The Jewish Weekly Issue 284 - June 22th

BY DAVID SAFFER

Glowing tributes have been made to Holocaust survivor, sporting legend and inspirational Shoah educator Sir Ben Helfgott following his death last Friday.

The Helfgott family announced that Ben had passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

“His life was – and will forever remain - an extraordinary blessing to us all,” they noted.

Ben, 93, survived Buchenwald and Terezin concentration camps before building a new life in the UK.

In an extraordinary life, aside from his communal work that had an impact around the world, Ben represented the British weightlifting team at two Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

“giant

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that Ben survived the worst of humanity. “His legacy is the ultimate triumph over that darkness,” he noted. Labour leader Keir Starmer noted Ben’s “compassion and understanding,” alongside his campaigning for “tolerance and peaceful coexistence between communities”. He said: “His life and legacy will be an inspiration to us all.”

Former Prime Ministers joined the accolades. Sir Tony Blair said that Ben’s legacy would be “remembered and cherished”, David Cameron “learnt a huge amount” from time spent with him.

President Isaac Herzog said Ben was a “source of inspiration” to young people around the world, whom he taught about the “human ability to get out of the darkest abyss”.

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PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Bibi vows to “settle accounts” after Eli terror attack

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “settle accounts” for the “shocking and abhorrent” murders of four Israelis in a deadly terror attack near Eli in Judea and Samaria on Tuesday.

Four Israelis were wounded, one remains in a serious condition. They are being treated at Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikva and Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu agreed to an immediate advancement of planning approximately 1,000 new residential units in Eli adjacent to where terrorist attack took place. “Our answer to terrorism is to strike at it forcefully and build up our country,” he said.

According to reports two gunmen, identified as Hamas activists, arrived at a petrol station by car on Route 60. They entered a hummus restaurant and opened fire with automatic weapons killing three people. A fourth man was killed at the petrol station.

Elisha Antman, 17, and Ofer Fairman, 60, of Eli, Harel Masoud, 21, of Yad Binyamin, and Nachman Shmuel Mordoff, 17, of Achya, were named as the victims.

An armed civilian killed one of the terrorists in a shooting exchange. The second

terrorist fled by car, but was shot dead by Israeli forces whilst getting a taxi to Jenin after a two-hour manhunt.

There are growing calls for a wider IDF operation in Judea and Samaria, according to reports.

“All options are open,” said Netanyahu. “We will continue to fight terrorism with full force and we will defeat it.” He added: “Our forces are now working on the ground to settle accounts with the murders. In recent months, we have already proven that we do settle accounts with all of the murderers, without exception. Those who have attacked us are either in the grave or in prison, and so it will be here.”

National Security Minister Ben Gvir, who

visited the site on Tuesday night, called for a military operation. He also backed a resumption of targeted killings from the air and passing the death penalty in second and third readings of a Terrorists Bill.

There have been 28 Israelis, mostly civilians, killed in terror attacks this year, compared to 20 a year ago. Over 130 Palestinians have been killed in the same period, mostly terrorists.

IDF troops have been bolstered to strengthen security in the region and prevent vigilante attacks by right-wing extremists.

Although there have been calls for an IDF operation, Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and the IDF favour targeted raids based on intelligence.

Right wing groups have called for increased checkpoints. The IDF oppose this option as troops would be ‘sitting targets’ for terrorists.

Eli settlement chairman Ariel Elmaliach in the wake of the attack appealed to the government to continue to attack terrorists.

“Stop the hand-wringing, start a new Defensive Shield operation,” he said. “We are exhausted. It’s time to put an end to this.”

Israel Ganz, Binyamin Regional Council leader, said social services were with families of the victims and the wounded in hospitals.

“The settlements in general and Binyamin in particular, are strong and will continue to be strong,” he noted. “Thank you to all the residents who are supporting us, to all the workers. We will get through this event, and we will deal with it in the future.”

Shlomo Ne’eman, Gush Etzion Regional Council leader and chairman of the Council of settlements, demanded government action.

He said: “We embrace the families of the

murdered at this difficult time. The enemy raised his head and must be eliminated. We must not continue to absorb this and hope that the wave will pass. We demand that the government launch a broad operation.”

Ne’eman added: “The IDF must take off it’s gloves because only dealing with terrorism with a heavy hand, along with the continued construction and development of the Jewish settlement, will restore peace to the region.”

Shai Alon, Beit El local council leader, backed Ne’eman, stating: “Another shooting, another horrific murder and another terrible pain. The heart aches and refuses to contain the insane reality of repeated attacks, more deaths and many bereaved families. It is impossible to continue to contain the dead, to allow the terrorists to have weapons and slaughter us like sitting ducks.”

Alon called on the government for a “broad operation” to end illegal weapons in Judea and Samaria and the Palestinian Authority.

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Ridge Hill, Golders Green NW11

Harel Masood, 21,

Ofer Fayerman, 64 Nachman Mordoff, 17, Elisha Anteman, 17

Prime Minister Netanyahu

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Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis led communal tributes, obersving: “His own horrific experiences inspired him to work tirelessly for a more peaceful and unified world and he inspired us to do likewise. Our ultimate tribute to Sir Ben must be a renewed commitment to guaranteeing that the lessons of the Holocaust will never be forgotten.”

Ben was honorary president and patron at the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust where chief executive Karen Pollock described him as a “visionary” and “giant amongst men” despite all he endured.

She said: “Ben taught us all about resilience, tolerance and the crucial importance of educating future generations. Ben always worked to ensure that survivors were looked after, he was a true leader of the survivor community.”

HMDT’s Laura Marks added: “He personified the spirit of survival, making Britain his new home and family yet never forgetting the lessons from the past. We are diminished by the loss yet strengthened by his memory.” Olivia Marks-Woldman, HMDT, noted: “Ben's loss to the Holocaust education and commemoration sector is incalculable.”

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl commented: “His greatness was unparalleled. His legacy and his work for Holocaust education inspired so many of us.”

The United Synagogue said Ben was a proud member of Wembley United Synagogue, noting: “Ben was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary history who

1956 Melbourne Olympics, 1958 Cardiff Commonwealth Games and 1960 Rome Olympics.

despite all he went through went on to live an extraordinary life.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown, Jewish Care, said: “Millions of people all over the world have heard his story and know the true horror of what he and so many others went through.”

Michael Newman, Association of Jewish Refugees, said Ben “passionately” supported survivors and helped ensure they received welfare support and compensation in recognition of their suffering.

Yad Vashem UK described Ben as an “inspirational friend”.

Dave Rich, CST, said: “He often spoke about how humanity, freedom and the desire to create a harmonious society propelled his relentless work in Holocaust education. His drive was unwavering, reflecting his belief that education and posterity were instrumental in ensuring the horrors of the Shoah could never happen again. Never taking his liberation for granted, Sir Ben demonstrated what can be achieved

when given the opportunity to thrive.”

World Jewish Relief’s Paul Anticoni said Ben’s commitment to Holocaust education was “defining”.

The 45 Aid Society added: “Ben was one of the greatest ambassadors for the Boys and, indeed, for all Holocaust survivors.”

Ben’s life is well documented including a biography, Ben Helfgott: From Victim to Champion, published in 2000.

Born in Piotrków, Poland, November 1929, Ben was one of three children of Moishe and Sarah Helfgott.

After the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939, Ben and his family moved to a ghetto in his hometown, the first established by the Nazis. Initially working in a flour mill, Ben’s father got him a job at a glassworks outside the ghetto which ultimately saved his life. One night, he and fellow workers found the ghetto sealed. Some 22,000 to 24,000 Jews were deported to Treblinka, including Ben’s grandfather. Around 3,000 Jews had died from starvation and typhoid in the ghetto. Ben’s mother and two sisters remained in hiding. When the Nazis declared an amnesty, Ben’s mother and youngest sister, Luisa, were among 520 Jews who came out of hiding. All were taken to the woods and shot.

After the ghetto was liquidated in August 1944, Ben and his father were sent to Buchenwald, his sister Mala and cousin Ann were deported to Ravensbrück. After two weeks, Ben was sent to Schlieben then Theresienstadt. He was liberated by Czech partisans in May 1945, but tragically learnt that his father was killed during a death march.

Ben was among ‘The Boys’ who arrived in the UK on VJ Day. Around 700 orphans who survived the Holocaust, they began to rebuild lives in Windermere in the Lake District. Ben’s experiences are documented in Martin Gilbert’s acclaimed book The Boys, The Story of 732 Young Concentration Camp Survivors.

In 1947, Ben was reunited with his sister, Mala, who also miraculously survived.

Thirty boys went to Essex, Ben moved to Belsize Park, helped establish the Primrose Club for Jewish survivors and local youngsters, and attended Plaistow Grammar School.

A natural sportsman, in the summer of 1948, by chance on Hampstead Heath, Ben tried weightlifting. He improved during a year at Southampton University and amazingly was British featherweight champion in 1954. Ben went on to become three times national lightweight champion. He won gold in the lightweight division at the Maccabiah Games in 1950, 1953 and 1957. Ben led the British weightlifting team at the

1956 Melbourne Olympics, 1958 Cardiff Commonwealth Games and 1960 Rome Olympics.

Founding with fellow survivors The 45 Aid Society in 1963, Ben retired from the clothing industry aged 52, to concentrate on his charity and communal work including chairing the Board of Deputies Yad Vashem committee for two decades.

A motivational speaker for the British 2012 Olympic Team, Ben, who spoke seven languages, was appointed an MBE in 2000 and knighted in 2018 in recognition of his contribution to Holocaust remembrance and education.

At the time he said: ‘Their memory has to stay alive, not just for them but for posterity.’

A member of the executive of the Wiener Library, chairman of the Polin Institute for Polish Jewish Studies and vice-chairman of the Claims Conference to process German reparations for Holocaust victims, Ben received Poland’s Knight Cross of the Order of Merit in 1994 then the highest civilian award, the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit in 2005.

He was also a Pride of Britain Award winner and inducted to the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

Ben appeared on BBC Radio 4 Desert Island Discs in 2007 and BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are featuring Robert Rinder in 2018.

He is survived by his wife Arza, who he married in 1966, his sister Mala, sons Maurice, Michael and Nathan, and extended families.

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Ben won gold in the lightweight division at the Maccabiah Games in 1950, 1953 and 1957. He led the British weightlifting team at the

Sir Ben Helfgott z"l

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Israel in ‘Heart of London’

The culmination of Israel's 75th independence celebrations took place in the heart of London on Sunday.

Londoners and passers-by were treated to an Israeli feast for the senses as the best of Israel took centre stage on the Outernet's big screens by Tottenham Court Road station. Europe's largest digital exhibition space showcased videos and images of Israeli art, culture and landscapes for 17 hours.

During the screening, Israel Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, was interviewed by Israel's Channel 12. Hotovely proclaimed that "Israel has come to the Heart of London!"

Before the screening, Barak Ganor, Israel's Cultural Attaché, at Israel's Embassy to the UK, said: “The exhibition is an immersive experience, showcasing an array of Israel's natural beauty and landscapes alongside a selection of Israeli artists and performers. The videos on display offer a glimpse into Israel's diverse cultural life. I am certain that the vibrant images on show will draw hundreds of thousands of London's visitors towards the large screens.”

The weeklong Israel 75 festival included a ‘youth’ element, diplomatic reception and blue and white summer party.

Hotovely said that it was a priority for the Embassy that Jewish leaders have a deep connection to the State of Israel.

Police investigate multiple antisemitic incidents

BY HARRY SIMONS

Police are investigating antisemitic incidents in recent weeks.

A Jewish man was reportedly subjected to threatening gestures and verbal abuse on the London Underground. The alleged incident occurred on June 12 on the Piccadilly Line from Hyde Park Corner (2.45pm).

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: 6542093/23).

