The Jewish Weekly 100

06 JUNE 2019/03 SIVAN 5779

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TRIBUTES FLOW TO “MOTHER OF ISRAEL” 06 JUNE 2019/03 SIVAN 5779

BY DAVID SAFFER

The State of Israel is mourning the death of First Lady Nechama Rivlin.

President Reuven Rivlin in a poignant eulogy at Mount Herzl cemetery yesterday said his late wife had "fought like a lion” and described her as "the mother of Israel" One of the country's most popular public figures passed away at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv on Tuesday, a day before her 74th birthday, from complications following a lung transplantation in March.

Israelis were able to pay respect as her coffin lay in state at the Jerusalem Theater on Wednesday afternoon.

President Rivlin thanked those who attended and recited Kaddish beside his wife's coffin.

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“You were more Jerusalemite than the Rivlin's," said President Rivlin at the funeral service, referring to his family being in Jerusalem for five generations.

“You would water and foster everything you knew that was good. Everyone here loves you.”

He added, "To you my beloved Nechama, my lover, it is so hard for me to be bidding you farewell. Thank you my Nechamele for your love, your humour, your warm heart, I was the spouse, I was the spouse of the wife of the president."

"No water will ever be able to extinguish my love for you, rest in peace," he concluded.

Rivlin's daughter Anat recalled her mother’s strength despite health issues over the past 10 years.

"She was so strong, I don't know how she did it," Anat said,

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Nechama Rivlin

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adding, “She said that being in the President’s residence, she can actually touch and teach people and help people."

Rabbi Benny Lau, Cantor Shai Abramson, Rona Kenan and Alon Eder participated in the service broadcast live online.

In an official statement on

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Tuesday, the Rivlin family thanked those concerned about Nechama’s welfare in light of her deteriorating health in recent months, expressed gratitude to hospital staff for their “devoted, sensitive and professional treatment, night and day, with open

hearts and shining faces."

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Red card for Galloway after anti-Semitic Tottenham tweet

BY NATALIE ASH TalkRadio has sacked divisive former MP George Galloway over an anti-Semitic tweet about Tottenham Hotspur following their Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in Madrid on Saturday.

Galloway wrote on Twitter “No Israel flags on the Cup!”, resulting in his dismissal.

TalkRadio noted they had terminated The Mother of All Talk Shows presenter with “immediate effect”.

“As a fair and balanced news provider, TalkRADIO does not tolerate anti-Semitic views,” they added.

Galloway’s original tweet, “Congratulations to the great people of Liverpool to the memory of the socialist miner Bill Shankley to the fallen 96 to those who fought for justice for them and to the Liverpool dockers. No Israel flags on the Cup!” resulted in a backlash on social media.

Both clubs slated the controversial politician who has had numerous clashes with the Jewish community.

Tottenham condemned the tweet, “It’s astounding in this day and age to read such blatant anti-Semitism published on a social platform by someone who is still afforded air time on a radio station on which he has previously broken broadcast impartiality rules.”

Liverpool’s Head of Club and Supporter Liaison, Tony Barrett, noted the club had been graced by former Israeli stars Ronnie Rosenthal and Avi Cohen.

He added that the club was one of “all flags, all religions, all nations.”

Jewish leaders were outraged by the latest Galloway episode.

Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl said Galloway’s tweet was “blatant anti-Semitism”.

She added, “We applaud talkRADIO for taking this poisonous and divisive figure off air. His attempt to bring hatred into a wonderful occasion for English football has attracted the derision it deserves.”

A Jewish Leadership Council spokesperson described Galloway as a “repeat offender”, never missing an opportunity to hurl insults at Israel or any person or

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George Galloway

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body that he feels might have support from Israel.

They added, “It is fitting that both Liverpool and Tottenham have condemned his self-seeking antics. It seems that this latest tirade has backfired. TalkRadio have made entirely the right decision in sacking him.”

Former Tottenham chairman Lord Sugar, a lifelong fan, tweeted that Galloway’s comments were a swipe at the Jewish community who are Spurs fans.

He added that Galloway was an “anti-Semite of the highest order”.

There has been no official comment yet from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, but deputy leader Tom Watson has welcomed the dismissal over Galloway’s “hatefuelled” comments.

“There can be no place for this hatred in our society,” he said.

“We must stand together against bigotry and in solidarity with the Jewish community. I welcome the decision to take a voice that thrives on division off the air.”

Galloway has courted controversy for many years.

Most recently in March, he breached Ofcom rules with his show after discussing anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

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It is fitting that both Liverpool and Tottenham have condemned his selfseeking antics During the transmission, stating that anti-Semitism claims against Corbyn were “bogus” and had come about due to the Labour leader’s “success”.

Among other issues, in 2015, he declared Bradford as an “Israel-free zone.”

After losing his constituency, he commented, “The venal, the vile, the racists and the Zionists will all be celebrating.”

In 2009, Canadian immigration authorities refused Galloway entry due to his support of terror organisations.

He has defended his anti-Semitic tweet, arguing Spurs fans had been waving Israeli flags in the crowd, showing an affiliation to a “racist state”. On hearing news of his sacking, Galloway told TalkRADIO he’d see them in court.

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 12 Community 19 Letters 20 Medicine 21 Business 25 Travel

26 Feature 28 Judaism 34 Kids 36 Youth 38 Sport

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MDA respond to stabbing in central Israel One person was slightly injured in a stabbing attack in Ramat Hasharon yesterday morning.

Magen David Adom responded to the incident and treated a 46-year-old with upper body wounds.

A police spokesperson said the incident was believed to be criminal after an initial investigation.

The victim, who as yet has not been named, received medical attention at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, six miles from Tel Aviv.

Police set up roadblocks as they launched a manhunt after the assailant fled the scene.

A police helicopter quickly joined the search close to the Mesubim interchange.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim was walking along the street when he was attacked by the attacker near a building site.

Reports say the attacker had an Arab accent and swore at his victim in Arabic. The attacker is believed to have stabbed the victim a number of times in the back and pelvis.

MDA paramedic Guy Gutlansky was reportedly first to scene where the victim was lying in the street with stab wounds but fully conscious.

“We administered life-saving medical treatment, including stopping the bleeding, and evacuated him to the hospital once his condition was stable,” he told reporters.

Jewish organisations slam Corbyn over byelection candidate

BY HOWARD LAWRENCE Jewish organisations have slammed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for not axing his Peterborough party candidate in the recent hotly contested by-election.

Labour hopeful Lisa Forbes liked a Facebook in April, stating Theresa May has a “Zionist slave master’s agenda and previously welcomed a post indulging a bizarre conspiracy theory that Mossad and the CIA are behind Daesh.

Forbes “wholeheartedly” apologised for not condemning the posts in a local newspaper and has agreed to undergo training.

Investigative journalist Iggy Ostanin broke the latest Labour anti-Semitism revelation.

“Regardless of whether I am elected, I will deepen my understanding of anti-Semitism, so I can act as an ally, challenging antisemitism wherever it occurs,” she said.

Forbes’ comments however resulted in short shrift from Jewish communal bodies.

Marie van der Zyl, Board of Deputies president, Simon Johnson, Jewish Leadership Council chief executive and David Delew, Community Security Trust chief executive called into question her suitability for public office.

“Ms Forbes has now apologised, saying

Israelis mark Jerusalem Day

BY LEAH WAXLER President Reuven Rivlin paid tribute to SixDay War victims at a memorial ceremony in Jerusalem on Sunday. Addressing families of IDF that died during the historic event more than 50 years ago, Israel’s leader said memories were precious. “All we can give to the sons and daughters who have paid with their lives, and to you, who have given the

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most precious of all, is memory,” he noted.

“Their memory that lives with us even after they have gone, let the souls of our sons and daughters be bound up in the bond of life.”

Since the war, Israelis have marked the reunification of Jerusalem at the Western Wall with music, singing and dancing.

Rivlin said that Israel is in a stronger position as a result of the conflict. “We have peace agreements with our neighbours,

Lisa Forbes

PHOTO: FLICKER

she had not seen these words, but this stretches the limits of credulity, especially given the high profile problems in Labour and the previous anti-Semitism scandals

Israel is strong and stable,” he noted. “The IDF is stronger, more sophisticated and more powerful than it was fifty years ago, but the country is still not quiet. There are other threats that we must address.”

He added, “Iran continues to threaten the stability of the region and poses a real threat to Israel’s well-being. The State of Israel and IDF are prepared to respond to every scenario and threat. We are not bent on war. Not bloodthirsty. But if we are required to do so, if we are forced to fight, then as today, we will respond wisely, with force.

“We will continue to maintain the State of Israel’s commitment to the security and well-being of its citizens.”

Away from memorial events, Israeli security forces clashed with Palestinians at the Temple Mount after around 100 Jewish visitors were allowed to the sacred site for Jerusalem Day celebrations. Rioters hurled stones in protest to a police decision to allow non-Muslims entry for the first time in 30 years to mark the unification of the capital city. Jerusalem District Commander Maj. Gen. Doron Yadid ordered officers to deploy dispersal measures. Activists continued protesting after withdrawing to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. A number of protesters were arrested at the scene.

Police kept a presence as thousands gathered in the Old City for Israel’s annual Flag march.

Students from religious high schools, yeshivas and seminaries attended.

Israel’s decision to allow Jewish visitors was criticised by the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

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in Peterborough Labour circles, such as Alan Bull and last November’s resignation of two senior councillors, who said they had been pressured against when trying to complain about anti-Semitism,” they explained.

“Ms Forbes also says she will seek anti-Semitism training. This is somewhat ironic given her previous rejection of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism.”

The communal leaders added, “We are fed up hearing that Labour opposes anti-Semitism while repeatedly hearing excuses that its members accidentally missed the racism that was staring them in the face. Unless Labour disowns Lisa Forbes as a candidate, it will only confirm the Party’s shameful descent into the racist mess for which they are now being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.”

“It is beyond disturbing that Ms Forbes has liked and commented positively on posts espousing anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, and that Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party continue to endorse her nonetheless, with no sign of even the façade of disciplinary proceedings,” added Campaign Against Antisemitism.

CAA is to refer this latest incident to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for consideration during its investigation into anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

CAA take on Welsh police over antiSemitic hate speech Campaign Against Antisemitism is making a professional standards complaint against a Dyfed-Powys police officer over comments made to them relating to anti-Semitic hate speech.

Discussing an allegation against the owner of Tribestan UK about anti-Semitic emails sent to an Israeli person trying to order items, an officer told CAA that specific comments that “Jews rip us off!” and “Jews rob us!” were recorded as a hate incident not hate crime.

When pressed, the sergeant confirmed e-mails were “stating an opinion”.

One Tribestan UK e-mail noted, “Unfortunately Jews have negativity on our businesses. Do you know why? Because Jews rip us off!” Another stated, “We don’t ship to Israel because the Jews rob us! Sorry but that’s a fact. They scam the world.”

“At a time when British Jews are threatened by levels of anti-Semitism that are unprecedented in the UK since the Second World War, it is alarming and unacceptable that a police officer is incapable of distinguishing between the legitimate expression of a point of view and anti-Semitic hate speech that has been at the root of much of the persecution suffered by the Jewish people,” noted CAA. Tribestan claims the e-mails were hacked.

6 JUNE 2019

New hope for pancreatic cancer patients

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IDF seals last Hezbollah attack tunnel Israel Defence Forces have sealed the last Hezbollah cross-border attack tunnels from Lebanon into northern Israel. News of the operation comes six months after the IDF discovered six tunnels when it

launched “Operation Northern Shield” last December. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus informed reporters during a tunnel tour earlier this week that it was the “longest and deepest” Hezbollah tunnel

Dr. Talia Golan, the head of the Sheba Medical Pancreatic Cancer Center, has said that a targeted cancer therapy drug she and her team developed together with pharmaceutical giants Astrazeneca and MSD (Merck), offers “potential hope” for patients with a specific type of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Thanks to a new drug called Lynparza which is part of a clinical trial regimen known as POLO, which treats a specific type of metastatic pancreatic cancer in those who carry the BRCA 1 & 2 mutation, long-term survival rates for this deadly disease may very well be within reach.

In the past, very few studies had shown the benefits of various drug regimens, until the Lynparza/POLO trial began showing promise in its various trial phases.

“The POLO trial using the medicine Lynparza offers potential hope for those who suffer from metastatic pancreatic cancer and have a BRCA mutation,” the South African-born, senior oncologist revealed, after the New England Journal of Medicine reported the drug yielded promising results.

Further, “this treatment also exemplifies the advent of ‘precision medicine’ based on a specific genetic biomarker, BRCA 1 & 2,” she added.

In other words, the drug can help target those with the BRCA mutations - unstable cells that often lead to cancer. Ashkenazi Jews are particularly vulnerable, since they are susceptible to carrying the BRCA gene which can lead to cancer.

Many around the world are in desperate need for a cure. Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer worldwide, with 458,918 new cases in 2018 alone. It is the 4th leading cause of cancer death, and less than 3% of patients with metastatic disease survive more than five years after diagnosis. Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is difficult, as often there are no symptoms until it is too late. Around 80% of patients are diagnosed at the metastatic stage.

To date, very few studies have shown the benefits of pancreatic cancer, making Sheba Medical Center one of the first.

This very rare breakthrough involved screening some 3,000 patients, 154 of which who underwent randomization and were assigned a trial intervention. The results demonstrated the drug had a noticeable impact on those affected with the disease.

Patients from around the world were given the drug in addition to a round of chemotherapy and then were treated repeatedly with Olaparib. That group’s results far outpaced those who did not receive treatment.

Golan’s findings were revealed in Chicago this week at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual conference, where some 4,000 people were in attendance.

“This drug provides tremendous hope for patients who have pancreatic cancer.

When we saw the results were positive, it really was an exceptional and phenomenal moment,” Golan said.

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near the town of Zarit. The tunnel stretched to over 80 meters below ground with a height of a 22-storey building. The army added the tunnel was intended for use by Hezbollah militants as it contained electrical

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wiring, fuse boxes and communications equipment. Conricus confirmed the successful operation meant there were no more Hezbollah attack tunnels at the border. Hezbollah has not commented.

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Al Quds activists call for Israel’s destruction

BY HOWARD LAWRENCE Calls for the destruction of Israel were heard at Al Quds marches in London, New York and Berlin last weekend.

Protesters marched in central London with banners declaring it to be a “crime” to support Zionism.

During the rally a group of activists burnt an Israeli flag while chants included “we don’t need no Zionism, we don’t need no Zionist control”.

Mick Napier, Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign the Secretary, told protesters disgraced Labour Party member Peter Willsman should not have been suspended for his much-publicised allegations about the Israeli Embassy.

Prior to the parade, CAA met with Metropolitan Police Service who vowed to enforce the law if Hezballah flags were flown.

Unlike previous years, there was no visible display of flags or support for the terror group following a ruling by Home Secretary, Sajid Javid with support from Foreign

Secretary, Jeremy Hunt.

Anti-terrorism activists displaying Israeli flags confronted marchers.

Demonstrators at a protest in Times Square were filmed chanting “we don’t want no two-state (solution) we want all of it” while speakers called on supporters to “smash the settler-Zionist state”.

Protesters at an anti-Israel al-Quds rally in Berlin chanting “Palestine will be reborn!”, “Free Gaza!”.

At the same time a pro-Israel rally attracted hundreds of supporters including German politicians.

Only last week Germany’s Bild newspaper called on readers to wear a cut-out kippa after Felix Klein, Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism, faced a backlash after warning Jews about the dangers of wearing a kippah in the wake of anti-Jewish attacks.

Klein’s comments were criticised by the German government, Jewish community, Israel President Reuven Rivlin together with organisations and politicians around

Al Quds March in London

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

the world.

Bild’s cut-out blue kippa displayed three Stars of David accompanied by a plea to wear it.

Klein backed down from his statement after Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert joined the debate.

“The state must see to it that the free exercise of religion is possible for all and that anyone can go anywhere in our country in full security wearing a kippa,” Seibert told a press conference.

Klein said, “I call on all citizens of Berlin and across Germany to wear the kippa if

there are new, intolerable attacks targeting Israel and Jews on the occasion of al-Quds day in Berlin.”

Klein marched alongside Andreas Geisel, Israeli Ambassador in Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, Berlin’s top security official at the pro-Israel gathering, Geisel, urging the German government to consider banning the political wing of Hezbollah.

German Ambassador to Israel, Dr. Susanne Wasum-Rainer, noted during an address at a Jerusalem conference co-organised by World Jewish Congress’ that the “kippah belonged to Germany”.

Tributes to last Sobibor survivor Semyon

BY LEAH WAXLER Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the last living Holocaust survivor of notorious Sobibor concentration camp in Poland.

Semyon Rosenfeld, 97, one of only 47 people to escape the death camp, passed away at the Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot on Monday.

Semyon had been living in a retirement community in Yad Binyamin Rosenfeld.

“May his memory be blessed,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his Facebook page.

MK Yair Lapid, Blue and White party, saluted his memory, adding, “may we be worthy of his death with our lives”.

Isaac Herzog, Jewish Agency chairman described Rosenfeild as a “true hero”.

“It is our duty to transmit from generation to generation the story of his life and all those of his generation,” he added.

World Jewish Congress said Rosenberg was a hero who risked his own life resisting the Nazi ‘Final Solution.’

