The Jewish Weekly Issue 267 - February 9th

Time is running out for Jews missing in Turkey

BY DAVID SAFFER

Time is running out for search and rescue teams to find survivors, including Jews, following two devastating earthquakes that rocked the Turkish-Syrian border on Monday morning.

Over 11,000 people have been killed following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near Gaziantep, southeast Turkey, followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake then aftershocks.

The tremors was felt up to 250 miles away from the epicentre in Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus and Egypt.

According to reports yesterday there were 8,500 fatalities in Turkey and 2,500 in Syria.

Over 40,000 people have suffered injuries. Over 380,000 people are sheltering in government shelters, hotels, shopping malls, mosques and community centres.

These figures are expected to rise substantially as desperate attempts are made to continue to clear rubble from thousands of

buildings. The World Health Organisation has warned that victims may reach 20,000 and 23 million people across Turkey and Syria could be affected by the disaster.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been to the disaster area and

declared a seven-day mourning period and said 13 million people of Turkey's 85 million population have been affected by the earthquake.

Melinda Young, Unicef’s senior emergency advisor for Syria, told

the media that access to the country's north is challenging at the border crossing. Water systems are badly damaged. There has been a cholera outbreak since September and a collapsed economy to

Rescuers are digging earthquake rubble to find survivors in Hatay, Turkey

exacerbate problems.

Heartbreaking footage continues to illustrate the gravity of the devastation.

The head of the Turkish Jewish community in Antakya is feared among the dead. Shaul Jenudi and his wife Fortuna’s home was destroyed. It is thought the couple were at home when the quake stuck.

Irit Lillian, Israel’s ambassador to Turkey, said: “The destruction is tremendous, I don’t know what will become clear in the coming days. Like everyone, I pray and hope that there are no Israelis among the ruins and that as many Israelis as possible will be saved.”

Specialist rescue teams from around the world including Israel, United States and United Kingdom are working around the clock to find survivors. But 72 hours on from the quake time is of the essence.

Israel’s 230-strong ‘Operation Olive Branches’ team arrived in Turkey yesterday to assist local and international teams. An Israeli medical team has set up a field hospital. Facilities include operating rooms, trauma units, X-ray machines and laboratories.

The Israeli delegation helped rescue a 12-year-old boy and 23-year-old woman who had been under the rubble for almost 48 hours in Kahramanmaras.

Israel’s Health Ministry are assisting with equipment, personnel and professional support, said Health Ministry spokeswoman Shira Solomon in a statement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent condolences to the citizens of Turkey and ordered humanitarian relief to be sent to

the disaster zone.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen ordered his ministry to prepare a “rapid aid program”.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted: “Israel stands with the people of Turkey. We are prepared to deploy search and rescue teams and aid.”

President Isaac Herzog assured Erdogan that Israel is ready to “assist in any way possible.”

“The State of Israel always stands ready to assist in every way possible. Our hearts are with the grieving families and the Turkish people at this painful moment,” he said.

Herzog had spoken with Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and they agreed that Israel was united in its desire to assist Turkey as much as needed.

Erdogan updated Herzog on the latest figures about the scale of the disaster, noting this was the biggest earthquake in the history of the Turkey.

Police received hundreds of calls, but no damage or casualties have been reported.

“The earthquake was felt in various parts of Israel, but so far no damage or casualties have been reported,” a statement said.

Israel's national emergency medical and disaster service, Magen David Adom, and Israeli Red Cross contacted Turkey and Europe to assist.

MDA is a major part of the Red Cross’ response, which includes paramedics trained in extracting injured people from rubble.

MDA Director General Eli Bin said: “We are constantly monitoring the results of the disaster in Turkey and are in daily contact with the professional officials in the country. MDA representatives who are in the epicentres of the disaster are assisting the rescue forces in the field, and in cooperation with other Red Cross organisations in the world, preparations are being made to establish a dedicated field hospital for humanitarian and medical aid.”

MDA and Israeli Red Cross is preparing alongside German, Norwegian and Canadian Red Cross Societies to provide medical and humanitarian aid for weeks.

MDA Director Generals' office Chaim Rafalowski said: “Apart from rescuing the injured from the ruins, medical assistance is required for those who are without a roof

over their heads.”

“As soon as we heard about the scale of the destruction and tragedy, we immediately began to assess the situation and prepare an advanced jump team to provide relief in the wake of the devastating earthquake that has claimed the lives of hundreds of people,” CEO of United Hatzalah Eli Pollack said.

King Charles III led the UK reaction with a message of condolence to President Erdogan.

He wrote: “I can only begin to imagine the scale of suffering and loss as a result of these dreadful tragedies. Our thoughts and special prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this appalling natural disaster, whether through injury or the destruction of their property, and also with the emergency services and those assisting in the rescue efforts.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged UK's "steadfast support" in a phone call with Erdogan.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said Sunak expressed “deep condolences” for the tragic loss of life.

A 77-strong British search and rescue team arrived in Gaziantep on Tuesday with specialist equipment and dogs.

Erdogan welcomed international search and rescue and medical support.

A statement added that Sunak noted the “deeply concerning humanitarian situation” in north-west Syria where Turkey plays an important co-ordinating role.

World Jewish Relief has launched a Turkey Earthquake Appeal.

WJR through its local partner is providing emergency shelter, blankets, heaters, clothes, food packages and first aid kits to the worst affected in Turkey and surrounding areas.

“The tragic earthquakes in Turkey will have an ongoing, devastating impact for Turkey and well beyond its borders,” said Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. “I encourage all who are able, to generously support WJR’s appeal." -

“The disaster which has overtaken so many people in Turkey is unimaginable. In Temple times the High Priest prayed on Yom Kippur that people should not suffer the horror of earthquakes. How can we not do all we can to help! This emergency appeal by WJR enables us to show the most basic humanity and do what help we can,” Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Masorti Judaism

The earthquake was the strongest in the Middle East and Turkey since 1939 when a 7.8 quake resulted in 30,000 deaths.

Turkey Earthquake Appeal: www. worldjewishrelief.org/ways-to-donate/ appeals/1443-turkey-earthquake-appeal

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Sunak leads Heller tributes

BY ADAM MOSES

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has led tributes to businessman and philanthropist Sir Michael Heller who died last week (January 30).

Knighted in 2013 for charitable services, Heller, 86, supported Magen David Adom, British ORT, Hampstead Theatre, London Jewish Cultural Centre and National Portrait Gallery among various organisations.

Deputy chairman of the Conservative Friends of Israel and Centre for Policy Studies, Heller was educated at Harrogate Grammar School and graduated at St Catherine’s College. He received an honorary doctorate from the Technion and Sheffield Hallam University.

“He made an incredible contribution to the Conservative Party over a number of decades,” sajd Sunak, adding that his “thoughtful and conscientious advice was greatly valued”.

James Gurd, CFI said: “Sir Michael has been a stalwart supporter and integral part of CFI for many decades and was greatly respected across all levels of the Conservative Party. His passionate philanthropy in Israel and for so many charities has changed thousands of lives and will leave a powerful legacy. It is thanks to his selfless contributions that the UK-Israel relationship is stronger than ever.”

Louise Hager, Chai Cancer Care: “Chai will feel his loss tremendously. He was there as a sounding board for and a caring friend to Chai. A gentle, giant of a man,

he was so modest and unassuming, and at the same time so perceptive, astute and a great philanthropist. The word is often used, but Sir Michael was a mensch. He was just always there. He will always be remembered with tremendous affection. He is part of Chai and always will be.”

A statement from the Technion said that Heller was always ready to “lead, guide and advise”.

It added that the Heller Charitable Trust is passionate in “strengthening the State of Israel through the education of Technion students and supporting Technion research and technology that benefits people all over the world.”

The statement continued: “Sir Michael and Lady Morven were exemplary in attending the Technion’s annual International Board of Governor’s Meeting in Haifa and took particular delight in visiting and regularly upgrading their major projects.”

Professor Sir Mark Welland, St Catharine's noted that for over 20 years the Heller Research Fellowship in Computer Science helped lay foundations for considerable progress in this research.

Sir Michael is survived by Lady Heller, children and extended family.

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Name of victim to remember: Yeshayahu Swiniuch

JNF UK is raising funds to transform communities and change lives in Israel’s poorest neighbourhoods.

Although Israel is perceived as a thriving, strong country, many communities live in distressed environments, with little to no prospect of levelling up.

JNF UK and Osim Shchuna are working in some of Israel’s most neglected neighbourhoods, nurturing and empowering youth to become local leaders and agents of change, promoting a spirit of volunteering and residential responsibility, building community commitment and strength.

This Green Sunday Appeal we are asking for your support to continue our work.

Building community hubs that bring people together, establishing Night Watch programmes to reduce crime, renovating bomb shelters to provide safe havens, creating trust and hope amongst the youth giving them a sense of self-worth and purpose.

With your help we can revitalise, regenerate and unite more communities in desperate need, and make an immediate, lasting impact to achieve long-term change to build a stronger Israel.

CST records fall in antisemitic incidents

BY DAVID SAFFER

Community Security Trust has recorded a 27% decrease in anti-Jewish hate incidents in 2022 compared to record figures the previous year.

The fall is welcomed by CST, politicians and the police but the average monthly incidents of 138 incidents is higher than for 10 months in 2021.

The figures illustrate the unprecedented spike that took place during the Israel-Gaza conflict two years ago. With no ‘trigger event’ in 2022 a fall in overall incidents was expected.

A total of 1,652 incidents took place nationwide in 2022 representing the fifth-highest annual total recorded by CST. There were 1,684 incidents in 2020, 1,813 in 2019 and 1,690 in 2018.

Some 615 potential incidents received by CST were not deemed antisemitic.

The antisemitic incident profile has a higher underlying baseline according to CST.

Chief Executive Mark Gardner noted that each month CST receives over 100 reports of anti-Jewish hatred.

“This is what everyday antisemitism now looks like and it is without any particular trigger event, whether domestic or overseas,” he observed. “The devil in the detail is the growing number of children who feature as both victims and perpetrators. We need better education and role models for young people and more prosecutions for high profile cases.”

Antisemitic incidents reflected a move

from previous patterns with three-quarters of incidents taking place offline. This is the second-highest total recorded by CST. These incidents include face-to-face verbal abuse, assault, threats, graffiti and hate mail.

In contrast, the number of online incidents fell forming 22% of the total.

Another change from 2021 is the language used by incident offenders.

Far right language and imagery, including references to Hitler, the Nazis, the

Holocaust or other aspects of the Nazi era, formed the most common type of discourse in 2022. Of note, there were more antisemitic incidents in 2022 that celebrated the Holocaust than those that denied it.

A growing proportion of incidents involving children as victims, offenders or both has taken place.

This increased proportion was sustained despite a fall in incidents reported to CST in school settings and those affecting Jewish schoolchildren.

Holocaust or Nazi-related rhetoric and discourse was used in 66 of 159 incidents involving younger perpetrators. These figures may reflect a growing exposure of younger people to extremist beliefs and conspiracy theories about Jews.

Just 11 incidents included references to Israel or the Middle East. Figures suggest incidents involving minors are more likely to involve violence.

CST only recorded four incidents of antisemitic ‘Zoombombing’ in 2022, but noted 16 antisemitic incidents that referenced the Ukraine war. These changes illustrate a focus shift to reflect social and political developments.

CST recorded 920 antisemitic incidents in Greater London and 210 in Greater Manchester.

