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“DARK DAY IN AMERICA’S HISTORY”

BY DAVID SAFFER

US President-elect Joe Biden was forced to address the nation after pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol in Washington yesterday.

At the time of going to press one woman had died in the violence and there had been 13 arrests. Numerous weapons were found including a pipe bomb.

Congress members were due to confirm Biden’s election win but barely believable scenes of chaos streamed across global TV networks as demonstrators breached security to occupy the building.

Outgoing president Donald Trump earlier addressed supporters outside the White House at a rally calling for a protest of the election result. With law enforcement officers struggling to gain control the Congress joint

President Elect, Joe Biden calls for calm

session was suspended as members were evacuated or ordered to remain in offices.

Biden, in an astonishing TV address, called for an end to the violent protest.

“The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are... This is not dissent, its

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

disorder. It’s chaos, it borders on sedition and it must end, now,” he said.

Clearly angered, but measured, Biden continued, “The words of a president matter, no matter how good or bad that president is. At their best the words of a president can inspire, at their worst they can incite. Therefore, I call

on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfil his oath and defend the constitution and demand an end to this siege.”

He added, “The world is watching. Like so many other Americans, I am genuinely shocked and saddened that our nation, so long a beacon of light and hope for democracy, has come to such a dark moment… Through war and strife, America has endured much and we will prevail again.”

Biden called on Trump to “step up” and stop the violence.

In a tweeted video, Trump repeated his claims of electoral fraud.

“I know your pain. I know you’re hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us… But you have to go home now. We have to have peace,” he said.

Trump’s actions came on a day when the Democratic Party won control of the Senate.

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Mum of six Esther was ‘revenge’ killing

BY SIMCHA ABIR Revenge was the alleged motive for the brutal killing of an Israeli mum-of-six in the West Bank last month.

Shin Bet security service arrested and interrogated a 40-year-old Palestinian suspect who reportedly admitted to the shocking murder.

Esther Horgan, 52, died in a horrific attack in Reihan Forest near her Tal Menashe home.

Mohammed Kabha allegedly committed the murder following the death of a prison inmate who died in an Israeli jail. Kamal Abu Waer failed to recover from suspected Covid-19 complications.

Esther’s body was found on December 20 a few hours after family reported her missing after going out for a jog.

Shin Bet arrested Kabha who had reportedly been smuggling cigarettes four days after the terror attack. Israel’s National Counter Terrorism Unit has released footage of Kabha’s arrest.

Four more suspects arrested are in custody.

Kabha, who reportedly broke through a security fence prior to carrying out the attack, lived in a village near Jenin. He has served jail terms for terror offences.

Kabha sought refuge from relatives after fleeing the scene. Security forces made the arrest in a Palestinian village, Tura

al-Gharbiya, near Jenin.

Kabha is expected to stand trial at a Samaria Military Court.

“Security forces will continue to act resolutely to thwart terror activity and enforce justice on all those involved,” a Shin Bet statement said.

Following a manhunt by the IDF, Shin Bet and Israel Police, thousands of people walked the forest trail in honour of Esther’s memory.

The National Counter Terrorism Unit, Shin Bet and IDF are maintaining state security with “counterterrorism operations and detention of suspects”, Border Police said in a statement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to hunt down the killers at the time, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said Israel’s security forces would find the “despicable murderer” and bring him to custody. President Reuven Rivlin described the killers as “human beasts”.

Samaria Regional Council called for an expansion of the settlement in response to the atrocity.

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

Esther was laid to rest in her home settlement of Tal Menashe. She is survived by her husband, Benjamin, and six children.

The youngest child celebrated his barmitzvah three months ago.

7 JANUARY 2021

Fightback begins during national lockdown

BY DAVID SAFFER The fightback against the Coronavirus pandemic has begun as the nation enters a third national lockdown.

Jewish care home residents, key workers and over 80s are among 1.3 million people vaccinated across the UK to date. It is hoped 14 million people will have been vaccinated by the middle of next month.

The news of a latest lockdown followed a recorded 60,000 new coronavirus cases in a day.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, speaking from Downing Street on Monday night, made his lockdown announcement confirming all care home residents and carers, everyone aged 70 and over, all frontline health and social care workers, and clinically extremely vulnerable would be offered a dose of a vaccine by mid-February.

Johnson issued a stark warning that the country was entering “the last phase of the struggle” and the lockdown was due to a huge spike in cases and patient numbers at hospitals.

Hospitals were under “more pressure from Covid since the start of the pandemic,” he said and the coming weeks would be the “hardest yet”.

Prof Chris Whitty at a Downing Street briefing on Tuesday said that a “collective effort” to abide by regulations was required which could lead to the vaccination programme in the longer term leading to restrictions being lifted.

The virus was “not going to go away,” he warned, though risks will go down.

Prof Witty added, “Hopefully we’ll have spring, summer, autumn, possibly winter as well, with almost nothing in place, once the full vaccination programme is through.

But we just need to be aware of the fact this is not a problem that just disappears.”

Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies, accepted measures announced by the Prime Minister were severe but met an urgent need to get the virus back under control.

Communal worship and key life-cycle ceremonies will continue.

“We urge people to be meticulous in following the guidelines over numbers and social distancing,” she said. “

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Ms van der Zyl added, “As schools have been forced to close once again with summer exams cancelled, we ask that arrangements be urgently put in place to ensure fairness in the education system and around results. We call for vaccines for teachers and other school workers to be expedited. Just as in wider society, Covid-related deaths in our community have risen sharply over recent weeks. Nobody can afford to be complacent.”

The Board’s latest data working with the Jewish community’s burial boards, regional Jewish communities and the Jewish small communities network showed that as of January 1st there had been 648 Jewish funerals carried out where the deceased contracted Covid-19.

Fourteen funerals took place week ending December 25th and 18 the following week. The total of 32 was a spike on recent data for a two-week period.

The United Synagogue is permitting synagogues who wish to remain open to hold services, provided they follow government and US guidance.

Steven Wilson, United Synagogue’s chief executive, said, “As we have said before, nobody should feel pressured into attending a minyan. We will continue to support our communities who have chosen to close, and those now thinking of closing.”

The US continues its daily online davening three times a day on weekdays on its Facebook page in addition to a Kabbalat Shabbat series. They are also running a ‘Kaddish Pairing Project’ to ensure those unable to attend a minyan can have kaddish said in memory of a loved one.

The latest lockdown means that everyone in England should stay and work at home except for specific reasons.

Schools have shut with pupils moving to remote learning. University students, depending on courses, have not returned to campuses and are studying remotely.

Nurseries are open for key workers children. Restaurants can serve takeaway food but alcohol is banned, outdoor sports venues have shut though playgrounds are open.

Amateur team sports are postponed but elite sport including the Premier League continues.

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 12 Opinion 13 Letters 14 Community 18 Feature 20 Behind The Business Card

22 Cookery 24 Judaism 30 Kids 32 Youth 34 Sport

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NEWS 3

Our Jacqui’s Chesed fund hits £20k

BY DAVID SAFFER The Jewish Weekly columnist Jacqueline Curzon is making plans for novel and experimental treatments thanks to the generosity of our readers who have hit an initial target of £20,000 in just two weeks. The latest figure from Chesed, GoFundMe and offline is currently £20,025.

The initial target will facilitate flights, therapies and accommodation but the overall target is still £50,000.

It was at the end of December we appealed for support to aid the mum of seven’s fight for life.

Jacqueline is battling pancreatic cancer and had started a GoFundMe fundraiser back in April 2020, which had dwindled.

She has undertaken many therapies, in particular Intravenous Vitamin C (IVC), with medicinal mushroom and other treatments. Despite these, her disease has progressed, leaving no further options of surgery or radiotherapy within the NHS arena.

There are emerging and promising therapies available, in the USA, Europe, Israel and Scandinavia which can be pursued privately. This is now closer to happening.

“Wow,” Jacqueline exclaimed on hearing an update to the appeal. “In all honesty, I could not have believed such a response was possible. I must express my deepest

and sincere thanks to the wider community who have reached out. These have been combined with an outpouring of beautiful and encouraging messages. At the same time, my loyal GoFundMe and offline supporters have shown equal magnanimity, also rising to the challenge. These combined funds will allow me to continue with my alternative medications.”

for me when I receive my vaccine. I am working with a team based in the west coast of the States, who are constantly researching international options for treatments and, unfortunately, necessary pain medications.

“Another clinic is in the north of Scotland, but unless I can get a dispensation from the relevant Secretary of State for making the journey, that will also fall flat. The irony is that when I had an opportunity, I had few funds. Now even with the funds, those opportunities are denied to most.

But this fundraising campaign will make sure I do not delay valuable treatment, which I believe has helped during the previous 6-month journey. You have all shown you believe in me, and I will do my utmost to beat this dreadful cancer, and hope please G-d for a complete refuah.”

“In all honesty, I could not have believed such a response was possible. I must express my deepest and sincere thanks to the wider community who have reached out.”

At this moment in time, Jacqueline’s disease has gained ground and she is awaiting results of a new scan with trepidation. Once in, where might she go with the funds raised?

“Unfortunately, the world has effectively closed itself off again, with the exponential rise of Covid,” she said.

“Various options will hopefully reopen for cancer patients, more importantly

If anyone would like to generously help, funds can be directed to Jacqueline via: https://thechesedfund.com/ jacquelinesbravebattle/saveamother Gift Aid/ charitable donations can be made at Mars Org.Ltd, Sort Code 40 03 19. Account no. 22542087. Charity no.

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7 JANUARY 2021

Tourism to Israel down 81% in 2020

BY DAVID SAFFER Tourism to Israel was down by just over 81% in the past 12 months due to the coronavirus crisis.

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has announced 850,000 tourists entered Israel whilst some 200,000 families employed in tourism lost jobs during the ongoing global crisis.

Looking to the future the ministry is spearheading initiatives to grow the industry in the economy as vaccination campaigns kick in around the world.

Hopes have increased tourism will build during 2021 but major challenges are still ahead.

The devastating figures came a year on from tourism chiefs looking forward to a landmark moment.

Ministry of Tourism Director, General Amir Halevi, noted, “There was an expectation that we would welcome, for the first time in the history of the country, the five millionth tourist. Instead, the world stopped, and we moved into survival mode for the entire industry and a change in the activities of the ministry to maintain both physical infrastructure and the excellent human resources in the tourism industry.

“Thanks to the vaccines, we are beginning to see the light of day, we are

An empty Tel Aviv beach

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

preparing tailored work plans and various tools for bringing back incoming tourism.

We hope that in the coming months we will

once again witness incoming tourism traffic, which is critical to employment and an important engine in the Israeli economy.”

Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Minister of Tourism, added that the past year had dealt a “severe blow” to the tourism industry but preparing for the future was the focus.

“Such a year should be used to strengthen and build infrastructure, work plans and programs that strengthen the industry for the moment when it can reopen,” she said. “This, alongside concern for the people working in the tourism industry during such a time when their income has been totally decimated. Despite the difficulties, we were able to implement significant plans that helped the economy during this period, including the green islands outline, a NIS 300 million grant for hoteliers, early opening of tzimmerim (B&Bs), a touring program with licensed guides, a personal security program in hotels and more. And now we are approaching the new year with new plans.”

Farkash-Hacohen added that the development of a tourism industry ‘master plan’ would coordinate projects with a holistic approach at national level.

She said, “We are already working together with the Ministry of Health on an exit plan for the tourism industry. The plan will create certainty and it will operate under the principle that whoever was most affected in previous times will be among the first to open as we exit lockdown. Together with all this, we are working on a plan to reduce costs that will benefit both owners and consumers. A lot of work still lies ahead of us, we will find the right balance between the economy and the virus and we will give breathing space to the various sectors that have been affected in the industry.”

During 2020, the Minister of Tourism

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and Ministry of Health designated Eilat and Dead Sea hotels as a ‘special tourist area.’ Israelis enjoyed holidays in these areas subject to restrictions.

There has also been a NIS 300 million grant for hotels in three instalments, the last to be distributed in May 2021. Small hotels will also receive assistance.

Free guided tours of nature reserves, national parks and cities in collaboration with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority will take place whilst the Ministry allocated NIS 10 million to finance services of tour guides.

Overseas marketing, meanwhile, kept Israel an attractive tourist destination and the ministry increased its digital activity abroad, especially on social networks. The ministry’s social media pages gained 5.9 million followers.

And with the recent signing of the historic Abraham Accords, the ministry has developed a strategy to promote tourism from the Emirates and Bahrain. Minister Farkash-Hacohen held a virtual press conference for travel and tourism journalists from the Emirates with participation of journalists from Israel.

Meantime, work has begun on regional plans regarding accommodation, attractions and transportation to benefit tourists.

Elsewhere, the Tourism Ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Israeli Employment Service, led a program to integrate academic tour guides into teaching subjects defined by English, geography, Bible studies, tourism and hospitality.

The Israeli tourism industry has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years. In 2019, the ministry recorded a record number of tourist arrivals to Israel, 4.55 million, which injected NIS 23 billion into the economy.

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7 JANUARY 2021

Bibi pushes for Israeli Arabs

BY ADAM MOSES Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for Israeli Arabs votes in the forthcoming poll in March.

Whilst the campaign has yet to take off, Israel’s leader has been vocal on the issue as it is anticipated to be important in the overall coalition mix.

“Just like I broke the Palestinian veto on relationships with the Arab states, I’m breaking the Arab parties’ veto with the Arab citizens of Israel,” Netanyahu reportedly said.

“I believe in (Ze’ev) Jabotinsky’s view that all citizens in Israel must have equal rights.

We are asking Arab citizens, vote for us this time.”

Netanyahu met with Likud MK, Public Security Minister Amir Ohana, on Sunday to cut violent crime and murder among Israeli Arabs, which is a growing concern.

Israel’s leader also visited a coronavirus vaccination facility in Umm Al-Fahm where he met the one millionth person in Israel to be vaccinated. It later transpired Jabarin Muhammad was convicted of fatally stabbing a man nearly 40 years ago and served 14 years in prison until release in 1992.

Netanyahu also attended a medical facility in Tira to encourage more vaccinations among Israeli-Arabs.

“We brought millions of vaccines here, more than any other country in the world relative to its population, and we brought them to everyone, Jews and Arabs, religious and secular. Everyone can, and needs to, be vaccinated,” he reportedly noted.

Joint List leader Ayman Odeh, reportedly responded, “We already knew that Netanyahu doesn’t believe that we’re equal, but his new attempt to cobble together votes is proof of the insult to Arab society’s intelligence. A decade of indifference to crime, violent incitement and fostering hatred won’t be wiped away by an election campaign.

Arab society will stand up to its haters with its head held high and won’t let them divide it this time either.”

Mansour Abbas, who heads the United Arab faction in the Joint List, welcomed Netanyahu’s initiative.

Gideon Sa’ar, New Hope Party leader, has outlined a three-point plan to combat crime and illegal weapons within the Arab sector.

Proposals include collecting illegal weapons by the end of 2021, a minimum penalty for possession and trading of an illegal weapon aside from declaring war on criminal organisations to “fundamentally change” the situation within Arab society.

In related news, Netanyahu outlined how he had delivered 15 billion shekels to Arab localities.

“I opened nine police stationhouses in the Arab sector to fight crime. I didn’t do that because I thought I would win votes there. I did that because I believe in that. We aren’t against the Arabs. We’re against Arab parties that repudiate Zionism and which don’t recognise the State of Israel,” he said.

Netanyahu added, “Just as I delivered four peace agreements and now we’re seeing Jews embracing Arabs in Dubai, why shouldn’t that happen here?! Why shouldn’t they be part of the governing party? Why do they need to opt for radical parties that don’t act on their behalf?! Let them vote for me.

When I said the ‘Arabs are going in droves to the polling stations,’ I meant that they shouldn’t vote for those parties. Come and vote for us.”

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid reportedly responded on social media that Arab citizens of Israel are full citizens who deserved equal rights and support.

“We led the battle to change the Nation-State Bill to include the Equality Clause,” he noted. “In the past, we said we shouldn’t use the support of the Joint Arab List to form a government. Today we say that there’s no

Benjamin Netanyahu

reason not to work with those who represent 20 per cent of the country’s population. We have changed and they have changed.”

