The Jewish Weekly Issue 242

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RedShield

ISRAEL “10 YEARS AHEAD OF NHS” In May, Magen David Adom UK was honoured to welcome Wes Streeting MP to Israel as part of a trip with Labour Friends of Israel.

The Shadow Health Secretary took part in a biomedical conference, learned more about Israeli medical tech during visits to hospitals and startups and met with key figures including Israel’s Minister of Health, Nitzan Horowitz. The MP also met medics working for Magen David Adom at the organisation’s National Dispatch Centre and toured the newly opened Marcus National Blood Services Centre in Ramla.

MDA’s Director of Blood Services, Professor Eilat Shinar, guided Mr Streeting around the £90m Blood Centre which was funded in a three-way partnership between Magen David Adom UK, American Friends of MDA and the Government of Israel.

Mr Streeting is the first Labour MP to see the sophisticated and ever-evolving software that MDA UK is helping MDA in Israel to showcase and sell around the world. He said he was “deeply impressed” by Israeli healthcare especially its use of cheap, widely available technologies to improve it. Mr Streeting praised the country’s “remarkable advances in medical technology” thanks to organisations like Magen David Adom.

He added, “Israel is ten years ahead of the NHS. MDA’s health system is digital, where ours is analogue. We need to emulate it to improve patient experience and to clear the enormous Covid backlog – and in many cases, this will save money.”

President Herzog opens new Marcus National Blood Services Centre Read more inside

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BUILDING LIFESAVING PARTNERSHIPS AROUND THE WORLD

Welcome to the latest edition of Red Shield. It’s good to be back! As you can see from our cover story, the Labour Party is back in Israel as Wes Streeting MP becomes the most senior member of the shadow government to visit. We’re back with dedications in Israel too. It really is a pleasure and a privilege to share these precious moments with so many of our donors. In short, we’re back together. And, when we do things together - we get more done. We save more lives.

Nowhere is this more pronounced than the work we are doing with partners in Ukraine to help deliver emergency medical care and refugee support in partnership with the International Red Cross movement (of which Magen David Adom is Israel’s representative body). As you will read, wherever and however MDA in Israel and Magen David Adom UK can make a lifesaving difference - we will.

RED CROSS HEAD SEEKING STRONGER TIES Magen David Adom UK was privileged to host H.E. Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid, President of the Jordan National Red Crescent Society (JNRCS) at events across Manchester, London, Ireland and Paris. Dr Al-Hadid was the longest serving Chair of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

Dr Al-Hadid in Dublin with President Michael D Higgins

During his week-long trip, Dr Al-Hadid met the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, diplomats from around the world, MDA’s Director of Blood Services, Professor Eilat Shinar, valued Manchester Patrons and new supporters in Paris. He reflected on how he spearheaded the accession of Magen David Adom into the International Red Cross movement in 2006 – and how he’s seen humanitarian need rise above political differences time and time again.

This speaks to the heart of what Magen David Adom UK does - choosing humanity over politics in its mission to save more lives. Dr Al-Hadid has built strong foundations for collaboration between MDA and the JNRCS, seen by many as a model for Israel’s engagement across the region. Through people like Dr Al-Hadid, a Muslim from an Arab nation, MDA has a unique opportunity to promote all that is great about the State of Israel and give others a new perspective.

Dr Al-Hadid said, “It has always been important to me to look at each person as a human being and to treat each person equally. We must be welcoming as a universal movement. We are all part of one family – the family of the Red Cross movement.”

This was a theme that was evident when the Shadow Minister for Health toured our facilities in the spring. MDA displayed a fantastic example as to how Israel is developing medi-tech not just for its own people but for emergency and health services across the globe. Whereas once our role here in the UK was ‘just’ to raise money for our colleagues in Israel, now it is ALSO to help showcase what they have to offer to the rest of the world.

With your support we are making a difference and, most importantly, saving more lives.

Daniel Burger

Dr Al-Hadid in Paris with with MDA Italy Chair Sami Sisa, CEO of MDA France Victor Wintz, MDA UK CEO Daniel Burger and MDA Israel Paramedic Ilan Klein

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Going, going, ...?

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is clinging to power but his position looks increasingly untenable.

A number of cabinet ministers have called on him to resign but Johnson has refused to step down and has vowed to deliver a “colossal body of work” in his mandate.

It is thought Priti Patel, Nadhim Zawahi, Michael Gove and Kwasi Kwarteng were amongst the group. Other Ministers still support the beleaguered leader.

The Conservative government lost over 40 ministers and aids during an extraordinary 24 hours after former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned on Tuesday.

Yesterday saw a record 14 ministers step aside.

Parliament’s summer recess is at the end of July but it seems implausible that Johnson will be at the helm.

Sir Graham Brady of the 1922 committee met Johnson who has ruled out a snap election. There had been calls for rules to be PARASHAT CHUKAT SHABBAT: BEGINS ENDS London 21:02 22:20 Manchester 21:21 22:56 Leeds 21:17 22:57 Liverpool 21:21 22:58 Bournemouth 21:02 22:28 Antwerp 21:40 23:07 Birmingham 21:12 22:44 Gateshead 21:26 23:10

Boris clinging to power but for how long?

changed to allow another confidence vote in the PM. Johnson survived a no confidence vote only last month.

The fast-moving story took a new direction with the resignations of Sunak and Javid.

Labour leader Kier Starmer gave Johnson and his cabinet a torrid time at PMQs. Starmer called on ministers backing Johnson to have “self respect” and resign before blasting them as

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a “Z-lit cast of nodding dogs”.

Starmer did not hold back as he called for a change of the “lightweight brigade” frontbench.

He told the cabinet to have some self-respect and described Johnson as a “pathetic spectacle”.

Johnson also faced awkward questions from senior backbench MPs at the Liaison Committee.

Asked about dissolving Parliament, he responded, “Of course I rule it out. The earliest date that

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I can see for a general election is two years from now.”

Johnson delivered Brexit and managed the COVID-19 campaign but he has been bogged down in numerous controversies since winning the 2019 general election with a huge majority.

Aside from damaging headlines over the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat and private Caribbean holiday there have been sleaze allegations of second jobs and breaking lobbying rules.

A culture of rule breaking has also proved damaging aside from bullying allegations and ‘Partygate’.

MPs this week voiced anger at Johnson’s handling of misconduct claims against former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher this month.

It is uncertain if Johnson will last hours, days, see the week out or make summer recess. But the pressure is not going to relent with more senior cabinet resignations expected if he continues to be defiant.

Gove was sensationally sacked last night.

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Seven killed in Independence Day Illinois massacre

BY DAVID SAFFER

Jacki Sundheim, z’l, was the first victim of the Independence Day parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, on Monday.

Seven people died in the killing spree, over 30 people are injured according to reports.

Robert Crimo 111 has been charged with seven counts of murder. More charges will follow.

Crimo, 21, used a high-powered rifle from a rooftop, killing people and terrifying a neighbourhood.

The North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe confirmed the 63-year-old’s death.

Jacki was events coordinator and a cherished, lifelong member of the synagogue.

A statement read, “Jacki’s work, kindness and warmth touched us all. There are no words sufficient to express the depth of our grief for Jacki’s death and sympathy for her family and loved ones.”

Jacki is survived by her husband Bruce and daughter Leah.

Katherine Goldstein, Irina McCarthy,

Kevin McCarthy and Nicolad Toledo have also been named as victims.

President Joe Biden was “shocked by the senseless gun violence”. Flags are at half-staff across the United States and in embassies abroad until the end July 9.

The annual celebration attracts thousands of people, featuring floats including Chabad’s giant menorah and marching bands.

Footage shows people fleeing past a klezmer band playing as the shooting began.

Michla Schanowitz, co-director with Rabbi Yosef Schanowitz of Chabad Highfield Park, was outside the Chabad centre where rabbinical students had a tefillin table.

“The parade had barely started, all of a sudden, everyone was running towards us,” Schanowitz told Chabad. Schanowitz ushered people inside the centre for safety.

“The community is shell-shocked,” she added, “It’s horrifying that this could happen in our beautiful, suburban community that works hard to serve the needs of its residents.”

Since the attack, the Schanowitzes have been counselling community members.

Michla said the path forward was bringing

How long until guns are outlawed?

PHOTO CREDIT: TONY WEBSTER

“more light, more mitzvot” to the streets of Highland Park.

Rabbi Schanowitz said it is essential to channel pain into action, transforming darkness into light.

Chabad are gifting a tzedakah box to shops for any charity and embarking on a mezuzah campaign.

Parades in nearby suburbs were cancelled including Skokiee. Chabad Stokie’s Mitzvah Tank was due to take part.

“Prudence dictated the parade be called off,” said Rabbi Yochanan Posner, Chabad Skokie.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid spoke with Israeli Consul General in Chicago Yinam Cohen.

He said, "A day of celebration turned into a day of tragedy. Israel stands with our American friends.”

Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman Chris Covelli told a press conference on Tuesday that Crimo was disguised as a woman to escape from the scene. Police believe victims were targeted at random.

There is no evidence the attack was racial or religious hatred.

There have now been 309 deaths in mass shootings this year in the US.

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Report into Abu Akleh death inconclusive

BY ADAM MOSES

Independent investigators have been unable to rule whether Israel is responsible for the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in May. But unintentional gunfire could have come from Israeli positions during a West Bank operation according to an official report.

A US State Department a statement confirmed the Security Coordinator (USSC) found no reason to believe Abu Akleh’s death was intentional but tragic circumstances during an IDF-led military operation against factions of Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Ballistic experts have determined the bullet was damaged, preventing a clear conclusion, US State Department added.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid responded to the report before travelling to France on his first diplomatic trip.

Israel’s new leader expressed sorrow over the death and confirmed an IDF investigation could not determine who was responsible for the tragic incident but there was no intent to harm Abu Akleh.

"The IDF will continue fighting terror

whenever and wherever necessary,” Lapid said. “There was no intention to harm her.”

He added, “Tragically, hundreds of journalists have been killed in recent years in combat zones around the world. The State of Israel recognises the importance of freedom of the press and safeguarding journalists as they carry out their duties.

As Prime Minister of Israel, I give full and unequivocal backing to the IDF soldiers who risk their lives to defend the citizens of Israel from terrorism and who work around the clock for the security of Israel."

Defence Minister Benny Gantz blamed Palestinian gunmen who opened fire at Israeli forces.

He said, “Unfortunately, it is not possible to determine the source of the shooting and as such, the investigation will continue.

It is important to emphasise that during this operational event, like in many others, hundreds of bullets were fired at IDF troops, who responded with firepower of their own, only in the direction of the sources of the shooting.

“The first to bear responsibility in such events, are the terrorists who operate from within population centres. Our troops and their commanders have the duty to

defend the citizens of the State of Israel, and they have my full support to operate accordingly.

