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Communities on alert following terror attack “Thankfully on this occasion the hostages were all Jewish communities around unharmed, but other attacks the world are on alert after the have ended in much more “terror attack” on Congregatragic circumstances,” said tion Beth Israel in Colleyville, Dave Rich of CST. Texas.

“The attack in Colleyville is There had been speculation another reminder of exactly in the media and by the FBI why CST does its job, our sethat the attack last Shabbat curity operations are already morning, which saw a 10-hour at a high level to address the stand-off with police, was not terrorist threat to the Jewish “specifically related” to the community, which we know Jewish community. exists and has done for many Hostages however taken by years. Such attacks can occur British Islamist terrorist Malik anywhere in our diverse comFaisal Akram confirmed the munities and it is vital that the motivation was antisemitic. people inside every Jewish The FBI has accepted the atschool, synagogue and other tack was “terrorism-related” communal buildings around PHOTO: FACEBOOK the country follow all security in which “the Jewish commu- Congregation Beth Israel nity was targeted”. guidelines and assist with seIt has transpired that Akram, since Aafia Siddiqui was impris- curity wherever possible.” from Blackburn, shot dead by po- oned in 2010.

Rich added, “We have been in lice, was investigated by MI5 for Community Security Trust ac- discussions with senior counterror links but the case was closed knowledge the full facts of the at- ter-terrorist police since the attack tack still have to be confirmed but and are also in close contact with before he travelled to the US. The attack was reportedly linked are adamant continued vigilance Continued on page 2 to campaigning by British Islamists is essential.

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2 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

our counterparts in the United States, to assist them in any way we can.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism joined Jewish communities around the world, relieved that the attack ended without physical injury to synagogue worshippers.

CAA gave thanks to law enforcement officers who secured their safety.

“That the perpetrator came from the United Kingdom raises very serious questions for British authorities, including whether Mr Akram was encouraged or supported by local elements who may pose a continuing threat to the Jewish community or the wider public,” a CAA spokesman said. “That a ‘Blackburn Muslim Community’ Facebook

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 page purporting to represent the local Muslim community published a now-deleted post calling for ‘the A-lmighty’ to ‘bless him with the highest ranks of Paradise’ demands an urgent investigation. We are looking into who operates the page and alerting local law enforcement.”

US President Joe Biden said the attack was an “act of terror”. The UK condemned the attack.

Biden thanked federal law enforcement for freeing four Americans held hostage.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted, “My thoughts are with the Jewish community and all those affected by the appalling act in Texas. We condemn this act of terrorism and anti-semitism. We stand with US in defending the rights and freedoms of

our citizens against those who spread hate.”

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett commented, “This event is a stark reminder that the dark forces of antisemitism still exist. We must and we will fight it. To the Jewish community in the US and Diaspora Jewry around the world, I say, you are not alone.

We are one family and we stand strong and united together.”

Akram, who arrived in the US two weeks before the attack at New York’s JFK International Airport, entered the synagogue, claiming to be homeless, during Sabbath services.

Akram threatened the congregation and held four hostages, including Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, demanding the release of Siddiqui, who is serving an 86-year prison

20 JANUARY 2022 sentence in Texas.

Rabbi Cytron-Walker told CBS he and two hostages escaped by throwing a chair at Akram enabling them to run out of the building. The FBI entered the building and shot Akram dead.

Colleyville’s police chief, Michael Miller, told reporters that Akram was deceased at a press conference, adding hostages were unharmed.

Gulbar Akram confirmed his brother’s death in a statement by Blackburn Muslim Community, noting his family could do nothing to convince him to surrender.

The family apologised to the victims.

“Any attack on any human being be it a Jew, Christian or Muslim etc is wrong and should always be condemned,” they said.

Rabbi refutes BBC allegations over Chanukah attack who surrounded us were not engaged in political The rabbi who led a bus protest, this was a bigtrip attacked by antisemoted antisemitic attack ites in Oxford Street durin the heart of London, seen by dozens of others, ing Chanukah has refuted BBC allegations there who stood by silently.” was an anti-Muslim slur Board of Deputies President Marie van der by teenagers on the bus Zyl said, “This moving towards their attackers. letter from the Rabbi Rabbi Shneor Glitsenstein has recalled in a who organised the bus statement what occurred trip which was attacked when 40 Jewish youngin Oxford Street shows sters joined Chabad to the unequivocally anmark the second light of Screen grab from the phone footage tisemitic nature of that attack and the awful nature of the BBC’s Chanukah aboard an open-air party bus.

After a number got out to dance to Cha- subsequent misreporting. nukah music matters quickly escalated “It strains credulity that the Corporation after three Middle Eastern men began have yet to issue an apology to Rabbi Glitplaying Arabic music and danced next to senstein and all the other passengers on the group. Video footage shows the men that bus.” allegedly making Hitler salutes, spitting, Jewish organisations blasted the BBC striking windows and threatening the Jew- over its reporting at the time. ish teens. Footage also shows the teens Campaign Against Antisemtism led a rally dancing before being forced back onto the outside Broadcasting House whilst longtime BBC broadcaster Rabbi YY Rubinstein private bus.

“We were attacked on the streets of Lon- resigned over the attack.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has don for being Jewish and celebrating Chanukah,” recalled Rabbi Glitsenstein. “While written to the BBC’s Director General over our bus contained no references to Israel, we the broadcaster’s coverage of the antisewere clearly a Jewish group. The young men mitic incident.

BY ADAM MOSES

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20 JANUARY 2022

Israel offers security Israel Arrow interceptor tests a success support to UAE

BY ADAM MOSES

Israel has offered security and intelligence support to the UAE after a drone and cruise missile attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Monday.

Three people were killed and six injured after the strike on three petroleum transport tankers near a storage facility for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Abu Dhabi’s international airport.

Israel, the UK, US and Arab nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Lebanon and Iraq have condemned the attack.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett wrote to UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed offering support to help protect citizens from similar attacks. “I have ordered the Israeli security establishment to provide their counterparts in the UAE with any assistance, should you be interested,” he noted.

Bennett added, “Israel is committed to working closely with you in the ongoing battle against extremist forces in the region, and we will continue to partner with you to defeat our common enemies.”

Foreign Minister Lapid called on the international community to “strongly condemn” such attacks and act immediately so Iran and its proxies don’t have the tools to undermine regional security.

Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi deputy defence minister noted, “The Houthi militia chose terrorism. He added that the terror attack against Saudi Arabia and UAE represented a threat to the region’s security.

“The Houthis aren’t interested in peace and remain hostage to their regional backer, which treats our region’s security as a mere negotiating card,” bin Salman continued.

The Saudi-led coalition has retaliated by killing a senior Houthi commander, Maj.-Gen Abdullah Qassem al-Janid, of the Houthi’s Aviation College.

According to a Houthi military spokesman, the attack included five cruise missiles and several drones.

Bicom noted the attack coincided with an escalation in fighting in Yemen and showed an ability to use Iran-supplied technology beyond Yemen. They also held the belief that Israel’s offer of cooperation backs the Abraham Accords and will enhance Israeli-UAE ties against Iran.

There is concern in Israel that Iran may use Yemen, and attack drones and missiles, to attack Israel. Israeli officials noted the distance from Yemen to the UAE is similar to Yemen to Eilat.

Bennett and bin Zayed met in Abu Dhabi last month, a return visit is expected in 2022.

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Celebrating 150 Yea r s

BY SIMCHA ABIR

The Israel Missile Defence Organisation has conducted a successful test flight of the Arrow Weapon System and Arrow 3 interceptor, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of earth’s atmosphere.

The test was performed at a test site in central Israel and led by Israel Aerospace Industries.

AWS operational radars detected the target and transferred data to the battle management before establishing a defence plan.

Arrow-3 interceptors were then launched toward the target and successfully completed the mission.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz commended the successful outcome of the flight test.

“Israel’s defence establishment and industries continue to develop some of the world’s most advanced systems,” he said. “With every step forward, with every development, we equip the State of Israel with the capabilities to defend itself against developing threats. Our systems provide Israel with the freedom to manoeuvre strategically.”

IMDO coordinated the test with Israel’s Ministry of Defence, US Missile Defence Agency and Israeli Defence Forces. Representatives of the IMDA, MDA, IAF and industries involved in AWS development participated in the test.

“This test was designed to challenge every element of the Arrow Weapon System and it performed beautifully,” said MDA Director Vice Adm. Jon Hill. “Data collected from this test guide future development of the AWS. MDA remains committed to assisting the Government of Israel in upgrading its missile defence capability against current and emerging threats.”

Chief of the IDF General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi commented, “The IDF and

Israel’s defence establishment see great importance in constantly upgrading and improving our air defence capabilities. The test conducted is another element in our ability to respond to developing threats in the region and is a part of the implementation of the IDF’s multi-year plan.”

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Dani Gold Head of Israel’s Ministry of Defence added, “The DDR&D and partnering industries will continue spearheading Israel’s technological advance to maintain our national security.”

IAI is the primary contractor for the development of the Arrow Weapon System and Arrow interceptors. MLM designs, develops and produces the Arrow interceptors, and Elta, a subsidiary of IAI, develops the radar detection array. Elisra, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, develops the BMC. BOEING, TOMER and RAFAEL are the main subcontractors for the development and production of the Arrow 3 interceptor.

RAFAEL designs and develops the target.

Boaz Levy, IAI, commented, “The Arrow System proved once again that Israel holds one of the world’s most advanced defence systems against ballistic missiles.

Throughout the flight test, the system was tested against ‘future threats’, in a challenging scenario, while gathering essential information that will be used by the defence establishment and the company’s engineers for the development of future technologies. The Arrow System is one of IAI’s advanced developments, including cutting-edge technologies with the capability of identifying and intercepting surrounding threats” The AWS is a central part of Israel’s defence array that includes the Iron Dome Defence System and David’s Sling Weapon System.

This test is part of the IDF’s multi-year development program. Its success is an important milestone for Israel’s operational capability to defend itself.

AAD disgust at Spurs fans’ chanting of the ‘Y’ word

BY JONATHAN METLISS

At the Carabao Cup semi final on Wednesday 5 January at Stamford Bridge the Tottenham fans were amassed at the Shed End and spent the whole game incessantly chanting and shouting “Yid”, “Being a Yid” (including “We”ll sing what we want”) and “Yiddo” – a criminal offence in itself, as these terms are abusive to Jewish people generally.

I was present at the game and found this sickening, upsetting and abhorrent and

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unbefitting a sports event.

And then one wonders why there is anti-semitism in football. These evil chants should be banned as being obscene and inciting and provoking racial hatred and anti-semitic behaviour.

The additional banter of the Spurs supporters included equally-unacceptable homophobic language.

AAD has written to Tottenham Hotspur complaining about this behaviour and again calls on the Club, the relevant football authorities and the Metropolitan Police to stop this chanting. The relevant Government policy unit has also been contacted.

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20 JANUARY 2022

Prince Charles artistic honour to Holocaust survivors

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prince Charles has commissioned seven portraits of Holocaust survivors to be displayed at Buckingham Palace.

Seven artists participated in the historic initiative that features in a BBC Two documentary ‘Survivors: Portraits of the Holocaust’’ on January 27th (9pm) to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The paintings will be on show at the Queen’s Gallery until 13 February then the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh from March 17th to June 6th.

“As the number of Holocaust survivors sadly, but inevitably, declines, my abiding hope is that this special collection will act as a further guiding light for our society, reminding us not only of history’s darkest days, but of humanity’s interconnectedness as we strive to create a better world for our children, grandchildren and generations as yet unborn; one where hope is victorious over despair and love triumphs over hate,” The Prince of Wales said in a statement.

Helen Aronson was painted by Paul Benney, Lily Ebert by Ishbel Myerscough, Manfred Goldberg by Clara Drummond, Arek Hersh by Massimiliano Pironti, Anita Lasker Wallfisch by Peter Kuhfeld, Rachel Levy by Stuart Pearson Wright and Zigi Shipper by Jenny Saville.

The documentary follows the creation of the portraits whilst telling the survivors’ stories.

Prince Charles

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Now in their 90s, all were children in concentration camps before making lives in the UK. The artists share their feelings on getting to know the survivors they painted.

“Throughout the programme, audiences will hear the testimonies of the remarkable men and women who witnessed one of the greatest atrocities in human history, and will meet the artists tasked with creating portraits

that represent their pain and loss, as well as their dignity, light and hope,” noted a BBC statement. “The portraits will stand as a lasting reminder of horrors which will one day be lost to living memory.”

Prince Charles has long been involved in Holocaust education and remembrance.

Holocaust Educational Trust chief executive Karen Pollock commented, “This is an incredible initiative led by HRH The Prince of Wales. These Holocaust survivors endured the very worst. They were rounded up into ghettos, sent to concentration camps and enslaved as forced labourers. To survive the concentration and death camps and 77 years later see their portraits displayed in Buckingham Palace is very special indeed, and a poignant and fitting testament to their lasting contribution to this country. The Nazis intended there to be no Jews left in Europe, instead these survivors are honoured at the heart of British society.”

She added that the organisation was indebted to The Prince of Wales for the work he continues to do to ensure the Holocaust holds a central place in British history and memory.

A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said, “The Prince of Wales has made it his mission to amplify the critical cause of Holocaust remembrance in Britain. With this unique project he has made yet another contribution to Holocaust education with his inimitable flair. We are grateful to Prince Charles for everything that he continues to

Jewish ghetto in Budapest commemorated

BY SIMCHA ABIR

The Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz) has commemorated the 77th anniversary of the liberation of the Jewish ghetto in Budapest.

The Raoul Wallenberg Association and Embassy of Sweden in Budapest organised

the event. “Remembrance is a part of our shared future,” Andras Heisler, President of Mazsihisz said at the commemoration.

Heisler added that descendants of survivors must keep memories of their ancestors alive or they would be disowning the suffering of parents and grandparents.

Jozsef Sebes, Raoul Wallenberg head,

said his organisation must honour the actions of Wallenberg by ensuring that people are judged by their personalities, not on belonging to a certain group.

Sebes added that the fight against racial, religious and political discrimination was a major goal for the association.

Dag Hartelius, Sweden’s ambassador to

do to make the lives and experiences of Holocaust survivors known to the wider public, particularly at a time when fewer and fewer direct testimonies are available.”

Marie van de Zyl, Board of Deputies president added, “The Prince of Wales is to be congratulated for this wonderful project to honour the resilience and fortitude of extraordinary people who have survived and thrived despite experiencing suffering beyond anything we could possibly imagine.”

Prince Charles’ efforts to commemorate the Shoah have been well documented.

Speaking at the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, he said, “The scale of the evil was so great, the impact so profound, that it threatens to obscure the countless individual, human stories of tragedy, loss and suffering of which it was comprised. That is why places like (Yad Vashem) and events like this are so vitally important.”