Elsewhere in the UK, there were 32 incidents in Gateshead, 31 in Liverpool, 30 in Borehamwood & Elstree, 28 in Leeds and 20 in Brighton & Hove.

CST recorded an antisemitic incident in all but five Police regions across the country.

Home Secretary, Suella Braverman MP, welcomed the reduction in incidents but offered a sobering reminder that antisemitism continues to be a scourge on society.

“We cannot be complacent,” she said. “I am committed to ensuring the despicable people who commit these crimes feel the full force of the law. Our absolute priority is to get more police onto our streets, cut crime, protect the public and bring more criminals to justice.”

Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper MP, added: “The high numbers of antisemitic attacks are deeply disturbing. Tackling online extremism needs to be a central part of a new Counter Extremism strategy. We must all redouble our efforts to call out antisemitism wherever we see it, to challenge the pernicious myths that fuel anti-Jewish hatred and remain vigilant to the prejudices that can spring up at any time."

The Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism, Lord Mann, noted: “It is unacceptable that the underlying baseline of what is considered normal pre-pandemic. The Jewish community should be able to live their lives free from hatred, abuse and violence both online and offline.”

DCC Mark Hamilton, national policing lead for hate crime, commented: “A key message is the extent that communities in the UK are affected by global conflict and atrocities. We have had to evolve our responses to react early to global factors and to put in place measures to protect affected groups in the UK. Our partnership with charities like the CST is invaluable. The right to live free from targeted abuse is a fundamental right. We will continue to work to bring offenders to justice. I would encourage anyone who suffers such a crime to report it, either to the police or to CST.”

Bibi plants tree for Tu B’Shvat

BY LILY JOSEPHS

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion planted an olive tree for Tu B'Shvat in Neve Yaakov, Jerusalem on Monday.

The ceremony followed last months’ terror attack close to Ateret Avraham Synagogue after Friday night prayers in the neighbourhood that saw seven people murdered by a Palestinian terrorist.

Families of those murdered, police officers, medics, paramedics and ZAKA personnel attended.

Netanyahu said. “I know the pain that you are going through, our heart is with you, the heart of the entire people. This tree is the tree of life. They (terrorists) come to sow death and we plant life. Here we are, a few days later, deepening our roots in our land.”

Netanyahu said Israel security forces had eliminated five terrorists, two responsible for the Almog Junction attack shortly after Neve Yaakov.

The IDF and Shin Bet operation was in

the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp. Hamas militants reportedly opened fire at Israeli forces who arrested six suspects including two affiliated to Hamas.

He noted: “The proper response to terrorism is to fight it and to plant deep roots in our homeland. This is what we are doing today here in Neve Yaakov. This is what we are doing throughout the country.”

Netanyahu added: “The memory of your loved ones will always be with you, however, the proper response for the State of Israel is to deepen the attachment of the people of Israel here in our land.”

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman and Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter participated in the event.

The death toll at Neve Yaakov was the deadliest suffered by Israel since 2011.

Palestinian militant Alqam Khayri fled

the scene but was shot dead by police officers in the Arab neighbourhood of Beit Hanina. Widespread celebrations on the Gaza Strip and Judea and Samaria cities

were condemned by political leaders around the world.

Police arrested over 40 of Khayri’s acquaintances and family members. The IDF mapped and sealed Khayri’s home ahead of its demolition.

13-year-old militant Muhammad Aliyat was behind the second attack in the Old City. There were no fatalities but injuries were sustained.

Pope Francis appealed for Israel and Palestinians to engage in dialogue to pursue peace.

World leaders condemned the attacks on International Holocaust Memorial Day. The IDF killed 10 Palestinian militants a day before the attacks in a security operation in Judea and Samaria.

Security forces have made widespread arrests and remain on high alert. Israeli leaders have called on citizens not to take the law into their own hands.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mayor Lion plant an olive tree for Tu B'Shvat PHOTO: GPO

MDA UK launches British blood drive in Israel

Magen David Adom UK launched its Blood Drive for British olim in Israel with two landmark events last week. The events came just a fortnight after it was announced that, for the first time in a generation, those that lived in the UK during 1980-1996 were now eligible to give blood in Israel. The ban had been in place since 1999 due to the ‘Mad Cow Disease’ outbreak of the mid-90s.

On Thursday, in conjunction with the British Embassy in Israel, a reception was held at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa. Guests were given the opportunity to give blood and heard from Simon O’Donnell, Head of Political at the British Embassy, Sharon Napchan-Lavon, External Relations Coordinator of the Peres Center, Eilat Shinar (Director of Israel’s National Blood Services) and Daniel Burger, CEO of MDA UK.

Speaking at the event, O’Donnell said, “The embassy is very happy to be here today and celebrate this important decision. I know it has been long awaited and I have no doubt the British community in Israel would be taking full advantage of this meaningful opportunity. I am more than honoured to be one of the first brits to donate blood and help save lives”.

This was echoed by the Director General of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Efrat Duvdevani, who noted, “We are proud to take part in the event of an important organization like MDA. The Peres

Center for Peace and Innovation maintains extensive ties with the British Embassy in Israel and we are happy to be the home where it is possible for British citizens living in Israel to donate blood after years when this was not possible.”

Shinar reiterated the importance of blood to Israel in her keynote address.

“Over the past years, British people have asked me, ‘until when’ will they be prevented from giving blood. Now we can get

everybody donating blood and joining our MDA volunteer donor base. With each unit of blood-saving three lives, who are we to stop people volunteering to save a life.“ Closing the event, Daniel Burger said, “With the announcement that, for the first time in a generation, Brits can give blood in Israel, MDA UK is delighted to host this blood-drive launch event at The Peres Center. For all those that can, giving blood is not only a duty but also an honour. When

MAGEN DAVID ADOM IS SAVING LIVES IN TURKEY

The loss of life in Turkey and Syria caused by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake has been shocking. As part of the o cial Israeli delegation - ‘Operation Olive Branches’ - a Magen David Adom team arrived in Turkey on Tuesday morning. Its role is simple. To save more lives.

This would not be possible without your support. Please donate now to ensure that MDA is ready to respond to humanitarian emergencies and disasters. Today, tomorrow, wherever and whenever.

Thank you.

you give blood, you give hope and help to whoever is in need without prejudice or question. The change in legislation marks a milestone both for the British-Israeli community and for the wider population in removing a longstanding barrier and allowing us to save more lives.”

The launch reception was followed on Friday with a mass blood drive at the Ayalon Mall, Ramat Gan. Numerous expats turned up to give blood for the first time in Israel.

MDA UK CEO Daniel Burger giving blood

Simon O’Donnell in conversation with Professor Eilat Shinat

President Zelensky addresses parliament and meets King Charles

BY DAVID SAFFER

President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Britain for supporting Ukraine in a historic speech to the UK parliament yesterday.

In a surprise first visit to the UK since the Russian invasion of Ukraine almost a year ago Zelensky received a standing ovation from parliamentarians in a wide ranging speech in Westminster Hall.

"London has stood with Kyiv since day one," he said. "Since the first seconds and minutes of the full-scale war. Great Britain, you extended your helping hand when the world had not yet come to understand how to react."

He added: "Russia will lose. We know victory will change the world, and this will be a change the world needed. The United Kingdom is marching with us towards the most important victory of our lifetime. The victory over the very idea of war."

Zelensky continued: “After we win, any aggressor, it doesn't matter, big or small, will know what awaits him if he attacks international order. Any aggressor who will try to push the boundaries by force, who will inflict destruction and death on other peoples, who will try to endure his dictatorship at the expense of other people's blood in criminal and unprovoked wars, as the Kremlin does, any aggressor is going to lose."

Zelensky called on NATO allies to supply combat fighter planes and military support in its ongoing battles with Russian forces.

He said: “Combat aircraft for Ukraine, wings for freedom."

Zelensky added: "Freedom will win , we know Russia will lose.”

Ukraine’s leader thanked former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for uniting support "when it seemed impossible".

House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay

Hoyle introduced Zelensky who received rapturous applause throughout his address.

Johnson has called for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to back Ukraine with the “tools” to win.

He said in a statement: “It is time to give the Ukrainians the extra equipment they need to defeat Putin and to restore peace to Ukraine. That means longer range missiles and artillery, it means more tanks, it means planes."

Sunak welcomed Zelensky at Stansted Airport before a meeting at Downing Street. Sunak is now considering the request for fighter planes. He had confirmed that the UK would start training Ukrainian fighter pilots and marines.

Sunak has vowed to supply long-term investment in Ukraine's military. Ukraine’s president had an audience with King Charles at Buckingham Palace. Zelensky addressed US Senators in Washington DC in December.

Rishi Sunak greeting Volodymyr Zelensky upon his arrival in the UK

Wolf Prize Laureates announced Yad Vashem lead Weiss tributes

BY HARRY SIMONS

President Isaac Herzog attended the announcement of Wolf Prize laureates for Science and Art for 2023 at his official residence in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

The Wolf Prize in Art was jointly awarded to Sir Richard Long and Fujiko Nakaya Minister of Education Yoav Kish and Prof. Dan Shechtman, Acting Chairman of the Wolf Foundation Council, attended the ceremony. Winners will attend an award ceremony in June at the Knesset.

Long was awarded the Wolf Prize for being a pioneer of conceptual art in the natural world.

Over six decades, his body of work includes sculptures, photographs, drawings and texts. Materials are nature-based such as rocks and stones, logs and twigs, mud and soil.

Long was established him as a key figure of his generation. He won the 1989 Turner Prize among numerous awards. Long was elected to the Royal Academy of Arts in 2001.

Nakaya was awarded the prize as a pioneer of work surrounding art, nature, science and technology.

Eight recipients are from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Japan and United Kingdom.

The Wolf Foundation was founded in 1975 by inventor, diplomat, and philanthropist

Dr. Ricardo Wolf with former Israel President Ephraim Katzir and Prime Minister

Yitzhak Rabin. Rules for awarding the prize are written in the Wolf Fund Law approved by the Knesset in 1975.

Israel’s President presents the international award to scientists and artists for achievements “in advancing science and art for humanity and for friendship between peoples, regardless of race, religion, gender, geographical location or political view.”

In Sciences, the prizes are awarded in Medicine, Agriculture, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. In Arts, the prize is awarded for Painting and Sculpture, Music, and Architecture.

The laureates are selected by international jury committees.

Since the foundation was founded, 373 scientists and artists have been recognised. Around a third of Wolf Prize Laureates have received the Nobel Prize.

Last year five Nobel laureates had won the Wolf Prize. They were Professors Caroline Bertozzi, Karl Barry Sharpless, Alain Aspect, John Clouser and Anton Zeilinger.

Past Wolf Prize winners are scientists Prof. Stephen Hawking, Prof. Ada Yonath, conductors Zubin Mehta and Daniel Barenboim, violinist Isaac Stern and artists Marc Chagall, Anselm Kiefer and Louise Bourjois.

BY HARRY SIMONS

Yad Vashem has mourned the passing of former Israeli politician, Yad Vashem council chairman and Holocaust survivor Prof. Szewach Weiss.

He was a member of Knesset for almost two decades. Weiss was elected to the Knesset in 1981, serving as a Deputy Speaker of the Knesset 1988-92 and Speaker of the Knesset from 1992-6.