“At the same time, we maintain warfare morality in accordance with the values of the IDF, and take all the possible measures to prevent harm to uninvolved civilians, while enabling freedom of the press.

7 JULY 2022 “This includes decisions regarding force build-up, operations, investigations and cooperation with partners such as this cooperation with our US partners, in order to uncover the truth. The professional and moral truth are inseparable from our national resilience and it will always be this way."

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi confirmed the IDF would continue to investigate the tragedy using “all the tools at our disposal” to reveal the truth.

"The IDF will continue to act to thwart terrorism wherever necessary," he noted.

"The IDF regrets any harm to those uninvolved and takes great care to safeguard the value of human life and freedom of the press."

Shireen Abu Akleh

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Global communities mark Rebbe’s yahrzeit

BY ADAM MOSES

Jews around the world commemorated 28 years since the passing of the Rebbe on Shabbat.

An estimated 50,000 people visited Rabbi Menachem M Schneerson’s resting place in Queens, NY, leading up to Shabbat. Alaska, Australia, Thailand, United Kingdom and Ukraine were amongst regions represented at the Ohel.

Lubavitch Philadelphia director Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, who is chairman of the Agudas Chassidei Chabad, the umbrella organisation of Chabad-Lubavitch, read the pan klali (general letter) signed by Chassidim globally before Shabbat.

In keeping with the Rebbe’s lifetime goals scholars have been studying his teachings whilst prayers, lectures and good deeds

continue in his Rebbe’s memory. Millions of people are inspired by his work and aspirations led by some 5,000 emissary couples across cities in 110 countries.

Chabad noted on its website, “The Rebbe’s influence on world Jewry has grown exponentially and is felt today more than ever.

“The Rebbe’s prolific works are studied daily and have been translated into dozens of languages, his teachings continue to inspire on both an individual and communal level, and his insights, which seemed radical and revolutionary at the time, remain as fresh and relevant today as ever. The Rebbe was a visionary leader, and his impact on millions of lives around the globe is unmatched and continues to inspire renewed commitment and action.

“Chasidism teaches that the day of a

tzaddik’s passing is a holy day that elicits heavenly compassion for all those who are connected to the tzaddik and to his teachings and activities.”

Chabad invited people on the anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing to honour his life’s mission by elevating their surroundings with mitzvahs.

“As the Rebbe always encouraged, it is up to each one of us to do one more mitzvah, one more good deed and to make this world a better place,” they added.

Since the passing of the Rebbe’s father-inlaw, the Sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Old Montefiore cemetery in Queens has been a special place to mark a yahrtzeit.

The Ohel Chabad-Lubavitch Visitor Centre welcomes thousands of visitors to study, pray and reflect.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Throughout the Rebbe’s life he received hundreds of letters daily from people of every background, occupation and faith.

They are collated and carefully placed at the Ohel for the Rebbe's guidance. Staff strictly protect privacy and dispose of the letters as per the Rebbe’s instructions.

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Nazi guard appeals jail sentence

BY LILLY JOSEPH

A 101-year-old Nazi camp guard has appealed a five-year jail sentence by a German court on Monday.

Josef Schuetz denied involvement in mass killings at Sachsenhausen death camp and of being an accessory to murder at Brandenburg’s Landgericht Neuruppin Court only last week.

Schutz’ lawyer wanted an acquittal from the Neuruppin court, who confirmed an appeal had been filed.

It is not been determined when the appeal may be heard.

Schutz denied involvement of crimes but prosecutors said he “knowingly and willingly” participated in the murders of 3,518 prisoners.

Historians estimate 40,000 to 50,000 were killed at Sachsenhausen in Oranienburg,

north of Berlin.

Judge Udo Lechtermann told Schutz the court dismissed his claim of not being culpable as he had worked at the camp for three years and “willingly supported” mass extermination with his activity.

The case against Schutz was made by prosecutors using SS documents.

Dr Efraim Zuroff, Chief Nazi Hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, described the trial on Podcast Against Antisemitism last March as an “important reminder of the terror of the camp”.

“Every generation needs its own reminders and the passage of time in no way diminishes the guilt of the killers,” he said. “What people have to remember is today they look old and frail but when they committed these crimes they were young people full of energy and devoted all their energy to murdering innocent men,

women and children simply because they were Jews or other enemies of the Reich.”

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt, Conference of European Rabbis President said that murder was a crime that couln’t be “washed away” by the passage of time.

Over 200,000 people including Jews, Roma and Nazi opponents were detained at Sachsenhausen between 1936 and 1945.

Thousands were murdered or died from forced labour before Soviet troops liberated the camp according to Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum.

Jewish prisoners who survived at Sachsenhausen by 1942 were sent to Auschwitz death camp.

After the war, Schuetz worked as a farmer and locksmith in Germany.

Under German legislation anyone associated with a Nazi death camp can be prosecuted for accessory to murder.

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CER chief religious freedom appeal

BY ADAM MOSES

Conference of European Rabbis President Pinchas Goldschmidt has called for religious freedom in Europe at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington DC. CER’s leader overviewed legislative issues threatening European countries by restricting religious practices on Jewish communities in Europe. He also gave an update on Jews in Russia and Ukraine.

American leaders, politicians, officials and NGOs attended the summit.

In a well-received address Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt discussed the 2020 ban on shechita in Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia land and Animal Welfare Bill in the Finnish Parliament that could affect shechita.

He noted, “Central to Jewish life is Jewish practice. To live as Jews, we must have the

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt and Ambassador Lipstadt

freedom to observe our faith. Alarmingly, this fundamental right is under threat in several countries. With sweeping oversight and indifference Parliaments have passed laws that harm and curtail their countries’ Jewish communities, impeding their religious rights. Various regions in Belgium have banned Shechita and

Finland proposes to do the same. Time and again we hear how intrinsic are Jews to the fabric of European society. It is time for actions to mirror the words and for the right to freely practice one’s faith in Europe to be respected and enshrined in law.”

He added, “It is hoped that political support from the United States will assist us in ensuring that Europe’s Jews will be allowed to live actively as Jews, with their rights to observe Jewish religious practices, such as Shechita and Brit Milah, protected by law.”

CER’s leader was accompanied by Mark B Levin of the NCSEJ and Rabbi Aharon Kotler of Beth Medrash Govoha.

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt met with Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, US Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Aaron J Keyak of the US Department of State, Congressman Christopher H Smith and Senator Benjamin L Cardin.

NEWS 7

Premier Prize

BY DAVID SAFFER

Sammy Bomsztyk has topped the 2021/22 United Synagogue’s Fantasy Premier League.

The Borehamwood & Elstree shul member won a £100 voucher and celebrated with his wife, Sara, at Novellino and Novellino Bistro. A tree was purchased for him as part of the US Jubilee campaign.

The US 2022-23 fantasy league kick offs next month.

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NUS antisemitism Letters to the Editor investigation 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.

The National Union of Students has commissioned an investigation into its handling of antisemitism and experience of Jewish students within the movement.

The UJS asked for testimonies from anyone who interacted with NUS and experienced antisemitism.

They have compiled testimonies for submission to the inquiry.

NUS is seeking whether they have done enough to make Jewish students feel welcome, included and safe in NUS spaces, activities and elected roles.

Submissions were open to current and former students who felt a testimony should be included.

While acknowledging NUS has opened

a direct call for evidence, Jewish students were able to submit evidence through UJS. Testimony could be anonymised.

Rebecca Tuck QC is leading the investigation.

Dear Sir

Dear Anne,

It is not good enough when writing loshon horah in your paper to state that you are following halachic guidance.

Thanks for writing in.

Just because someone died is not a reason to publicise previous allegations about him. Warning others does not require publishing his name. No religious publications have done so.

Ann Cohen, Golders Green

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

Because of people who prefer to ignore the abusers within our community, unfortunately, the latter get away with their crimes for years. Mr Zahav committed heinous acts, destroying many people’s lives in the process. We did not seek to undermine the great work that Zaka does, we simply wanted to protect others.

If even one person is saved from abuse, it is well worth it.

The Editor

Lapid takes up office 8 NEWS

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Yair Lapid has completed his first week in office and will remain interim leader until the country goes to the polls on November 1st.

Taking his first cabinet meeting on Sunday, Lapid said ministers would manage the government as if elections were not being held. Israelis were entitled to a government that constantly functions.

He explained. “The education crisis cannot wait. Budgets for hospitals cannot be postponed. The Iranians, Hamas and Hezbollah will not wait. We need to act against them persistently in every arena and this is exactly what we are doing.”

Lapid praised the IDF for intercepting three UAVs on route to harm Israeli infrastructure in its economic waters on Saturday.

“Hezbollah is continuing on the path of terrorism and hurting Lebanon’s ability to reach an agreement on a maritime border,” he said. “Israel will continue to defend itself, its citizens and its assets.”

In his first address to the nation after Shabbat, Lapid thanked Bennett for leading the government to economic and security achievements not seen for a number of years.

“The State of Israel is bigger and more important than any of us,” he said. “It was here before us and will be here long after us. It doesn’t belong only to us. It belongs to those who dreamed of it for thousands of years in the Diaspora and also to those yet to be born, to future generations. We must choose the common good that which unites us. There will always be disagreements, the question is how we manage them. We all have the same goal, a Jewish,

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democratic, liberal, strong, advanced and prosperous Israel.”

He added, “Israel must be a liberal democracy in which every citizen has the right to change the government and set the course of their life. Nobody can be denied their fundamental rights, respect, liberty, freedom of employment and the right to personal security.

“We must always preserve our military might. Without it, there’s no security. We will make sure we always have the IDF, an army with undeniable strength that our enemies fear.”

Lapid continued, “Israel is a Jewish state.

Its character is Jewish. Its identity is Jewish.

Its relations with its non-Jewish citizens are also Jewish. So long as Israel’s security needs are met, Israel is a country that seeks peace. Israel stretches out its hand to all the peoples of the Middle East, including the Palestinians, and says, the time has come for you to recognise that we’ll never move from here, let’s learn to live together.”

Lapid welcomed the Abraham Accords and economic momentum created at the Negev Summit with the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Morocco.

He also stated that the government would uphold the law, the economy on free market principles, protect the vulnerable and offer a fair opportunity for everyone.

As for the Iranian threat being the “gravest threat” facing Israel, Lapid warned, “We’ll do whatever we must to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear capability, or entrenching itself on our borders.”

The new PM called for an end to political extremism on Israel’s streets then recalled how Israel’s “most important” Prime Ministers, David Ben-Gurion and Menachem Begin, were political rivals.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid and President Isaac Herzog

“They often argued, but always remembered they had the same goal, building the strength and moral character of the State of Israel,” Lapid said. “Our test is not whether or not we win the argument, but rather, if we learn to find a way to work together with those who don’t agree with us.”

