On October 7, 2023, it was Simchat Torah morning in Israel. As we know the Jewish people suffered their most horrific day since the Holocaust. Over 1200 people were murdered and hundreds more were taken hostage. The Jewish world has been united in grief ever since. But they have also become united in strengthening resolve to support each other and come together as one family. Millions of pounds were raised for Israel, enormous amounts of equipment and supplies were sent to Israel, and hundreds of missions have visited Israel to show love and support. In just over a week, it will be the first Simchat Torah since the horrific events of October 7th.
Simchat Torah is a day of joy, of celebration, and of dancing – but this year it will also be the first yahrzeit of the 1200 victims of October 7th as well as the time to remember the hostages and soldiers who have died since then. How do we, as the Jewish people respond? Can we dance? Should we dance? How do we commemorate this poignant and difficult anniversary? The words of King Solomon in Kohelet that we will read in a few days on Sukkot, offer us guidance: “There is a time for everything under the Heavens… a time for mourning and a time for dancing…” And this Simchat Torah, with tears in our eyes –we will dance.
This year over 500 Shuls around the world will open their Aron HaKodesh on Simchat Torah night and take out a very special Torah scroll. This Torah will be covered in an identical beautiful me’il (Torah Cover) for all the shuls, that will proclaim that the Torah is dedicated in memory of the 1200 souls who went to Heaven that fateful day, and the many others who have since died Al Kiddush Hashem. Each Torah me’il will also have the name of one of the kedoshim embroidered onto them. And then, communities around the world will dance with these Torah scrolls – hundreds of shuls, with hundreds of thousands of Jews being connected.
The Jewish world will be united, knowing that across the globe, Jews are dancing with Torah scrolls that collectively link us all with the events of October 7th, but inspire us to realise that “Am Yisrael Chai”. We will hold the Sifrei Torah high, so that we can say: “We will not forget what happened on Simchat Torah last year, but we are determined to replace the darkness with light.” This project is all about demonstrating the Jewish People’s resilience, our ability to find hope from tragedy. It will also create a tremendous unity. Communities of all stripes across the globe, united for Israel and the Jewish people.
Mizrachi UK is so grateful to have brought the Simchat Torah Project to the global Jewish community.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden discussed a retaliatory strike against Iran yesterday following last week’s attack on Israel.
The first direct talks for a number of weeks between the leaders was followed by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirming the IDF’s intent during a visit to Unit 9900 of the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate.
Gallant was briefed on the unit’s operations in Lebanon and their readiness for future activities.
“We can see the entire Middle East,” he told troops. “Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and everywhere else.
“The recent Iranian attacks against Israel
were aggressive, however they failed because they were not precise. The Air Force was unharmed, all the runways are operational, our activities are ongoing, not a single aircraft was damaged, not a single soldier or civilian was harmed.
“On the other hand, when we look at your abilities, the abilities of the IDF, of the Intelligence Division, of the Air Force and the entire defense establishment, you are accurate and powerful. As we have shown until now in this war whoever attacks Israel will pay a price.
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Our strike will be powerful, precise, and above all, surprising. They will not understand what happened and how it happened.”
Gallant was due to hold talks in Washington with US officials but Netanyahu stopped the visit until he had spoken with Biden.
Tensions remain high in Israel with security services on high alert.
While the IDF continue to bombard Hezbollah and Hamas targets, a spokesman
confirmed 90 rockets from Lebanon were fired towards the Upper Galilee and Haifa Bay.
Twenty missiles struck Kiryat Shmona, killing a couple, aged 40, walking their dog. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack. According to reports, the Iron Dome failed due to a malfunction.
MDA treated three people for light wounds in Haifa Bay. Eight people were treated at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, one is in a serious condition.
Meantime, six people were injured in a stabbing attack in Hadera, three are in a
serious condition at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center.
And an Israeli-Arab from Umm al-Fahm committed a terror attack in Herzliya. Two people are in a critical condition. Armed citizens caught the terrorist at the bay.
The incidents followed terror attacks in Tel Aviv last Tuesday and Beersheba on Sunday.
In the past 24 hours, according to reports, the IAF struck 185 military targets of Hezbollah in Lebanon and 45 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
World remembers 7 October
BY DAVID SAFFER
Global vigils marked the first anniversary of the October 7 terror attack by Hamas on Monday.
Israel held two State ceremonies. The first was organised by victims’ families in Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv. A 40,000 capacity was reduced to under 2,000 because of recent rocket attacks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the government’s event after in an amphitheatre in Ofakim where he vowed to defeat Israel’s enemies and achieve all goals in the war on seven fronts.
Both ceremonies included survivors’ testimony with messages of solidarity and unity.
Holding two events illustrated the anger felt my many Israelis over the government’s failure to launch a State enquiry into the disaster worst atrocity since the Holocaust.
Of 250 hostages abducted by Hamas, 112 were freed in a prisoner exchange, 97 remain in captivity, 64 believed to be alive, 36 bodies have been recovered.
8,700 people have been injured in the war with Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran proxies.
The IDF have listed 729 soldiers, officers and reservists killed since October 7, 302 on the Gaza border and 347 in a ground offensive.
Earlier on Monday, vigils took place at Kibbutz Be’eri and Re’im, the site of the Nova Music Festival where Hamas terrorists massacred hundreds.
Bereaved families of soldiers met at the Gvura Forum encampment near the Knesset.
Biden for his steadfast backing of Israel.
“We support Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and Iran,” Biden said in a statement. “Today and every day, I think of the hostages and their families. I also strongly condemn the vicious surge in antisemitism in America and around the world.”
He added: “We will not stop working to achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza that brings the hostages home, allows for a surge in humanitarian aid, assures Israel’s security and ends this war.”
Biden called for a diplomatic solution at the Israel-Lebanon border to allow residents to return home.
Vice President Kamala Harris described Hamas’s actions as “pure evil” that the world must not forget.
Harris called for Hamas to be eliminated, never govern Gaza and fail in its mission to annihilate Israel.
In a defiant speech, Netanyahu said the 10/7 atrocity would be etched into the history of the nation as a day of “grief and loss and unimaginable agony”.
“As we have often experienced in our history, it is in dark moments such as these that we exude our great inner power,” Netanyahu noted. “We outlined the goals of the war and we are achieving them.”
Citing Israel’s solidarity, Netanyahu said the IDF brings light to the world and eradicates evil.
Security forces, he stated, would topple Hamas, defeat enemies threatening the State’s existence, return hostages and residents on borders home and eliminate future threats from Gaza.
He exclaimed: “We will continue to fight, and united, we will win… October 7 will symbolise for generations the cost of our revival and it will demonstrate how determined and strong our spirit is.”
President Isaac Herzog addressed the memorial by video as he is attending events around Israel.
Herzog said the last 12 months had been a year of heartbreak and pain.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released statistics detailing 1,200 people were murdered by Hamas on 10/7 including 800 civilians, 346 IDF soldiers and 66 police officers.
Protests took place for the release of the hostages. Families gathered near Jerusalem’s Paris Square then at Netanyahu’s residence. Protestors lined the streets in Raanana, Zichron Yaakov, Haifa, Tel Aviv and other cities in a human chain. And in Beersheba, a display of empty pairs of shoes represented the number of hostages still in Gaza.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel awoke to a “nightmare” on October 7 as “bloodthirsty murderers” wanted the “total destruction and annihilation” of Israel. The next day, Hezbollah opened fire on Israel.
Gallant commented. “It is our duty to do everything possible to ensure the return of the hostages to Israel, to support those who are wounded in body or soul, to be worthy of the legacy of our fallen troops and to fight courageously in this just war. We will ensure the safe return of our people to their homes and we will rebuild the regions of our country.”
World leaders joined the voices of remembrance.
US President Joe Biden was the first American President to visit Israel in a time of war.
Biden offered condolences to Herzog during the day.
Noting Hamas’ atrocities were a reminder of the threat posed by Iran and its proxies in the region, he emphasised support for Israel and Zionism. Herzog thanked
She added: “I will always ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists like Hamas. My commitment to the security of Israel is unwavering.”
Former President Trump visited the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Monday afternoon. Trump said a short prayer and placed a stone on the Kever of the Rebbe before meeting Chabad officials.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said 10/7 was the “darkest day” in Jewish history since the Holocaust.
President Emmanuel Macron posted: “We will not forget the fallen, the hostages and the families.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shared a post, writing, “We share the pain with you.”
Thousands attended a vigil at Hyde Park, London on Sunday.
Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely vowed that Israel would do everything to return the hostages.
Mandy Damari, 63, told the gathering about the ‘nightmare’ of her life after her daughter Emily, 28, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Damari, who met Starmer at Downing Street last week, called for diplomatic pressure, negotiations and humanitarian efforts to get the hostages released.
Religious and communal leaders were among speakers. Ada Sagi, kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz and held hostage for 55 days and Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich, lit candles.
President Biden marking the 1 year anniversary of October 7 in the White House
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Lily was admired by The King and world leaders
BY DAVID SAFFER
Tributes have been made to Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert MBE who passed away at home surrounded by her family yesterday at the age of 100.
The funeral began at Lily’s home in London before burial in Israel today.
Lily’s family announced their heartbreak and unimaginable loss in a statement.
“Lily made a promise to herself that if she survived that hell on earth, she would tell her story, not with anger, but with strength, dignity and the determination to honour those who did not,” they noted. “Never has a promise been so profoundly fulfilled as hers. Lily’s story has touched hundreds of millions worldwide. Her memoir is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the dangers of unchecked hatred. Lily taught the power of tolerance and faith, the importance of speaking out, and the need to stand against prejudice.”
AJR chief executive Michael Newman described Lily as a “trailblazing advocate”
“Whe was invincible, we thought she would live forever. Her large loving family was her revenge against the Nazis. Lily will be remembered for her incredible story, her unparalleled tenacity and her zest for life. She belongs in the list of Jewish heroines alongside the likes of Rachel, Miriam and Esther.”
Born in Bonyhád, Hungary, December 1923, Lily enjoyed a happy childhood until the Nazis took over her town. When they were ordered to hand in gold and jewellery, Lily had a
selected for work. When Lily discovered the fate of her family, she was determined to keep the pendant safe, hiding it in a ration of bread when her shoes wore out. After four months, the sisters were transferred to an ammunition factory near Leipzig where she was liberated by Allied forces.
Lily wore the pendant every day of her life in memory of her murdered family.
From Switzerland, Lily went to Mandate Palestine, and in 1953, she was reunited with Imre, one of her brothers, who had been imprisoned in a Nazi labour camp. In 1967, Lily came to London with her husband and three children. For decades, Lily spoke about her experiences at schools and colleges to ensure the world would never forget. Respected by the Royal Family, world leaders and politicians, her portrait was commissioned by
The King.
With her great grandson Dov Forman, Lily co-wrote ‘Lily’s Promise’, which has been translated into dozens of languages. A TikTok account with Dov has two million followers to educate the world.
After receiving her MBE, Lily said: “Not so long ago, there were people who wanted to kill me for my religion. I promised myself that if I survived, then I would tell the whole world what had happened to us in Auschwitz, that there were people killed for no other reason than their beliefs, because we were believed not to be worthy of life. Something terrible like that should never, ever happen again. As long as I am alive I will teach the world to be tolerant.”
King Charles sent Lilly a letter and flowers to honour her 100th birthday. The King praised her “extraordinary strength of spirit, resilience, and courage”.
Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely hosted a ‘Zikaron Basalon’ Yom HaShoah event at her residence in 2022 where Lily shared her testimony.
“Each time I hear Lily’s testimony, I am deeply impressed by her strength, her love of Judaism, the Jewish people and the State of Israel,” she said.
Lily is survived by a daughter and son, 10 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Her husband and eldest daughter pre-deceased her.
Israeli Ambassador Hotovely with Lily Ebert and Josh Forman
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Trump visits Rebbe Ohel
BY ADAM MOSES
Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump paid a personal prayer visit on Monday to the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson on the first anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks.
Trump was accompanied by Yael, Adi and Roy Alexander, parents and brother of Edan Alexander, currently held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Holocaust survivor Jerry Wartski and two Jewish college students facing antisemitism on campus.
Chabad-Lubavitch leaders greeted the President, who placed money into the charity box near the Ohel entrance.
Chabad spokesperson said that Trump’s prayer visit was a family tradition as his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, have made media-free visits to the Ohel.
The Rebbe’s resting place in Queens, N.Y is the most visited Jewish holy site outside of Israel. “Millions of people, Jews and non-Jews, send prayers, and some 400,000 visit in-person annually, seeking inspiration, guidance and blessings,” said a spokesman. “Dignitaries and world leaders from across the political spectrum visit the Ohel, often without fanfare.”
The Rebbe emphasised a universal vision for a better world,” they added.
“Teaching that there is goodness inherent within all of humankind and the infinite potential of every individual and each good deed, he believed in the fundamental need to nurture this good within man via a moral and ethical education, especially among children.”
In recognition of the Rebbe’s work, beginning in 1978, every US president has proclaimed Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., on the Rebbe’s birthday. In 1994, the Rebbe was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his “extraordinary life and work”.
“The Rebbe’s impact is felt throughout the Jewish community and broader society,” added Chabad.
Trump went on to hold a 10/7 memorial event at his Doral golf resort on Monday night.
In a poignant symbol seats were reserved for the hostages at the memorial attended by dozens of Jewish community leaders, Republican members of Congress and three Holocaust survivors.
Businessman Yehuda Kaploun and Edward Russo organised the event coordinated by Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, director of Chesed Shel Emes in Florida.
Dignitaries lit candles in memory of victims murdered by Hamas terrorists. Rosenberg is chaplain for the Florida Highway Patrol and North Miami Beach Police Department.
In his address, Trump reportedly said:
Hamas war coverage unprecedented
BY HARRY SIMONS
The Swords of Iron War is the most covered event in the history of the State of Israel.
The Government Press Office has summarised activity with global media coverage unprecedented.
In the past year, the GPO issued 5,530 GPO cards to correspondents, photographers and media personnel from around the world who came to Israel to cover the war.
GPO Director Nitzan Chen said: “The leading countries in sending journalists to cover the war are the US, the UK, France and Germany, which together constitute almost 60% of the journalists.”
Leading media outlets were the BBC (425 cards), NBC (207 cards), CNN (196 cards), CBS (183 cards), RAI (162 cards), Sky (149 cards) and Reuters (130 cards). Other countries included Romania, Ukraine, Argentina, Nepal and Singapore since the start of the war.”
Journalists who came to Israel were the US with 1,221, UK, 985, France, 647, Germany 314, Turkey 278, Japan 255 , Italy 253, Spain 191, Canada 122 and Switzerland 101. Countires with over 30 correspondents were Sweden, Norway, Greece, Netherlands, India,
Denmark, Poland, Belgium, Romania and Argentina. Portugal, Mexico, Azerbaijan, Slovakia, Uruguay, Albania, Nepal, New Zealand, Georgia, Ukraine, Ghana, Singapore, Nigeria, Armenia and Senegal were also represented.
Via the GPO, the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, starting the first week of the war, held almost 100 tours, events and screenings of the ‘atrocities’ film. Thousands of foreign journalists participated in tours mainly to Sderot and kibbutzim of Kfar Aza, Be’eri, Nir Oz, Netiv Ha’asara and the festival site in Re’im.
The GPO provided journalists with services including briefings at the media centers in Jerusalem and Sderot, weekly tours to kibbutzim in the Western Negev and updates from partners including the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IDF.
“This attack should have rallied the entire world in support of the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland. The anti-Jewish sentiment has returned even here in America, in our streets, our media, and our college campuses, particularly within the ranks of the Democrat Party. Not in the Republican Party.”
Rosenberg observed: “Tonight, we stand united in remembrance and in resolve. We must never forget the lives lost and continue to advocate for those still in captivity.”
He added: “We gather not only to remember those we lost but to reaffirm our commitment to stand united against hatred and injustice. The pain of the October 7 attacks resonates deeply within our hearts and communities. As we light these candles in memory of the victims and hold space for the hostages still in captivity, we send a powerful message that we will not forget. Each flickering flame represents a life taken too soon, a family shattered, and a community forever changed. It
is imperative that we continue to advocate for those still suffering and work tirelessly to ensure that such acts of violence are never repeated.”
Kaploun said: “This gathering is not just a memorial, it is a testament to our resilience and our commitment to support the Jewish people. We will continue to fight against hatred and stand in solidarity with those affected by these atrocities.”
Dignitaries included Israel Consul General Maor Starinsky, Ambassador David Friedman, Ambassador Lana Marks, State Senator Ileana Garcia. Congressman included Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez, Maria Salazar, David Kustoff and Guy Reschenthaler.
Former US President Trump and Ben Shapiro visiting the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe PHOTO: SHABBOS KESTENBAUM
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Herzog welcomes ambassadors
BY HARRY SIMONS
President Isaac Herzog received diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel.
In an impassioned address Herzog called for the world leaders to aid the return of hostages held in Gaza.
In an official ceremony at his residence in Jersualem, Herzog welcomed Belgium Ambassador Stefaan Thijs, Slovakia Ambassador Barbara Mestanova, Swiss Ambassador Simon Geissbuhler and Sweden Ambassador Alexandra Rydmark.
