The Jewish Weekly Issue 270 - March 2nd

HM Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022

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‘Death penalty’ bill for terrorists

BY DAVID SAFFER

The first stage towards a ‘death penalty’ bill for terrorists passed in the Knesset yesterday.

The preliminary vote took place after the controversial legislation came through a Knesset Ministerial Committee on Sunday. The 55-9 margin did not include many opposition MKs who were absent for the vote. The bill now advances to Israel’s cabinet who will debate the legislation.

“For years, an absurd situation has prevailed in the State of Israel, in which despicable terrorists who murdered Jews are imprisoned in an Israeli prison for a period of several years, are released in a terrorist release deal or a plea deal, and return to walking among us as human beings,” Otzma Yehudit MK Limor Son Har-Melech, who proposed the bill, reportedly said.

He added: “Enough of the absurd reality in which murderers of Jews continue to live above this land.”

The legislation details that someone who ‘intentionally or out of indifference causes the death of an Israeli citizen when the act is carried out from a racist motive or hate to a certain public,

Minister would direct the IDF, as sovereign. The same punishment would apply in military courts under various conditions.

According to proposed legislation, “The purpose of this law is to cut off terrorism at its source and create heavy deterrence.” The law does not specify the method of capital punishment.

Support for the bill announced on the day two Israeli brothers were killed in a terror attack has divided political opinion.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir described a ‘death penalty’ bill as one of the most important in Israel’s history. But Attorney-General Gail Baharav-Miara opposes the bill as unconstitutional as it does not lead to ‘deterrence’.

Gvir in a joint statement with Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “This is a moral law and fair, which exists in the largest democracy in the world and all the more so in a country where (there) is a wave of terrorism (against) Israeli

challenges.

Baharav-Miara reportedly said: “The death penalty is not a deterrent and there is concern about the punishment, which by its nature is irreversible.”

She added: “The bill raises significant difficulties in the area of human rights law in international law. The bill does not pass the tests of the limitation clause in the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Freedom, and is therefore unconstitutional.”

Baharav-Miara continued: “As the government is considering supporting this bill, our position is to first bring the issue to the cabinet for discussion, during which the current positions of the security forces will also be presented, so that the full possible consequences and the justifications for advancing the bill will be considered.”

A vote is problematic for Chareidi MKs opposed to the bill on halachic grounds.

The Yisrael Beiteinu party back the bill. The Shas party, which represents ultra-orthodox Sephardi voters, are expected to ratify a preliminary reading but would not take part in a final vote. The Labor Party labelled the bill a “gimmick”.

Analysts calculate a vote will be tight. If either Charedi party or faction of UJT or Agudat Yisroel vote against the bill, the Knesset would not have a majority.

According to some reports the UTJ party will not vote, others state they will abstain or join Yisrael Beiteinu and Shas in a preliminary reading to show in the fight against terrorism.

Chief Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak opposed a death penalty bill for terrorists in 2018. Shin Bet officials have previously voiced concern it could endanger the lives of Jews around the world.

There would be global criticism if the bill eventually is ratified under law.

BY YOSSI SAUNDERS

This week’s edition celebrates the 6th anniversary since The Jewish Weekly launched on 1st March 2017. We launched to fill several gaps in the market. We provide something for everyone. From young to old, both men and women, people of all ages and backgrounds will find something of interest in The Jewish Weekly.

Teenagers get in touch to debate the football column; grandmothers call up the office to ask for spare copies of recent issues displaying photos of their grandchildren, and families regularly tell us how much they enjoy the Torah and Family sections, and how it has become a staple of their Shabbat table.

Indeed, the family fun pages continue to delight pensioners as well as families! One gentleman from Edgware got in touch recently to say that he lost 75 minutes one weekend trying to work out the word wheel! The word ‘epidermis’ which he eventually found was in his words ‘cruel,’ but he still reads it weekly and was happier a few weeks later when he was only looking for ‘jellyfish!’

The last year has as ever been fascinating on the world scene. We lost the Queen, and watched the extraordinary numbers who paid their respects whilst she was lying in state. Half the country seemed to be at her funeral and half the world watched it. We saw Charles become King. The Jewish Weekly were in fact the first printed newspaper in the UK to break the news of Her Majesty’s death. We have seen more peace between Jews and Arab countries; we now have a purpose built shul in the Arab world!

Tragically, we have witnessed the war unfold in Ukraine. Whilst we live in a country that is supporting Ukraine against pure evil, it is not enough. I still don’t understand why just because Ukraine isn’t part of NATO, much of the country has been left to the mercy of Putin’s war machine and far too many people have been needlessly killed.

Yes, Britain and other countries have helped with supplies and weapons. But it has not deterred Putin in the same way a stronger response would have, and it is horrible, especially as a Jew to see people made homeless, tortured and killed whilst others watch on, much like many countries did during the Holocaust. People can be racist against Jews and other denominations, what is the difference when it comes to a different set of standards towards a country not in NATO?

Moving on to Israel, this newspaper will always defend Israel’s right to exist and defend its borders. Disturbing articles against Israel have appeared sadly too often in the secular Jewish media. One week, an op-ed was published, where the female rabbi wrote how she prayed for Hamas terrorists outside Westminster. These articles, along with adverts against Israel are heart-breaking, especially when there is more than enough material stemming from the non-Jewish press; why do we need more from within? It is disappointing if not unsurprising that certain religious organisations seem not to care.

Freedom of speech to attack an individual policy of the Israeli government is one thing, and of course if a particular policy is clearly wrong it should be called out as any newspaper would do. Where it goes too far however is the bite with which it is written. When the souls of terrorists who kill Jewish children are prayed for and the politicians and soldiers who defend Jewish life at their peril are slammed, there is a serious deep-rooted problem.

When front page headlines week after week decry the Israeli government, it simply moves readers away and this fact is clearly shown by drops in their circulation.

Two Israeli Ambassadors have said that The Jewish Weekly newspaper is the biggest supporter of Israel amongst all UK media. We are staunchly proud of this fact, and that is why we were the newspaper chosen by the Embassy to interview the Speaker of the Knesset.

We must of course make mention of our former dear colleague Jacqueline Curzon, whose weekly column on her journey through pancreatic cancer was a fan’s favourite for over two years. Her recent Stone Setting in Edgware was fittingly packed and she is deeply missed by our readers as well as her family.

I thank Hashem for the inspiration to start and for constantly looking after the paper. I thank our great staff for their constant hard work and dedication to get the paper out week after week. I thank our advertisers for constantly plugging their vast range of essential products, vital services and much more to our 30,000 readership. The thank you list would not be complete without thanking YOU - our wonderful readers. The Jewish Weekly looks forward to continuing to be your favourite weekly newspaper for many more years to come.

IDF arrest terrorists behind terror attack

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel security forces have apprehended two terrorists responsible for the murder of Elan Ganeles on Monday. A third suspect was shot after attempting to escape.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saluted the IDF and ISA for carrying out the operation. “Whoever tries to hurt us will pay the price,” he said.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commended the security forces. “Every terrorist should be aware of Israel’s defense establishment, we will get our hands on them,” he commented.

A manhunt continues for militants responsible for the murder of brothers Hillel and Yagel Yaniv on Sunday. Israeli leaders have vowed to bring those behind the atrocities to justice.

Thousands of mourners attended the funerals of the latest victims of terror in Israel.

Ganeles, 26, grew up in Connecticut. He was killed after Palestinian gunmen opened fire on his vehicle in Judea and Samaria.

“He was the kind of guy you could call and you’d be sure he’d pick up and have a few minutes to talk if you needed something,” said Rabbi Yehuda Drizin of Chabad at Columbia University. “For everyone that knew him, this really hurts.”

“We are shattered by the loss,” a statement from the Israeli Consulate in New York said. “Elan volunteered in his local

community and sought to better the world.”

The brothers were from Har Bracha in Judea and Samaria. They were near Huwara on Route 60 when a terrorist gunman opened fire from point blank range at their car and fled the scene.

Yossi Dagan, Shomron Regional Council, called on the government to change the paradigm and move from defense to attack.

“Terrorists can’t just shoot innocent civilians in broad daylight,” he raged.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, Construction Minister Yitzchak Goldknopf, MK Simcha

Rothman and Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau attended the Yaniv brothers’ funeral.

Their father, Shalom called for the tragedy to be the last such incident.

“Let our children get married, have children of their own, and build homes,” he

said in a eulogy.

Israeli and global leaders condemned the murders and subsequent actions of a reported 400 settlers who rioted in Huwara and villages near Nablus.

One man was killed, 10 homes and 30 cars were set on fire.

Netanyahu called for calm, he said: “I am asking, while blood is boiling and winds are high – don’t take the law into your hands,” President Isaac Herzog added: “Taking the law into one’s own hands, rioting, and committing violence against innocents – this is not our way.”

The IDF has reinforced the Judea and Samaria division and increased security checks in the area.

Gallant visited Hawara after the attack.

He said: “I gave clear instructions to the IDF, ISA and the Border Police, ensure readiness to face all threats, reinforce troops and activities on the ground, and most importantly, reach and apprehend the terrorists. We will not tolerate terrorism against Israelis and we will operate in every way necessary.”

Addressing the settler response, he added: “I call on everyone to restore calm. It is neither legitimate nor possible to operate individually. We cannot allow a situation in which citizens take the law into their hands. I call on everyone to follow law and order and to trust the IDF and security forces everywhere, across the country.”

US State Department spokesperson Ned

Price called the Sunday night riots “completely unacceptable” and appealed for a de-escalation in violence.

“Accountability and justice should be pursued with equal rigour in all cases of extremist violence and equal resources dedicated to prevent such attacks and bring those responsible to justice,” Price said.

He added: “These developments underscore the imperative to immediately de-escalate tensions in words and deeds. The US will continue to work with Israelis and Palestinians and our regional partners towards restoring calm.”

The attack in Hawara took place during a landmark summit in Aqaba to discuss calming tensions before Ramadan and Passover.

The US, Israel, Egypt and Jordan forum included the Palestinians. Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Palestinian Authority’s Majed Faraj, US National Security Council officials, together with Jordanian and Egyptian security personnel attended.

A joint committee reviewed security coordination between Israel and the PA.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan welcomed the commitments by Israel and the PA to de-escalate and prevent further violence.

“The two sides affirmed their commitment to all previous agreements between them, and to work towards a just and lasting peace,” he said.

Defense Minister Gallant observes IDF plans

PHOTO CREDIT: IMOD

Bibi loses two ministers from coalition

BY ADAM MOSES

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost two ministers from his coalition government this week.

After Education Ministry deputy minister Avi Maoz resigned on Monday, within 24 hours, Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Meir Porush stepped down.

Noam Party leader Maoz, who will continue to serve as an MK in the Knesset, has caused controversy over his stance on various issues.

He informed Netanyahu there was “no serious intention” to honour “national identity”. Maoz had also become

increasingly frustrated in his attempts to ban egalitarian prayers at the Western Wall.

Maoz reportedly told Netanyahu he would support “all moves” agreed on including legislation to restore the balance between “legislative and judicial authorities”.

Since the coalition was formed, Maoz had been determined to respect the “holy things of Israel” and “supreme value of the family” by revoking regulations of the Yair Lapid government in the Education, Welfare and Health Ministries. He had also attempted to “preserve the kedushah of the Kotel”.

Maoz reportedly wrote: “There is no serious intention to uphold the coalition agreement regarding the Jewish national identity authority. Therefore, I have decided to resign from the position of deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and fulfil my mission as a full member of the Knesset in the coalition.”

Porush, of the United Torah Judaism Party, was meant to be responsible for Lag B’Omer at Meron. Since taking office that situation has changed.

He reportedly wrote: “They are trying to force me to accept a production company that was chosen without my knowledge, there’s now another absurdity in the unambiguous message conveyed to us that the production company will be subject to the Center for Holy Places and not to me, as the minister in charge of the Lag B’Omer event.”

Disappointed he cannot fulfil responsibilities entrusted by the government, Porush lamented a lack of consistency with recommendations from the state commission of inquiry into the Meron disaster.

“The government must appoint one minister responsible for managing, organising and producing the event,” he noted. “What is described is contrary to the coalition agreement between the Likud party under your leadership and the UTJ party.”

Porush has not resigned his role as Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Tradition Minister though there are reports he may resign fully from the government.

Netanyahu is facing pressure from UTJ including over a budget for ultra-Orthodox education.

A UTJ member reportedly said: “The Likud thinks that coalition commitments are one-way, but they aren’t. If they don’t respect the agreements, we won’t be committed to the coalition. They have a majority without us. I hope they enjoy it. We won’t let the Charedi public get trampled.”

Meantime, Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s Jewish Power has voiced discontent over plans to allow UTJ members to vote with their conscience on a death penalty bill for terrorists.

Issues over Judicial reform plans have been ongoing with protests across the country. Yesterday saw protesters block

the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Former attorney general Avichai Mandelblit reportedly told the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University on Tuesday night: “What laws are they advancing these very days? The precise laws that will damage the independence of the legal institutions and abolish their role as democratic safeguards in the State of Israel.”

In related news, the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee was due to vote yesterday on reforms restricting judicial review which pass to the Knesset for a first reading possibly next week.

Bills concerning the High Court and State Attorney’s office have passed a first reading. In spite of the ministerial issues, the coalition looks set to continue.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday: “It’s clear to me that none of the members who have presented ultimatums and sent letters of resignation are thinking about bringing down the government and don’t want to destabilise it. Maybe they’re allowing themselves to act this way precisely because of the government’s stability, but that is dangerous and irresponsible.”

Netanyahu has faced controversy before and will continue to balance tough decisions but these are challenging days for Israel’s leader.

Suspected Nazi guard dies House fire claims three lives

The case against a 99-year-old former Nazi camp guard has been dropped following his death, German prosecutors confirmed Tuesday.

The unnamed man was suspected of complicity to murder and worked at Ravensbrueck concentration camp from 1943-5.

A landmark ruling in 2011 has allowed Nazi suspects to be prosecuted as even if they did not directly kill anyone.

“As the accused has now died, the investigation is closed,” prosecutors said. It is not known the exact number of deaths he could have been linked to.

The accused was capable of standing trial according to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

He was close to being charged and standing trial next year.

Ravensbruck was the largest Nazi concentration camp for women. Around 130,000 women were imprisoned. An estimated 50,000 to 90,000 died according to Holocaust records.