He concluded, “The challenges before us are immense. The struggle against Iran, terror at home, Israeli education crisis, cost of living, strengthening personal security. When the challenges are so great, we can’t let disagreements consume all our strength. In order to create a common good here, we need one another. We want our children to see that we did everything to build a Jewish and democratic, strong and advanced, benevolent and good Israel.

Only together will we prevail.”

Incoming Prime Ministers following a transition of power symbolically visit the Western Wall but Lapid went to Yad Vashem as his first official duty and promised his father, who was a Holocaust survivor, that he would “preserve a strong Israel”.

Lapid’s grandfather died in Mauthausen Concentration Camp.

Lapid met with President Isaac Herzog who described a fifth election in three years as “unhealthy” for Israel.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid at his first Cabinet Meeting

PHOTO: HAIM ZACH (GPO) AND KOBI GIDEON (GPO);

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7 JULY 2022

PHOTO: (GPO)

Herzog noted, “Five elections in such a short time are very unhealthy for a country.

We must remember that first of all, first and foremost, there is a state to run, a country to lead, a country that must take care of its citizens' needs, even if there are elections.”

Herzog congratulated Lapid, stating, “You come to this role with great experience, with many talents, and you have also proven considerable political skill. I wish you great success.”

Lapid welcomed Herzog recalling they had clashed ‘politically’ while respecting each other.

“Even if we have arguments, they are arguments for the sake of the heavens, or for the sake of the State of Israel,” he said. “I have come here to receive a reminder and a blessing for the way ahead."

Lapid's senior staff include Chief of Staff Dani Vesely, Director General Naama Schultz, Director of Communications Yael Bar, Director of Government-Knesset Relations Dana Pitelis Kaduri, Cabinet Secretary Shalom Shlomo and Military Secretary Major General Avi Gil. Dr. Eyal Hulata is appointed National Security Advisor and Head of National Security Council.

Lapid received congratulations following the transition from leaders around the world including US President Joe Biden.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said, “The UK-Israel relationship continues to go from strength to strength, bringing prosperity and upholding security for both nations”.

Lapid became Israel’s 14th Prime Minister at midnight on Friday after legislation dissolved the Knesset. MKs passed a motion 92-0.

The transition was part of the coalition deal when Naftali Bennett’s government was formed a year ago.

A handover ceremony took place at Bennett’s Office. Bennett is Israel's shortest serving leader.

"This very special position and this country do not belong to any one person,” said Bennett. “They belong to the people of Israel. I wish that you guard it well and may G-d watch over you.”

Bennett will not run in upcoming elections. He will be replaced as Yamina head

by Ayelet Shaked.

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Israel’s MoD helps Cypriot soldiers

BY LEAH WAXLER

Israel’s Ministry of Defence is providing personal and tactical carrying systems for Cypriot soldiers.

Integrated soldier systems have been developed by Source. These include personal protective equipment, carrying equipment and dynamic weight distribution that will improve soldier effectiveness.

It was also agreed that special carrying systems that include the TPP duty belt, developed by Marom Dolphin will be provided. This carrying system assists in weight distribution and easy attachment of backpacks or pouches.

Minister of Defence, Benny Gantz

welcomed the agreement as it demonstrated the close relationship with the Republic of Cyprus.

“We will continue to strengthen our defence relations and cooperation to ensure mutual security and to maintain stability in the region,” He said.

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, Head of International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT), signed agreements in Nicosia last week.

Kulas commented, “The agreements indicate the joint goal to protect soldiers’ lives.”

The agreements were signed in the presence of Cyprus Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides, Director General Andreas Louka and Chief of Staff Demokritos Zervakis.

Israel and Cyprus sign an agreement

New security barrier Israel has begun construction of a 45km security barrier in northern Samaria.

The security barrier will include a protective wall.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz said, “We are continuing our defensive efforts in the north by strengthening the Judea and Samaria security barrier and providing solutions for the Israeli home front. These efforts constitute an integral part of our operational activity. Along with this, we will continue to operate against all threats we face in order to maintain the security of Israel's civilians.”

The security barrier ends in the Bat Hefer area.

The barrier replaces a security fence built 20 years ago.

The new barrier under construction PHOTO: DEFENCE MINISTRY

PHOTO: GPO

Bennett to cut one million daily trips

BY LILLY JOSEPH

Israel’s outgoing cabinet approved a ‘One Million’ plan to reduce private car travel and one million trips a day within a year.

The program will improve congestion on roads, the public transport system, eliminate incentives for owning a car and accelerate changes in the work place.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, in one of his last acts, and former Merav Michaeli Transport Minister Merav Michaeli proposed the initiative.

The plan is a significant message to the Israeli public,” explained Bennett. “The goal will alleviate traffic congestion in the short and medium-term."

Michaeli added, "We all feel the congestion on our roads. Today more than ever we understand that the solution goes further than public transport and using trains and buses, walking and cycling. The ‘One Million’ plan is great news for Israelis that will bring an immediate reduction in the number of journeys made in private vehicles and is the result of the

UNESCO and EJC host symposium

BY LILLY JOSEPH

UNESCO and European Jewish Congress recently co-hosted an international symposium in Brussels.

The ‘Addressing Conspiracy Theories Through Education’ event was held to strengthen educational responses through advocacy, research and training.

IT also launched UNESCO’s advocacy report ‘Addressing conspiracy theories: what teachers need to know’. The publication is an introduction for educators to identify, prevent and address conspiracy theories.

“The fight against conspiracy theories, antisemitic and racist ideologies begins at school,” said Director-General of UNESCO Ms Audrey Azoulay. “Teachers worldwide lack adequate training. That is why UNESCO is launching a practical guide for educators. They can better teach students how to identify and debunk conspiracy theories.” She added, “This builds on the wider work we are doing to strengthen media and information literacy, based upon our new model curriculum.”

The event brought together governments, academia, civil society and private sector for joint action.

There were sessions for public advocacy and panels of experts.

“When events are seemingly inexplicable,

fear, uncertainty and ignorance drive people to simplistic explanations,” said EJC Executive Vice President & CEO Raya Kalenova. “With a global pandemic followed by war on the European continent not seen since World War Two we find ourselves at one such period. While the ways in which conspiracy theories spread may have changed, their content remains remarkably similar.

“Jewish communities have suffered from these conspiracies for generations and know better than most of its terrible effects.

In fact, beliefs in a Jewish conspiracy are the most pervasive aspects of antisemitism.

We must mobilise everybody, not only civil society, academia and educators, but also online and social media companies, whose responsibility it is to ensure environments free from hatred and disinformation.”

Among speakers were Nicola Beer, European Parliament vice president and special envoy for combating religious discrimination including antisemitism, and Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission Coordinator for antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

The symposium was organised in cooperation with the European Commission, Cambridge University Social Decision Making Lab and Alfred Landecker Foundation.

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7 JULY 2022

wide-ranging policy of the Ministry of Transport to upend the pyramid and to put public transportation at the top of our priorities.”

Michaeli added that partners understood the “magnitude of the problem” and had made an effort to ensure the program was approved and implemented.

For the first time, public sector employees will be entitled to ‘transport’ payments identical to 'car maintenance' payments, PHOTO: RON KEDMI without having to own a private vehicle. This step will result in an additional NIS 1,000 for each civil servant who chooses not to have a car.

Changes in work include encouraging shared travel by millions of passengers, more remote working in the public sector and increased public transport to work.

There will also be an extension of working hours for public transport projects, a rapid removal of road hazards and trials of transportation technologies. Other areas of development include digital services to reduce a need to travel and transport literacy for future generations.

Tourism recruits Israel’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Transport is to aid recruitment of employees in the tourism and aviation industries.

Passengers have experienced long lines at Ben Gurion Airport with tourists returning to Israel. Customer service has dipped and prices have increased.

A marketing campaign will support a website offering jobs in both industries.

Business owners are being contacted to publish vacancies on the new site.

Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov is aware of the issues. He said, “Lines at Ben Gurion and service in hotels has been affected by the shortage of employees and demands creative solutions.”

A survey of hotels in Israel by the Tourism Ministry has illustrated an interest from tourism operations looking to recruit employees for jobs through a dedicated website.

7 JULY 2022

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COMMUNITY 11

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OPINION

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

Paul Anticoni Kyiv Reflection I have just returned from Kyiv, having taken an overnight train from Lviv. I was amazed that despite 3 months of war the train still arrived 3 minutes early. Kyiv was nervous when I got there, after a barrage of missile strikes the previous day, and security was tight. Air raid sirens rang out day and night, but few people took notice – there are very few shelters anyway. It is a sound I would find hard to get used to.

I walked across the Polish border into Ukraine as our train was cancelled. This gave me the chance to see the 30 kilometres of trucks and cars trying to enter Ukraine as goods and families return. But there was another 20 kilometres of traffic queuing to get back into Poland. It’s amazing how these trucks are the supply saviour of Ukraine.

Lviv has lost its tourists but none of its charm. I spent a couple of days there before going to Kyiv, visiting World Jewish Relief programmes delivering support to residents and the thousands of internally displaced people who have fled westwards to the city. Everyone has a story to tell. Indeed, there is an almost desperate urge to recount the horrors of evacuation and what people have been through, as if telling someone else will make it more believable.

A few reflections from my time in Ukraine:

• I have been struck not just by the professional expertise and scale of our partners in Kyiv and Lviv, but by their personal commitment. Some are hosting displaced people at home. Many have not had a day off in months. All of them are exhausted but their determination pushes me hard to do even more.

• Missile strikes on Kyiv and Lviv in the last couple of days have created more uncertainty about even the short-term future. Sitting with partners and trying to think beyond 3 months is hard when news of their neighbourhoods being hit is so raw.

• One of our key partners J2U has been running a massive food distribution system to thousands of displaced people. I couldn’t even get into their offices as food, medical, hygiene and even pet supplies packed the front yard. There is such indignity in queuing for humanitarian assistance, yet those displaced said that the queue is a good place to connect to others, share suggestions and stories and support one another.

• I was blown away by two elderly Jewish Hesed clients who were so touched that despite everything going on and the needs of all those who had been displaced, they were receiving more support than previously which was helping

Paul Anticoni in Ukraine

them cope with the stress of war. Despite being teetotal, I bent my rules to knock back a 10am Jagermeister toast for Ukraine with 86-year-old Lyudmila (but didn’t oblige the 10:10am, 10:20am and 10:30am toasts)!

• My visits to Irpin and Bucha, large towns near Kyiv that saw early devastation and major battles, were disturbing. Streets of houses flattened, town blocks destroyed, and so many apartments ruined. Perhaps they can be rebuilt; perhaps not.

