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RABBI RAISES THOUSANDS IN RESPONSE TO TRAGIC MURDER

BY ADAM MOSES

An appeal set up by Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet of Mill Hill Synagogue to help the family of Vijay Patel killed in an unprovoked attack last Saturday night has reached £18,760 as The Jewish Weekly went to press. The ‘crowdfunding appeal’ on the Just Giving site is “well beyond” Rabbi Schochet’s expectations of a £1,000 target. “Admittedly, I set the bar low and anticipated exceeding it but this is well beyond anything that I could have imagined,” he said. “As a Jew, I felt it was my Rabbi Schochet

moral obligation to respond to any kind of crisis that strikes at the community, not uniquely the Jewish but the wider community. “Mill Hill is a very diverse, multi faith, close knit community. There is a lot of camaraderie where people interact and intermingle all the time at all types of shops on the Broadway. “When something strikes at one of us it eﬀects all of us, so I felt compelled to do something on behalf of the immediate Jewish community to respond. Predominantly Mill Hill members have contributed but donors have come from other communities. Mr Patel, who worked at Rota Express on Mill Hill Broadway, was attacked after refusing to sell cigarette papers to three teenagers over concerns about their age. The 49-year-old father-of-two died from fatal injuries on Monday.

TERROR ATTACK KILLS FATHER OF SIX

A 16-year-old teenager from Brent was charged with his murder on Tuesday. Police are continuing an appeal for information. “We believe this to be an unprovoked spontaneous incident sparked entirely by refusal to let the suspects buy what they wanted,” said Ian Lott, a detective inspector from Metropolitan Police’s homicide and major crime command. “A man has lost his life for no reason other than trying to uphold the law.” A police spokesman said three teens became “aggressive, threatening to vandalise the shop” when Mr Patel refused to sell items, including cigarette papers at the shop. The shopkeeper and victim went outside to ensure no damage was done to the shop. The shop’s owner

Rabbi Raziel Shevach ZT’L with his wife and six children

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2 NEWS

11 JANUARY 2018

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Lord Sacks’ animation series analyses 21st century challenges

BY LEAH WAXLER

Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has launched a six-part whiteboard animation video series. The ﬁrst video - based on Lord Sacks’ book - ‘The Politics of Hope’ (published in 1997) was released on Tuesday via his website and various social media platforms. In the video, Lord Sacks analyses the rise of the ‘politics of anger’ in the West today and explores whether it might be possible to create a diﬀerent kind of politics. A transcript of the video is available on Rabbi Sacks’ website. “Too often in recent years, the West has been preoccupied with the idea of power as opposed to the

power of ideas,” Rabbi Sacks said. “Throughout my life, I have been excited and inspired by ideas and this is a challenge I have set myself and my team. How can we continue to present ideas, whether they are particular to Jews and Judaism or more universalistic in their appeal, in the most engaging and appealing ways? “The whiteboard animation technique is one we have found to be a wonderful way of presenting concepts and ideas, particularly in an age of social media. “I hope this series will highlight some of the ideas I have thought most deeply about over the past 30 years, and present them to a new

and younger generation in a dynamic and inspiring way.” Further videos will be released during the year focusing on key themes of Rabbi Sacks’ work over the past three decades. Each connects to key challenges facing global society today. Topics include the dignity of diﬀerence, integrated diversity, the relationship between religion and science, understanding and confronting religious violence, and ethics of responsibility. The price of each video has yet to be set. Each video includes subtitles in Chinese, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese,

A screenshot of the video

Russian and Spanish. The initiative follows on from the success of his videos on Jewish Identity, the Boycott, Divestment

Flag of Israel’s greatest threat Hezbollah will remain on British streets BY JAMES MARLOW Home Secretary Amber Rudd who held onto her job this week after the Prime Minister reshuffled her cabinet, has attempted to reassure the Jewish community by saying she “understands” the concerns over the yellow Hezbollah flag being flown on the streets of Britain. But at this time Ms Rudd is still not prepared to close the legal loophole that allows the flag to be flown at demonstrations in support of the terror group’s “political wing” and not the “military wing,” despite Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah repeatedly saying they are the same organisation. The military arm of Hezbollah was designated a terrorist organisation by the EU after overwhelming evidence showed the group was responsible for the murder of 5 Israelis and a bus driver in Bulgaria in 2012. But the political row garners attention every year when the Al Quds Day rally is held in central London. Nazim Ali leads the annual march with a hand-held microphone shouting non-stop racist and anti-Semitic remarks including how the “Tory loving Zionists are responsible for the Grenfell Tower massacre.” The Crown Prosecutions Service (CPS) declined to charge Ali under the “incitement to racism” criminal

offence, first established in 1976 and updated in 1994. So, the Campaign Against Antisemitism have initiated their own private prosecution of Nazim Hussain Ali because he used abusive and threatening words and behaviour on 18th June 2017 on the streets of London. Stephen Silverman who is the director of Campaign Against Antisemitism said a date has been set for the hearing but the case will likely go to trial and it is not clear if Ali will still insist on leading the march in the summer. Campaign Against Antisemitism is represented by Jonathan Goldberg QC, Jeffrey Israel and Senghin Kong (leading and junior counsel) and solicitor David Sonn. In addition, because Nazim Ali is the managing partner of a pharmacy, the CAA made a complaint to the General Pharmaceutical Council and submitted evidence to the Charity Commission about the “Islamic Human Rights Commission” that organises the Al Quds annual marches. The police are able to stop protests going ahead if officers believe there is a risk of inciting violence or racial hatred. Meanwhile, Mayor of London Sadiq Kahn has called for an outright ban on the Hezbollah flag while Hendon MP Mathew Offord said he wrote to the Home Secretary

and Sanctions drive and the Mutation of Anti-Semitism. Further details are available at www.rabbisacks.org

Thousands raised for family of shopkeeper killed after cigarette paper row CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Nazim Ali in pink shirt holding mic next to pretend religious Jew from Neturi Karta in the centre PHOTO CREDIT:JAMES MARLOW

again asking her to re-consider her decision. In the house this week, Oliver Dowden, MP for Hertsmere said, “Flying the flag of the political wing of the anti-Semitic terrorist organisation Hezbollah is provocative, incites extremism and is deeply offensive to our Jewish community, but the flag can still be seen

ﬂying at events such as the Al Quds day marches in London.” In response, Ms Rudd said, “I am aware of, and very sympathetic to, the issues that my honourable friend has raised - I have discussed the matter with Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, and I know that the police are not ignoring it.”

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suffered minor injuries when punched by the teenagers, who fled the scene. Members of the public gave Mr Patel first aid before police and paramedics arrived at the scene. Police said the group was seen running off along The Broadway in the direction of Mill Hill Broadway Station, after the attack. Detectives appealed for help in identifying the suspects. Door-to-door enquiries were carried our and CCTV was gathered from the scene. Anyone with information about the identity of the three suspects or their whereabouts should contact 020 8358 0200, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To donate: https://www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ yitzchak-schochet

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 06 Israel News 08 Letters 10 Community News 18 Judaism 23 Business 24 Sports

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4 NEWS

11 JANUARY 2018

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Deadly attack kills father of six Jewish MP gets NEWS IN BRIEF

BY JAMES MARLOW

Condemnation across much of the political spectrum has been swift after Tuesday’s deadly terror attack in which 35-year-old Rabbi Raziel Shevach was murdered in a drive-by shooting on Route 60. The victim was shot multiple times in his neck and upper body and was pronounced dead by the time he reached Meir Medical Centre in Kfar Saba. Rabbi Shevach was a well-known respected ﬁgure in his community of Havat Gilad. He was also a mohel and a Magen David Adom volunteer. He leaves behind a wife and six children. Hamas praised the attack saying, “We bless the heroic Nablus operation which comes as a result of the Zionist occupation’s violations and crimes at the expense of our people in the West Bank and Jerusalem.” On Wednesday US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman wrote on his Twitter account: “An Israeli father of six was killed last night in cold blood by Palestinian terrorists. Hamas praises the killers and PA laws will provide them ﬁnancial rewards. Look no further to why there is no peace. Praying for the bereaved Shevach family.” Tuesday’s attack comes after a

proposed bill by the Defence Ministry was issued which would prevent the transfer of funds to terrorists and their families by the Palestinian Authority. If passed, the bill would allow the Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman to present the sum given to terrorists before the Security Cabinet at the end of every calendar year and that amount would then be deducted from Israel’s payments to the PA. The Jerusalem Post issued a list of salaries that terrorists receive when sentenced to between three to

twenty years. In total the PA led by Mahmoud Abbas paid terrorists and their families over £260 million in 2017 and this is according to their own its own records which the PA are happy to promote. Therefore, based on these ﬁgures, the average income of a Palestinian terrorist is more than £350 per month. In other words, the PA is and been sending the message since the nineties to those who wish to kill Israelis, the more severe the crime, the higher salary you and your families will receive.

junior minister in reshuﬄe BY ISAAC SHERMAN

David Friedman PHOTO CREDIT: YONATAN SINDEL / FLASH90

In Israel, a “terrorist” is defined as anyone who deliberately attacks another person for nationalist or religious reasons whether by shooting, knifing, vehicle ramming or of course the old fashion suicide bombers and their teams whether they be drivers or decoys. In the bill proposed by the Defence Ministry a “terrorist” will be defined as anyone who committed a security offence, whether or not he or she was convicted by a court or is still living.

Lucy Frazer MP has accepted a junior minister post in Theresa May’s cabinet reshuﬄe. Ms Frazer’s ﬁrst ministerial role is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. First elected to Parliament in 2015, Ms Frazer serves South East Cambridgeshire and is the sole Jewish woman appointed in this week’s announcements. The Leeds-born QC was a BBYO member in her youth.

Lucy Frazer PHOTO CREDIT: JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Crumpsall Shul sells up BY ISAAC SHERMAN

Higher Crumpsall & Higher Broughton Hebrew Congregation’s premises oﬃcially changed ownership this past Tuesday, as Yeshivas Sha’arie Chaim bought out the historic 900-seat synagogue and site, located on Bury Old Road in North Manchester’s Cheetham Hill area. The historic shul, which opened in 1928, was famed for its cantilever ladies’ gallery, and the shul was world-renowned for its chazan and choir throughout many years. Notable clergy have included Rev

Tehillim attended by 1000 boys

Solomon Hershman, Rabbi Kopul Rosen and Dr Alexander Altmann and more recently Rev Avraham Hillman. Rabbi Arnold Saunders has led the congregation for the past 26 years. He told The Jewish Weekly, “this is obviously an exceedingly emotional time for me and my family, as I have led this congregation for nearly 27 years. I got married in the shul, and was privileged to conduct many Simchas in this beautiful building, including my own children’s Bar Mitzva’s and Chupa’s. It is clearly the end of an era, and

it is of course sad that nearly 100 years of davening will cease for our congregation. However, I am pleased that it has been sold to a Yeshiva. It will used as more then just a shul, as it will become a dedicated community centre as well as a place of davening and learning. The Torah and Teﬁlla embedded in the walls over the last 9 decades will now join with this new era of Jewish learning set to take place.” Rabbi Saunders conﬁrmed that the congregation will carry on in some form. “We are negotiating with the new owners to carry on for the time being in the current premises. Once the time comes to completely move out, we will still look to keep some sense of community, including sending out weekly Sermons, events and of course the burial board will continue as normal.” A demographic shift in the local Jewish community was cited as one of the main reasons for the sale. Eileen Somers, 95 next month, has been shul administrator for three decades supported by her family. “Recent stories about mismanagement and mismarketing are simply

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The exterior of the shul

not the case,” said Eileen’s son community will do that. Danny, who has been in charge of We wanted to sell to a Yeshiva shul security in recent times. and they have been really honora“It’s a miracle we have contin- ble. They are going to be very reued; closure is down to a dwindling spectful and we have got on very membership. well.” When I was a kid, you could not Danny added, “We’ve had great get a seat but things change. support from the CST and other orBack in 1928 the area was jam- ganisations over the years. Also, we packed with Jewish people but have had fantastic clergy together with choirs. times move on. Rabbi Saunders has been fantasPeople have moved to the area, which has every degree of Ortho- tic towards the community for the doxy, but they want to daven in past 27 years. He’s headed the congregation their own congregations. People have criticised us but we and is trying to maintain some form have been like a cultural centre to of service. We hope that will be the the community. We’ve hosted ‘The case and a decision will be made in Boys Minyan’, which attracts 1,000 the next few weeks.” boys for Tehillim for many years. We’re an elderly community, the building needs attention and a new PHOTO CREDIT: LAWRENCE PURCELL

11 JANUARY 2018

NEWS 5

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Burial society take unusual step to oust Mary Hassell

BY ISAAC SHERMAN

In the latest twist surrounding the actions of senior coroner Mary Hassell, Adath Yisrael Burial Society made an official complain, via a letter seen by the Jewish Weekly. It was entitled “Inflexible, Intractable and Inadequate Coroner Service,” and was strongly worded to protect the vital mitzva of Chesed Shel Emet, kindness to the dead, which Judaism upholds so dearly. Below are some extracts from the letter: “According to the Jewish faith (as in the Muslim faith) it is an important principle that a dead person should be buried as soon as possible after death, and ideally the day of death. Jews believe that the soul of the deceased suffers until the burial. It is therefore customary amongst the Orthodox Jewish Community to make every effort to expedite the burial, with the family being prepared to go to great expense to this end. In addition, until after the funeral, the close members of the family cannot begin to go through the mourning process – which is known as “sitting shiva” – where friends and family come to visit the relatives of the deceased. As is well known, this is an important part of the healing process for the family. As this does not commence until after the burial has taken place the family also suffers greatly from any delay. The suffering and anguish caused by a delay in burial are hard to adequately express in writing, but it is widely and deeply felt.

Over the past four and a half years, bereaved relatives of deaths in the North and Inner London areas have been subjected to increased bureaucracy and difficulties. Unlike previous coroners or fellow coroners now in all other areas, the coroners’ office covering Camden, Hackney, Islington & Tower Hamlets, which also includes several major hospitals treating patients from further areas, MH has steadily and incrementally imposed rules and inflexible procedures primarily designed to benefit her and her staff while effectively reducing their service to the public. For all these, and other reasons, we have been left with no other choice but to ask that this problem be removed from this sensitive area and for the Coroner Service to be reinstated to its previous status of helpful, amenable and flexible service as available everywhere else in order to bring a halt to MH’s constant breach of the law and for the service again to serve the needs of the community.”

Mary Hassell PHOTO CREDIT: WALES NEWS SERVICE

Canvey: The Promised Island BY ISAAC SHERMAN

The BBC’s documentary on Chasidic Jews who have moved from Stamford Hill to Canvey Island, aired on Tuesday night, to wide acclaim amongst the Jewish community. Entitled “Canvey: The Promised Island,” the program spun a mostly positive light as the two communities get to know each other. The Jews decided to move there as they are simply being priced out of the rising cost of renting in the Stamford Hill area, and Canvey Island oﬀers

houses and gardens for a fraction of the price and 12 times the size, whilst being close enough to commute back to N16 for work each day. The community now own 30 houses on Canvey and a local school has been turned into a temporary shul and community centre. Fresh meat and ﬁsh deliveries arrive from London on a weekly basis, until the community will set up its own array of shops, shuls and schools.

Members of the new Jewish community in Canvey Island

PHOTO CREDIT: BBC

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6 ISRAEL NEWS

11 JANUARY 2018

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NEWS IN ISRAEL Netanyahu says Israel has prevented terror attacks in Europe Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week told a meeting of Ambassadors representing NATO member states that Israel has prevented many terror attacks within European countries. He was speaking at a lunch event chaired by Greek Ambassador Bikas Konstantinos, which British Ambassador to Israel David Quarrey also attended. Netanyahu told the attendees that Israeli intelligence services had “provided information that has stopped several dozen major terrorist attacks, many of them in European countries. Some of these could have been mass attacks, of the worst kind that you have experienced on the soil of Europe and even worse, because they involve civil aviation”. Turning to Iran, Netanyahu told the Ambassadors that the Islamic Republic is dangerous: “because this radical ideology seeks to acquire nuclear weapons” and

Benjamin Netanyahu and ambassadors PHOTO CREDIT: BICOM

“because they’re trying to establish an empire, a territorial empire from Tehran to Tartus in the Mediterranean”. He also warned that Iran’s “plans of conquest and colonisation of Syria” would lead to problems for Europe. “They want to bring in as many as 100,000 Shi’ite ﬁghters, non-Iranians under Iranian command… you’ll have the son of ISIS

and the grandson of al-Qaeda that will be fighting this new Shi’ite force. So my message to you today is, radical Islam, either Shi’ite or Sunni, threatens all of us. Israel is fighting both. Israel seeks your cooperation.” Netanyahu also reflected on the great cooperation and natural alliance between NATO and Israel.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Shin Bet arrests two Bedouin women planning ISIS attack

Israel’s Shin Bet security service arrested two Bedouin women on suspicion of being in contact with ISIS terrorists abroad and planning attacks inside Israel. The arrests of the two Israeli citizens, which took place last month, were revealed earlier this week when the State Attorney’s Oﬃce indicted them in Be’er Sheva. The pair were named as Rahma Al-Assad and Tasnin Al-Assad, both 1 years old and residents of Lakiya in the Negev. They pledged allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The women were suspected of planning to carry out an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve in Israel. The Shin Bet said that “it became clear that over the course of last year, the two sought to carry out a terrorist attack against Jews inside the State of Israel and – to this end – considered various options”. They had also planned to join

the ISIS aﬃliate in the Sinai. The security service said that they “were also in contact with Islamic State terrorists abroad, were instructed by some of them to carry out preparatory missions ahead of the projected attack. It was also learned that the two planned to travel overseas in order to join Islamic State as ﬁghters and had published content praising Islamic State and inciting terrorism against Jews and Israel”. The women had previously assessed several possible targets in the southern city of Be’er Sheva, including Ben Gurion University and the central bus station. However, they concluded that security at the university was too tight to allow them to bring in a bomb in a suitcase and that there were too many Muslims who might get hurt in an explosion at the bus station. A third person, Ahmad Abu Ramila, 24, a resident of East Jerusalem, was also arrested and indicted as an accessory in the case.

Mossad chief says Israel has Syrian media report Israeli attack on arms depot “eyes and ears” in Iran The Director of Israels Mossad intelligence agency, Yossi Cohen, told a conference at the Finance Ministry that Israel has strong intelligence sources embedded within Iran. He told the conference: “We have eyes, ears and more than that in Iran.” Cohen warned that Iran has a longterm strategy for establishing their supremacy in the Middle East, explaining that “without impediment, Iran has been sending a lot of troops, including the Revolutionary Guard, to destinations in the Middle East. That has resulted in the creation of an air and land corridor that is pouring into the region Shi’ite combatants”. Referring to the cooperation between Hezbollah and the Assad regime in Syria, he noted that “along with the Shi’ites on our northern border, small and very troubling coalitions have been formed”. Cohen welcomed the recent protests in Iran, but warned

Yossi Cohen PHOTO CREDIT: BICOM

that “no one ought to build up expectations about those demonstrations” because they face “the forces of hell, which have made a very big eﬀort — and without upholding human rights — to face oﬀ against anyone who tries to raise their head”. Also earlier this week, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the

US and Israel of having spent months preparing demonstrations within Iran and praised a “massive movement of the people against the plots of the enemies”. “The money came from the rich governments of the Persian Gulf,” he claimed.

The Syrian army has accused Israel of attacking an arms depot at a military base near Damascus early this week. The Syrian opposition-affiliated Qasioun website reported that four Israeli planes carried out the attack in al-Qutayfah, a base used by the Syrian military’s 155th Artillery Regiment. The pro-regime al-Mayadeen news outlet reported that multiple strikes occurred between 02:40 and 04:15 and were carried out by aircraft operating in Lebanese airspace. In a statement, the Syrian army said: “Two ground-to-ground missiles fired once again from the occupied Golan territory at 3:04 am were intercepted by our air defence system. At 4:15 am, the enemy fired four missiles from Tiberias, which were also intercepted by our air defence system. Some property was damaged as a result of the interception of one of the missiles near one of the military posts.” It claimed that the attacks were “further proof that Israel supports the armed terror organisations in Syria, in their desperate attempt to raise their morale in light of their defeats in Harasta and Ghouta al-Sharqiya in the Damascus suburbs, alongside the Syrian army’s crushing victories in Idlib”. The Syrian army also warned Israel of

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“serious ramifications of such aggressive acts” saying that it “sees Israel as fully responsible for its moves. We are prepared to deal with these attacks and we will continue our war against the terror organisations. We will cut off Israels arms of terror and restore security and stability on all Syrian lands”. Israel did not comment on the reports. In an interview in August 2017, outgoing Israel Air Force chief Amir Eshel said Israel had hit Syrian and Hezbollah arms convoys nearly 100 times over the last five years in order to prevent the transfer of sophisticated weapons to Hezbollah. On Sunday, Israel’s Channel 10 news reported that the Security Cabinet was holding a series of meetings to assess the military threat from Iran in Syria. Senior Israeli officials expressed concerns over developments on the northern border because of Iran’s growing influence in the region. Asked about the meetings on Monday, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz told Army Radio: “The Middle East is raging around us, and what concerns us the most are Iranian efforts to establish military bases in Syria. The Prime Minister is leading a multifaceted campaign to stop this entrenchment.”

