solomon) construction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem, which was completed 480 years after the Exodus from Egypt. The construction involved mobilising close to 200,000 workers. G-d told Shlomo that He would “dwell among the Children of Israel” if they would be loyal in their Divine service.

Behind the Mask: Our Battle Against Amalek

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

As we encounter Purim, let us delve deeper into the unique spiritual and existential battle that the Jewish People must continue to wage against the philosophy of Amalek. Amalek first appeared on the scene when they attacked Klal Yisrael in the midbar, on their journey to Har Sinai. The most striking aspect of this attack was its timing. Hashem had just performed the makkos and split the Yam Suf for the Jewish People — acts that had worldwide reverberations. The Jewish People were viewed as invincible and untouchable, and exactly at this moment, Amalek chose to attack the Jewish People, undertaking a (practically) suicidal battle with zero provocation. What was their motivation to undertake such a mission? This question can be extended to the Purim story as well. Haman, suddenly promoted to second in command, makes it his mission to wipe out the entire Jewish People. As a descendant of Amalek, he is clearly continuing their legacy of Jewish obliteration. Why is it that, throughout history, people have made it their singular focus to wipe out the Jewish People? And why is this the spiritual legacy of Amalek? In order to answer this question, we must examine the fundamental principles of Jewish belief, based on the thirteen ikarei emunah (principles of faith) delineated by the Rambam in his commentary on perek Chelek in Sanhedrin.

THREE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

• The first fundamental principle of Jewish belief is that Hashem is the Creator of the world. He is the Source of time, space, and all of existence.

• The second principle is that Hashem has a direct relationship with this physical world. This is the concept of hashgachah — that Hashem oversees and controls the events of this world.

• The third fundamental principle is that there is a purpose to this world and our lives within it. There is not a single aspect of life that is random, rather each and every occurrence and interaction is part of an infinitely beautiful grand plan, a cosmic symphony, a masterpiece designed by Hashem.

While Amalek does not tend to focus on the first of these principles, their entire existence is devoted toward destroying the second and third of these principles. Amalek claims that although Hashem may exist, He has absolutely no connection to us or our world. Our lives are therefore meaningless, and this world is devoid of spirituality.

This destructive conviction is embodied in the pasuk describing Amalek’s attack on the Jewish People. As we read in Parashas Zachor, we must remember what Amalek did to us, “Asher korcha ba’derech

— How they happened upon us while we were traveling” (Devarim 25:18). The word korcha is peculiar, and Rashi therefore quotes three interpretations of this word, each fundamental and significant.

1. RANDOMNESS AND HAPPENSTANCE

The first explanation of the word “korcha” is based on its connection to the word “karah” (happenstance). This interpretation reflects Amalek’s claim that everything in this world is random and meaningless. There is no hashgachah, no Divine providence. Anything that happens to you, whether bad or good, has no deeper meaning or significance behind it. Amalek implied that they just “happened” to be there with swords in hand, ready for battle; they simply “chanced” upon the Jewish People as they were on the way.

This is the exact approach that Haman took when plotting to kill the Jews. He did not rationally calculate a date on which to kill the Jews, but rather he specifically chose one through a pur (lottery). A lottery represents and embodies randomness and chance. Haman let the luck of the draw determine when he would kill the Jews, an act of devotion to “karah.” The gematria of Amalek is the same as that of the word safek (doubt). Amalek represents doubt and uncertainty, randomness and chaos.

2.

KERI: SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE

The second interpretation offered by Rashi connects the word “korcha” to “keri,” a concept linked to marital impurity. Judaism views marriage as a lofty mitzvah; the relationship between husband and wife holds incredible spiritual potential. The Ramban explains that the relationship between man and wife ideally reflects the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish People. It is a relationship of spiritual and existential oneness where potential is developed and actualized.

Amalek, however, claims that marriage is no more than animalistic mating, a relationship devoid of higher meaning and spirituality. The name Amalek shares its root with the word melikah, which is the process of removing the head from the body of a bird before it is offered as a sacrifice. The head is the highest part of the body, representing the mind and the spiritual; the body is the lower part, representing the physical. Ideally, the two are harmoniously connected (And the head [spiritual] influences the outer expression of the body [physical]). Amalek attempts to disconnect the head from the body, to disconnect the spiritual (head) from the physical (body), claiming that there is no spirituality within the physical world, no meaning, and no connection to Hashem or anything higher.