A number of Nazi concentration camp guards including Josef Schuetz and John Demjanjuk have been convicted as accessories to murder.

Stutthof camp secretary Irmgard Furchner, 97, was found guilty of complicity to murder of over 10,500 people last year.

Dubbed Furchner the “Secretary of Evil” at the trial, she was the first woman prosecuted for Nazi-era crimes in decades.

Tragically, due to the passing of decades, cases have been abandoned as those accused have died or were unable to stand trial.

Police are investigating a house fire that claimed the lives of Kalman Goldstein z”l, his wife and daughter Miriam z”l at home in Monroe, near Kiryas Yoel last week. The tragedy has shocked the neighbourhood.

The Monroe Joint Fire District and Monroe Police Department reacted to the alarm after reports of a reported house fire on Highland Avenue in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Firefighters and police officers were unable to attempt a rescue the young family

due to the flames.

The funerals took place at the Agudah Shul with kevurah in Deans, New Jersey. Monroe Police Department are working with the Orange County Fire Investigators, the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Monroe Joint Fire District to establish a cause for the fire.

The Police Department was assisted by New York State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe Volunteer Ambulance Corps., and Kiryas Joel EMS.

Avi Maoz

PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

PHOTO CREDIT: GPO

Meir Porush

PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA

National Jewish Assembly Objects to Union of Jewish Students Motion Opposing Anti-BDS Bill

The NJA is disheartened by news that the Union of Jewish Students voted at its annual conference to oppose a UK government proposal that would significantly hinder the activities of the antisemitic Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement in the UK.

The BDS movement is a Palestinian-led campaign that seeks to exert economic, political, and cultural pressure on Israel in an effort to undermine Israel and erase its Jewish character. Any self-respecting British Jew should stand opposed to the BDS movement, especially since the movement has no limiting principle short of the total destruction of Israel.

The BDS movement is utterly uninterested in promoting a rapprochement between Israelis and Palestinians, nor is it

oriented towards a peaceful settlement to the conflict. It effectively rejects the Jewish people’s right of self-determination, which is in direct violation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism.

Notwithstanding the focus on this legislation and its implications for the BDS movement, the NJA wishes to draw attention to the essence of the proposed law: to clarify that Local Authorities cannot make investment decisions that conflict with UK foreign policy.

It is imperative that this legislative gap is closed, not least because foreign policy is not within the remit of Local Authorities, but it also prevents them from undermining His Majesty’s Government’s decisions concerning foreign affairs and diplomacy.

It is for all the reasons above that the NJA disagrees with the Noam Masorti Youth, RSY-Netzer, LJZ-Netzer and Habonim Dror groups for petitioning the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council to pressure them to oppose the legislation, and urges those youth groups to reconsider their position with the wider community in mind.

The NJA notes that the UJS reaffirmed its opposition to BDS in the wording of the relevant motion during its annual conference this year, and encourages the UJS to follow-through on its stance by supporting measures, such as this legislation, that would curtail the BDS movement’s pernicious efforts in the UK.

Luciana returns to Labour

BY DAVID SAFFER

Luciana Berger has re-joined the Labour Party after an apology from Keir Starmer over Labour’s handling of antisemitic cases under leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The former Liverpool Wavertree MP quit Labour along with other MPs in 2019.

Part of Change UK, she left to sit as an Independent then failed to win a seat in Finchley & Golders Green for the Liberal Democrats at the election that year.

Following Starmer’s letter, Berger tweeted: “The Labour party has turned a significant corner under Keir’s leadership. I’m pleased to be returning to my political home.”

Starmer responded: “I’m delighted Luciana has accepted my invitation to re-join Labour. My test for change was whether those who were rightly appalled by how far we had fallen believe this is their party again. I know we’ve more to do but we’re unrecognisable from the party that forced her out.”

The return of Berger is as an important follow-up to Starmer’s announcement last month that Corbyn will not stand as a candidate for the party at the next general election.

Starmer confirmed the news following an announcement by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that it would be lifting the party out of special measures regarding

antisemitism.

Berger, Shadow Minister for Mental Health under Corbyn after holding Climate Change and Public Health posts under Ed Miliband, recalled a “grim journey” when the party fell into the “depths of the abyss” in the Corbyn reign from 2015-19.

“I never expected to bear witness to the volume and toxicity of anti-Jewish racism espoused by people who had been allowed to join Labour, and to experience a leadership that treated antisemitism within the party's ranks differently to every other

kind of racism, and that by refusing to condemn it, encouraged it,” she wrote. “It was agonising to be put in a position where I knew I had no other choice but to leave my political home to which I had dedicated 20 years of my life.”

The EHRC ruling that Labour was guilty of harassment of Jewish members gave Berger “no pleasure or comfort”. But she is encouraged by Starmer accepting the EHRC findings, implementation of the ‘action plan’ and recent special measures announcement.

Berger accepts the Party had turned a “significant corner” under Starmer’s leadership.

She noted: “As you have rightly said, this is not a moment for celebration and there is a great deal more to do. However, it is a significant moment from which Labour can return to a place where discrimination is an aberration that strikes at the heart of everything the party stands for.

“I am looking forward to re-joining the party and working with you to continue what you have started. It is time to replace this reckless and divisive government and ultimately make the difference our country so desperately deserves.”

Starmer recalled Berger being forced out of the Party by “intimidation, thuggery and racism”.

“Yours was a principled and brave move,” he wrote. “That day will forever be a stain

on Labour's history.

Labour’s leader apologised for a “litany of failures” that left Berger no longer feeling welcome in the Party. He noted: “What you experienced was intolerable and unacceptable. Shamefully, those who should have defended you stood by. The Labour Party, our party, has always prided itself on being a party of equality, collectivism, solidarity and anti-racism. But during those dark days we were none of those things.”

Starmer said the Party was heading in the right direction and he would continue changing the party.

Recalling Berger’s “tireless work” as an MP, Starmer said Labour and British politics were poorer places without her.

Apologising and inviting her back to an “unrecognisable” party from the one she left, he noted: “I am proud to once again call this 'our' Labour Party. I hope that you feel the same and that we are able to work together again soon.”

Corbyn was suspended as a Labour MP in 2020 following the antisemitism furore in the party.

At the time he said that the scale of the problem was “dramatically overstated for political reasons” by opponents inside and outside the party and media.

Though readmitted to the party, he sits as an Independent.

Heath Sloane is the Press and Marketing Manager at the National Jewish Assembly. Follow Heath on Twitter (@HeathSloane).

Luciana Burger, official portrait, 2017

PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA

Mission 75 Save The Date

A Celebratory Mission of 75 years of Israel’s independence

16-25 October 2023

Huldai hails Tel Aviv marathon

BY HARRY SIMONS

Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor Ron Huldai hailed the Playtika Tel Aviv marathon a success last Friday.

Around 40,000 runners took part in the event organised by the local municipality.

Mibei Dominic Kipngeno (2:10:11) and Njuguna Margaret (2:42:40) won the elite races.

Luna Chemtai Salpeter failed to set a world record in a 10km event for women as part of the breaking records initiative. No global athletic record had been attempted on Israeli soil before.

Salpeter, who ran alongside 30 world and senior Israeli runners, finished in 31:31 minutes, outside the time set by Agnes Tirop by 30 seconds in 2021.

Salpeter’s best time of 30 minutes 5 seconds came in Tiburg, Holland in 2019. At the time it was the fastest recorded but was not ratified due the nature of the competition.

Salpeter won bronze in the marathon at the 2022 World Championship and European Championship 10km. She holds the Israeli record for a marathon of 2 hours 17 minutes 45 seconds.

Thousands of people cheered runners on along the course. This is the 15th time Tel Aviv has hosted the marathon in Israel.

Huldai observed: “The marathon continues to occupy an important place among

the main running events in the world, through initiatives such as the attempt to break a world record. Luna sets the bar high and thereby marks the marathon as a place where it is right to strive for breaking personal and group records.

“We were happy to see, once again, the tens of thousands of participants in the largest and most important sports event in Israel, here in Tel Aviv-Yafo. Thank you for the participation and the happy and colorful presence of the cheerleaders throughout the city.”

The growing event included six urban routes mapped through the city. Participants took part in a full marathon, half marathon, 5km, 10km and hand bike race.

A team from the Israeli and World Athletics Association applied regulations for the world event.

Around 5,000 production and medical personnel, security and stewards accompanied runners throughout the route.

Mibei Dominic Kipngeno won the men's race

Tel Aviv hosted its 15th marathon (Agency supplied pictures)

Runners enjoyed a scenic route

Participants race along Tel Aviv’s famous beach

JPR releases ‘Grounding Jewishness’ report

BY LILLY JOSEPHS

There is no connection between Jewish people’s bond to Israel and countries they live in according to an Institute for Jewish Policy Research mini-report released this week.

The publication based on its groundbreaking report ‘The Jewish identities of European Jews’, explores European Jews’ levels of attachment compared to wider society and minority groups across Europe.

Key findings by Professor Sergio DellaPergola and Dr Daniel Staetsky of JPR’s European Jewish Demography Unit include European Jews feeling less attached to countries in which they live than the general population, but more attached than minority groups and people of no religion.

Levels of strong attachment to country varies across countries among Jews and others.

European Jews are more strongly attached to the European Union than general populations of countries, although often distinctions are minor.

Some European Jewish populations feel more strongly attached to Israel than to countries they live in. In places they do, Jewish populations have high proportions

Bulgarian bans fascist leader rally

BY ADAM MOSES

of recent Jewish immigrants.

Having a strong attachment to Israel has no bearing on attachments to the EU or countries where European Jews live.

Jews of different denominations show similar levels of attachment to countries they live in, but different levels of attachment to Israel and EU.

“Europe’s Jews have often been accused of lacking loyalty to the countries in which they live, or of being more loyal to Israel than their home countries” commented JPR’s Dr Jonathan Boyd. “This report takes an empirical look at this question, and demonstrates that there is nothing odd or unusual about Jewish people’s attachments. Their attachments, to their home countries, to the EU and to Israel, are normal, they are influenced by the Jewish and general contexts in which they live and the amount of time they have spent living in those places. There is no quid pro quo involved, there is no evidence to suggest that their attachment to one place comes at the expense of their attachment to another. We live in multicultural contexts in which many people feel attached to more than one place, and Jews are no different.”

Antisemite Chabloz loses appeal

BY LEAH WAXLER

Holocaust denier Alison Chabloz has lost an appeal for broadcasting antisemitic songs last year.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has welcomed the ruling at Southwark Crown Court.

Chabloz received a 22 weeks prison sentence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last April after uploading a video with a song about how Jews are greedy and cheat on taxes. The scene involved Fagin in the classic film Oliver Twist film.

Stephen Silverman, Director of Investigations and Enforcement at CAA, said: “She is a repeat offender who has never shown any sign of remorse for the damage caused.”

Silverman added that Chabloz should accept her sentencing conditions.

He noted: “Let this outcome act as a reminder to all antisemites that their actions will not be tolerated or ignored. Wherever there is Jew-hatred, we will be there to fight it.”

During the initial hearing the presiding Judge told Chabloz she “was making up evidence and knew “exactly what she was doing”.

Chabloz suggested to the court that the video was part of a quarrel and that her racism was directed not at “Jews” but at

“Zionists”.

Chabloz questioned Holocaust facts and replicated a racist Quennelle gesture during the hearing that received national coverage in the media.

She reportedly observed, “Antisemitism is not a crime. If it was, the prisons would be full.”

The prosecution asked the court to account for the whole Jewish community as a victim of the crime.

CAA noted that Chabloz has a record of using social media to publicise her hatred of Jews.

The antisemitic blogger has caused outrage over past comments including about the Holocaust and gas chambers in concentration camps. She is connected to far-right movements and banned from entering France, where Holocaust denial is illegal.

Following a private prosecution by CAA, then Crown Prosecution Service, Chabloz was the first person in Britain to be convicted of Holocaust denial in a precedent-setting case.

Chabloz originally faced a charge of incitement to racial hatred under the Public Order Act that was reduced to an offence under s.127 of the Communications Act.

World Jewish Congress has applauded Bulgarian authorities for banning an annual torchlit march in Sofia honouring fascist leader General Hristo Lukov Sofia last weekend.

WJC and its affiliate, the Organisation of Jews in Bulgaria: Shalom, welcomed the intervention of Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova and Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev for a “resolute and principled stand” against extremists who sought to commemorate Lukov.

During World War Two, Lukov led the pro-Nazi Union of Bulgarian National Legions. He was killed by an anti-fascist resistance movement in 1943.

Geshev called on Sofia’s Mayor Fandakova to halt the controversial rally to ensure public order.

Geshev’s office received information from caretaker Foreign Minister Nikolai Milkov regarding the march expressing reservations from various bodies.

“In accordance with its powers, the Supreme Administrative Prosecutor’s Office appeals to the competent authorities to take measures to prevent disruption of public order and to protect the rights of citizens in connection with the event,” a statement reportedly said.

Antifa Bulgaria held a ‘No Nazis on our

Streets rally.

“The event has marred Bulgaria's long history of tolerance,” noted WJC in a statement. “We are gratified that the Bulgarian government and Bulgarian civil society have sent an unequivocal message that antisemitism, racial hatred and all other forms of xenophobia and intolerance have no place in contemporary Bulgaria. In so doing, they have set a powerful example, to be emulated by other countries that face similar challenges which have no place in contemporary Europe.”

The fascist National Legions group backed the deportation of 11,343 Jews from Bulgarian-occupied territory to Treblinka death camp.

The Lukov march was first held in 2003. Over two decades it has attracted neo-Nazi groups. Though banned by the Sofia mayor it has been overturned in court enabling marchers to controversially hail Lukov.

The pro-fascist rally has been condemned by human rights groups, political parties and foreign embassies as it attracts neo-Nazis across Europe.

WJC has led calls for it to banned. Other groups include the Bulgarian Socialist Party, We Continue the Change (Democratic Bulgaria), US, UK and Israeli embassies together with Jewish, Roma and human rights NGOs.

StandWithUs conference tackles antisemitism online

BY LEAH WAXLER

Educational charity StandWithUs UK held a conference at JFS on tackling antisemitism online last month.

