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BIDEN BECKONS A NEW DAWN

BY DAVID SAFFER

America has no greater friend than the State of Israel,” he said.

A new era dawns for Israel and Noting the Middle East was world Jewry with Joe Biden’s going through “rapid change”, inauguration as the 46th Preshe looked ahead to building ident of the United States. “further bridges” with PalesPrime Minister Benjamin tinian neighbours whilst chalNetanyahu congratulated lenging the “rising threat of Biden and Vice President KaIranian aggression and expanmala Harris on a “historic” sionism, anti-Semitism and inauguration in a brief video global terrorism”. message. Netanyahu noted Danon said Israel valued an his decades-long friendship “unbreakable relationship” with Biden and looked ahead with the US but “a nuclear to further strengthen the IsraIran” was the “most pressing el-US alliance, expand peace challenge” facing the region. with Israel and the Arab world Danon called on Biden’s and confront common chaladministration to apply “neclenges, chief among them the essary pressure” on the Iranian “threat posed by Iran”. regime.

President Reuven Rivlin President Joe Biden Concerns persist over the PHOTO: FACEBOOK and Israeli Ambassador to the administration’s view of the UN Danny Danon also noted the Rivlin invited Biden to Jeru- 2015 Iran nuclear deal signed Iranian threat in messages to the salem “as soon as possible” as by Barack Obama, even with new US president. president. “The United States of strengthened conditions, which

Biden is expected to resurrect.

Biden’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and building plans in Judea and Samaria may also be contentious.

Biden’s pick for Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, backed a two-state solution when questioned at his Senate confirmation this week. “The only way to ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish, democratic state and to give the Palestinians a state to which they are entitled is through the so-called two-state solution,” he said.

Blinken’s view is not shared by many Jews worldwide and in Israel who passionately believe the whole land of Israel is for the Jews.

Blinken confirmed the US Embassy move to Jerusalem and recognition of the city as Israel’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 PARASHAT BO

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2 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 capital remained in place.

“Democracy has prevailed,” Biden said after taking the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts.

Biden called for unity and vowed to defeat political extremism, white supremacy and domestic terrorists. As for the global role, America would repair alliances.

Trump slipped away before the inauguration, the first president not to attend since 1869.

“Hopefully it’s not a long goodbye, we’ll see each other again,” he said on leaving the White House for as president, prior to addressing supporters at Joint Base Andrews.

Love or loathe Trump, the first US president to be impeached twice has made an impact, including standing up to North Korea, China, NATO, the EU and Iran. He oversaw cutting UNRWA funding in Gaza and closed the PLO office in Washington DC. Regarding Israel, Trump’s legacy is immense. Moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem was seismic, he recognised the Golan Heights, Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, whilst normalisation accords with UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, Bhutan, Kosovo and Oman gained global recognition.

Trump though carries the can for the Capitol riots, inciting the far-right and failing to act quickly on numerous aspects of the Covid pandemic. The US Senate will attempt to end his political life but Trump is planning the next stage of his political story and did not leave quietly.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 “The movement we started is only just beginning,” he said Tuesday. “We did what we came here to do and so much more,” he added.

Recalling his domestic and global achievements, Trump turned to Israel.

“We recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” he recalled.

“As a result of our bold diplomacy and principled realism, we achieved a series of historic peace deals in the Middle East.

Nobody believed it could happen. The Abraham Accords opened the doors to a future of peace and harmony, not violence and bloodshed. It is the dawn of a new Middle East, and we are bringing our soldiers home.”

Trump’s speech came shortly after Biden delivered an emotional address in Delaware.

Trump’s last days in office saw him pardon 143 people including Aviem Sella, an Israeli citizen indicted in the 1986 espionage case relating to Jonathan Pollard, now living in Israel.

Netanyahu, Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Miriam Adelson backed the clemency request.

Trump also pardoned Eli Weinstein of Lakewood and Sholom Weiss, formerly of Boro Park.

Weinstein served eight years of a 24-year sentence for real estate investment fraud.

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, the Boyaner Rebbe and numerous victims asked to plead for clemency.

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Board calls on Boris support for Uyghurs

BY DAVID SAFFER The Board of Deputies will continue backing a genocide amendment to the Trade Bill after a narrow defeat in the House of Commons.

BoD president Marie van der Zyl had called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to support the bill on the plight of the Uyghurs in China. But it went down 319 votes to 308 n Tuesday evening.

“While it was very close, we are disappointed that Parliament has not used this opportunity to show its support for the Uyghurs as they face an apparent genocide in China,” said Ms van der Zyl. “That said, we will continue to campaign energetically for justice for the Uyghurs and will be supporting the revised amendment to be tabled in the House of Lords. The Uyghurs will have their day in court.”

The cross-party ’genocide’ revision would have overcome legal difficulties posed by China’s UN veto, by allowing the UK High Court to make a preliminary legal determination of genocide.

Addressing the Prime Minister, she recently wrote, “It is time to act to protect the Uyghurs. In doing so, it will prevent or revoke any preferential trade deals with a state committing genocide.”

Ms van de Zyl’s correspondence to the Prime Minister followed an emergency Board meeting last week for MPs on the Chinese Uyghurs.

Foreign Affairs committee chair Tom Tugendhat, Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Lisa Nandy spoke of the Uyghurs plight and stark choice facing the international community.

“We must decide simply whether we think this is such a crime that it now needs to have a court for the first time ever, a domestic court to judge it,” said Duncan Smith.

“Who is going to make that judgement if we don’t start it now? I know that if we do, others will follow suit.” He added, “If we in the ‘Mother of Parliaments’ do not speak for those who are benighted and trashed by authorities, then frankly we do not deserve to be in that ‘Mother of Parliaments’.”

Tugendhat noted, “This is an opportunity to make the changes we need to make sure that goods that come from slave states and slave production are stopped long before

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they get to our borders. This an opportunity for us to make a stand and I hope the government listens.”

Nandy commented, “The treatment of the Uyghur Muslims is a scar on the conscience of the world. It would not be in keeping with the UK’s tradition of standing up to mass atrocities to turn away now.”

She added, “This is not a party-political issue. We must make sure that Britain is part of the solution and not part of the problem.”

Rahima Mahmut, World Uyghur Congress, spokesperson, said, “What is happening is not a secret anymore.”

BoD Public Affairs director Phil Rosenberg added, “We have to ask, what choice will Britain and the world make this time?

Will we leave the door open to a trade with the perpetrators? Or will we oppose this with every means at our disposal?”

Ms van der Zyl said, “After the Holocaust, the world said ‘never again’. Today, we are at another of these crossroads. We urge the UK government to listen to the many Conservative MPs who support this amendment. It is not too late to act.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab earlier this month described human rights violations against the Uyghurs of Xinjiang as “truly horrific”.

Holocaust survivors had joined Tory MPs in backing the amendment.

Ms van de Zyl noted the Jewish community backed Raab and the government’s revulsion at the brutality in China being consistent with offences under the UN’s Genocide Convention.

Raab did not rule out sanctions last July when the atrocity brought global criticism.

After an interview with Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming on Andrew Marr’s TV show, Ms van de Zyl noted similarities with Nazi Germany with people were being “forcibly loaded” on trains, the sterilisation of women and a “grim spectre” of concentration camps”.

Ms van de Zyl called on Xiaoming to release the Uyghur people and minorities from ethnic and religious oppression. “The world will neither forgive nor forget a genocide against the Uyghur people,” she said.

“The world is watching. China has a choice between great glory and eternal shame.”

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 10 Opinion 12 Letters 14 Community 22 Feature

23 Cookery 24 Judaism 30 Kids 32 Youth 34 Sport

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Goldstein and Yosef to Britain’s Jews on chair AIAM road to recovery Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein and Rabbi David Yosef will co-chair the newly formed Assembly of International Associated Members.

The Conference of European Rabbis’ Standing Committee voted to allow associated members to join the CER. Orthodox Rabbis from outside traditional European countries can join the AIAM. Morocco, Tunisia, Iran, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and from across South America have expressed interest to follow this path.

Leading rabbis outside Europe will form the AIAM Steering Committee with the co-chairman representing the AIAM on the CER standing committee.

The formation of the AIAM will support rabbis worldwide following the Covid-19 pandemic. AIAM members can participate in CER programming.

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt, CER president, said: “The CER has helped communities across Europe since World War II. The Covid pandemic has had an enormous global impact and it is vital that international Jewish communities and their spiritual leaders work together to support each other during this difficult time.”

Welcoming Rabbi Yosef and Chief Rabbi Goldstein to the CER, he added, “Both

PRECIOUS STONES

were concerned by the BBC’s coverage British Jews are on of Jewish matters and the road to recovery 55% by its handling of following the Jeremy anti-Semitism comCorbyn era as Labour plaints. Channel 4 Party leader but scars also performed poorremain. ly regarding British Campaign Against Jews.

Anti-Semitism’s latIsrael’s ‘right to exest ‘Barometer’ poll ist’ came up for the illustrates the point first time in the poll in a new survey of the and 6% disagreed British public’s views with the statement. toward Jews and a A similar number felt ANTISEMITISM poll of the Jewish Israel ‘did not’ have a community. Among right to defend itself, BAROMETER responses, a fifth of 43%, disconcertingly, 2020 those polled still feel did not have a view on unwelcome in the both principles.

United Kingdom.

Whilst respondents The poll is a first to were open to having use the ‘Generalised Jewish friends, 11% Antisemitism Scale’ were not comfortable designed by Dr Danspending time with iel Allington of King’s people openly supCollege with fieldporting Israel, though work carried out by this figure had dipped YouGov. in the past 12 months.

A 12-question scale Around 11% of shows that 55% of those polled felt that British adults do not Jewish people had hold anti-Semitic too much power in views but 12% backed the media, a drop four or more anti-Sefrom last year, there mitic statements. was also a fall in those Some 45% hold at that felt Jewish people least one view, over half agreed with one or chased money and talked about the Holotwo. The most popular anti-Semitic state- caust to further their political agenda. ment was that “Israel treats the Palestinians Gideon Falter, CAA chief executive, said, like the Nazis treated the Jews”. Here, 23% of “Britain’s Jews are back from the brink. This those polled agreed the assertion, which is study starkly shows that Labour under Mr anti-Semitic under the International Defi- Corbyn dealt a crushing blow to Jews’ connition of Anti-Semitism. fidence in their very future in this country, A separate survey with Dr Allington car- and that our community is now beginning ried out by CAA and Jewish community to recover. But scars remain. Notwithstandpartners revealed that more British Jews ing the relief felt by so many, our data shows were optimistic about their future in the that nearly half of those who normally wear UK though a record high displayed vis- outward symbols of their Judaism now ible signs of their Jewish identity due to feel they have to hide it, and despite nine anti-Semitism. months of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership of Other findings illustrate British Jews’ Labour, British Jews remain just as sure that confidence in the criminal justice system the Party harbours anti-Semites.” was low whilst the Crown Prosecution SerHe added, “Though Britain remains one vice are not doing enough to protect British of the best countries in the world in which Jews. Courts were also criticised. Only the to live as a Jew, almost a fifth still feel unpolice received more praise than criticism. welcome in this country. The departure British Jews reserved greatest contempt of Mr Corbyn is no substitute for the susfor politicians. Almost every political party tained action and leadership to protect the was more tolerant of anti-Semitism than it Jews of this country, in politics, universities was last year, Labour being twice as tolerant and social media, for which we have been of anti-Semitism than any other party de- calling for years.” spite the best efforts of current leader Keir Louise Katz of the University of Derby Starmer. and Dr David Hirsh of Goldsmiths aided Dr In a first poll on the subject, 91% of Allington.

British Jews called on the Government to The Barometer is available at antisemitism. proscribe Hamas in its entirety, two thirds org/barometer CAMPAIGN AGAINST ANTISEMITISM PO Box 2647, London W1A 3RB Registered charity 1163790

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Rabbis bring a wealth of experience with them and will be a huge asset to the CER going forward.”

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Berger jailed Israel pushes forward with West Bank building

BY ADAM MOSES Abraham Berger has been jailed for 14 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court for committing multiple child abuse offences relating to two children under the age of 10.

The 40-year-old from Hackney will spend a further four years on licence, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.

Berger was part of an instant messaging chat group and arrested by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Online Child Abuse and Exploitation team.

Detective Constable Chris Bailey, of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime (vulnerability) team, said Berger was a predatory offender and a serious risk to children.

“The protection of children, and other vulnerable people, from harm is a priority for the Met, and we have a team of officers,” he said.

Anyone concerned Berger might have had contact with other children should call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Trained officers will investigate where needed.

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to reverse its decision to build 780 new homes in the West Bank.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement last week regarding the building program has been approved by the Israeli government. No date is set for starting the work in Beit El, Givat Zeev, Tal Menashe, Rehelim, Shavei Shomron, Barkan and Karnei. Among settlements is Tel Manashe, where Esther Horgan was murdered last month.

Guterres said in a statement the decision was a “major obstacle” to a two-State solution and a “lasting and comprehensive peace” in the Middle East. He added, “The establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.”

“Settlement expansion further erodes the possibility of ending the occupation and establishing a contiguous and viable

sovereign Palestinian State, based on the pre-1967 lines,” Guterres continued.

The European Union, including the UK among member nations, and watchdog Peace Now have condemned Israel’s action. “The EU has repeatedly called on Israel to end all settlement activity, and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001,” a statement reportedly said. “It remains the EU’s firm position.”

“The UK is seriously concerned by the government of Israel’s decision,” a Foreign Office spokesperson said. “Settlements are illegal under international law and risk undermining the physical viability of the two-state solution. We call for the construction of these in East Jerusalem and elsewhere in the West Bank to cease immediately.”

Peace Now said 90% of homes in the West Bank included 200 homes in unauthorised outposts.

Around 450,000 Israelis live in the West Bank among around 2.8 million Palestinians.

Peace Now have criticised Netanyahu for consolidating his political interests.

“Not only will this settlement activity erode the possibility for a conflict-ending resolution with the Palestinians in the long-term, but in the short-term, it needlessly sets Israel on a collision course with the incoming Biden administration,” a statement reportedly noted.

The plan is viewed by critics as a final stand to build in the area before Joe Biden’s inauguration as President. US administrations have previously not backed settlement construction until President Donald Trump.

Israel disputes the viewpoint that West Bank settlements violate international law.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo became the first major diplomat to visit a West Bank settlement last year noting a complex political problem would be solved by negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Trump’s administration has recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, relocated the US Embassy to Jerusalem and recognised Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights during his term of office.

Bibi praises Friedman over US-Israel ties

BY ADAM MOSES Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised outgoing US Ambassador David Friedman for establishing “deep ties” between Israel and the US at his weekly Cabinet meeting.

Israel’s leader welcomed Friedman’s efforts in correcting “diplomatic injustices” during his tenure.