Ambassador to Poland from 2000 to 2004. President Andrzej Duda decorated Weiss in 2017 with Poland’s highest state honour, the Order of the White Eagle. President Aleksander Kwasniewski awarded him the Grand Cross (1st Class) for his contributions to Poland and Israel.

Weiss served on the Haifa municipality from 1969-81. He stood alongside Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin at a peace rally in Tel Aviv just before his assassination in 1995.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder said: “His long and distinguished life mirrored the vicissitudes of Jewish history, from the depths of the despair and destruction of the Shoah to the uplifting rebirth of the Jewish State.”

Born 1935 in Boryslaw, Poland, Weiss and his family were given refuge by Ukrainians

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and Poles.

“The fact that I was saved is truly a miracle,” he reportedly said in an interview. “Just as it was a miracle to save any single Jew during this inhuman war. As a six-year-old child, I needed help. And we were helped by ordinary yet heroic people, our neighbours from Borysław. Let us remember that only in Poland, everyone who was helping the Jews was killed, immediately and without trial.”

After the war his family immigrated to Israel in 1947 where he served in the army and was known for his work with Voice of Israel Radio.

Graduating at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Weiss gained a masters and doctorate in Political Science and Contemporary Jewish Studies. A professor of political science and researcher at the University of Haifa, Weiss wrote many books including about the Holocaust.

In 2000, he led the Yad Vashem Council and held the post for seven years. On retiring Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev thanked Weiss for his efforts in commemorating the Holocaust.

He was awarded the Yakir Haifa award for devotion to Haifa and State of Israel, Holocaust remembrance and representing Israel in Poland.

Course Dates

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March 1st (90 mins) 15th (3 hrs)

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Prof. Szewach Weiss z"l

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Herzog attends Ramon space conference

BY HARRY SIMONS

President Isaac Herzog attended the 18th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference in Tel Aviv.

NASA’s Robert D. Cabana and James Free presented Herzog with a patch from the Artemis-1 mission which recently returned to Earth at the start of Israel Space Week 2023.

Herzog met Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe and his Ax-1 Mission colleagues Michael López-Alegría, Larry Connor, and Mark Pathy from the International Space Station.

Herzog questioned the astronauts on the historic mission, which launched in April 2022, including their training, experiments in space and experiences onboard before their return to Earth.

Herzog said the mission was not only about reaching new planets but protecting Earth.

He observed: “When Ilan was aboard the Columbia spacecraft, he talked about how beautiful planet Earth appears from all the way up in space, but also about how unspeakably fragile it is. Earth, he said, ‘must be protected’. We must work together across borders and divides, to help make life on this planet better for everyone.”

Herzog added: “The last great era of space exploration was driven by the competition of the Cold War. I believe that the new era of space exploration can be driven by the goodwill of our Warm Peace. Let us walk in the footsteps, or rather soar in the flight

paths, of Ilan and his fellow astronauts, and move upward and onward, harnessing the power of space, for the promise of Earth. Together, we can take space exploration, and our capacity for human collaboration, to new heights and save our planet from new and terrifying depths.”

Stibbe returned to Herzog a glass cube he had given him to take to the space station almost a year ago. The cube was inscribed with Herzog’s grandfather, Israel’s first chief rabbi, Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac HaLevi Herzog’s Prayer to the State of Israel.

The conference took place in collaboration with the Ramon Foundation.

It has been held annually in memory of Israel’s first Astonaut, Ilan Ramon and the

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Villiers highlights antisemitism in football

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has highlighted antisemitism in football as she seeks to support the Jewish community in getting football clubs and the police to stamp out abuse at games.

Speaking in Parliament last week, Theresa told MPs: “Following the disgraceful antisemitic abuse directed at the football fan Kate Price earlier this month, may we have a debate on the so-called Y-word, so that the House can send the clear message that this is a vile racist slur which has no place in football or in wider society?”

Speaking afterwards: Theresa added: “Racism at football games is unacceptable.

space shuttle "Columbia" disaster.

Many of the world's largest space agencies and senior executives of the global space industry attend. The conference hosts Israeli companies displaying technological developments in the space field.

The theme this year was ‘Earth and Space Becoming One’.

Panels discussed space-based solutions to climate change, opportunities of space exploration and manufacturing in space.

This marks the 20th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. A separate ceremony took place.

A 'Black holes: from Theory to Observations' discussion took place on the second day.

I met Jonathan Metliss this week, from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, to discuss his campaign against antisemitism in football.

“We agreed to seek meetings with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove, the Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, the Premier League, the FA, and the English Football League (EFL) to make the case for more action to crack down on anti-Jewish racism in football.”

The antisemitic incident referred to in Theresa's question took place in the Cally Pub in Caledonian Road, following a game between Spurs and Arsenal, and is being investigated by the police.

President Isaac Herzog at 18th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference

PHOTO: GPO

Netanyahu opens Chad embassy

BY ADAM MOSES

Israeli leaders met with the President of the Republic of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, in a serious of high-profile meetings last week.

In 2019 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who officially dedicated Chad's Embassy in Israel, was in office when he attended a ceremony with the then President Idriss Déby (Mahamat's father) in Ndjamena, the capital of Chad, on the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Déby was among Africa's longest-serving leaders and had led Chad for three decades before his death in 2021.

Netanyahu said Chad was a major country in Africa and welcomed an opportunity to develop relations.

“Our cooperation is part of Israel's coming back to Africa and Africa coming back to Israel,” he said. “We have common goals of security, prosperity and stability.”

Mossad has played a key role in strengthening relations between the two countries. Various meetings have taken place between delegations of Israel and Chad since relations were renewed.

Mossad Director David Barnea welcomed Déby to Israel.

“Expanding the circle of diplomatic partnerships is an important goal in expanding Israel's strategic depth,” said Barnea. “I am

hopeful additional leaders in the Middle East and Africa will advance their relations with Israel. The Mossad will continue to take all possible action to advance ties with each country.”

He added: “This activity by the Mossad stems from its responsibility for developing and advancing special covert links, including those with states and entities that do not maintain official ties with Israel.”

Defense Minister Gallant Meets led Israel’s delegation on counterterrorism discussions.

Gallant spoke about reducing the terrorism influence of Iran and Hezbollah in the Sahel region.

“The dialogue we held today, reflects the growing winds of change seen in the Abraham Accords and that are also blowing towards the African continent,” he said. “I

Bibi and Macron talks Tributes to Holocaust educator Ernest

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held wide ranging talks with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris last week.

The meeting was Netanyahu’s first outside the Middle East since his re-election. Macron said the choice represented the closeness between the countries and peoples.

The two leaders discussed the Iranian nuclear threat. Netanyahu called for a deterrence with Iran and its proxies in the Middle East to be strengthened. He also called for significant sanctions on the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guards to be included on the EU terrorism list.

Netanyahu and Macron discussed opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Africa, maintaining regional stability, particularly

Lebanon, and expanding the circle of peace.

Macron offered French solidarity with Israel after last month’s terror in Jerusalem but also his concerns over growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in Judaea and Samaria.

The French president welcomed the normalisation of relations between Israel and Arab States.

Netanyahu went on to meet French investors, a number active in Israel. And he met with French Jewish community leaders.

Netanyahu overviewed his meeting with Macron and welcomed investors expressing confidence in the Israeli economy.

“Israel is strong on the global economic map,” he said.

Netanyahu also noted that anyone making aliyah to Israel would be welcomed.

Tributes have been paid to Kindertransport refugee and educator Ernest Simon BEM who has died aged 92.

Born in 1930 in Eisenstadt, Austria, Ernest (Ernst) and his family moved to Vienna’s Jewish district after the annexation of Austria by Germany in March 1938.

Following Kristallnacht, Ernest, was on a Kindertransport and taken in by a Jewish family in Leeds.

His parents and brother Kurt followed soon after, but could not live together again until 1941.

Ernest gained British citizenship in 1948 and served in the Royal Air Force prior to studying at Leeds University. He held management positions at ICI.

The Holocaust Educational Trust HET said in a statement: “Ernest was a kind and gentle man who inspired thousands of students each year telling his incredible story. We will miss him dearly.”

Ernest supported AJR and served on the

am confident that our developing ties will contribute to both nations and the wider region.”

Herzog held a diplomatic meeting with Itno, welcomed a historic visit and potential of bilateral relations.

“The State of Israel from its establishment have believed in relations with the states of Africa. Your courage, both yours and your father’s, will go down in history when it comes to the progress in relations between Israel, Muslim and African countries.”

Déby thanked Mossad and Chadian intelligence services in setting up the visit.

“What characterises our relations are honesty and a common will to help advance this process,” he said. “Since the normalisation of relations, Chad has consistently and stridently provided diplomatic and political support to Israel, in all international forums, and wherever necessary. We make this choice fully understanding its results and completely conscious of its significance.”

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi, PM Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil and Israel's non-resident Ambassador to Chad Ben Bourgel attended meetings. Foreign Minister Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Defense Minister Daoud Yaya Brahim, Head of the Presidential Cabinet Idriss Youssouf Boy and Secret Services Director Gen. Ahmed Kogri represented Chad.

Austrian Fund committee disbursing welfare support to refugees and survivors.

AJR CEO Michael Newman said: “He was a committed speaker, sharing his story of fleeing Eisenstadt to come to Britain on a Kindertransport. We feel privileged to have captured his testimony as part of our Refugee Voices archive.”

Through eye-witness accounts AJR keep lessons of history alive, Newman added. Ernest was awarded a BEM with Walter Kammerling, who was also on the Kinderstrasport, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2019.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes President of the Republic of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno

PHOTO: GPO

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets French leaders

PHOTO: GPO

Ernest Simon BEM z"l

PHOTO: IAN DAVIDSON

Antisemitic Incidents Report 2022

OPINION PIECE

BY DAVE RICH, DIRECTOR OF POLICY, CST

Assessing the state of antisemitism in this country is often an exercise in deciding whether a glass of water is half empty or half full.

Last year, CST recorded 1,652 antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom, each one a moment of hate affecting the lives of Jewish people of every background, age and status. This was the fifth-highest annual total ever reported to CST; but it was also a welcome fall of 27% from the 2,661 cases of antisemitism recorded in 2021.

This fall illustrates the difference between a year with a major trigger event involving Israel and one without. It is still, however, a significant figure, and more than 100 incidents were reported every month. This level of reporting was unprecedented prior to 2016 but has been the norm since, constituting a baseline of anti-Jewish hate in the UK. In 2022, this volume was sustained despite the absence of circumstances that, in previous years,

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have provoked spikes in incidents, be they related to the Middle East, Covid-19 or allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party.

Antisemitic incidents were logged in dozens of places, with most occurring in those places with significant visible Jewish communities, but incidents also happening in all but five police regions across the country. It reflects a constant in the nature of anti-Jewish hate in the UK: however widespread its expression becomes, it is most often observed in the areas where Jewish community is deeply established, visible and open to targeting.

Despite an overall fall in incidents reported in the school sector, the proportion of children involved in antisemitism – either as victims or offenders – remained high, relative to the percentages typically seen before 2021, when educational environments proved to be hotbeds of antisemitic reactions to the war between Israel and Hamas. The fact that this pattern endured beyond the period of conflict in the Middle East is concerning, and suggests that the prejudice is more profound than the determination to hold diasporic Jewish people accountable for Israel’s activity. In fact, anti-Jewish offences perpetrated

by minors last year were far more likely to involve rhetoric about the Holocaust, the Nazis and Hitler rather than anything related to Israel and Palestine.