3. KOR: COOLING THE FLAME

Rashi’s third explanation of the word “korcha” is based on a Midrash that relates the word to “kor” (cold). The Midrash describes the mashal of a boiling hot bath

of water that nobody dares jump into for fear of being scalded. Along comes a man and boldly jumps into the boiling water, severely burning himself in the process. Although he burned himself, he has now cooled the water enough to allow others to follow suit and jump in as well.

This is what Amalek did as the Jewish People traveled from Egypt to Har Sinai. After Hashem performed the ten makkos and took the Jewish People out of Mitzrayim, Hashem’s providence was flamingly clear in the world. The nations of the world were ready to accept Hashem and His Torah, and they began flocking toward Har Sinai to join the Jewish People in accepting the Torah. (The Ramchal explains at the end of Derech Hashem that until the Torah was given, any nation could have joined Klal Yisrael. See Zevachim 116a.) The Jewish People were at the height of their success, about to receive the Torah, and the other nations were ready to accept the Torah along with them. At this point, Amalek attacked the Jewish People, undertaking a nearly suicidal mission.

Although the Jewish People won, Amalek showed the other nations that the Jews were not as invincible as they seemed. They “jumped into the scalding bath,” i.e., attacked the Jewish People, and “cooled the waters,” i.e., showed the other nations that the Jewish People were vulnerable to attack. Why did Amalek do this? Why were they willing to burn themselves simply to weaken the Jewish People?

THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMALEK

Amalek rejects Hashem’s connection to this world or any connection between the spiritual and the physical. Essentially, Amalek denies Hashem’s control of this world and the ability for man to uplift himself to the level of the spiritual. Torah is the epitome of both of these principles, and it provides the guidelines for how to achieve this spiritual elevation. It is based on the axiom of Hashem’s connection with this world, and it is the means for elevating ourselves and all of physicality to a higher purpose. Amalek stands in direct opposition to this, and when they saw that not only the Jewish People but the entire world was ready to adopt the Torah way of life, they had no choice but to attack. Amalek’s entire existence is predicated on a lack of connection between Hashem and this world, therefore a complete acceptance of that principle by all the nations of the world would mean the cessation of Amalek’s existence.

Amalek attacked the Jewish People in order to prevent Matan Torah — to stop the world from accepting Hashem’s Torah and the truth that lies within it. And although Amalek was sorely beaten with only a few survivors, they still managed to slay a few Jewish warriors. They showed that the Jews were not invincible, “cooling” down the excitement of all the nations of the world and paralyzing their readiness to accept the Torah.

Amalek won. Physically, they lost, but

in a deeper way, they won. The nations of the world walked away, turning down the opportunity to accept Hashem and His Torah.

WHY ISN’T HASHEM MENTIONED IN THE MEGILLAH?

Megillas Esther is unique in that it is one of the only books in Tanach in which Hashem’s name is not mentioned. This is because Purim marks a transition in history, when our battle against Amalek manifested in a new form. Until Purim, history was permeated with consistent open miracles, nevuah was common, and Hashem was openly revealed in the world. The second stage, ushered in by Purim, is characterized by hidden miracles. In our present world, Hashem is no longer openly manifest and clearly visible. In this stage, we must choose to see Hashem within the darkness — to peer past the façade of a meaningless world. It is in this stage that Amalek’s claims are all the more tempting to believe, as it is so easy to ignore Hashem’s involvement in this world. Our challenge is to see past the surface, to see the miraculous within the natural, the ethereal within the mundane, and the infinite within the finite.