The heir to the throne revealed that it had been a “singular privilege” to meet Holocaust survivors who came to the UK to make “immeasurable” contributions.

“We must commit ourselves to ensuring that their stories live on,” he remarked.

Prince Charles has often reflected on his “immense pride” in his grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece, who saved a Jewish family in 1943 by hiding them in her home.

She is buried on the Mount of Olives, has a tree in her name at Yad Vashem and is counted among the Righteous of the Nations, a fact, he said, gave his family immense pride.

Hungary, noted that everyone had a duty to remember the Holocaust and had a role to play in the fight against antisemitism.

Hartelius added that Wallenberg’s legacy was a guiding principle.

Zoltan Istvan Horvath, parish priest of the Cathedral of St. Theresa of Avila, called for the next generation to hear about people who helped save Jews during the Holocaust as they risked their lives to save those facing persecution.

Funding Iran may lead to “terror on steroids”

BY ADAM MOSES

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told the Davos World Economic Forum virtual conference on Tuesday that funding for Iran could lead to “terror on steroids” as negotiations continue with Iran for a return to the 2015 nuclear deal.

Israel’s leader also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and Omicron strain, Abraham Accords and Middle East among various topics.

“My approach is to build bridges, build bridges in the region,” he said. “I think we’ve been doing that for the past few years.

We have a common foe in the region and that’s Iran. We need reasonable-minded countries, that want to fight extreme Islam, collaborating. And I think more and more regional partners are coming to see Israel as an anchor of stability in a very tumultuous region, and not only in the security sense but also in economy.”

Bennett added, “Iran is an octopus of terror and instability. Their head is in Tehran and they send their arms all across the Middle East and get involved in Lebanon with Hezbollah, in Iraq, in Syria, in Yemen with the Houthis. How very comfortable it is for the mullahs in Tehran to cause despair and I think that we see a very similar situation with the Houthis.

“The last thing you want to do with this sort of octopus is pour tens of billions of dollars into this apparatus. Because what will you get? You’ll get terror on steroids. Right?

Everything we’ve seen will be doubled and tripled because they’ll be much stronger.

“I came to age as a business man in hitech. I would say that investing in Iran is not a sound investment, whether there’s a deal or not a deal.”

Bennett participated in the forum along with WEF President Borge Brende and also talked about cyber defence.

“We need good cyber defence and Israel has massively invested in cyber defence technologies,” he noted. “I believe roughly half or almost half of the global investments in cyber companies over the past few years has been in Israel. So, Israel has become a powerhouse in cyber defence. I see a bunch of opportunities and we intend to seize them.”

In related news, Israel and the US have continued its war of words against Iran over its nuclear aspirations.

Only last week Bennett said Israel would maintain “unrestricted freedom” to act regardless of a nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers whilst the US said Iran would face “severe consequences” if it attacked Americans after placing sanctions on US nationals.

The main issues as talks continue is a full return to JCPOA compliance by Iran, the lifting of US sanctions and US guarantees

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

to remain in the deal.

A negotiating issue is also the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency verifying whether Iran complies with returning to its JCPOA nuclear commitments in a transparent manner.

Iran has called on the US to lift sanctions and want the Biden administration to provide a legal guarantee the US will not pull out of the deal if it is restored.

Talks in Vienna are entering a crucial stage as the US has set an unofficial January deadline whether Iran was serious about returning to the JCPOA. Israel continues to try influence the outcome through closed door meetings with the US and European allies. Foreign Minister Lapid has said Israel is not opposed to a deal, but sanctions must remain on Iran.

Negotiations restarted last November. The initial deal was agreed by Iran, US, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany.

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Fox leads cross-party UAE delegation

BY SIMCHA ABIR

Dr Liam Fox has led a cross-party parliamentary delegation to the United Arab Emirates.

The mission was to observe progress made since the signing of the Abraham Accords between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain in September 2020.

MPs met UAE government ministers and business leaders, UAE Ambassador to the UK Mansoor Abulhoul and British Am- Dr Liam Fox bassador to the UAE Patrick Moody. They also visited the Expo 2020 Dubai and counter-extremism organisation Hedayah in what was the group’s first overseas delegation since it was founded last year.

The Accords Group signed a cooperation agreement with coexistence NGO Sharaka at the Crossroads of Civilisation Museum in Dubai.

At a reception held by the British Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi, Dr Fox said, “Here is a chance for us to shape history rather than be shaped by history. It’s a chance for us to shape the region and its future, and

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

particularly that of young people, breaking away from the constraints of the past to a more optimistic outlook for the years to come.”

He added, “We’re very proud to have played a very small part in trying to alert the world, particularly in the UK, about the benefits of the Abraham Accords.

The leaders in the UAE deserve great credit for their courage and their wisdom. We salute them, and we will do everything we can to help them in this

process”.

CFI Parliamentary Chairman Stephen Crabb thanked Abulhoul for welcoming the cross-party group to the country, stating that it was a “fascinating and uplifting look at the growing ties between Israel and Arab states” and “one of the most important international developments for decades”.

MPs on the visit included Crabb, Vice Chairman of the International Trade Select Committee, Mark Garnier, Labour Friends of Israel Chairman Steve McCabe and Dr Lisa Cameron of the Scottish National Party.

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20 JANUARY 2022

Israeli officers killed in friendly fire tragedy

BY ADAM MOSES

Hundreds of mourners attended the funerals of Maj. Ofek Aharon and Maj. Itamar Elharar killed in a friendly fire last week.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has vowed that an investigation will take place into the incident.

Retired major general Noam Tibon will lead an inquiry. The Military Police investigate every soldier’s death.

“The whole nation of Israel mourns,” Bennett said in a statement. “The IDF is investigating the difficult incident and the necessary lessons will be learned.”

Aharon was buried at Gan Yavne cemetery, Elharar at Ofek Aharon z”l and Itamar Elharar z”l Kiryat Malachi cemetery.

At Elharar’s funeral, his mother told Aharon’s father, Eli, called on IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi for answers regarding mourners that she told her son to take care of his soldiers. “Everywhere you went you the tragedy.

“I want an explanation from Kohavi,” he left such a big mark, you left a legacy,” she said. said during the service.

Kohavi confirmed he would investigate Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fuchs, commander of rigorously to learn lessons during a visit to the IDF Central Command, said Elharar, 26, was to start a university course whilst in the Nabi Musa base.

“The incident was incredibly serious and military Aharon, 28, was to be promoted deeply upsetting,” he said. “Preserving hu- this summer within Egoz or to the Golani man is atADVERT the top JAN of our priorities.”

Brigade a deputy battalion commander, HALFlife PAGE 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04as Page 1

“The two commanders devoted their best years to Israel’s security and defence of the homeland,” added Fuchs.

Both officers of the elite Egoz unit were killed by mistake by another officer during a training exercise in the Nabi Musa base in the Jordan Valley last Thursday night, the military confirmed.

The officers were pronounced dead after being evacuated by helicopter to Hadassah Ein Karem Medical Center in Jerusalem.

The Nabi Musa training base is used by infantry units and Armored Corps for combat training.

Palestinian and Bedouin villages are nearby.

The tragedy came a week after Air Force pilots Lt.-Col. Erez Sachyani and Major Chen Fogel were killed in a helicopter crash off the coast of Haifa. The IDF is investigating the incident.

Sachyani (38) served as deputy commander of the Ramat David airbase in northern Israel.

Fogel (27) was a helicopter pilot and Deputy Commander of the 193 Squadron at Ramat David.

He was posthumously promoted from Captain to Major.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK A third officer is in stable condition at Rambam Health Care Campus.

“In the name of all citizens I would like to extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the crash victims and a speedy recovery to the wounded officer,” Bennett said. “The people of Israel will not forget the sacrifice they made, day and night, to the security of the country.”

The Eurocopter AS565 Panther helicopter was conducting a training flight when it crashed.

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Beit Shemesh to undergo 500 Million development

BY SIMCHA ABIR

Israel’s Cabinet has backed a NIS 500m development plan for Beit Shemesh.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Gideon Saar presented the plan for the city at the cabinet weekly meeting.

The initiative will strengthen public transportation in response to the city’s growing population, institutions, housing, employment, welfare services, security and leisure activities.

“Beit Shemesh is a wonderful place facing many challenges,” said Bennett. “Together with the local leadership led by Mayor Dr Aliza Bloch we are promoting a program on an unprecedented scale that will improve quality of life in the city. Since her tenure began, Mayor Bloch has been working extensively for a better future for residents.

The work is considerable and now we will lead it together.”

Bloch thanked Bennett for an unprecedented decision.

“For years they talked, the Bennett government is taking action and effecting change,” she said. “The story of Beit Shemesh is the story of the State of Israel.

Beit Shemesh is currently undergoing an accelerated process of economic development. The goal is to reinvigorate the city. I see the work of the municipality and the various government ministries as a complementary synergy that builds the strength of a city. I am happy that the Government of

Beit Shemesh

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Israel sees a desire to promote municipal development as a common goal with city leadership and residents.”

According to Central Bureau of Statistics data, Beit Shemesh has grown by over 60% in the past decade. Currently there are 50,000 residents, the highest growth rate among Israel’s 15 largest cities.

Ministers of Interior, Construction and Housing, Transportation, Economy and Industry, Education, Welfare and Social Affairs, Health, Development of the Periphery, Negev and the Galilee, Culture and Sports, Public Security, Environmental Protection,

Beit Shemesh Hatzola volunteers David Shternbuch and Bentzi Madalovitch

Religious Services, Aliyah and Integration, Tourism and Innovation, Science and Technology have cooperated in the initiative.

In related news, Israel Magen Fund have donated EpiPens to Beit Shemesh Hatzalah ensuring paramedic volunteers in each of the city’s neighbourhoods can help save lives.

The initiative is part of an ongoing partnership where donations have included emergency medical equipment. According to Magen Fund co-founder David Rose donations support Israel’s medical and military sectors across Beit Shemesh.

NEWS 9

Anne Frank betrayer named Arnold van den Bergh has been named as possibly the person who revealed to the Nazis where Anne Frank and her family were hiding in Amsterdam.

Following a six-year investigation by historians, details have been revealed in a CBS documentary and accompanying book, The Betrayal of Anne Frank, by Rosemary Sullivan.

It is thought van den Bergh was a Jewish Council member who gave Nazis information to save his own life. The group was disbanded in 1943, members were sent to concentration camps. However, van den Bergh and his daughter remained in Amsterdam.

There is also evidence of an anonymous note sent to Otto Frank, Anne’s father, identifying van den Bergh as responsible.

Frank, who died in 1980, told a journalist his family were betrayed by someone in the Jewish community.

Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant reported that van den Bergh died in 1950.

Anne died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in February 1945 aged 15. Her famous diary, published after her death, covers the period from 1942 until August 1944.

The Anne Frank House museum said in a statement it was “impressed” with the investigation.

The museum shared archives with the investigative team but was not part of the documentary.

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Bennett announces free antigen tests

BY DAVID SAFFER

The Israeli government has initiated a plan to distribute free antigen tests to citizens from next week.

The initiative is in parallel with testing stations throughout the country. The government has also shortened the quarantine period to five days.

Every avenue is being sought to maintain the economy, education and spread of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz and Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman approved the distribution plan earlier this week.

Bennett stressed that delivery is based on safeguarding public health. Distribution will be carried out by Health, Education and Social Affairs Ministry, IDF Home Front Command and local authorities.

“The government is looking for every way to assist the citizens of Israel in getting through the Omicron wave,” explained Bennett. “Instead of lockdowns, we are working to find solutions in order to keep the economy functioning however possible and to get through the worst of the wave together.”

Horowitz added, “We are committed to

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

supplying all of the tools in order to safeguard the health of every person in Israel.

We are seeing to continual stocks of vaccines for everyone, to drugs and dedicated care for all who need them, and tests on a wide scale that will enable us to forestall infection and morbidity.” He added, “Use the tests. It is simple, accessible and free.

You will safeguard yourselves and thus we will safeguard those at risk who are liable to become severely ill. This is the social responsibility of each and every one of us.”

Liberman explained that the decision would allow Israelis to live alongside the coronavirus.

“I have said throughout that we are prepared to get through this wave by providing focused assistance and showing responsibility for the sectors that have been hurt,” he said. “We will continue to monitor the data and economic activity, and we will see to it that everyone receives the assistance they deserve.”

Regarding shortening the quarantine period for asymptomatic coronavirus patients to five days, Bennett said on Monday that those vaccinated can take tests on the fourth and fifth day.

If they are negative they can exit isolation. Those unvaccinated must test on the fifth day at a recognised testing facility and cannot rely on a home test.

The move comes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and impact on education and the economy.

The Education Ministry confirmed 200,000 schoolchildren and staff were in quarantine last Sunday.

As a vaccine drive continues at full speed 40% of schoolchildren in first to fourth grades have received a vaccinate. Around half of students in fifth and sixth grades have had a first dose, 64% of the senior classes and 80% of educational staff. All are exempt from quarantine should a class pupil test positive.

The five day rule though has brought

20 JANUARY 2022 criticism.

Prof. Galia Rahav, Sheba Medical Center, said the shorter period was not sufficient.

“With the healthcare system already coming under pressure, at least one week of quarantine is needed, and only after a test returns negative, it should be lifted,” she reportedly explained. “I would not like to be treated by a sick member of the medical staff who can infect me with COVID. I would like to see more data before a decision to cut down quarantine days is made.

I understand there is a manpower shortage because of infections but from a health perspective, it would be wise to wait.”

Regarding the Omicron spike, Bennett noted, “We are currently entering the eye of the storm, the most complex days of this wave. Omicron has already reached almost every home and many of us, including Cabinet ministers, are verified cases.”

Israel’s leader added that the government was continuing to act to keep the health system and the Israeli economy functioning.

Bennett announced that a “significant shipment” of drugs from Pfizer had arrived in Israel.

“We promised the arrival of millions of additional antigen tests,” he said. “We are protecting retirement homes as tightly as possible. We are seeing to it that those in quarantine do not pay an economic price for their quarantine and are looking after those who have been directly harmed by the situation. I know that these are difficult weeks, we will get through them together just as we got through Delta. This will not go on forever.”

Ahmed guilty of stirring up racial hatred

BY ADAM MOSES

used her position as an aid volunteer in the aftermath of Grenfell to ‘bait the mob’ against Jewish people, making her conduct particularly repulsive.”

Met Detective Sergeant Ross Burrell commented, “The comments posted by Ahmed were grossly offensive, abusive and insulting. Her comments showed a clear intent to stir up racial hatred and such vile remarks will not be tolerated. Those who seek to deliberately drive our communities apart by spreading such spite can expect to be brought to account.

We’re here and ready to help anyone who has been affected by someone else’s prejudice, ignorance or violence.”

At the five-day Old Bailey trial, prosecutor Hugh French said two posts by Ahmed were “virulently antisemitic” and “crossed the line as to what is acceptable in a liberal

Tahra Ahmed has been found guilty of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred.