Jewish residents in Stamford Hill were reportedly harassed. Comments included “Hitler” and “Free Palestine” from suspects in a communal garden believed to live in flats on Holmleigh Road. The alleged incident occurred June 10th and 11th.

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: 4615739/23).

Swastika graffiti was discovered in Bournemouth by a Jewish family on holiday on June 12.

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: CAD 8220/12JUN23).

A man reportedly made Jewish women targets of antisemitic abuse on a London bus. The alleged incident was on June 9th on the 106 bus towards Stamford Hill

(2pm).

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: CAD 4080/11JUN23).

An identifiably Jewish man walking with his wife and grandchild was reportedly punched in the eye by a cyclist in north London. It was reported that the man was treated by Hatzola before having hospital treatment. The alleged incident was on June 8th on the River Lea pathway at the bottom of Saw Mill Way (3.15pm).

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: CAD 3715/11Jun23).

Two Jewish children alllegedly were victims of an assault. The suspect reportedly wiped his dirty hands on one of the children’s clothes before saying: “This is what you deserve.” The alleged incident was on June 8th on the corner of Cranwich Road and Denver Road (7.15pm).

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: CAD 3715/11Jun23).

A Jewish man in Stamford Hill was reportedly struck after being accosted for a cigarette.

The suspect is accused of yelling antisemitic slurs. The alleged incident was on June 1st (9.30am) on the corner of Stamford Hill and Linthorpe Road.

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: 4614532/23).

A Jewish man was allegedly assaulted whilst leaving a synagogue in Stamford Hill. He was said to have been shoved by a slim man who yelled “F*** Jew”. The alleged incident was on June 3rd (12.10pm).

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: CRIS: 4614771/23).

Jewish women and children were reportedly chased and assaulted by a man yelling antisemitic slurs in Stamford Hill. The alleged incident was on May 31st outside Berry’s The Kosher Food Store (9.30am).

Contact police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 9990123 (Reference number: 4614772/23).

All incidents were reported to police by Stamford Hill Shomrim.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has launched a witness appeal following video footage of a man swearing at someone and saying “f*** Jews” on June 12th. The incident reportedly took place on the 56 bus to St Bartholomew’s Hospital. CAA is in touch with the victim. The footage was originally uploaded by StopAntisemitism. org. E-mail information to contact@antisemitism.org .

Israel resolute over nuclear deal

BY ADAM MOSES

Israel will not be bound by an interim nuclear deal between the United States and Iran. US officials have not denied speculation, but the Biden administration has made it clear it will not allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon.

Israel has repeatedly stated its options including a military strike. The Israeli government has not altered its position on the 2015 nuclear deal and militarily will do everything to defend itself.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined the threat of Iran during a visit to Israel Aerospace Industries this week where he viewed strategic defensive and offensive capabilities for the military. He told his weekly cabinet meeting: “We are determined to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Our vigorous opposition to returning to the original nuclear agreement contributed to the American

decision not to do so. We have made it clear to our American friends that more limited agreements are also unacceptable to us. I have clarified to them and to the world that we will do whatever we need to do in order to defend ourselves, with our own forces, against any threat.”

Netanyahu spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week on the pressing matter.

US and European diplomats, meantime, have attempted to halt Tehran's nuclear program since the breakdown of the eightyear old nuclear deal. The IAEA recently announced it was closing two investigations over Iranian nuclear activity. Two others remain open.

US intelligence believes it would take about 12 days to enrich uranium to a military level of 90%.

Netanyahu has cited that 90% enrichment is a red line during recent visits to European capitals.

Prime Minister Netanyahu at Israel Aerospace Industries PHOTO: IMOD

Gallant meets Austin on Euro trip

BY DAVID SAFFER

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the US Embassy in Brussels during a whistle stop trip to Europe.

Gallant travelled on to the Paris Air Show where he held talks with the defence ministers of France, Italy, Hungary and Romania.

Gallant and Austin discussed security and military coordination between Israel and the US to prevent Iran gaining military nuclear capabilities. He also raised challenges faced by Israel as a result of Iranian aggression via proxies in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Judea and Samaria.

Gallant stressed Israel’s right to defend itself against any threat.

The parties agreed to increase joint military exercises including the IDF and CENTCOM troops.

Gallant also met European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, leaders of the Belgian Jewish community and Jewish organisations at the Great Synagogue of Brussels.

Gallant and IMoD Director General Eyal

develop state-of-the-art technology. This challenging battle of intellect mostly takes place behind the scenes. I can affirm that Israel surpasses its adversaries in defensive and offensive capabilities.”

Regarding the Iranian regime, he noted: “Iran is closer than ever to gaining military-nuclear capabilities. It is conducting a war of attrition against us by engaging in proxy terrorism. This clear strategy aims to destabilise not only the region but also the world. The defense establishment is working to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, utilising all the resources at our disposal.”

Zamir added: “The global landscape is evolving, bringing multidimensional threats and opportunities. Countries are allocating substantial resources, doubling and even tripling their defense budgets. They will be a central focus in the MoD’s multi-year plan. We will persist in taking action to streamline bureaucratic processes and increase investments in research and development. Our goal is to spearhead innovative capabilities in energy weapons, space technology and satellites, defense cyber capabilities and AI

Guest Speakers

collaboration,” said Zamir.

Bezhalel Machlis, Elbit Systems President, noted: “Israel has adopted a strategy of security independence and the pavilion illustrates this well. It presents the capacity of the Israeli industry, as well as the innovative and effective solutions that respond to the military and security needs of Israel and, as a result, to the needs that are developing around the world.”

Gallant led the delegation following record-breaking defense exports of over $12.5

Data was presented at a defense industry conference led by Gallant at MoD headquar-

A record was set in UAV and drone exports. Abraham Accord exports to countries hit $3 billion. Defense exports have doubled in under a decade and increased 50% in the past

Gallant said: “The data showcases Israel's strength and technological capabilities. Through the creativity and innovation of the Israeli defense establishment and MoD we outpace our adversaries but sustain our

Other exports included air defense systems, radar, manned aircrafts and avionics, observation and optronics, weapon stations and launchers, communication systems, intelligence, information and cyber systems, ammunition and maritime systems.

Defense export data by geographic

distribution was to Asia and the Pacific Region (30%), Europe (29%), North America (11%), Abraham Accords countries (24%), Africa (3%) and Latin America (3%).

Zamir said: “The strategic partnership between the IMOD, IDF, and defense industries combines technology, operational experience and global strategic ties, and has again proven to be a game-changer. Global instability increases the demand for air defense systems, drones, UAVs and missiles, and we continually work to preserve our capabilities and strengthen them.”

Kulas added: “Demand for solutions has grown in the past year manifesting in the sharp increase in agreements between defense ministries. Looking ahead, the geostrategic changes in Europe and Asia in addition to the Abraham Accords generate a high demand for Israel’s cutting-edge systems.”

The Israeli delegation held discussions with global counterparts.

Kulas said: “Israel’s defense establishment and industries have long been at the forefront of pioneering technology and solutions earning international recognition.”

Israeli companies included Ashot Ashkelon Industries, Bet Shemesh Engines, Bluebird Aero Systems, Elbit Systems, Enercon Technologies, Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, SpearUAV, Steadicopter, Thermal Beacon and UVISION Air.

Auschwitz-Birkenau visitor centre

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum has inaugurated a new Visitor Services

A ceremony took place during commemoration events marking 83 years since the first transport of Poles to the former death camp. The centre includes the entrance building that houses a bookshop, restaurant, car park and other facilities. The cinema hall, where visitors watch an introductory film has also

A three-story hostel is being built next to the centre which will accommodate volunteers, trainees, and participants in extended

study visits, conferences and seminars. The project will prevent the destruction of the original building during the camp's existence.

“The centre has been created in historic buildings related to the camp's history,” said Andrzej Kacorzyk, ICEAH. “The infrastructure is fully adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Some rooms have been allocated for the International Centre for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust. A point has also been created for information about victims of the German Nazi camp Auschwitz.”

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant

PHOTO: IMOD

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CFI welcome BDS legislation

BY ADAM MOSES

The Conservative Friends of Israel has welcomed “ground-breaking” legislation to prevent public bodies in the UK from pursuing BDS activities.

The ‘Economic Activity of Public Bodies Bill’ will stop local councils and all UK public bodies from adopting boycotts, divestments and sanctions targeting Israel.

The bill follows the Conservative Party’s 2019 Manifesto pledge to “ban public bodies from imposing their own direct or indirect boycotts, divestment or sanctions campaigns against foreign countries”, which was reiterated in the Queens’ Speech in 2022.

Responding to the introduction, CFI’s Parliamentary Chairmen Stephen Crabb, The Lord Pickles and CFI Honorary President Lord Polak said in a statement: “Today marks a watershed moment in tackling the divisive BDS movement. The Government’s ground-breaking legislation will play a critical role in ending the abuse of public bodies for anti-Israel activity. BDS is harmful not only to community cohesion here in the UK but also the wider cause of peace between Israelis and Palestinians”.

Crabb added: “This landmark legislation marks a major step in the battle against the pernicious BDS movement.

Pittsburgh gunman guilty

I applaud the Government for its decisiveness in stopping the abuse of public bodies and public funds for divisive anti-Israel activity and hope to see it progress swiftly through Parliament”.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, vowed to ban public bodies from pursuing BDS at a gala ‘Israel 75’ event at The Outernet in central London last week.

She said, “We will ban those activities including at universities and local authorities. It is the politics of the student union and it demeans the bilateral relationship between the UK and Israel.”

Badenoch visited Israel in March to help drive forward a new UK-Israel free trade agreement.

She noted: “The UK and Israel are two entrepreneurial countries with an unwavering belief in democracy, freedom and capitalism. Now that the UK has left the EU we can have an even stronger and more supportive relationship. That is why I am working hard to negotiate a modern, innovative deal that will open up huge opportunities for us in financial services, tech and infrastructure.”

Badenoch also claimed Brexit will make the UK-Israel trading stronger in a positive key note address.

Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely thanked Badenoch for strengthening ties between the countries.

Robert Bowers has been found guilty of all 63 charges in the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh in 2018.

Eleven worshippers were killed and six injured in the Shabbat morning atrocity. The antisemitic attack against the synagogue was the deadliest in US history. Bowers, 50, who opened fire, armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle and multiple handguns pleaded not guilty to all charges. Jurors deliberated for less than a day. The court must decide whether to impose the death penalty.

World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder said in a statement: “The Pittsburgh jury’s conviction is a vindication of the American system of justice. It is also an unmistakable reminder of Jew hatred and racial bigotry left unchecked. We call on all federal, state and municipal law enforcement agencies to take all necessary measures to protect synagogues and other Jewish institutions across the US from any similar tragedy. In the memory of those lives lost, may a dark day never be repeated.”

A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said: “While nothing can repair the pain inflicted, we await news of his sentence in due course, and hope that a forceful message will be sent to others like him who wish Jews dead.”

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

CFI Honorary President Lord Polak

UN antisemitism conference cancelled

BY HARRY SIMONS

Campaign Against Antisemitism has welcomed the postponement of the United Nations conference on antisemitism scheduled to take place Spain this week.

The conference was organised to unveil the UN Action Plan on Monitoring Antisemitism and Enhancing a System-wide Response. It has been postponed until September. No date has been set.

It is understood that Miguel Moratinos, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilisations, Moratinos did not consult with the Israeli mission to the UN or Israeli Foreign Ministry.

There was also no invitation to the conference to the Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon.

A CAA spokesperson said: “When it comes down to it, the UN plan really has only one primary purpose, to stand with the Jewish people by adopting the International Definition of Antisemitism, alone, in full and without caveat. If the UN is unable to do that, there is no point in yet another conference and report that will serve only

to muddy the waters and undermine the fight against the world’s oldest hatred. The UN’s reputation in the Jewish world depends on what it does next.”

