The Jewish Weekly Issue 271 - March 9th

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Global celebrations for Purim

BY DAVID SAFFER

Purim celebrations have taken place around the world.

Matched funding campaigns occurred over the festival to benefit poverty-stricken families across the UK and further afield.

In the UK, megillah readings took place in synagogues to cater for members of every age.

Among the many charities to put on events people supported by Norwood joined with staff and family members for the charity’s annual Purim party in London. There was an array of imaginative costumes as everyone got into the Purim spirit with a life DJ and party food.

Elsewhere, Norwood held an inclusive megillah reading for families of children with learning disabilities and autism, allowing families to enjoy an accessible and adapted megillah reading together which accommodates individual needs.

The event included a quiet room and adapted noisemakers and fidget poppers. People supported could decorating their homes with Purim crafts produced for Norwood by volunteers at GIFT, JCoss, JFS, The Hall and Project Impact. Michloach manot were delivered.

Purim celebrations with the Camp Simcha team began with a

party for families the charity supports in Manchester last weekend followed by its big rally back for the first time since Covid-19.

In London, the Camp Simcha services team brought Purim fun to Great Ormond Street Hospital, delivering hamantaschen for staff and running a stall in the hospital’s Lagoon area, with Purim treats, arts and crafts and a photo booth for patients and their families to enjoy.

Camp Simcha’s London Purim party for its families follows on Sunday.

Fun galore took place across Kisharon. Pupils at Tuffkid Nursery and Kisharon Noé School enjoyed preparing for Purim, making Hamantasen, learning songs and acting out the megillah story. School pupils also took part in filming a Purim Shpeil video.

Kisharon clients packed hundreds of Mishloach Manot as part

of Kisharon's Purim social enterprise project. They enjoyed dressing up, making hamantashen and hearing the megillah.

Many volunteers and Kisharon clients have taken part in a fundraising 'Bucket' collection where funds raised will go towards supporting the charity.

JDA received a surprise visit from Strictly Come Dancing 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir listening to the Megillah PHOTO: GPO

Rose, who was born deaf, delighted members, volunteers and staff as she participated in a Q&A session, including speaking about her Strictly and Eastenders experiences on before taking lead position to dance with JDA member Leslie who was celebrating his 90th birthday.

The room was electric with laughter as Rose posed for photos before joining members for lunch.

A carnival-themed Purim party was held at Belmont United Synagogue in northwest London. Kids and adults enjoyed fairground-style games, including sumo-wrestling, cup toppling and guess-the-sweets in the jar, with a fish and chips dinner helping fuel the fun.

jLiving operates across four London Boroughs, Dacorum in Hertfordshire and Thanet in Kent.

Two properties held Purim parties for residents at Lionel Leighton Court and Wolfson Court.

Following the Megilla read by Yigal Wachmann at New West End Synagogue a ‘Jewsical’ concert for over 180 people was held featuring a choir comprising members of Central and New West End.

New West End Chazan Marc Joseph conducted the choir with a melody of popular

Netanyahu attended a megillah reading at Beit Horon Border Police Base.

National Security Minister Itamar BenGvir, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, General Kobi Shabtai joined police officers at the reading.

Netanyahu told officers: “The people of Israel greatly appreciate your actions, your efforts, your heroism and your sacrifice.

with local rabbis and community leaders to ensure a peaceful Purim.

Dean Elsdunne, Israel Police international spokesperson said: “Our top priority is safety. We have a strong presence on the streets and will not tolerate any acts of violence or unlawful behaviour. By maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on lawbreakers, Israel Police is demonstrating unwavering commitment to ensuring a peaceful and safe Purim.”

In the US, among a plethora of events, Chaverim of Queens ran an anti-drinking and driving campaign over Purim.

Chaverim had ‘Volunteer Designated Drivers’ available in Queens throughout Purim.

Chaverim co-founder Avigdor Cyperstein

said: “The community can enjoy Purim knowing that we are just a phone call away. As always, we remain on hand to respond to calls including car troubles like lockouts, flat tires, boosts, among others, and home lockouts.”

Joyful dancing in Broughton Park for a happy Purim

Camp Simcha supporter in Golders Green

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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Tory MPs and Jewish organisations blast Lineker

BY DAVID SAFFER

Tory MPs and Jewish organisations have called on the BBC to sack Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker following his controversial social media comments on the government's asylum policy.

Lineker posted on Twitter that Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s asylum proposal was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.

A “frank conversation” between the BBC and the MOTD presenter has taken place. According to a BBC spokesperson Lineker would be “reminded of his responsibilities”.

The media frenzy followed Lineker’s response to a Home Office tweet stating “Enough is Enough. We must stop the boats.” by Braverman, when he tweeted: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”

Told by a Twitter user he was “out of order”, Lineker noted: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?”

After the UK immigration policy-Nazi Germany comparison, Braverman told BBC One's Breakfast: “I think it's unhelpful to compare our measures, which are lawful, proportionate and indeed compassionate to 1930s Germany. I also think that we are on the side of the British people here.”

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick told

Times Radio: “My children are the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and I think those sorts of words should not be thrown around lightly. Gary Lineker is paid for by the British taxpayer and it is disappointing that he is so far out of step with the British public.”

