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UK-ISRAEL TRAVEL BAN CAUSES CHAOS AND HEARTACHE BY DAVID SAFFER
Hershy Weiss Z”L of London (pictured), was tragically killed along with two friends in an aircraft crash in Ukraine yesterday.
Holidaymakers plans to Israel are in chaos due to latest travel restrictions that come into force on Sunday. Fully vaccinated tourists from the UK are unable to enter Israel from August 1. Devastated families have had to cancel once-in-a-lifetime trips for simchas and visits to loved ones. Among those to make heartbreaking decisions are Mark and
Welcome to Israel?
Tanya Duman from Manchester who were looking ahead to their elder daughter Malka’s wedding in Jerusalem on August 24th. The family has rearranged the simcha in Manchester for next Sunday. Malka made Aliyah only last week but is returning for her marriage to Chatan-to-be Aidan, who has made Aliyah from Australia. “With Israel changing the rules we can no longer get there,” said Mark. “It reinforces the lesson again that we are not in charge of very much at all.” The Jewish Weekly are aware of other disappointed families that have had to shelve plans including Chayelle and Adam Cohen who had to cut their British holiday short.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
The Israeli embassy has been inundated with requests and have worked around the clock to facilitate relevant documentation. And there has been some joy. Patricia Davila was desperate to visit family in Israel and gained confirmation yesterday of being able to fly out today on compassionate grounds. Overall though the picture is gloomy with rising COVID-19 cases and concern over variants. Travel restrictions come as the Israeli government is deciding whether to offer a third COVID-19 vaccine. It’s not clear whether they will recommend the injection or make it available to the elderly.
The aftermath of the crash PHOTO: TAMMY KAZHDAN - MART PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO: YWN
SEE PAGE 8
LSJS 2021 GRADUATION TAKES PLACE IN PERSON SEE PAGE 15
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PARASHAT EIKEV BEGINS 20:38 20:53 20:48 20:52 20:37 21:14 20:44 20:54
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Holocaust survivor Rudi Former Danish Chief bolstered interfaith relations Rabbi was dedicated to
BY ADAM MOSES
Tributes have been paid to Holocaust survivor Rudi Leavor who died on Tuesday. Awarded a British Empire Medal in 2017 for his endeavours in restoring Bradford Synagogue and for interfaith relations between Jewish and Muslim communities, Rudi was an active member of the Rudi Leavor z”l Association of Jewish Refugees and Holocaust Survivors Friendship Association. A member of the Leeds Philharmonic Choir for over 50 years, he recited the memorial prayer on Holocaust Memorial Day and at local commemorations. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Shabir Hussain, said, “His vast life experience, coupled with his great personal warmth, made him a natural communicator and his outstanding efforts promoting and enhancing interfaith community relations are as well-respected as they are well-known.” Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl added, “He was a steadfast champion of interfaith relations and a wonderful leader of Bradford Synagogue.”
“He was the greatest husband, father, father-inlaw, grandfather and great grandfather ever,” said a family statement. “Whilst we are all devastated, we take comfort from the fact that he lived a very long, successful and fruitful life full of love for all his family. We know how much he was loved by so many people and a great inspiration to us all.” PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA Born in Berlin, Rudi (Liebrowitz) enjoyed a happy childhood until two Gestapo officers arrived at the family home as he left for school in 1936. The incident caused Rudi’s parents to leave Nazi Germany. He escaped as a refugee with his parents and sister to Bradford as his father secured work as a dentist in the West Yorkshire city. Rudi attended Bradford Grammar School, completed his National Service then studied dentistry at Leeds University, going on to serve the Heckmondwike community. He met his wife, Marianne, at a youth group attached to a London synagogue. They settled in Bradford and in 1959 anglicised his name to Leavor. Rudi became Bradford synagogue chairman in 1975 and was equally respected by Bradford and Leeds Jewish communities.
BY DAVID SAFFER Former Chief Rabbi of Denmark Bent Melchior passed away yesterday at the age of 92 years. It has been reported that he died of a blood clot and had been hospitalised since last Saturday. The funeral takes place this afternoon at Mosaisk Vestre Begravelsesplads in Copenhagen according to the family. Rabbi Melchior was born in 1929, the same year as Anne Frank, as he often recalled, and enjoyed an extraordinary life of service. Respected around the world, he descended from six generations of rabbis who lived in Denmark for almost three centuries. Escaping to Sweden and the threat of deportation by the Nazis, like many Danish Jews, survival was due to the heroics of Danish Christians, a time he never forgot. “I survived the Holocaust,” he once recalled. “You can’t imagine how much I appreciate every day.” Returning home, he and his family settled in Frederiksberg. Melchior fought in Israel’s 1948 War on Independence prior to gaining a PhD from Copenhagen University. After a period as a teacher, Melchior gained semicha in London, 1963, served the Copenhagen community prior to succeeding his father as Chief Rabbi when he passed away in 1969. The coming years saw him translate the Pentateuch, siddur and other religious books into Danish. Dedicated to humanitarian causes, he chaired the Danish Committee for Bosnia and was a member of the National Council for Refugees. As Chief Rabbi, he fought for Soviet Jews in the 1980s as a member of the World Conference for Jews in the USSR. “I was an upside-down refusenik,” he told L’Arche in 1998. “The Soviet authorities refused to give me an entry visa for fear I would bring about revolution.” Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, he helped Jewish communities freed from the communists. His efforts at the first Conference on Jewish Communities in the Baltic States held in Tallinn in 1990 saw the
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Rabbi Bent Melchior z”l
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
Stockholm Lodge offer a school bus to the Jewish community in Vilnius. A prolific speaker and writer for the Danish community and media, he retired from the rabbinate in 1996 but still made a huge impact in protecting human rights, Brit Milah and Danish foreign policy. His brother was former Danish Minister and Member of Parliament Arne Melchior. Succeeded as Danish Chief Rabbi by Bent Lexner, in retirement Rabbi Melchior continued his humanitarian and charitable work in Denmark and abroad. Rabbi Melchior and his wife, Lilian (nee Weissdorf ) married in 1951, they had four sons. One son, Rabbi Michael Melchior, served as an MK in the Israeli Knesset and as chairman of the Meimad Party. Another son, Rabbi Jair Melchior, is the present Chief Rabbi of Denmark.
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Labour suspend Merkel to make last visit to Israel Sheridan for second time BY SIMCHA ABIR
BY ADAM MOSES Scottish Labour Councillor Jim Sheridan has been suspended for a second time after “inflammatory” comments led to an antisemitism investigation last month. The latest suspension came after the disgraced councillor appeared to backtrack on comments that brought his initial suspension. Sheridan had claimed former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was suspended from the Party for “expressing free speech” during a debate at Renfrewshire Council on the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill. He was reportedly quoted as saying, “As someone who was personally attacked for contributing, or making, what I thought was perfectly reasonable comments about antisemitism, I was attacked for free speech. And I also include, Provost, the former leader of the Labour Party, who was thrown out of the Labour Party for expressing free speech.” Campaign Against Antisemitism noted Sheridan appeared to be referring to a comment he posted in 2018 on his Facebook page, stating, “For almost all my adult life I have had the utmost respect and empathy for the Jewish community and their historic suffering. No longer due to what they and their blairite [sic] plotters are doing to my party and the long suffering people of Britain who need a radical Labour government.” Sheridan deleted the post. Following a complaint, he was suspended pending an investigation. The suspension was reportedly lifted without explanation or an apology from Sheridan in 2020. A CAA complaint against Sheridan remains outstanding. “This new suspension has arisen after he doubled down on the comments and denialism that got him suspended last time,” a spokesman said. “His readmission and resuspension go to show that if parties do not take antisemitic incidents seriously and impose real sanctions, training and vetting, anti-Jewish racism will ensure.” A Scottish Labour spokesperson said, “The Labour Party takes all complaints of antisemitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.” In related news, Labour leader Keir Starmer is reportedly set to ban 1,000 farleft Party members active in four fringe groups. Labour’s National Executive Committee are to be asked to disaffiliate the organisations including Labour Against the
Jim Sheridan
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
Witchhunt. CAA note the group was set up to protest the expulsion of Labour members for alleged antisemitism. Membership of Witchhunt, Resist, Socialist Appeal or Labour In Exile Network, a group that welcomes suspended or expelled Party members, results in automatic expulsion from the Party. The High Court this month rejected a case by eight Labour activists arguing antisemitism-related allegations investigations against them by the Party were unfair. The court ruling related to Labour Activists For Justice claimants stating the Party broke a contractual agreement during investigations. Mr Justice Butcher dismissed claims by the group who argued Labour refused to disclose procedural codes, used an outdated code of conduct and misled them on matters of confidentiality. The judge concluded, “While it was certainly the case that the (EHRC) considered that there were still matters which could be further improved, and that the commissioning of an independent process was necessary to rebuild trust and confidence, this did not amount to a finding or indication that the present system could no longer be used.” A Labour spokesperson said, “We welcome this important ruling that confirms our right to determine how we handle complaints. We are getting on with the job of reforming our processes, structures and culture for the benefit of all of our members and to ensure Jewish people feel safe and welcome in our Party.”
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has invited German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Israel next month. The trip will be Merkel’s last as chancellor for 16 years before stepping down from office. Bennett invited Merkel when she called him after taking office last month. “Germany and Israel are linked by a unique friendship that we want to deepen further. With this in mind, I look forward to working closely with you,” Merkel told the Israeli leader. Bennett praised Germany’s “ongoing commitment” to Israeli security and the state’s “right to defend itself” against Hamas during the Operation Guardian of the Walls conflict in May. Merkel was elected in 2005 and re-elected in 2009, 2013 and 2018. She last visited Israel in October 2018. While in Israel, Merkel will meet Bennett and President Isaac Herzog amongst leading politicians. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier recently visited Israel to thank former President Reuven Rivlin before he left office. Welcoming Merkel to the White House for a final time, President Joe Biden renewed his concerns about a nearly complete Russia-to-Germany gas pipeline. Both agreed Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon. “I must tell you I will miss seeing you at our summits,” Biden told Merkel, the second-longest serving chancellor in Germany’s history, at a White House press conference. Merkel had a difficult relationship with former President Donald Trump but is at ease with Biden. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The Health Ministry announced Tuesday that children at high risk of developing a serious case of COVID-19 will be allowed the Pfizer vaccine. There is undoubted concern over daily infection rates going over 2,100 this week, the highest number since March. According to Health Ministry data, 13,408 people in Israel are infected, 145 in serious condition and 24 on ventilators. Nachman Ash Currently, 69 per cent of hospitalised patients in serious condition are vaccinated. Israeli health experts are divided regarding a third vaccine. According to Hebrew University data the vaccine remains highly effective in preventing death at 91 per cent but has lower efficacy in preventing serious illness at around 80 per cent.
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Angela Merkel
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
She diplomatically told reporters that a German chancellor must “work with every American president”. But added, “Today was a very friendly exchange.” Germany has strong trade ties with China but is critical of Beijing’s human rights record. US Vice President Kamala Harris hosted Merkel at the U.S. Naval Observatory, commending her on an “extraordinary career”. Merkel, who noted the historic nature of Harris’ vice presidency, received an honorary doctorate, her 18th, from Johns Hopkins University and spoke at the university’s School of Advanced International Studies. The coronavirus cabinet, meantime, has approved a renewed Green Certificate Programme. From tomorrow, only those vaccinated, who have recovered from COVID-19 or who present a negative test result can enter indoor venues with over 100 people including gyms, restaurants, hotels, theatres, sporting events, event halls and houses of prayer. Children under 12 are exempt. Health Ministry Director General Prof. NaPHOTO: WIKIMEDIA chman Ash warned, “In another ten days we’re going to have twice the number of people testing positive and patients in serious and critical condition.” Hebrew University experts expect the infection rate to rise with Israel likely to have between 200 and 400 people hospitalised in serious condition by mid-August unless new restrictions are enforced.
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Bennett leads tributes to IDF reporter Daniel BY SIMCHA ABIR Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has led tributes to military correspondent Roni Daniel following his death on Monday. The Iraqi-born correspondent started out with Kol Yisrael radio then Army Radio before cementing his reputation with Channel 2 and Channel 12. Bennett said Daniel, 73, who died of a heart attack, combined journalism with patriotism and healthy Zionism. “Roni was not just a military correspondent,” Israel’s leader said. “He was the voice of a different era, of the good land of Israel, of loving the state and safeguarding its security, of the kibbutz and the city together. He had criticism when needed, always had a good word when deserved. He will be missed by all of us on our screens and in our hearts.” Foreign Minister Yair Lapid used to host Channel 2’s weekend edition. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA Roni Daniel Lapid was heartfelt in comments about his friend from broadcasting days. “We’ve worked together for many years,” who was all heart.” IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi said the he recalled. “You were almost the most professional, most diligent, and most impor- entire IDF was saddened by Daniel’s death. tantly, a friend and a human being. A man Kochavi recalled that Daniel, as a HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04 Page 1
journalist, was committed to report criticise, support and sympathise. “From my vast experience with him, he above all loved the IDF, its soldiers and commanders,” he said. Defence Minister Benny Gantz said his friend was honest, patritoc and professional. “He fought in the Six Day War and Yom Kippur War, he reached wherever there were soldiers, covered Israel’s security in routine and in emergencies,” added Gantz. “In decades of work, Roni knew how to be first and foremost a human being.” Born in 1947, Daniel’s father died when he was two months old. lmmigrating to Israel with his mother in 1950, he grew up on Kibbutz Maoz Haim in the Beit She’an Valley. Enlisting in the IDF in the 906th Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, he became a platoon commander. During the Six Day War he fought at the Battle of Abu-Ageila on the Egyptian front, was wounded but returned to action. During the Yom Kippur War, as a reporter for Kol Yisrael, he accompanied the 51st Battalion. Appointed Commander of the Golani Reserve Battalion, he served in the Negev Brigade and held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the reserves.
Israel strikes at Hamas targets Israel Air Force has struck a Hamas military base in response to incendiary balloons released from the Gaza Strip. Three fires caused damage in Eshkol Regional Council woodlands. No injuries were reported. Maj-Gen. Ghassan Aliyan, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, announced the fishing zone off Gaza coast would be reduced to six nautical miles. Aliyan added that Hamas will bear the consequences of hostility against Israel. Israel’s coalition government has stated it will not tolerate violence in the region. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has compared balloon launches to rocket fire and ordered airstrikes in response. In indirect ceasefire negotiations through Egyptian mediation Hamas is reportedly demanding more aid for reconstruction after May’s hostilities. Israel has insisted financial aid is based on a prisoner swap deal to recover the bodies of two IDF soldiers killed in action in 2014 and two Israeli civilians held by Hamas. Social media footage shows balloons in Israeli territory, one with a message, “Time is running out.” Bicom noted Hamas’ action was the first violence from Gaza in three weeks. They also reported on Arab media reports regarding Gaza personnel calling to escalate tensions with Israel.