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8 LETTERS

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Letters to the Editor

Multiple Sclerosis Miracle Dear Editor,

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

effective treatment for MS using the patient’s OWN stem cells. Having experienced tremendous improvementsfollowing my treatment at Hadassah, I am asking your help to support Prof Karussis’ ground-breaking approach to treating MS. Hadassah is leading the world in this field, as exemplified by recent media attention following my personal treatment: See BBC Breakfast time on https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gdbscbqOzYc We have an ambitious target to raise significant, much-needed funds for Hadassah’s excellent MS programme. All funds raised under this campaign will go directly to the unit which aims to treat or at least stop the progress of MS- dramatically changing the lives of patients from all over Israel and beyond. Please log on to http://www.hadassahuk.org/multiple-sclerosis-research/ for further information or to make a donation. It would mean a great deal to me and to other sufferers if you could offer your financial support to partner with the team at Hadassah.

At the age of 24, my world as a successful litigation lawyer changed forever when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis(MS). MS is a degenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system. Drugs can help control the symptoms but at present, there is no cure. Damage to the brain caused by this autoimmune disease, leads to noticeable difficulties with speech and movement. The well-known shuffling gait, loss of facial expression and progressive rigidity of the body was increasingly affecting my life. I was struggling daily with the physical disability that the disease inflicts. As with other degenerative diseases, there is also the psychological aspect, which affects everyone in different ways. I have always had a positive ‘win only’ approach to my past 30 years of trials as a litigation lawyer. Facing THE GREATEST trial of my life as my symptoms progressed, unrelieved by current treatment, I used the same Best Wishes staunch ‘failure is not an option’ belief to ‘Search for a Miracle Cure’. In desperation I turned to the MS Department at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem hoping to join their clinical trial. Led by the renowned neurologist, Mark Lewis Prof. Dimitrios Karussis, the unit runs one of the world’s foremost research programmes. Over the past decade, Prof Karussis has developed a novel and

Prof. Karussis with a patient

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.

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More shuls than ever get cooking Winter warmth with Tribe Once again, the United Synagogue’s Cheesed Department is delighted to be working with Tikun in their Light Up a Life programme. Over December/January, 8 shuls have participated in 12 cooking sessions in this wonderful scheme, with several more in the pipeline for 2018. The recipients include vulnerable members of our own synagogues, people who are homeless as well as mothers and children who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse. This year we have linked with Barnet Winter Shelter Scheme, Muswell Hill Soup Kitchen, Solace Women’s Aid and Rhythms of Life, a charity geared at helping street homeless with nutritious food as well as education programmes. What was particularly exciting about the programme this year was the contribution made by young people – whether that was as part of the mother and daughter Batmitzvah classes at Barnet and Hendon Synagogues, the Tribe Learn to Volunteer programme for Year 9 at Finchley Synagogue or Damon Waks and his family and friends from Radlett Synagogue who made the cooking his Barmitzvah Project – and also collected toiletries. For some synagogues such as Barnet and Muswell Hill, cooking for others is a regular ﬁxture in

Last week, Tribe’s group of participants returned from various programmes run over the winter holiday period. Two successful Winter Warmer camps for pupils in school Years 7 and 8 took place over 5 days and included an exciting range of activities. In addition to socialising and enjoying some downtime with their peers, participants went ice-skating and bowling, whilst also taking part in a scavenger hunt and a talent show. Internally run programmes

Friends and family preparing a delicious meal

their calendar, but for others such as Borehamwood and Bushey, this is a ﬁrst – although we hope that they will get the bug too and want to make it an ongoing part of their social responsibility programmes. The success of the scheme was helped hugely by those kind volunteers who agreed to pick up the food from the synagogues where it had been cooked and take it to where it needed to be – a real chesed. Tikun, as well as helping with the costs of the food, provided a number of inspirational speakers to talk to our cooks about the importance of kindness and leaving a better

world for the next generation. Michelle Minsky, Head of US Chesed, said: “These cookery sessions are fantastic in so many ways. Not only do they provide food to people who need it, whatever the reason, they are also fun and sociable and we are putting the kitchen facilities in our shuls to good use. Chesed at the United Synagogue is all about helping both our own community and the wider community in which we live and this is just one example of putting that into practice.”

Exhibition explores the Jewish cultural identity in London today BY DANIEL SOLOMON

In the framework of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Daniel Solomons features his solo exhibition Olam Haba / The world to come. The opening will be on Thursday 18th January 2018 from 19:00 hours at the Yusto/Giner Gallery (Calle Madera 9, Marbella 29603) Through a social and architectural journey, on occasions from an autobiographical vision, this project is deﬁned by a process of investigation on tendencies, intensities, forms and signs of the Jewish cultural identity in London today. An artistic experiment articulated in diﬀerent expressions (photography, drawings and sculptures) all of which allow and help the artist to focus on his own journey without forgetting the rest of the history. Daniel Solomons explores both presence and absence of jewish identity led by the displacement and disappearance of entire

by leaders also included a supper quiz and a murder mystery evening. Speaking about the success of the winter camps, Tribe Senior Fieldworker, Michael Taylor, said: “Tribe’s winter programmes have become a staple of the year for our participants. Once again, it is wonderful to see so many young people from a number of communities engaged and inspired, whilst relaxing and socialising at the same time. I am sure that such programmes are helping to educate future community leaders.”

communities within a city in the face of a vibrant effort to integrate and survive. He also focuses on how this has affected buildings, whose architecture represented their religious function but have over time taken on a different identity and vice versa. “A people, small in number, with ancient traditions of respect for life, the mind, a higher education, books and art, have been on the edge of disappearing many times

throughout the history, a people hated, feared and persecuted, are still here. The ethnic and historical identity of the Jews has perpetrated for more than 5.000 years and that, is a very long time”. The exhibition is comprised of photographs, drawings and sculpture that represents the road map travelled by Daniel Solomons with the aim of ﬁnding the jewish identity.

The poster for the event

The group from the Winter Warmer camp

Batmitzvah girl Gabriella GIFTs It Forward on her special day! As part of her Batmitzvah celebration, Gabriella Ellul invited GIFT to run a ‘build-a-bear’ stall at her function. The girls stuﬀed teddy bears, wrote notes inside the bears and personalised t-shirts for them. The build-a-bear workshop had a social action twist - the girls did not keep them for themselves....they worked hard to make them beautiful in order to pass on to others. Gabriella chose to donate the teddy bears to Camp Simcha, a charity close to her and her family’s heart.

Gabriella Ellul with her friends

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In addition to providing volunteering opportunities for Bnei Mitzvah students, GIFT are also happy to run Bar and Barmitzvah sessions on their special day in-order to make their celebration more meaningful. Shira Joseph, GIFT informal educator, who ran the session told us “Whatever you decide to do on your Batmitzvah - make it memorable! You only ever turn 12 once in your lifetime. This is your chance to GIVE!”.

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11 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Chaverim’s 26th successful Leonie Lewis awarded MBE at New Year’s Annual Winter Camp Chaverim Youth Organisation held its 26th annual winter camp this year at Smallwood Manor in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside. The campers were greatly impressed by the extensive facilities on location, set in the 120 acre grounds complete with its own woods. The camp was attended by 70 boys and Bochurim who oversaw an immensely successful fun-filled programme in a real ‘Torah-dik’ atmosphere. Chaverim were very fortunate this year to once again have Rabbi Eliyohu Pearlman, a Rebbe in Menorah Grammar School to join the camp for Shabbos. The Madrichim were carefully selected older Bochurim, and the supporting helping staff were handpicked senior students from Menorah Grammar School in London. Both Madrichim and helpers underwent a pre-camp training program to prepare them for the challenges of running the camp.

The camp’s programme was carefully put together to provide a wide range of activities, including go-karting, swimming, bowling, football, and skiing, ensuring that all the campers had a memorable holiday experience. Additionally the camp held a fantastic ‘kumzitz’ evening which was enhanced by the talents of Reb Shyeler Glick of ‘Shmeichel’ accompanied by Reb Eli Ollech on keyboard. The camp sang and danced together to the beautiful accompanying music for many hours in a very uplifting atmosphere. Other highlights of the camp this year included the unsurpassed Ruach of the Teﬁllos especially on Friday night and the early hours of Shabbos morning as the camp sang together enjoying Divrei Torah given by various campers. The camp ﬁnished with a moving presentation from the Madrichim who expressed how touched they were in seeing how in just one week many of the campers had

clearly progressed in their Avodas Hashem. Binyomin De-Lang then composed a Gramen which mentioned each of the campers to was followed by Gramen which mentioned each and every camp by name with a positive message for each one! Reb Shmuel Yosef Davidsohn, Founder and Director of Chaverim thank all those involved particularly Reb Eliyohu Katz and Binyomin De-Lang who both played a major role in running camp and bring it to its success, and to Reb Yitzchok Kleerekoper who ran the kitchen for the camp. Prizes were awarded to each group for the best camper and best Shiur, and best camper prize went to Benji Mandel from Holland. The ﬁnale of the camp was an amazing Shacharis the next morning with 100% attendance by the whole camp. Chaverim are very grateful to the Jewish Youth Fund for their support towards this years winter camp.

A group photo with the participants

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Honours list

JVN trustees and staff took great delight in congratulating their Director, Leonie Lewis, after she received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the Jewish community. Leonie has been giving her indomitable energy to the UK Jewish community for over 30 years and continues to have a major impact on many areas both inside the community and as a key external representative. As Director of the Jewish Volunteering Network, she has grown the charity from its inception 10 years ago to become a beacon of excellence in volunteering. Its success and reputation are such that other faith groups are now using it as a template to emulate in their own communities. Leonie has always represented the Jewish community in the inter-faith sector, as a Founder and trustee of the Faith Based Regeneration Network and Co-Chair of the Faiths Forum for London (FFFL). She has worked tirelessly to build the FFFL’s influence in both inter-faith and wider sectors. Her ability to form personal friendships with the leaders of other faiths, based on mutual respect and shared ideas, enabled her to involve them directly in the FFFL’s work. Leonie became Co-Chair of US (United Synagogue) Women and in 2013 was able to drive changes to the statutes and bye-laws, resulting in women being able to become chairs of US synagogues. After becoming the first of four female trustees of the US itself, she became joint Vice President, a role she still holds. As a role model for women across the community, she has shown selfless dedication to mentoring and empowering women to step up to the plate and take on critical leadership roles to become future mentors and promote gender equality. Michael Goldstein, President of the United Synagogue said: “We are

Leonie Lewis

delighted that Leonie has received this honour. As Vice-President of the United Synagogue, her contribution to our community continues to be enormous. The huge impact of her years of work will be felt by countless people both now and in the future.” In addition to the above, Leonie holds a string of other advisory roles with a variety of organisations and charities in the community. She has a Masters’ degree in Sociology of Education and is an MBA, UJIA Ashdown Fellow. She is also a regular volunteer for Harrow Mencap. Leonie has been an active member of the Pinner Synagogue for over 30 years. Her husband Howard and sons Adam and Ben plus her seven grand-children take great pride in her achievements. Leonie said “Receiving the MBE means the world to me. It justiﬁes all the hours and commitment I’ve spent at meetings and activities encouraging all who know me to engage and or volunteer with their community. I still have a few friends left!!! The nicest thing is receiving such wonderful messages, letters and calls from so many people. Its very touching to know that in some small way I really am making a diﬀerence!!”

11 JANUARY 2018

NEWS 13

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Armed Forces Shabbaton is a resounding success

Sixty Jewish servicemen and women attended the Armed Forces annual Jewish Moral Leadership Course and families weekend at the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, Amport House, near Andover. The event attracted personnel from all over the UK with representatives from the US Army and The Royal Netherlands Armed Forces. The Shabbaton, under the direction of senior Jewish Chaplain, Rabbi (Major) Reuben Livingstone, comprised a programme of military, religious and cultural topics of speciﬁc interest to Jewish men and women serving in the UK Forces. Padre Livingstone said: “I was delighted with the number and quality of people attending our weekend. The number increases every year and we are experiencing an upturn in interest in the Armed Forces among young people, of all shades of Judaism. Many of our serving people are isolated from mainstream communities because of postings and operational duties so they don’t always get the opportunity to spend Shabbat with so many other Jewish, like-minded people.” Rabbi Livingstone is the senior of three Jewish Army chaplains and he also acts as a regimental chaplain to an Army Reserve Logistics Regiment, looking after servicemen and women of all faiths. Colonel Martin Newman, chairman of the Jewish Committee for HM

Emily’s Adventures in Wonderland roadtrip Emily Ben-Ze’ev from “Emily’s Adventures in Wonderland” spent an inspirational afternoon at “Misgav”-an organisation for adults with disabilities. The ladies participated in a science afternoon full of hands on experiments. Great excitement was had by everyone but letting oﬀ rockets both indoors and outdoors was deﬁnitely the highlight. The ladies loved playing tunes with musical milk bottles and making erupting volcanoes. Emily also

visited Beis Yaakov Primary vinstruments from around the World. The children were fascinated with a South American instrument made from goats toe nails and some authentic instruments made by Native American Indians. They excelled at playing the didgeridoo and loved the bouzouki from Greece. Emily is now taking bookings for Science Week , Book Week and the RSPB special birdwatching Week.

PHOTO CREDIT: CAPTAIN MIKE POLOWAY

Forces said: “The growing attendance at our events and interest in service in our Regular and Reserve Forces is in no short measure due to having Jewish chaplains in uniform with whom our servicemen and women can relate. It might be unusual to hear a Rabbi addressed as Padre, but the exercise has been a resounding success. Our main annual weekend is made possible because of my hard working chaplaincy team and through ﬁnancial sponsorship by BBUK and AJEX to whom we are grateful.” Colonel Newman concluded: “Our community is growing and vibrant and events for 2018 include a battleﬁeld study exercise

in Israel, a cultural and military interest families trip to Gibraltar and a very high proﬁle military service at Bevis Marks Synagogue on 15 March which will be a show case of Jewish service to this country.” The social highlight of the fully kosher catered weekend is always the family Mess Dinner after Shabbat where the principal guest, Rear Admiral Chris Gardner, an assistant Chief of the Naval Staﬀ, spoke of his delight at being given the job to champion the interests of the Armed Forces Jewish Community within Defence.

A previous adventure in Emily’s Wonderland

Ask The Rabbi Panel

An Ask The Rabbi event with a participants are looking forward to panel of Rabbonim was held re- the next Ask The Rabbi session. cently at the Kenton Synagogue. The Panel of Rabbonim, which included Rabbi Yehudah Black (Kenton Synagogue), Rabbi Zvi Cohen (Kingsbury Synagogue), Rabbi Stanley Coten (Ruislip Synagogue) and Rabbi Shlomo Odze (South Hampstead Synagogue) discussed relevant topical and halachic issues posed by the packed audience. The event, which had been arranged and chaired by Rabbi Black, was Rabbi Zvi Cohen, Rabbi Stanley most informative and enjoyable and Coten, Rabbi Yehudah Black and

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11 JANUARY 2018

100 Young British Jews join 1200 others for Olami Global Summit BY JW REPORTER

At the beginning of the month, Aish UK, Aish UK Essex and JLE sent close to 100 delegates to the Olami Summit 2017. Olami, the global community of Jewish organizations committed to inspiring young Jews about their Judaism, hosted its 2017 Global Summit in Europe, the largest global gathering for young Jews. During the Summit, Olami announced a brand-new global initiative to honour Israels fallen, and new Regional Ambassadors were chosen to represent Olami across the globe. There were 12 winners of this international leadership award, hailing from Israel, Russia, France, UK, Argentina, South Africa and USA. This included Sacha Johnstone from Aish UK Essex. Sacha together with the other Regional Ambassadors will receive leadership training and travel the world to communicate how they think Judaism inspires Jewish greatness. Continuing from the success of last year Innovation Incubator funding programmes, Olami oﬀered 6 new projects funding this year to pilot their ideas. The 1,300 delegates from 320

organisations across the globe were joined by some of the most inspirational speakers and thought-leaders from around the world, including Israeli Minister Naftali Bennett, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau as well as many other Jewish community leaders, philanthropists and educators. The theme for this year’s Summit was Own It, which aims to inspire a global community of young Jews to take ownership of their lives and their Judaism and to give them leadership and innovation opportunities for inspiring their Jewish communities back home. Innovation Grants In keeping with the theme and focus on leadership, the Summit offered several leadership opportunities the first of which is the Innovation Incubator, which is funded by the Olami Foundation. The fund is designed to help finance grass roots initiatives aimed at stimulating Jewish growth, learning and awareness around the world. To date, the program has financed 60 projects with an investment of $10k - $50k per project. This year delegates were invited

to present their ideas for Jewish innovation to the key funders at the Summit and to Olami, pitching for $10,000 from the Innovation Incubator fund to pilot a creative Jewish initiative. Over 40 projects were pitched throughout the weekend, 6 of which were lucky to receive funding to pilot their ideas including Menora from Argentina, who’s Kosher Food Truck will go every lunchtime to universities and places where there are a large number of young Jews in order for Jews to be able to access kosher food during the week at a low cost. Israel’s Nefesh Yehudi’s Ushpizin project, proposed a hospitality app, which will enable Jews visiting Israel from across the world to stay at Jewish households, maintaining the sense of community and belonging for Jews no matter where they are from. Honor Israel’s Fallen - Yizkereim The Olami Summit climaxed with the unveiling of Yizkereim, a global initiative to honor the 23,545 fallen soldiers who heroically fought to protect the State of Israel since its creation. Delegates will be encouraged to learn Torah, perform acts of kindness and to engage

A group photo at the Summit

meaningfully with their Judaism in the merit of their assigned fallen heroes. Olami is now encouraging people from all over the world to sign up to the Yizkereim project and do something positive in the name of all the fallen heroes before Yom Hazikaron 2018. 700 of the delegates, representing 20 diﬀerent countries across North America, Latin American, FSU and Israel, began their journey in Central and Southern Spain,

where they explored the rich history and heritage of the Jewish people. They continued their journey to London and met a further 600 European delegates to take part in the Opening Ceremony. Following the ceremony, which included an address by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, all the 1300 delegates travelled to Birmingham and enjoyed an inspiring, educational and empowering weekend.

SARAH ROSE

Volunteer Spotlight Tell us about yourself I left my job working in the homelessness sector in June 2017 to go travelling for 3 months. On my return, I approached Leonie, Director at the JVN as I wanted to do some voluntary work alongside looking for a new job. I’ve recently found a new job working in the youth sector. How and why did you get into volunteering? After returning from my gap year in Israel, I began university in London. I also began working part-time and looking to ﬁll my week even more, looked

for volunteering opportunities that’d be suitable for me. I began volunteering as a ‘Big Sister’ for Camp Simcha and as a befriender through the AJR. Who do you currently volunteer for and what do you do? I still visit my Camp Simcha family and have recently been volunteering in the JVN oﬃce carrying out a piece of research for them. I’ve very much enjoyed gaining a deeper insight into the work of the JVN and how they’re having an impact on the community. Through my research, I have spoken to a

number of the JVN’s volunteers about the numerous personal beneﬁts to volunteering as well as the desire to give back to the community. It’s been wonderful to see my own motivations for volunteering reﬂected in their stories. How has volunteering changed your life and how do you think it affects the people you volunteer for?

Some of my greatest personal achievements have been as a result of my volunteering. I’ve learnt what it means to have true empathy, patience and compassion. I think in today’s climate, charities are relying on their volunteers more than ever to carry out important work that they cannot devote funding and resources too. In my experience, the organisations I’ve volunteered

Think Volunteering, Think JVN www.jvn.org.uk info@jvn.org.uk 020 8203 6427 @JVN_org_uk THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

for have been incredibly grateful to their volunteers and have recognised that volunteering needs to be a part of their organisational planning and future decision-making.

11 JANUARY 2018

NEWS 15

Hespedim for Rabbi Binyomin Zev Kaufman, Rosh HaKollel of the Manchester Kollel

Rabbi Eliezer Kaufman, son of Rabbi B.Z Kaufman at Hespedim for his Father

Hespedim for Rabbi Binyomin Zev Kaufman Manchester Kollel

CTeen ‘Big Apple’ trip Lubavitch CTeens of Leeds are hoping to attend the 10th annual CTeen International Shabbaton. The international Shabbaton, unites Jewish teens annually across the world and takes place in New York from February 23-25. A highlight is a musical Havdalla concert in the centre of Times Square. The program also includes visiting tourist hot spots and Brooklyn’s Jewish attractions. “This is a unique opportunity for teenagers to meet up from across the

globe,” said Rabbi Mendy Chazan. “Spending Shabbat with over 2000 lively teens is an experience that makes a lasting impression.” He added, “Safety is a big priority and as in the past Cteen International is working closely with the NYPD to ensure the highest levels of security.” Teens in years 10 to 13 will ﬂy out Thursday February 22nd. Scholarship subsidies may be available. Details: www.cteen.com/shabbaton

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16 NEWS

11 JANUARY 2018

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1200 people pay tribute to HaRav Shteinman SHELOSHIM TRIBUTE TO HARAV SHTEINMAN ZT”L BY MORDECHAI ULLMAN

London Jewry had the rare opportunity Monday and Tuesday to host some of the leading Torah giants of this generation. At a Hesped on Monday night held in memory of the Gadol Hador, Maran Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman ZT”L, the large Kinloss Shul was packed to capacity as throughout the evening an estimated 1200 people arrived from across London to pay their respects to one of the leading Jews of our generation. The evening was enabled by British Friends of Yeshivas Orchos Torah. Of all the institutions at which Rav Steinman stood at the

helm, Orchos Torah was exceptionally dear to him as the Rosh Yeshiva stated upon its establishment, “These years that I received from the Almighty were for the sake of establishing a new Yeshiva for Jewish people.” In the twenty years since its founding it has grown into a network of Torah institutions producing some of the ﬁnest minds in Israel in Eretz Yisroel, numbering over 3000 students altogether. With great anticipation, the crowd rose to their feet as the prominent Rabbis entered the shul. Rabbi Povarski, leader of the famed Ponovezh Yeshiva, and Rabbi Ezrachi leader of Ateres Yisroel, were accompanied by the leader of Imrei Binah, Rabbi Shmuel Baron.