He added: “They see people dying, literally, in the English Channel at the behest of some of the most evil criminal gangs we see in the world today, and they want the government to take action. That’s exactly what we intend to do.”

Tory Party Deputy Chairman Lee Anderson said Lineker was “out of touch” and had “piped up again with his virtue-signalling nonsense”. He noted: “This is just another example of how out of touch these overpaid stars are with the voting public. Instead of lecturing, Mr Lineker should stick to reading out the football scores and flogging crisps.”

The backlash has been across media outlets. BBC Radio 4 and LBC had comments on both sides of the debate including from Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if “significant action” should be taken, Cooper said: “That is entirely a matter for the BBC. He is somebody who has spoken out strongly on lots of different issues. People who feel strongly should be able to speak out and say the things that they feel.”

Among Jewish organisations to publicly slam the former footballer, Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Discrimination, said: “Lineker is at it again, comparing Home Secretary Suella Braverman's immigration Bill to the Nazis in the 1930s. It is an unacceptable and fallacious comparison and second, it is out of order as he is a full-time employee of the BBC.

“This puts him in the same category as Whoopi Goldberg who has recently been criticised for her unacceptable comments on the Holocaust and the antisemite Kanye West. It comes in the wake of a previous tweet by Lineker, condemning the shooting of a Palestinian footballer by Israeli soldiers. The footballer turned out to be a Hamas terrorist

and had been shooting at Israeli soldiers. This was also utterly condemned, and complaints made to the BBC, including by AAD. The complaints progress is ongoing and Lineker has neither apologised for nor corrected this misleading information. The BBC should show its mettle and sack Lineker once and for all. He is a dangerous and disruptive man.”

The National Jewish Assembly said Lineker was “overstepping his remit”.

The NJA stated: “Lineker’s comments are especially concerning as they touch on the pernicious phenomena of historical revisionism and Holocaust distortion. The evils of Nazi Germany, and the current UK government’s migration policy, are in no way analogous. We urge the BBC to take appropriate steps to ensure that he desists from making additional insensitive and offensive comments in the future.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has social media guidance, which is published. We have appropriate internal processes in place if required. We would expect Gary to be spoken to and reminded of his responsibilities.”

BBC guidelines state that the organisation is “committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output. This commitment is fundamental to our reputation, our values and the trust of audiences.”

Regarding staff, the BBC notes: “The external activities and public comments, for example on social media, of staff, presenters and others who contribute to our output can also affect perceptions of the BBC’s impartiality.”

Gary Lineker

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Arnie releases YouTube video to fight antisemitism

BY DAVID SAFFER

Arnold Schwarzenegger has released a powerful YouTube video about rising antisemitism around the world.

The Terminator movie star called on those who embrace hate to find the “strength” to change their viewpoint.

Schwarzenegger visited Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp last year as part of his work with the Auschwitz Jewish Centre Foundation to help fight prejudice and hate.

Recalling his first visit to the death camp Schwarzenegger said that 1.1m Jews were “ruthlessly murdered” because they were Jewish.

The experience at the former death camp made a life-changing impact.

“When you walk through a place like Auschwitz you feel a tremendous weight,” he said. “There are reminders everywhere of the horrors that happened.”

Schwarzenegger on the video gives a graphic account of seeing the suitcases and shoes of those that perished, logbooks of thousands of names crossed out, the gas chambers and crematorium where the Na zis tried to “erase” their atrocities. He also saw the barracks, watchtowers and train line where Jews arrived before being murdered by the Nazi regime.

There is a “feeling of history of mil lions of voices” silenced decades ago, he said, begging you not to just look at the shoes but “spend a few hours in them” imaging you were there.

The anti-hate campaigner told viewers to imagine arriving on a train, standing in lines and smelling smoke that “didn’t smell like any wood you’ve ever burned before” before working to exhaustion with almost nothing to eat and if considered useless would be murdered.

He observed: “Once you’ve spent the time to really think about all of those things then your imagination has no choice but to start the real work. How do we stop this from ever happening again?”

Schwarzenegger said you never question why ‘Never Again’ is the rallying cry to prevent another Holocaust.

The former California governor has spoken about his father, Gustav Schwarzenegger, who was a Nazi soldier during the war, and the “broken men” he was surrounded by growing up in Austria after the Second World War.

He did not hold back his feelings: “They drank to numb their pain… beside the guilt and injuries they felt like losers, not only because they lost the war, but because they

fell for a horrible loser ideology. They were lied to and misled into a path that ended in misery.”

Schwarzenegger addressed people filled with hate.

He said: “Throughout history, hate has always been the easy path. It’s easier to find a scapegoat for a problem than to try to make things better ourselves. But let me be clear, you won’t find success at the end of that road. You will not find fulfilment or happiness because hate burns fast and bright, it might make you feel empowered for a while, but it eventually consumes whatever vessel it fuels. It breaks you. It’s the path of the weak. That’s why there has never been a successful movement based on hate. The Nazis? Losers. The Confederacy? Losers. The Apartheid movement? Losers. The list goes on and on.”

Schwarzenegger said nobody is perfect and understood how people fall into a trap of prejudice.