As ever, the question of what can be done to combat antisemitism is pertinent, especially when its prevalence among a younger demographic seems to be proportionally rising. CST and Maccabi GB lead Stand Up!, a project committed to facilitating conversations about antisemitism in schools and helping pupils develop the tools to tackle it. Education is vital, but not enough on its own.

Those responsible for the schooling of young people must take a proactive stance in challenging anti-Jewish hate when it is reported. Online platforms, too, must crack down on the mass of hate speech and racist discourses that continue to pervade on the forums where many people spend a considerable amount of time. There must be firm consequences for those who perpetuate this hatred.

CST urges all readers to be vigilant and to report antisemitism to CST and police. Visit www.cst.org.uk. In an emergency, call the police and then call our 24-hour emergency number, 0800 032 3263.

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Despite an overall fall in incidents reported in the school sector, the proportion

Games

Dealer: North Vuln: E/W

Lead Kc

The auction was relatively simple after North showed a club control and spade support with his cue bid of 4♣. South then enquired about key cards and discovered his partner held the three missing aces and the king of diamonds.

South was not quite as accurate in the play as he was in the bidding. He took West’s lead of the king of clubs with dummy’s bare ace and laid down the ace of trumps. After West discarded, his next hope was that the queen of hearts would fall in three rounds. When this failed to occur, he ruffed a club and cashed his diamond winners, ending in hand. When he ruffed his last club, East overruffed to defeat the contract. “That was unlucky”, offered declarer.

“There was nothing unlucky about it at all, countered North. If you were going to touch trumps at trick two then you should have led a low trump from dummy. After West discards on the queen of trumps, you would cash the ace and king of hearts and ruff a heart. When West shows out you can expect that his original distribution was 0:2:4:7. Consequently, you would ruff a club, ruff a second heart and cash three rounds of diamonds ending in hand. Next you would ruff your remaining club with dummy’s ace of trumps, as East under-ruffs, reducing everyone to two cards. Then you could finesse the ten of trumps and claim your thirteenth trick with the king of trumps”. You will make 5 trumps, 2 Hearts, 3 Diamond. 1 Club and 2 Club ruffs”.

1. 3♣ weak Jump Overcall 2. 4♣ Cuebid agreeing Spades 3. 4NT Roman Key card Blackwood 4. 5♣ confirms 3 key cards 5. 5NT now asks for Specific Kings 6. 6♦ confirms Diamond King

With Harold Schogger

Camp Simcha raises over £2.8m in Make The Difference campaign

LSJS alumni event passes the test

Charity Camp Simcha, which provides nationwide practical, emotional and therapeutic support to families with seriously ill children, has raised over £2.85million in its ‘Make the Difference’ campaign.

During the 36-hour appeal, 426 team pages hosted by people throughout the UK, as well as Jersey, Israel, Gibraltar and South Africa, received over 13,700 donationsraising vital funds for the charity’s annual £2.8million cost of providing its services.

It has been two years since Camp Simcha’s last Match Funding Campaign and with no statutory finance, the charity is entirely reliant on donations.

The rapidly escalating cost of living, following two very hard pandemic years has meant more and more families are turning to Camp Simcha in crisis, explains the charity’s chief executive Neville Goldschneider.

“In the past year we supported over 1,400 family members; many who we are presently helping need more from us than they previously did. The amazing communal support we have received over the past 2 days will help ensure we can be there for each and every family who needs Camp Simcha.

“Even in the most difficult of times, our

wonderful community has stepped up and been so incredibly generous; we are overwhelmed and beyond grateful.

“Camp Simcha cannot operate on waiting lists because when a family needs our support, they need it immediately; during the 36 hours of the campaign alone Camp Simcha received three referrals. We hope the success of this campaign ensures that even with the pressures of inflation and rising referrals, we will be able to say ‘yes’ to everyone who needs our support.”

Camp Simcha parent Katie Hainbach, whose daughter Leia has a rare and life-limiting mitochondrial condition, spoke in the charity’s campaign film about how vital their help has been.

“When you have an unwell child the costs are just enormous; you don’t have the ability to have two parents working full-time … a lot of the help we receive from Camp Simcha we just couldn’t afford by ourselves,” says Ms Hainbach.

“Straight away we knew Camp Simcha were going to be such a huge support to us. That Jewish ethos is really obvious in what they do. It’s very much about making sure you are really well supported by the whole Camp Simcha community.”

There was great excitement last Thursday at the LSJS alumni event which saw graduates from the past three years come together in person. Graduates from SCITT, School Direct (Primary and Secondary), as well as BA and MA Jewish Education, were joined by LSJS staff who enjoyed hearing how their former students were doing in their careers since finishing their studies.

Alumnus of the MA Jewish Education, Efraim Lerner, who now runs Br1ne, a consultancy company that supports students, organisations and local authorities to access meaningful education shaped by their unique culture and values, said: “The alumni event showcased the warmth of LSJS and its graduates’ impact in shaping students across UK Jewish schools. It was a refreshing reminder that students are in the hands of educators who are deeply passionate about the future of Jewish education, in this country and beyond”.

The alumni of the teacher training

programmes are working in a variety of schools, teaching children aged 4-18. The degree graduates have gone on to achieve qualified teacher status through LSJS or have used their degrees to further their careers in Jewish education.

Every week 11,500 adults and children are taught by MA graduates and every day nearly 15,000 children are taught by teachers who trained at LSJS.

LSJS CEO, Joanne Greenaway, said how proud LSJS is “of all our alumni. It’s been fantastic hearing about the paths they have taken since they’ve graduated”.

Dinner was followed by a light-hearted quiz organised by Dr. Helena Miller, LSJS Director of Degrees and Teacher Training programmes, to see how well alumni remembered their years at LSJS.

For more information on teacher training or degrees in Jewish Education visit www. lsjs.ac.uk

Sophie Reuben, a Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary pupil was the UK Winner of the JNF Dreidel design competition in the 3-5 year age group, and the overall winner of the entire competition, 19 schools from across the UK took part.

Sophie’s design was an edible Dreidel…

As in the framed picture seen here. Yummy!

Sophie’s prize was a £50 Amazon voucher, doughnuts for the family and a framed photograph of her winning entry. Bury & Whitefield school also received £250 as the winning school.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Competition winner Sophie Reuben with Headteacher Mrs Melanie Kovak

LSJS alumni event passes the test

Camp Simcha celebrating their amazing success

The Goldberg family - who are supported by Camp Simcha - man the phones at the Manchester campaign hub

JNF UK grows their connection with primary schools on Tu B’Shvat

JNF UK were delighted to engage with 17 Jewish primary schools and over 3,500 children across the UK who were sent Tu B’shvat activity packs which included ‘grow your own’ fruit and vegetable seed sticks. As well as seed sticks, the pack included fun games, quizzes, and facts about Tu B’Shvat and the importance and impact of JNF UK’s tree-planting initiatives in Israel.

Ariel, A pupil at Naima Jewish Preparatory school was so excited to receive their seeds “I can’t wait to grow my own fruit and vegetables and learning more about the environmental effects of urban forestation in Israel”.

Pupils from Matilda Marks and Naima Jewish Preparatory School also took part in a ‘Be Seen in Green’ campaign on Monday 6th February. Donations received from this casual dressing day, will be donated to JNF UK to plant trees.

Samuel Hayek, Chairman of JNF UK commented, “JNF UK has always had a special connection to Tu B’shvat, the festival for the trees. We are delighted that so many schools are taking part in our Tu B’shvat initiative. It is great that as well as having fun the children to learn more about JNF UK tree planting initiative and amazing work over the last 120 years.”

For over 120 years, JNF UK have planted over 240 million trees, creating entire eco-systems in the desert, and have seen Israel become one of the few countries in

Impact Care Awards 2023 launch

the world to plant more trees today than over 100 years ago. Over 250,000,000 trees have been planted by various JNF organisations on Israeli soil. It's current Urban Forestation programme plants mature trees (three or four-year-old saplings) in Negev towns and cities providing an abundance of benefits including shade and cleaner air. JNF UK urban forests can be found in Yerucham, Kiryat Malachi, Mitzpe Ramon, Bnei Dekalim, Be’er Sheva, Kiryat Gat and the Carmit Community Village. Website: www.jnf.co.uk

105-year-old Margaret celebrates with family and HM the King

A keen group of 25 teenagers have signed up for this year’s Impact Care Awards following the launch on Sunday in Leeds.

After a catered lunch, the 2022 Celebration Dinner video presentation was shown. Several of last year’s participants returned to be involved in more community care experiences. “I am delighted to see such commitment from our local teens,” commented Rabbi Reuven Cohen. “It’s especially inspiring that some have come back for further involvement.”

Sam Myerson launched the scheme with an inspiring preamble. “We want to see you as shining examples to the rest of the world. And this really gives you the opportunity to do so. It is vital to help others, as by doing so you help yourselves. Doing good things reflects well on you.”

He then introduced the various community organisations. Presentations were made by Simon Phillips from Leeds Jewish Housing Association; Claudie Ineson and Shelley Frieze from Leeds Jewish Welfare

Board; Becky and Shelley Joyce and Sammi Shapero from Homeless Street Angels. Simon said, “these are just fantastic organisations.” Claudie added, “you get to learn lots of new skills and meet of new friends.”

The teenagers immediately signed up to be involved in a variety of projects. These include: assisting the homeless; adopt-agranny; working in the Wellfair Shop; helping at “Beavers”; making and delivering food gifts to the elderly; litter-picking and Car-Wash day at MAZCC.

“It is so important to encourage our teenagers to engage in community work. Firstly, they will discover how fulfilling it is for themselves. Secondly, we look forward to them joining our wonderful community institutions, when they become adults,” said Rabbi Cohen.

They were then treated with a trip to TagX. The project runs from January until March, and any teenagers who still wish to enrol can do so by contacting Rabbi Reuven Cohen on 07814 856 360.

Concert raises funds for JWA

Councillor

Last month, Jessie Flaum hosted the 'Rise Up' concert at Bushey United Synagogue to fundraise for Jewish Women's Aid. She and her family have raised an incredible £4,823 which includes raffle donations and voluntary donations from family and friends.

Karen Lewis, Director of Services, gave a short speech thanking Jessie. Jessie is a survivor of sexual violence and decided to host the concert to raise additional awareness. The evening, hosted by Nigel Rothband, featured talented singers, actors, musicians and dancers who all came out to support Jessie on the night. This included Jessie's mum Gail and Bushey Rebbetzen Jacqueline Feldman, who played the harp. Jessie and her friends performed beautifully, all with the message of survival and resilience after difficult times.

Jessie Flaum said, “Through this concert I aimed to raise awareness, not only for this charity but also awareness on speaking out about sexual violence. This themed concert entitled Rise Up will hopefully send messages about surviving.

“I want to send out a vital message to anyone on their journey to recovery so they can know it wasn't your fault, you and I are strong and we are powerful and brave women. I hope I can make other survivors realise and believe, even in the darkest moments, that it gets better...that our experiences do not define us and that together we stand powerful and strong.”

If you need support around sexual violence please call Jewish Women’s Aid on number 0808 801 0500 or message us at www.jwa.org.uk/webchat

Celebrating Tu B’Shvat with JNF

Impact Care Awards

Jessie Flaum concert

Margaret Broome celebrating her 105th birthday A Birthday Party was held in Heathlands for 105 year old resident Margaret Broome. The party and a subsequent concert were attended by members of her family and friends. including her daughter Salford

and former Mayor Karen Garrido, her husband, Councillor Robin Garrido and Councillor Rabbi Arnie Saunders. HM King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla sent a card ( pictured ).