A TIMELESS BATTLE

Amalek fights for a G-d-less reality, devoid of spirituality and meaning; a world of Haman, of doubt, where a gap exists between us and Hashem. Only when you look closer, deepening your gaze, do you see the deeper layer of reality, the transcendent root. Hashem is echadone - and our goal is to see the spiritual oneness inherent within every event and object in this world. Amalek seeks to hide the truth, to disconnect us from our Source, and thus to strip all meaning from life. Only when we see past the surface, when we trace everything that happens in this world back to Hashem- our spiritual Source, will we ultimately defeat Amalek and all that they stand for.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. His bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self, serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is also a business, executive, and leadership coach, with a unique approach based on Torah values. After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. To enjoy more of Rabbi Reichman’s content, to contact him, or to learn more about his services, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com

Another delicious recipe for from Denise Phillips

For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com

Pistachio Nut and Poppy Seed Biscuits

This is my Purim recipe which is suitable to be used for Misloach Manot or enjoy at the Purim Seudah. It’s a biscuit roulade filled with a delicious filling of nuts and seeds, ingredients that Esther, the heroine of the Purim story, enjoyed as a Queen in the Palace.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the pastry

180g white rice flour

Makes: 20 biscuits

60g pistachio nut butter – or any other nut butter of your choice

60g maple syrup

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pinch salt

Filling:

2 tablespoons chopped pistachio nuts

2 tablespoons coconut sugar

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1 egg white – to coat dough

Topping:

1 tablespoon chopped pistachio nuts

1 tablespoon coconut sugar

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C.

2. Process all pastry ingredients in a food processor until the mixture begins to form a ball (note: if the mixture is too runny, add a bit more flour, if too dry, add a bit more water).

3. Form the mixture into a ball with your hands and knead briefly, then flatten into a rectangular. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin between two sheets of parchment until it’s about 3 cm thick.

4. Brush the dough with egg white and then sprinkle the filling ingredients over the rolled-out pastry.

5. Then carefully roll the dough into a tight log (lift the edge of the parchment paper underneath on the side from which you are rolling to help the log roll up more easily and evenly). Once rolled, glaze the pastry again with egg white and then sprinkle the top of the roll with the toppings and press them into the log lightly.

6. Cut the log into slices (approximately 2 cm thick).

7. Transfer the parchment that the log is on onto a small baking tray.

8. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 20 mins. Then cool on a rack for 10 mins and enjoy!

EXPERT ADVICE

Ready to PARTAAAY?!

With Purim a short week or so away, we’ve all been thinking about our Seudah. Whether you theme it to your Mishloach Manot and costumes or make it a standalone extravaganza, the big question is what to serve and who’s going to do all that cooking?

Luckily, Kosher Deli can help you with that. Whether you want a buffet so people can graze all day as they come in and out of the house, or you want a sit down feast, we can supply all you need. With finger foods like chicken goujons and popcorn chicken to meatboards in four varieties, buffalo wings to meatballs, noodle rice to mashed potato, we have a wide range of mains, salads and sides that you can pick up off the shelf or call our order line to order in bulk.

If you want a super easy Mishloach Manot, we have four styles of meatboards that are sure to please. For maximum variety, choose our Deluxe Meatboard and if you want to please the kids, our Munch Board is ideal. Practical for the recipient to either serve at their Seuda or snack on during the day when there’s so much food around but nothing to eat. All you need to add is a pack of crackers or a bottle of wine and you’re done! Well, that’s Purim sorted. Did I hear anyone say Pesach?

Purim Sameach!

Jana Klein

Contact: 020 8381 4450 info@kosherdeliuk.co.uk www.kosherdeli.co.uk

SHIPPING

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING

With almost 40 years experience, our company has the ability to move household and personal effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and care that comes from that experience coupled with an attention to detail.

We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation. And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!

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WEALTH MANAGMENT

MARC OVITS – BA (HONS) APFS CERT PFS (DM)

Over 25 years of successful experience in financial services including 11 years of investment banking experience.

Offering expert independent financial advice to individuals, businesses, charities and trusts.

Individual services:- Wealth Management, Investment, Retirement, Estate/IHT, protection planning, Tax Mitigation and Cash Management Solutions

Business & Charity services:- Investment Planning, Business Succession & Business Exit Planning, Business Protection, Corporate Pensions, Employee Benefits, Cash Management Solutions, Profit extraction strategies

Alpha Wealth Management

Contact:

020 8203 6920 info@alphawm.co.uk www.alphawm.co.uk

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

JACOB BERNSTEIN

A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: Mortgage, Protection and General Insurance Intermediaries; Lenders, Credit Brokers, Debt Counsellors and Debt Managers; Alternative Investment Fund Managers;

• E-Money, Payment Services, PISP, AISP and Grant-making Charities.