Violent crime among the Israeli-Arab population has been on the rise. There are an estimated 400,000 illegal weapons in Israel.

According to Abbas, 93 percent of criminal shooting incidents take place in the Arab community.

The Likud Central Committee, meanwhile, has approved Netanyahu’s request to cancel internal elections ahead of the election during the coronavirus crisis. They also approved to reserve Netanyahu six of the top 40 people in the party list.

He is considering an Arab community representative amongst the list.

In other election news, Minister of Jerusalem and Heritage Affairs Rafi Peretz has stepped down as Jewish Home leader and will not run for Knesset “I came to a party in crisis, a party seeking leadership after its previous leadership left it without prior notice.” Peretz, 64, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. “Along the way I was

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

required to make a difficult decision. I did this to save religious Zionism and not let the right be harmed by the loss of seats,” he said.

The former Education Minister added, “This decision was not an easy one. I believe that religious Zionism must take part in the leadership of the state, especially during the coronavirus crisis.”

There were reports Jewish Home and Yamina would unite, but Yamina and former Jewish Home head Naftali Bennett called for Peretz’ resignation for an alliance between the two parties.

Jewish Home ran in March 2020 with Yamina, but cut the partnership to join Netanyahu’s coalition in May 2020.

“We are negotiating with Yamina to run together and restore unity to religious Zionism,” confirmed Jewish Home in a statement on Monday. “The talks with Bennett are held in a good atmosphere, with the intention of uniting the ranks and working for the people of Israel, the State of Israel and the Torah of Israel as in the past.”

Celtic condemn anti-Semitic abuse of Bitton in Old Firm derby

BY DAVID SAFFER Celtic Football Club has forwarded vile anti-Semitic posts directed at Nir Bitton to police following the Old Firm derby against Rangers at Ibrox last weekend.

The move follows Action Against Discrimination calling on the Scottish giants and Scottish Football Association to act after the Israeli midfielder was dismissed. Rangers won to tighten a grip on the league title.

Amongst abuse, Bitton was called “dirty Jew *****” and “Zionist rat”.

Celtic FC issued a statement noting the club has an ethos of openness and diversity.

“Everything should be done to identify those responsible,” a spokesman stated.

Nir Bitton and his family have the full

support of the club. Celtic FC noted, “Let us be very clear, those responsible for such vile comments do not represent Celtic or Celtic supporters. They are faceless and nameless. For certain people to suggest that such comments represent the views of Celtic Football Club is hugely offensive and a disgraceful accusation we take extremely seriously. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“Celtic has always stood firmly against bigotry and racism in all its forms and it is hugely unfair to hold Celtic responsible for the conduct of whoever this may be.”

Celtoc’s spokesman added, “Social media unfortunately has become a vehicle for some of the worst behaviours, indeed, sadly, our own club, staff and supporters

are often the subject of bigotry and racial abuse. All content of this kind must be challenged and condemned.”

Prior to Celtic’s response AAD Chairman Jonathan Metliss was stunned neither the club nor the SFA had slammed the abusive behaviour. He said, “For neither of them to come out and condemn the tweets in the strongest of terms is both deplorable and unacceptable. By way of contrast, we wholly support Bournemouth’s action to immediately and properly condemn the racial abuse directed towards their midfielder Junior Stanislas at Stoke City at the weekend. We want to see Celtic and the SFA follow suit.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism called on Celtic to adopt the International Definition of Antisemitism after the media storm.

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“With this latest episode of anti-Semitic abuse, Celtic FC perpetuates its tradition of appalling Jew-baiting,” a CAA spokesman said. “It is even more astonishing when such abuse is directed at its own players and staff.” CAA added that the club could learn from club’s south of the border that have adopted the IHRA definition. “Unlike Celtic, they show that they take anti-Jewish racism seriously,” they noted.

Celtic followers have been cited for abuse of Jews or Israel. Police launched an investigation after a Celtic fan said Bitton should be gassed in 2016, the same year fans displayed an “end Zionism” banner at the Scottish FA Cup final and a former Jewish director was subjected to abuse by followers.

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

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)

22 - 23 january 2021

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

The impact of the pandemic

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

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.

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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GENEuary- a new initiative from Jnetics This month sees the launch of an exciting new initiative from Jnetics- GENEuary. GENEuary is a brand new month long awareness campaign , designed to raise awareness of recessive genetic disorders and the importance of carrier screening Nicole Gordon , CEO, explained. “ in times of such uncertainty, so much is out of our control, but eradicating Jewish Genetic Disorders from our community is not. As a charity we exist with the sole aim of screening as many young adults through our GENEius programme in schools and universities, and our clinic targeted at young couples. Since June 2020, our screening offering has moved to totally virtual “Jewish Genetic Disorders, are disorders that are relatively more common among Jewish people than the general population.

Jnetics currently focuses on 9 of the most common and severe JGD’s that are either fatal in childhood or cause chronic disability and shortened lifespan”, Aviva Lewis, Jnetics R&D Manager went on to explain” Tay Sachs is the most widely known JGD, but there are others, just as severe, that can cause devastating impact to a family . With screening widely available there is absolutely no reason why a couple should have to endure the pain of their child being

born with life threatening or life shortening genetic illness “ Carrier screening identifies individuals and couples at risk of having a child affected by a severe JGD. This in turn allows them to explore several reproductive options available to ensure they don’ pass on the disorder to their children in the future The GENEuary campaign, launched earlier this week, with a powerful message from Chief Rabbi Mirvis, who applauded Jnetics for the wonderful work they do . “ thanks to Jnetics we are capable of eradicating JGD’s from our community” enthused the Chief Rabbi “Over 3000 people have been tested since screening started “ Chief Rabbi Mirvis added “ It sounds a big number , but it is far less than it should be” he added. The Chief Rabbi concluded by urging all young Jewish adults to be tested The GENEuary campaign has the full support of all synagogue movements in the UK, as well as a number of partner organisations.

During the month, a number of events are planned which the whole community are welcome to attend. In addition, Jnetics are offering a 20% discount to any young adult who books their screening appointment in the month of January www.jnetics.org/ screening

GENEUARY is proud to present:

January 2021 - Jewish Genetics Awareness Month

1 GENEuary is a month-long awareness campaign designed to raise awareness of recessive Jewish genetic disorders (JGDs) and how they can be prevented

2 1 in 5 people with Ashkenazi origin will be a healthy carrier of a severe recessive JGD

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Carrier screening identifies those at risk of passing on a JGD to their future children, giving them the knowledge needed to avoid the tragedy of having an affected child

Jnetics offers subsidised screening, in partnership with the NHS, via The Jnetics Clinic.

For more information go to Jnetics.org/screening

To find out more and to book your screening visit www.jnetics.org/geneuary or call us on 020 8158 5123

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Bibi welcomes home convicted spy Pollard

Joanthan Pollard being greeted off the plane by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

PHOTO: YOUTUBE

BY ADAM MOSES Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on hand to officially welcome convicted spy Jonathan Pollard and his wife Esther back to Israel at Ben-Gurion Airport last week.

The former US Navy analyst received a life sentence over spying for Israel when he worked at the Pentagon in the 1980s. He served 30 years.

“Welcome home,” Netanyahu said. “Now you can start life anew, with freedom and happiness. Now you are at home.”

The Pollards kissed the ground on landing from New Jersey’s Newark International Airport following the flight on a private plane owned by Netanyahu backers Sheldon and Miriam Adelson. Netanyahu presented Israeli identity cards to the couple.

“We are excited to be home at last,” Pollard reportedly said. “There is no one who is more proud of this country or its leader than we are. We hope to become productive citizens as soon as possible.”

The Pollards are in quarantine in Jerusalem where they will settle in an apartment reportedly prepared in advance of their arrival.

President Reuven Rivlin tweeted “Welcome home”, Minister of Diaspora Affairs Omer Yankelevich tweeted “How good it is that you are home”.

Whilst there have been critics of Pollard’s

actions, Israeli welcomed the US ending parole restrictions last month.

Netanyahu’s office said he had worked tirelessly to secure Pollard’s release and promised top medical care for Esther who is receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

“Your nightmare is over and you can come home to Israel,” Netanyahu reportedly said.

“We’re waiting for you,” he added. “You should have now a comfortable life where you can pursue, both of you can pursue your interests.

Rivlin noted Israel felt a “responsibility and commitment” to bring about Pollard’s release with a “new life of health and peace” for his family.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz said it ended an “important circle” for Israel”.

Pollard, who praised his wife, Esther, an Israeli citizen, when he was languishing in cell, was arrested and pleaded guilty in 1985 after failing to gain asylum at the Israeli embassy in Washington. Serving 30 years at a North Carolina prison, following his release in November 2015, parole sanctions included wearing an electronic bracelet and curfew.

Israel’s relations with US were damaged for a number of years over the espionage incident.

A fundraiser for a new Sefer Torah has been launched in Manchester

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06/01/2021 16:56

A new project is being run in memory of a cherished young man of the community, the Bachur Yossi Schwinger, who died in tragic circumstances on Monday night.

The campaign, which can be accessed at https://charityextra.com/yossi, aims to raise £40,000 by the end of the Shiva. As we go to press, around 40% of the target has been reached.

The campaign website advises that this will be a, “Sefer Torah that people will learn from, will dance with…the same way that he taught us, danced with us and made us thank Hashem for everything He

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grants us all the time”.

May Hashem comfort his grieving parents, brothers and sister, as well as the wider family, his friends and the Kehilla.

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NEWS 9

Bibi backs midnight lockdown

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel enters a full lockdown at midnight tonight.

Ministers backed the move at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday after recent measures to quell the number of daily coronavirus cases failed. Daily numbers this week exceeded 8,000 cases.

The latest lockdown will last at least two weeks and comes amidst global recognition of the nations’ vaccination campaign that has seen 1,485,000 Israelis, around 12% of the population, receive a first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Israel also has deals with Moderna and AstraZeneca in place.

A daily average of 150,000 people initially received the vaccine. This figure has slowed but a sixth of the population is inoculated to date.

“I am continuing to work around the clock to bring millions of vaccines to Israel and, at the same time, the health system is continuing to vaccinate the citizens of Israel at a pace that is arousing the wonder of the entire world,” noted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “This combination of bringing millions of vaccines to the country and vaccinating many thousands of citizens every day is enabling us to continue being first in the world in emerging from the coronavirus, opening our economy and getting back to living.

“We are first in the world in vaccinations. We must also be first in the world in saving lives.”

Israelis now have to adhere to the education system (not including special needs) and non-essential businesses shutting down. Only five people can meet inside and 10 outdoors.

People can travel 1,000 meters from home except for getting vaccinated or individual exercise. Visiting other people’s homes is banned except for emergencies.

Amateur and professional sport has been postponed. Leisure, entertainment and cultural venues are closed. Restaurants can only offer delivery services. Public transportation will operate at 50% of full capacity.

Latest ministry data illustrates 59,229 people are fighting the deadly virus with 1,361 patients hospitalised, 824 in serious

condition and 207 on ventilators. There have been 3,495 fatalities.

Nine cities have more than 1,000 active virus patients.

Jerusalem heads the list on 11,976 followed by Bnei Brak 2,758, Modi’in Illit 1,988, Tel Aviv-Yafo 1,718, Beit Shemesh 1,653, Haifa 1,585, Ashdod 1,541, Petah Tikva 1,421 and Beitar Illit 1,166.

Among thousands fighting the virus, Likud MK David Bitan returned to intensive care on Tuesday.

Bitan was transferred due to medication that “requires supervision” Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer and Bitan’s family confirmed in a joint statement.

“Aside from this, the process of recovery continues and it seems he will be returned to the regular ward at the end of the treatment,” they added.

Other MKs to have contracted the virus reportedly include former Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, Immigration Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata, Joint List leader Ayman Odeh, Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel, Jerusalem Affairs Minister Rafi Peretz and Deputy Interior Minister Yoav Ben-Tzur.

Netanyahu initially supported a Friday lockdown deadline but backed the revised date after updated ministry data.

“We are in the midst of a global pandemic that is spreading at top speed with the British mutation. It has reached Israel and is claiming many lives,” he told his cabinet. “We need to impose a full lockdown immediately. Every hour that we delay, the disease spreads even quicker and it is exacting a heavy price.”

Netanyahu added, “Hospitals are warning us that we are entering the most dangerous wave since the outbreak of the pandemic. The Health Ministry and the experts warn us that we are in a state of emergency and that if we do not act immediately, we will lose many hundreds of Israelis who will die.”

Israel’s coronavirus czar Prof. Nachman Ash backed a total shutdown and informed ministers that 30 cases of the British mutation had been discovered in Israel. Those individuals infected 189 others.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and the Ministry’s public health chief, Dr. Sharon Elrai-Price, also backed the lockdown.

Mamila in Jerusalem

“Not doing anything today will result in hundreds more dead and thousands more seriously ill,” Edelstein reportedly said.

He added. “Today there are outbreaks in nursing homes where the vaccinations have also been carried out. The ball is in the hands of the government. When was the last time the public itself was asking us to close everything? The heads of local authorities and people on the street say to us, ‘stop, impose a lockdown.”

Earlier in the week esteemed orthodox rabbis, HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky and HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, called on Charedi communities to follow health regulations.

In a letter published Monday, they reportedly noted, “Due to the increase in coronavirus infections and in order to prevent risk and illness and prevent the cancellation of Talmudei Torah and Tefillah B’Tzibur, everyone should be extremely stringent on adhering to health regulations.”

But within hours of the lockdown announcement police had to break up ultra-orthodox weddings in Bnei Brak and Beitar Illit breaking Health Ministry guidelines.

The Beitar Illit wedding was organised for the son of a Rebbe from the Toldot Avraham Chasidim. Hundreds attended.

Police reinforcements eventually dispersed the wedding but there were clashes between officers and residents.

In Bnei Brak, police dispersed hundreds of guests at a renovated construction site.

The site owner, warned about staging mass events, claimed he was unaware of it but fined NIS 5,000.

In related news, health officials have

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called on the government to issue ‘green’ passports to Israelis vaccinated enabling them to travel abroad.

Edelstein and Ash attended a debate at the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee.

‘Passports’ would be issued a week after a second coronavirus vaccination and valid for six months.

A passport exempts mandatory quarantine. Specific regulations are in place for ‘green’ passport holders.

Netanyahu addressed Israel’s vaccination campaign at his weekly Cabinet meeting.

“The millions of vaccines that we brought to the country have put Israel in first place in the world in emerging from the coronavirus,” he said. “I am doing everything so that we will be able to continue vaccinating at this rapid pace. I will also convene the Cabinet within the next 48 hours to decide on tightening the lockdown in a final effort to defeat the pandemic.”

Netanyahu confirmed a proposal for NIS 2 billion in grants to benefit the self-employed and business owners. An extension on local property taxes would also be applicable.

“The money will, immediately, make it easier for businesses and within a short time we will open the entire economy and we will emerge from the crisis once and for all,” Netanyahu explained.

Netanyahu and Edelstein visited an anti-coronavirus vaccination facility in Umm Al-Fahm where he met the 1,000,000th person, Jabarin Muhammad, in Israel to be vaccinated last Friday. He also visited Clalit Health Services vaccination facility in Tira last week.

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Conference of European Rabbis marks the life of Rabbi Lord Sacks

BY DAVID SAFFER Prominent religious scholars and politicians commemorated the life of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks at a virtual Conference of European Rabbis memorial seminar on Sunday evening.

Delegates from numerous countries heard how Rabbi Lord Sacks left behind a “rich heritage of thoughts” across spiritual, sociological, political and intellectual spheres that would inspire future generations and humanity.

Among the moving eulogies and tributes was one by Isaac Herzog, Jewish Agency for Israel, who said Rabbi Lord Sacks had left an “incredible treasure” of work that would commemorate his spirit.

“I had the most immense respect for him,” noted Herzog, who recalled a meal with him during a recent Succot that had been an “enlightening experience”.

Recalling his late grandfather, Rabbi Yitzchak Herzog, the first chief rabbi of Israel, his grandson said that Rabbi Lord Sacks’ writings were “incredibly” similar as they encompassed “great spirituality” with an understanding of life, science and how important it was to be reasonable.