The Grenfell Tower volunteer was reported to police by Campaign Against Antisemitism.

Days after the fire in June 2017, that killed 72 people, Ahmed, 51, of Tottenham, linked Grenfell to an the antisemitic conspiracy based on the 9/11 terror attacks in New York.

Posting a video on Facebook, Ahmed claimed Grenfell victims were “burnt alive in a Jewish sacrifice”.

Ahmed believed her comments were “political” rather than “antisemitic” but the jury disagreed, finding her guilty of two counts of incitement, following the trial PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK Grenfell Tower instigated by CAA. The offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment. against Jews before an audience of tens of society”.

She will be sentenced on 11th February. thousands on social media.” He added, “We Ahmed conceded there were times when Gideon Falter, CAA chief executive, said, are pleased that the jury has convicted her she failed to make a distinction between “Ahmed sought to twist the Grenfell Tower over her wicked fabrications. As we have particular Jews. Asked by her lawyer whethtragedy to fit her venomous world view in seen, her hatred has not only enabled her er she accepted posts were insulting, she which it seems that any evil can be attrib- to abuse the Grenfell tragedy, but also to agreed, but denied it amounted to racial uted to Jews. She used people’s suffering accuse Jews of being responsible for 9/11 hatred. and anger in the aftermath of the Grenfell and of supposedly exaggerating the HolIn social media posts, Ahmed has detragedy and tried to wield it as a weapon ocaust. As the prosecution observed, she scribed the Holocaust as “holohoax” but

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

told the court she was not a Holocaust denier.

“Unfortunately, six million Jews is a number that has been perpetuated and the actual number has been revised down by experts,” she reportedly said. Ahmed said figures were “manipulated and exaggerated”.

Judge Mark Dennis QC asked Ahmed is she believed Jews were responsible for 9/11. Ahmed replied that it was not fair to answer that “without context”, describing the terror attack as a “false flag” and “Mossad” operation.

During testimony, Ahmed invoked farright conspiracy theories including comments about “Rothschild”, “ZioNazis”, “real Ashkenazis” and “Satanic Ashkenazis”.

The prosecution accused Ahmed of using the witness box as a “pulpit for your views” and of deliberately “whipping up the mob with her social media posts.”

Ahmed described the trial as a “witchhunt” and claimed she was “unlawfully arrested, incarcerated and tortured”.

Earlier in the case, Ahmed’s defence counsel was the same barrister who defended anti-Semite Alison Chabloz and neo-Nazi activist Jeremy Bedford-Turner, both sent to prison following prosecutions initiated by CAA. Ahmed replaced her counsel.

CAA are grateful to CST for providing security for CAA personnel at the trial.

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Boris Johnson visits Hatzola

Boris Johnson visiting Hatzola

Prime Minister Boris Johnson took time out of his packed party schedule to visit a shul and do some praying! After touring around

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PHOTO: EJN

Machzike Hadath Synagogue in Golders Green, Boris was then shown round a Hatzola NW hub in Golders Green.

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OPINION

OPINION 13

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

Silence is telling OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN

Last week in this column I made mention of the witch hunt currently running in the Jewish Community against anyone who is not worshiping at the altar of progressive thought. The comments on social and online media have brought about for some an atmosphere of constant concern that they will be next.

The Jewish News having reported heavily last week in pejorative terms about the then Board of Deputies senior vice president have now this week turned their attention to a deputy from Southend – Peter Baum.

Almost seamlessly the Board Deputies Constitution Committee which deals with conduct matters have leapt into action and are investigating. A cynical person might believe that their decision will be written long before that investigation has been concluded or Mr Baum has had an opportunity of making his case.

Against this Salem style background is the relief that many felt after the hostage taking in the Synagogue at Colleyville near Dallas, Texas came to an end. There was sadness too, since Malik Akram’s brother – Gulbar - was reported to have got involved

in the negotiations in an attempt to bring about a peaceful resolution, but sadly this proved not to be possible. It is impossible to imagine how Gulbar must have felt as he tried to help his brother in another continent. He reported to have said “..there was nothing we could have said to him or done that would have convinced him to surrender”.

There have been very many articles in the aftermath of the siege, some of them taking a strong stance on Muslim anti-Semitism.

Two of these include the editor of the Jewish Chronicle and Dr Rakib Ehsan (writing in the Jewish Chronicle) who is a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society and a Patron of Muslims Against Antisemitism.

There have been no articles though as far as I can tell from any of the 46 deputies who

wrote to the JNF demanding that: “..Samuel Hayek must resign, and his islamophobic comments must be condemned explicitly by you [the JNF] as his fellow trustees.”

These 46 self-proclaimed leaders in the Jewish community appear only to leap into action when someone makes comments which are not in keeping with their rigid views. These deputies who no doubt pride themselves of working for an equal racist free society have said nothing about the hostage taking of their brethren at the hands of a British Muslim.

Similarly, I could see nothing from the JLC or the Board of Deputies on the siege.

No comments of support or statements of solidarity, profoundly disappointing, though sadly no surprise. It is a bizarre twist of fate that the Jewish Chronicle

These deputies who no doubt pride themselves of working for an equal racist free society have said nothing about the hostage taking of their brethren at the hands of a British Muslim.

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

and Muslims Against Anti-Semitism are prepared to set out the reality of the threats against the Jewish Community but the communal leaders, small and large, are not.

According to the BBC website, in a statement on Facebook, which was later deleted, Gulbar said: “We would like to say that we as a family do not condone any of his actions and would like to sincerely apologise wholeheartedly to all the victims involved in the unfortunate incident.”

He also said – “We would also like to add that any attack on any human being be it a Jew, Christian or Muslim etc is wrong and should always be condemned.”

The world has turned upside down.

When comments are made about Muslims, Jews are condemned, ostracised and hounded by people and groups claiming to be concerned about human rights, racism and equality. It is a pity that these lofty ideals are not applied when Jews are attacked by the wrong people.

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

14 GAMES

20 JANUARY 2022

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Games

Bridge With Harold Schogger

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After a weak 1NT opening bid, this was the auction at one table from Lyon. West led a low trump and dummy’s nine of hearts held the trick. When declarer played a low diamond from dummy at trick two, East rose with the queen and shifted to a spade.

Declarer took this in hand with the king to play the jack of diamonds. East won the trick with the ace and continued with the queen of spades.

After winning the trick in dummy with the ace, declarer called for the king of diamonds to get rid of his remaining spade. Now his entry position forced him to turn his attention to the club suit by leading dummy’s five of clubs to his queen. West took this with the king and played the jack of spades. Declarer ruffed this with the ten, then led a low club to West’s two and dummy’s ten, which held. All that remained was to lead a trump to East’s five and his queen. After cashing the ace of trumps to draw East’s last trump, declarer claimed the last two tricks as dummy was now high.

Declarer had managed to play both minor suits well to bring in three tricks.

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20 JANUARY 2022

COMMUNITY 15

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GIFT promotes the values Inaugral Lecture by of health, kindness and The Rabbi community

Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought

Year 9 DofE Immanuel College Students packaging up the hundreds of bottles of freshly squeezed orange juice squeezed by Hasmonean Girls’ School in honor of Tu B’Shevat

In celebration of the new year for trees, GIFT hosted a range of exciting, meaningful events for people of all ages in London and Manchester on Sunday 16 January 2022.

GIFT was thrilled to involve hundreds of volunteers in making a positive difference to others and to the environment.

60 volunteers gathered in Hendon Park to pick up litter, and demonstrate the importance of caring for the world around them.

Dozens of bags were filled, ensuring that this special space can be enjoyed safely. All participants were rewarded with a warming hot chocolate, courtesy of the Hendon Park Cafe.

Josh Boyden, who together with his friend Yoav won the prize for the most litter collected, said: ‘I really enjoyed taking part in this litter-pick - we all have to do our bit for the environment.’

Councillor Alex Prager, representing the West Hendon Ward, said: ‘It was wonderful to see GIFT volunteers out in force in Hendon Park this weekend, working hard to clean up our local green spaces and celebrating Tu B’Shevat. After the hugely successful litterpick in Brent Park & Brookside Walk in November 2020, GIFT have once again shown how their unique blend of volunteering and education produces a highly impactful contribution to the community whilst providing invaluable lessons to the younger generation. Hendon Park is an amazing asset to all local residents and it’s lovely to see the volunteers showing such care for the park. Thank you once again to all the GIFT volunteers for their hard work!’

Over 200 students from Hasmonean High School for Girls sliced and juiced thousands of oranges to make 400 bottles of orange juice for GIFT’s recipient families.

To add a competitive twist, the year groups battled to see who could make the most bottles; Year 7 was crowned the winner.

Josh Boyden with his friend Yoav, who together won the competition for the most amount of rubbish collected

Students at Menorah Grammar School collated beautiful, healthy fruit baskets, which brought much pleasure to the receiving families.

The youth of Shrubberies Shul in Manchester came together to create baskets of fruit for GIFT families.

Rabbi Sandor Milun, Managing Director of GIFT, says: ‘Tu Bshvat is the Rosh Hashanah of the trees. Just like a tree produces fruit to nourish those around it, so too do people produce fruit: good deeds and acts of kindness. GIFT was proud to engage with many hundreds of volunteers to mark this special festival with meaningful acts and opportunities to give.’

Rabbi Dr Zarum

Almost 500 people joined Rabbi Dr Zarum to hear his inaugral lecture on Monday night, entitled “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom: Towards a Judaism for the 21st Century”. The event was held in-person and online and saw an international audience which included the Zandan family from the USA. who generously established the Chair.

Joanne Greenaway, LSJS Chief Executive said “this new Chair is one of the key ways that we will honour the legacy of Rabbi Sacks zt’l at LSJS. I’m so delighted that Rabbi Dr Zarum will have this platform to continue to build his thought leadership at LSJS and to address the challenges of our age through teaching Torah in his own unique way and furthering the vision of Rabbi Sacks of ‘a Judaism engaged with the world’.

Rabbi Dr Zarum said, “I tried to lay out my thinking of a meaningful Judaism for the 21st century, based on Rabbi Sacks’s ideas of the interplay between Torah and worldly wisdom.”

LSJS has had a deep connection with

Rabbi Sacks zt”l spanning over 40 years, as he progressed from student to lecturer and then Principal and President. Following his term as Chief Rabbi he became the Honorary President of LSJS. This long-standing association made the creation of the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought a natural step for LSJS to continue to recognise Rabbi Sacks zt”l contribution to contemporary Jewish thought and further his teachings.

The inaugral lecture kicks off an exciting first year for the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought which will see Rabbi Dr Zarum conduct speaking tours in the US, Israel and across the UK. He will also be mentoring future Jewish leaders, in a similar way to how Rabbi Sacks zt”l mentored him.

Rabbi Dr Zarum is also completing his first book which is due to be published in 2023.

To find out more about the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought or about LSJS courses and events please call 0208 203 6427 or email lsjsadmin@lsjs.ac.uk

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Celebrating Tu B’Shevat Jami ‘See Me’ Campaign across Jewish Care

Jewish Care welcome young volunteers at Project Impact Bar and Batmitzvah session

On Sunday, Jewish Care hosted young volunteers from Project ImpACT’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah Programme at Jewish Care’s Michael Sobell Community Centre.

The volunteering sessions challenge young people and encourage an outward and active approach to helping others. The group met the challenge and created decorative flower centrepieces to take pride of place on the tables at Jewish Care’s Michael Sobell Community Centre and at Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre.

Jewish Care’s Community Events Coordinator, Jo Leigh explained, “The Project ImpACT participants decorated pots with inspirational messages and flower stickers before putting coloured gravel into the pots along with synthetic sunflowers and Gypsophila to create beautiful, sustainable centrepieces for the tables, to celebrate to Tu B’Shevat and to bring joy to older people attending the centres.”

Meanwhile, tenants at Pears Court

Retirement Living at Jewish Care’s Sandringham also enjoyed planting a fruit tree to celebrate on Tu B’Shevat as did residents at the organisation’s care homes, Sidney Corob House in West Hampstead, Hyman Fine House in Brighton and at Vi & John Ruben’s House residents in Redbridge made indoor tree decorations and enjoyed fruit tasting.

Volunteers from PwC UK joined tenants at Pears Court who have been embracing the outdoors as part of the allotment group project in the walled Piaf’s Garden at Jewish Care’s Sandringham in Hertfordshire, the charity’s newest care and community hub. The volunteers helped to prepare the raised beds and troughs ready for planting trees, flowers, vegetables and herbs this year with the allotment group which is part of the vision for the growing community at Sandringham coming together for shared activities and have the opportunity to enjoy celebrating events in the Jewish calendar together.

Chana hits a record and reach its target in less than 12 hours Chana charity raised over £1 Million in their 36-hour appeal. They reached their target of £700,000 within less than 12 hours!

Last night the trustees, staff and supporters celebrated their huge accomplishment with Rabbi SF Zimmerman ‫ שליט”א‬who said: Everybody from the trustees, staff and volunteers no one had any personal interest they all worked together as one big team.

Chana’s goal is to help couples in our community to fulfil their dream so that they’ll be able to have their own precious moments. The amount raised will allow Chana to reduce the waiting list allowing couples in distress to not have to wait for Chana’s services and can get the support they urgently need.

Mental health problems may be unseen but can be devastating for individuals and their loved ones. Demand for our services has significantly increased since the pandemic began, with requests for help more than doubling in key areas. We need to ensure support is available to everyone who needs it.

• launch a pilot programme delivering early intervention services for young people of secondary school age; • expand Head Room Café – Jami’s community café that provides mental health support on the high street; and • expand suicide prevention, education and campaigning.

36 hours to raise £1m Launching at 10am on Sunday 23rd January, Jami has 36 hours to raise £1m. We need to raise £1m through this campaign to: • maintain support for the 1400+ existing users of Jami’s services; • grow services to meet the one third increase in people being supported since the start of the pandemic;

Every donation by the community is being matched by key donors, allowing all donations on the day to be doubled.

Receiving no statutory or government funding, Jami is almost entirely funded by the generosity of the community. The ‘See Me’ campaign this weekend is to ensure that Jami can see, hear and help everyone needing support with their mental health. www.charityextra.com/jami

Shabbat Walk holds trivia night Shabbat Walk hosted its We had a full house and first ever Trivia Night for the boys were very enthusiastic, which contributed all their male volunteers on Motzei Shabbos. Boys to a great atmosphere. A attended in teams and were buffet Melava Malka was tested on their knowledge served and the evening including questions relating was a tremendous success. to Shabbat Walk. Questions At Shabbat Walk we ranged from ‘who are the value the time and effort Shabbat Walk trustees?’ to teens put into volunteer‘how many times did famiing and as part of the lies receive volunteers from Enjoying the quiz night mindset of growth, we Shabbat walk all together aim to provide them with last month?’ Well, the correct answer was healthy outlets and entertainment, both to 629 times. Dovid Rose and Yaakov Levine thank them and to keep them motivated. scored highest with their answers and won We look forward to hosting more events in the coming months. a £25 cash prize each.

