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BY DA VID SA FFER The war of wo West Ba UN month nk anne rds over claim human Israe xatio has es The Un calate n plans l’s wo ed this we rights uld next ek ite ex of nu d Na d. law. So be violat that Neta perts m in Prim erous co tions and statem me 50 sig g intern nyahu e M inister untries, in leaders ationa natorie have ent ca op clu l Benjamcriticised Boris Jo ding Un pose plan lled on co s to a join hn s Pr un ite in so and tries t d St Netany ime M n, ya regard hu’s “u ates for slammed to dan Va ing settlem ahu’s aspi inister backin th “The nlawful” ents an rations lle g Neta e pl Jordan y. an an d the nian Jor- territory nexation . warn of oc the Ch is a se ed of King Ab rious cupied being Middl dullah and arter of viol th II e Ea st sta has co the Gene the Unite ation of Criti reatened ntra d va Co bility when cism ha . nven Nations affirm ry to the s be ev fundam tions, an ed m the un er Neta en ed d nyah intens an ity e Ge Nations y times by ental rule John governm u has gardin son swer ent’s inte stated sit neral AsseSecurity Co the Unitve nt Israel g possible d a ques ions. in ion of terr mbly that uncil and tio admiss itory by the ac on Tu in the Housanctions n requiible wa ag proposesday, bu se of Com ainst ed “The Unite,” they noter or force is t natio ition as a did view mons 53 on man d Nations d. nal PM Bo Isr “breac y -y ris Jo h” of ael’s th ear-old Isroccasions has stat“We law. hnso e so intern th ae said. have stron rights urce of li occupa at the de Jordan, “W PHOTO: profou tion a two- e belie gly object WIKIME violat mned meantim DIA es is ve ed nd e, contin state solu profound ,” he ad tinian pe ions agains human sovereig Israel’s plans has contion op ue to nty. ded. ly in le,” th t the Pa an to ex make e sta l- staKing Abdu tend “Thes that ca d we will te lla ment temen se.” tions e hum t, said h, in a roya ra an wo el i mea l ul rig anne sures that unila palace was xation.d only in hts viol te un in ate ra ” accept th nsify l after able; e West Ba Isit wo uld al nk CONT so INUE CALL: 0161 6379 550 D ON PAGE 3 23
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ewish Weekly Minister 146 Benjamin Netanyahu’s except those agreed between both proposal for settlements and the parties.” Jordan Valley that was due to start The United Nations, European yesterday. It has yet to be ratified Union and numerous Arab counfor a variety of reasons, but John- tries have also stated annexation son’s views, as “Israel’s friend” violates international law. in a frank opinion piece in Ynet, Johnson called for all parties offered a stark warning for Israel’s to re-engage and “hammer out a unity government. solution” that would require comJohnson’s teenage and govern- promise on mental experiences have given underestimatiall sides. Whilst not ng the challenges him a “profound attachment” to- for a lasting peace, he said a true, wards the State of Israel. The UK’s lasting security for Israel must alcommitment to Israel’s security low justice and security for Israelis NATION is “unshakable”, he said, but he and Palestinians. AL LEAR is fearful annexation will fail to “I refuse to believe that this is AWAR NING DISA secure Israel’s borders ENESS and long- impossible,” Johnson said. BILITY “We STORIE WEEK term interests. will work tirelessly with the U.S. S OF “Israel’s enemies would seize and FROM FRIENDSH other partners in the Arab IP upon it (annexation) and use it world KISHAR and Europe to try to make ON against those in the Middle East peace a reality.” who want to see progress,” JohnJohnson concluded that all sides son explained. return to the negotiating table. Reminding Netanyahu that the “That must UK has defended Israel in minori- “Annexation be our goal,” he said. would only take us ty at the UN against disproportion- further away from it.” ate criticism, he added, “AnnexaThe past days have seen little tion would represent a violation of movement from Israel’s greatest international law. It would also be ally, the United States, though a gift to those who want to perpet- talks have continued. Arab nauate the old stories about Israel. tions have threatened regional “I profoundly hope that an- instability. nexation does not go ahead. If it does, the UK will not recognise CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 any changes to the 1967 lines,
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on Israel not to annex the West Bank. Pressure globally and within the Knesset has intensified on Prime
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US President Donald Trump was set to join the meeting at some point. The US Middle East peace deal recognises Jewish settlements as part of Israel alongsid e a Palestinian state but with stringent conditions. Palestinian leaders have dismissed the plan, King Abdullah II of Jordan has warned of Middle
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White House officials met this week in Washington to discuss if they will give the green light for Netanyahu to proceed on July 1. Israel’s leader needs Trump’s support, but Washin gton is res- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah olute they will only u support a Palestin ians into our territory plan backed by Israeli , we consensus won’t harm from the recently human rights or the established right of movement, we’ll work coalition. in coordination with regiona Notwithstanding global l councontries and we’re in contact with cern, Gantz was clear about Is- them, we rael’s position during won’t endanger the a meeting peace agreem with defence officials ents.” outlining US Ambassador to Israel security concerns. David Friedman returned to “The Palestinians continu Washinge to ton for discussi reject dialogue,” he ons with Trump’s said. “We senior advisor Jared Kushne might have to advance r, without Secretary of State Mike Pompeo them.” and National Security Gantz added, “We won’t Adviser take Robert O’Brien .
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Kosher high street businesses in the country are parts of comi parking restriction ng to terms with new allows high street s as Central Government s gradual manner. to reopen in a phased and The Public Healt h initiative is desig support reside ned to nts, remain safe natio businesses and families to nwid clude closing roads e. Safety measures ining or narrowing to traffic, removing parkroads to help pedes Thousands of New parking restric Jews live in Hertf trians. tions in Boreha where the Coun mwood’s high ordsh ire issues at street ty hand but backs with District and Council, in partnership the initiative. “This is a rapid PHOTO: A. MOSES socially distan of a Covid-19 recovBorough Councils as part ly moving proje ce. plained. “We’r e playing our part ct,” he exmeasures in Boreh ery effort, have instigated “All parking, excep time and hope during this amwo t for disabled od, Elstre is currently suspe lett in recent days. residents will e and Rad- demo parking continue to nstrate kindness encourage peop nded on the high street to Kosher outlets to each other by keeping the two metre le to be able to including delica shop and feel butchers and come out to s distancing. tessen s, safe. restaurants are “I understand These measures exten prime high street situated in and recognise create living in town locations. Socia that those limiteded pedestrian areas, which centr cussions are mixed l media diswere very d before as the disruption, as the es may experience some depen high ding street on began opening up and comi ual standpoint traffic manageme an individ. es. But I hope they ng to nt chang“We do appreciate life once again. Concerned busin their streets are will appreciate feeling that that shop owne see this as negat the measures but ess owners understand made safer for rs may and ive, pedestrians it could hit trade however we see residents alike positi Councillor Phil . as a result of the this as a Bibby, Hertfordsh Coun changes.” these ve move to actually improve ty Council’s Cabin busin ire Coun- Borou cillor Natalie Susman, Hertsmere been very difficult times. Borehamwo ess in gh Council, added and Environme et Member for Highways very lucky to be od has , “The recent es to nt, is sympathet ic to the the the high street in Borehamwo chang- town centres to have one of the first of many od are for purpose of suppo this implement Coun ed.” rting the public to safely a series cils across the country have produced of maps of releva nt changes onlin e.
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when blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. Communities must also have in place rapid shut-down plans if there is a suspected coronavirus case among those attending services. Though led by government guidance, emerging from lockdown will differ across communities. Halachic or shul services related issues should be referred to the Office of the Chief Rabbi and US. The government’s phased approach and ‘R’ rate will impact on planning. Synagogue buildings must meet Covid-19 safety requirements and allow for social distancing. Groups of people that should not attend services include those shielded according to the government’s definition, those displaying Covid-19 symptoms, those living with people with Covid-19 or
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produced a radical policy document for a Covid safe environment Latest government measures following Chief Rabbi Ephraim allow for places of worship to re- Mirvis’ ‘Guiding Principles for Exopen no earlier than 4th July but iting Lockdown’. reopening will be governed by Highlights include social disa ‘protection of life’ philosophy tancing for leyning and aliyot, a with social distancing paramount. ban on kissing the Sefer Torah The United Synagogue has and only 30 notes will be required
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IMMINENT NURSES STRIKE IN ISRAEL BY DAVID SAFFER
Israel is facing a fresh crisis with news that nurses may launch a general strike on Monday. Extra hospital wards have reopened as the country battles a second coronavirus wave and nurses are aggrieved about escalating staff shortages. Following failed negotiations with the Health Ministry yesterday, the National Nurses Association acted “out of national responsibility” according to nursing chairwoman Ilana Cohen to avoid a “doomsday scenario” for the public health system and to safeguard human lives. Hospitals, health maintenance organisations (HMOs) and other clinics will be hit by the dispute. Cohen reportedly told
The Media Line that before the pandemic there was a shortage of 1,500 nurses. With hundreds of staff in quarantine and numbers increasing there was no alternative. “Until there is a strike, nothing will change,” Cohen confirmed. During a tense few days, the Nurses’ Union met with Health Ministry director general Prof. Hezi Levi on Monday. After talks failed, the union blamed the Finance Ministry for not allocating a large enough budget for additional nurses to handle the pandemic. According to Health Ministry data, 759 nurses have entered quarantine since Sunday. In comparison, 124 nurses were sidelined in June. A Finance Ministry spokesperson reportedly told The
Media Line that NIS 10 billion would be invested to fight the pandemic. 800 new nursing positions had also been added in recent months to “reinforce hospitals and the public health system.” Nurses held a strike 12 months ago over working conditions. A two-day dispute affected hospitals and clinics across the country. Nursing officials returned to negotiations after the Health Ministry was granted a court injunction. Israel had recorded 1,055 new cases yesterday according to Health Ministry figures last night. Nationwide cases since the beginning of the pandemic is 43,668 with a death toll at 375. Of 23,399 people battling COVID-19, 205 are in serious condition with 57 people on ventilators.
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Anti-Semitic hashtag goes viral Labour receives EHRC draft report BY ROBERT LEVY Twitter has refused to act after anti-Semitic hashtag #JewishPrivilege went viral this week. The social networking giant reportedly said the posts did not breach its terms of service. Campaign Against Antisemitism blasted the decision not to take down offensive posts. Abusive tweets reportedly included a post, “#JewishPrivilege is being born into a world where your ancestors have ‘progressively’ transformed an entire civilisation into a Jewish ‘utopia’ by inverting its formerly Christian values into their exact opposites.” Another noted, “#JewishPrivilege is shaming whites while pretending to be one of us…”. Stephen Silverman, CAA director of investigations and enforcement, condoned Twitter’s response. “The idea that Jews are a ‘privileged’ group is a slur designed to deny that anti-Semitism exists and to imply that Jews are a cause of racism towards other minorities,” he noted. “It is an anti-Semitic concept targeting a people who have suffered relentless persecution, exile, mass murder and the Holocaust, and it has no place in decent discourse.”
BY ADAM MOSES Silverman added, “It is horrifying to see that #JewishPrivilege has been one of Twitter’s most popular hashtags of the past 24 hours. That it has gone viral demonstrates how ‘unprivileged’ Jews in fact are. The accounts spewing this anti-Jewish hatred will still be there tomorrow, retweeted in the thousands as Twitter predictably but disgracefully refuses to take any action, adding yet another entry to the platform’s long record of enabling racism against Jews. “Twitter’s refusal to act is not just tonedeaf but brazen. Anti-Semites are able to use Twitter to reach millions and by failing to act on anti-Jewish incitement Twitter is enabling it. Social networks are allowing racism to run rampant and it is high time they were regulated like all other mass media.” CAA has lambasted social media platforms for enabling conspiracy theories against Jews to evolve faster than they would normally. “People on extremes are reaching larger audiences than they could ever have dreamed of reaching a few years ago,” noted CAA chief executive Gideon Falter. He added, “Social networks are enormously to blame for protecting anti-Semites inciting hatred against Jews.”
The Labour Party has received the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s draft report into allegations of anti-Semitism. A full judgement is expected later this year. Labour, in a statement, would not comment on its contents but acknowledged receipt of the dossier on Monday. “The draft report has been shared with the Labour Party as part of a process afforded to us prior to the report’s publication,” noted a spokesman. “It is sent in confidence by the EHRC, so until that process is completed, it would be inappropriate to comment on any of the contents of the draft report - and we will not do so.” The investigation began last year under former leader Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. Sir Keir Starmer since his appointment has vowed to stamp out anti-Semitism within the party. He has also stated he will act on any recommendations by the EHRC. The party statement added that Starmer and Angela Rayner were committed to tackling anti-Semitism within the Party. “Anti-Semitism has been a stain on the Labour Party in recent years,” it noted. “It has caused unacceptable and unimaginable levels of grief and distress for many in the Jewish community, as well as members of staff. “Tackling anti-Semitism within the Labour Party is a priority and we are determined to take the further action necessary to begin restoring trust with the Jewish community. “We are committed to cooperating fully with the Commission’s investigation and implementing its recommendations when the final report is published. We will be making no further comment.” The EHRC report comes just a few weeks
after Starmer sacked Shadow Education Secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey, after she shared an article which included an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Labour made unwanted history when they became the first party to be subject to a full statutory EHRC investigation since the 2006 Equality Act entered law. Labour has 28 days in which to make representations to the EHRC in relation to the draft report. Campaign Against Antisemitism has reacted to news of the EHRC draft report, in which CAA is the sole complainant. CAA chief executive, Gideon Falter said, “Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, the Labour Party became institutionally anti-Semitic and brought almost half of British Jews to consider fleeing the country. The Party must be forever changed after this episode so this can never happen again. Those responsible remain in the Party and must be held to account if Sir Keir Starmer is to tear antisemitism ‘out by its roots’, as he has promised. The EHRC’s report is a pivotal moment in this corrective process, which is why we made the original referral to the EHRC and were the sole complainant in its investigation. “Sir Keir told us to judge him not by his words but by his actions, but today marks the first 100 days of his tenure as leader and he has still failed to set out a timeline for fixing Labour’s broken disciplinary process or, with one exception in relation to Rebecca Long-Bailey, take action over incidents in the Party. “The EHRC has considered a great deal of evidence from us and we will have more to say when the report is published in due course.”
Russell-Moyle apologises over Zionist post Labour shadow cabinet minister Lloyd Russell-Moyle has apologised for labelling Zionism “dangerous” in historic social media posts. Posts date back to 2009 when the Shadow Minister for Natural Environment and Air Quality wrote that Zionism is “a very dangerous nationalist idea”. Referring to Jewish claims to the land of Israel, Russell-Moyle added that ‘heritage’ claims was “not progressive” in its nature. Comments were made on Facebook group Woodcraft Folk, in which Russell-Moyle had a role.
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He has since reportedly apologised. “I have now deleted these posts and recognise why they were offensive,” Russell-Moyle noted. “I am completely and unreservedly committed to supporting Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner’s pledge to rid the Party of antisemitism.” These are important days for Starmer who has vowed to “stamp out” anti-Semitism. Labour received the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s draft report into allegations of anti-Semitism this week.
WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 14 Letters 16 Feature 18 Community 28 Feature 30 Health
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Israeli schools to open in September
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BY SIMCHA ABIR Israel’s 2020/21 academic year is set to begin on September 1. Education Minister Yoav Galant made the welcome announcement yesterday. Galant’s proposal takes into account community experiences in terms of the deadly virus. Safety measures will be in place to avoid further waves of coronavirus cases. A detailed plan includes groups of 18 children for kindergartens and elementary school classes up to fourth grade in existing school facilities. Extra public buildings will be utilised if need be for safe distancing requirements.
Children from fifth grade up will study remotely although each child will be in school one day a week to maintain a connection with a school and teachers. “We are guided by the principle that functioning schools are crucial for the economy,” Galant said. “The cost of suspending the education system could reach NIS 300 million per day, so we must keep schools working for the good of the economy as well as for children’s education.” Galant added that he is hopeful he will not have to introduce major changes to his plan. The proposal was produced with cooperation from local municipalities, parents and teachers. The plan will be instigated by the Education Ministry with support Health and Finance ministries. The ministry has budgeted to boost existing staff numbers. New staff will include retired teachers, students and job seekers looking to enter the industry. The plan is a major fillip for Israelis who have lost jobs during the pandemic as unemployment figures have soared in recent months.
Nissim battling WJC welcomes Duda re-election coronavirus BY NATALIE ASH
Nissim Black
PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA
Orthodox rapper Nissim Black is battling coronavirus. The American-Israeli singer denied reports he is in critical condition in hospital. “Thanks for all the tefillos everybody,” he tweeted. “I am currently getting oxygen and meds in the Hospital and I AM NOT in critical condition. Still need tefillos for a speedy recovery. Thank you all,” Black hit the big time with his song “God Like ” in 2008 as D.Black. Following the murder of a friend, Black converted to orthodox Judaism. He made aliyah to Jerusalem in 2016.
World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder has welcomed Andrzej Duda’s re-election as president of Poland. During his first term of office, Lauder noted, President Duda had understood the challenges faced by Polish Jews. Duda had also improved relations with Polish and international Jewish communities together with the State of Israel. “Poland is a vast repository of Jewish history,” Lauder explained. “President Duda recognises the importance of celebrating the 1,000-year-old heritage of Polish Jewry and the fact that Polish Jews made immeasurable contributions to Poland, sharing in its triumphs and tragedies. In both word and deed, he has sought to preserve the site of Auschwitz-Birkenau for future generations.” Lauder called on Duda to ensure the destruction of Polish Jewry is at the core of “serious historical research”. Lauder also praised Duda’s response to anti-Semitism. “Jewish communities throughout Europe, including in Poland, have directly confronted a disturbing resurgence of anti-Semitism,” he commented. “President Duda has spoken out against this hatred and we remain hopeful that he will continue to do so.” Lauder said WJC looked forward to advancing common interests with Poland.
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Calls for Tories to ban neo-Nazi group BY ROBERT LEVY Communal organisations have called for Boris Johnson’s government to ban farright group the Order of the Nine Angles. The Board of Deputies and Campaign Against Antisemitism have voiced grave concerns about the neo-Nazi group that dates its calendar from the birth of Adolf Hitler. It is believed ONA members infiltrate institutions or join Islamist organisations to promote the group’s agenda. Founded in the 1970s, ONA advocates human sacrifice and reportedly have links to banned Nazi group the Sonnenkrieg Division. Earlier this year, Home Secretary Priti Patel banned the neo-Nazi organisation as a terrorist group. This follows the banning of National Action which CAA campaigned for in 2016. Campaigners Hope Not Hate have noted ONA promotes extreme violence, Holocaust denial, neo-Nazism and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. “Far Right Groups must not be given the time or space to endanger the safety of the Jewish community, other minorities or society as a whole,” said BoD’s Amanda Bowman. “We thank the CST and Hope Not Hate for campaigning on the issue of the Feuerkrieg Division and ministers for responding by proscribing this violent group as a terrorist organisation. Now is the time for the
government to go further and ban the far more dangerous Order of the Nine Angles.” A CAA spokesperson added, “The odious group’s links with both Islamist terrorism and the far-right Sonnenkrieg Division, recently proscribed by the British government, are enormously concerning, and the government must now move to proscribe the Order of the Nine Angles as well before its dangerous ideology and actions end in the tragedy of yet another far-right terrorist attack.” Earlier this year, Home Secretary Priti Patel banned SKD as a terrorist organisation in the UK. Membership of SKD is illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison. SKD members Michal Szewczuk, 19, from Leeds, and Oskar Dunn-Koczorowski, 18, from west London, were both jailed for terrorism offences a year ago. The pair called for an attack on Prince Harry for marrying Meghan Markle and glorified in Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik. Patel said at the time, “We are working to keep the public safe by increasing funding for counter-terror police and strengthening the law to keep terrorists locked up for longer. By proscribing these groups we are making it much harder for them to spread their hateful rhetoric.” Hope Not Hate said ONA influence is seen in American Nazi group Atomwaffen Division.