“There was never a better Ambassador in establishing the deep ties between Israel and the US,” he said. “You were very active in bringing about the American recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, itself a correction of an injustice that is difficult to understand. You not only did this but you acted quickly on the transfer of the American Embassy to Jerusalem.”

Netanyahu noted Friedman alongside Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had changed the stance towards West Bank communities in backing it as not contravening international law.

Both had worked towards changing a definition from ‘occupied’ territories to ‘disputed’ territories.

“This is the precise definition until it was twisted by elements hostile to Israel and hostile to truth,” Netanyahu said.

Likud’s leader added that Friedman was a “central element” to US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan as the first serious one to achieve a “realistic peace” between Israel and the Palestinians.

“What it has beyond security is, first of

all, the need for the Palestinians to recognise the State of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people,” Netanyahu explained. “The absence of this recognition is the root of the conflict. This is what has been maintaining this conflict for over 100 years since before the establishment of the State of Israel.” He added, “The denial of the Balfour Declaration, the denial of the partition plan, the denial of all those signs and steps that would recognise our right to a national state of our own in our historic homeland.”

Friedman had also, Netanyahu said, helped to expand a circle of peace in the Arab world with four peace agreements in recent months. “This is good for US relations, good for Israel and good for peace,” he said.

Netanyahu added, “We know the depth of your feeling for the American-Israel alliance, for the State of Israel, for Jerusalem.

I think that few people can speak as you have and say we have made history.”

Noting the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Netanyahu said Friedman had backed Trump’s decision and made history by moving the American Embassy then recognising the Golan Heights.

Friedman had also made history by “resisting” attempts by Iran to achieve nuclear weapons.

“We have to be on the side of the good, and fight and struggle constantly against the bad,” Netanyahu explained. “It’s not only for the sake of Israel and the United

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David Friedman

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

States, it’s for the sake of all those who live in the Middle East, and beyond the Middle East, who want to see a better world, a safer world and a world that is free of the greatest terror of them all, nuclear terror.”

Netanyahu concluded by thanking Friedman for his contribution to prosperity, security and peace.

He noted, “We are really appreciative of your love for Israel, your commitment as an American patriot to strengthening America, to strengthen freedom, (and) to fight for the common values that bind Americans and Israelis together.”

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Netanyahu extends national lockdown The move is a concerted effort to cut the infection rate that saw a record 10,000 cases in a day on Monday

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel heads the world with its vaccine drive but a hike in coronavirus cases has resulted in an extension to its nationwide lockdown until January 31st.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet almost unanimously voted for the extension whilst expanding its vaccination campaign that has been globally praised.

The move is a concerted effort to cut the infection rate that saw a record 10,000 cases in a day on Monday. It had dropped to 8,500 yesterday. The lockdown was due to expire on Thursday.

“If we lift the lockdown now, it will cost many lives,” Netanyahu reportedly said.

“We need to make an effort to boost vaccination drive, and for that to happen we need to extend the lockdown. We need to buy time, while there is a lockdown, it is possible to vaccinate millions. We need to go wherever there is a lag in vaccinations ‘with a hammer’.”

Regional Cooperation Minister Ofir Akunis abstained in the vote but Ministers backed anyone flying to Israel having a negative coronavirus test no more than 72 hours before departure.

Latest Health Ministry data shows 82,930 patients battling the disease, 1,113 in serious condition and a record 308 on ventilators. There have been 4,142 fatalities.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said 2,272,000 Israelis had received a first dose and 550,000 the second. “With this pace, we will beat the mutation,” he reportedly said.

Edelstein has targeted 250,000 daily vaccinations. Currently it is around 200,000.

Following the record spike in cases, Edelstein said it is a “miracle” the country has only seen 4,000 fatalities. “The number is astronomical, more deaths than during the Yom Kippur War,” Edelstein reportedly noted. “This number could have been much higher, but hospitals have managed to keep it relatively low. However, people within the media, public, political sphere and even some doctors downplayed the true danger of the disease.”

Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benjamin Gantz called on the Ministry to vaccinate everyone over 16 years of age.

A medical worker inoculates a recipient with a COVID-19 vaccine in Jerusalem

The lockdown followed news that Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem was transferring new Covid cases to hospitals elsewhere in the country as hospital beds were full.

“I have been warning for weeks that we are at the peak of this wave of infections and that we will see tens of thousands of newly infected soon, unfortunately, I was right,” Edelstein reportedly said. “When you do not accept the recommendations made by the Health Ministry and try to find a way around them, the result is inevitable. Populism has brought this country to a halt.”

Edelstein added that had “precious weeks not gone to waste” the patient crisis would have been avoided. And he explained that new variants did not mean excess fatalities but younger age groups would become ill.

Edelstein vowed to expand the vaccination campaign to all age groups.

“It is not that far off,” he reportedly said.

“We are examining everything, like for example vaccinating children in grades

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

11-12 so they can go back to school. Many teachers have turned up to be vaccinated and most of the country’s health care workers are already inoculated.”

Israel’s HMOs have expanded the vaccine campaign to everyone over the age of 40.

Whilst Israel leads the world in confirmed cases per capita, they are fourth in testing after Austria, the UAE and Luxemburg.

There are issues still though with some orthodox communities. Only yesterday, media reports noted thousands of students in Bnei Brak walking to schools, yeshivas and seminaries.

Police broke up an illegal mass wedding at Darag yeshiva, whilst in Jerusalem, police were attacked with stones during an investigation in the Charedi neighbourhood of Ezrat Torah.

Earlier this week, health officials confirmed 12,000 yeshiva students had contracted coronavirus in the past month.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Roni Numa reportedly explained, “Only a small number (of

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institutions) is still operating but more are certain to open as well if we don’t stop it. I do not deny it. We work against it through education and enforcement.”

In related news, Ministers debated the spread of infection in Charedi and Arab communities.

“We must see an effective plan to fight the spread of coronavirus,” Defence Minister Benny Gantz reportedly said. “We must insist on seeing real enforcement of mitigation regulations before we can discuss extending the lockdown.”

The average rate in the orthodox sector is 19%, in the Arab sector it is 15%. Non-religious Jewish sector has 5.5% positive tests.

Beitar Illit tops the list at 29% followed by Elad 23%, Modi’in Illit 20% and Bnei Brak 19%. Jerusalem has the most active cases.

Netanyahu, Edelstein, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, National Security Council Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and Health Ministry Director General Prof.

Hezi Levi discussed travel restrictions to Israel.

Dr. Orly Greenfeld backed the notion of closing Ben-Gurion Airport for a short period to prevent the South African variant aside from others entering Israel.

According to the Health Ministry, 20 people had tested positive for the South African strain, dozens had the new British variant.

She explained, “The more people stay put, the less chances any new variants of the virus will make their way into Israel.”

Edelstein backed reducing the number of people entering Israel from abroad.

“This is something we must do as soon as possible in order to stop (the South African variant),” he reportedly said. “The British variant is already here, apparently 20% of all verified cases are due to the British variant.”

Greenfeld added: “In the end, the only way out of the crisis is through vaccination. That is why we always tell the public to go out and get vaccinated and to adhere to the restrictions as much as possible. We are in the middle of a competition (with the virus). We will only win through inoculation and with the restrictions, otherwise this tsunami of infections will never stop.”

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OPINION

The opinions on this page do not reflect the opinions of this Newspaper

The Jewish Community’s response to Covid-19 rules OPINION PIECE

BY RT. HON. THERESA VILLIERS MP The Jewish Weekly is right to urge readers to follow lockdown regulations and guidance.

The Talmudic precept that “whoever saves one life saves the world entire” comes to mind as we are all asked to play our part in minimising transmission to save lives.

The Covid emergency has hit the Jewish community hard. Key aspects of Jewish life such as Shabbat gatherings, synagogue services and weddings have all been affected by this long grim battle with the virus.

Community and family gatherings such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs have had to shift on to video link.

It is especially painful that many people, including some of my constituents in Barnet, have been unable to attend the funerals of loved ones or visit shiva homes.

The Jewish community’s response to the

Covid-19 pandemic has been remarkable.

Despite the distressing losses suffered, British Jews have quickly adapted to the challenges presented and developed creative solutions to support those in need.

Countless numbers of volunteers have delivered food and medicine to the most vulnerable. Ten months on from the start of the pandemic, these efforts continue unabated.

As Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI), it is a source of pride that Israel’s vaccination drive is leading the world and our two countries are working closely in the fight against coronavirus.

Israel is on track to vaccinate all over-16s by the end of March, with more than a fifth of the population having now received the first dose of a vaccine.

Israel’s success has been attributed largely to its digitised healthcare system and efficient vaccine delivery methods, with vaccines repacked into pizza-sized insulated boxes to reach remote locations. Public

health campaigns have included targeted community engagement to encourage uptake.

Israeli innovations to combat Covid have ranged from the remote monitoring of patients to diagnostic technologies and thermal scanning to check a person’s temperature.

There is still so much we need to learn about this virus, and links between the UK and Israel are helping drive that work forward. Health Secretary Matt Hancock and his Israeli counterpart Yuli Edelstein have shared best practices and agreed to strengthen cooperation. CFI has ensured that MPs and Lords are thoroughly briefed on Israel’s world-leading vaccination programme.

Although delivery of jabs in the UK is progressing at speed, there is still a huge task ahead before we will have protected the substantial proportion of the population that we need to.

Let us all heed the advice of The Jewish

Weekly and throw our collective effort behind protecting our loved ones and protecting the NHS. Whilst there are encouraging signs that the number of infections is levelling off, the pressure on our health services is still extreme.

The vaccine gives us hope but we are not out of the woods yet. It would be a grave mistake to let our guard down now, just as we are finally in sight of a potential end to lockdown and a phased and gradual return to something like normal life. So now is the time to stick with it, to stick to the rules; so that one day relatively soon we can finally start to move on from this pandemic and put these long months of drastic restriction on our lives behind us.

Theresa is the Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet and a Vice-Chairman of Conservative Friends of Israel.

She is a former Cabinet Minister, most recently serving as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Abbas calls for Palestinian elections OPINION PIECE

BY JAMES J MARLOW The Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, declared this week that Parliamentary and Presidential elections will finally take place, after the Israeli election.

January 9, 2005 was when Abbas last won his four-year term as President, but in his wisdom, he decided to remain indefinitely. January 25, 2006 was when Hamas took the Palestinian Legislative Council in a shock result, which led to a major “bloody” Palestinian battle and the eventual seizure of the entire Gaza Strip by Hamas in 2007.

Mahmoud Abbas, now 86 years old, announced that the legislative election will be on 22 May and the election for President has been called for 31 July.

But the Palestinian Authority have in the past declared their “intension” of holding elections over the years, but it never happens. So what is different this time?

Firstly Abbas recognises, there’s a new Sheriff in town and his name is Joe Biden. In a bid to offer the new American administration a “fig leaf” gesture, Abbas believes this announcement is good “public relations.”

But there has been an inner discussion taking place within the Palestinian camp, which centres on the “Abraham Accords.”

The Palestinians do not know how to address the unthinkable – that Arab States are establishing diplomatic relations with their arch enemy, Israel.

Abbas recently called for an Arab summit and for the first time, the request was rejected. In the days of Yasser Arafat,

he would simply pick up a telephone and Presidents would appear. But today, things have moved on and the Palestinians are being rejected, even by their closest allies.

In any case, Hamas have welcomed the announcement of upcoming Palestinian elections. In a statement, they said, “We have worked in the past month to resolve all obstacles so that we can reach this day.”

But reconciliation between the two sides is far from “resolved”. For starters, does anyone really believe Hamas will allow Fatah to campaign freely in Gaza? Or the Palestinian Authority allow Hamas to campaign in the West Bank?

Another problem is the PA officially announced, at least in a letter signed by Arafat, its recognition of Israel. But if Hamas win the election, they are unlikely to suddenly accept the Oslo Accords. In fact they would vote to abolish them.

Abbas recently called for an Arab summit and for the first time, the request was rejected.

In addition, how is the aging Mahmoud Abbas, who has been very sick these past few years, going to campaign to remain as President?

We know other candidates will announce their candidacy. One such name is Mohammed Dahlan, a former leader of the PLO’s Fatah movement, who was exiled

by Abbas for revealing that the Palestinian

leader had embezzled billions of dollars.

Dahlan, who resides in Abu Dhabi, is said to have strong support on the Palestinian street and has in the past, hinted he would run for President.

Dmitry Deliani is a spokesperson for the Democratic Reform, a faction of Fatah, headed by Dahlan and in a briefing for foreign journalists in Jerusalem, Deliani said if Dahlan was to announce his candidacy, the Palestinians would unite behind him and he will be the alternative to Abbas.

“We have been preparing for elections for a long time and are more organised than any other candidate” Deliani insisted.

The spokesperson believes his faction is more democratic in the decision making process, than any other and that “Dahlan would talk to the Israelis as equals and with a different rhetoric.”

Deliani could not hold back his scathing attack on Abbas insisting, “We have lost all our dignity these past 10 years” and that “We need to go against an 86 year-old man that works only a few hours a day, with a very bad political and economic record.”

Without fear, Deliani called Abbas a “dictator” and “Across the world many people are no longer supporting the PA,” for which he blamed Abbas.

“Look at his achievements and ask who would support such a person? He doesn’t even have the ideological following like Trump has, so what could be his campaign – nothing.”

Deliani pointed out that after 15 years, “He has proved he is good for nothing, having lost every single battle with everybody and lost our (Palestinian) reputation.” The only Palestinians “now supporting Abbas were the ones being paid by Abbas, but some of those will still

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vote for us”.

In reality, Mahmoud Abbas must know he cannot win a fair and free election so what else does he have up his sleeve?

Well if he fails in the PLC election, he will certainly try and postpone the Presidential election for as long as possible, but the international pressure will come down heavily on Abbas.

So the only thing left to play is the “Jerusalem card.” Abbas will insist Palestinian elections for President and the Legislative, must take place throughout east Jerusalem, including the old city, both for candidates and voters. This is something that Israel cannot agree to as it will not divide its capital.

Abbas will then call upon EU nations to set up election observer teams across Jerusalem, and when the stalemate kicks in, Abbas will simply cancel the elections again.

So there are serious reasons, to doubt this latest call for Palestinian elections is for real.

But one thing is for sure, all regional players are waiting to see what Biden’s policy will be towards the Middle East and in particular Iran. Will Biden ignore the world for his first year in office and focus solely on Covid? Or will he return to the failed policy of “calling upon all sides to make the two state solution a reality and return to the Iran Accords? Folks, we are about to find out.

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

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Letters to the H Editor

From the editor’s desk

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

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.

HILCHOT SHABBAT Dear Editor I wish to point out an inaccuracy in the ‘Hilchot Shabbat’ column this week, in that it stated that teabags may not be used on Shabbat.