CFI’s Christian Wakeford defects to Labour

Akiva – a Chana baby

In a dramatic move, Bury South MP Christian Wakeford defected to Labour yesterday, causing shockwaves around the country.

Seen here at a recent CFI reception at the Tory Party conference, Wakeford cited the recent Boris ‘party’ pictures, and Dominic Cumming’s ridiculous drive to Barnard Castle to check his eyesite as part of the wide range of issues that led him to his decision.

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Christian Wakeford MP (centre) with Stephen Crabb and Lord Pickles in 2021

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

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Rachel Jones appointed as Jewish Care’s new Fruit glorious fruit!

Director of Care, Housing and Hospitality Jewish Care is delighted to announce that after a rigorous recruitment process, we have appointed Rachel Jones as Jewish Care’s Director of Care, Housing and Hospitality.

Rachel initially joined Jewish Care in May 2021 as our Interim Head of Housing and Domically Care.

Rachel has dedicated her entire career to social care, which began with her working as a Carer at Norwood, and later working as a Carer at Kisharon and several other care providers.

Rachel went on to run various housing associations and smaller charities before serving as the Executive Director at Sunridge Court for 8 years and was one of the lead professionals in overseeing the merger between Sunridge Court and Jewish Care, which she describes as an “absolute highlight in her career”.

Outside of Jewish Care, Rachel Rachel Jones appointed Jewish Care’s Director of Care, Housing and is a long serving and passionate Hospitality volunteer for Norwood and has volunteered as a coordinator and planner Rachel is very excited about her new role of Mitzvah Day activities for a number of and looks forward to being part of the Diyears in addition to carrying out voluntary rectorate team and working alongside our work for Crisis, Sadaqa Day and voluntary already well-functioning care homes and Retirement Living schemes supported by work with refugees from Afghanistan.

Kisharon fruit themed fun strawberries. It has Tu’Bishvat has been a wonderful been celebrated day.” widely across Kisharon services.

Totteridge Ward Children at Councillor, Caroline Stock and Tuffkid Nursery Childs Hill Countook part in fruitcillor, Anne Clarke themed activities including creating who represents a fruit shop where Barnet and Camchildren with toy den in the London Assembly were demoney and credit lighted to be invited cards had fun exchanging different and were given a fruits for Tu’Bishplant to commemvat. They also learnt orate the occasion. about juice by The councillors Caroline Stock and Anne Clarke at Kisharon Library squeezing oranges Cllrs praised Kisharon’s Garden and sang songs for commitment to dethe Chag. veloping the green space at the library with At Kisharon Noe School, pupils took part its gardening club. Both were delighted in an array of activities including planting to hear Kisharon had secured funding to flowers and making fruit kebabs. Volun- develop raised beds where people Kishateers at Kisharon’s Childs Hill Library, ron support will be growing a variety of people who attend Kisharon Adult Oppor- crops including horseradish to be used at tunities and those who live in Kisharon Pesach. They were also impressed to see Supported Living marked Tu’Bishvat by how Kisharon was making the connection planting fruit shrubs in the library garden. between outdoor space and mental and Sarah Sharlott, Head of Social Enterprise physical wellbeing. and Community Development said, “All It was extra special for those attending the people we support and volunteers were the garden to help a year after planting the thrilled to be outdoors and celebrating Covid-19 memorial garden at the library Tu’Bishvat. We planted raspberry canes which has been used by the community and strawberry plants and were shown as a place of reflection for those who lost by someone we support how to plant the friends or relatives.

our incredibly talented and strong team of staff and volunteers.

Rachel will commence her role on the 1st April, where she will be taking over from Gaby Wills who has been a vital part of the organisation for the last 23 years and who we wish well.

Rachel Jones, incoming Director of Care, Housing and Hospitality says: “I always knew social care was a career for life. My mum worked for Norwood for 28 years and I wanted to have that longevity in my career so that I could really make a positive difference to people’s lives. I have also always held a particularly place in my heart for Jewish Care who looked after both my grandmothers in what was then named, Princess Alexandra and Morton House.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown, Chief Executive, Jewish Care, says: “We are excited for Rachel to step into this position and bring her wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Her enthusiasm and passion for Jewish Care have already been keenly felt during her time with us and we look forward to the next phase of working together.”

Children enjoying the fruits of their Tu b’Shevat Seder

Sacks Morasha pupils had a fruity start to the week celebrating Tu B’Shevat. Every class took part in their own fruit Seder, each with a different fruity twist. Some classes created edible fruit bouquets, or fruit flowers, and one class modelled self portraits out of oranges. Even those children isolating got to take part via Google Classroom.

All fruit was supplied by the school’s kind PTA. The children were asked to wear green, brown, flowery or yellow items of clothing which added to the excitement of the day.

Tu B’Shevat Tree planting with the Manchester Friendship Circle in conjunction with Manchester City of Trees and Bury Council in the ‘Orchard’, Prestwich. The idea was of Prestwich Great Grandmother Mrs Edwina Rosenberg.

Tu B’Shevat tree planting in Prestwich

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Broughton Jewish Reception children, Tu B’Shevat tree planting

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Apple tree planting Monday morning on Tu B’Shevat by Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox primary school Reception children.

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Here’s why we’re still raising funds

3493 Farmers and landowners committed to Shmitah through Keren Hashviis

Monthly Payments For each of these farmers, Keren Hashviis covers the cost of the land lease so they don’t lose their farm and provides 13 monthly stipends for the family to live on.

£3,000,000 Total raised to date

Total needed from the UK to cover land leases and monthly stipends

£1,411,175

£1,588,825

Funds still needed to follow through on our commitment to farmers for the remaining months of Shmitah

We gave them our word.

We can't let them down.

Partner with a farmer: 0333 800 6868 kerenhashviis.org.uk | office@kerenhashviis.org.uk PO Box 77772, London NW11 1PX Trustees: Richard Kaufman | Osher Low | Chagai Kahn European Chairman: Aryeh Melinek Administrator: Binyomin Green

20 COMMUNITY

20 JANUARY 2022

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New responders for Hatzola Northwest

Tu B’Shevat in the Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Kindergarten with Ely Noe and Yedidya Silberman holding some of the fruit.

Ely Noe and Yedidya Silberman

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Capt. Simmon Latutin GC – the hero of Mogadishu

Hatzola Northwest graduation ceremony

Hatzola Northwest have inaugurated eight new responders to its Emergency Response Team.

Members attended weekly assessments, scenarios and examination of pre-hospital emergency care skills.

The training program led by Kevin Cuddon was enhanced by external lecturers and practitioners.

New responders were presented with certificates and equipment. The group were the first to receive medical trauma and equipment bags designed to comply with latest legislation.

The new bag initiative was inspired by the family of Akiva Korc after Hatzola came to his rescue during a choking episode.

Additional bags have been dedicated by members of the community.

Akiva’s parents, Sammy and Abi Kroc,

attended the graduation evening.

Hatzola Northwest is a 24/7 community service, operating 365 days a year and one of the most effective units in the UK dealing with over 5,000 calls a year.

The service is provided free of charge.

There are 54 active volunteer responders who have undergone intensive training, carry radios and respond in their own vehicles.

Volunteers carry trauma kits and BLS (Basic Life Support) bags, complete with resuscitation equipment, oxygen and defibrillators.

Hatzola Northwest presently has three active ambulances for serious calls and urgent patient transport.

Details: Rob Taub on rob@hatzolanw.org or 0772 585716

Apple tree planting for Tu B’Shevat Monday morning in the King David Primary School allotment.

King David Primary Key stage 2 pupils

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

The life of Capt.

Simmon Latutin GC has been commemorated with a plaque outside his home in Camden Town, London.

AJEX Archivist Martin Sugarman is behind the initiative financed by Jerry Klinger of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation.

Latutin was born on July 25th 1916. The son of Capt Simmon Latutin GC plaque immigrant tailors Moses and Fradel Kraftcheck, Simmon showed musical talent from a young age on violin, and later viola, and attended the North London Polytechnic School (1931-33).

Aged 16, he won the Westmoreland scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music to study violin. And within four years he was playing for the London Symphony Orchestra.

At RAM, he met woodwind student Margaret Liebet Jacob, daughter of George and Phoebe Jacob.

Married 15th March 1940, Simmon was called up within four months and eventually posted to the Somerset Light Infantry at Donnington. In April 1943, Latutin was posted to former Italian Somaliland, in East Africa then Mogadishu to command an infantry training school for troops about to go to Burma. Promoted to Acting Major, then Captain in 1944, he entertained Jewish servicemen on a Friday night in his quarters.

In December 1944, he was hospitalised with a tropical ulcer in Nairobi before returning to Mogadishu.

Following a huge explosion, Latutin pulled two men out from a store, other soldiers pulled him away badly burnt. The two MP’s died on the day, Latutin succumbed on December 30th.

Records show that an order in 1942 instructed Italian rockets to be dumped at the site as unstable but the order had not carried out. It is believed hobnail boots of

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the men sparked the explosion.

Tributes followed. Lt Col Richard E Thorne, Deputy Commandant of the Somalia Gendarmerie wrote to Margaret expressing his sympathy.

In 1946, a letter was sent from Brigadier D H Wickham, Chief British Army Administrator in Somalia, to Civil Affairs Branch in Nairobi about the incident at Mogadishu.

The statement read, “On arrival at the store, the first person I saw was Captain Latutin, whose clothing was aflame, dragging the Military Police Sergeant Major though the doorway. Captain Latutin laid the Sergeant Major clear of the doorway and dashed back into the store to return in a very short time, dragging the Military Police Captain with him. I was the first person to arrive at the scene and feel sure Captain Latutin would not have died had he not gone into the blazing building. I saw Captain Latutin the first time, after he had dragged out the Sergeant Major, and he was not badly burnt.”

Eighteen months after his death. Margaret received a letter stating her late husband would receive a George Cross in recognition of his supreme courage.

The posthumous investiture took place at Buckingham Palace on December 2nd 1947.

The medal is on permanent loan to the SLI regimental museum in Taunton.

Latutin is remembered on various memorials including at Constitution Hill, the Royal Academy of Music War Memorial, at Golders Green synagogue, on a Roll of Honour at Pinner Synagogue, in Somerset Light Infantry and Jewish Military (Hendon) Museums.

Latutin’s grave was moved to Nairobi Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. Inscribed on the foot is Margaret’s tribute: “We can never forget your unselfish courage in true service to mankind”.

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COMMUNITY 21

Community leaders enjoy ‘BrewMonday’

Work Avenue CEO David Arden (left) and the WA team

Leaders from across the Jewish community came together with a cuppa as part of the Mitzvah Day communal campaign to turn Blue Monday into #BrewMonday.

The third Monday of January is often seen as the most difficult day of the year. So, following on from JAMI’s Mental Health Shabbat and in line with the Samaritans drive to change the narrative around Blue Monday, Mitzvah Day asked people to grab a hot drink and check in with colleagues, friends and family, either virtually or in person.

“We must continue to check in on one another and be honest about our own mental health.

Mitzvah Day CEO Georgina Bye said. “It’s so easy to brighten up someone’s day by picking up the phone and popping on the kettle, this small act of kindness can truly make a big difference and is a Mitzvah we can all do, all year round.”

Those taking part included the Board of Deputies, United Synagogue, World Jewish Relief, MDA UK, Work Avenue and JVN.

Norwood Tu B’Shevat fun

Celebrating Tu B’Shevat with Norwood

Norwood’s Tu B’Shevat-related activities proved a hit with adult residential services.

Jewish cultural advisor Dov Richman led a virtual painting session in which, using a leaf template, participants decorate leaves and wrote on them something that makes them happy.

The activity was held as part of Norwood’s wider Connect Together programme of activities to help beat isolation for people with learning disabilities and promote volunteering opportunities for the wider community.

Other Tu B’Shevat events included fruit tree and bingo.

Mitzvah Day CEO Georgina Bye

MDA UK CEO Daniel Burger

Tu B’Shevat environmental initiative The Office of the Chief Rabbi and United Synagogue launched a ground-breaking environmental initiative on Tu B’Shevat.

The organisations announced the launch of ‘Dorot’, a comprehensive strategy to reduce the organisations’ environmental impact.

Dorot comprises seven projects which will be rolled out during 2022.

The flagship project will see the US lead a campaign to have a tree planted for each of its 37,000 members to sequester carbon dioxide from the air.

This will be part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project for the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration.

Another headline project sees the phasing out of disposables from US nurseries, shuls and offices, reducing the plastic sent abroad by the UK to be burned.

Unused US land will be rewilded to encourage biodiversity and provide a home for wildlife.

The charity is investigating its investment portfolio from an environmental perspective to ensure it meets high environmental standards, using ESG and other relevant tools.

The organisation will make its travel greener, prioritising train travel over air wherever possible. It has also introduced an employee electric car leasing scheme alongside its existing cycling scheme.

Smart energy solutions will be introduced for synagogues, following an energy audit for each.

‘Smart’ devices will help measure, monitor and reduce energy consumption.

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And the charity wants to begin a conversation about responsible food consumption.

US Head of Environmental Policy, Naomi Verber is leading the Dorot initiative.

The US will hold a series of educational sessions and debates for the community over the coming months.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “The evidence could not be clearer that climate change is destroying our precious home. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events are already causing grave problems across the planet and are likely to pose far greater challenges for our children and grandchildren. The implementation of Dorot can serve as a watershed moment for the way that our communities respond to the climate crisis and threats to our biodiversity.”

Michael Goldstein, US President noted: “Just as organisations had to act in the face of a global pandemic, so too must we act to prevent further global warming and biodiversity loss. We are committed to ensure our organisation plays its part in the global effort to protect humanity and all life on earth.”

Ms Verber added: “We are in an environmental and ecological crisis. Many of our communities have already generated real change and we now have the opportunity to scale up the impact across the organisation in a strategic way. It’s clear there is a real desire to make tangible environmental change a core part of the organisation and I can’t wait to see the difference Dorot will make.”

Details: www.theus.org.uk/dorot

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Camp Spirit’s welcome return Camp Spirit was welcomed back to Manchester by refreshed parents and relaxed family members. A cheerful group of campers and counsellors returned from an unforgettable experience at Special Spirits – an annual highlight catering to children, teenagers and young adults with special needs from Manchester and Gateshead.

Special spirits hosted their sleepaway camp for girls and younger boys in Llandudno. 70 people joined, including excited campers, dedicated volunteers, a fully equipped medical team and a devoted kitchen staff. The camp heads and social heads worked tirelessly months ahead planning activities to ensure the camp is a happy, friendly and safe environment.