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CAA blasts IPSO
Extract from the letter
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BY ADAM MOSES Campaign Against Antisemitism has blasted the Independent Press Standards Organisation after it refused to act against a North-East publication regarding a letter comparing Israel to the Nazis. The Journal utilises an old Editors’ Code of Practice that only covers discrimination against an individual. In the letter last May, headlined ‘Ending cycles of suffering’, the writer, Mem Tahir, regretted that the local Jewish community had been unable to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tahir reportedly noted, “When one looks back at history, and looks at the sects that suffered most in the past, one sees that the sufferers in the past are now repeating the atrocities!” Tahir went on to compare the effect of Israeli policy to how “the Jewish population suffered under the Nazi regime.” CAA made it clear at the time that the letter was a breach of the International Definition of Antisemitism as it drew “comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis”. The publication subsequently apologised after the matter was brought to the attention of CAA. “The letter did not reflect the views of The Journal,” the publication wrote. “Newspaper editors are under no obligation to print letters,” noted CAA at the time. “While letters do not necessarily represent the views of the editors, the choice to print an anti-Semitic letter reflects the editors’ ignorance of the manifestations of anti-Jewish racism. The editors must apologise to readers and clarify what steps are
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being taken to avoid a repeat in future.” CAA welcomed an apology from The Journal but stated its regret that the editors had not acknowledged the letter was anti-Semitic and should not have been published in the first place. “Offence was not caused merely because of the claims that were made in the letter but because those claims were racist against Jews.” said a CAA spokesman. “Until the editors recognise this there can be no confidence that it will not publish racist letters or material in future.” It has since emerged that the letter appeared in The Evening Chronicle, leading to complaints to IPSO by the local Jewish community and NorthEast Jewry Representative Council. CAA has seen correspondence with IPSO who ruled there was no breach of the provisions of the code with regard to accuracy. The publications were entitled to publish Tahir’s letter on a “highly divisive and complex political issue,” IPSO reportedly noted. CAA, however, does not agree with IPSO’s ruling nor IPSO rejecting complaints in connection with Clause 12 of the Code, dealing with discrimination. “The notion that only individuals but not groups can be discriminated against on the basis of race is not sustainable,” said a CAA spokesperson. “For the Code to provide for instances where a Jew or an individual with another protected characteristic is targeted but not for when Jews as a group are targeted leaves the field wide open for anti-Semitic material to be disseminated in the print media, just as it was in this case.” CAA are to write to IPSO calling for an update to the Code.
CAA made it clear at the time that the letter was a breach of the International Definition of Antisemitism
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Chabad organise pop-up in Pennsylvania BY SIMCHA ABIR Chabad-Lubavitch has ensured New York youngsters can enjoy a camp experience this summer. Around 1,000 youngsters are combining study and outdoor activities at a large camp in Pennyslvania. The pop-up initiative has been a welcome relief as the coronavirus pandemic has shut down activities across Crown Heights communities. Students at many yeshivas and schools have been socially isolating in recent months. Youngsters are mainly from large families living in Brooklyn apartments with one lift and two or three bedrooms. Conference lessons have taken place but outdoor activity has been all but impossible during an extensive lockdown throughout the area. According to a 2019 Jewish camp census over 160 non-profit Jewish overnight camps, which includes 12 Chabad-affiliated camps, provided activities for 81,000 campers last year. “It was our responsibility to step in,” said Yossi Langsam, who works at Oholei Torah and United Lubavitcher yeshiva. “You
can’t keep kids cooped up all summer and then expect them to come back to school ready to learn and develop healthily come September. “They need to socialise with their friends, kick a ball and do the things that kids do.” Langsam, concerned about long hours students spend on a computer, added, “As community schools we had to do something as their future was at stake.” Deciding to act, Langsam joined a team touring camp sites in Pennsylvania and discovered a site large enough to maintain social distancing. Camp opened on July 6. Large grounds include a lake, two swimming pools, multiple sport fields and bunks. Boys have been split into makeshift dining rooms ensuring social distancing is maintained. Hatzalah emergency medical staff members are available full-time for youngsters. Arrangements ensure campers, counsellors and staff are in good health. “Over two sessions, we are hosting close to 1,000 kids,” said a delighted Langsam. “Camp is off to a great start,” he added. Students on Oholei Torah’s post-high school learning program have taken on the role of counsellors.
IAF launches special forces squadron The Israeli Air Force have announced a special forces squadron under one command. The 7th Aerial Special Forces Wing has been set up to respond to growing threats in the region. The move increases “operational effectiveness” of units. “The wing will function as a complementary and unique component to IAF activities through special depth, routine and emergency operations,” noted a military statement. The IAF targets terror installations in the Gaza Strip and Iranian targets in Syria with airstrikes. IAF Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin said Israel is moving into a new era. “We are standing on the shoulders of our predecessors, who were courageous and took action, and now we are leading the
PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA
way,” he said. The new wing includes the air force’s elite search-and-rescue Unit 669, Shaldag commando unit, Frontal Landing Unit, dedicated intelligence unit and special forces school.
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BY SIMCHA ABIR Jordan’s King Abdullah could soon face calls for the extradition to the United States of a Palestinian terrorist who killed 15 people including two Americans in Jerusalem two decades ago. Ahlam al-Tamimi received multiple life sentences following the 2001 suicide bombing but was freed in a prisoner-swap deal. al-Tamimi has expressed no remorse
and stated pleasure at the death toll. Arnold Roth’s teenage daughter Malka died in the terror attack. He has led the extradition campaign. “It’s time that Jordan’s disregard for its legal, diplomatic and moral obligations to hand Tamimi over to US justice was brought to an end,” Roth reportedly said. Pressure is building from 18 Jewish American groups after they issued a statement to the White House calling for the extradition of al-Tamimi for a terror trial in the US. al-Tamimi faces charges of conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction against American nationals. The statement signed by right-wing and centrist groups calls on the US to bring “pressure to bear” including financial sanctions to attain an extradition deal. Jewish groups include the Jewish Federations of North America, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations, B’nai B’rith and pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC. Jordan has refused previous US extradition calls, citing double jeopardy issues. President Donald Trump’s administration have reportedly made soundings about withholding financial aid. Jordanian officials have not publicly commented.
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Nazi guard charged with war crimes A former Nazi concentration camp guard has been charged with Holocaust war crimes. In what could be one of the last cases of its kind, a spokesman for the district court in Wuppertal told AFP the former
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Stutthof Nazi camp guard near Danzig, now Gdansk in Poland, was charged with ‘complicity’ in the murder of hundreds of people. Medical experts are establishing if the 95-year-old man can stand trial. Recent cases follow a 2011 court ruling against former Sobibor death camp guard John Demjanjuk on grounds that he was ‘automatically implicated’ in killings by being a guard at that time. German prosecutors last week called for a three years sentence for Bruno Dey, a 93-year-old former Stutthof guard complicit in the murder of over 5,000 people.
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Bibi under fire over covid & corruption BY DAVID SAFFER Thousands of protesters across the religious divide have attended rallies outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence in Jerusalem this week. A reported 10,000 protesters also demonstrated at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv. While coronavirus cases continue to spike, Israel’s leader has faced growing criticism over the government’s handling of the economy and lockdown of orthodox ‘hotspots’ on top of his ongoing corruption trial. Unemployment is up 20% according to reports and Netanyahu’s popularity has waned. Covid-19 cases are again expected to rise due to social distancing measures being flouted. Health Minister Yuli Edelstein warned yesterday that “barring a miracle” Israel would head back to a full lockdown. The action of activists brought a stinging rebuke from political figures. “Ultimately we’re doing everything we can to prevent gatherings,” Health Ministry Deputy Director-General Prof. Itamar Grotto reportedly said. “We’re paying a heavy price to halt the virus and then we see photos of (Rabin) Square of a mega health terrorist attack.” Health Ministry Director-General Prof. Chezy Levy added, “Although the pain and concern of the protestors can be understood, it was a risky gathering. “It’s completely clear that the protest was a mass gathering without adherence to any health regulations to prevent infection and the transmission of the virus from person to person.” Dozens of protesters have been arrested
Protesters in Tel Aviv
PHOTO: FACEBOOK SCREENGRAB
Demonstrators have attended protests on three successive nights over lockdowns in Romema, Bar-Ilan and areas of the Jerusalem following the demonstrations. Anti-corruption protestors battled with police on Tuesday in response to the removal of tents outside his official residence. A sitin has taken place for the past month with activists calling for Netanyahu to resign. A Jerusalem City Hall statement said protesters’ equipment was removed as there was no permit and it harmed public order. Ultra-Orthodox protesters criticised the
closure of neighbourhoods on Monday. Demonstrators have attended protests on three successive nights over lockdowns in Romema, Bar-Ilan and areas of the Jerusalem claiming non-orthodox neighbourhoods with increased Covid cases had not been shut down. Orthodox MKs and ministers have expressed concern to Netanyahu. United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni
called for an inquiry into Health Ministry decision-making concerning ultra-orthodox communities. Yamina MK Bezalel Smotrich called for discussions into police brutality after videos allegedly illustrated excessive force against protestors. Hagaon Rabbi Asher Weiss, meanwhile, appealed to orthodox protestors to stop protests in a specially organised coronavirus shiur on Sunday. “What’s important is the number of people who are at risk, especially the chronically ill and elderly,” he reportedly said. “Everyone needs to think about his family and decide who he’s willing to give up. “The first rule is to wear a mask. I know that there are ‘chachamim’ (know alls) among us who aren’t willing to accept the authority of the Health Ministry. Why do we need to listen to them? These are the experts.” The esteemed rabbi added, “Whoever feels symptoms is obligated to be tested. “If you don’t get tested, you don’t know if you need to be careful and you can infect others. One person can infect hundreds and some of them can Chalilah (G-d forbid) be at great risk. “A Jew came to me weeping because he was almost certain he infected someone who subsequently died. He requested tikunei teshuvah (ways to do repentence). This man will never forgive himself. This is why I’m asking you to adhere to regulations.” Activists in Tel Aviv criticised the government for failing to compensate workers who had lost jobs. At least three officers were reportedly lightly wounded. Entrepreneurs, self and unemployed people organised and participated in the protest.
Annexation plans hit by pandemic BY SIMCHA ABIR Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s West Bank annexation plans are on hold due to the spike in coronavirus cases in Israel. Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz backed sovereignty moves in Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley for the beginning of this month but media outlets haver now reported “close to zero” cabinet-level discussions since the July 1 deadline. With no ‘green light’ from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration forthcoming at the moment, as White House officials also battle the deadly virus, Israeli moves in the West Bank is an aspiration rather than a short-term goal. The Palestinians have rejected Trump’s deal of the century, global nations have also called on Israel to relent so a stand-off is the current situation. Aside from the pandemic,
unemployment in Israel is now a record 21%. Anti-government protests have also taken place. Netanyahu’s office said it had “no updates at this time.” “It’s a matter of right plan, wrong time,” a senior Blue & White minister reportedly said. “We are in the middle of the biggest crisis Israel has seen in decades and it would be irresponsible and insensitive to tend to anything else at the moment.” Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin reportedly told Army Radio that the U.S. “is not listening” at the moment, whilst Kan public broadcasting reported that the US had introduced new conditions for support to tempt the Palestinian Authority back to negotiations. Jordan’s King Abdullah, meantime, has warned of damaged peace talks if Israel annexes West Bank territory. And he took the opportunity to remind Netanyahu of his nations’ stance in a
The Palestinians have rejected Trump’s deal of the century, global nations have also called on Israel to relent so a standoff is the current situation. virtual meeting with the British Foreign and Defense parliamentary committee according to Al Husseiniya Palace. “Any unilateral Israeli measure to annex lands in the West Bank is unacceptable, as it would undermine the prospects of achieving peace and stability in the Middle
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East,” he reportedly said. There is pressure though for Netanyahu to move forward with his long-held proposals. The Land of Israel Caucus proposed a law to the Knesset on Monday. The proposal has support from a number of Likud members, including MK Haim Katz. Katz reportedly said, “The time for sovereignty has already arrived for some time. I hope Israel will be wise enough to exploit this window of opportunity with the Americans. “The longer we delay, the reality on the ground will become more complicated.” Yemina’s Bezalel Smotrich, Caucus co-chairman, added, “It was a few years ago that our lobby put the sovereignty law on the Knesset table and made the issue one of the main ones on the agenda of Israeli governments. Unfortunately, the government’s promises of sovereignty have not been fulfilled so far.”
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Lockdown ‘miracle’ needed BY DAVID SAFFER Only a miracle can stop Israel entering a full lockdown in the coming days warned Health Minister Yuli Edelstein yesterday. With daily coronavirus cases moving towards 2,000, new measures could include limited numbers at events and restaurants. Local lockdowns will also help. Edelstein rejected criticism that the government had not taken steps over a second wave. “As other countries have learned, we must understand that lockdowns reduce the number of new infections and when it is removed, another wave of the virus can appear,” he reportedly explained. Health Ministry data confirmed 1,573 people had contracted coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Fatalities were 375, a modest number per capita compared to global figures. Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak and Ashdod have the most cases. Recent days have witnessed heated protests against the government whilst a Tel Aviv radio station poll illustrated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party had lost public support. Far-right Yamina, led by Naftali Bennett, had jumped in the polls. However, there is no talk of new elections. Indeed, Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc have a comfortable majority but pressure persists over economic concerns and further lockdowns over Covid spikes. Tensions though remain with leading party’s about when to instigate measures. Netanyahu dismissed a recommendation earlier this week by the National Security Council for synagogues and yeshivah’s to close due to a spike in cases. The NSC during a meeting also recommended that restaurants revert to takeouts and deliveries. A number of participants recommended a full lockdown. But Netanyahu called for improved health standards, budgets, manpower and financial assistance for families. Finance Minister Yisrael Katz, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, Science and Technology Minister Yizhar Shai, Head of the National Economic Council Prof. Avi Simhon, Governor of the Bank of Israel Prof. Amir Yaron, Acting Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office Ronen Peretz, Director General of the Health Ministry Prof. Hezi Levi and former Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman-Tov attended. In related news, it emerged that Israel failed to buy enough personal protective equipment at the start of the pandemic according to a Defense Ministry review. Medical teams reportedly received 2.5 million protective face masks against an anticipated 18.3 million. Three million more masks are expected to by the end of July, 2.7 million in August and a further six million in September. “This is equipment that is supposed to keep medical staff members from being exposed to the virus,” reportedly commented Dr. Daniel Trotsky, Yitzhak Shamir
Israelis receive COVID-19 tests at a drive-through complex in Jerusalem
With daily coronavirus cases moving towards 2,000, new measures could include limited numbers at events and restaurants. Medical Center. “A shortage of protective equipment will result in multiple exposures of medical staff to the virus,” he added. A Central Bureau of Statistics report has revealed Israel’s unemployment rate had almost doubled, rising from 4.5% to 7.6% since mid-June. 1,400 businesses were analysed. Most redundancies were in technical and transportation industries. The food and beverage industry made the most redundancies in the opening weeks of July. The percentage of Israelis in work dropped in June from 81.5% to 79.6%. Just 7.3% of workers were furloughed, down from 8.4% in June. Some 20% of businesses anticipate losing 50% of income in the coming months. Of those polled, 38.6% cite a reduction in local demand, 17.6% blame government policies.
A quarter of businesses had delayed or cancelled recruitment of staff, 23.8% had improved technology for distance working. Most improvements were in high-tech and finance industries. And 18.6% of businesses had moved to new markets, 18.5% shifted work, 18.3% started home deliveries while 14% moved online. The report came after it was announced 850,000 people were unemployed or on unpaid leave throughout Israel. Earlier this week, the Knesset approved a financial rescue plan, expanding unemployment benefits, adaptation grants for people aged 67, assistance to self-employed workers, tax breaks and training for individuals making a career change. Netanyahu added that additional financial and health plans would follow in the coming weeks. Ministers also approved a draft bill for 2020/21 by NIS 24 billion for expansion and implementation of the plan. Yesh Atid opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticised Netanyahu’s comments on the economy as “hollow words” that would not stand the test of time. A recent Jewish Agency poll demonstrated that 3,000 families and 4,000 youths at risk or from low-income populations illustrated a grim picture. Some 25% of families not receiving regular financial support needed it. Further, 73% of families at risk required food, 26% needed assistance with bills and 20% would need psychological support. Ruti Scheinfeld, Jewish Agency, claimed the pandemic was a devastating impact
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on families already experiencing financial difficulties. Many low income families have had to deal with “daily financial and welfare challenges”, she noted. Children had endured “emotional, social and educational hardships” and “extreme situations” of distress. Scheinfeld added, “This it is how it always works, the weak become weaker. “This is exactly where the state must intervene and support these families. Not huge conglomerates that lost a little during the pandemic, but families who are fighting for the right to live in dignity.” Elsewhere, IDF’s Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center has revealed Lod, Ramla, Jerusalem, Kiryat Malachi, Beit Shemesh and Beitar Illit as the latest virus hotspots needing attention. The center added that Bnei Brak and Bedouin town Kuseife required an improved awareness campaign, Kiryat Ata, Baqa al-Gharbiya and Tel Aviv needed additional tests. Meanwhile, Israel’s health maintenance organisations (HMO) have warned medical labs across the country could collapse if coronavirus tests conducted daily was not significantly decreased. The Health Ministry issued guidelines to reduce people placed in isolation following exposure. An epidemiological investigation focuses on activity four days prior to a test. Asymptomatic patient investigations concentrate on activity 10 days before a test. With yesterday’s news that nurses could potentially strike, these are troubling days for Netanyahu’s under-fire government.
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Knoll murder suspects face anti-Semitic hate crime charge BY DAVID SAFFER The alleged murderers of Holocaust survivor Mireille Knoll will be judged on an anti-Semitic hate crime. Knoll, 85, was stabbed to death in her Paris apartment in March 2018. Her home was set on fire. The killing was investigated as an anti-Semitic attack by French judiciary. Two suspects were arrested. Yacine Mihoub, 28, and Alex Carrimbacus, 22, who have stated they are innocent, face three charges - the murder of a vulnerable person because of the “supposed victim’s religion”, “aggravated theft” and “degradation by dangerous means to individuals”. A third indicted person is under judicial supervision. They face a charge of “destroying a document or object” relating to a crime. Dr Shimon Samuels, Simon Wiesenthal Centre Director for International Relations, has expressed satisfaction the alleged perpetrators of the attack face charges and Knoll’s family will be able to find closure.
Writing to newly appointed French Minister of Justice Éric Dupont-Moretti, Samuels noted regular contact with former justice minister, Nicole Belloubet, regarding the rise of anti-Semitism, extremism and Jihadism in France. Samuels stressed the cases of Sarah Halimi, in 2017, and Knoll. Both were “brutally murdered” because they were Jewish,” he noted. Knoll’s case has gone to trial, but Samuels lamented the “horrific murder” of Halimi. A judge accepted anti-Semitism motivated Kobili Traore to kill Halimi, but he was unfit to stand trial, citing a “psychotic episode” caused by smoking too much marijuana before the incident. The decision was upheld on appeal. Hamili’s “slaughterer” is being considered by the court as “not criminally responsible,” noted Samuels. He added, “We have repeated on many occasions that alcohol, cannabis and psychiatry must not be an excuse for the French judiciary for perpetrators of murder based on religious, ethnic or gender hatred and violence.”
Regarding Knolls’ forthcoming trial, he commented, “This trial must be just and exemplary, with no ambiguity regarding the aggravating circumstances of anti-Semitic hate.” Samuels’ added that “prolonged and indecisive procedures” do not render service to justice. Samuels recalled the case of 1980 Copernic synagogue bombing suspect, Hassan Diab, extradited from Canada in 2014. Pending appeal Diab had a two-day window to escape to Ottawa in 2018. Samuels concluded that victims of anti-Semitic terror in France including the families of Knoll, Halimi, and those wounded in a supermarket massacre, Toulouse Jewish school all “deserve closure.” “Our Centre will be monitoring the proceedings. In the footsteps of Simon Wiesenthal, we will never forget!”, said Samuels. Political figures and Jewish organisations denounced Knoll’s killing over two years ago. French President Emmanuel Macron described the murder as a “dreadful crime
Mireille Knoll
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
and vowed to fight anti-Semitism. World Jewish Congress held a memorial at its headquarters in New York in the presence of French Consul General AnneClaire Legendre in April 2018. WJC President Ronald S. Lauder deplored a “barbaric and horrific” murder. Knoll was living in Paris when she escaped the Velodrome d’Hiver cycling track roundup by Nazis in 1942. The roundup resulted in a mass arrest of 13,000 French Jews. Codenamed ‘Operation Spring Breeze’, the atrocity took place in July 1942. Thousands of Jews were subsequently deported to Auschwitz concentration camp.
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Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.
RE: OPEN OUR SHULS! Dear Editor, I totally agree with the Chief Rabbi’s caution, and with the comments of my namesake Brian Cohen of NW11. My own Shul, “ The Shrubberies” here in Prestwich, is treading very carefully.. and whilst midweek services for members only, with a limit on numbers have re-commenced, Shabbos services are yet to be announced. I, and I’m sure many other Shabbos regulars, will not consider going back until it is absolutely 100% safe to do so. Brian Cohen Prestwich
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RE: OPEN OUR SHULS! Dear Editor, I feel that there needs to be an honest response to last week’s letter from Brian Gordon (18 June) regarding open our Shuls. We know for a fact that opening our schools up fully has not worked and there are reasons for this. We all want to see our schools and shuls reopen as soon as possible but let us think for a minute what we are asking for. Brian Gordon does not mention as soon as we reopen our shuls whether we are 1 or 2 metres away from our nearest neighbour that we won’t even be able to comment on a Rashi or Tosfos to them. With our masks on, we won’t be able to correct possible errors from the leining even if the wrong tense has been put in. We will not be able to communally join in with the singing of any prayers. He has also not mentioned if he wishes to requisition space behind the mechitzah or ladies gallery for the number of men who wish to attend but who will not fit into many synagogues.