The Ambassador of Papua New Guinea Henry Mokono was taking office as his nation’s first permanent ambassador to Israel with their embassy in Jerusalem.
Herzog told the diplomats: “These are not ordinary days. We are being challenged by an empire of evil emanating from Tehran and therefore we are fighting. We are marking one year to the most horrific massacre of Israelis and Jews since the Holocaust down south. That’s why we went to war in Gaza in order to change the entire situation and enable a better future for the Israelis and the Palestinians.
“And now we are fighting in Lebanon, fighting Hezbollah, to do the same in order to change the equation and enable a better life, first of all, for Israeli citizens on the border, to enable them to come back home. I think that there offers an
opportunity to the people of Lebanon to have a better future without the oppression of Hezbollah. Most importantly, it calls for the international community to be extremely proactive in blocking the aspirations of Iran to derail the region and enable a better future for our region. We don’t have war with the people of Iran.”
He added, “Switzerland has been
always involved in humanitarian pursuits of bringing hostages back home in so many ways. We have 101 hostages for a year in the dungeons and caves of Gaza, in the tunnels of Gaza, going through hell. We urge the international community now, following the crisis that’s going on in Lebanon and the Israeli attacks against Hezbollah, which can bring a
huge strategic change, to use this opportunity both to bring calm to our border with Lebanon, to enable our citizens to go back home, to bring a better future for the people of Lebanon, and bring our hostages back home. This is our call to the international community.”
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His Excellency, Mr Henry Joseph Mokono, Papua New Guinea Ambassador to Israel with President Herzog
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NJA Reflects on October 7 and calls out David Lammy’s Convoluted and Morally Bankrupt Stance on Israel’s Security
The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) is deeply honoured to have participated in this year’s October 7 memorial events, marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic Hamas attack. Hosting a dedicated stall at the Hyde Park vigil, the NJA engaged with hundreds of community members and supporters who united in shared sorrow and resilience.
misunderstanding of Israel’s security needs but also expose his willingness to engage in cynical political maneuvering that undermines our community’s safety and integrity.
Let us be clear: Lammy’s policy is nothing more than a thinly veiled ploy to attract extremist voters in the UK who wish to see Israel weakened and falter in its fight against Islamist terrorists. This tactic is not only disingenuous but also strategically disastrous, resulting in a policy that is morally ambiguous, pleases no one, wins no votes, and alienates our community.
IMOD $8.7b US Aid Package
BY HARRY SIMONS
Israel Ministry of Defence has agreed an $8.7 billion US aid package to support its ongoing military efforts.
The package includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement and $5.2 billion for air defence systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and an advanced laser system.
Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir held high-level meetings with US. government officials at the Pentagon with Acting Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, Amanda Dory, Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition and Sustainment,
Dr. William LaPlante and other officials.
The high-powered laser defence system is in its latter stages of development.
The culmination of the meetings maintains Israel’s ‘qualitative edge’ in the region regarding military operations. Zamir thanked US officials on behalf of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for the US government’s “steadfast support and commitment” to Israel’s security needs.
The strategic US-Israel partnership will continue to address ongoing regional security threats from Iran and its proxies in the region by ensuring Israel’s military capabilities.
Accompanying Zamir were key figures including Defence Attaché to the US, Maj. Gen. Hadi Zilberman, Head of the IMOD Mission to the US, Aviram Hasson, Director at Defence Research and Development Moshe Patel, IMOD Washington representative Omer Haim and other senior officials.
The Hyde Park memorial, which saw an estimated 30,000 attendees, provided a poignant space for remembrance and solidarity. The NJA stall became a hub for dialogue, where attendees expressed their collective grief over the events of October 7 and their unwavering support for the NJA’s mission. “Each interaction reinforced our commitment to advocacy and community support,” said Steve Winston, Managing Director of the NJA. “We were moved by the passion and determination of those who visited our stall, eager to contribute to our programmes and advocacy efforts.”
The overwhelming response from the community highlights a renewed spirit of unity and a strong desire to take active roles in shaping a safer and more supportive environment. Many attendees voiced their intention to join NJA initiatives, ranging from educational programmes to grassroots advocacy campaigns, demonstrating a collective readiness to stand against hate and violence.
Inspired by the energy and commitment displayed at the memorials in Hyde Park, Leeds, and Manchester, the NJA is poised to redouble its advocacy efforts in the Jewish year 5785. The organisation invites all community members to join its ranks, emphasising that together, they can amplify their impact and drive meaningful change. “Our strength lies in our community,” added Winston. “By coming together, we can ensure that the memories of those lost on October 7 fuel our drive to build a future rooted in peace and mutual respect.”
The NJA extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the memorials and visited the stall, and reaffirms its dedication to supporting the Jewish community and advocating for justice and security. As the NJA moves forward, it remains committed to fostering a united front against adversity, inspired by the resilience and solidarity witnessed during this significant commemoration.
Further, The NJA is bemused by Labour MP David Lammy’s Sky News interview on October 7, which laid bare the utterly convoluted and morally bankrupt nature of his limited arms embargo against Israel. Lammy’s remarks not only reveal a deep-seated
Lammy’s limited arms embargo is a glaring example of political posturing without substance. By advocating for restrictions on Israel’s ability to defend itself, he simply leaves Israel vulnerable in its moment of need. This morally bankrupt position betrays the trust of Israel and the Jewish community.
“The interview was extremely revealing,” stated Gary Mond, Chairman of the NJA. “David Lammy’s policy is a tangled mess that serves no one. It appears that he is more interested in appeasing extremists than in supporting a key ally during its hour of need. This kind of morally bankrupt stance is unacceptable and highlights his disregard for the security and well-being of the Jewish community and Israel.”
The NJA remains steadfast in advocating for clear, decisive measures that ensure Israel can defend itself and maintain its sovereignty without the hindrance of ineffective and politically motivated embargoes.
“We demand that our leaders provide unequivocal support to Israel, rather than engaging in policies that weaken its position and embolden its adversaries,” added Mond. “David Lammy’s stance is not only ineffective but dangerously shortsighted. The NJA stands united in rejecting his morally flawed approach and will continue to champion robust advocacy for Israel’s right to security.”
For more information on joining NJA programmes or supporting their advocacy initiatives, please visit www.nja.org.uk
Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir in discussions with Acting Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, Amanda Dory
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bring Young Professionals togather for impactful memorial event honouring October 7 Victims at Jewish Futures Hub
On Sunday night, over 100 young professionals gathered at the new Jewish Futures Hub for a powerful memorial event marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of October 7. The evening, co-hosted by Aish Young Professionals and GIFT, featured presentations, videos, and inspiring speakers reflecting on resilience, community, and the ongoing response to the tragedy.
Rabbi Yoni Abadi, Director of Aish Young Professionals, MC’d the evening and opened with poignant remarks on
the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of hardship. Reflecting on the evening, Rabbi Abadi said, “It was an incredibly impactful evening sharing it with so many young professionals, coming together to mark such a devastating day for the Jewish people. The sense of community and collective strength was truly inspiring.”
A highlight of the event was a presentation by Rabbi Sandor Milun from GIFT, who shared moving stories from the five volunteering trips GIFT has organised to Israel over the past year. Rabbi Milun spoke about the ongoing need for support in Israel, emphasising how the volunteers have made a tangible difference to those affected by the country’s struggles. “The impact of these
“not only for the volunteers but also for the many in Israel who have relied on outside help during these challenging times.”
London-based DJ and events producer Aryell Moussaiof also took the stage, speaking about the reaction to Israel within the local community. Over the past year, Moussaioff has used his platform to create charitable and social events for Israel, helping raise funds and awareness. He shared his personal story of resilience and expressed hope for the future, highlighting the “beautiful light created in the midst of darkness” in response to the tragedy.
emphasised that resilience has carried the Jewish people through every challenge—past, present, and future.
In a meaningful conclusion to the event, participants joined GIFT’s initiative to ‘Spread Some Sweetness This Simchat Torah’ by packing bags of sweets, each dedicated to the memory of a victim of October 7. This act of kindness symbolized the community’s commitment to remembering those lost while spreading light and positivity.
The evening also featured a debut screening of Resilient People, a short film produced by Jewish Futures and JRoots. Introduced by Rabbi Naftali Schiff, Executive Director of Aish UK, the film honoured the victims of October 7 with powerful messages from Holocaust survivors, drawing parallels between their survival stories and the resilience of the Jewish people today. The film
The event was a poignant reminder of the importance of coming together in times of sorrow and finding ways to contribute to a brighter future.
Aryell Moussaioff
Sova unveils bold new packaging for the Sova Gefilte Fish- What’s the catch?
Sova Foods, a leading brand in the kosher U.K. market for over three decades, has announced a significant repackaging of its Gefilte Fish range, featuring a lively new design as it approaches Yom Tov. This updated presentation aims to appeal to a wider demographic, particularly younger and expanding families. While we made changes to the outer look the inner remains the same and we have not changed our top quality, traditional well-known recipe and taste to what our customers enjoy and are so HOOKED on. Fin-tastic Flavours that that make
Waves, Sova Food continues to operate as a family-owned business and we think like one, so to add the personal touch for everyone to enjoy we continue to meet everyone’s needs and expand with Sugar-Free and Premium Gefilte Fish rolls which is also Gluten Free in addition to the so Famous Sova traditional Sweet Gefilte and Salmon Gefilte.
The Sova Gefilte Fish is produced in their north London Factory using only top-quality ingredients and only fresh fish.
Sova Foods is now showcasing the new
Seed open their Borehamwood doors
Educational charity ‘Seed’ was bustling with activity this Rosh Hashanah, hosting packed events across North London that brought together hundreds of young families for the New Year.
The newly opened Seed Borehamwood Shul held family-friendly explanatory services and activities designed for children aged 0-7. Run by Sorele and Rabbi Peretz Goldstein with guest Rabbi Malcolm Herman from Edgware (CEO of Seed), one attendee said “It was the first time since having my baby that I’ve been able to get into shul. Although I didn’t understand the words, just being in the atmosphere and listening along I was able to feel connected.”
In Edgware, the Seed Shul services brought in over 250 people on the first day of Yomtov, with the youth offering including guest speakers, a youth tashlich and a simanim event, as well as a well-attended children’s services for those aged 1-6.
Around the rest of North London, Rabbi Bazak was in Mill Hill Shul and ran a special family service, offering a spiritually uplifting and interactive
experience for all ages with 100 people in attendance. Rabbi Fine led services at Hampstead Garden Suburb (HGSS) Shul on the first day of Yomtov, before joining Ner Yisrael Hendon, to address the community between Mincha and Maariv. Seed’s Rosh Hashanah events successfully brought together hundreds of participants, with plans already in place for the for the rest of the year. To join these events, and for more information on Seed, visit www.seed.uk.net
packaging and is engaging in extensive promotion through its website, in-store displays, and social media to support the upcoming Yom Tov season. In addition, we are now running a promotion where you may be the lucky winner of a range of Prizes, like a Food hamper or a Sova Apron, and other exciting prizes.
Sova Foods commenced its journey in 1989 with a modest selection of pasta and has since evolved to meet the Jewish community’s diverse tastes and dietary needs.
This repackaging represents more than
just a visual change; it reaffirms the company’s dedication to quality, tradition, and inclusivity, now offering a wide range of over many unique product categories. Founded in a small bakery in Stamford Hill, Sova Foods has successfully expanded its offerings to include various categories lines which are staples in all Jewish houses, like pastas, sauces, condiments, croutons, and gefilte fish.
We put smiles on people’s faces. That’s what’s all about.
Welcome to our family.
Exciting new global course with LSJS for teens
The London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) is delighted to be offering children in Year 7-9 the chance to learn Rabbi Sacks’ key lessons and insights from the weekly parasha, with family members from anywhere in the world.
The new and exciting interactive course with Rabbi Dr Daniel Rose, who developed the Family Edition of Rabbi Sacks’ Covenant and Conversation books to distil his ideas into manageable, relevant and relatable insights for young people.
Rabbi Dr Rose and LSJS’ Head of Adult Education Michael Rainsbury will be running the family-friendly course using the series as well as videos, discussions and chavruta learning to facilitate what Rabbi Sacks called “the conversation between the generations.”
Rabbi Sacks had the unique ability to make texts accessible and relatable to modern audiences of all ages and backgrounds. This intergenerational course allows children and adults to come together and learn from each other, as they explore the major themes, defining figures and enduring questions of our foundational text – all through the lens of Rabbi Sacks’ monumental work - Covenant & Conversation: Family Edition, from Koren Publishers.
“Starting the Torah again, at the beginning with Bereshit, is the ideal time for children to get together with family members, even if they are overseas, and learn from the insightful and
relevant interpretations of Rabbi Sacks,” said Rabbi Dr Daniel Rose. “We adapted Rabbi Sacks’ weekly essays for family learning and recall that he was excited we will be taking his ideas and taking them further. We will be the next generation learning the parasha and making it our own.”
Rabbi Sacks said: “The interpretation of this text has been the subject of an ongoing conversation for as long as Jews have studied the divine word, a conversation that began at Sinai thirty-three centuries ago and has not ceased since. Every age has added its commentaries and so must ours.”
“We are proud to be at the forefront of harnessing the power of intergenerational learning to deepen our children’s connections with Judaism and ensure they feel relevant to our future,” said Joanne Greenaway, Chief Executive of LSJS. Covenant & Conversation Family Learning will take place on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm (UK time) online, starting from Tuesday 29 October. To book your place or for more information, please visit ww.lsjs.ac.uk or call 020 8203 6427.
FIND THE ODD ONE OUT FIND THE ODD ONE OUT FIND THE ODD ONE OUT
Jami introduces community befrienders at mental health café on World Mental Health Day
Jami, part of Jewish Care, has introduced volunteer community befrienders at its Head Room café in Golders Green for any visitor wanting some company or a listening ear.
The launch of this latest offering by the social enterprise café coincides with World Mental Health Day today (Thursday 10 October), when Head Room will have community befrienders on site from 10am to 4pm. The café will also be
community befrienders, who have been trained and inducted into the friendly life in the café, will be here for people to chat to and to enjoy some friendly company. And they will usually have a sign on their table welcoming people to join them.”
Caryn Cobersy, one of Head Room’s new volunteer befrienders, said: “I am here for anyone visiting Head Room to have a one-to-one chat, provide support and hopefully make someone smile and
giving away free hot drinks to the first 100 customers to mark the day. Typically, Head Room’s volunteer community befrienders will be available from 2–4pm, Monday to Thursday; as well as 10am–12pm from Wednesday to Friday, to anyone in the community wanting to have a one-to-one chat with someone. The café already runs a free daily community programme, providing mutual support and connection through a range of groups and activities. However, Gideon Levy, one of Head Room’s community development facilitators, said: “Some people find a group event too big and prefer one-on-one. The 12 new
feel a bit better, especially if they are feeling lonely or isolated. I’m happy to play board games or just listen.”
The introduction of community befrienders is just one of the ways Jami will be supporting the community on World Mental Health Day and beyond. Another is through the internationally accredited Mental Health First Aid training it delivers to other charities and organisations, including, most recently, the United Synagogue and West London Synagogue. Since the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is prioritising mental health in the workplace, Jami’s Mental Health First Aid training course is a useful
Camp Simcha Bas Mitzvah group Kicks off in an artful way
Camp Simcha’s Manchester Bas Mitzvah programme kicked off on Sunday with 49 enthusiastic Year 7 girls attending the launch event at Stenecourt Synagogue.
The group heard inspiring words from former Camp family member and current volunteer Big Sister Chani Rosenberg who spoke about her role now and the support Camp Simcha gave her family when her brother was ill.
Participants then took part in a fun and engaging art session where they made canvases with the words Modeh Ani, thinking about things they were grateful for and some of the challenges Camp Simcha children may face.
resource to help increase employees’ understanding, knowledge and confidence in approaching and supporting colleagues who may be having mental health issues. According to Philippa Carr, Jami’s Senior Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention Manager: “We are much more aware of the impact of mental health at work. Part of the duty of care of employers to their employees is to step up to be supportive and to ensure that employees’ mental health is looked after at work.”
Jami has also been working with Barnet Council Public Health on the publication of a new guide, Coping After Suicide: A Guide for Organisations, to support Barnet’s voluntary, faith and enterprise communities after news of a suspected suicide, as well as a webinar providing a step-by-step guide on how to respond effectively and compassionately. Philippa said: “When we talk about suicide
prevention, we often forget that although difficult, we also need to think about ‘postvention’ because by acknowledging the tragedy of a suspected suicide and being prepared to respond effectively, we are also safeguarding others who may be at risk and need support.”
WISHING
Michal Black, Manchester Community Relationships Manager, said: “We have had an amazing response to the programme this year, with almost double the number of participants that we had last year. It is a fantastic, enthusiastic group of girls, and we are really looking forward to their participation in all the events we will be running this year and watching friendships grow as they go through the programme together.”
The programme offers two more volunteering opportunities and culminates a sponsored walk in May.