Tu B’Shvat tree planting at King David Primary School with Hebrew Teacher Mrs M Saryumper with years 1-2 children.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

King David Primary School tree planting

JNF UK’s Green Sunday raises funds to help Israel’s poorest neighbourhoods

For over thirty years Green Sunday, JNF UK’s flagship fundraising campaign, has provided the community with the opportunity to raise money for essential projects in Israel.

Last Sunday, volunteers of all ages came together for the annual telethon to raise money to support Osim Shchuna, a not-for-profit organisation in Israel who are working in some of Israel’s most neglected neighbourhoods.

Around the world and across Israel many communities are facing financial hardship and are living in distressed neighbourhoods. Currently in Israel there are 195 distressed neighbourhoods in 80 cities housing over 2,000,000 residents. 30% of which are youth and children. Less than 10% can break out of this vicious circle as they lack community support, have low expectations, and have little self-belief.

JNF UK and Osim Shchuna are working in some of Israel’s most neglected neighbourhoods, nurturing and empowering youth to become local leaders and agents of change, promoting a spirit of volunteering and residential responsibility, building community commitment and strength. To date, over 11,000 volunteers, including 160 local leaders

have participated in 173 events across 4 cities to upgrade neglected communal areas which has vastly improved quality of life and restored pride. The effective Night Watch programme has held 1,643 night

“Super Heroes” raise funds for Laniado Hospital

Students from North West Primary School and Pardes House seperately have raised over £3000 for Laniado Hospital in Israel. The students were part of the Laniado “Super Heroes Challenge” competition launched by Laniado UK as a fundraiser across Jewish Primary Schools to ‘help save lives’ by raising funds for vital equipment for the hospital in Netanya.

Super-hero character Captain K is based on a real-life Jewish hero, the Klausenberger Rebbe zt’l. A survivor of the Holocaust and inspiration to hundreds of prisoners in Auschwitz; whilst on a death march he was shot in the hand and made a pact with Hashem. His famous words were “Dear G-d, if you get me out of this living hell, I will give back to humanity and start an institution in Israel which gives life”. He went

on to fullfill this promise and created The Laniado Hospital.

Dealing with subjects like the Holocaust is a very sensitive topic for young Children to understand and so we have created “The Super Heroes” project with sensitivity focusing on his life affirming work and the importance of saving lives. The hospital is a beacon of hope and peace in the Middle East where both Israeli and Palestinian Doctors work sideword by side to treat their patients and provide dignity and care and value all human life.

The winners of a fabulous “pizza party” were the Year 4’s from North West Primary and from Pardes House the winners were from Year 4- Rebbe Dym's class, who won a trophy for the class and fidget spinners. The students went above and beyond in their

time meetups to engage the youth and keep neighbourhoods safe and reduce crime with over a 50% reduction in calls to the police in Rishon LeZion. 674 renovated bomb shelters have ensured that over 20,000 families and children are kept safe.

Samuel Hayek, Chairman of JNF UK commented: “As the UK’s oldest Israel supporting charity, our focus is the growth and development of struggling communities in Israel’s most vulnerable and challenged neighbourhoods to ensure that no one is left behind. Green Sunday represents an unbreakable connection between British Jews and the State of Israel. The generosity of our donors will make an immediate and lasting impact and achieve long-term change to build a stronger Israel.”

With your help on Green Sunday, Osim Shchuna can expand their services to more cities across Israel, expanding their current operations. They will be able to continue their work promoting leadership and inspiring the youth creating more leaders, further recruiting thousands of volunteers to make a difference and transform the lives of communities, so no one gets left behind.

Norwood residents celebrate Tu B’Shvat with flowers and tree-themed crafts

quest to help ‘save lives’. We want to thank all the Children of North West Primary School and Pardes House for their fantastic hard work and the mitzvah of tzedakah.

"The children were so driven by the campaign, they kept pushing themselves week after week."- Zvi Kahn of North West Primary.

“It is a nachas to see how hard the boys worked in their own time to care about others in need” -Menahel Rebbe Roitenbarg of Pardes House

Some of the adults supported by Norwood, who have this week been celebrating Tu B’Shvat with a range of arts and crafts activities - which involved creating tree-themed wall hangings - as well as joyfully receiving flowers, which were generously donated by GIFT.

“The Klausenberger Rebbe is an good role model for the youth. Through adversity he made a promise of kindness, hope and positivity- bringing light to the darkness. Well done, North West! You are all “super heroes”- Danielle Greenberg Events Manager

“We want to inspire young Jewish children to get involved in a project where they themselves become ‘heroes’ by raising money to help save the lives of crucially ill patients at the hospital within the General Intensive Care Unit.” – Simon Silver CEO Laniado UK.

JDA members have a

(chain

and) ball at Bow Street Police Museum

Thirty Jewish Deaf Association members, staff and volunteers became ‘top cop’ for the day on a visit to Bow Street Police Museum. John Wilson, a British Sign Language tour guide, told the history of the station, explained the different uniforms and what life was really like working at Bow Street

Police Station. Members enjoyed ‘policing’ the museum once equipped with police helmets, handcuffs and batons, and sent each other to the cells for having too much fun. The visit ended at Court Number One, followed by lunch at the nearby Royal Opera House.

Bow Street Police Museum Group Shot

JNF Green Sunday telethon

Celebrating Tu B’Shvat with Norwood

Pardes House Year 4-Rebbe Dym's class

Immanuel College pilot trip to Gateshead

Immanuel College was thrilled to have taken part in two pilot Shabbaton trips to Gateshead.

In November, a group of Year 11 students, led by their teacher, Rabbi Hill, enjoyed a most memorable weekend. In collaboration with Rabbi Bowden and Gesher, the students had an action packed 72 hours which included 5 a side football, bowling, learning at the Gateshead Yeshiva, enjoying deluxe meals over Shabbat, a musical Havdala on Motzei Shabbat and some extremely thought-provoking discussion groups, covering topics including gratitude and Jewish history.

Girls from Year 11, Year 12 and Year 14 also experienced an outstanding Shabbaton, for Shabbat Shira, Parshat Beshalach.

Over the weekend and on Shabbat, the girls enjoyed a wide variety of activities ranging

from Challah baking, shopping at the Metro Centre, ice skating, learning in both groups and in pairs with girls from the Gateshead Seminary, and being hosted by incredible families from the community. Despite being a few hours away, and a little chillier than London, it is safe to say that the students felt the Gateshead community and environment to be as warm as if they were actually at home.

The Gesher team put a huge amount of time, thought, dedication and, above all, love into the entire programme. It was truly felt by everyone on the trip.

The inspired and uplifted faces of the students at the end of the trip said it all.

The shcool is extremely grateful to everyone who took part in making this trip happen and is are looking forward to many more successful trips, like this in the future.

Immanuel College Year 11 boys on their trip

ASK THE RABBI

Looking

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

A CIVIL SERVICE

Dear Rabbi

If I get married in a civil ceremony will I be allowed to do a Jewish one a few years down the line? Also how compulsory is a mikvah before wedding?

Tracey

Dear Tracey

If you got married civilly (note the past-tense) then you could surely make it right by doing it again halachically. However, if you are not yet married and are intending to do something civilly first, I can only but ask – why? My guess is you want to see if it’ll work for you, and if not, you could opt out easily without any halachic implications such as a get etc. That frightens me! It means you are going in with a heart full of uncertainty and no less the relief in knowing you could always bail with little baggage. Marriage is a sacred institution – and while none of us ever know for certain how things will pan out, you’ve got to go in with a mindset of one hundred percent commitment to making it work. Will there be hurdles along the way? Almost certainly so! But with the sort of attitude you seem to be embracing it doesn’t sound like you intend to work through the hiccups. Which means you’ll end up bouncing from pillar to post through much of life.

The mikvah in itself encapsulates the very theme of the sacredness of marriage. It brings a greater element of sanctity into your union – especially in those areas that are at greatest risk of becoming debased or

monotonous. It engenders communication and adds a vital spiritual dynamic. In our world of laissez-faire you tell me if that’s compulsory!

YAHRTZEIT IN A LEAP YEAR

Dear Rabbi

My grandfather died last year on the 29th of Shevat. I know there are differences of opinion on when I would keep the yahrtzeit this year. Can you clarify the ruling for me?

Justin

Dear Justin

There are no differences of opinion as to the when the yahrtzeit is. It’s on the 29th of Shevat. However, as last year was a Jewish leap year of thirteen months, and there are never more than twelve months of mourning, your actual mourning ended already on the 29th of Tevet.

INTERMEDIARIES

Dear Rabbi

I was recently encouraged by my Rabbi to go to the burial place of the late Rebbe Menachem Schneerson in New York. I was surprised to see so many other people praying there. I was under the impression that we don’t believe in intermediaries. Isn’t praying to the deceased a sin? Though I admit I found it a very uplifting experience.

Paul

Dear Paul

You are absolutely right. An intermediary is a form of idolatry.

Yet you found the experience uplifting – why? Indeed Jews have long been in the habit of asking righteous men and women to have a chat with G-d on their behalf. I’ve seen similar throngs at the Caves of Rachel and Machpela in Israel not to mention countless other places. We find this principle already when the Jews asked Moses to intercede and thankfully he readily complied – or we wouldn’t be here. The Talmud (Baba Batra 116a) tells us that “if there is someone ill in your house, go to the wise man of the city and ask that he should pray for him.” Of course, this person also needs to pray for himself, as his family should as well - and any Jew who knows that another Jew is ill should pray for him. But you need to go to that wise man as well.

The same with visiting graves: On the one hand, the Torah tells us not to “beseech the dead.” And yet, we have an ancient and popular custom to visit the graves of righteous people and pray there.

Just how ancient and popular is this custom? A great, great ancestor Caleb, one of the twelve spies that Moses sent to spy out the Land of Canaan, made a personal detour to Hebron. Again the Talmud (Sotah 43b) tells that he wished to pray at the cave of Machpela – where our Patriarchs and Matriarchs are buried. He prayed that he be spared from the fateful decision of the other spies.

The Talmud (Ta’anit 16a) also states that it is customary to visit a cemetery on a fast day. Why? Some say simply to remind us of

our own mortality - a graveyard can be a magically effective cold-bucket of inspiration when you’re feeling smug and self-assured. Others say that this is in order to connect to ask the souls of the righteous who are buried there that they intercede on our behalf. In fact, the Zohar states that if it were not for the intercession of those souls who reside in that afterworld, our world would not endure for a moment. So the basis of the custom is well established.

WORTH KNOWING

Dear Rabbi

You offer a lot of advice and a lot of it makes sense. Isn’t it risky? Do you really think you have the answers to everything?

Jessica

Dear Jessica

I never claimed to have the answers to everything – just some things. Well OK, most things. Aw never mind – I admit it – yes – everything!

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

Pirkei Avot Perek 4: Mishna 21

Refuah sheleima for Yaakov ben Fruma

Rabbi Elazar HaKapar taught: Envy, Lust and (a desire for) Honour remove a person from this world.