“Defying all odds, he eluded the relentless dragnet that claimed the lives of most of those who took part in the revolt,” said WJC President Ronald S. Lauder.

“His very survival is a testament to the resistance of the Jewish people against hatred, and he lived the remainder of his life as a proud Jew in the Soviet Union and eventually in the Jewish State.”

Semyon Rosenfeld

PHOTO: YOSSI ZELIGER

He added, “As the years pass and the number of survivors dwindles, it is more important than ever to educate future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.

“Today, sadly, there is nobody left to tell the story of Sobibor first-hand. We must step in and continue to share the testimonies of those who lost their lives, and those who lived with its memory until their dying days.

“The chilling story of what went on in Sobibor and other sites of mass murder must always remain clear and serve as a warning

of the murderous potential of anti-Semitism”.

Born 1922 in Ternivka, a small village in Ukraine, Semyon joined the Red Army in 1940, fighting the Nazis, who murdered his extended family.

Semyon later discovered they were buried in a mass grave near his home town.

Captured in 1941, Semyon was sent to a labour camp in Minsk, Belarus, with 230 Jewish prisoners then in 1943 to Sobibor near Włodawa.

In an interview, he recalled lying to the

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Nazis about having a profession, which saved his life. Shortly after his arrival, Semyon asked about the whereabouts of the prisoners he’d arrived with at the camp, a German officer pointed to smoke coming from the crematorium.

Over 250,000 Jews were murdered between April 1942 and October 1943.

During that latter month, Rosenfeld was among a group of 300 prisoners, led by Red Army officer Aleksandr “Sasha” Pechersky, who attempted to liberate the camp.

Pechersky asked the 21-year-old if he could kill a man with an axe, Rosenfeld replied that he couldn’t kill a man but could kill a Nazi.

The group killed 11 Nazi officers, but guards fought back and only 47 survived the coming days.

Semyon survived, hiding in woods with fellow prisoners until the spring of 1944 when he rejoined the Red Army and went on to help capture Berlin.

The Nazis took apart the camp at the end of 1944, but ultimately failed to hide its deadly secrets by planting trees in the area.

The historic event is recalled in a 1987 film, “Escape from Sobibor”.

Returning to the Ukraine, Rosenfeld made aliyah in 1990.

He is survived by two sons and five grandchildren in Israel and the United States.

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"Nechama was the very epitome of the 'eshet chayil,' the woman of valour immortalised in Jewish tradition…"

Reuven and Nechama Rivlin

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and the wonderful thing they did."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led tributes from the nation.

"We have all been praying for her recovery these past weeks, as she was bravely fighting for her life,” he said. “We send our condolences to the president, his family and to the entire country."

“We recall with great fondness our visit together, and it was clear that you and I share the great blessing of having had an extraordinary partner for our journey through life,” wrote former US President Batak Obama in a hand-written letter.

IDF Chief of staff Aviv Kochavi recounted Mrs Rivlin's frequent visits to military Resource Advert Half Page 265 x 158 Jewish Weekly.pdf 1

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

bases, where she looked out for the welfare of troops.

"We all share in the great sorrow of my friend, President Rivlin and his family," said Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein. "With her personality and her kindness, Nechama touched everyone she met."

MK Gideon Sa'ar added, "My heart is with my friend, President Rivlin, for whom Nechama was a friend, a lover, a partner and a rock."

Opposition leader Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz expressed condolences, noting Nechama was respected by Israel's society for her kindness. He added, “Nechama was a wonderful, kind woman, who was respected by the entire country."

Isaac Herzog, Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman, 05/06/2019 11:45:40said “She was involved in many

social charities with love and modesty, opening the doors for Israelis and for the Jewish people. We embrace President Rivlin and family and share their grief”.

Amir Balaban, Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, remembered Nechama as a true lover of nature who was involved in nature projects.

“Nechama was the very epitome of the 'eshet chayil,' the woman of valour immortalised in Jewish tradition, we mourn together with the Rivlin family and the whole nation of Israel,” said World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder. “We will always remember her with admiration and fondness. She was a gracious hostess to innumerable delegations from around the world, both Jewish and not, bringing the best face of Israel forward with love and compassion.”

Gad Ariely, WJC-Israel, commented, “Nechama will always be remembered for her extraordinary humility and hospitality but also for her patriotism as a matriarch of the nation.”

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Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis led tributes from the United Kingdom.

“Nechama Rivlin was a lady of warmth, wisdom and humility whose loss will be mourned not just in Israel but across the Jewish world and beyond,” he said.

Former Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, said that he and his wife Elaine were deeply saddened to hear of her passing, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with President Rivlin and his family at this difficult time.”

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said, “Our thoughts are with President Rivlin and the family at this sad time, The Jewish Leadership Council tweeted “deepest condolences” to the Rivlin family.

Born June 4, 1945 on Moshav Herut, co-founded by her parents, Mendi and Drora Shulman, who immigrated from the Ukraine, Nechama studied botany and genetics at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, working as a researcher at the university in the departments of zoology, ecology and genetics before retiring in 2007.

A popular first lady, she focused on numerous areas including the arts, environment and children with special needs.

An advocate for women and volunteer with the Israel Prison Service, she was remembered by the Israel Women's Network as a model of feminine leadership.

The Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel said her feminism was quiet but forceful.

She is survived by President Rivlin, who she married in 1971, three children, Rivka, Anat and Ran, and seven grandchildren.

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6 JUNE 2019

Bibi axes Bennett and Shaked after coalition demise

Naftali Bennett

BY ADAM MOSES Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has axed Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked from the government following the demise of his coalition. New elections are set to take place on September 17.

Netanyahu appointed Likud MK Amir Ohana on Justice Minister Wednesday evening, stating that Ohana was a lawyer who knew the judicial system well.”

Israel’s leader added Ohana was a proposer of the controversial Nation-State Law. Likud’s Yariv Levin had reportedly turned down the Justice post as it was only temporary, while right-wing Party leaders Rafi Peretz and Betzalel Smotrich wanted to be considered as replacements.

And attorney general confirmed temporary appointments could take place without Knesset approval. But Netanyahu was clear on social media that Israel would not become a “Halachic state” after Smotrich reportedly commented that the justice system must abide to Halacha.

“It is my intention that the State of Israel is ultimately run according to the Torah,” Smotrich told Israel Radio, adding “Our country will return to the way it was in the days of David Hamelech and Shlomo Hamelech, run by the laws of the Torah.”

Smotrich explained further his comments after criticism from a number of politicians.

“There is no coercion and nothing is happening at a moment’s notice,” he noted.

“There remains a great deal of flexibility.”

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Smotrich concluded, “We must do what we can to give a chizuk to the Chief Rabbinate’s batei din”.

“There are endless Torah doctrines that provide room for democracy and the way of life determined through it. It’s not as scary as they paint it. We just need to learn.”

Regarding the justice ministry post, he added, “I am ready to take the mission with great joy. It is clear to me that I am not going to make far-reaching changes, it will be in the next term.”

Former minister Avigdor Lieberman has been vocal over numerous issues and views secular rights as a campaign strategy.

Lieberman noted that a “Halachic state” was not imaginary but a significant threat.

“Listen to what Smotrich, a candidate for the justice minister post, has said,” he noted. “This is no longer just a comment of a delusional hilltop boy, but a statement of intent, he wants a Halachic state.”

Labour MK Shelly Yachimovich said Smotrich’s comments were a wake-up call for the country.

“His shocking words should be a warning in the face of the conservative wave washing over us,” she said.

“According to the prospective ministers of justice and education, Israel should become a country in which men are able to divorce their wives for dressing immodestly, slavery and stoning to death are practised, homosexuality is banned and only men are allowed to own property.

“The fact that Smotrich and his cohorts

Ayelet Shaked

are not hallucinating from the sidelines, and are in fact assuming important and influential roles, poses a tremendous danger to the future of humanity and the age of enlightenment.”

There is intense debate over the influence of the ultra-orthodox community in Israel.

Draft exemptions date to Israel’s independence in 1948 when the government allowed a few hundred students to pursue religious studies. Exemptions have grown exponentially with ultra-orthodox leaders insisting young men serve the nation through prayer and study.

But resentment abounds in some quarters that ultra-orthodox youngsters study Torah ahead of secular subjects while adult men get welfare payments whilst studying throughout their lives.

Tel Aviv University economist Dan Ben-David is president of the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research conducting research trends.

“Giving one’s life for one’s country is the ultimate sacrifice,” he reportedly noted.

“It is unconscionable that there are free-riders in Israel who treat the rest of us as lower caste mercenaries to ensure their livelihood. They ostensibly prefer not to enter modern society, but have no compunction about claiming its fruits, from modern health care through modern infrastructure to the extensive subsidisation of their lifestyle.”

The military has not provided updated figures on recruits but it is believed to be in the thousands. The ultra-Orthodox is the fastest growing community in Israel with

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PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

economists warning it could become taxing on Israel’s economy.

Some 7% of the country’s adults are ultra-orthodox, but great-grandchildren will reach 50% of Israeli children in two generations according to Ben-David.

Meantime, US President Donald Trump has called on Israel to “get their act together” after Netanyahu’s failed bid form a new governing coalition.

“The political situation in Israel is “all messed up,” Trump said, and the U.S. is “not happy about that.”

Aside from the elections, Trump was hopeful his long-awaited Middle East peace plan would occur despite reported comments by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Jewish leaders at a meeting in New York.

“We’re doing our best to help the Middle East to get a peace plan,” Trump told reporters. “I understand why (Pompeo) said that.

Most people would say it can’t be done. I think it can be done.”

But uncertainty over Israel’s elections could delay the plan.

White House adviser Jared Kushner noted in an interview that Palestinians deserved “self-determination,” but would not commit to Palestinian ‘statehood’.

“I do think they should have self-determination, I’m going to leave the details until we come out with the actual plan,” he commented.

Kushner added Palestinians needed a fair judicial system, freedom of press, freedom of expression and tolerance for all religions before it became “investable”.

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Chai Challengers raise £40,000

2019 Jewish community trustees’ conference

On the Snowdon Triple Challenge

A group of 12 adventurous ‘Chai Challengers’ have just returned from Snowdonia National Park, having summited the mighty Snowdon. In just one day they managed to conquer some of the UK’s most rugged landscape, tackling all terrains as they cycled, trekked and kayaked the gruelling 36km route.

The ‘Snowdon Triple Challenge’ is the third bespoke challenge from Chai’s nationwide initiative, ‘Chai Challenges You’ which launched in 2015 by veteran trekker and Chai Ambassador, Alexandra Maurice following the huge success of the Kilimanjaro Trek in 2013.

Alexandra Maurice, said: “This was my fourth ‘Chai Challenges You’ trek and I certainly didn’t expect the hail storm whilst descending the mountain! This time we challenged our participants in different ways - biking, hiking and kayaking. It was a long

day with many highs and lows - not unlike the Cancer journey that so many of Chai’s client’s experience. Many of the group have seen first-hand the incredible support Chai provides and it is always an honour raising money for them, knowing the direct impact it has.”

Chai’s Chairman, Louise Hager, said: “What this group has achieved is so wonderful! The £40,000 raised will go towards supporting our ‘Chai in Schools’ programme.

We salute Alexandra Maurice for her incredible dedication to Chai and for driving ‘Chai Challenges YOU’ and the Snowdon Triple Challenge forward. Chai needs the community’s generosity to help raise the £3.2 million it will cost to provide its services each year.”

Whether your personal challenge is to skydive, ride a bike or even climb a mountain, ‘Chai Challenges YOU’ to go the extra mile to make a difference!

CONSIDERING ALIYAH? Join hundreds of British Olim making their Aliyah dream a reality.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

DOV NEWMARK: dov@nbn.org.il www.nbn.org.il 0800-075-7200

WORKING IN COOPERATION TO BUILD A STRONGER ISRAEL THROUGH ALIYAH

Every one of us, together

Left to right: Nicky Goldman, Jo Coleman, Penny Wilson, David Lazarus, Debbie Fox, Simon Johnson, Michelle Janes, Laurence Rosenthal

Last Tuesday, Lead and the Jewish Volunteering Network held their largest ever Trustees’ Conference with over 140 trustees, Chairs and CEOs from Jewish and wider community organisations in attendance.

The theme for this year’s Conference was ‘Facing Challenges and Succeeding’, with keynote Penny Wilson, CEO of Getting On Board, a charity that helps individuals and employers to become leaders in communities through board-level volunteering. She focussed her address on the importance of diversity on boards. Speaking about the event, Penny said: “I was inspired to see so many participants and organisations keen to expand the diversity of their trustee boards. A diverse board of trustees with a range of skills, knowledge and experiences helps a charity to thrive, and one way to achieve this is through effective trustee recruitment which is well within the reach of any organisation, whatever their cause or size.”

Expert charity lawyer Jo Coleman provided participants with a wide-ranging governance update covering the key updates from the past year. Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) CEO Simon Johnson discussed the lessons learnt from the recent Independent Enquiry into the JLC. Trustees then had an opportunity to network with fellow trustees followed by a series of workshops. Workshops included Finding the Trustees you Need to Survive and Thrive; Fraud and Financial Controls; How to Lead a Grassroots Charity to Success; Impact Evaluation How a Charity Identifies, Measures and Quantifies the Impact It Has; Safeguarding Following the Charity Commission Guidance and Six Essential Duties of a

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PHOTO: MARC MORRIS

Trustee. An expert in the field delivered each workshop.

Many at the Conference attended in order to gain a greater understanding of what they or their organisation might need to fulfil their roles most effectively.

Attendees left armed with detailed information on a number of areas that are key to good governance. One commented, “I have been telling my trustees that we need to engage in this and I now have the necessary resources to back me up”.

The Trustees’ Conference has become a staple in the communal calendar, providing a unique opportunity for learning and development at a lay level. Our communal organisations will continue to benefit from the topics raised at the Conference.

Michelle Janes, Executive Director, Lead said: “It’s inspiring to see so many people committed to the effective leadership of such a wide range of organisations and who are motivated to continually develop their own leadership skills and abilities.

We know the impact of this event is much more than the content of the sessions and are excited to support the community in taking this forward over the coming months” Nicky Goldman, Chief Executive, Jewish Volunteering Network said: “The Jewish Community Trustees Conference presents an annual opportunity for trustees from organisations across the Jewish community and beyond to come together to learn best practice in governance, share experiences and network.

The demand for this is demonstrated by the fact that it sold out weeks ago. It was encouraging to see how much the participants benefited from the sessions”.

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Chai leads the way with tap and British Emunah marks donate ‘Chai Five Me’ Campaign Volunteers’ Week

Rabbi Ginsbury tries the new tap and donate

Another “first” for Chai! Last week Chai Cancer Care launched ‘Chai Five Me’, a ‘tap and go’ donation campaign through a shop window front - making tzedakah giving easily accessible for the North-West London community.

Our first contactless donation point was unveiled in Kosher Kingdom’s window with a poster of George Rosenfeld, a Chai Ambassador, asking you to give him a ‘Chai Five’.

The concept is simple, tap your card or mobile device on George’s hand to donate £3 to Chai. 100 per cent of donations will help more than 3,500 cancer patients and their loved ones, who turn to Chai for support during what is often the toughest of times.

As Chai has often been described as a pioneer and leader in the field of cancer support, we are so excited that this futuristic concept is the first from any Jewish organisation. And following the success of the Kosher Kingdom launch, we are delighted to announce that more units will be launched in Tapuach (Hendon), Daniels (Temple Fortune), Brackmans Bakery (Salford) and Haydn’s Kosher Meats (Whitefield) over the next few weeks.

Sara Greenfield and Geoff Munitz

George Rosenfeld, the face of the campaign, said: “The Chai Five campaign is so exciting because it gives people the opportunity to engage with giving in a new and exciting way. I’ve seen first-hand at Chai’s London centre the incredible support they offer to cancer patients and their loved ones. Kol Tov (formerly The 4 Sons) have been supporting Chai since we began singing and raising money back in 2012, and it has become a special organisation for all of us.”

Chai’s Chairman, Louise Hager, said: “Having this facility so easily accessible means that people have the opportunity to give tzedakah in the spur of the moment.

They may know someone who is in recovery, somebody who needs a refuah shlema or they may simply wish to mark a simcha.

Since our launch hundreds of people have donated – it’s the 21st Century version of the tzedakah box concept.”

The Kosher Kingdom management, said: “We are honoured and delighted to be the first location to partner with Chai in their most original ‘Chai Five’ initiative. Wishing them every success!”

Sara Greenfield and Geoff Munitz raised hundreds of pounds for Emunah at a car boot sale in Aldenham on Sunday during Volunteers’ Week.

The money will benefit at-risk children who are supported by the Israel welfare charity. “It is typical of our wonderful

volunteers that in a week when we are meant to be thanking them, that they insist on doing even more to help us,” said British Emunah CEO Lynda Dullop. The charity would be delighted to hear from people wanting to get involved or visit Emunah projects in Israel.

Celebrating Jews around the World Emily Ben-Ze’ev from Emily’s Adventures in Wonderland visited Nancy Reuben Primary school for a workshop on celebrating Jewish communities around the World. The children learnt about all the different customs throughout Ashkanazi and Sephardic communities. They dressed up in traditional costumes and enjoyed listening to a range of Yiddish and Ladino tunes played

by Emily on her clarinet .