To find out more email office@ campsimcha.org.uk
Staff at the United Synagogue complete Mental Health First Aid training
Community befriender Caryn Cobersy with Head Room regular Peter Gottlieb
BY YOSSI SAUNDERS
My family and I made Aliyah three weeks before October 7th. On the morning of Simchat Torah, I was on my way to shul when the Iron Dome went off above my head. Having published news and pictures of it for years, to suddenly see it in real life was a huge shock to the system.
In shul, soldiers were being called up to war, crying as they said goodbye to their kids who begged them not to go.
I ran home to ensure my family were ok. The previous year, my daughter had been born and I ran home at 4am to tell the rest of the family the news. This year I ran for different reasons.
As we cowered in the shelter listening to the sirens and rockets, my four year old asked me if we were going to die in the shelter.
Several weeks later on a tour around Kibbutz Kfar Aza and Kibbutz Beeri, I found myself in a shelter where the wall was full of bullet holes, the windows were smashed and we listened to the last desperate Whatsapp messages of the family as some of them died in that room.
We then saw a garden where a family were marched out and executed in their back garden.
Across the street in one of the only houses without a burnt roof, our guide told us that even though that house might look better then the rest, sadly it was where the worst crimes imaginable took place for hours, to a poor family including parents and twin girls. I won’t go in to detail as it’s too horrific.
LIVE THE HISTORY. CREATE THE FUTURE.
We saw a table with challahs still on it and milk cartons in the bin.
The sheer amount of mess and chaos strewn everywhere was heartbreaking to witness.
Make no mistake about it, despite many media outlets around the world trying to cover up the truth, on October 7th horrific crimes were committed against the Jewish people not seem since the Holocaust, the crusades and pogroms.
For a few weeks one of my daughters was afraid every time we left the house in case there was a siren.
It’s still not finished. Every day world Jewry are thinking of the poor hostages who are still alive some in dark crampped tunnels with no air conditioning or toilets and hardly any food or water.
They are suffering in an unbelievable gehinom day after day, which brings tears to many eyes. As we recite selichot and pray for everything to improve we can only wonder when it will all end? In the last few days the rockets from Lebanon have been increasing with 2 people tragically killed yesterday whilst out walking their dog in Kiriat Shemona, along with a further eight wounded.
Many people have been injured in the last week from rockets and terrorist attacks across Israel including big cities such as Haifa, Beer Sheva and Tel Aviv.
During the Iranian missile attack last week, I was in the safe room together with my family for 58 minutes, having rushed two kids out of the bath. Baruch Hashem no Jews were killed but it is simply not good enough to allow Iran
to repeat what they did several months ago and just get away with it. How much longer are we going to allow them to continue making their nuclear bombs?
This week we once again found ourselves in the shelter on October 7th, thanks to Yemen. I was with one daughter at home. Another daughter was at a friend’s house and they had no reception in their shelter so I couldn’t contact her for a while. My wife was shopping with the other kids with no reception in their shelter either. For a few minutes I didn’t know where they were or if they were even inside a shelter. The grim reality of war hit me when most of my family were uncontactable during blaring sirens and incoming rockets.
Time and time again the Israeli government have shown that they think they can give land in exchange for peace. Sharon gave Gaza back in 2005 thinking it would lead to peace. With all the Jews gone, after having been forcibly evicted from their homes by the Israeli government, Hamas took over. Weapons and cash flooded the strip and rocket attacks became the norm. The horrors of October 7th would never have happened if we still had control of Gaza.
The countless rockets for over 12 months from Lebanon would never have happened if we hadn’t withdrawn and let Hezbollah stockpile countless millions of weapons.
Look at how the Sinai has become the biggest smuggling route into Gaza. Look how many armed terrorist live in Yehuda and the Shomron, as well as East Jerusalem ready to ignite at any moment.
Sinwar yesterday came out and urged more suicide bombs.
Yet still the people think we can live peacefully side by side with them. Whilst Israel tells the world it wants the terrorist gone and then Lebanon and Gaza to return to the Arabs, the Arabs themselves say no such thing.
Iran came out strongly this week saying what they and their proxies have always said: that they wanted Israel destroyed. No mention of a two-state solution from them. Israel doesn’t seem like it is ready to learn from its mistakes and keeps dreaming naively of a glorious future living alongside our sworn enemies.
Israel needs to be strong in the face of pretend friends who constantly urge us to behave irrationally and dangerously.
Would Winston Churchill have fed Hitler and the Germans? Did America feed Japan after Pearl Harbour. Why have we allowed all this aid to enter Gaza without our Hostages first being returned? Hamas and the innocent people of Gaza who joined in on October 7th appear to have been rewarded for mass murder and it is an eternal shame and disgrace to the Knesset that our hostages have received less food in a year then every Gazan gets daily in ‘aid.’
It seems only Hashem and Mashiach will be able to sort all the mess out, and as the rockets, death and destruction are increasing dangerously, we can only pray it happens sooner rather then later. We pray to Hashem to protect the Chayalim, allow the evacuees to return home and ensure all the hostages are released. Wishing you all Shana Tova.
As we mark the first anniversary of the 7th October atrocities, the people of Israel still need our support.
This Kol Nidre, UJIA is focusing on Be’eri and Mefalsim, two of the southern kibbutzim that were devastated by the attacks. We are also providing ongoing trauma relief for the victims of terror and support to those who are displaced from Israel’s northern border.
To help the people of Israel as they recover and rebuild, we need you to respond Please
Supporting 60,000 Israeli Injured Veterans And Innocent Victims Of Terror
FROM BATTLE TO REBIRTH: THE UNYIELDING SPIRIT OF SHALOM SHITRIT
Sergeant Shalom Shitrit, a brave fighter in the Golani Brigade, embodies the triumph of the human spirit. After the Hamas terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023, Shalom was called to duty in the Gaza Strip, where he was critically wounded in action. Despite the severe injuries that nearly claimed his life, Shalom’s determination to survive and recover was unwavering. When he regained consciousness, the stark reality of losing his right leg hit him hard, but his thoughts remained with his comrades and Israel’s cause.
Amid his challenging journey to recovery, Beit Halochem has played a crucial role in Shalom’s rehabilitation. Providing both physical and mental support, Beit Halochem has helped him adapt to his new reality, offering specialised therapies and a supportive community of fellow veterans. This environment has been instrumental in aiding Shalom to regain strength and find hope, illustrating the organisation’s commitment to helping wounded veterans rebuild their lives.
Shalom’s story is a testament to enduring resilience and courage. As he continues his path to recovery with the support of Beit Halochem,
his unyielding spirit and determination to pursue his dreams inspire others despite the profound challenges he faces. Shalom’s journey is just one of over 10,000 who have been injured since 7 October 2023 and who now call Beit Halochem their Second Home.
Today, the 60,000 Beit Halochem members are given a new lease of life at our four state-of-the-art facilities based in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and Beer Sheva. They remain members of the organisation for the rest of their lives.
These centres provide a blend of exceptional rehabilitative services including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and chiropractic treatments conducted alongside social and specialised sport options, educational programmes and a vast range of creative activities.
For more information about Beit Halochem UK, to find out more about any forthcoming events, how to get involved or to make a donation, visit our website http://www.bhuk.org, email info@bhuk. org or call us on: 020 8458 2455
400 attend UJIA dinner
Over 400 people attended the UJIA dinner in London last week.
Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky, and former UJIA chairs were among the gathering.
Dinner Chairs Blair and Amanda Jacobson described how UJIA became a natural charity for them to support when they moved to the UK.
Natasha Cohen from UJIA’s partner, Kibbutz Be’eri, told the story of how she and her husband survived the 7/10 massacre.
UJIA’s rebuilding campaign is focusing on trauma and therapeutic support to the kibbutzim of Be’eri and Mefalsim, as well as rebuilding the kindergarten at Be’eri destroyed in the attacks.
This is in addition to rebuilding work along the northern border.
UJIA CEO Mandie Winston hosted a discussion between Rabbi Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.
Halevi said that we at the end of the post-Holocaust era where it always felt we were on an upwards trajectory.
“Zionism has not yet regained the covenant it made with the Jewish people to provide the Jewish people with a safe home,” he said. “It will take a generation to recover from this trauma, and the hostages extends that. The hostages are at the heart of the restoration the promise of
a safe home.”
Hartman described how before 7/10 it was the lowest ebb of unity as a people.
“We pivoted literally overnight to the peak of unity,” he said.
Hartman challenged guests to see Israel as an integral part of themselves and the community.
“Dream of the Israel you want, don’t just support it in a crisis.
Israel needs your dreams,” he said.
Fauda star Rona-Lee Shimon added that it was a unique moment in Jewish history to unite.
“No one could imagine and write the horrors of what happened,” she said.
Zvi Noé, in the appeal said that when you engage with UJIA, a commitment to Israel never leaves you.
“I have been to
Israel seven times in the past 12 months, the one thing which continuously resonates with me, is that what we do here, in the UK matters,” he said. “Never has this connection felt so close. The fates
of Israel and the entire Jewish world are inextricably linked, but this cannot be taken for granted. Even at times of crisis, the connection must be nurtured, this is why UJIA exists.”
Kinloss 10/7 Project
Kinloss are taking part in Mizrachi UK’s Simchat Torah Project.
Specially designed Sefer Torah covers are being sent around the world in memory of a different victim of the October 7 massacre.
Kinloss marked the tragic one-year milestone with a dedication ceremony of three Sefer Torah covers in memory of ex JFS pupils Nathanel Young and Jake Marlowe, and Daniel Perez, the son of Rabbi Doron Perez, World Mizrachi Executive Chairman.
The evening included a talk from Daniel Aboudy, a lifelong best friend of Marlowe, a video message from Young’s father and talk from Haya Langerman about her work at the Hostage and Missing Families Forum UK.
The evening was supplemented
10/7
with prayers and reflective words from the Kinloss Rabbinic Team.
On Simchat Torah, the community will dance in memory of the three heroes with a greater appreciation of the lives they lived.
Kisharon Langdon members gathered at Maccabi House to share thoughts and reflections.
They lit candles and had a moment of silent prayer.
Staff shared some poems, Lebanese
Singer Carine Bassili sang October Rain and gave a message of solidarity to Israel.
A British person living in Israel whose son has been serving in Gaza, heard both events.
Bnei Akiva lead youth to mark October 7 anniversary
In a powerful display of unity, Bnei Akiva has spearheaded a collaborative event marking one year since the devestating October 7 attacks. The organisation joined forces with leading Jewish youth groups in London, including Chazak, Yehudi, Aish, Seed and Tribe, to create a meaningful evening of learning and inspiration.
Hosted at the Ner Yisrael community, the event drew secondary school-aged youth from across London, coming together in the spirit of Achdut.
Distinguished speakers addressed the gathering, offering words of wisdom and encouragement. Dayan Eliezer Zobin, Rav Avichai Goodman, Rav Shaliach of Bnei Akiva UK and Rabbi Aidyn Breiter of Chazak.
The event also featured dynamic breakout sessions, allowing participants to engage in smaller group discussions. These sessions focused on various aspects and explored themes of reflection, renewal, and community support relevant to the upcoming Chagim.
Michal Benjamin, Mazkira of Bnei Akiva remarked in addressing the event, “We come together to commemorate not just the hardships we faced, but more importantly, the strength, the unity and resilience that has defined us ever since.”
The collaboration between these prominent youth organisations sets a significant precedent in bringing the community together to educate and to remember and uplift the memories of those tragically murdered on October 7.
UJIA CEO Mandie Winston hosting a discussion with Rabbi Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi of the Shalom Hartman Institute
Edouard Cukierman – Tel Aviv based Venture Capitalist and an International Advocate for Israel
JEWISH WEEKLY EDITOR YOSSI SAUNDERS RECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH EDOUARD CUKIERMAN TO REFLECT ON HIS DETERMINATION TO FIGHT ANTISEMITISM AROUND THE WORLD WHICH HE HAS BEEN DOING FOR OVER 40 YEARS.
BY YOSSI SAUNDERS
Edouard is the Chairman and managing partner of the Cukierman and Co Investment House, a leading Israeli Bank in Israel which has raised over $10B mostly for Israeli high-tech companies in the last 30 years.
In addition, Edouard is managing partner at Catalyst Funds, a prominent venture capital fund. With Yair Shamir, his partner at Catalyst Funds, Edouard has invested $450 M in the Israeli hightech industry since 1999 in mature Israeli companies across different industries.
In recent years, he established The Catalyst Investors’ Club (CIC), a cutting-edge platform designed to revolutionize access to investment equity opportunities to private investors . Edouard launched the CIC, to provide initially investment opportunities to mature Israeli startups backed by venture funds to private accredited investors all over the world. The online portal www.catalyst-ic.com allows potential investors to watch a snippet video of a company which encourages them to sift through many potential companies until they find the one they want.
Some of the startups that Edouard’s fund invests in go on to become global world leaders in their fields, for example Mobileye, which was sold to Intel for $15.3 B.
Others become vital cogs in the welloiled IDF machine. Edouard tells me that his investment bank assists a disruptive laser company used by the Iron Dome to raise funding. As an example of the importance of high-tech in national security, the Iron Dome currently costs Israel $100,000 for each missile it sends up to destroy Hamas and Hezbollah missiles. These incoming missiles cost the terrorist only $500 each to make, far less than the cost of shooting them down. By comparison, the laser technology in David’s Sling which shoots down the longer-range rockets only costs $2.50 per interception!
Another disruptive company is Taboola, a world leading online pay per click advertising company, trusted by giants such as ABC and CBS News amongst others. The portal vastly increases advertising revenue from the online community, with a fee-sharing arrangement. 30 years ago, Edouard also invested in a small French Jewish TV channel.
Edouard started Go for Israel Investment Conference, a conference he set up, that has lasted for over 30 years. The show features 60 selected Israeli companies to meet with hundreds of global investors. Mostly the conference is held in the
Hilton Hotel in Tel Aviv, but on several occasions, it has been held outside Israel including destinations such as Zurich, Paris, China and in the UAE. In the last go4Israel conference, President Herzog has been the main speaker, and virtually every Israeli prime minister has spoken at the events alongside other world leaders. The Israel based conferences events have on average 1000 to 3000 guests per event.
Edouard is the co-author of the book “Israel Valley: The Technological Shield of Innovation”, describing Israeli entrepreneurship and innovation, and the success story of Israeli hi-tech. He believes in ‘Economic Zionism’, where each one of us can help the State of Israel through positive representation in business, investments and of course the Israeli Hi-Tech. This is what he looks for in all his employees, along with initiative, work ethic, Army path in the IDF if Israeli, motivation for making Aliyah if they are Olim, and leadership skills.
Edouard first came to Israel as an 18-year-old lone soldier from France. His father Roger Cukierman was the former CEO of Rothschild Bank, Vice President of the World Jewish Congress, and the President of the Conseil Représentatif des Institutions Juives de France (CRIF). The CRIF is an institutional body that represents all Jewish institutions of France, similar to the Board of Deputies here in the UK. They hold an annual dinner with prime ministers and presidents from around the world and the institution became an important part of French Jewry.
After serving in the IDF, Edouard built his way up to become an IDF Spokesperson for 15 years, and he became a reserve officer in the IDF Negotiation Unit in Crisis Situation and Hostage Situation too.
He was part of the negotiating team dealing with foreign countries and terror groups whilst negotiating in crisis situations.
He is positive that in the current climate, the only way to succeed in negotiations with Hamas is to play hardball and put tremendous pressure on them through use of force in parallel to the negotiation efforts. Only being tough works in these negotiations; being nice woth terror organizations doesn’t get anywhere.
For over 40 years, Edouard has put a tremendous amount of time and energy into fighting antisemitism, since those early days in France. Nowadays, he makes regularly appearances in foreign media, using his expertise and personal experience to promote Israel and the Jewish cause, across the USA, Latin America and Europe, including on Fox News. He appears regularly on some of France’s biggest TV stations such as LCE and BFMTV.
Edouard feels that the future for French Jewry will be very hard, and more people will simply make Aliyah. He feels the UK is not far behind
either, and the wave of new Olim will only continue to grow over time.
His media appearances have been especially important in countries such as Argentina and Mexico, where Israel are not very good at promoting themselves, either due to the Israeli government not spending much time or money trying to win over the general public, or because of the language barrier.
He values the effort of being a national advocate by constantly trying to promote the global position of Israel, the ethics of the army and to explain the objectives of the IDF; namely to release all the hostages and enable the civilians of villages in the north and south of Israel to return home.
Since there is less awareness outside the Jewish communities, he promotes Israel’s global image, giving an articulate representation of the country’s position, which has been absolutely crucial in global media, reinforcing Israel’s narrative and advocating for its needs.
Throughout the war, Edouard has been promoting Israel whilst two of his own children are defending the country. One is right now fighting in Gaza and the other is in Lebanon.
His third son is Daniel Cukierman who has chosen a different path since completing army service, is now proudly representing the country worldwide as the number 1 tennis player in Israel, including at the Davis Cup.
Asked how he copes as a parent of a soldier at war, he reminisces about doing the same to his parents in other wars. It’s hard of course and there is the constant worry, yet he is fiercely proud of his sons. Edouard is confident that Israel will win the war with Hashem’s help and that the high-tech economy will stay strong too.