The large crowd paying tribute at Kinloss

Rabbi Shmuel Baron

Former head of the London Beth Din, Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu led the crowd in recital of Tehillim. Chairman and member of British Friends of Orchos Torah, Mr Daniel Klien, introduced the evening by speaking of the great sadness felt by many in the community at the passing of the great leader of the generation. He spoke of the love the great Rabbi had for every Jew and his great passion for Torah. Rabbi Povarsky was the Caption ﬁrst one to give a Hesped. Citing lessons from, and novel interpretations in, Chazal, Rabbi Povarksy spoke of how Rav Shteinman had reached greatness in all areas of Torah, of Chessed and in being a true leader

of the congregation. In our eﬀorts to emulate the ways of the Tzaddik, we ensure that his legacy will live on and his light is never truly extinguished The chairman then called upon Rav Ezrachi to deliver a hesped. Rav Ezrachi began by saying that it is impossible to fully appreciate the greatness our generation merited to witness in the Rosh Yeshiva. Rav Steinman was a “Heavenly person”, he explained, who’s entire Rabbi Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi life was one of “constantly livRav Steinman carried the buring with the presence of Hashem without a moment’s interruption. den of his great Yeshiva with its “Every decision was with the numerous branches, as well as the World to Come in mind as well as entire Torah world and beyond, on what can be done to hasten the ar- his frail shoulders, yet at the same time when approached by a person, rival of Moshiach. Rav Ezrachi explained the teach- man woman or child, requesting ing of our Rabbis that Hashem help, he would graciously grant it does not bring a person to a high to them, no matter how preoccuposition before testing him in small pied he was. We were sustained by his merit matters. What is this “small matter”? This is areas that other peo- and we continue to be so after his ple consider small but a truly great death, as we seize the lessons of his person busies themselves not only life into our own lives. in “big matters” but also in so-tospeak “small” matters, in recognition that nothing is small when it comes to serving Hashem.

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18 JUDAISM

ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com Is the Rubashkin commutation a cause for such a celebration? Dear Rabbi, I watched last week as Jews across the world were dancing in the streets celebrating the release of a convicted Jewish felon. I appreciate that there were extenuating circumstances surrounding the case, but such a public display is surely misplaced? Alexander Dear Alexander, I have watched carefully the dif-

11 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

ferent responses to the case at hand. Many of course were dancing with jubilation. Others were quick to condemn such a reaction. When Jonathan Pollard was convicted of spying for Israel and then had the book thrown at him with a disproportionate and unprecedented sentence, the Jewish world rallied together. Alas this went on for many decades as President after President refused to release him. We decried the injustice of it all. In the event, when he was ﬁnally set free this made international headlines and was celebrated by Jews the world over. What they were celebrating was not the man himself but that

fact that what was perceived as an injustice in the circumstances had ﬁnally ended. Had he had his sentence commuted early on this would have been a cause for great celebration. I am doubtful the liberals would have spoken out. Even as Jews did celebrate his ultimate release, and some were dancing in the streets – there were no liberals who did dare speak out. To be sure, the Rubashkin celebration is unprecedented. There have been numerous Jews sadly, who will have been convicted of crimes and fellow Jews didn’t go celebrating afterwards upon their release, even if they earned early freedom.

There is a reason Trump commuted the sentence of Rabbi Rubashkin. An unprecedented letter, signed by 107 – that’s right 107 former high level Department of Justice officials, FBI directors, federal judges and prestigious law professors attests to the extraordinary prosecutorial misconduct which exacted the most possible punitive sentence for Rubashkin. Several former attorneys general, were among the signatories of the letter. Charles B. Renfrew, a former U.S. District Court judge in the Northern District of California and U.S. deputy attorney general and James H. Reynolds, a former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Iowa both argued that there was false testimony and wilful manipulation in the case. Renowned human rights lawyer Alan Dershowitz laid bare the case for why there were flaws in the whole trial with some quite apparent bias. He stopped short of labeling anyone Anti-Semitic but did question the basic motives of the judge, including why she chose to throw in two extra years over and above the sentence the prosecution requested. Congressman from across the American political spectrum were rallying for Rubashkin’s cause, and most recently, Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic Leader, wrote to the President in which she expressed concern about the injustice of the sentence, but also mentioned “questions arising from the conviction...” So when a man has the book thrown at him, and seemed to be beyond any hope - what with the Supreme Court refusing to hear the case - is finally set free, that sparked joy in the many who watched with despair at what was perceived as a failure of the justice system. But there is something else, and altogether fundamental that lies at the core of this jubilation. I don’t need to point out how there is invariable disparity amongst the different movements and varied sects within Orthodoxy. In an unprecedented show of unity, they all rallied, each in their own way, to offer support for Rabbi Rubashkin and his family. Many worked tirelessly for the past eight years. Not because they don’t respect the justice system, but because there was a blatant wrong committed

against a brother and, for all our faults, will always rally in defence of a maltreated brother. Whenever there is terrible conflict in Israel Jewish people band together is a most compelling demonstration of unity proving how we are essentially connected at the core. Each time a rocket is fired we feel the pain wherever we are. Each time a soldier is killed we shed a tear around the world. When US lone soldier Max Steinberg was killed in combat thirty thousand people turned out for his funeral. How many of them even knew he existed beforehand? It’s not like we are Americans who are also Jewish, and Canadians who are also Jewish and British who are also Jewish. We are, first and foremost Jewish, and then, based on our geographical locations – we are either British Jews or American Jews or Canadian Jews etc. The relevance of this is that when something happens in any one place we feel it someplace else. Like a family member – however far away – if something happens to my brother or sister – on the other side of the world, it doesn’t lessen the impact – it doesn’t diminish the tragedy. Last week, a travesty of justice was averted, a fellow Jew – a brother was spared, and that triggered a justifiable joy and celebration, commensurate with the efforts that went into righting the wrong. It was a unity the likes of which one rarely sees. The challenge now – for all those same many different Jewish sects, indeed Jews the world over - is to maintain that unity in all dimensions going forward.

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Va’era Artscroll p.318 | Hertz p.232 | Soncino p.351 Shabbat Mevarechim. Rosh Chodesh Shevat is on Wednesday

JUDAISM 19

Parshat Va’era In loving memory of Avraham ben Yehoshua

In loving memory of Avraham ben Yehoshua

“So says God, ‘through this shall you know that I am God; behold, with the staff that is in my hand I shall strike the waters that are in the River, and they shall change to blood” (Shemot 7:17).

The Number 4: Gratitude and Redemption by Rabbi Alan Garber, Shenley United Jewish Community Our sidrah starts with a scriptural hint to the four cups of wine that we drink at the Passover Seder. Each cup alludes to a different assurance of redemption received from G-d, based on the verses in this week sidrah: : “I will bring you out … I will save you … I will redeem you … I will take you” – (ytcqlv… ytlagv … ytlxhv … ytaxvhv – Shemot 6:6-7 – see Rashbam’s commentary 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Vayikra 12:1-23 to Talmud Pesachim 99b). a lady would wait several weeks After childbirth, before bringing an elevation offering (olah) and a The number four seems to come up sin offering (chatat). This completed herthroughout post-birth the Sederprocess. night: the four expressions of purification redemption, the four cups of wine, the four God told Moshe and Aharon that someone who questions and the four sons. All of these had the appearance of a particular type of skin suggest that the number four represents the disease (tzara’at) would have to show the white central message of the Seder night: national blemish to a Kohen. The Kohen would and personal redemption through theevaluate quality and decide if the affliction was clearly of gratitude. Where do we see the tzara’at, number thus impure (tameh). If the four rendering associatedthe withperson gratitude? case was unclear, the Kohen would quarantine the in a house days, form after which Weperson are called Jews, for theseven anglicised of the the Kohenword would re-inspect the afflicted area and Hebrew Yehudim (Mydvhy), after Yehuda, the declare whether theforefather person was tameh or name tahor fourth son of our Yaakov. The (pure). Yehuda (hdvhy) is rooted in the word toda (hdvt), meaning ‘thanks’, as his mother Leah said, after Question: what were the three types of blemish his birth, “nowAnswer I will thank G-d”(Bereishit called? (13:2) on bottom of page29:30). 6.

(Tehilim) to give thanks to G-d on Seder night, through the recital of Hallel, which is comprised of chapters of Tehilim. Where do we see the theme of gratitude in the story of the Exodus? Moshe’s first encounter with G-d was at the

burning bush – G-d's appearance in this lowliest Sidrah Summary: Tazria-Metzorah

Sidrah SidrahSummary: Summary:Va’era Va’era “So says G-d, ‘through this shall you know that I am G-d; behold, with the staff that is in my hand I shall The 2nd Plague:(Shemot Aharon 7:17). strikes the waters of the strike the waters that– are in the6:2-6:13 River, and they shall change to blood” 1st Aliya (Kohen) Shemot Nile. A plague of frogs emerges, which covers G-d reassures Moshe that He will keep His promise to his forefathers to bring the nation into Egypt. Pharaoh asks Moshe to pray for the frogs to die. the Land of Cana’an (later Israel). G-d has heard the crying out of the enslaved Israelites; He instructs Moshe to tell them that He will redeem 5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 8:7-8:18 them from slavery. The Israelites, exhausted from The 3rd Plague: Aharon strikes the ground with their labour, do not accept Moshe’s reassurances. his stick and lice spread all over Egypt. The Egyptian magicians fail to duplicate this, admitting it is the ‘finger of G-d’. 2nd Aliya (Levi) – 6:14-6:28 The Torah details the genealogy of Moshe and Aharon. They are the sons of Amram and 6th Aliya (Shishi) – 8:19-9:17 Yocheved, who were both descendants of Levi, the The 4th Plague: A plague of wild beasts spreads over Egypt, apart from Goshen, where third son of Yaakov. the Israelites live. Pharaoh agrees to let the Question: What age did Levi live to? (6:16). Israelites leave for three days to bring offerings Answer on bottom of next page. in the desert. Moshe prays for the plague to stop but Pharaoh reneges on his promise. 3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 6:29-7:7 The 5th Plague: The Egyptian livestock is Moshe re-expresses his reluctance to speak killed, but the Israelites’ animals are untouched. to Pharaoh, given his speech impediment. The 6th Plague: Moshe throws a fistful of ash in G-d restates that Aharon will be Moshe’s the sky. This turns into dust covering all of Egypt, spokesman. G-d will harden Pharaoh’s heart which then turns into boils on the Egyptians and and He will send plagues. This will make Egypt their animals. G-d hardens Pharaoh’s heart. aware of G-d's omnipotence. 4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 7:8-8:6 Upon G-d's command, Aharon throws down his stick in front of Pharaoh; it turns into a snake. Pharaoh’s magicians duplicate this. However, Aharon’s stick swallows up their sticks. The 1st Plague: Moshe and Aharon confront Pharaoh while he is bathing in the Nile and warn him that if he does not let the Israelites leave, the waters of Egypt will turn to blood. Pharaoh ignores the warning and Aharon strikes the water with a stick and it turns into blood. Pharaoh’s magicians duplicate this. The plague lasts a week. (This pattern follows for most of the rest of the plagues – three weeks of warning and a week of plague – see Rashi’s commentary).

7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 9:18-9:35 The 7th Plague: A fiery hail falls on all of Egypt, apart from Goshen. Pharaoh admits that he has sinned and that G-d is righteous. After Moshe has prayed for the hail to stop, Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go.

2nd Aliya (Levi) 13:24-39 Furthermore, the– name Yehuda is made up of a Itcombination was also possible tzara’at to develop from a of thefor fourth letter of the Hebrew burn. Tzara’at on thefour scalp or on the Alphabet – d could (dalet) erupt and G-d's letter Name. beard area, causing a loss of hair. The letter d, when it is spelt out tld is from the Aliya lexical root word dal (ld), denoting humility. 3rd (Shlishi) – 13:40-54 hintsdifferent to the form fact that humilityis isdetailed, a preAThis slightly of tzara’at requisite for gratitude, an arrogant person may which caused a more substantial loss of hair. A not feel the need to show gratitude to anyone metzora (one who has been contaminated with or even to G-d. tzara’at) was sent outside of the camp and had to tear his/her garments (see p4 article). Tzara’at The greatest descendant of Yehuda was King could also infect clothing. A suspected garment David. His name, dvd, includes a dalet and then was quarantined before the Kohen made a another dalet – perhaps this hints at his great decision about whether it Psalms was tameh. it was humility. Indeed we use the of KingIf David declared tameh, the garment was burnt.

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7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 15:16-33 A similar set of laws is listed for a lady who has specific discharges, as well as the laws of niddah (menstruation), which form the basis of the laws of family purity.

Haftarah From the Book of Melachim (Kings II), the haftarah 4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 13:55-14:20 takes places upon the background of the long The Torah details the process through which a siege and ensuing famine of the Shomron area 3 In memory of Harav Binyamin ben Harav Shalom metzora purified himself/herself after the period (Samria) by the King of Aram. Four metzora’im of isolation and the healing of the affliction. This were put outside the city gates because of their involved a Kohen taking two birds, cedar wood, affliction. They discovered and reported that the a crimson thread and hyssop. The Kohen would Arameans had actually left their camp, which slaughter one of the birds and – using the wood, thread and hyssop together in a bundle – sprinkle allowed the Jews to plunder the camp and thus end their famine. In of Harav Binyamin Harav The Shalom its memory blood seven times on the ben metzora.

Point to Consider: What was particularly miraculous about the hail? (see Rashi to 9:24) Haftarah The prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel) prophesies about the downfall of the future Egyptian empire, after Israel will have mistakenly relied upon them as an ally. Egypt will be invaded by the Babylonian, Nebuchadnezzar.

of shrubs conveys a message of humility. In this week’s sidrah, we read that the first three plagues Aharon andofferings not metzorawere wouldinstigated also bringbythree animal Moshe. Thismeal wasofferings. because Moshe’s was told by and three G-d to to show humilitywhat and is gratitude to the Nile Point Consider: the significance of the River hidingcrimson him as athread baby and and hyssop? gratitude(see cedarforwood, to the tosand Rashi 14:4)for hiding the task master who Moshe had killed for beating the Hebrew slave 5th Aliya – 14:21-32 (see Rashi (Chamishi) to Shemot 7:19 and 8:12). It was A metzora who could not afford three animal therefore Aharon who stuck the Nile to bring offerings could instead bring one animal offering, about the plagues of blood and frogs and it was one Aharon meal offering and two birds.to bring about also who struck the sand the of lice. – 14:33-15:15 6thplague Aliya (Shishi) Tzara’at also affected houses. The house owner Our name instructs ourThe would reportYehudim the suspicious signsus to athat Kohen. essence is gratitude. We arebefore a people who house would be evacuated the Kohen’s strive humility and red arrival. to If thethank, Kohen to saw show a deep green or deep appreciate everything we do and it is through ‘affliction’, he would order the house to be this attitude of gratitude that we will hopefully quarantined for a week. He would then re-inspect achieve the ultimate future redemption. the house. If the affliction had spread, the infected stones would be removed and replaced. If the These great leaders epitomised humility affliction nevertheless the house would and gratitude. So tooreturned, the people showed be demolished. if replacing thehelp, stones their humility byHowever, crying out to G-d for solvedset the problem, Kohen(ibid. would declare the which the Exodus the in motion 3:7-8) house tahor (pure). The Torah lists specific discharges that would cause a man to be considered tameh, and details the purification procedure.