The first Digital Conference ‘Swipe Up Rise Up’ saw students from JFS, Immanuel and Yavneh College in attendance.

Key note speaker Rachel Riley addressed the crowd, workshops helped pupils identify antisemitism and disinformation relating to Israel and how to counter it.

Noam Koren, Director of Digital Strategy at StandWithUs, Dan from the ‘Modern Maccabee’ Instagram account and Ben Rebuck from Instagram ‘Ben’s Vegan Kitchen’ shared experiences countering antisemitic hatred online.

Students attended workshops on practical skills to cope with daily content online. They also attended an Expo showcasing

community organisations including BICOM, UK Lawyers for Israel, Tribe, MASA Israel, We Believe in Israel, Bnei Akiva, FZY, The Warehouse, Magen David Adom and CST.

The conference concluded with an address by Riley on her battle with antisemitism, Jewish identity growing up and how she stood up to bullies. She received a standing ovation.

Yehuda Fink, Director of Schools and Youth Programming, said: “Swipe Up Rise Up was an idea to inspire confidence in a new generation of young adults in the fight against antisemitism, as they prepare to face it in the post-school world. We are only just getting started.”

StandWithUs UK challenges misinformation and fights antisemitism.

Board hold talks in Israel

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl and Chief Executive Michael Wegier met with the Israeli Minister of the Diaspora, Amichai Chikli, in Jerusalem this week. They held “frank discussions” according to a statement about the current concerns of British Jews, including antisemitism,

BDS, Judicial Reform in Israel, political extremism, LGBTQ rights, the Law of Return, Progressive Judaism and the Egalitarian space at the Kotel.

“The Board looks forward to future meetings and engagement with the Ministry,” the statement added.

BY HARRY SIMONS

US senators heard first hand from Israeli leaders about the threat of Iran in a series of high profile meetings in Jerusalem.

Discussions also centred on security challenges in the Middle East region.

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant met with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Gallant briefed Austin on counter-terrorism activities conducted by Israel’s security forces in Nablus, operating against terrorists responsible for recent terror attacks and planning of future events.

Gallant and Austin discussed ways to ensure stability in the region during Pesach.

Gallant also emphasised maintaining a strong stance against terrorism in Judea and Samaria.

Regarding the Iranian nuclear threat, Gallant expressed his concern over Iran’s nuclear enrichment.

Gallant thanked the US administration for commitment to the security of the State of Israel. Both agreed to further talks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Republican US Senate Delegation led by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and US Ambassador participated in the meeting.

President Isaac Herzog met Democratic U.S. Senators headed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Joining the delegation were Senators Peter Welch, Gary Peters, Maria Cantwell, Amy Klobuchar, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Jack Reed, Ron Wyden.

Herzog thanked the delegation for “unwavering support” of Israel, including funding for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system and support over the threat of Iran to the region.

Herzog stressed the importance of Israel’s ‘unbreakable bond’ with the US based on shared values.

US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides attended the meetings with Netanyahu and Herzog.

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets US Senators

President Herzog welcomes the US delegation

State budget agreed

BY HARRY SIMONS

Israel’s coalition government after long deliberations has approved the 2023-24 state budget.

Politicians welcomed the announcement at the end of the last week.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the budget came against a backdrop of the best macroeconomic data he could remember.

“The Israeli economy is strong and steadfast,” he said. “With the across-the-board support of the ministers today, it is even stronger.

Netanyahu added: “This is an important achievement for the security of Israel and the Israeli economy, a multi-year plan that will strengthen the IDF and ensure the stability and strengthening of the IDF.”

A joint statement by Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Defense

Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief-ofStaff Herzi Halevi said the budget benefited the IDF framework.

“Under the agreement, provision has been made for issues regarding compulsory service, the strengthening and equipping of the IDF, a career service model, the salaries of career personnel and pensions,” they confirmed.

Smotrich commented: “The first responsibility of the Government of Israel is to see to the security of the citizens of Israel. The multi-year plan is great news. The plan will allow the IDF to maintain the resilience and strength of the State of Israel, and prepare for the various security challenges.”

Gallant added: “The budget will enable the advancing of security in a period that is replete with challenges and risks. The budget will allow the IDF and Defense Ministry to prepare for the threats we face and to preserve their quality personnel, which we need.”

Halevi noted: “The budget will allow the IDF to plan and implement a multi-year plan that is adapted to the security challenges in the coming years, alongside maintaining quality personnel, especially combat soldiers and young career officers.”

Pajes-Herzog College partnership

PaJeS has announced a partnership with Herzog College in Israel to offer a series of online courses for Jewish Studies teachers. The organisation will lead a network of UK teachers in offering a limited number of sponsored places to secondary school. Renowned Jewish Studies educators will deliver courses online and by Zoom workshops. Weekly assignments will cover topics including Tanach, Talmud, Halacha and Jewish philosophy.

Some courses will be available as standalone professional development, educators can also earn credits towards the Herzog Global Tanakh Teacher Certificate.

Rabbi David Meyer, Chief Executive

of PaJeS, said: “With the ever-increasing challenges teachers face in the classroom it is essential that we offer support and high-quality professional development opportunities. This partnership will enable Jewish Studies teachers to access courses from around the world.”

Rabbi Reuven Spolter, Herzog Global, added: “These courses will help teachers deepen their knowledge and skills and ultimately benefit students. We are grateful to Herzog-UnitEd for their support.”

The first set of courses is expected to launch this spring. Information: herzoggolami@herzog.ac.il

AAC launches in Gibraltar

Achisomoch Aid Company has launched AAC Gibraltar.

The Jewish community can maximise charitable giving and benefit local organisations.

For over 40 years, AAC has benefited Jewish educational institutions in the UK, Israel or around the world.

Last year, it managed over £50 million in donations. AAC's platform provides easyto-digest information regarding a donors' charitable affairs, tax returns and Gift Aid.

Users can give using vouchers, providing additional convenience for donors and recipients.

AAC Gibraltar members can use the platform inside and outside Gibraltar.

James Levy, Gibraltar Jewish community president, said, “AAC will revolutionise the way our community gives and benefits from Tzedakah.” Matti Fruhman, AAC CEO, added, “We are delighted to bring our platform to Gibraltar, to take the philanthropy to the next level.”

With Harold Schogger

The auction was similar at both tables in a team game. After North rebid 1NT, South relayed with 2♦, forcing to game. When three-card support was shown with 2♥, both South players drove to the heart slam via a key-card enquiry. The lead at both tables was the ♣Jack. At the first table, declarer was the finesseaholic. He took the opening lead in hand with the queen, led a low trump to dummy’s king and another to the jack. Alas, West was able to take this with the queen and made the good move of exiting with a trump. Upon winning with the ace of hearts, declarer played off his remaining trumps, the ace of diamonds and the king of clubs. After crossing to dummy with a low spade to the king, declarer cashed the ace of clubs, throwing his losing diamond from hand. As the eight of clubs was not high, declarer cashed the queen and ace of spades. Unfortunately for declarer, spades were fourtwo, so West took the last trick for down one. At the other table, declarer just cashed the ace and king of trumps rather than risking a trump finesse. Then he cashed the king of clubs and crossed to dummy with a spade and discarded his losing diamond on the ace of clubs. Next, he cashed the ace-queen of spades and ruffed his fourth spade in dummy. All he lost was a trump to West’s queen. The second declarer would always have succeeded if trumps had been three-two and he’d have had decent chances if East had had four trumps to the queen. The first declarer would have succeeded with trumps three-two and the queen onside or if the spades had been three-three, a lesser chance than the approach the second declarer adopted.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich agree on the budget

Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah Project ensures that young people, on their special day, can share it with a child Holocaust victim who was denied a future.

Over the past 10 years we have twinned over 1000 children. Complete the on-line Twinning Form and researchers at Yad Vashem will use the information to find a suitable twin.

Celebrants will receive a comprehensive Twinning Pack which contains:

• A Page of Testimony, with details of your chosen twin

• A Study Guide

• A Certificate

• A letter from a Holocaust survivor

• A Yad Vashem pin

• Memorial and Shabbat Candles

• An invitation to become a Guardian of the Memory

46 Albert Road London NW4 2SG

Charity No. 1099659

Phone: 020 8187 9881

Email: office@yadvashem.org.uk

www.yadvashem.org.uk

www.guardianofthememory.org

@yadvashemukfoundation

@yadvashemUK

@yadvashemukfoundation

Aish UK partnered with King David Manchester for largest trip yet to Poland

Aish Manchester partnered with King David High school to take the largest cohort of year 12 students to date to Poland on an immersive journey through history with JRoots. Over 70 students from King David, Manchester Grammar School, Holy Cross and several colleges joined for the weeklong trip.

Prior to the trip, Aish ran a four-part series of classes to help students get in the frame of mind, including women in the Holocaust and ethical dilemmas during the Holocaust.

The trip began with a visit to the Polish towns of Lancut and Jozefow, taking a look at towns rich in Jewish history, in order to understand how the Jewish people were living and flourishing for hundreds of years before the Holocaust. As part of the journey to Poland students connected to Lublin yeshiva, the temple synagogue and Krakow where the students brought the sound of Young Jews studying Jewish wisdom and praying in unity.

The group visited Belzec and then Majdanek concentration and death camps in an attempt to understand the vast and horrific atrocities that took place in each.

Just before entering Majdanek the group heard from famous holocaust survivor Yosef Lefkowitz together with Rabbi Naftali

Schiff over Zoom, in order to gain a firsthand perspective of the camp.

On their final day the group went to Auschwitz Birkenau, where Rabbi Zvi Gefen shared a personal story of the time his grandfather survived a bombing in a camp and the Nazi officer said to him “you miraculous Jews, you keep on surviving”. Rabbi Zvi turned to the group and said, every foot here in Poland, every heart filled with Jewish pride, every action that expresses our identity is fulfilling that promise that the Jewish people will continue to live on through Am Yisrael Chai.

The group were fortunate to be joined by Shiffy Silverstone as senior Rebbetzen for the trip, a previous Aish Rebbetzen who has since moved to Israel. Tali Levene and Mai Ozon were madrichot for the trip, both of whom had been to Poland on the same trip two years earlier and wanted to be part of the experience for these students. Tamara Kay and Mikey Glass together with Rabbi Saul and Chani Bishop also joined Rabbi Zvi Gefen to complete the educational team for the trip.

One of the students who attended the trip said: “I’ve managed to gain a new perspective on life within Judaism and also in other ways. This trip was by far the most educational trip I’ve ever been on and I’m so glad

I came with and had the best madrachim and tour guides to make the experience as educational and engaging as possible!

Rabbi Zvi Gefen said “This year group in particular lost out on many Jewish experiences during their formative teenage years due to COVID and it therefore was even more important that we could bring together such a large group on a journey to Poland. To see our students walking out of Poland, singing Am Yisroel Chai, with their hearts brimming with Jewish pride and connection shows us how important these experiences are. We will be putting on follow up trips and experiences to continue to keep up the inspiration.”

For any information about the 2024 fathers and sons Seed Bar Mitzvah Israel trip, please contact Netanel on netanel@seedfamilies.co.uk.

Mill Hill Easy: Thriving Young Community in Mill Hill East Strives to make the school application process easier for its members

50 young parents attended Mill Hill East Jewish Community’s informational evening on Sunday which set out to demystify the Jewish schools application process.

The event featured panellists from: PaJeS; the school’s division of the United Synagogue; Sacks Morasha JPS and Etz Chayim school where the event was hosted, alongside Rabbi Jack Cohen the community’s new Rabbi who also provided a parent’s perspective.

Co-Chair of Mill Hill East Jewish Community and event attendee James Neidle observed, “The popularity of this event suggests two things, firstly that there is a lack of clarity around this tricky subject. And secondly that Mill Hill East is a thriving, growing community full of young families who are keen to engage with important issues like this.”

Mill Hill East Jewish Community, a United Synagogue founded in 2016, has this week welcomed its 350th adult member.

Event organiser Jonny Bunt said, “In true Mill Hill East Jewish Community style, we spotted an opportunity to improve the status quo and went out there and made it happen. That’s just how we roll.”

Letters to the Editor

Senior representatives from the JCC - Jewish Community Council of Stamford Hill met with Oliver Dowden Chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster who also serves as the Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office, as part of the JCCs ongoing lobbying mission to encourage government to extend Free School Meals for children from low income families who attend independent private settings, the JCC has been at the forefront of this campaign calling on the government to offer free school lunches to children in private settings, urging the government to judge children on the substance of the families welfare and not the schools setting arrangements. During the meeting the Minister showed great interest to learn more about the Charedi communities needs and reassured his commitment and support for

the Charedi community, the meeting led to multiple discussions on how this can possibly be implemented if at all.

Rabbi Levi Schapiro from the JCC said there are ongoing discussions regularly behind the scenes with senior government officials to address the issues of food poverty and free school meals extension, the reality is children need to have a healthy nourishing meal and the government have a responsibility in helping meet the need for low income struggling families specially now during the cost of living crises.

The meeting was attended by Rabbi Levi Schapiro, Rabbi Michael Posen, Aron Daskal and Mrs Rapaport from the JCC who have been vocally and proactively involved on those pressing issues through the JCC campaign.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL BILL

Dear Editor

The welcome that the Board of Deputies has given to the Holocaust Memorial Bill (Jewish Weekly, 23 February page 2) is not shared by many in the UK’s Jewish community.

On 29 October last year the National Jewish Assembly, a new Jewish representative group which I chair and which now has well over 300 paying members, discussed the issue. Around 115 people attended and about 40 people spoke. Before the debate, a vote was taken and 62% of those present were against the proposed new memorial and learning centre. After the debate, this figure had risen to 82% against. In organising the event, I made every effort to get major and well-known supporters of

the project to attend and speak, but none would, as the prevailing establishment line is that the matter is decided and there is therefore no need for further discussion.

Indeed, the Board of Deputies itself has never debated the issue. Its deputies are not considered important enough to be given a say as to whether or not they think that such a major venture should proceed – although they were consulted about the memorial and learning centre’s design!

Gary Mond Chairman, National Jewish Assembly

JCC representatives meet Secretary of State for the cabinet office - Free School Meals takes a step up.