Herzog added, “This (CER) event commemorates one of the greatest Jews of modern times. (He was) a pillar of wisdom, a pillar of teaching and learning, a pillar of a love of Israel and (had) an intricate understanding of Judaism in its wider sense.”

He concluded, “May his great spirit, his call to the Jewish people, his voice in protecting the State of Israel, the right of Zionism, the right of Jews for self-determination, as well as his teachings and writings, serve humanity at large.”

Rabbi Pini Dunner, YINBH, Beverly Hills Synagogue, chaired the event titled “Between Israel and the Nations, a global world” through the eyes of Rabbi Lord Sacks. Participants from the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, Russia and Israel attended the Zoom event.

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of CER, introduced the event.

“Rabbi Sacks was able to communicate the changing challenges to Jewish communities globally,” he said. “No longer did other faiths pose the greatest challenge and danger to Jewish continuity, instead it was, and still is, a growing secularism.

It is because of increased secularism that thousands of Jews lose their faith and their commitment to their Jewish identity each year. As a result of his unique world view, Rabbi Sacks became not only a defender of the Jewish faith, but a defender of faiths, in the plural. His work brought religious cultures closer together, improving interfaith relations and co-operation.”

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt recalled a “monumental moment” when Rabbi Lord Sacks redefined anti-Semitism.

“We saw anti-Semitism as religious anti-Semitism then secular anti-Semitism

and racism,” he noted. “Rabbi Sacks said there was a new type of anti-Semitism. One country after another adopt(ed) the new IHRA definition. The world is changing because of that.”

He added, “Rabbi Sacks spoke up against anti-Semitism and radical Islam. He spoke about it in G-d’s name and became monumentally important.

“The message of Rabbi Sacks that faith is fundamental for the survival of humanity has hit home. If you look at the political development in the Middle East between the Gulf countries, Morocco and Israel, in the Abraham accords, the words of Rabbi Sacks are relevant today.”

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt concluded, “Rabbi Sacks utilised every moment of his life. He is irreplaceable. May his teachings remain and influence us in the days and years to come.”

Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein, Chief Rabbi of South Africa, recalled Rabbi Lord Sacks’ “visionary” leadership.

“In the hands, pen and mouth of Rabbi Sacks, the wisdom of Torah shone like a bright light across the world,” he said.

“Many of his books drew deeply on Torah thinking yet he spoke in a way that every human being could relate to.

“As Chief Rabbi of the UK, he was able to speak to Princes, Prime Ministers, Archbishops and the entire society. He was able to cross efficiently from one world to the next and show that there was in fact not a

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vast chasm but a harmonious whole that we all form part of. It came from his intellectual depth and mastery of western learning, thinking and Torah thought.”

Rabbi Goldstein noted that Rabbi Lord Sacks sanctified G-d’s name in “every word” that he spoke and wrote, in his speeches, actions, writings and leadership.

He explained, “Rabbi Sachs saw the divine light shining forth from every human being. He was able to relate to every human being from every background and society.”

Rabbi Yechiel Wasserman, World Zionist Organisation, said Rabbi Lord Sacks was one of most important rabbis and Jewish thinkers of our times.

He commented, “For many decades he was a much-admired rabbi and spiritual leader, as well as source of inspiration, for many leaders and public officials. Rabbi Sacks will be remembered as one of the most eminent spiritual leaders that the Jewish people ever had.”

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair recalled how Rabbi Lord Sacks gave meaning to biblical stories in his life.

The former Labour leader explained, “He explained to me that it was not just the story of a journey but it was about leadership, about leading and being led, about governing and being governed, about hope and despair, vision and struggle, about faith, about a covenant broken and a covenant restored, about wickedness and redemption. And through that, he taught me how

7 JANUARY 2021

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the weakness of humanity is clear when absent from G-d and when united with G-d that extraordinary potential for human achievement.”

Blair added, “He gave me a feeling of why it was important to have faith and how faith was central to human progress. We know he’s been taken from us far, far too young.

But when I think of all the things that he taught me, and when I think of the difference that he made to my life and to the lives of so, so many others, it’s an extraordinary legacy and a wonderful example to those of us who remain. And I know that the things that he gave me as a teacher, as a true rabbi, they will remain with me until the day I die.

And in some small way, I try to then pass on some of those lessons to those who come after me. This is the greatest testament to a human life there can possibly be.”

Katharina von Schnurbein, anti-Semitism coordinator, European Commission, said that Europe had lost an “outstanding thinker, charismatic leader and mensch”.

“He was a bridge-builder between cultures and faiths, focusing on commonalities rather than differences, emphasising responsibility of the individual to contribute to society,” she noted.

Recalling a speech at the European Parliament four years ago, Ms von Schnurbein said Rabbi Lord Sacks warned that the appearance of anti-Semitism in a culture was the first symptom of a disease and an early warning sign of a collective breakdown.

She added, “A powerful orator, he urged the European Union to address the rise of anti-Semitism for the sake of Jews but

CER tribute seminar to Rabbi Lord Sacks

above all for Europe. He will be missed as a strong morale voice in Europe and the world. Through his writings and speeches, he leaves a rich heritage of thoughts that will inspire generations to come.”

Malcolm Hoenlein, Conference of Presidents, American Jewish organisations, recalled a life transforming encounter Rabbi

Lord Sacks had with Chabad’s Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

“Chabad built a movement with a core appeal to the heart, Rabbi Sacks built one on an appeal to the brain, to the intellect, that like Chabad crossed all boundaries including geographic and generational,” he recalled. “He built a spiritual, global

mega-synagogue, not physically limited by a structure and could encompass all those who are seeking the keys to yiddishkite.”

Hoenlein added that Rabbi Lord Sacks defended the Jewish people and Jewish state courageously and effectively, saw clearly that the retention of future generations was the pre-eminent responsibility of our time and never turned away a young person who approached him to hear what he had to say.

He added, “No matter whether it was a world leader, academics, philosophers or his rabbinic counterparts, he made Judaism available and meaningful to all, and to even those who questioned or were ignorant to its teachings. He saw the real-world challenges and applied Judaism to them on an intellectual and real-world level.”

Hoenlein also noted that in this period of Covid-19, Rabbi Lord Sacks’ ‘message of hope’ was more and more vital in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.

In other addresses, Rabbi Joshua Spinner, CEO, The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, said Rabbi Lord Sacks had a universal message for everyone, Dayan Ivan Binstock, London Beth Din, recalled how he electrified audiences and took discussions to a new level, Yaakov Hagoel, World Zionist Organisation, said Rabbi Lord Sacks was one of the most important figures in Jewish thought of recent decades.

Rabbi Goldschmidt offered final observations. “Let the legacy of Rabbi Sacks live on through his learning, teaching, books, speeches and multitude of disciples,” he said.

Join us in We are delighted to invite you to a very special online fundraising event.

Hosted by Rachel Riley and featuring exciting guests, we are looking forward to sharing with you Jami’s inspirational and practical response to the pandemic.

Thursday 21st January 2021 at 8pm

Together we will create a post-Covid Utopia that supports the mental health of everyone in our community.

RSVP at myyoutopia.org Registered charity No. 1003345

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12 OPINION

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OPINION

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

Now let Pollard live out his life in peace OPINION PIECE

BY JAMES J MARLOW In the early hours of last Friday morning, Binyamin Netanyahu was finally given the opportunity to welcome Jonathan Pollard and his wife Esther home. Their arrival in Israel was supposed to have brought an end to a 35-year-old nightmare and catastrophic miscarriage of justice.

But writing in another Jewish newspaper this week, Jenny Frazer wrote a misleading and spiteful account of Jonathan Pollard’s long prison term. She called him “a traitor who allowed the question of dual loyalty, during his long incarceration, to hang unnecessarily over America Jews and diaspora Jews in general.”

Frazer then suggested that it was Netanyahu who “triggered Israel’s fourth election in two years” and “is looking everywhere for some sort of electoral advantage”. The truth is it was the Blue and White party who voted for the election, not Netanyahu or the Likud.

Next Frazer quotes the “Israeli press” although doesn’t say which journalist or network and writes, “Bibi is hoping to put Pollard in a prestigious fifth slot on the Likud list”. This really was a shameful desperation by Frazer to influence mostly Jewish readers, with a false account of the political stalemate.

Anyone who knows dear Jonathan, is aware he has absolutely no interest in politics. In his own words last week, when told by friends, there are rumours you may become involved in politics, he replied, “Don’t you think I have suffered enough”.

Frazer couldn’t even hold herself back from having a dig at Jonathan’s beard and kippa, or his wife using her Hebrew name Esther, which is custom for many who live in Israel.

Earlier in her piece Frazer criticised the “right-wing” for highlighting Jonathan’s case and that he was wrong to divorce his first wife Anne. But again, Frazer gets it completely wrong because it was Anne, after suffering a mental breakdown, who wished to cut all ties with Jonathan.

Jonathan was a US Navy intelligence

Jonathan Pollard

analyst, who discovered that vital classified documents about imminent threats to Israel from Iraq and Syria, were being withheld from their Israeli counterparts.

The papers included mass production of mustard and nerve gas, which could be used against America’s key ally in the region.

I was connected with various members of the Pollard family and carefully followed the case for several years, some of the time, from within the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem.

After agonizing over what to do, Jonathan eventually broke his oath and the law, and in 1985, was arrested for passing classified documents to a friendly country, a crime which previously dished out a sentence of 18 months.

A plea bargain with officials, in which Jonathan agreed to a 3-4 year prison term was agreed, and Jonathan pleaded guilty in 1986.

But in an unprecedented move, the Judge ignored the agreement after receiving a note from then, Secretary of Defence, Caspar Weinberger, and sentenced Jonathan to life imprisonment in 1987.

Pollard was transferred to one of Americav’s most notorious maximum security prisons, where he spent several years in solitary confinement. Some of society’s worst criminals from across America were in the North Carolina jail with Jonathan.

Those who visited him were told, he expected to be killed in his bed and that conditions were extremely bad.

The case became a left-right divide especially in the diaspora, with so much misinformation being spurted out in the Jewish media. I can say, that the claim Jonathan was responsible for the deaths of American agents was completely false, as was the insistence that Jonathan ONLY passed on documents for money.

In fact, Jonathan delivered secrets to Israel for a whole year without any payment, before his handler, Rafi Eitan said, “it is standard procedure that one receives

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PHOTO: YOUTUBE

money for taking such risks.”

The conviction of Jonathan was a huge miscarriage of justice. He was not even convicted of treason. In fact, he wasn’t even indicted on treason charges, but served 30 years, when the standard punishment is less than 2 years.

America made an example of Jonathan by sending a strong message to anyone working for the government - if you put Israel before America, it will not be tolerated, and you will pay a heavy price. Jonathan was even prevented from attending his father’s funeral in the late 1990s.

In reality, Pollard caught America hiding information, but he himself was caught passing on that intelligence. He genuinely believed he was doing a service to Israel by handing over information for security purposes.

Last week, Jonathan thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu for standing by his word from several years ago, when he said, he would bring him to Israel.

After 35 long years, 30 behind bars, Jonathan Pollard is alive and free, although in bad health. His wife Esther has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for aggressive cancer.

Since all paroled restrictions were lifted last November, after five years, thanks to Israeli Ambassador, Ron Dermer, Jonathan was free to leave America with his wife Esther and settle in the land, they both love so much.

The time has now come to put this horrendous chapter behind us. Jonathan and Esther deserve to move on with their lives in peace and happiness. Esther should experience the best medical treatment in the world, and I hope they both pursue their own interests. May they both know no further sorrow.

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

7 JANUARY 2021

LETTERS 13

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Letters to the Editor Send in your comments to PERSONAL letters@thejewishweekly.com ANNOUNCEMENTS 10 DECEMBER 2020

Covid confusion

Send in your personal announcement to letters@thejewishweekly.com £1.50 per word (£25 minimum)

ENGAGEMENTS

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.

ELLA TO YAIR Noémie and Danny Lopian together with Dalia and Aryeh Kramer are delighted to announce the engagement of

Mazel tov to grandparents Mrs R Bornstein, Rabbi and Mrs Kramer and Mrs P Werner.

Fondly remembering those no longer with us.

A RESPONSE TO J.D. MILARIC’S LETTER OF 10TH DECEMBER To J.D. Milaric For years I’ve read your letters in the Jewish Press, And have to say, I do confess – I never could tell if you are woman or man Whereas now of course I most certainly can

OPINION PIECE

BY JACQUELINE CURZON We celebrated this week the rolling out of the UK vaccines as a means to end the spectre of endless lockdowns. We can also cheer for common sense, with the cutting of the red tape which was preventing retired medics from assisting in the delivery of vaccinations.

Disappointingly the mandarins have vetoed allowing pharmacists to help, and given the sense of national emergency, it is ridiculous that no-one will be vaccinated on Sundays. We should surely have a work ethic where we maximise the opportunities of delivery. Compare this to Israel, which - putting aside the army it can call on - must be commended on its impressive start to their programme.

Around 10% of Israelis have now been given the vaccine, providing around 20,000 vaccinations each day, with staff working from 8am - 10pm. Their follow-up jab is then booked for 2 weeks later. It’s therefore disappointing to see the UK and USA lagging significantly, with only around 1% being offered jabs to date. Public compliance must be a factor in this, for Israel has consistently shown acceptance and public resilience in the stringent lockdown measures imposed throughout the past year. Doubtless they will be cooperative in their new lockdown restrictions too, for that’s the way to stamp out the transmission.

At home a draft emergency protocol, published in November, projects that in the case of the NHS becoming overwhelmed, care for covid admissions

should be triaged. There would be a fourstage process, the first of which would take into account the patient’s survival chances and conditions. This would mean the most likely to contribute to society should be prioritised and treated more aggressively.

As this scenario is fast approaching, I wonder if that spells doom for cancer patients, already perceived as condemned men.

With transmission numbers still rising I ask if we have a solution for young people - or others - flouting distancing rules and instructions to stay home, or egregious school boards who are happy for their schools to stay open and ignore public health directives. None of us are remotely enjoying this experience: I can honestly say by day 4 of ‘homeschooling’ I feel in need of counselling. Like many others we have many children at home (5 in my case), 4 laptops to share, limited data, and 1 parent trying to be all things to all people. Whilst I may appear to write tongue-in-cheek, the reality will potentially translate into a mental health catastrophe across the nation. It’s certainly no fun for the teachers either.

It’s understandable for youngsters thoroughly demoralised by all the previous disruption to their schooling, to gripe about following a screen curriculum rather than online entertainment, but their interpretation of academic industry is sadly often found wanting. Term has morphed instantly from a projected delay of a fortnight, to something now resembling half a term, or longer. As for the public exams promised for the end of the session, the fiasco button is set on repeat!

We are seeing less a fluid situation to the virus, and more a tide running out of control.

Whilst I may appear to write tongue-in-cheek, the reality will potentially translate into a mental health catastrophe across the nation.

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Letters to the Editor 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.

FESTIVALS OF LIGHT – CHANUKAH Dear Editor Please see below my poem for Chanukah…

This past week, as I got up from my Shloshim on 8 December One of the most enjoyable of our Chagim arrives – Chanukah A joyous, winter festival of lights Celebrated for eight days and nights Illuminating our lives and homes, with candles lit on the Menorah This is much-needed for me after my wife, so suddenly from Cancer, passed on Probably, after a year of Coronavirus-laden doom and gloom, it is for everyone A year that’s been full of lockdowns, tiers and face covering Bubbles – Jewish ones being “bubelehs,” testing and tracing, Social distancing, no kiddushim or singing in Shuls – so much has now gone

Because you wrote you had recently lost your wife And so I wish you condolences, and a Long Life I hope your family will know no more sorrow, And I pray for us all for a better tomorrow.

As we look forward to some celebration, Covid-19 has cost The Jewish community in the UK, dearly as we have lost Far too many of our own to the current pandemic And over a million people worldwide – a statistic Demonstrating, in human lives, just how much it has cost Chanukah Sameach to all staff at, and readers of, The Jewish Weekly To my family and friends and the worldwide Jewish community J D Milaric 25 Kislev 5781 / 10 December 2020

Let’s hope the coming year will bring some joy, With an end to the virus, for every man, woman, girl and boy.