The chosen theme of camp this year was ‘around the year’ with programmes including a Purim carnival, Lag b’Omer bbq and a Chanuka party. Each day began with cocoa club and a sandwich making session.

Campers were given opportunities where independence was encouraged, teaching them invaluable life skills. Davening was an exciting experience complete with music, dancing and singing; the joy was evident on each child’s face.

Campers enjoyed daytrips to bowling, soft play, trampolining, and a cruise along Salford Quays on the way home. Back on the camp grounds, stimulating activities were provided for all ages, where counsellors assisted their campers in achieving beyond their expected ability. To quote a staff member; “I have never experienced an atmosphere like this before” and from a parent of a camper; “She is loving every second. We can hear it in her voice over the phone”.

The highlight this year was the musical entertainment with Buchy Gluck and Nesanel Bamberger who came with all the ‘Special’ teenage boys of Special Spirits,

from Manchester for the evening.

Shabbos at Camp Spirit is indescribable.

The air was full of song and dance - the joy of these children was tangible. With the younger boys attending a minyan in Shul, and Kabolas Shabbos in Camp for the girls, everyone present was moved by their genuine sincerity. At the meals, each child was given the opportunity to play different roles, whether they gave their Divrei Torah, began Zemiros or helped serving, each child embraced a sense of responsibility.

Thanks to the generous donations of the Manchester Kehilla, raised on ‘the Special Shabbos’ campaign, Special Spirits was once again able to help parents carry the burden of raising these special neshomos.

Camp provides respite for the parents and family members of these special children.

The exhaustion and pressure placed on these parents on a daily basis, makes the winter break a necessity.

The kindness of strangers

BY REBBEZIN ANNA BERGSON

As you know, (or perhaps didn’t) we live during the week in Manchester so that our children can be in school and then pack up and re-locate to St Anne’s for Yom Tov and Shabbos every week to be with our lovely community over there!

My husband also commutes to St Anne’s two/three times a week and on a Friday will get there before me with all the Shabbos food (which I cook in Manchester and package up!), set everything up for Shabbos so that when I arrive in time for Shabbos with the children, everything is ready!

This routine has worked well for over three years, it’s only an hour’s drive away, although I give two and a half hours lea-way, there’s never much traffic as you are travelling to a quieter part of the UK….

A couple of weeks ago (I write this at Channukah time when Shabbos is in the earliest!) I was about half-way through the journey (with still a good couple of hours to go until Shabbos) when up ahead on the motorway, traffic was bumper-to-bumper blocking all three lanes. OK I thought, slowing down, a little congestion, it’ll clear in no time. But as ten, fifteen minutes passed and I hadn’t moved yet, my heart started sinking.

My daughter, sitting next to me in the front, became Co-pilot and tried to find alternative routes we could take. I couldn’t get off the motorway as the next junction wasn’t in sight, so we called my husband to let him know what the situation was and to try and help navigate us over the phone.

With about an hour to go to Shabbos we got off the motorway heading in the direction of Preston, two thirds of the way from Manchester to St Anne’s. But hundreds of other cars had the same idea too and traffic was standstill again all the way up the hill to the main road! But at least I was off the motorway...

It took a further half an hour to get onto a main road. Now with less than half an hour my husband called with a P’sak from

a well-respected Posek (halachic expert) in London....try to find a residential area, park the car and put the keys in our eight-year-old boy’s pocket! Meanwhile my husband had given our exact location to our incredible non-Jewish next-door neighbour in St Anne’s who had been asked to come and rescue us!

So as shkyia (sunset) was upon us, me and three of our children started our Shabbos Kodesh stranded in a very strange location in Preston, awaiting rescue!

As it was getting darker, so too was the temperature dropping quickly and the wind was biting….so I suggested we all jog on the spot and walk up and down the road a little bit. The last thing I remember my husband saying was ‘If you keep Shabbos properly, this will be the most powerful experience the children will ever be a part of!’...

But we were really freezing now, pacing up and down the road, only about ten minutes into our wait for our neighbour who could be over an hour if the traffic continued the way it was. We kept walking past a big house, where I could see an Asian lady (looking nice and cosy and warm!) observing us random strangers walk past from her kitchen window.

After making eye contact again for about the third or fourth time, she came out of her house and asked us if we were OK? I explained to her we were stranded and waiting for someone to pick us up. She immediately asked us if we’d like to come in and wait in her house.

My nature is usually never to impose myself on anybody, but I couldn’t let my children be cold any longer so graciously accepted her kind invitation into her home.

We were greeted at the door by her sister in law, daughter, nieces, about five or six ladies and girls came to welcome us in! I explained my car hadn’t broken down, but we had to get out as it was the Jewish Sabbath and because of the unusual traffic situation we hadn’t reached our location yet. The first lady (Firdosh) explained that she had heard on the radio that a lorry had capsized, shedding

Firdosh (left), Anna (centre) and Zubin (right)

its load across all three lanes of the motorway which was responsible for the stand-still! She said she knew it was just about to be sunset as they are religious Muslims and it was just about time for the Sunset prayer! There was also apparently a storm on the way causing the sudden drop in temperature and howling wind.

We were brought into a big family room, invited to sit on cosy couches and trays of food and drink were swiftly brought in for us!

We were so overwhelmed by this hospitality; it was so surreal and no matter how much I thanked them for the refreshments which we politely declined (explaining about Kosher) they kept bringing more out!

Firdosh asked if we would excuse them whilst they prayed their Sunset prayer! Again, totally overwhelmed by the situation we watched as they ‘davened’ which was not too dissimilar to the way we daven (pray)!

For a while my husband has been involved in Inter-faith work. Once I asked him if I could join an event he was attending as I would like to meet some Muslim women and talk about our common ideals and faith.

Now here Hashem was giving me a real experience and opportunity of my own! It was so ironic! Firdosh explained that in their culture, all three generations will live together including brothers and their wives and children and that in their home there were 21 of them! It was very ‘frum’ as all the men and boys were at mosque whilst we were there and apparently, they eat their meals separately, first the men, then the women and children.

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20 JANUARY 2022

Keeping busy at Camp Spirit

However, it doesn’t stop there. Special Spirits runs an after school programme all week throughout the year, where 40+ children and young adults are entertained and stimulated with a wide range of educational activities, teaching vital life skills to each child on a one-to-one basis.

We chatted about their enthusiasm for welcoming guests which I agreed was a very important part of Jewish living too called Hachnasas Orchim! We compared laws on Kashrut and Halal and I found here was an opportunity to explain about Chalav Yisorel (kosher milk) so they wouldn’t be offended why we hadn’t touched the tea and hot chocolate they had so kindly brought out for us!

I don’t know how long it was because we were in such a surreal out-of-time setting but suddenly our non-Jewish neighbour was knocking at the door asking if we were there…

We thanked our new friends and said we would see them after Shabbos when I would collect my car…

Now onto our neighbour who was so humble and knew exactly what to do re opening car doors for us etc – I told her this was all so bizarre I must write an article about all this one day but she said, ‘Please don’t mention me – I don’t need to be in it!’

All I can say is this special lady is a Tzaddikes Me’Umos Haolam (righteous amongst the gentiles) and I ask Hashem to bless her and her family with everything good, always.

Finally, we got to our Shabbos home where we burst in and told my husband about this crazy story. He joked whilst he was davening Kabbalas Shabbos in Shul we were davening with our new Muslim friends!

It was the talk of the Shul Kiddush the next day where everybody was so inspired by what had happened to their Rebbetzen and I dubbed the experience as ‘the kindness of strangers’…

Sometimes Hashem puts us in situations where we can see that its not just people we already know, respect and admire who can inspire and uplift us, but people outside our normal day to day personal inter-actions and social circles… this can give us so much hope and faith in mankind, throughout the world, that surely our ultimate Geula (redemption) is drawing nearer, one kind act to another at a time…

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From the front line…

Eat, Drink and be Merry

BY JACQUELINE CURZON

A few columns ago I mentioned Penny* who was diagnosed a year ago with advanced bowel cancer. A young woman of 42 with 2 children, I commented on her brave and gentle demeanour, especially as she didn't appear to have much time left, and I’m very sad to say that she has now lost her battle. Our thoughts go to her bereaved family. We must continue to shout out about insufficient provision in cancer services and demand better research funding.

Why should young people like Penny die prematurely when available funding is diverted elsewhere.

Actor Jamie Dornan (39), known for his role in The Fall, was stranded in quarantine in Australia when he was told his father had died from coronavirus. His father, Jim (73) a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist and Chair of Fetal Medicine at Queens Hospital, Belfast, had gone to hospital for a knee replacement when he succumbed to covid. Dornan spoke recently of his heartbreak, mentioning he had also lost his mother aged 50, some years before to pancreatic cancer.

How desperately sad to lose both parents

Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

to random strokes of fate.

My recent extensive foray in hospital has not been without personal suffering. Having had my appetite dwindle to zero I've gradually become the stick woman, with an unbelievable loss of 20 kilos. Ultimately I had to have several intrusive procedures to remedy an obstruction and I'm hoping this might see a turn around. I struggled with having a ng tube inserted, not for purposes of nutrition - although I certainly needed it - but to bypass the stricture causing

me to be unable to even drink. Ghastly though the tube was, I kept in mind my beloved father who bravely underwent this nasty procedure and was drink and food deprived for the last grim 8 months of his life. None can contemplate what agony this must have been. Spare a thought, those of us tucking into a steak dinner, or munching on a packet of crisps and a bottle of irn bru, for those people deprived of life's basic needs. Food and drink are not luxuries, and when I was finally able to sip a glass of water, it felt like an absolute privilege.

Never had water tasted so good.

On the topic of food, Jamie Oliver, one of the former darlings of the catering industry, author and champion against child food poverty, is set to see his business Jamie's Italian being wound up, with KPMG managing the insolvency. They stated the company owes local authorities £1.4 million, plus £1.25 owed to the taxman in unpaid rates. The debts include tens of thousands of pounds owed to some of the poorest London boroughs; Newham council as an example is owed £80,000, Tower Hamlets £55,000, Liverpool council £108,000. For a man with a fortune estimated at £200 million, and a holding company making a £7 million annual profit, he can well afford to make good these debts. Oliver (46) declined to comment. He is a disgrace and

I hope no one buys any more of his books.

Over in the US, Amazon has been under siege with looters breaking into trains carrying shipping containers in what might be called a modern day Great Train Robbery. The debris littering the tracks in Los Angeles as far as the eye can see, give an indication of the losses sustained by Union Pacific, which represent easy pickings for those in homeless encampments alongside the tracks. No political comment this week and apologies for the shorter column, but am under directions to reduce my page.

And finally for some incredible news.

The last living pupil of Sergei Rachmaninov (1873 - 1943), my personal musical hero, has just secured a recording contract with Decca. Ruth Slenczynska (96) born to Polish immigrants in California, followed a very strict practise regime imposed by her father, gave concerts in Berlin and Paris from the age of six, before being taught by Rachmaninov, who fled Russia following the 1917 revolution. The album will be called My Life In Music. To this day she still wears a Faberge necklace given to her by the composer. As a lifelong devotee of Russian music, I can't wait to hear her album.

And that's it for now. I'm hoping by next week to be out of hospital and making progress on my calorie consumption. Nothing Italian for now!

Love Jacqueline x [*not her real name]

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jacqueline039s-front-line-cancer-battle-fund

The Kaifeng Chinese Festival 1st to 10th February To welcome the Chinese Year of the Tiger Delicious New Dishes exclusive to the festival * 2 for 1 Desserts * 2 for 1 Cocktails ordered before 7 pm. *A present for all children

under 10 years old eating in the restaurant

The Place for a Simcha “Eating at Kaifeng is always a special experience unmatched in a Glatt Kosher restaurant anywhere.

The food is always delicious and you know that it was made with the finest and highest quality ingredients and above all it was just cooked moments before, specially for you!

Their attention to detail is fantastic. The tables are always covered with fresh clean, white crispy starched table clothes. Now the cleanliness and attention to safety is even better, with heated onetime use napkins replacing the hot towels to refresh yourself and staff wearing gloves and face masks.

Pareve or meaty, vegan or vegetarian, all Glatt Kosher le’Mehadrin and in complete safety too!”

Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa

Sunday to Thursday lunch menu now cheaper than Take Aways!

Kaifeng Gift Vouchers are the present of good taste Shabbos meals blast chilled and delivered every Thursday evening

Fine Glatt Kosher Chinese

Glatt Kosher Le Mahadrin under the strict supervision of the London Beth Din and Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa 51 Church Road, Hendon NW4 4DU Reservations:

020 8203 7888

www.kaifeng.co.uk

Open Sunday to Thursday: Lunch 12.30 - 2.30pm, Dinner 5.30 - 10.30pm, Motzei Shabbat: September - Pesach

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20 JANUARY 2022

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Letters to the Editor Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.

Dear Editor Following the sad passing of my mother Mrs Tova Yodaiken, and to mark the end of shloshim, here are two poems from one of her grandchildren and niece in her memory.

Yours sincerely Avi Yodaiken

BOBBY YODAIKEN Bobby you guided us like a queen, You led a life so beautiful and serene, Never a complaint, never a moan, Not once did anyone hear you groan, Everything you did was with modesty, Your ‫ צניעותדיגה‬dress was apparent constantly, A beautiful smile was always plastered on your face, With ‫ אמונה פשוטה‬each test you did embrace, When the prognosis was given you burst into song, Thank you ‫ – ה׳‬your ‫ בטחון‬unbelievably strong, Staying in your home was always the highlight of our visit, Your warm and loving company-We’re really going to miss it, With incredible interest you listened when we spoke to you even on the phone, You always made us feel like we’re the only person you’ve known, The photo Albums you treasured, they gave you such joy, You showed them to us filled with gratitude for each girl& boy, It’s hard to believe you’re no longer here but we know you are in the ‫עולם האמת‬ We’ll try to live up to the high standard you set not an ounce less, With ‫ אמונה‬we have to go on, may you be a ‫מליצת יושר‬ Until ‫ אי''ה‬to ‫ משיח צדקינו בקרוב‬we will be ‫זוכה‬

LETTERS 25

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

AUNTY TOVA Tova- an expression of goodness, the very essence of her name With Aunty Tova there were no airs and graces , modesty and doing Hashems will was her claim to fame Purity and sincerity personified her being and she had a very strong pull to Kedusha that was the center of her life Whether as daughter, friend , aunt , sister, mother or wife Her ways were with beauty, pleasantness and grace With her goodness, love and kindness giving off a beautiful chein expressed in her face A role model for her family and for admiring friends and many she would meet With interest and care, everyone she would thoughtfully greet A minyan of boys she merited to raise with calm, setting a beautiful example and each child like an only one Her lessons, middos tovos, Yiras Shamayim and goodness will surely be living on It is with deep sadness that her sojourn in Olam Hazeh came to an end and many have been left to mourn her passing and unique light that shone But she has entered the world of truth with many shining accomplishments and suitcases of good deeds and merits that she reaped accompanying her along Her special legacy that she left behind and the mountains and rivers of goodness that she left behind will keep going strong and her sterling example will continue to have an impact from day to day As for Mashiach Tzidkeinu and being reunited with our loved ones we continue to earnestly pray,

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20 JANUARY 2022

Stuffed Pasta Shells with Mushroom Sauce This is a two-part recipe, firstly you need to make the mushroom sauce and then the pasta filling. Both can be done in advance and in stages. If you omit the cheese, the dish is dairy free. Really delicious and great as part of a main course.