If you are interested in the CIC, or wish to find out more information about Go for Israel, email office@thejewishweekly. com, or go to www.catalyst-ic/com
Edouard Cukierman and sons
PHOTO:PR
Being in the heart of the community with Jewish Care and Jami
Fourteen years ago, Bernie, who is 96 years-old, lost his wife. It was a devastating loss that deeply affected him. Bernie and his wife were dedicated volunteers in the Redbridge community. Bernie felt he couldn’t continue without her by his side. He had always thrived on being sociable and struggled with the isolation that followed. Searching for connection and purpose, he found Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre. Now 96 years old, Bernie faithfully attends the centre every Tuesday.
“I love meeting people and socialising. I don’t think anyone should have to be alone. I look forward to going to the Centre, it’s the highlight of my week.”
Bernie attends Jewish Care’s Chaps that Chat, a monthly social group for gentlemen where Bernie and his peers discuss everything that is important to them, forming bonds that connect them to others.
Jewish Care’s volunteers also host Bernie and other older people in their homes at the Supportive Communities Tea Parties, bringing joy and companionship to older members of the community. Bernie also values Jewish Care’s Meals on Wheels service, appreciating dedicated volunteer drivers who deliver delicious, hot, kosher meals to him each day, ensuring he is well-nourished and cared for.
These invaluable services come at a significant cost to Jewish Care as do Jami’s services, which is now part of Jewish Care, providing hope and recovery to those for whom mental illness and distress makes everyday life a struggle.
Thirty-eight-year-old Carly has had mental health issues since she was 11 years old. She says, “I was struggling
with just being. I didn’t like who I was, and I had no hope. I planned to end my life.”
Following an attempt to take her own life, Carly initially approached Jami to get help for her mum. Jami encouraged her to get support for herself too.
In October 2023, Carly started seeing a Jami senior peer support worker, Sophia who has lived experience of mental illness herself. Carly says, “I would come down from Colchester, where I was living to have weekly one-to-one sessions. Sophia really helped me with my suicidal thoughts, understanding what it’s like to go through struggles because she’s been where I’ve been. To have a peer support worker is invaluable.”
about. I’m accepted – whether I’m happy or crying.”
Carly moved to London and began going to the free activities and daily groups which are part of the community programme at Head Room social enterprise café , Jami’s social enterprise café in Golders Green. The programme offers peer support, mutual care and social connection in an informal, relaxed and welcoming environment.
“Head Room has become my safe space,” says Carly. “I hadn’t been out for two years, but I feel comfortable coming here on my own and I find being around other people helps me. I’ve come to realise that I’m not alone and that there are others who understand. They give me the space and opportunity to be however I am.
“The staff and volunteers at Head Room always have a smile on their face and they make me feel better, wanted and cared
Ellisa Estrin, Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Marketing, says, “These vital services and many others like them, help to build resilience, when the challenges life brings are a struggle.
“We could not continue to provide this kind of lifesaving support, creating connections and combatting loneliness and
isolation, without the generosity of our community for which we are so grateful, this Rosh Hashanah and all year round.”
To donate, visit jewishcare.org/roshhashanah or call 0208 922 2600. For advice, support or to find out more about our services, visit jewishcare.org or call Jewish Care Direct helpline on 020 8922 2222.
Carly with friends and staff at Jami’s Head Room café
Bernie and friends enjoying Rosh Hashanah treats at one of Jewish Care’s Supportive Communities Tea Parties
Israel has to deal with Iran’s wicked tentacles
BY DAVID SAFFER
David Barr, from Leeds, made Aliyah in 1985, and was living at kibbutz Alumim with some 450 residents close to the Gaza border at the time of the October 7 terror attack last year.
David and his wife Ilana survived the atrocity but his sister-in-law, Naomi Shitrit, 52, was murdered by Hamas terrorists. David, a teacher, has four married children, two sons are in the IDF. In the aftermath of 10/7, he gave talks to Diaspora communities about the events that shook the State of Israel to its core.
Reflecting on the past 12 months, David told The Jewish Weekly: “I don’t look back, we are still living the events of 10/7. It can’t be wiped out of any memories. It’s still part and parcel of everyday life. As I walk around the kibbutz, I see places where terrible things happened. Every lamp post and bus stop has become a memorial, so on that level it is always here.”
David takes part in vigils every Motzei Shabbat for the hostages still in capticity.
“They are not political, its simply to make sure the families know we are supporting them,” he said. “We have had a month of memorials from the 11th month to the first-year anniversary. There was an incredible memorial service in Sderot where Naomi’s story came forward again and there is an amazing monument where the police station was destroyed. So, we are still on the October 7, we have not moved on at all.”
David added: “Things at Kibbutz Alumin have been rebuilt in terms of the industry side but the amount of financial destruction will take years to repair. The whole of the South has changed. Alumin has changed, as every other kibbutz has, even our house has changed. It’s not the same home. There is no real social fabric on the kibbutz. It’s not pleasant. There is no real feel of a community and I’m not
sure when this will be rebuilt.”
Regarding the hostages, alive and dead, still in captivity, David offered forthright views.
“It’s a difficult question to answer because at different times of the year there were opportunities of making a deal with the devil,” he said. “But for the past few months there has not really been any deal on the table. The Israeli government took the direction that military pressure is the only way they can get the hostages back. We have made some incredibly heroic missions, we’ve had some disasters and terrible pictures of the six hostages killed, and it hurts everybody. Hopefully, I am correct in saying the government has done everything it can do.”
David added: “We are not dealing with a small terror cell, we are dealing with a State, which has become a terrorist State, and there are other terrorist States around it. Lebanon and Yemen are part of one big octopus, the Iranian regime. These terrorist organisations speak another language, it’s not one that humans speak. They put death as the highest value whereas we put life as the highest value.
“The government has taken a military option with a certain amount of logic, maybe in the end we will be successful with bringing hostages home, alive or to be buried in their homeland. My feeling is the army will find a few more hostages, maybe before they are murdered. It’s hard to know. I hope and pray they will be back.”
Regarding the war in Lebanon, David noted: “Israel can no longer live with the threat of missiles, bombs and another 10/7. Plans were found of an infiltration into the Northern communities like the Southern ones. We can’t live like that.
Nobody can live like that. The war in the North was inevitable, even without 10/7, it’s been on the cards for years. Hezbollah
is a terrorist organisation and doesn’t talk a liberal democratic language. It’s not possible to sign an agreement with them or Hamas. They talk a different language.
“
As for the reaction from world leaders and governments, David said they had been “up and down”.
He observed: “There are times you get really frustrated especially with the International Court of Justice Court in The Hague. They know the truth. In terms of war crimes, Israel has conducted one of the most incredible wars against any terrorist organisation. Nobody has ever conducted a war above and underground
they can possibly do whether its fighting on social media, vigils, demonstrations to support Israel and the rise of antisemitism. One thing we have learnt since 10/7 is that we are one people. The essence and importance of the State of Israel is central to Israelis here and Jews in the Diaspora. I cannot see the continuation of world Jewry without the State of Israel. It may sound rather pessimistic but we are living at a historical crossroads.
“The only place I want to be is in Israel. I want to be a part of it but it’s not easy. This is a new 1948 and in many ways it’s a lot harder because of the armoury, the weapons being used, it’s frightening.
as Israel has had to do. Western democracies should have got totally behind Israel. Look at the streets of Europe, in the UK streets. The governments have to serve the people living in their countries. I’m never sure if they believe what they are saying or just trying to keep things calm on European and UK streets.”
In terms of the ongoing war with Hamas and Hezbollah, David noted: “I think we have a long, hard war ahead but if we want to get over this period in history then we have to deal with the Iranian threat, the nuclear threat and Iranian suppliers of arms to their wicked tentacles.”
He added: “I don’t think further than a day ahead. I check in the evening the school timetable knowing there may be a rocket, the school may close, anything could happen.”
David described efforts by Diaspora communities since 10/7 as “amazing”.
He noted: “They have done the maximum
For Diaspora Jews, its time to ask that question, do we in the Diaspora want to be a part of history and continuation of the Jewish people in the State of Israel. Aliyah is not easy, but we need a push from middle of the road Jewish people, not fanatics, to strengthen the liberal, democratic political centre of Israel. People can talk and argue but remain friends. That is the mission of any Jewish person today.”
During the High Holidays, there were limited gatherings due to the ongoing conflict and David is unsure if they will be building a Succah this year.
“There are no expectations at the moment, everyone is in their own house,” he said. “Discussions have started at home about building a Succah but I don’t know halachically if we can build something which we will be frightened to sit in and that feeling of being outside.
“As for Simchat Torah, Mizrachi have the most amazing project of making the mantle piece in the name of those murdered. The idea is to bring out the Sifrei Torah and remember the people killed at the same time as being able to dance with them. At Alumin, the attempt to rejoice on Simchat Torah will be done together with remembering and mourning what happened, which is not easy. Each Hakofat will be dedicated to some part of the 10/7. There will be a Hakafa for Kibbutz Be’ri, our neighbours, the hostages, the soldiers killed and a sixth will be silent. This is the Jewish way of trying to continue, to put limits to mourning and sorrow. It may change the day of Simchat Torah for years to come, time will tell.”
A memorial for Naomi Shitrit, 52, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists
David Barr, third left, has addressed Diaspora communities
The Israel Guide Dog Centre
For many individuals living with blindness or severely impaired vision, PTSD, or autism, the world can often feel overwhelming and isolating. However, the Israel Guide Dog Centre (IGDC) has been providing a beacon of hope for over three decades, transforming the lives of hundreds of Israelis who would otherwise be leading severely limited lives.
Initially, the Centre only provided guide dogs, but they expanded their training programme a few years ago so that they are now also able to provide service dogs for people suffering the devastating effects of PTSD. And if a dog is not able to become either a guide or service dog, then they can become an emotional support dog for children with autism. In this way, they ensure that virtually all their puppies are able to play a role in bringing light and joy into someone’s life.
The heart of IGDC’s work is the powerful bond between clients and their guide or service dogs. This partnership is more than just functional—it’s life-changing. For those who are blind, a guide dog isn’t just a companion; it’s a doorway to independence, enabling them to attend university, secure employment, and fully engage in their community. For individuals with PTSD, these dogs provide emotional support, a renewed sense of purpose, and critical assistance in managing symptoms. They perform
tasks such as waking their owners from nightmares and calming them during intense stress. For children with autism, the presence of a dog can foster new ways of relating and communicating with the world around them.
Becoming a guide dog is no small feat; each dog undergoes rigorous assessments to ensure it possesses the necessary fitness, stamina, and temperament for this demanding role. However, even dogs that do not meet the criteria to become a guide dog find a significant role in assisting people with PTSD or families with children with autism, where their
presence is equally transformative.
In the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7, the need for guide and service dogs in Israel has surged. Combat-related blindness and PTSD are increasingly common, affecting both soldiers and civilians and leaving families to cope with the aftermath. Approximately 15% of combat injuries involve vision loss and in response, the IGDC is expanding its efforts—breeding more puppies, training additional trainers, and offering psychological support to those adjusting to these life-altering changes.
The work of the Israel Guide Dog
Centre is a testament to the incredible difference that a dedicated service animal can make in the lives of those facing overwhelming challenges.
The Israel Guide Dog Centre’s life-changing work depends heavily on the generosity of donors from the UK, US, Canada, and Israel. Supporting the IGDC is about extending our hands in compassion and solidarity, ensuring those who need it most know they are not alone, especially in these exceptionally difficult times.
From October 7 to October 8
BY STEVE WINSTON
In the fabric of Jewish history, certain dates are etched with indelible sorrow and profound resilience. October 7, 2023, stands as one such day—a day when Hamas executed a meticulously planned massacre that not only claimed over 1,200 innocent lives but also struck at the heart of our collective existence. Yet, as we commemorate this harrowing anniversary, it is imperative to recognise that our story does not end with the darkness of October 7. Instead, it is on October 8 that our enduring spirit truly comes to light, embodying our unwavering resolve to rise above existential threats.
October 7 was not merely an act of violence; it was an existential assault aimed at dismantling the very essence of who we are as a people. The brutality of that day is a stark reminder of the persistent vulnerabilities we face, despite our advancements and fortified safeguards. Families were torn apart, communities shattered, and a pervasive sense of fear was instilled within us all. The pain and trauma from that day
continue to reverberate, underscoring the urgent need for solidarity and proactive measures to ensure such atrocities never recur.
However, the narrative does not remain anchored in despair. Enter October 8—a metaphorical dawn that signifies our collective response to threats against our existence. If October 7 represents the night of our darkest hour, October 8 is the daybreak of our tenacity. It is a symbol of our relentless determination to rebuild, advocate, and strengthen the bonds that unify us. This transition from night to day encapsulates the essence of the Jewish spirit: unyielding in the face of adversity and steadfast in our pursuit of a secure and thriving future.
Advocacy lies at the core of our response. It is not enough to mourn; we must actively shape policies and influence decisions that protect our communities and promote understanding. The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) exemplifies this commitment, serving as a beacon for those who seek to amplify their voices in the pursuit of justice and security. By engaging with policymakers, forming strategic alliances, and leveraging our collective influence, we can create lasting change that safeguards our future.
Solidarity across the Jewish community is equally paramount. The shared trauma of loss and fear forges an unbreakable bond, reinforcing our collective strength. Supporting one another—whether through communal organisations like the NJA, educational initiatives, or grassroots advocacy campaigns—ensures that we remain united and resilient. The NJA’s recent participation in the October 7 memorials, where they connected with hundreds of community members eager to join their programs, highlights the growing momentum and collective readiness to stand against hate and violence.
Building up our community involves investing in our future through education and cultural preservation. By instilling a deep understanding of our history, values, and the importance of resilience in younger generations, we ensure that the spirit of October 8 continues to inspire and guide us. Cultural initiatives that celebrate our heritage foster a sense of pride and belonging, reinforcing the foundation upon which our community stands. October 8 also calls for strategic foresight and preparedness. In a world where threats continue to emerge against our community and Israel, it is essential that we remain vigilant and proactive. This
means not only responding to immediate dangers but also anticipating future challenges and addressing them with courage. By doing so, we honour the memory of those lost on October 7 and ensure their sacrifices contribute to a safer, more secure future.
As we honour the victims of October 7, let us embrace the promise of October 8. Let it serve as a beacon of our resilience and a testament to our enduring spirit. We must never forget the horrors of that day, nor forgive those who perpetrated such atrocities. Instead, we must channel our pain into relentless advocacy, unwavering solidarity, and steadfast community building. In doing so, we honour our past, empower our present, and secure our future.
The National Jewish Assembly remains committed to this mission, inviting all community members to join our efforts in advocacy and solidarity. Together, we can transform tragedy into tenacity, ensuring that our community not only survives but thrives in the face of adversity.
Whether joining our nursery or school, or benefiting from our employment or supported living programmes, Kisharon Langdon supports people at every life stage. Our Jewish values lie at the heart of all our services.
Your generosity will enable people with learning disabilities and autistic people to thrive throughout life’s journey.
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OPINION PIECE
Steve Winston is the Managing Director of NJA
WHAT3WORDS///?
3 WORDS OF REFLECTION: A YEAR OF RESILIENCE AND PURPOSE
BY RABBI NAFTALI SCHIFF
As we hit the first anniversary of the tragic events of October 7, it is fitting to reflect on our own profound connection to the extreme events that have evolved, especially at this holy time of Yom Kippur. I have been pondering a question posed to me just this week: “What are your 3 words?” What are the 3 words that encapsulate your personal mission and purpose in a world often filled with noise and distraction? And for this year, perhaps more pronounced than most, what are the 3 words that most closely and succinctly reflect the role of the Jewish People in this oft confused and at times belligerent milieu?
///WHAT3WORDS is a geocoding system that has divided the world into a grid of 57 trillion 3-by-3 squares, each of which is identified by a unique 3 word address. What 3 words allows us to answer the question- where are you? Perhaps I missed the memo, but my discovery of this brilliant mapping of every nook and cranny of our world was only brought to my attention this week, coinciding with precisely the type of introspection demanded of us at this time. It is an invitation of sorts, inviting individuals to articulate their current circumstances by identifying the three words that represent their location—both physically and metaphorically. Our What 3 Words challenge encourages us to consider where we stand in our lives, how we perceive our surroundings, and what thoughts, emotions or experiences define
us at this point in time. Much as I resist the persistent reductionism of contemporary life into sound bites, 60 second meaningful lessons and ever narrowing attention spans that deny nuance, I cannot help but feel that this 3 word concept seems to have been thrust upon us this year in a most insistent manner. Sometimes the complexity of modern life can obfuscate our most fundamental beliefs and behaviours. Perhaps by forcing us to bundle our fundamental constructs into bundles of three, and by engaging with this framework, we can gain clarity about our authentic values and aspirations, ultimately inspiring us to identify our own personal 3 words that reflect our unique journeys, identities and aspirations.
This year, Jews around the world have united in prayer, fervently resounding with the 3 word demand- “BRING THEM HOME! “ This week of aseret ymei teshuva, the 10 days of coming come, our prayers reverberate with the impassioned cry- “BRING US HOME! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Bring us home to a collective sense of goodness, of G-dliness, of justice, of brotherhood, of shared purpose and destiny. Sur me’ra-STOP THE HATE! Assei tov- LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR! And reverberating through this collective cry, the phrase “AM YISRAEL CHAI” has emerged as a powerful mantra of resilience, faith and hope.