A communal organisation working across the entire spectrum of the Jewish community and beyond, dedicated to helping people to earn a living

To find out how we can help you, visit theworkavenue.org.uk Registered with Charity Commission 1164762

Dressed as Jews from different countries

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Bnei Akiva celebrates 80 years with new Sefer Torah Bnei Akiva marked Yom Yerushalayim by celebrating a Hachnasat Sefer Torah at their London Bayit. This brand new Sefer Torah was funded entirely by members of Bnei Akiva, with special donations from former Mazkir Danny Seal, the Melnick family and Herring family. This once in a generation event was commissioned as a continuation of Bnei Akiva’s 80th birthday celebrations which have been ongoing during this calendar year. The Sefer was paraded through the streets of Temple Fortune, accompanied by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the Mazkirut of Bnei Akiva, and Chaverim young and old from across the generations.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis marked the occasion by saying “Yerushalyim Ir Hakodesh is the sign of our continuity as a nation.

A Sefer Torah is more than a symbol, it is the guarantor of our continuity… And this is what Bnei Akiva does, as a movement for the last 80 years they have guaranteed

Chief Rabbi Mirvis parading the Sefer Torah

“Cause for celebration”

Intergenerational Cooking for the Great Jewish Bake Day

Zigi Shipper, member of Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre with Jenna Kay, Daniella Winton, Elise Kay, Alyssa Berlin from Jewish Care Families making mini-cheesecake at the intergenerational Great Jewish Bake Day Shavuot activity

Enjoying the dinner

Local teenagers celebrated their achievements at the first Impact Care Awards Celebration Dinner at Leeds Chabad Lubavitch CTeens.

Twenty-nine teens participated in a variety of community care projects by providing entertainment at Donisthorpe Hall and Leeds Jewish Welfare Board, befriending residents at an EMI unit, working at a Jewish charity shop.

They also attended a session helping Homeless Street Angels in Leeds city centre.

Daniel Sacks compered the event which included a fully catered meal from McQue’s caterers.

A group of teens introduced the evening

PHOTO: MERON PERCEY

that the traditions of previous generations will pass through us onto the generations to come.”

Hannah Reuben, Mazkira said “Throughout this year we have been looking back into our history, and celebrating 80 years of inspiring and educating young people in the UK through Torah, Avodah and Aliyah. Today, we look to the future and provide the foundations for this message to continue for generations to come.”

After the parade, the party atmosphere continued with lively Hakafot, a free barbeque and a bouncy castle at the London Bayit. The Sefer will now be used for the first time at Bnei Akiva’s Tikkun Leil Shavuot in Edgware before travelling to Manchester for a celebratory Shabbat service.

It will be used this summer by hundreds of Chanichim and Madrichim, and by thousands over the coming years.

followed by a video greeting from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.

Guest speaker Charlotte Newman captivated participants with her challenging journey of overcoming illness.

Rabbi Mendy Chazan, Director CTeen Leeds said, “We look forward to encouraging even more teenagers to take part in the next Impact Care Awards programme.

“We certainly can be proud of our Jewish teens. The future is looking good!”

Rabbi Reuven Cohen introduced guest of honour Dr Marjorie Ziff, who has dedicated to numerous causes in Israel and locally.

Participants received a certificate, Amazon voucher and customised rucksack.

Children from Jewish Care Families and members of Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre got creative and messy with food at an intergenerational Great Jewish Bake Day activity this week. The group, whose ages ranged from 3 to 90 years old, began preparing together for Shavuot, making mini-cheesecakes with sprinkles and sauce, Shavuot-themed edible art and sweetie necklaces with Kids Cooking.

Myla Williams, age 3, who enjoyed cooking with the members, said, “This was the best party ever!” whilst her cousin, Talia Coppel, age 3 said, “The best bit was crushing the biscuit for the cake and I loved doing the sprinkles!”

Holocaust Survivors’ Centre member, Marie Obuchowski said, “The kids needed

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PHOTO: PAUL LANG

help with some of the activities, they enjoyed themselves and had such fun - that’s the most important thing and I enjoyed it too.”

Jenna Kay, Chair of JC Tots, said, “It was so special to watch four generations coming together, supporting each other and making new friendships whilst all having a lot of fun. That’s what JC Families is all about and it was a great way to start the Great Jewish Bake Day activities, when the whole community can enjoy getting together over cake. The JC Tots and Juniors looked adorable in their little chef hats and brought so many smiles to the members of the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre as they worked together to make chocolates, mini cheesecakes and edible art for Shavuot.”

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Google returns to Finchley Central Work Avenue were proud to welcome Google’s Digital Garage to their much acclaimed Start Up Central event, where one hundred and twenty entrepreneurs and small business owners took advantage of Google’s expert advice and guidance to go one step further with the application of digital media within their businesses.

Google’s Digital Garage shared their knowledge and experience of using the main digital marketing channels to build a successful marketing strategy, enhancing brand awareness and reaching new customers. There was a lively debate about its application in small and startup businesses, as well as providing plenty of handy tips and information.

Additional support came from Joanna Michaels, founder of digital marketing consultancy Beyond Social Buzz and accredited Facebook trainer, who led a packed workshop on successfully using Facebook & Instagram for business. The Work Avenue team also led break out workshops on topics of interest to entrepreneurs including sales strategy for start-ups, your start-up business checklist, and so much more.

The event concluded with a fascinating fireside chat hosted by Rebecca Simon, Director of Marketing Strategy at British

The crowd enjoying the lecture

PHOTO: MERON PERCEY

Business Bank interviewing 2019 Sunday Times Top 100 Innovative Entrepreneur Steven Mendel, CEO and Co-founder of Bought By Many.

Joanna Sadie, Head of Business at

Rabbi Shalom Kupperman, David Silberstein, Justin Donn and Norman Litvin braved the rain to cook up a tasty Yom Yerushalayim barbecue at Etz Chaim Synagogue, Leeds on Sunday. Throughout the afternoon, Moshe Vecht led LJOY youths in an escape room treasure hunt while Shaliach Amir Ben Hur organised themed songs.

Tasty barbecue at Etz Chaim Synagogue Leeds

Work Avenue, commented: “The range and diversity of our delegates was quite exceptional today. I hope everyone has come away with useful actions and ideas from both the Google presentations and

the breakout sessions to help them develop their business.”

Joanna Michaels stated: “We were so pleased to be able to offer advice at Start up Central. Events like this can offer so much to entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages of their business journey.”

Said Shiri Atsmon, who runs Helpful Kids: “I attended the Facebook & Instagram workshop and found it so helpful.

The networking with other like-minded delegates was amazing too.”

Debbie Sheldon, CEO of Work Avenue, commented: “Work Avenue is dynamic in outlook and offers a tremendous service to businesses and people looking to work, grow a business and learn new skills, helping them to earn a living in a challenging world. Start-Up Central showcased this brilliantly with help from Google’s Digital Garage, and of course the amazing Work Avenue business support team. There was a tremendous thirst for knowledge at the event with some great networking conversations and so much positive feedback. Work Avenue will continue to support all the delegates who attended today through our ongoing business advice, our excellent business workshops and shared workspace.”

New Chairman for AJEX A security industry executive, Mike Bluestone, has been elected as National Chairman of AJEX The Jewish Military Association UK (AJEX) to succeed Colonel Martin Newman who has completed his two years in office.

Mike, who has served as a Territorial Army signaller and in the IDF, is enthusiastic about his new role. He said: “I have been impressed by the by positivity, optimism, and enthusiasm within AJEX for the associations’ future.

There is no shortage of interest in AJEX from the hundreds of Jewish members of today’s armed forces, along with many other members of the wider Jewish community, both young and old, who identify with the core objectives of AJEX, Remembrance, Welfare, and Education.

Mike intends to develop the recently introduced ‘cradle to grave’ approach, whereby serving Jewish military personnel are provided with community support both during, and after their period of service. AJEX sees everyone from young members of the Cadet and Reserve Forces to Regular servicemen and women and veterans as part of the wider Jewish military family.

He continued: “Through its ongoing support for initiatives such the WW1 ‘We Were There Too’ educational project, and the recent highly successful ‘Veterans Games’ for British and Israeli disabled veterans which was held in Israel, AJEX will be further focusing on veterans’ welfare and education.”

AJEX is engaged in the planning and implementation of a number of key remembrance

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Left to right: Colonel Martin Newman, Mike Bluestone

events and ceremonies, which commemorate the sacrifice of British Jews and non-Jewish military personnel in the preservation of our freedom. “We are also firmly committed to the continuation of the annual AJEX parade at the Cenotaph, which will see increased numbers of marchers drawn from Jewish schools, cadet forces, and other youth organisations,” he said. “To do this we need volunteers and now membership of AJEX is open to all – service in the armed forces isn’t a requirement.”

A serving army reservist, Sgt. Dan Fox, was elected as deputy chairman.

Outgoing chairman, Colonel Newman, concluded: “I am delighted that AJEX is in good hands with Mike Bluestone at the helm assisted by Dan Fox and the executive officers and staff. I wish them well for what I am sure is going to be successful tour of office.”

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Kol Yaakov Shul Prestwich held a celebration dinner Sunday evening at Prestwich Jewish Day school hall, in honour of its newly appointed Rabbi, Rabbi Pinchos Kahn.

Kol Yaakov Shul’s new Rabbi Pinchos Kahn addressing the dinner

6 JUNE 2019

The new Kaliver Rebbe 28 year old Reb Yisroel Mordechai Yoel Horowitz visits Manchester

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Generation Sinai at King David School. A unity project of the office of the Chief Rabbi of South Africa and Seed.

Generation Sinai brings families learning together.

The Kaliver Rebbe speaking to Hatzola members

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

The Goodall and Heywood family

The Kaliver Rebbe (L) and Nussi Burns Father (centre) at the Bris of his son

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

The Kaliver Rebbe (second from right) visits the CST's northern office

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LETTERS 19

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.

CELEBRATING 100 EDITIONS Dear Editor, I wish to add my Mazel Tov wishes to the Jewish Weekly on the occasion of reaching the milestone of 100 editions.

This may not sound a lot but given that most ventures fail in the first couple of years - let alone newspapers - it is indeed a tremendous achievement. To survive in the highly competitive market of the Anglo Jewish press and journals is a great tribute to all involved. Certainly more than one naysayer predicted its early demise to me when you started up and joined the pantheon of the esteemed Jewish Press.

Actually 100 does not have any great significance in Jewish tradition. We even wish people “ long life” ‫ עד מאה ועשרים‬till 120! Of course cricket lovers understand the significance of a “century”!

However one of the most significant numbers in Judaism is 50. The 50th year during the Temple era was the Yovel - the Jubilee. 100 is this twice 50- 2 Yovels if you like.

Of course every cricket fan will also understand the significance of 100 NOT OUT! The Jewish Weekly is not only 100 editions old but 100 editions NOT OUT! I am sure the best is yet to come. After a batsman reaches 100 he can play on with more freedom.

Interestingly, this week’ Sedra is all about numbers! (Both the Sedra and the 4th Book of the Torah we are just commencing are actually called “Numbers”.) This is because numbers are not just significant to accountants but are really important.

The Torah frequently tells us the ages of people - not just when they pass away but at significant milestones in their lives- e.g when Moshe became the leader of the Children of Israel we are told he was 80 years old.

Your 1% can help end Jewish poverty A little from a lot of people can make unimaginable changes.

Leaving World Jewish Relief a gift in your Will of just 1% of your estate could end Jewish poverty and bring hope to the world’s poorest Jews.

To find out how or for more information on leaving a gift in your Will please contact Richard Budden on 020 8736 1250 or go to worldjewishrelief.org/will

I wish the Jewish Weekly every success for the future. ‫תלכו מחיל אל חיל‬ Councillor Rabbi A Saunders

Dear Editor, I have written this piece, for the Jewish Weekly’s special 100th edition. I felt that my message of congratulations, was best expressed, in poetic format.

I wish mazeltov to The Jewish Weekly On reaching its publishing centenary I’m sure that just like thousands of other Jewish people It’s an integral part of my Shabbat day reading material I fully appreciate that one feature of each instalment Is that it is produced without any editorial judgment In respect of the many different topics reported on That is left to the readership and their own opinion Thank you for including in those 100 editions A selection of my submitted letters and poems Here’s wishing a Shabbat Shalom To my fellow readers and everyone Who is involved in ensuring that The Jewish Weekly Helps to serve the literary needs of the Community A Chag Sameach for Shavuot As I now look forward to a lot More issues being published in the future Of this well-established family newspaper J D Milaric

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Sub-cellular monitoring of malignant tumours

6 JUNE 2019

Researchers at the Technion believe their discovery of a new technology to monitor metabolic processes in cancerous tissue could lead to targeted drugs for preventing malignant growth. In recent decades, many studies have been conducted around the world on the development and spread of malignant tumours in the body, as well as their diagnosis and treatment. One of the most important discoveries is related to the unique metabolic properties of the cancerous cell.

BY KEVIN HATTORI Metabolism is a vital process that makes it possible for the cell to generate energy and produce the molecules needed for its development and survival. This process is very different in the malignant cell, as cancer cells divide uncontrollably, and their speedy growth reduces the oxygen and nutrients available to them and requires reprogramming of the metabolic processes. Successful monitoring of these metabolic changes could lead to the development of specific anti-cancer drugs that would impair the metabolic processes needed to sustain the cancerous tissue.

But applying this idea is not simple, because cellular metabolism is a very complicated process that involves the activity of thousands of genes and metabolic enzymes. Another major complication is that different areas of the cell maintain different metabolic processes, and existing technology does not allow each of them to be tracked separately.

Now, in a study published in Nature Communications, Professor Tomer Shlomi of the Technion Faculty of

Professor Tomer Shlomi

Biology and Computer Science and the Lorry I. Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering present a new technology for monitoring metabolic processes in different parts of the cell.

“We have developed a technique for monitoring the rate of metabolic reactions at sub-cellular resolution, particularly mitochondria and cytosol,” he said. Mitochondria are the cell’s “power station,” and cytosol is the fluid inside the cell.

Prof. Shlomi’s research group is an interdisciplinary team comprised of researchers from the fields of biology and computer science. The new technology also combines biological methods with computational methods, namely molecular biology and mass spectrometry, technology for identification of materials in a sample, along with decoding of measurements using computational analysis. This combination enables modeling of the metabolic processes at the sub-cellular level.

The new technology was used to study mutations that interfere with mitochondrial activity in cancer cells. To their surprise, the

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researchers discovered a unique backup mechanism that allows cancer cells to overcome mitochondrial mutation damage and survive through unknown metabolic activity, the reversal of the direction of the Krebs cycle, a major metabolic pathway involved in cellular respiration.

“This is the first time that a reversal of the activities of these enzymes has been observed in human cells and specifically in cancerous ones,” said Prof. Shlomi.

“Understanding this reversal mechanism is paving the way for medical treatment that will neutralize it. In other words, drug targeting of this backup metabolic process enables to selectively kill the mutated cancer cells without harming the healthy cells.”

If you want to learn more about Technion UK’s events and guest speakers, please sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter on www. technionuk.org

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Weekly

BUSINESS 21

Sponsored by

Legal & General UK private sector selling general reports sluggish insurance business to underlying growth Allianz for £242m Britain’s private sector reported sluggish underlying growth last month, as Brexit uncertainty continues to weigh on many businesses, the Confederation of British Industry said at the start of this week.

Britain’s economy grew solidly in the first three months of this year, according to official data, boosted in part by factories stockpiling raw materials ahead of a Brexit that failed to come as planned on 29th March.

Some business surveys have pointed to weakness since, and the Bank of England has forecast a second-quarter slowdown as the boost from stockpiling fades. The Confederation of British Industry said its

The deal, expected to complete later this year, will see two million customers with household insurance policies transfer over. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to complete later this year, the UK company said.

L&G said it would use the cash raised to reinvest in its “attractive and growing core businesses”. L & G Company Chief Nigel Wilson said: “Selling the general insurance (GI) business is the right decision for our customers and shareholders and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our GI colleagues for their contribution to Legal & General.

“We continue to focus on delivering against our strategy, allocating shareholders’ capital rigorously.

“We are market leaders in UK markets and have a growing presence in the USA and an emerging presence in Asia.

“Deploying capital in these businesses will deliver better outcomes for all our stakeholders. Our GI customers will benefit from the strength and capability of Allianz in the household insurance sector.”

Jon Dye, Chief Executive of Allianz UK, said the deal was “a good outcome for all the parties involved” and was “a strong result”.

“The Allianz Group has worldwide insurance experience, is robustly capitalised and has a strong reputation for customer service and these strengths will be applied to grow the business,” he added. Allianz is also buying out the remaining 51% stake it does not own in LV General Insurance Group. After the transactions are confirmed, the firm says it will be the second largest general insurer in the UK with 12 million UK general insurance customers.

monthly growth indicator sank to -1 for May from zero in April.

“Private sector activity remains stuck in neutral, with conditions in the service sector notably weak,” said CBI economist Alpesh Paleja. “Businesses continue to cite the ongoing drag from Brexit uncertainty, which is holding back key projects, pipelines of work and investment.”

Last week, the CBI wrote to Conservative lawmakers competing to succeed Theresa May as Pime Minister, urging them to avoid a no-deal Brexit, for which it said the “vast majority” of businesses were unable to prepare.

Airbus close to deal to sell A330neo to Virgin Atlantic

Europe’s Airbus is close to a deal to sell A330neo wide-body passenger jets to Virgin Atlantic, industry insiders said on Monday.