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

Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: Approx 45 minutes

Serves: 4-5

Ingredients For the Mushroom Sauce 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil – for frying 1 small onion, finely diced 1 clove garlic – peeled and finely chopped 100g button/ brown cap mushrooms - sliced 300ml mushroom/ vegetable stock – use two tablespoons mushroom / vegetable stock powder with 300ml hot water 1 heaped tablespoon cornflour About 2 tablespoon water - to dissolve the cornflour For the Pasta Stuffing 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion – peeled and roughly chopped 4 cloves garlic – peeled and finely chopped 120g button/ brown cap mushrooms – roughly chopped including the stalks ~ 100g hazelnuts – toasted and roughly chopped 75g breadcrumbs – approx. 2 slices of bread 3 tablespoons fresh parsley ½ red chilli or ½ teaspoon chilli flakes – finely chopped – optional ~ 75g grated cheese – optional Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and a drizzle of truffle oil

Method 1. Cook the jumbo macaroni shells according to the packet instructions. Drain, rinse and set aside.

2. Make the mushroom sauce by heating the oil in the frying pan on a medium heat.

Sauté the onions and garlic for 2 minutes then add the mushrooms.

Cook for about 5 minutes, then add the stock and bring to a simmer.

3. In a small bowl mix the cornflour with 1-2 tablespoons cold water until it dissolves.

Whisk the dissolved corn flour into the simmering stock and stir well to avoid any lumps. The stock should thicken almost immediately.

4. Transfer this sauce to the base of a large ovenware dish.

5. For the pasta stuffing, heat the oil in a frying pan.

6. Add the onions, garlic and mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes.

Stir in the chopped hazelnuts, breadcrumbs, parsley and chili if using.

7. Using a spoon, fill the pasta shells and sit them on top of the mushroom sauce.

Cover the ovenware dish with a lid of foil.

8. Preheat the oven to 180C/ 350F/ Gas mark 4.

Bake for 25 minutes and then remove.

Add the grated cheese if using and cook for a final 5 minutes uncovered.

9. Serve immediately and finish with a sprinkling of finely chopped parsley and a drizzle of truffle oil.

Food trends for 2022

BY DENISE PHILLIPS Nothing about life stays the same and food is no exception. If we look at what our parents enjoyed eating and compare with what is in our supermarkets, fridges, store cupboards and on our dinner plate it is quite incredible how different they are.

Food trends occur because of what the media promote, what is ‘new’ and now available and what chefs have created that we now want to eat or enjoy at home. A new year means new food and magazine tip-lists of cool ingredients. KLBD work very hard to certify and share information about what is now Kosher, parev or Kosher dairy.

Exciting food trends predicted for 2022 include the following: -

BIGGER, HEALTHIER, BREAKFASTS

With so many of us working from home, consumer buying and eating habits have shifted. No commute means more time for a leisurely breakfast.

LEVANTINE FOODS

Food from the Eastern Mediterranean like pomegranate molasses, Turkish chilli flakes, harissa pastes, all types of tahini are becoming increasing popular.

KLBD for updates as not all their varieties are Kosher!).

NOSTALGIC DESSERTS & RETRO FOOD

Returning to nostalgic recipes for a dose of comfort food is going to be popular with all generations. Classic 1970s desserts like bread & butter pudding, jelly, pavlova, treacle tart, carrot cake, apple crumble are going to be a la mode! And the kosher classic favourites include lokshen pudding, chocolate challah pudding, fruit strudel (roly-poly) and cheesecake made like ‘grandma’!

FLEXITARIAN DIETS

We will no longer follow strict diets but will pick and choose what suits us. Most probably we will eat less meat and more plant-based dishes/ingredients rather than a fully dedicated vegan or vegetarian diet.

MORE MUSHROOMS

to eat fake meats, fish, cheese and even ‘smoked salmon’. Fake meatballs, beef burgers, sausages. Kosher companies include Tivall, Quorn, Meatless Farm, Vbites, I love Seitan, Tempeh (Do check

SOBER CURIOUS DRINKERS

People are looking for more alcohol-free options - the more original the better.

FOOD TECH BOOM

There is a tasty rise of plant based ready

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As the demand for meat free alternatives grow - mushrooms are becoming more popular especially as they have good health benefits too.

And now there is a sustainable mushroom powder that is kosher. (MBio Whole Mushroom Powder KLBD certified) It is a vegan source of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, a powerful concentration of all the mushroom’s goodness. Together with these nutrients, the mushroom powder delivers ultimate functionality with its umami flavour too.

PERMISSIBLE INDULGENCES

People want the best of both worlds - tasty indulgence but with a heathy option. One fast growing example is the Kosher brand Proper Corn.

So going with the predicted trends, this week’s recipe is: Stuffed Pasta Shells with Mushroom Sauce

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com AREN’T WE ALL SINNERS?

Dear Rabbi I was especially intrigued by your remarks in last week’s column regarding the tragic story in Israel. My question is, inasmuch as someone is suspected of doing wrong; do we all have the right to condemn him? Aren’t we all guilty of doing things wrong?

Aren’t we all living in glass houses? What right do we have to throw stones?

Gideon Dear Gideon You are right that no one is infallible. The verse itself declares, “There is none righteous on earth who has done only good and never sinned.”

But even you will agree there are some sins that are deemed more severe than others. After all, in the Torah, some sins are punishable by a slap on the wrist while others warrant the death penalty. Moreover, as I observed in detail last week, when someone is actively harming others, we have a Biblical obligation to stop them at all costs. Finally, inasmuch as prison is not something sanctioned in the first instance in Jewish law (corporal punishment and restitution is more appropriate and effective), nevertheless, there are some exceptions, one of them being if one is a repeat offender or deemed a threat to society.

As you mentioned, “someone suspected” allow me to clarify the story I relayed last week about the Chafetz Chaim, that seems to have been misunderstood. He was being accused of theft in some trumped up charge. His lawyer told the judge, “Can you imagine

someone like this man stealing?

They say he once chased after a thief who stole from him, yelling, ‘I forgive you!’” The judge asked this lawyer, “Do you really believe he chased after someone yelling that?” To which the lawyer retorted, “Whether I believe it or not is irrelevant. One thing is certain, they don’t tell such stories about you and me.” In other words, the fact such a story is told about the Chafetz Chaim speaks to his impeccable character.

But the same can apply in the reverse. Even as one is only “suspected” about doing wrong; they don’t suspect or allege such things about you and me.

In simpler terms, where there’s smoke there’s fire. And in this instance there was a lot more than smoke. I hope that clarifies.

to, even if that doesn’t come naturally to us. However, and here’s the point, G-d’s involvement by the splitting of the sea was required twice over. Once when splitting the sea. But being that everything He does has permanence, no less a miracle was bringing the waters back together again. Indeed once there is a rift, a split, a trial separation – call it what you will - the objective of reconciliation can be just as formidable a task. Do yourselves a favour and go for therapy. It’s far more productive and you work on your end goals together.

NO BUSINESS LIKE SHUL BUSINESS

Dear Rabbi I’ve been married for several years but there seems to be so many tensions at the moment. I wonder what the Jewish perspective is on a trial separations.

Emily

Dear Rabbi There was a big argument at a recent board meeting at my synagogue. The end result is that several people are presently not talking to each other. These are the same people who, up until then, worked together towards the common good of the community. How does one bring about reconciliation?

Jaydon

Dear Emily The Talmud famously states that it is as difficult before G-d, so-to-speak to bring two people together as it was for Him to split the sea upon the Jewish nation’s exodus from Egypt. There are any number of explanations as to the particular comparison to the splitting of the sea. At a basic level, the sea splitting is something completely contrary to the nature of water. So too, in marriage, we need to learn to really go out of our way for one another, split seas if we have

Dear Jaydon Take this page out of the paper, print off some copies and leave the following lying on the seats this Shabbat morning.

Two friends were walking through the desert when one reached out to the other & slapped him. The stunned friend didn’t say a word but immediately wrote in the sand: Today my best friend slapped me. As they walked on they found an oasis from which they went to quench their thirst. The one friend fell in and started to

A TRIAL SEPARATION

Pirkei Avot ‫נֹוח‬ ַ ‫ ְו‬,‫ ֱה ֵוי ַקל ְלר ֹאׁש‬,‫אֹומר‬ ֵ ‫ַר ִּבי יִ ְׁש ָמ ֵעאל‬ ‫ ֶו ֱה ֵוי ְמ ַק ֵּבל ֶאת ָּכל ָה ָא ָדם‬,‫ְל ִת ְׁשח ֶֹרת‬ :‫ְּב ִׂש ְמ ָחה‬ Rabbi Ishmael said: be suppliant to a superior, submissive under compulsory service, and receive every man happily.

Batenura explains the Mishna’s apparently simple words in a deeper layer of meaning. In front of a great sage who sits at the head of the yeshiva, one must train themselves to be yielding and nimble to do his bidding and to serve in

drown while the other reached for him and managed to save him. The grateful friend immediately wrote on a stone: Today my best friend saved me!

The friend who had first slapped and thereafter saved him asked: Why did you record the slap in the sand and the saving on stone? To which his friend replied, “When someone hurts you, you know it’s just his ugly side rearing itself – but it’s not really him. Write it down in sand where the winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But when someone does something good for you that his true essence

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

Dedicated in memory of Tova bas Chayim Hillel Monis and Meir Shimon ben Avrohom Yakov front of him. On the contrary, to a young man whose hair is black, you do not need to make yourself so nimble, but rather stand in front of him at ease and self-collected.

“Across from” every person - whether an elder or a youth - stand with joy.

“Across from” is translated [into Aramaic] as kabal. Another explanation is: “Be yielding to a head (which also means beginning)” - at your beginning, when you are a young man, be nimble to do the will of your Creator. And in your old age, when your face has blackened because

Perek 3: Mishna 12

of age, be pleasant to Him. We must remember that when Reb Yehudah Hanasi (Rebi) wrote the Mishnah, back in a world without computers, he had to be extremely concise with his collections of Halachot, just to make sure the points got across.

The deeper layers of meaning were debated over by sages become famously known as the Talmud. Thanks to the brilliant commentators we have had down the line, including the Batenura here and of course such great like?

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expressing itself – that is the innate goodness contained within the inner chambers of the pristine soul - we must engrave it in stone where nothing can ever erase it!”

Can you envisage how much more our individual interpersonal relationships would be enhanced if more of us assumed that mind-set? Can you picture how much more wonderful communal life would be if everyone took on such an approach? Can you imagine how much more beautiful our world would look if we all embraced such an attitude?

Rashi and the Chafetz Chaim, we mere mortals can have some small grasp of the complexity of brilliantly woven layers of Torah that descended from Sinai through Moshe himself, direct from Hashem. What would Judaism be like without the Oral Torah? The Karaites who don’t believe in it, sit in darkness and freezing temperatures each shabbat, just as their ideas and false beliefs blinded and froze their souls.

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Torah from Israel Yitro: Trust Me. Trust is a Good Thing

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The crossing of the sea and the delivery of the Torah are each monumental events in Jewish history. As we crossed a swirling ocean Hashem’s awesome power was on clear display. As we stood beneath a billowing mountain hearing the divine voice, Hashem’s word was finally delivered to a human audience. Stylistically, it would make sense for these two stories to be read together, side-by side. Surprisingly they are not.

For some reason, the Torah inserts “intervening” stories, between these two great events. These seemingly trivial stories feel anticlimactic and they deflate the energy of the crossing of the sea. In these stories, we read about Moshe’s ongoing efforts to feed a massive nation in a barren desert. We witness a heartwarming reunion between Moshe and his family, who have been ferried back by Moshe’s father-in-law.

Evidently, the outstanding events atop Sinai cannot proceed before these storylines about Moshe are detailed.

The religious traditions of Sinai are pivoted upon Moshe’s credibility. This man, alone ascended heaven, and delivered the word of G-d to a human assembly stationed below. The foundations of our faith are premised upon the texts Moshe delivered and interpretations of that text which he performed. If his integrity is suspect the entire process will crash. For Har Sinai to commence, Moshe must first earn the trust of the people. Without this trust faith will not survive.

Each of these introductory stories, establish Moshe’s credibility. By providing food and water to a starving nation, he earns their loyalty. Watching Moshe spearhead the victory against violent Amalek warriors, builds even more national trust.

Subsequently, we observe Moshe’s packed schedule: from early dawn to late at night he tirelessly mediates quarrels. When he isn’t busy arbitrating disputes, he patiently counsels a young nation about life and the “ways of G-d.”

Meeting Moshe’ s family lends him even greater credibility. Even the most charismatic leader is transparent to his own family. No man is a hero to his children or to his spouse. Seeing Moshe as a father and a husband, and not just as a miracle maker, makes him more human and more believable. Moshe has now earned the trust of an entire people and, at this stage, Sinai can commence.

Trust is the cornerstone of faith and of religious tradition. Very little, if anything, about religious belief is scientifically verifiable. Faith is based upon our embracing

truths delivered to us from previous generations, who themselves accepted these traditions from their ancestors. If we can’t trust the source, the transmission will collapse. Thousands of years later we still trust the man who ascended a burning mountain and we live the faith he taught us. Likewise, we trust our parents and teachers who lovingly passed along these truths across the generations.

Trust is also vital for healthy relationships. Solid and lasting relationships are always built upon communication. Trust allows us to more honestly and openly communicate with each other. Additionally, successful relationships demand “conflict navigation” and forgiveness. It is easier to forgive those whose intentions we intuitively trust. Cultivating trusting and secure relationships is crucial for our emotional well-being.

Finally, successful communities cannot be constructed without unity of purpose and mutual trust. If we trust others to act morally we, ourselves are more likely to behave selflessly toward common good.

While the legal system may protect against crime, it cannot fashion communities of compassion, collaboration and commitment. These must be built voluntarily based upon mutual trust. Law is “impositional”, communities must be voluntary.

Recently, the Jewish world has been rocked by scandal, and is currently struggling through a crisis of trust. Terrible crimes of abuse have been perpetrated and thankfully, have been broadly and loudly condemned. These terrible crimes have raised greater awareness about the danger of sexual predation and other forms of exploitation. In response, communities, schools, and synagogues are crafting important guidelines to protect ourselves and our children from all forms of abuse.