Students in Poland

PHOTO CREDIT: AISH

Ovos Ubonim Melava Malka in Sinai Beis Hamedrash at end of the winter season

PHOTO CREDIT: AVI YODAIKEN

London School of Jewish Studies gets dramatic

LSJS held a groundbreaking Trial of Solomon as part of its 36-hour matching campaign.

The royal courtroom drama, held online and in person in the LSJS campus library, saw Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski take on the role of judge with Caroline Stone and Adam Taub acting as prosecution and Adam Gersch and Rachel Marcus as defence. The event featured guest witness statements from the King of Tyre, played by Anton Ereira, and the Queen of Sheba, played by comedian Rachel Creeger. Rabbi Dr Zarum, as the court clerk, got the trial underway. Over 400 guests, watching live on screen and in person, enjoyed an original and detailed look at one of ancient Israel’s central figures. The event was a great example of the lifelong Jewish learning opportunities that LSJS provides.

With the help of over 1,000 donors, LSJS was able to raise over £550,000 as part of the Jewish Education People: Leading our community in teaching and learning.

Joanne Greenaway, LSJS Chief Executive, said: “This event really showcased the best of what we provide for the community – rigorous, accessible and innovative learning. I’m so happy that, with the support of the LSJS community, we have raised funds to enable us to continue to foster excellence in teaching through our lifelong learning, as well as our multiple teacher training routes and the sharing of expertise in Jewish education to achieve even greater impact.”

To find out more about supporting LSJS or about teacher training, degree or lifelong learning courses, please visit www.lsjs.ac.uk

L-R: Caroline Stone, Adam Taub, Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski, Adam Gersch, Rachel Marcus, Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum.

PHOTO CREDIT: LSJS

Adam Taub in prosecution to the jury

PHOTO CREDIT: LSJS

In front of the sea,

meters from a splendid sandy beach – Classic rooms, Junior Suites and Suites – Beit Knesset with Sefer Torah –Two outdoor swimming-pools and modern Beauty Farm

Kesher Nafshi Europe Musical Havdala Melava Malka at Beis

Yosef Hall with guest speaker Rabbi Shimon Russell.

Starting Monday evening at 9.15pm in Manchester all welcome.

School raises money for Laniado

Students from North West Jewish Primary School and Pardes House separately have raised over £3000 for Laniado Hospital in Israel. The students were part of the Laniado“Super Heroes Challenge” competition

launched

National

Jewish

Assembly Hosts

Speaking

Tour with Israeli Professor Uzi Rabi

The National Jewish Assembly is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of a speaking tour featuring renowned Israeli Professor Uzi Rabi. The tour, which took place over the course of two days, featured discussions on the political and security situation in the Middle East, as well as other topics of interest to the Jewish community. The tour was organized in conjunction with the European Israeli Press Association,

and the National Jewish Assembly would like to thank them for their cooperation in making this event possible.

Professor Rabi’s insights and expertise on these subjects were highly valued by all who attended the events, which were held at prestigious locations throughout London, including the Royal Garden Hotel, Chatham House, and the Palace of Westminster.

Throughout the tour, Professor Rabi engaged with members of the Jewish community, academics, and policy-makers, providing valuable insights into the complex issues facing the Middle East today.

Professor Rabi provided invaluable insights into the current political climate in the Middle East, as well as the history and culture of the Israeli people. His presentations were informative, engaging, and thought-provoking, and attendees left with a deeper understanding of the issues facing the region.

The National Jewish Assembly would like to extend its sincere thanks to Professor Rabi for taking the time to share his expertise and knowledge with us.

The NJA would also like to thank all those who attended the events, and the NJA looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote understanding and dialogue on important issues affecting the community and the world.

Hundreds view AJEX interviews

AJEX JMA raised over £152,000 in its second online fundraiser to ensure the charity can continue to do its vital work in remembrance, education, welfare and combating antisemitism.

Every donation made was doubled through match funding.

AJEX shared a poignant interview to highlight its work. JFS pupil and cadet Edgar Santos interviewed D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh.

Mervyn, 98, said: “The numbers are falling of servicemen. It is important everyone remembers. It mustn’t be allowed to disappear.” Edgar added: “I look forward to being an ambassador for AJEX in future opportunities.”

As part of the campaign an exclusive interview saw AJEX National Chair Dan Fox interview Rachel Riley. They spoke about her work combatting antisemitism, career and family.

Rachel said the Jewish community must not take antisemitism for granted and described experiencing it as “very eye opening and terrifying”. She added: “We should be grateful to everyone who puts on a uniform in our name, Jews are no different to anyone else”.

Rachel praised AJEX for not just supporting veterans in the UK. AJEX are now set to help Rachel to find out more about her grandfathers’ service after World War Two.

AJEX, Chief Executive Fiona Palmer, said, “We are so grateful to everyone who donated and watched the interviews. The cost of living puts huge pressures on finances and the support in reaching our target has ensured that despite tough times we can continue to support veterans and families who depend on us even more, carry on our education programmes in schools, help combat antisemitism and continue our Remembrance programmes”.

You can still donate and watch the interviews: www.charityextra.com/AJEX

AJEX's Fiona Palmer and Lucy Godfrey

PHOTO CREDIT: AJEX

by Laniado UK as a fundraiser across Jewish Primary Schools to ‘help save lives’ by raising funds for vital equipment for the hospital in Netanya.

Kinyan Hamasechta launching new Chabura, Motzei Shabbos

North West Jewish Primary school children celebrate their achievement

PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE PURCELL

PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE PURCELL

Motzei Shabbos saw the launching their new Chabura, Kinyan Hamasechta, in Wellington Street East, Broughton Park.

Musical entertainment

Rabbi Shimon Russell

Rabbi Russell chats to Rabbi Y Wreschne

Pictured left-right: NJA Press and Marketing

Manager Heath Sloane, Professor Uzi Rabi, NJA Managing Director Steve Winston

Joanna Nissim @joanna_nissim

Houjuelas

Ingredients

2 cups of plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

3 beaten eggs

½ cup of flour

½ cup of sugar

Method

2 tsp water

½ tsp salt

7 tsps oil

Icing sugar to garnish

1. In a large bowl, combine, flour, baking powder, eggs, sugar, water, salt and oil and mix

2. Once a dough is formed, start kneading with your hands until it comes together as a smooth dough

3. Wrap with plastic and leave in the fridge for 15 minutes

4. Liberally sprinkle the work surface with flour and once cooled, roll the pastry thinly

5. Cut strips of the dough

6. Heat up the oil in a deep saucepan

7. Insert the fork into the end of the dough and wrap the rest around

8. Slowly lower into the oil and after a few seconds gently slide them off the fork and into the medium hot oil

9. Leave them to cook and then drain on paper

10. Whilst still warm, dust liberally with icing sugar and serve

We are only a few days away from Purim and the world over is going hamantachen crazy. Peanut butter flavour, tiramisu flavour and pizza flavour are just a few of the wild and different hamantachen that we now have at Purim to celebrate Queen Esther’s victory over evil. Whilst the delicious treats are common across both Ashkenazi and Sephardi Purim celebrations, there is an array of delicacies which have been made by Sephardi households for as long as the story itself. In the days before themed mishloach manot, wrapped up in noisy cellophane, it was common to offer gifts of home-made sweet treats to friends, family, and neighbours. In the same way that children love to shout and jeer when Haman’s name is mentioned, this same jeering is translated into the food that we make with recipes that have been handed down by parents and grandparents. The Persians, Moroccans, Syrians, and Indians all interpreting this mocking of Haman through the flavours of their own exotic cultures such as rose and saffron, only go to highlight the celebratory feeling of victory over the wicked ways of Haman. Of course, we all know about hamantachen being representative of Haman’s ears but that is just the tip of the iceberg. The Moroccans who make Haman’s fingers, which are cigars filled with almond and rose and the Persians who make rice cookies, scattered with poppy seeds to represent him being covered with lice. The Bulgarians make a vermicelli with lemon to represent Haman’s hair and the Greeks and Moroccans bake a pastry called

Ojos de Haman which have a boiled egg in the middle with two strips of dough in a cross shape to signify Haman’s eyes being covered. The Spanish Hojuelas, which are thinly pastry which is rolled into tubes and quickly fried before being dowsed in icing sugar and made to look like the megillah which we love to read during Purim.

Jewish homes unite in this celebration regardless of where they are from and despite their own backgrounds to celebrate that once again someone was defeated before they managed to annihilate the Jewish people. Many of the Sephardic homes went through their own attempted murder and so perhaps identify with the incredible story. History is filled with tales of men and women who stood up for what is right and for the belief in the Jewish people and it is people like Queen Esther who set the standard.

Through the universal language of food, the message is the same and from tiny children we can understand the power that food has to convey a compelling message. We reveal ourselves without the mask of our every day and at Purim we stand up in the same way that Queen Esther did so selflessly. Of course, there are the obvious messages that our Purim foods tell, but by making these age-old recipes, we too are demonstrating that our culture will be preserved and passed for our future generations.

Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips

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

Chocolate & Date

Hamantachen

These hamantachen are filled with a chocolate date mixture. You can use a teaspoon of Nutella as a short cut. Drizzle with white or dark chocolate or both! I have decorated mine with freeze dried raspberry powder – you can use colourful sprinkles if you prefer.

Preparation Time: 40 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Makes: 24

Ingredients

For the pastry

250g plain flour

30g cocoa powder

55g icing sugar

150g unsalted non-dairy margarine – cut into cubes

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg

Pinch salt

Chocolate Date Filling

175g dried pitted dates – cover with boiling water for 5 minutes

50g chocolate chips – melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

White Drizzle

100g white chocolate – melted 2 tablespoons sprinkles or dried raspberry powder

Method

1. To make the pastry, add all the ingredients to the food processor and whizz together to combine. Remove, cover with cling film and leave to rest for 20 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

2. While the pastry is chilling, make the filling. Strain the dates, discarding the water and place in the food processor.

3. Melt the chocolate over a pan of boiling water or microwave for 1 minute. Pour over the dates, add the cinnamon, and puree the mixture until smooth.

4. Preheat the oven to 200C and line two baking trays with baking parchment paper.

5. Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the pastry so that it is about 2cm thick. Using a 7.5cm cookie cutter make round templates.

6. Put a teaspoon of filling into the centre of each circle. Carefully fold the edges to create a triangle shape and pinch the corners to secure together.

7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is cooked.

8. For the white chocolate topping, melt the chocolate Using a spoon drizzle the chocolate over the hamantachen. Sprinkle over hundreds and thousands or your chosen topping.

9. Set aside to set.

Give a Mishloach Manos gift that will

Smile. Think. Laugh. Learn. With Rabbi Fishel Schachter

Powerful Stories to Open Your Eyes to Everyday Chessed!

Over 100 True, Inspirational Stories!

No one tells a story quite like Rabbi Fishel Schachter, and in Did This Ever Happen To You? this popular speaker, columnist and storyteller, combines practical advice in chinuch and middos development with anecdotes and stories that are always engaging and often laugh-out-loud funny.

So open this book and be prepared to laugh ... and to learn.

In Living Chessed, Rabbi Avrohom Asher Makovsky shows us how we “ordinary” people can also be “gedolim in chessed”— by grabbing the countless opportunities to help our fellow Jews. Living Chessed includes inspirational insights and guidance about doing chessed and, above all, incredible stories of how chessed can transform the lives of both the giver and receiver.

Everyone Can Be a Great Baal Chessed!

by Yosef Deutsch

The Concealed and

Revealed by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

compiled by Rabbi Avie Gold

Halachic Handbook — The Laws of Purim by Rabbi Yitzchok Rosedale

The Family Megillah

6 Megillas Esther — The Answer Is... by Rabbi Chagai Vilosky

6 The Megillah with the Complete Purim Evening Service (Lipman Edition)

6 Purim With Bina, Benny and Chaggai Hayonah by Yaffa Ganz

6 The King’s Treasures by Rabbi Eliezer Ginzburg

6 Kol Dodi on Megillas Esther by Rabbi David Feinstein

Megillah (Schottenstein Edition)

6 Megillas Esther ArtScroll’s Inaugural Volume by Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz

that will last from

Uplift Your Shabbos Davening with Rav Chaim at Your Side!

NEW! FOR SHABBOS DAVENING NEW SHORT STORIES! Bak and Gastwirth Families Edition

When you read a story from Rabbi Yechiel Spero, you know there will be more. More inspiration. More surprises. More lessons and more uplift. These stories are a treasure trove, gems sparkling with emunah, ahavas Yisrael, and the power of prayer and hashgachah pratis: a precious gift from a master storyteller.

Volume dedicated by The Sharfman Family

ArtScroll Youth Megillah by Rabbi Nosson Scherman and Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz 5 Kleinman Edition The Midrash on Megillas Esther 5 5 5 5 5 Available in full size andcompact size

Chaim Kanievsky on Megillas Esther and Purim compiled by Rabbi Avraham

Shteinman

Aharon Leib on Purim and Megillas Esther compiled by Rabbi Avraham

Zera

on Megillas Esther

Purim at Kaifeng

On the 7th March we are open all day from 12.30pm - 10.30pm

Come and enjoy ‘Hamen’s Downfall’ our special cocktail!

“Eating at Kaifeng is always a special experience unmatched in a Glatt Kosher restaurant anywhere. The food is always delicious and you know that it was made with the finest and highest quality ingredients and above all it was just cooked moments before, specially for you!

Their attention to detail is fantastic. The tables are always covered with fresh clean, white crispy starched table clothes. Now the cleanliness and attention to safety is even better, with heated one-time use napkins replacing the hot towels to refresh yourself and staff wearing gloves and face masks. Pareve or meaty, vegan or vegetarian, all Glatt Kosher le’Mehadrin and in complete safety too!”

Fine Glatt Kosher Chinese

Glatt Kosher Le Mahadrin under the strict supervision of the London Beth Din and Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa

Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa

OPINION PIECE

BY ANDREW M ROSEMARINE

Rabbi Moshe Haliwa, a teacher, now working in Dubai, is traumatised. He complains that his Tefillin were desecrated by Jordanian airport security guards. He adds that this reminded him of Nazi humiliations perpetrated on Jews during the Holocaust. This claim of sacrilege is capable of causing great hatred between religious Jews and Arabs worldwide, unless nipped in the bud. Though long in the tooth, I am your nipper.