How true these words ring from the time they were written until our present day! Envy: From the very beginning of time, we have the first incident with Kayin, condemned to living a life of wandering, following his deep-felt jealousy of his brother Hevel, whom he eventually killed. However, though our jealousy doesn't usually lead to this, it is often a bitter feeling. Can one break a cycle of jealous feelings? One helpful suggestion offered in the Kayin story is on the part that G-d addresses Kayin. Some explain G-d's question to include: Why are

you even thinking about your brother whom you envy? If you are jealous of your neighbour - can you not divert your thoughts to something more productive?

Lust: People's pursuit of physical pleasures leads them not only to unnecessary ventures but too often to inappropriate ones too. The damage caused by unsuitable pleasures can be long lasting (though one should always consider Teshuva and/or a healthy diet!) and a shame on the time which could have been used to better the world.

Honour - Mankind's desire for honour is a mistake.

True honour, our Sages taught us, is Torah. One who is engrossed in Torah and one who commits to a life of adherence to Torah is truly "honourable". Every other pursuit of human recognition is merely like filling a balloon with air. It does not take much to puncture that balloon, unfortunately. Haman taught this to us. He had the esteem of the most powerful king in the world, had wealth and honour galore but clearly stated all this is worth nothing to me so long as one man does not bow before me! Filling one's mind with wisdom leaves less room for it to chew over matters which matter less.

Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

Yitro’s Secret Trait

BY RABBI SHALOM ROSNER

It is often asked what was it that helped Yitro merit becoming the father-in-law of our greatest leader and teacher, Moshe Rabbeinu. Which of his character traits defined who he was, and thus propelled him to raising a daughter who would marry Moshe? Furthermore, why did he merit to have the parasha with the ma’amad Har Sinai (standing at Sinai) have his name for its title?

The Gemara (Sotah 11a) tells us: “Rabbi Chiyya bar Abba says that Rabbi Simai says: Three were consulted by Pharaoh – Bilam, Iyov, and Yitro. Bilam, who advised was killed. Iyov, who was silent was punished by suffering. Yitro, who ran away merited that some of his children’s children sat in the Sanhedrin in the Chamber of Hewn Stone.”

When Bilam advised Pharaoh to throw the Jewish boys into the Nile, Iyov was silent, while Yitro ran away. What made him flee? He was not specifically known

as a friend of the Jews. After all, he fled to Midyan where he became a priest to avodah zara. So what was it that made him run?

Maybe the secret can be found by analyzing the first words of Yitro recorded in the Torah. As his daughters return home unusually early from the communal well, he asked them the reason for their early arrival. After relaying the news of the Egyptian stranger who helped them, he cries out “veayo, lama zeh azavten et

Yitro Sidra Summary

morning to evening. Concerned that this is too much for Moshe, Yitro advises him to set up an alternative system of judging the people, involving the appointment of a cascading system of judges. Only the major issues would be brought directly to Moshe for his judgement.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 18:24-27

ha’ish, kiren lo veyochal lachem.” Why did you leave him outside? He did you such a service, how can we not repay his kindness by inviting him home? Yitro was a man of principle, a man of hakarat hatov – gratitude. He couldn’t and wouldn’t stand by if an injustice of repayment or lack of gratitude was being perpetrated. He expressed that to his daughters in the clearest of terms. Maybe this is why he couldn’t stomach staying in Egypt. “After what Yosef and his family did for the

Egyptian civilization, how can we agree to murder instead of kindness, ingratitude and denial instead of graciousness and benevolence?” Thus, he ran away and was later instrumental in helping build the family of Moshe Rabbeinu, the one who was known for hakarat hatov even to inanimate objects (as Rashi describes in the first three plagues).

We are Yehudim – Jews, due to Leah’s recognition of her being granted more than her rightful share. We must always follow that lead, in the path of Leah, in the path of Yitro, and in the path of Moshe. This is one of the roots of spiritual perfection, and the name of our parasha helps us appreciate this message.

Rabbi Shalom Rosner is a Rebbe at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh and Rabbi of the Nofei HaShemesh community. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www. mizrachi.org/speakers).

(Shemot 20:15)

relations (Rashi) and not to approach the mountain for the next three days. Moshe relays this to the nation. G-d’s Presence descends onto the mountain; there is thunder, lightning and shofar blasts; the mountain is covered in smoke.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 19:20-20:14

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – SHEMOT 18:1-12

Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law and a Midianite priest, hears about the miraculous Exodus from Egypt. He comes to meet Moshe in the desert, together with his daughter Tziporah (Moshe’s wife) and Moshe’s two sons. Moshe greets Yitro and relates to him what has happened to the Israelites. Yitro and Moshe bring offerings.

Point to Consider: What is the etymology of the name Yitro? (see Rashi to 18:1)

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 18:13-23

According to Rashi’s commentary, the narrative now skips forward to an incident after the giving of the Torah. Moshe is busy making halachic rulings from

Moshe accepts Yitro’s advice and appoints judges over sub-groups of 1000, 100, 50 and 10 people. Yitro returns to Midian.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 19:1-6

The narrative switches back to Rosh Chodesh Sivan, one and a half months after the Exodus, prior to the giving of the Torah. The people travel from Refidim and arrive in the Sinai Desert. Moshe ascends Mount Sinai. G-d tells Moshe to inform the people that if they listen to His voice and keep His covenant, they will become “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation”.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 19:7-19:19

The people agree to G-d’s offer. G-d tells Moshe to instruct the people to wash their clothing, refrain from marital

G-d ‘descends’ upon Mount Sinai and Moshe ascends again. G-d once again tells Moshe to warn the people not to approach the mountain. After Moshe descends, G-d speaks the Ten Commandments:

1. Faith in G-d’s existence

2. Prohibition of idol worship

3. Prohibition of taking G-d’s Name in vain

4. Remembering Shabbat to keep it holy and refraining from ‘work’

5. Honouring one’s parents

YOU SHALL NOT:

6. Murder 7. Commit adultery

8. Steal 9. Bear false testimony

10. Covet what others have

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 20:15-23

Trembling from this awesome experience, the people retreat and ask Moshe to

be a go-between, instead of G-d speaking to them directly, lest they die. Moshe reassures them. G-d tells Moshe to warn the nation not to carve certain images (see Rashi). The commandment is given to build a designated altar upon which offerings to G-d should be brought.

HAFTARAH

The prophet Yeshaya sees a vision of the heavenly court, occupied by G-d and His angels. Whilst the angels assure Yeshaya that he is personally free of sin, G-d tells him to warn the people of their eventual exile, due to their stubbornness and iniquities. The evil king Achaz ascends the throne; he will be shown Divine mercy in order to save his righteous son, the future king Chizkiyahu.

“The entire people saw the thunder and the flames, the sound of the shofar and the smoking mountain”

We are Yehudim – Jews, due to Leah’s recognition of her being granted more than her rightful share. We must always follow that lead, in the path of Leah, in the path of Yitro, and in the path of Moshe. This is one of the roots of spiritual perfection, and the name of our parasha helps us appreciate this message.

Torah from Israel Yitro: Shabbat in the State of Israel

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

Shabbat experience is seminal to Jewish identity. By reenacting Hashem’s original schedule and ceasing from work on the seventh day we acknowledge Him as Creator of our world. For centuries, the ancient pagan mind was too confused to imagine one higher being responsible for both the diversity and dichotomy of this world. Confounded by Nature and her powerful forces, and intimidated by heavenly planets which loomed in the sky, the ancients presumed that myriad gods had fashioned this vast and mysterious universe.

Within this confused world, only our nation was able to conceive of a single Creator responsible for everything. Our steadfast Shabbat observance reaffirmed the existence of a divine Creator who had formed the world in six days and had withdrawn from creative activity on the seventh. Gradually, as Judaism spread, this confusion about creation lifted, and the majority of humanity acknowledged Hashem as Creator. Monotheism had arrived, and humanity at large looked to at the heavens and saw their Creator. While each major religion adopted of Sabbath-like observances, the original seventh day of divine rest was preserved for the people of Hashem.

For a span of about 1800 years most of humanity remained religious, believing in a divine author of our planet. This great age of faith in creation ended about 170 years ago, as Darwin’s dramatic discoveries questioned belief in creation. Darwin concluded that our world was born out of a watery mixture of random chemicals, rather than being carefully crafted by a divine artist. Creatures weren’t created by Hashem but had descended over time, through random change and natural selection. Darwinism launched a modern era of secularism which denies Hashem as creator and often even denies Hashem’s existence. In an atheistic world in which divine creation is largely denied, Shabbat observance, and its affirmation of Hashem, is even more critical.

As Shabbat is so central to Jewish belief it was introduced even before the delivery of the Torah at Sinai. Weeks prior to Sinai at the desert encampment of Marah, we were instructed to observe a proto-Shabbat experience so that we would acknowledge Hashem as our Creator before we embraced His torah. Before we encountered Hashem as the Lawgiver, we first recognized Him his as our Creator.

SHABBAT AND EMANCIPATION

In the modern era Shabbat observance has been profoundly impacted by historical shifts. Prior to Emancipation in the 19th century, Jews lived and worked on

the margins of gentile society. Unable to enter classic professions, we carved out independent work environments and separate schedules, leaving us completely free to practice Shabbat observance. There were few factors pressuring against Shabbat observance.

Once emancipated, Jews who were eager to join the general work force, often faced the prospect of a six-day work week and its challenges for Shabbat observance. Many Jews were forced to make the difficult decision between gainful employment and Shabbat observance. Unfortunately, many abandoned Shabbat observance to secure stable employment. Oftentimes, rejection of halachik practice in general followed in the wake of the discarding of Shabbat observance. Once Shabbat observance fell, much of the system fell with it.

Other Jews heroically struggled to maintain Shabbat observance, even in the face of strenuous financial challenges. My grandfather emigrated to the USA in the early 20th century from White Russia, joining a staunchly Orthodox synagogue in Baltimore, which itself was a predominantly religious city. He formed a club in his synagogue called the “shomer Shabbat club”, which barely attracted a few members. Keeping Shabbat in the first half of 20th century America meant searching for new employment every two weeks. On the first Shabbat Jews could call in sick, but by the second Shabbat their religious preferences were clear and they were summarily dismissed from employment.

Shabbat observance became a major struggle for Jews in Western societies and Shabbat observance became the defining feature distinguishing between observant and non-observant Jews. The term “shomer Shabbat” often became a code word for someone who was religiously observant. Shabbat continued to define Jews.

SHABBAT IN ISRAEL

In the modern state of Israel Shabbat observance has become more rich but also more complicated, both halachikally and socially. Maintaining our own Jewish state, we can no longer afford to delegate vital national services such as law enforcement, public utilities, and public health to non-Jews. Where possible, we have devised creative solutions to enable these vital functions without Shabbat desecration, or with minimal violation. Technological solutions have often allowed these functions to be performed is accordance with Shabbat guidelines. Obviously when life or public security are endangered Shabbat violation is mandated.

For centuries we dreamed of our own

state, but we never imagined that it would complicate Shabbat observance. It has been edifying and challenging to encounter unforeseen religious challenges as our state has turned from a dream into a reality. Dreams are always perfect, but reality leaves a lot to the imagination. After thousands of years of stable but private Shabbat experience the shift to a more public Shabbat experience has forced us to adapt.

Additionally, life in the state of Israel has raised an entirely new and delicate question regarding Shabbat observance in the public sphere. Most religious and traditional Israelis agree that the character of our Jewish state cannot be preserved without three basic featuresShabbat and festivals, national kashrut availability, and marriage and conversion supervision. Without these three basic elements of Jewish identity, our state would be hollowed of its Jewish identity and its association with our illustrious past, our national rituals and our collective memory. For Israel to be the historical homeland of the Jews, Shabbat must be maintained in the public sphere.