Contact: 020 7781 8019 info@www.richdale.co.uk www.richdale.co.uk

CHARITY

JEWISH CARE

Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Our vital services touch the lives of 10,000 people every week. We provide services and offer a wide range of support groups to older people, people with mental health needs, Holocaust survivors, people living with dementia, people with a variety of needs and carers support.

Contact: 020 8922 2222 helpline@jcare.org www.jewishcare.org

BUTCHERS

KOSHER DELI

Kosher Deli was established with the intention of making kosher meat and poultry affordable for all with the convenience of multiple locations and a comprehensive delivery service. All this without compromising on kashrus or quality. Locations in: Golders Green, Hendon, Temple Fortune, Edgware, Borehamwood & Manchester

Contact: 020 8381 4450 info@kosherdeliuk.co.uk www.kosherdeli.co.uk

ESTATE AGENT

MARTIN FRYDENSON - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE

Roundtree Real Estate are your local experienced Estate Agent having been established on the High Street since 2009. We are both ARLA and NAEA Propertymark regulated and we are here to offer you expert advice in Property Sales, Lettings, Commercial and Full Management Services, covering Hendon, Golders Green, Finchley, Colindale and surrounding areas. We have built long standing relationships with all our clients and should you have any property related queries please do contact us.

Contact: 020 8203 2111 mail@theroundtree.com www.theroundtree.com

YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS

MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET

We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010. We specialise in supplying businesses with VoIP Packages, Mobile Plans, Broadband, Card Merchant Services, Leased Lines, On-Hold Marketing, and Call Centre Services. Smartinet, your reliable and efficient business communications provider.

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ENERGY PERFORMANCE

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EPC NATIONAL are leading experts in providing EPC certificates for domestic & non-domestic properties nationwide.

Especially with the new regulations coming, we provide guidance to all of our clients. Call the team to discuss any requirements.

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with richdale

UK ALIYAH ADVISORS

UK ALIYAH ADVISORS – REALTOR ISRAEL – KIM BASH REAL ESTATE

After 10 years working in Real Estate in Israel, Kim established KBRE having seen the growing need for a supportive, proactive service that would help English speaking Olim to navigate the real estate landscape in Israel.

At KBRE we are with you every step of the way – before, during and after you have bought your property, be it a home or an investment. With our agents spread over Israel we are able to help no matter where you want to live or invest.

Contact: +972 (0)54 441 5704 (phone & whatsapp) kim@kimbashrealestate.com kimbashrealestate.com/about/

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

STEPHEN COLMAN – INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

An independent mortgage broker directly authorised by FCA specialising – for over 25 years - in the more ‘challenging’ situations. We take care of the whole mortgage process on your behalf, handling all aspects of buying your residential or investment property. In addition over the past 5 years we have been at the forefront in arranging Equity Release mortgages for the over 55’s

LSJS Education Page

What is educational leadership?

BY JOANNE GREENAWAY

Educational leadership is the process of enlisting and guiding the talents and energies of teachers, students, and parents towards achieving common educational aims. It is a collaborative process that unites those talents. This term is often used to refer to management, but it is so much more. It can take many forms that encompass rabbinic training, educator development, academic research, teacher training, professional enrichment and their outcomes in improving the quality of education and the education system itself. Indeed, LSJS has been involved with educational leadership in all of these ways and more across its 173-year history. I lose count of the many leaders of our education sector today who have been connected to LSJS over the years and who are having an enormous impact today. How many lives have been enhanced, how many

identities shaped, how many Jewish families inspired? And so it is that our community continues to thrive.

I am often challenged when using the word leadership. The latest addition to our suite of tracks to train teachers is Teach to Lead, a prestigious track for Jewish Studies teachers. It is self-evident to us that to teach is to lead. Leadership is as much being a role model in front of a class of teenagers as it is directing a school as headteacher. Of course, a teacher’s career will take many forms and we are here to support teachers on that trajectory, to provide opportunities to grow and develop and be the best they can be. This in turn helps to ensure that the teaching profession itself is dynamic,

Teacher of the week

Leah Coombes

Gesher school

Class teacher

Where did you train?