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MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FOR JACQUELINE CURZON Dear Editor, Following Jacqueline Curzon’s recent article, I couldn’t help agreeing with her point about inflated prices of PPE items. During the height of the virus it is true that prices for masks, sanitizers and such like were heavily inflated. There simply wasn’t enough stock in the country, due to the speed at which we were swept along by the pandemic. Demand was insane and so prices spiralled from distributor to retailer. Now nearly 3 months later, there is absolutely no reason why prices should be inflated at all. Being a wholesaler and retailer myself, I can confirm that there is plenty of stock and even a saturation of these items. Suppliers are stuck with too much of it, simply because the panic and urgency for these items is no longer there. There is no reason whatsoever why prices can not return to those pre Coronavirus. The Front Line is a great column, Ms Curzon always has her finger on the pulse. Mr A Silber London
We may get simchas back but with the cutting of the number attendees does that mean members of synagogue councils and boards of management not being let in due to lack of space So in effect they become private services for the weekday. Opening shuls up could be a lifeline for the socially isolated but surely they will be quickly dispersed due to security fears by security teams and cst volunteers meaning that shuls reopening for them will not really reduce their isolation. Finally for those wishing to say KaddishDear Editor, they are unlikely to get a response as the Palestinian people and the democrattheir I fully agree with the comments fellow congregants are unlikely to hear in the ically elected government of Israel, is that item, “From the editor’s desk,” them and reply even with an Amen. in last week’s edition (THE JEWISH WEEKLY, the former and their financial backers: For all of these reasons, if we are to • Accept the right of Israel to exist em11 JUNE). Reference to ...”42 members as the bark on a mass letter writing campaign of Jewish Homeland. to UK Jewry… reminded me of the name government think what you will be of a • Renounce all violence and asking military acfamous pop band in the 1980s and for in our current climate as our religious 1990s tion against Israel. – “LEVEL 42.” lives do matter, but we wish to have • Stop pursuing a “One-State Solution,” a qualThis band’s name was a reference ity of religious life which we can sustain to which envisages a Muslim only for the novel by Douglas Adam state called, “The more than the very short term. in the land of Israel and so driving Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” J Tarlow in the Jewish people (and other ethnic which it was held that the number London N12 42 is groups) into the metaphorical sea. the, “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.” This should enable all parties to Seemingly, then, 42 was a perfect number. any peace deal (including Israel’s These 42 high profile people in the Jew- bouring Arab/Muslim Countries) neighish community (backed by many to have other chance of agreeing a lasting Dear Editor, peace and the Jewish people in the UK), seem to However, he omits the important ignore, security that they seek As the bastion publication of Modern fact and deserve. The or not want to contemplate, the fact regarding the purpose of our sacred that Palestinians will have cause Orthodoxy in England, and potentially to hope, and their perceived drawbacks to this buildings as places of study of the course cease to live in fear of the only publication in England, truly Torah, Israeli of reprisals. action as listed in the front-page our foremost religious heritage. item espousing the views of our congregation, in last week’s edition, “REGEV BLASTS This starting point should also presage, it There is no consideration at all for behoves me to write to you, regarding the BACK OVER WEST BANK ANNEXATION,” (if any is needed), an improvement in the my learning of Torah that could be achieved relationship between Israel and concerns. represent the perfect storm that is the Diby opening the shuls and their libraries in the aspora Jewry, as Israeli A few culturally Jewish papers ran a governments can offing whatever Israel does or does piece to individual study. not do. last week, talking about the chief rabbi’s Every PIECE of land ceded to the Pales- negotiate directly with their counterparts He has denigrated our hallowed halls covering all issues, rather than via letter, a couple of weeks ago. He stated tinian leaders, has led to less PEACE third that to be mere social clubs wherein we and parties. although the government has opened pray more violence than before. Almost every the communally, and he overlooked the The Palestinians are denied the chance shuls for private prayer, he is refusing act by Israel to try and, if not end to fact then that at they stand of living principally under any form of peace by their open the United Synagogue. as the least reduce the likely casualties on dwelling place of Hashem and all both terrorist leaders, (not Israel), Though I was unable to find a full copy who sides of the Israeli-Palestinian who only of seek Him and His law. conflict wish to pursue hatred the letter, from what was published, against Israel and have been met with more hostility I beBy not opening the shuls at this on the the Jewish people. This lieve an injustice was done to the members must change part of first. the Palestinian leaders. Israeli The plight of the time, he has done the US a great disPalestinians is largely in of US Shuls. He makes correct reference government policies and actions, to service, regarding both its image and have the hands of their own political the fact that there is little place in Judafrequently drawn criticism from leaders. its congregants. The potential danger Jewish These 42 people referred to above ism for private prayer specifically in people in the diaspora, that they are of the of the lack of Torah learning will send will fail course perfectly entitled synagogue, and raises concerns of chillul to have, and exto head off the oft-repeated perfect a message which will live longer than storm. Hashem and lack of communal prudence The best, if not perfect, basis on which press, their own views. Above are mine, coronavirus. which I also consider, will be at least regarding making minyanim. to start off any possible peace deal partAdam Cohen be- ly shared by many others. tween the extremist, Muslim leaders of J D Milaric
ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIANS GOING FORWARD
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From the editor’s desk This week, I want to thank our consistent and dedicated team, as we celebrate our 150th edition. The last few months have naturally been hugely challenging, and most businesses across the world would never have dreamed of even planning for a pandemic, let alone navigating through it. However thanks to our loyal advertisers, we have consistently printed throughout to keep our readership up to date with the very latest from our community and beyond. We must make mention of those members of UK Jewry who have sadly passed away, as well as thinking of the families who have tragically lost loved ones. Others may have survived but have been severely hampered, physically, mentally and financially. We have watched with pride as community members and leaders have risen up heroically to keep life ticking over. From vital financial services offered from organisations such as Work Avenue, to the crucial support offered by Gift. The shul chessed machines kicking into action across the UK, including many righteous individuals who have volunteered their time to deliver food parcels, medicines and Jewish artefacts as well as checking in on people enduring self isolation. No one knows how long this international plague will go on for and we fervently pray to Hashem that he quickly heals our broken world. The one comfort at least is that no matter what happens, as a nation, Jewish people will always be there for one another. It is against this backdrop of communal kindness that we know our communities will go from strength to strength. We look forward to serving the community for many years to come.
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CAA’s ongoing fight against anti-Semitism BY DAVID SAFFER Campaign Against Antisemitism is all set to continue its fight against anti-Semitism in the coming years. Established after a spike in anti-Semitic incidents that accompanied the Israel-Gaza conflict in August 2014, over 4,500 people attended its first major rally outside the Royal Courts of Justice calling for “zero tolerance” enforcement of the law against anti-Semitism. Gideon Falter joined CAA that summer, principal organiser of the Royal Courts protest, he was elected chief executive during the autumn of ‘14. Falter has seen CAA grow into high-profile grassroots campaigners. Looking back at the summer of ’14, Falter joined as he saw an “outpouring” of anti-Semitism on the streets of London and the UK. “There were stories of people being targeted because they were Jewish,” he recalled. “A couple of things stood out including a photo of a man walking down Oxford Street with a big sign saying ‘Save Gaza, Hitler you were right’. “I’d studied law and knew the events happening were not legal, I was expecting some type of action and nothing happened. People carried on with impunity, without any consequences of their actions.” Falter believes anti-Semitism, in some respects, has got worse, and attributes it squarely at the feet of the Labour Party under the leadership of its leader at the time, Jeremy Corbyn. “The public didn’t generally think anti-Semitism was a pressing issue, but through anti-Semitism debates in the Party, they not only understood anti-Semitism was alive and needed to be dealt with but understood the nature of modern anti-Semitism,” he explained. “Britain is one of the only countries in the world where there has been a national front-page debate about anti-Semitism. The public are now more educated about anti-Semitism than most countries. “There is more work to be done but an improvement has been recognition of anti-Semitism.” Falter did not hold back with his views on Corbyn who with his ilk ”normalised” anti-Semitism on the far left. “It’s easy to forget how long Corbyn was in office,” he noted. “Four and half years is a period in which you can make an awful lot of change. Corbyn changed the public consciousness and way Jews are
considered. It deteriorated.” Falter bemoaned how anti-Semitic crime has spiralled. “Prosecutions are still at a very low level, there is major problem with the Crown Prosecution Service and way it doesn’t pursue anti-Semitism,” he explained. “If you look at the number of crimes committed against Jews each year and number of prosecutions, there are a paltry number of prosecutions. We’ve had run-ins with the Crown where we have had to privately prosecute, where we have had to take the Crown to judicial review and force them to prosecute. And these are not borderline cases. These are open and shut cases of neo-Nazi leaders and far-right extremists when the Crown wouldn’t take action.” Falter added, “It remains extremely unlikely that an anti-Semite will be prosecuted for their actions and that should be a matter of great concern because we know that anti-Semitic crime statistics we receive through the Home Office every year are through the roof. “We did an analysis last year, which shows Jews are almost four times more likely to be the target of a hate crime than any other religious group per capita. “When it comes to prosecutions, CPS prosecutes about 15,000 hate crimes on an average year. Barely a couple of dozen are anti-Semitic hate crimes. That is alarming because the less anti-Semites are brought to justice the more likely they will become emboldened against Jews. “The more anti-Semites are unfettered, the more incitement penetrates and inflames a new wave of anti-Semitism. This is a grave warning.” A linchpin of CAA, Falter has spoken at the House of Commons and given evidence to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee. Former Prime Minister Theresa May has publicly praised his work for the organisation. So what sparks anti-Semitism? “People become radicalised into anti-Semitism by the far left and far right,” he explained. “There is some ‘aristocratic’ anti-Semitism that you get in society, but mostly anti-Semitism carries on the vector of conspiracy theories spread by one of the extremes. “I tell people who think that Israel sparks anti-Semitism that it’s not true and evidence is there. Israel could do everything an anti-Semite wants but they will still be an anti-Semite. They will find a reason to hate Jews. Israel is used as an excuse to hate Jews by people who already hate Jews.
CAA CEO Gideon Falter
“People on extremes are reaching larger audiences than they could ever have dreamed of reaching a few years ago.” “Social media has also enabled the worst conspiracy theories against Jews to evolve much faster than they would normally. You have people from the far left, far right and Islamists interacting online. They compare different strains of anti-Semitism to see what works. People on extremes are reaching larger audiences than they could ever have dreamed of reaching a few years ago. “Twenty years ago, if you were on the extreme left, extreme right or an Islamist you would get a relatively small audience in a room somewhere that you would be trying to speak to. Now, a complete lunatic with good video editing skills can make a three
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hour, very polished documentary, claiming the Holocaust didn’t happen and there’s a fraud perpetrated by Jews. They can put it up on YouTube and it will reach potentially millions of people. That’s an opportunity they never had. “They can also combine conspiracy theories. You get the far right and far left borrowing from other people and then hybrids, like David Icke, who are phenomenally successful spreading anti-Semitism.” So, is the internet a force for good and bad? Falter was to the point in his response. He explained, “It is bad in the hands of social network platforms that serve this
16 JULY 2020 content up. Had they taken action 10 years ago, against some of the people they now take action against, we would not have had the surge of incitement to anti-Semitism we witnessed. The fact is, even now, there is still too little action too late. “Social networks are enormously to blame for protecting anti-Semites inciting hatred against Jews. We see an opposite reaction to other social phenomena. “When the story of modern anti-Semitism in this Millennium is written, it will start with social networks failing to confront anti-Semitism. It spread like a poison.”
When it came to being shocked or surprised by the degree of anti-Semitism, Falter returned to the Labour Party. He explained, “One of the most disheartening things was to watch what happened in Labour. This was an anti-racist party where anti-Semitism took over the party. One had to keep asking oneself, if this wasn’t anti-Semitism but another form of hatred, would it be tolerated in the way it had been for so long? “This was a question that disturbed me for a long time. CAA is completely apolitical, but we saw after the election, in polling, why Corbyn was resoundingly rebuked by the electorate. They were disgusted by anti-Semitism in the party.” Falter added, “I was shocked at the level of anti-Semitism in Labour but greatly heartened by the British people, which straddled the left-right divide. They would not countenance racism. “Had Corbyn dealt with anti-Semitism,
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TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 I believe we would have had a different political history. But he didn’t and that is a reason why he was so resoundingly rebuked by the electorate.” With Corbyn on the back-benches, how does Falter view the former Labour supremo. “Corbyn is a different type of anti-Semite,” he explained. “I don’t believe you do the things Corbyn did unless you have a deep-seated problem with Jews. “It’s too easy to look at him and say, he was incompetent, he didn’t understand people he was associating with and the views he was espousing. “When you look at the history of Corbyn’s anti-Semitism, you can’t arrive at any other conclusion than the man has a problem with Jews. And the reason he became so dangerous was he enabled anti-Semites to take positions of power and remain in positions of power within Labour. “When you’ve got a major political power, which starts normalising anti-Semitism within its ranks and potentially puts people who enable or perpetrate anti-Semitism in a position of power, that’s an extremely dangerous position for British Jews to be in.” So, is Falter heartened by Sir Keir Starmer’s start as the new Labour leader? He commented, “Starmer has said many of the right things, he has taken some of the right actions but we still see a vast amount that needs addressing. “We haven’t seen signs of Starmer really taking root and branch actions that he promised. There have been occasions when he has not taken action, so we retain an open mind on him.” Looking across politics in general, Falter added, “You will always have anti-Semitism in political parties and one of the projects we have undertaken is to map that. “We examine anti-Semitism in all political parties. The problem within Labour was the number of cases was several times more than the other parties combined. Not only that, when those cases occurred Labour was not dealing with them. It was in many cases letting people off the hook, not dealing with them at all. There are other parties where that has happened but nowhere was the problem as pervasive as in Labour under Corbyn.” In recent times, CAA has been forced to be outspoken about the Black Lives Matter movement. Falter explained, “It should be that Jews solidarity with black people against racism is embraced by the BLM campaign, but instead what we saw was anti-Semitism from the UK BLM Twitter account. CAA took a lead in confronting this. Prominent individuals within the BLM community used violent language, in some cases threats against us. We saw very little condemnation within the BLM movement. You cannot fight prejudice with prejudice. You find throughout history that Jews will stand with you but if your way of fighting racism includes racism against Jews then you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.” CAA have had a huge impact on British Jewry. Among many achievements, CAA detailed legal representations to the Equality and Human Rights Commission resulting
in its full statutory investigation. It secured the only arrests of Labour activists in connection with anti-Semitism, following a collaboration with LBC radio. The Crown Prosecution Service has begun prosecuting individuals. CAA also achieved adoption by the British Government of the International Definition of Antisemitism.
“When the time came for us to decide whether we were going to acquiesce… or stand and fight, we chose to stand and fight.” Aside from winning a three-year legal battle with the CPS to prosecute neo-Nazi leader Jeremy Bedford-Turner, CAA changed the law to outlaw Holocaust denial through legal action against Alison Chabloz, it launched an educational programme to students experiencing antisemitism on campus and illustrated anti-Semitic prejudice within the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Evaluating his organisation, Falter is full of praise for its many volunteers that have helped bring landmark successes. “We have the most incredible JW 130mm wide x 158mm high
community of Jews and non-Jews who work day in, day out to fight this hatred. I’m very proud of the accomplishments we have had,” he said. “We have seen anti-Semitism getting worse but also seen successes. “We have remarkable solidarity with the British public and the most incredible group of people volunteering time to fight this evil. I am very hopeful about the future of British Jews.” Falter added, “When the time came for us to decide whether we were going to acquiesce to the wave of anti-Semitism in 2014 or stand and fight we chose to stand and fight. And we are fighting effectively. “Jewish communities around the world are asking whether we can help them in their country to fight anti-Semitism the way we have fought it here. “For many people it is a complete turnaround. They looked at the British Jewish community in decades gone by and saw one that worked behind the scenes. They didn’t want to cause a fuss, they liked to keep their head down and wouldn’t stand up for itself. “When people look at us now, they see us as a model of standing up to fight for Jewish human rights and anti-Jewish hatred in a way they want to emulate.” Looking ahead, CAA is set to be busy battling anti-Semitism. “The fight in the next five years is the threat on campuses, the threat of anti-Semitic crime and residual threat of anti-Semitism within British politics,” Falter said.
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A virtual celebration of AJR volunteers
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In a change from past AJR thank you events held annually at locations such as Manchester Jewish Museum and the House of Lords, this year guests only had to travel to their kitchen table to join the 2020 AJR Celebration of Volunteers via Zoom. The Rt Hon Lord Pickles Eric Pickles and Robert Rinder joined the event to thank both the volunteers and the AJR for their support. Lord Pickles spoke about the challenges he has faced managing his roles whilst in lockdown. Rob Rinder suggested that AJR change its name to FJR or MJR, Family or Mushpuchah of Jewish Refugees, as the care and support given to members is akin to what one would receive from family. Fran Horwich, AJR Northern Volunteer Coordinator, read a moving poem she wrote expressing the value of a volunteers’ phone call to an AJR member. During the fun quiz compered by AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman it was discovered that three volunteers had 100 years volunteering for the AJR between them. Andrew Kaufman, Chair of AJR, said, “This year my thank you is probably even more heartfelt than usual, as I am acutely
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The evening ended with the volunteer team offering a L’chaim to the volunteers as a thank you for their support and the hope that next year the drinks will be on AJR!
TAL- Torah Action Life made history once again by uniting people over a weekend even if it was via social distancing. TAL ran a fundraising campaign over a weekend of in July to raise funds for the incredible new TAL Communal Centre and its programmes. TAL smashed their target of £300,000. This Campaign was original from the start and focused on one of TALs founding strengths - the importance of Shabbat. Over the years TAL has hosted hundreds of Shabbat dinners for students and Young professionals. The beauty of this campaign was to show the community that We are Here 4 Each Other, especially in these hard times. TAL thanked the community for its crucial support securing Jewish Futures and inspiring thousands in an ever changing world.
Kisharon social enterprise open for business Kisharon are delighted to be able to welcome back customers to their social enterprise shops, Kisharon Gift and Homeware Store, Equal in Temple Fortune and the Kisharon Equal Bike Shop in Hendon. Taking social enterprise innovation to the next level, Equal Bikes in Hendon specialises in rebuilding, fixing and selling bikes and the Kisharon Gift and Homeware Store, Equal has a wide range of beautiful and creative gifts - perfect to treat a friend, family member or yourself. Bike Shop manager Eytan comments “We are so thrilled to be able to service members of the community again, especially when more are out cycling. We had a busy first week and welcome new and current customers”. The Kisharon Gift and Homeware Store, Equal will have a range of Rosh Hashanah gifts available in store or via click and collect on the website from August. For more information visit: www.kisharon.org.uk/social-enterprise Kisharon Gift and Home Store, Equal: 818 Finchley Road, London NW11 6XL. Tel 020 8457 5000. Kisharon Equal Bike Shop, 25 Bell Lane, London NW4 2BP. Tel: 020 8202 5540
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Kisharon Bike shop in Hendon
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Barnet bounces back
Barnet United Synagogue ready for distancing davening
PHOTO: PAUL LANG
Under the leadership of Rabbi Dr Samuel Landau and Mayan Shoshana Landau, and with a group of over 70 willing and energetic volunteers, despite being without Shul services during lockdown, the Barnet Community excelled itself in providing a wide range of help and activities to all its members. These included telephone calls to all members and befriending of older and vulnerable members. More than 200 members were helped with deliveries of shopping and medicines; Shabbat and essentials packs provided by the US delivered to those in need; home-made Shabbat Kiddush packs delivered to members’ homes as no kiddushim available in Shul; education online including Rabbi Landau’s Chasing Lullabies series on the weekly sedra and Mayan Landau’s weekly tea and tefilah for the ladies; weekly zoom Warden’s announcements; Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat and the Rabbi’s weekly drosha delivered on zoom; daily Daf Yomi delivered on zoom; a zoom discussion over three weeks with a panel of three psychotherapists including our very own Rabbi. This explored problems encountered during lockdown such as home schooling, partner and marital relationships, and bereavement.
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On the social side there has been a fortnightly podcast with interesting talks from members of our community; zoom bingo, a talent contest, and no-supper quiz. An all abilities cycle ride and treasure hunt are planned for the next few weeks. As we move forward and Shul services are now allowed from Sunday 5 July we have services three times a day open to men and women. A daily halacha on Hilchot Shabbat (Laws of Shabbat) is given by Rabbi Landau and posted on WhatsApp for all members to appreciate. As many of our members are still shielding or have mobility issues all our online content will be continuing so they can be just as involved. Rabbi Landau commented: “Necessity is the mother of invention - the need has been great and the innovation out of this world. Barnet has come together as a community in new spaces: the virtual world of Zoom, the comfort of a thoughtful telephone call, the closeness of a socially-distanced garden visit. We have cared for each other, found meaning in new ways of learning and sought wellbeing in these trying times. We continue forward, a new movement using ancient wisdom.”