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Surfside search for victims ends BY DAVID SAFFER Florida authorities have ended the search for victims of the Surfside tower block tragedy last month. Ninety-eight people died in the disaster when the 12-storey oceanfront building collapsed in South Florida on 24 June. Estelle Hedaya has been identified as the last victim. Dr Brad Cohen was laid to rest last week. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue had led the search and rescue then recovery operation. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava described firefighters as “true superheroes”. The Mayor’s office confirmed the police department are taking over proceedings. “The operation is ongoing, and MDPD is continuing to search the debris pile both for human remains and for personal items until they have completed a full additional search,” a news statement said. Levine Cava noted, “They (firefighters) are true superheroes who have stepped up to serve this community in the wake of unprecedented disaster, not just by leading the search and rescue and recovery operation but through the care and compassion they demonstrated to all the families, doing everything they could to bring closure to those who lost loved ones. We’re also very grateful to Miami-Dade Police Department which has been leading the investigation since the beginning, and now continues the challenging work of continuing to sift through millions of pounds of debris, searching for remains and personal items to bring closure to families.” “We are continuing to search with
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
Search coming to an end
enormous care and diligence and to work closely hand-in-hand with faith leaders as we have since the beginning of this process,” Levine Cava added. The condo collapse remains under investigation. Florida State lawyer Katherine Fernandez Rundle will allow engineers to gain access to the site when the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Fire Rescue and Police Departments determine it is safe and appropriate. “It’s obviously devastating. It’s obviously a difficult situation across the board,” Fire Chief Alan Cominsky said at a ceremony on Friday. “I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women that represent Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.” Ikey Hedaya provided DNA samples of his sister, Estelle, and visited the site. “The tough part is seeing my parents like this, day after day,” he told CNN last Friday. “I just want my sister to be at peace and get the honour and respect she deserves.” Estelle hailed from and Brooklyn and worked in the jewellery industry for over 30 years.
She relocated to Surfside after being recruited by Continental Buying Group and Preferred Jewellers International in Florida. She lived on the 6th floor of the condo. Dr Cohen’s brother, Gary, who was visiting, also died in the horrific incident. Brad, a respected orthopaedic surgeon, and with his wife, Soraya, and two children lived at the tower. Soraya, and their daughter, Elisheva, 12, were at another Miami Beach apartment. The Cohen’s son, Avi, 14, had arrived at a kibbutz program in Israel. He has returned home to be with his family. “Our conversations inspired me,” Rabbi Sholom Lipskar of Shul of Bal Harbour said at Dr Cohen’s funeral at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery. “He took me into a space that is exclusive, only held for special people.” Dr. Cohen was founder of Aventura Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in North Miami and Miami Beach. Nobody has been pulled alive from the rubble since shortly after the disaster. Officials formally switched to a recovery effort on 7 July. Tropical storms and unstable debris hampered rescue work.
The Surfside site is virtually cleared. Rubble has been moved for further analysis. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman at a hearing said victims and families who suffered losses would be awarded a minimum of $150 million in compensation initially from $50 million insurance on the building and $100 million in proceeds from the sale of the Surfside property. “The court’s concern has always been the victims,” he reportedly said. The group includes owners, people who rented and visitors. “Their rights will be protected,” he added. The total does not include proceeds from lawsuits filed since the collapse. They will be part of a single class action to cover all victims and family members. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is leading a federal investigation into the collapse. It has not yet been determined what caused nearly half the 156-unit building, to collapse. But it was undergoing its 40-year recertification when it collapsed three years after an engineer warned of serious structural faults needing immediate attention. Most of the concrete repair and other work had to be started. Condominium owners were due to start making payments for $9 million in repairs recommended by the 2018 report. Chabad have posted obituaries for the following victims: Simon Segal, 80, Dr Ruslan Manashirov, 36, Nicole Doran-Manashirov, Andres Levine, 26, Moises Rodan, 28, Luis Sadovnic, 28, Tzvi Ainsworth, 68, Itty Ainsworth, 66, Dr Gary Cohen, 58, David Epstein, 58, Bonnie Epstein, 56, Leon Oliwkowicz, 81, Ruth Oliwkowicz, 74, Ilan Naibryf, 21, Michael Altman, 50, Nancy Kress Levin, 76, Jay Kleiman, 51, Frank Kleiman, 55, Stacie Fang, 54, Chaim (Harry) Rosenberg, 52, Benny Weisz, 32, Malki Weisz, 27, Deborah Berezdivin, 21, Nicole Langesfeld, 26, Judy Spiegel, 65, Arnie Notkin, 87, Myriam Notkin, 81, Dr Brad Cohen, 51, Linda March, 58. Over 12,500 individuals across the globe donated around $1.5 million to a fund for victims’ families.
86% of US members satisfied with communal pandemic response The United Synagogue has published its membership survey on the COVID-19 pandemic response. The charity surveyed shul members and communities on the pandemic response to services, online programmes and activities in person. Despite the challenges, 86% of US members were satisfied. Findings included 92% members ratifying online services, 85% welfare provision and 92% online programming. There were 60% satisfied with programmes and activities for U18s. “These impressive results bear testament to the outstanding leadership of all the Rabbis, Rebbetzens and lay leaders of
the United Synagogue,” said Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. “Despite a period of unprecedented challenge, they have worked tirelessly over the last eighteen months to successfully maintain the vitality of their communities. The responses from members show that our Shuls are so much more than buildings in which people gather for prayer. They are the engine rooms of dynamic communities which stand together, both in times of great celebration and also in times of great adversity.” Michael Goldstein, US President, said, “We cannot rest on our laurels, nor can we ignore the areas where our members have told us we can improve. As we look to kickstart Jewish community life, the results will
help our shul teams think through how best to engage their members and to plan for the High Holy Days and beyond.” Richard Verber, Communications Director, ran the survey with Head of Impact Richard Marcus. “The results are extraordinary,” he said. “When the doors of our shuls were forced shut by the pandemic, nearly 9 in 10 members are satisfied with their communities.” Verber noted the secret was communities remaining open. “Guests speakers and social events were reimagined online, hundreds of volunteers delivered medicines and meals for older members and those shielding and digital services such as Kabbalat Shabbat
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were watched by thousands of people,” he explained. Verber was pleased with the 86% satisfaction result but wants more. “We’ll be exploring the data further to see how we might improve,” he said. Marcus noted, “The survey results will help create the roadmap for communities in the coming He added, “With the data in our hands it helps galvanise the whole organisation from youth workers to Rabbis to reconnect and engage as we move past the pandemic restrictions. Over 5,400 or 37,000 adult members responded to the questionnaire in May, equating to a 14.5% representative sample.
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Ben & Jerry’s fallout continues BY DAVID SAFFER The fallout from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream announcing it is to stop selling its products in Israeli-occupied territories continues. Ninety MKs from across the political spectrum have called on Unilever to overturn its decision. “From the left to the right, religious and secular, Druze and Jewish, men and women we stand together against the outrageous decision,” said Yesh Atid MK Merav Ben-Ari who is behind the initiative. “This is shameful, abusive behaviour.” “Cross-party cooperation in the Israeli legislature is proof of how morally distorted Univlever’s decision is,” added Ben-Ari. “We will not allow such interference in the laws of the state, which harms hundreds of workers in Israeli industry and hundreds of thousands living in Israel, Jews and Arabs.” Unilever has confirmed it “does not support” the BDS movement following mounting pressure. A global social media campaign had called on the Vermont-based giant not to align itself with the movement targeting the Jewish state and renew its manufacturer license in Israel.
Unilever CEO Alan Jope wrote a letter to Jewish organisations including the Anti-Defamation League confirming its position. “We have never expressed any support for the BDS movement and have no intention of changing that position,” Jope said. Media hype has been unrelenting since the story broke last week that Ben & Jerry’s products would now be available through a “different arrangement”. Israeli-American Council flew a banner this week over the global headquarters reading “Serve Ice Cream, Not Hate”. The IAC launched a campaign demanding Ben & Jerry’s halt its boycott. And USA Today reported that the Division of Investment is determining whether actions can be taken to ensure continued compliance with anti-BDS law, passed in 2016 by New Jersey and 34 other states. A number of US states are also evaluating whether Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever have violated state law against boycotts of Israel. Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Illinois are reportedly considering their position. Gilad Erdan, Israel’s US Ambassador raised the company’s actions with 35 US
A Ben & Jerry’s delivery truck at their factory in Israel
governors who back Israel to build pressure. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, in a scathing attack, said the company, founded by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in the late 1970s and sold to Unilever Plc in 2000 for $326 million, had “lost their way” and branded itself an “anti-Israel ice cream”. Ben & Jerry’s operates Scoop Shops in Katsir north of Netanya and close to Rehovot south of Tel Aviv. Ice cream has been
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
manufactured and distributed in Israel through a licensee partnership since 1987. Unilver acknowledged in a statement that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a “very complex and sensitive situation but it remained “fully committed” to a presence in Israel. The North American headquarters is located in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, and employs some 1,600 people.
Tel Aviv teens flock to pop-up vaccination centres BY DAVID SAFFER A Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality Save the Summer! campaign to attract teenagers to be vaccinated has proved a hit. The municipality opened six pop-up vaccination centres in different areas of the city. Teens who took jabs were able to enjoy free entry to tourist attractions in the city, access a photo stand for Instagram and also a choice of ice cream. The initiative provided free tickets to Go Ape ropes park in Ganei Yehoshua, movie tickets, Ninja Park at Tel Aviv Expo or entrance to a municipal pool. Vaccination is conditional on parental approval in accordance with guidelines of the Ministry of Health. At the same time, the municipality is launching a new “Tik-Tok” channel that will upload updated content by opinion leaders and network influencers who encourage teenagers and parents to get vaccinated. The municipality has also produced stickers for WhatsApp and held live broadcasts with medical personnel explaining to parents and teens the importance of the vaccine and its safety. Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor Ron addressed teens on the nationwide vaccination programme. “Infection rates are rising,” he wrote. “Unlike the rates in the past year, now most patients are your age.” Huldai was speaking not only as a Mayor, but also as a grandfather of granddaughters in the age group. “If you are over 12, go get vaccinated,”
Israeli teen receiving his jab
Huldai implored. “If you have sisters and brothers at these ages, encourage them to get vaccinated. If you want to have an unlimited summer, spend time with friends and do all the things you love, take care of yourself and be healthy.” In Tel Aviv-Yafo, there are 17,100 teenagers aged 15-12, 5,000 have been vaccinated with the first dose. In related news, Ben Gurion Airport has tightened coronavirus measures and banned people without a plane ticket entering passenger terminals to greet them. Entry to Terminals 1 and 3 will be allowed to travellers presenting a boarding ticket
up to four hours before departure. Minors and people with disabilities can arrive with a chaperone. Health Ministry Director General Professor Nachman Ash warned Israelis travelling abroad they may need to quarantine on return as the government continually reviews its measures. The government wants to avoid unnecessary travel abroad. “The rise in morbidity is global,” he said. “The risk of being infected abroad, both in the countries themselves and en route, is great. We do not want people to get infected on these trips and bring diseases to
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the country.” Ash added, “I recommend to anyone planning a trip abroad to take into account that there may be policy changes once you’re back in Israel. Both when booking the tickets and when flying, it should be taken into account.” The constantly changing rules has been criticised in some quarters but a poll by Radio 103FM showed that 59% of Israelis believes is appropriate. And 48% called for more stringent measures. Israel announced a travel warning to the UK, Cyprus, Turkey and Georgia last Friday. All passengers arriving from these destinations must self-isolate regardless of vaccination status. Flouting the measures carries a NIS-5,000 fine. Israel has also issued a travel warning to Uganda, Myanmar, Fiji, Panama, Cambodia, Kenya and Liberia. In related news, the US Centres for Disease Control has raised its travel alert level to high. The CDC rates Israel ‘Level 3: High’, a level below the most severe rating. Last month Israel’s travel rating was ‘Level 1: Low’. US citizens traveling to Israel should be fully vaccinated, those unvaccinated should avoid non-essential trips. “Because of the current situation in Israel, all travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants,” CDC states. Around 10% of those diagnosed Monday returned from abroad in the past 10 days, Kan News reported. Israel has 12,385 active cases according to latest data, 138 patients are in a serious condition.
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Yeshiva students killed Neo-Nazi jailed on in horror plane crash terrorism charges BY SIMCHA ABIR Three Mir Yeshiva students from Jerusalem died in a horrific light aircraft crash in western Ukraine yesterday afternoon. The victims, according to International media, have been identified as Amrom Fromowitz z”l of Monsey, Hershy Weiss z”l of London and Lazer Brill z” of Hershy Weiss z”l Williamsburg. It is thought they were on a plane trip in Western Ukraine visiting the graves of famous Tzaddikim. It is not known what caused the tragedy in which the pilot also died when the aircraft crashed into a private house near the village of Sheparivtsi in the Kolomyia district. It has been reported that a fire broke out which 10 firefighters and three fire engines of the State Emergency Services attended to put out the blaze. It is unclear if the plane was on fire before it crashed into the building. Emergency Services said in a statement, “On July 28, at about 1:40 p.m., a
BY ADAM MOSES light-powered sports plane crashed into a private house near the village of Sheparivtsi, Kolomyia district, with subsequent burning, killing four people.” Sheparivtsi is near the border of Romania, Moldova, Slovakia and Hungary. Local authorities are cooperating with Misaskim to ensure a quick release from PHOTO: YWN the crash scene of the victims for burial. Ukraine has tragically witnessed a number of air crashes since 2002. Eleven Ukrainians including nine crew members were killed in Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 over Iran last year. There were 22 fatalities in a Ukraine air force plane crash last September. In 2014, 283 passengers and 15 crew members died when Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in 2014. And 19 years ago, this week, 77 people died when a Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 crashed at Sknyliv Airfield near Lviv. Investigations are continuing in a tragic unfolding story.
Teen charged after antisemitism on TFL BY SIMCHA ABIR A teenager has been charged with a religiously aggravated public order offence following an antisemitic incident inside a London Underground station earlier this month. British Transport Police confirmed a 17-year-old man faces charges after the Oxford Circus Underground incident on July 4. The teen has been released on conditional police bail to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on August 2. British Transport Police were contacted after a researcher from north London known only as Yosef was subjected to “anti-Semitic behaviour” travelling through the station. In a separate incident the same evening being investigated by the Metropolitan Police, Yosef was subject to a “torrent of anti-Semitic abuse” and “threats” by another passenger on a bus. The Met released an image of an individual they wanted to identify in connection with
the incident. Campaign Against Antisemitism launched an appeal for information and released a statement thanking the victim’s brother for publicising the incident. CAA confirmed they would be in touch with police and Transport for London. CAA met with Transport for London to improve the response to antisemitic incidents on public transport. Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl condemned the abuse. “It is absolutely intolerable that a Jewish passenger travelling on public transport should be subjected to disgusting racist threats and abuse in the UK in 2021 not once but twice on the same day,” she said. “Those responsible must be tracked down and prosecuted.” The incidents came after recent figures showed a surge in anti-Semitic attacks in London linked to recent violence between Israel and Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
Neo-Nazi Andrew Dymock has been jailed for seven years at the Old Bailey. The politics graduate from Aberystwyth University was found guilty of 15 terrorism and hate charges last month, he will serve an extended licence for three further years. Dymock, 24, was accused of creating and running the website of banned group neo-Nazi System Resistance Network (SRN). The court heard Dymock wrote and shared antisemitic and hate-motivated articles through the website. Five charges related to encouraging terrorism, two for fundraising for terrorism and four concerning disseminating terrorist publications. Dymock was also guilty of possessing a terrorist document, stirring up racial hatred and hatred based on sexual orientation, and possessing racially inflammatory material. An article of Dymock’s was allegedly titled “Join your local Nazis”, another, “The Truth about the Holocaust”, said the only guilt felt by the Germanic race regarding the Holocaust was that “we did not finish the job”. The article reportedly added that Jews were a “cancer on this earth” and must be “eradicated in its entirety”. Antisemitic tropes included conspiracy theories about Jews controlling banks and the government. Judge Mark Dennis QC viewed Dymock a “significant risk of serious harm” to the public and a leader not follower. Noting Dymock was an “intelligent, wellread” person who was “wholly misguided”, Judge Dennis added, “Despite all the advantages of a good education and family upbringing you chose, at the age of 20, to take the path of dreadful bigotry, intolerance and hatred towards other members of our society solely on the basis of their race, creed or sexual orientation. In setting up and running the website and Twitter account for your extremist cause, you were prepared to inflame such vile prejudices in others and to promote and encourage hatred and violence towards other human
Andrew Dymock
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
beings in furtherance of your distorted and wicked cause.” During the trial, Dymock denied all charges claiming he was doing a dissertation on the rise of nationalism ranging from moderate to extreme. Son of academics Stella and Dr David Dymock, he also claimed he was “set up” and was a conspiracy victim. Counter Terrorism Policing North East led the investigation. Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden, head of the unit, backed the conviction as a “key step” in protecting the UK. He commented, “Dymock represented a threat to our society, not simply because of his mindset but because of the considerable efforts he exerted spreading his ideology and misusing his abilities.” Dymock was also accused of creating banned neo-Nazi organisation Sonnenkrieg Division. SRN succeeded National Action, banned by the government in 2016, following a campaign that included Campaign Against Antisemitism. Dymock’s computer had extremist views dating to when he was 17 years of age. He was arrested at Gatwick Airport hours after a BBC investigation exposed his extremist activities in 2018.