TES institute whilst working full time

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is working in a school that feels like one big family. We have a whole school approach to our overall management and seeing the pupils come to school happy and safe is the best part of my job!

and with ambition and creativity.

In his essay ‘Who is fit to lead the Jewish people?’, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik famously contrasted the Jewish attitude to kings and teachers as leadership types. In the Torah, a king was only to be appointed at the request of the people. On the other hand, its regard for teachers is almost unlimited. As Rabbi Sacks explained, Judaism is at best “ambivalent about monarchy and, consequently, about leadership as power” (Covenant & Conversation). Conversely, and as ruled by Maimonides, respect and reverence for your teacher should be greater even than respect and reverence for your parents because parents bring you into this world, while teachers give you entrance

to the World to Come (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Talmud Torah 5:1).

At LSJS, we are very purposeful about developing teachers as leaders. One route providing such development is our Masters degree in Jewish Education, a part-time online degree with a cohort of educationalists from around the Jewish world, in a personalised environment that allows each student to develop his/ her specialist interests within the world of education.

We are also launching a programme that will empower our teachers to be thought leaders, providing them with the space to collaborate and the opportunity to create and lead on innovative projects in their schools.

This and much more is leadership. But it is not the programmes themselves that constitute leadership but the multiple ways in which the teachers take what they have learnt to assume responsibility for the next generation.

Joanne Greenaway is Chief Executive at LSJS

Leadership is as much being a role model in front of a class of teenagers as it is directing a school as headteacher.

Family Fun

The Jewish people were now offered an opportunity to create a type of home for Hashem to rest His Shechina in!

Hashem teaches Moshe about all the materials that would be needed such as wood, gold, silver, copper, wool, dyed wool, flax, oils and spices. Everyone could contribute as much as they wanted and who would not want to be part of so great a project?!

Sidra Word Search

All the fine details were shown to Moshe, the three boxes for the Aron, the way to make the Menorah, the Shulchan and the outer Mizbeach. All this was to be covered by beautiful coverings made from a special animal, the Tachash. Miracles would be seen constantly at the Mishkan, with the bread staying fresh all week being one such miracle.

The Mishkan was comprised of three

sections, the Kodesh Kadashim that only the Kohen Gadol could enter, the Kodesh, and the Courtyard. It must have been a beautiful sight to see and we dream of the day that we will see its successor - the Beit Hamikdash, built once again.

The Mishkan was like a home to Hashem, and each of our homes can also act as a place for Hashem to rest His Shechina.

Fun Fact

The colour orange was actually named after oranges. The colour orange didn’t exist in the English language until the late 15th century when the first oranges began to appear in England.

So instead, orange-colored things would be called ġeolucrog (yellow-saffron), or if something had more of a red tinge to it, it was called ġeolurēad (yellow-red).

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

Tangram Challenge! 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.

Last week’s words

Use the area below to write the words you have found. E V A R K O E D

B

Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more!

fen fin fir foe for fun fur ref

fend fens fern feud find fine fins fire

firs foes fond ford fore four fund furs

fuse info rife serf surf fends ferns feuds

fiend finds fined finer fines fired fires fords

found fours fried fries frond funds fused infer

serif unfed fiends finder fiords fonder fondue founds

Jokes Riddles

Q: Why couldn’t the pirate play cards?

A: Because he was sitting on the deck!

Q: Why can’t your nose be 12 inches long?

A: Because then it would a foot?

Q: What do you call an underwater spy?

A: James pond!

Q: When does a doctor get angry?

A: When he runs out of patients.

friend funder fusion infers infuse refund surfed finders

founder friends funders infused infuser refunds founders foundries

1. What goes up and down but does not move?

2. Where can you find cities, towns, shops and streets but no people?

3. What gets wetter as it dries?

3. A towel

2. A map

1. Stairs

Answers

Shabbat Smart – part II

Shabbat Smart is an innovative business which has greatly enhanced the weekly Shabbat experience for Jews who want to wash their hands with warm water without breaking any halachot! In the first article, Rabbi Shuki Diskind told Jewish Weekly readers how his product was built to allow a smart controller to monitor the temperature of water to ensure it doesn’t heat up past ’Yad Soledes Bo.’ This week, editor Yossi Saunders caught up with Rabbi Guttentag of the Federation of Synagogue’s FedTech department, who have given Shabbat Smart their stamp of approval, to find out how modern day technology conforms with Torah Halacha, and how Shabbat Smart crossed all the many Halachic hurdles.