The postponement followed concerns at the Israeli mission to the UN and Jewish organisations regarding a draft plan which reportedly treats equally the IHRA definition, Jerusalem declaration and Nexus document.

The IHRA definition has support of Jewish communities around the world and the State of Israel, has been adopted by national governments, multinationals, provincial and local governments, and public bodies around the world.

CAA has labelled the Jerusalem Declaration a ‘wrecking document’ to undermine the IHRA definition and Nexus document, and create space for far-left antisemitic expressions.

CAA and Jewish organisations called for the UN to the adopt of the definition.

The draft plan calls on UN member states to formulate an acceptable definition, despite member state Jewish communal support globally.

National Jewish Assembly Objects to Amnesty’s Biased Report on Israel

The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) objects to Amnesty International’s latest report, which once again displays the organisation's biased and unfair attacks against Israel. Titled "Israel/OPT: Civilian deaths and extensive destruction in the latest Gaza offensive highlight human toll of apartheid," the report falsely accuses Israel of committing war crimes in its legitimate efforts to defend itself against Islamic Jihad terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

Amnesty International's report, consisting of hyperbole, distortions, and outright lies, only perpetuates its long-standing anti-Israel agenda. By regurgitating Amnesty's damaging allegations, reputable news organisations like the BBC undermine their commitment to impartiality.

The NJA highlights that there is nothing disproportionate about Israel's actions when it defends its citizens against terrorists who actively target innocent civilians. Amnesty's claims of "disproportionate air strikes" and disregard for civilian lives lack credibility and fail to acknowledge the complex reality Israel faces in combating terrorist organisations that deliberately operate within densely populated areas. Furthermore, Amnesty's report conveniently ignores the fact that the five days of fighting were initiated by Islamic

Jihad's rocket attacks on Israeli communities, following the death of a terrorist in an Israeli prison.

The NJA also expresses concern over the BBC's failure to scrutinise the veracity of Amnesty's allegations and its omission of crucial context. By neglecting to mention that Islamic Jihad is an internationally recognised terrorist organisation, the BBC disregards the threat it poses to regional stability and the safety of Israeli civilians. It is alarming that the BBC, despite being the subject of an upcoming parliamentary probe into its biased coverage of Jews and Israel, persists with its blatantly anti-Israel bias.

As an independent organisation, Amnesty International has the freedom to publish biased screeds against Israel. However, as a state-funded broadcaster committed to non-partisan news coverage, the NJA calls on the BBC to critically examine Amnesty’s publications with caution and provide a balanced and accurate representation of events. The NJA calls on the BBC and other media outlets to uphold the principles of fairness and accuracy in their reporting and refrain from promoting Amnesty International's distorted and unfounded allegations against Israel.

BY HARRY SIMONS

Glastonbury Festival has cancelled a planned screening of a propaganda film about former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Campaign Against Antisemitism wrote to the organisers and primary sponsor, Vodafone, leading to a public outcry.

The festival’s website notes the film, titled Oh, Jeremy Corbyn! The Big Lie, ‘explores a dark and murky story of political deceit and outrageous antisemitic smears’. A trailer reportedly shows an interviewee questioning if Corbyn was brought down by an “orchestrated campaign”.

CAA argue that festival-goers should be allowed to enjoy live performances without fear of indoctrination from antisemitism-deniers.

A CAA spokesperson explained: “The film should never have been considered for screening, as this kind of gaslighting of the Jewish community was at the heart of why the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that the Labour Party had illegally created a hostile environment for Jews. This is the right decision, and a win for music-lovers who want to enjoy performances free from propaganda.”

A Glastonbury spokesperson said: “It’s

become clear that it is not appropriate for us to screen it (the film). Glastonbury is about unity and not division, and we stand against all forms of discrimination.”

CAA noted that film contributors included controversial figures Jackie Walker, who has reportedly said that Jews were “chief financiers” of the African slave trade, filmmaker Ken Loach who refused to denounce Holocaust denial during a BBC interview, Graham Bash, Political Officer of antisemitism-denial group Jewish Voice for Labour and Professor Moshe Machover who is a Holocaust revisionist.

All have been expelled from the Labour Party. Machover was readmitted.

CAA also pointed out that Andrew Murray, a close adviser to Corbyn, in 2005, has claimed that roots of the 9/11 terror attacks lay in “Zionist colonialism” of the Balfour Declaration.

CAA has outstanding complaints against Corbyn during the period of the EHRC’s findings, and other sitting MPs, yet to be acknowledged by the Party.

CAA has called for an investigation by an independent disciplinary process demanded by the EHRC.

National Jewish Assembly applauds Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch’s ban on BDS campaigns

The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) commends the announcement made by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch at the Israeli Embassy's "Israel 75" event, stating that public bodies will be prohibited from engaging in boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) activities against Israel. The NJA wholeheartedly supports this decision, which upholds the principles of fairness, cooperation, and strong bilateral relations between Israel and the United Kingdom.

During her address to a distinguished audience, including government ministers and ambassadors, Badenoch emphasised the deep bond and historical ties between Israel and the UK. The NJA appreciates Badenoch's commitment to strengthening ties through a new UK-Israel free trade agreement, creating vast opportunities in financial services, technology, and infrastructure.

The BDS movement poses a dangerous threat as it seeks to undermine the legitimacy of Israel and perpetuate a one-sided narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. BDS operates on a flawed premise by

unfairly singling out Israel, ignoring the complexities and nuances of the region's history and ongoing challenges. This movement not only seeks to economically isolate Israel but also aims to delegitimise its very existence as a sovereign nation.

By promoting boycotts, divestments, and sanctions, BDS fuels division, perpetuates hatred, and hinders any meaningful dialogue or progress towards peace. The NJA recognises the dangers of BDS and stands firm against efforts to delegitimise Israelwhilst supporting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation as the path to achieving a peaceful and just resolution in the region.

The NJA applauds this decisive action taken by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, recognising the detrimental impact of BDS campaigns on bilateral relations and the pursuit of peace. By banning public bodies, including universities and local authorities, from engaging in BDS activities, the UK Government sends a clear message against discrimination and supports a fair and balanced approach to international relations.

Tents and generators

OPINION PIECE BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the use of language and in particular the word ‘occupation’. It occurred to me that there are many other words and phrases which have crept into the debate on Israel which for some are accepted as fact without any justification.

We have got so immersed in these various phrases that many of us have simply lost the plot in advocating for Israel and particularly peace. In no particular order then, let’s have a look at some of these. Borders. A simple word you might think but one which is seriously misused. Although many find history dull or even irrelevant when talking about the Israel/ Palestine issue, it is vital to gain an understanding of what happened and when. In May 1948 Israel declared independence followed by a war which lasted until February/March of the following year. There was no peace agreement, just an armistice which still applies to the line between Israel and the land west of

the river Jordan – Judea and Samaria. That armistice line is called the green line. It is not a border and any reference to it as such is simply incorrect. Talk of return therefore to pre-1967 borders in the context of land East of Tel Aviv is meaningless.

JERUSALEM.

Easy you might think since it is readily identifiable. Not so. When used with the word occupation, it means that this is a divided city. In other words, the Kottel (western retaining wall of the second temple) is over the green line and therefore for some is in disputed territory. As an aside, it is disappointing that in all the rhetoric from our communal leaders about a two-state solution, there is little said about Jerusalem being a united city and very little said when the BBC and

others talk about East Jerusalem as if it were a different city.

SETTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS.

These are used in so many pejorative ways and nearly always as an accompaniment to overt or discreet criticism of Israel. Again, as an aside I don’t remember reading on the BBC website anything about illegal buildings erected by Palestinians. Back though to the settlers, the impression given is that of fanatical Jews (rarely Israelis) pitching a tent and powering their lights by generator whilst they dig latrines for toilets and cook over a campfire. I am sure the reason for this is that if there is an impression of a temporary habitation, it will be very easy simply to take the tents down and shoo the naughty Jews back over the green line to where they belong. Or even further

depending on who is doing the shooing. The reality is that very many of the towns over the green line are just that, towns with decent infrastructure serving solidly built neighbourhoods which are worlds apart from the idea of tents and primus stoves.

For those of you who might say I am repeating myself from earlier articles I say you are correct, because I cannot emphasise how important language is and how as a community, we have missed this over and over again. It is bad enough that those who dislike us use terms which are incorrect, it really is galling that some of those who claim to be leaders do the same. It is time to deal with this and now, because the longer it goes on the easier it becomes for inaccurate information (or lies if you prefer) to be accepted as fact.

Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.

When talking about the Israel/Palestine issue, it is vital to gain

Games

Bridge

With Harold Schogger

Dealer: North Vuln: All

Letters to the Editor

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.

WHY I CHERISH BEING JEWISH

Dear Sir

I hope that the attached poem might be published in this coming week’s edition of THE JEWISH WEEKLY.

Yours sincerely

JD Milaric

Getting one day off out of every seven – so once a week Shabbat and everything that it means and entails is unique

Our many festivals, with many days off, throughout the year That we are enjoined to enjoy and have fun with is very clear

Our own language, which is Biblical Hebrew, for women and men In which we can, and if able to we invariably do, pray to Hashem And in the modern-day, the modern language of Ivrit to converse in And Script – modern Hebrew which is used by some for writing

The wonderful, historical and present-day culture and sense of humour So quintessentially Jewish being imbued with them is a great honour Perhaps most importantly of all might be our, Ingrained belief that we’ll always have a future

Our well-honed, and known, penchant for consuming lots of food And to a lesser extent – drink which helps us to be in a good mood Especially what is often termed, “Jewish food.” Not to eat it – well that would surely be rude

Being part of such a small group of people – today, we apparently number Just 0.2% of the global population – in a World in which we continually prosper And in our lifetime, surely we are all so fortunate To have our midst, our Homeland – the Israeli State

Being Jewish, if you wish, feel free to disagree with me

Against 4♥, West led the queen of diamonds. Declarer played low from dummy, won in hand and, after drawing trumps ending in hand, he led a club to the jack. East took this with the king and shifted to the queen of spades. Declarer played low from hand and East continued with the jack of spades. Declarer covered with the king but then West took this with the ace and cashed the ten of spades to defeat the contract by one trick.

That was unlucky - both finesses lost. I was a 3:1 favourite to make,”ť declarer cried.

“Luck had nothing to do with the outcome,” said a somewhat-miffed partner “All you had to do was to let the queen of diamonds win the first trick. If West shifts to a club, rise with the ace, draw two rounds of trumps with the ace and king before cashing the ace of diamonds. Then, after crossing to dummy with a trump, you can throw your losing club on the king of diamonds before leading the queen of clubs. When East covers with the king you ruff and then return to dummy with a trump to cash the jack of clubs. Either way you make ten tricks: 6 trumps,2 diamonds and 2 clubs and your Spade king was always protected since Eat could not get in”.

Dummy continued, “If East played low on the queen of clubs, you throw a low spade from hand. Either the queen of clubs wins or West wins the trick with the king, but that would still leave your king of spades protected on 3 sides”.

You may after reading this have an, two or even three Opinion(s) – that would be normal After all for most Jewish people

You may now contemplate what you appreciate If you so do, about being a member of The Faith

As this week comes to an end and Shabbat approaches I wish a Shabbat shalom to all Jewish friends and families

WHEN A FISH LOOKS LIKE A DUCK

Dear Sir

I had great difficulty in making a fish in the Tangram Challenge last week, but I managed to make a lovely duck !!!

Yours sincerely

Brian Cohen

AJEX to help reunite veteran families with war medals

AJEX The Jewish Military Association has launched a ‘Family Medals’ campaign to help ensure that any Jewish family who do not have their own or family members’ medals from war and other service can be reunited with them to guarantee the legacy of Jewish service lives on.