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concerns the law we mentioned in last week’s if a parent requests otherwise due to the knockparent. Yitzchak Meir, times, the head the child should listen to the parent and attend the effect Rabbi on Friday night meal thenofthe article, that one is not allowed to contradict a on shouldGer listen to the(d. parent attend the parent. Rabbi Yitzchak Meir, the head of the child nearby shul; after all, no mitzvah would be Chassidic dynasty 1866)and once delivered shul; after all, Talmud no mitzvah would After be Chassidic Ger dynasty (d. 1866) once delivered nearby forsaken in the process. a very complicated discourse. 20 JUDAISM 11 JANUARY 2018 THE JEWISH WEEKLY theasked process. a very complicated Talmud discourse. After forsaken finishing,in he the attendees whether they finishing, he asked the attendees whether they understood what he had said, to which The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law, understood what he had said, to which The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law, everyone replied that they had not. He turned to written 1563) rules that the mitzvah of studying Bein Adam Lechaveiro Part 23:everyone Honouring Parents Bein Adam Lechaveiro Part 23: Honouring Parents replied that they had not. He turned to written 1563) rules that the Mordechai mitzvah of studying his son Rabbi Avraham and said, Torah outweighs the mitzvah of honouring his son Rabbi and said, Torah outweighs the mitzvah of honouring (Kibud AvAvraham V’eim)Mordechai IV (Kibud Av V’eim) IV “you also did not understand me!” The son parents. The Talmud derives this from Yaakov “you also did not understand me!” The son by Rabbi Daniel Fine, Rabbi, Stanmore Canons Park United parents.&The Talmud derives thisSynagogue from Yaakov by Rabbi Daniel Fine, Community Rabbi, Stanmore & Canons ParkCommunity United Synagogue shruggedyears his shoulders and hisaway father lefthis the spending years studying Torah away from his shrugged his shoulders and his father left the spending studying Torah from A short while Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Thelater Talmud records stories ifshort a parent asks aRabbi child to steal orMeir to room. Adespite whilewish laterfor Yitzchak Therefore if a parent asks a child to steal or toTherefore The Talmud records stories room. parents, their his speedy return. parents, despite their wish for his speedy return. the room to his son explaining of find howof the Sages excelled in contravene aspect of Jewish the child entered theany room to find his sonlaw, explaining the contravene any aspect Jewish law, the the child of how the Sages excelled in entered theobey others. Puzzled, hetheir asked his son, honouring parents. obey the instructions. Given his thatson, honouring their parents. shiur must tonot the instructions. Given that -must shiurnot to the others. Puzzled, he asked “didn't you say you did not understand it?” -according to some Rabbinic opinions When Rabbi Tarfon’s When Rabbi Tarfon’s according to some Rabbinic opinions “didn't you say you did not understand it?” Avraham Mordechai explained, “if you mother's off and honouring parents is based upon perpetuating honouring parents is basedshoe uponfell perpetuating mother's shoe fell off and Rabbi Rabbi Avraham Mordechai explained, “if you had asked me whether I understood, I chain of Torah transmission, it makes logical he did not want her to tread he did not want her to tread the chain of Torah transmission, it makeswould logicalthe had asked me whether I understood, I would have answered yes, but you assumed that I did that honouring parents does not override on the muddy he sense on the muddy ground, he sense that honouring parents doesground, not override havemitzvot. answered yes, but you assumed that I did not understand andplaced I did not want to be guiltyforof other his hand down placed his hand down for other mitzvot. not understand and I did not want to be guilty of contradicting my father”. his mother to walk upon. Similarly, upon hearing his mother to walk upon. Similarly, upon hearing contradicting my father”. his mother's footsteps, Rav Yosef used to his mother's footsteps, Rav Yosef used to Having said this, it is also important to employHaving said this, it is also important to employ exclaim “I as willwe now stand up last for the Divine However, also noted week, the exclaim “I will now stand up for the Divine sensitivity when deciding if there is really asensitivity when deciding if there is really a Presence” 31b). does not outweigh dilemma. For example, whilst a child might want mitzvah of (Kiddushin honouring parents Presence” (Kiddushin 31b). dilemma. example, whilst a child might want However, as we also noted last week, the every otherFor mitzvah in the Torah. to go to an all-singing and dancing Friday night to go to an all-singing and dancing Friday night mitzvah of honouring parents does not outweigh A more recent example of excellence in this area service at a shul further away than the local one, A more recent example of excellence in this area service at a shul further away than the local one, every other mitzvah in the Torah. concerns the lawiswea mentioned in last week’s if a parent requests otherwise due to the knockdebate among concerns the law we mentioned in last week’s Although if a parentthere requests otherwise due to Talmudic the knock-on effect on Friday night meal times, then the article, that one about is not whether allowed mitzvot to contradict a commentators can be on effect on Friday night meal times, then thechild should listen to the parent and attend the article, that one is not allowed to contradict a parent. Yitzchak Meir, the head ofsome the Although there is a debate among Talmudic subject Rabbi to a hierarchy of importance, child should to the1866) parent anddelivered attend the parent. Rabbi Yitzchak Meir, the head of the Chassidic shul; after all, whether no mitzvah would Ger listen dynasty mitzvot clearly have (d. built-in once conditions or nearby commentators about mitzvot canbebe shul; after all, no mitzvah would beforsaken in the process. Chassidic Ger dynasty (d. 1866) once delivered anearby very complicated Talmud discourse. exceptions to them. Honouring parents isAfter one subject to a hierarchy of importance, some forsakenhe in the process. a very complicated Talmud discourse. After finishing, asked the attendees whether they such mitzvah. mitzvot clearly have built-in conditions or finishing, he asked the attendees whether they understood what he had said, to which The Shulchan (Code of parents Jewish is Law, exceptions to Aruch them. Honouring one understood what he had said, to which everyone replied that they(Code had not. turned Law, to written 1563) rules that the mitzvah of studying The Shulchan Aruch of He Jewish such mitzvah. everyone replied that they had not. He turned to his son 1563) Rabbi Avraham Mordechai said, Torah outweighs the mitzvah of honouring 4 In memory of Devorah Bat Avraham written rules that the mitzvah and of studying his son Rabbi Avraham Mordechai and said, “you did not understand son parents. The Talmud derives this from Yaakov Torahalso outweighs the mitzvahme!” of The honouring “you also did not understand me!” The son shrugged his shoulders and histhis father leftYaakov the spending years studying Torah away from his parents. The Talmud derives from shrugged his shoulders and his father left the room. In memory of Devorah Bat Avraham A short while later Rabbi Meirhisparents, spending years studying TorahYitzchak away from despite their wish for his speedy return. room. A short while later Rabbi Yitzchak Meir entered room their to find hisfor son the In memory of Devorah Bat Avraham parents,the despite wish hisexplaining speedy return. entered the room to find his son explaining the shiur to the others. Puzzled, he asked his son, shiur to the others. Puzzled, he asked his son, “didn't you say you did not understand it?” Avraham Mordechai “didn't you say you did not of understand it?” Rabbi Period Rabbinic Innovators the Medieval Part 2: explained, “if you Insights into Jewish History Part 92: The Rise of Yochanan Rabbi Avraham Mordechai explained, “if you had asked me whether I understood, I would Kohen Gadol Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzchak (1040-1105) have answered yes, but you assumed that I did had asked me whether I understood, I would by Rebbetzen Ilana Epstein, Cockfosters & N Southgate United Synagogue; by Rabbi Meir Shindler, Richmond Synagogue not understand and I did not want to be guilty of have answered yes, but you assumedUnited that I did Head of Project Development, US Living & Learning not understand and I did not want to be guilty of contradicting my father”. Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzchak, most complex Talmudic concepts within the contradicting my father”. Archaeological digs in years of inconsistencies and irritation from the better known by the acronym linguistic nuances found in his words. However, as we also noted last week, the Shechem and Mount Samaritan temple in Shechem, he destroyed it, Rashi, was born in Troyes, mitzvah of honouringwhich parents doescreated not outweigh Another masterpiece Rashi was However, as we alsoin noted last week, Gerizim, in the Land of thus winning favour with the Jewish religious and France 1040. Despite being the mitzvah on in the his every lucid other commentary theTorah. Five Books of the mitzvah of honouring parents does notwould outweigh Israel, indicate that in the military communities. a prolific writer, one every other mitzvah in thenot Torah. years 111-110 BCE, the perhaps automatically Torah (and indeed on all Biblical scriptures). himself commentary Samaritan temple that Yochanan enacted far-reaching laws during Although there describes is a debatehisamong Talmudic think of Rashi as an innovator Rashi (Bereishit 3:8) as “only coming to explain the had stood there since the his 31-year reign; some of these remain with classic Although thereinis athe debate amongsense. Talmudic commentators about whether mitzvot can be plain meaning of the text”. Nevertheless, with days of the prophets Ezra us to this day, while others were specifically Nevertheless, when one whether judges the profound commentators about mitzvot can be subject to a hierarchy of importance, some study, one clearly begins have to appreciate the depthor relevant to Temple times. For example, up until mitzvot built-in conditions impact that his works have had on Torah subject to a hierarchy of importance, some within his commentary; did not mean heiswas exceptions to them. he Honouring parents one and Nechemia had been destroyed. We can Yochanan’s time, the Levites in the Temple would study, throughout generations this day, or mitzvot clearly the have built-in to conditions accurately date this to the invasion of recite the verse from Psalms 44:23: "Awake! looking to give a superficial understanding of such mitzvah. it exceptions is clear thattohisthem. form Honouring of innovation deserves parents is one Samaritan lands by John Hyrcanus (known Why do you sleep, O Lord?” This practice the text. On the contrary, his conclusions are itssuch place among the elite few that have mitzvah. in Rabbinic literature as Yochanan Kohen Gadol) was abolished by Yochanan, for it seemed derived from careful analysis of the wording, been included in this series. and his conquest of much of the area that disrespectful in a time when Israel was 4 parallel textsof and a Bat scholarly In memory Devorah Avrahamgrasp of the today includes Yehuda, Shomron (Judea and prospering, to suggest to G-d that He ‘wake Last week we discussed the life and works of Hebrew language. He also weaves in Midrashic 4 In memory of Devorah Bat Avraham Samaria) and Jordan. up’, or to even imply that He was asleep (see Rabbi Yitzchak ben Yaakov Alfasi, known as the interpretations of the text. As a result, a number of commentary of Maharsha to Talmud Sotah 48a). Rif. Whereas the Rif’s area of innovation was in important super-commentaries to Rashi have Yet things did not start well for Yochanan, who Halacha, Rashi’s greatest achievements were been penned by great scholars over the was the Prince (Nassi) of Judea and also the As peace came to the Land, Yochanan was generations, perhaps most notably by in the nature of his vast commentary. High Priest (Kohen Gadol). Jerusalem was under bothered to hear hammers at work in the days of Rabbi Eliyahu Mizrachi of Constantinople siege. The military, the people of the countryside Chol Hamo’ed (the intermediate days of the His first great work was his commentary on (c. 1450-1525) and by Rabbi Yehuda Loew and Jerusalem, as well as the religious faction, Pesach and Succot festivals). Yochanan later almost the entire Babylonian Talmud, often (the Maharal of Prague, 1512-1609). had all lost confidence in his leadership. Once decreed the law that we still abide by today to referred to by the later Tosafist commentators as more, Judea found itself under Seleucid control avoid unnecessary work during the days of Chol ‘the Kunteres’ (commentary) In terms of impact, To illustrate how fundamental Rashi’s work is, and Yochanan and his army had been ordered to Hamo’ed. since the time of the closing of the Babylonian the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law, written go off and fight the Parthians on behalf of the Talmud (circa 500 CE), there has probably not 1563) mentions the importance of reviewing the Seleucids. Yochanan’s good deeds, however, were been another Torah work that has played such a weekly sidrah with Rashi’s commentary. overshadowed by the last episode of his life, fundamental role in the preservation of the Oral However, this run of bad luck came to an end in which we will discuss in next week’s article. Law. In the words of the later scholar, Rabbi As a personality, Rashi was beloved for his deep the year 128 BCE, when the Selucid Antiochus Yitzchak ben Sheshet (known as the Rivash, humility and for his love of every single Jew. VII was killed in battle. Yochanan took advantage 1326-1407): “The great light, Rabbi Shlomo He lived through the terrible First Crusade of of the power vacuum and returned with his army 1096 and passed away in Troyes in 1105, but (Rashi), uncovered the complexities of the to Judea. This heralded a 30-year reign that saw Talmud from obscurity. No complexity was his light and influence continue to shine the borders of Judea expand and the work of the posthumously to this day. hidden from him. Without Rashi’s commentary, Temple flourish. the Talmud would have been like the words of a sealed book”. A Roman coin How did Yochanan manage to turn things depicting around? Still reeling from the defeat of Jerusalem The clear and concise commentary that Rashi and smarting from the criticism of the religious Mount Gerizim created was the first of its kind – a truly and the sector of society for looting David’s tomb, indispensable innovation. His style is so straightSamaritan Yochanan returned to Jerusalem. His army was forward and clear that it is seen as the basic Temple hugely diminished, and he raided King David’s prerequisite for those new to Talmud study; yet tomb once again. This time he did this in order to at the same time, the most advanced Talmud fund mercenaries who not only protected Judea, students will pore over his commentary for hours, but went on to greatly expand its borders. With a knowing that they can find a clue to some of the mercenary army, Yochanan took control of all the areas surrounding Jerusalem. After hundreds of

The Number 4: Gratitude and Redemption by Rabbi Alan Garber, Shenley United Jewish Community

Answer: 137

In memory of Harav Avraham Yitzchak Yaakov ben Harav Nata Gershon

In memory of Shmuel Nissim ben Yaacov

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11 JANUARY 2018

Parashat Va’era Importance is just a ﬁgment of our imagination. In Parashat Va’era, on the eve of the

Tehillim Psalm 35

JUDAISM 21

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redemption of our people, we have a long list of genealogical information presented to us,

starting with the tribes of Reuven, Shimon and Levi. And then the Torah stops. What about the rest of the tribes and their members? Rashi gives two Peruishim. In the ﬁrst commentary, he tells us that actually, this is a passage which provides the background for Moshe and Aharon. They were members of the tribe of Levi, so once we get to Levi, we can carry on with the details of the Exodus. However, if that is the case, why do we need details of Reuven and Shimon, as well? Therefore, Rashi suggests a second Peirush and he says Mipnei Shechashuvim Heim, these three tribes are mentioned to let us know that ‘they are important’. And we would have thought otherwise. And that is because, these are the three – Reuven, Shimon and Levi – who were heavily criticised by Yaakov, just before he passed away. Reuven, because he took a concubine of his father Yaakov. Shimon and Levi because of their sin in the city of Shechem. Therefore, nobody should think at the time

This tehillim is for the shloshim of Maran Hagaon Harav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman ZT’L

King David was a righteous individual, who was shamefully treated like a villain by many of his contemporaries. He subsequently appeals to Hashem to help him against his traitors. “Riva Hashem et yurivi, lcham et lochamoiHashem - ﬁght my adversaries, battle those who do battle with me.” Our king asks G-d to “shame and humiliate those who seek my life.” In Judaism, there is a clear concept of G-d taking vengeance. Some shuls say the prayer Av Harachamim each Shabbat, some only a few times each year. In this prayer, recited prior to returning the Torah scrolls to the Ark, or during Yizkhor, we plead for revenge against “the blood of your servants that was spilled.” In other memorial prayers, we ask for similar things, and indeed in the Torah itself, Hashem is described as a “G-d of vengeance.” King David then asks Hashem for “those who plot my harm to be disgraced.” There is nothing wrong with asking for wicked people to be disgraced, and indeed we believe that in Gehinom, that is exactly their punishment; embarrassment and disgrace at their wicked deeds. He asks for G-d to make their path “dark, and exceedingly slippery,” so that they cannot ﬁnd their way again. Judaism always encourages repentance, however when a person goes too far and becomes too wicked, like Pharaoh in this week’s sedra, Hashem takes away

of the Geulah, of the redemption, that there are three tribes less important than the others because of the sins of their ancestors. Quite the contrary, says Rashi, all the members of these tribes are mentioned in order that we should know, they are equally important. The Hebrew word for important is Chashuv, coming from Chashav, which means ‘to think’, teaching us that the entire notion of importance is a ﬁgment of our imagination. Hashem never calls anybody Chashuv, ‘important’, that is only a term that we use. Throughout Tenach, there are adjectives used for the way in which Hashem describes people, such as Tzaddik, ‘righteous’, or Tov, ‘good’. Consequently, from Reuven, Shimon and Levi being the only tribes to be mentioned in this way here, we learn that everyone in our eyes should be important. And let’s leave judgement in the hands of G-d. Shabbat Shalom

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their potential for Teshuva to further compound their eventual punishment. We come across the word “Shoa,” meaning disaster; a word which has unfortunately become pretty well known to all of us today. A well-known phrase from the Shabbat morning prayer “Nishmat” is then introduced; “Kol atzmotai tomarna Hashem- mi Kasmocha – all my limbs will say – who is like you Hashem?” It is a great merit to be able to serve G-d with all our limbs. We use our mouths in prayer, our heads to think words of Torah, our hands and arms to shake lulav, our feet to carry us to places of Worship and many other such examples. May we all merit to continuously use as much as our faculties as possible to serve Hashem, just like the most righteous of our great nation used to.

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Dear Mr President,

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Mr. Michoel Streicher 127449thSt Brooklyn, NY 11219-301 l

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On behalf of the Nation of Israel, we are pleading to you to pardon Shalom Rubashkin and Mordechai Samet and other Jewish so called White Collar Criminals who were given unfair life sentences in jail, while the previous Government had pardoned thousands of mass criminals. We pray to the Almighty that you will be the right messenger to release them and may G-d grant you another 4 years as President and serving as the greatest president for a full 8 year term, Koach Hatorah International President Michael Streicher

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understood and felt G-d constantly even in had not lled theamitzvah these Shabbat candles?! not fulfilled the mitzvah with these Shabbat candles?! Tosfot (Berachot 11a) asks an interesting question: Why (Berachot 11a) had asks an fulfi interesting question: thoughts Torah. Since person’swithWhy obligation to study Every time we say a blessingTosfot we are supposed toofhave two hisanddaughter looking very sad because theshetough accidentally during the day. so strong clear to see her—there’s that EVERYTHINGdon’t is under times. However, Rabbi Chanina benduring Dosa her—there’s However, RabbiisChanina benand Dosa answered we repeat Torah Birchotapplies HaTorah each time learn Shabbat allworld day long, aswethe verse statesanswered “Vehagita BoShalom ■ don’t we repeat Birchot HaTorah each time we learn during ideas. First to internalise that G-d is the Master of the lit Shabbat candles with vinegar (which doesn’t normally Hashem’s control, then there is no difference between The Gemara (Taanit 25) relates the famous story of Rabbi Yomam Valaylah” meditate it [the Torah] is thein ultimate way forward. Having G-d on our mind and only then proceed to ponder that He is, was and (–willyou shouldThat miracle and nature. burn) instead of oil. consoled hercame saying not to worry, Chanina ben Dosa. One He Friday evening, he in to see dayHAKODESH andRABBI night), it PEARLMAN is as if one’sconstantly learning is not interrupted MEVASERET ZION,YERUSHALAYIM RABBI PEARLMAN MEVASERET ZION,YERUSHALAYIM , IR – Shiviti Hashem Lnegdi Tamid. , IR HAKODESH be. Once we have made him Master of the world then we Every time we say a blessing we are supposed to have two 22because JUDAISM she accidentally THE it made can command his daughter looking no verydifference—Hashem sad because during the day. JEWISH WEEKLY ideas. First to internalise that G-d is the Masterand ofIttheis world can think of past present future. lit Shabbat candles with vinegar (which doesn’t normally This was the message to Moshe atItthe outset is relevant toredeeming quote hereofthe famous Gemara relevant to quote here the famous Gemara Hashem’s name by doing the in very opposite the vinegar to burn the same way He commands the oil to