In fact there is a difference of opinion of this, and even a Google search on ‘Using teabags on Shabbat’ will show that some Halachic opinions, e.g. Chabad, do in fact permit the use of teabags, so no-one who uses teabags is breaking Shabbat, although those who take the stricter view – including many Modern Orthodox people – do indeed use tea essence instead.

Yours sincerely David J Dunitz

COVID EXPERIENCE Dear Editor, It is always gratifying and reassuring to hear the testimonies of survivors of this dreadful disease Covid , and I wish Mr Yodaiken a continued speedy and full recovery.

I was impressed by his conviction that his life was saved by prayers and tehilim. Perhaps the article could have emphasised how crucial the skill, expertise and exceptional dedication of the hospital staff was towards his recovery.

Name withheld

ere we go again. The nonsense started just moments after one of Israel’s greatest ever friends in The White House, Donald Trump, left office. Biden, the man who was Vice President when Obama transferred millions of dollars to the Palestinians in his final hours as president, signalled his intent to quickly adopt all the old lies about Israel that Trump denounced by changing the twitter account of ‘the US Ambassador to Israel’ to ‘US Ambassador to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.’ It was later changed back after a storm kicked up, but the message was clear for all to see. The Biden administration clearly does not consider the West Bank part of Israel anymore.

Watch as Jews will be told off for building houses, even though it will deny Palestinians money from building them! Watch as international policy at the United Nations against Israel steps up its rhetoric, backed by an American president who seems intent on reinstating money for terrorism and endangering countless millions of lives with a nuclear Iran.

The word on the ground is that he wants to reinstate Obama’s nuclear deal. This if true is both delusional and dangerous.

No longer will it be so easy for Israeli regional leaders to hop across to the USA and promote Israeli policy to listening ears in the Senate.

The tide will change, and the Palestinians are masters of living up to the propaganda lies that the world so readily believes.

Yes, Donald Trump has many faults. No one is saying that he never did anything wrong, and the events in the last few weeks of his reign will most likely haunt him for the rest of his life. However, when it came to Israel, he achieved great things, which no G-d-believing Jew can deny.

Jami’s MHAS programme of events: Friday 22nd January 3.15pm United Synagogue MHAS dedicated Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Daniel Epstein

22 - 23 january 2021

Saturday 23rd January 8-9.30pm Mental Health Awareness through a Covid-19 Lens - Looking after ourselves, our families and our communities (Interactive Head Room Education session)

Sunday 24th January 8-9.15pm MHAS Community Conversations (Interactive Head Room Education session)

The impact of the pandemic The Mental Health Awareness Shabbat falls annually to coincide with Parashat “Bo” which tells of the Plague of Darkness – a suitable launchpad for discussions on the nature of mental health.

Monday 25th January 7-8pm Getting through lockdown: taking care of myself and my friends (interactive Head Room Education session) for ages 14-16

For more information about MHAS, to view our events and to register for the toolkit, please visit jamiuk.org/mhas

Tuesday 26th January 8-8.30pm Supporting our children during these difficult times - Samantha Simmonds in conversation with Dr Ellie Cannon

Thursday 28th January 8-8.30pm Monty, Mental Health and Mazal – Zaki Cooper in conversation with cricket legend Monty Panesar

Thursday 28th January 8.30-8.45pm Cake is my Super Power with Ilana Epstein of Ta’am – Judaism on a Plate Registered charity no. 1003345.

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Chief addresses LSJS 10th conference

BY DAVID SAFFER Pupils throughout the UK are in the “best of hands” with teachers inspiring a passion for Judaism Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis told delegates at the 10th LSJS Primary Jewish Studies teachers’ national education conference 2021 on Tuesday.

The ‘Blessing on a Rainbow: From Crisis to Opportunity’ virtual event attracted over 230 participants from schools around the UK and further afield including Israel, South Africa and Italy.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis praised the work of LSJS (London School of Jewish Studies) and said that the annual conference was a highlight of his year.

“Our pupils in UK Jewish schools are in the best of hands, in this most important of tasks of inspiring children to have a passion for their Judaism,” he said.

Recognising challenging mental health and lifecycle events during the Covid pandemic, the Chief Rabbi noted, “It’s tough out there, I appreciate the difficulty you (teachers) are enduring in unprecedented times.”

He added, “You as teachers are in the front line of safeguarding the next generation.

There is a deadly virus around, and yet, with incredible selflessness and passion for your vocation, you are there in the classroom.

You are not letting your students down. No one has prepared you for these times but you have come up trumps.”

Dr Helena Miller, conference co-chair, welcomed guests. “We have built conference on the lessons we have learnt from Covid,” she said. “We need to understand what we are going through.”

Looking ahead to the event, Dr Miller, recognised the issues in putting conference together virtually.

“We’ve been blessed with the goodwill of so many people to make it happen,” she said.

“Everyone has pulled out the stops to make sure we have a really great conference.”

Dr Miller added, “Putting on conference was essential in the present challenges.

Teachers, particularly this year, when they

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis addresses the LSJS conference

are under so much stress in challenging circumstances need time, even for a day, to recharge, to regain enthusiasm and gain new skills. There is also a chance to network with colleagues. It’s vital for their wellbeing and job they are doing.”

Esther Colman, co-chair, thanked the Chief Rabbi in kicking off the conference.

Speaking during a lunch discussion, she said the event was about “recharging, being enriched and inspired”.

Teachers had a choice of Zoom sessions throughout the day.

Among many options Liza Taitz and Shosh Hill provided tips for innovative lessons. These included adapting traditional games, applying mystery, novelty or film clips to lessons. Adding wonder to classes, being interactive, dressing up and utilising technology also enhanced lessons. Virtual tours around the world and museums were well received. And it was important to celebrate the success of a pupil’s work.

“You need to keep lessons fresh, relevant and exciting,” added Ms Hill.

Rabbi David Meyer, Pajes executive director, spoke about getting the best from staff.

“Managing change is one of the hardest things to do,” he said. “You need to understand the people, what you can give them and reach a time when they are part of the team.”

In a wide-ranging talk, Rabbi Meyer addressed staffing, time pressure, empowerment, work life balance, teaching ‘rut’, health, professional perspective, students, finance and technology.

In other talks, Shana Burton spoke about building connections, Jillian Dunstan discussed parent partnerships, Zac Newman overviewed mindfulness in education, Rabbi Malcolm Herman was on hand to enliven assemblies, Sammy Morhaim spoke about technology projects and Rabbi Mark Silkoff addressed primary to secondary school transition.

There was also lunchtime ‘rooms’ with Gemma Peters of Talent Educators, Janet Elf from Jewish Book Service and Dr. Miller looking at studying part time for a BA or MA in Jewish Education.

Commenting on the event, Dr Miller, Director of Degrees and Co-Head of Teacher Training programmes at LSJS said, “Though the energy and excitement around the face-to-face networking couldn’t happen, teachers were able to learn new skills, see innovative technology in practice and will return to their virtual and face to face classrooms re-energised for teaching.”

Joanne Greenaway, LSJS chief executive, said, “This year it was particularly important that we were able to give teachers that boost and support given the challenges they are dealing with. I’m delighted that so many teachers from across the country and Europe were able to come together share insights, extend their practice and learn about developments in Jewish studies and Ivrit teaching which is such an evolving space.”

Ms Hill, Kerem Jewish Primary School, noted, “It is so important for all Jewish Studies teachers to receive relevant and up-to-date training, particularly this year as the world of education has moved on so rapidly. The wide variety of options available at the conference ensure that there really is something for everybody. There has been so many wonderful tips and ideas on how to improve and enrich our provisions.”

Ella Weil, Kisharon Noe’ School), added, “In this difficult climate there are many things going on and days when we feel like things just aren’t going so well, but taking a step back to acknowledge that we are doing some great things and working together to give our pupils the best opportunities, is refreshing and invigorating. I feel reenergised to go back into school and equip our pupils and colleagues with a new perspective and hopefully some fantastic learning.”

Conference was sponsored by the family of Santa Pelham.

Monday morning at the Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary school Nursery with a group pictured with Aunty Georgia and Miss Thorp

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COMMUNITY 15

Work Avenue raises over £1million in 36hour fundraising marathon Work Avenue received more than £1million in donations from members of the Jewish community during a 36-hour online fundraising marathon.

In total, the charity raised over £1.1m from over 3,500 donors, far exceeding their original goal of £750,000.

The total includes matched funds from nine very generous donors who agreed to double every penny received.

As the Jewish community’s leading employment and business support

organisation, Work Avenue aims to help everyone earn a living to provide for themselves and their families. The need for its services has been greater than ever during the pandemic – with the charity supporting more than 2,000 clients during 2020.

Work Avenue CEO Debbie Sheldon said: “Once more, I am blown away by the generosity of the Jewish community and how we always come together to help those who may be struggling, especially during these times.

Left to right: Work Avenue’s Shoshana Cohen, Debbie Sheldon and Yael Schlagman

“It costs on average £375 to help each of our clients into work, but our income has dropped significantly as we have had to cancel all our usual fundraising events.

“These funds will now help Work Avenue continue to support people so that they can earn a living with dignity.”

The fundraising marathon took place from 9am on Sunday January 17 until 9pm

Huge success of King David Manchester ‘Hub’ in first month

Aish HUB Artwork Graffiti

KD Students enter the HUB

Launched in November 2020, the HUB is especially designed informal education room and is used as a space for students to learn and experience informal programmes run through the school aimed at 6th formers and will be a COVID secure environment where students and Aish educators can interact and learn.

Over 40 students participated in one of our engaging courses including ‘Making a Difference’ involved meeting representatives of various local organisations which positively impact the community on a daily basis. Besides hearing about the start and growth of each incredible organisation, we heard about what motivates the volunteers to continually give

bac to the community and the students were provided with a hands-on opportunity to get involved with the organisations activities.

Another highly attended courses was a ‘Bake-Off’ themed track. In a fun-filled and exciting environment, Aish educators Rebbetzins Adina Strom and Miriam Gefen baked various Jewish Foods - Students learnt about the connection between food and the various Jewish holidays, the origin of different traditional food and the history of their development. They baked challah, cheesecakes, made Hummus and various other dips whilst exploring Sefardi and Ahskenazi origins and differences, and in honour of

Chanukah fried their own doughnuts.

Rebbetzin Adina Strom said “The students have enjoyed every aspect of the program, and it was fabulous to get to know then and watch them engage with their Judaism.

“The HUB has become a vibrant centre where students feel they can drop in, enjoy relevant and informal Jewish education in a non judgemental and inclusive atmosphere, as well a great social relaxing atmosphere amid the school and in times where they can’t do this out of school due the pandemic. Some really exciting events online events are in the pipeline to carry us through until we can meet again in the HUB.”

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on Monday January 18.

Work Avenue provides information, advice, guidance, courses and one-to-one support to help people find jobs, change careers and start businesses. Virtually all of its services are provided free of charge.

To find out more, please visit www.theworkavenue.org.uk.

New kosher food guide published Over 600 new KLBD-certified products are in the new kosher guide.

‘The Really Jewish Food Guide 2021’ is fully revised and contains over 8,300 products available in supermarkets and health shops, 634 are listed for the first time.

Highlights include three new flavours of M&M’s, biscuit, crunchy caramel and salted caramel (other varieties are not kosher), Salted Caramel Twix, Warbuton’s Gluten Free Toastie, Penderyn Welsh Whiskies and Tiptree Gins (35cl only, excluding miniatures).

Low-calorie rice substitutes Fullgreen Riced Cauliflower, Broccoli and Sweet Potato are also certified, as are Greenfield Spices and Bruce Dairy Free Drinks.

The guide contains candle lighting times, details of Eruvs in London maintained by KLBD and general kashrut information.

There are exclusive vouchers to use in KLBD-licensed shops and restaurants.

KLBD has launched a ‘KLBD News & Alerts’ WhatsApp group. Anyone can subscribe, by sending a WhatsApp message ‘Please add me’ to 020 8343 6333. In order to receive messages and view KLBD Status updates, this number must be added as a contact.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the guide is an indispensable feature of Jewish life.

Details: www.kosher.org.uk/guide

16 COMMUNITY

Ruislip United Synagogue Community during covid 19 year 2020/21 The past unusual year of Covid 19 has caused everyone world wide to change their normal way of life completely. It did not take long before Ruislip Community took up the challenge of assisting in many ways to ease the difficulties with which we were all going to have to contend.

A Ruislip Community WhatsApp Group was set up immediately there was Lockdown. Rabbi Stanley Coten, although very busy with, unfortunately, an even heavier load to carry as Senior Hospital Chaplain, has given us weekly video messages to uplift our spirits.

The Rabbi has also arranged for weekly interesting Shiurim and chats, including zoom meetings with other Synagogues including two visits to Parramatta & District Synagogue, Sydney, Australia the second visit was for Chanucah and Ruislip helped to judge a picture competition. Also a zoom to Toronto for an entertaining evening of song and stories from Rabbi Gedalia Zweig.

Rebbetzin Rosalind Coten organised a very interesting meeting linking Ruislip for a joint event with Norwich and Southport Synagogues for a KLBD Roadshow. This enticed many of the viewers to research and buy the new products.

Ruislip Synagogue has regular Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah Services led by Rabbi Coten.

The Synagogue linked with Pinner US, Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Kol

Chai for a zoom meeting with Q&A, Speaker - David Simmonds MP, plus a zoom linked with Northwood US on a Q&A evening regarding Covid Vaccinations, which was very enlightening.

Ruislip has continued to maintain its regular Social Club on zoom and meet every Monday afternoon for “tea and a chat” This has now developed into holding brief fun quizzes.

A film evening was screened in June of The Green Park Hotel, Bournemouth, followed by members memories of the hotel.

The Community itself automatically kept in touch with other members of the Synagogue to make sure all was well either by telephone and/or ‘front door’ visits. Delivering meals, nosh and errands to those at home either unwell or shielding. The volunteers go much further than Ruislip as volunteers distributing food generally and sorting clothes in large warehouses. One of our sprightly 90 year old ladies managed a daily early morning sponsored walk to raise funds for Hatzola Edgware Charity Ambulance Service.

For a very small community the contributions from Ruislip members, who volunteered help even further afield, has been extremely large. Covid has not beaten Ruislip Synagogue’s members’ morale and there is a “Silver Lining” to this crisis which has brought the members even closer together.

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GIFT’s gifts for NHS staff

Care Home receiving GIFT Gratitude Packs for staff and careworkers

Immediately as the 2021 lockdown was announced, GIFT volunteers were once again there as first responders, ready and assembled to do whatever is needed to ensure the community would be supported in a plethora of different ways. Since March 2020, GIFT volunteers have responded to almost 7,000 urgent shopping and prescription requests. Over 13,000 freshly cooked meals have been supplied to the most desperate and vulnerable in our community; over £350,000 of vital food support packages have been distributed by hundreds of dedicated volunteers and over 500 tutoring pairs have been set up to help those struggling with their studies.