Many have begun to return to these liberated towns to recoup what they can from the wreckage. But with no insurance pay-outs, no government compensation yet being discussed and the odd missile flying overhead, rebuilding is still some way down the road. In Kyiv proper we will start repairing some windows to

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ensure older Jewish clients have their one warm room ready for winter, and we will carefully consider our options on the rebuilding of more damaged apartments.

I could not be prouder of this amazing organisation. Thank you to everyone who is supporting our Ukraine Crisis Appeal and standing with people whose daily lives are being affected by the Russian invasion in every way.

To support people worldwide who are being forced to flee across countries and borders, please look out for World Jewish Relief’s Refugee Crisis Campaign on 10th and 11th July. All donations made towards our lifesaving work will be doubled.

Donations: https://www.worldjewishrelief. org/get-involved/events/1155-world-jewish-relief-refugee-crisis-campaign

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Games

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COMMUNITY 13

“ I want to thank JNF UK for all the work that you have done … you should all be proud of that”

Last Wednesday, JNF UK held an exclusive evening in honour of Oded Forer, Israeli Minister of Agriculture and the Periphery, and in the presence of the Israeli Ambassador to the UK, HE Tzipi Hotovely.

An inspiring and uplifting speech was delivered by Dr Alan Mendoza, Vice-Chairman of JNF UK, who spoke about the breadth and depth of projects JNF UK supports in Israel that touches and changes the lives of thousands of people.

Ambassador Hotovely, commented, “The best thing that you can do today with the young generation in this country is to give them a proper education about Israel and I am so proud of the work that JNF UK is doing”.

Israeli Minister Oded Forer praised the work JNF UK is doing to develop the peripheries of Israel “I want to thank JNF UK for all the work that you have done … you should all be proud of that”.

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1 3h shows good raise in Spades 10+ points and is another example of an Unassuming Cue bid (UCB) 2 5c was cue bid confirming first round control in Clubs (either Ace or void)

Dr Talia Bezalely (KKL E&T Trustee), Belinda Oakland (JNF UK Trustee), Gideon Falter (Vice Chairman of JNF UK), Oded Forer, Israeli Minister of Agriculture and the Periphery, Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, Gary Mond (JNF UK Honorary Treasurer), Jonathan Grant (Director of KKL Charity Accounts), Murray Lee (JNF UK Trustee), Dr Shai Bezalely (Chief Executive of JNF UK).

As the opponents had competed freely to four hearts, North placed South with at most a singleton heart and consequently made a slam try. South was happy to cooperate and the slam was bid.

West expected that one of his opponents was short in hearts and so found the best lead of a trump. Declarer saw that if trumps were 2-2, he could draw trumps and ruff the fourth round of diamonds if necessary. Similarly, the contract would be made easily if the diamonds split 3-3.

As neither of these breaks was particularly likely, declarer was relieved when East followed to the trump lead. He aimed to make twelve tricks on a dummy reversal, ruffing four hearts in the South hand.

After taking the first trick with dummy’s nine of spades, declarer ruffed a heart. He returned to dummy with queen of trumps and ruffed a second heart. As the trumps were 3-1, declarer crossed to dummy with the ace of diamonds to ruff a third heart. After playing a club to the ace to ruff dummy’s last heart, all that remained was to lead a club to dummy’s king, and draw West’s remaining trump.

Declarer made 3 trumps (only) from the dummy (the short hand) , 4 Heart ruffs in hand and the 5 minor suit winners for a total of twelve tricks.

Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely pictured with Oded Forer, Israeli Minister of Agriculture and the Periphery and JNF UK’s Phil the Blue Box.

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Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, pictured with Oded Forer, Israeli Minister of Agriculture and the Periphery.

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Match for Morasha

Sacks Morasha is appealing to the community for support this weekend (July 10-11).

The Finchley school is trying to raise over £300,000 in a ‘Match for Morasha’ 36-hour fundraising campaign for a £1.2m building project. Donations will be doubled.

Funds will provide the school with extra classrooms, a breakout space, enhanced playground and a well-being and SEND facility to ensure pupils can flourish.

Rachel Barbanel, Sacks Morasha Headteacher added, “It is important every person is given the tools to grow, become the best version of themselves and learn a skillset to live and work in our community. We are committed to valuing every child. Every donation will make a massive difference to the campaign. Without raising this money,

7 JULY 2022

Tzipi visits Emunah British Emunah held a summer lunch with UK Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely.

The Ambassador took part in a conversation with Emunah Director Sharon Dewinter answering a range of questions.

Sharon said, “It was great being back together at last and to be able to chat to the

Ambassador in such a relaxed environment meant we really got to know her.”

All money raised goes to the refurbishment of the kitchen at Emunah Neve Landy Children’s Village in Israel.

Donations: www.emunah.org.uk/donate

the building extension to our school cannot be carried out. This weekend matters and will make a huge difference to our school”.

Jeremy Newman, Chair of Trustees said, “We are embarking on the next chapter to make sure our school is fit for the 21st century.”

Founded in 2008, Sacks Morasha is passionate about educational excellence. The school is committed to Torah values, Ivrit, a love of Zionism and the State of Israel.

Donations: www.charityextra.com/ morasha Ambassador Hotovely at Emunah’s summer lunch

Muswell Hill asylum seekers event Muswell Hill United Synagogue has co-hosted a lunch for asylum seekers with the local Methodist Church.

Fifty people attended the ‘Muswell Hill Welcomes’ event. Guests from various countries played football, tennis and hide ‘n’ seek. Volunteers from Wightman Road

Mosque and local area joined the event.

Muswell Hill promoted the event to Ukrainians refugees and host families in Haringey.

The launch followed the synagogue and church being contacted by Haringey Council to say a group of people seeking asylum

had been located by the Home Office in the area.

With support of Rabbi David Mason and Reverend Matt Lunn they built a project of support to welcome guests. This project has extended to support Ukrainian refugees in the area.

Organiser Annette Kurer said, “This was another fantastic collaboration and provided a fabulous start to the many activities that took place during Refugee Week.”

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Golfers par- take in raising over £43,000 for Chai Cancer Care

Last Wednesday, 92 golfers teed off at a sell-out field at Dyrham Park Country Club to compete in the 17th annual Club 18 golf tournament in aid of Chai.

The event, hosted by the dedicated Club 18 Golf Committee, Michael Lubliner, Ronnie Gottlieb OBE, Michael Lerner and Michael Davis raised in excess of £43,000 which will go towards the ‘Chai in Schools’ programme. This vital service supports children affected by a cancer diagnosis, either themselves or someone in their family and also gives teachers/ SENCOs who may never have encountered this situation before, advice and training in how to respond appropriately to the pupil’s needs in these situations.

Les Abrahams, Howard Joseph, Ralph Kossman and Russell Samson made up the winning men’s team by earning an impressive total of 94 points. The winning ladies’ team were Rosamund Balcombe, Hayley Herman, Angela Stern and Phillipa Wainer who scored a wonderful 82 points.

In the afternoon, the golfers heard from Chai client, Jack Aboody. Everyone in the

room was moved when he gave an emotive and personal account about his wife’s stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis in November 2020, his family’s journey and how Chai have supported them. Jack said: “My wife Genna contacted Chai and was made to feel cared for straight away. She wanted to know if the children could get some counselling and if she could too. She also elected to have some exercise classes which really made her feel like she was getting stronger and would be able to deal with the effects of the chemotherapy. She would look forward to the sessions every week”.

Chai informed her of the children’s counselling service that is offered. “We were a little worried that counselling would scare the children and that they would not feel comfortable talking to someone they didn’t know. This is when we found out about other ways in which counselling can be provided. My daughter was offered art therapy and my son was offered music therapy.

They expressed feelings and emotions in their art and music playing. Genna and I got to speak to the therapists about the

COMMUNITY 15

The happy golfers

children’s’ progress and we could see that it was helping them on a journey which we are still on”.

Sadly, Genna died in January and through our continuing sessions with Chai my children and I have been able to continue our lives and this journey with great support. The children feel connected to their therapists and progressively get more and more from their sessions. I have been supported by my counsellor and am able to accept my life as it carries on.

I have recently joined a Chai bereavement support group for people in a similar predicament to me and I have found this to be so helpful and appropriate on my journey as I move from one grief stage to another. I really owe a debt of gratitude to

Chai and all their wonderful staff. I don’t think the family could have functioned this well through all of this without them.”

The Committee Chairmen commented: “after a difficult few years for everyone, ‘it was great to finally have our Club 18 Golf Day back to normality. A huge thanks to the wonderful generosity of our main sponsors Wilson Wright and the Kirsh Foundation and all the other loyal supporters who helped contribute to another successful day. The weather could not dampen the tremendous atmosphere, or the motivation of the players and the feedback received has only been positive. We are already looking forward to next year… our special 18th – ‘Chai’ anniversary!”

Jewish Care’s first annual dinner in three years raises £5 million for vital services

Monday night, a room of 900 people attended Jewish Care’s first annual dinner in three years due to the pandemic. Together, guests raised £5 million for vital services which touch the lives of over 10,000 people each week.

The dinner, which took place at Grosvenor House, celebrated frontline staff for the part they played in looking after the community’s older and vulnerable people during the pandemic.

Guests heard Anita Frankle’s touching story through her son, Harvey. Anita had volunteered at Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre for 30 years, butduring the pandemic, found herself isolated and alone. Jewish Care stepped in and made sure that shereceived support

through this time. One night, Anita had a terrible fall at home and was rushed to hospital. When Anita needed to be discharged urgently, but was unable to go back home, she was safely admitted to Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House care home within 24 hours. Anita initially intended to stay at the care home short term but loved it so much that she decided to live there permanently.

Jewish Care was there for Anita and her family when they needed us the most, like so many others that we help and support.

Guest speaker, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, also addressed the audience and discussed the vital role that social care providers like Jewish Care play each and every day, and paid tribute to the critical

Daniel Carmel-Brown, Steven Lewis, Nicola Loftus, The Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid MP, Lord Levy, Gayle Klein, Jonathan Zenios at Monday's Annual Dinner

care given to older and vulnerable people throughout the pandemic.

Boy George’s fantastic and memorable performance for guests brought a huge amount of joy and energy to the room, which perfectly complimented the atmosphere of excitement at being back together again after threeyears. Jewish Care is grateful to Boy George for kindly donating his time on the night.

Jewish Care’s Life President, Lord Levy, paid tribute to Jewish Care’s President, Steven Lewis, for his hard work and dedication to the charity for over 30 years.

Thanks also go to CST for ensuring the safety and security of the event.

Lord Levy, Jewish Care’s Life President, said: “It was so good to be back together after such a long time apart and seeing the room full of our supporters was truly amazing.

Jewish Care is a lifeline to so many and I want to pay tribute to our staff who ensured that our services continued and adapted during the pandemic and ensure that our community is cared for, day in and day out.

Jewish Care could not do this work without the generous support of our community and for that, we are truly thankful.”