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Mrs. E. Salomon, 12th Tevet 5781

From the editor’s desk The fundraising appeal for Jacqueline Curzon has been nothing short of remarkable! Since our last edition, we have managed to raise over £20,000.

The generosity of our readers is truly astounding and Jacqueline is deeply grateful for every penny. She can now carry on her journey away from the NHS and we continue to hope and pray that the various options available will be able to make a huge difference not just to her but to her entire family.

A further £30,000 is still needed for full treatment over the next few months and the various platforms to donate are still available for those yet to give or those who want to further their generosity.

Funds can be directed to Jacqueline via: https://thechesedfund.com/ jacquelinesbravebattle/saveamother Or call The Jewish Weekly on 020 3906 8488 or email office@thejewishweekly.com

Once again our country has been plunged into full lockdown. As well as the medical side of the virus, where we are seeing our NHS staff end their daily shifts in tears, many parents are really struggling with the sudden order to keep the children of non key workers at home.

The timing of Boris’ announcement just one day after telling everyone to go to school was unusual. However despite the peculiarities and the fact that many people are fed up with constant lockdown, this time at least there seems to be a chink of light at the end of the tunnel in

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the shape of the vaccines.

Over the last few weeks, America has humiliated itself to the world. The shenanigans of the election is reminiscent of a third world country rather than one of the leading countries in the world.

Whilst unfortunately it would appear that a Biden presidency will complicate matters for Israel, with Iran already ramping up the nuclear weapon that Trump halted, nonetheless the actions of a minority of his supporters has brought shame upon America. Watching people get fatally shot as protesters storm Washington is not what democracy is supposed to be about, whether the fraud allegations prove to be true in some cases or not. It is no excuse to riot and America should hang its head in shame. President Elect Biden sure has work to do.

Jonathan Pollard has arrived in Israel after many years behind bars. It was truly an emotional moment to watch him walk out the plane after all he had been through.

Remarkably, when the Prime Minister of Israel held out his hand to greet him, he politely told him to wait, whilst he and his wife bent down to kiss the ground. What a moment! To watch someone publicly put G-d before a human reminded me of the words we say in Tehillim each morning, ‘don’t put your trust in nobles, in the son of man that cannot save.’

Finally a public example of the importance of Hashem.

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The Bereishit Conference lands with success

The online Bereishit Conference

“Amazing.” “I must compliment you on putting together such a varied and interesting programme.” “Phenomenal.” “What a fantastic morning. “Inspiring.” These were some typical pieces of feedback from the recent online Bereishit Conference.

Totalling over 5000 hours of watched material by participants, there were also two care homes who screened the programme.

Some watched the sessions live, with many others of those signed up taking advantage of the playback options – in an event that was superbly managed by Vievma online events company.

Now four years old, the Bereishit Conference participation more than trebled this year, and provided some much-needed inspiration in a difficult period. The programme’s catering partners Jasmine, where possible also dropped off some nutritional accompaniment in the form of breakfast, complementing the wholesomeness of the programme.

A project partnered with the US, Seed, the OCR’s CCE fund, AishUK, JLE and various communities, the Bereishit Conference consisted of three elements: keynotes, learning tracks, and interviews. Keynotes included South African Chief Rabbi Rabbi Warren Goldstein, Lord Mann, refusenik Yosef Mendelewitz, Hatzalah’s Eli Beer

and Mossad’s Danny Limmor. Keynote interviews included Rabbi Daniel & Ilana Epstein, Aviva Landau with inspirational nurse and cancer survivor Libbie Goldstein, David Collins & Rabbi Liss on ‘Shuls in 2021’ and Lawyer of the Year James Libson in conversation with Jacob Levy QC. There was also an International Leadership panel as well as a special Rabbi Sacks tribute session with Lord Kestenbaum & Rabbi Daniel Rowe.

The four tracks were Jewish Horizons, Text track, Jewish Practice and Relationships.

There was also an evening course for young families on Tools for Developing Genuine Happiness by Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen.

“Developing an online conference in a Covid era was not a simple task, but with the help of Vievma and some amazing partners, we managed to create a programme that left people with concrete inspiration and positive tools to put into practice. To navigate people watching it live, some preferring catch-up, breakout rooms and the like was not an easy task. But the positive feedback was overwhelming,” added Rabbi Fine Rabbi Fine savoured the time when someone called him mid afternoon asking how to log in to the playback recordings because they were going out for a walk and didn’t want to miss some inspiration.

Resident Marion Phillips, 95, at Anita Dorfman House recieving Covid-19 vaccine

Residents at Anita Dorfman House receive Covid-19 vaccine More than 100 staff and residents received the Covid-19 vaccine at Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House at Sandringham today.

The residents are the first Jewish Care residents to be given their initial dose of the Pfizer vaccine as part of the national vaccination programme.

The vaccine was delivered by an external team of trained healthcare professionals.

So far, more than 80 frontline care and hospitality staff across Jewish Care have also received the first dose of the vaccine with many more scheduled to have it in the new year. The uptake of the vaccine amongst staff is promising, and more will be done through Jewish Care’s CovidBusters campaign to encourage more staff to book appointments to have the vaccine.

On receiving the vaccine, Evelyn White, 85, resident at Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House at Sandringham, said: “The treatment and the care were

perfect, and the vaccine is a right step in a right direction.”

Elizabeth Mandeya, Registered Manager at Anita Dorfman House at Sandringham said: “Residents and the staff were excited as they queue up to receive the vaccine. We are very grateful to the team of doctors, nurses, support workers and the management team from Harrow for choosing Anita Dorfman House at Sandringham to be the first care home in Harrow to receive the vaccine.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown, Chief Executive, Jewish Care, said: “We are delighted that the vaccine is finally starting to be administered in care homes. This is an incredible end to an extremely tough year for our residents and staff, and we hope that this vaccine is the start of finding our way back to some kind of normality.”

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COMMUNITY 15

Freddie and Freda Knoller celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary

Freddie and Freda Knoller in December 2020 celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary

escaped the Nazi’s by fleeing to Belgium but was interned in a Belgian refugee camp until 1940. Freddie attempted to

Freddie and Freda Knoller on their wedding day 31 December 1950.

Last week, Freddie and Freda Knoller celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary on New Year’s Eve, marking 70 happy years together on a Zoom with members and volunteers of Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre. Members of the Centre for many years, the couple joined the weekly virtual Yiddish group and staff shared one of Freddie and Freda’s favourite song, Sophie Milman’s, “Ochi Chernye”, with the volunteers and members.

Speaking on the Zoom, their daughter, Susie Knoller, said, “70 years is quite an achievement and they are very much in love. Thank you to everyone at the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre for celebrating this special day with my Mum and Dad. It’s been a lifeline to them after everything that’s happened and after everything the Centre has done for them over the years, it’s so important to them.

“They miss you all. You mean a lot to all of us and you always will.”

Freddie Knoller, BEM, is 99 years and 8 months young and will celebrate his 100th birthday on April 17th this year.

Survivors and volunteers gave their congratulations to the happy couple and wished Freddie and Freda a big Mazel tov.

Eve Kugler, BEM said, “You’re an inspiration to everyone and to the hundreds of people you’ve told your story to and I wish you many good, happy years together.”

Freddie, responded to the group, saying,

“We thank you all and thank Susie, for organising the celebration.”

Aviva Trup, Jewish Care’s Manager for Culture and Faith, added, “Freddie and Freda, you inspire us and we wish you a huge Mazeltov on your anniversary and many, many more happy years together.”

Talking about her parents, Susie Knoller said, “Freddie and Freda were married on 31st December 1950, in the Rabbi’s house in Baltimore, Maryland. They met after the war on a blind date. Freda, at that time was visiting her aunt and uncle in Baltimore, and Freddie, after being liberated from Bergen Belsen, was sent as a refugee to America, where his two brothers, Otto and Eric were living and happily married.

Mum and Dad met on a blind date, after one month they were engaged and were married after 2 months. It was love at first sight!”

The couple moved back to England in 1952 after two years of marriage, as Freda, who is from the UK, was homesick. They have two children, Marcia, born in 1953 and Susie, born in 1956 who has Nadav, 24, who was born in Israel.

Freddie and Freda shared their tips for a happy marriage. Freddie says, “Continued love. Love your partner, that’s all that matters” and Freda says, “One must marry the right person to begin with, and really love and respect each other”.

Freddie, born in Vienna, Austria in 1921,

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escape to France and was arrested on the border before escaping prison with false identification papers as a Frenchman from Alsace. He worked in Paris and joined the French Resistance before being betrayed by a French girlfriend and arrested again.

Refusing to reveal the name of the resistance group, Freddie admitted to being Jewish and was sent to the Drancy Transit Camp near Paris. He was deported, to Auschwitz where he carried 25kg cement bags at a run and survived due to his friendship with a French prisoner, a doctor, who helped him by sharing extra food with him. He went on the Death March and was finally taken by cattle truck to Bergen Belsen before being liberated by the British Army in March 1945. From there he made his way as a refugee to meet his family in America.

Freddie has shared his story, about the Holocaust through his talks and his books, helping to educate thousands of people and has raised a huge amount for Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre which supports Holocaust survivors and refugees through a specific programme of social, cultural and therapeutic activities.

16 COMMUNITY

Health Information Event Coming to Manchester Manchester’s Kivisi organisation is excited to announce its forthcoming Fertility and Health Discovery Day on Sunday, 17th January. Accessible online or by telephone, it features a full-day programme of talks by Rabbonim and health professionals and is open to any adult in the community who would like to add to their health knowledge.

Through its infertility support work, Kivisi knows how big a difference a little knowledge and understanding can make when it comes to health. How to manage a condition, when to take a symptom seriously, what to advise a friend or relative; everyone can benefit from knowing a bit more.

As one committee member said, “One lady could have avoided major surgery if she had only known that her ‘little’ symptom indicated a serious problem.

If she had gone to the doctor sooner, her condition could have been reversed with medication.”

Important as the knowledge is, accessing health information can sometimes be challenging. The average GP lacks time for extended discussions. Many people don’t have internet access. Even those who do have internet access often struggle to find reliable information.

That’s where Kivisi’s health education

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Misaskim Manchester opens its new warehouse

initiative comes in, with lectures regularly hosted and advice and signposting provided to individuals via their helpline.

Always ambitious when it comes to helping the kehilla, Kivisi recently decided to take things further and applied to the National Lottery Community Fund last year for a grant to hold a health fair. The application was successful but Kivisi faced another hurdle with the current Covid-related restrictions. Undeterred, Kivisi has designed a virtual event instead, rather than put plans on hold.

Their impressive line-up of speakers will cover a wide range of topics relating to fertility and general reproductive health.

With subjects like PCOS, HRT, osteoporosis, nutrition for reproductive health, reproductive malignancies, and guiding newlyweds, there’s something for everyone, with a nominal cover charge of £10 giving you access to the entire programme.

Registration is now open, so go online at www.kivisi.com or call 07719 836 990 to register. For a full list of lectures, look out for our adverts, see details on our website, or feel free to call the registration line for more information.

Get ready to take your first step to increased knowledge and improved health.

After all, what better way to spend a dark winter day than being en’light’ened?

The annual Pirchei Agudas Yisroel Mini Siyum Manchester was held Sunday evening as a drive in event in the Tesco Prestwich car park, with a massive screen and sound transmitted to car radios.

Dayan Steiner fixing a Mezuzah to the new Misaskim warehouse in Manchester

On Sunday morning Misaskim Manchester held an opening and Kevias Mezuzahs for its new warehouse. For quite a while Misaskim had been seeking a larger warehouse to enable all vehicles, equipment and supplies to be stored in one place. Boruch HaShem they were able to secure a new unit on the existing trading estate which is double the size of the previous. Following a number of weeks of refurbishment and organisation, the new warehouse allows the Shiva van, ambulance, water trailer and all equipment to be stored in a single place.

With the onset of the Covid pandemic, Misaskim saw a very significant increase in demand for their services. Misaskim took over responsibility for all Covid Taharas from the Manchester Beis Din, with their specially trained teams managing over 100 Taharas between Purim and Shavuous alone. With many of the surrounding provinces having older Tahara teams, Misaskim were called to attend Meisim father afield in Greater Manchester, Southport, Liverpool and more. All of this required significant investment in PPE equipment, training and new procedures to ensure the safety of the teams.

The new warehouse provides dedicated rooms for Shiva seforim and equipment, a room for the hospital and Tahara team, area for Levaya equipment, coffin storage etc. The opening event brought together the Misaskim teams and gave members an orientation of the new warehouse to which access is available 24 hours. Also on display at the event was the new Levaya hand washing trailer which has been custom built by the Misaskim team. This is a standalone unit which can be brought to a Levaya providing hot water via ten taps in a self contained, battery powered unit with clean and waste water tanks - a first in the UK. The first Mezuzah was hung by Dayan YO Steiner of the Manchester Beis Din. Dayan Steiner has for a long time given Halocho Shiurim and is readily available to answer questions for the hospital teams as they arise. The next Mezuzah was hung

by Dayan Chaim Heimlich, Rosh Hadayonim of the Machzikei Hadas. In appreciation for their dedication and commitment to the origanisation and especially the time they put into the new warehouse, the next Mezuzos hung by Ari Scherer, Hudi Scherer, Motti Marcus and Avi Begal.

Around the Jewish world

BY ESTHER ULLMAN

A group of prize winners with Rabbi S Angel looking on

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Hundreds of participants enjoyed a thrilling Zoom tour around 6 exotic locations on Chanukah.

The “Around the World in 8 Days” programme, initiated by Mr Jonny Dolties and hosted by Rabbi Benji Rickman, assistant Rabbi of Holy Law, Manchester, was given to allow all to virtually explore Judaism around the globe. Starting on 1st Night Chanukah interviewing Rabbi Yakov Raskin of Jamaica, with the following night the Rabbi in Uganda, each evening brought new aspects of practical Halacha and

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Jewish life to light. For example, the Shabbat times in Iceland – with Shabbat starting close to 11pm and ending after 1am in the peak of the summer. Or, can one use the ocean for a mikva? How does one Rabbi shecht 1500 chickens for their community for the entire year?

All participants were fortunate to learn of the selfless dedication of the Chabad Shluchim of those communities to make Judaism relevant and reachable both to the locals, who may not have had a Torah upbringing and to tourists who find a warm a welcoming place to attend, when travelling far away from home.

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COMMUNITY 17

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Enjoying just one day of school at Manchester’s King David Primary School before the national lockdown closed down all schools in the UK.

King David Primary School Years 5-6 Bubble at morning break

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Coming soon‌

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Teen Power is a direct response to the challenges that teenagers face in today's world. Academic pressures, managing relationships, dealing with mood swings and low self-esteem are just some examples of the struggles that teenagers are faced with which has of course has been exacerbated by the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

The book, written by Deborah Saunders, a popular local therapist with extensive experience working with teenagers in the community, is full of relatable examples and life changing ideas based on Torah values, interspersed with expertly designed cartoons and images to really drive the points home. The book has received approbations from Rabbonim and Therapists worldwide.

Our goal for this project is to provide a copy of Teen Power for as many Jewish girls as possible (Year 8 upwards) in England and ultimately worldwide. The book will be available exclusively through the Schools and there will also be an option of a 5-part course which is based on the principles outlined in the book.

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18 FEATURE

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From the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Florence Nightingale would be furious. They penned her name to inventive, extraordinary facilities to save the country, then they didn't bother to use (most of) them, and finally they dismantled them. What a waste of resources, and manpower. In Scotland the solo Nightingale, sited in Glasgow’s Scottish Exhibition Centre [SEC], has been converted into an NHS hospital {Louisa Jordan} - an outpatient facility. Patients from across the city are directed to attend for all manner of clinical specialities.

According to one of my sources, Jacqueline Curzon they haven’t utilised it at all for covid PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY admissions. South of the border a FOI search reveals that the 7 English Nightingales were built and fitted at a combined cost of £220 million, this not factoring in operational costs.