He explained. “It’s easier to make excuses that the Jewish people conspired to hold you back than it is to admit that you just needed to work harder. It’s easier to hate than it is to learn… But remember easier isn’t better. When you spend your life looking for scapegoats you take away your own responsibility. You remove your own power. You steal your own strength. Nobody who has chosen the easy path of hate has got to the end of the road and said, ‘Oh what a life’. They die as miserably as they lived.”

Schwarzenegger said there was a chance to live a life of strength by “giving up the war against everyone that you hate” because of someone’s skin colour, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

He exclaimed: “Give it up. Give up that war. The war you have to fight is the war against yourself. It’s not easy to look in the mirror and change your own life. You have to take

responsibility. You have to learn new things. You have to feel uncomfortable. Discomfort is how we grow. That’s how we become strong. If you run way from discomfort and resistance your whole life you will always be weak.”

Schwarzenegger added: “You have two paths in front of you, one will be harder, it’s going to be painful. You will have to force your brain to think in new ways. You might lose some friends who want to hold on to their weak beliefs. But as you pull yourself away from that anger and that hate eventually you will start to feel empowered. You will realise that you have the greatest power of all, the power to change your own life. You will be stronger than you have ever known.”

Schwarzenegger recalled walking through Auschwitz-Birkenau and meeting a Holocaust survivor who gave him strength to move forward.

He recollected: “I put myself in the shoes of those people herded into those gas chambers. It was horrifying, one of the darkest moments of my life. But in that darkness a woman who survived the horrors of Auschwitz helped me find the light. She told me that the Nazis could conquer cities and countries. They could take her freedom, her friends, her family, even her life but they could never conquer her mind.”

Schwarzenegger concluded: “I don’t care how many hateful things you may have written online. I don’t care how often you have marched carrying that hateful flag, or what hateful things you may have said in anger. There’s still hope. There’s still time for you. Choose strength. Choose life. Conquer your mind. You can do it.”

A recent survey from the American Jewish Committee shows that 69 per cent of US adults have witnessed antisemitism or experienced online hate.

There are further worrying polls around the world illustrating the growing threat of antisemitism.

South African Embassy in Israel downgraded

BY ADAM MOSS

The South African Zionist Federation has condemned the SA Parliament downgrading the status of the South African Embassy in Israel over solidarity” with the Palestinians.

A National Freedom Party resolution passed by 52% to 48% in parliament.

NFP, who have two seats but had backing from the African National Congress for the controversial proposal, stated they were “ecstatic” with the vote.

But a SAZF statement noted: “The ANC government has created a foreign policy that aims to befriend dictatorships and bash democracies. It obsesses over Israel, which is the size of our Kruger National Park, and at the same hosts navy war drills with Russia, responsible for horrific war crimes and the deaths of thousands of innocent Ukrainian civilians over the past year.”

SAZF Chairman Rowan Polovin reportedly said: “This symbolic motion does not represent the position of the majority of

South Africans, who are either neutral or positively disposed towards Israel. It is a result of divisive political groups playing to their domestic base. It will have no impact on Israel. All it will achieve is to undermine South Africa's own international credibility. Israel is building warmer ties to the Middle East and Africa, and South Africa is increasingly positioning itself as an antagonist to peace and normalisation."

Democratic Alliance, African Christian Democratic Party, Inkatha Freedom Party and Freedom Front parliamentarians

spoke against the motion.

And Christian pro-Israel groups in South Africa slammed the result.

Pamela Ingubane, South African Friends of Israel, reportedly said the symbolic motion sends a “dark message” to any Christian wishing to travel to the Holy Land of Israel for religious purposes. They added: “Tens of thousands of Christians travel to Israel yearly to visit the holiest sites of their faith, and have a right to access South African consular support and services during their pilgrimage.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

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• An interactive guided tour of the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation in Jaffa.

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An inspirational visit to their unique JNF-KKL House of Excellence. Meet the extraordinary students who are the future of Israel.

• A delicious Kosher for Passover picnic lunch.

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Community stalwart Anthony had a ‘sense of duty’ to Shenley

BY DAVID SAFFER

Tributes have been paid to Cllr Anthony Spencer who passed away last Shabbat. A proud Zionist, campaigner against antisemitism and stalwart of Shenley Synagogue, Anthony was a dedicated ‘old school’ figure politically in his local village and on Hertsmere Borough Council.

Anthony, 74, was elected by the people of Shenley to represent them for the first time in 2015 and then for another four-year term in 2019.

Cllr Morris Bright, Hertsmere council leader, led tributes.

He said: “So strong of mind and character was Anthony and so dedicated to his local communities that less than two weeks before he died, he was still at Council speaking up for them. He was quite ill but that did not stop him from attending. It was his duty and Anthony felt a sense of duty in all that he did for Shenley.

“Anthony was a proud Jew and I recall the visit of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis to Shenley Synagogue three years ago and how happy Anthony was to be introduced to him. Anthony was also a protector

when it came to Israel and its reputation. He would speak forthrightly against those

who would call for Councils to bring motions to ban Israeli imports. Likewise, he would speak out against those he felt were guilty of antisemitism regardless of any backlash that might come his way. And at times it did, such as erroneous complaints put in about him to the council’s Standards Committee or to a national political party. But he always believed truth would win the day and it did and he would continue his quest to call out the haters and keyboard warriors.”