Nicola Loftus, Jewish Care’s outgoing Annual DinnerChair, said: “It has been an absolute honour to have chaired Jewish Care’s first annual dinner back in person since 2019. Having chaired the last ten dinners, I know that it

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is truly different to other fundraising events and dinners. With testimonies from service users, guest speakers, and those who hold Jewish Care in high esteem, the annual dinner remains a staple on the communal calendar for good reason.”

Jonathan Zenios, Chair, Jewish Care said: “We are deeply grateful to our supporters for their generosity in helping us to raise £5 million for Jewish Care’s vital services.

Without that dedication, we would not be in a position to help as many people or with as high a quality of service. Huge thanks also go to our guest speaker, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP and entertainment, Boy George, for making the evening so memorable.

With the support of our donors, lay and professional leadership and staff, we can truly ensure that Jewish Care is there for our community and those who need us most now and in the future.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown, Chief Executive, Jewish Care said: “Our thanks go to the generous supporters of Jewish Care for their commitment, and to our excellent layleadership, in particular, our Life President, Lord Levy, our President, Steven Lewis, our Chair, Jonathan Zenios, and our Trustees, all of whom work so tirelessly to ensure that Jewish Care is so well supported. To have raised £5 million is a magnificent success, and a great start to our campaign year, where we will need to raise a total of £16 million.”

7 JULY 2022

Student help with Norwood garden

Year 8 students from The Hall School helped transform two gardens in Norwood’s homes for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Following a workshop about learning disabilities led by Ruth Korel, Norwood’s Young People’s Programme and Projects Manager, the community-minded pupils raised over £2,200 through a range of activities including selling lemonade

COMMUNITY 17

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and organising sports days to purchase everything they needed for gardens, which included plants, pots, fairy lights, and garden ornaments.

Students did all the planting and weeding helped by Jeremy of Norwood.

The volunteer gardening marks the start of an exciting programme activities.

The Hall is collaborating with Norwood on the scheme over the next academic year

Beis Yaakov Jewish High School Academy held its Family Fun Fair Sunday afternoon, after a two year break because of the Covid-19 pandemic...with big queues to gain entry.

Boys enjoying jumping, in mid air and landing on the Giant Slide

Jeremy and Norwood garden volunteers

Kisharon and Jnetics united on walk

Kisharon and Jnetics held a walking challenge of London’s iconic bridges between Vauxhall Bridge and Tower Bridge last Sunday.

This is the third time the charities have joined forces to raise awareness and facilitate access to support for those affected and at risk of Jewish genetic disorders.

Over 50 participants enjoyed the London skyline and many historic bridges along the Thames.

Carolyn Rozenberg, Kisharon,

commented, “It was fantastic to see a number of people supported by the charity taking part. The money raised will enable people that Kisharon support to learn, grow and thrive.”

Nicole Gordon, Jnetics, said the event helps ensure Jnetics can continue its life saving work. “We are hugely appreciative of all the walkers who took part,” she noted.

Kisharon: www.kisharon.org.uk Jnetics: www.jnetics.org/

Brothers and Cousin....Eli Baskt, Eli Steinberg and Dovi Baskt smiling at Sunday’s Beis Yaakov Family FunFair

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Chigwell’s farewell concert Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue hosted a farewell concert for Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzen Nechama Davis, ahead of their move to Israel.

The concert attracted 350 people and featured tribute videos. Jonny Turgel, Robert Sands and Rafi Sandford gave musical tributes. A number of presentations took place.

Sandra Waldman, Dr Olivia Shure, Jonathan Fisher QC and Melvin Gold spoke.

Lindsay Shure, Chigwell Chairman, said: “It was a magical evening, a very special tribute to our wonderful Rabbinic couple. It felt more like a family simcha than a formal concert. The atmosphere, together with tributes, singers and food were fantastic.”

Johnny Turgel entertains

Yishai Lister from the Manchester Montefiore Kollel, pictured Sunday morning at the Machzikei Hadass Shul Start Your Day The Torah Way programme.

Kisharon & Jnetics walking challenge

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PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

18 JUDAISM

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ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com PREGNANT IN THE CEMETERY Dear Rabbi Please could you tell me the rules of attending a funeral whilst heavily pregnant?

Rosemarie Dear Rosemarie It is popular misconception to assume that a woman should not attend a funeral while pregnant (whether heavily or slightly). The suggested reason given is that she should not be in a place of cessation of life whilst she is carrying new life.

This follows the reasoning for not wearing one’s tzitzit out for example when in a cemetery as it is said this causes distress to the deceased who are unable to perform mitzvoth any more.

But whilst the latter has a basis for it in Jewish law, the idea of a pregnant woman not attending a funeral has no source, and is indeed purely myth. If you feel the need to attend, by all means do so (and don’t sweat the obvious murmurings that will go on).

GETTING HIGH ON FRUMKEIT Dear Rabbi Why do so many Jewish kids from strictly orthodox homes turn to drink or substance abuse? I am aware of an increasing number in my community and I find it really perplexing?

Hershel (from New York and a big fan) Dear Hershel When people resort to drugs or alcohol it is usually a form of escapism. But what is it they are looking to escape from?

Numerous psychologists

maintain these young adults are turning to these indulgences because there is something about being frum that leaves them very wanting and terribly unhappy.

One factor in particular is the parental pressure to look and try to be a certain way, to react to extraneous and external motivations without too much attention being paid to the depth and substance of what Jewish life is really all about.

As one particular psychologist put it: “Even more kids are being “forced” to believe and to pray, to dress a certain way and create superficial impressions that serve their parents interests but leaves them empty.” They are being glossed over and categorised as a certain type without the fabric of their individuality being addressed.

Another factor is the Jewish schooling system which concentrates on the, who, what, when and where of Judaism, but hardly if ever concerns itself with the “why?” Torah is being communicated more as a compulsory mandate rather than a practical guide with relevance for the issues that confront the youth of the twenty-first century. Challenges and questions are often met with ridicule as the answers being sought are largely ignored.

As a result, these children are having difficulty connecting the dots from Sinai to their contemporary lifestyles, hence seeking to alleviate their inner turmoil with a quick fix that can help dull the pain of their anxieties.

We should never take any children for granted. It is the “troubled ones” in particular who require the additional attention and should be dealt with greater sensitivity and effectiveness.

This doesn’t suggest that when youngsters rebel they should evade punishment. Children need to understand the cause and effect connection of their actions. By the same token however, parents or educators cannot isolate and focus only on the child’s behaviour. They must also examine their own attitudes and behaviours to see if they are thinking and acting appropriately when dealing with the child.

There’s only one way of bringing up kids right – but nobody knows what it is. Still, one lesson I take with me through life as a parent emanates from a little sign, which still hangs in my mother’s kitchen: “Children need love especially when they don’t deserve it.” More of us need to embrace that message as we strive to raise the next generation.

SHALL I SPEAK MY MIND? Dear Rabbi A cousin of mine got married to a non-Jewish partner. I obviously did not attend the wedding, but as she was always close to us I sent a gift. I was more than a little surprised when I received the gift back with a note telling me how I offended her and her spouse, who always respected me but is so hurt that I did not turn up. How should I now respond? I’d love to write her a letter and really tell it to her like it is!

Manfred Dear Manfred If her new spouse really respected you, he wouldn’t embarrass the family by dragging one of them out of the faith as it

were. You did the right thing by not going. You also did the right thing by sending a gift to demonstrate to your cousin that it is nothing personal per se, only you cannot be there to sanction something that runs against your fundamental principles. However, it would be wrong for you to write back to her to “tell it to her like it is!”

That would only alienate the two of you and widen the rift even more so. To ignore it would also be counter-productive. I think you need to capture the high

ground here by sending back the gift yet again with a short note to say something like, “I would have thought you would understand why I couldn’t attend. Nevertheless you are always dear to me and so I am re-sending the gift. If you really don’t want it, please pass it on to a charity of your choice.” You’ve got to always find the balance between standing up for your principles while also keeping the lines of communication open. That’s paramount!

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

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Torah from Israel

JUDAISM 19

Roe V. Wade and Jewish Values

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe V. Wade is a seismic shift in the landscape of American politics and culture. It has elicited a firestorm of debate and protest, further splitting an already divided house.

Of course, our attitudes and behavior are governed by halacha. The very broad halachik guidelines (according to most authorities) are as follows: a fetus-certainly after 40 days- is considered a living creature, and can’t be needlessly terminated. Where the mother’s physical or even emotional health is endangered, halacha allows and sometimes even mandates abortion.

This article will not address the complex halachik scenarios, but, needless to say, abortion must be treated with gravitas and seriousness. It would be fair to generalize our approach as one which generally bans abortion, but permits it, and even endorses it, in very specific circumstances.

The fierce debate about abortion is also raising important “secondary” issues. An event of this magnitude, invariably touches upon tributary issues, which often, are more consequential than the central issue.

Here are six issues which lie beneath the surface of the rancorous public debate about abortion.

MY BODY MY RIGHTS

The halachik and moral discussion about abortion is multilayered and should be conducted with a nuanced consideration of a broad range of factors. However, the premise that a woman-or for that matter a man-possesses absolute control over their body, is incompatible with our value system. Our lives and our bodies were delivered to us by Hashem for safekeeping. As we daily affirm: “the soul You have conveyed to me is pure… one day You will retrieve it from me”. We are custodians of life and body, not absolute sovereigns. In our custodial role we fiercely preserve life in whatever form Hashem delivers.

Hashem awarded women with an extraordinary privilege to partner with Him in producing life. That Divine empowerment doesn’t authorize women to determine the cessation of life. The term “reproductive rights” is completely inconsistent with the view that life isn’t ours to regulate. Religious life is pivoted upon duties not rights, even when our duties make our lives more complicated.

Ironically, morality is easier when it is politicized. It is easier to support broad political agendas driven by moral instinct such as environmentalism, social justice, or, in this case, abortion regulation. It is often more difficult to apply those same morals on a day-to-day basis and in our common interfaces with other human beings.

How do we treat needy or vulnerable members of society? Do we care for the elderly and the sick with respect and devotion? Do we extend sufficient opportunities and resources to the full range of Hashem’s creatures, regardless of their capacities or faculties?

Additionally, do we affirm human dignity in our personal interactions. Objectifying human beings, deceiving them, or manipulating them isn’t an acknowledgement of their Divine image. Concern for abortion regulation should radiate outward and affect our treatment of all human beings.

GENTILES

The latest Supreme Court decision is unlikely to influence abortion policies with the Orthodox community. It may impact other Jewish denominations, but it will have greatest practical impact upon the general population. Support for abortion regulation implicitly assigns value and Divine dignity to Gentiles - fetus or adult.