Working closely with the other large charities such as JAMI, Jewish Care, Norwood, JWA and Hatzola, GIFT continues to take referrals and provide volunteers and support for all those in need in our community.

In keeping with GIFT’s mission to shift attitudes and behaviours toward giving, GIFT created a number of lock-down 3.0 ‘giving’ initiatives that can be done safely within people’s homes. This includes making gratitude packages for paramedics/ Hatzola, making isolation packs for the elderly and a virtual mentoring programme for young people struggling with the lockdown. R’ Sandor Milun, GIFT’s Managing Director, says, “2020 was a tough year for all but one of the most positive things we saw was how our community stepped up and made giving time and helping others an important priority. In 2021 just as we have all these new norms such as wearing masks, and washing our hands, we at GIFT want to make ‘giving’ the new normal”.

GIFT has big plans for 2021 including a year 6 curriculum and an increased engagement with high school and university students. Shira Joseph, GIFT Educator says, “We have seen from the incredible success of our virtual tutoring programme which paired over 500 students aged 16+ with a younger tutee, that students are crying out to get involved and just want to add a positive focus to their lives.’ We hope to introduce some more programmes both in school and out of school and some immersive giving experiences so as to continue where we left off, having given over 730 educational sessions in 2020. One area we

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will be focusing on in 2021 is Bnei Mitzvah, as 2020 has particularly shown us that this milestone is so much more than just a party and can have some real meaning attached.

Unfortunately, the intensity and longevity of the pandemic has placed a big financial strain on many people in our community and GIFT has seen a dramatic increase in those requiring vital food support. Almost 100 additional families have requested weekly support within the last 10 months.

Michelle Barnett, GIFT’s founding director said, “We have almost doubled the amount of food we now need to give out.

This has had a huge financial and logistical impact on our food bank/GIFT hub.

The community’s support both in donations of food and money has been absolutely essential. In addition, due to COVID restrictions, our entire operation has been carried out by incredible groups of family units and those in bubbles, coming week after week to pack, sort and organise our GIFT hub. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to support the large numbers we do.’

2021 will see the GIFT giving hub becoming more streamlined and the stock checking and food storage transition to a digital system. This should save huge amounts of time and the food bank will become more cost efficient given the influx of new referrals. GIFT also has big plans to roll out healthy eating initiatives to be able to provide those who are struggling with the opportunity to have access to healthier foods – normally too much of a luxury for those on a very tight budget.

2020 wasn’t an easy year, yet we all adapted and made the best of it. The GIFT staff and volunteers made it that bit easier for those who were on the receiving end whether it was via befriending, receiving cooked meals, shopping, food deliveries and tutoring. The way that people stepped up and were willing to help complete strangers – over 6400 responses on the GIFT WhatsApp groups- has been a source of inspiration and hope to so many people.

We have entered into 2021 under a cloud of uncertainty, but there is one thing we do know…That GIFT will be there to inspire the community, whilst supporting the community.

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A Blood donation session took place in Stenecourt Shul Sunday to say thanks you to the NHS from the Jewish Community.

Stenecourt was the first Shul donation session in the North of England run by NHS Blood and Transplant. The day was organised by two Shul members, Dr Neomie Lopian and Lynne Dover.

Dr Naomi Lopian and Lynne Dover the two organisers of the NHS Blood donation

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

NHS Blood donation session in Stenecourt Shul

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

COMMUNITY 17

Vaccination and testing – Kisharon’s top priority is keeping everyone safe Team Leader Ade Adeagbo was Kisharon’s first member of staff to have a Covid vaccination. “I feel ok. There were no problems,” he said after the vaccination at Barnet Hospital. Since then, people Kisharon support and many more staff have been vaccinated.

These include over 90 members of staff and those they care for in supported living alone.

Thirty-four individuals have been vaccinated in adult day opportunities with others in frontline roles at head office, social enterprises and at Kisharon’s Vocational College.

Kisharon staff fall in the second of the Government’s high priority groups for the vaccine, alongside those aged 80 and over.

Erica Marks, in quality assurance at head office said, “Today, thanks to Kisharon, I had my first Covid vaccination. I feel very grateful, as I now have more protection for me, the people I support, my colleagues and my family.”

As the vaccination programme rolls out, Covid testing has been stepped up across Kisharon adding another layer of protection to the social distancing and other measures already in place.

Starting from this week, Tuffkid Nursery staff will have two Covid tests a week at testing sites across Barnet. The results will be known within 45 minutes.

The nursery is open with most children attending. Tuffkid, Nursery Head Janice Marriott said, “We are one bubble so if anyone in any of the families gets ill we all stop. We take one day at a time and every day is a victory.”

A testing unit has been set up at Kisharon

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Erica Marks, from Kisharon having her vaccination

Noé School. All staff will be tested weekly.

Children of secondary age whose parents have given consent were checked this week too. The children administer the tests themselves, with support from staff.

Interim Headteacher Sharon Mullish said: “I want to thank my team of testers who have supported me to set this up. They are running it efficiently and professionally, ensuring that social distancing is maintained at all times.”

The same testing system, with rapid results, is in place at Kisharon’s Vocational College, where Manager Aviva Braunold said, “We will be having weekly tests for staff and twice weekly for the students who are onsite at college. College staff have been trained to carry out the tests.”

18 COMMUNITY

Kivisi Surpasses Itself with Health Event Kivisi’s Fertility and Health Discovery Day event this past Sunday has got Manchester talking. Phrases like ‘amazing’, ‘blew me away’, ‘never heard such clarity’, and ‘learned so much’ are on the lips of everyone who joined. Kivisi is still getting phone calls from delighted participants. By any account, the event was a huge success.

As well as those who registered for the event, local Shul rabbonim and kalla teachers were given complimentary access and one Rov who took up the offer described the event as ‘an eye-opener’.

Hashkofa, halocha and health information combined in a day full of interesting and inspiring talks. With 1200 log-ins during the day, it was clear that Kivisi was ‘spot on’ in identifying the need for an event of this sort.

Fourteen lectures were on the programme and everyone agreed that the speakers and lectures were exceptional.

Rabbi Mordechai Ginsbury spoke powerfully on how faith can help strengthen those who are experiencing infertility. The ever-popular Rabbi Yossi Chazan gave tremendous chizzuk with his talk about the Torah perspective on challenges, including miscarriage. Mrs Etty Davis, Counsellor and Psychotherapist, discussed the role of ‘negative’ emotions in facing loss and how they can be harnessed to help.

In ‘Bridging the Gap Between Rabbi and Medical Professional, Mr Y M Adler raised awareness of relevant halocha in pregnancy and for those seeking medical advice for infertility.

Rebbetzin Y Weiss, a long-time kalla teacher, highlighted the value for kallas of having and seeing positive relationships, and Rabbi Y A Sofer discussed what parents can do to help their children have successful marriages.

A fascinating overview of fertility and some of the causes of sub-fertility was

21 JANUARY 2021

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delivered by Dr D Polson, Consultant Gynaecologist, while Dr L Mohiyiddeen, Consultant Gynaecologist, was happy to share advice and information on reducing the risk of miscarriage.

People with PCOS had the opportunity to hear Prof A Balen, Professor of Reproductive Medicine, provide detailed information about the condition and advice for managing symptoms.

Representing the field of nutrition were Grace Dugdale, who addressed the relationship between nutrition and PCOS, and Dr M Glenville, who spoke about the role of nutrition in managing endometriosis and preventing miscarriage.

For those moving beyond childbearing years, the pros and cons of HRT were outlined by Dr M Seif, Consultant Gynaecologist, and Caroline Jagger, Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse, discussed bone health.

Dr A Kostic, Consultant Gynaecologist, shared vital information for women of all ages about risk, symptoms and treatment of reproductive malignancies.

Manchester’s ladies demonstrated a real thirst for knowledge. Every lecture was ‘well attended’, even those at less convenient times of day and, despite some initial issues with the telephone access, listeners were undeterred and persevered. Time constraints meant questions couldn’t be asked live, but they can still be submitted and the medical professionals are happy for their answers to be posted on the website.

Those who missed the event will be glad to hear that you can still access the lectures by visiting www.kivisi.live. For those without internet access, there will be a telephone platform coming soon. Donations can be made on Kivisi’s main website www.kivisi.com.

Once again, Kivisi has proved itself to be a true community organisation.

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Sefer Recall Re: translation by Eliyahu Munk of ‘Or HaChaim’ Daas Torah has been consulted regarding the 3rd paragraph ‘a close look .......... moral preachings’ of the ‘editor’s introduction’ (signed Eliyahu Munk) in the above work and has found it to contain apikorsus and has therefore ruled that this entire translation of ‘Or HaChaim’ be withdrawn from the market immediately.

If further details are required please write c/o the address below.

It is suggested, in light of the above, Daas Torah should be consulted regarding the many other translations by Eliyahu Munk.

14 Marston Road Salford M7 4ER Manchester

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Monday 25 January, 7:30pm

"Turning the Desert Green"

Join Rebbetzen Freda Kaplan as she explores the world of farming in the Land of Israel

Wednesday 27 January, 8:00pm

"The Birthday of the Trees"

Ahead of Tu B'Shevat, in partnership with the JNF we will delve into the importance of planting trees in Israel with particular focus on the Lord Sacks forest

Thursday 28 January, 1:30pm

"Why is this fruit different from all other fruits?"

Enjoy a variety of unique and tasty fruits as Rabbi David Mason of Muswell Hill United Synagogue takes us through a traditional Tu B'Shevat Seder

All available to watch live or on-demand on www.TheUS.tv THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

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Staying safe and virtually active is keeping us going They say variety is the spice of life and this has never been truer as it is today. Whilst we’ve been staying at home, many of us have found that joining a variety of online activities helps to maintain our interests and connections with others and relieves isolation.

Retired GP, 92-year-old, Dr David Ryde, is a fellow of the Royal College of General Practice. Dr David is married, a keen sportsman, he was the team doctor at numerous Maccabi Games. Dr Ryde learned during his career that older people can become bored and depressed at home, so decided to stave off boredom and depression by keeping himself engaged and busy in a variety of activities. Dr Ryde previously enjoyed going along to Jewish Care’s Supportive Communities Chatty Café prior to the pandemic. Now, he likes to attend both the Chatty Café and Chaps that Chat on Zoom.

David says, “There’s a great variety of things I do during the day, such as speaking to my family, doing a Suduko or crossword, reading a book, going for a walk and watching educational television programmes. I also like the company on the Zooms. It helps me to maintain my interests and it really does pass the time of day.

I have old friends in my life, and at Chaps That Chat and Chatty Café, I’ve made new friends too.”

There is a growing audience for the Chatty Café and the other Supportive Communities groups run by Jewish Care, like Chaps That Chat, the new Woman’s Hour and Knit, Stitch and Natter. Alison Smardina who runs the groups, says, “The range of Supportive Communities groups enable older people to socialise with others online, matching their interests while they are staying at home. They can join them either by telephone or online and feel more connected and less alone.”

Gloria Saville, who previously worked in fundraising at Jewish Care, is a new client to Supportive Communities since the pandemic. Gloria says, “The groups are a real G-d send and help me to feel less isolated

Eveline Baer resident at Jewish Care Sidney Corob House

when I am on my own in-between carers coming in.

“I get a real sense of companionship when I connect with people my own age at the different groups. We’ve all been through the war and we’re in the same boat now, so we have a lot in common with one another.

Since Jewish Care’s community centres cannot physically re-open yet, Bernard Ecker, 88, taught himself to get on Zoom, with a little help from his grandchildren.

He now attends a number of Jewish Care’s Zoom-based activities.

He says, “I hope Zoom is here to stay.

It’s fantastic for people who are staying at home for all sorts of reasons. You can talk to people at home all over the world and close by. You can see them, hear them and even see their homes and sometimes their pets and families.

“I would never have been able to do that before Zoom and I might have thought twice about travelling to a group that was

Shacharit being held outside under cover in the Beis Menachem Lubavitch car park, Broughton Park, Salford.

Shacharit under cover

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

further away in the past, now I can just join them from home.”

Jeanette, who joined the Knit, Stitch and Natter groups, says, “I lost my husband three months ago. Knitting and the group takes my mind off it and I find it very therapeutic. It helps me that I have something to look forward to.”

The online community services are helping older people in the community who are facing loneliness and isolation.

There is also support available from the Jewish Care Social Work and Community Support team as well as Jewish Bereavement Counselling Services.

The Zoom gatherings can help to make each day different; taking up something new can help us to grow, and as Jeanette says, take our minds off our troubles, whether it be chatting on a social group, knitting something new or learning the ukulele.

You can also join audiences of more than 100 members of the community on

JC Presents online to see speakers and entertainment activities, building a sense of community for older people online that would never have dreamed of this time last year. You can cultivate a greater appreciation of the art world, take virtual tours and see speakers with a wide range of online events with Jewish Care Presents.

Audiences recently visited the Wallace Collection and London theatres, to get a virtual breath of fresh air. Fitness and dance classes, as well as meditation sessions are helping to support people’s physical and mental health. Supporting people with memory loss or living with dementia and their carers, Jewish Care’s Singing Together programme also continues regularly online.

To help support all members of the community, regardless of their technological ability, Jewish Care provides digital support for community members who would like assistance with joining the virtual community events and groups. Max Bianconi, Jewish Care’s Digital Engagement Lead, says, “I really enjoy my role in supporting older people in the community who are isolated at home to get set up online. It’s a great feeling when I see they have learned to connect with and take part in online activities independently. It helps them to be more engaged and access what’s available and also means they can speak to other people in the same situation and see their family and friends online.”

Jewish Care will also continue to support the community’s older members with the delivery of hot, kosher Meals on Wheels and with telephone and online befrienders throughout and beyond the pandemic, as demand for these services continues to grow.

To find out more about Jewish Care’s virtual services contact jcpresents@jcare. org or call 020 8418 2114.

For advice and support, call the Jewish Care Helpline on 020 8922 2222 or email helpline@jcare.org

Board raises mental health profile The Board of Deputies raised the profile of mental health in the Jewish community on Monday.

The event supported Jami’s forthcoming Mental Health Awareness Shabbat.

The online event featured Laurie Rackind, Jami chief executive.

Judy Silkoff, Board of Deputies director of operations, spoke as a parent carer. “I hope that by telling my family’s personal story, I can give other families who are just starting out on a similar journey hope for the future,” she said.

Debby Klein, a service user and

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consultant, also took part, together with regional Jewish community representative Sandi Mann, JAMH clinical lead.

Panellists discussed how mental health services have had to be adapted to suit current times. The panel was opened by the Board’s Vice President Edwin Shuker.