The Britain-based airline has been evaluating the upgraded A330 model

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against the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Sources have said the airline was looking up to 10 aircraft. The A330neo sells for $296 million (£234 million) at list prices, but airlines typically win significant discounts.

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Nationwide wins £50 million prize to help boost small business banking Nationwide wins a £50m grant to help fund its expansion into SME banking, while Investec and Co-Operative Bank also win awards of £15m each.

The award is part of a £775m programme funded by Royal Bank of Scotland as a condition of its bailout during the financial crisis. A total of £425m will be given in cash grants to rival business banks and financial technology companies, while a further £350m is being used to encourage RBS customers to switch to alternative providers.

Investec and the Co-Operative Bank, both of which won smaller awards of £15m each, have also pledged to match the prize with their own investments, with Nationwide will use the money to deliver new services for SMEs. The building society will match every pound received over five years to shape new products and services.

Nationwide says 7,000 branch workers will be trained in business banking to create a further 400 jobs. including at the society’s head office in Swindon, Wiltshire. The society is the only major high street provider, that currently not to offer a business current account.

Five big banks dominate 85% of the business lending market, where switching levels are low. Nationwide aims to shake up the market by focusing squarely on supporting the UK’s 5.6 million SMEs. Among its products and services , Nationwide will offer are unsecured loans along with accountancy and cash flow support to assistance with foreign payments.

The society says that it can often take a longer-term view because it is owned and run for the benefit of members, not shareholders.

Joe Garner, Chief Executive of Nationwide, announced: “This is good news for small businesses. The fund gives unprecedented opportunity to accelerate plans and inject competition into this market. As a building society, we are in a unique position as the only mutual with the scale, trust and track record to offer a compelling alternative to the banks. “While the money is a massive boost for our plan, we also aim to match every pound of the £50 million award with our own funding over a fiveyear plan. As a mutual organisation driven by our social purpose, it is important that business owners are given more choice to find an account which suits their needs and we look forward to delivering this proposition.”

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Israeli start-up, Trax, are raising funds with a company value of nearly £1 billion

Israeli start-up Trax Retail, which serves the retail industry with its inventory management technology, is currently completing a $100 million financing round at a value of $1.1 billion (£974 million), Bloomberg reported.

The company is negotiating with several private equity funds and is expected to close the deal by the end of June, according to CEO and co-founder Joel Bar-El. Bar-El said, “Now that we have grown to a significant size both in terms of revenue and number of employees, this is the appropriate time to fundraise again”. Bar-El added that the disappointment from Uber’s first trading day did not raise doubts for Trax.

According to the report, the new fundraising is expected to be used to acquire three companies. One of them is LenzTech, a direct competitor that develops computer vision technology for stores. Trax is expected to integrate Lanzetek’s 110 employees at the company’s offices in China. Trax is also considering acquiring two additional competitors, from Europe and the United States.

Nokia CEO: We’re leading in 5G Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri remains upbeat about his company’s position in 5G. Speaking during Nokia’s Annual General Meeting, Suri claims the Finnish vendor is benefiting from offering “wider portfolio elements that our competitors cannot match.” Nokia is often hailed for its end-to-end solutions, but competitors like Ericsson are often seen to be stronger in Radio Access Networks (RAN).

With its newish Ericsson Radio System, a RAN platform that already accounts for 84% of all its RAN sales, Ericsson has been able to land some major deals. In Germany, notably, Ericsson dislodged Nokia as a RAN supplier to Deutsche Telekom.

“5G is not the future anymore. It is here, and Nokia is leading it,” Suri said. “We are winning deals and rolling out some of the world’s first 5G networks.”

The exec touted the vendor’s 37 5G commercial contracts, “20 with named customers including T-Mobile, AT&T, STC, and Telia. 5G is now accelerating and the power of Nokia’s end-toend portfolio is being recognised.”

However, Nokia reported low results for Q1 of 2019. The company blamed a failure to supply 5G network equipment on time. Nokia should have been able to capitalise on the global uncertainties around the use of Huawei equipment, but it’s only managed to secure one 5G contract since its Q1 results.

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TRAVEL 25

New Park Manor - Hampshire The Perfect Base for Peppa Pig World!

BY CARON BLUESTONE Peppa Pig World is one of those places that’s on every young family’s to-do list.

Luckily, It’s situated in a lovely part of Hampshire in the New Forest; from national parks to amusement parks, pretty villages and seaside towns, there’s something for every taste. Just two hours in the car from London, not far from Southampton, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight, there’s a great place to stay that makes a serious point of catering to children and their frazzled parents in equal measures.

New Park Manor is a luxury, country escape in the village of Brockenhurst, officially declared Britain’s most beautiful place to live. Its grounds sit directly within the National Park, which means that when it comes to attractions, they have half their job done. Their back garden merges seamlessly in to countryside with wild deer and wild horses roaming literally within touching distance. The views are truly magnificent, waking up to a herd of deer silently moving in unison from one end of the field to another, is not something witnessed from a window in London!

Not content with the wild surroundings, Luxury family Hotels, the people behind New Park Manor and a handful of other beautifully-situated family escapes, has made the most of their huge garden, making it an enchanting place to wile away the afternoon. From the patio, where tables and chairs spill out into the sunshine for drinks beneath umbrellas watching the children play, they have a heated outdoor pool and lots of spaces naturally separated by the shape of the garden; a place for croquet, football goals set back below. The garden is filled with activities for the young and old, nooks and crannies for playing hide and seek, age appropriate wooden climbing frames that blend into the trees and the outdoors.

All of the important common areas of the hotel look out onto the garden, notably kids club, which has its own secure area with loads of outdoor imaginative play, akin to a full on nursery - it’s OFSTED registered.

Two trampolines, ride on cars, a mud kitchen and so much more. The swimming pool too has the view, as does the hot tub and relaxation area. Nothing is more relaxing than spotting animals in the countryside.

Our two day break kicked off well. Shown to our impressive Muntjac family suite in the forest wing, all rooms named after trees and deer, we unpacked and took in our home for the next two nights. Two bedroom with a huge interconnecting bathroom, kitted out with a deep bath and walk-in shower, our own terrace complete with outdoor beanbags and uninterrupted views of the forest. With a homely, comfortable yet contemporary feel, it was perfect.

Almost immediately afterwards it was

time for our massages. We had booked the children in to the crèche for the afternoon, a two hour slot of free childcare, football and trampolining, so dropped them off for some outdoor fun whilst we headed to the Elemis spa. With an indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and sanarium, panoramic views of the forest, it’s easy to lay back, relax and forget about the stresses of parenthood. It’s a true haven for relaxation.

We both opted for thirty minute bespoke massages with aromatherapy oils and both emerged blissfully relaxed. My massage, although short, was expertly given, meaning that I switched off from the very first minute. My husband, also emerged a calmer version of his usual self. With an instruction to leave the oil on for a long as possible to work it’s magic, we reluctantly left, making a mental note to return with the kids for a family swim.

Back to the room for showers, we hardly had the time to see the children before dropping them off for the first of two family movies screenings in the cinema. Comfortable seating and a huge screen kept them busy until dinner time.

The hotel has two dining options, one adults-only, for those who are staying to take advantage of the spa and the other for families. It works well and kosher food is available. We ate in peace, as a family, in

The views are truly magnificent, waking up to a herd of deer silently moving in unison from one end of the field to another the airy conservatory overlooking the garden. Good weather meant that the door was open for the kids to play in the garden, whilst we enjoyed not having to rush our meal for a change!

We retired to a very comfy bed, watching the daylight fade from our balcony. The next day, up early to watch the deer, I sat at our window taking some photographs as the sun rose. A simple pleasure.

Now, there are lots of things to do both at the hotel and nearby. We headed out to Peppa Pig World. A promise had been

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made to our three year old and it had to be kept. Less than twenty minutes away, New Park Manor is a perfect base for this outing.

It’s too far to day trip from London if you want to fit a good day in at the theme park.

Peppa Pig World is part of Paultons Parka theme park that offers something for every age, with over 70 attractions. From the tamer rides for the younger children within Peppa Pig World proper, to fast-paced white knuckle roller coasters, through to traditional Victorian merry-go-round, we had a fabulous family day out. What sets Paultons apart from others is it’s setting - 140 acres of parkland. My advice, bring a picnic and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Back to the hotel after a jam-packed day, we just about had the energy to sit outside on the terrace supervising the children at play in the setting sun.

Our last morning came far too soon.

Luckily, we had planned well and signed the children up to morning club. A stroke of pure genius. A quiet little knock on the door at 8am and the children are whisked away to kids club and supervised play, whilst mum and dad enjoy the biggest luxury you can imagine as a parent - a Sunday lie in.

This place really has thought of everything!

Rates from £329 for An Early Summer Special. Two nights stay including two hours per day complimentary crèche.!

26

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From the front line…

Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Seat belts are a total pain. I recall when they were more decorative than practical, and remember with affection the old motors which didn’t even have them fitted (my all time favourite being the Morris Minor). My mother’s mobile hairdresser used to come in her Morris Traveller, replete with her floor standing Wella dryer in the back of her car. Shampoo (foam curlers) and set. Aah! Nostalgia!

As children, millions of us grew up sitting (fairly) well behaved in the back of the car sometimes on a long journey - and arrived without any incident. That is not to say that there weren’t accidents, and /or that nobody was killed in said accidents. Then, of course, the safety police made them non negotiable and penalties would be enforced if you opted out. Then we have the modern cars which beep infuriatingly if you’ve not plugged in.

I’m waiting to see vehicles which will not engage drive mode, if you’re not plugged in, replete with seat sensors to indicate how many bottoms are in the car.

But we’ve all come to terms with seat belts, along with a whole raft of other measures, like policemen not going into a pond to save a drowning person, because they are missing some essential piece of kit. What do they do?

Just watch the person drown? [I couldn’t, and I’m not even a good swimmer] But I digress, I was talking about seat belts.

It was unpleasant then to read of the death of a woman in her late 50s, due to being in a traffic collision. Mrs Sarah Evans had been given a medical exemption from wearing a seat belt, because she had a hernia. Her daughter was at the wheel, and as the car made impact, Mrs Evans was thrown clean out of the front window. The daughter was naturally hysterical, but not at fault. I do tell my children when they occasionally refuse to be compliant, that they won’t have time to grab a seat or wave goodbye as they go past. But it’s true. In the split second it takes to crash, you will have no time for grabbing anything to save your life.

Now that my life belt of surgery has been taken away from me, I am moving with great speed to seek out the second opinions I should have sought months ago. Why did I not? Complacency, I think! I was sure I was unequivocally in the best hands of NHS and no better care would be received anywhere else. I do still think I have had the best they could offer, within the confines of public health care, but there are certain drugs and probably more radical surgeons available outside this sector. So now we’re paying these private consultants a visit. My tumour is more or less stable, so that is a small positive, even if its not shrinking. I am now on a revised chemo of Gemcitabine and Abraxane. Let’s see how this compares to my nemesis, folfirinox. I have also seen the pain specialist (Doctor) at Chai who was massively supportive and thorough. Having a professional who is also a good listener with people skills is a definite plus.

So I note Kami Rita Sherpa (49) has just made his 24th ascent of Everest. His wife says “enough’s enough,” but he is willing to keep going, given the magnificent fee of $10,000 which they get for each trip. In fact he climbed and summited twice in one week!

There was a photo a few weeks ago showing a traffic jam on the approach to Hilarys Step.

Now appreciate that 1/3 of the 300 total fatalities are uniquely Sherpa, and you can see why Mrs Sherpa is calling time on his exploits. No amount of money can replace a life, and most only try the ascent once…

Kim Jong-un hits the news again, in yet another negative spotlight. As a repercussion of the failed Vietnam talks with Trump back in February, he has reportedly executed five members of his inner circle. As an individual who previously executed his uncle in 2013 over a questionable offence, he is plainly paranoid as well as simply evil. He accuses his staff of moral infidelity- wow, that’s the pot calling the kettle black. Other officials were sent to labour camps for ideological re-training, including his Summit interpreter, who he felt undermined him with an error in translation.

Wow, we are so fortunate not to belong to the wonderland which is North Korea. We may feel we are underdogs to our politicians, but can you imagine the state of Conservative party… if Mrs May could have simply executed all the turncoats and defectors.

There would be no party left. Wishful thinking aside… Mrs May finally ran out of her leadership lives, and it was excruciating to watch her denouement speech, where all too belatedly she showed a glimpse of her humanity. All the toughness she tried to exact has unintentionally brought about her own political demise. It remains to be seen if her successor can do any better!

Mr Gove in the red corner gets my vote for backstabber of the party, for sneakily running against Boris in the last leadership contest. He’s absolutely not a person I would trust with my shopping list, far less my political to-do list.

Mr Johnson in the blue corner gets my resounding vote for most electable leader.

Smart, a political animal, popular - he ticks

most of the boxes, and as far as we can tell... he gets the job done.

If I have a to-do list for him, the top domestic change I’d like to see is the reinstatement of universal child benefit. Now they thought they were being clever when they introduced a cap of £60,000 at which point you’re ineligible. I have always felt this really unfair. Mr Jones earns £61,000, his wife does not work, and they receive no benefit. Mr Smith earns £50,800, his wife Mrs Smith earns £47,000 and they do get child benefit. Both families have 4 children.

Mr Jones struggles to make ends meet, and Mr Smith puts his child benefit towards the annual skiing holiday. I forgot to mention Mr Smith owns his business, pays his wife a salary out of the business, and gives both his sons vacation jobs too. He puts some of his household expenses plus his car through the business, so he is really happy he gets the add-on benefits.

I know this isn’t at all the same for MPs because they are already on a salary of £80k, many employ the wife as secretarial help (offset tax against that) and many have second substantial jobs as Directors or Advisors

Having a professional who is also a good listener with people skills is a definite plus to other companies. MEPs are on £90k. No longer can the Conservatives (or possibly Labour) claim to represent the middle working classes. Either we all get it, or the cap represents the total family income, in the same way other benefits are calculated.

Venezuela hit the headlines in a very brave article [Harriet Alexander, Telegraph, 1st June] about the deplorable state of national healthcare. The Director of a hospital in Barinas took Telegraph reporters round and presented the lamentable conditions: patients waiting for weeks for basic necessities such as antibiotics, ventilation, running water and electricity, all of which are only rarely available, or are rationed. Vermin are running freely, there are very few toilets, and sanitary conditions are so wanting as to be non existent. As a consequence patients are dying of sepsis, lack of basic medication or when the power is turned off, cutting off their lifesaving ventilators. Patients waiting for amputation for gangrenous extremities are left in agonising pain, for a shortage of bandages, simply because they cost too much. [$6] This is not a new state of affairs, but has been - according to international agencies - declining for decades. Plainly Venezuela is not high on the tourist Top 10 places to go in the world, but for those who live there,

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it’s a veritable disaster if you become ill.

Three days after the press visit, the Director, Dr Fajardo, was sacked. Yet another regime which has nasty tricks to hide from the world.

A little bit of news about the Champions League. George Galloway has been sacked

by TalkRadio after making antisemitic comments about Liverpool’s Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur. He is too fond of making disparaging remarks. To quote from Mikado, ‘Let the punishment fit the crime.’

Herman Wouk has passed away, aged 103.

Most famous for This is my God, a novice’s guide to Judaism. I recall reading his books amongst a vast range of authors in my twenties, including Primo Levi, Phillip Muller and Olga Lengyel. Many of these authors had survived the atrocities of the extermination camps, and come through it more or less intact, but deeply affected by their experiences.

Hampstead Heath Ladies Pond has seen a depth charge of disagreement over access to the pool. Transgender individuals have been given the go-ahead by City of London Corporation to use the Ladies pool. Women’s orthodox groups have opposed this as, under Halacha a person cannot change the sex they were born into. I’m not so sure I’d like to encounter the “bearded lady” whilst struggling with my front crawl. Mind you I’d probably feel a lot safer with a rubber ring and a police whistle for safety.

At this point I am not aware of any transgender requests to use the men-only pool.

Strange how popular women’s spaces are.

Maybe we will now see transgender contenders in the ladies singles at Wimbledon; a step up from the women who’ve been blasted for taking steroids in the past. It’s a step further to have an individual with all the strength of his natural biology, and then use it in an arena where the only likely female match would be a Soviet player or a player on anabolic steroids. Either way it’s not a fair contest. Maybe the solution is to have separate races and competitions for Women, Men and Transgender.

Finally, congratulations to Rabbi Alan Plancey on becoming the Mayor of Hertsmere. What an honour! I’m wondering if he will be piping in the haggis for Burns night next year, dressed in Mayoral regalia. Northerners are game and hardy folks. We took part in a local Burns night back in January 2010 - I recall it vividly: Plancey on bagpipes and jokes, and myself on piano accordion, but struggling somewhat with the twins one week from being delivered, and occupying all my lap space.

My concert is looking like it might have to be postponed as the concert venue has only got one date free, and with Shavuot, half term and the Three Weeks approaching, it’s a tall order. Maybe we can look to September before Yomtov? !!

Until next time Jacqueline x To follow Jacqueline’s journey blog, please visit https://whenallissaidanddone.home. blog/author/jacquelinecurzon/

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28

JUDAISM

ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com Can My Rabbi Change His Tune?

Dear Rabbi I attend my synagogue each week and all the Rabbi ever talks about is either Israel or national politics.