Morris added: “Anthony served all the people of Shenley to the very best of his abilities. He knew that as well as it being a comfortable leafy village, there were pockets of the area that needed help, whether it be due to crime or anti-social behaviour, and both on the Borough council and Shenley Parish Council he would be quick to call for that help, from mobile CCTV cameras to extra patrols by the Police.

“Anthony was ‘old school’. He was forthright in his views and the way he communicated them. In today's parlance he would not be considered as very PC. And I think he would have been proud of that. He came from a stance that

strongly believed you should leave a place in a better condition than that in which you found it. During his years on Hertsmere Borough Council and the efforts he made in many hundreds of hours of meetings, I have no doubt that he has done just that.”

Cllr Natalie Susman has known Anthony and his family for over 20 years after first meeting them at Shenley Synagogue in its early days of formation.

Natalie knew Anthony politically having served with him on Shenley Parish Council and Hertsmere.

She noted: “Anthony was always actively involved with the shul and a valued member. In addition to working alongside Anthony with the shul I had the pleasure and honour of serving with him this term as Borough Councillor.

“Anthony served the community tirelessly and I could not have wished to have served alongside a better mentor. He was one in a million and I for one will miss him greatly.”

Rabbi Alan Garber, Shenley Synagogue, spoke on behalf of the local Jewish community.

He commented: “Anthony was a pillar of the Shenley community encouraging his family to be involved in the shul. He was a regular shul goer and supported events. We are building a Shenley library which he helped to fund. We are dedicating it in his memory. He was a very special man, very upright, strong in his opinions and very well respected in both the Shenley and wider community. He will be sorely missed.”

Anthony is survived by his wife Vana, children Naomi and Elliot, and grandchildren.

Cllr Anthony Spencer z"l

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Fire tragedy kills family of five King’s holy oil from Old City

BY HARRY SIMONS

The holy Chrism oil to anoint King Charles III at his coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6th May has been consecrated in Jerusalem’s Old City. Buckingham Palace confirmed the news last Friday.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch, His Beatitude Theophilos III, and Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum, both of Jerusalem, consecrated the sacred oil at The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The oil will anoint King Charles and Queen Camilla in what is the most sacred part of the ceremony.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will conduct the coronation service.

He thanked His Beatitude for providing the coronation oil as it reflected the king’s family connection with the Holy Land. The Archbishop welcomed the Archbishop sharing the consecration of the oil.

“Since beginning the planning for the coronation, my desire has been for a new coronation oil to be produced using olive oil from the Mount of Olives,” he explained. “This demonstrates the deep historic link between the coronation, the Bible and the Holy Land.

“From ancient kings through to the present day, monarchs have been anointed with oil from this sacred place. As we prepare to anoint the king and the queen consort, I pray that they would be guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.”

The Palace said that the oil was a mix of

sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin and orange blossom. It is based on oil used at the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

The formula is hundreds of years old. Unlike previous versions, it will not include animal ingredients.

The King will receive the sovereign’s orb, sceptre and coronation ring before the sacred blessing.

The sacred moment of anointing was not allowed to be filmed in 1953. It has not been announced whether the anointing will be shown on television during the King's coronation.

King Charles will be crowned in a restored chair dating to the 13th century. The chair was last used for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. Most English monarchs since the 13th century have used the chair. It was built for King Edward I to look after the Stone of Scone. The stone was returned to Scotland in 1996.

Due to its frailty, the chair has undergone painstaking restoration by a team of experts.

Following the coronation a special concert takes place at Windsor Castle on 7th May followed by a Bank Holiday.

BY LILY JOSEPH

A $100,000 GoFundMe appeal has been reached after a fire killed Shimone Boyer and his four children in Phoenix last week.

Two of the youngsters, Shevach, 11, and Tamar, 9, were critically hurt in the blaze that destroyed their condominium last Wednesday but passed away from their injuries over Shabbat.

Shlomo and brothers Dov Ber, and Nachman, 8, died at the scene.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Investigations continue.

“Shimone put everything he could into those kids, everything he could do, every waking moment,” his brother Steve Boyer reportedly told media outlets. He said. “There are no words.”

All the children are reported to have had special needs.

“Each person is a flame and each person

has something to offer the world,” Boywer added.

Dawn Harris, a family friend knew Shimone.

“I was shocked. I didn't want to believe it,” she reportedly told ABC15. “We connected because I have children with disabilities. I was able to help him obtain different connections to resources he needed.”

Phoenix

Fire Department crews attended the fire at the single condo unit at 11pm with flames coming from the windows.

All five victims were taken to hospitals. Shlomo was pronounced dead, the children were reported to be in an “extremely critical condition.”

The appeal will help the family with funeral expenses.

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme. com/f/funeral-costs-of-father-and-children-and-expenses?qid=20e62aba647c1117130086f466ed377e

Shimone Boyer and his four children z"l PHOTO: GOFUNDME

His Beatitude Theophilos III

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Stamford Hill incidents King David hoax

Police are investigating a number of incidents in Stamford Hill, north London.

A ten-year-old Jewish boy was reportedly punched in the stomach on his way home from school last Friday.