Unbelievably Birmingham, Harrogate and Sunderland did not admit even one patient, although Harrogate and Exeter were later repurposed as transport. One must ask why this most diagnostic clinics. The flagship London Excel centre - capacity 5000 beds - treated only vulnerable group has not been escalated to level 1 along with healthcare workers, to 54 patients in total in its 6-week operational prevent us succumbing to a secondary issue, period, and has since been stripped of beds for we know our primary outlook is already and ventilators. Medics have indicated that bleak. Great news - we were promised this - should the NHS become overwhelmed week that our vaccination graduation will be - there are not enough staff to man them. in place by mid-Feb. Let’s hope it’s not just Something along the lines of ‘robbing wishful thinking.

Peter to pay Paul.’ How on earth managers Sage are now calling for the closure of thought it a good idea to use all the hospitals nurseries, reimposition of a 2 metre rule for covid critical care, and effectively shut and travel restrictions between boundaries. down all other patient services (outpatient How can the latter realistically happen clinics, elective surgeries and therapeutic when key workers need to travel across procedures), I have no idea! GP services cities? We might even find ourselves in a have practically vanished, like a mirage total lockdown like Italy last year, as this in the desert, never destined to return to virus becomes the stuff of nightmares. If provision as we remember it. If we keep this you were hoping for the vaccine, you may up, there will be no recognisable healthcare be - to misquote Oates from his ill-fated 1912 system left. Amanda Pritchard, CEO of NHS Antarctic expedition - some time. I myself Improvement, wrote to health trusts in late have ping-ponged from category 6 to 2, December, telling them to ‘mobilise all their surge capacity, and to include private hospi- although if you’re an otherwise fit and fairly healthy 50 plus, you’ll be in groups 7- 9. At tals as well as making use of empty hospice a projected rate of 2 million vaccinations a beds.’ If you thought you could otherwise week, it could take 26 weeks to get to those nip over to your private healthcare to beat the interminable queues, you might be sore- at the back of the queue. Forget getting your booster dose, be grateful if you get the starter ly disappointed. Ambulance crews are now dose. If you're lucky it will be just in time for in the invidious position of having patients your summer non-holiday. treated in their vehicles, whilst they queue Moving away from covid now. For many for hours to gain patient access to A&E, this years I worked with an amazing concert piparticularly upsetting for level 2 patients anist who trained in Russia. As I already had who may have already waited many hours a love affair for Russian music, I would have for an emergency response which should also loved to study there, except of course have taken no more than 18 minutes. without any command of the language, it We are now in an equivalent of Tier was impossible. I still have a beautiful letter, 5, in virtual lockdown, with new rules typewritten in chunky Cyrillic from the stating people may only leave home 1) to Russian Consulate, stating that if I acquired buy food or medicine, 2) to exercise, 3) to a basic skill, I could be considered. I never attend appointments, 4) care for somebody vulnerable or 5) to work, if it’s not possible to lost my love for all things Russian, and nonetheless continued studying it to postdo so at home. Clinically vulnerable people are advised to shield at home, yet again. Well graduate level. Even now my passion is still there, as testified by my recent intention to for hundreds of thousands of us, staying at home is not always possible. I have to go out travel on the Trans Siberian Express with a for healthcare appointments, chemotherapy close friend. This was originally conceived as a journalistic travel-writing trip, combined etc and this involves travelling on public

with further fundraising, but was thwarted by the sudden imposition

by Moscow of a 14-day quarantine on arrival, and we were almost on a flight a few weeks back when they announced this, so I’ve parked that for a future occasion p”G. Given the world’s covid crisis, 100% I must get vaccinated before doing it. Leading neatly over to news of the Moscow Metro, they have just announced they have begun hiring female drivers for the first time since its inception in 1935. Women were previously excluded as the work was deemed harmful to their health. Russian Railways, who run the routes along the TSE, have also said they will begin hiring female drivers. This should make for a sense of camaraderie with the provodnistas (carriage attendants) on the network.

It is always disappointing to have to flag up bureaucratic stupidity, but here we go again. Gemma Hutt was recently delayed leaving a car park in Newbury, as a result of administering CPR to an elderly man who had collapsed in front of her. She stayed with him until the ambulance arrived, resulting in an overstay of 14 minutes. Euro Car Parks then issued her with a £100 penalty, and have apparently refused to waive it. All of her noble actions will have been captured on the multitude of cctv cameras placed strategically round the compound, so congratulations to ECP, Heartless Company of the Year, for their scrooge and callous efforts to fill the company coffers. Ms Hutt has since had her appeal rejected, and has been treated for depression as it’s understood the man died in spite of everyone’s best efforts. What a heartless, disgraceful example of enforcement. This reminds me - in part - of an incident 30 years ago, where I had to intervene when I was travelling solo around Europe, and a man collapsed in front of me. You leap into action, because if G-d has invested in you with a heart and a brain, there is no alternative.

Fortunately on that occasion, there were no traffic wardens lurking or penalty-hungry jobsworths, and the man survived.

Now for some of this week's unusual or unbelievable news: Following Nicola Sturgeon's recent criticism of the Duke of Cambridge, it should come as no surprise she has now turned her attention to Donald Trump, warning him not to make any visit to his Turnberry golf resort, as it would not qualify under 'essential travel.' I rather doubt he would need to take the train up from London, like Margaret Ferrier, but this is of no matter. Trump claims Scottish heritage, but it remains to be seen if he will qualify for a Scottish passport, should the SNP achieve their dream of independence.

Over in India three siblings have been rescued after locking themselves in a windowless single room for a decade. The siblings aged 34, 39, 42 - all of them highly educated, were so affected by the death of their mother that they refused to leave the room, only coming out after an appeal from their father

NHS under siege.

Parents under pressure.

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Navin Mehta (85), who said he’d lost hope of ever seeing them again. Volunteers from Saathi Seva broke down the door to rescue them and they were taken for psychological assessment at a local hospital.

Haji Khan, of Birmingham saved up to buy an Audi R8 supercar to celebrate his 50th birthday, only to be involved in a motorway crash as he drove it home for the very first time. Emergency services were unable to save him, and he died at the scene.

Thomas Dodd (30) dreamt of seeing his favourite singer in Las Vegas, but his plans were cancelled due to covid, and undeterred he spent several evenings catching up with her soundtracks. He came home from work several days later and found an envelope by the door. In it were formal documents confirming that he had changed his name.

Dodd said, “I just don't remember even doing it. I must have thought it a great idea and done it online.” He now dreads being stopped by the police and them asking them for his name. “...I'm going to have to say it's Celine, surname Dion.”

In the US a parent has been vilified for insisting his 9-year old daughter figure out the mechanics of using a tin-opener. John Roderick, from Seattle, decided to let his daughter wrestle with the problem, finally heating the baked beans when she completed the challenge. Putting aside the lengthy time it took, it represents an interesting conundrum in a GenZed or Gen Alpha society, where many children believe such myths as:- vegetables come from ‘the freezer,’ dishes are washed by a ‘dishwasher,’ maths is done ‘by a calculator,’ the secret to happiness is ‘money,’ and your questions are answered by ‘Google.’ Sometimes a smidgeon of reality is necessary, for their future lies in their own hands. From their hands to the expert hands of Denise Philips: Denise - our inspiring JW cookery guru - invites you to sign up for a cookery demonstration in my refuah.

We have chosen a delicious chicken korma recipe, to be cooked to perfection on the evening of the 21st January. No tin opener required. Details are separately advertised.

Rounding off now, a hearty congratulations goes to Max Woosey (10) who has raised more than £100,000 for a hospice by camping out in his back garden every night since last March. He was inspired by an elderly neighbour who gave him a tent shortly before his own death in February, telling him to go and ‘have an adventure.’

Having now completed more than 270 consecutive nights outdoors, Max has vowed to make it up to a full calendar year. Now there is a young man who sincerely deserves a medal! Talking of medals, I'm delighted to congratulate Michael Tobias from Glasgow, vice-president of the Jewish Genealogical Society, who has received an OBE for his services to the Jewish community.

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

Cook A Long with Denise Phillips FUN RAI D SER

Join me to help raise money for Jacqueline Curzon, a mother of 7 battling with pancreatic cancer Thursday 21 January @ 7.30pm Recipe: Chicken / Veggie tagine with quinoa Please book in advance: Firstly, donate (a suggested minimum ÂŁ10) https://thechesedfund.com/jacquelinesbravebattle/savemother Then email denise@jewishcookery.com to receive the zoom link.

20 BEHIND THE BUSINESS CARD

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24 DECEMBER 2020

Tova Photography & Video

BY MICAELA BLITZ Tova Sprecher took her first photo at 14, and ever since then she has been hooked on creating beautiful images. She started her photography business in her native Israel where she worked within the local community taking family pictures, especially upsherin ceremonies.

Seven years ago, Tova moved to Manchester, where she knew no one, so before launching herself as a photographer there she wanted to spend time creating new contacts and connections. She started working in a local bakery and through her work she began to tell people that she was a photographer. Many of the customers started booking her for their simchas and events, even taking photographs for the bakery to help promote the business.

Word soon began to spread, and her business slowly began to grow.

Tova worked with clients from across the community and became well known until something happened that could well have meant the end for her business. She was the victim of a burglary at her home four years ago and her expensive camera equipment was stolen. This was a devastating blow for Tova, but instead of being downhearted she sought the advice of her Rav who gave her encouragement to carry on. As she explains: “I wasn’t sure whether to start a new job or study something else, or continue with my photography, but he told me to restart everything again, so I did!”

Since then, Tova has diversified into many different areas and she is using her significant experience to not only help people make wonderful memories, but also help others to develop their businesses. As well as photographing simchas and family occasions, Tova also takes photographs of businessmen and women for their LinkedIn profiles and headshots for websites , to help them make the best impression of themselves within the professional arena. She also works with established businesses and start-ups, to create interesting content for their social media posts and blogs, creating a library of great images that can promote their business and products.

For Tova, lockdown has meant that many bookings she had for events and simchas this year have been cancelled or postponed, but she has still been able to be part of those who have found other ways to celebrate their special days. Due to social distancing and limits in numbers, being able to capture these memories have become even more important and utilising this time, Tova has also been developing her video editing skills so that she can produce films for clients to

Having had a wealth of experience, Tova is keen to pass on her expertise and knowledge to those just starting out in the industry and offers workshops for teenagers. accompany their photographs.

Having had a wealth of experience, Tova is keen to pass on her expertise and knowledge to those just starting out in the industry and offers workshops for teenagers. These are ran either as independent groups or through schools which may have photography students. For those just starting out, she runs one-off hourlong workshop whilst for more advanced students she offers longer courses to help them gain practical experience and a better understanding of technique and composition, as well as lighting. She also teaches them how to edit and photoshop their work and is always happy to share her knowledge in this way and tailor the lessons to the needs of the students.

When it comes to being a photographer, the thing that Tova enjoys most about her

job is that every day is different depending on clients and projects, and the freedom that this gives her suits her well.

Her job also allows her to meet many different people and having the opportunity to work with them and develop a rapport with them to get the best images possible. As she explains, “It’s important to me that I establish a good working relationship when I work with clients, so that they feel confident and relaxed in front of the camera. They need to trust the person taking the photo, and this helps to create the best, most natural images.

For me, producing photographs that the client loves is very important to me, and being able to make this happen is the best part of the job!”

If you would like to see more of Tova’s work and find out more about her photography and workshops, please go to her website – www.tovaphoto.co.uk

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

ADVERTORIAL

Active or Passive investment funds?

Are you invested in a failing passive? Vol 3 The writer is the Owner and Managing Director of Alpha Wealth Management Ltd – a boutique independent financial advisory practice. As a Chartered Financial Planner and drawing on over twenty years’ experience in financial services, Marc helps private clients, businesses, charities, and trusts optimize their finances. Prior to acting as a financial adviser, Marc was a Director at several global investment banks, providing investment advice to Europe’s leading institutional investment and pension fund managers.

Responding to the growing appetite for passive investing this final article of 3 attempts to encourage you to review your portfolio’s performance as there is growing evidence that UK stock market investors are being failed by passive funds.

By way of reminder passive funds invest through a strategy that tracks a market-weighted index or portfolio. Active funds involve the manager making specific investments with the goal of outperforming an investment benchmark index.

WHICH PASSIVE INDEX TRACKING FUNDS ARE FAILING INVESTORS ?

A horrendous pandemic, the resulting swathe of dividend cuts and those ever-present Brexit concerns mean that even after several weeks of euphoric, vaccine-fuelled price gains, the FTSE AllShare is still sitting on a double-digit loss for 2020, as of late December. In fact the past two decades have done few favours for UK equity trackers. The FTSE All-Share has actually outstripped inflation over a 20-year stretch but only just. Good UK stockpickers, by contrast, have shown that rich gains can still be made from such unloved markets.

WHERE DOES ACTIVE WORK ?

Active fund managers are often rightly hounded for charging hefty fees while failing to consistently beat the index, especially in promising markets such as the US.

In such a scenario, paying next to nothing for a cheap index fund has increasingly seemed like a no-brainer.

Yet funds in the Investment Association’s small-cap equity sectors have shown good levels of success against the relevant benchmarks. The case often made by the active management industry, that companies further down the market cap scale are less thoroughly covered by research and therefore more likely to be mispriced, appears to be holding true in at least some parts of the world. As of the end of October, more than 80% of the funds in the Japanese Smaller Companies sector came out ahead of the MSCI Japan Small Cap index over one, three and five years. More than 80% of the UK Smaller Companies sector’s constituents were ahead of the Numis Smaller Companies ex Investment Trusts index over three and five years.

The results are sadly much less decisive when it comes to funds with more of a generalist bent. Stockpickers in Japan are ahead of the pack. Some 60% of funds in the IA Japan sector come out ahead of the Topix index over one and five years, with this proportion falling slightly over a three-year stretch. The figures are far from convincing elsewhere. While they hold up slightly better in the shorter term, UK and European equity funds only tend to beat the index around half the time over three and five-year periods.

This casts serious doubts on one logical

Table: % of funds in small cap IA sectors beating benchmark over 5 years to end Oct 2020

Table: Proportion of Active funds that outperformed index in 5 years to end October 2020 (%)

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assumption – that active funds enjoy greater success in “bad” markets, where the composition of an index exposes passive investors to plenty of risks but good companies can still be found by selective investors.

WHAT DOES THIS TELL US ABOUT PICKING FUNDS?

Some active managers, afraid of diverging too much from the market, getting it wrong and promptly finding themselves out of a job, will seek to safeguard their career by staying relatively close to a benchmark index to limit underperformance.

Yet many of the most successful active managers of recent years, from Nick Train to Terry Smith, have moved in the exact opposite direction by deliberately building concentrated portfolios of their favourite stocks.

However, when it comes to specific markets in which active managers appear to have a better or worse chance of success, these odds can also depend on the composition (and success) of the index, as well as the tendencies of stockpickers.

The composition of the underlying market in Asia does create serious problems for stockpickers when indices are on the rise. Asian and emerging market indices are both marked by a significant weighting to China – a runaway market of 2020 – as well as heavy exposure to Tencent, Alibaba, Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Active managers often struggle to build enough exposure to these names to match the index weighting – and going overweight on these market leaders can potentially put them in breach of diversification rules.

US investors will recognise these woes, given the heavy presence of Microsoft, the FAANG stocks and other tech names in their market. Simply put, index concentration makes it hard to outperform when the hottest stocks and markets have momentum behind them.

If consistency is hard to come by over a longer time period, the good news is you don’t need many reliable active managers to give you an edge. And a handful of names in different markets have demonstrated a good level of consistency, even if they don’t win out every single time.

This applies across different geographies. Rathbone Global Opportunities, for example, has outperformed the MSCI World index in seven of the 10 calendar years leading up to 2020 (2010-19) – as well as coming out ahead this year. In the UK, Liontrust Special Situations is ahead of the FTSE All-Share in nine of the 10 years.

In conclusion, there are no easy options to obtaining a consistent outperformance for your portfolio. Nonetheless an experienced adviser might be able to optimise your chances of doing that bit better over time. For assistance with the construction of a suitable and optimal portfolio for your attitude to risk, please be in touch.

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

Avocados are one of my favourite super foods as they are so versatile - have you ever made them into chips? High in fibre, protein and vitamins, these baked vegan wedges are a must any time. Use as canapes, a quick snack, lunch box treats, a side dish or add to tacos, tortillas or serve with a burger.