Some Jews still struggle to adapt to our new world. In the past, we were persecuted by a violent and often vulgar Gentile world, and it was easy, not always proper, to dismiss non-Jews. We now inhabit a civil world founded upon moral conscience and mutual respect and protected by egalitarian democracies. Sadly, some of us still haven’t made the shift, and still harbor dismissive, and even racist view of Gentiles.

If we protect the Divine image of a Gentile fetus, shouldn’t we be similarly respectful of the Divine image in Gentile adults? If we don’t, our moral position becomes choppy and hypocritical.

I write this article as I hear the horrifying news of an unspeakable tragedy in Texas. Dozens of migrant workers died in a tractor trailer from brutal heat stroke,

exhaustion, and water deprivation. Does the news of this horror disturb us just as deeply as the prospect of limitless abortion? If we cavalierly register human suffering and move on, our moral stance becomes phony and hollow.

MORALITY WITHOUT RELIGION

Upholding abortion regulation doesn’t only stem from our desire to limit the actual cases of non-necessary abortion.

We are committed to fashioning a general society of moral standards. Our concern for the moral texture of our surrounding culture isn’t just based on the worry that general societal attitudes will infect our own values. It is inherently important to us that our surrounding culture exhibits moral values based on the will of G-d.

Morality in the general culture is a standalone value for Jews.

This value, though, works both ways.

Concern about the moral sensibilities of non-Jews demands that we acknowledge the validity of moral experience outside of Judaism. Moral instinct was embedded in every human heart by Hashem, and we should admire it and emulate it whenever and wherever it is expressed. Regrettably, some devalue moral experience which isn’t framed by Jewish religious experience. Human beings, Jews, non-Jews and non-believers are equipped to live moral lives and we shouldn’t deny this reality. If we aim to protect the morality of general society, we must also validate it and acknowledge it.

BEWARE OF INTERSECTIONALITY

Social justice and equality are paramount values, and we are religiously mandated to oppose any form of bigotry or discrimination. However, concern for social justice shouldn’t bleed into the corrosive trend of intersectionality. This notion asserts that any and every aggrieved party is morally obligated to crusade on behalf for every other aggrieved party, even if those other parties have different grievances.

This morally troubling doctrine casts our world as a global power struggle between the privileged and the oppressed. This

DIVINE DIGNITY

Protecting the sanctity of the life in a fetus, must inspire similar treatment of all human beings, even after they are actually born. Do we acknowledge and celebrate the Divine dignity in every person in our society? Sadly, some protect the dignity of an unseen fetus, but don’t provide the same care and concern for adult homo sapiens.

view of an ongoing battle for power between the forces of good and evil never ends well. It also highlights human hierarchies whereby the Torah accentuates hierarchies between Man and G-d.

The debate about abortion has already become intersectional. It should not be automatic or assumed that opposition to discrimination of gender, race, or sexual orientation demands opposition to the concept of regulating abortions. They are not “connected “ issues.

INTRUSIVE GOVERNMENT

As Jews, we are grateful to modern democracy for enshrining freedom of religion. By separating church and state, modern democracy has carved out a private area which government is banned from legislating. Any governmental intrusion of private life is perilous, since it may spawn further intrusions into other areas of private experience such as family, community, and religion. The current legal decision, more or less, dovetails with our religious values. Future decisions to limit private behavior may not be so religion-friendly. It is foolish to unconditionally celebrate the current Supreme court decision without considering where this may land in the future. A wise man looks into the future.

ANTI-SEMITISM ALWAYS LURKS

Finally, we must beware of the religious undertones of this decision and how this may be cast in various cultures. The decision to allow regulation of abortion should be portrayed as an expression of deeply held religious values shared across religious denominations. However, this decision is also being presented as a return to native Christian values and a victory over a progressive liberal culture- a victory for a Christian nation. This type of language and framing can very easily slip into antisemitic propaganda. Any legislation which is religiously driven, may veer into ugly hatred of other religions which aren’t central to the American ethos.

A wise man looks into the future. He also looks beneath the surface at subtle issues which are always embedded within broad cultural discourses. A wise man looks long but he also looks deep.

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

Showing Gratitude for the Water

BY RAV YOSEF ZVI RIMON

In the Torah, we read about miracles connected to water five times. We will summarize each episode here in chronological order: 1. “They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; that is why it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ So he cried out to G-d and G-d showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the water and the water became sweet.” (Shemot 15:23–25) 2. “And they came to Eilim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they encamped there beside the water. Setting out from Eilim, the whole Israelite community came to the wilderness of Zin… In the wilderness, the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.” (Shemot 15:27–16:2) 3. “From the wilderness of Zin … They encamped at Rephidim, and there was no

water for the people to drink… Then G-d said to Moses, ‘Pass before the people; take with you some of the elders of Israel, and take along the rod with which you struck the Nile, and set out. I will be standing there before you on the rock at Chorev. Strike the rock and water will issue from it, and the people will drink.’

And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.” (Shemot 17:1–6) 4. “The Israelites arrived at the wilderness of Zin on the first new moon, and the people stayed at Kadesh. Miriam died there and was buried there. The community was without water, and they joined against Moses and Aaron. The people quarreled with Moses, saying, ‘If only we had perished when our brothers perished at the instance of G-d! Why have you brought G-d’s congregation into this wilderness for us and our beasts to die there? Why did you make us leave Egypt to bring us to this wretched place, a place with no grain or figs or vines or pomegranates? There is not even water to drink!’... And Moses raised his hand and

struck the rock twice with his rod. Out came copious water, and the community and their beasts drank.” (Bamidbar 20:1–11) 5. “Then Israel sang this song: ‘Spring up, O well – sing to it – the well which the chieftains dug, which the nobles of the people started, with maces, with their own staff; And from Midbar to Mattanah…’” (Bamidbar 21:17–18) We see that in the first four water-related episodes the People of Israel complained, but in the fifth episode, they sang. What changed here? What was different about this episode?

By the time of the occurrence of the fifth episode, we see that the People of Israel’s status had changed – they were no longer just a people but a fighting people, an army… and soldiers in ‫ – צְ ָבא ֲהגָ נָ ה לְ יִ שְׂ ָר ֵאל‬the Israeli army – don’t complain.

But I’d like to also suggest another reason for why the People of Israel didn’t complain here.

In the first four episodes, G-d provided

the People with water in miraculous ways, without any effort from them, entirely without their active involvement. But in the fifth episode, we suddenly see the People of Israel working for their water, they became active partners in the miracle of the Well.

The Torah teaches us the following lesson. Often people complain when they’re not partners in an event but when they feel involved in that event, they don’t only not complain but even invest their very best efforts.

May we merit to always feel we’re partners in the service of G-d, active in repairing the world, and may G-d help us in our efforts.

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon is Head of Mizrachi’s Educational Advisory Board and Rabbinic Council. He serves as the Rabbi of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, Rosh Yeshiva of the Jerusalem College of Technology and is the Founder and Chairman of Sulamot. He is a member of Mizrachi’s Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

Parshat Chukat:

Is There Really No Reason for the Red Heifer?!

BY GAVRIEL COHN

Famously, the Red Cow, whose ashes were sprinkled on those contaminated by contact with the dead stand as the archetypal chok, a law whose rationale lies completely beyond us, impenetrable to the human mind. As our sedra opens, “This is the chok of the Torah.”

Yet if our eyes drop below the Torah’s text and we glance at the interpretations of the great commentators, it seems that this law of the Red Cow is certainly no chok. Many of our sages, from Rashi to Rabbi Shamson Raphael Hirsch, offer reasons for the Red Heifer and many of its intricate legal details. The Midrash explains how this “red cow serves to atone for its child, the golden calf idol that the Jewish People forged and worshipped at the foot of Mount Sinai.” Its red skin symbolises sin and it was to be burnt to ash just like the Golden Calf was. Even the fact that those who sprinkled the

purifying ashes of the Red Cow became impure is explained by the very same Midrash: “Just as the Golden Calf defiled all those who were involved in it, so does the Red Cow render unclean all those involved with it.”

What then is unknown about the Red Cow? How can this law be called “the chok of the Torah,” a mysterious rule we must loyally follow?

It is true that many have sought to understand this commandment and offered reasons and explanations for it.

However, the entire context behind the parah adumah remains a chok. The very idea of purity and impurity lies beyond our initial comprehension. It is a Divine construct imposed upon us, a “decree of the King” which we must simply accept.

It is this aspect of the Red Cow, it’s very underpinnings, the concepts of purity and impurity, that is an edict which we must follow, a chok. As the Rambam writes: “The concepts of purity and impurity are Scriptural decrees; they are not matters determined by a person’s understanding. They are included in the

category of chukkim. Likewise, immersion in a mikveh to ascend from impurity is a chok, impurity is not mud or filth that can be washed away with water” (Hilchot Mikvaot, 11:12).

Becoming contaminated by a dead person is not a natural phenomenon.

Rather it is a legal, halachic construct, an entirely imposed created reality that G-d “engraved” upon our lives. In other words, it is a chok. Yet, this chok, a decree placed upon us, whose source is neither in logic, innate morals, history, or nature, then shapes how we look at the world.

In the desert, the Jewish People were surrounded by death, and met with Divine plagues and fires of peril in retribution for their complaints and rebellions.

As a punishment for their despair after the spies scouted out the Land, the nation was confined to “wander in the desert for forty years until the last of their corpses had fallen in the desert.” An entire generation was to perish in the Middle Eastern wilderness. The People may have concluded that death was holy. It was after all, a clear manifestation of G-d’s wrath.

Furthermore, other ancient cultures saw

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the dead as portals to the heavens, and sought contact with the deceased. Thus, this chok of purity and impurity, a Divine edict and law, a legal construct, was imposed on the Jewish People, making contact with the dead dirty and defiling, and granting only a person focused on life and vitality access into the Sanctuary of G-d (based on R’ Soloveitchik).

The Red Cow is thus one of the greatest chukkim, part of the laws of purity and impurity whose reality lies beyond the natural world and human observation.

Yet, once accepted and observed, transforms our lives.

Gav works as an Account Executive at The PR Office, a London-based Public Relations firm.

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Chukat

Sidra Summary sprinkles becomes tameh. The Israelites come to the wilderness of Tsin, where Miriam, Moshe and Aharon’s sister, dies.

The people complain that they have no water and would have been better off staying in Egypt.

“G-d spoke to Moshe, saying, ‘Take the staff and gather together the assembly, you and Aharon your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes that it shall give its waters’” (Bemidbar 20:7-8)

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 20:7-13

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEMIDBAR 19:1-17

G-d tells Moshe and Aharon to teach the nation the laws of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah). The unblemished animal, which has never had a yoke upon it, is to be given to Elazar, Aharon’s son, who must slaughter it outside the camp. It is then to be burned by a different Kohen, who must also throw some cedar wood, hyssop and crimson thread into the fire.