That is the ultimate way forward. Having G-d on our mind and only then proceed to ponder that He is, was and will burn) instead of oil. He consoled her saying not to worry, in Pesachim 53b “Todos, the Roman, expounded in Pesachim 53b thefact Roman,Lnegdi expounded natural to keep away fromand heat, Am Tamid. Yisrael, a their journey thattendency would be supernatural Withmade regards the saying ofworld Hashem Melech – “Todos, we are in burn. The Gemara relates the miracle that the candle lit we have constantly – Shiviti Hashem be. Once him Master of the then we because it made no difference—Hashem can command ‘what precedent did Chananiah, Mishael and ‘what precedent did Chananiah, Mishael and we and they jumped into the ovens even while they coronating G-d with our very words. We are emphatically can think of past present and future. majestic. thetheentire Shabbat! Nevuchadnezzar.” here of all places should This was the message to Moshe at the outset in redeeming vinegar to burn the same way He commands the oil to they allowed themselves to Azariah follow when they allowed themselves to were and scorching withAzariah heat of follow the firewhen within. stating He is the King. We must know fi rst that He is the Am Yisrael, a journey that would be supernatural With regards the saying of Hashem Melech – we are in fact burn. The Gemara relates the miracle that the candle lit There is a very instructive Maharsha fi nd the longest word in the The Ben Yehoyada asks: What was she worried about? After us live and exclaim the wordsbeHashem Melech He is to sanctify Hashem’s thrown in the fiery– furnace beabout thrownpast in the fiery furnace to sanctifyLet Hashem’s coronating G-dKing, with our very words. emphatically majestic. the entire Shabbat! then canWe weare speak and future. here in theTheyChidushei Agadot. Hefrom says Chumash? all, she had already lit the candles, and she SAW thatstating they He is the King.only ourfrom King. name?’ applied a Kol Vachomer the name?’ They applied a Kol Vachomer the We must know fi rst that He is the The Ben Yehoyada asks: What was she worried about? After Let us live and exclaim the words Hashem Melech – He is too this is the significance of the Perhaps It is this constant knowledge and understanding that were burning from the vinegar! He explains that she was that the Gemara’s deduction that the It is relevant to quote King, only then can we speak about past and future. frogs. The Tzefardeim were not commanded to frogs. The Tzefardeim were not commanded to all, she had already lit the candles, and she SAW that they There is no difference miracle nature all our King. lengthiestbetween word to show the and extent of theitmesirut existedknowledge with theandAvotunderstanding and that Hashem now portrayed toHashem, concerned is forbidden derive benefit Itfrom is this constant that the mitzvah perform the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, yet they perform of Kiddush yet they Gemara in ovens were hot, from the juxtaposition here the famous were burningbecause from the it vinegar! He explainstothat she was emanates from Hashem and through this realisation we will There is no difference between miracle and nature it alland Kiddush Hashem of the frogs from nefesh Moshe. Avot and that Hashem now portrayed concernedand because is forbidden derive benefi t from sheexisted entered thewords ovens is andalso the kneading enteredto the emanates ovens and kneading troughs. miracles, this itwas clearly toa miracle. Perhaps was with the of great the two derived troughs. from Pesachim 53b “Todos, from the Hashem and through thisto realisation we willthe be able experience both. as whom people as Chananiah, Mishael Moshe. miracles, and this was clearly a miracle. Perhaps she was To receive this via email or for sponsorship opportunities please email us info@torahactionlife.com www.torahactionlife.com The fact that the kneading trough is juxtaposed that betheable kneading trough had not fulfilled the mitzvah with these Shabbat candles?! Tosfot (Berachot 11a) asksThe an fact interesting question: Why to experience both.is juxtaposed the fact that only these two household Roman, expounded ‘what and Azariah took their wonderful lesson by had not fulfilled the mitzvah with these Shabbat candles?! Tosfot (Berachot 11a) asks an interesting question: to the oven in the Passuk indicates that we are to‫לחופה‬ theWhy oven in the Passuk indicates WORD that we are To receive this via email or for sponsorship opportunities pleaseTHE emailofusthe However, Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa her—there’s ■ AND utensils don’t weHaTorah repeateach Birchot HaTorah each we‫שתזכו‬ learn during Shabbat THE LONGEST INShalom CHUMASH LONGEST IN CHUMASH AND www.torahactionlife.com This weeksRabbi Parasha sheet isben sponsored on theanswered occasion Britinfo@torahactionlife.com Milah Judah Meshulam. ‫טובים‬ ‫ולמעשים‬ ‫לתורה‬time ‫לגדלו‬ specifi ed in the Passuk. However, Chanina Dosa answered her—there’s don’tofWORD weRafael repeat Birchot time we learn during Shabbat Shalom ■precedent did Chananiah, means of this inspired Kol were Vachomer. talking of the time when one would normally find talking of the time when one would normally find THE PLAGUE OF FROGS THEof the PLAGUE FROGS This weeks Parasha sheet is sponsored on the occasion Brit MilahOF of Rafael Judah Meshulam. ‫שתזכו לגדלו לתורה לחופה ולמעשים טובים‬ This now answers ournamely fi rstwhen question Mishael and Azariah follow them next to each other, the oven them next to each other, namely when the oven RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL RABBI PEARLMAN MEVASERET ZION,YERUSHALAYIM , IRoverHAKODESH that we accept the Almighty’s kingship both our > MAZAL TOV TO above. These two items were singled when they allowed themselves to be is still hot, soofa this fortiori Chananiah and his two is still hot, so a fortiori Chananiah and his two Another possible explanation use of RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL bodies and our souls. The precedent for this practice is Biggest Mazal to our dearest Jonny & Ets Eisenberg In chapter 7fiverse Moshe istotold to threaten outfriends In chapter 7 ofverse 28I (18:39), Moshe iswetold to threaten who were tothey, perform the mitzvah friends who were obliged tothe perform mitzvah that the Almighty’s over our the reason thatword more than thrown erythe28 furnace sanctify foundweinaccept the Book Melachim kingship whereboth read > MAZAL TOV the ten-letter word for could be thatobliged the on the birth of littleTO Miain It is relevant to quote here the famous Gemara Hashem’s name by doing the very opposite of bodies andYisrael ourthat souls. The their precedent for this is that Bnei declared loyalty to G-d bypractice declaring, DIRECTOR Pharaoh that the Nile will swarm with Tsfardeim Pharaoh the Nile will swarm with Tsfardeim Biggest Mazal tohere ourKiddush dearest Jonny & Ets Meshulam Eisenberg It is relevant to quote the Gemara Hashem’s name by doing the very opposite of of Kiddush Hashem had to allow themselves to of Hashem had to allow themselves to Eli &famous Dalia “Tzefardeim” occurs ten times in this Parsha to any other, emphasised the wondrousHashem’s name?’ They applied a Kol bedroom and on your bed and into found in theHuBook ofin Melachim (18:39), where “Todos, we read the Roman, expounded Pesachim 53b their natural tendency to keep away from heat, “Hashem Ha’Elokim HashemI Hu Ha’Elokim” (“Hashem on the of little Mia on the birthbirth of Rafael Judah TAL (frogs) which than will come house and in (frogs) which willJust into your house53b and “Todos, in be thrown into the furnace rather than bow to the that BneiHashem Yisrael declared theircome loyalty G-d Pesachim byrepeated declaring, be the thrown into the furnace rather bow tointo the your indicate DIRECTOR is G-d, is G-d”). as Bnei toYisrael this in Roman, expounded and to emphasise a) that the plague of the their natural tendency keep away from heat, Eli & Dalia Meshulam ‘what precedent did Chananiah, Mishael and and they jumped into the ovens even while they Daniel & Natalie Fagel ly miraculous nature of mesirut Vachomer from the frogs. The Tzethe house of your servants and your “Hashem Hu Ha’Elokim Hu (“Hashem declaration, so must weHashem repeat “Hashem Melech” in order your bedroom and on your bed and into the your bedroom and onHa’Elokim” your bed and into the birth Rafael Judah Nevuchadnezzar.” on theofBrit of Yesekiel idol onofthe Nevuchadnezzar.” TAL frogs was itself asidol badofas the whole ofthey the ten istoG-d, Hashem G-d”). Just as Bnei Yisrael repeated this express our iscommitment of both body and soul toprecedent the allowed did Azariah follow when they themselves to were scorching withnot heatcommanded of thethey fire within. ‘what Chananiah, Mishael and and jumped intoinand thenefesh ovens even of thewhile frogs. 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Shulchan Aruch (OH 5:1) states that whenever we nature water amphibians and as such form the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, techa ovens and your kneading uvetanurecha uvemisharotecha (your uvetanurecha uvemisharotecha (your ovens and Dudu & Ruchama Leah Gabay and ovens c) thatand they occupied (mentioned Almighty. make a blessing andname?’ mention G-d’sThey Name itapplied is important toa Kol Vachomer from There istena places very instructive Maharsha here in the Therethe veryof ainstructive Maharsha here in‫ובמשארותיך‬ the onistheabirth baby boy your kneading troughs). is the longest your kneading troughs). ‫ובמשארותיך‬ is the longest Perhaps too this is the signifi cance of the be thrown in the fi ery furnace to sanctify Hashem’s THE WEEKLY QUOTE have to avoid hot places so as not to yet they entered the ovens and the troughs). is the longest word The Shulchan about Aruchthe(OH states that we contemplate way5:1) we pronounce Hiswhenever Name (Adnut) ■ in verses 28 & 29).Chidushei HASHEM MELECH! frogs. The Tzefardeim were not commanded to Agadot. He says that the Gemara’s Agadot. He says that the Gemara’s Chidushei make a blessing andwemention it isThus important to as well asin the the way read HisG-d’s Name (YHVH). we should word in the whole of the Chumash being the word whole ofName the Chumash being the “Start bythe doing what’s necessary; lengthiest word to show the extent of the mesirut become dehydrated. Nonetheless they kneading troughs. The fact that the in the whole of the Chumash being applied ayet Kol Vachomer from the THE WEEKLY QUOTE theperform way pronounce His Name (Adnut) At a Brit inMELECH! Jerusalem a great Rabbi stood up to speak contemplate theofname?’ mitzvah of They Kiddush Hashem, they ponder eachabout time that He iswethe Master everything (Adnut) HASHEM deduction that the ovens were hot, from the that ovens were word, hot, from thenothing in the holy then dodeduction what’s possible; and the suddenly only 10 letter andofas letter word, Perhaps and wish well to the grandfather, an accomplished Talmud only nefesh and Kiddush Hashem the too frogs this from is the significance of the asand wellHeas10 the way we read HiswillName (YHVH).as Thusnothing we should in the holy “Start always was, is and be and (YHVH). by doing what’s necessary; you are doing the impossible. “ sanctifi ed Hashem’s name by doing kneading trough is juxtaposed to the only 10 letter word, and as nothing in entered the ovens(Adnut) and Tzefardeim the kneading were troughs.not commanded frogs. 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Why the one would implied here. nowOF he wasn’t human? whom people as great as Chananiah, Mishael Beveit Avadecha – your servants’ house common to fiUntil nd creatures that have an instinct to protect THE PLAGUE FROGS they jumped the ovens even while fi nd them next to each othtext here. Name we are supposed to think, He was,The willfact be. that the 19TH JANUARY (See more info 30TH JANUARY (see more infoonline) online)is juxtaposed kneading trough difference? them next tois and each when the oven its young. Then he went on to explain that in the animal kingdom it is To we need ask a further question. answer this, we need ask a other, furthernamely question. 5 items were singled out for the reason that they, items were singled To outanswer for thethis, reason that to they, be-Amecha –their your people • TU B’SHVAT COCKTAIL PARTY InInthis case we are thinking about the past fi rst. 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Why were these two means of inspired Inbutthis week’s Parasha Hashem tells thattoobliged Heall had never revealed himself Hashem(spelt Yud, Heh, Vav, friends whoMoshe were to perform the mitzvah have feelings grandparents. is symptomatic of realto threaten only by does grandparent demonstrate 7 other tofortiori be in preference tothis all vessels–Kol to be specifi ed inas preference other vessels miraculous miraculous nature of thespecifi mesirut of the the a ten-letter could be that the word BeMisharotecha your kneading troughs nature of the mesirut nefesh of the talking of the time when would fiword nded nefesh 26TH FEBRUARY (See more info online) normally DVARone TORAH P1 made Himself known to the forefathers only as Kel Sha-dai soulfulness, to see one’s self in a grander historical or Heh –YHVH). love and care for his or her grandchild and grandchildren Pharaoh that the Nile will swarm with is Tsfardeim of Kiddush Hashem had to allow themselves to 8 Perhaps too are thisbyisnature the water signifi cance friends who were obliged to perform In chapter 7 verse 28 Moshe told household utensils chosen to be specHashem Melech! such as bowls, cups, pots and pans? What, if as bowls, cups, pots and pans? What, if frogs. Tzefardim amphibians frogs. Tzefardim are by nature water amphibians “Tzefardeim” occurs ten times in this Parsha to Bechah you but never revealed himself as Hashem(spelt Yud, Heh, Vav, familial context. The greater one’s development have feelings for grandparents. This isspiritual symptomatic of real such It was now time to make use of this newthem revelation. next to each other, namely when P1 the oven RABBITORAH JONATHAN TAWIL DVAR (frogs) which will into ofyour house and in cance the broader the inimportance the historical soulfulness, tois his seegrasp one’sofcome self a grander historical or Heh –YHVH). 9 of all places be thrown into the furnace rather than bow to the any, signifi cance is there that here any, signifi is there that here of all places and as such have to avoid hot places so as not and as such have to avoid hot places so as not to Be Amecha – your people indicate and emphasise a) that the plague of of the lengthiest word to show the ex-to the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem had to to threaten Pharaoh that the Nile will ifi ed in preference to all other vessels There are many different explanations of the distinction Hashem Melech! relevance of his life, its mission. familial context. The and greater one’s spiritual development Itbetween was now time to useofofG-d. this new revelation. your bedroom on yourof the bed and into the isword stillinhot, so a fortiori Chananiah and his two RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL these twomake names DVAR TORAH dehydrated. P2should 10 idol oflongest Nevuchadnezzar.” Another possible explanation of this use of the isHaChaim his graspand of the importance historical Bechol Avodecha – tent your servants we fi nd the longest word in the Chumash? we should fi nd the the Chumash? become dehydrated. Nonetheless they sanctifi ed become Nonetheless they sanctifi ed frogs was in itself as bad as the whole of the ten Thebroader Gesher lists a number of major differences of the mesirut nefesh and Kiddush allow themselves to be thrown into the swarm with Tsfardeim (frogs) which such as bowls, cups, pots and pans? There are many different ofinfo@torahactionlife.com the distinction The Longest Word in Chumash... To In receive thisofavia email or foran sponsorship opportunities please email usexplanations relevance hisyour life, and itsand mission. On a and simple level the idea of YHVH is the concept of the betweenof human animal. Amongst the items house servants and your chapter 7 being verse 28 Moshe ispeople told to threaten RABBITORAH PEARLMAN friends who were obliged to perform thewww.torahactionlife.com mitzvah between two names of G-d. version DVAR P2b) plagues that there were tenten-letter species of idol frogs the word could be that the word Eternal. these The name is a shortened of signifi “Haya, Hove, cance is there spoken about there isyour man’s unique ability to perceive past, The Gesher HaChaim lists a number of major differences Hashem of the frogs from whom people furnace rather than bow to the of will uvetanurecha come into house and in your What, if any, that The Longest Word in Chumash... uvemisharotecha (your and OnV’yehiye” a simple levelisthe YHVH of the (was, andidea willofbe). G-disisthenotconcept only powerful, present,a and future, and see himself as a swarm creature between human being andtoanNile animal. Amongst the itemsofovens Pharaoh that the will with Tsfardeim and c) ‫ולמעשים‬ that they occupied ten places‫לגדלו‬ (mentioned RABBI ofMilah Kiddush Hashem had allow‫טובים‬ themselves to‫“לחופה‬Tzefardeim” aEternal. very Maharsha here intothe This weeks Parasha sheet is ability sponsored theHeisBrit Rafael Judah Meshulam. ‫לתורה‬ ‫ שתזכו‬ten times in this Parsha to occurs Eternal. The name is There aof of “Haya, Hove, OUR PEARLMAN CHACHAMIM P3 great,occasion kind etc. but asshortened well isversion Heinstructive hasof made history. spoken about there istroughs). man’s unique to perceive past, your kneading ‫ובמשארותיך‬ ison thethe longest RABBI DAVID TEBELE ■ in verses 28 & 29). V’yehiye” (was,in isand willand be).despite G-d isthenotfact onlythatpowerful, present, and future, and to seecome a creature of us promises theand past we have (frogs) which will into your house in The Sephardim mention daily thehimself words as“Hashem Melech Chidushei Agadot. He says that the Gemara’s be thrown into the furnace rather than bow to the indicate and emphasise a) that the What plague of OUR CHACHAMIM P3 word in the whole of the Chumash being the great, kind etc. but as well He is Eternal. He has made history. not always seen their fulfilment immediately, we have full could Hashem Malach Hashem Yimloch Leolam Vaed” - Hashem is DAVID TEBELE deduction the ovens were hot,RABBI from the usconfi promises the past and despite thethat fact that wemade have dence ininto what the future holds. Promises were to your bedroom and onwill bed and the Providing a service King, Hashem, was King, and Hashem beyour King forever! The Sephardim mention daily the words Melech HALACHOT P3 but never revealed idol of Nevuchadnezzar.” only 10 letter word, and as“Hashem nothing in the holy City Printing Hashem is King, Hashem, was King, Sha-dai himself as way He commands the frogs was in itselfto as bad as the whole of the ten oil to burn. The not always Yitzchak seen their lment and immediately, have full Avraham, andfulfi Yaakov now the time has come Hashem HashemisYimloch Leolam Hashemand is the Jewish Is It Permissible to Place Water Next to a Fire on Shabbat? We stateMalach that HASHEM the King in theVaed” past, -present, juxtaposition ofwe the two words is also derived 1 confi dence what theand future holds. Promises made to house RABBI MANSOUR Beveitecha for fulfi lling King, Hashem, was King, and Hashem willwe be King forever! Torah can coincidental need toyour fathom itsinthem. house of be your servants and people community future. that weHashem accept thewere Almighty’s kingship overHALACHOT bothELIour P3– your(spelt and will be King forever! HashemYud, Heh, Vav, Heh – Gemara relates the plagues b) that there were ten species frogs Avraham, andfrom and theknow timethat has there come thenow fact only these two Ishousehold doof for you?miracle that the It Permissible to Place Water Next2toBachadar a Fire on Shabbat? We is theYosef King Haim in the ofpast, present,1833and Times canYitzchak be tough, butYaakov we should always that is Thestate Benthat IshinHASHEM Hai Baghdad, Mishcavecha – your bedroom message its(Rabbi context here. bodies and our souls. The precedent for this RABBI practice is ELI MANSOUR fora long fulfilling them. uvetanurecha uvemisharotecha ovens and Biggest Mazal to our dearest Jonny & Ets Eisenberg future. term plan andutensils there isstate a Master of the world. Moshe 1909), (Vayigash) writes that whenever we recite this verse, 2 2 (your We that HASHEM is the King in YHVH). candle lit the entire Shabbat! wereofspecifi ed inI (18:39), theKPassuk. This now id’s and c) that they occupied ten places (mentioned CARTOON 3 Mittatcha –P4yourinbedthe found thehimalways Book Melachim weAND read can be tough, weinsent should know that isa very Tinstructive had questioned whybutG-d at this time if there itis made e Q&A There Maharsha here we Ben reciteIshit twice. This verse acceptance The Hai (Rabbi Yosefexpresses Haim of our Baghdad, 1833-of Times on the birth of little Mia imwhere your kneading troughs). ‫ובמשארותיך‬ is the longest 4 answers our fi rst question above. These two a long term plan and there is a Master of the world. Moshe the past, present, and future. It was now time to make use of this The Ben Yehoyada asks: What was G-d as(Vayigash) King overwrites us, and recite itwetwice to this emphasize Pharaoh increase the Bnei burdenYisrael on the Bnei Yisrael.  their loyalty K 1909), thatwewhenever recite verse, ’s byQ&A Beveit Avadecha that declared toidG-d declaring, DIRECTOR in verses 28Meshulam & 29). ■ AND CARTOON P4 – your servants’ house Eli & Dalia had questioned why G-d sent him at this time if it made Agadot. e Hethat recite it twice. expresses our acceptance of question. Chidushei says that5 be-Amecha the Gemara’s Tim Toweanswer this,Thiswhole weverseneed to ask a newsletter further items were singled out for the reason they, This contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot Please dispose of accordingly – your people “Hashem Hu Ha’Elokim Hashem Hu Ha’Elokim” (“Hashem word in the of the Chumash being the The Ben Ish Hai (Rabbi Yosef Haim new revelation. she worried about? After all, she had alG-d as King over us, and we recite it twice to emphasize Pharaoh increase the burden on the Bnei Yisrael.  on the birth of Rafael Judah WhyTAL were these two household utensils chosen is G-d, deduction that the ovensthis were 6 Betanurecha hot, from than isany other, emphasised therepeated wondrously Hashem G-d”). Justdispose as Bnei Yisrael – yourthe ovens newsletter contains Divrei may contain Sheimot - Please of accordingly(Vayigash) only 10 letter word, andThisas nothing in Torah the holy ofandmore Baghdad, 1833-1909), There are many different explanaready lit the candles, and she SAW that Daniel & Natalie Fagel 7 to be specified in preference to all other vessels declaration, miraculous nature of the mesirut nefesh ofwords the so must we repeat “Hashem in order BeMisharotecha – your kneading 1troughs juxtaposition of Melech” the two is alsoofderived on the Brit of Yesekiel writes that whenever we recite this tions the distinction between these they were burning from the vinegar! He Beveitecha – your house Torah canbowls, be coincidental needWhat, to fathom its Tzefardim 8 our commitment of nature both body and amphibians soul to the such as cups, pots andwe pans? if to express frogs. are by water Bechah - you from the fact that only these two household Dudu 2 & Ruchama Leah Gabay 9 verse, we recite it twice. This verse two names of G-d. explains that she was concerned beBachadar Mishcavecha – your bedroom message its context here. any, signifiin cance is there that here of all places Almighty. and as such have to avoid hot places so as not to Be Amecha – your people on the birth of a baby boy utensils were specifi ed in the Passuk. This now 10 3 1 The Shulchan Aruch (OH 5:1) states that whenever we Bechol Avodecha – your servants expresses our acceptance of G-d as On a simple level the idea of YHVH cause it is forbidden to derive benefi t we should find the longest word in the Chumash? become dehydrated. Nonetheless they sanctified Mittatcha – your bed make important to above. 4 answers our firecite rstit is question two Kinga blessing over and us,mention andG-d’s weName it twice is theThese concept of the Eternal. The name from miracles, and this was clearly a 1 Beveit Avadecha – your servants’ house contemplate about the way we pronounce His Name (Adnut) HASHEM MELECH! To answer this, we need to ask a further question. 5 itemsthat werewesingled for Althe reason that they, version to emphasize acceptoutthe is a shortened of “Haya, Hove, miracle. Perhaps she was had not fulfi be-Amecha – your people as well as the way we read His Name (YHVH). Thus we should “Start by doing what’s necessary; 6 were these two household utensils chosen more than any other, emphasised the wondrously AtAt Why a Brit in Jerusalem a great Rabbi mighty’s kingship over both our bodies V’yehiye” (was, is and will be). G-d lled the mitzvah with these Shabbat a Brit in Jerusalem a great Rabbi stood up to speak ponder each time that He is the Master of everything (Adnut) Betanurecha – your ovensis What could then do what’s possible; and suddenly andtowish well to the grandfather, an accomplished Talmud Providing a service and He always was, is and will be (YHVH). 7 stood up to speak and wish well to the and our souls. The precedent for this not only powerful, great, kind etc. but candles?! However, Rabbi Chanina be specified in preference to all other vessels miraculous nature of the mesirut nefesh of theyou areCityBeMisharotecha doing “ Printingthe impossible. – your kneading troughs to the Jewish scholar, on the occasion of the Bris of his first grand-child, It is interesting to note that in Hashem Melech we start with 8 community grandfather, an accomplished Talmud practice is found in the Book of Melaas well He is Eternal. He has made us ben Dosa answered her—there’s no suchTov”ashebowls, cups, potsa human and pans? frogs. Tzefardim are by nature water amphibians Bechah -do youfor you? “Mazel said, “today you are being!” What, if the present –– Hashem is the King. Whereas when relating Everyone was stunned. Maybe there is some hidden insult 9 scholar, on the occasion of the Bris of chim I (18:39), where we read that Bnei promises in the past and despite the difference! The fact that oil burns is places andsupposed as such have to saying avoidG-ds hot places• so as not to 2 any, significance is there that here of all the Be Amecha – your people kavanot we are to have when TAL1923 STUDENT DINNER @ KINLOSS implied here. Until now he wasn’t human? 10 his fi rst grand-child, “Mazel Tov” he Yisrael declared their loyalty to G-d by fact that we have not always seen their also a miracle! What we perceive as Name we are supposed to think, He was, is and will be. 19TH JANUARY info online) Bechol Avodecha – your servants we should find the longest word in the Chumash? become dehydrated. Nonetheless they sanctifi ed (See more Then he went on to explain that in the animal kingdom it is said, “today you are a human being!” declaring, “Hashem Hu Ha’Elokim fulfi lment immediately, we have full nature is, indeed, a miracle as well. • TU B’SHVAT COCKTAIL PARTY In this case we are thinking about the past first. Why the common to find creatures that have an instinct to protect 30TH JANUARY (see more info online) difference? Everyone was stunned. Maybe there is Hashem Hu Ha’Elokim” (“Hashem is confi dence in what the future holds. The law forbidding us to benefi t from a its young. Get in touch City Printing Ltd 0207 561 6600 City House • GALA DINNER this week’s ParashaisHashem Moshe He had michael@cityprinting.co.uk Hornsey Road However,hidden only by humans doesimplied a grandparent demonstrate some insult here. Until InG-d, Hashem G-d”).tellsJust asthat Bnei Yis- Promises were made to Avraham, miracle only171-173 applies where the miracle London N7 6RA 26TH FEBRUARY (See more info online) made Himself known to the forefathers only as Kel Sha-dai love and care for his or her grandchild and grandchildren

VAEIRA VAEIRA

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THE THE OM MM MU UN N II TT YY CC O Parasha Sheet Parasha Sheet

DVAR TORAH

- - MEVASERET ZION,YERUSHALAYIM , IR HAKODESH RABBI PEARLMAN

DVAR DVAR TORAH

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COMMUNITY THE LONGEST WORD IN CHUMASH AND THE PLAGUE OF FROGS

Parasha Sheet

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RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL

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now he wasn’t human? rael repeated this declaration, so must Yitzchak and Yaakov and now the time but never revealed himself as Hashem- (spelt Yud, Heh, Vav, have feelings for grandparents. This is symptomatic of real Then he went on to explain that in we–YHVH). repeat “Hashem Melech” in order to has come for fulfi llingProviding them. a service DVAR TORAH P1 soulfulness, to see one’s self in a grander historical or Heh to thewe Jewish Hashem Melech! familial context. kingdom The greater one’s development the animal it isspiritual common to fi Itexpress our commitment of both body Times can be tough, but should was now time to make use of this new revelation. RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL community the broader is his grasp of the importance of the historical nd creatures that have an instinct to and to different the Almighty. always know that there is a long term There soul are many explanations of the distinction relevance of his life, and its mission. between two names ofAruch G-d. (OH 5:1) states DVARisTORAH P2 protect its young. Thethese Shulchan plan and there a Master of the world. The Gesher HaChaim lists a number of major differences The Longest Word in Chumash... On a simple level the idea of YHVH is the concept of the However, only by humans does a that whenever we make a blessing and Moshe had questioned why G-d sent between a human being and an animal. Amongst the items RABBI PEARLMAN Eternal. The name is a shortened version of “Haya, Hove, spoken about there isdemonstrate man’s unique ability tolove perceiveand past, grandparent mention G-d’s Name it is important to him at this time if it made Pharaoh inV’yehiye” (was, is and will be). G-d is not only powerful, present, and future, and to see himself as a creature of care contemplate about wayHe we pro- crease the OUR burden on the Bnei Yisrael. CHACHAMIM P3 kind etc. but as well He the is Eternal. has made history. for his or her grandchild and great, RABBI DAVID TEBELE us promises in the past and despite the fact that we have grandchildren have feelings for grandnounce His Name (Adnut) as well as G-d’s reply was that the forefathers The Sephardim mention daily the words “Hashem Melech theirread fulfilment immediately, have full Hashem Malach Hashem Leolam Vaed” - of Hashem parents. This is Yimloch symptomatic realis not thealways wayseenwe His Name we(YHVH). never asked, Ushmi Hashem Lo Noconfidence in what the future holds. Promises were made to King, Hashem, was King, and Hashem will be King forever! P3 soulfulness, to see one’s self in a Avraham, Thus we should ponder each time that dati LahemHALACHOT - they never needed Me Yitzchak and Yaakov and now the time has come Is It Permissible to Place Water Next to a Fire on Shabbat? We state that HASHEM is the King in the past, present, and grander historical or familial context. He is the Master of everything (Adnut) to explain to them the essence of My RABBI ELI MANSOUR for fulfilling them. future. The one’s developandcanHe always was,always is know andthatwill Name – that I was, am and will be. Times be tough, but we should there be is The Bengreater Ish Hai (Rabbi Yosefspiritual Haim of Baghdad, 1833long term plan and there is a Master of the world. Moshe 1909), (Vayigash) writes thatis whenever we recite this ment the broader his grasp of verse, the a(YHVH). Rather lived Name in compreKid’stheyQ&A ANDmy CARTOON P4 had questioned why G-d sent him at this time if it made we recite it twice. This verse expresses our acceptance of Time and understood and felt G-d importance of the historical relevance It is interesting to note that in hensively G-d as King over us, and we recite it twice to emphasize Pharaoh increase the burden on the Bnei Yisrael.  of his life, and its mission. Hashem Melech we start with the pres- constantly even in the tough times. Torah and may contain Sheimot - Please dispose of accordingly The Gesher HaChaim listsThisanewsletter num- contains ent Divrei –– Hashem is the King. Whereas The Gemara (Taanit 25) relates the ber of major differences between a when relating the kavanot we are famous story of Rabbi Chanina ben human being and an animal. Amongst supposed to have when saying G-ds Dosa. One Friday evening, he came the items spoken about there is man’s Name we are supposed to think, He in to see his daughter looking very sad unique ability to perceive past, present, was, is and will be. because she accidentally lit Shabbat and future, and to see himself as a In this case we are thinking about candles with vinegar (which doesn’t 1 creature of history. the past fi rst. Why the difference? normally burn) instead of oil. He conThe Sephardim mention daily the In this week’s Parasha Hashem soled her saying not to worry, because words “Hashem Melech Hashem Mal- tells Moshe that He had made Himself it made no difference—Hashem can ach Hashem Yimloch Leolam Vaed” - known to the forefathers only as Kel command the vinegar to burn the same

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is perceived as something out of the ordinary, and supernatural. However, City Printing when one’s Emuna is so strong and clear to see that EVERYTHING is undo for you? der Hashem’s control, then there is no difference between miracle and nature. Every time we say a blessing we are supposed to have two ideas. First to internalise that G-d is the Master of the world and only then proceed to ponder that He is, was and will be. Once we have made him Master of the world then we can think of past present and future. With regards the saying of Hashem Melech – we are in fact coronating G-d with our very words. We are emphatically stating He is the King. We must What could

Shabbat Shalom ■

11 JANUARY 2018

Hashem’s name by doing the very opposite of their natural tendency to keep away from heat, they jumped into the ovens even while they asandgreat as Chananiah, Mishael and were scorching with heat of the fire within.