The attack took place on Amhurst Park in Stamford Hill and reported by Stamford Hill Shomrim.

Contact police with details 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim 0300 999 0123 (Ref: CAD 1708 03/03/23).

A woman reportedly screamed “You ugly Jewish kids, ******* ugly people” at a 74-year-old Jewish woman and young girls at a bus stop in Stamford Hill, also last Friday.

The incident at the CS bus stop on Clapton Common was reported by Stamford Hill Shomrim.

Contact police with details 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim 0300 999 0123 (Ref: CAD 219 03/03/23).

A number of Jewish families in Stamford Hill have been disturbed early in the morning in recent weeks weeks by a man allegedly banging on front doors.

The man was reported by families on Moresby Road to have screamed: “I will come on Shabbos when you can’t call police.” The incidents have been reported by Stamford Hill Shomrim.

Contact the police with details on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim 0300 999 0123 (Ref: CAD366 03/03/23).

Inscription has link to King Achashverosh

BY LEAH WAXLER

A 2,500-year-old ceramic potsherd has been discovered at Tel Lachish National Park.

Of great significance is an inscription of Persian king Darius the Great, father of King Ahasuerus, known as Achashverosh from the Book of Esther of Purim fame.

Eylon Levy, international media advisor to President Isaac Herzog, and Yakov Ashkenazi, found the artifact last December and presented it to the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Researchers Saar Ganor of the IAA and Dr. Haggai Misgav of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found evidence of the Persian royal administration in the Achaemenid period during examination.

The Aramaic inscription ‘Year 24 of Darius’ dates to 498 BCE and notes the name of Persian king Darius the Great (Darius I), father of Ahasuerus who reigned from 522–486 BCE.

The Persian Empire expanded under his son Hishrash (Ahasuerus, Xerxes in Greek).

This is the first discovery of an inscription of Darius the Great's name in Israel.

“When I saw the inscription, my hands shook," said Levy. “I looked left and right for the cameras, because I was sure someone was playing an elaborate prank on me.”

“It’s amazing that visitors to the site come across such a rare inscription 'reviving' the Persian King Darius known to us from the sources!” said Eli Escuzido, IAA. “His son King Ahasuerus, who ruled 'from India to Cush', could never have imagined that we would find evidence of his father in Israel 2,500 years after the dramatic events in his royal court.”

According to Ganor and Misgav a British Archaeological Expedition at Tel Lachish in the 1930s uncovered an administrative building from the Persian period.

The inscribed potsherd will be published in the Israel Antiquities Authority journal ‘Atiqot’.

Pupils and staff at King David High School in Manchester were evacuated after a threatening telephone call on Purim. Greater Manchester Police reacted swiftly to the incident on Tuesday morning. Police said the call was a hoax after investigations.

The school complex, including the primary school, was fully evacuated as a precautionary measure.

A Community Security Trust statement noted: “A threat was received by the school and a security response was instigated in cooperation with the police and CST. It was deemed a hoax and everyone returned to school safely. As with all these types of incidents we will work with all involved to look at lessons learned to help with any future incidents.”

Police confirmed officers attended the scene after a threating phone call and searched the school grounds before the incident was stood down after a two-hour operation.

The evacuation procedure was described as ‘standard practice’.

King David praised pupils and staff for being calm during the incident.

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Tel Lachish National Park

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

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COMING VERY SOON!

by YISROEL BESSER

Reb Meilech Biderman has touched all of Klal Yisrael with his messages of chizuk, bringing us uplift and hope, filling us with confidence that we can make good things better. His weekly shiurim are followed by tens of thousands.

Now, Reb Meilech on the Haggadah brings his message of emunah and hope to our Seder table.

Time to look up…

OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN

… and see what is happening to us. I was in Israel last week at a conference organised by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was a coming together of pro-Israel activists from around the world and we heard from a number of speakers, including those from the Israeli ministry setting out their view on Israel and antisemitism.

What was not on the agenda but rose up during the course of the conference was the current unrest over the proposed judicial changes. The murders that occurred whilst I was there touched everyone there and since returning home, I have seen many comments from representatives of various communal organisations. Add these to the ridiculous motion passed by the Union of Jewish Students opposing(!) the anti-BDS bill of the UK Government and it appears we are in some trouble.

What I have not seen is any comment about Sara Netanyahu (the wife of the Israeli Prime Minister) and her hair appointment over a week ago. On the

1st March Mrs Netanyahu went to the hairdresser. So far so ordinary. What was not ordinary was someone in the salon apparently tipped off the demonstrators opposing the judicial changes and (depending on which report you read) 1,000 people turned up outside the hair salon making it impossible for her to leave without getting a security escort.

What bothers me most about this is that Mrs Netanyahu is not an elected official. Neither is she (as far as I know) an employee of any Israeli Government ministry. The only reason that demonstrators turned up at the salon was because she is a family member of the Prime Minister. That in my view is the thin end of

the wedge. Where does this end? Does it mean that every family member of every cabinet minister is fair game for those who oppose a particular government policy, or is this special treatment just reserved for the Prime Minister’s family?

I have seen a press release from the Board of Deputies and an article from the Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, both commenting on the deteriorating situation in Israel. Neither of these organisations have had anything to say about Mrs Netanyahu. Sadly we are back into the familiar territory where failure to speak on a matter such as this amounts to tacit approval. In other words, it is okay to criticise Israeli politicians but not those

who interfere with the daily activities of their family.