Whether you have lost family medals from the World Wars or other conflicts and service or never claimed your own or your family’s medals, AJEX will help you identify what medals would have been worn and belong to you or your family member.

While the number of Second World War and National Service veterans declines, their families and direct descendants continue to thrive and are active with AJEX. AJEX hopes that many more first-time Parade goers will proudly march wearing these medals at the Annual Remembrance Parade & Ceremony on 19th November 2023. Whether you need new ones or have the originals, the aim of the campaign is to get the Jewish Community’s medals out and on display, proud and clear.

National Chair, Dan Fox said: “Medals are some of the most personal artefacts of military service. For individuals and their families, they are markers of the commitment and bravery undertaken. As a community, they are collective badges of honour, and of pride in the Jewish contribution to our nation. I hope that many spouses, children,

Finchley Scouts get creative

grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those who have served will join us in bringing these decorations home.”

To claim and purchase replica medals visit: www.ajex.org.uk/medals for instructions, including discount codes. You can also call the AJEX office for help: 0208 202 2323.

The 20th Finchley Scouts, Beavers group decorated plant pots and planted a variety of flowers for the Fernbank Nursing Home in Finchley. Fernbank were delighted to receive the decorated pots to brighten up the windowsills around the home.

Participants enjoyed learning how to measure soil and about the parts of a plant. They all carefully put the plants in soil as part of Community Impact badge work. One particpant said “I am so proud of my flower and couldn’t wait to call my grandparents to tell them about it.”

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• Distance learning version available for out of London students

School Direct Secondary With LSJS

Become a qualified teacher in one year with a £27,000 tax-free bursary for Maths, Chemistry and Physics

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• Learn ‘on the job’ as part of the teaching team in a school from day one

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020

The 20th Finchley Beaver group decorated plant pots and planted a variety of flowers for the Fernbank Nursing Home

Aharon Meyers wearing family medals at the AJEX parade last year

Laura awarded CBE by King Brighton’s Shabbat of unity

Holocaust Memorial Day chair Laura Marks

OBE has been awarded a CBE in the King Charles III’s first Birthday Honours List.

Laura picked up the accolade as social campaigner and broadcaster, interfaith relations, Holocaust and genocide education and commemoration, and empowerment of women.

HMD said that impact Laura had made on social cohesion was profound.

“She has dedicated decades to creating engaging and influential Third Sector initiatives which bring people from different backgrounds together to strengthen civil society,” they noted. “

Amongst notable work, Laura founded Mitzvah Day in 2008 and co-founded Nisa-Nashim, with Julie Siddiqi, a network bringing Jewish and Muslim women together across the UK, currently launching internationally, seven years later.

Awarded an OBE for interfaith relations in 2015, she was elected HMD Chair a year later. Laura has overseen the growth of HMD as a national day of commemoration.

“Her drive, inspirational leadership, ability to work collaboratively with others and sheer persistence ensure her initiatives flourish and are immensely effective here at home and, unusually, abroad,” HMD noted. “She goes the extra mile to change the lives of millions of people in the UK and beyond.”

Laura said: “To have this honour announced on the very day that our Honorary Life President Sir Ben Helfgott passed

away highlights the critical importance of continuing to tell the stories. The real heroes are the survivors and the campaigners of the past who have told their stories and ensured we focus on the dangers of evil and hatred.”

HMD CEO, Olivia Marks-Woldman, noted: “She is a shining example of dedication, creativity and diligence. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently gone above and beyond, guiding us with wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to preserve the memory of the Holocaust. Under her stewardship, HMDT has flourished, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur are heeded.”

Olivia added: “Few women have had a more profound, tangible impact on social cohesion. She has dedicated decades to creating engaging and influential initiatives such as Mitzvah Day, which bring people from different backgrounds together to strengthen civil society. She fearlessly crosses community barriers based on ignorance and suspicion, sensitively encouraging greater awareness of ‘strangers’ and building bridges.”

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis attended the Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation official opening of the new community centre last weekend.

Over 200 people including shul members, guests and local dignitaries attended the event introduced by the shul’s minister Rabbi Hershel Rader.

He said: “The enthusiasm, energy and creativity shown bodes extremely well for the resuscitated and re-invigorated congregation and local Jewish community.”

Chief Rabbi Mirvis spoke about the

revitalisation of the Jewish Community as a result of the development, antisemitism, opening of a multi-faith centre in Abu Dhabi and the message of the Sedra, Shelach Lecha.

Mark Sugarman, BNJC Chief Executive, Tony Bloom, Chairman of the Bloom Foundation behind the new development, and fellow trustee Natasha Isaacs also gave speeches.

On Shabbat morning, Jonathan Metliss, recited the haftarah and co-sponsored the Kiddush.

Laura Marks CBE

The Chief Rabbi officialy opens the new Brighton and Hove Community Centre with Rabbi Rader, Mark Sugarman and Tony Bloom

PHOTO: SOPHIE SHEINWALD

The next joint davening and breakfast is at Hadley Wood Shul with Rabbi Landau of Barnet Shul speaking.

Rabbi Shindler of Southgate Shul speak

PHOTO: PAUL LANG

Three Shuls davening togehter before a bagel breakfast

JNF UK Unveils Youth Leadership Programme

JNF UK is delighted to announce the launch of its second Fellowship Programme, aimed at cultivating the next generation of community leaders. Following the remarkable success of its inaugural Fellowship Programme, this programme underscores JNF UK’s commitment to impactful educational initiatives.

Under the guidance of Michael Cohen, the programme will offer a selected group of Year 12 students from secondary schools across England an exceptional opportunity to engage in Israel-focused education, leadership training, and networking activities. The fellows will have the privilege of interacting with influential individuals from diverse fields, inspiring them to further strengthen their connection with Israel. As a culmination of their experience in Year 12, the cohort will visit Israel and actively participate in JNF’s transformative work, uplifting and empowering those in need.

Ambassador honours British global competition finalists

Elan Gorji, Interim CEO of JNF UK, expressed excitement about the program’s launch, building upon the achievements of the previous cohort. Elan Gorji stated, “Our community comprises an array of inspirational individuals, and we hope that the JNF UK Israel Fellowship Programme will enable our future leaders to learn from them and follow in their footsteps. This Fellowship Programme will provide our talented Year 12 students with unparalleled opportunities to explore Israel, develop leadership skills, and witness first-hand the tremendous impact that JNF UK is making on the lives of those most in need. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our current Fellowship Cohort highlights their deepened understanding and connection to Israel.”

The Fellowship Programme application process will open on Monday, 19 June and run for 4 weeks.

For more information, please contact: marketing@jnf.co.uk

Two British students who achieved top places in the World Bible Quiz were given VIP treatment by the Israeli Ambassador.

Shira Bamberger, 15, and Avigayil Rowe, 18, achieved 12th and 6th in the world respectively in the Chidon HaTanach (World Bible Quiz). At the televised competition held in Jerusalem, the pair from north-west London battled among 16 international finalists who were treated to an all expenses paid trip by the Israeli government. Shira and Avigayil achieved the best result for Brits at the competition which sees young students memorise 437 chapters of Tanach.

Jewish Care volunteer Rita Roth OBE, receives prestigious Point of Light award from PM

Jewish Care volunteer, Rita Roth OBE, received the prestigious Point of Light award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at their Annual Dinner last night, for her incredible dedication and achievement in supporting our community and in particular, our Rosetrees care home.

2023 marks Rita’s 60th year of volunteering for Jewish and wider causes.

Rita was one of the founding members of our Meals on Wheels service in 1973, there from the start, cooking food from her kitchen, delivering soup and hot meals to people at home, as well as recruiting local volunteers.

In 1994, Rita was awarded an OBE for services to the British shipping industry, which included confidential government work.

For more than a decade, she volunteered at her local Jewish Care home, raising money when needed and took over on a voluntary basis a paid staff member’s job when she left. This incorporated all types of social aspects and also involved fundraising for Havens Hospital and the local Jewish Care day centre.

In her capacity as Chair of the Rosetrees

fundraising committee, Rita has held dozens of events and despite Covid, she has still managed to raise over £100,000 in the last few years, to enable the home to fulfil the manager’s wish list of extras for all the residents.

Each week, Rita makes the long trip across the North Circular from her home in Southend-on-Sea to the home just to give each of the residents and staff there their favourite bar of chocolate – they call it ‘Rita’s Chocolate Drop’.

We join the Prime Minister in congratulating Rita on a well-deserved Point of Light award.

Jewish Care’s Chief Executive, Daniel

Carmel-Brown, says:

“We are delighted that we were able to share this special moment with Rita at our Annual Dinner. Her dedication and commitment to Jewish Care, our staff and residents, is nothing short of outstanding, and we are so pleased that this award is a recognition of that. Mazel Tov, Rita, and thank you for all that you do for us!”

On receiving the award, Rita Roth OBE said: “I was so overwhelmed to receive the Point of Light Award. It was a big surprise and the Prime Minister was lovely. When I started volunteering as a teenager all those years ago, I never thought I would need Jewish Care, but I really don’t know what I would have done without them. They were there when my mother needed care and support. I get so much pleasure from volunteering and being with the residents. We have a lot of laughs and great chats, and they certainly enjoy the ice cream and chocolates that I bring. It’s given me a huge understanding and appreciation of the care for older people and people living with dementia that Jewish Care provide and I have so much respect and love for the amazing staff at Rosetrees care home.”

Sharing a VIP tea at her home on Tuesday, Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely said: “I have long been passionate about ensuring young people remain proud to be Jewish. The success of these impressive girls in making it to the Chidon Hatanach final is truly cause for celebration.

As Ambassador, I have endeavoured to not only strengthen bilateral relations between Israel and UK, but also further enhance the British Jewish communities’ bond with Israel. I hope to see the manifestation of this bond realised with even more British students attending next year.”

MBE awarded to Michelle Morris

Michelle is a consultant Speech and Language Therapist and her MBE comes about as a result for her work both locally in Greater Manchester and nationally, including giving evidence to the House of Commons select committees, one on special educational needs for children and the other for early years educational provision. Her work in Greater Manchester involves her leading early years identification and approach for Speech and Language communication needs. Michelle is married, has two adult sons and lives in Salford.

Shira Bamberger, Avigayil Rowe, Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely

Michelle Morris MBE

Lord Levy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Rita Roth, Andrew Roth, Dame Gail Ronson and Jonathan Zenios

Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips

For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com

Avocado Gazpacho

This is a refreshing low fat parev summer soup. It is great to precede a BBQ or when you are entertaining a crowd as its easy to serve and very quick to make. Keep it for Shabbats or Yom Tov as well – just slice the avocado garnish immediately before serving to prevent discolouration. As a convenient snack, avocado is easy to transport and enjoy at any time.

On a health note, avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas. They are rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: No cooking but 4 hours refrigeration.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

2 red peppers - cut into quarters and de-seeded

1 yellow pepper - cut into quarters and de-seeded

3 spring onions - washed and trimmed

1 large bunch each of fresh basil and fresh parsley

6 salad tomatoes - de-skinned and de-seeded

2 cloves of garlic

1 avocado – skinned and de-stoned

300 ml passata or tomato juice

Juice and zest of 1 lime

Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste

For the Garnish

1 avocado - skinned and coarsely chopped

Zest of lime

2 cherry tomatoes –finely chopped

Crushed ice cubes – optional

Method

1) Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

2) Leave in the refrigerator to allow the flavours in infuse and the mixture to cool.

3) Ladle into large soup bowls and sprinkle over some chopped avocado and lime zest. The addition of crushed ice-cubes makes it really cold and particularly refreshing.

To serve the stylish way: Pour into small tumbles/ shot glasses. Garnish the glass rim with lime zest. Add finely chopped avocado and cherry tomato.