He’s a great speaker and makes some valid points that I agree with and other points that I passionately disagree with. Do I need to go to Synagogue to hear that every week when all I am really looking for is a little inspiration?

Edwardo Dear Edwardo The question is, are more people coming to Synagogue as a result, or are others sharing your sentiment, and more and more dropping out? I, for example, think to myself: Do people want to hear about Anti-Semitism? It’s a headline virtually every week if not every day now. The daily dose of negativity makes them feel miserable enough. Do I really need to add fuel to that scare-mongering fire?

Israel? Also a no-no. We know the politics, we know the diverse views, and we know that regardless of what position you take you’re going to estrange some part of the congregation or another.

The bottom line is I know that the more opinions I have the more I am going to alienate people.

So, while these things might come up every now and then, when deemed necessary, I like to focus on other general themes that inspires people and more than anything makes them think.

When I hear feedback about people discussing or debating my

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speech over a Shabbat lunch then mission accomplished.

That said, I refer you to my question above. If more people are sharing your sentiment and are not coming back – or perhaps walking out before the sermon – then someone ought to say something to the Rabbi sooner, rather than later. If it enraptures and fills the pews, then so be it.

After all, it’s ultimately not why they come, but that they come, that matters most.

Finally, I am reminded of the new Rabbi who approached his synagogue president just before Yom Kippur: “I was thinking to talk about Kosher,” he says. “Oh no, don’t do that,” the president insisted. “Most of this congregation have takeaway from McDonalds on a weekly basis.” “OK, then I’ll speak about Shabbat” “Rabbi, have you seen the carpark across the street?” “Oh, right. So perhaps I shall speak about Torah study?”

“Rabbi, they have Bridge clubs, poker nights, whisky Wednesdays, and don’t forget football. Forget that idea.” The Rabbi is perplexed.

“So what do you think I should speak about then?” The President looks to him puzzled: “Why speak about Judaism of course!”

The Significance of a Hundred

Dear Rabbi My Grandpa is turning a hundred kenehora, and I need to make a speech. Can you explain the religious significance of a hundred?

Scott Dear Scott First, let me deal with my bugbear.

Tehillim Psalm 100 Psalm 100 is appropriately enough a psalm of thanksgiving, quite apt as The Jewish weekly celebrates 100 issues this week! Mizmor ltoda hariu l’Hashem kol haaretz – a psalm of thanksgiving, call out to Hashem all the earth.’

All the nations of the world are urged to call out from the depths of their heart to thank our creator, not just Jews.

The second verse of this psalm is a well-known song, sang around the world at weddings and in shul over Simchat Torah. ‘Ivdu et Hashem bsimcha, bau lfanav birnana – Serve Hashem with gladness, come before Him with joyous song.’ The best way to serve G-d is by being happy. When once serves Hashem this way it is a much higher level then serving Him through fear.

The ‘Ikkarim’ ask a question about an apparent contradiction between this verse and another psalm. In psalm 2:11, we say the words ‘serve Hashem in awe.’ How are we supposed to serve Him in awe and gladness? The

There is no word as kenehora.

There is a concept of ayin hora – literally “evil eye” which implies the idea of “jinxing” something (without getting into much detail on that now). To negate that, people might say kain which is Yiddish for “no” or “without.”

Hence the term emerged, kain-aiyin-horah or when said quickly, kain ainehora. But not kenehora, which sounds more like an Indian folk dance.

As to the number 100! The Rabbis in the Mishna tell us, when one reaches a hundred it is as though “they have ended their cycle and passed from this world.”

Now, inasmuch as that sounds like, “it’s game over,” Kabbalah explains this differently. The number ten represents the ten attributes of man – three associated with intellectual faculties and seven associated with emotion.

Each of these ten attributes contains something of the other ten within them. So, for example, we are told that Abraham personified kindness (Chesed) and Isaac personified strict discipline (Gevurah). But each of their unique traits were somewhat mitigated by another attribute.

So Abraham was kindness, but it was a disciplined kindness (or Gevurah of Chesed). And while Isaac was strict discipline it was softened with kindness (Chesed of Gevurah). So 100 is 10 times 10 or a complete cycle of all the attributes, even as they contain the other attributes within. When one hits a hundred therefore, they have finished this cycle which takes them onto bigger and better things. They have ended in this

world means they now transcend this world onto a higher spiritual plateau.

This paper just finished 100 editions, and I am proud to have been associated with it since its inception. From today it moves onto even bigger and better things, and I am sure all readers join me in wishing its editor and all its staff to go from strength to strength.

Is Organ Donation Allowed?

Dear Rabbi I am a Muslim with a close Jewish friend. We were recently discussing organ donation and I was wondering if you could provide guidance on the Jewish perspective.

Nasar Dear Nasar Over half the organ donors in the UK now make their donation in life. Some amazingly altruistic

individuals give one of their kidneys to save the life of someone they love. This is completely acceptable in Jewish law; indeed, it is the kind of generosity and care for another human being that is highly laudable in our tradition. The risks are very small indeed; there are now at least two large studies stretching over 40 years which show that giving up one kidney appears to have no negative impact on your life expectancy.

Another area that is repeatedly raised as a potential sticking point in Jewish law, is the desirability of the body being buried intact. It is clear that the opportunity to save someone’s life (pikuach nefesh) supersedes this. And with recent changes in the law and medical practice, potential problems for the Jewish community have been circumvented. The appalling events in Alder Hay Hospital in Liverpool when parts of children’s bodies were stored for years for future research have totally altered the way these things are now handled in the UK. At the time of organ donation, a clear distinction is drawn between consent for donation for organ transplantation for the immediate sake of another, but withhold it for use in research, thus satisfying Jewish requirement.

To be sure, there are still areas of difference between current medical practice and what is acceptable in Jewish law. The most important, is the acceptability of defining death such as the death of the brain stem – there is no consensus amongst rabbinic authorities on this. But overall there is now more clarity than before on the broader acceptability of organ donation.

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

This Tehillim is a refuah sheleima for Rochel Dina bas Devorah Rus

answer given is that it is essential to feel aspects of awe and fear when thinking about the greatness of our Creator.

Once we feel these feelings and they become a concrete part of our spiritual antenna, then we will realize that any suffering we experience whilst passing through the corridor of this world on the way to the grand ballroom of the world to come, is actually part of the refinement process necessary before Gan Eden. Therefore, even tremendous suffering will be a cause of gladness to righteous people, as they will realize that they are one step closer to the perfect spiritual state needed to be ready to be accepted into Gan Eden.

The great Rabbi Avigdor Miller Zatzal famously said in one of his many lectures that most people will go through years and years without ever thinking about Olam Habah.

The yetzer harah is more than happy for people to adorn their Shabbat table with many divrei Torah on the weekly

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parasha, yet he will do all he can to stop people thinking and talking about Olam Habah.

If people think about why we are actually in this world; what the point of us being here is and where we are going, we will mend our ways and repent for our sins. As the yetzer Harah does not want this he does all he can to prevent it.

As we get ready to celebrate the festival of Shavuot, let us remember that Hashem created the yetzer harah, with Torah as his antidote. Let us use this special time of year to reinvigorate ourselves towards new commitments of Torah learning, and joining the Olam Habah appreciation society, and then may we all merit to attain the level needed to get there, Amen.

To sponsor a Tehillim for £36 call 0203 906 8488 or email office@thejewishweekly.com

Volume 31 No. 40

Bemidbar

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Hertz p.567 Soncino p.793

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JUDAISM 29

Bemidbar 27 October 2018 Shabbat ends

Shavuot starts on Motsei Shabbat. Candles should not be lit in London before 10.20pm, Jerusalem at 8.25pm. Shavuot ends in London on Monday night at 10.22pm.

18 Cheshvan 5779 London 6.31pm In loving memory of David Yochanan ben Moshe Jerusalem 6.31pm

In loving memory of David Yochanan ben Moshe

Volume 31 No. 8

Vayera Artscroll p.78 Hertz p.63 Soncino p.86

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“God spoke to Moshe in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of on the first of the second month, in the second year after Vol.31 No.40.qxp_Layout 1 17/05/2019 14:43 Page 3 p.1134BemidbarMeeting, their exodus from the land of Egypt, saying…” (Bemidbar 1:1).

Haftarah Haftarah p.76 Haftarah p.113

A Power Beyond

by Rabbi Zvi Cohen, Kingsbury United Synagogue This week’s sidrah describes and the main reward is stored up for the world to the encampment of the come” (see green siddur, p.16).

Israelites in the desert. Each individual had a fixed place The main reward we receive from our mitzvot within both their family and is not Bemidbar Vol.31 No.40.qxp_Layout 1 17/05/2019 14:43 Page 2 in this world. However, there are some their tribe, with the Mishkan mitzvot that, as well as bringing us closer to as the central focus in the middle, showing that service God through obeying His instruction, also help of God was supposed to be the most important other people. These are then listed in the Mishnah whose ‘fruits we enjoy’ even in this factor in everyone’s lives. world, honouring ones parents, acts of Sidrah Summary: Bemidbar kindness, coming to shul early (which helps The verses also relate how they packed up in ensure a minyan and the correct environment in hospitality, visiting the been sick, Levi is toto pray), take over the role that had order to travel.

Their personal 1:1-19 possessions are which 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Bemidbar (our are in designated for in the prayer firstborn, whoprayers were sanctified not Rosh mentioned, butofrather how the itemsafter in the On Chodesh the second month the concentration Bemidbar Vol.31 No.40.qxp_Layout 1 17/05/2019 14:43 Page 2 the plural therefore assist others) on the nightand of the Exodus from Egypt, whenand the Mishkanfrom wereEgypt, wrapped upinstructs for transportation.

Exodus God Moshe and between anyone.

Egyptianpeace firstborn were killed and they survived.

Aharon to take a census of men above the age of making “God spoke to Moshe in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, on the first of the second 20. (The Talmud adds that men above 60 were The outer cover on all items was tachash hide, 5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 3:14-39 month, in the second year after their exodus from the land of Egypt, saying…” (Bemidbar 1:1). not counted). The leader of each tribe is to be Godtotells Moshe the men of the tribe the of with one exception – the Aron – the Ark of Up this point,toitcount is easy to understand present when histotribe is counted.

Theexplains name of Levi, aged from one month upwards. The count Testimony.

Due its great holiness, Mishnah’s list of mitzvot which assist others, but Sidrah Summary: Bemidbar each leader is(Nachmanides stated. The census is carried out is divided up into three main groups, according the Ramban 1194-1270), it was the final one, the study of Torah, may not at first 1 as commanded. to thetodescendants Levi’sother threethan sons, first covered with the Parochet (the partition seem be helping of anyone the Levi is to take over the role that had been 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Bemidbar 1:1-19 curtain that normally hid it from view), then Gershon, Kehat and Merari.

Each main group, one who studies.

Yet based on the Malbim’s 2nd Aliya (Levi) – 1:20-54 On Rosh Chodesh of the second month after the designated for the firstborn, who were sanctified tachash hide shield it from the census. rain. Finally whose constituent aresee also listed, is The Torah liststothe results of the The it comment about thefamilies Aron, we that the very on the night of the Exodus from Egypt, when the Exodus from Egypt, God instructs Moshe and had another cover on top, made from techelet – act given alearning different location infar-reaching relation to effect the tribe of Reuven numbers 46,500; Shimon of Torah has a Aharon to take a census of men above the age of Egyptian firstborn were killed and they survived. turquoise wool, symbolising holiness, as this which Mishkan.benefits The overall Levi’im counted 59,300; Gad 45,650; Yehuda its 74,600; Yissachar thenumber entire of community and 20. (The Talmud adds that men above 60 were colour makes one think of the blue sky40,500; and the elevates 5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 3:14-39 in the census is 22,000. everyone’s spiritual standing.

54,400; Zevulun 57,400; Ephraim not counted). The leader of each tribe is to be God tells Moshe to count the men of the tribe of heavens. 32,200; Binyamin 35,400; Dan 62,700; Menashe Point to Consider: Why were the Levi’im present when his tribe is counted. The name of Levi, aged from one month upwards. The count Asher 41,500; Naftali 53,400. This comes to a counted separately to the rest of thedesires tribes? each leader is stated. The census is carried out is divided up into three main groups, according King David, expressing his innermost total 603,550 men.

The (the tribeMalbim of Levid.1879) is not (see Rashi 1:49) I asked of God, that shall I RabbiofMeir Yehuda Leibish as commanded. said: “Onetothing to the descendants of Levi’s three sons, counted restforofthe theAron tribes.

They are says thatwith the the cover was different seek, that (Shishi) I dwell in– His house all the days of my 6th Aliya 3:40-51 Gershon, Kehat and Merari. Each main group, 2nd Aliya (Levi) – 1:20-54 assigned to holiness, dismantleas and transport the because its symbolised by the life” (Tehilim/Psalms 27:4 – see green and siddur, Moshe is told to count the male firstborn to whose constituent families are also listed, is The Torah lists the results of the census. The Mishkan when on the nation travels in techelet, (Tabernacle) had an effect its surrounding p.234).

The Vilna Gaon (Rabbi Eliyahu Kramer ‘replace’ them with the Levi’im.

The firstborn given a different location in relation to the tribe of Reuven numbers 46,500; Shimon the desert, aseven wellthough as to the guard theitself Mishkan environment, Aron was 1720-97) explainsThe that “asking” refers to(over what number 22,273. extra 273 firstborn Mishkan. The overall number of Levi’im counted 59,300; Gad 45,650; Yehuda 74,600; Yissachar when stationary. hiddenit is away.

One who looked at the Mishkan we want for ourselves, “seeking” refers to what and above the 22,000 Levi’im) are to give five in the census is 22,000.

54,400; Zevulun 57,400; Ephraim 40,500; would have got the–message 3rd Aliya (Shlishi) 2:1-34 that Torah learning, we wanteach for others.

David their was status. praying to shekels in orderKing to redeem Menashe 32,200; Binyamin 35,400; Dan 62,700; as represented theAharon Aron, resonates spiritually Point to Consider: Why were the Levi’im God tells Mosheby and how to position the God that his Torah study would benefit others.

Asher 41,500; Naftali 53,400. This comes to a counted separately to the rest of the tribes? beyond location is being 12 tribesthe (other thanwhere Levi) itaround thestudied.

Mishkan. 7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 4:1-19 total of 603,550 men. The tribe of Levi is not The specific role of each of the three main (see Rashi to 1:49) They are to be organised into four groups of counted with the rest of the tribes. They are families is isnow detailed, one inthat this precedes week’s Bemidbar always the sidrah three tribes, each group led by one particular 6th Aliya (Shishi) – 3:40-51 Rabbi Avraham Gurwitz (the Rosh Yeshiva at Shavuot, assigned to dismantle and transport the festival of the receiving of the sidrah, twothe in next week’s sidrah.

The family of tribe.

To the east of the Mishkan are the tribes of Moshe is told to count the male firstborn and to Gateshead Yeshiva) writes that this lesson can Torah.

Mishkan (Tabernacle) when the nation travels in What better message could we take Kehat are to take down, transport and reYehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun, led by Yehuda. help us to understand a Mishnah that is recited assemble the desert, as well as to guard the Mishkan ‘replace’ them with the Levi’im. The firstborn us, as we to hear again the the words the prepare holy Ark (Aron), Table To the south are the tribes of Reuven, Shimon with number 22,273. The extra 273 firstborn (over as part of the morning prayers: “These are the we when it is stationary. first heardthe at Sinai.

(Shulchan), Menorah, the Golden Altar and Gad, led by Reuven.

To the west are the and above the 22,000 Levi’im) are to give five miztvot whose fruit a person enjoys in this world 3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 2:1-34 tribes of Ephraim, Menashe and Binyamin, led (Mizbeach Ha’zahav) and the vessels used shekels each in order to redeem their status.

by Ephraim. To the north are the tribes of Dan, together with these features of the Mishkan.

God tells Moshe and Aharon how to position the Asher and Naftali, led by Dan. 12 tribes (other than Levi) around the Mishkan. 7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 4:1-19 Haftarah The specific role of each of the three main They are to be organised into four groups of Question: What was the name of the leader of The start of the haftarah is linked to the sidrah, families is now detailed, one in this week’s three tribes, each group led by one particular In memory of Yaakov Yehoshua ben Ephraim Hirsch with the Children of Israel compared to “the the tribe of Yehuda (2:3)?