The legacy of Shlomo Carlebach’s tune set to these now famous 3 words , composed in 1965, resonates with the struggles and triumphs of our people. Inspired by the tenacity of young Jews confined behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia, Carlebach emphasized another trio of profound words: “OD AVINU CHAI” –our Father in Heaven lives! This reminder is especially poignant as we grapple with
the weight of our collective grief and the challenges we face today as throughout our history. The mere survival of Am Yisrael against the odds, particularly marked in the aftermath of the loss of 6 million, and ongoing suffering of our People, attests to the presence of the Almighty, who though at times painfully concealed from us, is as present in history as is His Eternal Nation.
While it may seem a sad reflection that we often reduce our purpose to three words, there is a rich precedent for this simple focus in our tradition. The Talmud recounts how the teachings of the 613 mitzvot were distilled down to reflect 13, and finally to the essential message of the prophet Habakkuk: “ TZADIK BE’EMUNATO YICHYE” – a righteous man lives by his faith in G-d. This encapsulation speaks volumes about the core of our spiritual journey and ultimate goal.
In the prayers of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the phrase “KOL DEMAMA DAKA” – the still small voice – calls us to delve deeply within ourselves, urging us to uncover our inner faith, purpose, and virtue. The sound of the shofar, too, resonates with our real life human experiences; its three distinct sounds –tekiah, shevarim, teruah – reflect our own brokenness and struggles. As a community, we have endured anguish, loneliness, anger, and confusion this past year, yet we continue to strive for connection and understanding ever permeated with the hope of the final elongated blast tekiah gedola.
As Yom Kippur approaches, we greet one another with “Gmar Chatima Tova,” hoping for a good final sealing for a good year ahead, for an end to hatred, evil and selfishness. Our journey through Elul, Rosh Hashanah, Aseret Ymei Teshuvah,
and culminating with Yom Kippur leads us to the profound realization of “EIN OD MILVADO” – there is no place where G-d is absent. And as we sing “Adon Olam,” we internalize that the Almighty is “HAYA, HOVVE VEYIHEYE”- was, is and shall always be- timeless and ever-present in our personal and national lives. At the pinnacle of the Yom Kippur service, we recite the Shema in unison and proclaim “HASHEM HU HAELOKIM” seven times during Neila, words that resonate deeply within our souls. In these moments of spiritual elevation, we experience liberation from our physical limitations. We are cleansed, pure, and united with the Almighty, transcending the chaos of our existence. Armed with this clarity, we declare “Hashem Hu HaElokim” – affirming G-d’s ultimate role as the Source, Designer, and Controller of all.
This year, I had the privilege of hosting Adi, an incredible human being, a survivor of the massacre in Kibbutz Be’eri. Her harrowing experience of being taken hostage and narrowly escaping the clutches of evil forced her to confront her beliefs. When I asked her if she prayed during those terrifying hours, she initially hesitated; as a non-religious person, she felt it would be dishonest to turn to G-d. However, she recounted a frantic call from her observant sister, urging her to say just three holy words: “Hashem Hu HaElokim” seven times. She did. Her husband and daughter scattered in three different locations on the kibbutz all survived. I shared with Adi the thought that despite a deep sense of personal integrity, on the contrtary- when life knocks violently on the door, its an invitation to open up. In extreme situations, we often confront our most profound truths. As the saying goes, “There are no atheists in a foxhole.” Deep within us all lies an understanding of our defining words. This year, the call of the shofar has been a wake-up call for those willing to listen to their inner voice and reflect on the miraculous occurrences around us. When confronted with blatant evil or injustice, it is not dishonest to cry out, “G-D SAVE ME!” It is a natural response to the divine invitation that beckons us to awaken from our slumber and embrace our connection to the Almighty. For 2,000 years of exile, the Almighty has been knocking at our door, yearning for us to recognize our purpose and fulfill our destiny.
In the words of King Solomon from the Song of Songs, “KOL DODI DOFEIK!” –the voice of my Beloved knocks on the door. Let us open the door to the divine message. This Yom Kippur, let us invite Him in with our three words: “Enough is enough! Am Yisrael Chai! Od Avinu Chai!” May we bring ourselves home to a world filled with meaning, purpose, understanding, and unity; a world in which peace reigns, as we affirm, “Oseh Shalom bimromav, Hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu ve’al kol Yisrael.”
GMAR CHATIMA TOVA.
Addressing October 7 memorial event, Hendon park, Yizkor Garden
New resources to look after ourselves post 7 October
Many of us are finding it difficult to look after ourselves in the aftermath of 7 October. The attacks, the consequential rise in antisemitism and the ongoing war in the region have all had an undeniable impact on the mental health and stress levels of those in the Jewish community.
Jami, the Jewish community’s mental health service, now part of Jewish Care, has developed a range of resources to help people make sense of their feelings and reactions. Here, we explore how we can work with our feelings to help us manage better.
Befriending our feelings
It’s normal to feel a range of emotions – from sorrow and anger to anxiety or helplessness, particularly when watching the news or during discussion. However we’re feeling, it can affect all aspects of our lives, from routine to relationships and quality of sleep to concentration.
It’s important to make space for our emotions. Try and carve out some time every day to check in with ourselves. Consider how you can channel your feelings in healthy ways, whether sharing with others, engaging in creativity or using exercise and movement.
Finding familiarity
When life feels uncertain, maintaining
a routine can help us feel grounded. Routines can also provide a sense of familiarity which is comforting.
Screen time and self care
News and social media can help us feel connected, in the know or in control. But we risk magnifying our anxieties and spending too much time scrolling. Think about healthy boundaries. Set a time limit on watching news or social media, and be selective with news outlets. If we want a break from our worries, getting outside, yoga, mindfulness, creativity or reading all help lower stress. Exercise, socialising, hobbies or comedy can help turn our mood around. If we wish to feel connected, reach out to friends, meet up in person, co-work with colleagues and spend time in the community.
Refresh relationships
For many of us, 7 October is deeply personal and when people disagree, they may challenge our values or beliefs. Using our ‘I’ statements can help people understand our perspective, re-connect and de-escalate the situation. For example, “I’m feeling quite isolated at the moment. I’d like to talk more. How does that sound?” We can also ask to pause the conversation and step away, arranging
another time to continue. Think about who you share with and how you’re feeling before discussing 7 October. Consider checking in with your feelings after dialogue and engaging in self-care.
Supporting young people
Listening to young people’s concerns and worries and meeting them with empathy is vital. Sharing information about the conflict, considering their age and stage, is important. Help them be thoughtful about social media and where they are hearing about the conflict. Let them know you’re there for them, and available to discuss any concerns. Help them engage in self-care and discuss how they can look after themselves. For young people who are feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking to their school and exploring avenues of support. Be aware of the current narrative on university campuses and consider how you
can support students and address their concerns.
While life feels harder for many of us currently, by giving space to our feelings, staying connected with others, finding some familiarity and engaging in our self-care, we can look after ourselves and keep hope through this stressful period. To access a range of resources to help us make sense of our feelings and manage our distress, visit jamiuk.org/ understand-our-reactions
If your mental health has been affected by the situation and you, or someone you know, would like some support, please visit jamiuk.org or call 020 8458 2223.
Since launching our Rosh Hashanah Appeal, the situation in the north has escalated, further threatening the long-term future of the region.
Residents of the north are living in constant fear due to the relentless rocket attacks. Forest fires sparked by the bombardment are destroying farmland, homes and businesses. Over 62,000 displaced residents are unable to return and many plan not to.
With your urgent help we can provide critical support in these key areas:
• Assist those struggling financially as a result of the war
• Strengthen fragmented communities
• Protect our beloved homeland from further destruction caused by fires
JNF UK: A year on from October 7
It is hard to believe that a year on from the attacks of October 7, Israel remains in the midst of a war and continues to fight for its survival. Over its short history, Israel has faced many difficult challenges, none more so than that which we face today.
As in the past, JNF UK has risen to meet these challenges. From laying the foundations of a state in 1948, to developing the land that has allowed our
nation to grow and thrive, to supporting the weak peripheries that now represent Israel’s future, our commitment has never wavered.
This crisis is no exception. We are committed, with the help of our supporters, to rebuilding the shattered regions of northern and southern Israel, ensuring that these communities don’t just survive, they thrive.
In the days that followed October 7, JNF UK immediately sprang into action, reaching out to the worst-hit communities by providing emergency aid where it was needed most at a time of desperation. We were also in contact with other partner organisations providing help to some of the most vulnerable members of society including children and holocaust survivors in the form of respite activities and food packages.
As rockets continued to rain down on Israel, our team quickly realized that in order to protect its citizens there was a desperate need to clear disused and neglected communal bomb shelters in thousands of residential apartment blocks, whose residents were without a safe shelter. With this in mind, we initiated Operation Ir Miklat (City of Refuge). We cleared, cleaned, and fixed over 4,000 bomb shelters with the help of 6,500 volunteers.
As the immediate crisis subsided, we turned our attention to the hidden impact of the attacks and the unprecedented mental and psychological trauma suffered by so many. JNF UK is assisting several organisations like SafeHeart, providing clinical therapy and retreats for the survivors of the Nova Festival massacre, helping them to heal in the face of unimaginable trauma. JNF UK is also giving a lifeline to orphans via Sunflowers, helping them open five new activity centres in southern Israel. These safe havens will provide children with the resources, love, and guidance they need to begin rebuilding their lives, as they navigate their grief and regain their strength.
We now focus on the long-term, playing our part in rebuilding the Negev and restoring hope to communities that have returned to their homes after months of being evacuated, ensuring that they thrive. In August 2024, JNF UK renovated dozens of buildings including kindergartens, youth clubs, youth residences in kibbutzim, clubs for children with disabilities, and a place for young women at risk. These renovations were made possible through the efforts of our amazing volunteers participating in JNF UK’s DIY programme. Whilst communities in the south faced unfathomable devastation and are now slowly rebuilding their lives, Israel’s northern communities continue to face upheaval, destruction and suffering. Over 62,000 people have been displaced from their homes, disrupting every aspect of their lives, from employment and education to the overall well-being of individuals and families. The situation remains dire for those who stayed in their homes, enduring continuous rocket fire with limited access to shelters, living in constant fear for their safety. Forest fires caused by the rockets and missiles are causing mass destruction to large parts of the region devastating farmland and agriculture. This has all taken its toll. Many evacuated families are considering not to return to their homes. The repercussions of this will be devastating to many communities, leaving the future of many smaller communities to hang in the balance.
In response to this crisis, JNF UK’s Rosh Hashanah appeal is raising funds to provide vital support to families still residing in the north, helping them cope with these unprecedented challenges. We are also assisting evacuated families, offering resources to strengthen their
resilience during this difficult time, and supporting families who are struggling financially and cannot afford basic necessities. Vital funds are also being raised to ensure that fire rangers can respond to any threats effectively, preventing any further destruction to our beloved homeland. In the event that the situation escalates, we will distribute lifesaving emergency kits to vulnerable citizens in the north. 5,000 pre-prepared kits are being assembled each consisting of a torch, radio, bandages, a 4-litre water container, whistle and other essential items.
Now, a year on, JNF UK remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Israel. Together, we will work to heal the wounds of October 7, rebuild what has been lost, and ensure that Israel emerges stronger than ever before.
We cannot comment on the last year
without mentioning the hostages who remain in Gaza. Not a day goes past that we don’t think about JNF UK employee Sagui Dekel-Chen who was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. We continue to pray for the release and safety of all the remaining hostages and for all citizens of Israel.
To learn more about JNF UK’s vital work in Israel visit www.jnf.co.uk/ israelunderattack
Delivering Emergency Kits to Holocaust Survivors
Clearing Unusable Bomb Shelters
Aish on Campus Celebrates Freshers Week Nationwide Across 30 Universities
Freshers Week is a highlight of the student calendar, and this year Aish on Campus has already made a huge impact across over 30 universities nationwide for hundreds of Jewish students. With new faces, engaging events, and a warm welcome for Jewish students, Aish is ensuring Jewish life on campus remains vibrant, inclusive, and thriving.
Aish are thrilled to welcome two new Aish Campus Couples who have joined Aish’s mission to inspire, connect and support Jewish students:
exciting news, Rabbi Yanki and Tamara welcomed a baby girl this week. Although they will be taking a short break, they’ve already made a huge impression in Nottingham and are ready for an exciting year ahead.
Dalia and Zak Silverblatt: As the new Cambridge Aish couple, Dalia and Zak are preparing to make a meaningful difference in student life. Their first event, the highly anticipated ‘Meat and Greet’ dinner, will be held this week, providing an opportunity for Jewish students to come together over a delicious meal. The Silverblatts are also davening with the students for Yom Kippur and hosting a special “Breakfast after the Fast” event to kickstart their engagement on campus.
Rabbi Yanki and Tamara Davis moved from Israel to Nottingham, where they are now the official Aish on Campus family. Already making an impact, the Davises hosted a successful Freshers BBQ at their home, bringing Jewish students together for great food, a raffle, and some fun community building. And in more
Across the UK, Aish on Campus has been working tirelessly to ensure that students feel a sense of belonging and excitement as they embark on their university journeys. Here are just a few highlights from Freshers Week:
LONDON
The energy was high as Aish on Campus London kicked off the academic year
with a fantastic Freshers launch event at Shoreditch Balls last week. Students gathered for an evening of mini-golf, socialising, and a delicious dinner, offering a chance to make new friends and reconnect with old ones.
London is keeping the momentum going with a big event this Wednesday, where Jewish students from all over the city will come together for another unforgettable night. Additionally, Aish London invited all the London JSOC Presidents to a special dinner with the Aish educators ahead of Freshers Week, building strong connections and paving the way for an incredible year.
BIRMINGHAM
In Birmingham, Freshers Week saw a range of engaging events for Jewish students. During the Freshers Fair, Aish hosted a social at a local coffee shop, giving students a relaxed space to meet and chat. This was followed by the massive Freshers Hot Cut event at the home of Rabbi Chaim and Michal Lehrer – Aish on campus couple for Birmingham, where students enjoyed a lively evening of food and connection.
Birmingham also embraced the opportunity to meet new students over Rosh Hashanah, hosting large meals and an explanatory service for students who attended a special campus service, making the Jewish New Year more accessible and meaningful.
LEEDS
Aish hosted a Freshers’ welcome event at the home of Aish campus Rabbi Binyomin and Shani Rose, where Jewish students gathered to celebrate the start of the year. In addition to the welcome event, the Aish team organised large meals over Rosh Hashanah and led an explanatory service,
offering students a deeper understanding of the holiday’s significance. Rabbi Binyomin and Shani Rose also hosted a launch event in York, where they will collaborate with Rabbi Strom to create a community for Jewish students there.
Aish has also been a source of support for students dealing with serious challenges on campus. Recently, there has been an anti-Semitic protest related to the Jewish Chaplain on campus, and Aish has been at the forefront, supporting students in confronting this issue.
NORTHERN CAMPUSES
Up north, Rabbi Shauly Strom took to the road, traveling around Edinburgh and St Andrews in a van, bringing students a delicious falafel meal. This creative approach ensured that Jewish students at these smaller campuses felt connected and cared for, even from afar.
In Liverpool, Aish teamed up with the JSOC team to prepare welcome packs for new Freshers. They also organised an opening Challah Bake evening at Hillel House, where a group of students came together to bake challah and connect.
WHAT’S NEXT?
With Freshers Week now behind us, the academic year is just beginning, and Aish on Campus has a packed calendar of exciting events lined up. From Sukkot celebrations to Chanukah parties, Friday night dinners, Torah learning sessions, and social action projects, the year promises to be filled with opportunities for students to engage with their Jewish heritage, make friends, and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Cambridge, Manchester, Glasgow or anywhere in between, Aish on Campus is here for you. We’re excited to keep building on the amazing success of Freshers Week and to continue being a home for Jewish students throughout the year.
Nottingham Freshers BBQ
Aish London Freshers Group
Freshers Leeds Boys
A Sweet Success - Chai’s Rosh Hashanah Gift Sale raises over £51,000!
On Thursday 26th September, not even the torrential rain could deter over 900 dedicated supporters from coming to Chai’s flagship centre in Hendon, which pulsated with energy and excitement during Chai’s Rosh Hashanah Gift Sale.
This year’s event was more spectacular than ever, featuring 15 brand new stalls. 48 vendors offered an eclectic mix of beautiful clothes, jewellery, homeware, Judaica, flowers, chic millinery and a huge variety of other fabulous gifts.
The energy remained high as Ben Tenenblat kept everyone fuelled throughout the day with an enticing all day brunch menu while Oh Brown Bear kept caffeine levels high with delicious hot and iced coffee.