The mortgage crisis – is the house collapsing?

At the time of writing, the average mortgage rate in the UK for a two-year fixed loan is now above 6%. This is the highest it has been since the late 1980s.

Paperweight, the Jewish Community’s Advice Centre, takes a critical interest in the mortgage market – not because we offer low-cost mortgages (we have been asked, however our FCA accreditation, not surprisingly, does not cover mortgage-broking), but because mortgage costs and the domino effect of unaffordability, impacts the entire community.

Press articles abound with theories and explanations for the interest rate rise. Since most of us have not wittingly contributed to the reasons, nor can we alter global economic forces, we are unable to provide political commentary.

What Paperweight is seeing is the immediate effect of the interest rate increases on our community and alarm bells are ringing. In its simplest form, borrowers have taken on excessive debt, many times encouraged and enticed to do so by a greedy industry, tipping their mortgage payments into unaffordability should interest rates rise…. which they always do, sooner or later.

At time of writing, this has come to pass.

As a direct result of property price rises and the relatively low cost of mortgages

in the last decade, homeowners have borrowed very high sums in relation to their incomes. Home ownership has always been seen as a wise investment as the value typically increased year on year, but most buy due to a desire to own their home. Any investment gain is a bonus.

The pressure to climb the property ladder in the Jewish community also carries with it (historic) and not-easily-dismissed, social connotations – more so in the UK than in Europe, the US or Israel where renting is more prevalent.

Unfortunately, with the cost of borrowing increasing out of all proportion to income, homeowners are being squeezed. Whilst domestic mortgages are a mix of repayment or interest only, regardless of “the deal”, the increased monthly outlay is playing havoc with domestic finances.

How can Paperweight help? Our Money Advice Team, regulated by the FCA, will have a full, frank and confidential discussion with you about the details of all your income and outgoings. They will show you where reductions in outgoings can be

achieved, they may even find you are entitled to a benefit or rebate. They will certainly encourage you to prioritise your spending and adjust your budget where possible.

On the question of how the mortgage companies will pursue late payers, underpayments and payment gaps, this becomes much more tricky. No lender wants a bad reputation, but all lenders want to balance their own books. Paperweight will help you present your case if ongoing communication with your lender will, in any capacity, help minimise the impact of their demands – because hiding from unpleasant correspondence is no answer.

At time of writing, the idea that the government should introduce Mortgage Relief in one form or another depends on which side of the fiscal-policy fence the journalist sits, but the articles are coming thick and fast and the debate continues. If it happens in some form or another, Paperweight will be here to explain how, or if, it affects you and what steps you should take to benefit from any changes in the rules.

The Paperweight Trust is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority - FRN 973164

Paperweight.org.uk. info@paperweight. org.uk 0330 174 4300

REJUVENATION NOW

U n i q u e s p a & w e l l n e s s e x p e r i e n c e ( K o s h e r ) - C y p r u s

R o o m s , s u i t e s & t r a d i t i o n a l v i l l a s • K o s h e r h e a l t h y & r i c h P e s c a t a r i a n m e a l s

• D a i l y w e l l n e s s p r o g r a m s • T h e l a r g e s t S P A i n C y p r u s • E n e r g i z i n g w a l k s i n t h e f o r e s t • T e a & C o f f e e i n f u s i o n s 2 4 / 0 7 • W i n e t a s t i n g i n t h e c a v a w i t h k o s h e r w i n e s • M i n d f u l n e s s w o r k s h o p s • M u s i c , c o n v e r s a t i o n • S y n a g o g u e

w w w . S e c r e t F o . r e s t + 3 5 7 - 2 6 8 1 4 - 0 0 0

LSJS leads way with BA and MA options

BY DAVID SAFFER

The London School of Jewish Studies leads the way when it comes to the next generation of Jewish Studies tutors.

LSJS is enrolling students for the BA (Hons) Jewish Education for September 2023 and MA Jewish Education for January 2024.

The BA (Hons) part-time four-year degree programme offers flexibility for a school leaver or mature student. Those enrolling combine study with work and/ or family responsibilities. The course is validated by Middlesex University with an option of studying online or attending lectures at the London campus (one three-hour session per week).

LSJS also offers a two-year MA for educators seeking professional development or to progress a career.

Dr Helena Miller is Director of Degrees and Teacher Training Programmes at LSJS.

A Senior Research Fellow, Helena has a PhD in Jewish Education and has taught, researched and written widely in the UK and overseas.

She observed: “The (BA Hons) course is specifically geared to anyone with an interest in Jewish education. Students can go at their own pace. Most participants that enrol on the programme are teaching assistants or unqualified teachers in schools. The degree gives them an opportunity to become fully qualified teachers. It’s an access course for people that want to study and work at the same time.”

The course is also applicable for a pupil that doesn’t want to be a teacher.

Helena said: “It’s useful for many careers that are to do with education, community, youth or any related career. One of the things we always say is having a degree opens doors to what you want to do next. As a graduate going forward you have much more flexibility in career choices.”

LSJS currently has 27 students spread across different parts of the BA (Hons) programme.

Helena commented: “We normally take six to eight new students a year so have small cohorts. One of the advantages at LSJS is students get lots of personal support and we cater to individual needs.

“The majority of students have some connection to a Jewish school, are in youth work or working for a shul. They will have something to do with working with children. This undergraduate degree attracts people who have been to a Seminary or Yeshiva, or they have come straight from school, or had never been to university and decided that after bringing up a family it was time to get a degree. There are also people that take the degree but don’t want a teaching qualification however its essential that everyone has an interest in Jewish education to make the most of the degree.”

Modules in the curriculum cover a plethora of topics for students.

They include child development,

understanding learning theories, Jewish approaches to learning, inclusion in a Jewish Studies classroom, Jewish Studies curriculum and resourcing classrooms.

“It’s varied and classes are taught by experts with assignments in between,” noted Helena.

Once the course has been completed and degrees handed out students benefit Jewish communities.

Helena observed: “Many graduates get their qualified teacher status through our programme ‘Assessment Only’. Within 12 weeks of completing their BA they can be a fully qualified teacher.

“Other graduates go on to a teacher training route called Schools Direct, which we also run. Within a year they can be a fully qualified teacher. It depends on

prior experience, which route they take.

“Other pupils continue what they are doing or move on to roles in education our with special needs children. Also, for students who get married and have children during the course they have the degree when they have time in their lives to pursue a career.”

Away from the BA (Hons) option with Middlesex University, LSJS is developing a distance learning version for potential students living outside of London in the UK or overseas.

Helena explained: “It’s a great opportunity and will be available September 2023.

“We started the programme two years ago so there will be three years of the course online. For the coming year group,

the whole course will be available to them, which is great news.”

LSJS’ two-year MA programme is specially designed for Jewish Studies teachers and school leaders, rabbis, informal and adult educators, and school governors.

Offered on-campus and via distance learning, the MA is quality assured by Middlesex University and forms an essential part of an educator’s development.

Helena, who received the Max Fisher Prize for outstanding contribution to Jewish Education in the Diaspora in 2012, commented: “Students undertake six modules that include looking at traditional Jewish approaches to Jewish education, theories of teaching and learning, management and leadership. They also do a case study and dissertation.

“An amazing thing about this programme is that it attracts people increasingly from all over the world. We have pupils from the UK, Israel, America, Switzerland, the Netherlands and South Africa.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity. It also means that we are only place in the UK that offers a BA (Hons) and MA in Jewish Education.”

Aside from degrees, Helena heads a ‘Jewish Lives’ longitudinal study which follows a cohort of young people who started in UK Jewish secondary schools in 2011.

Springer Publications published LSJS’ original two volume study, International Handbook of Jewish Education (2011) and are set to take on the updated work. Helena, collaborated with Dr Alex Pomson on the work.

She enthused: “We have been going back every couple of years to see how participants lives have developed. Students are 23 years of age so we have seen them through school and university.

“The next time we get data is 2024/25. As we are in between data collection periods we are writing a book on the first 10 years of the project. Springer are publishing the material and the manuscript will be ready by the end of 2023. It’s very exciting to see our work coming together.”

Helena added: “When you do longitudinal research, you have a burst of activity then a quiet period and another burst of activity. Putting it in a book gives it a life of its own so we are looking forward to seeing it in print. Hopefully it will be out when we are ready to do the next lot of data selection. There will then hopefully be another sequel in 10 years when our cohort are in their mid-30s making decisions about their own children about Jewish education.”

The cost of the BA is £4,800 a year, the MA is £3,500 a year. Means tested bursaries are available.

LSJS have a flexible approach for instalment payment systems over the period of the course.

Anyone interested should email helena.miller@lsjs.ac.uk

"One of the things we always say is having a degree opens doors to what you want to do next."

BA student Mira Goldstein receives her certificate from LSJS Deputy President Rabbi Dweck last year

ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com

CAN SUPERHEROES CONVERT?

Dear Rabbi

As Wolverine heals instantly any time he is injured, if he wanted to convert to Judaism, would one round of circumcision be sufficient. Or would he have to do it repeatedly?

Angus

Dear Angus

Step one, ask my gen Z child who Wolverine is. Step two, avoid answering her when she asks, “Why do you want to know?” Step three, record this question in my special book of weirdest questions ever asked. Step four, think of a sensible answer to a nonsensical question.

According to Jewish Law, once a circumcision has been performed, one has fulfilled their Biblical obligation. Kabbalah explains that extreme impurity is concentrated in the foreskin during the first eight days since birth, and once cut, it never returns.

However, Jewish law also mandates that Rabbinically, it ought to be done again, to avoid others suspecting him of not having performed a circumcision (marat ayin). When that consideration is irrelevant, then there would be no need for a second circumcision. To that end, as it is apparently common knowledge that this Wolverine of which you speak, always heals, then no one would suspect that he did not convert properly.

I only wonder who would perform the conversion: Would it be an authentic, Halachic conversion? Apparently he has special claws. Would he be allowed to use them on Shabbat?

Perhaps it’s time for a Rabbi to be recruited into the Avengers. We have plenty superpowers of our own you know. How else do you think we are able to cope with our congregants?

I hope I have answered your question, though I have to admit, having spent the required time actually answering your question, that’s fifteen minutes of my life I won’t get back!

THE REBBE’S LEGACY

Dear Rabbi

Thursday, June 22, is the 29th anniversary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. I know that each year Chabad make a big celebration on the yartzeit of the Rebbe. I don’t understand why a yartzeit would be a cause for celebration? Surely it is a sad day for all concerned.

Hesh

Dear Hesh

A yartzeit is not a time to reflect on the loss, but on the enormity of the impact. Though all those who experienced the Rebbe, in whichever way, will feel the palpable void in their lives, they nevertheless reflect on the Rebbe’s mission statement, the ongoing incredible growth and achievements of Chabad, internationally, and the commitment to further that mission exponentially.

Additionally, there are stories that continue to circulate, many of them first-hand accounts that illustrate the uniqueness of the Rebbe’s ongoing blessings. Here’s a recent one: A businessman from Antwerp by the name of Yechiel relayed how in the late 1980s, his mother visited the Rebbe to get a blessing for a

family member who was unwell. After giving her the blessing, the Rebbe said: “Tell your son (in reference to Yechiel) not to travel.” His mother was surprised. “My son is not traveling anywhere,” she clarified, but the Rebbe repeated: “Tell your son not to travel.”

At first opportunity, she contacted her son, sharing the strange exchange that she had with the Rebbe. Yechiel replied, “I explained to my mother that I had been planning a trip to Colombia, where I was going to do a deal in emeralds that would be worth a small fortune.” He then told his mother, “I hadn’t told you about this because I didn’t want you to worry about my traveling to such a dangerous part of the world. But, if you say that the Rebbe said that I shouldn’t travel, then I will immediately cancel my trip.”