NB: For best results choose avocados that are firm but ripe Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time 10-12 minutes

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes ½ teaspoon salt 30g Chickpea flour ~ 50ml vegan milk – eg soya, almond, coconut ~ 75g breadcrumbs ~ 2 large or 4 small avocados, peeled and cut into thick slices Lime wedges, to serve Dipping Sauce 150ml thick nondairy yoghurt/ coconut yoghurt 1 tablespoon lime juice Zest of half a lime 1 teaspoon chilli sauce Pinch salt Garnish: Lime wedges and sprigs of coriander

Cardamom & Clementine Cake This gluten free cake has the aromatic spicy sweet flavour of cardamom. Cardamom seeds come from the ginger plant family and provide a good source of potassium. The syrup poured over the cake keeps it moist and delicious.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time 1 hour plus 2 hours simmering time Serves: 10-12 Ingredients 5 clementines Vegetable oil – for greasing 200g caster sugar 300g ground almonds Seeds from 8-10 green cardamom pods – ground to a powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 6 large eggs Juice of 1 lemon 1 cinnamon stick Method 1) Put 3 clementines in a pan of water, bring to the boil and simmer for about 2 hours until tender, adding more water if necessary. Drain and leave to cool or clementines can be covered with water and microwaved on 100% for about 10 minutes for a quicker option!

2) Cut in half and pick out any pips, then whizz the fruit including the skin and flesh to a pulp in a food processor.

3) Preheat the oven 160C fan/ Gas mark 4.

4) Grease and line a 23cm spring form loose based cake tin with baking parchment paper.

5) Put 150g of the caster sugar, almonds, ground cardamom and baking powder in a large bowl. Stir then add the pulped clementines, vanilla extract, eggs and mix well.

6) Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and bake for 50-60 minutes.

7) Meanwhile squeeze the juice from the remaining 2 clementines in a pan. Add the lemon juice and remaining 50g sugar.

8) Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved, then add the cinnamon stick and simmer for 3 minutes.

9) Remove the cake from the oven and pierce the top in a few places with a skewer.

10) Drizzle over the clementine syrup and leave for 1 hour to soak in. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Method 1. Preheat oven to 220C and line a baking tray with baking parchment paper.

2. Combine the chilli flakes, salt, and flour in a shallow dish.

3. Put the milk in to a separate shallow dish.

4. Coat each avocado slice in flour, then dip in the milk.

5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over each slice, pressing down lightly until the crumbs stick.

6. Place on the prepared baking try and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden.

Store leftovers in the fridge 2-3 days.

7. To make the dressing combine all the ingredients together.

8. Serve with lime wedges, sprigs of coriander and dipping sauce.

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Seasonal Winter Fruits

BY DENISE PHILLIPS New Year, fresh start and for many a review of your diet. Eating seasonal fruits through January and the subsequent winter months help provide the antioxidants essentially needed to build up your immune system to resist any flu or other seasonal illnesses. As the sun hides behind the clouds and the rain drives us in doors (as well as COVID-19) our intake of vitamin D is reduced, so it is important to give our bodies what they need to stay healthy to support a positive frame of mind and to keep cheerful on even the most miserable of days.

The top 5 fruits that are plentiful during January include pink grapefruits, clementines, sharon fruit, kiwis, and avocados.

I would like to share some ideas to encourage you to include them in your daily meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Pink grapefruits are super sweet and juicy with a fragrant tangy flavour and at their best in January. Enjoy with yoghurt in a breakfast pot of granola, in a salad with avocado and smoked salmon, sliced on top of toasted cinnamon challah bread with poached eggs or savoury and grill to go on top of salmon or turkey fillets or use as a topping for bruschetta or add to a salsa salad for tacos.

• Clementines are small seedless, easy to peel oranges making the perfect on the go or quick snack and a must for a daily lunch box dessert. Segment them and use for savoury or sweet salads, grill to top chicken tagines, turkey hot pots or stir fry beef dishes. Delicious sliced for an upside-down cake, fan on top of cheesecakes, steamed puddings, dip into chocolate or puree for a cake sponge, add to overnight porridge, slice into fruit juice cocktails or rum punch drinks.

• Sharon fruits are a type of persimmon.

They are specially bred to remove the sour

drying stringency of an unripe persimmon.

Delicious juicy and sweet, they have few seeds and a unique texture and flavour.

Fat-free they give you fibre, potassium and vitamin A, C and B6. Enjoy raw in sweet and savoury salads, salsas with cranberries, avocado, and mango, in smoothies and cake mixes and in crumbles. Cut in half and bake topped with cinnamon, ,honey and vanilla or grill to top cheese on toast.

• Kiwi fruits, named for their association with New Zealand were in fact first grown on a large scale in China. The fruit

Sun 10 Jan Age: 25-35 Sun 24 Jan Age: 35-45

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COOKERY 23

should be firm when gently squeezed.

Best enjoyed raw as cooking destroys the vitamin content and dulls the green colour.

The skin is edible and provides fibre, folate, and antioxidants although some people prefer to remove it. Add to smoothies, chop into cereal, if over ripe make sorbet, bread, muffins, jam or cakes. Use as a garnish for savoury chicken dishes, chop into cubes and add to Mexican salsa or salads with blue or feta cheese, cucumber, and mint.

• Avocados are a super fruit and extremely versatile. They can be enjoyed raw, cooked, pureed, and baked. Avocados are particularly useful in vegan diets for baking and can be used as a substitute for butter, oil, eggs, mayonnaise, and sour cream. A 100g of mashed avocado can be substituted for 1 egg in baked recipes. Make into soup, stuff with mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes and glaze with balsamic vinegar, add to pasta, make a pesto sauce, mash for bruschetta, and enjoy with eggs or make avocado fries! As a sweet option avocado have a great affinity with chocolate and make delicious cheesecakes, ice cream and truffles.

Hopefully, you will be inspired to add these seasonal fruity favourites of mine to your cooking repertoire.

On the left are two recent recipes that I hope you will enjoy making.

Sun 17 Jan Age: 40-50 Sun 31 Jan Age: 55-65

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com LOCKDOWN MARRIAGE CRISIS Dear Rabbi I am going to write this question anonymously but write it nevertheless because I am sure I am not the only one going through this right now. I don’t think it is natural for a husband and wife to be cooped up together in a house for endless weeks at a time. Normally he goes to work, she goes to work, the kids are in school, so the space is there and I believe that space is absolutely necessary for survival. But with lockdowns that space has gone out the window and has become a relationship killer. We survived the first lockdown and the second one was more flexible. Now that we are going into a third, I really don’t believe I can survive this.

Don’t get me wrong. My husband is a nice guy but this is just unnatural and I think this lack of space has caused us to fall out of love. Whatever thoughts you have on this please share with me and all your other readers.

Thank you.

Anonymous Dear Anon So many couples make the mistake of thinking that you fall in love such that you then fall out of love. That mistake is founded on the premise that a relationship is held together by love. It’s not!

Sholom Bayit 101 is simply this: Relationships are founded on and require hard work, showing up and commitment. Love comes and goes. Some days you love more and some days you want to run a mile. Some days you realise why you fell in love, and some days you ask yourself what were you ever thinking.

Some days you are walking on cloud nine and other days you might be hurting deep inside.

When children are on the scene these emotional swings become even more exacerbated. True love is a commitment and much like a flower, it requires watering on a daily basis in order to stay alive. When your child drives you insane, has a tantrum or brings you to your wits end, you don’t for a second think that you will return him or her back to the manufacturer, or put them up for adoption. You are there for the long haul. You are committed to making it work. You will have good days and you will have horrible ones. Commitment keeps you together until the good days come back again. It takes effort and it’s not all rosy. But, with the right person, it’s the highest sort of work you can do. And hopefully, when you are older, less attractive, a little hunched and maybe somewhat pudgy with a receding hairline, you have someone who still loves you and you look at each other like the day you met and remember only the good times.

Finally, if you are in crisis mode it is imperative that you seek professional help rather than just despair. That too is part of the commitment to your relationship. There are plenty of online options available. Good luck to you and all others.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Dear Rabbi My wife’s mother passed away a year ago and we are due to have a baby in a month’s time and we know it is a girl. My mother-

Pirkei Avot ‘Rabban Gamliel used to say: Make Hashem’s will your will, so that He will make your will His will.’

A Jew naturally wants to do the will of Hashem. By working together with G-d, He will respond to us in the way we respond to Him, hopefully both for the good. Hashem wants to fulfill our needs even more than we want them fulfilled! This Mishnah teaches us the way to bring down the heavenly blessing to this world.

They say if someone wants to im-

in-law’s name was Yenta and she was called by that name. I don’t mind the Sarah but is it really necessary to add the Yenta when we all know how much my daughter will get teased.

Of course I want to do the right thing by my wife but I need to do the right thing by my daughter as well. How important is it?

Chaim Dear Chaim The Gemara relates how Rabbi Meir was particularly sensitive to the significance of people’s names and how names identify and affect who a person is. Jewish mysticism goes a step further and suggests a name is the vehicle G-d uses to invest His energy into the person. The Midrash also makes the point that one should call their child “by a name that is befitting for righteousness.” This reflects the general significance in the names we give.

The Arizal goes a step further and writes that inasmuch as we might think we are giving our children names that appeal to us, in reality, “the name parents choose for a child is not random happenstance, rather G-d places a name in their mouths that is indicative of this soul’s source...”

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein rules categorically that “one should not change from the custom to name their child after an ancestor from a previous generation… certainly where applicable, one should name a child after one’s own parents whom he or she is actually obligated to honour.” It is thus a great satisfaction and merit for the soul of the loved one, when its descendants bear its name.

If indeed the name is one

which might sound strange to modern ears then a suitable compromise would be to add a name. Hence if the name was Yenta then add Chaya and the girl in question can choose to always be identified as Chaya. Her soul still bears the name of your wife’s mother, thereby infusing

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

For a refuah Shalema for Yitzchak Refoel Chaim ben Rifka prove their ways and asks for siyatta dishmaya, heavenly assistance, G-d will grant it to him.

Moving on, the Mishnah gives yet more quality advice including the famous line ‘do not judge your friend until you are in their place’ and you can fully understand what they are going through. Far too often in life we are quick to judge. Unfortunately many people are slandered without fair trial and often it is complete nonsense.

A woman was once told by a friend

not to take a certain photographer for her wedding as he had apparently turned up really late to a previous wedding completely missing the chuppa. Not wanting to judge, she called him and asked if this was the case. He informed her that he was not booked for that wedding but the initial photographer had not turned up and the desperate family had pleaded with him to come even just for the dinner so that he could at least have some photos of the big day.

So never judge!

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her with the spiritual energy associated with the loved one; respect has been given to your mother-in-law, and all social stigmas will have been averted.

At least until her ketubah is read under the Chupah and the truth comes out. But you have time to worry about that.

Perek 2: Mishna 4

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Torah from Israel

7 JANUARY 2021

Be Like Moshe

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN Moshe was arguably the greatest man to ever live. He scaled the heavens and split the seas. He liberated a nation of slaves and taught them about a God they couldn’t visualize but whose Will they could study. For forty years he piloted a rebellious nation throughout a barren desert on their way to a golden land. How does a man like Moshe develop? Perhaps his life- particularly the chapter before he is chosen by God- can provide clues for our own religious growth.

Moshe’s birth is preceded by a seemingly ‘standard’ story about the marriage of his parents: a man from the house of Levi marries a woman from the same tribe and together they birth Moshe. We aren’t informed of the names of his parents and this anonymity emphasizes that Moshe didn’t inherit his position because of his prestigious parents- we don’t even know their names! By and large, with some exceptions, Judaism aspires to a system of meritocracy where leaders earn their position, rather than receiving it through ‘yichus’. Though the ‘real world’ doesn’t always operate in this manner, it is certainly the ideal.

Additionally, the attention paid to Moshe’s birth and his nursing as an infant, stresses the fact that the “greatest prophet” was born through natural means. His was drawn from a water-soaked cradle and raised by multiple “mothers”. This story debunks any absurdity about prophets being supernaturally born. Born through natural means and without celebrity, Moshe develops into the greatest man to ever bestride our planet.

How does he develop into a great prophet? In our era, we no longer enjoy the experience of prophecy, but Moshe’s development certainly can inspire our own growth. The Rambam (in his philosophical sefer known as “Moreh Nevuchim”) affirms that God doesn’t indiscriminately or arbitrarily select prophets. Human beings must first refine their own moral character, develop their intellect and heighten their religious sensibility, so that they become suited for prophecy. God then chooses from among these ‘prophetically-suited’ candidates.

Moshe’s “journey to prophecy” can be followed even by human beings who will never achieve actual prophecy. His road to prophecy can help us navigate our own journey to religious growth.

Before he is selected at the ‘burning bush’, Moshe displays four different traits:

1.SYMPATHY WITH HUMAN SUFFERING

Moshe forays out of his comfortable palace and witnesses human suffering. Encountering an Egyptian abusing a Jewish slave, he protects the victim by neutralizing the attacker. It is not all together clear that, at this point, Moshe was even aware of his Jewish identity. None the less, he intervenes on behalf of a “person” being victimized. At a later stage, upon arriving in Midyan and attempting to escape arrest, Moshe once again intercedes- even at great personal cost; as a fugitive, it is certainly in his best interest to maintain a low profile and ignore this local quarrel.

Yet he can’t help but sympathize with these non-Jewish but defenceless girls and shields them from abusive herdsman.

Moshe is chosen because he sympathizes with human suffering and rails against injustice even when not personally advantageous or politically correct.

It is fair to ask whether parts of the Jewish community have abandoned this mission. In Israel, the agenda of social justice and economic equality has been “adopted” by secular Israelis for whom an agenda of religion or one of settling the land of Israel is, unfortunately, irrelevant.

Sadly, and in some ways in reaction to “secular appropriation, many religious Jews in Israel pay little interest to the ‘social agenda’. A similar trend has evolved in the Jewish world even outside the State of Israel. Many non-Orthodox streams of Judaism have pivoted themselves upon agendas of socio-economic equality and protection of vulnerable members of society. This has caused some, in Orthodox circles, to recoil from these important programmes. Moshe’s “rise” reminds us all that, at the heart of Jewish identity, lies concern and sympathy for victims of injustice. Even if we don’t channel resources toward the redressing of injustice we certainly cannot remain callous or unfeeling when victimization occurs or when humans suffer.

2.A SIMPLE DESERT-LIFE

Moshe begins his career by shepherding his father-in law’s sheep thereby following the careers of our avot who, in sefer Breishit, also tended to flocks. Shepherds lead very simple rural lives devoid of the comforts and luxuries of the city. Ironically, Moshe first hears the voice of God in this barren desert and not in the more luxurious palace in which he was reared.

Our modern world has become very sophisticated, comfortable and cultured.

What price do we all pay for sophistication? Do we relinquish natural purity and

By and large, with some exceptions, Judaism aspires to a system of meritocracy where leaders earn their position, rather than receiving it through ‘yichus’. wholesomeness through exposure to social vanity and the aggressive pursuit of wealth and reputation? By distancing himself from palace life and palace intrigue, Moshe receives his first prophecy. Spiritual health is dependent upon striking a balance between our desire for sophistication and “progress” and the retention of common and humble innocence. We run the risk of becoming too sophisticated and too “plastic”, unable to express or even sense authentic passion or emotion.

3. MOSHE WORKS HARD

A shepherd lives a demanding life with grueling schedules and taxing workloads.

In defending against Lavan’s false allegations, Ya’akov emphasizes that shepherds work day and night and suffer through relentless and extreme weather conditions.

Hard work generally refines our character, builds selflessness, and strengthens our discipline. For these reasons both the desert mishkan, as well as the ultimate Beit Hamikdash, were crafted by human industry rather than prefabricated by God. God’s presence only descended to the human realm through intense labour and Moshe only received his prophecy after steering cattle through the desert. In a world of ‘ease’ and ‘convenience’ Moshe’s early career should remind us of the value of toil and even struggle. We have all met people about whom it could be said that it would have been beneficial had they struggled earlier in life.

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4.MOSHE’S CURIOSITY

Moshe observes an atypical phenomenon: a bush beset by fire but not devoured. Less curious people may have scuttled along, barely noticing this wonder or disinterested in exploring this anomaly. Moshe deliberately diverts to better “see into the life of things” and decipher this mystery. Realizing that something deeper lies beneath the surface, he examines the shrubbery and hears the voice of God. Perhaps Moshe also senses a celestial message latent in this fire which obviously stems from a different realm.