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GIFT Drive-In, a celebration of volunteers Last week, GIFT Charity put on the first ever charity Drive-in evening in the UK, attended by almost 800 people, with The Worshipful The Mayor of Barnet Councillor Caroline Stock as guest of honour. Live performances thrilled the occupants of the 220+ cars; Britain’s Got Talent finalist DNA mind readers; The Voice contestant Moni Tivony performing together with 13 year old singer Yoni Shine, as well as an incredible performance by Zulu dancers which amazed the captured audience. Her Worship The Mayor, gave out awards to 10 categories of GIFT volunteers whose very special contribution during lockdown had been exemplary; Claudia Green, who organised thousands of cooked meals to go out to those isolated, elderly and unwell; Mathew & Chloe Gold & Amalia Greenwood, the volunteers running the GIFT virtual tutoring club which facilitated 300+ tutoring pairs; Talia Goldstein, who manned GIFT’s phones for 4 months; Naomi Russell who launched Food Bank Aid at the start of lockdown, providing GIFT’s food bank with thousands of pounds worth of donated food; Lauren Moshal, who collected over £12,000 worth of laptops, toys, games and iPads for GIFT’s recipient families; Shimon Kelly, who has given hundreds of hours of his time to manage the GIFT warehouse; Gila Davis, who helped to manage the volunteer Whatsapp groups, facilitating over 4000 acts of giving by volunteers: prescriptions being
The cars are gathered ready for the show
collected & essential shopping for the elderly and isolated; Howard & Beverly Calvert, who instigated NHS-OS, which saw over 4000 gratitude packs distributed to NHS Staff, care homes & hospices and Nicci Menashe who organised thousands of personalised ‘Cards with Care’ for those isolated in care homes. Sandor Milun, GIFT’s MD said “What a wonderful celebration of GIFT’s amazing volunteers! We were very grateful to have The Worshipful The Mayor of Barnet, trustees and friends join us for this incredible evening. The feedback from everyone has been awesome.”
The Chief Rabbi with a message of support
Edward Miasrahi, Chairman of Jewish Futures, said “It takes a truly unique organization to figure out a way, during these difficult times, to put on an evening that was entertaining, when people have struggled to find ways of enjoying themselves outside; and at the same time reflecting the values, principles & spirit that are so important to the organisation. The evening was extremely well organized and thought through. Well done GIFT!” The Mayor of Barnet said “I was absolutely delighted to have attended the GIFT Volunteer Appreciation Evening. Everyone
had come together to show how much the Jewish community cares about its amazing Volunteers. I felt very privileged to have been able to give out the awards to the outstanding individuals. People who had decided to stand up and make a difference during this unprecedented Covid19 period. GIFT just isn’t another charity, it has now grown into something very special. The idea of writing a letter to an elderly person or supplying a laptop, so a vulnerable person can communicate truly does give a “GIFT of Connection”. GIFT is a true inspiration to the Jewish and wider communities.”
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Bike4KEF set to navigate Walk to Israel with Olami course for riders despite pandemic
All set for the Bike4KEF ride
The popular Bike4KEF is set to go ahead this Sunday (July 19) despite delays and challenges posed by the corona virus. KEF supports the lives of children and young adults with physical and learning disabilities and their families, providing vital respite services. Over 70 families rely on KEF and during the pandemic, many families’ needs have been even more acute. Since the lockdown over 900 packages have been provided to KEF children, young adults, parents, siblings and service users. Each package is tailored so that it perfectly fits the needs of the recipient. KEF has tried to ensure that these materials provide meaningful entertainment
as well as giving individuals a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation, which can be much greater in people with special needs. Bike4KEF is crucial to the success of KEF and COVID-19 and has not stopped the event. The event organisers Nochum Dewhurst and Mordche Werjuka have created a social distanced event that complies with Government guidance: Talking about the event, Nochum Dewhurst said: “Bike4KEF is an emotional experience for the riders and their families, it brings people together and there is an amazing atmosphere, a celebration of the work KEF does day in and day out. This year will be different, but just as special. We won’t be having a fancy dinner and we will be riding locally and in smaller groups, but we can already see how passionate the riders are about it being a success. We have all had to overcome things in the last few months and the ride will be a celebration of where we have reached.” One thing the funds will be used for is the reopening of the KEF Centre with a special “KEF in the City” theme. In August, Government regulations permitting, KEF is planning for London landmarks to appear in the KEF centre for the service users to visit and experience. Co-event organiser Mordche Werjuka said: “The ride is all about KEF and the way KEF has battled through the pandemic has been nothing short of remarkable. We set ourselves a bold fundraising goal of £750,000, every penny of that money will make a huge difference to KEF families. If we can reach our goal after everything that has happened in the last few months, that would be phenomenal. Please support our riders and help us allow KEF to thrive.”
CONSIDERING ALIYAH?
Olami has today announced the launch of Walk to Israel – a global challenge to inspire Jewish communities to raise vital funds for Jewish organizations around the world. Walk to Israel is a pedometer fundraising challenge. At a time when we can’t fly to Israel, teams around the world are challenging themselves to collectively travel the distance to Israel, on foot! To complete the challenge, each walker will need to cover 100 miles on foot. So, over 30 days, that’s around 4 miles or 10,000 steps a day! Each team will cover the distance from the Diaspora to Israel. If 100 miles in 30 days doesn’t feel achievable, there is also an extended option of completing the challenge in up to 60 days. The purpose of the global Walk to Israel challenge is simple – to raise vital funds to support local Jewish organizations around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted so many Jewish organizations, as well as restricting our ability to exercise together outdoors or at the gym. In response, Walk to Israel will be an opportunity to get fit and unite Jewish communities worldwide, while raising funds for local Olami-affiliated or other Jewish organizations. Any Jewish charity or non-profit, including schools, synagogues and youth groups, can create their team on WalkToIsrael.com and invite people to join as team members. Each team member will be able to set up a personal fundraising page and ask family and friends to sponsor them on their journey. The WalkToIsrael.com platform enables individual walkers to track their steps using any smartphone or fitness device. Team members can share their walking and fundraising success with friends and family, using their personal fundraising page.
The challenge will launch with an online Worldwide Warm Up on Sunday 02 August. This huge online event will raise awareness about the Walk to Israel challenge and motivate teams from around the world for the journey that lies ahead. The Worldwide Warm Up will feature legendary Israeli entertainer and renowned ‘mentalist’ Lior Suchard and will be hosted by Beatie Deutsch – the incredible runner and ‘marathon mom’ who is training to represent Israel at the next Olympics, if the organizers make sure the race is not on Shabbat! As well as featuring other celebrities and great entertainers, the Worldwide Warm Up will include a trivia tournament with a $5,000 prize for the winning team to really kickstart their own Walk to Israel! More details on the Worldwide Warm Up and how to sign up will be announced on WalktoIsrael.com. As well as being supported by family and friends, the Walk to Israel teams will be cheered on by Jewish organizations and communities around the world. Commenting on the launch, Rabbi David Markowitz, Olami COO said, “Olami is proud to host this global challenge. Walk to Israel will unite the Jewish community across continents and raise essential funds to ensure the next generation is inspired, educated, and committed to our Jewish future. Wherever you are in the world, get involved and invite your family, friends, colleagues, in fact your cousin’s aunt’s brother, to follow your journey and support you on your way! We are walking together, for our future, to our home”. Beatie Deutsch, Israel’s National Champion marathon runner added, “Wherever you are in the world, sign up to the Walk to Israel challenge to get fit, have fun and raise vital funds for Jewish causes that matter. I can’t wait to see you all at the Worldwide Warm Up and to cheer on every team as you start this amazing journey!”. To sign up visit: www.walktoisrael.com
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Investing The writer is the Owner and Managing Director of Alpha Wealth Management Ltd – a boutique independent financial advisory practice. As a Chartered Financial Planner and drawing on over twenty years’ experience in financial services, Marc helps private clients, businesses, charities, and trusts optimize their finances. Prior to acting as a financial adviser, Marc was a Director at several global investment banks, providing investment advice to Europe’s leading institutional investment and pension fund managers.
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DIY or use an adviser ? BY MARC OVITS In November 2014, Vanguard (who have over $5 trillion of assets under management) published a document called Adviser Alpha. Following extensive research their key conclusion was that investors who use an adviser tend to generate 3% p.a. better returns over the long term to those that invest by themselves. Over the coming weeks we will explore some of the key reasons for this conclusion. The prime reason DIY investors typically underperform advised portfolios is that DIY investors are more prone to fall into psychological traps. Most people need emotional circuit breakers to prevent untimely investment decisions. Research shows advised clients who receive behavioural coaching benefit by 1-2%p.a. better returns over the long term. 2020 has been a rollercoaster year for investors. If you resisted the urge to sell in March as global markets plunged, then you probably benefited from the subsequent bounce — but you may now be fearing that worse is to come. The hangers-on are likely to have seen their dividend income dry up, whereas those who retreated to the safety of cash have been watching share prices rebound and seemingly detach from reality. As the markets swing, investors are all wondering the same thing: what should I do now? Below are some key insights into the impact of behavioural finance.
1. SELF-PRESERVATION
When the market is crashing, investors
behave like it’s always going to go down. You see your portfolio falling in value and the natural thing to want to do is to protect it. You sell that asset that is falling in value and you feel better. Wanting to remove discomfort is a natural response to feelings of anxiety or powerlessness. But over the long term, more frequent activity can lead to worse outcomes. Research shows investors who trade more frequently have worse long-term outcomes than those who trade infrequently or not at all. Investors who retreat from the market in a downturn rarely time their re-entry correctly, missing out on the recovery.
Most people need emotional circuit breakers to prevent untimely investment decisions. 2. OVERCONFIDENCE BIAS
Investors are also psychologically inclined to fall into the trap of overestimating their investing abilities, or assigning too much weight to their intuition. The sophistication of apps and online trading means that retail investors can buy or sell in a few clicks — and can instantly see any bad news reflected in their portfolio valuation. Surveys suggest over 20%
Volume 1
of investors check their portfolios at least once a day. Yet the more people check their portfolios, the worse the decisions they’ll make. Experts call this fixation on the short term “myopic loss behaviour”. In a downturn people try to exercise control in a powerless situation. Experts recommend finding a ‘displacement activity’, or another way to feel in control of your money, such as doing some financial administration or implementing strict trading rules. Investors need to build in their own backstops, or ‘pause points’ to avoid making impulsive decisions. Examples include, calling a friend for another perspective, or sleep on a trade before making it. Some people recommend a three-day wait rule to execute any trade. Look up what the tax consequences will be of any trade you make to avoid decisions you will regret later. Alternatively consider noting down the reasons you make a trade before you do it. Ask yourself why you think that trade will put you in a better position than you were already. Over time you’ll get a sense of whether your history of decision making is any good. A competent adviser will guide a client to understand that investing is supposed to feel uncomfortable. The right thing for your long-term goals is always emotionally uncomfortable for the present self. This gets dramatically exacerbated during times of crisis. We don’t feel comfortable doing nothing, though, often, that is exactly the right thing to do if you’re an investor.
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Emergency Community Fund Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary distributes more than £400,000 to School year 1 children at playtime help Jewish individuals and families through the coronavirus crisis
Bury and Whitefield Jewish primary Year 1 playtime
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL
Congratulations to The Jewish Weekly on their 150th issue! Ti s ha B’Av
Our restaurant and Take Away service are fully operating and we are receiving many compliments on our arrangements for the safety for customers and staff.
51 Church Road, Hendon NW4 4DU Reservations: 020 8203 7888 www.kaifeng.co.uk
for granted such as buying groceries.” Ages of applicants to the fund ranged from 20 to 74 with almost three quarters of those helped under the age of 50. In total the grants will support 449 children and 397 adults across the 235 households. Most of those applying were self-employed (45%) followed by those previously in employment (27%) and company directors (22%). Work Avenue is the Jewish community’s leading employment and business support organisation and is now assisting many of the applicants as they look to the future. Work Avenue CEO Debbie Sheldon said: “The situations people found themselves in through no fault of their own were heart-breaking and it was an honour to be able to help them through the Emergency Community Fund and the generosity of our donors. “Clients are now able to make use of this time by arranging free one-to-one appointments with our advisers to help them on their employment or business journey, enrolling on our virtual courses and/or looking at ways to pivot their business and skillsets.” David Davidi-Brown, the JLC’s Director of Development and Strategy, added: “It has been a privilege for the JLC to be part of helping so many households facing abrupt financial difficulties during the pandemic. “This has proved how our Jewish community continues to cooperate and coordinate so well, in this case ensuring people in over 70 postcodes from London to Leeds and Eastbourne to Edinburgh accessed such vital assistance.” ADVERTORIAL
We have added special menus for the nine days.
Glatt Kosher Le Mahadrin under the strict supervision of the London Beth Din and Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa
Work Avenue and the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) have distributed £418,721 to help 235 households in the Jewish community who have suffered financially as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The two organisations joined forces in April to launch the Emergency Community Fund. It closed on Tuesday June 30 having supported families in 72 different UK postcodes. Grants ranged from £360 to £2,500 with the average amount made £1,782. Recipients included taxi drivers, actors, entrepreneurs, barbers, airline pilots, therapists, property agents, personal trainers, dentists and many working in the hospitality and events industries. All fell through the cracks in Government support schemes meaning they did not have enough money for food and bills. Those helped described the assistance they received from Work Avenue – both in applying for the fund and then looking for new work and opportunities – as “lifesaving”, “allowing me to breathe again” and “making all the difference in getting our family through this”. Many told how they felt “overwhelmed” and were “in tears” when their grants arrived. London based optometrist, and father of five, David summed up the experience of many, saying: “There was no work and money was running out. Two of our kids are still at home and we are supporting a son at yeshiva. Then there is the mortgage, car loan and two weddings I’m still paying for. The fund and the support from Work Avenue helped to keep our heads above water until I could find work. It kept us going and able to do things we used to take
“Best and safest I have seen!” Kaifeng, the fine kosher Chinese restaurant and Take Away service in Hendon, received an unexpected compliment from Rabbi Gruber of the London Beth Din. “I am always impressed by Kaifeng’s food and service but their arrangements for the safety of restaurant diners and Take Away customers in the current crisis were the best and safest I have seen, and at the same time, they make dining there a relaxing and enjoyable experience” said Rabbi Gruber who has been hard at work all through these difficult times. “Our priority is the safety of our customers and staff, so we have had to make a few changes to keep the Kaifeng experience what it was before the lockdown. Complying with the government guidelines has not been a problem and all our customers have been well behaved!” says Norman Han. “Over the lockdown many people have been unable to properly celebrate
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their birthdays, anniversaries and other special events, so we expect some belated parties after Tisha B’Av. We are now allowed to hold simchas of up to 30 people” “The Covid crisis has been a major setback for everyone in the hospitality industry, and we are grateful for the support we are getting from our friends and customers. I am also very proud of our staff, who have safely worked to provide the community with Take Aways for the last few months” says Han. One interesting feature to emerge is the ‘Zoom Simcha’ as Kaifeng now call it. They deliver Take Away to different addresses and the participants Zoom together whilst enjoying a Kaifeng meal. Deliveries are left by the door by their team of masked and gloved drivers. Anyone collecting has their food taken out to their car for them. As Rabbi Gruber says: “The best and safest I have seen”.
16 JULY 2020
Shopping at your convenience Throughout the lockdown, while the many have been fighting for supermarket delivery slots, Sabeny.com has been quietly and efficiently sending kosher groceries across the country. Just before Passover, when women traditionally go into panic mode and this year the lockdown pushed them over the edge, this kosher online grocery went into over-drive and solved their problems. “We even delivered a Pesach package with matzos and wine to the Isle of White,” says owner Shlomo Grosskopf who will happily reel of a list of the tempting food he can send to your door. Although we have been trying to catch hold of Shlomo for the last few weeks, he has simply been too busy ensuring that anybody who contacted Sabeny.com received their groceries on their chosen day. When we asked him how he coped with sending out everybody’s order, especially before Pesach and just after Pesach helping them restock their house with chometz when all the supermarkets weren’t managing, he shrugged his shoulders and pointed to the sky saying without help from Hashem it would have been impossible. He admitted that it was difficult and credited his team of employees who understood the urgency and helped above and beyond what they were used to doing.
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Affordable Kosher - Delivered
We did ask him how his wife and young children felt about him being out of the house for up to 18 hours a day in the busy times before Pesach. With a laugh he said that he sat down with them and explained to his children that if they help him by behaving at home and helping their mother prepare for Pesach, they get part of the Mitzvah of ensuring every Jew has Matzoh for Pesach. Shlomo started Sabeny.com after going on a UK holiday and realising how difficult it was to get kosher food outside of a city. “I had to change that and made the decision that everyone should be able to buy kosher at an affordable price regardless of where they lived. Special packaging ensures that the meat, fish and ready meals stay fresh or frozen and always arrives on time. Using a courier service which texts the customers with a 2 hour delivery time slot on the day of their delivery, enables them to ship across the entire UK and ensures that the customers know when their order is coming and is available to receive it. “We are also cheaper than local shops in London because we bulk buy and I’m sure anyone who uses Sabeny.com now will continue to do so in the future.” Visit: www.Sabeny.com r"sb
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The Jewish Deaf Association’s response to covid-19 At this time JDA is ensuring that deaf people are not disadvantaged or more endangered at this critical time by enabling them to: • Help patients and doctors to communicate. Right now, JDA can’t interpret in hospitals or accompany deaf people to their medical appointments. So they are equipping people with apps which make spoken words appear on their phone as text. JDA staff are also sign language interpreting for GPs and hospitals via Zoom or Facetime, ensuring deaf patients can ask questions, understand and follow medical instructions. JDA has obtained a supply of disposable clear front masks, showing lips and smiles. These clear masks enable deaf patients to read lips and understand what is being said to them by healthcare providers. (They are also very useful in shops and at the hairdresser!) • Keep vulnerable people safe, well, stable and happy at this critical time. JDA is working hard to make sure all their vulnerable clients have food and medication supplies – and the emotional and practical support they need to stay reassured, in touch, mentally stable, safe and well. • Keep people with hearing loss connected to loved ones. JDA’s hearing support helpline is a
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Kayprint have you covered Kayprint move mountains to deliver 1st class graphic design & print to their broad base of clients throughout the UK and beyond. Service and attention to clients’ requirements are the mission of Kayprint with 25 years plus experience in ‘print for businesses. Kayprint leads the way in producing packaging and labels for the food industry. Barcodes and QR labels are part of the process in creating labels for clients who require a sophisticated system for security and tamper proof options especially in the kashrus market. The onset of the coronavirus pandemic created issues for clients who in order to operate safely, looked to Kayprint to supply social distancing items that could be branded for all areas of the workplace. For example, reception areas furnished with the Kayprint double width screen guard customised with all
Andrew - mobile hearing aid maintenance service in action
lifeline to people needing help with equipment like amplified telephones at this time of isolation. And, with audiology services closed, they have set up a mobile hearing aid maintenance and repair service. JDA staff are conducting this safe-distance service kerbside, so that everyone can have clean, working hearing aids - without which they would have no access to vital information, and would remain cut off from people and the world – a lonely place to be. To donate please telephone 020 8446 0502 or donate securely online at www.jdeaf.org.uk.
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the Covid-19 icons and colour coordinated to the clients’ corporate identity. Shops, schools, salons and shuls have adapted to new work models with the clear pull-ups and desktop acrylic screens, along with relevant information posters and signage for, including NHS affiliated workplaces. Back to printing, the core business of Kayprint. This is where Kayprint scores high - the personal and knowledgeable service as opposed to the online lack of options. You can choose from the simple to sophisticated business stationery to fit your budget. Challenge Kayprint the specialist “I want it now design & print!”, service, to deliver the most reasonable and not so reasonable request for a business card, canvas banner, in store posters, learning workbooks and any other printed item you can think of. Kayprint really does have you covered.
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JDA’s door-to-door hearing aid service is a lifeline at this time of isolation
I used to go to the hospital to get my hearing aids “serviced but there was always such a long wait.
And now the clinic’s closed.
Thank goodness for JDA. I couldn’t believe how quick and efficient they were! I called on Monday, by Tuesday Andrew was here and my hearing aids were working. My family are so relieved - and so am I, that they don’t have to shout at me anymore. And Andrew is like a friend - we always have a nice chat when he comes round. If only JDA would do my housework!
Thanks to JDA, everyone can have clean, working hearing aids and remain connected to their loved ones and the world around them at this difficult time. To make an appointment please telephone Gabbie on 020 8446 0214.
”
Please show you care by making a donation today.