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10 NEWS
29 JULY 2021
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ISRAEL POLITICS FROM THE KNESSET with political analyst JAMES J. MARLOW
QUESTIONS TO THE CORRESPONDENT It is so easy to criticise, condemn and complain when in the opposition. But when you are in government, you are made aware of the “whole picture”…
David Simon asks: JAMES, tell us something we don’t know about what is going on in the Knesset, because the government has only a one seat majority and even that is wavering. So is the government winning any votes?
Hello David: On Tuesday night, the opposition once again made it very difficult for the government to pass legislation that will allow a committee of religious judges (Dayanim) to decide on matters of kashrut and conversion.
Opposition parties used the “filibuster” tactic to delay the move. But at 3am and after 35 long hours, the government won the votes needed to turn the passage into law. Also on Monday, the bill for the Prime Minister, rotation agreement between Bennett and Lapid passed into law. This was a major priority because without it, the government would struggle to function. There are still plenty of loopholes in the deal, but a lot is based on trust. However, most of the Knesset committees (including education, interior, health, state controller, labour & social welfare and others) have still not be formed, after almost seven weeks of a new government. The opposition have accused the coalition of “steamrolling” them in the allocation of committee chairmanships. For this reason, opposition parties have refused to allow two committees that they control, to hold any activities, until the power struggle is sorted. In response the coalition parties are not activating the other committees. Isaac Reich asks: JAMES, I have made a bet with my wife on how many women are in the Knesset today and a second bet on whether this is a Knesset record. Your answer is desperately required for Shalom Bayit. Now hang on Isaac: Just because I was a qualified hypnotherapist in the past, you can’t allow a peaceful marriage to rest upon my answer. Besides, you never wrote, who said what or how much the bet is for. If a nice meal is involved, don’t forget where you can reach me. The reason why the answer is not so easy to discover is because of the “Norwegian” law which is being acted upon more so now, then at any time in the past. The Norwegian law allows Members of Knesset to resign in favour of a cabinet post and then the next person on the party list would automatically become an MK. This frees up Ministers from the usual MK daily work routine of meetings, committee voting, discussing new legislation and being in the plenum for crucial votes. If a government MK misses a Knesset vote because he or she is at his or her Ministry on important business, the government could possibly fall. There are currently 34 women in the
Knesset. When Elazar Stern (Yesh Atid) resigns to become Jewish Agency chairman, he will be replaced by a woman and that will tie with the last Knesset record of 35. There are still 2 men in Yamina set to quit via the Norwegian law and will also be replaced with women. Steve Miller asks: JAMES, Naftali Bennett boasted about being more right-wing than Netanyahu, but now that he is Prime Minister, he has had to backtrack on some recent statements. What is your take? Hello Steve: It is so easy to criticise, condemn and complain when in the opposition. But when you are in government, you are made aware of the “whole picture” and you have to act accordingly and diplomatically. Some may say, being Prime Minister separates the men from the boys. You are referring to the government now “officially” opposed to annexing parts of the main Jewish communities in the West Bank, after voting against the annexation bill of Miki Zohar (Likud) in the Ministerial Committee on Legislation last week. Bennett also backpedalled after he suggested that Jews could pray on the Temple Mount on Tisha B’Av. Officials in his office said that he meant to say, “Jews have freedom of visitation rights, not worship.” Prime Minister Bennett’s comments on Kan Radio were clear. “Both Jews and Muslims have freedom of worship on Temple Mount”. But as expected, this was condemned in many circles in Israel and across the Middle East, as it suggested a change in the “status quo”. So we see the words of an Israeli Prime Minister can potentially be extremely explosive and Netanyahu could not always do what he wanted to do. Bennett is just finding out that when you sit at the “Top Seat”, it is not as easy as it looks. There is no doubt that Bennett would support Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount and Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, as well as a strong arm against Hamas in Gaza. But Lapid is the senior man in the government and no doubt reprimanded the Prime Minister for his words. However several days later, Bennett’s comments on his social media feeds in both English and Hebrew, remained unchanged.
Ask your Israeli political question to James J. Marlow by email: James@TheCommunicationBureau.com or Twitter @James_J_Marlow THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
29 JULY 2021
OPINION 11
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OPINION
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
It’s not just about Ice Cream OPINION PIECE BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN When the ice cream manufacturer Ben & Jerry announced last week that they were no longer going to allow their product to be sold in the Occupied Palestinian Territory there were statements from various Jewish communal groups condemning the action. The parent company Unilever responded by stating we look forward to investing in our business in Israel long into the future. Good news you might think, though what is meant by Israel and what is meant by Occupied Palestinian Territory? What is included or excluded by each of these words is of crucial importance in the continuing argument which has been running since 1948 and significantly here – 1967. 1967 saw the reunification of Jerusalem. The most holy of Jewish religious sites – the Western Wall – was once again accessible to the Jewish people. The Jewish quarter was revived and in 1980 the physical reunification was enshrined into law so that Jerusalem became one united city.
Therein lies the problem. The status of Jerusalem. For Israel it is simple. Jerusalem was always the capital of the Jewish state. It is mentioned almost 700 times in the Tanach and without doubt is central to Judaism. It is that centrality which makes is such a prize for those who seek to attack Israel. By creating a false narrative of ‘occupied East Jerusalem’, the BDS promoters and other anti-Semites claim that the part of Jerusalem recovered in 1967 is part of Occupied Palestinian Territory. In other words, Ben & Jerry’s announcement makes it clear that in their world view, the Jews can do without the Western Wall and the Jewish quarter. This is no accident. The whole basis of BDS is to squeeze Israel
The current owners of Ben & Jerry might whine about their values but sadly, these do not apply to the Jews, and this is common across very many groups that declare themselves to be progressive.
From the editor’s desk On Moitze Shabbat, I attended the levaye of 15 year old Toiba Grosskopf, who sadly passed away last Wednesday in a car crash in Scotland. Standing there at 1.15am as the car came into view, in front of her father and siblings, it struck me just how terribly tragic it was. Through bitter tears her father Reb Mordechai Zev mentioned how his daughter had been a ‘pikadon,’ a loan from Hashem who now has taken her back. Dayan Grinfeld, Rav of Belz mentioned how she was a ‘Korbon Tzibbur,’ a public sacrifice, and that we must all take Hashem’s messages to heart. Reb Leibish Rabinowitz from Shaarei Mordechai Steible encouraged everyone to do teshuva and commit to taking on more good deeds in her merit. Her principal from Beis Malka High School Rabbi Weiss mentioned how it was a ‘privilege to know such a special Neshama who davened so beautifully and had such wonderful middot. Following the accident on the M74 last week, Mr Grosskopf’s wife and son were flown by air ambulance to hospital in a critical state. Baruch Hashem they are on the road to recovery, however it will be a long road and many more prayers are needed. Mrs Grosskopf remains in Middlesbrough and is hoping to be moved to Manchester and her son remains in hospital in Newcastle. Please continue to pray for Yosef Avrohom ben Rus Sarah and Rus Sarah bat Chana, and try to take something on in the
into nothing, little by little, eroding it away like the incoming tide does with children’s sandcastles. We are being too nice, too polite, too accommodating. BDS is not about supporting the Palestinians, it is about destroying Israel. The current owners of Ben & Jerry might whine about their values but sadly, these do not apply to the Jews, and this is common across very many groups that declare themselves to be progressive. In the UK we came very close to having a Labour Government run by a man determined to destroy Israel and marginalise the Jews. The fact this didn’t happen was an enormous relief, but the fight is no way near over. The Labour party is clearly still riven with anti-Semites and it will take a
merit of Toiba.
Hashem’s voice
Open your eyes and look around the world. Deadly flooding across Europe and Australia, where villages have been literally swept away in Germany, Belgium, Holland and Italy. Houses, cars the lot. Flooding in London this week including Stamford Hill. Deadly winds and sandstorms in China, forcing hundreds of thousands out of their homes. All this on top of the today’s helicopter crash, last week’s car crash, the recent tragedies at Surfside in Miami where the last body was found this week, the cable car in Italy and people being crushed to death in Karlin and Meron. Hashem is speaking to us in a mighty powerful voice; let’s make sure we listen and take heed to His warnings.
Jackie Mason
Jackie Mason is the man who made them all laugh, from the commoner to the Queen and everyone in between. He came from an established line of Rabbis and entered the profession himself, apparently leaving people in stitches during his Shabbat sermons. Leaving the orthodox world to enter full-time comedy, he rose to stardom, first on national TV, then on Broadway and eventually across the world. However now that he’s in the world of truth, where being a Rabbi means a lot more than being a comedian, I wonder if as my Chavruta said to me this week, ‘the final joke is on him.’
generation to reverse all the gains made by them before the current leader took office. The partition plan put to the United Nations in November 1947 envisaged Jerusalem being an international city administered by the UN, probably because any other idea would have been condemned as being too favourable to one side or the other. In the event this never saw the light of day. The current plan being promoted by Ben & Jerry and their ilk is to dismantle Jerusalem as it is today and remove the holiest of Jewish sites from Israeli sovereignty and in doing so putting a sword to the heart of modern Israel. The Ben & Jerry announcement is about removing jobs from Israelis and Palestinians, splitting Jerusalem to the detriment of the Jewish people and above all, nothing to do with ice cream. Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.
Letters to the Editor Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com
Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.
ELECTIONS IN ISRAEL
UNILEVER’S BRANDS LIST
Dear Editor I am always delighted to read James Marlow’s columns in The Jewish Weekly, very precise and informative. My question to you is as follows. Israel is a world leader in many ways, but what gets my goat is their electoral system. A population of 9 millions, have about 30 parties, and most parties get 1 or 2 seats, causing an almighty “balagan’’. Surely they shouldn’t have more than 5 parties. Four elections in two years. Are they going for a world record?
Dear Editor Perhaps you could advise your readers that they can see a complete list of Unilever’s foods and toiletry brands simply by “googling” <Unilever Brands 2021>.
Best wishes Brenda Solomon
THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
It is quite surprising what they do sell but conceal their cartelisation - like Nestle, Kraft Proctor and Gamble, Heinz and others behind their subsidiaries’ names. There is a lot to be said for giving subsidiary managers a loose rein to use their initiative - do what you are told, and a little bit more - but there are grey areas bordering on touchy politics where it would be well to caution managers to consult with head office first. Yours faithfully, Frank Adam
12 OPINION
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OPINION
29 JULY 2021
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The nonsense they spurt is ridiculous OPINION PIECE BY JAMES J MARLOW For many years the Palestinian Authority, which falls under the umbrella organisation of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, has put forward several spokespeople claiming that the Jews of today, have absolutely no connection to the Jews of 2000 years ago. They have also regularly claimed that the main founder of Christianity (The Jewish Weekly prevents me from actually writing his name, for fear of upsetting some loyal weekly readers) was a Palestinian. Actually he was a Jew, but let’s leave that topic for another day. And according to PA leaders, Palestinian history goes back more than 6000 years. Funny thing is, if we count our Jewish years from the beginning of creation, Palestinians were around at least 219 years before creation. Perhaps they witnessed the great historic dinosaurs and sea monsters after creation. So far, nothing new in their public relations strategy, as sadly a great deal of it
But now PA Prime Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh becomes the latest high profile Palestinian figure to say, that there is no connection between Israel and the Jewish people.
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is filled with misinformation, half-truths, distortions, and in the above case, outright lies. But now PA Prime Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh becomes the latest high profile Palestinian figure to say, that there is no connection between Israel and the Jewish people. Speaking to an audience which was aired on Palestine TV on June 29, 2021, Shtayyeh, who apparently is an economics “expert”, in case you mistakenly believed, he was some grand historian with a respected track record, announced “The Hebrews, the Jews and Israelites are not the same thing”. He added, “The Israelis... Israel is Jacob. “The Israelites are the sons of Jacob. “1,300 years separated between Jacob and Prophet Moses. “Therefore, 1,300 years separated between the Israelis and Judaism. “So there is no connection between the Israelis and the Jews.” What a genius eh? And they made him Palestinian Prime Minister. In case you are wondering, Shtayyeh went on to say that we are “Khazar Jews” who converted to Judaism in the sixth century CE and that Israel constitutes “A function rather than a State”. Moreover the “evidence” is that Oliver Cromwell, Napoleon Bonaparte and Balfour all back this up. Let’s leave his speech for now and talk about the Palestinian Authority. It was founded in 1993 after Israel found it painful to deal directly with the PLO when it signed the Oslo Accords. The PLO was created by Yassar Arafat in 1964 next to the graves of Jews at a hotel on the Mount of the Olives.
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When British troops were in the land in the thirties and forties, they referred to the Jews as Palestinians whilst the Arabs were Palestinian Arabs. In fact the UN partition plan of November 1947 was based on the question on whether “Palestine” should be divided into two independent states – Arab Palestine and Jewish Palestine. Today, the PA President Mahmoud Abbas is in his 17th year of a 4-year-term. He openly boasts about being proud that the PA pay Palestinians who murder Jews, a handsome monthly amount. But more importantly, the PA teach their people hatred and lies, steeped in classic anti-Semitic rhetoric such as “Khazar Jews”, in order to delegitimise and demonise the Jewish people and sever that connection with the Land of Israel. Palestinian Media Watch and MEMRI in Jerusalem, who do fantastic work, constantly report on the Palestinians claiming in news interviews and speeches that almost every Jewish city in Israel, is really a Palestinian city. Historic coins found in Israel are really Palestinian coins. Several biblical stories are altered to make into their own Palestinian stories and that there was never a Jewish Temple. It’s not just misinformation, half-truths, distortions and lies, its genuine theft of our history, heritage, culture and land. I don’t wish to make fun of Palestinian Arab identity. But I regret to tell you, that you have no ancient history in the Land of Israel or anywhere for that matter. You have no tombs of ancient Palestinians, except of course Arafat. You have no historic Palestinian cities, temples or mosques. (The Jerusalem mosques belong to the religion of Islam, not the Palestinians). You have no archaeological evidence, no historical books, no currency, no national anthem, no songs or no literature. You may have just built (with outside help) a brand new Palestinian museum with few artefacts inside. And you may have members of world bodies regurgitating your historical inaccuracies. But you will never succeed in stealing a 3500-yearold history of the Jewish nation that was born out of slavery in Egypt, eventually arriving in the Land of Canaan (not the land of Palestine) in the Jewish year 2489, (1272 BCE).