Answer ben on bottom of Hirsch In memory of Yaakov Yehoshua Ephraim tribe. To the east of the Mishkan are the tribes of sidrah, two in next week’s sidrah. The family of p.6. sand of the sea, which can neither be measured Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun, led by Yehuda. Kehat are to take down, transport and renor counted”. The prophet Hoshea then goes 4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 3:1-13 To the south are the tribes of Reuven, Shimon assemble the holy Ark (Aron), the Table on to liken the sinful Children of Israel to an Aharon’s sons are listed. God tells Moshe to and Gad, led by Reuven. To the west are the (Shulchan), the Menorah, the Golden Altar unfaithful wife. However, they will eventually bring the tribe of Levi to Aharon in order to assist tribes of Ephraim, Menashe and Binyamin, led (Mizbeach Ha’zahav) and the vessels used return to 'their husband' (God), who will take him in his work as the Kohen Gadol. The tribe of

by Ephraim. To the north are the tribes of Dan, together with these features of the Mishkan. them back with kindness and mercy Asher and Naftali, led by Dan. Haftarah United Synagogue Daf Hashavua Question: What was the name of the leader of The start of the haftarah is linked to the sidrah, Produced by US Living & Learning together with the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue the tribe of Yehuda (2:3)? Answer on bottom of with the Children of Israel compared to “the Editor: Rabbi Chaim Gross Editor-in-Chief: Rabbi Baruch Davis p.6. sand of the sea, which can neither be measured Editorial and Production Team: Rabbi Daniel Sturgess, Rabbi Michael Laitner, Joanna Rose Available also via email US website www.theus.org.uk ©United Synagogue nor counted”. The prophet Hoshea then goes To sponsor Daf Hashavua please contact Danielle Fox on 020 8343 6261, or dfox@theus.org.uk 4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 3:1-13 on to liken the sinful Children of Israel to an If you have any comments or questions regarding Daf Hashavua please email rabbigross@theus.org.uk Aharon’s sons are listed. God tells Moshe to unfaithful wife. However, they will eventually bring the tribe of Levi to Aharon in order to assist return to 'their husband' (God), who will take him in his work as the Kohen Gadol. The tribe of them back with kindness and mercy

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a number of suggested It was There for thisare reason that, before the Jewishanswers. undergo a process of conversion, including rabbinic commentators people Some received the Torah at Sinai, theynote had that to Ruth brit mila; to immersion in a mikvah and bringing Bemidbar No.40.qxp_Layout 1 17/05/2019 14:43 Page 4a process Bemidbar Vol.31 No.40.qxp_Layout 1 17/05/2019 14:43 Page 4 was the ancestor of King David, who was born a special offering (see Talmud Keritut 9a). It was of conversion, including There areVol.31 a number of suggested answers. undergo died on Shavuot.

Rabbi David Abudraham as if, before receiving the Torah, they had to to immersion in a mikvah and bringing Some rabbinic commentators note that Ruth brit mila;and 30 JUDAISM JUNE 2019 ADVERTISE 020 3906 8488 strangers in a (mid-14th century) explains a special offering (see Talmud Keritut that 9a). Itthe wasstory of start their lives afresh, almost6like was the ancestor of KingTO David, who was born CALL Ruth happened at the timethey of the and new place. They were given a blank spiritual receiving the Torah, hadbarley to and died on Shavuot. Rabbi David Abudraham as if, before wheat and Shavuot is referred livesharvests afresh, almost like strangers in a to by slate, and had to start again on their spiritual (mid-14th century) explains that the story of start their journey. The enduring message is that Judaism the Torah as the Festival ofblank the Wheat Harvest. new place.

They were given a spiritual Ruth happened at the time of the barley and The Book of Ruth: A Stranger in a Familiar Land The Book of Ruth: A Stranger inwheat a Familiar Land is best lived with freshness and wonder, far harvests and Shavuot is referred to by slate, and had to start again on their spiritual

by Rabbi Dr. Chaim Burman, US Rabbinic Fellow

by Rabbi Chaim Burman, US Rabbinic Fellow journey.Rabbi The enduring message is that Judaism Abudraham cites another reason, alluded removed from complacency. by RabbiDr.Dr. Chaim Burman, US Rabbinic the TorahFellow as the Festival of the Wheat Harvest. is best to lived freshnesswhich and locates wonder, afar by with the Midrash, profound from complacency. between the individuals, themes ofscholars Megillatand Ruth We learn how to live with this perspective as to become better The story of alluded Ruth an soparallel as toAbudraham become better individuals, scholars and is removed The story of Ruth is an so Rabbi cites another reason, from Ruth. Although she was comfortable and Shavuot. inspiring of leaders. inspiring account of leaders. to by the Midrash, which locates a account profound and settled in her home country Moav, she suffering, dedication suffering, dedication and – parallel between the themes of Megillat RuthandWe– learn how to live with this perspective from The Ruth.

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Itwho wasalso for went this reason that, before the but Jewish on a kind of sabbatical, with why is Megillat Ruth read on Shavuot? been esteem local It have was for thisfigures reason of that, beforeinthetheir Jewish people Torah atAlthough Sinai, they hadmay to a veryreceived differentthe purpose. they community, they would to athey place where people received the Torahjourney at Sinai, had to a process ofof conversion, have There been figures esteem in including their local There are a number of suggested answers. undergo no-one knew them and live there forincluding a period, as a process of conversion, are a number of suggested answers. undergo mila; to immersion injourney a mikvah bringing community, they would to aand place where Some rabbinic commentators note that Ruth brit a mila; stranger in a strange place.and These selfto immersion in a mikvah bringing Some rabbinic commentators note that Ruth brit special offering (see Talmud Keritut It was knew and live there for a9a). period, as born a imposed was the ancestor of King David, who was born ano-one “personal exiles” Keritut were a that special offering (see Talmud 9a).way It was was the them ancestor of King David, who was before receiving the Torah, had to a if, stranger in a Shavuot. strange place.

These selfand died on Shavuot. Rabbi David Abudraham as people felt thatthethey could asthese if, before receiving Torah, theydisconnect had to and died on Rabbi they David Abudraham their lives afresh, almost like a imposed “personal exiles” werestrangers a way (mid-14th century) explains that the story of start their lives afresh, almost strangers intheir a from their daily routine andlikere-orientate (mid-14th century) explains that theinthat story of start place.

They a blank spiritual these people feltwere thatatgiven they could Ruth happened at the time of the barley and new place. They were given a blank spiritual perspective, Ruth happened the time of disconnect the barley and new and to routine startand again on their spiritual from wheat their had daily and re-orientate theirto by slate, and had to start again on their spiritual wheat harvests and Shavuot is referred to by slate, harvests Shavuot is referred journey. enduring messageofisthe that Judaism perspective, the Torah as the Festival of the Wheat Harvest. journey.

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4 In memory ofAbudraham Mordechai Avraham ben Nechemia Rabbi Abudraham cites another reason, alluded removed Rabbi cites another reason, alluded removed from complacency.

Bemidbar No.40.qxp_Layout 1 17/05/2019 14:43 Page 5to by the Midrash, which locates a profound to byVol.31 the Midrash, which locates a profound howbetween to live the withthemes this perspective parallel between the themes of Megillat Ruth We learn parallel of Megillat Ruth We learn how to live with this perspective Bemidbar 17/05/2019 14:43 Page 6 from and Ruth.

Although she was comfortable and Shavuot. from Vol.31 Ruth. No.40.qxp_Layout Although she 1was comfortable Shavuot.

In memory of Mordechai Avraham ben Nechemia and settled in her home country Moav, she and settled in her home country Moav, she the willingness to become a In today’s working world, after an extended exemplified In today’s working world, after an extended exemplified the willingness to become a for the sake of her convictions. She period of work, some employees are granted a stranger period of work, some employees are granted a stranger for the sake of her convictions. She Shavuot – The Power of Torah Study her mother-in-law to a new place “sabbatical” break, where they typically relax, followed “sabbatical” break, where they typically relax, followed her mother-in-law to a new place even though she would be a stranger there,

by Rabbi Birnbaum, Hadley Wood Jewish Community invest time inYoni projects of personal or charitable though she would be stranger there, invest time in projects of personal or charitable even The Greatness ofaRuth she knew that was the only way to live interest that they do not usually have time for, or because she knew that was the only way to live interest that they do not usually have time for, or because

by Rebbetzen Lisa Levene, Belmont United Synagogue, Ma’ayan a fulfilled and meaningful Jewish life. undergo further professional development. a fulfilled and meaningful Jewish life. undergo furtherinprofessional development.

Studying a shallow way simply does Professor Cal Newport’s the text. book, Deep Work: Rules not work. The power and potential of Torah On Shavuot, we read 2. Perhaps she detected the Divine wisdom of Historically, there were rabbinic figures only comes through oneself to for great Focused Success in a study Historically, there were training great rabbinic figures the Torah through the honesty and realism of Megillat Ruth. Such was the who also went on a kind of sabbatical, with thinkwho deeply.

Distracted World but (Piatkus, also went on a kind of sabbatical, but with the text, which doesn’t just detail our national greatness of Ruth that she a very different purpose.

Although they may 2016) has become a classic a very different purpose. Although they may successes but also cites our failures, is the only woman in all of have been figures of esteemyears. in their local in recent Newport’s have been figures of there esteem in optimal their local Therefore, it turns out that is an struggles and imperfections.

Tanach (the Hebrew Bible) community, they would journey to a place where basic premise is that the solution community, they wouldage journey to ain, place for the distracted we live andwhere it to be referred to as an no-one knew them and live there for a period, as ability to work “deeply” is them and live ancient there fortradition. a period, as lies no-one right atknew the heart of our “Eishet Chayil” (a woman of 3. Perhaps she was inspired by the content of a stranger in a strange place. These selfin deep a strange place.study.

These Aselfan increasingly rare commodity in today’s world, Real,a stranger serious, Torah valour). In fact, our Talmudic imposed “personal exiles” were a way that the Torah, that clearly infers its Divine imposed “personal exiles”that were way that so that anyone who can master it will have a transformative type of study will aimprove Sages suggest that the last three lines of the these people felt that they could disconnect authorship, including phenomena that people felt that they could disconnect huge advantage over others. That being the the these way we think and concentrate throughout poem by that name, which we sing on Friday from their daily routine and re-orientate their no human being would ever be able to from week. their daily routine and re-orientate their case, he provides excellent practical strategies the entire nights, refer specifically to Ruth. The first of perspective, guarantee, such as the promise of our perspective, for overcoming the distractions that have led to these lines reads: “Many women have achieved national survival and our relationship to the the situation we find ourselves in, chief amongst valour, but you have surpassed them In memory of Mordechai Avraham ben Nechemia Of course, the great thing is that it doesn’t have 4 Land of Israel.

4 In memory of Mordechai Avraham ben Nechemia them the smartphone. all” (Mishlei/Proverbs 31:29). to be in a shul at 6.00am, or through staying up all night to study, as many have the custom to When you look at Ruth’s life, it is full of struggles Newport’s book resonates very powerfully in the do on Shavuot.

There are multiple Ruth’s example, notably her modesty, kindness, and heartache – she lost her father-in-law and context of Shavuot. We celebrate the Giving of outstanding lectures that take place across the loyalty and faithfulness in the face of adversity, her husband; she left her home of luxury; she the Torah. We also celebrate the privilege community and online, as well as is genuinely inspiring. She was a princess with returned penniless to Israel with her mother-inwe have to engage in the study of the Torah, fantastic English translations of classic Jewish everything material at her disposal and yet she law, to face ridicule and humiliation. She did this something that the Jewish people have texts available for those who would prefer to sacrificed it all in order to pursue truth. She is all with a conviction that God cared. With treasured for millennia. This is demonstrated study alone. an example of a person who displayed hindsight, as we see the events unfold, we see by the widespread custom of staying up all tremendous self-sacrifice for the sake of doing Divine Providence guiding events and rewarding night on Shavuot engaged in Torah study. what is right.

Ruth, who eventually married Boaz and became If at all possible, Torah study of the ‘deep work’ the grandmother of no less than King David. sort should contain two key elements. First, like Carl Newport’s observations bring a new, the early morning study group that so impressed When one looks at the text, it is unclear at what point Ruth, who was born a Moabite, actually We could all write a megillah about our own profound, dimension to this practice. If you Cal Newport, it should take place daily. Second, accepted Judaism upon herself. It is clear that lives. With hindsight, we often see God’s hand want to understand the power of deep work, however short, the time should be free from when she arrived back in Bethlehem with Naomi in so many of the challenges that we Newport writes, visit the Kenesseth Israel distractions. Put the phone on airplane mode after the loss of her husband, she was fully encountered. Yet like Ruth, we must strive to live Synagogue in Spring Valley, New York at and study from an old-fashioned book. Not keeping the laws of the Torah, yet it is not in the present, face our challenges with self6.00am on a standard weekday morning and only will your ability to concentrate improve disclosed when her conversion took place. watch the 20 or so people studying Talmud significantly, but you will achieve it through confidence and try to internalise the feeling that before morning prayers. connecting with the timeless wisdom of our God is by our side, guiding events. faith.

It is also not stated why Ruth came to the conclusion that she should convert to Judaism.

Newport states that he was astounded to However, reading between the lines of the text, discover that the ancient Jewish practice known we might tentatively make some suggestions as as limmud haTorah lishmah, meaning ‘Torah to how Ruth came to her conclusions: study for its own sake’, fits perfectly with the latest research into the transformative power of 1. She knew that the national revelation had deep work and its ability to vastly improve the taken place centuries previously at Sinai, way we think, as well as our overall levels of when 600,000 Jewish people experienced productivity. Studying Torah in depth may be and bore witness to God’s presence. She challenging. It requires immense concentration, knew rationally that this was a people who and a mental juggling act of balancing multiple were eyewitnesses to a clear, unique, concepts simultaneously in order to understand irrefutable demonstration of truth, something that was unprecedented and has never been repeated. why is Megillat Ruth read on Shavuot?

The Book of Ruth: A Stranger in a Familiar Land

Answer: Nachshon ben Aminadav

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JUDAISM 31

Shavuot: Torah of G-d or Torah of Man

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The gemara in Kiddushin (32a) cites a debate about whether a teacher/Rav can waive the honor due him from a student- to be mochel al kevodo. Rav Yosef allowed this relinquishment but surprisingly, Rav Chisda disallowed this renunciation of honor. Ultimately, the debate surrounds a seminal question: Is the honor or prestige afforded a Torah teacher his personal province? Since a teacher is merely conveying Torah of Hashem, perhaps the honor is due G-d and can’t be surrendered by a human teacher- a mere icon representing something larger than himself.

Alternatively, by studying, a Rebbe has personalized Torah and perhaps the honor is due him as a personal entitlement which he can waive.

This general debate about whether Torah can be personalized, or should remain as the unattainable Divine word, stems from an interesting grammatical discrepancy embedded in the second verse of Tehillim: “Ki im b’torat Hashem cheftzo u’btorato yehgeh yomam v’laylah (a person should crave the Torah of G-d while ruminating upon his [own] Torah day and night )”. The initial clause of this verse portrays Torah as “Torat Hashem” implying that it can’t be possessed by a human being. By contrast, the concluding clause of the pasuk defines Torah as “Torato” (the Torah of the “ish” or person referenced in the previous pasuk). This latter phrase implies that Torah is, indeed, “occupied” by the person who studies and internalizes Torah. The second verse of Tehillim already distills the core contradiction between an “inaccessible” Torah of G-d and a “humanized” Torah.

This duality in the verse in Tehillim, and the consequential halachik debate about mechillat kavod, showcases a fundamental paradox about Torah. As a distillation of Hashem’s infinite will, Torah is likewise infinite and celestial. It belongs to a different world and originates in a different sphere.

The version of Torah delivered to humans isn’t the only ‘version’ of Torah – it is merely our version of Torah; Torah itself supersedes human cognition and experience. Even “our” version of Torah had to be snatched from Heaven by Moshe while fending off angels who vehemently opposed its delivery to a terrestrial sphere. Moshe ultimately descends with his “plunder”, carrying two tablets upon which the word of G-d is engraved for human comprehension. Yet even this humanized Torah lies beyond human convention. Chazal highlight the supernatural nature of the original Torah which Moshe delivered: the script upon the luchot was unlike any other form of composition as its letters were suspended in supernatural fashion. Additionally, the Torah fonts delivered

at Sinai were formatted as black fire upon white fire – a form of media which baffles the human imagination. The text of the original sefer Torah and the engraved letters upon the luchot were unlike any human convention! These divinely authored Torah items reflected a world beyond human experience.

Yet despite its expanse and un-containability, Torah was formatted specifically for human experience and, directly addresses all conditions of human experience. In defeating the angelic opposition to Har Sinai, G-d reminded the challengers that humans and not angels give birth, decease and exhibit the life-cycles which the Torah addresses. Despite our limitations and moral failures, Torah is earmarked for humans, as it provides a guide for life on earth. Though Torah is rooted in a sphere beyond the ken of human experience, it is meant to pervade and elevate human experience and mustn’t remain distant and detached in Heaven.

The tension between the Torah of G-d and the Torah of Man generated suspense at Har Sinai.

Classically, this question of “whose Torah is it” and the dichotomy between a Divine “unattainable” Torah and a “personalized” human Torah affects the actual experience of Torah study. Returning from Bavel and facing the erosion of Torah interest and respect, Ezra imposed a mikvah requirement for married men prior to Torah study. Ultimately, this attempt backfired, as it obstructed Torah study, and this decree was subsequently rescinded. Similarly, throughout Jewish history, Torah study was conducted only while standing and not sitting, a posture which accurately captured the awe of the original Torah delivery at Har Sinai. Ultimately, as this demand also boomeranged and curtailed Torah study, it too was relaxed.

Throughout history we have struggled to strike the delicate balance between the gravitas of Torah and the need to personalize and deformalize Torah study. Torah possess an enormity and a magnitude which surpasses human scale and when we study, we trespass upon foreign ground while entering a realm beyond human scale and experience.