020 8446 0502 www.jdeaf.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1105845 Company Limited by Guarantee 4983830
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From the front line… BY JACQUELINE CURZON It is a long road to freedom, or at least it feels an interminable wait for life to creep ‘back to normal.’ Masks are once again back on the news with the Cabinet split in its decision as to whether they should be mandatory in shops. Michael Gove suggests not so, but that it would be good manners and considerate to wear one. Boris Johnson has indicated face coverings could become obligatory in shops and other close spaces. This dichotomy is relevant as we are now seeing more than 100 outbreaks of coronavirus each week, according to Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, who says cheerily that testing capacity has now reached 300,000 a week. Let’s ask him if they’ve actually got a grip on this virus, or if all of these numbers are smoke and mirrors, and they are just masquerading around. Do YOU feel safer with a mask on, or is it to make everyone else feel safer? We know that it is safe at 1 metre in same directional queuing; it’s if we’re facing each other (like in conversation) that 2 metres is recommended. Those who want to personally maintain 3 metres and feel it incumbent to share this advice, should really stay safe and stay home. I’ve dutifully stood on the 2-metre yellow footprints outside shops, only for someone in front to ‘prefer’ a double distance (4-metres). For me, it’s just one step too far. For some, mask wearing allows them to finally leave the house, where previously they were too fearful. Places of worship are now open, albeit with masks ‘de rigueur,’ but those who were looking forward to returning to shul this past week, were a tad disappointed, coming home with the observation that there was ‘no soul, no ambience, no heart’ in the service. Aside from the baal koreh, doing all the honours, and calling himself up numerous times, it couldn’t have been much of an experience, with every word effectively obscured from behind a mask. Running a service ‘remotely’ in some religions might work, or could even be an improvement, but it would never catch on for us. No chance to ‘sh-zoom.’ Making them further compulsory in shops, from 24th July, will cause a further burden on an already decimated economy. Shops are like ghost towns, and I doubt there will be a flurry of Mask-ateers dashing out to snap up bargains this summer. Looks like I won’t have any need to go out in my hijab now, unless it’s for mere window shopping. Ah well, it’s only 34 weeks to Purim. On a more serious note, many folks have been getting exercise by virtue of enforced walking and cycling during lockdown. Our Editor Yossi Saunders, must be fitter than most, now he’s prepared for his second big cycle run (100km) this Sunday. Readers, you still have time to top up the charity kitty.
Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
The Jewish Weekly has reached its 150th edition. I hope you will raise a l’chayim to Yossi Saunders and his editorial team, in producing relevant, interesting and entertaining articles for our community. Anyway, well done Yossi, I bet you’re looking forward to a well-earned rest afterwards. For the rest of us, who’ve instead had to ‘walk our cholent off’ during the week, it’s refreshing to hear we are now being encouraged to start using the trains and buses, following the Prime Minister ‘s visit to shops last week. The Department of Transport removed from their guidance that ‘public transport should be avoided.’ I was speaking to somebody who’s been travelling on intercity routes across the country and they told me that train operators are providing additional carriages to manage distancing. Social distancing - through underselling of seats, and consequent inflated prices effectively means 8 metres, or 20 yards / 60 feet to the non-Europhiles. If I were to travel by train, I imagine I’d be one of only 3 or 4 people in a carriage that would otherwise accommodate 70, and STILL masks will be required for the journey. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a respite and the conductor and staff will only shout, “masks,” at Carlisle… Last week I wrote my column whilst even further north, in the city of Glasgow and fortunately I managed to avoid running into Ms Sturgeon, although she’s back in the news, saying that she will “not shy away from imposing quarantine restrictions on
people travelling from England,” if she so decides. This in line with her concern of importing Covid-19 from elsewhere in the UK. I told you, we’ll need a passport soon. Well, I suppose if I go back and am compelled to stay 7 days or more, I’ll get a lot more done. So, thanks, Nicola. It’s an absolute travesty to read that so many patients have been neglected by the NHS in the pandemonium surrounding COVID-19. Reports from official sources indicate that routine hospital treatment in England was down by 82% in May compared with a year ago, reversing more than 13 years of progress. Specifically, we are warned of a pending crisis in essential diagnostic procedures, with 570,000 patients waiting more than six weeks for several standard tests, including MRI and ultrasound. How can the powers-that-be convince themselves that all is right in the health sector? I quote Oliver Cromwell - ‘He who stops being better stops being good.’ If you fail your patients, you fail your society. I’ve already said on my column, some conditions are unfortunately guaranteed to kill you, but Covid - unpleasant though it might be - is a potential villain, not an absolute. In the early 2000s, the Government undertook to bring waiting times for appointments down from 18 months to 18 weeks. They had not quite achieved that by time of the Covid-19 pandemic, and with all the revised strategies now in place, it is unlikely that they will manage that 18-week turnaround any time before 2024. Well, a good number of us folks won’t likely be here to put in a claim for negligence….and because of the zealous risk-averse, reactionary behaviour, all too many of our services are falling into non-provision. Two of my children were midway through complicated dental treatments back in March when everything stopped abruptly, and another was scheduled to have imminent ENT surgery. None of them have had treatment resumed. One wonders if we will ever get back to a fully functioning NHS? Whilst my oncology consultant has been congratulating herself on the new system of video appointments, I was less than happy, because with a cancer which brings additional GI and abdominal issues, not only will I not be investigated by my GP if I have a problem but, if my consultant has her way, I won’t be ‘seen’ by her either. You know, being ill is such a risky business. Thankfully, coffee shops are opening. Maybe I can find a retired GP to consult there, and if I take my Blue Badge, maybe I’ll also get a seat. It’s unbelievable that in Israel the virus is regaining control. To have done so well, only for it to now be undone, is a tragedy. The public-health director Prof Seigal Sadetzki, feels that schools and businesses were opened much too quickly, and has now resigned, whilst their Prime Minister,
Mr Netanyahu, is considering imposing a second lockdown. I was quite upset to see in the Telegraph [13th of July] a picture of a protest in Tel Aviv as a response to the financial fallout of the pandemic. One must be very sympathetic to the financial catastrophe currently unravelling in Israel, for unemployment has now surged to a record 20%, with the economy virtually shut down. Nonetheless, when one sees an image taken in Israel, it might often be of an Orthodox Jew, invariably dressed respectfully, representing a civilised section of their society. Now, whilst this may not represent the whole of the Jewish population, it doesn’t bring others into disrepute. The image shown in the Telegraph was that of somebody who could at best be described as a ‘shaven-headed, tattooed thug,’ and I’m sure he was not representative, even of the protest itself. It’s like saying ‘everyone in Scotland eats fried Mars bars, drinks Irn-Bru and wears a kilt.’ Or indeed, showing a picture of a swaying Glaswegian drunk, and letting people think this too, is representative. The media must not bring down any race of people by such blatant misrepresentation. During my trip to Scotland last week I concluded my recent away break with a stopover at A&E, after I had the misfortune to fall downstairs whilst carrying something, and no, I had not partaken of a wee dram. It transpired that I wrecked my knee, so it ‘turned out’ not to be the simple ‘trip’ I’d intended. Consequently, I will need an MRI, orthopaedic evaluation and probably surgery. I should know all about knees, by the way, as I did a number on the other one a few years ago. (I’m telling you this strictly on a ‘knee-d to know’ basis). Stop laughing, please. With all the NHS delays, just when IS my intervention going to be factored in, with a national waiting list of nearly 5 million people? I’m pleased to hear the Government is to scrap plans for relaxing ‘self-identify’ determination. I’m actually a bit of a rebel too, so I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon. Here we go… I’d like to formally self-identify as an 18-year old again, and hope I’ll then be allowed to go back to university and begin as a medical student. Given my dubious mazal in recent escapades, I hope it will be on the correct side of the stethoscope. Hmmm. I don’t see a Tardis nice and dandy, so there really is little chance of meeting a Doctor Who will facilitate this. The Jewish Weekly has reached its 150th edition, and just in case you’re wondering, they were dressed in their Shabbos attire when I called them to offer my congratulations. I hope you will join me in raising a l’chayim this Friday night, to Yossi and his editorial team, in producing relevant, interesting and entertaining articles for our diverse, orthodox community. Here’s to the next 150 weeks Jacqueline x To follow Jacqueline’s journey blog {Yocheved bas Sara} please go to https://whenallissaidanddone.home.blog
To support Jacqueline in her cancer battle, please go to: www.gofundme.com/f/jacqueline039s-front-line-cancer-battle-fund THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
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The satisfaction factor BY DINA SPIELMAN
I have to confess I have a soft spot for shawarma. But I used to find that when the meal was over, I’d feel somewhat disappointed. I’d spent my day staying slightly hungrier than usual, (smart or not smart that’s another discussion,) in anticipation of my favourite take away. But it felt like I’d only just started eating and before I knew it, I’d be up to my last bite. This is where the disappointment lay! I didn’t feel ready to stop eating, I wanted to enjoy more of it! The truth was that I wasn’t hungry, I wasn’t even remotely interested in biting into anything else. What was going on? Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch in Intuitive Eating lament, we’re so busy discussing what we will eat or what we did eat, that we forget to enjoy what we are actually eating right now! They quote the wisdom of the Japanese who encourage enjoyment in food as part of healthy eating. Pleasure in Eating is often forgotten as a basic part of living and is an important element in feeling satisfied. Contrary to popular belief, eating is not a sin, eating is essential to life. And enjoying your food is essential to feeling content after your meal. By giving yourself this gift, you may discover that you leave the meal feeling
happily full and having had enough. By the way, you can just take pleasure in your food simply because that’s what food provides. If you recognised yourself in my story, ask yourself, are you rushing through your meals, missing out on the sensual experience of the food? I didn’t look at the way the food was arranged on my plate. Or how the yellowy orange of the shawarma spices interacted with the colours of the salads next to it. I didn’t pause to breathe in the distinct combination of smells that my meal produced. And finally, the taste! I didn’t savour my first bite, slowly moving
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the food around my mouth enjoying the textures and flavours. No, I just shovelled it down hungrily! The missing ingredient was the satisfaction factor. How do we get it? Savour your food! Eating mindfully engages all the senses so we are fully involved in our eating experience. But you don’t have to be a Buddhist, in order to practice it (Dr Jays mindful eating). The skill is based on the understanding that if we don’t focus on the experience in front of us, it’s as if it’s not there at all. For example, if your friend is busily texting while chatting to you at the same time, you would feel lacking
in connection and will leave wanting. Bringing awareness to the table increases satisfaction in the meal. Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen master, describes this as miraculous. But eating with just more presence, elevates the experience from mundane or even subconscious to that of enjoyment and pleasure. Think about driving while texting. It’s illegal yes, I know, but why? Because your brain can’t concentrate fully on two things at once. If you’re busy texting, then you are not focused on the road. So, if you are reading this article while munching on some grapes, then you are not gaining the full sensual experience of your snack. Did you anticipate that first crunch and then savour the sweet cascade of juice? No! Put the newspaper down! So, next time you tuck in to some shawarma or just plain old toast, follow these tips: 1) Sit down at a table undistracted. 2) Take a deep breath. 3) Look 4) Smell 5) Take one bite, curiously detect the taste and textures on your tongue. 6) Continue enjoying until satisfied and full!
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The art of communication BY ARYEH SAMPSON
and just focuses on the person’s behaviour. It also avoids the tendency to blame, by using the expression ‘I feel’, as opposed to ‘You are’. And it focuses on making a request as opposed to a demand, such as ‘Never do that again’.
Dr. John Gottman, professor emeritus of psychology at Washington University, has developed a model which claims 90% accuracy in predicting whether newlywed couples will remain married. He believes that an early warning signal that a marriage is in danger is the expression of harsh criticism. Communicating one’s feelings in an open, non confrontational way is an important skill. I would like to share four approaches that can enhance communication.
3) USE NON-DEFENSIVE LISTENING.
1) START IN A POSITIVE WAY.
Dr. M. Wikler, marriage counsellor and author, explains that it is important to pick the right time to communicate difficult feelings, when one is calm and collected, not in a time of upset. It is also good to start in a positive way, for instance by acknowledging the other person’s point of view or apologising for that which you may have done incorrectly.
2) DON’T BLAME OR LABEL
The psychologist Dr. Haim Ginott recommended that the best formulation for
expressing criticism is XYZ – When you did X, it made me feel Y, and I’d rather you did Z instead. For example: ‘When you didn’t call that you would be late for supper, I felt unappreciated; I wish you would call to let me know when you’ll be late in the future.’ This approach avoids labelling, identifying the person with the mistake,
Imago therapy, an approach for strengthening marital harmony, stresses the importance of non-defensive listening. The listener mirrors – repeats back – the statement they have heard. For example, ‘What you are saying is that you are upset when I don’t call to let you know I am going to be late, and this makes you feel unappreciated’. This allows the speaker to feel understood and validates their feelings. The other person then has an opportunity to reply using ‘I’ statements, which are in turn repeated back to him. This methodology helps both parties to understand each other and air out their difficulties without making each other defensive. Solutions can then be found.
relationships with other people from the past. Negative feelings toward these people are transferred onto a current relationship. For example, someone who feels they did not live up to parental expectations may react with anger at the slightest hint of not living up to what is expected of him by his spouse. The anger or hurt arises from a difficulty in the relationship with their parents, but it is expressed to the spouse. It is important to work on resolving the underlying problematic relationship, which in turn helps to stop the transference occurring. At times this can be done with the help of a therapist, where a client may express his unresolved or repressed feelings in the confidential and safe setting that therapy provides.
Sometimes arguments are rooted in ‘unfinished business’, unresolved
Aryeh Sampson is a psychotherapist based in North London and counsels online . He is the author of ‘Go to Yourself, Transformation through Jewish Wisdom and Psychology’. To receive a free download copy and newsletter, email aryeh.sampson@gmail.com . He has a YouTube channel,’ Aryeh Sampson’ where he shares insights on a range of psychological issues. Aryeh can be contacted at aryeh. sampson@gmail.com. For more information about counselling view www.ascounsellinginnorthlondon.co.uk
contains the least number of calories than the other sweeteners mentioned here. Therefore, neither white sugar, agave nectar or honey is superlative over another. Use whichever sugar or syrup works best in your recipe, be it for taste or consistency. So now you can’t go around feeling virtuous that you’ve switched to using Agave nectar (sorry!) It is still essentially a kind of sugar, same as all the others and trendiness doesn’t make it healthier. Also useful to remember, is that if a food contains nutrients, this doesn’t mean it is then the be all and end all to health or will help you grow pink hair or whatever, it is just food! If you want to increase your nutrients such as antioxidants, consuming
large amounts of honey is not the miracle way - you can increase your fruit and vegetable intake! Voila! People with conditions affected by sugar should of course consult their health professional and not use this article as medical advice. Now go and enjoy your smoothies with agave nectar, your apple dipped in honey and your cereal sprinkled with sugar!
4) RESOLVE THE INFLUENCE OF THE PAST.
Sugar Wars: Table sugar versus honey and agave nectar BY DINA SPIELMAN Sugar, honey and agave nectar contain carbohydrates that make it sweet. What we will talk about here are the some of the simple sugars that form carbohydrates: glucose and fructose. Table sugar or white sugar comes from sugar cane. It consists of sucrose which is made of 50% fructose and 50% glucose and provides 16 calories per teaspoon. Agave nectar (or syrup) extracted from the agave plant, can contain as high as 90% fructose and has a low glycaemic index (GI). This means that the body processes it at a slower rate compared to sugar, resulting in a smaller increase in blood sugar levels. It is one and a half times sweeter than table sugar because of its fructose content and therefore one would need to use less than half of it to acquire the same sweetness. It contains 21 caloriesl per teaspoon. Many of the Agave syrups available have been heat treated which causes the raw
agave nectar to lose many of its nutritional properties. Honey comprises of 40% fructose (although it varies depending on its botanical content). Similarly, it has a low GI, provides 21 calories per teaspoon and tastes sweeter than table sugar. Honey contains small amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes and its antimicrobial properties make it useful for wound healing after surgery. Interestingly, honey has less environmental impact than sugar production. All this information should be taken with a pinch of salt (or sugar). These products are actually eaten in much smaller amounts in real life compared to the large amounts used in the studies. So the GI is altered according to the portion size of the sugar. This is called GL (Glycaemic load). Additionally, sugar is not eaten alone. Your body responds to the sugar together with the other foods eaten with it. Lastly you will have noticed that table sugar
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US celebrates its 150th anniversary BY DAVID SAFFER
associated community services. The US also The United Synagogue celesupports the Office of the brated its 150th anniversary Chief Rabbi and is one of this week. Though official two parents bodies for the celebrations were hit due to London Board of Shechita the coronavirus pandemic, Evaluating its biggest the US is looking to the future achievements, Dr Wilson, with great optimism. noted a perpetual mission “Our number one priority to “keep Jews Jewish”. is the continued engagement “The British Jewish of our members and the community looks the way Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler wider Jewish community,” it does today, is as strong commented US chief execuas it is today, because of tive Steven Wilson. “While we are blessed the US,” he said. “We have produced some to have a traditional community in the of the greatest Rabbis and educators, not UK with assimilation lower than in many least of all, of course a series of superb other countries, we know we need to go Chief Rabbis. further. We want more Jews, doing more “Jewish Weekly readers will recall fondJewish things, more of the time.” ly Lord Jakobovits and will continue to be The history of the US dates back over inspired by Lord Sacks and his outstandthree centuries to the founding of the ing successor, Chief Rabbi Mirvis.” Great Synagogue by Ashkenazi Jews in Regarding the US coronavirus pandem1690. Four synagogues followed. Chief ic response, Dr Wilson commented, “Our Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler suggested Rabbis, Rebbetzens and lay leaders have a merger to strengthen London Jewry. reimagined what community looks like Royal Assent came with the Jewish United online. We have been pumping out hour Synagogues Act, 14th July 1870. after hour of high quality educational Today, the US encompasses 62 synaand religious digital programming. Our gogues with 40,000 members backed by professional team, rabbinic leaders and
an army of volunteers have spent countless hours on pastoral calls and where possible visits and delivering food parcels and vital medicines to so many of our vulnerable members.” He added, “COVID-19 has forced all businesses and charities to look at its finances and financial modelling. The Jewish community will not be exempt from this. We need to ensure our charities are sustainable. US Trustees and Directors are already looking at making sure that we have the funds, skills and communal models to thrive.” Looking ahead, Dr Wilson noted, “I want us to surpass the expectations of every person who interacts with us, we need to feel like a professional, 21st century organisation and this is increasingly the case, though there is always room for improvement. Given the support we’ve offered to communities around the UK during the coronavirus crisis, I suspect more regional communities will want to have conversations with us about joining the US. I look forward to meeting with them when the time is right.” Seven Chief Rabbis of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth have led the United Synagogue.
The United Synagogue A BRIEF TIMELINE 1690
Hambro' Synagogue established
New Synagogue moves to Great St. Helens
Central Synagogue established
1707
1837
1855
1761
1845
New Synagogue established
Foundation of the Great Synagogue
Rabbi Joseph Herman Hertz becomes Chief Rabbi
1891
1913
Bayswater Synagogue established
2003
Dayan Menachem Gelley appointed Rosh of the London Beth Din
Rabbi Hermann Marcus Adler succeeds his father as Chief Rabbi
1870
1863
Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler becomes Chief Rabbi
2007
The five Ashkenazi Synagogues join to form the United Synagogue
1995
Launch of Tribe for United Synagogue Youth
1914
1984
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks becomes Chief Rabbi
Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu becomes Rosh of the London Beth Din
1970
100th anniversary celebrations
1967
Rabbi Immanuel Jakobovits becomes Chief Rabbi
2007
US Chesed, including chaplaincies
2008
US comprises over 60 communities
2010
Launch of US Living and Learning
IMAGES COURTESY OF THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE
2013
Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is installed as new Chief Rabbi
2014
Sheffield, first regional US community
2016
Birmingham Central Synagogue joins the US
2018
1931
1931-38
1939
1991
125th Anniversary Celebrations
Dayan Yechezkel Abramsky becomes Rosh of US comprises 21 the London Beth Nineteen more communities Din communities join
Launch of the KLBD product search app for 1000s of products
2018
Consecration of new Bushey cemetery
2020
The United Synagogue celebrates it's 150th Anniversary
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1948
Rabbi Israel Brodie becomes Chief Rabbi
1945-55 Thirty more communities join
US comprises 52 communities
16 JULY 2020
The Jewish United Synagogues Act of 1870
Rabbi Adler (1845-1890) was first to undertake pastoral tours within the UK. Establishing a religious basis of the US, he provided authorisation for the Singer’s prayer book. Rabbi Hermann Adler (1891-1911) succeeded his father and developed an English style of orthodoxy while maintaining full Jewish observance. He was instrumental in making provision for Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe in acclimatising to English life. Rabbi Joseph Herman Hertz (19131946) offered support for the Zionist movement leading to the Balfour Declaration. Undertaking a pastoral tour of Empire Jewry, encompassing 42 communities in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, his lasting contributions are English commentaries in the chumash and siddur. Rabbi Israel Brodie (1948-1965) was senior Jewish chaplain to the Armed Forces during World War Two and helped rebuild religious life of European Jewry after the Holocaust. Knighted “for services to British Jewry”, he was the first Chief Rabbi to achieve the honour. Rabbi Immanuel Jakobovits (196691) was an authority on Jewish medical ethics, placing Jewish education central to his agenda. His tenure saw the development of Jewish day schools and adult Jewish learning. Knighted in 1981, he became a peer in 1987. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (1991-2013) advocated the enhancement of educational, outreach and community development opportunities. Jewish schools flourished and Tribe was launched in 2003. Following a knighthood in 2005, a seat in the House of Lords followed. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was installed in September 2013 in an historic ceremony attended by The Prince of Wales. Principal Jewish community representative to government, media and other faiths, his numerous initiatives includes the Ma’ayanot Female Educators Programme and Shabbat UK. Chief Rabbi Mirvis, in a message to the US, noted, “The US continues to stand proudly as a bastion of Jewish tradition and observance, which serves as a model of communal excellence throughout the Jewish world.”