Whilst writing I should add that I do not remember seeing any criticism of the Islamist MKs in the previous Government. This one-sided approach is as foolhardy as it is disappointing. Objectivity is always a difficult goal to achieve, though unfortunately it is clear that so far no-one in the UK has that goal in mind. Real friends will interfere where there are issues whatever the political hue, that is a measure of true leadership. That is not happening here, and this one-sided approach is very damaging for relations between the diaspora and Israel.

For as long as this remains the case, we will continue to have organisations with people who run them, but no leaders.

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Does it mean that every family member of every cabinet minister is fair game for those who oppose a particular government policy, or is this special treatment just reserved for the Prime Minister’s family?

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Letters to the Editor

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

WHO BEST REPRESENTS US?

Dear Editor

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

For me, Gary Mond’s (Chairman, National Jewish Assembly) letter, “HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL BILL,” published in last week’s edition (The Jewish Weekly, 2 March), raises an important issue for the British Jewish community to consider. It is which organisation, if either, best represents us – the Board of Deputies (BOD), or National Jewish Assembly (NJA).

Letters to the Editor

Bridge

With Harold Schogger

membership, scope of representation, contact/connections with Israel, and I’m sure others which are appropriate for such an undertaking.

Although discussing the Holocaust Memorial Bill, this letter’s content makes clear that we now have two different sets of people, purporting to represent us in the public sphere. I would like to see an article, objectively written (as always in my opinion in this newspaper) comparing them based upon various criteria such as: Structure, funding, aims,

Perhaps, some in the Community believe that there is room for both. Others, if they have thought of this at all - that one does better, or neither does so. Of course, the BOD has existed for so much longer but that does not detract from, for me, the benefits and raison d’être of exploring the current situation.

I would be interested to know if my view is shared by any other Jewish Weekly readers and / or the Editorial team. As I write this letter, I wish everyone a Purim Sameach.

J D Milaric

After East’s vulnerable pre-empt, South checked for key cards with 4NT and then bid the slam in No Trump because she was wary of bad breaks.

West led a heart and declarer was relieved when East followed suit. Declarer counted two tricks in spades, five in hearts, and four in the minors. As the twelfth trick could come from either black suit, declarer decided to run hearts first, discarding a low club and a low diamond from hand, while East let go four low spades and West a club. Declarer led the three of spades from dummy and, as she placed eight spades on her right, she covered East’s cagy seven with the eight. When that held, nine of East cards were known: eight spades and one heart. That meant he had three spades and four minor-suit cards remaining.

As there were more diamonds outstanding than clubs, declarer led the ten of clubs to dummy’s king and a low club back to his ace. Since a spade discard would have been hopeless, East parted with a diamond. Declarer knew that East had three spades and two diamonds left, so she played the eight of diamonds to dummy’s ace and a low diamond back to her hand. Declarer now exited with the nine of spades which East had to win. The forced spade return allowed declarer to take the last two tricks with the queen and ace of spades for her contract. That was elegant play.

It would have done East no good to split his honours on the first round of spades – a similar position would have arisen, with East endplayed at the death to lead a spade away from his king-low into declarer’s ace-nine.

1 Roman Key Card Blackwood

2 Two Key cards with no Trump Queen

Ofsted cause for concern

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The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) is concerned by reports that Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills), the education watchdog in the UK, has been accused of adopting an unnecessarily harsh approach towards Charedi schools - causing significant costs and strain on leadership capacity, and creating pressure on school staff and students.

The requirement to teach LGBT content has allegedly become a point of contention between the education authorities and Charedi institutions for several years.

Charedi educators have expressed concerns that a number of independent secondary schools that have been assessed positively in most aspects have nevertheless received a lower grading of “requires improvement” mainly because they do not address LGBT issues.

The NJA notes that Ofsted’s approach to RSE (relationships and sex education)

has also been deemed inflexible and intransigent by Charedi educators. Ofsted acknowledges that there are areas of improvement in its approach, and is committed to working with Charedi schools and educators to ensure that it follows its own guidance for inspections and that schools are graded fairly.

The NJA also notes that the cross-communal Partnerships for Jewish Schools (Pajes) has raised similar concerns with Ofsted and the extent to which it is following its own guidelines for inspections.

The NJA encourages Ofsted to work cooperatively and non-intrusively with Charedi schools, and to apply fair and objective assessment criteria when conducting inspections that fall within Ofsted’s remit.

For further inquiries, please contact Heath Sloane – NJA Press and Marketing Manager (heath@nja.org.uk)

Chief Rabbi attends Belmont Rabbi’s induction

A packed Belmont United Synagogue in Stanmore gave a warm welcome to special guests Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Harrow East MP Bob Blackman at the induction of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Sam and Leat Millunchick. The Millunchicks and their five children joined the shul in August 2022 following the departure of previous incumbents Rabbi Marc and Rebbetzin Lisa Levene. Originally from Chicago, Sam and London-born Leat had moved from Israel to Belmont to take up the position.