I lived and studied in Jordan just after its King Hussain signed a Peace Treaty with Israeli Premier Yitzchak Rabin. I taught the first course on Israel-Jordan legal relations, at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, and I’ve devoted much of my life to improving relations between Arabs and Jews. I’ve many close friends of all religions and none. I’m horrified by the one-sided inflammatory coverage given to this incident elsewhere. Tefillin, or phylacteries, are boxes containing the words of the biblical Shma, Jewry’s statement of the Oneness of G-d, and the duty to love Him. Orthodox Jews bind these boxes on our foreheads and arms, as the Torah stipulates. Our wearing them, during morning prayers, is a fundamental

part of our identity.

Rabbi Haliwa presented himself at security in Amman Airport, prior to his flight to Dubai. The Tefillin were found in his hand baggage. They are like nothing in Islam or Christianity. Few Jordanians have seen or heard of anything, like Tefillin. They are from another planet. According to press reports, the security officials told him straps were not permitted according to flight security rules, and insisted that the Rabbi leave his Tefillin with them. The Rabbi protested, explaining their sanctity, but the security officials would not allow them on board. As the boxes contain holy writ, the Rabbi understandably asked that the straps be removed instead, so that he could keep the far-more important boxes. New straps can be attached, albeit at considerable expense and inconvenience.

The Rabbi, according to the press, has accused the security officials of Nazi-like anti-Semitism. He states that they should be aware of all religions’ artifacts, and that the cutting of the straps gave him flashbacks of Jews’ sidelocks and beards being forcibly cut off by Nazis during the Holocaust.

My heart goes out to the Rabbi following this trauma. I feel his pain at what he perceives an an assault on his religion and identity. But the Rabbi ought to have tried to consider what happened with some

objectivity, before sharing his views publicly. For Rabbis are public figures, and their views can dramatically effect Jews’ views on highly sensitive political issues, as here. He has travelled internationally often. He ought to be aware that other flights have resulted in serious incidents, through gentiles’ misunderstanding tefillin. For example, two separate US flights were brought down from the skies, after Tefillin were worn on board, and scared the staff.

We should be slow to accuse others of anti-Semitism.

There is no evidence of anti-Semitism in this matter. I myself have had luggage belts confiscated by French airport staff, applying the same rules. It irritated me, but I’m not accusing them of discrimination.

Rabbi Haliwa could write a letter of complaint to the Jordanian Ambassadors in his countries of residence, so that such acts are not repeated, but is advised to do so dispassionately, without reference to the Shoah. For future reference, he should carry with him a short explanation in Arabic of Tefillin, whenever he wants to travel to Arab countries.

But his going to the press and comparing Arabs to Nazis is inflammatory and dangerous. So many orthodox Jews know nothing of Arabs or airport security issues and believe whatever Rabbis tell them.

British Rabbi wrongly complains of “Nazi-like” conduct by Arabs Settlements: A Stumbling Block or Stepping Stone to Peace?

OPINION PIECE

BY HEATH SLOANE

The town of Huwara has become the unfortunate site of violence between both the Palestinian and Israeli sides. After two Israeli civilians who drove into the Arab village were shot dead, Israeli vigilantes from nearby communities destroyed Palestinian property and one Palestinian was killed. The murder of innocent civilians on both sides is to be condemned unequivocally.

The recent spate of Palestinian terror attacks against Israelis was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back, prompting the Israeli government to punitively grant retroactive authorisation to nine "settlements" and announce expansion in Judea and Samaria earlier this month. Israel faced criticism from the UK, USA, France, Germany, and Italy in response.

According to a joint statement, the

signatories oppose actions “which will only serve to exacerbate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and undermine efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution."

The full statement erroneously mischaracterises settlements as a towering roadblock to peace. The settlements in Judea and Samaria have never precluded a peace deal. Long before settlement began in earnest, the Arabs repeatedly rejected sovereignty. They rejected the 1937 Peel Commission & the 1947 U.N. Partition Plan and continued their intransigence even immediately after 1967’s Six-Day War.

Conversely, the height of settlement construction also saw the most significant breakthroughs towards peace with Camp David (2000), Taba (2001), and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s offer to President Mahmoud Abbas (2008). The existence of settlements has been grossly inflated as an obstruction to peace.

Strangely, despite Area C of Judea and Samaria being completely under Israeli

civil and security control in accordance with the Oslo Accords, the countries that issued the statement seem to have no issue with the widespread illegal Palestinian settlement activity there with support and funding from Europe. Only Israeli settlements seem deserving of their rebuke.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, which is yet to broker peace, Israeli settlement growth may actually represent a constructive step by pressuring the Palestinian leadership to resume peace negotiations, lest Israel exacts a real cost for their obstinacy.

Whilst these attacks are presented as isolated incidents, it belies the fact that they are a part of a larger pattern of Palestinian aggression driven by Islamic extremism and underwritten by the socalled "Pay to Slay" programme administered by the Palestinian Authority.

Expanding Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria in response to these attacks would deny a political win to Hamas and Fatah - the incumbent terrorist

Of course there is Anti-Semitism everywhere, and Jordanians are not great lovers of Jews. I know. I’ve lived among them. But we shouldn’t increase their antisemitism with unfounded accusations.

Good Teachers usually avoid Inflammatory language. Wise Rabbis usually remember that Tefillin are about sharing the same one G-d, and Love. Not Hatred.

Ramadan approaches and any incendiary statements of the kind Rabbi Haliwa has issued can lead to cycles of further bloodshed.

Last month, my friend, France’s former Chief Rabbi René Samuel Sirat, died in Jerusalem. He successfully devoted enormous energy to improving Arab and Muslim relations with Jews. For, as a native of North Africa, and a proud Zionist, he understood the need for mutual understanding, to replace ignorant hatred. Today, I hear Chief Rabbi Sirat’s voice, as he cries out from his grave, in pain.

Andrew M Rosemarine, a Barrister with 3 Oxford Law Degrees, runs an international law office, based in Manchester. Multilingual, he specializes in immigration law, and international law. InternationalLawForYou@gmail.com

government in Gaza and the terror-supporting administration in Ramallah respectively. This strategy would assure these factions that using terror will not only fail to extract concessions from Israel, but will correspondingly minimise their sphere of influence, operation, and control. As an added bonus, it would provide homes for Israeli families and unleash the economic potential of the land.

The UK and cosignatories of the statement would do well to re-evaluate their knee-jerk condemnation of settlements as a stumbling block to peace, and instead appreciate their potential as a stepping stone towards a lasting solution. For its part, Israel should continue this policy to send an unambiguous message to its foes: the more you try to kill us, the more we will build.

Heath Sloane is the Press and Marketing Manager at the National Jewish Assembly. Follow Heath on Twitter (@HeathSloane).

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A Purim of Joy. A Purim of Giving.

OPINION PIECE

BY MATTI FRUHMAN

Purim is a time of intense enjoyment. Together with reading the Megillah, we eat, drink (too much?), dress up, distribute food to friends and, of course, give charity to those in need. Purim is a time when one gives to whoever stretches out their hands. The Rambam regards this giving as the true source of joy on this day.

The Jewish community the world over spends Purim reaching into their pockets and giving to those less fortunate. From dropping coins in buckets around Shuls, writing cheques to schpielers, and giving notes to rabbis to distribute, millions of pounds are donated on Purim.

Achisomoch Aid Company (AAC), one of the largest and most established giving platforms in the UK, offers a more modern touch to this ancient commandment.

While vouchers are still very popular, especially around Purim time, many of our clients now prefer to give via our app or online platform. Giving has never been easier.

AAC’s app and online platform are clean and simple to navigate, like you would expect of any banking platform. All of one’s giving is recorded on it, with no need for spreadsheets or files, even on Purim one

The adventures of seed in Israel

can have a clear record of their donations. AAC is highly regarded for its compliance and conducts extensive checks.

Over Purim, those that use the AAC app’s QuickScan feature will even have an extra 5% added to their donation, simply by scanning the relevant QR code of the charity. Make sure your charity has this ready!

Last year, AAC managed over £50 million of tzedokoh and, all the while investing heavily in technology, compliance and new features while keeping overheads low. This ensures a smooth and simple service, enabling AAC’s users to donate to over 3,000 charities in the UK, in Israel and beyond.

AAC itself is a non-for-profit organisation and donates all its profits to UK Jewish educational institutions. Last year, this amounted to nearly £900,000.

In today’s times, tzedokoh really matters. In the current economic climate, our community’s philanthropic commitment is more vital than ever.

AAC is honoured to play a significant part of supporting it, a part unmatched in efficiency, ease and professionalism.

AAC wishes all Jewish Weekly readers a Freilichen Purim!

For more information visit www.achisomoch.org

Matti Fruhman is the CEO of Achisomoch Aid Company (AAC)

Jewish Women’s Aid ensure we keep women safe from abuse and violence this International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day on March 8th, Jewish Women’s Aid are launching an appeal to raise vital funds to support female victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in our community. At a time where incidents of brutality and misogyny against women and girls are dominating the headlines and the demands for our services are increasing, the support we provide for Jewish women and girls has never been more critical.

Women who are suffering from the enduring effects of domestic abuse and sexual violence are supported by Jewish Women’s Aid’s holistic and high-quality support services. Our advocacy and therapeutic teams worked with a total of 700 women in 2022. Following an assessment to identify the women’s needs, the professional staff team offer a range of services, including counselling, children’s therapy, safety planning, risk reduction, emotional support, access to legal options, benefits advice and coaching.

Our former co-chair (2020 – January 2023) Madeleine Abramson said: ‘During my three-year tenure as co-chair, our team has responded to an alarming 48% increase

in demand. Jewish women and girls aged between 14 and 94 years old continue to turn to us traumatised and isolated. Our clients’ experiences of sexual violence and sustained abuse are horrifying and very real. For the women we support, the practical, psychological, emotional and financial services delivered by our team of expert caseworkers and counsellors is simply life changing.

Our education programmes seek to reduce the prevalence of abuse and sexual violence within our community. We are creating a culture of consent and understanding of healthy relationships impacting several thousands of young adults, students and community leaders each year.’

3,200 students attended our healthy relationships and consent education programme and our education team delivered 147 sexual violence prevention sessions in 2022.

We all want to see an end to this epidemic of violence against women in our society. This International Women’s Day, your support is vital in ensuring we can keep women and girls in our community safe from abuse and violence.

Seed, the UK leading charity providing adult and family Jewish education, took over 100 people to Israel with their yearly mother & daughter Links Bat Mitzvah trip and the father and son Connections Bar Mitzvah trip. Both trips took place over half term this year (12-16th February) and were led by Rebetzin Joanne Dove - Senior Educator - for the women and Rabbi Daniel Fine - Director of Education - for the men. The groups experienced a non-stop flurry of activities that were educational, inspirational and relationship-building. Staying in the Prima Kings (Women) and Ramada (Men) hotels, the trips included thought provoking speakers, beautiful local tours including a visit to the blind museum, parenting workshops, and physical activities including Temple sifting, camel riding, jeeping and so much more.

This year the Bat Mitzvah trip joined up with Neve Yerushalyim Seminary for one evening. This special joint Bat Mitzvah party combined celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of 27 girls from the UK with that of a group of Neve young women who did not have a Bat Mitzvah when they were younger. In the words of one participants: "Beautiful food, decorations, photography and dancing alongside inspiring dvar torahs, made the event hugely memorable for everyone.”

Rebetzin Dove said “Once again we had the most incredible Bat Mitzvah trip with an awesome group of mothers and daughters. While I travel to Israel a lot, the entire trip still felt so new and exciting! I can’t wait

to meet next year’s delegation!”

Rabbi Fine commented “To be able to be part of the formative bnei mitzvah experience is a privilege and a key moment in life. To be able to showcase some of Israel's finest educators and eye-opening experiences is amazingly impactful - and fun! A huge thanks to all the staff who helped make it happen.”

The Bat Mitzvah trip to Israel is also the highlight of the hugely popular Seed Links Bat Mitzvah Programme. This is a 10 session educational and creative course covering a range of Jewish topics to prepare Year 7 girls for their upcoming Bat Mitzvah. To register your interest to join next year’s programme, please email links@seed.uk.net.

For any information about the 2024 fathers and sons Seed Bar Mitzvah Israel trip, please contact Netanel on netanel@seedfamilies.co.uk.

A Myriad of Purim GIFTs for the Community

In preparation for the festival of Purim, GIFT hosted and facilitated some incredible activities in London, Manchester and Israel.

Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue hosted ‘Torah and Wrap’, an evening of Purim inspiration with Rabbinic team, followed by a talk from GIFT Founding Director, Michelle Barnett. Members of the community, including mothers and daughters from the Bat Mitzvah programme packed 300 Mishloach Manot to be distributed to individuals and families in the community, through GIFT.

Alyson Martin, who organised the evening said: “It was wonderful to watch the Mishloach Manot being packed knowing they would be gratefully received.”

Ariella Hart, 10-year-old volunteer says:

“I am grateful to be making Mishloach Manot for people who I know are not as fortunate as I am.”

GIFT ran a multitude of Purim initiatives across London including secondary students packing Mishloach Manot, baking hamantachen for Norwood Care home residents and young families making Purim crafts alongside Norwood residents at the Kennedy Leigh Family Centre in Hendon. Family Maierovits, once again made over 500 mishloach manot bags for GIFT families. Mrs Maierovits explained, ’My kids wait the whole year to pack these treats. They love getting involved in this and have a great sense of achievement at the end. It feels so great to give in this way!’

GIFT Manchester ran a Mishloach Manot and hamantachen making session with Jewish High School, Yavneh, and Meor students, to be distributed to GIFT Manchester recipients, Langdon care home and Beenstock Old Age Home. Purim decorations were created by King David Primary School students for Heathlands Village.

GIFT Israel led Purim activities in 4 schools across Jerusalem with 1,000 students and achieved an amazing response to their Mishloach Manot campaign for families in need.

To donate to GIFT’s Matanot Le’evyonim campaign, please text “PURIM23 £10” to 70191. To donate online and participate in other Purim initiatives such as Spieling, sponsoring Mishloach Manot or volunteering for post-Purim Mishloach Manot collections, please visit jgift.org/purim.