I must start by stressing that we always say to companies that unlike other religions, we don’t interpret the Halacha in a new way, simply making it convenient for today’s high-tech world; rather we use the same time honoured code of the Shulchan Aruch and merely adapt the same Halacha of millennia for today’s modern world without deviating from the Halachik guidelines set all those years ago. We use the age old concept of applying old concepts to new situations to work out the Halacha.

Fedtech have become quite the experts in finding creative solutions. We sit at the table and look at a challenge in front of us and work out how to resolve a halachik obstacle which is exactly what we did with Shabbat Smart.

We always ensure that the client on the other side of the table fully understands the halachik parameters with crystal clarity. When you are dealing with a senior engineer or software code writer

for example, you will always gain more respect from them once they understand the halachik parameters you set for them.

The experience with Shuki was different as we didn’t need to present any new requirements to him at all! He clearly already has a rigorous in depth understanding of all the halachot involved and had already done a huge amount of the legwork involved. He has a tremendous command of all the Halachic

requirements. Many of the ideas that made it into the final product were generated right here in Shuki’s office!

I am not an Engineer, I’m a rabbi. The key skill we rabbis must practice as Talmudic students is to download a set of requirements, i.e. a tosefta in Mashechet Ohalaos and work out how it applies with a Gemoroh in Bava Kama. I did a lot of rigorous training in how to apply Halacha to modern technology. Nowadays you have to be very well versed across many Rishonim to know how to apply Halacha, and FedTech under the guidance of our senior Rabbi Zimmerman has the rabbinic knowledge to guide a client through the vast sea of information.

Rabbi Zimmerman is there each and every single step of the way, from initial conversations with a client right up to the release of a product to market.

I remember once being in a factory in Wales all day long, and when I got back to the hotel late at night, we had a 3 hour

session on teams with Shuki and Rabbi Zimmerman to go through all the various stages. The vast flow of information needs to be thoroughly discussed in great detail to ensure that we don’t break any of the numerous laws of Shabbat.

To find out more about ShabbatSmart, log on to www.shabbatsmart.com for more info.

Left to right: Rabbi Guttentag, Rabbi Zimmerman and Shuki Diskind

In front of the sea,

meters from a splendid sandy beach – Classic rooms, Junior Suites and Suites – Beit Knesset with Sefer Torah –Two outdoor swimming-pools and modern Beauty Farm

Rashford could break Geordie hearts

BY DAVID SAFFER

Manchester United face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm).

Both clubs are looking to lift the first domestic piece of silverware this season.

Reds manager Erik Ten Hag has resurrected the club after a shaky start and in striker Marcus Rashford has the player to unpick the Geordie defence.

Newcastle are desperate to lift a major honour for the first time since winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 whilst you have to go back to 1955 for a last domestic triumph when ‘Wor’ Jackie Milburn was leading the attack.

United on the other hand have won this trophy on five occasions, the last time in 2017 under Jose Mourinho, a season when they also won The Europa League.

With a resurgent Rashford on fire, he has

24 goals to his name already this season, Ten Hag’s charges are favourites to win the cup, even though they face Barcelona tonight in the second leg of a knockout round play-off. United drew 2-2 at the Camp Nou last week.

Reds boss Ten Hag’s selection will be interesting, given the Wembley date with Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle’s manager has a goalkeeping crisis to manage with number one Nick Pope ruled out following his dismissal against Liverpool in a 2-0 league defeat last weekend.

Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie will be handed the keepers gloves on what is a huge occasion the club. With financial clout in place the Tyneside team are back in the big time and heading for European football next season. But they desperately want silverware for success starved fans.

The key in three days could be Rashford in

what will be a tight but possibly attractive affair.