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Central Synagogue
16 JULY 2020
‘jewel in crown’ of US BY DAVID SAFFER The Central Synagogue has been a ‘jewel in the crown’ of the United Synagogue for 150 years. As the oldest US shul, it is symbolically fitting the historic shul in the heart of London held its first Shabbat service since lockdown just days before the US celebrated its 150th anniversary on Tuesday this week. Central was actually due to celebrate its own 150th anniversary last April at a glitzy event that included royalty involvement only to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Central’s Minister, Rabbi Barry Lerer, led a reopening service with social distancing measures in place last Saturday. Looking ahead to the service, he noted, “It’s an honour to be rabbi at this time in our history. “We were meant to have a wonderful celebration in April with dignitaries including a member of the Royal Family. My induction was to be tied in as a celebratory Shabbat, but alas it wasn’t to be. “It is poignant our first service in four months is just after our 150th anniversary. There won’t be dignitaries or a ceremony but the main thing is we are open.” Central Synagogue is integral in the history of Anglo-Jewry and has experienced many challenging times dating back to its formative beginnings in 1848 according to records. Today’s synagogue was actually rebuilt after the original building was destroyed in a bombing raid in May 1941 during World War Two. Through the decades a host of outstanding figures have contributed to the welfare and prosperity of the Jewish and wider community. “Out of a handful of US shuls in 1870, we are the only one still here,” said Rabbi Lerer. “We are historic and have had many famous names here in the past. The shul was bombed, rebuilt, we also lost 19 young boys in the Great War. We have a unique place that’s for sure.” Looking to the future, he commented, “Central Synagogue has been a jewel in the crown of the US and Anglo Jewry but there is no reason to rest on our laurels. Our community has much to be proud of but we have to constantly strive to new heights so the future of the community will be even more illustrious. We want to continue to be a jewel in the crown of the US.” Central Synagogue’s history dates to back to 1848 when authorities at the Great Synagogue in the City of London established a ‘branch’ synagogue in the West End for Jews who had migrated there since the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign. A warehouse at 120 Great Portland Street
Rabbi Barry Lerer
Rev Simon Hass
Rabbi Cyril Israel Shine
Chazan Steven Leas
Rabbi Barry Marcus
was converted into a synagogue in 1853. Two years later Chief Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler consecrated the ‘branch’ shul. As membership grew, a new site was sought and in 1869 a foundation stone was laid by Baron Lionel de Rothschild MP. Central Synagogue was duly consecrated in 1870 by Chief Rabbi Hermann Adler in Great Portland Street. The Ark was opened by Sir Moses Montefiore. Central became one of five member synagogues when the US received Royal Assent on 14th July 1870. During World War One, with leave of absence being granted to Rev. Michael Adler to serve in the Armed Forces, Rev. B. N. Michelson and Mr. M. Zeffert carried out synagogue duties. The shul’s basement was turned into an official air-raid shelter in 1917. Chief Rabbi Joseph Hertz delivered a sermon to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the synagogue in 1920. During the service, Sir Adolph Tuck lit candles in memory of fallen members. A further candle was lit by the father of a departed officer. The Ladies’ Guild was formed in 1925, nine years later Rev Adler retired after 31 years’ service. Rev. Philip Cohen was
appointed Minister. The synagogue, which was being used as a temporary refuge for those whose homes had been destroyed during World War Two, was destroyed by bombing. Luckily no-one was in the building. During the war, Rev. Cohen was granted leave of absence to take up duties as a Chaplain to H.M. Forces. Sabbath and festival services continued at temporary premises at Woburn House. A temporary synagogue was built in 1946 with 550 seats. Rev. Simeon Isaacs was appointed Minister. Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie paid tribute to his services at a memorial service following his death in 1954. Rev. Cyril Shine was appointed Minister in 1955. The rebuilding of the new synagogue commenced the following year. Sir Isaac Wolfson laid a foundation stone and Chief Rabbi Brodie consecrated the new Central Synagogue in 1958 before a distinguished gathering that included the Ambassador of Israel Dr. Elihu Elath. When Sir Bernard Waley-Cohen was elected Lord Mayor of London in 1960, Rev. Cyril Israel Shine was appointed domestic chaplain to the Lord Mayor, the first occasion of the Lord Mayoralty.
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Lord Mayor Waley-Cohen, accompanied by Sheriffs, attended shul on the first Sabbath after his election. Rev. Simon Hass led the synagogue’s first midnight Selichot Service in 1963. Four years later, the community gathered to show solidarity with the State of Israel during the Six Day War. Chief Rabbi Brodie, Rabbi Shine and Rev. Simon Hass officiated at a centenary service in 1970. Rabbi Shine informed congregants about the commencement of The Yom Kippur War during a Shabbat service in 1973. Rabbi Silverman succeeded Rabbi Shine following his retirement in 1988. Five years later, Rev. Hass retired as chazan after more than 40 years’ service. Rabbi Barry Marcus, who succeeded Rabbi Silverman in 1995, pioneered a oneday educational visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1998. Rabbi Marcus, who continues to lead visits, serves as a Trustee to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and Yad Vashem UK. Central Synagogue was twinned with the Jewish community of Belarus and in building a Jewish school in Pinsk in 2000. Chazan Leas became chazan and started a choir in 2003. Former Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, led a memorial service to Rabbi Shine a year later. In 2005, at the invitation of Rabbi Marcus, German Ambassador Thomas Matussek attended a Sabbath service with officials of the German Embassy. The service was the launch of the ‘Building Bridges’ programme which continued with visits from the Polish Ambassador and other dignitaries. Chazan Leas and Geraldine Auerbach of Jewish Music Institute organised a first concert ‘We Wrote the Songs’ to herald Jewish Music Central at a packed Queen Elizabeth Hall the same year. Sir Elie Wiesel attended a Shabbat service the week of his knighthood in recognition of his literary achievements and services to humanity in 2006. Rabbi Lerer and Rebbetzin Naomi Lerer were appointed the latest rabbinic couple at Central Synagogue in 2019.
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150 facts 38 FEATURE
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about Israel
proof that Vitamin E helps regain hearing loss and the cause of chronic bad breath. 16 Israel has more in-vitro fertilisation per capita and it’s free. 17 Passengers on El Al clap pilots when flights land at Ben Gurion Airport. 18 Israel boasts more Nobel Prizes per capita than the United States, France and Germany. 19 Israel is the largest immigrant absorbing nation per capita on earth. 20 Israel has the highest number of solar-powered water heaters per capita. Around 93 percent of Israeli homes use solar energy. 21 There are over 100 sushi restaurants in Tel Aviv, the most per capita after Tokyo and New York. 22 Israeli banknotes have Braille markings on them. 23 The largest known dog cemetery was discovered in Ashkelon. 24 Specialist Israeli rescue teams aided global disasters in Kenya, India and Turkey 25 The first PC antivirus software was developed in Israel.
16 JULY 2020 largest sock mosaic, 12,000 socks, 2012. 37 Israel scientists have developed a device to help nurses locate veins, mechanism to restore use of paralysed hands and ingestible video camera technology to diagnose cancer and digestive disorders. 38 You can buy hummus-flavoured ice cream in Jaffa. 39 Israeli inventor Rafi Yoeli is building the world’s first flying car due to market in 2020. 40 People who keep Shabbat in Israel can buy car insurance that doesn’t cover Saturdays. 41 Israeli scientists have ruled that giraffe milk is kosher. 42 Israeli entrepreneur Dov Moran invented the USB memory stick. 43 Israel is the only nation to draft women into the army. 44 The first electric hair remover was created in Israel. 45 The Yom Kippur War took place October 6-25 1973. 46 Over 1,000 letters arrive in Jerusalem addressed to G-d annually.
To celebrate The Jewish Weekly 150th edition David Saffer discovers 150 historic, inspirational, triumphant, heart- 26 Haifa has one of the smallest breaking and bizarre facts about Israel. undergrounds in the world with a 1 Israel is the only country with a net gain of trees entering the 21 century. 2 There are more museums in Israel per capita. These include the world’s only underwater museum in Caesarea. 3 Israeli researchers have pioneered work into Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, dyslexia, sleep disorder, snoring problems, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, breast cancer and asthma.
4 Voicemail was developed in Israel.
5 Israel Nalaga’at theatre company is the world’s only for deaf and blind actors. 6 Life expectancy in Israel is 82 years. 7 Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation. 8 Israel was the first country to launch busstop mini-libraries in 2011. 9 Two professors at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University created the first cherry tomatoes. 10 Beersheba has the most chess grandmasters per capita than any other nation. 11 Israeli-US researchers designed a watermelon-picking robot with artificial vision for harvesting. 12 Israel has the world’s highest rate of university degrees per capita. 13 Israel developed the first mobile phone by Motorola. 14 The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is the world’s oldest cemetery still in use. 15 Israeli researchers have; developed a nose drop that provides a five-year flu vaccine, treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder,
1.8-km track and four carriages.
27 Tel Aviv has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 28 Israel airlifted 22,000 Ethiopian Jews between 1984 and 1991. 29 Sunbathers reading a newspaper at the Dead Sea is a popular photograph. 30 El Al set a world record for most passengers on a commercial flight with 1,088 people. 31 The 2013 Guinness Book of Records includes the largest grown pepper in Moshav Ein Yahav. 32 Israel is the only country to revive an unspoken language as its national tongue. 33 Israeli cows produce more milk per cow than anywhere apart from South Korea. 34 Glue on Israeli stamps is kosher. 35 The diet of animals at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo is kosher for Passover. 36 Netanya broke the world record for the
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47 AirTrain-JFK is protected by Israeli-developed Nextiva surveillance system. 48 Israel is ranked number two in the world for venture capital funds. 49 Golda Meir was the third woman in history to serve as a country’s Prime Minister. 50 Israel has used Sammy Ofwer Stadium (Haifa), Teddy Stadium (Jerusalem) and Turner Stadium (Be’er Sheva) as its national football stadium in recent years. 51 Israel has won three medals at the World Athletics championships. Medallists: Aleksandr Averbukh 1999 bronze pole vault & 2001 silver pole vault; Hanna Knyazyeva-Mineko 2015 silver triple jump. 52 Israel is around half the size of Lake Michigan. 53 Israel has won nine medals at the Olympics Games (1 gold, 1 silver, 7 bronze). Medallists: Yael Arad 1992 silver judo; Oren
16 JULY 2020 Smadja 1992 bronze judo; Gal Fridman 1996 bronze sailing, 2004 gold sailing; Michael Golganov 2000 bronze canoeing; Ariel Zeevi 2004 bronze judo; Shaar Tzuberi 2008 bronze sailing; Yarden Gerbi 2016 bronze judo; Or Sasson Gerbi 2016 bronze judo. 54 Ilan Ramon was Israel’s first astronaut. He tragically died on the space shuttle Columbia in 2003. 55 Eleven members of Israel’s 1972 Olympic team were murdered by Black September terrorists. Wrestlers Eliezer Halfin, Mark Slavin, wresting coach Moshe Weinberg, wrestling referee Yossef Gutfreund; weightlifters David Berger, Ze’ev Friedman, Yossef Romano; weightlifting judge Yakov Springer; track coach Amitzur Shapira; shooting coach Kehat Shorr; fencing coach Andre Spitzer. 56 Israel’s population is half the size of Metro New York City. 57 The Western Wall ‘tunnel’ tour is a hugely popular tourist attraction. 58 Albert Einstein refused to be the president of Israel in 1952. 59 Israel recycles more plastic bottles as a percentage than any other nation world. 60 Water-saving drip irrigation system was invented in Israel. 61 The world’s oldest copper mine is north of Eilat. 62 The average Israeli eats 10 litres of ice cream per year compared to 6.2 litres per capita in Italy. 63 Israel is the 100th smallest country in the world. 64 Israel boasts the world’s largest selection of white cheeses according to the Israel Dairy Board. 65 At least 500 million birds in 200 species migrate to and from Asia, Africa and Europe. 66 A company in Israel has developed the world’s first jellyfish repellent. 67 According to statistics, the most popular baby name in Israel is Noam for girls and boys 68 Israel’s longest footpath links the Lebanese border with the Red Sea. 69 You can run through Israel from west to east in two hours and top to bottom in nine days. 70 Mosaics in Tiberias feature two seven-branched menorahs and a zodiac. 71 Israel’s philharmonic orchestra is world renowned for western classical repertoire. 72 Legendary military leader Moshe Dayan led Israel in four historic wars and helped negotiate the Israel-Egypt peace deal. Dayan also held ministerial roles. 73 Israel shares its border with four counties Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. 74 Israel’s economy is larger than all its neighbours combined. 75 Israel provides five percent of the world’s flowers. Over 50 million Israeli flowers were sent to Europe for sale on Valentine’s Day 76 Israel has the most start-up companies globally. 77 Israel invented the Pentium MMX chip technology at Intel. 78 Israel’s official emblem, the Menorah, was adopted in February 1949. 79 Official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic. 80 Over 90 percent of the land is owned by the State of Israel. 81 All citizens in Israel, Jews and Arabs, enjoy full political rights. 82 Hiking and camping is an integral part of Israel’s culture. Spring is the best season for hiking trails.
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83 There are 40 kosher McDonald’s in Israel. 84 Bamba is made exclusively in Israel. 85 Automotive Industries (AIL) is Israel’s sole car manufacturer. 86 Israel has more orchestras per capita than any other country. 87 An Israeli-developed algorithm allowed NASA to transmit images from Mars. 88 Folk dancing is hugely popular in Israel, especially the Hora. 89 Israelis, per capita are world’s biggest consumers of fruit and vegetables. 90 Israeli scientists have ruled that giraffe meat and milk are kosher. 91 The Dan Accadia Herzila is Israel’s biggest hotel with 1,350 rooms. 92 Shulem Lemmer was the first Chassidic singer to get a record deal in the United States. 93 Chaim Topol found fame as Tevye in the musical Fiddler on the Roof. The film was made at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire and came out in 1971. 94 Israelis have won three Oscars. Natalie Portman (born Neta-Lee Hershlag), Best Actress (Black Swan, 2010); Niv Adiri, Best Sound (Gravity, 2013); Guy Nattiv, Best Live Action Short (Skin, 2018) 95 The State of Israel was declared on May 14, 1948. 96 David Ben Gurion was Israel’s first Prime Minister. 97 The Israeli government adopted the Law of Return in 1950. 98 The Six Day War in 1967 was fought in 1967 between Israel and Egypt, Syria and Jordan. 99 Zion Karasenti, Yitzhak Yifat, and Haim Oshri are the ‘Three Paratroopers’ pictured at the Western Wall when Jerusalem was reunified in 1967. 100 Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Prime Minister Menachem Begin held peace talks in 1977. 101 Sadat and Begin shared the Nobel Peace Prize after the Framework for Peace in the Middle East was established at Camp David in 1978. 102 Football and basketball are Israel’s national sports. 103 Suicide bombings began in Israel during 1989 and continue to this day. 104 Israel is the only Jewish state in the world. 105 Mordechai Spiegler was Israel’s captain at the 1970 World Cup. He scored Israel’s only goal. 106 Jerusalem is Israel’s capital and largest city with coordinates 31°47′N 35°13′E. 107 Israel’s population is 8,675,475 (July 2020 est.) 108 Israel’s currency is the New shekel (ILS)
109 Israel’s highest point is 2,236m, its mean elevation is 508m 110 The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth at 1,315 feet below sea level. 111 Israel’s area total is 20,770sq km (land: 21,497sq km, water: 440sq km) 112 Israel’s natural resources includes timber, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock and sand 113 Israel’s agricultural land is 23.8% 114 Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in Israel Square in Tel Aviv, November 1995 115 Israel’s death rate 17.6 deaths/1,000 population (2020 est.) 116 Israel’s birth rate 5.3 births/1,000 population (2020 est.) 117 Israel’s gender ratio is 1.01 male/female (2020 est.) 118 Israel’s Internet country code is .il 119 Israel’s international country code is +972 120 Israel drives on the ‘right’ hand side of a road. 121 Israel is 1/6 of 1% of the landmass of the Middle East. 122 Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East. 123 In many Israeli bus stops you can find a tzedakah box. 124 Most of the Windows NT operating system was developed by Microsoft-Israel. 125 Four Israelis developed the technology for AOL Instant Messenger and ICQ. 126 Israel is governed by the Knesset comprising 120 MKs. 127 Israel has the third highest rate of entrepreneurship in the world.
128 Israel has the fourth largest air force in the world (after the U.S, Russia and China). 129 Israeli bank notes have braille on them so the blind can identify them. 130 Over 4.5m people visited Israel in 2019 according to official statistics. 131 Israel will be represented in baseball for the first time at the Olympics in 2021 132 Basketball player Omri Caspi became the first Israeli selected in the NBA draft in 2009 133 The Israeli national basketball team has won two gold medals in the Asian Games. 134 Israel’s professional football league has 12 teams in its Premier League. 135 Ronnie Rosenthal played for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in English top flight football. 136 Eyal Berkovic was voted as Manchester City’s player of the season in 2002/03.
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FEATURE 39 137 Maccabi Tel Aviv has won the European Championship basketball title six times. 138 The Israeli national basketball team won a silver medal at the 1979 Eurobasket tournament. 139 The Maccabiah Games was first held in 1932 and takes place in Israel every four years. 140 The Maccabiah Games is the third largest sporting event in the world with 10,000 athletes. 141 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has served Israel for over a record 14 years. 142 Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir led a record 11 parties in the 24th Knesset 143 El Al is Israel’s national airline carrier. Israeli technology successful tested in-flight cell phone use. 144 Falafel is Israel’s national dish. Together with shawarma, shakshuka and Hummus they arguably the most popular ‘street foods’.
145 Israel’s national flag was adopted on 28 October 1948. Two horizontal blue lines on a white background symbolise a tallit.
146 An Israeli physicist-inventor developed the world’s first air-conditioned motorcycle. 147 Israel made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1973. 148 Israel won Eurovision in Paris in 1978 with A-Ba-Ni-Bi performed by Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta then as hosts in Jerusalem with Hallelujah performed by Milk and Honey in 1979. 149 SpaceIL and Israel Aerospace Industries’ moon shot crashed on the surface in April 2019. 150 An Israeli company has developed sensors that detect stress in plants. Sources: www.erjcchouston.org, jewishnewhaven.org, www.lonelyplanet.com, www.thefactfile. org, www.carleton.ca, www.jewishmiami.org, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org Every effort has been made to ascertain correct facts.
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ASK THE RABBI
16 JULY 2020
Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com CORONA TAKE-AWAY
Dear Rabbi I hope you don’t mind me asking you this, in this forum. I have read some of your writings and watched some of your videos and I am especially keen to know what your overall perspective is of the corona period. What has been your biggest challenge and what is your greatest take away from it all. I am asking here because as much as I want to know the answers for my own research (I am asking this of various Rabbis and other faith leaders) I thought it would be of immense benefit to all your readers if you were willing to share your brief insights. With many thanks in anticipation. Elaine Dear Elaine When COVID 19 hit these shores we were by and large oblivious to it at first. We assumed certain precautions – no hand touching – but otherwise we more or less dismissed it. It was a passing phase. Why we assumed that mind-set while it was clearly devastating other parts of the world I will never know. Meanwhile, we had Purim which brought many Jews in close proximity to one another – just sitting together in closed spaces, celebrating. In my shul’s case this also meant having a much larger gathering of some 400 in the main shul – and then another 70 or so in a downstairs shul. Amongst the 70 downstairs there was clearly already one infected individual – a super
spreader if you will – how could they have known – how could anyone have known – and within 4 weeks, numerous people in attendance at that service took ill, alas many of them died. Some didn’t but were obvious carriers and their spouses died. In one month I was personally confronted with near 30 bereavements. This same scene repeated itself in Jewish communities across many parts of the world. People I knew from my home town in Toronto. People I knew from New York where I lived for a number of years. It was relentless – it was – to be frank – scary. Now, I am someone with great faith and to be sure, this devastation all around me didn’t shake my faith. It upset me – very much – but having grown up with a mother who is a Holocaust survivor I was always able to keep things in context. But the same of course cannot be said for many others. My role as a Rabbi and my upbringing from my parents, may have fortified me – but who was going to fortify them – strengthen them? That was my biggest challenge. Finding the words, finding the right balm that could sooth even if not heal the gaping wounds. Challenging times brings out in one latent potential. I determined that the key factor was keeping the community engaged – or as I coined each email – Mill Hill Synagogue- Bringing the Community to You. And so I had to let my creative juices flow and start creating all sorts
Tehillim Psalm 150 I must pinch myself to realize that it is not a dream, but we have actually arrived at the last psalm in the whole book of Tehillim! Huge Mazel Tov wishes must go out to those loyal readers who have been with us for each of the 150 steps along the way. Please ensure you raise a L’chaim glass over Shabbat as you toast this special siyum. Most people have probably never been to a Tehillim siyum, so let us know how it goes down! Perhaps we should do a zoom one for all our readers…?! In the last of the daily psalms of Pesukei D’zimrah, King David concludes his everlasting words by praising Hashem in every way possible, and he uses many types of instruments. We see the tremendous elegance in simplicity with which our great king of old who lives forever waxed lyrical about G-d. 13 times the word ‘Hallel – to praise’ appears
of inspirational videos – online classes; virtual prayer which has its own limitations in Jewish law. Online guest speakers – sometimes having nothing to do with religion per se but an opportunity to still engage people. I mean I would never get Tony Blair to speak in my shul but through connections I was able to get him online for a half hour interview. Likewise with the Mayor Sadiq Kahn. Next week Nelson Mendela’s prison guard etc. There was also the very real need to reach out to the bereaved families. And what with lockdown posing its own limitations, it meant being in regular touch with them over weeks again and again just to offer them some solace. To my mind the most tragic element in all of this was the fact that so many people died alone. It’s a painful thought to know that loved ones couldn’t really say goodbye. I think that’s going to take a long time or maybe a lifetime for some of them to get over. The saddest moment was that one afternoon that I was putting on a tie, for the benefit of a ZOOM lecture I was to be giving in another country and my young daughter looked at me: “Oh are you off to another funeral?” The most inspirational element was the level of involvement – how people turn to their faith in times of crisis. While a Friday night would normally draw say 50/60(as opposed to Shabbos day when several hundred turn
up) – a ZOOM Friday night (obviously before the onset of Shabbos) brought in a couple of hundred – including many one would otherwise never see. Until today it still has a very strong showing. I also think that inasmuch as Judaism puts a lot of emphasis on family, in our fast paced modern technological world that could often encounter severe interruption. This time period has enabled if you will, a back to basics. Time alone walking with my wife – with my children – they’ve never had their father around as much as they did during this
Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.