Yet, even given the broad support for a general Shabbat ambience, most Israelis are not interested in full halachik compliance of Shabbat. Most traditional Israelis ritually mark Shabbat with festive meals, synagogue attendance and candle lighting, but have little desire for a complete shutdown of twenty-four hours and strict adherence to thirty nine prohibition, not to mention the vast array of Rabbinic injunctions.

PERSPECTIVE OF RELIGIOUS JEWS

Religious Jews hope for an era of widespread religious revival and a world in which every Jew observes full halachik Shabbat. The Gemara quotes a promise that full national compliance of two consecutive Shabbatot will herald Moshiach. That is our greatest hope.

Until that era develops however, religious Jews must be supportive of even partial Shabbat experience, even if it falls short of full halachik observance. Shabbat observance isn’t binary and isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. Shabbat has many layers to it and for this reason, the laws and rituals of Shabbat were delivered in the desert in piecemeal fashion, signifying that even partial Shabbat experience is valuable.

All this presents us with the following challenge: how to preserve general Shabbat spirit in the public domain while not superimposing restrictive Shabbat policies upon a disinterested sector of non-observant Israelis. Generally, unilateral imposition of religious enforcement boomerangs, engendering dislike and distaste for religion. How can

Shabbat spirit be preserved in the public commons and how can Shabbat interest, which already runs high in Greater Israel, be promoted in a non-threatening manner? Hard questions without any easy solutions.

The challenge is especially delicate in Israel, which still maintains a five-anda-half day work week, leaving Shabbat day as the sole time for recreation and relaxation. If the day is stripped of any religious element, it will become empty of any spirit and will no longer be a collective national experience. The day will quickly degenerate into consumerism and traffic jams. Sabbath experience in many Western countries has generally deteriorated into shopping opportunities and sports events, straying for its original purpose. It does afford a day of greater relaxation, but rarely provides larger spiritual moments or impacts.

How can we protect our national heritage, stretch Shabbat into the public sphere, and maintain its meaning, while avoiding unilateral imposition and strong-armed enforcement, which is always be counter-productive in the long run? This is a very delicate issue and requires nuanced and gradual adjustments, rather than hasty and radical solutions. All parties should realize that we share a common interest in reaching this goal.

Shabbat is our national heritage and belongs to every Jew and to our collective memory. We now have the great privilege and challenge of implementing it in the land of history. Let’s get it right.

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.

Flying to falling: The raging battle within us all

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

He had been controlling himself for so long, had come so far, but he just couldn’t hold himself back anymore. Everyone else was asleep, so no one else would even have to know. Internally, he was struggling, pulled in every direction, unable to make a decision. On the one hand, there was a convincing and confident voice persuading him to do it, to give in to the urge — “If you eat it, it will feel so good!” On the other hand, there was a quieter, more subtle voice attempting to use reason and judgment. “But this is ridiculous. It’s wrong, destructive, childish, just foolish. You’ve done this before, and hated yourself afterwards; you felt disgusted, ashamed. You know that you’ll feel the very same way in about five minutes if you do it again. This has never ended well for you.” As a bead of sweat drips down the side of his cheek and he stares at the chocolate cake, he tries to weigh his options.

Before he can really get a handle on the situation, the confident voice pipes up again, this time sounding even more convincing than the first time. “Just think about how good it will feel. You only live once. Who really cares about the consequences? How can you not do this?!” Suddenly, the second voice stops giving good answers. (Or maybe he’s just not listening anymore.) Now, he only sees one side of the equation. He lets desire cloud his judgment. With a feeling of resignation, he gives in to temptation. If he had been watching someone else do this same act, he would have been screaming at the top of his lungs for them to stop this insanity. But he has become blinded by desire, lured into the trap of instant gratification, and has fallen prey to his lower self. A moment later, he awakens from his intellectual slumber, regains awareness, and, as his higher self predicted, looks in the mirror with total disgust and revulsion, promising himself it won’t happen again. He can’t bear the hypocrisy, the two-faced-ness. For a moment, he does not look at himself from within, but from without, as an onlooker, an observer, and he does not like what he sees. Maybe he has some chocolate cake on his mouth after breaking his diet, or maybe it was something else. The details are not important. This is the story of life: struggle, sometimes with small defeats, and other times small victories. Most of life is fighting for inches. We take a step forward, then two steps back; three steps forward, another one back. Life tends not to be about giant leaps or falls, but rather a question of inches. This being the case, we need to take a deeper look at the Cheit Ha’egel.

CHEIT HA’EGEL

Cheit ha’egel, the sin of the golden calf,

is perhaps the most infamous event in the Torah, a sin compared to the original sin of Adam HaRishon and one that has repercussions throughout Jewish history. Yet, what is most striking about this sin is not the act itself but its timing. The Jewish People had just experienced the fantastic miracles of yetzias Mitzrayim, the earth-shattering wonders of k’rias Yam Suf, and had just received the Torah from Hashem Himself. They were elevated to the angelic state of Adam HaRishon before he ate from the eitz ha’daas, and they were therefore able to eat the angelic food of manna, which the Ramban explains was crystalized, condensed Shechinah. As Rashi quotes, even the maidservants at k’rias Yam Suf received prophecy and had a higher level of understanding of Hashem than Yechezkel — who saw an image of Hashem Himself (Rashi, Shemos 15:2). If so, how could the Jewish People commit such a terrible sin at this moment? Even worse, they not only committed this sin immediately following Matan Torah but did so in the very same spot, Har Sinai, the very place where we “married” Hashem! Chazal compare this to a kallah (bride) betraying her husband under the chuppah! As the pasuk says, they strayed “quickly” (Shemos 32:8). How could Klal Yisrael fall so rapidly and drastically right after Matan Torah?

IDOLATRY

While this requires a much lengthier discussion, let us briefly explain the sin of idolatry. Many think of idolatry as the worship of statues and inanimate objects. However, any intelligent person can see that a piece of wood or stone carved out by a human being could not possibly hold any power over him. The deeper understanding behind the worship of idolatry, as the Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Avodah Zarah, perek 1), Ramchal (Derech Hashem), and many others explain, is the worshiping of intermediaries instead of sourcing oneself back to Hashem Himself. Hashem created the world in such a way that there are levels of reality. Hashem is the ultimate Source, and the intermediaries receive energy from Him, which they then manifest into the world. Avodah zarah is when you don’t recognize Hashem as the source but rather trace things back only as far as the intermediaries. The statues that idolaters “worship” are merely tangible representations of the higher forces they serve.

SERVING YOURSELF

What is the purpose of idol worship?

What compels a person to commune with the intermediaries rather than seeking the ultimate root, Hashem Himself? The answer is simple. Why go back to the source when you can get everything you need from a middle man, especially if the middle man demands so little in return?

True service of Hashem means a life of obligation, whereas idolatry is one of entitlement and freedom from obligation. Similarly, the psychological draw to

nihilism is freedom from obligation. A religious life is one of obligation (to the truth), where everything in one’s life has meaning. A life of nihilism is one of no obligation but nothing in one’s life has meaning. The trade-off for freedom from obligation is a life of slavery to emptiness. Only one who is a slave to the truth, i.e., who embraces meaningful obligation, is truly free.

The mechanism of avodah zarah can be compared to a man who walks into a large store and sees an expensive item he desperately desires. However, he isn’t willing to pay its $1,500 price tag, so he walks over to the cashier and makes him a proposition: “I’ll slip you $150, and you can quietly pass over the goods.” In other words, this man wants the goods, but he isn’t willing to pay for them! Instead, he tries to cut a deal with the middleman. So too, idolatry was man’s way of receiving “the goods” without paying for them. Why go all the way to Hashem to ask for rain, health, and prosperity when that would demand a life of obligation in return? [While it is true that idolatry did require some form of obligation, as they were still required to appease the intermediaries, this required much less responsibility than a life devoted to Hashem, a life devoted to the truth.]

However, avoiding Hashem in this way, avoiding the truth, is the absolute worst sin in the entire Torah. The prohibition against avodah zarah is the first mitzvas lo saaseh (negative commandment) in the Aseres Hadibros. As many commentators explain, avodah zarah is the root of all the other negative commandments. All other sins are merely a subcategory of idolatry, whereby you serve your own selfish needs and desires instead of sourcing yourself back to Hashem. The sin of the golden calf was the worshipping of idolatry, which means that the Jewish People went from the highest of heights to the lowest of lows in mere moments. This completely contradicts our starting principle from the introduction, namely, that spiritual falls occur slowly, in small steps. How did this happen?

MINIMIZING THE SIN

Some commentators, such as the Ramban and Rabbi Yehudah Halevi (Sefer HaKuzari), suggest that the Jewish People did not commit genuine idolatry. Rather, after Moshe Rabbeinu failed to descend from Har Sinai, the Jewish People believed that their leader, who served as the medium of connection between them and Hashem, was gone forever. In desperation, they attempted to create a new physical medium of connection, i.e., the golden calf. This idea itself is not inherently wrong, as we see that the Jewish People are told to build an Aron, a physical vessel, to serve as a connection between them and Hashem. The Aron (Holy Ark) had two Keruvim (cherubs) on top of them, and the Torah states explicitly that Hashem spoke to Moshe through the Keruvim (Shemos 25:22). The Ramban and Rabbi Yehudah Halevi therefore

explain that the problem was not the motive but the method of achieving their goal. Because Hashem did not command them to create a physical medium of connection, it was inappropriate for them to do so. [This connects to the deep topic of “Gadol ha’metzuveh ve’oseh mi’mi she’eino metzuveh ve’oseh — Greater is one who is commanded [and does something] than someone who is not commanded [and does it of his own volition].” Sometimes, taking the initiative into your own hands reflects ego and self-assertion, as opposed to selfless devotion.] It is clear, though, that the Ramban and Rabbi Yehudah Halevi downplay the severity of the Cheit ha’egel and do not view it as a transgression of the prohibition of avodah zarah.

GENUINE IDOLATRY

However, many commentators, including Rashi, believe that the cheit ha’egel was genuine idolatry. This means that immediately following Matan Torah, the Jewish People fell prey to the worst sin imaginable, i.e., avodah zarah, failing to source themselves back to Hashem. According to this line of thinking, we are back to our original problem: how did the Jewish People, who had achieved such great spiritual heights, undergo such a rapid, astounding fall? Spiritual falls tend to occur slowly in small steps. In this case, however, the Jewish People went straight from the highest of heights to the lowest of lows; from angelic to broken. How did this happen? In our next article, we will delve deeper into this fascinating topic and try to explain Rashi’s unique approach.

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

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.

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Another delicious recipe for from Denise Phillips

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

Crispy Fonio Vegetable

Tagine Pie

Now that marmite is back on the kosher list, I thought that I would write a recipe that adds this strong flavour in a subtle way. For all those people who don’t like marmite – you won’t taste it, but you will enjoy a delicious ragu! Marmite mellows as it cooks but provides a tasty natural flavour. Serve with rice, pasta or noodles.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: Approx. 1 hour Serves: 6

Ingredients

100g fonio

240ml vegetarian stock

For the tagine:

1 tablespoon rapeseed oil

1 red onion – peeled and roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic – peeled and roughly chopped

½ butternut squash (650g) – peeled, chopped into large cubes

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons turmeric

2 teaspoons paprika

2 red peppers – deseeded and roughly chopped

1 tin 400g chickpeas – drained

150ml vegetable stock

4 salad tomatoes – roughly chopped

Garnish: 3 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves and pomegranate seeds

Method

1. Place 100g of fonio in a saucepan with 240ml of hot vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and fluff with a fork. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion over a medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and butternut squash and cook for a further 7 minutes.