In the Premier League, interesting battles are taking shape at the summit between Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs, the top four spots with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle separated by just a point, and Europa League with a clutch of clubs in the mix including surprise packages Fulham, Brighton and Brentford all harbouring genuine Euro hopes.

In the next round of fixtures, the Gunners and City will be favourites to overcome Leicester City and Bournemouth away from home, while Tottenham host midtable Chelsea, which should be a feisty affair.

Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp will be looking for a third consecutive win away to Crystal Palace as his team search for consistency in a bid to close the gap on Champions League chasing clubs.

Down at the bottom things are getting incredibly tight with West Ham, Leeds United

and Southampton now occupying the relegation spots. Eight points separate Saints from 12th-placed Crystal Palace with 15 games remaining so anything could yet happen.

This weekend, United host Saints in what will be a nerve shredding affair for fans of both teams. The Hammers welcome Nottingham Forest who are seven points from the trap door. A win for any of the bottom three will tighten things further, especially if the Eagles lose at home to Liverpool. The relegation race is one that is going to the wire.

The FA Cup takes centre stage next week with the Manchester clubs favourites in the competition. United host West Ham while City travel to Bristol City. Both should advance to the quarterfinals. Tottenham, Brighton, Fulham, Leicester, Southampton and Burnley will hope to avoid a shock and complete the line-up.

Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah Project ensures that young people, on their special day, can share it with a child Holocaust victim who was denied a future.

Over the past 10 years we have twinned over 1000 children. Complete the on-line Twinning Form and researchers at Yad Vashem will use the information to find a suitable twin.

Celebrants will receive a comprehensive Twinning Pack which contains:

• A Page of Testimony, with details of your chosen twin

• A Study Guide

• A Certificate

• A letter from a Holocaust survivor

• A Yad Vashem pin

• Memorial and Shabbat Candles

• An invitation to become a Guardian of the Memory

46 Albert Road London NW4 2SG

Charity No. 1099659

Phone: 020 8187 9881

Email: office@yadvashem.org.uk

www.yadvashem.org.uk

www.guardianofthememory.org

@yadvashemukfoundation

@yadvashemUK

@yadvashemukfoundation

ISRAEL FOOD & WINE TOURS 2023

Exclusive educational tours of the magnificent Israeli wine landscape across all parts of the country led by wine enthusiast David M. Weinberg

Sign-up now for one, two, or more of these exciting tours!

Upper Galilee

Post-Pesach, April 16-17-18

Dalton, Galil, Lueria, Netofa, Recanati, Tulip wineries (2 nights)

Southern Hebron Hills

Post-Shavuot, May 28-29

Drimia, La Foret Blanche, Shiran, Yatir wineries (1 night)

Central Israel

Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, June 25-26-27

Bat Shlomo, Ben-Haim, Binyamina, Carmel, Tishbi, Vitkin wineries (2 nights)

HIGH-END CULINARY EXPERIENCE AND FIRST-CLASS VACATION

Comprehensive wine education in English with guided tastings at Israel’s finest wineries

Hotel breakfasts, lunches at boutique wineries, meat and wine dinners

Strategic tours, Jewish heritage walks, and Torah talks led by an acclaimed scholar and accredited wine connoisseur

Based at high-end resort hotels for one or two nights

NIS 3,000 per person (two-day tours), NIS 4,000 per person (three-day tours)

Discount rate of 5% for 2 tours booked in advance, and 10% discount for 3 or 4 tours

Tours limited to only 25 participants each

Line-up of wineries on each tour is subject to change

Hosted by David and Chana Walles

Solomon on Trial

26.2.23 | 7:30pm

Leading our community in teaching and learning

FREE event as part of the LSJS 36 hour fundraiser.

A royal courtroom drama

Was he Israel’s greatest king or a misguided monarch who foolishly misused his God-given wisdom?

With eloquence, insight and wit, these great legal minds will draw on arguments culled from traditional sources and contemporary cases. This courtroom drama will deepen our understanding of one of our most memorable biblical kings.

Presiding Judge:

Adam Taub Lawyer and co-founder of Etgar

Caroline Stone Public Law Barrister, 3PB Barristers

Rachel Marcus Barrister, 1 Crown Office Row, London

Adam Gersch Barrister, Goldsmiths Chambers, London

Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski Golders Green Synagogue