Azariah took their wonderful lesson by means of this inspired Kol Vachomer. Perhaps toopossible this is theexplanation significance of of this the Another lengthiest word to show the extent of the mesirut use of the ten-letter word could be that nefesh and Kiddush Hashem of the frogs from the word “Tzefardeim” occurs ten times whom people as great as Chananiah, Mishael inand thisAzariah Parsha indicate andlesson emphatooktotheir wonderful by sise a) that the plague of frogs means of this inspired Kol Vachomer. was in itself as bad as the whole of the ten plagues b) that there wereoften Another possible explanation thisspecies use of ofthefrogs and c) that they occupied ten ten-letter word could be that the word “Tzefardeim” occurs tenintimes in this28 Parsha to places (mentioned verses & 29). ■indicate and emphasise a) that the plague of frogs was in itself as bad as the whole of the ten plagues b) that there were ten species of frogs and c) that they occupied ten places (mentioned in verses 28 & 29). ■

Beveitecha – your house

Bachadar Mishcavecha – your bedroom

Mittatcha – your bed

Beveit Avadecha – your servants’ house

be-Amecha – your people

Betanurecha – your ovens

BeMisharotecha – your kneading troughs

Bechah - you

Be Amecha – your people

Bechol Avodecha – your servants

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What could

Providing a service know rstJewish that He is City thePrinting King, only then toﬁthe community can we speak about past and future. do for you? It is this constant knowledge and understanding that existed with the Avot and that Hashem now portrayed to Moshe. Tosfot (Berachot 11a) asks an interesting question: Why don’t we repeat Birchot HaTorah each time we learn during the day, just like on Succot we make the blessing “Leishev BaSuccah” every time we sit in the Succah for a meal? Tosfot explains that Torah study is different from the other commandments because one’s mind does not abandon thoughts of Torah. Since a person’s obligation to study Torah applies all day long, as the verse states “Vehagita Bo Yomam Valaylah” (– you should meditate in it [the Torah] day and night), it is as if one’s learning is not interrupted during the day. That is the ultimate way forward. Having G-d on our mind constantly – Shiviti Hashem Lnegdi Tamid. This was the message to Moshe at the outset in redeeming Am Yisrael, a journey that would be supernatural and majestic. Let us live and exclaim the words Hashem Melech – He is our King. There is no difference between miracle and nature it all emanates from Hashem and through this realisation we will be able to experience both. Shabbat Shalom ■

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PART 2 OF 2 4. Fear and guilt HMRC has long used a combination of carrots and sticks to persuade people to come forward. The carrots include an innovative series of disclosure facilities which offered reduced penalties and — in some cases — a promise of no prosecutions to people who settled up. Those days have now gone and HMRC is coming down hard on evaders. It is increasingly wielding a threat of tougher penalties and more prosecutions. In 2015, HMRC was given a target to triple to 100 the number of prosecutions of wealthy individuals and corporates made each year by 2020. Anyone who has failed to correct previously undeclared UK tax liabilities in respect of offshore interests by September 2018 will pay a penalty of up to 200 per cent of the tax and 10 per cent of the value of the asset. There is also a new “strict liability” offence for offshore tax evasion involving at least £25,000 even if there is no evidence that the taxpayer intended to evade the tax. HMRC is also “naming and shaming” individuals who evade more than £25,000 in tax. It publishes lists on its website every three months that include the person’s name, address, nature of business, period covered by the evasion, amount of evaded tax and the penalty for that evasion. 5. Informants In April, HMRC launched a new hotline to allow the public to report evasion and tax fraud. The service, which combined two pre-existing hotlines, now covers any kind of tax fraud and evasion, including PAYE and national insurance, undisclosed offshore investments, tax credit fraud and VAT fraud. It said it received 113,000 reports from the public providing information to the department in its last financial

year. Some informants can expect rewards. HMRC paid more than £460,000 to confidential informants in the year to March 31 2016, according to information obtained from the Revenue by City law firm RPC. A disgruntled ex-partner is often the snitch. It is quite common for details of offshore accounts to emerge in divorce proceedings, particularly if they are acrimonious. 6. Leaks HMRC has acquired a valuable source of data in recent years from a series of leaks involving offshore centres. One early example was data from HSBC’s Geneva operations, known as the “Lagarde list” which was stolen by a former employee. The data, containing details of over 100,000 HSBC clients, was later partially made public by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. It provided HMRC with extra ammunition to force tax evaders to come clean but it only resulted in a single prosecution, to the fury of MPs. HMRC struggled to find corroborating evidence in addition to the stolen data to mount prosecutions, as well as establish criminal intent. A far bigger data stash emerged in April 2016, when details — known as the Panama Papers — were leaked from a Panamanian law firm, shedding light on some of the structures used to mask offshore tax evasion and economic crime. In response, the government set up a multi-agency task force to investigate and identify any financial wrongdoing by UK taxpayers. Last November, the government announced it had opened civil and criminal investigations into 22 individuals for suspected tax evasion. 7. Small businesses HMRC says small and medium-sized businesses account for just over half of the tax “gap” — the difference between the amount that is collected and the amount that should be collected. A lot of

this is down to inaccurate reporting but there is also deliberate evasion. Some traders will not declare income for cash-in-hand work and some owner-managers charge their personal expenses to the company. HMRC’s ambitious plans to digitise the tax system is meant to encourage landlords and small businesses to be more accurate in reporting sales and expenses. But it also has other ways of checking up on them. It can compare a company’s ﬁnancial results with others in the same sector to spot anomalies that need further investigation. It can also investigate companies that report an abnormally high proportion of customers using credit cards. That might mean it is not properly reporting purchases in cash. In some cases — such as investigating a restaurant, for example — it might conduct a “mystery shopping” exercise. Inspectors would pose as a customer and later check the meal against the restaurant’s end-of-year books to see whether it had been properly accounted for. 8. Social media Social media provide HMRC with a treasure trove of data. Inspectors are looking for evidence of a lifestyle that is out of kilter with declared income. Several individuals were caught out after appearing in an early episode of the Channel 4 television programme My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding spending thousands of pounds of undeclared income on lavish family weddings. Online social media plays an important role in investigative work and risk analysis. More investigations are occurring where the inspector had obviously gone through Facebook accounts, LinkedIn and what they are saying on Twitter. Lavish spending on property renovations and building extensions might also be spotted with the help of the satellite imagery captured by Google Earth. 9. Suspicious activity reports If a bank or professional adviser

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has any suspicion that a customer might be involved in money laundering or terrorist financing, they are obliged to alert law enforcement agencies. Every year, hundreds of thousands of “suspicious activity reports” (Sars) are filed. Nine out of 10 are filed by banks or other financial institutions, with the remainder from tax advisers, accountants, lawyers, estate agents and others. Since November 2013, Sars data has been transferred to HMRC’s Connect database on a monthly basis. Tax evasion is an offence under the money laundering rules, so it is no surprise that HMRC pays close attention to these reports. It has been estimated that one in four HMRC investigation cases were triggered by Sars. 10. Forcing disclosure Earlier this year, MPs floated the idea of making the wealthy provide information about their assets. HMRC agreed to think about it and will report back this month. But even if this is a step too far, the department is already tapping new sources of information about rich taxpayers’ structures and wealth. It will very shortly receive a big tranche of information about the value of cash and other assets held abroad, which will have to be disclosed under the new transparency rules for offshore accounts. It is also set to obtain more information about UK trusts. They will be affected by new reporting rules which came into force last week, as part of an anti-money laundering directive. As a result, hundreds of thousands of trustees will be required to disclose information about the assets they hold. The move is expected to give officials a wider understanding of the tax liabilities of people connected to a trust. Advisers are another potential source of information. Early this year, HMRC served notices on about 50 lawyers and tax planners requiring them to divulge details about offshore trusts and

The Writer is the owner and Managing Director of Alpha Wealth Management Limited. Drawing on over twenty years’ experience in financial services, Marc helps private clients, businesses, charities, and trusts optimize their finances. He is a Chartered Financial Planner providing ‘Independent’ financial advice. Prior to being 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. For advice on inheritance, investment, protection, or retirement planning, please contact Marc on 020 8203 6920 or 07866 503 898 or marc@alphawm.co.uk.

companies and their owners, although some firms are set to appeal. The measures are most likely to affect non-doms — residents whose permanent home is abroad — since, unlike most UK residents, they can benefit from offshore tax planning. More generally, HMRC wants to crack down on accountants, bankers, lawyers and other advisers who enable offshore tax evasion. From the start of this year, anyone who helps others evade paying tax will potentially face fines of up to 100 per cent of the tax they helped evade or £3,000, whichever is highest. This move — along with other new powers and information sources — amounts to a significant increase in the tax authorities’ firepower — and there may be yet more to come.

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ONE NATION... ...MANY TEAMS

W E E K LY

Oakwood hot on heels of Brady Maccabi in title race BY DAVID SAFFER Reigning Premier League champions Oakwood A came from behind to move within a point of top spot following a thrilling 3-2 win at Maccabi London Lions Blue. Toby Levy, Tom Cantor and Josh Cuby sealed the points for Oakwood who have two games in hand on leaders Brady Maccabi. Hendon United Sports, who were in cup action, are two points further back having played a game less than Oakwood. “It was a well contested game where I felt the best team won,” said Oakwood boss Daniel Kristall. “We dug in, battled well from a goal down and scored some lovely goals. “Levy’s equaliser was a brilliant finish and Cuby’s goal was another outstanding individual goal. He hit the ball perfectly. “Overall, we pressed them well, created good opportunities and got better as the game went on. We had to shuffle the back four in the closing stages and I think this impacted our rhythm but we saw the game out well.” Kristall added, “Credit to Lions, they are a good side. It’s a strong league and they will continue to take points from good teams. They pass the ball nicely and play football in the right way. They also took their goals very well although we helped them with the first. “We will regroup and go again against a resurgent North London Raiders on Sunday.” David Nezri scored both the Lions goals including a volley from just inside the penalty box, rifling the ball into the roof of the net. Lions keeper James Harpin saved a third minute penalty and stopped the follow-up from four yards out. “Nezri isn’t usually on the score sheet but scored two lovely goals and Harpin’s penalty stop was incredible,” said Lions boss Samuel Marchant. He added, “We knew today was going to be extremely tough facing the reigning champions.

“We were not at our best today but worked hard. We found it difficult to get the ball down and play, especially with Oakwood pressing high up the pitch. Perhaps our desire and passion was not at it’s best with post-break blues but this will come back. “It wasn’t until 3-1 down when there was a clear reaction and we took control much more of the game. It’s a shame to lose, but it is one of our toughest matches and with a good few games left this season we want to work hard and finish on a high note.” There were goals galore in the Premier fixture between North London Raiders A and Redbridge Jewish Care A. Alex Moss scored four goals and Josh Goldstein a brace as Raiders thumped Redbridge 8-4. Oscar Wagner and Ben Joseph completed the scoring for Raiders. Elliot Black (2), Ben Sollosi and Calvin Dickson hit the Redbridge goals. Faithfold A extended their lead at the top of Division One to six points with a 4-0 win against Temple Fortune A. Louis Naughten, Avi Garson, Avi Markiewicz and Gav Lewis scored for Faithfold. Faithfold took the lead from a free kick when Naughten rose highest to power home a header. Garson made it 2-0 when he beat two men then curled the ball in from outside the penalty area for his first goal of the season. Lewis, Yossi Gordon and Zalmy Cohen added impetus after the break as Faithfield bossed the second half for large periods. Lewis set up Markiewicz who wrong-footed a defender before lashing home. And after David Garson pulled off a point-blank stop to preserve a clean sheet Faithfold completed the scoring when Gordon and David Leiwy combined down the left wing before 17-year-old Lewis shimmied inside then curled a terrific strike into the corner to seal the win. “We started sluggish after the

long break and took a while to settle” said player-manager Markiewicz. “Our passing was a little off and positioning not quite right but as the first half wore on we began to settle into a rhythm. “Credit to referee Phil Peters who had an excellent game. He was calm and in control, let play continue when appropriate but was strong when necessary.” North London Raiders B moved into third spot just a point adrift of Oakwood B following a 5-0 win over Los Blancos. Blancos dominated the opening 20 minutes before Raiders got a grip on the game through midfield trio Mark Leader, Ricky Lawrence and David Esterkin. Jake Gilbert grabbed the opening goal when Leader and Esterkin set up an opportunity just before half time. David Dinkin and Gilbert gave the Blancos centre backs a torrid time as Raiders controlled the second half. Esterkin was the provider as Dinkin made it 2-0 on 66 minutes. And Gilbert dummied a defender before curling home from Lawrence’s deep cross four minutes later. Esterkin finished at the back post from a Leader cross and then set up Lawrence who struck home a fifth Raiders goal. “Both teams looked like they hadn’t played for a while,” said Raiders boss Doron Solomon. “But it was as complete a performance as we could have hoped and the referee was excellent. He had control of a game played in the right spirit. “We’ve played Blancos twice in the cups and didn’t do ourselves justice. Seeing everything come together in an excellent team performance makes today’s result all the more satisfying. Salomon added, “We need to make sure we finish more of the chances we’re creating but we’ve started 2018 encouragingly. We’re looking forward to a busy month of fixtures and the challenge is to ensure we repeat today’s

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Faithfold A are six points clear in Division One

performance against Scrabble on Sunday.” Redbridge Jewish Care B moved above Scrabble on goal difference following a 4-0 home victory over Ray Abrahams’ team. The visitors were shorn of 10 first team regulars but decided not to concede the game as Masters players Jon Yantin, Jonny Summerfield and Nigel Goldthorpe plus a stand in goalkeeper turned out. “Whilst an enormous amount of credit goes to all the lads that played, no team in this league could be without the talent that was unavailable to us and expect to get a result,” said Scrabble boss Abrahams. “I am frustrated because in games we would normally expect to take something from points have slipped away. “We will battle on and turn our attention to games coming up to turn our recent poor run around and start picking up points to keep us clear of the relegation zone. Abrahams added, “Fair play to Redbridge, they are a great bunch of lads and took their chances when they presented themselves. We look forward to meeting them again later in the season with more options open to us in terms of our squad.” Abrahams also praised referee Robert Benardout who continued to officiate despite sustaining a thigh injury early in the game. Mill Hill Dons maintained a two-point gap at the top of Division Two with a hard fought 2-0

win against mid-table Straw Hats Pirates. Dons opened the scoring on five minutes after a long throw by Josh Cinna found Ryan Kramer in the box whose shot clipped off the head of Harry Moss into the net. Dons doubled the lead when centre back Josh Cinna delivered a perfect cross for Moss to nod in a second of the game on 71 minutes. “We picked up where we left off in 2017 with another three points and clean sheet,” said Dons boss Brandon Hamme. “The windy conditions and the fact that it was our first game since November made things difficult and the win more impressive. We weren’t at our best going forward but defended superbly throughout. “It was a very hard fought win,;Straw Hat didn’t make things easy for us. “Another three points sees us remain top. We know there is still a long way to go but nevertheless there is an extremely positive and buoyant mood around the squad.” Bayern Mincha stay in second spot after a 3-0 win over Hertswood Vale. Adam Ellis (2) and Adam Biton struck Bayern’s golden goals. “We started off the game extremely well with an early goal by Ellis,” said Bayern boss Alon Pinhas. “We slowed down towards the end of the half but after our team talk went back out and got another CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

11 JANUARY 2018 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 early goal scored by Biton to make our lead a bit more comfortable. “Ellis put the game to bed with about 20 minutes left then was denied a hat-trick when another effort was given offside. Adam Biton was also denied a second with an offside call. “With a few minutes left, Hertswood had a long effort on goal saved by Joe Nyman tipped on to the crossbar. It was a great save that got him his first Bayern clean sheet.” Pinhas added, “We won the game reasonably comfortably and are glad to get another three points in our fight for the title. We look forward to next week against Faithfold where we hope to come home with the points.” Fairlop FC enjoyed a 4-1 away win at FC Team. James Jaconelli (2), Adam Goldman and Daniel Bean struck to win the points. “The first half was probably our best 45 minutes of football so far this season,” said Fairlop boss

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY Aaron Dias. “We scored great goals and could have easily had five or six by half time. “The boys got complacent in the second half and a few sloppy tackles led to a penalty which pegged us back to 3-1, but we responded really well and the win was never in doubt. “Bean deservedly got the fourth which saw off any hopes of a comeback. “I’ve challenged the boys to not drop a league point from now until the end of the season. One game down, thirteen to go.” Dias added, “Adam Goldman in right midfield was back in the side and superb throughout. He opened the scoring with a delightful finish at the back post and assisted in one of JJ’s goals. “Right back Pierce Prince won his personal battle and made a fantastic interception which set up a counter attack, which led to our second. And there were another two goals for JJ, the boy is untouchable when running at goal.” Real Hendon picked up a fourth league win with an emphatic 5-1

victory against North London Raiders C. Gav Noe with a hat-trick, Doron Shooter and Jordan Alex completed the win. Alex Goodman scored a consolation for Raiders. Raiders started brightly with Goodman controlling midfield but Hendon defended well then opened the scoring when Gail Kolt and Chaim Gothold set up Noe to score with a right foot snap shot on 15 minutes. The trio combined again for Real’s second when Noe headed home. And soon it was 3-0 when Alex sent a cross into the penalty box for Doron Shooter to slot home. Hendon came out strongly after the break and pressure told quickly when Benny Goldberg teed up Noe only to be scythed down. Rafi Addlestone’s 25-yard free kick was saved but Noe dinked in the loose ball. After Raiders grabbed a goal, Alex produced a sublime finish for goal number five. “Noe hit a perfect hat trick and

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Hendon United Sports enjoyed a 5-3 Cup win

was the main difference between the two sides,” said Hendon player-manager Rafi Addlestone. “Alex though got the goal of the game. Picking the ball up near half way, he powered past three defenders then dinked it over the keeper. “It was a big game today facing a Raiders side who had run us over last month. It was a very positive performance and we now look to take winning momentum into the next fixture, away to similarly inconsistent Catford and Bromley.” Sharpshooter Moses Seitler scored a hat-trick for Hendon United Sports as they knocked Maccabi London Lions White 5-3 out of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. Zac Lewis and Avi Korman also

hit the target in a thrilling all-Premier third round clash. Hendon player-manager Greg Corin described the victory as a “huge win” for the team. “We played against a good side that drafted in real quality players, but the strength of our team really shone through and we were deserved winners in the end,” he said. “The focus will be on the incredible forward ability of Seitler and Lewis who in my opinion are the two best forward players in the league. But there were many excellent performers behind them on the pitch with a special mention to Russ Corin in goal who pulled oﬀ a couple of high quality saves.”

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Parshat Va’era Qu i z

In this week’s Parshah we learn about the plague of the wild animals. So let’s get our Hebrew vocabulary brain on.. Can you match the photo to the correct Hebrew word?