As Yechiel tells the story, his Italian partner was furious with him, insisted he’ll have no share of the profits and then travelled on his own. In the end, the partner was killed by the Colombian associates. “I realized that the Rebbe’s timely directive had saved my life!”

But the story doesn’t end there. “In 1995, a year after the Rebbe’s passing, my brother, David, who lives in Texas called me to tell me he had a very strange dream: ‘Last night in my dream I saw a painting of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Rebbe spoke to me and said, tell your brother Yechiel, zochor al tishkach es hadevarim – Remember and don’t forget the words. That was the dream, I don’t know what it means, but I felt I must share it with you.’

I thought back to my last communication from the Rebbe which was the instruction through my mother not to travel. I was due to travel from NY to Paris, and I’m getting the same message, albeit through my brother’s dream. Once again I cancelled my travel plans. The flight that I had been scheduled to take was TWA

flight 800, which exploded into a fireball 12 minutes after take-off, killing all 230 people on board.”

With this, Yechiel concluded his remarkable narrative. The Rebbe’s leadership continues no less and his impact continues no less. Painful though the physical reality is, that’s cause for celebration.

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

Torah from Israel Korach: Empty Words, Empty Minds

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

Throughout the initial years of our desert travels, Moshe’s levelheaded and steady leadership stabilized the state of our Jewish nation. Our legendary leader had defied Pharo’s tyrannical regime, liberated us from the slave houses of Egypt, quieted a riotous ocean, delivered divine tablets, and heroically, had fasted for forty days while spearheading our national penitence. Throughout all this tumult Moshe remained loyal and steadfast to our people and to our destiny. He was the solid ground upon which our wobbly nation teetered.

Astonishingly, Korach fomented a national insurrection against Moshe’s authority, accusing our fabled leader of authoritarianism and cronyism. Inciting a mob against such a celebrated leader was a daunting task requiring vindictive hatred and skillful demagoguery. Korach possessed each.

His speeches were laced with inflammatory rhetoric, populist claims, and empty mottos, completely unanchored from the facts. His malicious campaign scapegoated Moshe for our extended delay in settling the magical land of milk and honey. Preying on public disillusionment in the aftermath of the scandal of the spies, Korach stoked irrational fears about the upcoming desert voyage, noisily drowning out any reasonable conversation about who or what was to blame for the detour. Presenting himself as a champion of the common man in an epic battle against the political and religious elite, he promised everything to everybody, blustering about the entire nation being holy and assuring his naïve followers that all would receive their fair share of power.

Rejecting Moshe’s sincere attempts at reconciliation, Korach’s partners, Datan and Aviram, evaded any serious conversation, choosing, instead, to accuse Moshe of self-interest and antagonism. In a shocking display of fear-mongering, they portrayed Moshe as poking out the eyes of the lower class.

Korach and his co-insurrectionists were expert orators who built their popularity by whipping up populist hysteria, exploiting national anxieties, and manipulating the angry mob for their own selfish agendas. They provided a master class in Demagoguery 101.

Sadly, failing democracies and growing public disillusionment have empowered modern demagogues to portray themselves as champions of the underclass and to subvert established aristocracies and public institutions. Marshalling

modern technologies such as social media, their psychological manipulation and aggressive tirades have poisoned our social and political discourse. Even after these cheap demagogues are exposed and fade from the public arena, their noxious impact causes lasting damage to the social fabric.

EMPTY SLOGANEERING

In Israel, over the past few months we have all suffered the draining effects of hollow sloganeering. Opponents of judicial reforms have falsely labeled the proposed changes as anti-democratic, parroting unreasonable claims that this process is upending our democratic republic. In truth, the current coalition is employing democratically licensed legislative tools to, in their view, better calibrate our democracy and make it less prejudicial. Durable democracies depend upon a carefully balanced division of powers and judicial reformers aim to improve the current balance. Disagreement with these policies or with their manner of implementation is legitimate, but labeling them anti-democratic is intellectually foolish and dishonest, rouses mass hysteria, and foments public outcry. Similarly, the protesters who accuse the government of Fascism, are also generating unhealthy emotional frenzy. The past century demonstrated the horrors of actual Fascism, as nations violently discriminated against outliers and mobilized their citizenry toward war, either literal, cultural, or ethnic. Thankfully, there are no fascists in Israel who are forming ethnic hierarchies nor are our personal liberties being sacrificed for the perceived greater good of our nation state. We are far from a fascist regime, but smart people say very silly things when their judgement is tainted by ideological passion. Empty mottos and exaggerated truths quickly follow in the wake of unrestrained political fanaticism.

PROTESTERS, NOT ANARCHISTS

By the same token, supporters of reforms who tag protesters as rioters or even as anarchists, are also peddling empty slogans. Anarchists are people who lose faith in social and political institutions and seek to violently eliminate social hierarchies or any other conventions of political coercion. Israeli protesters against government reform are working within the democratic system by expressing their legitimate right to protest, and they are certainly not actively or intentionally dismantling any institutions. Ironically, the protesters who are being falsely dubbed as anarchists are desperately

trying to maintain conventional social and political hierarchies which, in their opinion, are currently under siege. It could be rightly reasoned that opponents of judicial reform are the furthest thing from anarchists.

Protests often inconvenience us, sometimes disrupt the public order, and always frustrate those who don’t endorse the protests. However, that is the price we pay for democracy and for freedom. Freedom isn’t free.

DISHONORING HOLOCAUST VICTIMS

Uninhibited and empty sloganeering also leads to grotesque misrepresentations. Applying the term “Nazi” to anyone other than the genocidal criminals of the past century or their wannabee Neo-Nazi successors is a horrific crime which disrespects Holocaust victims. It is difficult to imagine a more despicable and historically revolting offense than referring to another Jew as a Nazi. This perversion of the term “Nazi” should serve as a “conversation-ender”: calling any Jew a Nazi is such a grave moral offense that, out of respect to actual Holocaust victims, the conversation must be immediately halted. Nothing is as important as maintaining moral clarity and clearly demarcating between the ghastly crimes of the Nazis and dissenting opinions of political, ideological, or even religious adversaries. Hearing one Jew call another Jew a Nazi is horrifying, and immediately discontinuing the conversation is the best way to demonstrate the gravity of this distortion.

POLARIZED TRUTH

Empty sloganeering unleashes polarizing terminology which paints our adversaries in extreme and fanatical terms. Exaggerated slogans create false polarities between ourselves and those who differ with us, causing us to deny merit in any opposing viewpoint. By vilifying our opponents rather than simply disagreeing with them, we mindlessly affirm our own positions, acquitting ourselves from any introspection or self-examination. Stupefied by the delusion that we, alone, possess absolute truth, we lazily adopt simplistic and imbalanced positions. Truth is never as binary as polarized politics suggests, and supreme confidence in our own exclusive truth locks us into the intellectual darkness of our own narrow positions.

CHEAP AND SHALLOW

Slogans also cheapen our experience and hollow out our identity. Just as emojis are cheap replacements for deeper emotional expressions, empty slogans are shallow

substitutes for nuanced beliefs and for complex ideas. Too much sloganeering, and our lives become driven by shallow catchphrases, rather than by values and identity. How often have you heard people utter mindless phrases such as “turning over a new leaf” or “sealing the deal”, rather than carefully describing their experiences or intentions? Words clothe our thoughts and expressing ideas through shallow slogans rather than through actual feelings or sentiments causes us to become superficial one-dimensional silhouettes. Tragically we have become cardboard cutouts of ourselves.

SLOGANS OR TRUTH

Empty slogans and simplistic labels also obscure truth, and, gradually, we lose the ability to discern the inner truth about our own personal lives. Without a compass for truth, we become lost in a fog of uncertainty and apathy about our own lives and our own values.

We also lose the trail of Hashem. In a false word of half-truths the only absolute truth is Hashem himself. People who lead lives of truth are close to Him, while those who veer from truth cannot stand in His presence. As Dovid Hamelech: who ascends the mountain of Hashem and who stands in His holy presence? Only those clean of hand and true of heart. The worst fallout of empty sloganeering is that we lose truth, and without truth we lose Hashem.

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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The Moment of Truth Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

BY SIVAN RAHAV-MEIR

Today all of us know how to explain Korach’s mistake. It’s terribly easy today to sit back and explain why most of the spies were in error and that it was a mistake to make the golden calf. But what would we have done had we been there? In the moment of truth, would we have chosen the truth?

Rabbi Haggai Lundin writes that when speaking about values, it’s worthwhile to pay attention to the historical context: “Korach was the hero of the hour. His ratings and the spirit of the times were on his side. He had followers and admirers and the media embraced him as a brave man who fought against fossilized tradition. We read about him every year and are reminded of an important rule: a lie persists for a time, but not forever. Today we are still astonished to sometimes see how popular views based on lies and hypocrisy win, at least for the moment;

it’s enough to see the world’s relationship with Israel as opposed to its relationship with her enemies. Every adult individual can talk about how medical, economic, and cultural lies – that rattled all of humanity at the time – eventually disappeared without a whimper. Sometimes it takes years, sometimes as in the case of Korach, the lie is swallowed up in the earth within a short time. But from an eternal perspective, good always triumphs.”

It is difficult for us when our spouse is not happy with us, and Korach’s wife wasn’t happy. She thought that her

Korach Sidra Summary

against Moshe, who is angered. He declares to G-d that he has received no personal gain from his leadership. The next morning, Korach and his assembly arrive with their incense offerings at the entrance to the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting), as does Aharon, accompanied by Moshe.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 16:20-17:8

husband had to receive a much higher-level role. Day and night, she dripped this venom in his ears: See the roles that Moshe and Aharon, your relatives, have, and see where you are. Move forward in life already! From here, things started going downhill, and fast. Korach declared a rebellion and fell into the abyss of total denial of the Torah and of Moshe Rabbeinu’s role.

But in the parasha, there is another character of a wife, a totally different one: On ben Pelet’s wife. On himself had already been carried into the dispute led by Korach and was no longer able to look

at things from the outside, with discernment. Here his wife played a reverse role to that of Korach’s wife and managed with her wisdom to leave him out of the story. When Korach and his friends were swallowed up by the earth at the end of the tragic dispute, On slept in his tent and stayed alive.

Usually, when people talk about the Korach affair, they talk about the big things – dispute, peace, envy, and faith. But between the lines, we may discover that which exerts the biggest influence upon us in life: the messages that our partners convey to us, the atmosphere at home and where it directs us, and the things that we say after a day of work, when the door of our home is closed, in the small talk in the living room and in the kitchen.

Sivan Rahav-Meir is the World Mizrachi Scholar-in-Residence and an Israeli journalist and lecturer.

The staffs are to be left in the Ohel Moed; whichever tribe’s staff miraculously blossoms is the rightful leader. The leaders do as instructed. The following morning Aharon’s staff has blossoms with a bud and almonds.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 17:25-18:20

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEMIDBAR 16:1-13

Korach, from the tribe of Levi, conspires with Datan, Aviram and On from the tribe of Reuven. They gather together 250 leading Israelites and challenge Moshe and Aharon’s rights to leadership. Moshe tells Korach and his assembly to prepare an incense offering in a fire-pan to bring the next morning. Aharon will do the same; whoever’s offering is received by G-d will indicate the rightful leadership. Moshe tries to dissuade the rebels. Datan and Aviram refuse to speak with Moshe, accusing him of “bringing the nation out of the land of Egypt in order to kill them in the desert”.