James J. Marlow is a broadcast journalist previously working for ITN, EuroNews, LBC Radio, Daily Express and a number of Jewish publications. In addition, he runs a Media and Communications / Public Speaking Training Operation and was a consultant at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. Email: James@TheCommunicationBureau.com
14 OBITUARY
Oy Vey! Mason sits alongside comedy greats BY DAVID SAFFER ‘Borscht belt’ stand-up comic Jackie Mason was a giant amongst the comedy greats. Raucously funny, the rabbi turned comic passed away surrounded by family and close friends at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan last Saturday. Renowned for Jewish themed and politically incorrect rat-a-tat-tat patter tales, when Jewish comedians of all-time are recalled Mason is up there with the very best including Groucho Marx, Mel Brooks, George Burns, Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, Bette Midler, Jack Benny and Jerry Seinfield. And that is not forgetting Adam Sandler, Lenny Bruce, Billy Crystal, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Gene Wilder, Phil Silvers and Ben Stiller to name but a few. Mason’s gags on life, business, romance and politics were legendary. His oneman Broadway shows were a smash hit. A regular on prime-time chat TV shows for decades, Mason enjoyed some movie success and also had a legion of fans in cult TV show The Simpsons. Mason, 93, won many accolades including a Special Tony Award, ACE Award and Emmy for his one-man show The World According to Me! that ran for 573 performances in 1988. An Emmy also came his way for The Simpsons where he played the father of Krusty the Clown. The world of entertainment paid heartfelt tributes this week. Happy Days star Henry Winkler, said of a Mason performance, "Truly one of the funniest shows I have ever seen.” Comedy Central described Mason as “an original whose contribution to comedy was huge”. Fox News’ Sean Hannity described Mason as “irreverent, iconoclastic, funny, smart and a great American Patriot”, Seinfield’s Jason Alexander said Mason was a comic from a different time and “one of the best” whilst Simpsons producer Mike Reiss summed him up as the "funniest comedian ever" and an "all-time great" guest star. Family spokesman and lawyer Raoul Felder confirmed Mason’s death on NBC News. "He had a great life," he said. "The trajectory of his life was amazing. He was active a year before his death. He was still writing. He had a very keen mind. He had knowledge in different fields." Born Yacov Moshe Maza in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, June 9, 1928, to orthodox immigrants from Belarus, his parents, Eli and Bella (Gitlin), moved the family to Manhattan in 1933. Like his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfathers and brothers, he became a rabbi, gaining semicha at Yeshiva University. Both sisters married rabbis. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts
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degree at City College, and as a Cantor, the young rabbi led congregations in Weldon, North Carolina and Beth Shalom Congregation, Latrobe. Mason used to quip that when he started to tell more jokes, more gentiles came to hear his sermons! But from the age of 12, he knew a rabbinical life was not his calling, show business was the dream. Surviving harsh Borscht Belt crowds in the Catskill mountains, three years after his father passed away in 1959, the budding comic changed his name and went full time into a tough industry. Spotted at a Los Angeles nightclub in 1960, Mason appeared on The Steve Allen Show which led to bookings at the Copacabana and Blue Angel in New York. A best-selling LP, I'm the Greatest Comedian in the World, Only Nobody Knows It Yet, was followed by I Want to Leave You with the Words of a Great Comedian. Mason’s break came on The Ed Sullivan Show. Guest appearances followed on The Tonight Show, The Garry Moore Show, The Hollywood Palace, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and The Mike Douglas Show. Mason was in the big time but famously fell out with Sullivan in 1964. Mason sued and won at New York Supreme Court but it damaged his career. Booking agents regarded his behaviour “unpredictable.” Mason later said, “It took 20 years to overcome what happened in that one minute.” The mid-60s saw a spat in Las Vegas in 1966 with Frank Sinatra after he married actress Mia Farrow. A Broadway play Mason starred and co-wrote with Mike Mortman, A Teaspoon Every Four Hours, opened after a record 97 previews but closed after one night in 1969 after dreadful reviews. Mason lost an $100,000 investment. A film, The Stoolie” (1972), similarly flopped. But there was success with Mel Brooks’ History of the World: Part I in 1981. However, Mason was on the slide. Redemption came when new manager, Jyll Rosenfeld, who he married in 1991, convinced him to rebuild a stuttering career with guest TV spots as old-style comedy came back in fashion. The World According to Me! opened on Broadway in December 1986 and ran for two years. “I didn’t think it would work,” Mason later admitted. “But people, when they come into a theatre, see you in a whole new light. It’s like taking a picture from a kitchen and hanging it in a museum.” Dame Maureen Lipman witnessed Mason’s return. And in his autobiography, Jackie, Oy! recalled never seeing an audience “swaying with laughter as one man”. Dame Maureen added, “For the first time
in my life I scrawled a fan letter saying please come to London, we need you!” Regarding his unforgettable Jewish voice, Mason, whose daughter, Sheba is also a comic, noted, “You have to laugh. To
the agents and manager’s I was too Jewish. To my family, I was not Jewish enough!” Broadway shows Brand New (1990/1), Politically Incorrect (1994/5), Love Thy Neighbour (1996/7), Much Ado About Everything (1999/2000), Prune Danish (2002/3), Freshly Squeezed (2005/6), The Ultimate Jew (2008) saw Mason successful into the new millennium. Indeed, The World According to Me! in the late ‘80s remains the longest-running one-man show on Broadway and London's West End. Time critic John Simon wrote of Politically Incorrect, "His irony is a spotlight illuminating our absurdities, his zingers are scalpels laying bare the sickness under the skin.” Simon added, “Mason is a true satirist in the mold of Mark Twain.” Of Love thy Neighbour, New York Times critic Lawrence Van Genlder described Mason's routines as "roaringly funny". TV specials included An Audience with Jackie Mason (1990), Jackie Mason on Campus (1992), Jackie Mason at the London Palladium (1996) and Jackie Mason: A Night at the Opera (2002). The Jackie Mason Show ran from 2005 until 2011. A Comedian's Comedian poll saw Mason in top-50 comedy acts of all time. He was 63 in Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time". Mason’s autobiography, Jackie, Oy! in 1988 was a bestseller. Writer and satirist Alan Coren wrote, “Jackie Mason is the proof that vaudeville is not a ghost town. All it needed was a new mayor.” Denis Norden noted, “He can tune a comedy line better than anyone around.” Mason has credits for other books, succeeded as an opinionated political commentator on talk radio and later backed Donald Trump ‘presidential campaign. But comedy is his legacy to the world. I was privileged to witness Mason in his pomp live at The Palladium in 1988. Gesticulating with his pointed figure throughout to a packed house, it was a night to remember. Mason defined the ‘C’ in chutzpah and will be remembered as a comedy genius.
Unforgettable Jackie Mason gags: “It is easy to tell the difference between Jews and gentiles. After the show, all the gentiles are saying 'Have a drink? Want a drink? Let's have a drink!' While all the Jews are saying 'Have you eaten yet? Want a piece of cake? Let's have some cake!” “Did you hear about the accountant who became am embezzler? He ran away with the accounts payable!” “Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.” “I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy something.” “It's no longer a question of staying healthy. It's a question of finding a sickness you like.” “Did you know that the Jews invented sushi? That's right, two Jews bought a restaurant with no kitchen.”
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LSJS 2021 Graduation takes place in person Over a hundred guests came together in person to celebrate the 2021 LSJS Graduation which took place on Tuesday. Many more guests watched the event take place live online, including all LSJS graduates who are based outside of the UK as well as Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, Dean of LSJS who was struck by the “pingdemic” so delivered his address via Zoom. 59 students across the LSJS teacher training and degree programmes graduated after completing their studies during a very challenging period. Commenting on the difficulties faced by students over the past year LSJS Chief Executive, Joanne Greenaway, said “our teacher training trainees have had to deal with schools in the most challenging of times: bubbles, synchronous and asynchronous learning, periods of isolation, mental health repercussions. And that is not to mention the training year being, at the best of times, an exceedingly intense one”. Kirsten Jowett, CEO of JCAT (Jewish LSJS 2021 Graduation ceremony Community Academy Trust) which runs the School Direct primary programme them every success for their future”. with LSJS said “After such a challenging Avi Markiewicz, who graduated with year it was a privilege to join our Primary a BA (Hons) Jewish Education and with Schools Direct graduates in person to cel- Qualified Teacher Status via the Assessebrate their achievements. We at JCAT wish ment Only teacher training programme,
said “the degree has really helped me to develop the skills necessary in order to grow into a far better educator. The staff at LSJS went above and beyond in making sure that this wasn’t just an academic exercise
but one that enabled me to genuinely grow in my personal development and steer me towards the realisation of my passions.” Guest speaker at the event was Stuart Roden, Chairman of Unlocking Potential, who described the event as “an uplifting and joyous occasion sending the graduates on their path to become important agents of change in society through their teaching of the next generation.” LSJS offers a range of courses for people to train to become teachers and develop leaders. These include, School Direct (Primary and Secondary) including the Teach to Lead wrap around programme for excellent Jewish studies teachers, SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training), Assessment Only as well as a BA and MA in Jewish Education. LSJS teacher training programmes are rated Outstanding by OFSTED and all the degrees are validated by Middlesex University, who recently commended the organisation on the support and ethics of care towards the students, intellectually rich curriculum content and creative use of online pedagogy. For more information on teacher training or degrees at LSJS please visit ww.lsjs.ac.uk or call 020 8203 6427.
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JNF opens Biblical Garden at Hasmonean Primary School
School’s out at Kisharon
Dr Alan Shaw, Dr Shai Bezalely and Hasmonean pupils
JNF UK has officially opened a Biblical Garden at Hasmonean Primary School. The facility is inspired by the land of Israel and features 35 plants that appear in the Tanakh. The setting offers hands-on gardening activities, is suitable for quiet contemplation and builds a deeper connection to the Jewish heritage of pupils. The garden, funded by JNF’s Israel education grants programme, will become central to learning about historical and contemporary agriculture in Israel. Pupils have tried their hand at planting and cultivating trees and plants. Future activities may include wine making, oil pressing and cooking. The garden will also be used as a working example of how Shmitah is part of the natural cycle in Israel. Hasmonean’s Tina Whiteson produced hand-painted murals for the garden. The ceremony featured Year 6 pupils, representatives from JNF and Hasmonean including Headmaster Dr Alan Shaw who designed and officially opened the garden.
The ceremony marked his retirement from teaching. He has worked as a headteacher in Jewish schools for over three decades, including eight at Hasmonean. Dr Shai Bezalely, JNF UK’s CEO, presented Dr Shaw with a tree certificate to mark his commitment to Jewish education. Dr Shaw thanked JNF for sponsoring the school resource. “Our Biblical Garden gives our pupils the opportunity to see, feel, smell and even taste the plants they are studying in their lessons,” he said. Dr Shai Bezalely, JNF UK CEO, explained that its grant system supports innovative ways of connecting pupils to Israel. “It’s been wonderful to see Dr Shaw’s vision literally bear fruit in this incredible garden,” he said. Dr Shaw and David Goodman, JNF’s Director of Community Relations, addressed pupils. Both linked gardening and teaching as careful nurturing enables subjects to reach full potential. Goodman connected the garden to JNF’s work in undeveloped areas in the Negev.
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Kisharon presents Sharon Mullish with a special award
Kisharon Noé School invited parents to an art festival where pupils showcased work and celebrated their achievements over the past academic year. During the festival, there was an extra special moment where three generations including pupil, Eitan, placed a new mezuzah on a classroom door. And at an COVID-19 Safe barbecue the school said farewell to interim headteacher
Sharon Mullish. Chief Executive Richard Franklin praised Sharon for being an “incredible inspiration” always encouraging pupils to achieve. Emma Castleton, chair of governors, presented Sharon with a print by a pupil from a recent art exhibition at the school. “I couldn’t ask for a more fitting last day of term, lunch with those who matter, the pupils,” she said.
The Hershel Weiss Summer programme which is dedicated to the memory of Avraham Yaakov Ben Pinchos Zelig Ciffer z”l , who wanted all children to experience the joy of fun and holidays.
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First of the two weeks fun Friday at Kosher Savers fun fair rides
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National Jewish Education Conference for Secondary School Teachers 2021 50 Secondary School Jewish Studies teachers came together for the National Jewish Education Conference for Secondary School Teachers, organised by LSJS last Wednesday. For the second year running the conference had to take place via Zoom but this did not stop lively debates and fascinating presentations exploring topics such as “Spirituality in our Schools”, “Teaching Torah to Teenagers” or “Breaking Out of the Jewish Bubble”.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis gave an inspirational keynote address before the teachers were able to select their first session. With 11 speakers spread out across three slots throughout the morning it was a busy schedule, but with recordings available for any sessions teachers could not join live ensuring no one missed out. Dr Helena Miller, Co-Head of Teacher Training and Director of Degrees, said ”
Enjoying Rowing on the Heaton Park Boating Lake which is very popular with the Manchester Kehillah during the annual Summer holidays.
after such a challenging year, it was great to be able to give our Jewish Studies teachers opportunities to learn with and from their colleagues. Teachers went back to their classrooms refreshed and energised”. Bradley Conway, who teaches at Immanuel College said “Thank you so much! It was a great morning. The talks have been really interesting and beneficial.” The LSJS National Jewish Education
Southend and Westcliff’s young blood Following the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation`s Annual General Meeting, in respect of the Board of Management, the position of the Honorary Officers and Board of Deputies Representatives remain unchanged. In addition, there are 8 General Board Members including three new General Members who were elected for the first time. It is expected these younger members of the Community will bring
Rowing on Heaton Park Lake
Conference for Secondary School Teachers 2021 was set up following on from the success of the conference for Primary school teachers which runs every January and is now in its tenth year. For more information on LSJS teacher conferences or to find out about our range of please training and professional development courses please visit www.lsjs.ac.uk or call 0208 203 6427
in a fresh vibrancy with lots of enthusiasm, new ideas and creativity. All propositions it put to the Community were passed on a show of hands. Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation is marking it`s 115th anniversary this year; has a large beautiful shul, function hall, kosher shop, mikveh availability, a cheder, many clubs and societies. www.swhc.org.uk
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29 JULY 2021
Chai’s Club 18 golf yournament LSJS Tanach Course Siyum
Tanach Siyum
Club 18 winners
Earlier this month 92 golfers teamed up to compete in our annual Club 18 Golf Tournament in aid of Chai. The event, hosted by the dedicated Club 18 Golf Committee, Ronnie Gottlieb OBE, Michael Lubliner, Michael Lerner and Michael Davis raised in excess of £40,000 for additional counsellors to ensure that Chai can continue to provide extra support and care to everyone
who turns to them. Congratulations to the men’s winning team - Paul Engelberg, Howard Peterman, Trevor Steele and Faz Hussein for scoring a fantastic 89 points and to the women’s winning team - Phillipa Wainer, Sandra Joseph, Angela Stern and Rosamund Balcombe, with a wonderful score of 70 points.
People supported by Norwood return to pre-Covid haunts
Over the past year 160 students have taken part in the LSJS Tanach course which returned due to popular demand. This time the course was run via Zoom with the option to do the class in the evening or morning, enabling people from all over the world to join in. Running at a time when many were feeling isolated and disconnected from their friends and family, the course provided a wonderful opportunity for people to connect and study together. Not only did students get to know each other through the breakout rooms and Zoom chat but families were able to get together, albeit virtually. One example of this is the grandmother in South Africa doing the evening class and her grandson in the UK doing the morning session, they would meet up “virtually” after their classes to discuss the material covered. The course covered the entire Bible in five sections throughout the year. Starting with the five books of the Torah, then the rise
and fall of Israel’s first kingdom, prophets of despair and hope, the five scrolls of love and loss before ending with the books of wisdom, exile and return. To mark the end of the course the students enjoyed a Siyum (included in the picture on the top row are Rabbi Dr Zarum, LSJS Adult Education Programme Manager Sarah Guthartz and Esther and Romie Tager making a l’chaim with the students). Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum. Dean of LSJS said “I am so thrilled that our online Tanach course was such a great success, reaching people across the world who all share a love of the Hebrew Bible.” LSJS is very grateful to Esther and Romie Tager for sponsoring the course in memory of Esther’s late parents Reverend and Mrs Leo Sichel. For more information on LSJS courses and events please visit www.lsjs.ac.uk or call 0208 203 6427
Fun stands were full in the King David Primary School hall for these year 6 end of term pupils.