“We hope the conversation will play a part in removing the stigma and discrimination which is preventing too many people from seeking much needed support,” Shuker said.

Union of Jewish Students President James Harris closed the event.

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#inittogether

22 FEATURE

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From the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON One has to give Alexei Navalny his due. Such a brave individual to step back into the heart of the lion's den, where Russian prison officials detained him on arrival last weekend, as they promised they would. With five months now having passed since his poisoning in Siberia, and subsequent extraction to Germany, he told reporters on arrival it 'was the happiest day of his life' {to be back home}. He was met by supporters, his wife, and by Konstantin Kotok, a fellow activist, who described Navalny as a "fearless person." Foreign leaders Jacqueline Curzon have condemned his subsequent arPHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY rest, with hundreds of his supporters joining the protest, standing outside the police station in temperatures of -20C. His team has now released a 90-minute YouTube video showing an investigation into Putin's wealth and his palace on the Black Sea, replete with 3D visualisation and floor plans. The team say they were given behaviour as 'concealment of information.' these by a disenchanted contractor. NavThe school countered that he was in fact alny has smuggled a message out from jail dismissed for posting derogatory social which read, 'I refuse to keep silent about the media comments, but at tribunal his posts shameless lies of Putin and his friends who had not shown any 'indication of disloyalty.' are mired in corruption. Why do we have to Employment Judge Tudor Garmon upheld put up with this?' His team then issued a list his claim for both wrongful and unfair disof 8 people including Andrei Kostin, Roman missal. In a different case Colin Sorby won a Abramovich and Alisher Usmanov, who race discrimination claim after being told by live luxurious lives, whilst remaining loyal his employer Azeem Akhtar that he should to Putin. This revelation is deeply worrying, 'go and work for an English company.' He mostly for Navalny whose total lack of fear was told that 'he was English, not Asian and could put him in irrevocable jeopardy. therefore didn't know how to cook food Jeremy Clarkson, famous for his appearproperly.' The Tribunal found in his favour ance on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, and compensation is to be decided at a later and one of the most highly paid tv personhearing. alities, has been vilified for his outrageous A third tribunal, this one in Ireland, has comments relating to the scandal of food ordered a Starbucks outlet to pay €12,000 to packages for low income families. Readers Suchavadee Foley, after a new employee will recall that Marcus Rashford, footballer, drew a quick emoji style image on the philanthropist and anti-poverty activist drew cup as she was unable to spell [Foley's] first our attention to the deplorable standard of name. After received her order, she was these poor value packages. Clarkson wrote offered vouchers by way of compensation, on his blog [Sunday Times, 17 Jan] that he instead bringing a claim for racial discrimiwas fed up with people 'whingeing' about nation. Artists beware! them, outrageously saying that a woman Moving on to this week’s news and derequesting to be given supermarket vouchvelopments in vaccines now. A brand new ers instead of the food boxes was “presum£158 million Vaccines Manufacturing and ably doing it so that she could exchange it at Innovation Centre is being set up in Oxthe supermarket for fags and scratchcards.” fordshire, which aims to be able to produce What a disgusting remark for anyone to enough vaccine against further coronavirus make, far less from someone privileged strains for the whole country, when it opens enough to reportedly survive on a meagre at the end of 2021. In further news relating £14 million per year. If this was an attempt to financial transparency, management at humour, it was in appalling taste. I have consultants employed by the government, never known any decent person speak in such a vile manner about others. We can see paid over £15 million, have been severely criticised for deciding that the 24/7 intended Rashford is not just younger, fitter and a role model with backbone; he is an inspiration to rollout programme is unworkable, based on the present catchment age. Test and Trace everyone. gets a blasting for employing over 2,300 conAn interesting run of tribunals have made sultants at a staggering cost of £375 million. the press, the first of which was a school It's a system still open to abuse, with people undergoing an Ofsted inspection, 'hid' its able to decline to give accurate contacts. We unruly students out on their squash courts. watch with interest to see how the quaranGed Thomas, at Berwick Academy, claimed tine system being introduced at airports will he was dismissed for revealing this to the contain virus transmission.

Ofsted team, who described the school's

Don't hesitate….

Let's Vaccinate!

New guidance explains that cancer patients and the clinically vulnerable are in line for vaccinations from the 18th January. It's a welcome move, but from a personal perspective I predicted I would end up with the wretched covid virus, likely before a vaccine would be offered. And now my nightmare has come true…. I found out this week I was positive myself. The only sign that anything was amiss was a tiny intermittent cough, nothing like the wracking, protracted cough of the person typically with covid. But this is scary enough, for - like anyone else in the community - the spectre of A&E, ICU, ventilators and possible despatch to a final resting place, looms large and unpredictable. Now I have to sit tight and wait to see if I will thrive and survive, or not. I can only hope that my diligence in keeping up with my alternative treatments might be of some counteractive benefit to a virus which is unselective and unforgiving with its victims. Sir Simon Stevens, CEO of the NHS - who promised us a 24/7 programme - has stated that a covid patient is admitted to hospital every 30 seconds, with over 37,500 beds currently occupied by covid cases, a vastly different scenario to April 2020, which had a peak of 18,000. The Nuffield Trust reports that there are around 111,000 hospital beds in England, which make these numbers of huge concern.

Somewhat concerning research from Professor Kamlesh Khunti, University of Leicester indicates that up to 30% of recovered patients with severe covid will be readmitted within 6 months, and may have a more serious outcome, including developing long covid, heart, lung and liver conditions. He advocates people being put on protective therapies such as statins and aspirin, speculating that covid may interfere with beta cells which may cause insulin resistance.

Although the rise we have seen in recent cases may not initially prove fatal, the pressure on the NHS system is unarguably intense. Ambulance staff and first responders are becoming increasingly terrified as they feel inadequately protected with upgraded PPE. With waiting times outside A&E in some cases approaching 12 hours, any delay in getting patients to hospital is a further obstacle we could do without. One such problem relates to a scheme called School Street Road Closure, which was introduced

by TfL in January 2018. They have now funded 430 such schemes, with many more in place across the UK. School Streets, which close roads to vehicles at critical drop and collect times, and are designed to reduce air pollution, has upset Hatzola, our wonderful highly trained volunteer organisation, who have reported their response times have been impacted by such road closures, especially where minutes matter. Hatzola are a critical force in easing the stress on the London Ambulance Service (LAS). Let’s see if TfL might suspend School Streets for the

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present, in the name of Saving Lives.

Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, has said lifting of lockdown across the UK is unlikely before March, whilst the PM indicated that this process would be gradual, likely on a region by region basis. Up in Scotland, lockdown has been extended until at least the middle of February, with most pupils to continue home-schooling. Nicola Sturgeon announced this week that transmission of the virus appeared to be declining but was still too high to ease the level 4 restrictions which have been in place since Boxing Day. In an interesting turn of phrase, she described the UK government's request to withhold sensitive data on devolved vaccine allocation, as a 'hissy fit.' Now, there's a quote which might well outlive her premiership…. Keith Brown, her deputy leader, has also complained to the BBC that they feel excluded from Covid broadcasts, despite the fact the First Minister is already giving a daily address, which is shared on national media.

Perhaps she just needs a higher stage?

A recent finding by The Telegraph [20 Jan] shows some areas of the UK have still received no vaccines, whilst others are racing ahead. Sandwich in Kent, in one of the highest incidence areas, has yet to receive any vaccines. NHS data reveals as a further example, that 1 in 20 people in London, versus 1 in 12 in Yorkshire, have been vaccinated, which raises questions on quotas. They have also reported that some councils are securing vaccinations for 1000s of their staff, ahead of the over70s, in direct breach of the JCVI directive which states 'only those social care workers looking after clinically vulnerable adults and children should receive it.' In a joint letter Cambridgeshire and Peterborough councils both told 28,000 of their Early Years staff they had an agreement to provide them with vaccines. The NHS has intervened to stop this, but it does show a cavalier attitude to both due process and people prioritised by health professionals.

As an example, my aged mother-in-law (93) has still not been called. Why not? Is it because of a failure by her GP, or because of a possible supply issue, perhaps created by behaviour such as that above? She has been unfortunate enough to also contract covid, and survive. But be clear, some may die unnecessarily because of these decisions.

I mentioned Britain's oldest identical twins a few weeks back. Doris Hobday and Lilian Cox (96) had both become ill with coronavirus. Neither had been called for their vaccine. Doris has just died, only a few days from a position of clinical safety, according to her family. We wish her sister a safe and complete recovery. For a rare moment, I must include myself with a request for a refuah shelaima.

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

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COOKERY 23

Date & Cauliflower Salad The cauliflower cooked with saffron gives the most amazing aromatic flavour and colour. If you are not a great fan of barley, substitute with cous cous, quinoa, pasta or freekeh. Straightforward to make, it is a tasty salad with all the flavours Medjool dates, barley, olives to celebrate Tu B’Shvat.

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

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time 40 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients 1 cauliflower, broken into 1 inch pieces 2 tablespoons boiling water 1 pinch saffron 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 red onion, thinly sliced 150g pearl barley 300ml vegetable stock 1/2 lemon, juice only 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus extra to garnish 4 Medjool dates, stoned and finely chopped 70g green olives – pitted preferably with herbs and garlic 3 tablespoons of olive oil salt black pepper Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6 2. Mix the saffron with the boiling water in a large bowl. Toss with the cauliflower, 1 tbsp of the olive oil, the smoked paprika and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Add the onion and mix again

Tu B’Shvat

BY DENISE PHILLIPS On Thursday 28 January, we celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the festival of trees. Tu B’Shvat means 15th Shvat but the number 15 also refers to the name of G-d which connects the physical to the spiritual side of this world and the next. Many people celebrate by eating 15 different types of different fruits, to honour the land of Israel especially the 7 biblical species – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

It was also a date set up for tithing of fruit and the date defining the end of the fruit crop of the previous year.

Tu B’Shvat, has many different traditions and customs. During the Middle Ages, the Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Lurie of Safed instituted a Tu B’Shvat Seder which has been recently revived and practised by many Jews, religious and secular. The main idea was to eat different fruits and drink 4 cups of wine according to their season.

So, the first cup of wine is pure white representing winter. The second cup is either rose or white wine with a splash of red representing spring, the third cup is mainly red with a little white wine, a darker pink colour symbolic of summer and finally the fourth cup of wine is totally red to represent the full redness of autumn.

In Kabbalism (Jewish mysticism) the fruits that one eats, dried or fresh, can be divided up from lower or more physical higher or more spiritual, as follows:

• Fruits and nuts with hard, inedible exteriors and soft edible insides, such as oranges, bananas, walnuts, and pistachios. Note that some count oranges and other citrus as wholly edible, in keeping with the interpretation of the etrog as being on the highest level.

• Fruits and nuts with soft exteriors, but with a hard pit inside, such as dates, apricots, olives and persimmons • Fruit that is eaten whole, such as figs and berries.

Today in Israel, Tu B’Shvat is a day for considering nature – especially trees – a day of environmental awareness where trees are planted in celebration.

Another festival custom suggested that when a baby was born, the parents planted a tree in its honour on the Tu B’Shvat following the child’s birth. If the baby was a boy, a cedar tree was planted and if it was a girl, a cypress tree was planted. As the children grew so did the tree and when the children got married, the wood was used to make their chuppah. As two trees were joined in the chuppah so were the bride and groom in their marriage. Today a popular practice is to recite fifteen Psalms for the Trees - Psalm 120 to Psalm 135. A person is like a tree in the field and good trees bear good fruits. From good roots come a stable upbringing and from a small shoot you can learn and grow.

Above I have a recipe which is perfect for this fruity festival.

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3. Spread the cauliflower and onion out on a large baking tray and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and slightly crispy around the edges 4. Meanwhile cook the pearl barley in simmering vegetable stock for around 20 minutes or until soft. When ready, drain and set aside 5. When the cauliflower is cooked add the barley, lemon juice, parsley, dates and olives to the roasting tray and mix well to combine. Drizzle over the remaining olive oil and mix well 6. To serve, divide the barley salad between bowls and garnish with the extra chopped parsley. Serve immediately, or chill and eat cold – ideal for Shabbat lunch too!

24 JUDAISM

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com JOINING THE BRITISH ARMY

Dear Rabbi In 1952-54 I was in the RAF and suffered no discrimination. The Rev Saul Amias was our chaplain and the Board of Deputies provided kosher food parcels for those who applied. However on balance I do not think it is a good career move for a Jewish Boy. May I say that I always enjoy your answers and comments.

Terry Dear Terry Thank you for sharing that and thank you for your service. It is encouraging to know that such support was available then as I am sure it is all the more so now.

What better a way to confirm my opinion than through someone with first-hand experience.

IS MENTAL HEALTH A SOCIAL STIGMA?

Dear Rabbi I know this weekend is mental health Shabbat which will only get acknowledged in some circles over others. Do you think there is still too much stigma associated with mental health?

Charlotte Dear Charlotte I hosted a special mental health zoom event earlier this week with an illustrious panel. Prior to the event someone mentioned to me that they would not be attending because in doing so people might assume that they have mental health concerns. For one thing, the mere fact that someone in the midst of this pandemic says that they haven’t endured any mental health issues, is, at best, in a state of denial. I do not

believe anyone has emerged unscathed. Second, some of the panellists that I interviewed were very forthright about the exponential increase in clientele.

One mental health charity head spoke of 170% increase in demand for their services. Another, top psychiatrist also spoke of an increase in people seeking help.

This, they both maintain, is not necessarily indicative of new people with new problems, but also with more people feeling confident to come forth and talk about their problems. While that aforementioned person was too concerned to join the evening lest they be labelled, 130 people did join in, were not concerned, and that says it all.

The soul is our finest asset. As a result of misdeeds we sully it and before it is to bask in the euphoria of Divine pleasure before the King of Kings it may have to undergo a cleansing process in order to ensure its pristine state.

Different people may require different forms and varied lengths of purging but ultimately with the same intended end result.

Once cleansed, heaven awaits.

WHY NO MALE WEDDING RING?

DO JEWS BELIEVE IN HELL?

Dear Rabbi, Is there a policy or custom relating to Jewish men wearing wedding rings? I am getting married soon, and would like to know if there is any halachic background on the topic?

Michael

Dear Jerome One thing Jews cannot believe in is the principle of hell because hell implies eternal damnation as per the Christian concept, and Jews do not believe in that.

In fact in Hebrew we refer to it as Gehenum – or in English, Purgatory. The general purpose of Purgatory is, like its namesake, in order to purge the soul. To cleanse it of its misdeeds. You don’t go into the palace with a stain on your shirt. It’s your finest shirt and you’ll do all you can to clean it – whatever it takes to have the stain removed and return the shirt into pristine state, thus being able to access the palace.