The event also marked the London launch of the stunning new cookbook, ‘How Can I Help You?’ by Chai nutritional therapist, Susan Fruhman. So much more than a collection of recipes, this is an essential step-by-step guide to wellness and nutritional healing donates 100% of its proceeds come to Chai. To order a copy, please visit www.susanfruhman.com/ product-page/how-can-i-help-you Event Committee Co-Chairs, Debra Zender and Julia Abrams, said: “We are absolutely blown away by the incredible turnout this year, especially with the enthusiastic support from a younger
crowd. Chai’s Rosh Hashanah Sale has truly reached new heights, raising over £51,000. This outstanding amount will make a significant impact, helping to sustain Chai’s vital work.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our generous and loyal sponsors: Roundtree Real Estates, Tony Page for graciously donating 300 of his delicious honey cakes and all the stallholders who contributed a portion of their sales. The tremendous support from the community truly made the event such a resounding success and we are so thankful.”
Chai’s chairman Louise Hager said:
“The Gift Sale is consistently one of the standout events in our calendar. It’s not only a crucial fundraising opportunity but also a wonderful chance for many to visit Chai for the first time and immerse
themselves in the unique atmosphere that positively impacts everyone who benefits from our specialised services.”
How does Chai care?
“This is my tree of Chai, my tree of light. Through the art group, we fi nd creativity, renewal, community and exceptional care.
We discover we are so much more than a cancer diagnosis.
That’s the miracle of Chai.”
The Chai Art Workshop Group (Artist, Elaine Arenson)
For more information on our extensive range of specialised services and care across the UK, please call our Freephone helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit www.chaicancercare.org
Julia Abrams and Debra Zender
Chai
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THE
MARCHING STANDINGTALL
SUNDAY 17TH NOVEMBER | PARADE BEGINS 2PM | THE CENOTAPH, LONDON SW1
REGISTER NOW AND SAVE THE DATE TO JOIN AJEX AT THE CENOTAPH AS WE REMEMBER.
In the wake of the October 7th anniversary, we reflect on the ongoing fight against antisemitism. Together, we will honour the thousands of Jewish servicemen and women who fought for our freedom, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire us today.
United as British Jews in pride and purpose, we march not only to Remember, but to actively stand against hatred and discrimination. Veterans, individuals, families and community groups of all ages are welcome to stand tall with us in solidarity. Together, we honour the past and pledge to shape a future free from antisemitism.
If you are a Parade regular or newcomer, be sure to register to participate. To secure your spot to march book your ticket by Friday 8th November at www.ajex.org.uk
To support the Parade as a spectator from the East Whitehall Pavement no booking required. Please allow enough time to arrive at the event as there will be a high level of security provided by CST and the Police.
Make Yom Kippur Personal And Collective
BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN
Yom Kippur and the process of teshuvah plunge us into the depths of our souls, stripping away layers of self-deception and ego, while removing the artificial masks we wear. It compels us to confront the false narratives we craft about ourselves—stories we desperately cling to as coping mechanisms. It demands a fearless moral reckoning and an honest inventory of our spiritual lives. We stand before Hashem, stripped of social titles and conventions, exposed in our raw vulnerability. In a moment of existential solitude, we face our flaws and weaknesses, pleading for rachamim while committing to transform into better, more authentic versions of ourselves. It is an intimate moment, a quiet dialogue with ourselves, and with Hashem.
This past year though, our dialogues haven’t been personal or solitary. We have lived through a collective trauma, feeling our hearts break as one. Our personal inner worlds have been overshadowed by the weight of national sorrow and heroism. We have reflected more upon Jewish identity and perhaps less upon our own spiritual refinement. While religious excellence rests upon a strong foundation of Jewish identity, heritage, and mission, it requires so much more. It demands a personal relationship with Hashem—rooted in performance of mitzvot, fervent tefilla, study of Torah, and the cultivation of personal middot. During the past year, our profound investment in national Jewish identity may have diverted our attention from this inner world of religious piety, the realm of avodas Hashem in its purest form.
As the great day or “Yom Hagadol” is upon us, we are left to ponder: how do we reconcile the deeply personal journey of Yom Kippur with the overwhelming collective experiences of the past year? How can we change frequencies and think more personally and less collectively.
REVIVING AN ANCIENT MODEL
In truth, Yom Kippur was once far more collective than personal. In the days of the Beit Hamikdash, the day was deeply rooted in our shared experience as a people, rather than upon individual repentance. Thousands gathered in the Beit Hamikdash courtyards, their gaze fixed on the Cohen Gadol as he performed sacred ceremonies for national teshuva and deliverance. In a moment of profound awe, he entered the Kodesh Hakodoshim, where no man dared tread throughout the year, reconciling our
nation with our Avinu She’bashamayim. As the crimson thread turned white, joy erupted, thundering our national confidence that forgiveness had been granted from Above.
Even the viduy of that era were shorter, simpler—our concerns were focused on the nation’s standing, not only upon our personal religious struggles.
This year, in the wake of our national tragedy, we are invited to resuscitate that ancient model of Yom Kippur. We stand before Hashem not only as individuals seeking forgiveness but as a people— wounded by sorrow, bewildered by His mysterious decrees, yet steadfast in our faith, waiting for His guiding hand in the days ahead.
MAKE THE SHIFT
However, even given this collective Yom Kippur option, Hashem still expects personal reckoning, confession, and transformation. This day calls for a shift inward, to stand alone before Hashem— not as part of a larger nation grappling with the tides of history, but as an individual soul navigating the depths of personal accountability and conducting painful cheshbon hanefesh. Yom Kippur demands that we descend into the hidden recesses of our being and confront the flaws and failures we so often evade during the rest of the year.
In the aftermath of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, Rebbi Akiva, the great visionary, recognized the tension between personal and collective Yom Kippur. In the ashes of that calamity, he quoted a verse from Yirmiyahu (perek 14) calling Hashem “the Hope of Israel” or “Mikveh Yisrael” in Hebrew. Playing on the dual meaning of mikveh —both “hope” and “ritual bath”—Rebbi Akiva reassured a devastated nation that even without the Beit Hamikdash, Hashem remained our eternal source of purification. Immersing in His presence over for twenty-five hours of Yom Kippur would achieve the same cleansing as the majestic korbanot of the Beit Hamikdash.
But his message wasn’t merely one of reassurance; it also laid down demands. Though collective experience of Yom Kippur receded without a Beit Hamikdash, individual responsibility for personal growth on Yom Kippur remained fully intact. Rebbi Akiva refused to acquit us of the personal Yom Kippur journey.
The same holds true for us. Despite
everything that has happened to us and our shared national trauma we are still tasked with a personal Yom Kippur—with the inner toil of teshuva, heartfelt confession, and refining our character.
Yet, the heart is still unsettled. How? How can we focus on our own spiritual journey when the suffering of our people is so overwhelming? How can we turn our gaze inward, even for a moment, when sorrow still weighs so heavily on the hearts of our nation? How can we wrap ourselves in a tallit creating a private space for personal teshuva, while creating a barrier from the national pain which echoes all around us?
Here are two solutions:
COLLECTIVE VIDUY
Just as teshuva has both personal and collective dimensions, so too does viduy —the confession of sins. After describing our first exile, the Torah )Vayikra 26:40) predicts that we will “confess our national sins” as the first step toward recovery and return. In fact, when we returned from Bavel, we engaged in a profound collective confession, acknowledging the many aveirot and betrayals of Hashem that had led to our galut. We understood, with painful clarity, the sins that had caused historical derailment and national trauma.
Today, we do not possess the same clarity about our collective failures. As a nation, we have demonstrated immense courage, bravery, and dedication in defending our rights to the land Hashem promised His children. True, we descended into a year of bitter social strife and national disunity, which undoubtedly factored into Hashem’s harsh decrees. Yet, it feels simplistic and morally questionable to attribute the horrific events of October 7 solely to the social unrest of previous year. Clearly, there are deeper, unresolved sins, still preventing our full restoration. Tragically, we do not know exactly what these sins are.
Fortunately, viduy is still impactful even without specificity. As we recite personal confessions this Yom Kippur, we ask Hashem to accept them not only for personal shortcomings but as a stand-in for the unknown sins of our people. If we knew them, we would articulate them. Since we cannot, let our personal viduy serve as a collective confession on behalf of these national hidden failures.
Additionally, by enhancing our relationship with Hashem and refining our moral character, we do not merely elevate our personal piety. As we strive to become better people and live more fully in the presence of Hashem, we facilitate the return of His shechinah presence to a world that has, in too many ways, chased Him away through violence, murder, and the distortion of truth. Our war is multifaceted. Our soldiers stand on the front lines, bravely protecting us on the battlefield. Yet, there is another struggle—the battle for the presence of Hashem in this world. The more successful we are in our personal spiritual endeavor, the more victorious we will be in our military struggles.
Embrace the personal journey of teshuva. Embrace Yom Kippur. Delve deep into the recesses of your soul, confronting the truths that lie within. But do not, for a moment, overlook the historical significance of this moment. Find a way to view your personal teshuva as an integral part of our collective efforts to bring Hashem back into this broken world. Our teshuvah is not merely an individual endeavor; it is a shared mission to restore hope amid darkness and to bring Hashem to this world.
The writer is a Rabbi at the hesder Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush with ordination from YU and a master’s in English literature from CUNY. He is author of Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below (Kodesh Press), on religious responses to Oct. 7, and the soon-to-be published Reclaiming Redemption: Deciphering the Maze of Jewish History (Mosaica Press).
TESHUVA IS PART OF THE BATTLE
ASK THE RABBI
FASTING ON YOM KIPPUR?
Dear Rabbi,
Does fasting on Yom Kippur really do the trick? I just don’t eat or drink for 24 hours and I am absolved of all my misdeeds with a clean slate?
Derek
Dear Derek,
Well, fasting on Yom Kippur is like hitting the spiritual reset button. It’s not quite like a magical “undo” feature on your computer, but it’s close! You skip food and drink for 24 hours, and voilàit’s a chance to reflect, apologise, and plot your comeback for the coming year! If only it were that simple.
Fasting on Yom Kippur is a profound practice that serves multiple purposes. It acts as a means of self-denial, allowing individuals to focus inwardly on their spiritual state. By abstaining from food and drink, we redirect our energy from physical needs to spiritual growth, facilitating deep reflection on our actions over the past year.
The fast also symbolises humility before
G-d, reminding us that we are more than our physical bodies but primarily souls, thus the fasting is a way to purify ourselves, elevate ourselves and commit to positive change in the year ahead.
That said, the fasting in and of itself is insufficient. Fasting, self-mortification may be means through which one expresses remorse. They may be acts of purification, of self-cleansing. But they do not constitute proper atonement. Everything in Creation is categorised in terms of matter and form (body and soul). The act of sin, its external manifestation, is the matter (the body) of sin. The underlying thought, the will or passion, the scheming, yearning and desire that generated the transgression is the form (the soul) of the sin.
Fasting attacks the body and purifies the matter from the sin. However, it does not hit at the very root, the essence, the soul of the sin. Thus, while the exterior associated with the sin is no longer, the essence still remains, allowing the sin to always re-emerge. Why is it that so many people, however much time they may spend in jail, still emerge and reoffend? Because inasmuch as the punishment is
self-mortification – it strikes at the body, it doesn’t get to the soul. Apart from leaving the guy hanging around riffraff - who actually sits down with him to discuss the motivation – to get to the core? Only the elimination of the thought, intent and desire that caused the sin, which is the essence of Teshuvah, will eliminate the soul of the sin. When you deprive the soul, when you strike at the roots, then and only then does the sin cease to exist in its entirety.
Apart from the fasting then, is also the need to repent. Repentance is a multi-faceted process that involves several key steps. First, it’s crucial to engage in self-reflection. Take time to consider your actions over the past year—what you might have done wrong and how those actions affected others. This honesty lays the groundwork for sincere repentance.
Next, you must feel remorse for your actions, which involves recognising the pain or harm caused. This is followed by a commitment to change; it’s important to set specific goals for how you will behave differently moving forward.
Finally, reaching out to those you may have hurt is vital. Seeking their forgiveness not only heals relationships but also fosters a genuine connection to the community. Remember that teshuvah is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing journey toward personal growth and improvement.
WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 364 DAYS?
Dear Rabbi, I always feel the end of Yom Kippur very anti-climactic. The 25 hours of the community together is very special. Then it’s over and everything goes back to the way it was. Is there a way to carry Yom Kippur into our daily lives throughout the year?
Claudine
Dear Claudine, Carrying Yom Kippur into our daily lives involves integrating the insights
gained during the High Holidays into our everyday actions and interactions. One key aspect is the practice of regular self-reflection. Set aside time weekly or monthly to assess your behaviours, focusing on areas where you can improve or make amends.
Additionally, strive to maintain the spirit of forgiveness. Yom Kippur emphasises the importance of seeking and granting forgiveness, and this can be a daily practice. Cultivating empathy and understanding towards others can help create a more compassionate environment in your relationships. Don’t go about harbouring grudges, thus letting other people live rent free in your head space.
There is also the commitment to positive change. Set tangible goals that align with the ideals of teshuvah. Whether it’s volunteering, being kinder, or fostering better communication, small, consistent actions can have a profound impact. Finally, stay connected with your community. Engage in activities that promote collective well-being and support those around you. By doing so, you embody the values of Yom Kippur throughout the year, continually striving to better yourself and the world around you. Remember, it’s not how you fast but how you break your fast that matters most. Meaning, what you’re like when you walk out the door and take those timeless lessons with you.
Beyond the headlines
A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read in the news
BY SIVAN RAHAV MEIR - TRANSLATED BY YEHOSHUA SISKIN, JANINE MULLER SHERR HAPPY YOM KIPPUR!
Yom Kippur, which is on the tenth of Tishrei, is considered the holiest and most important day in the Jewish year. In the Torah it is written: “Because on this day, there will be atonement for you, to purify you from all your sins, before G-d you will be cleansed” (Lev. 16:30). This is the day on which Moshe Rabbeinu came down from Mount Sinai with the second set of Tablets of the Covenant, having broken the first set of tablets when he saw the sin of the golden calf. Yom Kippur commemorates the day that the Children of Israel were given a second chance with the second set of Tablets, and so it became a day of atonement and forgiveness throughout the generations. Here is something to which we do not pay sufficient attention: It’s clear that the mitzva on Yom Kippur is to fast, but what about the mitzva the day before Yom Kippur – the mitzva to eat? This is a mitzva in its own right, and not just to help us feel less hungry during the fast on Yom Kippur. Our Sages tell us that the idea of Yom Kippur is so great that it is actually deserving of a joyful feast. Of course, it is impossible to celebrate the day in that manner as it is a fast day, so we bring the feast forward to the day before, the eve of Yom Kippur. The Spanish commentator,Rabbeinu Yona of Girondi, who lived around eight hundred years ago, wrote the following: “And because of the fast on Yom Kippur, we are obliged to partake of the feast rejoicing in the mitzva onYom Kippur eve.”
But just a moment. Why are we rejoicing with a feast? What are we so happy about? We rejoice about the very existence of Yom Kippur, a day that of appeasement and atonement. It is a day that brings with it the capacity to change, the possibility to forgive and erase, to begin anew and rebuild from crisis – a day that is a reminder that human beings have free choice. For all of these reasons, when we look deeply into the substance of this special day, it really is appropriate to wish everyone “a happy Yom Kippur!”
THE WONDER OF TESHUVA
Rabbi Jacob Edelstein, of blessed memory,was the rabbi of Ramat HaSharon. We were privileged to live there and get to know him well. Here are some of his pearls of wisdom regarding Yom Kippur:
“How is it possible to erase things that a person has done? What good is regret? Does it make sins disappear? If a person eats something that causes a stomach ache, and afterwards he’s sorry he ate it, will regret benefit his stomach now? The process of teshuva is higher than our minds can grasp, it is beyond nature. It
is one of the wonders of creation, one of the greatest gifts we have received – the possibility to start over again.”
“There is a wonderful passage that reveals a secret to us: ‘Return Israel to Hashem your G-d.’ In other words, a person must return to Hashem. If this was an ascent to a new place, or moving to somewhere different it would not say ‘return.’ From this we learn that teshuva means going back to our true origins. The meaning of teshuva is not to change, but to return to our proper place, to be who we are supposed to be.”
“Someone once said that in his youth he wanted to change the world. He later saw that this was difficult and decided to change only the people in his country. Then he decided to at least change the residents of his city. When he failed, he tried to just change the members of his family. Finally, he understood that he must first change himself. And then, after he worked on changing himself, he saw that he slowly began to influence his family, his city, his country, and the entire world. Improving the world starts with self-improvement. Our desire is for wholesale, widespread change, but such change begins with character refinement on the part of each and every individual.”
THE FIRST TEFILLIN OF THE NEW YEAR IN GAZA
After three days of Chag and Shabbat where people didn’t put on tefillin Yakir Asraf, a soldier, sent this photo this morning from Gaza with a beautiful explanation:
“Here it was a holiday here full of emergency alerts, activities and being on call. Finally this morning was a little quieter and I had time to pray and think.
I feel that there is another war going on here: which emotion will dominate us? Will sadness, anger, despair dominate us, or will love and hope dominate us? We are fighting for that too.