GIFT volunteers with their Mishloach Manot

PHOTO CREDIT: GIFT

The mother & daughter Links Bat Mitzvah group

PHOTO CREDIT: SEED

ASK THE RABBI

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

ANTISEMITISM – THEN AND NOW: A PURIM LESSON

Dear Rabbi

“Reading the Purim story, it occurs to me that when looking at Antisemitism today, not much has changed between then and now. What can we do to finally reverse that trend of hatred once and for all?”

Saul

Dear Saul

Standing in this, the twenty-first century, we have advanced in every facet of civilization. We have progressed from the jet age to the space age. From the telegraph to the super-highway. From rampant disease to advanced medicine. From prevailing poverty to incalculable opulence. But one malevolence – one historical evil still lurks in our midst. The gross intolerance of some against others who may look, act or believe different to themselves.

To be sure, Anti-Semitism, like any form of racism isn’t born – it is taught. I have a fourteen year old daughter. You know what she hates? Maybe going to sleep and waking up, that’s all. Everything else will essentially be moulded by us, her parents. If we teach our kids tolerance and respect, then that’s what they will know. And if when they grow older they harbour hate in their hearts – know that they are often likely just mirroring your own prejudices.

In a famous Letter (Igeret haTaimon) Maimonides cites the Talmud which states that Sinai was so called because it is from there that Sinah, meaning hatred, came into the world against the

Jewish world. At that all-defining moment when we were declared G-d’s Chosen people we were imbued with a great moral Ambassadorship. Yes, we are different and that difference is reflected in the Jewish mind, the Jewish heart, the Jewish home, the Jewish family and the Jewish community. The non-Jew senses it and sometimes they will acknowledge it and admire it – as many authentic Philo-Semites do.

Alas all too often there have been many that were inflamed by this uniqueness of the Jew –this Ambassadorship – this “light unto the nations.” When Haman initiated his “final solution” he persuades the King with the argument: “They are different than us. Their laws are different than ours.” He emphasises our differences, stressing that we are lazy as we don’t work on Shabbat or Jewish holidays; highlighting the fact that we won’t eat their food or marry non-Jewish women, etc.

Haman’s hate comes from a very deep place. Think about it: The entire Persian Empire bowed to him – the only one who didn’t was Mordechai - and we are told, “Haman was filled with rage in his heart.” It consumed him totally and utterly. The world is his oyster – one man doesn’t yield and that becomes his problem – his total preoccupation? Yet Mordechai’s behaviour exposes the truth that Haman was no G-d. It manifests a feeling of emptiness which induces a deep-seeded hatred and Haman then has a choice: Deal with the effect or eradicate the cause.

They tell of a man – a travelling salesman who made a deliberate point of going in to the local

Synagogue to pray at whatever town he arrived at. His problem came about when arriving in Shropshire with no Synagogue for 100 square miles. So he did the next best thing. He went into the small town church, took a seat at the back, put on his tallis and tefillin and prayed away. It was a Sunday. Soon people arrived for mass. After a while the priest notices people shifting rather uncomfortably with the guy in the back so he says: “Right. Will all those who really feel they don’t belong please make your way to the exit.” The man is swaying away, seemingly oblivious. The priest clears his throat: “Will all non-Christians please make your way out as mass is about to commence.” Man pulls talis still tighter over his head and he’s really going for it.” The incredulous priest bellows: “All Jews leave now!” Suddenly the man gets up, folds his talis, rolls his tefilin, packs it all into his bag, tucks it under one arm, walks to the front of the church, takes the statue of “you know who”, takes it under his other arm and says, “Come on bubbeleh, we’re not wanted here!”

Throughout the course of history we have been told, “You are not wanted here.” Many scholars and historians, including many Jews themselves, choose to view this ongoing obsession with the Jew not as something uniquely connected to Jews or Judaism, but rather as a multitude of isolated events resulting from distinct circumstances.

Arabs hate Jews because we are occupiers. That they hated us before 1967 – before settlements or settlers – and that they initiated the war of Independence in

1948 which, by their own error resulted in the refugee problem this gets ignored. Germans hated Jews because they were the scapegoat for a depressed economy. Christians hated Jews because we supposedly “killed their G-d.” Stalin murdered Jews because they were capitalists, while Europeans in the Middle-Ages loathed the Jew because of his financial success.

The hard fact is that Anti-Semitism has existed too long and in too many disparate cultures to tolerate a claim that in each instance it is because of some distinct factor disconnected from being Jewish. It is not a unitary phenomenon, a coherent belief or ideology. To put it in the words of the book: Why the Jews? “Economic depressions do not account for gas chambers.”

Jews have been hated because they were rich and because they were poor; because they were capitalists and because they were communists; because they believed in tradition and because they were rootless cosmopolitans; because they kept to themselves and because they penetrated everywhere.

Which brings me straight into, what is the legitimate Jewish response? Some argue that we are better off keeping a low profile as has become the acceptable norm certainly in many parts of Europe. I don’t buy it! I maintain that when reverting to what author Israel Zangwell referred to as the ghetto shtoop – walking with our heads down, keeping below the radar, we feed into the stereotype and score an own goal. If the whole point and purpose of Antisemitism is to reduce the Jewish people into oblivion, then surely we are accommodating the process when we choose to lie low as it were.

It reminds me of a Rabbi in Manchester who was standing

outside his shul one morning in his talis and tefilin trying to find a Jew – a tenth man to make up the minyan. One by one people cast cursory glances and walk on. One man stops dead in his tracks: “What’s the matter with you standing outside like that! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself standing around like that?” Without missing a beat the Rabbi said: “Ah, you’re just who I’m looking for. Come on inside and be the tenth Jew.”

When Esther steps up to defend the Jewish people, she states simply: “They’re my people.”

The question is: But what about all those initial complaints that Haman brought? Everything he highlighted about our different laws, our different behaviour, our different mind-set, she doesn’t address any of it?

But she does address it: She says, ani v’ami. These are my people. This is my identity. This is who I am! Achashverosh loved Esther’s grace and her nobility. She says to the King: You love me – you love my essence – you know what my essence is? I am a Jew – these are my people. Yes, our laws are different! Is that a bad thing? It’s what defines me! Yes, we have days when we don’t work – is that a bad thing? It’s what you love about me!

The point is, you can get into the nitty gritty of the debate and explain this law and that law and this passage etc. but that will only make a difference maybe to those who care enough to want to listen. The ultimate retort is ani v’ami – live by the standard to which you hold yourself for only when you respect yourself will the world respect you as well! That’s the way we’ll reverse the trend and merit, as in the Purim story, real and lasting salvation.

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

Pirkei Avot Perek 5: Mishnah 2

Refuah sheleima for Yaakov ben Fruma

There were ten generations from Adam to Noah, in order to make known what long-suffering is His; for all those generations kept on provoking Him, until He brought upon them the waters of the flood. There were ten generations from Noah to Avraham, in order to make known what long-suffering is His; for all those generations kept on provoking Him, until Abraham, came and received the reward of all...

This week we carry on making our way through the 5th Perez of Pirkey Avot. Continuing along the theme of ten, this Mishnah looks at the ten generations between Adam and Noach, and then the subsequent ten until Abraham appeared on the scene.

Mankind failed abysmally until Abraham arrived with human beings falling to such despicable levels that they were literally all wiped out except for Noach and his family. For an entire generation including children to be wiped out completely until nothing remained shows the truly horrific state of affairs at play.

Robbery was the icing on the cake for those wicked people who commited terrible atrocities. The descendants of Noach were not all righteous either as the famous story of the Tower of Babel shows us. Led by the wicked king Nimrod who the Torah describes as the ‘first strong man in the world,’ they continued to rebel

against Hashem believing in themselves and their idols as opposed to G-d. Luckily for us, when Abraham Avinu and Sarah Imenu arrived, the world finally had a family who started persuading others to follow in the footsteps of Hashem ultimately leading to Moshe Rabbenu receiving the Torah. Since only Abraham had found Hashem, G-d decided that from then on only his descendants through Yitzchak would be the chosen people. Up until that point in time, anyone could claim the Torah but the nations of the world lost their chance. The rest as they say is history.

Haman and Our Battle Against Amalek

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

After an overwhelming week at work, Daniel decides to go on a nature hike to recharge. Without letting anyone know of his plans, he heads off into the mountains. As he is enjoying the view and the peaceful quiet around him, he suddenly slips and tumbles off the edge of a cliff. He plunges downwards, but somehow manages to grasp onto a branch jutting out of the cliff face. He clings to the branch for dear life, trying not to look down at the ravine below.

As his life flashes before his eyes, he is struck by a disheartening thought: “I am alone. Nobody knows I am here, and I have no way of escaping. I am going to die.” He begins to take stock of his life, thinking about the good times he’s had and what he has managed to accomplish in his short existence. He thinks about his family, and how much they are going to miss him. Just then, a rope soars past his head, hanging directly in front of him. After a moment’s shock, he grabs the rope and holds on for dear life as someone on the other end begins to pull him up over the cliff edge.

As Daniel reaches the top, he is still gasping and amazed at the fact that he just survived. He immediately asks the man who saved him, “How did you know that I was hanging off the edge of the cliff and needed rescuing?” The man stares back at him blankly and says, “I didn’t. This morning, I randomly decided to practice throwing ropes over cliff faces.”

There are two reactions that Daniel can have to this series of events. He can recognize the miracle that just occurred, thanking G-d for sending him salvation when all hope seemed lost. Or he can laugh at the unlikely coincidence that this man decided to practice rope-throwing the same exact day that he fell over a cliff face, thankful that he happened to get lucky this time.

This is the exact decision we face in every moment and aspect of life, and this theme runs through the entire Purim story.

HAMAN AND OUR BATTLE AGAINST AMALEK

As we encounter Purim and our victory over Haman, let us delve deeper into the unique spiritual and existential battle that the Jewish People must continue to wage against the philosophy of Amalek. As a descendant of Amalek, Haman continued their legacy of Jewish obliteration. As the Maharal explains, Amalek rejects Hashem’s connection to this world or any connection between the spiritual and the physical. Essentially, Amalek denies Hashem’s control of this world and the ability for man to uplift himself

to the level of the spiritual. Torah is the epitome of both of these principles, and it provides the guidelines for how to achieve this spiritual elevation. It is based on the axiom of Hashem’s connection with this world, and it is the means for elevating ourselves and all of physicality to a higher purpose. Amalek stands in direct opposition to this, and when they saw that the Jewish People were ready to adopt the Torah way of life, they had no choice but to attack. Amalek’s entire existence is predicated on a lack of connection between Hashem and this world, therefore an acceptance of that principle would mean the cessation of Amalek’s existence. Amalek therefore attacked the Jewish People in order to prevent Matan Torah — to stop the world from accepting Hashem’s Torah and the truth that lies within it. Let us delve deeper into the spiritual nature of Haman in order to understand our battle against Amalek on an even deeper level.

“HA’MIN HA’EITZ” — THE SOURCE OF HAMAN

The essence of Haman, the person who most potently expressed the characteristics and mission of Amalek, is revealed in a very strange discussion in the Gemara (Chullin 139b). The Gemara asks, “Where is Haman found in the Torah?” Before we discuss the Gemara’s answer, it is essential that we fully understand the nature of this question. After all, Haman was a man, not a halachic principle, so why is it important to find a source for Haman in the Torah?

Torah is not simply a guide to living a life of truth; it is the blueprint and DNA of this physical world. In other words, our physical world is a projection and emanation of the deep spiritual reality described in the Torah. This is the meaning behind the famous Midrash that says, “Istakel b’Oraisa u’bara alma — [Hashem] looked into the Torah and used it to create the world” (Bereishis Rabbah 1:1). Torah is the blueprint of the world; the physical world is an emanation and expression of Torah, the spiritual root of existence.

To illustrate this concept, imagine a projector. The image that you see on the screen emanates from the film in the projector so that everything you see on the screen is simply an expression of what is contained within the film. So too, every single thing that we see and experience in the physical world stems from the spiritual world — the transcendent dimension of Torah. This is what the Gemara means by “Where is Haman found in the Torah?” Haman’s spiritual root as well must be found within the Torah, and by understanding this source, we can understand his spiritual nature and purpose.

The Gemara answers: “Ha’min ha’eitz.” Ha’min shares the letters as Haman. Right after Adam and Chavah sinned, they were embarrassed, so they hid behind a bush. Hashem then asks them, “Ha’min ha’eitz

— Did you eat from the tree?” (Bereishis 3:11). Let us try to understand the profound meaning of this Gemara.

Before Adam sinned, he was on an angelic level, almost perfect. He saw reality through a crystal-clear lens; his body itself was transcendent, and he lived in the spiritual realm of Gan Eden. However, once Adam sinned, his entire existence, his body, and the world itself fell to a lower, incomparably more physical level. The physical no longer revealed the spiritual; it now hid it instead. Once he ate from the Eitz HaDaas, his spiritual vision became distorted and he became confused. At this point, he does the impossible: he hides from Hashem. The problem is obvious: How can Adam expect to hide from Hashem? He knows fully well that this is impossible, but he does so because he is confused. Evil and doubt have become mixed into his very self. While he knows this behavior is ridiculous, a small voice of doubt within him whispers, “Maybe it is possible to hide from Hashem.” In fact, it was the very shame and embarrassment of having eaten from the Eitz HaDaas that made him want to hide from Hashem. He was hiding from the truth — from the consequences of his actions.

However, deep down, Adam hoped that Hashem would come and tell him that everything will be okay, that Adam would be able to recreate the closeness to Hashem that he previously possessed, and that everything would go back to the way it was. This was the true pain of Hashem’s response: “Ayekah — Where are you?” “Ha’min ha’eitz — [Did you eat] from the tree?” The moment Adam acts as if Hashem can’t see him, i.e., the moment he relates to Hashem with doubt and uncertainty, Hashem responds in kind. This is because Hashem relates to us in exactly the way we relate to him. As the pasuk says, “Hashem tzilcha — Hashem is your shadow (Tehillim 121:5).” However you relate to Hashem, He will mirror (Nefesh Hachaim 1:7).

Ayekah, a question of doubt and uncertainty, would become the foundation for all of history. Ayekah has the same letters as “Eichah,” the Megillah we read describing the destruction of the Jewish People’s connection with Hashem. Our destruction is the direct result of denying Hashem’s connection to the world, acting as if He does not see what occurs here. The question of “Ha’min ha’eitz” is the source of Haman, the source of Amalek, the source of all doubt and uncertainty in this world. Hashem asks, “Did you eat from the tree?” as if He does not know. It is this question itself that represents the gap between us and Hashem, a gap that Amalek battles to keep open, a gap that the Jewish People must forever strive to close.