Both he and Elazar will become ritually impure (tameh) through this preparatory process. In contrast, the ashes of the Heifer, when mixed with water, are used to purify someone who has become tameh through coming into contact with a corpse.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 19:18-20:6

After the ashes are mixed with water, a ritually pure person (tahor) sprinkles the mixture on the tameh person, using a bundle of hyssop. By doing so, the one who

Chukat RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

WHICH CAME FIRST?

The sidra starts with the concept of the red heifer, which is “Chukkat HaTorah”, a Torah Statute – a Divine command which we are duty-bound to obey simply because G-d demanded it.

In many cases a rule in the Torah is explicable as a response to something that happens. An example is the eating of matzah on Pesach which is a commemoration of “lechem oni”, the bread of affliction which the Israelites ate in Egypt.

But “Chukkat HaTorah” is obligatory because it is the word of G-d.

The question is, “Which came first – G-d, or the Law?” Though we have the power of reason, the fact that G-d was there first tells us that Judaism is a Divine revelation and not something that we worked out for ourselves.

G-d tells Moshe to take his staff and speak to a rock in front of the nation, after which water will emerge from the rock. However, Moshe strikes the rock twice (instead of speaking to it). Although the rock then produces abundant water, G-d tells Moshe and Aharon that they will not enter the Land.

Point to Consider: Why was Aharon also punished if he did not strike the rock?

(20:12)

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 20:14-21

Moshe sends messengers to the king of Edom, asking him to allow the Israelites to travel from Kadesh through his land.

Despite Moshe’s assurances that they will not take any of his resources, Edom refuses, advances and threatens the Israelites militarily. The Israelites turn away.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 20:22-21:9

The nation travels from Kadesh to Mount Hor. Upon G-d’s command, Moshe, Aharon and Elazar ascend Mount Hor. Elazar dons Aharon’s special Kohen Gadol (High Priest) garments, after which Aharon dies. The nation mourns Aharon’s death for 30 days.

Israel is attacked by the Cana’anites and defeats them. After the nation travels on, the people again become thirsty for water.

After complaining, many people are killed by a plague of serpents. Moshe prays for those who have been bitten but have not yet died. G-d tells him to fashion a copper snake, which miraculously heals anyone who looks at it.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 22:10-20

The nation comes to the border of Moab, where they find a well. They compose a song about the well.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 21:21-22:1

After denying the Israelites the right to pass through his land, the king of Sichon wages war against them. The Israelites defeat him,

BOOK OF THE WARS

There is a puzzling reference in this sidra to the “Book of the Wars of the L-rd” (Num. 21:14).

Who wrote this book, what it contains, and what has happened to it, we have no idea. Nowhere else in Scripture is the book mentioned.

Ibn Ezra thinks it was a record of Israel’s battles with other ancient tribes. It could date back to the times of Abraham. But over the centuries the book was lost and no copy survives.

Nonetheless we wonder why a book of this type could ever have existed when Judaism is a religion of peace and places no value on violence.

Being realistic, however, we have to recognise that these are not messianic times, and until the Mashiach comes we will still have to stand up for ourselves and take up arms against what Shakespeare calls “a sea of troubles”. Not only in terms of conventional war, but when the ethical tenets of the L-rd need to be defended.

When people twist words so that we cannot tell what is really the truth, we need to stand up for a Divine principle. When people behave without dignity and decency and prefer to be vulgar and “grob”, we need to champion the cause of modesty and cleanliness.

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before defeating Og, the mighty king of Bashan, who had also attacked them.

Point to Consider: Why did G-d have to tell Moshe not to fear Og? (see Rashi to 21:34)

HAFTARAH

From the Book of Shofetim (Judges), the haftarah relates the promotion of Yiftach HaGiladi (Jephthah the Gileadite) to a leadership position. Yiftach tries in vain to negotiate peace with the king of Ammon, reminding him of the military victories described in this week’s sidrah. Yiftach leads the battle against Ammon and secures a resounding victory.

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Paperweight Perspective

Use your life experience to help others

BY MAURICE AXELROD, PAPERWEIGHT CASEWORKER AND CHARTERED ENGINEER

At the time of writing, the war in Ukraine has been ongoing for some four months and as Boris Johnson recently remarked, we must avoid “Ukraine-fatigue”.

Since the start of hostilities in February 2022, the headlines in the media have increasingly had to share space with the domestic woes that have arisen over the months: the rise of energy prices to a point where it is envisaged that the “Energy Price Cap” will exceed £3,000 later this year; the general increase in the cost of living; inflation rising at a rate not seen for 40 years and rising interest rates. Whilst these issues affect us all to one extent or another, they are devastating to those who are in debt or rely on welfare benefits.

But it gets worse: those who were barely keeping their heads above water, on the edge of the whirlpool of debt and despair, will now start to feel the inexorable tug

as they and their families are sucked into their own personal maelstrom. Sadly, it doesn’t stop there, these financial difficulties will undoubtably have knock-on effects, driving increases in both housing issues and divorce.

For those involved, the outlook is quite bleak: debt; reliance on welfare benefits; losing the roofs over their heads and possibly divorce, phrases that aren’t included in the usual stereotype of the Jewish community – a view that we sometimes forget is only a stereotype and isn’t universally true.

Fortunately for them, Paperweight exists

with expertise in all of these areas and more besides. It is driven by dedicated volunteers who give of their time freely to help others. This includes a professional team whose expert knowledge gives additional support in certain areas e.g. the knowledge, guidance and insight provided by the professional Social Worker has proven invaluable to me in dealing with cases.

Whilst Paperweight always welcomes financial support, we are always on the lookout for more caseworkers – most especially in the fields of Family Law, Housing, Landlord Tenancy and Benefits, to work with the increasing number of

From personal experience, volunteering for Paperweight is incredibly rewarding.

A feeling of satisfaction when you know you have made a difference in someone else’s life.

clients who turn to us for help. From personal experience, volunteering for Paperweight is incredibly rewarding. A feeling of satisfaction when you know you have made a difference in someone else’s life. A chance to get some perspective on your own life when you realise that what you thought was a bad day, pales into insignificance when you think of the challenges faced by your clients. The sheer variety of cases I’ve dealt with over the last two to three years has caused me to become more educated regarding issues that I hadn’t thought about previously.

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Chukat Chukat Word Seach Last week, Hashem told us that we must be pure to offer korbonos or enter the Mishkan. what if you become impure by going near a dead body?

The parah adumah, the red cow. Hashem teaches Moses the laws of the parah adumah, red heifer, whose ashes purify a person who has been near a dead body.

This law is called a chok. We just don’t understand it.

But then, we’re not G-d. Hashem is waaay cleverer than us. He created the whole world and us and all that was as easy for Him as saying the letter hey. Sometimes He reminds us that we don’t really understand the mitzvois by making one we can’t understand at all. This teaches us that even mitzvois we think we understand are much deeper than we know.

After forty years of journeying through the desert, the people of Israel arrive in Sin. Miriam dies, and since not enough people come to her funeral (she was Miriam!), Hashem takes away her well. The people are very thirsty.

Hashem tells Moses to speak to a rock and command it to give water and Hashem will make a miracle. Moshe goes but the people start grumbling, moaning and shouting at him. Moses gets angry at the people and

hits the stone. Water issues forth, but Moses is told

by Hashem that neither he nor Aaron will enter Israel.

After doing so much for Klal Yisrael, they stop him from achieving his life’s goal.

Hashem tells Moshe to take Aharon and Elazar up a mountain called har hahor. At the top, in a cavern, Aharon lies down, closes his eyes and dies at Hor Hahar.

His son Elazar takes over as Kohen Gadol, high preist.

In Aharon’s merit we had the clouds of glory and now they are gone. When the people complain after we have to go the long way around (Edom and Moav won’t let us through) , snakes attack the people Moshe davens and Hashem tells Moses to place a copper snake on a high pole, and all who will look to the heavens and remember Hashem will be healed. The people sing a song in honour of the miraculous well that provided them water in the desert which crushes mountains together to kill the enemies hiding in caves.

Moses leads the people in battles against the Emorite kings Sichon and Og (who seek to prevent Israel’s passage through their territory) and conquers their lands, which lie east of the Yarden, Jordan.

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes on the right can you build the dog shape on the right?

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ASHES • CHUKAT • ELAZAR • HEIFER • PURIFY • ROCK • TAMEH • WATER

24 FAMILY FUN

7 JULY 2022

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Stepping Up

“I

can’t wait for you to come to sports day on Wednesday,” Chaim said to Ima on their way to school one Monday morning. “The year 5 and 6 boys have been given extra responsibilities,” Chaim continued proudly. “I am in charge of selling raffle tickets to the parents to raise money for the PTA.” “That’s great,” replied Ima, pulling up to the school. “I hope it all goes well. Have a great day!”

“Thanks, and you,” said Chaim as he stepped out of the car.

At lunch time Mr Crane, the PE teacher, jogged over to Chaim.

“Chaim, I need you to do me a favour.

Natan was meant to be creating the signs for sports day and now he is unwell and won’t have time to get them done before sports day. Please could you make the posters as well as the raffle?”

“I don’t know,” said Chaim feeling unsure.

“I am already doing the raffle, why should I take on his responsibility?”

The bell rang and their conversation was cut short as Chaim had to hurry off to class.

Later that day, Rabbi Friedman was giving an overview of the Parsha to the boys.

“There were three miracles that occured in the desert that were in the merit of Moshe, Aaron and Miriam, who can tell me what they are?

David put up his hand.

“The Clouds of Glory were in Aaron’s merit, the well of water was in Miriam’s merit and the Maan was in Moshe’s merit” “Very good, “ said Rabbi Klein. “So now I

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.

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Use this area to write the words you have found.

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have a slightly harder question for you…we know Miriam and Aaron die in this week’s sedrah, so how did the Bnei Yisroel still have water and the Clouds of Glory?”

All the boys were silent, no-one seemed to know the answer.

“The reason is that they both came back in the merit of Moshe Rabbeinu.

But how could this be?

Moshe Rabbeinu took responsibility to take over the tasks that previously had been done by Aaron and Miriam on top of the responsibilities he had already. We can learn from this to try and do the same.”

Chaim thought about what Rabbi Friedman said for the rest of the afternoon.

He knew what he had to do.

After school, he ran to the staff room to find Mr Crane.

“I will do the signs for sports day,” Chaim told Mr Crane.

“Thanks so much,” said Mr Crane looking very relieved at Chaim’s change of mind.

Chaim felt so much lighter. He felt good knowing he was going out of his way to help others.

Chaim worked hard for the next two nights on the posters for sports day; and on sports day itself, he worked very hard selling as many raffle tickets as he could.

Sports day was a great success and the PTA managed to raise £150 from the raffle thanks to Chaim’s dedication.