Intellectual curiosity –especially in today’s world- can be tricky. We enjoy such easy access to a range of toxic information and media. It is crucial that we draw “red lines in the sand” and curb our curiosity to preserve our purity. However, there is also a danger of becoming to disinterested and too shallow. If we had passed lowly burning bush would we be too busy to take notice? If we took notice would we be too lazy to explore and analyse? Would we ‘miss’ the voice or God because we don’t sufficiently dig beneath the surface of our lives?

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 F RO M ERETZ Y I S R AE L

Redemption from an Unexpected Source

BY RABBI BEREL WEIN It is difficult to imagine a more unlikely scenario than the one described for us in the Torah, as to the process of redemption of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. We can readily understand a personality of holiness and tranquility such as Aaron becoming the hero and redeemer of the holy people of Israel.

We could also easily understand that the redemption could come from negotiations and the recognition by Pharaoh and the Egyptians, that it was in their best interests to allow the Jewish people to end slavery and let the Jew leave. Yet, that certainly is not the way the Torah presents this story for us. Instead, the redeemer is an unlikely figure who was not even part of the Jewish story for approximately half of his lifetime. Not only that, he is a wanted man, and a persecuted individual who risked his life on behalf of the Jewish people, but in fact was betrayed by Jews themselves. And he is a reluctant redeemer, telling the L-rd to try to find someone else to do the job, for he feels that he is

not capable sufficiently to fulfill the task at hand. Heaven disregards all his complaints and accepts none of his excuses.

Heaven is aware of all human shortcomings, and, nevertheless, assigns great tasks to individuals to fulfill, irrespective of the inadequacies that they may feel abound within them. Moshe is the most humble and modest of all human beings.

Nevertheless, he is not allowed to be humble and self-effacing at this moment.

We see Moshe in his most aggressive and assertive mode when speaking to the Pharaoh. For when the time comes to redeem the Jewish people, one cannot be

fainthearted, passive, and subservient any longer.

In our time, over the past century, the redemption of Israel, the ingathering of the exiles to our ancient homeland, the establishment of the State of Israel and the revival of Torah values and study in the Jewish world all have occurred in a most unusual fashion. The logical odds against this happening were and are enormous, but, nevertheless, it has happened in front of our very eyes. Perhaps, we would have chosen to have different leaders, and a different series of events and policies that could have brought all this

The Jewish people will be rebuilt in our ancient homeland, the Land of Israel, and we see that this is happening in our days.

about. But it is well known that Heaven mocks all our pretensions and predictions. The prophets of Israel have clearly told us that our redemption is a certainty, and it will occur. The specifics of how will happen was never spelled out for us in detail. The Jewish people will be rebuilt in our ancient homeland, the Land of Israel, and we see that this is happening in our days. We are taught that the wonders that we shall see and experience in this final redemption will outdo even the wonders and miracles that marked our exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moshe over three millennia ago. Experiencing Jewish life is not for the fainthearted, the doubters nor the weak willed. That is only one of the many insights and lessons that we can derive from the Torah reading of Shemot.

Rabbi Berel Wein is Senior Rabbi of Beit Knesset HaNassi in Jerusalem and Director of the Destiny Foundation.

A Torah bite for the Shabbat table

There are no excuses for excuses RABBI GOODMAN Polar-opposites conjure up images of gaping chasms, that even the long-jump record holder, Mike Powell (8.95 meters in 1991) would have difficulty clearing.

However, the distance between the polar-opposites of good and evil is a hairsbreadth. Consequently, as Hashem’s foot soldiers, we must meticulously navigate our way through life, taking care to avoid the countless pitfalls that subtly envelop us. (The greatest “polar-opposites” known to man, both in principle and distance, are the male and female brains.

The consensus among all husbands is that John Gray’s allegory of Mars and Venus seriously undershoots the reality. Mars and Venus are only 212.3 million miles apart.)

One treacherous landmine that we unwittingly step on each day while explaining ourselves, is the landmine of excuses.

In contrast to a reason which is an explanation and communicative act, an excuse is a self-justification and appeal to

authority; in short, undiluted falsehood.

Although one might wonder what makes “excusing” oneself so terrible, it was this oversight that led Iyov (commonly known as Job) into a life of terrible suffering (the correlation between Job and terrible suffering is well known to millions of people and needs no further elaboration.)

In connection to this week’s Parsha, the Gemora in Sotah (11a) relates how Pharoh convened an advisory council, consisting of Bilaam, Iyov and Yisro, to consider his motion to persecute the Jewish people. Bilaam readily agreed, Iyov remained quiet and Yisro fled. As a result, Hashem decreed that Bilaam would die, Iyov would suffer terrible affliction, and Yisro would merit descendants who would serve as Men of the Great Assembly.

Rabbi Dovid Bodnik, a Rosh Yeshiva of the former Novardok Yeshiva in Dvinsk, explains why Iyov endured intolerable adversity for his abstention. Iyov chose to remain silent because he believed that his opinion held no sway with Pharoh and

that to voice an objection would be an act of futility. However, Iyov failed to realize that his rationalization was an excuse and not a reason; a pathetic justification for a complete lack of empathy and feeling towards the plight of the Jewish People.

To bring this shortcoming to Iyov’s attention and punish him measure for measure, Divine Justice decreed that he must suffer. Hashem wanted Iyov to realize that his rationale to remain silent rather than object in vain, held no water when it came to his own suffering. That in the face of his own persecution, Iyov was incapable of suppressing his woeful cries and objections, despite their inability to effect any change. If Iyov would have truly felt the affliction of Bnei Yisroel, he would have cried out to Pharoh regardless.

The first step towards eliminating excuses is to recognize them in the first place.

We have become so adept at excusing ourselves, that we truly believe our excuses are reasons. May Hashem grant us all copious amounts of Heavenly assistance

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to acquire the necessary self-confidence to achieve an excuse-free existence!

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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7 JANUARY 2021

Shemot RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

THE MISSION OF MOSES

After all the historical dramas of the book of B’reshit, Sh’mot begins the Moses period of Israelite history.

We see how he is given by the king’s daughter the name Moshe (Ex. 2:10). The root of this name means “to draw out”.

The commentaries regard the name as an indication (and a prophecy) that this baby boy would grow up to take out the people from slavery.

There is a Midrash that the original intention was that this would be the Messiah, indeed that Moses himself appealed to G-d to let him be Mashi’ach. G-d determined that there was a different role for Moses to carry out and the Mashi’ach would be a different, later figure.

Moses would not be the end-of-days Mashi’ach but he would prepare the people to be equipped for future messianism by means of Torah and mitzvot.

THEY ALL HAD A SHARE

The Midrash has some remarkable insights.

It says that when Pharaoh decreed destruction for the Israelite babies, it was not only Amram’s wife and daughter who took action. Other Biblical figures were

involved.

Job (Iyov) remained silent and was later punished by a series of personal afflictions. He should have spoken out and insisted that the Hebrews be properly protected. Maybe he felt his voice would not be heeded, but he had no right to keep silent.

Yitro heard the decree and ran away, yet later he was rewarded by having his descendants officiate in the sanctuary.

Maybe he recognised that his protest would go unheeded but he could not stay there and keep silent: that would have suggested that he condoned the evil, so he had to flee.

own (Ex. 1:19). This is said in order to explain why – in spite of Pharaoh’s orders – Israelite baby boys cannot be prevented from being born.

The Targum Onkelos calls the mothers “wise women”, which denotes the expertise to handle childbirth. In the Mishnah (Rosh HaShanah 2:5) midwives are called wise women.

The term wisdom eventually settled down to indicate intellectual capacity but in its earlier meaning it seems to mean the possession of practical skills.

When we meet the wise son in the Haggadah the notion of wisdom has acquired an intellectual quality.

WISE WOMEN

WHO AM I?

The first chapter of Sh’mot introduces us to the wives of the Israelite people in Egypt and calls them chayyot, “lively” or “energetic”.

The midwives get there to find that the women have already given birth on their

Moses asks G-d, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Ex.3:11-12).

The answer is, “When you bring the people out of Egypt and serve G-d on this mountain” – i.e. your identity will be shown in your actions.

The term wisdom eventually settled down to indicate intellectual capacity but in its earlier meaning it seems to mean the possession of practical skills.

You are not what you claim to be but what you do.

The Ishbitzer Rebbe (R. Mordechai Yosef of Isbitzes, early 19th cent.) used to say that who I am is not merely a question of name, age, address or occupation.

I am revealed in my relationship with my soul and in the way I relate to others. If I do not deal with other people in a moral and ethical way there is something wrong with my identity.

Hence Moses was told to prove himself in terms of others (bringing Israel out of Egypt) and his own soul (worshipping G-d on the mountain).

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 Another benefit of one who has trust in Hashem is that whatever job they choose, they will be able to not put in too much physical exertion to it. They will likewise not seek to draw close to kings and their unique lifestyle, as this too is often more of a pressure than a pleasure.

Rather, the person who trusts in Hashem, chooses a light job which they find satisfaction in and which leaves them time, peace of mind, and physical strength for their other areas of serving Hashem, such as learning Torah and praying.

In one of the most famous few lines of the book, the Chovot Halevavot expresses the underlying belief of any Jew who works for a living: the efforts are not what brings in the money. People think, “I see Mr Jones is a (insert the dream career) I must try that one” . This is a fallacy.

G-d decides what money people will earn. The reason we work is because “man was born to toil” but, as Rabbi M Gifter coined it, “we don’t make a living; we take a living” .

Another benefit of living a life of trusting Hashem is that they lack desperation.

Say the stock on the shelves is not selling at a good pace or someone owes them a bit of money, or G-d forbid ill health prevents them from working.

They remain constantly aware that G-d knows what is best for them more than what they know.

Finally, one living with faith has a sense of happiness in all that transpires. As King David expressed his feelings: like a baby relying on its mother so my soul is quiet (I.e. peacefully relying on G-d.

A baby does not always understand what the mother is doing but it also never wonders why she is doing it.

We continue with the laws relating to a ‘Kli Rishon’ a primary utensil, meaning one that has been removed from a fire and is still hot.

Not only is placing raw food items (or previously-cooked liquids) into the Kli Rishon prohibited, it is likewise prohibited to pour from a Kli Rishon onto such foods/ liquids.

Therefore tea leaves, liquid tea essence, porridge are forbidden to have water poured on them from the Kli Rishon. Likewise, ideally one should not pour from a Kli Rishon on to coffee granules, cocoa powder or milk powder even though these are pre-roasted. The reason for this is although the food one is pouring on is dry, it turns into liquid and therefore we apply the stringencies of a liquid item.

One may pour from a Kli Rishon on to a pre-cooked essence if it is still warm

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or onto a fully cooked dry food even if it has cooled down.

One must be careful when using a ladle to ensure that it is dry and clean before inserting it into a Kli Rishon and, if it remains inside the hot pot long enough, it attains the status of a Kli Rishon.

If one has a baby bottle that needs warming, it cannot be placed into a Kli Rishon unless there is a substantial amount of milk in the bottle which would prevent it from reaching the temperature of Yad Soledet Bo. Instead, it may be placed inside a container and one can then pour hot water into the container. Care must be taken though, not to submerge the entire bottle in hot water and that there should be no drops of liquid on the outside of the bottle which could be cooked.

One can then choose to replace the hot water repeatedly if necessary.

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Shemot

Shemot Word Search

This week we are thrilled to open the next book of the Chumash!

Shemot opens with detailing the slavery and the harsh times the Jewish people went through under the wicked King Pharaoh.

It also tells of two brave women who ignored Pharaoh’s decree to harm the Jewish lads and instead ensure that they would live.

A kind-hearted and humble person, Moshe, who was born in this week’s Sidra, would grow up to be the agent of G-d to warn Pharaoh to let His nation go.

Moshe has to flee to Midian, where he got married to his wife Zipporah, daughter of Yitro, and they had two children whom he named Gershom and Eliezer.

Hashem tells Moshe (after many years) to return to Egypt, and go with his brother Aaron and start the process of showing Pharaoh just Who is really running the world!

Next week the drama begins!

Tangram Challenge!

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

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BASKET • BURNING • MIDIAN • MIRIAM • MOSHE • NILE • PHARAOH • TZIPORAH

32 YOUTH

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Shemot In a nutshell Sefer Shemot is the second book of the Torah and tells the story of the first exile the Jewish people had to go through.

The background to this was all laid out over Sefer Beraishit, especially towards the end, as Yaakov and his entire family travel down from the Holy Land and settle in the land of Goshen in Egypt. Yaakov dies and all his sons do too, and once Yosef is dead a new king takes over and acts as if he’s never heard of the heroic young man who saved Egypt and surrounding lands from starvation. He just looks around and sees happy Jewish families - and many of them blessed with many many children. He tries one thing after the next. He orders the midwives to kill the Jewish baby boys when born, but no way would Shifra and Puah follow such horrendous order! He then orders all boys to be thrown into the river Nile, as his star gazers tell him that there will be a boy born who will rescue the Jews and eventually be smitten by water (as he was

after hitting the rock many many years later). So, a gentleman who was also a distinguished man of his time, Amram, marries Yocheved and she gives birth to Aaron, Miriam and finally Moshe. Due to Pharaoh’s decree, she places the baby in water and his sister Miriam watches him from afar.

Batya,the daughter of Pharaoh, sees his basket and draws him out of the water and takes him home where oddly he is brought up in Pharaoh’s palace! Wow! See how Hashem runs the world allowing Pharaoh’s plans to fail in his own palace!

The Jewish people are slaves to Pharaoh who makes their lives a misery.

One day, when Moshe grows up, he notices two Jews fighting and rebukes them. They mock him and he is reported to Pharaoh. Moshe is forced to run to Midian. That was where he would meet his future wife and her family at a well and marry and live in Midian for decades!

Word Wheel The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.

Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

Moshe served as a shepherd for his father in law.

One day he sees a burning thorn bush and Hashem speaks to him from it, as if to show that when Jews suffer, G-d suffers along with them. Hashem communicates to Moshe, informing him that he would be the agent to go to Pharaoh and warn him, and go to the Jewish people and encourage them.

Moshe and his wife Zipporah have two children Gershom and Eliezer. When it was time for him to leave Midian Hashem tells him to go to meet his older brother Aaron who instead of being jealous that his brother is the prince of the Jews, was actually happy!

They go to Pharaoh, but their pleas to “Let my nation go” fall on deaf ears, and unfortunately the situation gets worse for the Jews.

Moshe complains to Hashem but Hashem tells him - you will see the strong Hand with which the Jews will be freed!

We need patience and fortitude to get through Galut!

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! age and ant ate eat

gad nag tad tag tan

tea van vat aged dane

data date dean gane gate

gave gnat nave neat tang

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vane adage agate agave agent

avant daven gated vegan advent

agenda vantage advantage

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YOUTH 33

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Q: Why did the banana go to the doctor?

A: Because he wasn’t peeling well.

Q: What is a cat’s favourite colour?

A: Purr-ple!

Q: What time do ducks wake up?

A: The quack of dawn

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. What falls but never gets hurt?

3. Scientists have found out what is between heaven and earth. Do you know?

Q: Do you want to hear a pizza joke?

A: Sorry, it’s too cheesy!

2. If you pronounce me correctly, it will be wrong. If you pronounce me wrong it is right? What word am I?

3) And

2) Wrong 1. Rain

1. First aid 2. Matinee 3. Lemonade

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4. Growing old 5. Eiffel tower 6. Tennis shoes

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Saints beat Klopp’s Reds to Sixteen-goal Lions blow title race open rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

pass. Newcastle’s Andy Carroll volleyed home eight minutes from time but the The Premier League title is race wide Foxes were not about to relinquish the open after an exhilarating period of feslead. tive fixtures.

Tottenham’s latest triumph was a

BY DAVID SAFFER Southampton blew the campaign comfortable 3-0 home win against apart Mogilner after a scored backs-to-the-wall win Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United though Reiss six goals as Maccabi against Liverpool in the Monday night they ended the match with 10 players London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the match. after Matt Doherty’s stoppage-time second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are level with dismissal.