Laurie enjoying being back
It was smiles all round at Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Centre, as Laurie and Sophie returned to their old haunt for a long-awaited reunion with Centre & Quality Manager Julie. Julie treated them to a lovely lunch as thanks for all their hard work in Sara’s Kitchen. Laurie was especially excited to revisit his happy memories from his time working there pre-pandemic and all his friends who made his
experience there so wonderful. You can see from the three friends’ faces how good it felt to be reunited, laughing, chatting and tucking in to the delicious spread Julie provided! The easing of lockdown restrictions means they can now look forward to meeting up more regularly. Thanks to the beautiful weather, they were also able to enjoy some time in the garden, testing out the play area equipment.
KD Primary year 6 end of term fun
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Jewish Care begins to welcome community centre members back Jewish Care has begun welcoming the community back in-person to its community services. The first members arrived at The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia and The Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre for the first time in 16 months this week, with balloons, banners and smiles all round. From July through to October, the organisation will be carefully and safely reopening all of the dementia day centres, community centres and Connect@ services. Jewish Care’s Meals on Wheels, telephone be- Jewish Care centres reopen friending, online activities and social work a few things without worrying about him.” and family carers support services will all Richard Shone, Director of Community also still be there to support the community. Development, says “It’s wonderful to see “It’s good to be back among old friends,” each other face to face again, we have all resays David Rom, who is a member of The ally missed seeing our members in person. Dennis Centre for people living with de“Whilst older people at home have been mentia in Ilford. isolated for so many months, it’s been espeRoberta, whose husband, Henry is also cially hard for those people who are living a member, says, “Henry’s been looking with dementia, many of whom find online forward to coming back. It’s been hard for programmes less accessible. Our staff and everyone to be home for such a long time. volunteers are so pleased that the commuIt’s good to know that Henry can enjoy nity centres are able to reopen in-person to spending the day here and I can go and do support older members of the community
to connect, enjoy stimulating activities and socialise with one another again. We know now more than ever before, how vital that is for everyone’s wellbeing.” Jewish Care’s JC Presents online programme and events, which are attended by hundreds of older people each week in the community will continue, along with the befriending services and Meals on Wheels. “Members of community centres have exciting choices in the way they want to attend our activities or centres,” continues Richard, “We are also working on new ways to enable members to access activities that happen in-person, online too.” Safety is still the priority, and the organisation will follow enhanced hygiene training and practices and regular Covid testing for staff and volunteers, who will wear masks indoors throughout the centres to protect clients, staff and volunteers. Jewish Care has been working together in partnership with Ilford Federation
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Synagogue to reopen The Dennis Centre at the shul which is across the road from the centre’s previous home, since the site has been repurposed as the hub for Jewish Care’s Home Care services and Meals on Wheels. Since the start of the pandemic the organisation has made over 64,000 meals, which have been delivered with the help of dedicated volunteers. “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Jewish Care, we always had the idea that we would like to be more involved with the wider community, so it’s exciting for us that The Dennis Centre will be running from the shul, to support people who are living with dementia” says David Hiller, Chair of Ilford Federation Synagogue. Jewish Care’s Dennis Centre for people living with dementia opens one day a week initially on Tuesdays and will open two days a week. The Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia is based at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet, is opening on Wednesday 28 July and will be open on additional days going forward. For more information about the reopening of Jewish Care’s community services, please contact 020 8922 2222 or helpline@ jcare.org
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JLGB Give It Forward GIFT were visited this week by two lively & very helpful groups of JLGB participants giving their time for National Citizen Service. The groups volunteered as GIFT Box ambassadors standing outside supermarkets inviting shoppers to purchase extra items for the GIFT food bank; followed by packing fresh fruit and vegetables back at the GIFT Hub. 16 year old Samuel Brodie, a pupil at JFS told us “I am a participant on the JLGB NCS summer programme. For our social action project we decided to raise awareness outside supermarkets for the charity GIFT. We then volunteered at the GIFT Hub and I got to see the incredible amount of food they give out and how every single item of food donated into the GIFT boxes really help! I look forward to volunteering more at GIFT in the future as it is a fantastic charity that helps so many people and inspires people to become givers.” Benjamin Furman a JLGB/NCS leader noted “The young adults started their day collecting outside supermarkets asking for either monetary donations or extra food. We were astonished by the positive reaction from the local community filling up our food baskets to the top. The young adults helped in the distribution centre by packing food parcels and organising orders. Through their passion for the project
GIFT volunteers
and communicative teamwork, the young adults got through stocks in a matter of hours that would normally have taken all day.” GIFT provide £7,700 of weekly support packages to over 1,000 people across London & Manchester who are struggling financially or with chronic physical or mental health difficulties. To give your time volunteering at GIFT’s food bank over the summer, contact info@ jgift.org or call 0208 457 4429
29 JULY 2021
World Jewish Relief raises £470,000 for global Covid-19 recovery in 36 Hours Since the pandemic hit last year, World Jewish Relief’s partner communities in 18 countries have experienced the disastrous impact of Covid-19. As we cautiously emerged from our own lockdown to enjoy relative normality, the charity launched a 36-hour fundraising campaign for communities that are still struggling, for whom a return to normal is still unimaginable. An incredible 123 of World Jewish Relief’s supporters volunteered as Team Leaders, sharing why the charity’s work is so important to them, and encouraging more than 1,300 people to donate to the campaign. All donations were matched by a group of generous funders. World Jewish Relief successfully raised an incredible £470,000 in 36 hours, and the total is still rising as donations come in. The impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic for World Jewish Relief’s global family. From Eastern Europe, where 60% of the people the charity supports have had their access to basic healthcare cut, to the 74% of vulnerable and marginalised people they support who have lost their jobs, devastation coupled with scarce state support have had awful consequences. And for people whose lives had already been shattered by natural disasters or forced displacement, the
pandemic made an already unstable situation even worse. In Cox’s Bazer in Bangladesh for example, where one million refugees live in extremely cramped conditions, provisions of hygiene equipment and PPE are scarce and many lack access to basic information about the symptoms and prevention of Covid-19. So far, World Jewish Relief have reached 29,530 people in 13 countries with lifesaving and life-changing support, aiding Covid-19 recovery. Thanks to the support of the UK Jewish community, who have shown that they refuse to turn their backs on the world’s most impoverished and vulnerable individuals, they will be able to extend this support to many more. World Jewish Relief’s Chief Executive Paul Anticoni says: “I am astounded at the response and generosity of so many supporters to our Global Recovery Campaign which ran on the 11th and 12th July. When there is such pressure on our services from those within and beyond the Jewish community, from Ukraine to Uganda and Belarus to Bangladesh, this support will enable us and our partners to scale up our response. It has helped us replace event income which couldn’t take place and I cannot thank our Team Leaders and supporters enough.”
Three groups of fundraisers raised a total of £5,676 for Jewish Women’s Aid The first fundraisers, a group of 16-yearolds doing their National Citizen Service, came together to create a group called ‘New Respective’ and chose to raise money for Jewish Women’s Aid after hearing our education team talk in their schools. As well as interviewing our Volunteer Coordinator and Safer Dating Project Worker for their podcast, ‘The Bitedown’, they also did a sponsored 12k walk across Hampstead Heath on the 21st July, and raised an incredible £2,423 for our education fundraising campaign. Next, mum and daughter trekking partners, Nicole and Daisy Goodman, aged 44 and 13, took part in a 3-day trek up Hellvelyn in the Lake District, from the 23rd to 25th July, to raise money for Jewish Women’s Aid as part of Daisy’s Bat Mitzah. The pair raised 445% more than their original target, reaching £2,227! Daisy said “I wanted to raise money for Women’s Aid because my school did an assembly on the charity and I was very moved at the work they do.
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I feel that all women and children should have the right to feel and be safe, especially in their own homes.” Daisy has donated a percentage of her Bat Mitzvah money to the cause. Twelve-year-old Charlotte Bloom took part in the same trekking challenge, and also chose Jew ish Women’s Aid as the charity she wanted to support. Charlotte said, “This charity does amazing work supporting Jewish women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence.” She completed the trek and raised an amazing £1,026. Jewish Women’s Aid Fundraiser Julia Kay, said, “We’re so grateful to all the fundraisers involved for their amazing support and awareness raising over the last week, and we’re proud of all of them for completing their sponsored walks and treks. It’s also brilliant to see this being driven by young people, who are becoming more aware of our work across the community, especially in schools.”
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From the front line… We’re not (yet) going on a Summer Holiday. Whatever you do, keep safe.
BY JACQUELINE CURZON It was devastating to read of deaths in Scottish waters last week. There were four separate tragedies, in which six people died. One incident caused the death of a woman, her son and a family friend. When a 7-year-old fell into the open water at the end of a pier, the other members of the group went in to save him, as the water looked quite shallow. They soon got into serious difficulties, and another child Rana Haris Ali (9) and his mother Edina Olahova (29) both succumbed, along with Muhammad Asim Riaz (41), the only member of the group who could actually swim. Jacqueline Curzon Edina’s husband, Waris Ali, said he tried PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY to throw his shirt as a lifeline to his wife, but sadly couldn’t get her to safety. Mr scheme saw us give £28 million, as recently Riaz's son was saved by a local man and as last November. 8,700 migrants have now remains in hospital in Glasgow. Separately, three boys (11, 13 and 16) drowned in other reached UK shores this year. Tim Loughton, a former minister, said ‘international tragedies. maritime lawyers had ruled that the French Civil servants in Scotland have been could intercept migrants boats and return encouraged to add pronouns to their email them to France,’ as they have committed sign offs, under plans for a transgender two crimes - illegal entry and paying trafinclusivity drive. The Scottish government fickers. What is the game going on, here? is backing proposals recommending 8000 British teenager Zara Rutherford (19) has workers take a pronoun pledge where they set her sights on becoming the youngest add terms such as ‘she /her’ or ‘he /him’ to woman to fly solo around the world, two the bottom of every work email. However the plan has provoked opposition from civil years after her pilot father cheated death in a plane crash. Zara said ‘when dad had servants after a survey which has caused a that crash you know things can go wrong massive row. I mentioned a few weeks ago and he was very lucky.’ She said this made about college tutors insisting on being referred to as he/she or they, and this is surely her realise that she potentially might not just another extension of the same thing. make it back. She will take off from Brussels The pronoun pledge includes non-standard next month in a shark ultralight, the world's terms such as ‘zie’ and ‘zir.’ Supporters of fastest light sport aircraft for her self-funded this say it would foster an open culture record attempt. Zara has actually replaced that is supportive of the LGBT community, the only other seat in the aircraft with however the results of the survey indicated an extra fuel tank to prevent any future that 60% of respondents did not want to go accusations that she’s not flown solo. Zara‘s down the pronoun rabbit hole. Diversity is mother is also a pilot, so one could safely supposed to make people feel included, but say flying runs in the family. We wish you I for one, feel excluded if I can’t be referred success, safe travels and a following wind, to as ‘straight, married, female, Mrs or Zara. Ms, or her.’ for fear of offending someone Rescuers have been asked to suspend a non-binary. We are born male or female, search for a missing climber, after a request unless you are deemed androgynous. Surely from his family. Kim Hong-bin (56) from the time has come for this absurd rebrandSouth Korea had overcome his disabilities ing to stop. If anyone feels a compelling to scale the 14 highest peaks in the world, need to include alternative salutations or but he sent a distress message out on July 18 sign offs on their correspondence, let them after completing his ascent of the 26,401 ft get on with it, but please don’t compel Broad Peak on the Pakistan- China border. those of us not playing the political correctIt’s believed he may have become disorientness game, to join in. ed on the descent and fallen into a crevasse. The French have told us they will not stop A Russian team spotted him but had to call illegal migrants at sea, this despite receiving off the rescue when a rope broke and Kim £54 million from us to combat illegal chanfell further. He lost all of his fingers to frostnel crossings, providing (French) police bite on a previous climb, and had requested presence and surveillance. With numbers that no one be put in danger should he now reaching 1,000 daily, this is a huge slap need assistance on Broad Peak. on the face for European relations. A similar A Scottish climber has been killed in an
avalanche on K2, whilst attempting a new route. Having narrowly avoided death on the same mountain 3 years ago, Rick Allen (68) was climbing the world’s second highest mountain to raise funds for charity. His two climbing partners - one from Spain and another from Austria - were both rescued. Allen, who was from Aberdeen, won the Piolet d’Or award for completing the ascent of Nanga Parbat’s Mazeno Ridge [Pakistan] in 2012. It’s not often I get to crack a joke about egg-on-the-face, but this week a story was ripe for inclusion in my column. An American e-commerce manager, David Ezrine, landed himself in hot water when he insulted one of his employees, telling him the ‘Brits would queue up [even] to jump off a cliff.’ Now, I know we are fanatical for obeying rules about everything, including queuing, but this was rather mean and over the top. Gavin Ford (40) took this complaint to tribunal and won, resulting in damages being awarded against Ezrine, the founder of the Big Green Egg Barbecue. From eggs to nuts now. South Norfolk council has put a preservation order on a walnut tree, rather than allowing it to be trimmed. This would not normally make the news, except that the tree overhangs the garden of Beau Beck (6), a girl with severe nut allergies. The tree stands 17 metres tall and is 100 years old. Beau’s mother has not asked for it to be taken down, rather to be height reduced and trimmed so no nuts fall into the garden, risking anaphylaxis. 11 people wrote with objections to the council, whilst 17 others wrote letters in support of Beau. South Norfolk is indeed a hard council to crack. Politics crossed into music some years back, where the BBC decided not only to relinquish the cheery morning music on R4, which follows the shipping forecast, but also crossed over into Last Night of the Proms, which forced Rule Britannia off the programme. It is now being reinstated in a drive to celebrate our Britishness. Now the music of Robert Burns is up for political tinkering, with an anti-Brexit exhibit installed at an Arts Festival. With financial backing from the SNP, Auld Lang Syne is to be sung in Gaelic and languages from all 27 Euro countries - Oh crivvens. Edinburgh Arts Festival has received £350,000 in taxpayer cash from the Scottish Government. Now we sing therein of a ‘cup of kindness,’ but even singers have to eat. Maybe a platter of deep-fried pizza? I have seen it (but couldn’t bear to sample!!!) but never the ubiquitous fried Mars bar, which I’ve neither partaken of nor seen either - but hey, it’s good to see how they can fritter away their funds.