Alternatively, we absorb Torah more fully when we personalize it and shrink it into our human frame. Too much gravitas and too much awe prevents Torah from binding to our core identity and from percolating into every nook and cranny of human personality. In fact, the Torah itself recognizes the need to deformalize the experience of Torah study to better enable its penetration. The section of keriyas shema instructs us to study Torah across a a full range of human circumstances “while you reside at home and when in transit”. The ensuing verse even encourages us to study Torah in various positions of human posture- “while reclining and while

… this question of “whose Torah is it” and the dichotomy between a Divine “unattainable” Torah and a “personalized” human Torah affects the actual experience of Torah study arising”. By relaxing the formal demands of Torah study, the Torah encourages a more authentic and internalized experience.

I remember once interviewing a boy for admission into Yeshiva. He mentioned with concern that he heard that in my yeshiva they studied Torah in their pajamas. I acknowledged that often, I myself learn, while drifting off to sleep, in my pajamas. This interaction captures an interesting facet of the aforementioned dichotomy. Should a strict and formal dress code be imposed for Torah study? Without question, a formal dress code will reinforce the awe of the experience in the same way that Shabbat dress codes demarcate Shabbat as different and distinct from the rest of the week. Shabbat, however, is meant to be severed from the week but perhaps Torah should be more integrated with our routine? Obviously, the answer to this question is contextual and differs from individual to individual and community to community. However, the question of dress aptly captures the challenge of generating awe while assuring integration.

This general dichotomy becomes even more challenging when we try to create a logical system for understanding and classifying Torah. Our attempts to systematize Torah, implies that it can be subjected to human logic and to human systems of thought. If it is purely a transcendent Torah of G-d, perhaps it should be studied and analyzed without attempts to identify patterns or create systems to capture the

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overall logic of Torah. This question arose in the 16th century as Rav Yossef Ka’aro – the author of the Shulchan Oruch- suggested an overarching and universal system for achieving halachik conclusions or pesak.

Halachik disputes would always be decided based on a majority of three renowned halachik authorities (Rabbi Yitzchak Alfasi or the Rif, the Rambam and the Rosh). Some were opposed to his attempt to systematize or mathematize since Torah is too untamed to be disciplined by human logic or a human system of dispute-mediation. Ultimately, the strategy of the Shulchan Oruch was broadly accepted but the ideological debate remains intact. Can Torah be simply subjected to human patternization or should its original Divine “unattainability” be preserved.

We constantly strive to strike that balance between the Torah of G-d and the Torah of Man. Informalized Torah study feels more “natural” and ideally allows Torah to fuse itself to our complete identity. Too much casualness in Torah study dilutes the power and the glory of the Divine word.

“V’tein chelkeinu b’toratecha”- we each seek our own portion and we each carefully calibrate our own distillation between these two necessary ingredients of Torah experience.

Chag Samei’ach.

Rabbi Moshe Taragin has taught at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion, for the past 22 years.

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Torah reading: Bemidbar RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

THE PROGRESS OF OUR LIVES

Five times a year we start a new book of the Chumash. Today it is Bemidbar.

It marks the progress of the year and enables us to measure how far we have moved towards Rosh HaShanah.

Metaphorically, it marks the progress of our lives. We go through five stages.

First is birth, when we are ushered into the world with such love and pride, though a baby is not yet aware of what is going on.

Stage two is childhood when we discover new things every day and even – tragically – find that not every grown-up can be trusted.

The third stage is young adulthood when we have the vision and energy to start fixing up the world.

The fourth (the longest) stage is full adulthood, when life brings burdens and responsibilities, and decisions have to be made every moment.

Finally comes old age (which generally lasts longer than it used to) when we have two choices, being cynical and wondering if it was all worthwhile – or being happy that we can see the beauties of the world and reluctantly accept that it won’t be for ever.

Pir’kei Avot has a list at the end of Chapter 5. Shakespeare has a list too.

Whichever list you prefer, please welcome every new stage as you welcome each Book of the Torah, and prove to God that you have earned the blessing of life which came from Him.

SPEAKING “WITH” AND “TO”

The Torah text (Num. 1:1) begins the sidra with the phrase, “The Lord spoke to Moses – ‘el Moshe’”.

The Targum changes the particle and says, “The Lord spoke with Moses – ‘im Moshe’”.

The difference between the two is paralleled in verse 48 of this same chapter when God speaks “with”, not “to”, Moses.

It suggests that God sometimes tells Moses what to do and gives him commands and orders which he has no choice but to convey to the Children of Israel.

God tells him what to do and he has to do it.

The Targum method turns it into a two-way conversation in which God speaks softly to Moses. Moses takes it all in and (presumably) feels that he is being consulted. He knows, and God knows, that in the end he will comply with what the Almighty wants, but he feels that he has been asked and not ordered.

There are of course times when the situation requires the more peremptory approach, but Onkelos in his Targum wants us to know that in human life there are also two ways of speaking and it isn’t automatic that giving orders is always best.

This point arises from Chapter 4 of the sidra when we read in the Targum, “The Lord spoke with Moses and to Aaron”.

Apparently God felt that each brother needed to be dealt with differently.

PROMISES WE CAN MAKE

One of the phrases which only Jews will understand is “shnoddering”. It means making a promise to make a donation to the synagogue.

It comes in the “Mi Sheberach” prayer said for a person who is called to the Torah, “she-nadar” (“who has vowed” to give).

Since money is not handled on Shabbat the person concerned does not hand over the amount but solemnly undertakes that he will do so. (On my first visit to Israel the synagogue shammas waited in the hotel lobby on Shabbat afternoon to make sure I didn’t disappear after Shabbat without paying my pledge.)

The Torah reading this week speaks of a man or woman who makes a pledge or

promise, and since the Hebrew word is spelled “nun-dalet-resh” it prompts me to suggest that we should all promise God at least three things to which these three letters point: - “nun” is “neshamah”, the soul, - “dalet” is “davar”, a word, and - “resh” is “regel”, foot.

The promises a good Jew makes to God should be – may my soul ever turn to You, may my mouth ever acclaim Your word, may my foot ever hasten to do good deeds.

Rabbi Apple served for 32 years as the chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, Australia’s oldest and most prestigious congregation. He was Australia’s highest profile rabbi and held many public roles.

He is now retired and lives in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Apple blogs at http://www.oztorah. com

Cheesecake and Shavuot Ever wondered why we eat milk products on Shavuot? The great maggid of Bnei Brak Rabbi Shlomo Levenstein offers numerous reasons, some of which are presented below.

1. The Mishna Berura explains that when the Jews returned home from Mount Sinai, having just received the Torah and the laws of separating milk from meat, they were unable to cook any food in their pots (Which had hitherto been used for both) and had to make do with milky food that requires no preparation. (Point to ponder: Why could they not simply eat the Manna?)

2. The Torah is compared to milk and honey as the Rabbis explained the verse that states, it is “honey and milk beneath your tongue” to be a reference to Torah.

3. Shela explains that the commandment to refrain from cooking milk and meat together is juxtaposed to the Mitzvah of Bikkurim, which is also celebrated on Shavuot 4. There is an inherent problem with consuming milk – why is it not considered “a part of a living animal”, which is forbidden as part of the Noachide

laws? One answer is that the Torah specifically permitted it in praising Israel as a land “flowing with milk and honey”. This was only revealed by giving the Torah, however, so it was the first time it would be permitted to consume milk.

5. Moshe was born on 7th Adar. His mother hid him and his sister, Miriam, stood by the reeds to protect him.

Batya, daughter of Pharaoh offered to find an Egyptian woman to nurse him, but Moshe, as a baby, was unable to feed from them. The reason being, that since his mouth was destined to communicate with G-d, it was required to remain pure. Guess when three months after 7th Adar is.

6. One should prepare a special meal when concluding a mitzva. We therefore also should in honour of completing Sefirat Haomer. In order to show that it is dedicated to that cause, and not simply for Yom Tov, we have a

milky feast.

7. Chalav in Hebrew has the numerical value of 40, corresponding to the 40 days Moshe spent on the mountain.

8. The Jews on that day were compared to converts, who are likened to a newly born child. Newborns drink milk 9. Half of Shavuot should be engaged in spiritual pursuits and the other half in physical enjoyment. In order to fully enjoy the physical pleasure to the fullest, we ensure to eat both milk AND meat 10. Mount Sinai is also known as Har Gavnunim, which is similar to the word “Gevina” which means “cheese” in Hebrew.

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Rabbi Meir Shapiro related that he was once in America collecting for his Yeshiva. He met an unlearned individual who simplistically told him that he prepares for Shavuot by eating a milky product each day of the Omer. When Rabbi Shapiro asked him what he does when he forgets to eat milk on one of the days, the gentleman replied, “The next day I ensure to eat without a Bracha”! The moral of the story is, to remember the true focus of the great commemoration of receiving the Torah, by engaging in it and by renewing our connection to it.

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This special edition dedicated Lehatslachat Moshe Ben Rav Yitschak Hakohen Vechol Mishpachto This special edition is dedicated Lehatslachat Moshe Ben RavRav Yitschak Hakohen Vechol Mishpachto This special edition is dedicated Lehatslachat Moshe Ben Yitschak Hakohen Vechol Mishpachto To receive this via email or for sponsorship opportunities please email us

RABBIJONATHAN JONATHANTAWIL TAWIL RABBI RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL Furthermore on inspection the RABBBI JONATHAN TAWIL Furthermore on inspection the DIRECTOR DIRECTOR TAL

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P.5 there must be unity. A count of the people is taken, each Forty nine daysDVAR later TORAH they stood at Har Sinai – and DVAR TORAH P.6 Mil- exists on their individual level, yet each must know the RABBI they encamped united - ALEX KeIshCHAPPER Echad Belev Echad.

RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL RABBI BENJAMIN STONE lions of people, a whole nation, and within 49 days they centre piece must be Holiness. had achieved unity!

DVAR TORAH P.6 Am Yisrael are a successful nation when we are HALACHOT united.

What is the secret to this unity? STONE P.7 RABBI BENJAMIN RABBI ELI Let us focus on our heritage, focus on our individual Chazal explain thatMANSOUR Moshe had already told them that the whole purpose of Yetsiat Mitsrayim was Taav- goals and unite in His service to merit the coming of AHARON GABBAY HALACHOT P.7 Mashiach Bimhera Byamenu Amen. dun…Al Hahar – receiving the Torah.

OURHazeh CHACHAMIM P.7 The RABBI ELI MANSOUR people had aRabbi goal, they Baruch were excited Raphael Toledano and had a goal to work towards. They united behind this goal, and Shabbat Shalom

The expression “Bmispar Sheimot” [by number of the names] seems THE WEEK contradictory. What does it really mean? The term “number” and UNITY IN NUMBERS! “names” are almost mutually What does a number mean to you? exclusive. When we talk about Technically a number is a numbers we imply anonymity. The mathematical object used to count word “names” has the exact and measure. Yet we use numbers DVAR TORAH opposite connotation.

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RABBI MASHIACH KELAT AHARON - KOLLEL ZICHRON CHANA VERACHEL - JERUSALEM concerned bookGABBAY ofseeing Numbers. zt’l, explains with the overall numbers especially as most of the Rav Mordechai Gifter This newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot - Please dispose of accordingly very definition book deals with occurrences in the that numbers by their(the TAL “Klal”) or was the censusP.8 pesach, being  fulfilled. The Gemara in Shabbat even under the intense slavery in Egypt, they managed and that is what we are referring to in the Haggadah - the wilderness? are were finite.

On first thought we understand DVAR would TORAH be enough. to keepthe everything they had learned untilnames they broke out unification of the Jewish people (87b) also says thatthe the Bnei Yisrael received Shabbat in interested individual This newsletter before containsthey Divrei Torah may Sinai. containIf Sheimot - Please disposeofoftheaccordingly The Jewish people are not just a race who come from chains of slavery and into freedom into the desert. even gotand to Har there was already RABBI ALEX CHAPPER book is so called after the beginning a country, they are an interconnected group of people However, for the Jewish people, this was not enough. teachings around, what happened(the at Har Sinai that was “P’rat”)? affect each other. Rav Yisrael Salanter When the Bnei YisraelCHANA stood at Har Sinai they accept- who inevitably so remarkable? GABBAY Furthermore, in the Haggadah we say “If KOLLEL ZICHRON VERACHEL - JERUSALEM of our Parsha whichAHARON deals with a we came to Har Sinai and we didn’t receive the Torah, it ed upon themselves another Brit. The pasuk says that used to say that when a Jew gossips in Kovno, a Jew in Furthermore, the same way enough”. Howof could it be enough just to stand the Bnei Yisrael stood facing the mountain. Rashi says Paris desecrates Shabbat. DVAR TORAH population census that would is betaken youof ever been in- like a one synagogue ‫בלב אחד״‬ ‫״כאיש אחד‬ man, with one heart. every single cell is vital for a human body to fully function, and the bottom of the mountain, ifHave the whole purpose RABBI peopleBENJAMIN to fully function.STON Every single soul that left Egypt was standing at Har Si- every Jew is vital for the Jewish there is to receive the Torah? the Jewish people at thestanding time. searching for a Minyan? When ALL FOR ONE

Avraham was the first man to create a connection with hashem. He reached very high levels in relating to G-d not to mention going against the ideologies of the entire society that was around him. Hashem made a Brit (covenant) with Avraham and the rest of Bnei Yisrael who would follow. This began with the Brit Milah. This was the birth of Bnei Yisrael. Avraham began to spread his teachings about a one powerful G-d who ruled over all nature. He installed it into his children and they passed it on through to their descendents. The teachings continued through the descendants of the forefathers and

nai ready to receive the Torah from Hashem. Everything they had learnt was about to materialise in front of their eyes, but it requires one thing that was not there before.

Rashi says that until now there had been lack of connection between each other they did not see eye to eye and there was dispute between one and other. What enabled the Jews to receive the Torah was that they stood together with love and care which combined them as one body of people which can never be torn apart. Only through this connection were they able to receive the Torah from Hashem. That is what is so remarkable about Har Sinai

We have a tremendous faculty that is unique in many ways. The Jewish people feel such connection to each other throughout their entire livelihood. The kindness, generosity and hospitality we share, just because we RABBI ELI we MANSOUR are Jewish, is indescribable.

The reason do that is because we are a people who established an unbreakable connection. That connection was established at Har Sinai and that connection is what we relive today..

Yet when we think of it, why is a people arrive in the synagogue the HALACHOT Shliach Tsibur has to wait till there whole book named after such a one off event? Wouldn’t it have been are ten men. The Halacha is that he OUR CHACHAMIM better for our sages to keep the may not count these people directly.

Rabbi Raphaelone Baruch Tole Chag as Shavuot is a grand time for the Jewish people.

Rashi says ‫כאיש״‬ ‫אחד‬Shalom ‫״אחד בלב‬ - like man name the book of Bamidbar, Shabbat Rav their Mordechai zt’l, explains especially mostJews of the It is the seeing reliving as of the receiving belovedGifterheart.

Every single soul that left Egypt was that numbers by their at very definition THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM book deals occurrences in the the Har Sinai ready to receive Torah fromwith Hashem.

It is arguably most eventful TALthe Torah from wilderness? are finite.

Everything they had learnt was about to ma occurrence in Jewish history. However, withsome

Chag Shavuot is a grand time for the Jewish people. It is the reliving of the Jews receiving their beloved Torah from Hashem. It is arguably the most eventful occurrence in Jewish history. However, with some thought, it doesn’t seem to be as grand as it appears. If one looks into the story of the Jewish people, it seems that there was some form of teachings well before the Bnei Yisrael stood at Har Sinai. Rashi in Sefer Bereshit refers numerous times that mitzvot, such as matsot and korban

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Bemidbar Bemidbar Word Seach Welcome back, we’re up to a new sefer, a new book. This one is called Bamidbar. A) Because the first parsha is Bamidbar B) It’s all about, bamidbar, what happened in the desert.

Most of Vayikra is Hashem telling Moshe stuff, our story hasn’t moved on. Now we’re ready to leave Mount Sinai and rock and roll to Israel!!

First, we get counted, a lot of people died after the whole golden calf, eigel, thing. Plus, you have a card collection or money? Ever count them? Go through them?

Why? Because you love them so much! That’s what G-d does with us, He really, really loves us and He shows it with all the counting.

Levi don’t get counted with everyone else, they’re different.

Now, we get given flags. The flags are made of silk and match the color of the gem stone that represents that tribe on the Kohain Gadol's Chosen -breastplate. Reuven - He's got a red flag. His symbol is a mandrake, a kind of plant that grows in the wild. Reuven chose these flowers for his mother because he wanted to make sure they did not anyone elses property. His tribe was very careful not to steal. The flag of Shimon is green with an embroidery of a city, representing Shechem which was the first city we ever conquered. Levi -The flag of Levi is white, black and red.

White because it’s pure, black because they don’t have a lot of stuff and nonsense, and red for the blood of the

korbonot. Upon it is embroidered the Chosenbreastplate that the Kohain Gadol wears. Yehuda -Yehuda's flag is the color of t'cheilet, the blue dye that was used for tzitzit. On the flag is embroidered a lion, the symbol of royalty. From the line of Yehuda comes King David and all the other kings and Moshiach. Yissachar’s flag is black, again he doesn’t own a lot of things in this world. On it is a sun and moon because the tribe were great astronomers which is very important for lots of things in Judaism. Zevulun is white because he has the best reasons for his business; supporting the tribe of Yissochar so they can learn. On it is a ship because they were sea merchants. Dan has an opal-colored flag and the serpent embroidered on it, both hint to Shimshon, the mighty warrior who later fought off the Philishtim. The flag of Gad is woven from black and white threads. A troop of soldiers is embroidered on the silk cloth. Gad were the soilders of Klal Yisrael. Naftoli’s flag is the colour of diluted wine because they listened to the Sanhedrin and Torah is compared to wine. On it is a deer because Naftoli is known for being swift. Asher's flag is a pearl color silk. Upon it an olive tree is embroidered.