Mr Crane came up to Ima after everyone had got up to leave. “Thanks to your boy, not only did we do so well in raffle sales, but because he took on the extra work of the signs, we were all ready for sports day on time.”

Ima smiled proudly at Chaim, she would have expected nothing less from him.

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! cos cot coy cry cur cut

icy sic tic city cost cosy

cots curs curt cuts cyst scot

court crust curio scour scout stoic THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

citrus courts crusty curios curtsy outcry

rustic citrous curiosity

7 JULY 2022

FAMILY FUN 25

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Q: What did the digital clock say to the grandfather clock? A: Look! No hands!

Q: What do you do if you see a spaceman?

A: Park your car, man.

Q: Why should you never trust a pig with a secret? A: Because it’s bound to squeal.

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. Who makes it, has no need of it. Who buys it, has no use for it.

Who uses it can neither see nor feel it.

What is it?

3. Die without me, Never thank me. Walk right through me, never feel me.

Always lurking, never seen.

What am I?

Q: What did one tonsil say to the other?

A: Better get ready. The doctors’s taking us out tonight!

2. A mile from end to end, yet as close to as a friend. A precious item, freely given. Found on the rich, poor, short and tall, but shared among children most of all. What is it?

3) Air

2) A smile 1. A gravestone

1. A sting in the tail 2. Backwards and forwards 3. Spit it out

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4. Ni idea 5. A man for all seasons 6. Low fat milk

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YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS

richdale

EXPERT ADVICE

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

Q. My husband received a dementia diagnosis some months ago and I want to do all that I can to support him so that he is able to live well with dementia. Please can you advise me on things like benefits that we might be eligible for? I’d also like to find out more about services that are available for us in the community.

A. I’m pleased that you have reached out as there is a lot of support available in the community for people living with dementia and their unpaid family carers.

Firstly, I recommend that you get in touch with Jewish Care’s Direct helpline. Our advisors will be able to refer you to our Social Work and Community Support Team to look at the support services available for your husband. This could include visiting one of Jewish Care’s specialist dementia day centres, for example, where people living with dementia can socialise and enjoy stimulating activities in a nurturing environment with experienced staff, supporting them in a person-centred way.

You may also like to go along to Jewish Care’s Memory Way Café, a warm and friendly environment for people living with dementia and their family carers which includes reminiscence and an opportunity to meet others in similar situations.

Our Jewish Care Direct helpline advisors may refer you to our Benefits Team who can provide a benefits check and assistance to apply for any benefits you may be entitled to.

Our Family Carers Team offer one-to-one emotional support and advice. They can also help you to compile an emergency care plan as well as providing a dedicated dementia carers support group. In addition, they could support you with requesting a carers assessment from your local authority, as you may be offered respite.

If you would like to get in touch with Jewish Care’s Family Carers Team, receive our Family Carers Newsletter or find out more about any of Jewish Care’s vital services, please contact the Jewish Care Direct helpline on 020 8922 2222 or email helpline@jcare.org Lesley Wines, Jewish Care Team Manager Social Work & Community Support Service East London & Essex

JACOB BERNSTEIN A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: • Mortgage, Protection and General Insurance Intermediaries; • Lenders, Credit Brokers, Debt Counsellors and Debt Managers; • Alternative Investment Fund Managers; • E-Money, Payment Services, PISP, AISP and Grant-making Charities.

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CHARITY JEWISH CARE Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Our vital services touch the lives of 10,000 people every week. We provide services and offer a wide range of support groups to older people, people with mental health needs, Holocaust survivors, people living with dementia, people with a variety of needs and carers support.

Contact: 020 8922 2222 helpline@jcare.org www.jewishcare.org

SHIPPING

BUTCHERS

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And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!

KOSHER DELI Kosher Deli was established with the intention of making kosher meat and poultry affordable for all with the convenience of multiple locations and a comprehensive delivery service. All this without compromising on kashrus or quality.

Locations in: Golders Green, Hendon, Temple Fortune, Edgware, Borehamwood & Manchester

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MARC OVITS – BA (HONS) APFS CERT PFS (DM) Over 25 years of successful experience in financial services including 11 years of investment banking experience.

Offering expert independent financial advice to individuals, businesses, charities and trusts.

Individual services:- Wealth Management, Investment, Retirement, Estate/IHT, protection planning, Tax Mitigation and Cash Management Solutions Business & Charity services:- Investment Planning, Business Succession & Business Exit Planning, Business Protection, Corporate Pensions, Employee Benefits, Cash Management Solutions, Profit extraction strategies

MARTIN FRYDENSON - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE Roundtree Real Estate are your local experienced Estate Agent having been established on the High Street since 2009. We are both ARLA and NAEA Propertymark regulated and we are here to offer you expert advice in Property Sales, Lettings, Commercial and Full Management Services, covering Hendon, Golders Green, Finchley, Colindale and surrounding areas. We have built long standing relationships with all our clients and should you have any property related queries please do contact us.

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SMARTINET We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010.

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SITEAWE Social media is POWERFUL for businesses. But a community around your business with followers to do more than just follow is even MORE powerful. Our partners include The Jewish Weekly and Badatz Igud Rabbonim. Comments have included “They boosted, and are continuing to boost, our online presence to far beyond what I could have imagined.” So what are you waiting for? Get in touch today

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EPC NATIONAL EPC NATIONAL are leading experts in providing EPC certificates for domestic & non-domestic properties nationwide.

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STEPHEN COLMAN - INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS An independent mortgage broker directly authorised by FCA specialising – for over 25 years - in the more ‘challenging’ situations. We take care of the whole mortgage process on your behalf, handling all aspects of buying your residential or investment property. In addition over the past 5 years we have been at the forefront in arranging Equity Release mortgages for the over 55’s

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PRESIDENT HERZOG OPENS £90M MARCUS NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICES CENTRE On 2 May, Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, opened Magen David Adom’s Marcus National Blood Services Centre. The 48,000 square-metre facility is the world’s most secure national blood bank.

Ensuring a life-saving supply of blood in the face of rapid population growth and in all emergencies, the Centre can withstand a direct ballistic missile attack, biological and chemical weapons, earthquakes, and cyber-terrorism. It will allow MDA to process double the 300,000 units of blood per year than it can currently collect and supply.

Photo: Jonathan Straight organisation’s first trip back to Israel since the start of the pandemic.

The state-of-the-art facility, located in the city of Ramla, has been built over five years at a cost of £90 million, funded by a three-way partnership between MDA UK, American Friends of MDA and the Government of Israel. MDA UK was privileged to be joined at the opening by a group of generous supporters in the

Shalvata Band performing at the opening ceremony of ceremony the MarcusofNational Blood The opening the Marcus National Blood Services Centre in Israel Services Centre in Israel

MULTIFAITH MEZUZOT Magen David Adom UK would like to thank all those who generously funded rooms and areas in the newly opened Marcus National Blood Services Centre, as well as those who contributed to the Mezuzah Project. Through this initiative, MDA UK supporters donated over 80 mezuzot, each of which was designed especially for the Centre by students from Bezalel art college in Jerusalem and subsequently affixed to a door frame within the building.

One Mezuzah in the entrance of the building was sponsored by Christian Friends of Magen David Adom, while another was designed by Mohmad Saadi, an Israeli- Arab art student - a true reminder of the diversity of those involved across Magen David Adom.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, President Herzog said, “Here, in this important, precious blood bank, we feel the essence of human co-dependence. It teaches us that we are brothers and sisters, even if we argue and disagree — but blood donations must be above any disagreement.”

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz also commended the centre, “During the operations and wars over the years, MDA has had to stop processing blood and move the country’s blood services into bomb shelters. This actually interrupted blood production when it was most urgent for both civilians and soldiers alike.”

Art student Mohmad with the mezuzah he designed.

Photo: Jonathan Straight

MDA UK is grateful to everyone who took part in the project and whose generosity is now commemorated in one of Israel’s landmark constructions. There are still opportunities to be part of this amazing project and to sponsor a mezuzah in the Blood Centre from £75 per month. Please visit mdauk.org/mezuzah for more information.

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The Centre was built to replace the old facility in Tel Hashomer, which dates back to the 1980s and was no longer sufficient for the demands of Israel’s growing population. It is named in honour of Bernie Marcus, the founder of American home improvement chain Home Depot, and his wife Billi.

A mezuzah was dedicated to the Blood Centre in honour of the Redeemed Christian Church of God by Pastor Dele Oluwu and Pastor Comfort Oluwu.

Photo: Jonathan Straight

SAV E MO RE LIV ES IN I S RAEL TO DAY CAL L 020 8201 5900 O R V I S I T WW W.MDAUK .OR G/DONATE

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DEDICATED BY YOU Alan and Sheila Diamond Charitable Trust - Medicycle

Lady Joy Bourne – Management Support Wing, Marcus National Blood Services Centre

Rosemary Rosen and Family - Vehicle Safety Offices, Marcus National Blood Services Centre

Arwas Family - Defibrillator

Judith and Martin Clarke – Mobile Intensive Care Unit

Russell and Irina Jacobs – Lobby, Marcus National Blood Services Centre. Photo: Jonathan Straight

Dangoor Family - Ambulance

Christian Friends of MDA – Escalators, Marcus National Blood Services Centre. Photo: Jonathan Straight

K C Shasha Charitable Foundation – All Terrain Vehicle

A RAY OF LIGHT FOR UKRAINIAN ORPHANS In March, Magen David Adom UK facilitated a rescue flight to bring 54 Ukrainian orphans safely from Poland to the UK, dubbed ‘Project Light’.

The orphans, together with their legal guardians, had been evacuated to safety in Poland by charities Dnipro Kids and Save a Child UK after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Following an intervention

by MDA UK ambassador Robert Rinder, who heard about their plight while broadcasting from the Ukrainian border, MDA UK contacted Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss. Within hours, the airline had donated a fl ight to bring the group to London.

Clairfield and Ashton Families – Mobile Intensive Care Unit

The Jerusalem Channel – All Terrain Vehicle

The mammoth operation, which also involved British humanitarian Sally Becker, was the largest airlift of child refugees from Ukraine. Upon arrival the group were taken to Scotland, where accommodation had been secured. They are living there while the conflict continues, before hopefully returning home to a peaceful Ukraine.

Daniel Burger, CEO of Magen David Adom UK, said, “This operation has only been possible thanks to the generosity of so many people.

Lifesaving is Magen David Adom’s reason for being and we wanted to support Ukraine in any way possible.”

Photo: Virgin Atlantic

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Project Light garnered national coverage, including features on BBC Breakfast, The Guardian and Sky News

@Magen David Adom UK @mda_uk Photo: Virgin Atlantic

Photo: Virgin Atlantic

@MDAUK_

Magen David Adom UK, Winston House, 2 Dollis Park, London N3 1HF | T 020 8201 5900 | E info@mdauk.org | www.mdauk.org