So I put on my tefillin here and remind myself: we didn’t come here just to fight. We came here to live, to build, to do good for the world, to fix it. I have a collection of photos of me putting on tefillin in all kinds of far away places in the world. Recently, a picture that I didn’t plan, of tefillin on the ruins of Sajaia, joined the collection, but I want to replace it after the victory with a picture of a beautiful and quiet landscape. Because we choose life.
Rabbi Shalom Yaniv, who lost his two sweet sons, Yagel and Hallel, in a terrorist attack a year and a half ago, said something that’s been accompanying me these days: ‘G-d, too many doors have been knocked on this year. Now it’s our turn to knock on heaven’s doors. Please open a gate for us.’
May it be a blessed year!”
THOUGHTS
ON OCTOBER 7 2024
Today is October 7, 2024. It has been one year since that horrific day and our feelings are still so raw. Sometimes it is still hard for us to grasp that this nightmare really occurred and we struggle to find the words to describe the enormity of the catastrophe that befell us. But how will we feel five years from now? And fifty years from now? Will we remember only the brutal attack, or we will recall how we were able to rise up from this trauma and how it became a catalyst for growth and healing?
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l expressed this idea most eloquently:
“In the past Jews lived through catastrophes that would have spelled the end of most nations: the destruction of Solomon’s temple, the Babylonian exile, the Roman conquest, the Hadrianic persecutions, the massacres of the Crusades, the Spanish expulsion. They wrote elegies; they mourned; they prayed. But they did not give way to fear. They did not define themselves as victims. They did not see antisemitism written into the fabric of the universe. They knew they existed for a purpose, and it was not for themselves alone.”
“Every tragedy in Jewish history was followed by a new wave of creativity.
The destruction of the First Temple led to the renewal of the Torah in the life of the nation, exemplified by the work of Ezra and Nehemiah. The destruction of the Second Temple led to the great works of the oral tradition, Midrash, Mishnah and the two Talmuds.
The massacres of Jewish communities in northern Europe during the First Crusade led to the emergence of Hassidei Ashkenaz, the German-Jewish
pietists… The greatest catastrophe of all led to the greatest rebirth: a mere three years after standing eyeball to eyeball with the angel of death at Auschwitz, BergenBelsen and Treblinka, the Jewish people responded by their greatest collective affirmation of life in two thousand years, with the proclamation of the state of Israel. … Jews [do not] give way to defeat or despair. They are the people of hope.”
“The word for crisis (in Hebrew), mashber, also means a ‘childbirth chair’. The Jewish reflex is to see difficult times as birth pangs. Something new is being born.”
“We cannot change the past, but by remembering the past we can change the future. And though we cannot bring the dead back to life, we can help ensure that they did not die in vain.”
I was privileged to curate the booklet, “To Be a Jew: Faith and Hope in Challenging Times,” that contains selected passages from the writings of Rabbi Sacks on how to maintain hope and confront evil, interwoven with inspirational stories from Israel and the Jewish world.
It is available here free of charge. On this significant day, I invite you to download this booklet, read it, and share its profound wisdom with others: https:// www.sivanrahavmeir.com/to-be-a-jew/
I dedicate these words in memory of the fallen, the healing of the wounded, the safe return of the hostages, for victory in war and positive news for the Jewish people in every area. May we merit, with G-d’s help, to heal our broken hearts.
Translated by Yehoshua Siskin, Janine Muller Sherr
Want to read more by Sivan Rahav Meir? Google The Daily Thought or visit sivanrahavmeir.com
Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL
From A to Z
BY RABBANIT SALLY MAYER
Many of our tefillot and piyutim over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur take the form of an acrostic of the aleph-bet. Why do we use this model? When we praise or beseech Hashem using all of the letters of the alphabet, we symbolically strive for completeness, because it’s actually impossible to truly complete the task at hand. If we were to try to praise Hashem with just a few words, we would run into the problem of when to stop, as we see in the Talmud (Megillah 25a), when an individual leading the prayers begins to list positive attributes of Hashem beyond the standard text of our tefillah, and Rabbi Chanina admonishes him – “Have you finished all of the praises of your Master?” We could never possibly finish, so we need to use defined formats – in the case in the Talmud, it was the praises
said by Moshe Rabbeinu in the Torah, and in the case of our tefillot, the Hebrew alphabet. By using every letter, we are saying that Hashem is incredible in every way, without limits.
Another example of this model is the vidui, the confession, that we say again and again on Yom Kippur: ashamnu, bagadnu, gazalnu – we are guilty, we have betrayed, we have stolen – and so on. We are saying to Hashem that we have sinned in countless ways; we can’t enumerate them all. We try to specify exactly what we have done wrong and make amends, but we know that there are too many misdeeds to remember, so we use the alphabet once again to emphasize completeness, and to ask for complete forgiveness.
Alongside the importance of reflecting on where we have gone wrong over the past year, Rav A.Y. Kook zt”l teaches us
YOM KIPPUR
The Torah reading for Yom Kippur is the description of the Yom Kippur Temple service. The pinnacle of this service was the most intimate moment of Divine-human contact in the year. The
High Priest, representing the nation of Israel, ‘meets G-d’, Who descends to the Holy of Holies in a cloud. This achieves atonement for the people.
G-d instructed Moshe to say to his brother Aharon that even he, the High Priest, may only enter the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, with a bull for a sin offering, along with a ram for a burnt offering. The Jewish people were to bring two goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
Aharon wears four special, white garments. He is to take two goats and draw lots; one is to be offered up in the Temple and the other is sent away to Azazel, the desert wastelands.
Aharon is to take a pan of coals and incense into the Holy of Holies, with the smoke of the incense enveloping the covering of the Aron (the Ark). This is reminiscent of Mount Sinai, where G-d ‘descended’ in a cloud and gave us the Ten Commandments.
Aharon takes the blood of his sin offering and sprinkles it seven times in the Holy of Holies and seven times in front of the curtain outside the Holy of Holies. He repeats this with blood of the people’s sin-offering, the one of the goats. Aharon then places his hands upon the head of the other goat and
that it is also motivating and empowering for each of us to think about what we have done right, to encourage ourselves to continue to do good in the world. Inspired by Rav Kook, Rav Binyamin Holtzman (Rav of Kibbutz Ma’aleh Gilboa) composed the following positive vidui: Ahavnu, bachinu, gamalnu, dibarnu yofi – we have loved, we have cried, we have shown kindness, we have spoken nicely. We have believed, we have tried, we have remembered, we have hugged. Over this year of so much pain for Am Yisrael, we have also seen so much kindness and caring and love. From the shipments of gear coming from the four corners of the world for our precious IDF soldiers, to the prayers for the hostages, from the countless meals cooked for reservist families, to the clothing drives for displaced families, the Jewish people have come together in so many ways
and done so much good. The incredible heroism of our soldiers and their families, the gevurah of those who have lost loved ones and yet are a force for goodness and healing for our people, are nothing short of inspiring. Alongside our confession of our wrongdoing and the crucial process of reflecting on how we can do better, Rav Kook encourages us to pay attention to how we have done well, where we have succeeded, what good examples we want to build upon for the coming year. It is our fervent hope that Hashem will see this as He judges us this year and have mercy, choosing to focus on the goodness of His people, from A to Z.
Rabbanit Sally Mayer serves as Rosh Midrasha at Ohr Torah Stone’s Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem. She is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).
beseeches G-d for forgiveness for the sins of the people, ‘placing them on the head of the goat’.
This second goat is then led out to the desert. Aharon changes from the special white garments to his regular ones and offers up the other offerings of the day.
This entire procedure is carried out once a year. Although Yom Kippur is a Yomtov, the restrictions of Shabbat apply. The High Priest was to atone firstly for himself and his family, then for the priesthood as a whole and then for the nation of Israel.
MAFTIR
The maftir details the regular Musaf offerings for Yom Kippur.
HAFTARAH
These are stirring words from the prophet Isaiah which place great emphasis on the moral fabric of society: “Thus says the high and exalted One...’High and holy I abide – yet I am with the crushed and humbled’”. This is what G-d wants from us. “Rituals of penance such as fasting have no effect if they are not accompanied by true contrition and a change of behaviour. G-d judges us by the way we treat others.” (Rabbi Sacks’ Yom Kippur Machzor, p. 741). The Haftarah ends with more memorable words, this time about Oneg Shabbat – Shabbat is a true delight when we refrain from pursuing
our normal weekday matters.
YOM KIPPUR MINCHA
This Torah reading is as different to the morning’s Torah reading as one could imagine, the theme being sexual ethics. Judaism is not only to be found in ritual, but in even the most personal aspects of our lives.
MINCHA HAFTARAH
Yonah (Jonah) the prophet is called on by G-d to go to the city of Nineveh to urge the people to mend their ways. But Yonah didn’t want them to repent and be forgiven by G-d, so he fled. Perhaps he thought that if he left the Holy Land and stopped living like a Jew, G-d would relieve him of his responsibility. So he went down to the port of Yafo, down onto a ship and down into the cabin, where he went to sleep.
G-d brought a huge, violent storm, which threatened to wreck the ship. The sailors prayed to their gods to save them, while Yonah slept on! It took the captain himself to go and wake him up. Yonah confessed to the crew that he was the cause of the storm and told them to throw him overboard – he so much didn’t want to go to Nineveh! Only when he was swallowed by a big fish and languished there for three days did he relent. A gripping story with many allegories and messages.
are proud to serve and support the community, and we look forward to another year of shared growth and success. Wishing all our clients and their loved ones a
Daf Topics Lots to Decide
Bava Batra 106b
BY RABBI YAKOV SCHONBERG
Bava Basra 106b discusses a situation where brothers wish to divide an inherited estate into equal portions, and they agreed to cast lots to decide who would receive which portion. The gemora says that as soon as one lot is cast, that result is binding. The gemora queries why that should be, as the division is still incomplete and no chazakah was performed on the portions. The gemora answers that casting lots is effective because it has its parallel with the method of the initial division of Eretz Yisrael among the twelve tribes. This is challenged, as these brothers do not have the benefit of the Divine direction of the Urim VeTumim. Rav Ashi explains that Divine guidance was unnecessary for these brothers because in consideration of the benefit that they each derived from the other’s consent to the division, they wholeheartedly agreed to cede any claim upon the remainder of the estate. How can the gemora link casting lots for inheritance performed as a random allocation with the Heavenly direction of Chalukas HaEretz?
GORAL ON YOM KIPPUR
Yom Kippur service has several examples of goral. There were תוסייפ, lots drawn to allocate duties between the kohanim on duty. In the piyyut הלא הרכזא the Roman executioner threw lots to determine who would be killed first. Then there is the story of Yonah, where the sailors cast lots to determine who was responsible for their predicament. However, the most prominent example is the taking of two he-goats and casting lots, one for Hashem and one for Azazel. The concept of random selection of the goat which will bear our sins is difficult to reconcile with taking responsibility for one’s deeds and acknowledging one’s faults – it appears to be the exact opposite idea.
BRIBING THE YETZER HORA
Ramban (Vayikra-16:8) explores the strange notion of casting lots for the Azazel goat which is sent afar to die on a jagged cliff. He notes Ibn Ezra cites Rav Shmuel ben Chofni Gaon saying that even though it is written regarding the goat that is chosen as a chatos and is Lashem, in truth the goat that is sent away to Azazel is for Hashem as well.
(One should not think that it is being offered to another force other than Hashem.) Ibn Ezra counters that Azazel is not an offering at all, as it is not slaughtered. He continues saying that if you want to understand the esoteric meaning of Azazel, I will give you a hint: when you are thirty-three you will know it. Ramban reveals the secret of this cryptic comment based on a midrash (Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer-46) that Jews would give Samael (angel of וׂשֵָׂעֵ\ריִעֵשָׂ, also known as Satan) a bribe on Yom Kippur so that he should not block their tefillos by prosecuting Israel in the Heavenly court. Samael, seeing Azazel bearing the sins of Israel and that no sin remains among Jews, starts praising Israel and Hashem grants atonement. Ramban explains that whilst this midrash intimates that Azazel is an offering to the forces of Satan, the Torah absolutely forbids the acceptance of angels as deities and all service to them. To avoid that, the two goats were presented as equals, both gifts to Hashem, and although the Kohen cast the lots, it was Hashem’s hand that apportioned them, so it was not the Kohen who gave it. Through this symbolic bribe, Hashem wants us to recognise the subversive influence of Yetzer Hora so that we would have control over him and repent from sin. This procedure creates an awareness of one’s split personality, where both sides are servants of Hashem, helping a person grow through free choice. He realises that it is the Yetzer Hora implanted by Hashem that influenced him, allowing him to make a fresh start. Even after the lots were cast, the Kohen would stand them together before Hashem as if having a joint destiny in fulfilment of Hashem’s will. Since it is not an offering to Samael we do not slaughter the goat and it sent into the desert, the wilds, which signifies its appropriate place. Finally, Ramban reveals the meaning of Ibn Ezra’s cryptic clue, that after thirty-three you will know, meaning after thirty-three pesukim, pointing to Vayikra 17:7
, they shall no longer slaughter their offerings to the goats (demons). The
superfluous word ד֙וֹעֵ implies that there is one situation in which something resembling an offering is tolerated. Ramban concludes that according to this understanding the name Azazel is a compound word – זזעֵ – harshness, and לא a suffix com- , monly found in angels’ names, indicating a spiritual force.
LEGAL FORCE OF LOTTERY
Returning to our case of inheritance allocation by lottery, what is the legal force by which it operates? Is it the lottery itself which binds the parties to the division of property or is it the subsequent agreement of the parties to the lottery result?
Minchas Asher (Bamidbar-72) suggests that there are two approaches to understanding the function of the lottery. One approach is to view random goral as a practical way of bringing about agreement of parties to a scheme of dividing property without any personal bias or dispute. Another approach is to see goral as a Divine expression of preference in the inheritance allocation. He then proceeds to demonstrate that these two approaches are behind a halachic difference of opinion as to what extent lottery results are binding. Rashbam writing about two brothers that as soon as the first lot is drawn, both brothers acquire their portions. This would indicate that no further kinyan is necessary. Rambam writes that no further kinyan is required because their agreement finalises the transfer of assets. Ravaad disagrees and holds like Rosh who learns that the lottery only serves to clarify the proposed allocation, but each brother would still need to take possession of his portion in order to make it binding. One can understand this difference of opinion on the basis of the two approaches whether the lottery is random resolution or an expression of Divine inspiration.
FAULTY LOTTERIES
Shevus Yakov (3:162) brings a case where division of assets was made by drawing lots to determine who had priority in selecting their allocation and one wished to backtrack on the division. He ruled that lottery was only binding where it was done in the exact same manner of Chalukas HaEretz, but numbered lots to determine priority would not be binding. Chavos Yair (61) brings a case where a silver goblet was raffled between twelve members of his chaburo at a Purim party. The lottery was conducted by placing slips with the twelve names
in one box and eleven blank slips plus one inscribed Mazel Tov in a second box. A child was asked to draw a slip from each box and the name that matched the Mazel Tov slip would win the goblet. The second name drawn matched the Mazel Tov, and then one of them decided to inspect the remaining slips in the box. He found that there were only ten remaining blank slips and there was a second slip inscribed Mazel Tov. Rabbi Yair Bacharach ruled that the lottery was invalidated, and they had to start afresh. This time Mazel Tov came up at the sixth drawing, but one of the chaburo inspected the remaining slips and found that one of the names had been omitted. They wanted to invalidate that draw as well, but the winner argued that the only one who would lose was the one omitted and he came to a compromise settlement with him. However, Rav Yair argued that although logically the others should have no claim, he could prove from our Bava Basra sugya that the draw was invalid. In that case, an additional brother came from abroad after the chaluka and even though the original brothers settled with him, the first lottery was completely invalidated. He explains that since a lottery is like Chalukas HaEretz, it operates by the hand of Hashem but cannot work if the lottery is faulty. Other poskim may hold that lottery is just a method of random selection, and as long as it is fair to all parties, it should not be invalidated.
PROHIBITED LOTTERIES
Poskim discuss using lotteries to decide entitlement for mitzvos. Where there is a clash of candidates for Yahrzeit davening, saying Kaddish or Haftorah, the ideal resolution is by way of goral. However, Shulchan Aruch (YD179:1) rules that it is forbidden to consult astrologers or lotteries because of ה�יׂהִתִּ םיִמִׂתִּ . How can that be reconciled with the approved halachic practices using lotteries? Poskim explain that the prohibited practice relates to probing into the future or to reveal hidden matters. Yet the wellknown Goral HaGra is used for future situations as well, and next week we shall discuss further why that is permitted.
Rabbi Schonberg was born in London in 1948 and attended Hasmonean School. He attended Manchester, Chaye Olam and Gateshead Yeshivos. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1972 becoming a partner at Cohen Arnold.
To contact Rabbi Schonberg, please email, yschonberg@gmail.com
To find out more, you can sign up at mercazdafyomi.com and receive a free gemoroh.
GIFT Honouring the Memory of October 7 with Over 1,000 Acts of Giving
On the first anniversary of one of the darkest days in Jewish history since the Holocaust, GIFT has transformed pain into purposeful action, channeling grief into kindness through an array of impactful initiatives. In remembrance of October 7, GIFT packed and distributed over 1,000 sweet packages—each one dedicated to the memory of those who tragically lost their lives that day. The initiative, titled “Spread Some Sweetness for Simchat Torah,” invited participants to
share sweets with others as a meaningful act of kindness, ensuring that the day of remembrance also becomes one of action and compassion.