In his sermon, Chief Rabbi Mirvis praised the new rabbinical couple, comparing their match with Belmont to that of a happy

marriage: “We’re here to celebrate the confirmation of a shidduch made in Heaven”, the chief remarked. Belmont, he said, was blessed to have Sam and Leat as their new rabbinical team. Responding to the chief’s comments, Rabbi Sam said in Belmont he and the rebbetzin had found “a warm and welcoming community, with devoted lay leadership, and a strong and proud Jewish identity.”

Following the service, the shul held a luncheon, with Chief Rabbi Mirvis and Bob Blackman among top table guests, with some 200 people there to celebrate the event.

Israel and the Diaspora

The National Jewish Assembly stands in solidarity with Israel and its people. The NJA believes that Israel must remain a Jewish and democratic state and recognises and respects the diaspora’s position while being deeply invested in Israel’s survival and well-being.

The NJA expresses serious concern over the recent interference of diaspora organisations in Israel’s domestic political affairs. The governing coalition’s proposals to make reforms in the relationship between the Knesset and the judiciary are matters for the Israeli people to decide, not diaspora organisations.

At most, the British Jewish community should hope

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for Israeli decision-makers to engage in genuine dialogue to allow for a national consensus

to emerge, which is oriented towards the betterment of the state and its people, and it is in this regard that the NJA draws attention to Israel’s President Herzog’s ongoing efforts to encourage all sides to meet and to find a consensual way to move forward.

The NJA calls on diaspora organisations to respect Israel’s sovereignty and democratic process and allow the Israeli people to determine their own future.

For further inquiries, please contact Heath Sloane –NJA Press and Marketing Manager (heath@nja.org. uk)

Reb Benzion Dansky

PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE PURCELL

Salford Sofer, Reb Benzion Dansky holding his 100 year old North African Megillah

Rebbetzin Leat Millunchick Rabbi Sam Millunchick Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis

Purim celebrations around the community

Jewish communities around the UK celebrated Purim this week. Megillah readings took place throughout the day to enable everyone to enjoy the festivities. Grandparents, parents and children wore imaginative, colourful costumes from Disney to Marvel, sporting and historic figures. And there was plenty of Hamentashen to enjoy!

great photos of Purim fun across our community! Out and about in Manchester on Purim

PHOTO: RAFFI BERG

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Some

Central Synagogue Purim concert

JLiving Purim celebrations

Fancy dress at Norwood

Norwood Purim fun

Kisharon's Adam and Srulik celebrate Purim

Jonathan collecting for Kisharon on Purim

David Lerner (left) and Howard Pearl (right) at Belmont shul's celebrations Manchester Camp Simcha Purim rally

Rose Ayling-Ellis visiting the Jewish Deaf Association

Purim Ovus Uvonim

Purim on the back of a Lorry

BJPS year 2 children

Belz Shul on Purim morning

Mechina L'Yeshiva Bochurim

Mesivta Purim learning session

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ASK THE RABBI

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

GETTING “HIGH” ON PURIM

Dear Rabbi

This is my annual bugbear. I don’t appreciate the fact that Judaism encourages drinking on Purim. Never mind adolescents, I think even for adults, it’s just plain ugly. I am aware of a Talmudic story about two Rabbis, where the inebriation led to one killing the other. This is used as an example of how drinking should be discouraged. Why don’t present day Rabbis do the same?

Gideon

Dear Gideon

Why don’t present day Rabbis do the same – what? Kill one another? (Some do, often with words and not just on Purim). You mean discourage drinking? Let’s consider the story you refer to in context.

The Or HaChaim Hakodosh (Rabbi Chaim Ibn Attar 17c) explains the Biblical episode of Aron’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu, going into the Sanctuary in an inebriated state, as having been a spiritual aspiration. By definition, they had climbed as high as they could within the confines of their own physical limitations. As a result of drinking wine they were able to remove whatever remaining inhibitions in order to experience an ultimate expiration of the soul (kloyos hanefesh) and thereby cleave to the Divine. So their expiration is precisely that which they wanted to achieve. It was ultimately deemed wrong, as regardless how high one wants to climb, the objective in life is to reach for the stars but

keep your feet on the ground.

The Shaloh HaKodosh (Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz 15c) also explains in this same context how many great Rabbis would drink significant quantities of wine on Shabbat, in order to achieve a similar objective. Per the principle, “When wine goes in secrets come out” – a direct result of the drinking would enable them to expand their intellectual horizons and share more Torah with their students.

In a similar vein, the Lubavitcher Rebbe offers a compelling explanation on the famous Talmudic story of Rabba and Reb Zairah drinking copious amounts of wine on Purim to the point where Rabba “slaughtered” Reb Zaira. The Rebbe explains this as relating to a spiritual experience endured by Reb Zaira - an expiration of the soul akin to that of Nadav and Avihu. It is worthwhile studying this inside to fully appreciate the profundity of the explanation and the various proofs. But to highlight one example: The Talmud concludes the story by telling us how the next day, Rabba prayed for Reb Zaira and was able to revive him once more. The following year however, Rabba asked Reb Zaira if he would like to repeat the process. Reb Zaira didn’t object on the grounds of the experience endured. He was concerned that Rabba might not be able to perform the miracle again of reviving him.