Dear Michael Cynics say there are three rings: Engagement ring, wedding ring, and suffe-ring. Technically, the groom needs only to give the bride a gift of value. He could give her a mobile phone or a blender and, Mazal Tov, they’re married - (though not for long, if he tries that!). The significance of a ring in particular is symbolic of many spiritual concepts and truths, as mentioned already in sources as early as the Zohar.

The betrothal through giving a ring is the process by which the groom is acquiring exclusive rights to his bride’s hand in marriage. Thus the ring isn’t merely a sentimental gift given to the beloved; it actually effects the “transaction”. If the bride then gives a ring to her groom in return, the legal transaction implied by the groom giving

Dear Rabbi What is the Jewish perspective on hell? Do we believe in it in the way other religions do?

Jerome

Pirkei Avot

by G-d the same way that you treat people. If you are tight fisted when it comes to money, stingy and not a nice person to deal with then that’s how you will be treated in the Olam Haemet, in the same way.

That’s why it is so important to try and let things go as much as possible in this world. If we sweep things under the carpet so will Hashem.

The Weiss edition Pirkei Avot points out a beautiful example of this. When Yosef personally took care of his father Yaakov’s body, he wanted to show people that the greatest man of his generation had honoured him.

He in turn was honoured by Moshe Rabbenu an even greater man looking after him!

And best of all, when Moshe died Hashem himself took care of his body and burial, which we still haven’t seen until this very day.

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It is important, especially in matters with long-lasting ramifications such as a wedding, that we put aside our own desires and ask ourselves, what is the Torah really asking of me, and what is the law?

It is only in the last century or so that the custom of Jewish men wearing rings became prevalent.

If the bride feels that she must give a ring to her groom, it may possibly be done after the Chupah is over, in private.

Finally, Jewish marriage is known as “kiddushin,” which means holiness. A Jewish bride and groom elevate themselves to new heights of holiness by going through a proper Jewish wedding ceremony. Getting married in a manner that is fully in keeping with Jewish law is the best way to start out your life together with blessings and happiness!

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

For a refuah Shalema for Yitzchak Refoel Chaim ben Rifka

‫ ַאף הּוא ָר ָאה גֻ לְ ּגֹלֶ ת ַא ַחת ֶׁש ָּצ ָפה‬We see in this Mishnah a very impor,‫ ַעל ַּד ֲא ֵט ְפ ְּת‬,‫ ָא ַמר לָ ּה‬.‫ ַעל ְּפנֵ י ַה ַּמיִ ם‬tant principle in how Hashem treats :‫ ְוסֹוף ְמ ַטיְ ָפיִ ְך יְ טּופּון‬.‫ ַא ְטפּוְך‬people in this world. You are treated (Hillel) also saw a skull floating on the face of the water. He said to it: because you drowned others, they drowned you. And in the end, they that drowned you will be drowned.

the bride a ring has now been matched one for one, and thereby cancelled. Her status remains unchanged. It is as if the bride has not received anything at all, or as if she has given back the gift.

Of course you might argue about the feelings and intentions in exchanging rings. What if the bride has in mind that she is giving a ring simply to express her profound love for her groom, and not for any legal purpose?

Nevertheless, a) the external factor is quite compelling.

While one couple may have this intention, another may not. b) When dealing with a ceremony as sensitive and important as marriage – a ceremony whose ramifications will (hopefully) affect all future generations, we want to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

Perek 2: Mishna 6

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Torah from Israel

21 JANUARY 2021

Our Story

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN Redemption was well under way as the entire country of Egypt had been ravaged by interminable calamities. Once a superpower capable of supporting the entire planet, the Egyptian empire was gradually reduced to rubble. Moshe’s fame was quickly spreading throughout Egypt as popular opinion swung against Pharo’s inflexible policies. However, despite all this rapid change, the Jews remained muted and sidelined. Before the makkot began, the Jews were incapable of rallying around Moshe’s call to freedom; they were burdened by their bondage and their spirit was too compressed to believe in a future vision. During the first seven makkot they were invisible. How would this incapacitated people be awakened to the accelerating redemption?

The opening verses of parshat Bo provides the solution: the Jews are directed to study the final three makkot, and to retell this “story” to their children and grandchildren. Somehow this promise of “storytelling” awakens the spirit of the slaves, frees their imagination, and galvanizes them into redemptive mode. By the end of parshat Bo, the Jews have defied their tormenters by sacrificing a Pesach offering, and they ultimately march from Egypt with arms stretched to heaven in triumph.

Telling their story has transformed them.

People are always transformed when they sense that their lives are part of a ‘larger story’. Generally, stories are told about and epic events with consequential outcomes; stories rarely speak of common or humdrum moments of daily life. By viewing our lives as part of a larger story we realize the value or import of our behavior and the magnitude of our decisions.

Additionally, stories contain a “narrative flow” of related chapters. A snapshot provides an isolated image whereas a story is a presents a current of different sections.

A particular chapter in a story is shaped by previous chapters and will determine the arch of future chapters. Framing our lives as part of a larger story connects our individual lives to the heroes of the past and the unknown inheritors of our future. Living life as part of a “story” lends heft as well as verticality to our personal experiences.

The midrash comments upon the lukewarm attempts of Reuven to rescue Yosef from murderous brothers. Rather than swiftly spiriting Yosef out of harm’s way, Reuven tarries, and, ultimately, Yosef is unloaded. Had Reuven realized that the Torah would document his efforts to save Yosef, the midrash asserts, he would have

carried his brother on his very own shoulders to safety. Sadly, Reuven didn’t realize that this moment was historic and that his decision would shape a larger story. Had Reuven sensed the gravitas of the moment he would have acted more courageously and more definitely.

Retelling this dramatic story of slavery and redemption transformed their ‘empty lives’ of slaves into historic lives of freemen. Slaves exist in perpetual “survival mode” empty of any larger meaning.

Telling their story to future generations of Jewish conferred meaning and historical sweep to the lives of this newly minted nation. Hearing that they would bear grandchildren signaled the launching of a process which would ripple far beyond their lifetimes and far beyond the sands of the looming desert. This idea that their lives were in fact a “story” liberated their crushed spirits, unleashed their trapped imagination, and instigated their role in the redemption from Egypt.

Each generation has its distinctive challenges. One hundred years ago, immigrants arriving in the West struggled to observe Shabbat in a six-day work week. Subsequent generations battled against trends of secularization and the weakening of Halachik fidelity. Thankfully, the past 30 years has witnessed a revival of religious interest and an uptick in religious observance. Perhaps our current struggle lies in acknowledging that our lives are part of a larger story of the Jews.

In past generations, persecution of Jews created an immediate “alliance” with past chapters of the Jewish story which also were characterized by discrimination and suffering. Thankfully, the world has turned friendlier toward Jews making it difficult for many to sense the contemporary chapter of this story of the Jews.

Furthermore, Jews have now become part of many ‘alternate’ stories: Jews now see themselves as authors of the story of democracy, of science, of modern culture, of social justice, and of many other stories.

Many of these ‘agendas’ can be viewed as part of the larger “Jewish story”, but often they are ‘read’ as separate storylines, unrelated to our common Jewish story. An additional challenge to viewing our lives as part of the Jewish story is the wealth and comfort which our communities has acquired. Wealth and material comfort impact our personal lives and certainly empower us to achieve more important goals. However, the pursuit of material comfort per se, isn’t part of any “larger story”. It is a very fleeting and individual value and threatens to sever us from any

Thankfully, the past 30 years has witnessed a revival of religious interest and an uptick in religious observance. larger story beyond our own narrow lives.

Perhaps, our generation should give some thought toward restoring our ability to place our lives within this larger story.

In some ways the corona crisis (and the hopefully conclusion of this pandemic) can help us appreciate that our lives are part of a story. This experience will be studied extensively over the next twenty years and this story will profoundly impact our culture, our economics our politics and many other sectors of our society. Living through an event of this sweep and magnitude should help us envision our lives as part of a larger story of human history.

A few weeks ago, our generation lost its greatest spokesman of Judaism- Rabbi Sacks z”l. He reminded Jews that “our” story is also “their” story. For the past two thousand years our eternal story seemed peripheral to the more “prevailing” story of humanity at large. Rabbi Sacks eloquently articulated that the Jewish story was a microcosm of the larger story of humanity. The Jewish odyssey provided vital messages for the larger narrative of humanity. Rabbi Sacks reminded us that Jews live an eternal story which is also a universal story. This reminder should also make it easier for us to align our lives with the story of the Jews. This is the story of all

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humankind throughout all eras; we are expected to be part of this grand story.

Of course, having returned to the land in which this entire story began also helps. Recently Rabbi Yehuda Henkin, an important Israeli Rabbinic leader passed.

Tragically, in 2015, his son and daughterin-law were murdered in a terrorist attack in front of their four children. I visited his wife Chana during her shiva. Having pioneered women’s learning through her institution called Nishmat, she was visited by many ‘comforters’. A group of seminary girls visited, and Mrs. Henkin addressed the group by asking how books of Tanach were written. A girl responded correctly that there were twenty-four. At which point Mrs. Henkin corrected her “There are now twenty-five books. Our people are writing a new book and it details the return of the Jews to their ancient homeland. My children are written in that book”. Living in this new era of Jewish history we must be able to view our lives as part of that Book.

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

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Weekly Dvar Torah FR O M ER ETZ Y I S RA E L

The redemption from Egypt and our personal redemption

BY RAV YOSEF ZVI RIMON One of the main characteristics of the redemption from Egypt is the haste: “This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly: it is a Passover offering to the L-rd” (Shemot 12:11).

What is the meaning of this haste? Why is it emphasized as the central characteristic of the Exodus?

Haste expresses something which does not occur through a slow and gradual process. Process represents nature, but haste represents what is above nature.

Therefore, the Exodus, which was a Divine, supernatural process, occurred hastily; that is why G-d passes over the houses and why matzah is made quickly.

However, this understanding of the meaning of Israel’s redemption raises a question, in light of the words of the prophet Yeshayahu: “For you will not depart in haste, nor will you leave in flight; for the L-rd is marching before you” (Yeshayahu 52:12).

Chazal in the Mechilta (Bo, 7:42) attributed these verses to the future redemption.

This difference between the redemption from Egypt and the future redemption is discussed by the Maharal and Rav Kook, who explain that specifically the future redemption – the redemption of process, not haste – is greater. Why? The meaning of haste is that the redemption is supernatural, not suitable for the actions of this world. Therefore, the world fails to absorb the power, the Divine message, of the redemption, so its influence over the world is partial.

The future redemption is a redemption of process. A redemption that is built slowly, step by step. This redemption stems from human attainment and occurs naturally, in such a way that the world can internalize and absorb its light. There was a necessity for a supernatural redemption from Egypt, in order to bring power to the world which would otherwise be inaccessible naturally. Now, our role is to slowly internalize redemption within the frame of nature. That is why this redemption succeeds in actualizing the Divine message, to

turn natural reality into G-dliness.

Natural redemption is accompanied by difficulties and obstacles. However, the difficulties and obstacles do not teach how small the redemption is; just the opposite. The difficulties teach redemption’s connection with reality and the struggle to influence and enlighten the world.

Therefore, in describing the future redemption, Chazal did not search for miraculous or supernatural descriptions; they described it naturally.

In Masechet Sanhedrin (98a) Chazal state that there is no greater sign that the redemption has arrived than when Israel’s trees give forth fruit. The normal life of Jews in Israel and the blossoming of the Land are sure signs of redemption. The advancements, developments and perfections built gradually are the true signs of the future redemption.

The stories of Israel before the pioneers arrived are of an Israel where the gentiles were unable to grow anything until the Jews arrived and succeeded, Baruch Hashem, in making the wilderness bloom. These kinds of stories exist in our days as well.

When they still lived there, I asked the farmers in Gush Katif (who we’ve helped through the JobKatif project) how the greenhouses were doing. They told me that their Arab workers who worked in the greenhouses called them every few days to cry that they themselves were unable to grow anything. This is a clear sign that Chazal gave us for the future redemption – Eretz Yisrael blossoms only for Am Yisrael.

We must be happy and give thanks that, Baruch Hashem, we have merited to be part of this great and wondrous process, to see with our own eyes the progress of the process of redemption. We must remember that even the difficulties are an expression of the greatness of our redemption, and pray that we merit its entirety soon.

Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon is Founder and Chairman of Sulamot, and serves as Rosh Yeshiva of Lev Academic Center (JCT) and Rabbi of Alon Shvut South. He is the head of World Mizrachi’s educational advisory board and a member of Mizrachi’s Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

A Torah bite for the Shabbat table

Lights, camera, action!

RABBI GOODMAN Our dreams and aspirations make us human. Inspiring us with ambition, passion, and motivation, they enable us to impact ourselves and the world around us in a positive and constructive way. Yet, like professional marksmen we shoot down our dreams before they have even hatched with two devastating words: “I can’t.” (Not to be confused with “I Kant” – Immanuel Kant - an influential Prussian German philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment. Baptized Emanuel, he later changed his name to Immanuel after learning Hebrew.)

Bringing dreams to fruition requires a generous dose of self-confidence, a rare commodity in a world whose definition of “self” pivots around status, money, and the size of your waistline. Lack of self-confidence is a self-perpetuating poisonous condition that robs the world of the greatness of the human spirit.

Tackling low self-esteem is a tricky business. Words of confidence rarely empower a diffident person; on the contrary, a diffident person will manipulate

words of confidence to reinforce their lack of confidence. In reference to this week’s Parsha, the Sefer HaChinuch, a monumental work on the 613 Mitzvos published anonymously in thirteenth century Spain, provides a fundamental insight into the working of the human mind and by extension, the key to gaining self-confidence.

The Sefer HaChinuch describes how several of the Mitzvos related to the consumption of the Pascal Lamb reflect the Jewish People’s liberated and exalted status. The Torah commands us not to break any of the lamb’s bones – free men do not eat ravenously; nor to take away leftovers – food is readily available for royalty; and to eat the lamb roasted – aristocracy’s preferred choice of cuisine.

The Sefer HaChinuch explains how

these Mitzvos find root in the principle of “Adam Nifal K’fi Pe’ulosav” – ‘Man is stirred by his actions.’ Our behavior directly affects the way we think and consequently our self-perception. By eating like free men on that wondrous night of salvation, after 210 years of bitter slavery, our freedom began to permeate our hearts. Instead of leaving Egypt with shackled minds, we left Egypt as free men both in body and spirit.

If you are having trouble realizing your dreams and aspirations, step over your low self-esteem and feign the person you want to be. If you would like to feel spiritual, then act more spiritual. If you would like to feel love for someone, then act as if you love them. At first you may feel strange and even fraudulent but in a short time, with Hashem’s help, you

If you are having trouble realizing your dreams and aspirations, step over your low self-esteem and feign the person you want to be.

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will become that person and never look back. Never sell yourself short and never underestimate what you can achieve. The stage is yours – let the show begin.