WHY ISN’T HASHEM MENTIONED IN THE MEGILLAH?

Megillas Esther is unique in that it is one of the only books in Tanach in which

Hashem’s name is not mentioned. This is because Purim marks a transition in history, when our battle against Amalek manifested in a new form. Until Purim, history was permeated with consistent open miracles, nevuah was common, and Hashem was openly revealed in the world.

The second stage, ushered in by Purim, is characterized by hidden miracles. In our present world, Hashem is no longer openly manifest and clearly visible. In this stage, we must choose to see Hashem within the darkness — to peer past the façade of a meaningless world. It is in this stage that Amalek’s claims are all the more tempting to believe, as it is so easy to ignore Hashem’s involvement in this world. Our challenge is to see past the surface, to see the miraculous within the natural, the ethereal within the mundane, and the infinite within the finite.

A TIMELESS BATTLE

Amalek fights for a G-d-less reality, devoid of spirituality and meaning; a world of Haman, of doubt, where a gap exists between us and Hashem. Only when you look closer, deepening your gaze, do you see the deeper layer of reality, the transcendent root. Hashem is echadone - and our goal is to see the spiritual oneness inherent within every event and object in this world. Amalek seeks to hide the truth, to disconnect us from our Source, and thus to strip all meaning from life. Only when we see past the surface, when we trace everything that happens in this world back to Hashemour spiritual Source, will we ultimately defeat Amalek and all that they stand for.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. His bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self, serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is also a business, executive, and leadership coach, with a unique approach based on Torah values. After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. To enjoy more of Rabbi Reichman’s content, to contact him, or to learn more about his services, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com

Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

Where is the Mizbach HaK’toret?

BY RABBI MENACHEM LEIBTAGN

Where is the Mizbach HaK’toret?

By Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

Parshiot

Terumah and Tetzaveh

comprise a distinct unit of mitzvot detailing the construction of the Mishkan. This unit is often referred to as “tzivui haMishkan” – the commandment to build the Mishkan.

At first glance, the internal arrangement of this unit appears logical. It begins by describing the most sacred object in the Mishkan – the Aron, which was situated in the innermost sanctuary of the Mishkan. It then continues with the accessories located in the ohel moed, the main sanctuary and concludes with the mizbach haOlah, which was placed in the chatzer, the outer courtyard (25:10–26; 26:37; 27). After having outlined all the various items and their equipment (25–27), this unit concludes with the description of the special garments of the kohanim (28) –and the miluim – the special procedures

for the seven day dedication ceremony (29).

The most striking exception to the logical flow of this unit is the mizbach haK’toret. Given its location – inside the Mishkan together with the shulchan and menorah – we would have expected to find the Torah’s discussion of the mizbach haK’toret together with those two. Instead, it was left out of Parshat Terumah, not appearing until the end of this unit.

To answer this question, we must return to the conceptual parallel between the Mishkan and Har Sinai, as explicated by Ramban. According to Ramban, it is not by chance that the ‘bookends’ of this tzivui haMishkan unit emphasize the dwelling of G-d’s shechina within the Mishkan. This constitutes the very purpose of the Mishkan – to perpetuate the Sinai experience!

One of the most striking parallels between the Mishkan and Har Sinai relates to the concept of mechitzot – boundaries. At Har Sinai, the people must

Tetzaveh Sidra Summary

engraved with the names of six tribes.

Point to Consider: Why does the sidrah begin briefly with the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah if the rest of it is dedicated to the clothing worn by the Kohanim?

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 28:13-30

remain at the foot of the mountain while the kohanim are permitted to come a bit closer. Only Moshe is granted access to the top of the mountain (19:20–24). Similarly, the people may proceed only as far as the outer courtyard of the Mishkan. The kohanim are allowed into the Kodesh, and only Moshe enters the Kodesh HaKodashim.

How does the mizbach haK’toret fit into all this?

A certain dialectic characterized Bnei Yisrael’s encounter with the shechina at Har Sinai. Ideally, Bnei Yisrael should have heard the commandments directly from G-d. However, mortal man is incapable of withstanding such an experience. Therefore, to protect Bnei Yisrael from the consequences of such an encounter, G-d covered Har Sinai with a cloud which served as a buffer between Bnei Yisrael and G-d.

One could suggest that the mizbach haK’toret serves a similar function. Situated in the Kodesh, its cloud of smoke acts as a buffer between Bnei Yisrael

Purim Sameach! Purim Sameach!

standing in the chatzer and G-d dwelling in the Kodesh HaKodashim.

One could suggest that by placing the commandment to build the mizbach haK’toret after the summary pesukim at the very end of this unit, the Torah alludes to its unique function in this covenantal encounter. After first completing its description of the ideal encounter between G-d and Bnei Yisrael in the Mishkan (29:45–46), the Torah immediately records the mitzvah of the mizbach haK’toret, which protects Bnei Yisrael. Realistically, they may not be worthy of the ideal encounter, and thus the mizbach haK’toret must come into play.

Rabbi Menachem Leibtag is an internationally acclaimed Tanach scholar and online Jewish education pioneer. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

oil are to be sprinkled on their garments. Moshe is to assist the Kohanim in waving their inauguration offering.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 29:38-46

Once the Mishkan is functional, the twice-daily Tamid (continual) offering is to be brought, one sheep in the morning and one in the afternoon, together with a flour offering and a wine libation.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 30:1-10

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – SHEMOT 7:20-28:12

G-d tells Moshe to instruct the people to bring pure, pressed olive oil for lighting the Menorah in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Aharon and his sons will take charge of setting up and lighting the Menorah. Moshe will guide “wise-hearted” workers to make the special garments for the Kohanim, “for glory and splendour”. The first four of the eight garments listed below were worn exclusively by the Kohen Gadol, the first of whom was Aharon. (1) The apron (ephod) was worn over Aharon’s tunic and robe. It was woven from coloured wool and linen, with two shoulder straps (ketefot) and a belt (cheshev) attached. Precious shoham stones (avnei shoham) were placed on each shoulder strap. Each stone was

(2) The breastplate (choshen) was placed above the ephod, with a similar weave. The front of the breastplate contained 12 different types of precious stones (avnei miluim), each one engraved with the name of a different tribe. Golden rings on the four corners allowed it to be attached to the ephod. The choshen ‘folded out’ to allow the insertion of a piece of parchment called the urim ve’tumim, which had the Ineffable Name of G-d written on it (see Rashi).

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 28:31-43

(3) The robe (me’il), made of turquoise wool, was worn under the first two garments. Golden bells (rimonim), placed between multi-coloured woollen ‘pomegranate’ shapes, hung from the bottom hem.

(4) The headplate (tzitz) was made of

pure gold and had the words ‘Kodesh L’Hashem’ written on it. It was placed on Aharon’s forehead. Every Kohen wore (5) a tunic (ketonet) with a gridlike patterned knit, as well as (6) a linen turban (mitznefet), (7) an embroidered sash (avnet) and (8) linen trousers (michnasayim).

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 29:1-18

The command to consecrate the Mishkan is given. Every day for seven days, Moshe is to bring animal and bread offerings, dress Aharon and his sons in their priestly clothing and anoint Aharon’s head with oil. The blood from the offerings is to be placed on the altar to inaugurate it.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 29:19-37

Moshe is to place the blood of the second ram-offering on the ears, thumbs and toes of Aharon and his sons. Blood and

The Mishkan also housed a gold-plated wooden mizbeach (altar), upon which the twice-daily incense offering was brought.

MAFTIR (DEVARIM 25:17-19)

The special reading for Parashat Zachor is from the end of Parashat Ki Tetze, commanding us to remember how the Amalekite nation started a war against the Israelites after they left Egypt, as well as the imperative to eradicate Amalek.

Torah from Israel A City of Rage

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

The saga of Megillas Esther is swathed in gripping drama and swirling palace intrigue. Former queens are deposed, and newly minted ones are crowned. Mid-level bureaucrats are hung while royal advisers are promoted to viceroys. Nothing is stable in the political quicksand of Shushan. Here today, gone tomorrow.

The saga is also flooded with powerful and radical emotional swings. The story commences with a half-year-long celebration in the city that never sleeps. The widespread pleasure and delight are quickly replaced by awful terror as the Jews learn of the vicious decree and their dreadful fate. Three suspenseful days of pious fasting and fervent prayer trigger a miraculous and sudden turnaround. Within days, our enemies are subdued and Shushan shifts from sorrow into celebration and festivity. The emotional revolutions of this story are acute and extreme.

Unexpectedly, within this emotional storm, the main characters, man of them wise, appear to act foolishly. Clever leaders succumb to folly, suffering self-inflicted wounds. King Achashverosh hastily executes his recalcitrant wife, but soon reminisces about his love for her. Had he responded more cautiously to the marital crisis, his beloved wife would still be sitting alongside his throne. Plunged into loneliness he conducts a nationwide search for a replacement queen. Had he just thought twice before pulling the trigger on his wife’s execution he would have been less lonely and less desperate.

Haman, the shrewd advisor of the king can’t seem to get out of his own way. Astonishingly, he constructs the very gallows which will one day snap his own neck. Foolishly he intrudes into the king’s nighttime chambers, inciting against Mordechai, but in reality, trapping himself in his own lair. Two days later, he rushes headlong into a private royal party which will launch his own execution. The pace of Shushan is maddening, everyone is in a rush, and wise men behave like fools. In this Shakespearean comedy, folly replaces discretion and careless decisions sink the best laid plans of Man.

DRIVEN BY ANGER

The recklessness of Shushan is driven by rage and anger. Fury clouds our better reason and upends balanced decision making. Infuriated by his wife’s insubordination, Achashverosh hurriedly executes her without fully calculating the outcome. Enraged at the sight of a single defiant Jew who refused to bow to him, Haman devises a full- scale genocide to avenge his affront. Upon encountering

Mordechai’s insolence a second time, literally hangs himself on a tree. Finally, Achashverosh is thrown into a fit of rage when he perceives Haman molesting Esther, and he rapidly slays his own trusted advisor.

Anger and rage drive the main characters into foolish acts of self-destruction. Driven to anger, everyone has gone mad.

ANGRY WORLD

Shushan is still alive. We inhabit the modern version of that ancient city of anger. We wrestle with road rage, workplace rage, and hostile communication. Civil politics have been replaced by toxic politics of anger and retaliation. Why are we always so angry?

GRIEVANCE ANGER

Haman’s was a descendant of Esav, who resented his younger brother for usurping his natural title of first born. Resentment ran deep in his bloodlines and justified any retaliatory response, including genocide. Haman came from a long line of angry people.

Feeling aggrieved, we become indignant angered and self-righteously justify moral violations. Perceived victimhood enrages us, paving the way for moral crimes committed in the name of retribution. A year ago, a madman in Russia launched a vicious attack against a peaceful country, because he felt aggrieved. The “unfortunate” collapse of the Soviet Union stripped his country of her natural empire and, to him, the reversal of this injustice justifies the mass murder of innocent civilians and potentially the wreckage of his own country. Grievance muddies reason.

Democratic societies are becoming poisoned by the politics of grievance. Democracy raises great expectations which, when unfulfilled, breed frustration and anger. Feeling victimized by lack of political influence opposition parties and electorates become angry and disenfranchised. When those aggrieved parties re-achieve power, they descend into retaliatory politics. Life, liberty and the pursuit of anger are the inalienable rights of every citizen in the modern city of rage.

RISING STRESS LEVELS

Life moves faster than ever before, and we are all expected to be online, all the time. The endless time demands of modern society leave us with free time for repose and relaxation, and we are left with brittle patience. Living under intense time pressures, we become irritable and impatient when our time is taken either by others or by circumstance.

Ironically, technology and mechanization were meant to provide us with more time, more leisure, more space and greater emotional equanimity. Spared of manual labor we were meant to lead more balanced and thoughtful lives. Sadly, we are haunted by a productivity paradox in which the introduction of technology has not necessarily boosted our productivity. We have less time available, live with less patience and are less tolerant upon encroachment of our time or space.

THE TREE OF AI

It is about to get worse. There is a storm brewing, and it is called artificial intelligence or AI.

Artificial intelligence will cause a seismic shift in our work culture and in our general society. Will the availability of automated intelligence lighten our workload, alleviate our stress, and afford us more time for human wisdom and interpersonal relationships? Or will we continue to spiral into a free fall of stress and limited time availability.

Before eating from the tree of knowledge Adam and Chava lived a blissful and quiet life of innocence and serenity. By eating from the forbidden fruit, they acquired more knowledge, thereby wrecking their world and ruined human history. Are we about to take a bite from the modern tree of knowledge called AI? How will it affect us? Unfortunately, we won’t know the answer until we taste the fruit. One this is certain – our world will never be the same. There is no turning back and this storm will wash away much of the old order.

FAMILY LIFE IN SHUSHAN

The recklessness in Shushan is even more stunning because there are no checks and balances against unconstrained anger. Family relationships in Shushan are hierarchical and paternalistic, leaving little room for women to moderate the behavior of their male masters.

At the outset, the king’s advisory board launches a chauvinistic power grab, assigning husbands as the king of the castle, while consigning women to manual labor and obedient submission. Vashti’s interests are irrelevant to the drunk revelers at the king’s bash. Voicing

her own independent will, she is quickly liquidated. Esther fares no better as she must solicit her husband for an audience, and even when finally granted an appointment, she must enchant him with her charm and beauty instead of simply request a favor. Unsurprisingly, Shushan, the den of sexual exploitation, doesn’t promote healthy marriages.

Haman’s wife Zeresh feels like a cardboard cutout rather than an actual human being. As her husband’s murderous plans develop, she riles his anger rather than questioning his motives or his conscience. When her husband begins to falter, she ominously warns him of the impending disaster. At no point do any of the men receive stable or steadying input from their spouses or children. Without any checks and balances the wheels quickly fall off and unchecked anger derails any and every agenda. Everyone in Shushan is angry..and alone.

We have more stress in our world and fewer tools for managing or handling it. Family life is fraying, depriving us of the comfort and solace which the home should provide. Homes should be peaceful zones which soothe stress and douse anger. Sadly, they often induce stress and frustration. Too much grievance, too much stress, too little time and weakened family support.