Dov • Tzvi • Aryeh • Ze’ev • Nachash • Peel

Answers

Bear = Dov • Snake = Nachash • Lion = Aryeh • Elephant = Peel • Wolf = Ze’ev • Gazelle = Tzvi

Hashem speaks to Moshe and promises him that he will indeed save the Jews from the slavery of Egypt. He tells him that he must go to King Pharaoh and demand that he let the Jews out of Egypt. But, G-d warns Moshe that Pharaoh will not listen, and He will show the world great miracles. So Moshe and Aaron go to Pharaoh to try to convince him to let the Jews free. But as Hashem warned, Pharaoh refuses to listen. Aaron turns his stick into a snake, but still, Pharaoh says no. So when they go again, G-d tells them to tell Pharaoh that if he doesn’t listen to G-d, that terrible plagues will fall upon the land of Egypt. Pharaoh doesn’t let the Jews free and the punishing plagues begin. First, the River Nile turns to blood. Next, Egypt is overrun by swarms of jumping frogs, and then by itchy lice. In the fourth plague, hordes of massive, scary, wild animals invade the land, and in the fifth, all the animals belonging to the Egyptians get sick and die (known as the plague of pestilence). Next, all the Egyptians get painful boils all over their skin, and in the seventh plague, big balls of fire and ice fall down from the sky as hail. Each time, Pharaoh begs Moshe to get rid of the plague and promises that he will let the Jews go. But as soon as the plague is over, Pharaoh changes his mind. And no matter how much Moshe warns him that a new plagues will come, and no matter how much he knows the Egyptians will suffer, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened, and the Jews remain stuck in Egypt. Watch out for the last 3 plagues next week!

Arts and Crafts Frog Pencil Holder You will need • • • •

Green card White card Red card 1 empty toilet roll

• • • •

2 googly eyes 1 black marker Scissors Glue

Method

1. Cut the green card to ﬁt and stick with glue around the empty toilet roll. 2. Use the toilet roll as a stencil and draw a circle on a green card, then draw 4 feet around the circle. Cut around and stick to the bottow of the toilet roll. 3. Take the white card and cut to 2 oval shape eyes and stick accordingly. Stick on the googly eyes on top and add eybrows with a black marker. 4. Draw 2 dots with the black marker in the middle for the nose. 5. Cut the red card into a shape of a mouth and stick on with glue. 6. Now you can put your pencils and stationary in and use as you please! THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY

CUT OUT & KEEP

TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN JEWISH WEEKLY RECIPE BOOK

Wild animal Egg dip Salad Ingredients:

• • • • • •

Eggs Mayonnaise or oil 1 Mushroom Black olives 1 Red and 1 Orange pepper Salt and Pepper optional

Method: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Boil the eggs in water Wash the eggs with cold water and peel Mash with mayonnaise or oil Add salt and/or pepper (optional) Slice 2 slices of mushroom for the ears Slice the black olives to make the nose and whiskers Slice red and orange pepper and scatter around the plate, for a hairy lion aﬀect.

Did you know? BLOOD - If an Egyptian And Jew drank from the same cup of water the Egyptian would get blood and the Jew would get clean water.

Facts about the first 7 plagues

FROGS – Every time the Egyptians hit a frog, more and more frogs came out!

PESTILENCE – If an animal belonged to a Jew and was on the same field as the Egyptian animals, they still remained alive.

LICE - The lice was the first plague that the Egyptian magicians couldn’t reciprocate as it was too small for their magic to have any effect.

BOILS – Most plagues ended after 1 week, however the Boils remained on the Egyptians for the rest of their lives.

HAIL - The hail had boiling hot fire in the middle, surrounded by freezing cold ice on the outside.

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WILD ANIMALS – The animals came from all over the world to attack the Egyptians.

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Turning the Tide

By Chaya Sandler The water was blue. Really blue. The sky was also blue. Not even a cloud to break up the monotonous blue, blue, blue all around. Even the boat was blue! Ethan hated fishing. Boring, boring, boring fishing. He checked his watch. 5 hours to go..... Great. Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! The alarm clock rang with increasingly shriller tones, as if annoyed that Ethan was not paying it attention. He thumped around the desk, knocking over a cup of water, a box of pencils and pricking his fingers on his cacti plant. “Owww!” That got him up He sat up too quickly and banged his head on the alcove above his head, stuffing his sore fingers into his mouth and literally licking his wounds. What a wonderful start to what would surely be the most boring day of his life. His uncle was taking him fishing. Uch. Slimy sloppy fish, freezing cold water, hours and hours of boredom. Ethan was definitely not excited. His uncle pulled up in a banging, orange van that was falling to pieces. The neighbouring kids looked up and stared in astonishment. Ethan cringed and hoisted his backpack up on his shoulder. Uncle Sy jumped down from the van, nearly fell over,

righted himself, adjusted his glasses, blinked and grinned at Ethan. “You all ready then? Excellent! Let’s go, we don’t want to waste a minute.” Sure, because every moment of ﬁshing would be so super duper brilliant that Ethan couldn’t bare to miss a single one. Deﬁnitely. The boat swayed like a grain of sand in a tornado, pulling wildly at the rope and hitting both piers either side of it. “I am not getting on that thing!” Ethan declared, “no way.” “Ach - you’re no fun, you city boy.” With that, Sy stepped into the boat and reached out his hand. Ethan had absolutely no intention of risking his life to please his uncle however. So he stayed put and crossed his arms over his chest. Suddenly strong hands gripped him and lifted him up and before he knew it a huge hulk of a man had deposited him into the boat. “Meet my friend, Josh.” “Uh...h,h,h,hi.” Ethan was feeling seasick and he hadn’t even been in the boat for 2 minutes. But there was no time to protest as soon they were THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

off, the boat rose and sank and ... soared over the waves and Ethan had to admit that he had never encountered a theme park ride quite like it. So once the shock wore off, Ethan began to realise that this was kind of.... cool. Not a word he thought he would have used this morning. Eventually the waves gave way and the sea calmed. They stopped the boat and dropped their lines. Ethan had to admit he was sort of enjoying this. Not that he was really enjoying it, i mean it was fishing after all. The sea was calming and just rough enough not to be boring but enough to throw the boat around like it was a toy. After about an hour Ethan felt a tug on his line. “I got something! I got a fish! A fish!” Sy wrapped his hands around Ethan’s and together they pulled and tugged and strained a n d together they heaved a small fish, but it was a real live, slimy, slippery fish, overboard. And Ethan high fived his uncle and Josh and wrapped his arms tight around himself, grinning away. That night Ethan dreamed of nothing but blue. Glorious, glorious, glorious blue.

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Parshat Va’era In a Nutshell G-d speaks to Moshe ensuring him that he will save them. Employing the “four expressions of redemption,” He promises to take out the Children of Israel from Egypt, deliver them from their enslavement, redeem them, and acquire them as His own chosen people at Har Sinai; He will then bring them to the land He promised to the Patriarchs as their eternal heritage. Moshe has a stutter and therefore his brother Aaron acts as a a spokeman when they come to

Pharoah. They demand in the name of G-d for the Jews to be freed, but Pharoah refuses. Aaron’s staff turns into a snake and swallows the magic sticks of the Egyptian sorcerers. Pharoah still does not listen and he is told that G-d will send a series of plagues upon Egypt. In the first plague, the waters of the River Nile turn to blood, causing all the Egyptians to suffer from sever thirst and all the dead fish to stink up the land of Egypt.

In the second plague, swarms of frogs cover every inch of land and enter the houses; wherever the Egyptian turned, whatever they touched, he found the slimy bodies of frogs and the croaking noise ﬁlled the air across the whole land. This was followed by the third plague where lice infested all men and beasts. Although pharaoh’s aids pointed out that this surely was G-d’s punishment as they could not repeat this in magic, Pharaoh still hardened

his heart and did not let the Jews Free. In the fourth plague hordes of wild animals invade the cities and destroying everything in their path In the ﬁfth plague, pestilence kills the domestic animals. One can imagine how the people must have grieved when they saw their stately horses, the pride of Egypt, perish, and when the animals upon which they looked as gods died smitten by the plague!

In the sixth plague, painful boils aﬄict the Egyptians with horror and agony. This stayed with them for the rest of their lives. For the seventh plague, ﬁre and ice combine to descend from the skies as a devastating hail. Man and beast who were exposed to its rage died on the spot; the herbs were scattered to the wind, and the trees lay shattered on the ground. The last 3 plagues are in next week’s parshah...

Fill in the gaps in the number puzzle below. How many squares can be found in the picture below?

Remove 6 matches to make 10

Look at the chart and say the colour not the word.

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YOUTH 31

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News Bites THAI PM LEAVES CARDBOARD CUTOUT OF HIMSELF BEHIND,TELLING JOURNALISTS TO ‘ASK THIS GUY’ QUESTIONS None of us enjoy answering tricky questions, but unfortunately for some professions – like being prime minister – it’s just part of the job. Not, however, for Thailand’s Prayuth Chan-ocha, who adopted a bizarre and novel approach to avoiding diﬃcult questions in a move which left reporters scratching their heads. Things go horribly wrong as a squirrel is released into the wild The PM evaded all questions at a press conference by bringing out a life-sized carboard cutout of

himself – and then told journalists to ‘ask this guy’ if they had ‘any questions on politics or conflict.’ He then turned on his heel and walked off, leaving the mockup behind to bemused looks and awkward laughter from the assembled media. Prayuth had briefly spoke to the media earlier on after attending an event promoting the country’s upcoming Children’s Day – but used his cardboard copy before anyone could ask him about important issues.

KEEP CALM AND ASK

AGONY AUNT MIA AND AGONY UNCLE JOEY The Jewish Weekly’s Teen Agony Aunt and Agony Uncle are here to help with all your questions, problems and difficulties. Just write your letter to agonyaunt@thejewishweekly.com or agonyuncle@thejewishweekly.com Disclaimer: All letters that are published may be edited. All letters are kept confidential and names can be changed for confidentiality upon request.

90 FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE HUGE FIRE AT WAREHOUSE IN LONDON 90 firefighters were battling a huge blaze that broke out at a warehouse in London earlier this week. The flames could be seen licking into the sky at Staples Corner, a major intersection in North London near Brent Cross. In total, 15 fire engines were sent to deal with the inferno after emergency services received more than 45 calls. ‘Huge fire just

opened up at a warehouse on north circular by Staples Corner,’ Achal Dhillon tweeted. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘This is a significant fire at a paint factory off the North Circular which can be seen across London. The fire completely destroyed the single storey building.’ People were urged to avoid the area and those

living nearby were told to keep their windows shut as the ﬁre ripped through the building.

NICO, ONE OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST GORILLAS, HAS DIED AT LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK Nico, one of the world’s oldest silverback gorillas, has died at Longleat Safari Park. The 56-yearold great ape passed away in his sleep on Sunday. He spent most of his life at the park in Wiltshire after arriving from Switzerland in the 1980s. Staﬀ celebrated his birthday in July, giving him a cake with carrot candles – but they were unsure of his exact age and said there was a likelihood he may have been older than 56. A spokeswoman for Longleat said on Facebook: ‘Everyone here has been truly saddened by the death of Nico.

‘His main keeper has been working with Nico virtually on a daily basis since 1989 and has forged an extraordinarily close bond with him. ‘It goes without saying that he is particularly devastated by the loss along with the rest of his keeping team who have cared for Nico over the years.’ The gorilla, who once tipped the scales at 34 stone, lived on his own island in the middle of a lake at Longleat in a purpose built, centrally-heated house, complete with classical pillars and his own television.

Dear Agony Aunt,

Hi Eliora,

My grandmother has not been so well for the past few month and medics have told us that she doesn’t have long but thankfully she is able to still live at home.

Thank you for your touching letter. I am sorry your grandmother who you love so dearly is not well and I wish her better. Times like this can be exceptionally hard and I am sure every member of your family needs support.

I have always been taught that G-d takes lives when they are ready to go, and even though I will be very upset when this happens I will have to come to terms and accept this. My grandfather passed away before I was born, and as she was alone we have always been extremely close with her. Living only a few roads away from my family, we visited her almost every day. She would always spoil us with gifts when we were growing up and make us nourishing suppers and tasty treats. Can you suggest something nice that and my siblings and I can do for her? I would really like to express my gratitude to her and show her that we are so grateful for everything she has done and for all the wonderful memories we have shared. Many thanks,

Why not make a memory book filled with photos of the past years, old birthday cards, photos of memorable food and places you enjoyed going to together, inspirational quotes and so much more. She will love to look through this in her last days of life and it will bring her tremendous happiness and nachas! When it is her time to go, your family can keep hold of this, and it will be a source of tremendous comfort for all of you. You can also make a special meal with all your family and during this time, you can go round the table expressing your favourite things about your grandmother and what you have learnt from her and special memories. Ask her if she needs any help with anything, visit her as much as you can, and tell her everyday that you love her dearly and that you are so grateful that she has been part of your life. Stay strong Eliora! In her last days of life she will want to see her cherished granddaughter happy and full of life.

Eliora

Aunt Mia

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A man got hit in the head with a can of Coke, but he was alright because it was a soft drink.

Q: What do you call bears with no ears? A: B Q: What’s a pirates favourite letter?

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

A: RRRRRRR

1. When is a door not a door? QTwo gold ﬁsh are in a tank. A: One looks at the other and says, “You know how to drive this thing?!”

1. When it’s ajar!

Add a line to the ﬁrst plus sign to make it the number 4, 545+5=550. 3.

1. To big to ignore 2. A little bit on the large side 3. Running away from home 4. Home stretch 5. Long over due 6. Who’s in charge?

Dingbats Answers THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

2. A Road

3. Where can you place one line to make the following true, 5+5+5=550?

2. What goes through towns and over hills but never moves?

11 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

YOUTH 33

Running Out Of Time

BY CHAYA SANDLER After being arrested by the time police, they were given 24 hours to return Charles Dickens and Lord Griffindor to their own time zones and destroy the time machine. Attempting to rescue Toby and Elliot, Griff, Tania and Danny are arrested. If they can only make it back to the over eager scientist they will be free but how? Danny says he has an idea. “Sorry, but who are you?” Toby nodded in Danny’s direction. His voice echoed in the stone cavern that was the dungeon. They had at least tried to be original... by combining all the cliches in one. The dungeon was a huge dark, stone room with huge spiderwebs, flickering torches flaming in holders along the walls and water dripping in at a corner. All sorts of strange and weird torture instruments were arranged all over the walls. There were ketchup stains on the floor. There was also a white glowing force field cage and sinister pink teapots everywhere. “Ah, master Toby, this is young Daniel a student of quantum physics who was gracious enough to host us under house arrest.” “Er.. I didn’t exactly, I mean you sort of... I mean...” Talia leaned over patronisingly. “It’s ok, we all know what it’s like to be the odd one out.” “Odd on-!” Danny spluttered incredulously, Toby interrupted, “sorry but as we’ll all die soon, can you do that later? Thanks. So, Gingy, what’s your idea and what does it have to do with spiders? Unless you’re prone to randomly yelling out irrelevant words at erratic intervals?” He leaned over to Griff, frowning, “he isn’t. Is he?”

PART 4 “Oh, right. I’m the weird one, yeah totally, you guys are so totally normal, 100%. Yep I am definitely the crazy one around here.” “Embrace it.” Talia winked at him, dropping the moody teenager act she had been projecting. She caught herself though, and the scowl was quickly returned. She arranged herself, cat like on a teapot in the corner of the force field shielded cage that was in the middle of the med-evil dungeon cage. Griff leant heroically against a white marble column that inexplicably was positioned in the center of the cell. Elliot just softly bopped to the tune in his buds, drumming his fingers along his knees and tapping his feet as he messed about on a gameboy. “Fine, whatever. Look, my question is how did Centrobunus braueri end up here? They certainly couldn’t have come through with you guys because they’re extinct in our days and the Interera police take precautions so we can rule them out-” “Wait, what’s a Dentrozbunnyrabbit branflake?” Toby peered at Danny as if he had just said that talking teapots were floating down from the ceiling. “Oh that’s just the weird, warped sense of style that time travel seems to give.” “Huh?” “You said something about the talking teapots floating down from the ceiling. It’s either their idea of decor or a sadistic way of psychological torture. Death by pink cuddly cuteness.” Danny hadn’t realised he’d spoken aloud but never mind. “So as I said Centrobunus braueri, an extinct arachnida species.” They all gave him blank looks. “You sure the guy isn’t crazy?” Toby whispered to Talia.

“They’re spiders. Or were anyway. They aren’t around in our time, but you get to enjoy them Griff.” “A spider nerd. Thought he was crazy. Ok, so can they bite us and charge us with radioactive superpowers so we can force our way out of here?” “No, that doesn’t work in real life. At least, i doubt it. Then again I’m stuck in some sort of hallucinogenic delusion so... I have no idea what they put in my coffee but here I am so who’s to say anything is impossible?” “Cool!”Toby rolled up his sleeves and spun around frenetically. “Hey, I taste good! Bite me!” Danny hung his head. “Might I suggest, per’aps, young master Tobias that yon Daniel is thinking about how the spiders got in and if we could exploit that to our advantage?” Toby looked really miffed. Talia elbowed him and he glowered at him. --------------------------------------------3 hours later they had nothing. “Soo.... we wait to die?” Griff leap to his feet. “No my lady. We shall not await our deaths, we shall meet fate with fortitude! We shall die like men! My friends- to the bitter end!” “ When you’re done Hufflepuff...”” Talia rolled her eyes, “such a drama queen.” Griff shook his dark, wild curls at her. They landed on his ruffled pure white shirt with a sort of determined stillness. He drew both pistol and sword. He shot twice into the air for effect, then aimed square at the force field whilst swiping at the metal bars of the barbarian style cell. Then he ran into the mist yelling bravely. He bounced back spectacularly.

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“17th century bullets don’t affect high tech future stuff- what a surprise,” Toby noted dryly. “Well we’re doomed.” “I’ll never get to finish my book.” They all stared at Danny. “What? It’s a good book,” he muttered defensively “What was the address of that.scientist?” As one they turned to stare at Elliot. who waved his long fingers dismissively, “never mind, I locked on anyway. Hold on” A swirl of colours too bright to look at, patterns no mathematician could begin to decipher and currents no physicist cold hope to understand blossomed and expanded, imploding and exploding at one and the same time. And then they were in the scientists lair. And then they were home. In Danny’s apartment, Danny, Talia and Toby turned to gawp at Elliot. He shrugged. “I made a teleportation device out of my ipod and managed to hack into the Interera Court’s security to lower the shields before I fired it. No biggee. Oh and I dropped Griff home.” “We were on the floor hunting for spider trails and you were working on that the whole time!” But Elliot had already popped his earbuds back in and was softly tapping to the beat. Tania hit him over the head with a newspaper and Elliot actually looked up at that.... for about 2.4 seconds.” “So, who wants a coffee?” That was something his brain could handle. He took down 4 mugs from the cupboard, they were chipped but they were the only 4 mugs he owned so the would have to do. Danny turned round but there was no-one there. TO BE CONTINUED

34 WOMEN

11 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

W oman of W orth

GILLIAN MERRON

‫ֵֽא ׁ ֶשת ַֽחיִ ל ִמי יִ ְמ ָצא‬

Gillian Merron

Gillian Merron is the Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies, the body which represents the interests of British Jewry, and is responsible for enhancing an understanding of Judaism within the wider society. Established in 1760, today the organisation is the only democratically elected, crosscommunal representative within the Jewish community serving as the key point of reference for government, the media and the wider society. Gillian joined the organisation in 2014, and is the ﬁrst female Chief Executive in the Board’s history. Within her role, she is responsible for ensuring that the board runs eﬀectively and focuses not only on current issues, but also looks to the future. She leads a dynamic and professional team of consultants and administrators, and also works closely with lay leaders from across the Jewish spectrum. The role means that her working life is extremely varied, which is something that she really enjoys. “It may sound like a cliché, but

no two days are ever the same, and that is something that I really like about the job. I like to be kept on my toes, and this job most definitely does that. It is exciting, challenging and a job very much worth doing. On a personal level, I am conscious of how important the job is, and it is a real honour to hold this position.” Originally from Essex, Gillian studied at Lancaster University, which is where her interest in social activism started. After finishing university, she began working in local government in the East Midlands, and later worked a senior trade union official, as well as running her own business, before moving into politics. She served as a Labour MP for Lincoln from 1997 for over 13 years, under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and during her time in Government, she held a variety of roles including Minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for International Development, Minister of State for Public Health, and as a senior Government whip. Much of Gillian’s career has been spent in working environments that are traditionally male-dominated, and she believes that it is these past experiences which have helped her within her current role. “I have always worked in challenging environments,

whether it be Parliament, local authority or trade union and in the private sector, but I embrace it and the chance to make a diﬀerence. I often joke that I used to think I knew all about politics, until I came to work in the Jewish community!” Gillian is also keen to encourage women as well as young people to take an active role in the running of their own synagogues by being involved in the Board of Deputies. The Board is made up of nearly 300 deputies who are directly elected from synagogues and other communal organisations such as youth movements and charities. There are also an additional group of members in the under-35 year old bracket, who are elected to represent the next generation, and. “We need to create conditions which encourage and allow people to come forward, particularly women and young people. Anyone who has an opinion and wants to make a change. There is so much talent out there and it is important to harness that, and to encourage people to take an active role within their community, and for their voice to be heard.” She also takes a keen interest in issues relating to women within the wider community, and has worked on a voluntary basis helping disadvantaged women to get back into work. She N

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Gillian with Boris Johnson

recently spoke at an event run by careers and employment agency, Work Avenue, on the subject of Woman in the Workplace, and shared her own experiences of adversity, and how she overcame this within her working life. In November, the Board of Deputies joined together with other denominations and Jewish Women’s Aid to raise awareness of domestic violence through a special Shabbat which, which coincided with the annual UNdesignated International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women The Board of Deputies is a non-party political organisation and its core business is advocacy helping to build relationships and work with the Jewish community, Government, parliamentarians, civil servants, local authorities and others to enable a better understanding and communication on issues that affect British Jewry. During the General Election in June, the Board presented a manifesto to parliamentary candidates stating the Jewish perspective on many of their policies. They also organised or supported hustings in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds and the Midlands, which allowed prospective parliamentary candidates to state their case, and to engage with the Jewish community on key issues. As well as many new areas which affect the Jewish community, there are continual ongoing problems such as anti-Semitism and extremism which are still prevalent, and the Board of Deputies works hard to challenge these, whether in the media or at political events. Gillian believes that it is important to recognise these issues, and to continue to fight

against these in the hope that they will eventually be resolved. She feels that many of the issues are often old problems in new guises, so it is essential that the Board of Deputies works on ﬁnding new ways to deal with these issues. An example of this can be seen recently where the Board successfully campaigned for Amazon to remove books from their website which had been written by Holocaust deniers. In her role, Gillian works with Jews from across the spectrum of organisations, as well as with other faith groups to create better understanding. She feels that the Board of Deputies embraces diversity, and she feels that her role is not just to make statements, but to be able to back them up, and to make a positive change. “Communities are not monolithic, or some sort of amorphous mass, but are made up of many people brought together with a common aim and goal, and that is what is so encouraging.” Gillian believes that the Board of Deputies has a very important responsibility to the Jewish community, and needs to be mindful of the way it interacts and inﬂuences the wider community not only in the UK, but also internationally when dealing with key issues. “It is essential that we remain light of foot, relevant and clear, and we also have to be unfailing in our mission.” On a personal level, she enjoys the grass roots nature of the organisation, and believes that it is moving in the right direction with more still more to come. “The job I do is absolutely worth doing, I enjoy being at the heart of the community and being able to bring about positive change.”