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

He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com

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Bo RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

THE CELESTIAL TUG OF WAR

In the Book of Exodus the Torah changes.

It no longer concentrates on individual life stories. Now there is a new dimension, a new backdrop – national and international politics. Yes, there are personal elements, biographical details, stories within a story.

We encounter Moses the individual, Aaron the individual, Pharaoh the individual, Pharaoh’s daughter the individual… but there is a context. One people and its leader are in a tug of war against another people and its leader.

Each people has its deity. Moses and the Israelites are not their own masters. Their higher Master is G-d. Pharaoh and the Egyptians also have a religious dimension, made even more complicated because Pharaoh himself is regarded as at least partly divine.

A pattern emerges which develops and plays out throughout the subsequent centuries. The battle is not limited to earthly considerations. When the Jews struggle for their freedom and rights it is part of a higher struggle between the G-d of Israel and the religions of the environment.

That isn’t all. It is not so much the Jewish G-d against the G-ds of others but the Jewish Elokim against the gentile Elilim, the no-G-ds.

MIXED MULTITUDE

When eventually the Hebrew slaves left Egypt, a “mixed multitude” (erev rav) went with them (Ex. 12:38).

There is a connection between this erev and the one that means “evening”.

The underlying meaning is “to mix”.

Evening is a mixture of day and night; that’s why the Evening Service is Arvit or Ma’ariv, because at the end of the daylight hours G-d mixes (ma’ariv) the light and the darkness: then the day recedes and night takes over.

In the story of the Exodus the Hebrews might have fled with a motley group of outsiders, which the Targum calls nuchra’in, strangers. These people took the opportunity to escape, though the Midrash has views that the mixture was of insects (Sh’mot Rabbah 11).

Rashbam says the mixture was of fierce animals, particularly wolves, because animals such as wolves hunt in packs.

THE DIVINE NAME

The sidra begins by saying that despite the Divine names which figure in the Torah hitherto, we now find the people perceiving the Almighty by the four-letter name which we render HaShem (Ex. 6:3).

Yet surely that name was already known from the previous chapters of Sh’mot and all the more so from the Book of B’reshit!

Maybe until now the names of G-d were

just names, but now the people have existed long enough to realise the significance of each name – in particular that Elokim denotes Divine power and HaShem denotes Divine love.

REASONABLE CONVICTIONS OF MY OWN.

It was obvious that Pharaoh would challenge Moses, “This G-d whose name you quote to tell me to let your people go – who is He? Prove to me that He is who you say!

Demonstrate His authority to me!”

Moses of course had no personal problem with belief. But is it ever enough to tell a questioner, doubter or cynic, “Of course G-d exists – look, I’ve encountered His Presence at many crucial points in my life”?

The questioner is unlikely to be satisfied with this argument. Where is the objective evidence, the scientific demonstration, the logical proof?

Maimonides, scientist and logician as well as philosopher and believer, made an impressive attempt to prove the necessary existence of G-d, but even in his more religious age it was impossible to argue people into belief, and less and less is it possible in our own age.

Are we as believers therefore being unreasonable when we continue to believe? Are we flying in the face of the evidence?

The answer depends on what is meant

by evidence. Surely evidence does not have to be scientific or mathematical. As far as Judaism is concerned, the evidence of G-d is largely evidence from encounter – our national encounter with G-d in history, our personal encounter with G-d in daily experience.

John Fiske wrote, “It is not likely that we shall ever succeed in making any of the great teachings of religion a matter of scientific demonstration, for we lack the requisite data. The belief must, therefore, ever remain an affair of religion rather than of science.

“In other words, it must remain one of that class of questions upon which I may not expect to convince my neighbour, while at the same time I may entertain a reasonable conviction of my own on the subject.”

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

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat

What are the seven things that cause a person to place their trust in human beings?

(1) When A is under the impression (true or otherwise) that B loves him or her, A trusts that B will fulfill whatever needs (or desire) that A has or will have.

(2) When A sees that not only is B willing to go out of their way for A, but actually does so regularly and is keenly aware of all A’s needs, A is certainly reassured that trusting B is worthwhile.

(3) If A knows that B is powerful and invincible, with nothing standing in B’s way blocking B from helping A, A is reassured that B not only is willing to help and is paying attention to A’s needs, B actually can assist.

(4) If B is not only willing, able and active

in helping A, but is also aware of the non-verbal needs communicated by A, A certainly feels safe in the hands of B.

(5) If the entire existence of A has been, is, and will be, accompanied by B, meaning if B was the “person in waiting” from cradle to the grave for A, and every small detail has been cared for by B on previous occasions, A is for certain where their help comes from at any given moment.

(6) If A is aware that any help or harm that can come to A is solely the decision of B, so A is in some ways compared to a prisoner of B in that only B can decide what benefit or otherwise can come to A. (7) If A knows that B is full of kindness and only wishes to bestow goodness on people whether they are deserving of it or not.

We have so far discussed the prohibitions of cooking and the fact that cooking can occur both in a Keli Rishon and, at times, even in a Keli Sheni.

It is worth bearing in mind that at times even a Keli Shelishi may have the power to cook if it is at a very high temperature.

In what circumstances may one return a cooked food item to a flame/ring on Shabbat?

Say one wishes to take a hot pot off the fire but wishes for it to remain hot, the pot may be returned to the heat source, provided that all of the following conditions are met: (1) The food item in question is fully cooked. Care must be taken in circumstances where there are bones of meat or chicken which need more time to be considered fully cooked than the rest of the food.

(2) The food should still be slightly hot (or hotter than that).

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(3) When removing the pot, it is done with the express intention of returning it to the flame.

(4) That the person does not let go of the pot and instead holds on to it until returning it to the flame. It may also be permissible to return it to the flame if one only let go of the pot when it was on the table or countertop. (One must ensure not to place the boiling pot on top of a wet towel.)

(5) That the fire to which the pot is returned is fully covered (through a “blech” (sheet of metal).

Generally speaking, where one has foods simmering on a stove top when Shabbat comes in, one uses a blech (where safe to do so), or a hot plate.

When returning the hot container to the fire, one must ensure to not add any ingredients that were not included previously.

21 JANUARY 2021

About Bonei Olam What motivated the founding of Bonei Olam?

(Mr Zevi Tesler) I had been married a while and, like every Yungerman, my dream was to build up a Yiddishe Shtieb but I found myself waiting. We started going to doctors. In those days, it was very hard, especially since you had to pay for everything from your own pocket. I remember thinking how strange it was that it could cost one couple a fortune to have a child yet another can have it free, without parting with a penny.

So I took upon myself, that when I would be Zocheh to a Yeshuah, I would help couples pay those costs, so that money should never stand in the way of becoming a parent. Baruch Hashem, I was Zocheh to a child and immediately afterwards I took to my promise.

HOW DID YOU KNOW WHERE TO START?

As soon as the indefatigable Reb Schlomo Bochner of Bonei Olam America got wind of our plans, he helped us transplant his organisation to the UK, so we were headed on the right track from the start.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF BONEI OLAM?

(Reb Yossie Rudsinski) we cannot allow financial constraints to stop a couple from having children.

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CAN YOU SHARE WITH US IN A NUTSHELL WHAT SERVICES YOU PROVIDE?

From the moment we take on a couple, they become our responsibility. A counsellor will be assigned to them, who will guide them through their various options and stages in treatment. We have a highly qualified team, including Doctors, Counsellors and Rabbonim that oversee every case. With sensitivity and care each and every couple is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality.

ARE YOU AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION?

We are an independent organisation in the United Kingdom, but we benefit and network with Bonei Olam branches in other countries. This enables us to share knowledge and learn about medical treatments benefiting complex situations.

A weekend symposium in Connecticut, USA was arranged for all medical counsellors of Bonei Olam London, Manchester, Belgium, Canada and the USA where specialist consultants and professors lectured to the Bonei Olam staff about the latest up-to-date medical advancements in the fertility field.

As a result of the symposium, a new email group was created to keep over forty Bonei Olam medical counsellors in

touch continuously. Each of these medical counsellors has experience and expertise in different medical fields and the group enables the sharing of knowledge and information between members of the group worldwide. This enabled Bonei Olam staff to advise patients individually, wherever they may be.

WHICH COMMUNITIES DO YOU SERVICE?

Our main areas of operation are Barnet, Hackney, Haringey, Manchester and Gateshead. We also receive referrals and provide services to patients across England and Europe.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPENSES AND HOW DO YOU FUND YOURSELVES?

(Hershy Erlich) £2 MILLION. From one biennial campaign to the next.

Once every 2 years we host parlour meetings in local homes with emotional speeches and entertainment. In 2019 we held 32 parlour meetings as well as 3 Rabbonim and communities delegates’ assemblies, bringing together over 35 Rabbonim. The campaign ends with a large Hakoras Hatov dinner for all generous donors. In 2019 this was hosted by three local philanthropists.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY COVID19?

Terribly… Due to the current situation, unfortunately we cannot revisit the method of fundraising we have used up until now, however, we cannot and will not ever turn

away a couple struggling with infertility and will help them with every resource we have at our disposal.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING CAMPAIGN?

Over the past few weeks we have reached out to all previous Sorei H’alofim sponsors (these are people who have pledged £1,000 to be paid in monthly instalments over two years), amazingly the vast majority enthusiastically pledged another £1,000 to continue their Sorei Alofim partnership with us over the next 2 years.

Those who pledged £5,000 and over to sponsor a local couple’s treatment have a double Zechus, as their donation will be used as matching funds for the upcoming campaign! Plus they will receive a partnership agreement certificate signed

by R’ Schlomo Bochner and their local Rov. This is in recognition that they have helped a local couple receive 1 assisted reproductive treatment.

Reaching out to new donors will be a challenge this year, therefore, we have teamed up with Charity Extra to launch an online crowdfunding campaign. The campaign will take place this week on Wednesday and Thursday 27th & 28th of January, for 36 hours. Every Sar Ho’Elef will be given a Team Page and we ask them to encourage others to donate on their page.

Together we can end the suffering. On behalf of the Bonei Olam North West London Committee we thank you for your current and continued support.

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Bo It was finally time for the last set of Makkot!

Moshe warns Pharaoh that if he does not let all the Jews out, a huge swarm of locusts will come and have a great feast of whatever is left from the hail in last week’s sidra! Indeed, that is what happens and Pharaoh did not let the Jews go - still!

Next came a plague of darkness, with almost the entire land in thick darkness, besides for where the Jewish people lived and went, obviously. The Jews used the opportunity to explore what treasures they would ask the Egyptians for when leaving Egpyt; after all, over 80 years of hard work calls for handsome payment!

Finally, the grand ending of all the Makot and the end of the 210 years in Egypt arrives, as G-d smites all the firstborns of the land of Egypt, but not those of the Jewish people. At

this point, King Pharaoh, who was himself a firstborn and scared for his own life, comes running to Moshe and Aaron and begs them to leave Egypt.

The next morning, 15 Nissan (a date which we know well as Passover - Pesach), the Jewish nation left the land of Egypt, marching into the desert where they would journey for many years, eventually receiving the Torah, and learning from their beloved leader Moshe all about what it takes to make a great nation.

The Jews are given many Mitzvot to remember the day they left Egypt, with Tefillin being a central one. Each day that men put on Tefillin, they are to remember how G-d saw our suffering and set us free from the land of Egypt, transforming us from being slaves to Pharaoh, to a nation that is proud to serve Hashem!

Tangram Challenge!

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

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Bo Word Search

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DARKNESS • DOORPOST • FIRSTBORN • HEART • LOCUSTS • MATZAH • PLAGUES • STAFF

32 YOUTH

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Bo In a nutshell “Come to Pharaoh”, is Hashem’s message to Moshe at the opening of this week’s Parsha. Hashem comes with, so-to-speak. Moshe is to warn Pharaoh of the beginning of the final set of Makot. This one is going to be Arbeh - locusts, which will darken the face of the earth and simply eat up whatever grain survived the hail storm in last week’s Sidra. And so it happens. All the grain is eaten up and Egypt is devastated.

Hashem then tells Moshe to bring about the plague of darkness. For 6 days the Egyptians were enveloped in complete darkness, with the second of the three days a darkness that paralysed the nation. Not the Jews, though; not only was their vicinity full of light, wherever they went there was light, too. The Jews took the opportunity to spy upon the treasures of the Egyptians which they could ask

them for when they would leave Egypt as payment for the decades of backbreaking labour.

Finally, Hashem tells Moshe to warn Pharaoh of the ultimate Makka and great show of G-d’s might - Makkat Bechorot. The tenth plague would see all the firstborn of Egypt, whether nobleman or nobody, lord or Low Life, if it was a firstborn they would perish.

First though, it was time to teach the Jews their first nationwide Mitzvah - sanctifying the new moon and bringing the first Korban Pesach!

The Jews were to tie a lamb - which the Egyptians worshipped - to their bed and, on 14th Nissan, to offer it up as a sacrifice, spreading its blood on their doorposts and eating it on the night of the 15th Nissan, with their shoes on, belt tied and stick in the hand, ready to leave Egypt like nobility!

Word Wheel

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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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.

And so it happened, midnight came and Hashem struck the Egyptian firstborn. Pharaoh who himself was a firstborn panicked and went to call Moshe and Aaron and pleaded with them to get out of Egypt together with all the Jews! Moshe replied - we only leave in the morning.

So on that bright morning of 15th Nissan, 600,000 men along with women, children and plentiful possessions, animals, jewellery and clothing, left the land that no slave had ever escaped from.

Moshe is taught to tell the Jews to always remember the day they left Egypt. In order to remember it we were given the Mitzvah of Tefillin.

These are put on daily (besides for Shabbat) not only to remind us of leaving Egypt but to remind us of the love Hashem has for us, and how He also has a look out for us each day.

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! ant are art ate ban bar bas bat boa

ear eat oar oat ran rat sat sea tab

tan tar tea abet aeon ants arts ates bane

bans barb bare barn bars base bast bate bats

bean bear beat beta boar boas boat brae bran

bras brat earn ears east eats eras nabs near

neat oars oats rant rate rats roan rota sane

sate sear seat soar stab star tabs tans tare

tarn tear teas abbot abets abort aeons arose arson

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atone baron baste bates baton beans bears beast beats

boars boast boats brats earns nears oaten orate rants

rates resat roans roast rotas sabre saner snare sonar

stare tares tarns taros tears absent absorb astern banter

boater orates reason baronet boaster boaters treason baronets absorbent

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Q: Why can’t you trust the law of gravity?

A: Because it always lets you down!

Q: Did you hear the one about the little mountain?

A: It's hill-arious!

Q: Where do polar bears keep their money?

A: A snowbank!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. What has 13 hearts but no other organs?

3. What comes one

Q: Why was the broom late for school?

A: Because it overswept!