This Psalm is a refuah sheleima for Alma Chana bat Miriam Leah
in this psalm, which alludes to the 13 middot/ attributes of G-d that we sing each time we take the Torah out of the ark on weekday Yomtovs. ‘Praise G-d in His Sanctuary... in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts, as befits the abundance of his greatness. Praise Him with the blast of the shofar, with lyre and harp. Drum and dance. Organ and flute. Praise him with symbols clanging and with trumpets sounding.’ The Bet Hamikdash was full of instruments and the choir of the leviyim was out of this world. One can only fervently pray for the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days, so we can appreciate such beautiful music once again. Tehillim ends with the famous words of ‘Kol haneshama tehallel kah Hallelukah, - Let all souls praise G-d, Hallelukah.’ These words are so poignant that
we repeat it in Shachrit each day. It has been a true pleasure going through every Tehilla with you for the last three and a half years, and from next week G-d willing, we will start the journey through the wonderful and eye opening world of ‘ Pirkey Avot - Ethics of the Fathers.’ PS – we are looking to bring out a book with all the Tehillim articles in together with additional articles. Any willing sponsors are invited to get in touch with The Jewish Weekly, on 0203 906 8488, or email office@thejewishweekly.com Yossi Saunders
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time. Four months no traveling for lectures, no running to and fro. Sure, the “home challenge” was unique and exhausting in its own right, but I was still always there (even if not always “present in the moment”). The onus is on me – on all of us – that if we are adjusting into some kind of “new normal” – we maintain those paradigm shifts and always be aware of what is meaningful and of true value. We don’t want to ever experience anything negative in our lives – but the onus remains on us to ensure to always turn whatever darkness into light.
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Torah from Israel
16 JULY 2020
The Prison of “Public Perception” BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN It never ends!! If it’s not one thing, it’s another. At the tail end of his life, having weathered forty years of complaints, rebellions, and near-disasters, Moshe had every reason to expect a tranquil conclusion to his legendary career. Having appointed his successor and eased the Jewish people to the border of Israel, he can now focus on writing the final book of the Torah. The new generation, which would ultimately inherit the land of Israel had been counted, the ‘lottery’ mechanism for land allocation had been established and, finally, the order of family inheritance had been institutionalized. Everything was ready for the final and long-awaited entry into the promised land… until it wasn’t!! Two and a half tribes approach Moshe proposing settlement on the East bank of the Jordan river. Moshe is initially troubled, fearing a sequel to the meraglim rebellion when Jews balked at entering Israel, forever wrecking history. Ultimately, though, Moshe is reassured of the sincerity of these tribes and he relents- authorizing their plan under very detailed conditions. The two and a half tribes can only settle the East bank after they first assist the rest of the nation in conquering Israel proper. Though these terms are agreeable to all parties, Moshe stipulates them explicitly and unambiguously. His detailed wording of these conditions serves as the template for all halachik contractual contingencies. Halacha only allows a “tenai” or a halachik stipulation if it is worded exactly as Moshe formulated his own pre-conditions. Moshe was determined to prevent any future misunderstandings- especially those which may arise after his death when he could no longer personally mediate. When issuing these stipulations and urging compliance, Moshe encourages these tribes to satisfy their obligations both to “G-d and to man (v’heyitem neki’im mei’Hashem U’mi’Yisrael)”. It is insufficient to merely act properly and honestly in a purely legal sense, if their behavior arouses social suspicion or strife. The question of their allegiance to the Jewish people or to the land of Israel, is a potentially charged issue and these tribes must placate any concerns through squeaky clean, morally transparent behavior. This demand serves as the basis for an intriguing halachik category known as the laws of “marit ayin”, which mandate that a person avoid any suspicion of halachikally unlawful bahvior. Actions which are legal in a strict sense are banned if they provide the appearance of halachik violation. For
example, coconut milk cannot be consumed along with meat (even though it isn’t included in the classic prohibition of meat and milk), since it provides the appearances of halachik violation. The value underlying marit ayin provides a delicate and complex challenge for religious people. Authentic religious growth and experience can best be achieved when liberated from suffocating social pressures. Religious excellence and passion can best be achieved when a person releases himself from the strangulating limitations of public perception. Sometimes social pressures are antagonistic to religion; other times they cap religious growth by setting certain tolerable limits of religious growth while frowning upon more surpassing levels of religious excellence. Either way, social attitudes can sometimes impede passionate and authentic religious growth. Many of the celebrated mussar movements in Europe selected a ‘primary’ middah or trait as the baseline for moral and religious development. The school of “Novhardak” was renowned for its emphasis upon breaking human will, and in particular, its aim to build resistance to social pressure. Talmidim of the yeshiva were encouraged to behave in bizarre fashion to elicit scorn and ridicule; rebuffing this derision would train these students to brace themselves against hostile social pressures. By ignoring social contempt, these students would develop greater devotion and piety. Beyond the potential throttling of religious passion, excessive sensitivity to public opinion can corrupt the caliber of our religious experiences. Sadly, religious performance is sometimes driven by a desire for public approval. My Rebbe, Rav Amital – whose 10th yahrzeit is this week- once remarked: Imagine a situation in which marror was eaten in shul while an etrog was hoisted at home. People would spend hundreds of dollars upon marror, aiming to receive better “grading” of their lettuce in shul. People would brag about their beautiful stalks and would boast about the veiny leafs of lettuce. Exhibitionism of any type is morally troubling and severely degrades human dignity. Ostentatiousness in religion is particularly repulsive as it employs religion for personal aggrandizement and pretentiousness. Dissociation from public opinion preserves the purity of mitzvot and of Torah learning. The quiet moments of religious devotion – shared by none other than G-d- resonate with spiritual depth and soulful authenticity. Thirdly, preoccupation with public opinion can create a general imbalance between our investment in the public arena
Ideally, communities built upon religious passion can provide guidance, orientation and religious aspiration. and our focus upon the private domain. The public arena is a showground of adulation and admiration; it showers us with approval and thereby inflates our ego. By contrast, our private worlds offer little veneration and ego augmentation. However, these private realms do challenge us to be real and authentic, to admit our flaws and to work toward substantive improvement. Too much concern with public perception can distract us from the pursuit of real identity, placing us at great risk of becoming mannequins. Yet, despite the dangers of excess sensitivity and vulnerability to social opinion, we are none the less, commanded to behave in a manner which doesn’t directly arouse suspicion of halachik wrongdoing. As much as we seek to liberate ourselves from the confines of social convention, we are still obligated to shape our behavior toward social perceptions. Social expectations can be stifling but they can also nurture and foster religious growth. Social expectations can also provide moral barriers which shouldn’t be breached and can silently police against errant behavior. A few years ago I discussed the “agunah” issue with a friend who lived in a relatively small Jewish community. Surprised that there was even a
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crisis, he assured me that no man in his own community would ever dare refuse his wife a ‘get’. The community was so tightly woven that this person would be ashamed to show his face in public. Ideally, communities built upon religious passion can provide guidance, orientation and religious aspiration. By behaving in halachikally suspicious fashion, a person may be unwittingly assisting or even tacitly condoning halachik violation. People who witness suspicious behavior may errantly assume that a halachikally forbidden action was violated and may engage in similar behavior. Other people may fraudulently justify their own religious weakness based on perceived weaknesses in others. We all possess mutual responsibility to avoid transmitting messages which erode halachik authority. The principle of marit ayin challenges us to balance between autonomous religious growth which is disinterested in public perception, alongside our responsibility to fashion an environment of religious seriousness, halachik fidelity and moral integrity. Rabbi Moshe Taragin has taught at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion, for the past 22 years.
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Weekly Dvar Torah F R OM E R E TZ YISRAE L
“Before the L-rd” BY RABBI YOSEF ZVI RIMON The tribes of Gad and Reuven come to Moshe requesting to stay on the Eastern side of the Jordan River. Moshe scolds them severely. What was so bad about the request of Gad and Reuven? While much can be discussed on this, we will address one point. The tribes of Gad and Reuven seek “the land that the L-rd has conquered for the community of Israel” (32:4). They emphasize the advantage of this land which “is cattle country.” Gad and Reuven are focused on the material. Moshe changes their way of thinking and only then does he agree to their request. One of the things that Moshe changes is the essence of the land. Instead of talking about a land of cattle or even a land that is “for the community of Israel,” Moshe makes the war and the land into “before the L-rd.” G-d is the center, the Shechinah is the foundation of the Land of Israel. From now on (verse 20) the phrase “before the L-rd” will appear seven times!
It is a guiding word in this parsha, and it helps us understand the meaning of the Land of Israel and of the war on the land. “Before the L-rd” refers to the Temple, a place of inspiration for the Shechinah. Apparently, in light of this phrase, the Sages in the Midrash learned a renewal of the law regarding the eastern side of the Jordan. And so the Sages say: “There are ten grades of holiness: the land of Israel is holier than all other lands. And what is the nature of its holiness? That from it are brought the omer, the first fruits and the two loaves, which cannot be brought from any of the other lands. The land of Canaan is holier than the other side of the Jordan. The land of Canaan is kosher for the house of the Shechinah while the other side of the Jordan is not kosher for the house of the Shechinah.” (Bamidbar Raba 7:8). The Beit HaMikdash cannot be built on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The entire land of Israel has the potential for the Beit HaMikdash to be built on it, while the other side of the Jordan does not.
This is what Gad and Reuven lost. The possibility of building the Beit HaMikdash shows the possibility of the Shechinah in all of Israel. This does not exist on the other side of the Jordan River! The land where the potential for building the Beit HaMikdash exists is more powerful, even if the Temple was eventually built only in Jerusalem. This point is what Gad and Reuven lost. However, Moshe agreed. Why? Once Gad and Reuven internalize that the Almighty is the center, “before the L-rd”, their inheritance on the other side of the Jordan will also have a different meaning. Admittedly, this place is not worthy of Shechinah’s home, but it will become an annex to the Land of Israel. This place is also important, provided you remember that the center is the Shechinah. Not all of us live in Jerusalem, which is now the Shechinah’s center. Unfortunately, not everyone lives in the Land of Israel. However, every Jew, everywhere in the world, remembers and knows that their aspiration is the proximity to the
Shechinah, their ambition is the Land of Israel, and wherever they are, they remember that a Jew lives in the sense of “before the L-rd”. Even on foreign soil, we remember that G-d is the center, and we long and expect to come closer to the Land of Israel, the holiness of Jerusalem and the connection to the Shechinah. We are in the days of mourning the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. Mourning the departure of the Shechinah. Out of sorrow and pain, out of the deep longing for connection to the Shechinah, we will, G-d willing, merit the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash and the return of the Shechinah to Israel.
Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon is Founder and Chairman of Sulamot, and serves as Rosh Yeshiva of Lev Academic Center (JCT) and Rabbi of Alon Shvut South. He is the head of World Mizrachi’s educational advisory board.
A TORAH BITE FOR THE SHABBAT TABLE
Beware the Art of Persuasion RABBI GOODMAN As well as being the name of Jane Austen’s last completed novel, persuasion is a process aimed at changing a person’s attitude or behaviour towards something. If you have ever tried convincing your teenage son that living life in a vertical position outside his duvet is far more enjoyable and satisfying than living life in a horizontal position inside his duvet, you will know that persuasion is a fine art involving a highly sophisticated set of creative skills (which generally fail in the aforementioned circumstances.) Yet, despite its sophistication, you might be surprised to hear— especially if you are one of those people who mistakenly think you are not good at anything— that we are all experienced and successful persuaders. On the battlefield of life, where body and soul engage in constant combat, our Yetzer Hara (our physical nature) spends most of the day successfully persuading our Yetzer Hatov (our spiritual nature) to follow its lead. Remarkably, we have become so proficient in this capacity, that we remain totally oblivious to the Yetzer Hara’s machinations.
Really, the Yetzer Hara’s method of persuasion borders on a cunning form of manipulation. Since our Yetzer Hatov does hold some sway over our deeds, the Yetzer Hara can rarely persuade us to do something which is blatantly wrong. Instead, the Yetzer Hara convinces us that a forbidden act is either not forbidden, inapplicable to our situation, or, in a display of total gall, indeed a Mitzvah. Think back to the last time you did something wrong and you will undoubtedly discover a justification— and often an extremely convincing one— playing in the back of your mind. Appreciating the Yetzer Hara’s intrigue helps to understand a concept related to the laws of taking an oath enumerated in this week’s Parsha. The Talmud in tractate Nedarim says that a person cannot swear to do something that he has already sworn to do. Accordingly, he cannot swear to keep a Mitzvah because, as part of the Jewish Nation, he already took an oath at Mount Sinai to keep the Mitzvos. Nevertheless, the Talmud also makes an exception and rules that a person can swear to keep a Mitzvah if it will motivate him in its performance.
The Steipler (Rabbi Yaakov Yisroel Kanievesky [1899-1985]) explains how this exception works. Since someone who decides not to perform a Mitzvah convinces himself that he is exempt from that Mitzvah, in his mind he is no longer bound by the pledge taken at Har Sinai and, technically speaking, could then swear to keep that Mitzvah. The Talmud suggests that a motivated person can take advantage of that loophole in advance by making an oath to obligate himself in the Mitzvah. In this way, therefore, if his Yetzer Hara will convince him that the Mitzvah does not apply, the person’s preexisting oath will take effect and “obligate” him in its performance. Hashem has stationed our souls in this world and charged them with the mission of living according to the Torah and its Mitzvos. What complicates this seemingly straightforward task is the Yetzer Hara. Our physical nature continuously drains our spiritual energy and, as we learn from this week’s Parsha, often does so in a shrewd and artful way. However, if we take care to maintain a constant awareness and learn to preempt the Yetzer Hara, then
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with Hashem’s help we will complete our mission in this world and emerge spiritually victorious. A project of My Dvar Torah, Torah Bite is your resource for a short, dynamic, and meaningful Dvar Torah to share at the Shabbos table. Originally from London, Rabbi Ben Goodman has spent 20 years in Jerusalem, teaching and inspiring students from all backgrounds and from all over the world. He is the director of My Dvar Torah, providing tailor-made Divrei Torah for all occasions. www.mydvartorah.com. He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com
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16 JULY 2020
An Interview with the PaL Trustees This Monday and Tuesday will mark an unprecedented event for PaL – Phone and Learn. The UK’s leading telephone learning organisation, will be embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign with the goal of raising over £150,000 to secure the future of PaL. PaL was founded in memory of Sammy Homburger zt’l over 15 years ago, since which time PaL’s trustees have secured funding for the organisation through private donations and a few key annual events. However, due to the current pandemic, these events have had to be cancelled while the demand for telephone learning from home has grown exponentially particularly during lockdown. PaL is asking members, supporters and the wider Kehilla to join together and support this worthy cause of connecting Jewish people through sharing the beauty of Torah and Yiddishkeit.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION TO RABBI PAYSACH KROHN? Dov Harris: Back in 2004, at an event marking Sammy Homburger’s sheloshim, Rabbi Paysach Krohn a close friend of Sammy, addressed a packed audience in Menorah Primary School. In his inspirational style, Rabbi Krohn suggested that the kehilla set up an organisation in Sammy’s memory, and that the concept 1-2-1 Torah learning on the phone was something that Sammy would have loved and been so proud of. Following that, a group of us got together and PaL – Phone and Learn was born. For over 10 years, Rabbi Krohn has kept a close connection with his ‘baby’ and has given his annual pre Rosh Hashana shiur to the London community, a highlight of the communal diary.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU FEEL PAL HAS HAD ON THE COMMUNITY? Jonathan Rabson: Over the 15 years we have been operating, we have enabled people from all over the UK and beyond to add Jewish learning to their weekly schedule. The students who have learnt with us have ranged from locations as far apart as London, Manchester, Scottish Highlands, Dorset, Cork, Germany, South Africa, Australia and even New Zealand. For many their only connection
to Yiddishkeit is via their weekly learning sessions and the support they get from their PaL tutor. Our tutors, who are drawn from our kehillos all across London, Manchester and Gateshead, often give feedback that their weekly learning commitment has given them so much and they have gained as much as the partner, if not more, from the sessions. They are inspired by the growth and journey that their PaL partners are undertaking. More recently during the lockdown, our tutors have said that their learning sessions gave structure and purpose to their week. Tutors acknowledge that being connected to someone from a different religious background has opened their eyes to the challenges they face and the positive steps they make in their quest for Torah knowledge. This is both uplifting and inspiring.
DESCRIBE TO US A DAY IN THE LIFE OF PAL OFFICE? HOW DO YOU PAIR PEOPLE UP? Akiva Hackenbroch: On a day to day basis, we enjoy the variety of calls and emails from those who sign up to learn. It could be an 18 year old student from Oxford, who knows very little about her heritage who is eager to learn more and wants to start with our Foundations course. Or it could be a 45 year old man who grew up in a traditional Sephardi home, lost his way and connection to Judaism, but now wants to reconnect by learning Chumash. For every new member, be it a tutor or student, we go through a phone interview where the experienced PaL staff will build their personal profile. This profile is key to ensuring they are matched with someone suitable. Our bespoke database allows us to store all this information securely and search using very specific criteria to find the best match for each person. Once matched the tutor and student are supported with follow up calls, especially during the critical first few weeks.
Each learning partnership has their own dedicated partnership manager to guide them through the learning process, advise on which learning resources to use and iron out any glitches that occur along the way. Meanwhile our team will be busy organising tutor training events and dealing with the many individual sha’alos that come up during learning sessions. We also organise various events in the community and beyond to recruit more tutors and spread the word about the learning opportunities we offer, partnering with shuls, schools and community centres throughout the UK.
ANY SPECIAL STANDOUT EVENTS THAT STAND OUT IN THE PAST 15 YEARS? Yehuda Wittenberg: Where do we start? Some years ago, we arranged the chupa of a couple who were learning through PaL and during their learning sessions discovered that their civil wedding ceremony they had years back was not a halachic wedding. We arranged a chupa for them in a garden, well before garden weddings were more commonplace. We have hosted Sheva Brachos for various members of PaL over the years. More recently we had a special siyum of a learning partnership who in the 13 years they had learnt together, were able to make a siyum on the entire Maseches Bava Kama. They have now started learning Maseches Bava Metzia. These bigger events are always very inspiring to the tutors, our team and committee, reinforcing the importance of the personal connection. However there are many smaller, more commonplace achievements which remind us about the importance of the service we offer and the impact these learning sessions have. We see tutors inviting their partners to their homes to stay for Shabbos and Yom Tov, and tutors who have travelled cross country to attend a simcha of their partner. One tutor sent a car full of frozen meals when her PaL partner’s husband was seriously ill. The list goes on and on.
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Danny Binstock: Over the past few years the demand for PaL learning partnerships has grown. During the past few months of lockdown, many people have chosen to connect via the phone, zoom and online, which makes the PaL model for Torah learning ideal for this. In order to keep up with demand we need the funds to continue to be able to provide the service we offer to every person who wants to learn. Our key fundraising events this year have been cancelled due to the pandemic and for the first time in 15 years, we are asking the wider community to help us in our mission to make Jewish learning accessible and available to every Jew wherever they are based, whatever their schedule.