A full size Spitfire has been built in a back garden in Cumbria by David Price, an author. Since 2018 Mr Price (58) has spent 3,000 hours and £5,000 on his project, taking inspiration from blueprints in a history book. He said the Spitfire ‘represented the icon of freedom, as well as being a beautiful creation.’ Although it will never fly, it has been faithfully built/ restored with mainly original parts, although several modifications have found their way into the build, including a baked bean tin, downpipe brackets and a bottle top. How truly inspirational. Now, with all the thunderstorms and rain we’ve had, I wanted to know if anyone has ever built an Ark, and if so, perhaps they will have reservations and accommodation space should our torrential downpours continue. So I found a few Arks on the web; the most impressive might be Ark Encounter, which opened in July 2016, in Kentucky, and is billed as the largest timber-frame structure in the world, standing at 51 feet tall and 1-1/2 football fields in length. Much of the craftsmanship details that went into building the boat was the handiwork of Amish laborers. Ark Encounter was built at a cost of $102 million, but Noah had no such financial issues, I would suspect. Finally, a little known fact…. Sir Roger Bannister, our 1954 record breaking runner, will be memorialised in Westminster Abbey. You’re wondering why, as was I. Less well-known was that this young man, running 1 mile in the record-breaking time of 3 minutes 59.4 seconds in Oxford, was a 25-year-old medical student. He came fourth in the 1500m at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, before achieving his record in the mile. He had set a British record by the time he was knighted for services to sport in 1975, but he also enjoyed a long career in medicine including writing more than 80 scientific papers which he considered more important. Bannister became a consultant and a leading expert in neurology which prompted a stoic response when he himself was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2011. Before he died aged 88 in 2018, he said he would “rather be remembered for my work in neurology than for running” and it’s as a scientist that he will be commemorated with this memorial in Westminster Abbey, as an expert in disorders of the nervous system. He will be honoured with a ledger stone in a scientist's corner, alongside the graves of Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Up there with the greats. That’s a nice way to round off this week's news.
Love Jacqueline x
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COOKERY 23
Breakfast Seed and Blueberry Muffins This is the perfect breakfast for people ‘on-the-go’. Oats, apple, yoghurt, banana and blueberries, what could be better? It is also not too sweet which I quite like as the bought variety have far too much sugar. Make non dairy too with soya or coconut yoghurt if preferred. Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Makes: Approx. 15
Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com
Ingredients 2 large eggs 150ml pot natural low-fat yogurt 50ml rapeseed oil 100g apple sauce or pureed apples 1 ripe banana, mashed 4 tbsp clear honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 200g wholemeal flour 50g rolled oats, plus extra for sprinkling 1½ tsp baking powder 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 1½ tsp cinnamon 150g fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons mixed seed (we used pumpkin, sunflower and flaxseed) Method - For the Base 1. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. 2. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with 12 large muffin cases. 3. In a jug, mix the eggs, yogurt, oil, apple sauce, banana, honey and vanilla. 4. Tip the remaining ingredients, except the seeds, into a large bowl, add a pinch of salt and mix to combine.
Cooking with the children BY DENISE PHILIPS Summer school holidays have started; cooking with children of all ages is an excellent activity for so many reasons. It’s a life skill that you can adapt to suit the age group. Make it fun, interactive and a pleasurable experience so you can teach best practise.
Benefits include:
• Helping develop children’s academic, cognitive, and motor skills. Just by making Friday night chicken soup, children can learn about knife skills, time management, measurements and quantities, how long food takes to cook, how to develop food flavour. In addition, you have spent valuable time together passing on a delicious traditional family recipe. • Increasing maths ability by weighing up the ingredients, using scales and perhaps doubling quantities. • Improving reading and comprehension skills – just by reading through the recipe letting your child retell what the recipe means and how it will look when ready for the oven or cooked. • Introducing children to scientific concepts so they can discover what happens with yeast, bicarbonate of soda or baking powder added to food. • Learning about kosher foods, washing fruit and vegetables, and keeping milk
and meat separate. • Encouraging healthy eating and promoting family bonding. My children grew up in the kitchen with me, from sitting in the highchair whilst I made canapes or other interesting dishes. My eldest daughter enjoyed the tasting at a very young age (with fond memories.) I feel that you should start the cooking activity from the shopping experience. Get them to help find the ingredients and look at prices and varieties. When you come home look at the label; where the product came from and discuss the country or place of origin and look it up on a map. And of course whatever you make, there is the washing up and keeping a clean and tidy kitchen! Above is a great recipe for little hands to enjoy.
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5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix briefly until you have a smooth batter – don’t overmix as this will make the muffins heavy. 6. Divide the batter between the cases. 7. Sprinkle the muffins with the extra oats and the seeds. 8. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden and well risen, and a skewer inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. 9. Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool. Can be stored in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
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ASK THE RABBI
Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com An Extended Holiday or a Recipe for Disaster?
Dear Rabbi Is it proper for a husband/father or wife/mother to leave their family for an extended period of time (say, over a month)? Thank you very much Sara Dear Sara It’s a very relative question and always depends on the details and circumstances. It is known that the “lomdim” of old left home for great lengths of time in order to study and the Vilna Gaon praised his sons for being away, However, I would argue that today times have changed and what worked then is not workable today. Sholom Bayit – family harmony is essential, as is being there for our children, and while in the past leaving home for long periods was an acceptable norm, today this would be untenable. Even as one may need to travel for business, every effort should be made to be home for Shabbat. Maimonides links Shabbat with harmony in the home, and that always takes precedence. Where that is not realistic, then to be mindful that the time away isn’t extended unnecessarily. I’m not advocating never going away and often a break is mentally healthy for the sustainability of a relationship. But everything within reason and moderation. Whatever you do - do what works, not just for yourself, but for the sake of the family unit.
Our Shabbat Is Up To You Rabbi!
Dear Rabbi Having read the Ten Command-
ments last week in Synagogue, at my son’s Bar Mitzvah, I reflected on the law of the Shabbat. It prompted a conversation between me and my wife. We both decided that if you could offer us a compelling reason to keep Shabbat we will do so. Over to you – no pressure. Syd and Carol Dear Syd and Carol Wow! That’s a first – even for me. Do you know that psychologists have often pointed to the fact that there is such a striking disconnect between progress on the one hand, and human happiness on the other? You’d think the more you achieve, the more you progress, the happier you would be? That is a central question of our time. The answer is that people are so consumed with the work week that even as they take time off on the seventh day, they’re minds are consumed with events of the past week and plans for the coming week. Think about advertising: The secret of those who want to sell any product to consumers is: create artificial dissatisfaction in your audience. If people are happy with how they look they don’t buy cosmetics; if people are happy with their tube television they won’t buy a seventy-inch LCD, plasma, high definition, flat screen, Blu-ray TV. If people are happy with their cars, they won’t feel the need to upgrade to the next model which has window-wipers on the roof in case a helicopter lands on it. If people are happy with what they have, they aren’t good customer-potential, that is, unless you first make them unhappy, and
Pirkei Avot וְ ָה ְר ׁשוּת,ַהכּ ֹל צָ פוּי וּבְ טוֹ ב ָהעוֹ לָ ם,נְ תוּנָ ה וְ ַהכּ ֹל לְ ִפי רֹב.נִ דּ וֹ ן :ַה ַּמ ֲעשֶׂ ה Everything is foreseen yet freedom of choice is granted, And the world is judged with goodness; And everything is in accordance with the preponderance of works.
then convince them that buying your product is the remedy. So, advertising creates images of perfection; perfect models, perfect faces, perfect lives, perfect products. And of course, since perfection is, by definition impossible, there’s no end to how much money you can spend pursuing it. A thousand times a day, in a million different ways, calling to us from billboards, magazines, television, radio, newspapers, movies, web sites, and telemarketers, every single message without exception is this: You are not enough! You do not have enough! You are not happy! You have not achieved “the dream.” Don’t get me wrong, the market economy and technological advances have allowed us to accomplish so much good - to conquer disease and famine, and make life more dignified for more people than ever before. That is to be celebrated. Nevertheless, the endless loop of a seven-day-a-week consumer culture is a wonderfully efficient system for manufacturing and distributing artificial misery. It causes us to define ourselves in terms of what we lack, not in terms of what we have, which takes a heavy toll on us and our families. Shabbat is the best counterweight to market pressures. It is when we stop our work, stop acquiring and spending, and instead learn to cherish what we have, and not be diminished by what we do not. It’s our sanctuary in time, when, we thank G-d for all that we have, for our blessings, for family, for community. It is when we rediscover the real roots of happiness.
Inhaling and exhaling are both necessary for life. When we inhale, we take in life-giving oxygen. When we exhale we release waste products, mostly carbon dioxide. We tend to focus on the inhale we fear not being able to take in air. But can you imagine not being able to let it out, either? Without the “Shabbat exhale,” the life-giving inhale is impossible. If we work all week and forget to “exhale” on the 7th day we become brittle and hard, overcome with stress and fear, the toxic waste-products of life, and lose the joy of a healthy life. We overlook those we love as
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For Refuah Shalema for Yosef Avraham ben Rus Sarah and Rus Sarah bat Chanah
As discussed in The Weiss Edition of Pirkei Avot, people often blame others instead of looking inwards. Take the first man ever on the planet, Adam Harishon. When Hashem came to him and asked him why he ate from the tree on knowledge, his immediate response instead of manning up and admitting his guilt was to blame his wife Chavah. Our Mishnah reminds us that Hashem is always watching
and nothing can be hidden from Him. As we are now in holiday season, many of us will be out and about in the countryside, watching nature take its course. You might see a bird swoop down out of the sky and pluck a fish out of the water for tea. It may well look completely and utterly random. Not to the Jewish scholar. When the great Reb Yochanan would see such a sight, he would utter with great awe the
Perek 3: Mishna 15
words ‘Mishpatecha tehom rabbah- Your judgements is in the great depths.’ Nothing is random everything is precisely calibrated by Hashem Himself down to which bird catches which fish. Let us all make sure that we make the correct choices in life, so that when the great day comes we will be eternally rewarded rather than being full of eternal regret, Amen.
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well as our own soul. When we exhale it’s not because we have taken in all the oxygen we will ever need. It’s simply because we’ve reached the end of this particular breath. We need to exhale and release in order to make room for more oxygen. Shabbat serves as a timely reminder that there is more to life than just the daily grind. We have to stop and live. We have to get off the endless treadmill of consumerism and remember to make space for those people and values dearest to our heart. Here’s hoping you both really consider it! Shabbat Shalom!
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Torah from Israel
29 JULY 2021
Eikev: The Land of Milk and Ice Cream BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The recent decision to discontinue selling Ben and Jerry’s ice cream in selected areas of Israel has roused the Jewish world, supporters of Israel, and opponents of economic boycotting. Fortunately, the actual ramifications of this boycott are limited, or even negligible. As Israel’s economic influence continues to grow, the world is increasingly dependent upon Israeli high tech, medical technology, water management and cyber security. Countries will have to pay a steep price for their discriminatory boycotts of the only democracy in the Middle East. With G-d’s help, our GDP is rising while investments in Israel are skyrocketing. In the year 2021 a boycott -even by a multinational provider of food – doesn’t pose a significant economic threat. These and other important points have been cogently articulated in numerous op-ed pieces in both the Jewish and international media. It is not necessary, nor is it quite the place for Rabbis to articulate the diplomatic, economic and elements of this boycott. However, there are deeper religious and moral messages to this struggle. The passionate responses which the boycott has elicited suggests that this isn’t just a discussion about ice cream cones. Here are three religious or moral angles to this story:
Morality of the Masses
Traditionally, ethics were articulated by thoughtful moral and religious thinkers who carefully considered the complexity of moral dilemmas. Right or wrong, positions hatched through careful moral deliberation should carry moral weight. Unfortunately, Democracy, Capitalism and social media have all created a moral circus. Politicians assert “moral” positions in a thinly-veiled attempt to court voters. Large corporations take “moral stands” to attract consumers. Despite its human rights abuses, China isn’t being sanctioned by Unilever- the parent company of Ben and Jerry’s - because their market is too large to compromise. The Israeli market share is considerably smaller compared to the market size of BDS countries or communities. For its part, social media has decentralized the flow of information, empowering every individual to render moral positions. Mass politics, mass consumerism and mass information flow, together, have produced a distorted theater of “mass morality”- never a recipe for balanced or sensible moral positions. It sometimes feels as if we are walking through a moral house of mirrors. Additionally, globalization has
eliminated any context or subtlety. In the global village, we are more connected to events and people across the world and feel licensed to offer uneducated moral rebuke, absent of historical context or complexity. Lack of contextualization always leads to shallow and vacant moral assertions. Globalized moral calculus also promotes “intersectionality”, or the belief that all forms of discrimination overlap or are interdependent. The writing has been on the wall for some time. If Ben and Jerry’s battles racial discrimination, advances climate reform, labors on behalf of LGBTQ+ rights, it must also campaign against the “abusive” policies of the only democracy in the Middle East. Intersectionality is the misleading byproduct of the globalization of social justice. Welcome to the moral circus we call “modern society”. Moral relativism has muddled the notion of absolute “right and wrong”. Mass morality has emptied moral conversation of depth and context. We must strictly preserve our moral compass and protect our moral clarity from scrambled and simplified moral posturing. Popular moral positions, even when dressed in the righteous declarations of international organizations or noble agendas of socially conscious corporations, should never carry moral authority. The absolute will of G-d, as well as our own inherent sense of right and wrong should form our moral compass. Twitter should not reshape our moral conscience, nor should an ice cream company influence our sense of right and wrong.
But it’s “Ben and Jerry’s”!
Recently a Norwegian pension fund divested from Israeli companies who service the entire land and people of Israel. Though potentially, this financial impact is far more damaging than the Ben and Jerry’s boycott, this divestment announcement barely registered. Everyone loves Ben and Jerry’s while very few had ever heard of this Norwegian fund. Had it been Norwegian cruise lines it would have been a different story altogether! Beyond the economics of this boycott many are insulted at being rejected or censured by a company we all love, and whose ice cream we crave. Why do we care so deeply? The overall book of Devarim warns repeatedly against theological heresy and betraying G-d for idols. Parshat Eikev warns against a very different collapse. Jews will become too culturally comfortable with the pagan residents of Israel. They will covet gold and silver or offer to house ritual objects or other religious artifacts of their neighbors. This will, in
turn yield greater social interaction serving as a potential gateway to unintended religious breakdown. Additionally, too deep an emotional connection to foreign cultures is concerning even if it doesn’t snowball into outright religious violation. Eikev doesn’t address heresy but rather the danger of culture creep and the challenge of how we invest emotionally. Are we too emotionally invested in cultural icons? Do we too intensely admire celebrities, athletes and large corporations? Should we be insulted by a decision of the board of Unilever/Ben and Jerry’s. Are we too attached to the brand name of a jug of ice cream? Perhaps we should learn to enjoy ice- cream without revering the brand name. What do Google, Amazon, or Apple mean to us? They should mean absolutely nothing. They manufacture products we enjoy or that we employ to improve our lives. Our relationship with them should be purely transactional but not emotional. Enjoy the ice cream but without the emotional connection of brand loyalty or brand affiliation. Perhaps this decision of Unilever is a moment to take stock. Are we too attached?
A Land that Flows Ice Cream?
Parshat Eikev lists the shivat haminimseven crops and fruits of Israel. In a fully redeemed condition, our land flows with milk, honey and supernaturally driven prosperity. We are meant to inhabit a lush country of Divine fertility. We hope and expect to, one day, reach these milestones. However, our struggle to return to our
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homeland should be propelled by large ideas and historical warrant. Often, as I stroll through the overstocked aisles of my local supermarket, my imagination drifts back forty years ago to “leaner years”, during which Israel hadn’t yet achieved its current standard of living. There is nothing wrong with prosperity and especially as it has, undoubtedly, encouraged Aliyah. Furthermore, our continued economic growth is one of the many signals that this process of return has been blessed by G-d. However, in a stark world of lesser comforts, our idealism was more unambiguous and more palpable. Sometimes, too much comfort dulls our passion and anesthetizes our spirit. Perhaps, after Ben and Jerry’s withdraw from the Israeli market we will have fewer ice cream options. It is more probable that a different brand will fill the vacant shelves. Nature abhors a vacuum and so does the ice cream section in the supermarket. But even in the unlikely scenario that our ice cream options diminish, our commitment to this land and its larger ideals will hopefully come into sharper relief. History is soon ending. We can all do with fewer calories and more passion. It may be a “Rocky Road” but I think we will be just fine! The writer is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.