Point to Consider: Why is Korach’s lineage only listed three generations back and not more? (see Rashi to 16:1)

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 16:14-19

Datan and Aviram continue their tirade

G-d tells Moshe and Aharon to separate themselves from the rest of the nation, as G-d will immediately destroy Korach and all those people who have been drawn after him, including many of the Israelites (Rashi). Moshe and Aharon plead for mercy. G-d relents, telling Moshe to instruct the nation to distance themselves from Korach, Datan and Aviram in order to prove their allegiance to Moshe. Datan and Aviram remain defiant. Moshe announces that if Korach and his followers die a normal death, then he, Moshe, is not G-d’s rightful appointee. Yet if the ground swallows them up miraculously, then Moshe’s leadership is legitimate. As Moshe finishes speaking, the ground opens up, consuming Korach, some of his followers and all of their property. A fire then consumes Korach’s 250 men whom he had incited to join in the rebellion. Moshe commands Aharon’s son Elazar to gather up the copper fire pans of those

who died in order to make them into a covering for the Mizbeach (Altar). The next day, the people complain to Moshe and Aharon for ‘causing’ so many deaths.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 17:9-15

In response to the complaints, G-d threatens to wipe out the people. As a fatal plague breaks out, Moshe tells Aharon to place incense in a fire-pan to gain atonement for the complainers. Aharon does so, managing to stop the plague, but not before it kills 14,700 people.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 17:16-24

G-d tells Moshe to gather a staff from each tribe’s leader, with the name of the tribe written on the staff. Aharon’s name is to be written on the staff of Levi.

G-d tells Moshe to preserve Aharon’s staff as a reminder that he was chosen, lest the people rebel in the future. G-d reiterates Aharon’s duties and the need for the Levi’im to assist him and the other Kohanim. The Kohanim have the privilege of eating certain parts of offerings and certain tithes. The laws of redeeming firstborn male children and bringing firstborn animals as offerings are stated.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 18:21-32

The ‘first tithe’ (ma’aser rishon) taken from crops is given to the Levi’im. They need to separate a portion of this tithe to give to the Kohanim.

HAFTARAH

From the Book of Shmuel, the haftarah describes the day on which Shmuel appoints Shaul as the first king of Israel. Shmuel rebukes the nation for demanding a king and emphasises that they still need to fear G-d and obey His commandments. The righteous Shmuel was descended from Korach and he, like Moshe, declares that he has never taken anything from the people.

Korach declared a rebellion and fell into the abyss of total denial of the Torah and of Moshe Rabbeinu’s role.

“To the sons of Levi, behold! I have given every tithe in Israel as a heritage in exchange for the service that they perform, the service of the Tent of Meeting” (Bemidbar 18:21)

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When Selfish Becomes Selfless

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

Benjamin left his office building in Manhattan to get lunch, walking straight into the beggar standing beside the door. The beggar looked decrepit and ungroomed. Everyone on the sidewalk eyed him with contempt. Something stirred in Benjamin, though, and he was filled with compassion.

“Sir, are you alright?” he asked.

The beggar rolled his eyes and said, “Just leave me alone.”

Benjamin stayed where he was and continued speaking calmly to the man. “Are you hungry?”

“No, I’ve just come from dining with the president,” the beggar replied sarcastically. “Now leave me alone.”

Benjamin’s smile remained intact as he gently helped the beggar up instead. “Come, let’s get out of the cold and get a bite to eat.”

Benjamin led the man into a small café. He bought a few rolls and some coffee, and gently handed them over to the older man.

“Jack, you still don’t recognize me?” Benjamin asked.

Jack examined his face. “Well…you do look familiar.” he said slowly.

“Do you remember a cold and hungry boy who frequently visited this place when you used to work here?” Benjamin asked. “Perhaps he’s grown old, hasn’t he?

“I had just graduated, and I came to the city looking for a job. It took me a while to find one, and eventually I ran out of cash. I lost my apartment, and I had to move out onto the streets of the city in the middle of February. I walked into this store, hoping to find something I could afford with the few coins in my pocket.”

Jack’s face lit up, and he began to smile. “Now I remember you. I used to work at the counter.”

“I know,” Benjamin said. “You offered me the biggest roast beef sandwich, something to drink, and a table for me to sit at and enjoy the meal. I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register. You paid for my meal.”

“So, you started your own business?” Jack asked.

“No, not exactly. That very afternoon I got a job. I worked my way up. Then, I started my own business.” He opened his wallet and pulled out a business card. “Please pay a visit to the personnel director of my company. I’ll go talk to him now. I am sure there is something in my office that we can use your help with. We can even pay you some of your salary in advance.”

Fighting back tears, Jack asked, “How can I ever repay your kindness?”

“You don’t have to,” Benjamin answered. “You already did.”

THE DESIRE TO CONTRIBUTE

Everyone wants to contribute something significant to the world; to play a meaningful part in the cosmic symphony we call life. This desire is an inherent part of being

human. We yearn to expand beyond our limited sphere of existence and to become a part of something meaningful, something infinitely greater than ourselves. Although often channeled through ego and the desire for fame, this yearning stems from a deep, spiritual place. We possess a deep, inner knowledge that, at root, we are part of something infinitely greater than ourselves. Each of us is a unique and irreplaceable piece in a collective whole that transcends the sum of its parts. The question in life is not whether we wish to accomplish something significant with our gift of life, the question is how. How can I become more self-aware, more disciplined, more caring, and more successful?

AHARON’S AVODAH

When describing the avodah (Divine service) that Aharon Hakohen performed on Yom Kippur, the Torah states that Aharon is commanded to first bring a korban (sacrifice) to atone for his own sins, and then bring the korban to atone for the sins of the entire Jewish People. The order of these sacrifices is peculiar, appearing antithetical to Aharon’s role as the spiritual leader of the Jewish People. A leader is called upon to be selfless, unceasingly devoted to his or her people, putting the Jewish People’s needs before their own. Why then does Aharon take care of his own atonement before turning his attention to the people? What is the deep meaning and lesson behind this?

CHAYECHA KODMIN VS. V’AHAVTA L’REIACHA KAMOCHA

This same issue lies at the core of a discussion that takes place in the Gemara (Bava Metzia 62a). Chazal discuss the case of two men stranded in a desert with a single flask of water between them, belonging to one of the two men. If the owner of the flask drinks the water, he can survive long enough to make it safely back to civilization. If the men split the water, they will both die. The initial opinion, as quoted in the Gemara, is that the owner of the flask must share his water. This opinion stood until Rabbi Akiva came along and contested it, arguing that “chayecha kodmin — your life comes first,” therefore the owner of the water must save his own life at the expense of his friend’s. Although this statement of Rabbi Akiva seems logically justifiable, it is shocking in that it seems to completely contradict another well-known statement made by Rabbi Akiva. One of Rabbi Akiva’s most famous statements and principles is,

“‘V’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha,’ zeh klal gadol baTorah — ‘Love your friend as you love yourself,’ this is a foundational principle in the Torah” (Toras Kohanim 19:45; Rashi, Vayikra 19:18). If this statement is true, and if it represents Rabbi Akiva’s view, then how can he say chayecha kodmin — that you should prioritize your own life? Is this not a contradiction to loving your friend as yourself?

THE TWO-STEP PROCESS

In order to understand Rabbi Akiva’s seemingly contradictory statements, as well

as the puzzling order of Aharon’s korbanos, we must study the concept of giving in greater depth. The fundamental prerequisite for giving is that we must first have that which we want to give. In order to contribute to this world, we must first build something worth contributing. In order to truly love another, we must first love ourselves. The first step of life is building internally, developing our own skills and gifts. This means building our mind and inner world, developing our beliefs, our convictions, and our understanding of Hashem and His Torah. Simultaneously, we must develop our middos and personality, work on our self-discipline, and craft the ideal lifestyle to maximize our potential in this world. Only then is it possible to expand outwards and contribute to Klal Yisrael and the world as a whole.

WHEN GIVING ISN’T GIVING

Many people have an incredible desire to give but have nothing to actually contribute. It’s wonderful to dream of giving one million dollars to tzedakah (charity). But if we have no money, that desire will not have much effect. It’s admirable to want to be a role model and a teacher, but if we possess no knowledge, nor character traits to be emulated, what good is that desire? Of course, the desire itself is praiseworthy, and may someday lead to something extraordinary, but at present it has no effect. (The goal of this idea is by no means to diminish the importance and validity of noble desires. The point being made is that, for practical purposes, desire is not always enough.)

The same goes for marriage. Marriage can only be as great as each individual spouse is. The beauty of marriage is the result of what each spouse invests and contributes into the relationship. In an ideal marriage, each spouse expands outwards by giving themselves fully into the relationship. But if neither spouse has anything to give, what kind of marriage will it be?

CHAYECHA KODMIN AS A PREREQUISITE

This understanding of giving sheds light on Rabbi Akiva’s seemingly contradictory statements. Chayecha kodmin isn’t a contradiction to v’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha; it’s a prerequisite for its ideal fulfilment. Only if we first invest in ourselves can we then expand outwards and give to others. Only once we embrace our true “self” and discover our potential can we truly fall in love with ourselves. It is only after we love ourselves that we can then expand outwards and love someone else. Chayecha kodmin is the first step toward fulfilling v’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha. Thus, investing in ourselves is the most selfless form of selfishness, as it becomes the very foundation and prerequisite for giving.

THE PROCESS OF HUMAN GROWTH

With this principle in mind, let us explore the process of human growth. Many people grow from the outside in. They look around at their friends, their family, and society, and then shape themselves to fit their surroundings. The clothes they wear, the food

they eat, and the things they talk about all reflect their external environment. In this model, a person is a slab of clay, and the goal of life is to fit as neatly as possible into the molds that society creates for them.

This model couldn’t be further from the ideal. Each one of us is created with our own unique potential that is waiting to be actualized. Our job in life is to discover who we really are and to express our dormant perfection. Growth isn’t about becoming great, it’s about becoming you; learning isn’t about discovery, it’s about self-discovery. You are born as a masterpiece masked by confusion; your job in this world is to uncover yourself.

Instead of becoming a mirror, which reflects everything outside itself, we can become projectors. We can build something majestic and beautiful within ourselves and then express that out into the world. This is also the difference between thermometers and thermostats. A thermometer reflects its environment; the temperature outside determines its internal state. A thermostat, however, is unaffected by the external state of things; it first builds the reality within itself and then expresses that outwards into the external environment. A true model of growth is where we first develop ourselves internally and then express that out into the world.

AHARON’S ROLE AS THE LEADER

We can now explain the meaning behind Aharon’s avodah. A leader must be the ultimate example of working from the inside out — first developing himself internally and only then expanding outwards. Before Aharon could begin serving Klal Yisrael, he had to first work on his own personal connection with Hashem. Only after bringing a korban for his own personal atonement was Aharon then able to expand outwards, helping all of Klal Yisrael build their connection with Hashem.

AN AGELESS PRINCIPLE

When we think about focusing inward, investing in ourselves and our growth, we generally think of those in their teens and early twenties who are still in school or at the beginning of their careers, focused on learning and investing in themselves as much as possible. However, when properly understood, investment is imperative at every age. In order to give, we must first invest in ourselves, creating something powerful within that we then express outwards. Therefore, at all stages in life, we must balance these two principles: investing and contributing. Sometimes we may spend more time and energy on investment, and sometimes we may focus more on contribution, but they must always remain partners in our approach to life. It’s never too late to grow, and it’s never too early to contribute. The valuable skill is knowing how to create the ideal balance between these two and knowing when to shift the balance one way or the other. May we be inspired to endlessly invest in ourselves while realizing that everything I invest into me can ultimately be contributed into we.

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Teaching

BY SPENCER LEWIS

My favourite interview question to ask people who are thinking about going into teaching is to name their most inspirational teacher.

“Who can you remember from when you were at school and why did they have such an impact on you?”