Reflecting on the community’s response, Michelle Barnet MBE, Founding Director of GIFT, said:
“A year on from one of the worst days in Jewish history since the Holocaust, our community has been inspired to give endlessly to others. We have rallied around each other, supporting Israel and those in need, turning grief into a force for good. It is a privilege to facilitate these acts of giving in memory of those we have lost and to support those who need it. Our initiative, ‘Spread Some Sweetness for Simchat Torah,’ is a testament to the power of giving and unity, as we collectively transform a day of pain into one of hope, kindness, and action.”
More than 450 people took part in this project, demonstrating the incredible strength and compassion within the community. This initiative was held as part of a wider
community commemorative event at Hyde Park, and was also featured during GIFT’s weekly ‘Thank GIFT It’s Sunday’ family giving session at GIFT’s Hendon hub on Sunday morning.
In addition to these efforts, GIFT collaborated with Aish to host a special event for young professionals on Sunday evening. The gathering featured motivational words from Aryell Moussaioff CEO of Houmous Productions and the Houmous Foundation, who has been deeply involved in volunteering and advocating for Israel. His powerful message inspired attendees to pack over 500 sweet packs for Simchat Torah, encouraging young people to embrace kindness during difficult times.
In schools, GIFT led memorial activities at JFS, Merchant Taylors’ School, King David, and Yavneh Manchester, engaging over 700 students. Through these activities, students were encouraged
to reflect on stories of kindness since October 7 and create birthday cards for children from displaced families. These cards will be distributed during GIFT’s monthly birthday parties for children displaced from northern Israel, ensuring they can still celebrate their birthdays while far from home.
King David School Students GIFT
GIFT at Hyde Park Commemoration Event
Yom Kippur: Flying Amongst Angels
BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN
A speaker once started his seminar by holding up a $100 bill. “Who would like this $100 bill?”, he asked.
Every hand in the room went up.
The speaker looked around, and then crumpled the bill in his hand.
“Who wants it now?” he asked.
Every hand in the room remained in the air.
“Well,” he replied, “What about now?” He dropped the bill on the ground and stomped on it with his shoe.
He picked up the now crumpled and dirty bill and showed it to the crowd.
“Who still wants it?”
Every hand was still up in the air.
“My friends, you have just experienced a very powerful lesson. No matter what I do to this money, no matter how crumpled or muddy it gets, it does not decrease in value. Many times in our lives, life has a way of crumpling us up and grinding us in the dirt. We make bad decisions, or deal with poor circumstances, and we begin to feel worthless. We feel that Hashem has abandoned us, that He no longer values us. But no matter what has happened, and no matter what will happen, you will never lose your value. You were created b’tzelem Elokim, and nothing can change that.”
YOM KIPPUR: A MYSTERIOUS DAY
As we approach Yom Kippur, we recognize that it is unquestionably one of the most important days of the year. And yet, in many ways, it is a mystery. While one might assumedly categorize it as a day of suffering and sadness, Chazal refer to Yom Kippur as a spiritually uplifting day of atonement and rebirth (Taanis 4:8). There is even an element of the day that is associated with the happiness of Purim (Yom “Ki”-Purim, a day like Purim). At the same time, though, it is a fast day. We normally characterize fast days as times of mourning and sadness, such as Shiva Asar B’Tamuz and Tisha B’Av. How is Yom Kippur different, and what is the nature of this day?
SOUL QUESTIONS: WHAT ARE WE?
Arguably the most important concept in life, though often misunderstood, is the nature of the soul. Most people believe that they “have” a soul, some spiritual essence they possess within themselves. However, the deeper Jewish sources reveal a profound spiritual secret: you don’t have a soul, you are a soul. In other words, the soul is not an aspect of your self, or some spiritual component of your being; it is your very self. You are a soul, a consciousness, a spiritual being. When you say “I”, you are referring to your soul, your inner sense of self. You have a body, emotions, and an intellect, all different aspects and expressions of your soul. But you are a soul, a neshama, an infinitely expansive consciousness.
THE BIRTH OF FINITUDE
A soul is angelic, perfect, pure, and transcendent. This is what Chazal refer to as your “fetal self”, when you were still in the womb, just before entering this physical world (Niddah 30b). However, the moment one enters this physical world, the infinite expansiveness of the soul is confined within the physical body. The body is the container of the soul, but it is also the soul’s vehicle and tool, allowing the soul to manifest its will in this world. This is our mission in life. We enter this world with an undeveloped vehicle, our limited body. The soul, our existential self, is already perfect, but we don’t yet have access to the fullness of our true self. As we journey through life, we tap into greater and greater aspects of our soul, our self, and we must then manifest them into the world through our physical bodies. In doing so, we uplift our physical vessels, and enable them to tap into greater and greater aspects of our true self. This is the beautiful cycle of life, the endless expansion and expression of self into this
year, but the Satan only has power on 364 of those days. Yom Kippur is the one day where the Satan, the Yetzer Hara, has no power over you. On this day, you can completely transcend and experience angelic perfection (Yoma 20a).
WHY DO WE FAST?
There is a paradoxical relationship between the body and the soul:
• Your soul, which is your “self”, is transcendent, infinite, and purely spiritual. You cannot see, smell, or touch the consciousness, the mind. You will never see someone else’s inner world.
• The body, however, is finite, limited, and physical. Your soul will never die, but your body will eventually age and wither.
If the soul and body are complete opposites, how do they manage to coexist as one? One would expect them to repel each other,
OUR INNER STRUGGLE
While this perspective is both powerful and fundamental, its implementation is elusive, and perhaps humanity’s most central struggle. Many people believe that they are a body, a physical, finite being. Having forgotten our true selves, we are born with the illusory belief that we are only that which we can see. We look in the mirror, seeing only flesh and bone, and we believe that this is all that we are.
However, this is merely our starting point. The turning point in life is the moment we realize that we are angelic souls in a physical casing. We are not physical beings attempting to have a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings trying to uplift our physical experience. This is the central theme of Yom Kippur.
YOM KIPPUR: FLYING WITH ANGELS
Yom Kippur is the one day of the year when we completely free ourselves of our physical limitations, embracing our angelic self. This day embodies true teshuva, when we return to our ultimate root, to our spiritual, perfect self. Chazal characterize Yom Kippur as the one day of the year when we have the ability to become a malach (angel). On this day, our lower self and physical urges are powerless, they cannot bring us down. They formulate this idea through the following gematria: “Ha’Satan”- the evil inclination, has the numerical value of 364. There are 365 days in the
state.
This principle sheds light on all the issurim of Yom Kippur. We don’t engage in the physical world because Yom Kippur is a day of transcending the physical aspects of human experience.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF YOM KIPPUR
This is the unique opportunity that Yom Kippur presents: to transcend, to experience the infinite. Unlike other fast days, it is not a day of suffering and mourning, but one of spiritual transcendence. As the famous quote goes: On Tisha B’Av, who can eat, on Yom Kippur, who needs to?” This is why the Rambam (Hilchos Shevisas He’Asor 1:4) states that on Yom Kippur we “rest” from eating. This is not a day of prohibition and suffering, it is one of completely embracing the spiritual, tapping into our absolute root, our truest sense of self.
PREPARATION FOR THE YEAR TO COME
The transcendent experience of Yom Kippur lays the foundation for the rest of the year. While the physical can be destructive if misused, the ideal is not to completely transcend the physical, but rather to use the physical in order to reflect something higher. Our goal as humans is not to escape the physical, but to use it as a means of connecting to the transcendent.
like two opposite sides of a magnet.
This is the powerful purpose of food. There needs to be something to keep your soul attached to your body, some kind of “glue”. Eating food generates the energy which keeps your neshama connected to your body. That is why the lack of eating has the opposite effect. What happens when you don’t eat? You become faint. What happens if you continue to fast? You will pass out. And if you still don’t eat, your soul will leave your body and you will die. Eating maintains the connection between your soul and your body; it is what keeps you alive.
This is the depth behind the phrase “u’mafli la’asos- Who performs wonders”, that we recite in Asher Yatzar (the blessing we recite after using the bathroom). What “wonder” are we referring to? The Beis Yosef suggests that it is the wonderous paradox that our soul, infinitely transcendent, can remain connected to our bodies, a physical, finite vessel. We mention this specifically after using the bathroom because we have just filtered out the unneeded parts of what we ate or drank, the very means of forging the connection between body and soul.
We can now understand the concept of fasting, especially on the day of Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur, we attempt to live as malachim, completely transcending the physical world. We therefore fast, allowing our soul to somewhat transcend our body, enabling us to experience one day of living in an angelic
This is the key behind the process we undertake throughout the Yamim Noraim. We first experience Elul, then Rosh Hashanah, and then Yom Kippur, a developmental process of elevating ourselves higher and higher above the physical world and deeper and deeper into the spiritual world. Only once we establish this transcendent root can we then re-immerse ourselves into the physical world, but this time on an entirely new level. Sukkos, which immediately follows Yom Kippur, embodies this lesson in embracing the physical. Our root must be transcendent, grounded firmly in the spiritual, and then atop that foundation we can descend into the physical and use it in a transcendent way.
May we be inspired to fully experience our angelic selves this Yom Kippur, and then infuse the totality of our spiritual acquisition into our physical life, elevating our actions and intentions as we move this physical world towards its ultimate spiritual root.
Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. He authored a bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self. After obtaining his BA from YU, he received Semicha from YU’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar.
physical world.
Family Fun YOM KIPPUR
The Torah reading for Yom Kippur morning describes the service performed on this day by the Kohen Gadol (high priest) in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
A special feature of the Yom Kippur service was the casting of lots over two he-goats — equal in age, size and appearance — to determine which shall be offered to G-d in the Holy Temple, and which shall be dispatched to carry off the sins of Israel to the wilderness.
The climax of the service was when the Kohen Gadol entered the innermost chamber in the Temple, the “Holy of Holies.” Wearing special garments of pure white linen, the Kohen Gadol would enter the sacred place with a pan of burning coals in his right hand, and a ladle containing an exact handful of ketoret in his left. Inside the Holy of Holies, he would place the ketoret over the coals, wait for the room to fill with its aromatic smoke,
CuriousCustoms
AFGHANISTANI JEWS ATE AS MANY AS SEVEN MEALS DURING THE DAY BEFORE YOM KIPPUR INCLUDING FISH IN THE MORNING.
and hastily retreat from the holy place.
“This shall be an everlasting statute for you,” the Torah reading concludes. “...For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G-d... once a year.”
During the afternoon Minchah service, we read chapter 18 of Leviticus, which details the prohibitions against incest and other deviant sexual behaviors.
The Torah reading is followed by a haftorah (reading from the Prophets) which tells the story of Jonah — the prophet who was sent to prophesy the destruction of the sinful city of Ninveh, ran away from G-d, was swallowed by a fish, and learned the power of prayer and repentance to evoke G-d’s mercy and annul the harshest decrees.
A SYRIAN CUSTOM IS FOR PEOPLE BEFORE NEILAH TO APPROACH THE ARK AND KISS THE TORAH SCROLLS AND BEG FORGIVENESS FOR ANY LAWS THEY MAY HAVE BROKEN DURING THE YEAR.
MOROCCAN JEWISH MEN WILL REMAIN IN SHUL THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT RECITING TEHILLIM WHILST THE JEWS OF INDIA OBSERVE YOM KIPPUR BY STAYING IN THEIR HOMES WITH THE DOORS CLOSED AND LOCKED
IN TURKISH COMMUNITIES, THE SHAMASH OF THE SHUL POURS ROSE WATER OR TOBACCO ON THE HANDS OF THE WORSHIPERS, WHILST THE JEWS OF ZIMBABWE SLAUGHTERED ONE CHICKEN IN THE NAME OF EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY TWO NIGHTS BEFORE THE FAST
Jewish Riddle
Last week’s answer: Can you name two different occasions when Rosh Chodesh will fall during the coming week, yet no Shabbat Mevorachim prayers are said on the preceding Shabbat?
The answer is:
1. (The easy one) The Shabbat before Rosh Hashana, which is the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Tishrei.
2. When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbat and Sunday, the 1st day Rosh Chodesh is the Shabbat. Despite the fact that there will be a Rosh Chodesh that coming week (the 2nd day on Sunday), Shabbat Mevorachim will not be said on Shabbat, as they were said the previous week!
This week’s Question:
On one historic Yom Kippur, the entire Jewish people ate and drank and were praised for it by Hashem.”
When did this occur?
Tangram Challenge!
Using all the shapes below can you make the shape on the right?
Word Wheel
B
The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.
Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.
Jokes
Q: What do librarians take with them when they go fishing?
A: Bookworms!
Q: What did one wall say to the other wall?
A: “I will meet you at the corner!”
Q: What did one toilet say to the other?
A: “You look a bit flushed!”
Q: Why was the broom late?
A: It over swept!
M
A R N I T S
E
Riddles
1. Is always in front of you but can not be seen?
2. Take one out and scratch my head, I am now black but one was red?
3. What is as light as a feather but even the strongest man cannot hold for long?
EXPERT ADVICE
Dear Jewish Care
I am 85 and I’m quite independent in my own home. I am worried about the rising cost of heating bills in this cold weather so I’m trying to only put the heating on when I really need to. I wonder if you’ve got any advice on staying warm?
Sarah
The cost of living is a real concern for many of us, and as we age, the cold affects us more but there are extra things you can do to help you to stay warm to support your health and well being this winter. It’s best to try to keep your home at 18°C (65°F) or higher. Wearing multiple thinner layers of clothes, or clothes made of wool and fleecy synthetic fibres, having plenty of hot meals, hot drinks and a hot water bottle, is beneficial too.
You may be able to take advantage of support from financial schemes and discounts, such as the Warm Home Discount Scheme or Cold Weather Payments. To qualify for these, you would need to be claiming Pension Credit, a qualifying benefit or on other support.
Visiting warm places and connecting socially with others saves on fuel bills, whilst boosting your wellbeing. Jewish Care’s community centres offer warmth in temperture and company, with friendly staff and volunteers, as well as stimulating activities and a hot, nourishing meal. Our Supportive Communities tea party groups also meet regularly in a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the year and our Meals on Wheels service provides hot, nutritious meals to older people at home delivered by our volunteers.
It’s important to have your yearly flu jab, free for over 65’s, order repeat prescriptions for any medications you need and keep a list of important telephone numbers by your phone for emergencies.
You can visit jewishcare.org to find out more about services we run near you, or call the Jewish Care Direct helpline on 020 8922 2222 or email helpline@jcare.org if you would like any more information.
Rachel Pegrum
ESTATE AGENT
MARTIN FRYDENSON - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE
Roundtree Real Estate are your local experienced Estate Agent having been established on the High Street since 2009. We are both ARLA and NAEA Propertymark regulated and we are here to offer you expert advice in Property Sales, Lettings, Commercial and Full Management Services, covering Hendon, Golders Green, Finchley, Colindale and surrounding areas. We have built long standing relationships with all our clients and should you have any property related queries please do contact us.
ALIYAH ADVISORS - GARY BROWN - PRACTICAL ALIYAH ADVICE
Book a FREE meeting with UKAA’s founder Gary Brown, who will go through your particular needs and wants on a the PRACTICAL side of leaving your country of origin and/or living in/moving to Israel. This is both for pre and post- Aliyah Olim. This FREE meeting will allow Gary to advise on who you need to speak with for each requirement and when in the year you should approach them. Confidentiality assured.
Kosher Deli was established with the intention of making kosher meat and poultry affordable for all with the convenience of multiple locations and a comprehensive delivery service. All this without compromising on kashrus or quality.
Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Our vital services touch the lives of 10,000 people every week. We provide services and offer a wide range of support groups to older people, people with mental health needs, Holocaust survivors, people living with dementia, people with a variety of needs and carers support.
Offering a range of building surveying services and specialising in party wall matters, nationwide, for both consumers and businesses, including; -
• Pre-acquisition Surveys
• Party Wall Matters
• Defect Inspections
• Schedules of Condition
• Insurance Reinstatement Costs Assessments
Contact:
Toli Moscovitz BSc (Hons) MRICS 0161 823 6973 info@matrixsurveyors.co.uk www.matrixsurveyors.co.uk
SHIPPING
STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING
• Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules
• Construction Project Management
• Licence for Alterations
• Insurance claims
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET
We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010. We specialise in supplying businesses with VoIP Packages, Mobile Plans, Broadband, Card Merchant Services, Leased Lines, On-Hold Marketing, and Call Centre Services. Smartinet, your reliable and efficient business communications provider.
We are a well-established and successful Managed I.T. Services Provider (MSP) with a clear sense of purpose. We plan, design and enable the procurement, implementation, protection and management of a wide range of modern technologies through an earned and trusted partnership with our clients across the UK. We enable our clients to be operationally efficient by successfully embracing their digital transformation journey.
With almost 40 years experience, our company has the ability to move household and personal effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and care that comes from that experience coupled with an attention to detail.
We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation. And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!