3. Add the spices and remaining vegetables and continue to fry for 3 minutes before adding the chickpeas, tomatoes, and remaining stock.

4. Simmer for 20 minutes, uncovered.

5. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.

6. Transfer the cooked vegetables to an ovenware dish. Cover with the cooked fonio. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top.

7. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until the fonio is crispy.

Garnish with chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds.

Family Fun Yitro

Moshe’s father-in-law arrives, together with Moshe’s wife Tzippora and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer.

Hashem tells the Jewish people to prepare for the greatest thing to happen on earth - ever! The giving of our beloved and precious Torah! For three days, the area is prepared, and the nation is encouraged by Hashem and shout out, “Na’aseh Venishma”!

On the 6th (some say the 7th) of

Sidra Word Search Dingbats

Sivan, Hashem Himself opens Matan Torah (which was accompanied by thunder and lightning) by saying the first two of the Ten Commandments. Moshe continues with the following eight commandments and it must have been a most wonderful feeling to be part of the nation chosen by Hashem to receive His Torah! We got such special Mitzvot on that day, all 613 in fact were hinted at, but the

ones said specifically included keeping Shabbat, honouring parents, not being jealous of our friends and believing in Hashem.

We have held on to the Torah for some 3500 years! Or, to say it correctly, the Torah has supported the Jewish People (and influenced people all over the world)!

We Learn the Torah, We Live the Torah and We Love the Torah!

The Slinky was invented by accident

The scientist who invented the slinky actually knocked a metal coil off a shelf by accident. When he saw it bouncing from surface to surface instead of falling on the floor, he realised he had a potentially great toy idea on his hands, and the slinky was born!

Tangram Challenge!

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

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.

bed bod deb doe dos eds led ode

old red rod sod beds bled bode bods

bold bred debs dell doer does dole doll

door dose lode lord odes redo reds rode

rods sled sold blood bodes booed bored brood

dells doers doles dolls doors droll drool lobed

lodes older robed rodeo soled bloods bolder broods

Jokes Riddles

Q: Where are sharks from? A: Finland

Q: What do you get when you cross a cow and a lawnmower? A: A lawnmooer.

Q: What did the dog say to the flea?

A: Stop bugging me!

Q: What do you get if you cross a kangaroo and an elephant?

A: Big holes all over Australia!

drools loosed oodles resold rodeos rolled solder soloed

bedroll doorbell doorbells

1. What can be seen in the middle of March and April that cannot be seen at the beginning or end of either month?

2. I love to dance and twist and prance, I shake my tail, as away I sail, wingless I fly into the sky. What am I?

3. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?

3. Footsteps

2. A kite

1. The letter ‘r’

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

EXPERT ADVICE

I am often asked why shipping costs have risen so much in the last year. There is no simple answer to this. There are several components to the increases.

1. The cost of packing materials: – cardboard has risen in price from the day the pandemic started. Cartons are historically made largely from recycled paper and board and manufacturers gave the reason for increases as being due to people not re-cycling during the pandemic. The truth, I think, is that just a few large companies control the world market for board and they use that to their financial advantage!

2. The cost of sea freight: - This was not affected by the pandemic but shipping lines chose to place vessels into dry dock and then share the available space remaining with other shipping lines so as to maximise returns. Those partnerships are now falling apart and I hope to see freight rates reduce over the next 12 months.

3. Fuel: - Ships use a lot of fuel and the war in The Ukraine has increased the proportion of shipping charges that relate to fuel costs. Again, we watch for changes.

4. Container haulage: - There is no doubt that Brexit sent a lot of drivers home to the EU causing a shortage in the UK along with a shortage of containers due to the pandemic’s demand on PPE from the far east and the backlogs in shipping that this caused. This situation is, however, improving.

Stephen Morris Shipping has qualified for The MTC – a consortium of movers – allowing us to now buy freight at the most favourable rates and ensure that containers and transport are generally available when we need them. We will use this buying power to keep our rates as low as possible and provide containers for shipment when required!

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

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!

Contact: 020 8832 2222 info@shipsms.co.uk www.shipsms.co.uk

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

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.

Contact: 0333 613 0000 connect@smartinet.co.uk smartinet.co.uk

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

EPC NATIONAL

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.

Contact: 03300 881141 info@epcnational.co.uk www.epcnational.co.uk

richdale

UK ALIYAH ADVISORS

UK ALIYAH ADVISORS – MORTAGE BROKER ISRAEL – ANGLO MORTGAGES

At Anglo Mortgages, our mission is to help find the right loan for you pre or post Aliyah, as well as getting you the best rates. We work exclusively with English-speaking clients to help them secure financing from Israeli banks and secondary lenders, be it for residential or commercial mortgages.

Contact: +972 (0)54 682 2174 aaron@anglomortgages.com www.anglomortgages.com/about-us

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

It takes a village

BY DR HELENA MILLER

In Bunyoro, a Bantu Kingdom in Western Uganda, there originated a proverb that goes: “Omwana takulila nju emoi”. The literal translation is: “A child does not grow up only in a single home”. In the English-speaking world, we have taken that proverb as our own. We know it as “It takes a village to raise a child”. In other words, there are many people who work with, influence and impact a young person, within and outside their family.

In the Jewish Lives longitudinal study (Miller and Pomson, 2011-present), we have been looking at the rhythms and development of Jewish life through the eyes of our cohort, establishing what changes as young people age, and what stays the same over time. We have focused on some of the important events and opportunities that have shaped the young

people in our cohort, from choosing their Jewish secondary school, their bar/ bat mitzvah coming of age ceremonies and celebrations, to their involvement in Jewish youth movements. We want to know what shapes the Jewish identity of our young people – from an inspirational teacher at school, to a chance encounter with a charismatic rabbi, to regular time spent within a youth movement.

Drawing on the accounts of the students themselves, we have developed a portrait of the Jewish education that teenagers experience in eight secondary schools, in their classrooms and in other settings around the school. We have seen

how important the teacher as a role model can be for a teenager, the influence that the informal Jewish educator can have on Jewish identity, asking finally what it is that students have drawn so far from these experiences in order to construct their Jewish lives.

We have found that in general, our cohort overwhelmingly identify first and foremost as Jewish. For many, this identity shows itself far more in terms of a cultural, social and historical identity than in religious terms.

At age twenty-one (last time we collected data from our cohort), only a minority were fully religiously observant, but many

of them explained that Judaism continues to play a big part in their lives and in a variety of ways. In reflecting on their Jewish lives, they still referenced their families and by and large still want to be like them – a theme running through our research since we started talking to these young people. We don’t know yet if this reflects their not-yet-complete independence or whether this is how they will always think of themselves. The Jewish Lives study is in a unique position to be able to find out. We will next return to our cohort when they are 24 years old, to explore how their adult lives are emerging. What we do know so far is that there are multiple influences at play in a young person’s life, from home to school to synagogue to youth movements. It would seem to us that it does indeed take a village to raise a Jewish child.

Dr Helena Miller is Director of Degrees and Teacher Training Programmes, and Senior Research Fellow at LSJS

“It takes a village to raise a child”. In other words, there are many people who work with, influence and impact a young person, within and outside their family.

The best-laid plans… Paperweight Perspective

BY HARVEY SILVER, CASEWORKER/TEAM LEADER

Our Jewish community, unlike the stereotypical portrayal of our people as all affluent and comfortably off, is experiencing a major upturn in household and personal debt. At Paperweight we see the effect of the current crisis on Jewish individuals and families and as Shakespeare’s Shylock said, ‘If you cut us, do we not bleed’

If you are feeling as though you’ve reached the point of no return with your debt or you’re just really lost on where to start, don’t be afraid to seek help. Paperweight can and will help sort out your debt problems. We will advise and empower you to overcome what you see as an impossible situation.

Sometimes the shame you are feeling about your financial situation will cause you to avoid it altogether. This will only escalate your predicament. Take proactive steps to gain control of your finances by making the initial phone

call to Paperweight where a compassionate voice will understand and start the process of helping you back on the straight and narrow and all in the strictest of confidence.

We understand that this first step is not an easy step to take, but an important one in your journey to overcome debt. By contacting Paperweight and unburdening yourself from the understandable shame you are feeling will allow us to support you and help you. You will feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

Debt can be caused by a variety of factors, sometimes we spend more than we can afford. Some of these circumstances are just a result of everyday life and situations that many of us will encounter. The ease of swiping your card without even remembering the PIN number has made

life so much easier but so much more dangerous.

Mr. Micawber confidently states in Charles Dickens David Copperfield: “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen shillings and six pence, result, happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds and six pence, result, misery.”

Keeping a close eye on your finances and managing your money effectively, sticking to a budget, and regularly meeting debit payments and bills are all helpful ways of ensuring you don’t fall into debt. However, we at Paperweight know that a Jewish life is not always like that. We will not lecture you on your mistakes, we will help rectify them. We understand when Shabbat/Yomtov creeps up and you need to make sure you have what you and

your family need. Perhaps a bill will have to wait to be settled and so the spiralling starts.

A variety of issues can cause debt. Some causes may be the result of expensive life events, while others may stem from poor money management or failure to meet payments on time.

Some people on lower income jobs may find it hard to meet their bills or put money into savings because there isn’t any money left at the end of the month. This inevitably, can leave you in a precarious situation should you face a large bill or unforeseen payment.

Perhaps as a couple, you get used to having two incomes, then you start a family or chas v’shalom, a relationship breakdown occurs or unforeseen illness or bereavement. At Paperweight we know life is not always as we planned it to be.

We can help you with budgeting and to get on top of your debts before they get on top of you. If you find you are overstretched and need some compassionate friendly advice. If you lie awake at night worrying about how you’ll pay off all the credit card debt you’ve accumulated.

We can help you with budgeting and to get on top of your debts before they get on top of you.

GOURMET CUISINE

A unique culinary experience with world renowned chefs Avi Steinitz and Arik Porat, offering a rich variety of cuisine, Open Bar & more.

BOUTIQUE LUXURY Indulge in an unforgettable 5-star stunning beach front Spa Resort exclusively Kosher for Pesach. Maximum 450 guests.

ATTRACTIONS & TOURS

Chol Hamoed self guided family outings with so much to do in the area: biking, boating, hiking, museums, water sports and many local attractions.

ENTERTAINMENT

Daily supervised activities and programs for all ages. World famous Entertainers, Scholars, Shiurim, Lecturers, Kids & Teen Camps & more...

Kashrut is Glatt Mehadrin, under the strict supervision of Rabbi Berel Simpser. Non-Gebrochts www.ikmehadrin.com

8/10/12 NIGHT PACKAGE

Personally Hosted by David & Chana Walles, International guests. Wonderful Chag Atmosphere. Direct flights from TLV and European Capitals. 20 min drive from Rhodes Airport. Affordable pricing.

Rabbi Daniel Hadar Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf Rabbi Yossi Fachler Ohad The Solomon Brothers

Avi Steinitz Arik Porat