WHERE DO YOU SEE PAL IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS? Avi Levison: At PaL we measure success in many ways. It may be that a student stops learning as he decides to go learn in Yeshiva for a while, or a student graduates and becomes a tutor and passes on their knowledge to someone else. It may be helping one of our students put a mezuza up in their house for the first time. Or we may hear how the tutor and student become close friends and attend each other’s simchos. Our hope is that we continue to have siyata dishmaya to spread the beauty of Torah and Yiddishkeit to every Jewish person. With the community’s support we aim to unite many more people in learning, helping them connect to their heritage, to the Torah, and to each other.
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Matot Masei RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE
WHAT WAS THE GRIEVANCE?
In Numbers 31:1, G-d tells Moses to “Avenge the Israelites on the Midianites”. What was the grievance which Israel had against Midian? The Midianites had tried to entice the Israelites away from their adherence to G-d. But isn’t it strange that amongst the desert tribes that opposed Israel, the Midianites but not the Moabites were treated so harshly? Weren’t the Moabites also guilty, also deserving of punishment? Rashi gives a psychological explanation. He says that the Moabites were not in themselves G-d-deniers. They were believers in G-d but were frightened of the numbers and strength of the Israelites. They thought that if they cursed the Israelites with sufficient power it would reduce the threat. On the other hand the Midianites thought it would work if they succeeded in getting Israel to abandon G-d. Both tribes were against Israel; Midian was also against G-d.
YOUR ENEMIES ARE MY ENEMIES
Moses is told by G-d (Num. 31:1-2) to carry out “the vengeance of the Children of Israel” against Midian, but Moses in the following verse speaks not of the vengeance of the Israelites but “the vengeance of the Lord”.
Whose vengeance was it, Israel’s or G-d’s? The Midrash notices the problem and suggests that what Moses was doing was emphasising that when Israel was hurt, the Almighty felt the pain. G-d was standing up for Israel. When Israel had an enemy, G-d Himself was under attack. If G-d regarded the Midianites as His enemy, it was because they had taken up arms against Israel and caused them trouble.
THE DIVINE PRESENCE IN ISRAEL
The Book of B’midbar ends with the Almighty assuring the people of Israel that He dwelt in their midst (Num.35:34). In the Targum Onkelos the Divine words are slightly altered and become “My ‘Shechinah’ dwells among the Israelites”. The Targum regularly paraphrases references to G-d so as to avoid anthropomorphisms (the use of human terms to refer to G-d). What it does here is to say that the Israelite community experiences one of the
We have discussed the concept of acting with humility (once one has internalised the importance of humility and not by faking it). This included bearing insults, not seeking honour and walking how and where a humble person would. Ramchal now turns to another mode of conduct – the importance of giving honour to others. Ethics of the Fathers teaches that an honoured person is one who accords honour to others. The sages also taught that if a person knows of someone who has some honourable trait that they don’t personally have (and a humble person will always seek this out in others) they should give honour to them. Our sages taught further that the great Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai would greet each person he met – Jewish or not – before they had the chance to greet them. A person should give honour to others in words and in deed. Never forget the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who perished because they did not grant each other the (due) respect.
GREEN BELTS & OPEN SPACE
In the midst of a detailed account of Biblical borders comes an ethical gem with amazing modern relevance. The tribes of Israel are told where each one is to settle once they enter the Promised Land. The Levites have to have areas allocated to them as “cities to dwell in”, and there must be “open land round about the cities” (Num. 35:2). Rashi explains that this is to be “an area consisting of an open space round about the city, serving to beautify it” but not to be used for building houses or planting vineyards, etc. This is the origin of the idea of a green belt, ensuring that limits are placed on the size of cities and that our habitations do not become ugly and depressing without air to breathe and beauty to lift our sights. The old stories about children
If G-d regarded the Midianites as His enemy, it was because they had taken up arms against Israel…
Mesillat Yesharim: Part 45 RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN
crucial manifestations of the Almighty, their perception of His “Shechinah” (Presence), as actually stated a few words earlier where the Torah says “ani shochen betochah” – “I dwell in its midst”.
One should always give honour to the righteous. If you see a Talmid Chacham, be excited to greet them and stand up for them. Humility acts as a safety net too, as it protects a person from hanging around the wrong crowd and saves a person from anger and fights. Our sages taught – humility is higher on the ladder of values than wisdom and fear of heaven. How fortunate is someone who achieves true humility! Ramchal then explains how one goes about acquiring the trait of humility. One should get into the habit of modest conduct – which includes not dressing over fashionably. Once one does this, a habit becomes second nature. The second way to acquire humility is to recall the words of Akavya son of Mahallalel – Know where you come from, where you are going and in front of Whom you are destined to give a reckoning of your behaviour. We will expound on these in the next segment iyH.
brought up in grey tenements with hardly a flower, a playground or a glimpse of the sun are unfortunately not all merely history. We are better off today with our recognition of the importance of open space, but we have not entirely eradicated the problem. We need to take Rashi seriously, as well as a magnificent Midrash on a verse in Kohelet (7:13), “Consider the work of G-d”. The Midrash says that G-d led Adam around the Garden of Eden and told him, “See how beautiful and praiseworthy are My works. They have all been created for your sake; be careful that you do not spoil or destroy My world.” Rabbi Apple served for 32 years as the chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, Australia’s oldest congregation. He is now retired and lives in Jerusalem. Rabbi Apple blogs at http://www.oztorah.com
Hilchot Shabbat We now turn to the laws of how to make coffee. This discussion only applies to instant coffee, not coffee beans. It also applies to cocoa powder and tea granules. The process of production of “instant” drinks involves stages of roasting, cooking and dry heating. There is a principle in the laws of cooking that a DRY pre-cooked food is not subject to the prohibition of cooking on Shabbat. For example although a bowl of soup that has cooled down may not be reheated on Shabbat, a dry pre-cooked food, such as a piece of meat, may be reheated on Shabbat. (Not directly on a fire, of course, but with an available heat source such as water heated prior to Shabbos or on a covered hotplate.) Since coffee is both dry heated and cooked it is not clear whether one is dealing with a pre-cooked food, which would be OK to reheat, or a pre-roasted/baked food which is subject to the laws of cooking. Furthermore, one can debate whether a powder that instantly turns into liquid, should have the laws of a DRY pre-cooked food applied to it, or a WET pre-cooked food, and therefore forbidden. For this reason, one may not pour hot water from an urn or a “Keli Rishon” onto instant coffee, cocoa or tea granules. One also should not place these into a Keli Rishon. One should instead place these powders
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into a “Keli Sheni”. There are those who are concerned that placing these powders into a hot utensil (even a Keli Sheni) will involve the prohibition of dyeing. If one is concerned about this, they can dissolve the powder in cold water, (so put in the granules and then add cold water) and following this, pour from a Keli Sheni into this cold water. Keli Rishon: just removed from fire or (according to some) has had hot water poured in from urn. Forbidden to place into it or pour from it onto any raw food such as tea or coffee – even instant powder Keli Sheni: although conceptually unable to cook, as it often has a high temperature, one should not place cooked raw foods into it. So, no tea bags, or raw coffee beans etc. One may, however, place instant coffee etc into this. Keli Shlishi: according to some, one may place raw foods into here, and certainly instant powder. Some say one should avoid placing raw foods even in this as in fact they often do have an extreme heat.
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Matot Masei
Matot Masei Word Search
This week we excitedly await two sidrot and the end of the fourth book of the Torah! Parshat Matot and Massei has many interesting mitzvot such as how to make a kitchen item Kosher if you get it from a non-Jew. It also talks about the importance of keeping one’s word and avoiding making promises. We are given a list of the 42 stops the Jewish people made during their long journey in the desert and we are told of the Mitzvah to conquer the Holy Land and settle it. Today and throughout the ages we have keenly waited for an opportunity to be able to settle Eretz Yisrael in order to be able to keep the special Mitzvot that apply there. You may want to take out a map of Eretz Yisrael to understand what it’s borders are because in this week’s Sidra that is what we
are given. We end with the daughters of Tzelafchad making sure to marry within their tribe so that the land that they get from their father’s portion stays in the intended tribe. We also have the tribes of Reuven and Gad asking to stay on the east of the Jordan River. Moshe agrees, as long as they help the rest of the Jewish people settle the land of Israel. (Eventually they are joined by half of the tribe of Menashe too.) One doesn’t stay with their feet up when their family needs their help... We all say happily, “Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek!” And we pray hard that next time we say this on Simchat Torah 5781 men, women and children will celebrate the momentous occasion in shul in good health, Amen!
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AVARIM • CANAAN • CENSUS • ELAZAR • LEVI • TAMID • TZELOFCHAD • YEHOSHUA
Tangram Challenge!
Using all the shapes on the left can you make the rocket shape on the right?
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Matot Masei
In a nutshell This week we celebrate the conclusion of the fourth book of the Torah! Matot Masei is fascinating on many levels. Parshat Matot opens with the laws of promises and who can annul them. It is a great idea to avoid saying, “I promise” however old you are, because once you turn bar/bat mitzvah you don’t want to be in the habit of it. A group of men or a husband can cancel a promise of a person in certain circumstances. The Jews then carry out the Mitzva of going to war with Midian. A nation that caused the downfall and death of so many of our nation must be penalised – but only if G-d commands so. We don’t enjoy revenge for the sake of it. Once the war is won, the Jewish people are taught how to kasher the utensils = the pots and pans. The rule of thumb is – the way they absorb is how they are koshered. So, if with hot water, then hot water, if fire, then koshered with fire. (In all circumstances check with a Rabbi as not all materials can be koshered.)
Also, some of what was captured had to be given to the Levi’im as the special tribe. There were two tribes Reuven and Gad and they had lots of cattle. They noticed how abundant the land to the east of the Jordan river was and they asked Moshe if they can have that as their portion (as opposed to the west of the Jordan river which they were going to cross with Yehoshua). Moshe agreed with a very firm condition that they participate in the war of conquering the land uttering the famous words, “Will your brothers go to war, and you sit here?” – Get involved! Then we make the grand entry into Parshat Masei. The Jewish people had spent 40 long years in the wilderness and the Torah now lists the stops they made along the way with many of the places named for significant events that occurred there. You may remember some if you have a look! There were 42 stops in total. The Torah then lists the boundaries of the land of Israel – a fascinating read with many Halachic implications
Word Wheel The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.
such as where it is a Mitzva to conquer and where less so, where the laws of Teruma and Maaser apply and where a person fulfils the Mitzva of living in the land of Israel. Moshe also dedicates certain areas for a person who Heaven forbid kills someone by accident to run and be safe He stays there until the Kohen Gadol dies and in order to avoid the person praying for the Kohen Gadol to die, the mother of the Kohen Gadol would bring refreshments to the residents of these “Arei Miklat”. The Kohen Gadol is expected to pray for the safety and wellbeing of the entire generation. Finally the daughters of Tzelaphchad (who, if you remember were given their father’s portion of land) married into their own tribe of Menashe, which ensured that the estate they were given would remain in their tribe. We all stand up and shout out loud – Chazak Chazak Venitchazek!
Use this area to write the words you have found.
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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! cel con cue clue cone cons
core corn cues cure curl once
clone close clues cones cores corns
crone cruel cures curls curse ounce
scene scone score scorn scour ulcer
uncle censor cloner clones closer consul
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coulee course crones encore ounces recuse
rescue screen secure source ulcers uncles
censure cloners closure counsel enclose encores
recluse unclose enclosure
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Q: Which side of a cat always has the most fur? A: The outside! Q: What does a snowman eat for breakfast? A: Snowflakes! Q: What is a rich person’s favourite type of nut? A: Cashew!
(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)
1. Five add six is eleven, but six add seven is one. How is that possible?
3. I am an ancient invention allowing people to see through walls? What am I?
2. I have a tongue but cannot talk. I have no legs but often walk. What am I?
Q: What do you call a group of 12 atoms? A: Dozen matter!
3) A window 1. When you are looking at a clock
2) Shoes
1. Coffee break 2. Piece of cake 3. By and large
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4. No one is perfect 5. Forever and a day 6. Two steps forward one step back
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Reds to lift Premier Sixteen-goal Lions rout Scrabble in Cup trophy on ‘Kop’ BY DAVID BY DAVIDSAFFER SAFFER Liverpool will officially be crowned Premier Reiss Mogilner scored six goals as Maccabi League champions after their fixture London Lions thumped Scrabble Aagainst in the Chelsearound on Wednesday. second of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. Skipper Jordan Henderson will hold aloft Th e Premier League side racked up a 16-0 the trophy in a special ceremony on the win with Daniel Green and Michael Kenley clubs’bagging famous Kop. both a hat-trick. Ed Brafman, DaKlopp’s teamHassanali clinchedcompletits first vidJurgen Dinkin, and Adam league title in 30 years when Frank Lamed the rout in a mismatch of a tie. pard’s team defeated nearest rivals ManLions could have scored in the opening chester City lastclash month. minute of the but soon opened the Reds legend Kenny will hand out scoring and led 9-0 byDalglish half time. medals to the victorious squad.though outThe Division One team, The club has away calledtoon classed, battled thefans end. to “stay at home” and enjoy the ceremony. Lions boss was lost for words at full time “With to attend the such wassupporters the displayunable from his team who behind-closed-doors fixture, the historic gave every respect to the opposition. occasion willreally involve a unique “I’m not sure there’s presentation anything to designed tohappy acknowledge celebrate say, we are to makeand it through toLivthe erpool fans,”ofnoted a statement. next round the cup, ” he commented. LiverpoolUnited had three games eclipse City’s Hendon Sports ranto out 3-1 victors record Premier haul of 100 points but came against League One outfit North London unstuck at Arsenal last night. Sadio Mane Raiders. opened the scoring for the for The Premier side led earlyvisitors in the only second Alexandre Lacazette and Reiss Nelson to half only for Raiders to equalise but struck strikelate before halfto time andaseal a tremendous two goals book place in round result.of the competition. three The Redsnow willturn try win Hendon theirremaining attentions games to the against Chelsea and Newcastle United but league as they travel to Oakwood A for a the holy grail of City’s record is out or reach crucial top of the table clash on Sunday when for so long it looked odds on. (10am). Pep Guardiola’s City stunned team had Daniel Kristall’s team thesecured league second place but could only celebrate leaders last month when they won 2-0, aa Champions League overturning victory would movespot themafter to within a pointa two-year ban from European club competiof Hendon with a match in hand. tions this week. Elsewhere in the latest round of fixtures, The Court of Arbitration for Sport cleared 10-man North London Galaxy made it a City of “serious breaches” of Financial Fair three-way title race in the only Division One Play regulations. Cas defeating slashed the club’s fine clash of the day after Oakwood B. from 30m euros to 10m euros. Jamie Murray saw red early on but Galaxy “(I’m)with incredibly happy the decision rallied goals from Joshfor Cohen and Jawhich shows what all the people cob Leigh to record an importantsaid 2-1about away the club was not true and to defend on win. theGalaxy pitch head what Redbridge we won onJewish the pitch, said Care” A in Guardiola. the table by just one point after 10 matches, He added, “Like I FC saidare many we third place Fairlop fivetimes, pointsif bedid something wrong we would accept the hind with two games in hand. decision of UEFA and because we did Rafi Bloom scored forCas Oakwood. something wrong. We can defend ourselves. “It was a fantastic performance in a
16-goal Maccabi London Lions Frank Lampard
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
We have the right to defend ourselves must-win game, ” commented Galaxy when playwe believe what have done is correct.” er-manager Lukewe Lewis. The decision of the club’s “We sat backwas anda “validation allowed Oakwood the position” , ” noted a City statement. ball, given the one-man advantage and UEFA to handed out the February. looked hit them on ban the last counter attack In this season’s competition, City hold a with pace. 2-1“Both lead goals over Real a last-16 cameMadrid down before the right-hand second leg crossed at Etihad side. Leigh theStadium first onenext intomonth. Cohen Anfiaggregate winslotting will seehome City face Juventus to nish, before himself. Up or fi Lyon in go. the” quarterfinals. to rst we Guardiola’s team could the only Th e Division Two titleberace alsoBritish took club left as Liverpool are out of the premier a twist with league leaders Herstwood European having lostattoTemple AtletiVale goingcompetition down to a 2-1 defeat co Madrid before the lockdown. Fortune. Chelsea have a mountain they Faithfold B have playedtoa climb gameasmore trail Bayern Munich 3-0 in their last-16 than Vale but moved level with a 5-3 wintie. at But as London things stand domestically, North Raiders Masters. Lampard’s Blues areKalms in pole position Jacob struck twicefor foranother Fortunecrack who at the tournament thanks to an Oliver MilGirscored through leading scorer James oud header on the stroke ofseason. half time against letwith his 17th goal of the relegated Norwich City onmore Tuesday night. The result was all the remarkable The latest fixtures brought contrasting reas Temple were down to 11 players with sults in the race for Champions League foot‘keeper Ben Rebuck dislocating a shoulder ball next season. in the warm up. Leicester and Manchester United “This wasCity a fantastic win given the
are both looking to bounce back from disappointing results and close within a point of Chelsea tonight with wins over Sheffield United and Crystal Palace respectively. City suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at relegation strugglers Bournemouth last Sunday while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team were moments from a top-four spot only for Southampton substitute Michael Obafemi to score a 96th minute injury-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Monday night. Saints had taken an early lead before Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial strikes set up the win. The Champions League chase could be heading to a decider between Solksjaer and Brendon Rogers on the final day of the season when the two clubs clash at the King Power Stadium on Sunday week. The Blades, meantime, are in fine form and with a major shout of European football so will make life tough on Rogers’ team. Victory will take the Premier newboys clear of Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur with two games remaining. Nuno Espirito Santos’ Wolves side are enduring an inconsistent period but looked to have edged clear of the chasing pack at Burnley last night. Raul Jimenez rocketed home a late volley only for Chris Wood to fire home a 96th minute penalty for a share of the spoils. The result did Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham a huge favour as they picked up a second successive win. Following on from Sunday’s north London ”derby against the Guncircumstances, saidwin delighted Fortune ners, when Toby Alderweireld’s 81st minboss Simon Linden. ute“We header a Son Heung-min first half had and a number of players out, Restrike woninjured, the day,soHarry Kane have stuck asked twice buck got I couldn’t in 3-1 triumph atplayers. Newcastle yesanya more from the We United wish Ben a terday. Tottenham are suddenly in the Euro speedy recovery. shake up and have old the school momentum to pinch “It was a proper performance, aweEuropean spot. Mourinho may yet have battled and defended for the 90 minutes finally silenced his detractors. and took our chances. Experience proved Ham toIn bethe therelegation winner. It’sbattle, a big West win, one weUnitwill ed and Watford picked up crucial wins enjoy and we hope to build on it in 2019.last ” weekend at the of Norwich anda He added, “Thisexpense win marks 50 years as Newcastle United. football club and will be one Nigel Kyte and Michail Antonio with was the theclub starfrom of day the everyone associated
Hammers show with all four goals in a superb away win. The Hornets were indebted to two Troy Deeney penalties in a hardfought victory over Steve Bruce’s Newcastle team. The two teams meet tomorrow where the smart money is on a draw to move both clubs closer to safety. But it’s not quite over in the battle at the bottom. Aston Villa must defeat mid-table Everton tonight after a crucial 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace courtesy of a Mohmoud Trezeguet brace last Sunday. Bournemouth though look like slipping out of the league with only a couple of games remaining. All will be revealed in the coming 10 days as fixtures are completed. As for the Championship, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United can secure promotion with victories over Barnsley tonight and Derby County at Pride Park Stadium on Sunday. Leeds set up the glory run with a fourth win in the last five games at play off chasing Swansea City when a Pablo Hernandez 89th minute strike earned a crucial win. PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER Bielsa’s Leeds came into the match on the back of a thumping 5-0 win at home to lowly Stoke City. In a hugely impressive display a week ago, Mateusz Klich opened the scoring before a second half blitz saw Helder Costa, skipper Liam Cooper, Hernandez and top scorer Patrick Bamford hit the target. Second spot however is up for grabs with Brentford hot on the heels of second placed West Brom with two games to play. The Bees claimed an eighth successive victory yesterday to move within a point of the Baggies one will enjoy.”courtesy of an Ollie Watkins goal that ended Preston North End’s playVale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to off hopes. wish Rebuck well following his injury. For Brentford’s efforts though, West “Firstalland most importantly, everyone at Brom will clinch promotion should they deVale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper feat Huddersfield who win away a quick recovery, Town, we hope toare seea him back from survival, and mid-table Queens on the football pitch as soon as possible,Park ” he Rangers. said. Fulham aredefeat, mathematically it but look As for the Emanuel in commented, set to finish in fourth place ahead of Not“It doesn’t matter how big a squad you tingham Forest. have, you can never account for unavailCardiff City, Millwall will ability or injury. Only fiveorofSwansea today’s team claim the remaining spot and a shot at thea played in our recent win over FC Team, Premier League. lack of togetherness and poor individual
“It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes and took our chances. Experience proved to be the winner.”
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