11 JANUARY 2018

WOMEN 35

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

KAREN SLOAM – DECLUTTER YOUR SCHMUTTERS A new year often brings resolutions, and for many the main one is to try and sort out some of the clutter that has amassed at home. Whether it is bedroom wardrobes and drawers jam-packed with clothes, or a kitchen cupboard where you just can’t find anything, Karen Sloam believes that she can help you ‘declutter your schmutters’, and sort it out. As a self-confessed ‘neat freak’ she really enjoys helping people in this way, and says that she actually finds cleaning very therapeutic. She believes that it is her mother who has influenced her to be so tidy. “I was brought up in a very tidy house, and my mother was very house proud, so I think that it has just rubbed off on me. Even now at 81, my mother still does all her own cleaning, which is very impressive, and I also do all my own cleaning because it is something that I enjoy doing.” Karen’s love of cleaning and tidying is well known amongst her friends and family, and it is through helping a friend that she first got the idea for starting her own business, ‘Declutter Your Schmutters’. Karen explains, “My friend Stacey needed some help to clear out her garage. She runs her own business, and uses the garage for storage both

for her business and personal stuff. Because she is always so busy, she never gets the time to properly sort it out, and she wasn’t really sure where to start, so I said I would help her out.” Karen was happy to assist, and cleared out everything from the garage before going through each item with Stacey to help her to work out whether she wanted to keep it or not, and also showed her ways to organise and label things to keep them tidy. The whole process took a few days working around Karen’s full time job, and Stacey was really pleased with the results. “Karen was really, really thorough, and very passionate, and made the whole experience so easy. When you have a busy working life, there is never enough time, but Karen was able to work through all my stuff really quickly and efficiently, and she really got stuck in. The

results were amazing, and I would deﬁnitely recommend her to anyone who needs some help with decluttering.” After doing this, Karen realised how much she enjoyed it, and when other friends began asking for her decluttering services, her business began to take oﬀ. Karen currently works full time as a teaching assistant at a Primary School, where she also likes to keep things as clean and tidy as possible. “I think I probably drive the children mad by constantly reminding them to tidy up and keep things clean, but it is a good thing to learn from a young age.” She originally started her career working as a PA for T-Mobile, but gave up work when she and her husband adopted their son, Max, 12 years ago when he was 17 months old. Once Max was older, Karen went back into work in a school so that she could work around her son’s school, and has been there for the past 8 years. Now that her son is in secondary school, she has more time to be able to devote to something for herself and is keen to take the next steps with ‘Declutter Your Schmutters’. “I love working with children, but feel that this is the right time to do something for myself and I really want to push the business.” For Karen, no job is too small and she is happy to help people out with any kind of decluttering job from a few cupboards to a whole kitchen.

She can even go into work environments, and help sort out office space. Her fees are calculated on an hourly rate, and booking is a minimum of 4 hours. Before giving a quote, she often recommends that she comes round to the house or office to fully assess the scale of the job, and what is required, but does not want people to be embarrassed about their mess. “When I go to visit people’s houses, I don’t judge at all. For me, the messier the better as it is a bigger challenge for me, and even more satisfying once I’ve finished.” Although based in Shenley, she is happy to travel to properties around North London and Hertfordshire. When she comes to declutter, Karen brings all her own cleaning products, as well as black bin bags, pens, stickers (for marking up boxes), and even storage boxes if required. Not only does she help declutter and tidy up, but as part of her service she also takes away any rubbish, and is even happy to take any discarded items to nearby charity shops. Karen believes that the secret to keeping things tidy is to make sure everything has a place, and to put it back as soon as you have finished using it, rather than leaving things out to put away later, or piling things up. “I am an extremely organised person and always do things as I go along. If I am cooking, I will wash up as I go, rather than leave it all until the end. Even after holidays, I get straight back into it, and don’t like to leave things. We once arrived home at around 12:30 at night from a holiday, and by 3am, I had unpacked all the suitcases, loaded the washing machine and put the cases away. It’s just how I am, and I can’t help it!” Although Karen is very neat

and tidy, she understands that for many people the hardest thing is often deciding what to get rid of, and what to keep when trying to declutter. “People usually say how difficult it is to throw things away, but I am able to offer a less sentimental viewpoint, which sometimes helps. Once they have done it, my clients are so thankful for my help, and really appreciate the extra space they have and the sense of order that having a tidy room gives. I have been described by some of my clients as a ‘real life Mary Poppins’ because I turn up and work my magic, and help them to take the stress out of their mess!” If you would like Karen to come and work her magic at your home or office, she is currently offering a discount of an hour’s free cleaning (min of 4 hrs per booking) until the end of February. Please quote The Jewish Weekly when making the booking. Contact Karen on ksloam@aol.com, by phone on 07956422334, or check out her Facebook ‘Declutter your Schmutters’. Do you know anyone who specialises in an area of female expertise and would like to be featured on this page? Let us know by emailing micaela@thejewishweekly.com

TIPS AND TRICKS – JANUARY BLUES Jewish Weekly aims to source the most genius, time saving and useful hacks for you every week, so watch this space! January can be quite a depressing month, so here are a few ways to cheer yourself up and avoid the January blues. • Make plans – Having things to look forward can really cheer you up, so why not dust off that brand new diary and start ﬁlling it with fun things to with friends and family. • Catch up on your zzz’s – With the dark nights and cold weather, why not use this time to get a good night’s sleep. Getting at least 8 hours a night can help fully recharge your batteries.

• Get healthy – Exercise releases endorphins, so why not get your trainers on and get active. It doesn’t have to be a gym session, you can go for a walk or even do some exercise at home like running up and down the stairs, or doing a few sit ups each morning. It will deﬁnitely lift your mood, and maybe help you to lose a few pounds in the process. • Make a gratitude jar – Sometimes you don’t always appreciate what you have, but a gratitude jar can remind you. Write down something that you are thankful for each day and put it in the jar. You can read these at the end of each month, or pick one out to read whenever you have a bad day!

If you have any questions or you have a top tip you want to share, please contact us on ofﬁce@thejewishweekly.com. Your question might be someone else’s solution!

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36 NUTRITION

BY ALAN FREISHTAT

11 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Do you have “KAROSHI”?

Do I have what? I certainly hope not! Karoshi is a Japanese word so it most likely is not in your vocabulary. But when a 31 year old in Japan died of overworking (159 hours of overtime), that was the diagnosis, or to be more precise, heart failure due to Karoshi. The literal translation is death from overwork. Really? The phrase “you work too hard” has taken on new meaning. Yael is a client of mine who is an office manager. The good news is that her job is near her home, but as she works for a business that is seasonal, and she is a responsible person, there are times that she is overwhelmed in with her responsibilities. Certain things must get done by a certain date and submitted on behalf of her clientele. Basically, the pressure becomes intense and no matter what, the work must be turned in on time. For Yael, there are certain months of the year where the pressure is great and the hours are long. As she is currently on a weight loss programme, it makes her compliance difficult to say the least. Kiroshi is a phenomenon that has been investigated and most now agree that it is medically possible to work yourself to death. Through researching Kiroshi, it was discovered that overworking, or any excessive stress can lead to stress cardiomyopathy, where sudden emotional stress can weaken the heart muscle leading to heart failure or arrhythmias. Both overworking and sudden stress can lead to heart problems and even a heart attack. Long-term stress can even lead to high blood pressure, higher resting pulse rates and heart rhythm disturbances. When people overdo it, they can pay the price. Over the last many years, employers are expecting better production and society in general has placed financial pressures upon us that were non-existent only a generation ago. The financial demands placed upon us often force a household to work multiple jobs just to make the month and marry off our children. Avi, a client of mine a few years ago, was working a main day job, a part time job 3 evenings a week, his wife was working also and believe it or not, Avi also helped a cousin of his with a project on Motzei Shabboses for 3 hours for which he was also paid some needed money. How many

Avreichim are learning full sedarim during the day and then taking on evening and Friday Kollels just to make some extra money? What happened to the 40 hour work week? Part of the problem is that it has become too easy to overwork—yes, email, messaging and electronic media in general (internet) encourage us to work overtime anytime from almost anywhere. But working 60, 70 and even 80 hours a week takes its toll. Sleep deprivation First and foremost, we become sleep deprived. It impairs your sleep. A wide body of research has shown that overwork can negatively impact your sleep -- whether it’s the resulting stress, the staring at the computer screen, or just not having enough time to unwind before going to sleep. This can cause us to build up what’s called “sleep debt.” Chronic sleep debt raises the risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In the shortterm, lack of sleep can have significant effects on the hippocampus in the brain, effecting memory. Most of us get tired more easily than we think. If you think you’re one of those “lucky people” who can get by fine with only five or six hours of sleep then see the Wall Street Journal report that for every 100 people who think they’re a member of this “sleepless elite,” only five actually are. Only 1–3% of people

can actually pull off sleeping five or six hours a night without their performance suffering. A long term study of 10,000 workers in London who worked three or more hours longer than a normal, seven-hour day had a 60% higher risk of heart-related problems than white-collar workers who didn’t work overtime. Examples of heart-related problems included death due to heart disease, non-fatal heart attacks, and angina, a condition caused by low blood supply to the heart. A follow-up study of over 22,000 participants found that people who worked long hours were 40% more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease than those who worked standard hours. Poor eating habits When you overwork, and especially if you don’t take necessary breaks to snack and eat meals, good eating habits go out the window. Coffee becomes too much and too often, exercise is put aside, and when you do have to make choices as to what to eat, you will tend to take a less healthy choice. Part of that is because the hormone Cortisol is being over-produced and that can make us go for fatty and sugary foods in order to stay awake longer. This poor eating can lead to overweight and obesity and type 2 diabetes Overworking is not good for

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work production It’s the law of diminishing returns. When you work long hours, you make more mistakes and you are not as productive. Sarah Green Carmichael of Harvard Business Review calls the story of overwork “the story of diminishing returns”: keep overworking, and you’ll keep making avoidable mistakes. So if you are trying to impress your boss, you won’t when the work you turn in isn’t good. If you are a boss or manager, research is clear that having breaks, getting fresh air and limiting the hours per day that you work ends up giving you a better product. Vacations are important We need to balance work and life (especially quality family time) and that is always going to be a challenge. And today, when many are doing some or all of their work from home, it just gets more complicated. Research is also quite clear that taking vacations, even short ones, is essential for good health. Building in some down time from the workplace or business has been shown to improve health. The Framingham Heart Study – the largest and longest-running study of cardiovascular disease – revealed that men who didn’t take a vacation for several years were 30 percent more likely to have heart attacks compared to men who did take time oﬀ. In addition, other

studies have shown lower rates of depression, less stress and better production in the work place for those who vacation. I sent Avi to a financial counselor to get some ideas for earning more money and being more productive with his skills in less hours so he could spend more time with his wife and children and have just a little time off each week for relaxation and some exercise. He got some help in that direction and as a result, he was able to better execute our program and lose some weight and gain some much needed energy. Yael has learned that even at the busiest times in her office, taking the necessary breaks, eating properly and being active and exercising is imperative. Karoshi is certainly the extreme. But any overwork can have many negative effects on our lives and our health. We all need money, but we all need a good quality of life. Finding a median point between our need for financial security and our health and welfare will “add hours to your day, days to your year and years to your life.”

Alan Freishtat is an A.C.E. certified personal trainer and a behavioural change and wellness coach with over 19 years of professional experience. Alan is the creator and director of the “10 Weeks to Health” programme for weight loss and is available for private coaching sessions, consultations, assessments and personalised workout programmes both in his office and by telephone or Skype. Alan also lectures and gives seminars and workshops. Contact Alan on 02-651-8502 or 050-555-7175, or email alan@alanfitness.com. For more information visit www.alanfitness.com

11 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

55 min Prep Time 45 min Cook Time 10 min Duration 4 Servings

joyofkosher.com INSTRUCTIONS • 1 teaspoon olive oil • • 4 bone in, skin-on chicken thighs (about • 2-pounds) • • 2 tart apples such as pink lady or granny • smith, cored & cut into ½-inch thick • slices • 2 ripe but ﬁrm pears, cored and cut into • • ½-inch thick slices • 2 cloves garlic, minced

FOOD 37

½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon mustard powder ½ to ¾ cup chicken stock 1 cup red grapes 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

PREPARATION 1.

Heat oil over medium high heat in a 12-inch or larger oven-proof skillet. Add chicken and brown for 8 to 10 minutes per side until nicely golden brown. Remove and set aside. Preheat oven to 200° C. If there is more than 2 tablespoons of grease in the skillet, drain excess grease. Add apples and pears and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes or until just beginning to brown. Add garlic, salt, cinnamon and mustard powder and sauté 1 minute more. Add chicken thighs back to the pan with ½ cup chicken stock and bring to a boil. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Add grapes and ¼ cup more chicken stock if liquid has reduced too much and return to the oven for 15 minutes. Garnish with balsamic vinegar and thyme and serve each chicken thigh with about 1 cup roasted fruit.

CHICKEN THIGHS WITH ROASTED WINTER FRUIT

CHOCOLATE INFINITY PIE

Batter can be divided into ramekins, without the crust, for an individual chocolate mousse treat.

370 min Prep Time 370 min Duration 8 Servings

INGREDIENTS • 1 (12.3-ounce) package ﬁrm silken tofu • 1⅓ cup chocolate chips, melted • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or raw agave • 2 tablespoons milk of choice • 2 teaspoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt • Chocolate Cookie Pie Crust*, or storebought 8½-inch pie crust (optional)

PREPARATION 1.

Process tofu, melted chocolate chips, maple syrup or agave, milk, cacao powder, vanilla extract and salt, in a food processor or blender until completely smooth. Pour ﬁlling into the prepared pie crust, or divide batter among 8 (½-cup) ramekins. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 6 hours to ﬁrm up. Can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

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38 TRAVEL & OBITUARY

11 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Cruising with Children

Our travel expert Malcolm Ginsberg has been away for a week with his wife and grandson on a Mediterranean cruise. He reflects. Planning ahead for next summer? Consider sailing on Norwegian Epic out of Barcelona, an amazing multi-national experience. The ship offers a series of seven-night cruises from April to October and winters in Miami with a Caribbean programme. When you look at the cost of a normal seaside holiday, with all the extras, ships offer extraordinary value. Kosher food is no problem, Norwegian pleased to help with a long list

of (frozen) meals by Sterling Kosher Catering of Miami. There is no extra charge for the service. But do request in advance. The maître d’ will be only too pleased to show you the galley and how the vegetarian meals are prepared. As always the informal Friday evening service was well attended. Norwegian have introduced Premium All Inclusive which includes premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in all bars, lounges and dining venues at any time throughout the cruise. Unlimited juices, water and soft drinks for children and teenagers. Lavazza coﬀee specialities during meals. One free bottle of water, per person per day, in staterooms. All service charges and gratuities are included. For guests in suites and the very private Haven area there are further exclusive beneﬁts and privileges. We were later to learn that there were 4,750 guests (including 1,250 children) on board Epic but within 15 minutes of arriving at portside we were surveying our cabin. To be honest we did worry how we would cope, being for the most part at home on

smaller cruise ships. But in truth, except for extremely busy times on the main entertainment deck, we lived easily with the numbers. At all times we were able to find a seat to sit in the sun and with 20 eating places, queuing for the most part was minimal. On this trip, 66 countries were represented, with 1,200 from the US, 660 UK and 500 from Norway. The crew are just as mixed. English is the first language with Spanish second, and then German. In fact it was a very quiet ship with announcements kept to a minimum. The ship’s children’s operation is professionally run and you have to stick to the rules regarding checking in and checking out. The enthusiastic specialist team offers what it calls ‘Splash Academy’ (complimentary) from three to 17-year olds (and help is provided for even smaller ones) divided into age groups. It is open from 09:00-22:30 when at sea. For the younger ones you can pay for a latenight service but in port feel free to leave them with the excellent staff. It

means you can go sightseeing and relax without the children who can get grumpy on expensive coach tours. The top decks of Norwegian Epic include an Aqua Park with three fullsize water slides and two rock climbing walls. The bridge viewing room at any time during daylight hours and the sports deck provided plenty of entertainment to use up energy. There are six bowling alleys on the ship and this is very popular. On this cruise during the school holiday period there was no formal dressing up, but there were plenty of very smart people in the dining venues. Norwegian Cruise Lines pioneered ‘Freestyle’ dining now much copied and available in diﬀerent locations throughout the ship. I must mention The Haven, ship within a ship, and private and very much self-contained in three storeys above the bridge. Paying a premium price clients have their own dining room, sun bathing areas, swimming pool, gym, larger suites and concierge service. Passengers from the rest of the ship cannot enter The Haven, but

The Haven’s guests can make use of all the ship’s entertainment facilities at no extra cost. Children are not allowed in a large area called Spice H20 in the stern of the ship which includes a small pool and a very large movie screen and amphitheatre style seating. www.ncl.com www.cruisingexcursions.com

Jewish community was the start and end point of any conversation about marshalling support for Israel. And while it was undoubtedly brilliant and passionate, it was also undeniably tiny, making up at most around 1 per cent of the population. Compounding the issue was our constituency-based ‘First Past The Post’ electoral system. This meant that while some areas with a considerable Jewish presence- the North London “bagel belt, ” for example – could potentially hope to be able to influence their MP, the vast majority of seats would have no hope of doing so. Again, Eric was every bit as instrumental in implementing the solution as he was in identifying the challenge. The answer was to leave our Jewish comfort zone, and engage with Christians who would be friendly to our cause. Eric played a key role in reaching out to Christian Friends of Israel, and so the annual Lobby Day for Israel was born, firstly with Geoffrey Smith and Robin Benson and now with Jacob Vince. Every year, this pioneering partnership brings Israel supporters from all different backgrounds to Parliament, to

engage directly with their elected representatives. The Lobby Day has gone from strength to strength; but this year will be the ﬁrst in many where Eric will not be leading proceedings. His absence will leave an undeniable hole, but the format that he established, developed is strong enough to thrive even without its chief architect – exactly as he would have wanted it to. I will miss Eric but I will always remember him and follow his advice.

Obituary of Eric Moonman ALAN AZIZ - DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND EVENTS FOR THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Alan Aziz

I mourn the passing of my friend Eric Moonman (z’l) I was saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Eric Moonman, former MP and long-term supporter of Jewish and Israel causes. Eric was a friend to me, and a mentor and he was the President of the ZF, where I served as the CEO for many years. Recent obituaries have rightly highlighted his rich and varied career, which included the worlds of both parliament and academia. From working-class roots in Liverpool, Eric was the epitome of someone who was always a leader. While he would have been far too humble to consider himself in such a way, it’s clear reading about his life that he was something of a polymath,

excelling in whatever new venture he turned his hand too. Indeed, given the sheer range of his many activities and achievements, it is perhaps inevitable that some of his successes might have flown under the radar. It was with this in mind that I wanted to share one of his most significant contributions, which I believe will stand as his legacy for many more years, if not decades, to come. Eric was always deeply political, as you might expect from someone who served twice as an MP, in two different marginal constituencies. He married his interest in national issues with a deep-founded concern for international affairs, and his passion for openly and effectively making the case for Israel meant he was heavily involved in a variety of relevant organisations – some of which he helped set up! It was within this context that I had the privilege of working alongside Eric while I was chief executive of the Zionist Federation. Eric had obviously seen first-hand how debates about the Middle East conflict could play out in Westminster, and the far-reaching consequences of politicians developing policy

and shaping narratives. And, more than most, he appreciated the nuts and bolts of how those same politicians form their views and decide how to vote. We had both witnessed the growing clamour for the hypocritical singling out of Israel, and the subsequent pressure being applied to our politicians to enact measures that would harm the word’s only Jewish state. Eric, never one to back down from a ﬁght, realised the urgency of combatting this new form of warfare. Given his background, it made perfect sense for him to lead the counter-attack. The problem we faced was a considerable one, however. Contrary to the paranoid conspiracies of some of our enemies, parliament is not a particularly hospitable environment for Israel advocates. The reason for this is simple mathematics. As Eric often explained, every MP is ultimately beholden to their constituents, and must therefore to some extent align themselves with their interests. Political inﬂuence was and still is often a numbers game – and we just didn’t have the numbers. In those days, after all, the British

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Eric Moonman (z’l)

11 JANUARY 2018

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