Included in these guidelines are warnings about the danger of naïve or unconditional trust- especially toward public figures.

This is a crucial message, but one which we better get right. The terminology we employ and the tone of this conversation will impact our religious identity and shape our communities. We must be precise and judicious about how we discuss “trust”.

We must be sensitive not to diminish the importance of living our life with trust. We are standing at a delicate precipice….

Human beings always self-inflict great harm when they overreact to threat or fear.

Napoleon’s ruthless and belligerent regime was an overreaction to the French revolution. The rise of Nazism was, in part an overreaction to the wounded German pride after the surrender of WWI. Markets overreact to negative financial reports, sending

Recently, the Jewish world has been rocked by scandal, and is currently struggling through a crisis of trust. stocks into dizzying freefall. Overreaction often ruins relationships and reputations.

We have learned the dangers of a cytokine storm, when the body’s immune system overreacts to infection. Beware the perilous effects of disproportionate reactions, for they are often more hazardous than the initial threat.

In our attempts to caution against blind trust in leaders, we must not react disproportionately. The horrendous crimes must be loudly condemned and there must be zero tolerance for any abuse. Additionally, we must adopt aggressive guidelines to insure against further exploitation.

Here is where it gets tricky. Can we successfully caution against blind trust, while still upholding the overall value of trust in general? If our message isn’t nuanced it will be distorted and misinterpreted as a denunciation of any form of trust. Will we all become distrustful people?

Sadly, we live in an age of distrust.

Scandals always existed, but in the age of social media and public voyeurism we are exposed to them more frequently. We have witnessed a lineup of celebrities, politicians, and other public figures who have behaved dishonestly, committed grievous crimes and violated our public trust. If we further cultivate an attitude of distrust, it will weaken our ability to transmit our faith and its traditions. If we foster suspicion what will become of our personal

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relationships, which already bear the strain of internet addiction and the static of social media? How can we build cohesive and embracing communities if we fail to believe in each other? Worse, than any of these consequences is the potential fall into a life of cynicism. There is a thin line between caution and cynicism and we best not cross it. If, in our attempt to avoid the vulnerabilities of naiveté, we become cynical and pessimistic, we will have forfeited our better selves, thereby multiplying the “casualties” of these crimes. Eric Hoffer, an American philosopher wrote “Someone who thinks the world is always cheating him is right.

He is missing that wonderful feeling of trust in someone or something.” Trust is a wonderful feeling and we better not lose it.

This is an opportunity to positively affirm the value of trust in our lives, while carefully discriminating between those who deserves our trust and those who does not.

This is an opportunity to probe the limits of trust, even in honest people who we have faith in. This is the time for refined conversation not simplistic slogans. This is a time for trust, not for distrust.

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

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

Seeking G-d, Then and Now

BY RABBANIT SALLY MAYER Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro, travels to the desert to meet Moshe and celebrates with him over the great salvation of the Jewish people. The next morning, Yitro finds Moshe sitting in front of a long line of his people, who are waiting all day for their turn to ask him their questions. Yitro tells Moshe that this cannot work and proposes a solution: set up a system of judges, using lower courts to deal with minor or simple cases, and let the challenging cases come to you. This way, Moshe will not be overworked, and the people won’t waste all day standing on line. Moshe implements this plan, and all is well. However, we must ask ourselves – is this not an obvious idea? How could Moshe not have thought to set up such a system?

Moshe’s answer to Yitro when asked why he is doing things this way can help

us understand his reasoning: “For the nation comes to me lidrosh Elokim,” to seek G-d (Shemot 18:15). To Moshe, these are not simply questions that need to be answered – may I ride my donkey on Shabbat, who is responsible if my neighbor’s child broke the tambourine I used after the splitting of the sea, or where can I find my lost sundial. These are opportunities to encounter Hashem, and Moshe wants the people to have as direct a relationship with G-d as possible. When they see Moshe turn and ask Hashem a question, they see how each law in the Torah comes from Him. When they hear that Hashem revealed to Moshe where they can find their lost object, they see Hashem’s direct involvement in their lives.

This is what Moshe wants for the people, so he can’t imagine doing it any other way.

Yitro understands this noble idea, but gently convinces Moshe that it cannot work,

Yitro

as ultimately people will tire of waiting all day, and you won’t be able to keep up with the workload either.

We read of a similar exchange between Hashem and Moshe surrounding the revelation at Har Sinai. In our parasha, the people are terrified to hear G-d’s voice, and they ask Moshe to be the intermediary for them, to transmit His message (Shemot 20:15). When the story is recounted in Devarim 5, we hear that Hashem reassured Moshe that this was a good thing, implying that Moshe was disappointed by the request. Hashem tells Moshe that it would be wonderful if the people maintain this fear of G-d, as it will help them keep the mitzvot ongoingly throughout their lives.

Moshe has high aspirations for his people – he wants them to hear G-d’s voice directly, and to be able to get their questions answered straight from the Source.

and refraining from ‘work’ 5. Honouring one’s parents

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.

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

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 18:24-27 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 morning to evening. Concerned

Rabbanit Sally Mayer serves as Rosh Midrasha at Ohr Torah Stone’s Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem. She is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

“G-d spoke all these words, saying: I am the L-rd, your G-d, Who has taken you out of the land of Egypt…”

(Shemot 20:1-2)

Sidra Summary

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – SHEMOT 18:1-12

While in each case, he accepts that this ideal is not necessarily practical, there is a great deal that we can learn from Moshe’s goals for us. When we learn Torah, we are hearing G-d’s voice, and using not only our minds but connecting to Hashem and His Torah with our hearts and souls. When we ask questions in halacha, we are seeking Hashem’s guidance in how to live our lives, and when we pray, we are asking for His mercy and involvement in our world.

Even today, we are being “doresh Elokim,” seeking G-d, as Moshe encouraged us to do all along.

Moshe accepts Yitro’s advice and appoints judges over subgroups 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

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

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

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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.

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Yitro: G-d Didn’t Just Take Us Out Of Egypt

BY GAVRIEL COHN In this week’s Torah portion, G-d gives the most important commandment of all, the first of the famed Ten Commandments, “I am the L-rd your G-d who took you out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery.”

Why does G-d describe Himself as the one who took us out of Egypt? Surely, as one medieval French commentator, R’ Yosef Bechor Shor, probed, writing with a great poetic flourish, “G-d could have proclaimed, ‘I am the L-rd Who formed you and created you... Who covered you in bones and sinews, cloaked you in skin and flesh, life and kindness I did for you; at My hands are death and life, reward and punishment; I feed and sustain you... Endless are the arguments G-d could have made for us to observe His laws and to serve Him,” so why does G-d simply proclaim that He “took us out of Egypt”?

Many answers are given, and indeed the momentous national-historical event of the Exodus serves as Judaism’s central demonstration of divine power and glory.

However, there may be another reason why G-d chose to describe Himself as the one “who took you out of the Land of Egypt,” a more personal, even psychological explanation.

In one of his books, American neurologist and author, Harold Klawans, described a human phenomenon that he thought “happens to everyone but remains unmentioned in any neurology book or journal I have ever read” (although researchers have since picked up on this phenomenon). Klawans continued, “you put on a tie in the morning, the collar feels tight around your neck. Half an hour later you can’t feel it at all. It’s as if it’s disappeared. Why? Tolerance. The steady ongoing stimulus of the collar no longer registers consciously in the brain.

Why not? Teleologically, it is because that unchanging stimulus serves no purpose.

If it were otherwise, our consciousness would consist entirely of myriads of inputs of unchanging messages: the feel of our shoes, our shirt, our socks. Do you feel your socks? No. Yet they are touching your skin and stimulating nerve endings there...

Why don’t you feel them most of the

time? Because your brain adapts to a fixed steady input and no longer “feels” it, or to use the preferred neurological term, your brain develops tolerance.” Throughout his harrowing memoirs, Primo Levi describes a similar phenomenon. How, during the summers incarcerated in Auschwitz, he was consumed by hunger, but in the winters it was the cold that most inflicted him. He felt most acutely the severe suffering in front of him. We often don’t have the headspace to view our lives in

We often don’t have the headspace to view our lives in their totality, to take in the many, constant stimuli around us, and instead the issues pressing down upon us at each particular time fill us.

their totality, to take in the many, constant stimuli around us, and instead the issues pressing down upon us at each particular time fill us. One could, for example, be bothered by an issue at work and so completely overlook the fact that they ate an enjoyable meal that day.

The same was perhaps true for the Jewish People. Having just been rescued from the most brutal forced labour and oppression, they most valued their freedom, their escape from their “house of slavery.” What they most appreciated was turning their backs on that wretched country of Egypt, and thus G-d referred to Himself specifically as the One who took them out. He had solved their biggest issue, the feeling that their consciousness, in Klawans words, most intensely felt.

However, as the Bechor Shor writes, G-d did not just take us out of Egypt, He “created us and formed us... life and kindness He does for us.” Thus, perhaps that is in part the intention of the subsequent commandments:Treating G-d’s name with awe, observing Shabbat, valuing our relationships, and treating every human being with respect and dignity all serve to widen our consciousness from just appriciating our freedom from Egyptian slavery to help us appreciate all of life and “feel our socks.”

Gav is an informal educator.

Questions? gavcohn@gmail.com.

Yitro RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

Though we use the phrase, “The Ten Commandments”, the Decalogue is ten Words or Principles. The first says that there is One G-d and He brought us from bondage to freedom.

After proclaiming His existence, why does He speak of His deeds?

Because the crucial thing is not just that He is, but that He has a relationship with the people of Israel and He acts within history. His deeds prove His power and confirm His nature. They show what He is capable of doing and indicate why He does it.

Without this information, we might have found it hard to be certain of His existence. As the Torah says in Parashat Ki Tissa (Ex. 33:19-20), we cannot see Him, but we can see His deeds: He is not visible or tangible, but He is powerful.

THEY SAW THE THUNDER

An array of noisy phenomena accompanied the Revelation on Mount Sinai.

There was thunder. There was lightning (Ex. 20:15). But strangely, the thunder was seen and the lightning was heard, the opposite of what normally happens.

In the Mechilta, the rabbis draw our attention to what took place. They say, “They saw what is normally heard, and

heard what is normally seen”. Both seeing and hearing are modes of sensory perception. The moment was so elevated that the experience transcended the usual way of the world.

If anyone had asked the Israelites to articulate what took place they would not have been able to give a straight answer.

They would probably have said, “How did we know what occurred? We just knew!”

According to Ibn Ezra, their experience at the great moment was a miraculous combination of all their senses.

YITRO’S B’RACHAH

The priest of Midian who became Moses’ father-in-law had several names including Chovav. The most famous name he bore was Yitro.

The rabbinic sources think highly of Yitro and say that he was the first person to utter a benediction, a b’rachah in praise of the Israelite G-d. He had no doubts in his mind that HaShem was greater than any of the gods of the nations because his spiritual journey had taken him through many faiths and he recognised how unauthentic, inept and ineffective the other deities were. He acknowledged that HaShem was Melech HaOlam, the Ruler of the World.

There is a rabbinic view that when the Torah was revealed on Mount Sinai, Moses sent Yitro away somewhere so that

he should not be embarrassed or put to shame by his earlier repudiation of the Divine Ruler.

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT

The commandments were engraved on two stone tablets – five on one, five on the other.

According to tradition, the first five are between man and G-d, and the second five between man and man.

The symmetry is impressive, but the fifth commandment seems to spoil the system.

Surely “Honour your father and mother” belongs to the second tablet! How can it be on the first as a law between man and G-d?

To find an answer we have to go back to the beginning of history.

Man was created alone and felt lonely.

He needed relationships. “I am here,” said the Almighty. On one level that provided a relationship.

But on the social level man was still alone. So G-d created another being, Eve, as Adam’s earthly partner.

But both relationships came with a price tag. The relationship with G-d brought responsibilities, as did that with fellow creatures. Man had to look both above and laterally.

Looking above brought the duty, “Love the L-rd your G-d” (also part of this

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sidra). Laterally the duty was “Love your fellow as yourself” (Lev. 19:18). But the second duty said something more: “Love your fellow as yourself: I am the L-rd”.

Earthly love, of which the basic level is love of parents, was only possible because of the L-rd. Loving one’s parents is thus a duty we owe to G-d.

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

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

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Yitro Yitro the father in law of Moshe had seven daughters. The oldest one Tzipporah married Moshe and they had two boys. With Moshe leading the Jewish people out of Egypt towards Har Sinai it was now time for him to be together with his family once again.

And so Yitro arrives with his daughter and grandsons and gets a very grand welcome. He shows Moshe ways to take care of the Jewish people in a manner that won’t get him too tired and new ministers are appointed.

Hashem then tells the Jewish people to prepare for the most grand event in history - Matan Torah!

The Jews prepare for five days and on the sixth (or seventh) day they hear the ten commandments! Do you know any of them? How about keeping the Shabbos day holy and special? And honouring parents? What about not being jealous of our friends? Not always easy but it is something worth aiming for!

Hashem told the Jewish people very warm ideas before He gave us the greatest gift of all, the Torah.

The Torah has stayed with us throughout the years. Through learning it and keeping it, we stay connected to tens of generations before us. Let’s keep the flame alight!

Tangram Challenge!

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

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COMMANDMENTS • COVENANT • FORTY • JUDGES • SHOFAR • SINAI • TREMBLE • YITRO

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S

habbos evening was a subdued affair for mishpachat Greengold.

“Ugh, I hate being stuck indoors,” moaned Chaim.

“We were meant to go to grandma’s for lunch and now we can’t even go there,” grumbled Hadassa.

Everyone was slouched on the couches feeling sorry for themselves.

“It’s all because of Yehudis. If only she hadn’t tested positive for Covid,” said Rivki, grumpily kicking her legs against the end of the couch.

Abba looked up from the dvar torah he was reading. “I know it’s hard kids, but we will make the best of it.”

“Why don’t we all daven together tomorrow morning? It will be so nice,” Ima interjected with a smile.

“That’s such a nice idea,” said Abba. “Now off to bed everyone. Goodnight and good shabbos.”

The next morning started with everybody getting dressed nice and early. Everyone was excited to join the family ‘shul’ in the dining room.

Ima had set out everyone’s siddurim round the table, and even Shloime had a pretend siddur on his high chair.

At 8am everyone was ready. Altogether they said modeh ani, adon olam and birchas hashachar out loud for the little ones to join in.

Then, whilst everyone else carried on davening quietly, Ima took Yehudis, Rivki and Shloime out of the dining room and into the lounge

Meaning Matters

to say Shema and Ani Maamin.

Once they had finished, Ima took out the duplo and started to help Rivki and Yehudis build a castle.

“Ima,” said Rivki. “Does Hashem like my davening?”

“Of course He does,” said Ima in surprise.

“Why do you ask?”