The Premier League side racked up a 16-0 Manchester United, but only on goal The Yorkshire side had plenty of poswin with Daniel Green and Michael Kenley difference, Ole Solksjaer’s teamDasession but failed to find a cutting edge both baggingand a hat-trick.

Ed Brafman, haveDinkin, a gameand in hand the defending whereas Tottenham’s strike force of vid Adamon Hassanali completchampions.

Leicester City are a point Harry Kane and Son Heung-min built ed the rout in a mismatch of a tie. back whilst a quartet of teams are hot a two-goal cushion by half time before Lions could have scored in the opening on the heels of the Foxes, including TotToby Alderweireld’s near-post header minute of the clash but soon opened the tenham Hotspur and Manchester City. from a corner just after the break sealed scoring and led 9-0 by half time.

Both gamesOne in hand, fact Pepoutthe points.

Thehave Division team,inthough Guardiola’s sideaway will join theend. co-leaders Leeds’ young French goalkeeper Illan classed, battled to the if they win a brace of matches to come.

Meslier was at faultfor the opener in failLions boss was lost for words at full time Sheffield United need a miracle to ing to clear the ball which led to Kane such was the display from his team who avoid relegation at the other end of the slotting in a penalty after Ezgjan Alioski gave every respect to the opposition. table after the worst start to a Premier caught Steven Bergwijn in the box.

“I’m not really sure there’s anything to PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team are League campaign in make history England’s leading striker then set up say, we are happy to it having throughsufto the feredround 15 defeats. are a dozen back in the title race Son for a clinical finish and a landmark next of theThe cup,Blades ” he commented. points from safety and the first English toplike it or not, United are in the hunt.

Rash100th goal for the club.

Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 victors flight club failing to win in 17 games since ford et al are not the finished article but Leeds displayed their swashbuckling against League One outfit North London Bolton Wanderers in 1902/03. they head to Anfield for a top of the table style again and will look back on a decent 16-goal Maccabi London Lions Raiders.

With the January transfer window now clash on Sunday, January 17. festive period that saw them thump West The Premier side led early in the second open clubs must now decide whether to The Old Trafford side enjoyed a hardBrom 5-0 on the back of a fortuitous win half only for Raiders to equalise but struck must-win game,” commented Galaxy playboostlate squads domestic Euro- er-manager fought 2-1 win at Lewis. home against high-flying over Burnley to move into a mid-table slot. two goalstotofulfil book a placeand in round Luke pean ambitions.

Aston Villaback at the Bruno FerGuardiola’s City have consistently been three of the competition.

“We sat and weekend. allowed Oakwood the Saints moved up to sixth spot courtesy nandes slotted home a controversial peninconsistent but impressively dismantled Hendon now turn their attentions to the ball, given the one-man advantage and of a superb 2nd minute lob by former-red alty, his 11th league goal of the season, to Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. league as they travel to Oakwood A for a looked to hit them on the counter attack Danny Ings before his team battled away seal a win after Douglas Luiz caught Paul Shorn of a number of first-team playcrucial top of the table clash on Sunday with pace. to secure a tremendous win.

Southampton Pogba.

Villa boss Dean Smith was angry ers following a coronavirus outbreak City (10am).

“Both goals came down the right-hand boss Ralph Hasenhuttl to his knees at side. the video referee Daniel Kristall’s teamsank stunned the league Leighassistant crossed the first did onenot intorequest Cohen had what appeared a tough task based on full timelast suchmonth was the enormity his 2-0, sides’a to referee Michael review decision. leaders when they of won finish, before Oliver slotting homehis himself.

Up recent form but settled the match by half success.

Bertrand Traore deservedly equalised time with three goals in 16 minutes. victory would move them to within a point to first we go.”

Liverpool have defensive issues to such after Anthony Martial nodded United Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring on of Hendon with a match in hand.

The Division Two title race also took anElsewhere extent skipper Jordan Henderson was ahead.

Villa fear no one but were indebted 18 minutes with neatdelighted finish, PhilFortune Foden in the latest round of fixtures, a twist with league leaders Herstwood circumstances, ” asaid forced to play in a makeshift defence, but to keeper Emiliano Martinez for a number doubled the lead three minutes later then 10-man North London Galaxy made it a Vale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple boss Simon Linden. they still have world class strike force One that Fortune. of saves, particularly a finger-tip save from Kevin struckoffrom close-range three-way titlearace in the only Division “We de hadBruyne a number players out, Refailedof tothe get day a shot ondefeating target until late in the strike.

United’s David de buck to sealgot theinjured, win. so I couldn’t have asked clash after Oakwood B. a 25-yard FaithfoldMartial B have played a game more game.

Sadio Mane battled away up front Gea has returned to form and made imCallum Hudson-Odoi scored a consolaJamie Murray saw red early on but Galaxy than Vale but moved level with a 5-3 win at any more from the players.

We wish Ben a without finding a clinical pass while the portant stops from Matty Cash and Tyrone tion for Chelsea deep into stoppage time rallied with goals from Josh Cohen and Ja- North London Raiders Masters. speedy recovery. hosts had keeper Fraser Forster to thank Mings. but Blues boss Frank Lampard will be concob Leigh to record an important 2-1 away Jacob Kalms struck twice for Fortune who “It was a proper old school performance, for an assured display especially as he scored Brendon Rogers’ Leicester, meantime, cerned his and teamdefended suffered for a fourth in win. through leading scorer James Mil- we battled the 90defeat minutes had not played in the firstJewish team since is a point United, having played a and six games.

Guardiloa, however, can look forGalaxy head Redbridge Care ADein letwith hisbehind 17th goal of the season. took our chances.

Experience proved cember regular Alex game afterall a 2-1 Newcastle to ward optimism. teams the table2017. by justSaints one point afterstopper 10 matches, The more, result was the win moreatremarkable be with the winner.

It’sTop a big win,beware, one we City will McCarthy was sidelined after a positive United. are back and capable of a winning run. third place Fairlop FC are five points be- as Temple were down to 11 players with enjoy and we hope to build on it intitle 2019. ” coronavirus test.

Jamie Ben Vardy set updislocating James Maddison beEverton went down to a disappointing hind with two games in hand. ‘keeper Rebuck a shoulder He added, “This win marks 50 years as a Solksjaer has rebuffed talk of being con- in fore fired home from 20 football 1-0 home defeat against West a Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood. theYouri warmTielemans up. club and will be one NigelHam Kyte in and sidered title contenders but, whether they yards on 72 minutes from Marc Albrighton’s game of few chances.

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

David Moyes had lost on four previous encounters at his former club following 11 years at Goodison but came out on top with an 86th minute winner from Tomas Soucek.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are on the same points as Tottenham and City but are clear outsiders to mount a challenge despite a lofty seventh position and four successive league games wins prior to this reverse.

They should challenge though for a European spot.

Arsenal made it three successive wins with a 4-0 triumph at relegation threatened West Brom at The Hawthorns.

Kieran Tierney opened the scoring with a solo effort and Bukayo Saka finished off a superb team goal for a 2-0 interval lead.

Alexandre Lacazette bagged a brace to alleviate pressure building in recent weeks.

A season of consolidation awaits the Gunners.

Baggies boss Sam Allardyce, meanwhile, on the back of being routed by Leeds a few days earlier is well aware of the challenge ahead. Big Sam’s new charges are six points adrift in the league and his experience will be key in strengthening a poorPHOTO: squad for DAVID SAFFER the second half of the campaign.

Allardyce will be looking for the fighting qualities shown by fourth-bottom Brighton who came from a 3-1 half time deficit to draw 3-3 against Wolves at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls are three points above Fulham who had matches against Tottenham and Burnley postponed due to coronavirus cases at the club.

Aaron Connolly opened the scoring for Brighton but the 13th minute goal proved unlucky as the” visitors hit back with a Roone will enjoy. main Saiss Dan Burn goal Vale boss header, Jacob Emanuel wasown quick to and Ruben penalty his a minute wish RebuckNeves well following injury. from the break.

Needing a reaction, Brighton “First and most importantly, everyonehit at back with a Neal Maupay penalty before Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper headed hometoa see corner 70 aLewis quickDunk recovery, we hope himon back minutes. on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he Bottom-club Sheffield United went down said. toAs a for 2-0 the defeat at Crystal Jeffrey defeat, EmanuelPalace. commented, Schlupp opened the scoring for Palace be“It doesn’t matter how big a squad you fore going off injured.

Eberechi Eze joined have, you can never account for unavailthe frayorand proceeded to score a brilliant ability injury.

Only five of today’s team solo goal on the stroke of half time movea played in our recent win over FC to Team, his team well clear of the zone. lack of togetherness andrelegation 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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Marine await Jose’s Tottenham in Cup?

BY DAVID SAFFER The FA Cup third round takes centre stage this weekend and when it comes to the romance of the Cup, Northern Premier League Division One North outfit West Marine versus Tottenham Hotspur is the standout ‘David vs Goliath’ fixture followed closely by Chelsea hosting League 2 Morecambe and fellow play off hopefuls Crawley Town taking on Leeds United.

With the country in lockdown fans will be glued to the TV, but sadly for football fans of a certain vintage, myself included, the oldest knockout competition is not what it used to be.

Before the Premier League billionaires came along youngsters of today would barely believe that the country came to a standstill for ‘Cup Final’ day come May. One of only two live televised matches in the footballing calendar each season along with the England versus Scotland Home International clash before the advent of Sky, can you imagine the outcry if that was the situation now?

Rose tinted spectacles put aside, alas those days are long gone as top Premier sides play shadow XIs in early rounds yet still make the final more often than not.

Supporters of teams outside the Champions League and Europa League brigade still dream of a Cup final run to Wembley.

History though is not on their side. And a look back through the history books tells an interesting tale. Between 1960-89, there were 16 winners of this famous old trophy.

Tottenham were the most successful with five wins followed by Manchester United and Liverpool on four triumphs. Since 1990, however, it’s been a different story with just nine teams triumphing. The Gunners are the ‘Cup Kings’ with 10 triumphs, Chelsea are not far behind on seven and

Manchester United with six. The Blues and Reds also lost four finals apiece demonstrating their consistency.

Arsenal head the all-time list on 14 triumphs, two ahead of Manchester United and six clear of both Chelsea and Tottenham. Mikel Arteta’s team are the defending FA Cup holders after defeating the Frank Lampard’s side a few months ago but are far from favourites this time around.

Back to shocks and in my humble opinion the greatest giant-killing act is still non-league Hereford United’s 2-1 win versus First Division Newcastle United back in 1972, the season when my team, Leeds United, happened to lift the Cup! Ronnie Radford’s 35-year screamer for Hereford against the Geordies will no doubt be shown again on TV all these years later.

Leeds as a third-tier outfit enjoyed an unforgettable triumph against Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2010 but also suffered the greatest cup final shock against Sunderland in the 1973 final. I’ve still not recovered from that one! Wimbledon’s crazy gang stunned Liverpool at the Twin Towers in 1988 whilst Wigan overcame mighty Manchester City at Wembley in 2013. That season Oldham amazed Liverpool and two years later Bradford City triumphed at Chelsea whilst Wrexham claimed Arsenal’s scalp back in 1992. Of course, there are other shocks so apologies to Sutton United, Shrewsbury Town et al.

This season hopefully we will witness more standout results but can Marine, Morecombe and Crawley triumph against Jose Mourinho, Frank Lampard or Marcel Bielsa’s Premier sides? It’s doubtful. Mourinho, Lampard and Bielsa will rest players but it would be a seismic shock if Tottenham, Chelsea or Leeds were knocked out.

Talking of the Spurs, Mourinho last won this competition during his Chelsea days in

2008 and will certainly be targeting silverware. It’s 30 years since the north London club won the FA Cup. Indeed, the 1990/91 success followed FA Cup triumphs 1980/81 and 1960/61. So, with the year ending in a ‘1’ could this be Tottenham’s season? With Harry Kane and Son Heung-min firing on all cylinders, and a fully fit Gareth Bale on song, Tottenham are worth a punt.

Football followers yearn for cup upsets so all eyes will be on League 1 Blackpool, who famously won the 1953 ‘Matthews’ final, hosting struggling West Brom. Big Sam will be desperate to avoid defeat.

Meantime, National league playoff hopefuls Stockport County, Chorley and Boreham Wood welcome West Ham, Derby County and Millwall respectively but it would be a shock if the lower league teams prevail, however League 2 leaders Newport County have a history of causing a shock in recent years so Brighton beware. Elsewhere, League 1 Bristol Rovers take on Premier’s bottom side Sheffield United who finally might win a game whilst Southampton and Burnley will be too strong for Shrewsbury Town and Milton Keynes Dons.

Away from giant-killing clashes, Aston Villa versus Liverpool is the tie of the round with Jurgen Klopp’s side well aware they lost 7-2 earlier in the season. If Klopp picks a shadow team Villa will be favourites to win this clash.

Meantime, Arsenal are finding form so may edge past Newcastle United, Wolves should account for Crystal Palace at Molineux. Manchester United and Manchester City even with second string teams should also defeat Watford and Birmingham City.

Leicester City and Everton will target cup runs so Championship sides Stoke City and Rotherham United will face tough ties. Similarly, Fulham will be fancied to win a west London derby at QPR who are struggling in

Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham travel to Marine

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

the Championship.

In other clashes, Norwich City, Reading and Preston North End are favourites against Coventry City, Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers respectively. Brentford’s clash with Middlesbrough though may need penalties to decide a winner.

Nottingham Forest are struggling but home advantage might see them past Cardiff City. Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Bournemouth and Swansea City should have little trouble against League 2 hopefuls Exeter City, Tranmere Rovers, Oldham Athletic and Stevenage respectively.

League I highflyers Portsmouth will make it uncomfortable for Bristol City but Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town should be strong enough to defeat Doncaster Rovers and Plymouth Argyle.

The sole League 2 clash should see Mansfield Town advance against Cheltenham Town. And the £82,000 available at this stage of the competition’s prize fund for winners will be welcome.

So, hang on to your hats as another FA Cup competition ousts the Premier League headlines for a brief moment. And, come on Leeds…

Pep faces Jose in EFL Cup showdown

BY DAVID SAFFER EFL Cup holders Manchester City face Tottenham Hotspur in this season’s final in April.

Pep Guardiola’s City made it back to Wembley for a fourth consecutive final with a deserved 2-0 win against arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford last night.

John Stones opened the scoring just after half time before Fernadinho sealed the win with a 20-year first time strike seven minutes from time.

Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham came through comfortably against Championship side Brentford, also by 2-0, with a goal in each half from Moussa Sissoko and Son

Heung-min on Tuesday night.

Promotion chasing Brentford knocked out four Premier League sides on route to the semi but this is a Tottenham outfit too desperate for cup success to waste this opportunity.

Pep yearns cup glory and facing old rival Mourinho, also a serial cup winner, going back to their La Liga days at Barcelona and Real Madrid, then Jose’s brief tenure at United, will add extra spice to the occasion come the final.

With the likes of Harry Kane, Son, Gareth Bale on show alongside Kevin de Bryne, Raheem Sterling and possibly a fit again Sergio Aguero it should be a thrilling finale.

For Tottenham, winning silverware is

essential. In spite of the exciting Mauricio Pochettino era recently, tangible cup success has eluded the club since 2008.

Jose landed this trophy in his Chelsea spells, and at United, so he will be looking for a unique hat-trick. And with his strategic mastery, don’t be surprised if he achieves the feat for his new club where he has got his charismatic spark back. Pep though has finally got his team back on track after an indifferent start to the season and will be desperate to land a fourth consecutive EFL Cup. A top four Premier League spot is coveted by top clubs, but domestic cup success is still a genuine shot of glory, even if it’s not for the big bucks. And elite clubs, playing

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shadow teams until the semis, respect that fact and dominate the competition.

Indeed, since Chelsea won the trophy (originally called the Football League Cup) in 2005, only Birmingham and Swansea City have denied United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool or Tottenham lifting a trophy first played for on a two-legged basis back in 1961 when Aston Villa defeated Rotherham United.

Both Tottenham and City will be at full strength come the big day at Wembley.

Let’s hope the current lockdown allows the showpiece event to have fans experiencing the occasion.

How apt that would be for a trophy considered the poor relation to the FA Cup.

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