Asher's portion in the land of Eretz Yisroel is filled with olive trees.

Then we discuss who travels where and how to take down and set up the Mishkan. The Levim do that, and carry it and Elazar, Ahron’s son is in charge. So off into the sunset we march, where to next? Find out next week!

Cotton bud Calla Lillys materials: Instructions 1. Yellow paint 2. Glue 3. Cotton buds 4. Green straws 5. Cotton pads

1. D ip the cotton buds in yellow color and let them dry completely.

2. O nce dry push the uncolored part into the straw, it might get lodged nicely if the size of the straw and cotton bud are just right, if not add some glue for these two to stick together.

3. P lace the cotton pad under the straw with cotton bud as showed on the picture.

Add some glue to the bottom, now fold one side of the cotton round towards the middle and pinch at the bottom for the glue to set. Add just a bit more glue and fold the other side towards the bottom and pinch for the glue to set (you should now have a calla lilly shape).

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CENSUS • CHEESECAKE • KOHEN • LEVI • LUCHOT • MISHKAN • RUTH • SHAVUOT

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CUT OUT & KEEP

TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN JEWISH WEEKLY RECIPE BOOK

No Bake Cheesecake

• Prep: 2 hours • Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

Method:

• 200g/7oz digestive biscuits • 75g/2½ oz unsalted butter • 400g/14oz full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature • 300g/10½ oz mascarpone, at room temperature • 200g/7oz icing sugar, sifted • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Place the digestive biscuits into a sealable freezer bag. Push all the air out and seal the bag. Crush the biscuits with a rolling pin, being careful not to break any holes in the bag.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Tip the biscuit crumbs into the butter and mix well until thoroughly combined.

Press the buttery crumbs into the bottom of a 23cm/9in springform or loose-bottomed tin. Chill in the refrigerator while you make the topping.

Combine the cream cheese and mascarpone in a large mixing bowl. Using

an electric handheld mixer, blend the cheeses together until light and fluffy.

Add the icing sugar a little at a time and blend to incorporate. Finally, mix in the vanilla. The mixture should be very light and fluffy.

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the biscuit base and smooth the top with a palette knife or spatula. Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least four hours.

When ready to serve, release the catch of the springform tin carefully, then slice and serve.

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes on the left can you build the profile shape on the right?

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YOUTH

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Bemidbar In a nutshell So we’re on a new sefer, a new book of the Torah. This one is called Bamidbar and the first parsha is Bamidbar. The name is because it’s all about what happened in the dessert. The last book pretty much covered what Hashem told Moshe after the Golden Calf or before it about the Mishkan, Preistly duties and whatnot and how to be Holy without, y’know, going against G-d’s commands.

Now we’re back to the narrative. We start with a census. 30,000 Jews were killed by the Golden Calf, we count to see who’s left.

Also, G-d counts us in a similar vein to how a kid counts their collection cards- we’re that precious.

Then we get into the flags. So each tribe is given a flag. Why, what is that all about? Aint we just a big happy family?

Yes, but we’re also the most important people in the universe, we each have our own distinct mission. We’re not the same, G-d could have created carbon copies, you know where you press the photocopier and watch 100 copies come out. But nope, He did each one different, and if you’ve ever loaded a printer, 100 different copies is hard. What for? Because He wants each one of us to fulfil a special, unique mission.

You’re not just a number. G-d doesn’t do things for no reason. You are here because you and only you can do something in this

universe that is vital to the completion of the whole of Creation. In all of time until you, and in all of time after you, there will be another you. And there is no one, not the most righteous saint, not the most powerful movers and shakers, who can do what G-d needs you to do. Don’t believe me? Check your pulse. You’re breathing?

G-d is doing that because He believes in you and He needs you. Don’t put yourself down, if you were worthless, you wouldn’t be breathing. You woke up this morning?

You’re important. Still kicking? G-d loves you.

Part of that is realising we all have a place we need to be. So we have flags to

show that each tribe has a unique purpose.

Each tribe was given a place in a special formation. At the front (Klal Yisrrael are marching along in the dessert to reach Israel) is Yehudah because they’re the leaders, the tribe of Kingship. All of that power and leadership is powered by the Torah (It’s what makes us a people, not a land, not a language or culture; Torah) So we have Yissacher and Zevulun, the twin tribes, one learning, one supporting him by working. Then come Reuvain, he represent Teshuvah, the power to correct ourselves (he spent years fasting and praying to make up for his sin) because you’re human and that’s fine, G-d has His own angels. Shimon

NEW Word Wheel The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.

Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

i o c

See you next week!

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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and Gad are with him because it takes strength to admit to your mistakes. The we got Ephraim with Menashe and Binyomin, his brothers. Bringing up the rear is Dan with Asher and Naftoli.

In the middle, we have Levi, who were not counted. They’re like the King’s guard, special and different. They are split into three family groups, Gershon, Kehos and Merrari to transport and set up the Mishkan. We go into some detail about who dismantles, carries, assembles what, Elazar (Ahron’s son) is in charge and we’ll be right back next week.

c r

Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! awe how mew + mow owe+ raw

+

row tow two = 120war kg = 70 wet kg who

+

= 90 kg

woe wot thaw ware warm wart

wear wham what whet = 10 kg whoa = 20 kg whom

wore worm wort arrow mower rawer

rower threw throw tower water whare

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wheat worth wrath wrote marrow warmer

warmth wormer wreath HAPPY CHANUKAH earworm thrower earthworm

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Q: Where do you learn to make banana splits?

A: At sundae school

Q: Why did the tree go to the dentist?

A: It needed a root canal (Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. I never was, am always to be. No one ever saw me, nor ever will. What am I?

3. Say my name and I disappear. What am I?

Q: What kind of music do planets listen to?

A: Neptunes

Q: When do doctors get angry?

A: When they run out of patients.

2. It’s always in seasons, seconds, centuries and minutes but never in decades, years or days.

What is it?

3) Silence 1. Tomorrow

2) The letter ‘n’

1. Split two ways 2. Robin Hood 3. Home stretch

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4. Crossroads 5. All in all 6. It’s the thought that counts

38 34

SPORT SPORT

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LOCAL AND NATIONAL COVERAGE...

THE ENTIRE PICTURE

Champions League Erlich prepares Sixteen-goal Lions glory and heartache for Wimbledon rout for fansScrabble in Cup

BY SPORTS NEWS AGENCY REPORTER ANDREW SHERWOOD

This year’s Wimbledon Championships may be over three weeks

BY DAVID SAFFER sung and played over and over brush off the emotion and go away, but Israeli preparations for again. The parade in Liverpool again but in what was the biggest this year’s event began in earnest

BY DAVID SAFFER The domestic club scene is over was awesome and our team wit- individual game of my lifetime, on Wednesday morning when and fans of Liverpool are still nessed close up the passion and ultimately, we came up short. doubles player Grand Slam douReiss Mogilner scored six goals as Maccabi basking in the glory of Cham- pride we all felt as being part of “There was always going to bles champion Jonathan Erlich London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the pions League success following the Liverpool FC family. be questions asked of Pochet- won his first round match in the second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. their 2-0 triumph against Totten“Eventually I will come back tino’s team selection if we lost Surbiton Trophy.

The Premier League side racked up a 16-0 ham Hotspur last Saturday.

The 42-year-old is one of Isradown to earth, but not just yet.” the game, but actually it was the win with Daniel Green and Michael Kenley The first all-English final for The feelings for David Domb, right team. The only change, if el’s most successful ever doubles Jonathan Erlich PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK both bagging a hat-trick. Ed Brafman, Daa decade was no classic but anything, would have been Lu- player, who along with compavid Dinkin, and Adam Hassanali completJurgen Klopp’s charges struck cas Moura over Son Heung-min triot Andy Ram, won the Austral- at the Championships, he noted the rout in a mismatch of a tie. twice through an early Mo Safor me, but that’s not the reason ian Open title, while he has also ed, “Dudi Sela will be playing the Lions could have scored in the opening lah penalty before Divock Origi Spurs were beaten. Liverpool reached the last four at SW19 on qualifying tournament as will Julia minute of the clash but soon opened the crushed the dreams of Mauricio Glushko, so hopefully one, if not are a magnificent side, in fact, two occasions. scoring and led 9-0 by half time.

Pochettino’s gallant side with a Teaming up with New Zealand’s both of them will make it through this Liverpool are one of the best The Division One team, though outlate strike.

English football has ever seen. Artem Sitak, who he will be playing to the main round. classed, battled away to the end.

The Reds claimed a sixth Euro“Tennis in Israel right now has After going a goal ahead (to what with at Wimbledon next month, Lions boss was lost for words at full time pean crown as Klopp and etched was a hugely questionable pen- the pair beat Australian duo Lley- declined from what it was, say ten such was the display from his team who their names into club folklore alty), their ability to soak up the ton Hewitt and Jordan Thompson years ago. We have the three guys gave every respect to the opposition. alongside Kevin Keegan, Kenny pressure was highly frustrating 6-3, 7-6 to book their place in the who are coming through, Yshai Ol“I’m not really sure there’s anything to Dalglish, Steven Gerrard et al. for me to endure, but as a neu- quarter-finals of the ATP Challeng- iel, Ben Patael and Edan Leshem, say, we are happy to make it through to the Liverpool fan Alex Klein waitthey’re currently in the 300-400s, tral, as poor a game it may have er event. next round of the cup,” he commented. ed until after Shabbat to watch Reflecting back on the win, Er- but hopefully every year they’ll imbeen, you can only admire just Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 victors the game without knowing the how good defensively they were. lich said, “Bearing in mind it was prove. They may not make it to be against League One outfit North London score so it was a nerve-racking hopefully “Virgil van Dijk was sensation- my first match on grass this season, in the world’stop-50, but PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER 16-goal Maccabi London Lions Raiders. evening. al and Jordan Henderson just I thought it went quite good. It was they’ll break into the top 200 – and The Premier side led early in the second “I told friends not to reveal the kept things ticking over nicely. great to play against a legend like hopefully sooner rather than later.” half only for Raiders to equalise but struck must-win game,” commented Galaxy playscore,” he recalled. “The exciteCommenting on the sport’s But for Spurs, they big players Lleyton, it always makes you a little two late goals to book a place in round er-manager Luke Lewis. ment of the fans and knowing underperformed. Kane was iso- bit nervous, but I think we handled standing in Israel, he added, “Peothree of the competition.

“We sat back and allowed Oakwood the we were favourites did not help lated, Dele Alli tried but the final the pressure pretty good, there ple definitely want to see tennis Hendon now turn their attentions to the ball, given the one-man advantage and steady the nerves. We had to win ball lacked and Moussa Sissoko, were a few ups and downs but in a played in Israel, it’s just a matter of league as they travel to Oakwood A for a looked to hit them on the counter attack it for Klopp, the city of Liverpool for all his endeavour, didn’t have first match on grass, it’s not easy to getting the players through. Ecocrucial top of the table clash on Sunday with pace. and those Manchester United the same influence. Really, it’s stay consistent. You’re a bit nerv- nomically it’s a little hard to host too (10am).

“Both goals came down the right-hand fans who moan non-stop about only Harry Winks who came ous because you want to stay good, many tournaments as there aren’t Daniel Kristall’s team stunned the league side. Leigh crossed the first one into Cohen us scousers. away from the final where you but we had enough experience to many stars in Israel, it was easier leaders last month when they won 2-0, a to finish, before slotting home himself. Up “Harry Kane was playing and know it can be up and down, and when Dudi was in the top 100 and could say ‘well done’. victory would move them to within a point to first we go.” that pleased me as everything “Should Christian Eriksen, knew we just needed to be pa- myself and Andy Ram played, a lot of Hendon with a match in hand.

The Division Two title race also took would go through him in the Danny Rose and Toby Alder- tience, calm and have confidence. of people would come and a lot of Elsewhere in the latest round of fixtures, a twist with league leaders Herstwood circumstances,” said delighted Fortune one will enjoy.”

Spurs team. The boys gave every weireld leave the club, it would I was just happy that we were exe- people wanted to invest. Now it’s a 10-man North London Galaxy made it a Vale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple boss Simon Linden.

Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to last ounce of commitment and be a shame after a defeat like cuting the shots well at the end and little bit more harder, but there’s a three-way title race in the only Division One Fortune.

“We had a number of players out, Re- wish Rebuck well following his injury. energy even though it was not a that, and for the most part, you’d we didn’t have to go to the tiebreak goodwill and people want to help, clash of the day after defeating Oakwood B. Faithfold B have played a game more buck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked “First and most importantly, everyone at spectacular game, which did not so hopefully there will be more in have to say to all three of them, at the end.”

Jamie Murray saw red early on but Galaxy than Vale but moved level with a 5-3 win at any more from the players. We wish Ben a Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper matter. To win a 6th trophy was Aiming to be at the third Grand the future.” ‘thanks for the memories and rallied with goals from Josh Cohen and Ja- North London Raiders Masters. speedy recovery. a quick recovery, we hope to see him back what mattered and I was walk- who has chronicled the tourna- good luck to you.’

Slam event of the year, he said, Keen as ever despite being one of cob Leigh to record an important 2-1 away Jacob Kalms struck twice for Fortune who “It was a proper old school performance, on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he ing on air at full time, sending ment for The Jewish Weekly this “Spurs will go again and hope- “That’s my goal and that’s why I the oldest players on the circuit at win. scored through leading scorer James Mil- we battled and defended for the 90 minutes said. emails and putting things out on season, it was a case of glorious fully a summer of freshening started early by playing here. I will 42 years of age, he said, “I like it and Galaxy head Redbridge Jewish Care A in letwith his 17th goal of the season. and took our chances. Experience proved As for the defeat, Emanuel commented, Facebook. All my family knew failure. up the squad will follow. The be playing with Artem so we’re some of the changes in the game, the table by just one point after 10 matches, The result was all the more remarkable to be the winner. It’s a big win, one we will “It doesn’t matter how big a squad you what this meant to me and the “I have to admit the final de- adventure has been memora- pretty safe to qualify.” no advantage point after deuce, third place Fairlop FC are five points be- as Temple were down to 11 players with enjoy and we hope to build on it in 2019.” have, you can never account for unavailphone has not stopped for days feat was a tough one to take,” he ble. Champions League footHoping he won’t be the only Is- first to ten points in the third set hind with two games in hand. ‘keeper Ben Rebuck dislocating a shoulder He added, “This win marks 50 years as a ability or injury. Only five of today’s team from all over the world. said. “Normally after a loss I can ball...we’ll see you again in raeli at the event – not so long ago decider have probably saved my Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood. in the warm up. football club and will be one Nigel Kyte and played in our recent win over FC Team, a “You’ll Never walk Alone was quickly there were at least half a dozen career for a few more years!”

September!”

“It was a fantastic performance in a “This was a fantastic win given the everyone associated with the club from day lack of togetherness and poor individual

The first allEnglish final for a decade was no classic but Jurgen Klopp’s charges struck twice…

“It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes and took our chances. Experience proved to be the winner.”

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Manchester football update Maccabi Masters 4-0 Leeds Maccabi, South Mcr 2nd 5-3 Reich With Leeds needing a point for the title, a strong Maccabi Masters team did their fellow Maccabi Yellow the biggest favour of all by beating the Yorkshiremen 4-0 at Brooklands.

Masters opened the scoring as early as the 10th minute when Jacob Huller slammed in a rebound off a post. With minimal attacks at the other end and Leeds looking jittery at the back, it was no surprise when Morgan Yardley headed home a second leaving an uphill struggle for the visitors.

On 35 minutes, an excellent through ball to Marcus Buchanan was eventually slotted home after an initial stumble, to put Masters into a 3 goal lead which was the half time score.

The second half was a more even affair with several chances falling to Leeds but no shooting boots were on display this evening. There was certainly more desire and heart after the break but Maccabi stood firm

So the last walk of season 71 completed with Maccabi Yellow been crowned League Champions without kicking a ball on the night and on 70 minutes a magnificent strike from fully 40 yards saw Jordan Kay lob the Leeds keeper Reece Levy to seal the 4-0 victory.

Over at Wythenshawe, South Manchester 2nd beat Reich 5-3 with Ben Gould scoring a first half hatrick ably supported by Josh Gordon and Mikey Leviton. For Reich, Elliot Bloom, Michael Silverstone and Solomon Halpern were on the mark.

So the last walk of season 71 completed with Maccabi Yellow been crowned League

A jubilant Manchester Maccabi Yellow winners of the MJSL title

Champions without kicking a ball on the night. They finished top on goal difference from Leeds Maccabi with Manchester FA representative Olivia Laiker presenting the Joan Collins Trophy to the Yellows.

Ben Gould was presented with the Top Scorer Award from Ben Blackston with a final tally of 30 goals, bettering last season’s 26 and retaining the Steve Blackston Trophy. Ian Selwyn was presented with the Irving Basso Trophy for Manager of the Year.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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Ben Gould (R) receives the Stephen Blackston Trophy

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Brian Myer (L) Vice Chairman of MJSL amd Leeds Manager Ian Selwyn

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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