We all have memories of teachers who cared, who were funny, cool and interesting and it is usually those who treated us with kindness and respect that we remember all these years later. Teaching as a job is one that demands the most sophisticated set of interpersonal skills possible. Teachers are imparters of knowledge, role models, counsellors and friends. They not only have to enthuse young people using the most up-to-date technology but they have to challenge, protect and excite in ways never previously imagined.

Practice Makes Perfect

It is a huge privilege to work with young people, to watch them grow, fall and pick themselves up. Helping them to navigate those early teenage years with skill and often remarkable maturity is never dull. The Talmud (Taanit 7a) quotes Rabbi Chanina who declared: “I have learned much from my teachers, more from my colleagues and most from students.”

Each and every day, in interacting with young people, I learn something new. Personally, the thing that gives me most satisfaction is the number of my own students who are now my colleagues: those who I taught as young teenagers and who

have decided that the memories of their own schooldays are so positive that it is a vocation to which they want to dedicate their own lives. It makes me feel that we have done so much right and that all the frustrations, moaning and threats of looming school inspections were worth it after all.

Teaching, of course, is a postgraduate profession that takes years to perfect. Many people, particularly in our community, feel that as they once went to school, they could be a teacher. Because they are educated in something, because they have knowledge, teaching would be

easy for them, and I have often wondered whether if we applied the same to other professions it would hold true. We have all been to the dentist and many of us have GCSEs or even A-levels (or equivalent) in science, but we wouldn’t presume to take up dentistry with nothing but optimism and minimal training. In our schools, we work hard with training teachers both in the initial training year and the subsequent two years through the Early Careers Teacher Framework to coach, mentor and support those at the beginning of their careers so that they can forge a path towards a long, fulfilling and successful professional life.

Perhaps next time we interact with our

Family Fun Korach

As if the lessons of the previous Sidrot had not been learned, we are now faced with another traitor. This time it’s a prominent person - Korach. It began with “small” jealousy of cousin Elitzaphan who had been appointed a leader of them and then it grew to jealousy and suspicion of no less than our dear leader Moshe Rabbeinu. He gathered a group of characters from the tribe of Reuven and 250 “respectable” people and they all challenged Moshe by questioning- “we all stood at Har Sinai and therefore what right do you have to rule over us? Why are you and Aaron the leaders?” (Um. You were at Har Sinai not long ago?! Did you not hear Hashem talk to Moshe?) It was suggested to bring Ketoret the following day. When they did so, a fire

came out and consumed them. This didn’t prevent Korach from continuing his campaign. Moshe and Aaron were told by Hashem that the entire community would be punished but Moshe pleaded with Hashem not to. Moshe then proclaimed, “If Korach and co die a usual death then it’s not Hashem who appointed me. If however, a unique incident occurs and the ground swallows Korach and (whatever was left of) his crowd, then you will know that these people (haven’t merely started up with myself, they have) have tried to fight Hashem Himself!”

Korach and his family and accomplices were all swallowed along with their possessions.

The pans which the faulty Ketoret were brought on were melted and used

Word Search Dingbats

to cover the Mizbeach to serve as a reminder not to mess with Moshe.

There was a plague after the Jews complained again and the Ketoret brought by Aaron stopped the plague but sadly many people died.

After this, Hashem instructed the tribes to each bring a stick and place it in the Mishkan. The stick upon which flowers would grow would serve as the proof which is the chosen tribe. Aaron’s stick blossomed miraculously with flowers and almonds and that solved any further doubts.

We were then taught of the 24 gifts that the Jewish people must give to the Kohanim. The tribe of Levi in general, were designated to serve Hashem and were therefore not given a portion of land in Israel. It was the privilege

of the nation to support and sustain them. Similarly today, when we hear of people who spend their entire days and much of their nights studying or teaching Torah, we are aware that it is a Hugh privilege to give them financial support.

Many lessons are learned from this week’s Sidra. Firstly, to believe that Moshe was chosen by Hashem and all his appointments of others was not biased. Secondly to avoid arguments and fights at all costs. Thirdly to beware who our neighbours and friends are. Many of the tribe of Reuven were dragged into this dispute simply on account of them being neighbours of Korach! Trying to surround oneself with sincere, kind, honest and committed people is a great thing!

It contains 95 verses, 1,409 words and 5.325 letters.

Korach is the fifth Sidra in the book of Bemidbar.

Korach, from the tribe of Levi, conspires with Datan, Aviram and On from the tribe of Reuven to challenge Moshe’s leadership

Tangram Challenge! Word Wheel

Using

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.

Last week’s words

all the shapes on the left can you make the camel shape on the right? ail alp apt ash asp ass has hat lap oat

pal pat sap sat spa tap ails also alto atop

Jokes

hail halo halt haps hasp hast hats iota laps lash

lass last lath oath oats opal pail pals pass past

Q. Where is the ocean the deepest?

A. On the bottom!

O I S N N R I

Use the area below to write the words you have found.

U

path pats pita plat sail salt saps sash slap slat

soap spas spat tail taps altos hails halos halts iotas

lasso lasts laths loath oasis oaths opals pasts paths patio

plait plash sails salts shoal slaps slash slats soaps spats

splat stash tails latish palish pastis pathos patios patois phials

Riddles

Q. What is the worst vegetable to have on a ship?

A. A leek!

Q. What did the tree wear to the pool?

A. Trunks!

Q. What happened to the guy who went to court over his missing luggage?

A. He lost his case!

plaits postal shoals splash splats saltish topsail hospital topsails hospitals

1. I am a 5 letter word typed in all capital letters can be read the same upside down? What am I?

2. I’m not clothes but I cover your body; The more I’m used, the thinner I grow. What am I?

3. What word has the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more! Answers

SWIMS 2. A Bar of soap 3. Queue

EXPERT ADVICE

Dear Marc

We have a financial dilemma. My spouse and I are retired. We don’t want our children to have to pay 40% inheritance tax but we also might need care in the future and don’t want to have to be dependent on our children. We own a second property which is rented out and have various savings and investments. Is there a way to mitigate inheritance tax and keep control and access to our money for now ?

Mr and Mrs Cohen

Dear Mr and Mrs Cohen

Your dilemma is a common one! A competent adviser will be able to direct you through all the important issues you should consider and decisions you need to make to reduce your estate’s inheritance tax liability. Gifting to your children is an option for mitigating inheritance tax. However, this option presents two problems. Firstly, it takes 7 years for the gift to fully exit your estate for tax purposes. You might not have that long before you pass away! Secondly once you gift, you lose access and control of that money/asset. Therefore, it’s not a viable option as you would have to be dependent on your children’s generosity to meet your potential care needs. An attractive alternative option you ought to consider is investing in assets that qualify for Business Relief. The benefits of this option are that it only takes ownership of two years for those assets to be deemed exempt from inheritance tax and you can retain access and control of your money indefinitely. No gifting is required. If you hold these investments at death and they have been held more than two years, these investments will be exempt from inheritance tax. You can also use these investments to pay for your prospective care costs. Investments that qualify for Business Relief come in various forms and with different advantages and disadvantages as well as risks to each investment. Seek advice for an appropriate investment.

Marc Ovits

SHIPPING

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING

With almost 40 years experience, our company has the ability to move household and personal effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and care that comes from that experience coupled with an attention to detail.

We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation. And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!

Contact: 020 8832 2222 info@shipsms.co.uk www.shipsms.co.uk

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.

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

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.

Contact: 020 7781 8019 info@richdale.co.uk www.richdale.co.uk

WEALTH MANAGMENT

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

Alpha Wealth Management

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BUTCHERS

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

ESTATE AGENT

Contact: 020 8381 4450 info@kosherdeliuk.co.uk www.kosherdeli.co.uk

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.

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

Contact: 020 8203 2111 mail@theroundtree.com www.theroundtree.com

YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS in association with richdale

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET

We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010. We specialise in supplying businesses with VoIP Packages, Mobile Plans, Broadband, Card Merchant Services, Leased Lines, On-Hold Marketing, and Call Centre Services. Smartinet, your reliable and efficient business communications provider.

UK ALIYAH ADVISORS

UK ALIYAH ADVISORS - GARY BROWN - PRACTICAL ALIYAH ADVICE

Book a FREE meeting with UKAA’s founder Gary Brown, who will go through your particular needs and wants on a the PRACTICAL side of leaving your country of origin and/or living in/moving to Israel. This is both for pre and post- Aliyah Olim. This FREE meeting will allow Gary to advise on who you need to speak with for each requirement and when in the year you should approach them. Confidentiality assured.

Contact: 0333 613 0000 connect@smartinet.co.uk smartinet.co.uk

BUILDING AND PARTY WALL SURVEYING

MATRIX SURVEYORS LIMITED

Offering a range of building surveying services and specialising in party wall matters, nationwide, for both consumers and businesses, including; -

• Pre-acquisition Surveys

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• Defect Inspections

• Schedules of Condition

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Contact: Toli Moscovitz BSc (Hons) MRICS

0161 823 6973 info@matrixsurveyors.co.uk www.matrixsurveyors.co.uk

• Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules

• Construction Project Management

• Licence for Alterations

• Insurance claims

Contact: +972 (0)2 372 3775 / +44 (0)20 3 989 5080 info@ukaliyahadvisors.com ukaliyahadvisors.com/provider/uk-aliyah-advisors/

MANAGED I.T. SERVICES PROVIDER (MSP)

SIMON MOSCOVITZ BSC (HONS) – EUROTEK UK LIMITED

We are a well-established and successful Managed I.T. Services Provider (MSP) with a clear sense of purpose. We plan, design and enable the procurement, implementation, protection and management of a wide range of modern technologies through an earned and trusted partnership with our clients across the UK. We enable our clients to be operationally efficient by successfully embracing their digital transformation journey.

• Why choose Eurotek UK? Deliver > Manage > Automate > Secure > Backup

Contact: 0161 660 2745 hello@eurotekuk.co.uk www.eurotekuk.co.uk

Events

Upcoming Simcha or event? Leave the worrying to us and we’ll leave the celebrating to you!

Discover gorgeous events at amazing prices! The economical way to a great simcha!

Contact us now on: 020-8191-0308

Email: sales@sababa-events.co.uk

Web: www.sababaa.uk

Some recent Sababa and Balagan graphics...

STOP PRESS! - We are delighted to welcome our new partner, Zev Young, as the Catering Manager and owner for both Sababa Cafe (milky) and Balagan Restaurant (meaty) in Borehamwood.

As a top-class chef with exceptional catering and event planning experience both in the UK and internationally, Zev's passion for food and extensive background in the catering industry makes him the perfect fit to elevate our establishments to new heights. We wish Zev well.

CONTACT: Zev Young - Tel: 07717-726556/020-8191-0308 email: zevyoungevents@gmail.com

10% DISCOUNT! - As prominent members of the Borehamwood community, Zev and his wife are actively involved in Hatzola and various other initiatives. In appreciation of their service, we are currently offering a 10% discount for Hatzola members, NHS members etc.

Discover the 'NW London Secret' at Borehamwood: whether you're craving one of our signature coffees, delectable meals, platters, or fully catered events. You're no longer limited to Hendon or Golders Green. Visit us soon, (just a short drive) and experience the difference!

SUSHI AND OTHER PLATTERS - As our platters and other food offerings become more sought after than ever, whether from Sababa or Balagan, we are proud to extend a 10% discount on any order place by a shul or charity. This provides an affordable way for religious organisations and charitable causes to access high quality food options without breaking their budget. Our platters feature only the finest, delicious ingredients.

SUMMER REFRESH - Boost your mind and body with a Sababa summer refresh! New this summer is delicious slush. Always popular is our freshly squeezed lemonade, smoothies and more to quench your thirst in a delicious way,

BUBBLE TEA - We've been working on it for months to bring you an authentic bubble tea experience – new to the kosher market. Get ready for a delicious, unique flavour that's sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Hatzola Discount

Platters discount

Summer Drinks