Tragically, we think that we are angry heroes but, in truth, we are all just foolish comedians.

The writer is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.

Family Fun

It’s great having a Mishkan with its beautiful furniture and now it is time to learn about some of the action and uniform that was in view there.

First we are taught about the oil that was used for the Menorah lighting –only the first drops from the olive were allowed to be used for the Menorah. Aharon had the special Mitzvah of lighting the Menorah each day. We then learn about the clothes

Sidra Word Search Dingbats

that the Kohanim wore. A hat, a long shirt, a belt and trousers, all made from a beautiful blend of colours and materials.

Then we are told about the extra clothes that the Kohen Gadol wore –The Me’il – the upper cloak with its bells and pomegranates, the Eiphod apron, the Tzitz on his forehead and the Choshen, the breastplate with the names of all the tribes of the Jewish

people engraved on them.

Then we learn about the special ceremony for bringing Aharon and his boys in to serve as Kohanim.

How beautiful was the sight of the Kohen Gadol and let us hope we live to see the service of the Beit Hamikdash speedily in our time!

The Book of Esther is unique.

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Hebrew Bible that does not mention G-d. However, many believe the story shows how G-d works in ways that are not always apparent, as any time “the King” is mentioned, it’s a hidden reference to G-d.

Using all the shapes on the left can you make the mountains shape on the right?

Tangram Challenge! 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.

Last week’s words

Use the area below to write the words you have found. A T E I M R B N

S

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

Jokes

Q: Are any monsters good at maths?

A: No… unless you Count Dracula!

Q: Why is Peter Pan flying all the time?

A: He Neverlands!

Q: Where do polar bears keep their money?

A: In a snow bank!

Q: Why did Mickey Mouse become an astronaut?

A: So he could visit Pluto!

Riddles

1. How do you make the number one disappear?

2. A girl fell off of a 30-foot ladder, but she didn’t get hurt at all. How is this possible?

3. How many cats can you put in an empty box?

3. One. After that, the box isn’t empty anymore.

2. She fell off the bottom step!

1. Add the letter G and then presto…it’s Gone!

Answers

Marking the Shloshim of Genia (Genendel) Sanger a’h

young, the family decided, for both Chinuch & financial reasons, to move back to Oswiecim in Poland. She moved back there only speaking Italian which was quite a novelty in those days.

As we all know, tragedy was soon to envelop European Jewry & the now infamous town of Oswiecim was not spared. On 31st August 1939, following her grandmother’s advice, she, together with her parents and siblings, left Oswiecim which is near the German border, & went to Krakow for Shabbos. The family owned a car which was used for their business, which they used to travel to Krakow, and on arrival there on that Erev Shabbos the radio announced that Poland had been invaded by the Nazi’s y’ms.

Golders Green and Manchester Jewry were saddened to recently hear about the Petira of Mrs Genia Sanger a’h. Although she had not been so well for a number of years, her passing was met with deep sadness by her family, friends & acquaintances.

Genia Sanger or as the family affectionally called her, Oma, was born 94 years ago in 1928, into the well-known Majer – Koschitzky family, in Gorizia, Italy. Her family, all staunch Radomsker Chasidim, lived in Poland in the town we all call today Auschwitz or Oswiecim. Her Great Uncle Avrohom Koschitzky had wanted to move to Eretz Yisroel, and asked the Radomsker Rebbe for a Brocho to go, however the Rebbe told him to go to Trieste in Italy to open a business, & to assist & help the people who were making their way through Europe to EY. The Rebbe wanted all travellers passing through to have a reliable kosher establishment to stay at on their journey. He trusted her Great Uncle implicitly with Kashrus & Yiddishkeit & knew that he was a trustworthy person to fulfil this purpose, acting as a true Chasiddishe Yid. In actual fact the Imrei Emess and Minchas Elozor were hosted there on their trips to Eretz Yisroel, and there is a photo of her Uncle standing together with the Imrei Emess with a ship in the port in the background. Trieste was some 50km from Gorizia where they actually lived. Their family home was continually busy serving the needs of all who passed through.

Oma lived with her parents – Yehuda Leib & Blima Majer in Gorizia. Other Yidden also lived there and in fact Gorizia had a Yeshiva headed by R’Avrohom Sofer, who was instrumental in republishing the Me’eri on Shass from Kisvei Yodois that had recently then been discovered. This was the Gorizia where she and her twin sister were born & lived, her older brother having been born earlier still in Oswiecim.

However, in 1934, when she was still very

The family knew then, that they had to get out & away & fast. Thus started a journey of over five thousand miles travelling, by foot, horse & cart & train dodging and evading the enemy & falling bombs. They were then deported by the Russians to Siberia where they lived for a year and a half in terrible conditions, following which, after a several week long journey in a goods train, they reached & settled in a town called Qzylorda which is in Kazakhstan - a huge country in Central Asia. Settled is only a crude term for just about existing. It was one room in an apartment and had to suffice for the whole family, but at least there were other Chassidishe yidden there who had made their way there to hide out till the end of the war. However, they were continually hunted by the NKVD which made life intolerable. Unfortunately, her father Yehuda Leib z’l became ill and was niftar there and is buried somewhere in Qzylorda.

There is much to tell about her mission in life at that time, and about her insistence on only eating & drinking kosher at a time when many people were Matir to eat Treif just to survive. Her Mesiras Nefesh under the harshest conditions to only drink Cholov Yisroel, was legendary amongst her peers in Qzylorda who could not believe her strength of character for one so young. This was all despite the fact that, like most of her contemporaries, she had never had any formal Jewish education. All her chinuch came from her parents, who imbued her with Emuno and Bitochon, and the Koach to do what she knew was correct and was expected of her.

After the end of the war in1945, she, together with her twin sister, her brother & their mother managed to bribe some officials to get back to Moscow. From Moscow they travelled to Lvov in Poland, & after the Pogrom in Kielce in July 1946 she travelled through Czechoslovakia, then to Austria onto Germany & finally to Italy, where they were directed to a refugee camp just outside Milan,

The family then lived for seven years in Milan until she met her Ezer Kenegdo - R’

Yaakov Yisroel Sanger, er zoll gezunt zein. They married in 1953, and moved to Manchester in England where Opa was living at the time. There they set down roots & became well known members of the Manchester community.

Oma a’h was the foundation of the home. She supported Opa in all his endeavours both in business & in his social activities, raising Tzedoko for various causes or being the wife of the Chairman of Governors of a school, with all the work that entailed. Meals were always ready on time, and we have to remember, life was not so simple in those early years in provincial Manchester. Today these things are taken for granted, but then Challes invariably had to be made each Shabes as were cakes and biscuits – chickens were supplied as it says – as chickens – they had to be plucked –cleaned – kashered, etc & this was all in the days before she owned a freezer! It was done with a love and devotion to Opa & the children. She always helped those less fortunate than herself, several times making Sheva Brochos at home for people who needed it, even making a bar mitzva in her dining room, obviously cooking

everything herself. She also used to send food packages to people who were unwell. This was long before Gemachim existed to help people.

She was always sending her famous Streusel cakes to the children & grandchildren – something they will never forget. Her ability to encourage & support the younger generations with words of wisdom & love & kindness is something her family will treasure forever & guide them all for the rest of their lives. Her grace & caring was an example to all who knew her. She had a magical way of bringing joy and serenity every time she walked into a room.

In 2000 Opa retired, and Opa an Oma moved to London where their daughters, and most of the grandchildren lived. There too, she continued to be the Matriarch of the family, dispensing her sound advice together with her eagerly anticipated Rugelech, or chocolate and a drink. She was available to anyone at any time & she was a shoulder to cry on for all problems due to her Seichel Hayoshor – plain common sense. She loved to be visited & entertained by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren & great, great grandchildren. May the Neshomo of Gnendal bas Yehuda Leib a”h have an Aliya, and, standing in front of the Kisei Hakovod she should Bayt for the Gezunt of her husband – children –grandchildren, great grandchildren & great, great grandchildren that they should be well and be Zoche to see the coming of Moshoiach Bimhayro.

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The Family

LSJS Education Page

Preparing you for the real world of teaching

BY LAURA RUSSELL

When I came out of college after training to be a teacher almost 30 years ago, I really wasn’t prepared for life in a classroom and was totally overwhelmed by what lay ahead of me.

That isn’t to say that my PGCE teacher training course wasn’t a good one –it was. Homerton College, Cambridge had the reputation of being one of the best places to train to be a teacher and I learnt a huge amount. However, the two, short teaching practices that I did in local Cambridge schools just didn’t prepare me well enough for the reality of teaching in a primary school classroom.

I am so lucky that the two incredible schools that I have worked in since then were supportive, encouraging and forward thinking. This, coupled with my own quest to always strive to be a better teacher, through reading, attending

training courses or learning from others, has led me to my current role.

As well as being the Deputy Head at Wolfson Hillel Primary School, I also run the Primary School Direct teacher training programme with LSJS – both jobs which I truly love.

Unlike my own training, the School Direct route into teaching is one which prepares you brilliantly for the real world of the classroom teacher – and for the all the many ups and downs that go with it.

Following an interview (which includes being observed teaching in a real classroom), trainees accepted onto the course are then placed in a school for the duration of their teacher training year. Many applicants have already had some experience in schools – often as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant. They are employed by the school as a member of staff and so earn a salary while they train. The fact that they are an employed member of staff means that they can be fully immersed in the

life of the school, with their own class of pupils to teach, whilst being supported by myself, LSJS and their school- based mentor. School Direct trainees learn how to teach every subject that a class teacher needs to teach in a primary school. We also have trainees who want to be Jewish Studies teachers.

Every Wednesday, the trainees are released from their schools and teaching duties to attend Centre-based training at LSJS where they learn the theory and practice of teaching, as well as having plenty of opportunity to reflect on their practice and share their successes and struggles. It is always wonderful to see how a group of strangers develops into a strong, supportive group of colleagues and friends by the end.

At the final session in July, it is a proud moment to see how much progress the trainees have made, and also how prepared and confident they are for their first year as qualified teachers.

Laura Russell is Deputy Headteacher at Wolfson Hillel Primary School and Primary School Direct Programme Manager at LSJS. For more information about School Direct, please email laura.russell@whjps. jcat.co.uk. If you would like to train as a teacher but have not got a lot of teaching experience, then the SCITT course that LSJS runs is for you.

Please contact Suzanne Wayland at suzanne.wayland@lsjs.ac.uk

EXPERT ADVICE

Why has the quality of the export packing for my Aliyah shipment to Israel suddenly become so much more important?

The quick answer is that more people are likely to handle it!!

Why?? you ask – well, just recently, Israeli Customs have taken a much closer look at what is in the containers and it would appear that a very large proportion of imports into Israel are being inspected for – wait for it – drugs!! I have absolutely no idea what is the reason behind this. My company has never knowingly shipped any drugs anywhere and our containers have never previously been inspected for drugs. This week, I have had two containers stopped and searched (obviously with nothing in any way linked to drugs found). But the searches are aimed at ALL the imports not just us and we have only had 2 cartons opened in the first container and they were then sealed by Customs and replaced in the container. Other shippers have not been so lucky!!

So there is good news and there is bad news. We as a company are totally honest as to what is in a shipment that we take to Israel. We comply with all the laws and regulations and we have a clean 45+ years’ history. So, provided we handle ALL the packing then we know that there is no contraband included in your shipment and we know that the packing will withstand an extra lot of handling and you can sleep easy.

The only bad news is that with these inspections, you will be charged for the inspection and for any storage of your shipment in the port whilst it awaits inspection. The charges vary according to the depth of inspection. Very often it is just an X-ray but it could be a full container for a few thousand shekels – hopefully not, but be prepared and ensure that you use Stephen Morris Shipping for that high quality packing.

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

JACOB BERNSTEIN

A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: Mortgage, Protection and General Insurance Intermediaries; Lenders, Credit Brokers, Debt Counsellors and Debt Managers; Alternative Investment Fund Managers;

• E-Money, Payment Services, PISP, AISP and Grant-making Charities.

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

CHARITY

JEWISH CARE

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

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

SHIPPING

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING

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

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

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

WEALTH MANAGMENT

MARC OVITS – BA (HONS) APFS CERT PFS (DM)

Over 25 years of successful experience in financial services including 11 years of investment banking experience.

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

Individual services:- Wealth Management, Investment, Retirement, Estate/IHT, protection planning, Tax Mitigation and Cash Management Solutions

Business & Charity services:- Investment Planning, Business Succession & Business Exit Planning, Business Protection, Corporate Pensions, Employee Benefits, Cash Management Solutions, Profit extraction strategies

Alpha Wealth Management

Contact:

020 8203 6920

info@alphawm.co.uk

www.alphawm.co.uk

BUTCHERS

KOSHER DELI

Kosher Deli was established with the intention of making kosher meat and poultry affordable for all with the convenience of multiple locations and a comprehensive delivery service. All this without compromising on kashrus or quality. Locations in: Golders Green, Hendon, Temple Fortune, Edgware, Borehamwood & Manchester

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

ESTATE AGENT

MARTIN FRYDENSON - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE

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

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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET

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

Contact:

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

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

EPC NATIONAL

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

Especially with the new regulations coming, we provide guidance to all of our clients. Call the team to discuss any requirements.

Contact:

03300 881141 info@epcnational.co.uk www.epcnational.co.uk

UK ALIYAH ADVISORS

UK ALIYAH ADVISORS – WEALTH MANAGEMENT ISRAEL – BRAUDE WEALTH

Braude Wealth was founded to provide wealth management services for English-speaking people in Israel.

Coming from the UK, America and South Africa – our team has a deep understanding of the many challenges that face their fellow “expatriates” in Israel when trying to navigate its complex financial services sector. We are THE SPECIALISTS for helping English-speakers to manage their wealth, and particularly to access international investment opportunities. Do NOT use a non-Israel based wealth manager once you have made Aliyah! If you are or know someone planning Aliyah or already living in Israel, contact us today to discuss your circumstances.

Contact: +972 (0)2 992 1519 pbraude@anglocapital.com braudewealth.com/about/

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

STEPHEN COLMAN – INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

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

Contact:

07956 234 524 020 8458 9137 stephencolman2@aol.com

How can we turn unhappiness in to smiles?