“I davened for such a short time. Abba, Hadassa and Chaim are still davening and saying so much more than I did. I don’t think

Hashem will like my prayers as much as theirs.”

Ima put her arm around Rivki. “You are such a tzadekes for caring so much about your davening. But let me tell you something important. Davening is not about how long or how loud you daven, or even how much shockeling you do.”

Rivki laughed.

“It’s about how sincere you are,” continued Ima. “Hashem only really cares about what’s in your heart. If you are concentrating and

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KIDS 35

really mean what you say, then Hashem will love your davening.”

Rivki sighed, “I like what you are saying Ima and I will try to concentrate, but sometimes I don’t know what the words mean. Or I want to say something specific to Hashem that isn’t in the davening that I have learnt.”

“Those are really good points,” said Ima. “Let’s take them one by one.”

“Firstly, one of the things you will learn as you get older is the meaning of the davening. You will learn it in school; and as your English reading and Hebrew translation gets better, you will understand more and more on your own.

Your second point is a really good one. It is very important to daven from the words in the siddur and we should do this every day.

However, if you would like to say something to Hashem in your own words as well, this is also a good thing. The most important thing is that we concentrate and daven to Hashem with meaning.”

“Thank you for explaining it to me, Ima,” said Rivki, hugging her mother.

Just at that moment Yehudis and Shloime started crying for Ima’s attention.

“I think this noise won’t be good for everyone’s kavanah,” said Rivki thoughtfully.

“Come Yehudis and Shloime,” encouraged Rivki as she started pulling out all the duplo bricks. “Let’s make the tallest tower ever together.”

“That’s my mitzva girl,” smiled Ima happily as she sat on the couch to finish her own davening.

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Yitro

In a nutshell We are finally over the worst, with the Egyptians beneath water and Amalek soundly defeated (for now) and it is time to achieve the purpose of the whole saga – to receive the Torah!

Yitro, the father-in-law of Moshe brings Moshe’s wife, Tzipporah and their two boys to the wilderness. Gershom and Eliezer, such beautiful names, the first one recognising that Moshe felt the pain of his brothers and sisters who were “strangers – there” in Egypt, even whilst living in relative comfort in Midian. The second, Eliezer, thanking G-d for being his “Ezer” – his help, saving him from Pharaoh.

A great celebration takes place in honour of Yitro and a festive meal is served following Korbanot being offered.

Anyway, Yitro arrives the wilderness to find an overworked Moshe, who patiently listens to each person’s questions, quibbles and quarrels and tries to solve them.

Yitro expresses his view that the system like that in not sustainable and suggests to Moshe that he set up a

hierarchy of leadership. Basically, there would be officers to solve disputes for each ten people, a person over them for each fifty people, a person above them for each 100, and so on and so forth.

The Jews achieved unity and were now ready to receive the Torah. Hashem told Moshe heart-warming messages to tell the Jewish people – “I carried you on eagle’s wings… if you follow My commandments you will be a treasured nation”. The Jews were asked if they would listen to Hashem’s Mitzvot and they said “Naaseh Venishma” – “We will do and we will listen”.

In preparation for the great event, the mountain is cordoned off, the people are told to wash their clothes and to keep all people and animals off the mountain.

On 6th (some say 7th) of Sivan which was a Shabbat, the Jews awake to the sound of thunder and a great fire surrounded the top of the mountain. In the presence of the three million Jews surrounding the mountain as well as the many more millions who would be born subsequently

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.

Hashem said the first two statements Himself – but that was too much for the Jews to bear and they needed Moshe to relate the other eight.

The ten commandments were divided into two sets of five: 1) Belief in Hashem, 2) Not owning or creating idols, 3) Not mentioning Hashem’s name in vain. 4) Keeping Shabbos, 5) Honouring parents. Worth considering what number five is doing in this block which appears to be duties between man and his friend. The second block are: 6) Don’t murder (or embarrass your friend which is nearly as severe) 7) Be faithful when you’re married 8) Don’t steal 9) Don’t give false testimony and finally and possibly the hardest to keep – don’t envy others. Don’t covet their car, their spouse, or their house.

Moshe ascends the mountain where he will stay for forty days and nights. At the end of the Sidra Moshe is told a couple of Mitzvot that we must be careful with, to approach the Mizbeiach modestly and to be certain that wherever you allow Hashem to be – He will come and bless you!

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! dug gad gal gay

guy lag lug rag

rug agar alga drag

drug gala gall glad

gull raga ugly algal

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gaudy guard gully gladly

gradual gradually

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YOUTH 37

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Q: Which kind of nuts are the softest nuts?

A: Doughnuts!

Q: What do you call a fly with no wings?

A: A walk Q: What gives you the strength and power to walk through walls?

A: Doors!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. I have a single eye but cannot see.

What am I?

Q: What is green and smells like blue paint?

A: Green paint.

2. I eat, I live. I breathe, I live. I drink, I die.

What am I? 3. I fly without wings.

What am I?

3) Time

2) Frie 1. A needle

1. Cut the mustard 2. Forthcoming 3. Be seein’ you THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

4. Outnumbered 3 to 1 5. Out on a limb 6. Six of one, half a dozen of the other

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LOCAL AND NATIONAL COVERAGE...

THE ENTIRE PICTURE

City on track towards Premier title

Sixteen-goal Lions rout Scrabble in Cup

a surprising but crucial victory to move nine points clear of the botPremier League pacesetters Mantom three. A third successive league chester City moved closer to the title win against struggling Newcastle with a 1-0 win against Chelsea.

United this weekend will take them Midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne into mid-table security. fired home a stunning strike to claim Harrison opened the scoring on the win at Etihad Stadium.

10 minutes only for Jarrod Bowen Pep Guardiola’s side are 11 points to level from a corner. But Leeds clear of Liverpool, who have a match refused to buckle and took a 2-1 inin hand, and Thomas Tuchel’s preterval lead through Harrison. Pablo tenders the crown. Both LiverFornals levelled after the break beBY DAVIDtoSAFFER pool and Chelsea will keep battling fore Harrison chipped chip home the winner on the hour to settle a away Mogilner but only ascored catastrophic dip Reiss six goals asin Maccabi pulsating game. form willLions change the destination London thumped ScrabbleofA in the Manchester United wasted a the title.round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. second Chelsea played theirside partracked in a tight chance to move closer to West Th e Premier League up a 16-0 game before De Bruyne produced Ham by letting a two-goal lead slip win with Daniel Green and Michaela Kenley moment of magic.

The league might Daagainst Aston Villa at Villa Park. both bagging a hat-trick.

Ed Brafman, be out of reach timeHassanali around but Bruno Fernandes scored early on vid Dinkin, andthis Adam completthethe defending then struck again on 67 minutes but ed rout in a Champions mismatch of League a tie. winners are inhave threescored cup competiVilla hit back with late goals from JaLions could in the opening tions and EFL opened Cup cob Ramsey and debutante Philippe minute of will the know clash their but soon the final opponents tonight after LiverCoutinho for a share of the spoils. scoring and led 9-0 by half time.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard told pool Arsenal.One team, though outTheplay Division Guardiola told BTto Sport: “(We) BBC MOTD: “We conceded against classed, battled away the end. absolutely deserved They defendLions boss was lostit.for words at fullKevin timeDe Bruyne scored the winner against Chelsea PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK the run of play but didn’t feel sorry ed well, transition for ourselves, we continued to show such wasthey the waited displayfor from his team who to punish and we wonopposition. from one goal. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp vowed to character and believe.” gave everyus respect to the transition.”

Tuchel felt his team deserved “go for everything” but knows the cups are United manager Ralf Rangnick said the “I’m not really sure there’s anything to a draw. result felt like a defeat. say, we are happy to make it through to the where silverware success is more likely.

Liverpool to” he a 3-0 win against Wolves are on the edge of European spots Leeds United moved clear of the releganext round ofeased the cup, commented.

Brentford Anfield.

Hendonat United Sports ran out 3-1 victors tion zone and opened up the battle for a top after winning 3-1 against Southampton at Fabinho opened theoutfi scoring with London a head- four spot with a sensational 3-2 win against Molineux. against League One t North Maccabi London Lions er just before half time. Alex Oxlade-Cham- 16-goal West Ham United at London Stadium.

Raul Jimenez and Conor Coady built a Raiders. berlain doubled the lead then substitute Jack Harrison scored his first career 2-0 lead, James Ward-Prowse fired home The Premier side led early in the second Takumi home third must-win hat-trick as injury ravaged Leeds earned half onlyMinamino for Raiders slotted to equalise buta struck game, ” commented Galaxy play- a brilliant free-kick before Adama Traore two late goals to book a place in round er-manager Luke Lewis. three of the competition.

“We sat back and allowed Oakwood the Hendon now turn their attentions to the ball, given the one-man advantage and league as they travel to Oakwood A for a looked to hit them on the counter attack crucial top of the table clash on Sunday with pace.

(10am).

“Both goals came down the right-hand Daniel Kristall’s team stunned the league side. Leigh crossed the first one into Cohen side had bounced back home from ahimself. shock cup leaders last month when they won 2-0, a to finish, before slotting Up in a nine-goal thriller against Hapoel

BY DAVID SAFFER defeat to go.

NWL victory would move them to within a point to first we ” Azurri in the Cyril Anek- Hampstead.

Hendon United HMH enjoyed stein last time Geez Park Rangers ran out 8-0 victors of Hendon with aSports matchand in hand.

TheCup Division Twoout. title race also took a goal fiesta in inthe thelatest second round the a “Normal service wasleaders resumed but in a circumstances, against Qarabagel in the sole CyrilFortune AnekElsewhere round of fiof xtures, twist with league Herstwood ” said delighted Peter Morrison Cup. frustrating first half the woodwork steinSimon Cup round one clash.

10-man North London Galaxy made it a Vale going down to awe 2-1hitdefeat at Temple boss Linden.

Yehuda title Korman, Fehler, Moses three times,” he said. “However, we found The result not inofdoubt as the three-way race in Dovi the only Division One Fortune.

“We had awas number players out,DiviReshootingB boots the second halfmore and buck Seitler andday Aviafter Korman hit Oakwood the target sion Two pacesetters led 6-0 athave half asked time. clash of the defeating B. our Faithfold have in played a game got injured, so I couldn’t filledVale them without Mikey Perkins LeslieWe bagged a hat-a forJamie Hendon insaw a 4-0 Real than Murray red win earlyagainst on but Galaxy butseven movedtimes level with a 5-3 reply. win at any more fromand the Joe players. wish Ben Madreidel.

Moss and BullRaiders scored Masters. beauties.” trick. Jamie Cohen and Jordan Grundman rallied with goals from Josh Cohen and Ja- North London speedy recovery. scored in a runaway triumph.

“We were our best a Division Onestruck Azzurri proved too strong cob Leigh tonowhere record annear important 2-1after away Jacob Kalms twice for Fortune who also “It was a proper old school performance, was great to get backfor tothe winning ways few weeks off but did what we needed to scored for Brady FC byleading hitting scorer six goals without win. through James Mil- we“It battled and defended 90 minutes aftertook a long noted Leslie. “Aproved great doGalaxy and are in the hat for the nextCare round,” reply inhis a stellar display. head Redbridge Jewish A in letwith 17th goal of the season. and ourbreak,” chances.

Experience London thumped Borussia to performance andIt’s attitude fromone thewe boys.” commented manager David the table by just one point afterGarbacz.

10 matches, Th e resultAthletico was all the more remarkable be the winner. a big win, will Jewdinese 6-0 with sharpshooter In the edged HMH wasted chances before third place Fairlop FC are five thumping points be- as Temple were down to 11 playersZacki with enjoy andPremier we hopeLeague to buildOakwood on it in 2019. ” Doumou striking goals, Max Walker a close match“Th against FC London Bees 7-0.inOscar hind with two games hand.Wagner fired ‘keeper Ben Rebuckfive dislocating a shoulder He added, is winMaccabi marks 50London years asFCa home hat-trick.

Benfor Gur, Alex Moss, Ben in also the up. target. Doumou has scored football with a Charlie Kasler penalty.

Rafi aBloom scored Oakwood. thehit warm club and will be one Nigel Kyte and Winters Bull also hit the target. in just two games the club.

The O’sassociated are second inthe theclub league “It wasand a Max fantastic performance in a nine “Thgoals is was a fantastic winforgiven the everyone with fromsevday Manager Avi Goldberg was delighted his Club de Chigwell enjoyed a 6-3 win en points behind Hendon who have two

BY DAVID SAFFER

settled the result in injury time.

Brighton scored late on against Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium.

Palace keeper Jack Butland saved a first half penalty from Pascal Gross and the Eagles looked set to win when Conor Gallagher struck in the 69th minute before a Joachim Andersen own goal.

In the battle to avoid the drop, just four points separate Watford, Norwich City, Newcastle United and Burnley, who have games in hand, at the foot of the table.

Watford scored late on against Newcastle at St James Park to deny the hosts.

Eddie Howe’s side led though an Allan Saint-Maximin second-half strike. But as Newcaslte sat back Josh King and Joao Pedro went close for Claudio Ranieri’s side before Pedro headed home for a massive point.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe could not hide his disappointment at full time. “We were within touching distance of a really important win,” he told BBC Sport.

Norwich secured a vital 2-1 win against Everton who sacked manager Rafael Benitez after this loss at Carrow Road.

The Canaries led 2-0 on 18 minutes after a Michael Keane own goal and Adam Idah effort. Everton substitute Richarlison scored a superb overhead kick after the break but Norwich saw the game out.

Benitez told BBC Sport: “Everyone came here expecting us to win and we couldn’t.”

SAFFER Everton are six points clear ofPHOTO: theDAVID relegation spots but this was a terrible loss and the owners decided to act.

“It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes and took our chances. Experience proved matches in hand and are favourites to win to be the winner.” the title.

Goals galore for Hendon and HMH in cup

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In Division One, Stoke Salmon eased to a 5-0will winenjoy. against one ” Hampstead Ducks to stay seven aheadEmanuel of Borussia Jewdinese.

Vale points boss Jacob was quick to Alex Bleetman, Louie Greenham wish Rebuck well following his injury. (2), James Olly Goodmaneveryone scored for “FirstBarnett, and most importantly, at Stoke.

Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper Mill Hill Dons cut deficit onhim Borussia a quick recovery, wethe hope to see back to three pointspitch afteras a fine away win at on the football soon5-1 as possible, ” he Scrabble. Dons though have played three said. more games so it will be a tough ask to As for the defeat, Emanuel commented, catch second placed Borussia.

“It doesn’t matter how big a squad you Redbridge Care Purple won have, you can Jewish never account for unavailcomfortably 5-2Only against Strawteam Hat ability or injury. fivelowly of today’s Pirates.in our recent win over FC Team, a played Temple Fortune forfeited game lack of togetherness and poortheir individual against Brook Farm Rovers.