2. What is lighter than a feather but the world’s strongest man can’t hold for long?

time in today, three times in tomorrow and never in the future?

3) The letter ‘O’ 1. A pack of cards

2) Your breath

1. Big Dipper 2. Two in one 3. Right on the nose

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4. Ice Cube 5. Slapstick 6. More often than not

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‘Battle of giants’ Sixteen-goal Lions could be a classic rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

Manchester United host Liverpool in the standout tie of the FA Cup fourth round butDAVID there SAFFER are plenty of other ties to enjoy BY for supporters.

United and Liverpool out a goalReiss Mogilner scored sixground goals as Maccabi less draw in the league last weekend London Lions thumped Scrabble A at in Anthe field.

Neither will name a full-strength side second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. forThthis ‘battle League of the giants’ but managers e Premier side racked up a 16-0 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jurgen Kenley Klopp win with Daniel Green and Michael will be giving aithat-trick. their all to both bagging Edadvance.

Brafman,Both Dateams will mix the Hassanali line ups, no doubt vid Dinkin, and up Adam completwith depth onofthe substitutes ed thestrength rout in ainmismatch a tie. bench.

Solskjaer has yet to win a major Lions could have scored in the opening honour whilst Klopp will want to add minute of the clash but soon opened the the famous trophy to his list of accolades scoring and led 9-0 by half time. though it is not the The Division Onepriority team, domestically. though outThe match could be atoclassic but may also classed, battled away the end. beLions a dour affair penalties boss waswhere lost for words atare fullneedtime ed to settle the clash. such was the display from his team who Brentford’s hometotie Leicester City, gave every respect thewith opposition. meantime, could well be the of the “I’m not really sure there’smatch anything to round. say, we are happy to make it through to the Brendon Rogers’ Foxes went top of the next round of the cup, ” he commented. league after an impressive midweek win Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 victors against Chelsea and come into this match against League One outfit North London as favourites but The Bees will be up for Raiders. the The Premier win on Thclash. e Premier side led side earlyshould in the second form but it will certainly be an interesting half only for Raiders to equalise but struck watch. two late goals to book a place in round Chorley the sole non-league side left three of theare competition. inHendon the drawnow andturn drew a plum tie at home their attentions to the to Wolves. league as they travel to Oakwood A for a The National Northonside are crucial top of theLeague table clash Sunday chasing promotion and currently sit just (10am). outside playoffs but will bethe relishing Danielthe Kristall’s team stunned league kicking off the fourth round tomorrow. leaders last month when they won 2-0, a Nuno Espirito Santothem will not be taking the victory would move to within a point clash lightly, though his team are endurof Hendon with a match in hand. ingElsewhere indifferent form.

Chorley made in league the latest round of fixtures, it through the third round against Derby 10-man North London Galaxy made it a County’s U18/U23 line due to a Covid three-way title race in theup only Division One outbreak.

Celebrations were not over the clash of the day after defeating Oakwood B. top but Murray should saw theyred advance be Jamie early onthey but will Galaxy this time, Santo smilrallied withhowever goals from Joshshould Cohenbe and Jaing come full time. cob Leigh to record an important 2-1 away Cheltenham Town are riding high in Diwin. vision Two thisRedbridge season. Halfway through Galaxy head Jewish Care A in the campaign they sit in the playoffs but the table by just one point after 10 matches, are only four points off leaders Cambridge third place Fairlop FC are five points beUnited.

Their atin home to Pep Guardihind with twoclash games hand. ola’s Manchester City is a dream draw. City Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood. have hit form in recent weeks and “It was a fantastic performanceshould in a

Everton’s Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton and West Ham’s David Moyes are targeting cup success this season

canter to victory but it will be a great occasion for the lower league side.

Another glamour tie for cup romantics sees Championship bottom club Wycombe Wanderers host Tottenham Hotspur.

Again, London no one 16-goal Maccabi Lions expects Jose Mourinho’s side to lose. Indeed, they will be targeting two cup finals this season asplaythey must-win game, ” commented Galaxy take on Guardiola’s City in the EFL cup fier-manager Luke Lewis. nal“We in April. sat back and allowed Oakwood the Division caused and the ball, given Two the Crawley one-manTown advantage shock of the third round by knocking out looked to hit them on the counter attack Leedspace.

United. with Their Bournemouth not be “Both clash goalsatcame down the will right-hand easy and they go into underdogs side.

Leigh crossed theitfias rstclear one into Cohen butfinish, they before have had a superb and will to slotting homerun himself.

Up push the Cherries all the way. to first we go.”

Chelsea are enduring mixed in Th e Division Two title racefortunes also took the league so will look to get back on track a twist with league leaders Herstwood with going a comfortable homeattoTemple Luton Vale down to awin 2-1atdefeat Town. Everton, meanwhile, have surprised Fortune. many pundits form.

Faithfold B with have their played a game more Toffees boss manager Carloa 5-3 Ancelotti than Vale but moved level with win at has worked wonders at Goodison, his side North London Raiders Masters. areJacob on track tostruck bid fortwice a European slot who and Kalms for Fortune should prove too strong for Championship scored through leading scorer James Milstrugglers letwith his Sheffield 17th goal Wednesday. of the season.

West Ham United aremore currently sitting The result was all the remarkable alongside Everton in the table and are as Temple were down to 11 players with enjoying a fine run of form.

Again, they ‘keeper Ben Rebuck dislocating a shoulder should be too in the warm up.strong for League One playoff“Th chasing Doncaster Rovers. is was a fantastic win given the

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Both sides could be dark horses for the cup this season. Ancelotti and David Moyes will be hoping so.

Sheffield United picked up a first win of the season in the third round and should claim another against League One midtable side Plymouth Argyle. The Blades are languishing 11 points from safety in the Premier League so the cup is a welcome distraction from a fraught campaign.

Brighton are just above the relegation zone and made hard work of defeating Newport County in the last round. But buoyed by a recent win against Leeds, they will expect to get past Blackpool, who stunned West Brom in the third round.

The League One outfit famously won the cup in 1953, three decades later, the Seagulls almost blewFortune a late circumstances, ” as saidfamously delighted chance to defeat to Manchester United. boss Simon Linden.

The history the competition littered “We had aofnumber of playersisout, Rewith infamous cup final moments and buck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked Gordon is up thereWe with theBen most any moreSmith’s from the players. wish a heart-breaking.

With the score 2-2, Smith speedy recovery. had chance to grab the match-winning “It awas a proper old school performance, headlines but it was not to be failed we battled and defended for theas 90he minutes to score the goal Experience at his mercy.

His and took with our chances. proved autobiography…

And Smith Did Score to be the winner. It’s a big win, one we will (Blackand andwe White sums enjoy hopePublishing, to build on 2005), it in 2019. ” upHe theadded, moment.

“This win marks 50 years as a Smithclub wasand a treble trophy winner football will be one Nigel Kytewith and Rangers, top scorer for Manchester everyone associated with the club fromCity day

The FA Cup

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

one season and went on to and become chief executive of the Scottish FA but it’s his cup final gaffe that he is remembered for when his career is recalled.

Southampton host Arsenal whilst Fulham and Burnley clash inPHOTO: theDAVIDother SAFFER all-Premier tie.

Saints are arguably favourites to overcome the cup holders but it could be a tighter game than envisaged not so long ago. Both teams will be desperate to advance and it might go all the way to spot kicks.

Championship pacesetters Norwich City and Swansea City are favourites to book a fifth round spot against Barnsley and Nottingham Forest respectively. Millwall’s clash with Bristol City will be a tight affairwill that could one enjoy. ” require penalties to settle the tie.

Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to FA Rebuck Cup fifth draw: wish wellround following his Manchester injury.

United/Liverpool v West Ham v Doncas“First and most importantly, everyone at ter; Brentford/Leicester City v Brighton/ Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper Swansea/Nottingham aBlackpool; quick recovery, we hope to see himForest back vonCheltenham/Manchester City; Everton/ the football pitch as soon as possible, ” he Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe Wansaid. derers/Tottenham Hotspur;commented, Barnsley/ As for the defeat, Emanuel Norwich City v Chelsea/Luton Town; “It doesn’t matter how big a squad you Chorley/Wolves v Southampton/Arsehave, you can never account for unavailnal; Sheffield ability or injury.United/Plymouth Only five of today’sArgyle team Millwall/Bristol City;win Fulham/Burnley played in our recent over FC Team, av Bournemouth/Crawley Town. lack of togetherness and poor individual

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

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Cavani and Pogba send United top

BY DAVID SAFFER Manchester United top the Premier League after a 2-1 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage last night. Star midfielder Paul Pogba produced a sensational strike just past the hour, cutting in from the right before firing home left-footed from 20 yards, to seal an important away win.

Ole Solskjaer’s charges are looking the real deal for a title tilt no matter how much the former United legend plays down the Reds chances. United are the sole Premier side unbeaten away from home and sitting two points clear of Manchester City and Leicester City with Liverpool six points back.

Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s sides have a game in hand over their top-four rivals.

Solskjaer, speaking to BT Sport, said, “I think we started slow but after their goal I felt we played well. We needed to wake up and after that we played really well.

(A) fantastic goal by Paul (Pogba) and we had some other chances to finish the game but of course when it is just one goal and the players they put on it is going to be like heart in your mouth. He (Pogba) has really come on. He is fit, he can play in midfield and he can play wide. That is key with Paul, getting him match fit and running fit and he is at the moment. He played very well.”

Regarding a title challenge, Solskjaer said, “It is always going to be talked about that when you are halfway through and top of the league but we are not thinking about this, we just have to go one game at a time. It is such an unpredictable season.”

Ademola Lookman fired the hosts ahead in the fifth minute only for Edinson Cavani to tap home after Alphonse Areola fumbled a Bruno Fernandes cross midway through the first half. After Pogba’s intervention, Cavani almost grabbed a second moments later.

The hosts pushed on at every opportunity and David de Gea made an important stop for the Reds to deny Ruben Loftus-Cheek who then blazed over eight minutes from time after setting up an attack. Aleksander Mitrovic had a header deflected inches wide by Eric Bailly deep into stoppage time.

In the end, Pogba proved the difference.

Whilst dividing opinion, he is a game changer. With the arrival of Cavani alongside Fernandes and Rashford, United have a shot at a first title since the Ferguson era though City look like the team to beat given their current form.

United’s win over the Fulham followed a stalemate against Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend. The game failed to match

the pre-match hype, but Solskjaer will have been happier with a share of the spoils than Klopp.

Liverpool bossed possession but United went closest to breaking the deadlock through Fernandes who just failed to convert a second half chance past Alisson. Thiago tested de Gea in goal late on, the Brazilian international then saved his team when he thwarted Pogba from close range.

Guardiola’s City demonstrated their title credentials with a deserved triumph at home against a resolute Aston Villa side at the Etihad Stadium in the early evening match last night.

Late strikes by Bernardo Silva, which was hotly disputed, and Ilkay Gundogan sent a rejuvenated City side top of the table briefly on goal difference ahead of Leicester for the first time this season before their great rivals clash at Fulham.

Villa’s first team, playing for the first time since New Year’s Day because of a coronavirus outbreak, held out until Silva fired home 15 minutes from time. Gurdogan sealed the win after Matty Cash handled a Gabriel Jesus header in injury time.

Silva told BT Sport: “It was a very important win, a tough game for us. It felt like an important win because we got to the 75th minute without scoring, so to get those two goals, we’re very happy.”

He added, “There is still a long way to go but still. We’re doing very well. We are happy with the last two games and our momentum.”

City’s victory followed a 4-0 rout against Crystal Palace with defender John Stones scoring a brace.

Gurdogan and Raheem Sterling wrapped up the win. Make no mistake, City are back.

Leicester, meantime, could be in the title shake up. The 2015/16 champions moved top on Tuesday night with a terrific win over Chelsea at The King Power Stadium. The Foxes are on a roll and proving they are challenges for Liverpool’s crown.

Brendon Rogers enjoyed a tilt at the title in his Liverpool days. He went close at Anfield. After a successful trophy laden spell at Celtic he has improved Leicester since his arrival. This latest win against a disappointing Chelsea side came courtesy of first half strikes by Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison. Just before Maddison settled the clash, Chelsea had a penalty shout correctly overturned by VAR when Christian Pulisic was brought down by Jonny Evans on edge of the penalty area.

“You have seen the real spirit of the side tonight, we were a threat going forward.” said Rogers. “The performance and maturity of the team was pleasing. I knew we

Paul Pogba

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

were playing against a talented team and we had to be right on our game.”

Maddison was on target in City’s 2-0 home win over Southampton at the weekend. Harvey Barnes hit the hosts second goal deep into stoppage-time.

Tottenham Hotspur are a point back from Liverpool after easing to a 3-1 win at rock bottom Sheffield United at the weekend. Jose Mourinho was looking for his side to get back to winning ways after an indifferent spell and Serge Aurier nodded home a Son Heung-min’s corner to settle any nerves. Harry Kane fired home before half-time, David McGoldrick pulled a goal back with a header, only for Tanguy Ndombele to settle the match with a superb lob. Mourinho will now look for his side to kick on if they are going to challenge for a top four spot, let alone a title tilt, though that is doubtful.

Everton’s clash at Villa was called off and West Ham took advantage with two wins in a few days to move alongside the Merseysiders just a point back from the north London side.

David Moyes team edged home against West Brom courtesy of Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio in a 2-1 win on Tuesday.

This latest win for the Hammers meant a highest points tally at the halfway stage of a Premier season. West Ham led just before the break through Bowen only for the Baggies, who picked up a brilliant win over Wolves at the weekend, to level with a Matheus Pereira howitzer. Antonio fired

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Bernardo Silva

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

the hosts ahead and Moyes was delighted how his charges saw the game out.

West Ham overcame lowly Burnley with another Antonio strike at the weekend.

Chelsea defeated 10-man Fulham last weekend with a Mason Mount strike after Antonee Robinson saw red in the first half for a bad tackle on Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Blues took the points but Fulham battled away and were always in this clash.

Despite this win, pressure is building on Chelsea boss Frank Lampard. The Blues hierarchy expect a top-four finish, presently Chelsea are off the pace and worryingly look unlikely to bridge the gap.

In other fixtures, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a brace for improving Arsenal in a 3-0 win against Newcastle United. Bukayo Saka also hit the target as the Gunners moved into the top half of the table.

The battle to stay up is just as tight as the title race and Brighton picked up a deserved win at Leeds United who are enduring a poor run of form. Neal Maupay’s scored early on and the Seagulls never looked like losing the lead. The win at Elland Road was important as Brighton moved a point ahead of fourth bottom Burnley, having played a game more.

Fulham, West Brom, who edged an exciting derby at Wolves 3-2 prior to the West Ham loss, and Sheffield United occupy the bottom three spots. Half the season remains and there is sure to be a plethora of movements in an exciting league campaign