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Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y I S R A E L
Cry Me a River BY RABBI STEWART WEISS Our Sedra is famously known as “Parshat Eretz Yisrael.” While virtually every Sedra in the Torah stresses the centrality of Israel, Ekev makes it crystal clear that G-d, Torah and Eretz Yisrael form the 3-legged stool upon which the Jewish People eternally rests. Yet there are numerous other subjects which Moshe Rabbeinu raises in the Sedra. One of them is the Maan, the Heaven-sent food which sustained us throughout our 40-year desert experience. Moshe says it was given to us “to test us.” Yet if the Mahn fell every morning – with little or no effort from us – what was the test? And how is the Mahn related to Eretz Yisrael? The test of the Maan lay in the fact that no matter how much of it we collected, it lasted for only one day (except for the double portion – the “Lechem Mishne” – of Shabbat). No one could hoard the Mahn or save it “for a rainy day.” Why?
Because Hashem wanted us to “work” for our subsistence – with Avoda Sheh’b’lev, the work of the heart. The fact that we did not know for sure where tomorrow’s meal would come from – in the midst of a harsh wilderness where no other nourishment was available – prompted us to fervently pray to Hashem and be thankful when the next day’s food fell from Heaven. In this sense, Maan is closely related to money (maan-ee?!) which, if we have too much of it, can often lead us to believe more in ourselves than in G-d, and become less desperate and intense in our
prayers to Him for parnasa. And this, you see, is the connection to Eretz Yisrael, as well. The parsha reminds us that Israel is not like Egypt, where the Nile overflows its banks and waters the land; where you “look down & you see water.” Israel depends upon the rain for our fertility; here, one must look up to the Heavens for our deliverance. The message is clear: We have been given a marvelous Land, unequalled on Earth; a land where every element of topography and geography can be found: desert, ocean, river, mountain, tropical sun and snow-capped peaks. You can
… if we are willing to sacrifice for the right to be here, then and only then will the rains come and we will merit eternal presence and protection in our land.
Eikev
scuba dive in the morning in beautiful, sunny Eilat, and slide on the snow of the chilly Hermon in the afternoon! But the performance of the land, and our ability to live here safely and successfully depends upon our behavior. If we do not take Israel for granted, if we act morally and justly, if we appreciate and acknowledge that this is truly “G-d’s country” and daily cry out to Him for His divine protection and grace, if we are willing to sacrifice for the right to be here, then and only then will the rains come and we will merit eternal presence and protection in our land. Our neighbors Egypt or Turkey may have natural sources of abundant water at hand. But not Israel; we have to cry us a river. Rabbi Stewart Weiss is director of the Ra’anana Jewish Outreach Center (jocmtv@netvision.net.il) and a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).
“I shall provide rain for your land in its proper time, the early and the late rains, that you may gather in your grain, your wine and your oil” (Devarim 11:14)
Sidra Summary should not fall into the trap of thinking that they inherited the Land thanks to their own efforts and merits; rather it was G-d who guided and protected them during the years in the desert. Failure to heed this lesson will result in exile from the Land.
3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 9:4-9:29 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Devarim 7:12-9:10
Moshe encourages the Israelites to keep G-d’s commandments. This will allow them to prosper in the Land and to be the most blessed of peoples. In the same way that G-d took them out of Egypt, so too He will allow them to defeat the Cana’anite nations. The nation must destroy the Cana’anites’ idols. Moshe entreats the Israelites to remember the 40 years in the desert, including the eating of the manna. G-d will bring them into a Land with abundant resources, where they will lack nothing. Point to Consider: Which mitzvah is derived from 8:10?
2nd Aliya (Levi) – 8:11-9:3
Moshe warns the Israelites not to forget G-d once they enter the Land. They
The Israelites should remember that they are a “stiff-necked people” and they are not inheriting the Land because of their own righteousness. In fact, since leaving Egypt, they repeatedly provoked G-d, initially with the sin of the golden calf, which Moshe now recalls in detail. He also reminds them of the sin of the spies.
4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 10:1-11
Moshe describes how he carved two new stone tablets, having broken the first set upon seeing the worship of the golden calf when descending Mount Sinai. In the aftermath of the golden calf, the tribe of Levi was set apart for its special functions of guarding the Ark and serving G-d.
5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 10:12-11:9
Moshe urges the Israelites to fear and love G-d and to open their hearts to Him.
Moshe recalls the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, the splitting of the Sea of Reeds and the earth swallowing Korach and his rebels.
7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 11:22-25
6th Aliya (Shishi) – 11:10-21
Haftarah
Moshe goes on to say that G-d always has “His eyes” on the Land of Cana’an. He then tells them a passage which we recite twice daily as the second paragraph of the Shema (see green siddur, p.68). It spells out the benefits of fulfilling the commandments and the consequences of neglecting them. The mitzvot of tefilin, mezuzah and studying Torah are stated.
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Moshe urges the people to remember their Torah learning and to have a connection with Torah scholars (see Rashi). Taken from the book of Yeshaya, this is the second of the seven ‘haftarot of consolation’ read after Tisha B’Av. Just like a mother does not forget the child of her womb, so too G-d will never forget the Jews and will avenge those nations who have persecuted them. Yeshaya famously calls upon the Jews to be a “light unto the nations”.
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Eikev: The Challenge of Comfort BY GAVRIEL COHN This week’s Torah portion has prompted many questions. Its verses are filled with promises to the Jewish People that if they observe the mitzvot they will be blessed with agricultural plenty. That if they “keep all the commandments that I command you this day…” G-d “will give the rain of your land at its time” and “grass in your field for your livestock, and you will eat and be satisfied.” Why does the Torah stress these physical rewards? What sort of encouragement is this, should we really keep G-d’s commandments for what seems such materialistic and selfish benefits? Remarkably, it seems that the Torah makes no explicit mention of the Afterlife? Many Jewish thinkers throughout the ages have addressed these questions, from the Rambam in medieval times to Rav Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler a generation ago. However, at least according to a plain reading of the text, it seems that this week’s sedra may not really be focused on the topic of reward and punishment at all, but rather on the inherent gifts and challenges of being blessed with wealth.
As Moshe so vividly depicts, the Jewish People were to settle in “a good land, a land with brooks of water, fountains and depths that emerge in valleys and mountains; a land of wheat and barley, vines and figs and pomegranates, a land of oil-producing olives and honey, a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, you will lack nothing in it.” This land – promised to our forefathers and set aside as the home of our obedience to G-d – was one of abundant produce and plenty. It was this material wealth that Moshe was fearful of. Whilst such abundance could certainly be used as an aid to better serve G-d and help one’s fellow man, it also, however, could cause a person to become increasingly self-absorbed and materialistic, blocking out others and coming to deny G-d. As the verses state: “Lest you eat and be satisfied, and build good houses and dwell therein and your herds and your flocks multiply, and your
silver and gold increase, and all that you have increases and your heart grows haughty and you forget the Lord, your G-d… and you will say to yourself, ‘My strength and the might of my hand that has accumulated this wealth for me.’” Moshe provides the antidote to such an attitude: that the Jewish People were to remember that their success in the Land was and remains dependent on others (G-d in particular). They were to appreciate those who were instrumental in allowing them to enjoy such a rich land: G-d, who freed them from Egypt, provided for them in the desert, and sustained them in the land, and Moshe, who led and came to the nation’s rescue the People in the desert despite their grave sins, as well as the forefathers, who the land was promised to in the first place. Thus, this week’s Torah portion is devoted, not to reward and punishment, but to addressing the challenges of material comfort and
This land – promised to our forefathers and set aside as the home of our obedience to G-d – was one of abundant produce and plenty.
wealth. That, coming to a land “flowing with milk and honey”, the Jewish People had to remain appreciative and humble, not becoming too self-indulgent with a false sense of strength and independence (“saying: ‘my strength and the might of my hand that has accumulated this wealth for me’”), remaining cognisant instead of the true purpose of such wealth, which is to better observe G-d’s commandments and to do good. As G K Chesterton (1874-1936), a religious English writer, remarked, “It has been often said, very truly, that religion is the thing that makes the ordinary man feel extraordinary; it is an equally important truth that religion is the thing that makes the extraordinary man feel ordinary.” The Jewish People’s life in the land was certainly meant to be extraordinary, yet Moshe emphatically enjoins them to recognising the support of others, remaining ordinary enough to “bless the Lord, your G-d, for the good land He has given you.”
Gavriel Cohn is an informal educator at Immanuel College, Bushey. He has written a number of Torah articles for various publications. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch! gavcohn@ gmail.com.
Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat One who trusts in Hashem may find it necessary to work for a living. How can one tell the difference between one who works for a living and still trusts in Hashem compared with one who works for a living and does not trust Hashem? There are seven ways in which one can discern if one trusts Hashem. 1. Is the person content with whatever income Hashem allows them to earn? Or are they the type to sing their own praises when succeeding and become angry at Hashem when the going gets tough? 2. Is the person calm and tranquil when engaging in work or are they stressed, depressed and worried about the millionaire they cannot seem to become? 3. Whilst working do they believe that it is their efforts that brings in the money or do they work simply because that is what Hashem has decreed on mankind. Do they have a love for their means of earning a living or do they recognise the means for what they are? 4. With the spare money one has – how
do they spend it? Do they recognise that everything comes from Hashem, or do they hold their fists tight or waste it on nonsensical matters? 5. Does their work contradict pure service of Hashem? Do they work on days or at times where it is forbidden to work, thinking that this will bring them blessing? Or do they only work in ways, places and with company that is approved of by the Torah? 6. Is the person jealous of others? Do others trust the person? Or do people worry that they will be subject of scorn or worse if the efforts of this person to earn a living don’t bear fruit? 7. Generally speaking, is the person at peace with the money they have or are they filled with worry over the future? Do they gear their worries to their shortcomings in service of Hashem or is their worry focused on monetary matters?
All of these seven thoughts are what can show a person whether their attitude to earning a living is a Torah attitude or if they are seriously lacking in trusting Hashem.
Although it has been made abundantly clear that moving Muktzah is generally forbidden, there are permissible ways of moving Muktzah in certain circumstances, as shall be explained. If one is holding a non-Muktzah item which is connected to a Muktzah item one can thereby move both. If one indirectly moves Muktzah for the purpose of benefiting from non-Muktzah item then one can make the Muktzah move. For example if one wants to brush crumbs off the table using a knife, it is permitted. One can also sweep a floor even though one thereby moves rubbish as these are also considered examples of moving Muktzah for the benefit of non-Muktzah I.e. that they should have a clean house. Whilst walking in the street, one often moves Muktzah item with their feet for example stones or branches. So long as one only does so with their feet and not with their hand. It is permitted to move Muktzah with one’s body (not the hand though). If one finds Muktzah on their bed therefore they can move it off with their body or with their shoulder. This leniency may also apply if one
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wants to protect the Muktzah from loss. According to the Poskim one can move what would otherwise be forbidden to move, with one’s elbow or foot. If one wants to benefit from Muktzah one can also move it “from the side” for example if one has a fan or a lamp (and it is safe to do so) one can move it with their foot to the desired spot. If the Muktzah item is designed to be moved with the foot then doing so on Shabbat is forbidden. It is also permitted to blow Muktzah away if there is any need to do so. One cannot lift a child if they are holding severe Muktzah such as a stone, unless there is concern for the child’s health. If the Muktzah is merely a Keli Sh’melachto L’issur then there is no problem to carry the child with the Muktzah. One can nevertheless hold the child’s hand and walk with them even if the child is carrying severe Muktzah.
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Eikev BY RABBI RAYMOND APPLE
THE MYSTERY OF EKEV
What a strange word “Ekev” is (Deut. 7:12). The sense of the word is clearly “in consequence”. If you obey G-d’s commands, you will in consequence receive a reward from On High. The word has some connection with the Hebrew for a heel, but why? According to the Midrash it recalls the patriarch Jacob (Ya’akov), who entered the world holding on to his brother’s heel. So “Ekev” indicates something that follows that which precedes it. Rashi derives a lesson from the fact that people tend to grind seemingly important things into the ground with their heel, so a person who treats an apparently minor behest lightly loses a Heavenly reward. Such a person thinks the “minor” command is insignificant and dispensable, but G-d does not share this opinion. Nachmanides draws attention to the round shape of the heel and suggests that someone who misunderstands the value of a certain command does not necessarily push it out of the Torah but finds a roundabout reason to obey it.
REWARD OR PUNISHMENT?
The sidra devotes considerable attention to the theological problem of reward and punishment. Simplistically, it tells us that if you do a
mitzvah you will be rewarded, and if you sin you will be punished. But life doesn’t work that way. There are people who are wicked and cruel and seem to prosper. There are some who are pious and obedient and still suffer deprivation. The Psalmist (37:25) does not accept this; he says at the end of the Grace After Meals, “I have never seen a righteous man forsaken”. The Psalmist must have been a lucky man, but others are not so fortunate. Maimonides tells us that it all depends on the nature and quality of the deed. Not every good deed nor every sin is treated equally. Nor does a reward or punishment follow the good or evil deed immediately. Sometimes the consequence of the deed takes a long time to emerge, possibly only occurring in Heaven.
CHANGED BUT THE SAME
Last week our Torah reading contained the first paragraph of the Shema. This week we find the second paragraph. The first paragraph puts studying and teaching the commandments before laying tefillin; the second paragraph puts tefillin first. The Lubavitcher Rebbe suggests that first we perceive the duty of the individual whilst the second time we are speaking of the community. There are two dimensions in a person’s spiritual life. In the first case the individual exerts him- or herself to reach G-d by means of personal thought; in the second the community has a religious practice which is a mark of group identity, and
people should not carry it out routinely but delve into the mitzvah and find its message.
AFRAID OF NUMBERS
There is comfort offered in this week’s Torah reading. If surrounding nations intimidate Israel, says G-d, “do not be frightened because of them, for the Lord your G-d is in the midst of you” (Deut. 7:21). It makes no difference even if “these other nations are larger and more numerous” (Deut. 7:17). As Sforno says, Pharaoh and the Egyptians were more numerous, and G-d still delivered you from their hands. Numbers as such will not defeat you. The main thing is your morale. Only if you lose faith in yourselves and in G-d will you risk being overcome. Today’s world is different, but the same. The State of Israel knows from experience that so much depends on morale and determination. In the Diaspora, where the threats are not physical, despite the resurgence of antisemitism, numbers also need not be the main issue. We are a tiny minority people, true, but places where Jewish life was and is strong could always manage to be viable because of inner strength and belief in ourselves and our task. That’s why today we have not so much a mathematical but a mobilisation and morale problem. Mathematically, of course, it would still be good to have more Jews. We gain a few by conversion, but would gain more if Jewish parents had more children. Merely keeping our numbers as they
JUDAISM 29 are, means at least four children per family. Growing, even modestly, means more than four: it is not our responsibility to solve the population problems of Asia by having too few Jews in America or Australia. We can and will survive even without increased numbers, but numbers would help. Where once people spoke of 3 Rs, for Judaism today there have to be 3 Ms. Mathematics we have mentioned. Next comes Mobilisation. If there is to be Judaism in the future, we all have to be the best possible kind of Jews we can. This means that no Jew can hide behind the rabbi and say, “Rabbi, you be Jewish for me!” Nor can we leave it all to the synagogue or school. We all need to advance daily in Jewish knowledge, commitment and observance. We need to say, “No-one else can and will be Jewish for me!” The third M is Morale. It was never easy to be a Jew – but Jewish is good! It’s also enjoyable, it’s beautiful and it’s meaningful. Judaism will continue so long as Jews like being Jewish. Feel good as a Jew, even though it can be hard. Help others to feel good too. If they have little knowledge about Judaism and little Jewish motivation, don’t criticise them – share with them, inspire them. Their morale and yours is an unconquerable asset, regardless of our numbers. 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
Eikev: Enjoy The Journey BY RABBI YITZCHOK KATZ Kids are into all sorts of crazes, they come and go but there is always something. Back in my day there was the legendary gobstopper. For those unfamiliar, a gobstopper is basically a rock-hard sphere sweet which you would lick and with every layer that you eroded it changed colour; very time consuming and bad for your teeth. Now, some gobstoppers were filled with gum or sherbet, but they were not the enticement of the sweet, rather a little bonus once you made it all the way through. On the contrary, if you tried to eat a gobstopper too quickly, it would make your tongue very sore and that would defeat the whole purpose of its enjoyment. The point here is to actually enjoy the journey rather than making a mad dash for the destination; sometimes it’s the toil and effort of the process that is more important, rewarding and even enjoyable than the result itself. This is true in many areas of life. Take a gambler for example; the adrenalin rush that he experiences, one that is usually fuelled by a little beginners luck, results from the actual playing the game with
hopes of winning rather than the supposed enjoyment of essentially taking home his keep; the proof is that a true addict will always replay his earnings. Parshas eikev is as much about the journey as it is the destination. The Jewish nation is standing on the cusp of entering
the Promised Land with hopes of a bright future. Yet Moshe’s parting speech, which is the context of these chapters, seems to be one big history lesson. He describes the various trials and tribulations, triumphs and defeats of the past forty years in the dessert. One would think to leave
Sometimes it’s the toil and effort of the process that is more important, rewarding and even enjoyable than the result itself. THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
the past and focus on the future; Moshe should just give his advice going forward, why all the reminiscence? In truth, this leads us to the bigger question of why Hashem took us on such a long journey to reach our homeland in the first place. The answer is a simple one; those forty years were the biggest learning experience our nation will ever receive. It is those wrongs that were made right, those challenges that we overcame and those directives that we received so dramatically that make up the fabric of our nation. There is no way the Jewish people can claim sovereignty over a land without knowing who they are and what they stand for. That is the lesson of those forty years, of that journey. It is holiday season now and many are heading to some destination away from home to relax a little. But how often do we arrive home from even the most wonderful of holidays only to think that we need another one to recover from the journey itself? Perhaps we too should learn from those forty years in the dessert to make the journey itself an experience to remember - just like my gobstopper. Rabbi Yitzchok Katz was raised in London, now lives in Leeds and is a member of The Leeds Kollel. He is involved in many projects that are having a positive impact on the Jewish community.
EiKev
Eikev Word Search
Parshat Eikev continues with Moshe’s address to the Jewish People. He reminds them of the beautiful land they were coming to, blessed with 7 types of fruit and grain and a land which Hashem personally oversees the entire year round. The nation are reminded constantly, to remove idols from the land and to not be afraid of the nations they would come across when entering the land. Moshe tells them how they should remember the miracles they saw, how Hashem fed them the Manna in the wilderness and how their clothes grew with them, in addition to how their feet did not swell after walking in a wilderness for forty years! The lessons of the Midbar journey were numerous, but especially important for us, was the message that if we follow Hashem’s Mitzvot – even the “small” ones, we will merit blessing and to live safely in our Holy Land. It is when we turn away from Hashem, that unfortunately, things turn sour. We learn how to love Hashem, fear Hashem and cleave to Him, by attaching ourselves to righteous people who set a good example at all times!
Tangram Challenge! Using all the shapes on the left can you make the pram on the right?
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CANAAN • EXILE • IDOLS • LAND • MEZUZAH • REMEMBER • TABLETS • TEFILLIN
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ivki jumped out of bed, ran over to Hadassa’s bed and shook her sister hard. “Wake up, wake up, it’s camp day!” Hadassa sat up excitedly “Woohoo! Let’s get going!” They both managed to get dressed in the shortest time they had done all year. After they had davened, they went to the kitchen to get some breakfast. “I am so excited, Ima!” Rivki exclaimed as she poured herself a bowl of Cheerios. “It’s so nice you will be in camp together this year. I hope you will look after Rivki as it will be her first time.” Ima said to Hadassa. An hour later, they were off! They waved goodbye to Ima, Abba, Chaim, Yehudis and Shloime as their coaches left Golders Green. Rivki was excited to go away to camp, but she felt a little sad inside. “Right,” Hadassa said to Rivki. “I am going to find my friends, see you later!” Rivki was a little nervous about making new friends. There were some girls she knew from school, but there were others she didn’t know at all. She put on her headphones and began to read, she would talk to the other girls later. The coach bounced and jolted along the motorway. Midway, one of the older girls started singing and very soon everyone joined in to the impromptu sing-along.
Summer camp pt.1 “Yishtabach shemo…” Rivki was suddenly aware of a girl standing in the aisle by her seat. “Can I sit here? My name is Yaeli.” “Sure,” said Rivki, pulling off her headphones. “I’m Rivki, I’m from London. Do you like Shwekey?” “I’m from Manchester and I love Shwekey.” Rivki offered Yaeli one of her earphones and together they listened to the music, heads bobbing along in time. Rivki and Yaeli chatted all the way to
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camp, they got on so well that they decided to be bunk partners. When they arrived, one of the madrichot showed them to their dorm. Rivki and Yaeli dragged their bags up the stairs to their room, which was full of bunk beds. “Bagsy this bunk!” said Yaeli running to the bunk nearest the window. Rivki felt a bit sad, she didn’t like being by the window when she slept. It was too light and sometimes the noises from outside were scary. She didn’t want to upset her new friend so she decided to give it a
try and she went over to join Yaeli. That night, the wind rattled the windows and the light of the moon shone brightly through the curtain. Rivki huddled under her duvet, crying quietly to herself. Not only was she feeling homesick, but she was also a bit scared of all the noise the wind was making. The next morning, one of Rivki’s madrichot, Rachel, came in and woke everyone up. Everyone was excitedly getting dressed, ready for the activities of the new day. As everyone left for the cheder ochel, Rachel noticed Rivki was sitting hunched up in her bed all alone, making no attempt to get dressed. “Rivki, are you ok?” Rachel put her arm around Rivki. Rivki burst into tears and told Rachel that she didn’t like sleeping by the window and how she missed being with her family. Rachel gave her a hug and called to Yaeli. “Yaeli, do you think we can find some way of making Rivki feel better?” Yaeli thought for a moment “I do like sleeping by the window, but it doesn’t make me upset if I don’t. So why don’t Rivki and I move to another bunk, not by a window?” Rivki looked up at Yaeli and smiled through her tears. “You’re the best!” Rivki said, giving Yaeli a massive hug. To be continued…
Eikev
In a nutshell Parshat Eikev is a continuation of Moshe Rabbeinu’s parting speech to the Jewish people. Opening with the words “It will be because you listen to Hashem then He shall guard the promise” – Moshe used the unusual word “Eikev”, so Rashi teaches us it means that we guard even the Mitzvot which the regular people do not treat seriously enough. Then, we are blessed with children, wealth, cattle and all disease is removed from the nation. Don’t be afraid of the Cana’anite nations, Moshe reminds the nation; Hashem has His ways of ensuring that they will be no match for you, however, ensure to destroy all the idols you come across. Remember how Hashem took you through the wilderness for 40 years, how He fed you the Manna, how your clothes miraculously grew with you and how any rebuke you have received from Hashem is done so with love, similar to how a father would chastise his son. Hashem is bringing us to a land blessed with seven
species – Wheat, Barley, Grapes, Figs, Pomegranate, Olives and Dates – the seven foods which earned a unique Brachah which we say after eating them. Don’t mistakenly assume that it is due to our righteousness that Hashem is bringing us to the Holy Land and driving out the occupying nations; to the contrary we are a stubborn nation who may not always be deserving of such a land. You angered G-d in the wilderness on more than one occasion, such as when you created the golden calf. Moshe broke the Luchot and was told how to make new ones. You also angered Hashem when you sent the spies and by how you reacted to their evil reports. It was only due to Moshe’s prayers that the Jewish people survived. Moshe then tells the Jewish people – what does Hashem ask of you? To love and to fear Him and to go in His ways – i.e. try to imitate Hashem’s kindnesses with people. Hashem feeds the hungry – so you try to. Hashem visits the sicks and comforts mourners
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.
– so should you. Hashem has mercy on widows and orphans and so should we. We are reminded to love Hashem and to recognise the miracles He performed for us in the wilderness. We are told how Eretz Yisrael is a land where Hashem’s eyes (as it were) never leave them and He constantly pays attention to it. The Parsha continues with a chapter which we say twice daily – Vehaya Im Sha’moa. If we keep the Mitzvot then our land is blessed with rain, with food for our animals and ourselves. If we stray and serve idols, then we are eventually banished from the land. We are told to teach Torah to our children and to wear Tefillin each day and to hang a Mezuza on our doorposts. The Parsha concludes by stating that Hashem will place the Jewish people’s fear on all the nations who stand us to them when they conquer the land, and you will see how He will drive out those nations who appeared to be far stronger and greater than you.
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! ail air ins ion its lit nil nit
oil sin sir sit tin uni ails anti
into ions iota iron lain lair liar lino
lint lion lira list loin nail nits oils
rail rain rial riot ruin sail silt slit
soil stir suit tail tins toil trio unit
antis astir intro iotas irons lairs liars rails
rains ratio rials riots ruins snail stain stair
tails toils trail train trial trios units unlit
until insult intros ration ratios ritual sailor strain
suitor sunlit tailor tonsil trails trains trials insular
nostril rations rituals tailors urinals insulator
Q: Why did the picture go to jail? A: It was framed! Q: Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building? A: Of course! The Empire State Building can’t jump!
Q: What do you call a sleeping bull? A: A bulldozer!
(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)
1. I’ve been around as long as the earth but I am never more than a month old. What am I?
3. I have hands but I can’t clap. What am I?
2. I am overlooked by everyone but everyone has me. What am I?
Q: Where do you find a dog with no legs? A: Right where you left him!
3) A clock! 1. The moon
2) A nose!
1. Fancy that 2. All the tea in China 3. Dead end street
4. Bob up and down 5. Hunt high and low 6. Split the Red Sea
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OLYMPIC HERO
Swimming legend Mark Spitz’ Olympic legacy will last forever BY DAVID SAFFER Mark Spitz is a name synonymous with the Olympic Games after winning seven gold medals, all in world record times, for the United States at the Munich summer games of 1972. It took 36 years for his achievement to be surpassed by US swimmer Michael Phelps with eight golds at the Beijing Games in 2008. Phelps leads the all-time list with 23 golds from four summer games ahead of Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, Finnish athlete Paavo Nurmi, Spitz and US athlete Carl Lewis, all on nine golds apiece. Spitz won two golds, silver and bronze at Mexico and his total would arguably have been far higher had he not retired after Munich aged just 22, but his sporting legacy endures to this day. Spitz’ endeavours came at the Olympics when eight Black September Palestinian terrorists held hostage and murdered 11 Israeli athletes. The atrocity blighted the Games and has been mourned at every Olympics since. But the Olympic spirit saw sport continue, and with Spitz being Jewish, his swimming heroics and Team Israel’s heartache historically sit alongside each other. Spitz’ life story is truly remarkable. His deeds have been written about time and again, yet, somewhat surprisingly, just one book, ‘The Extraordinary Life of an Olympic Champion’, chronicles it. Spitz himself pens the foreword to a seminal best-selling publication by Richard J. Foster in 2008. “Success depends in large part on the choices we make, good and bad,” he wrote. “I certainly didn’t make all the right choices, especially in the beginning of my international career, but when I made bad choices, I learned. I don’t think I could have achieved success at the 1972 Olympics in Munich if I hadn’t endured the anguish of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.” Spitz attributes the role fortune played as his family together with coaches Sherm Chavoor, George F. Haines and Doc Counsilman believed in him to succeed at the highest sports level. The ’72 Olympics changed Spitz’s life forever, launching him into celebrity and world-wide fame. Born in February 1950, the eldest of three children to Arnold and Lenore Spitz in Modesto, California, Mark was two when
Mark Spitz at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games
his family moved to Hawaii where he learnt swim at Waikiki Beach. Competing from the age of six at his local swim club, within three years he began training at Arden Hills Swim Club in Sacramento with Chavoor, who mentored him and six other Olympic medal winners. Before he was 10, Spitz held 17 national age-group records. After his family moved when he was 14 years old, Mark trained under Haines of the Santa Clara Swim Club. National high school records came in every stroke and distance. And the medals kept coming as he scooped four gold medals at the 1965 Maccabiah Games, his first international competition. Within 12 months the 100-meter butterfly title came at the National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Championships, the first of 24 AAU honours. In 1967, Spitz set his first world record at a California event in 400-meter freestyle. He also won five gold medals at the ‘67 Pan
PHOTOS: WIKIMEDIA
American Games in Winnipeg, a record not surpassed for 40 years. The ‘68 Olympics brought gold medals in the 4 x 100m freestyle and 4 x 200m freestyle relay alongside 100m butterfly silver and 100m freestyle bronze. Another four gold medals came at the 1969 Maccabiah Games. Spitz trained with Counsilman, his coach in Mexico, at Indiana University, where he won eight National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships (NCAA) titles. In 1971, Spitz won the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the US. The swim team nicknamed him “Mark the Shark” and swimming immortality came a year later. The world watched in awe as Spitz won gold for 200m butterfly, 4 x 100m freestyle relay, 200m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 4 x 200m freestyle relay, 100m freestyle and 4 x 100m medley relay. The latter success came hours before
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Palestinian terrorists captured the Israeli athletes in the Munich Olympic Village. With athlete safety paramount, Spitz was flown of the country under heavy guard. Following the Olympics, Spitz landed major endorsement deals with Xerox, Kodak, General Motors and Swatch among a host of suiters. Spitz was courted on Prime Time TV, worked for ABC Sports, invested in real estate and enjoyed sailing in his spare time. Family has been central to his life. He married Suzy Weiner in 1973, the couple have two sons. Spitz was controversially not invited to the Beijing Olympics when Phelps finally passed his mark. But a few weeks after the closing ceremony he stated his pride at Phelps on NBC’s Today Show. The past decades have seen Spitz ranked 33 on ESPN’s “Sports Century 50 Greatest Athletes”, the only aquatic athlete to make the list. Other inductions include the International Swimming Hall of Fame, International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, US Olympic Hall of Fame, San Jose Sports Hall of Fame, National Jewish Museum Sports Hall of Fame, Long Beach City College Hall of Fame and Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame. Voted “Athlete of the Century” in water sports and one of six “Greatest Olympians” by Sports Illustrated in 2000, between ‘65 and ‘72, aside from his Olympic, Pan-American, AAU, NCAA, Maccabiah titles Spitz set 33 world records. 1972 is a year I’ve always recalled with great nostalgia. As a 12-year-old growing up in Leeds, it was an amazing time as my team, Leeds United, had just won the FA Cup, still the only time, and I’d be lucky enough to interview Billy Bremner et al years later about that great day. But the summer of ‘72 was the first time I watched the Olympics, and following GB, Mary Peters was the big story with Pentathlon gold. However, being Jewish, hearing about the Israeli terror attack struck a tragic chord. Olympic-wise Spitz was the big sporting story and I vividly remember watching all his races for gold. Naturally, I thought it was the norm! A respected motivational speaker and entrepreneur, all all-time sporting legend, whenever an Olympics comes around Spitz sits at the top table of excellence. He is still my Olympic sporting hero.
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