The common theme in all of this is that drinking can get one “spiritually high” as well. The term drunk implies loss of intellectual faculties, sometimes to destructive ends. That surely is of no benefit or value and

must be frowned upon. But if the physical high indeed releases deeper spiritual yearnings and aspirations, then make mine a double. L’chaim.

WHAT’S THE POINT?

Dear Rabbi

I am writing to you from the States. I have a sister who regularly sends me copies of your column which we enjoy reading very much. When I observe what’s going on in the States at the moment; the abhorrent Antisemitism that has become de rigueur has left me wondering about our role as Jews in society. This is supposed to be the “Land of the Free.” If it’s hit even these shores it seems we exist just to survive persecution! How are we expected to be a “light onto the nations” when the nations just want to be rid of us?

Francesca

Dear Francesca

A man goes crying to his Rabbi: “Rabbi, my wife drives me nuts; I can’t live with her anymore.”

Okay,” says the Rabbi, “if you feel that way, then I suppose you have to leave!” “But Rabbi, I love her so much! I can’t leave her!” “Great! So stay together!”

“But every time I come home I’m tired, she nags, I yell, it can’t go on this way!” “What can I say? says the Rabbi. Then it is best you leave.” “But we love our kids. They bring us such joy! Neither of us could live without them.”

“You’re right! says the Rabbi. I think you should really stay together.” “But Rabbi our common life is a hell!” The Rabbi thinks a moment: “You know what?

Refuah sheleima for Yaakov ben Fruma

Become a Christian.” The man is shocked. “What? How will that solve our problem?” “It won’t. But then you’ll drive some priest meshuga instead of me!”

We live in a world that challenges us, sometimes to core. Sometimes we think, “s’iz shver tzu zein a yid” – “It’s so difficult being Jewish, what do I need this for? The whole routine, the requirements, the ritual, the demands, it makes me meshuga! And for what? Look around you! Antisemitism at every turn! I put in all this effort, just to get beaten up for it in the end?”

But we cannot ignore the reality of our existence. Notwithstanding all the challenges, trials

and tribulations, we are still here to tell the tale. It is impossible not to sense beneath our history, the hand of G-d. To that end, rather than being impressed from the world, make your impression on the world. Be a lamplighter wherever you go! Now, more than ever, we have to put the message out there to the world and even more so to our children - to the next generation – a message of pride and dignity; a message that declares loud and clear that the world we truly desire is good – it can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours because Am Yisroel Chai – we the Jewish people have, are and will live on forever more Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.

Pirkei Avot Perek 5: Mishna 3

Avraham Avinu underwent 10 trials and successfully withstood all, to teach you the love of Avraham…

Our ancestor Avraham had a challenging life, threatened with death in his youth for rejecting idol worship, waiting decades for a child, undergoing the nightmare of his wife taken captive by kings, being forced to expel a child from his home and willingly accepting G-d’s apparent instruction to offer his child as a sacrifice.

Twice in this Mishna, Avraham is referred to as “Avinu” - our (fore) father. Why is it necessary to state the obvious? Rav Chaim of

Volozhin taught that when Avraham succeeded in these tests, he thereby implanted into all future generations, the power to accept and succeed in the tests that Hashem sends our way (may we all be spared from distress). When one hears a brave Jewish mother recently bereaved of two precious children to terror, instead of calling for revenge, expressing to the entire world how she and her family continue with Emuna (faith), one should be aware that this ability was bequeathed to the Jewish people by our dear (fore)father - Avraham Avinu.

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Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

Seeing Hashem’s Back

BY RABBI DANNY MIRVIS

“And Hashem said, ‘Behold there is a place near Me and you can stand on the rock. And it shall be when My glory passes and I shall place you in a cleft of the rock, and I shall cover you with My hand until I have passed. And I shall remove My hand and you shall see My back, but my face shall not be seen’” (Shemot 33:21–23).

Towards the end of this week’s parasha, Moshe asks to see Hashem. Hashem responds by allowing Moshe to see Him from behind. Of course, Hashem does not have a body or limited physical qualities, so what is meant by seeing Hashem’s back?

It is generally accepted that seeing Hashem from behind is a lower form of revelation than seeing Him face to face. However, my rosh yeshiva, HaRav Yaakov Medan shlit”a, suggests that the opposite might also be true. Rav Medan draws from different styles of leadership in the army. There are

officers who display their leadership by facing their soldiers, giving them their instructions and orders. However, there are officers who only need to turn around and start moving and their soldiers follow suit. These soldiers gain confidence seeing their officer from behind, knowing that he is leading them and that he is in full control.

Similarly, one who is sitting in the back row of a car does not want to see the driver’s face. Seeing the driver from behind instills confidence that the driver is in control of the vehicle and the journey.

By showing Moshe His back, Hashem was sending Moshe the clear message that He is in control. Although it may

Ki Tisa (Parashat Parah)

Sidra Summary

tells Moshe to again instruct the people about keeping Shabbat.

Point to Consider: Why is the mitzvah to keep Shabbat restated specifically here?

(see Rashi to 31:13)

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 31:18-33:11

seem at times as if Hashem has turned His back, we must follow Him confidently with full belief that He is in control of the journey.

Another explanation for seeing “Hashem’s back” is that although we may never be able to see or understand Hashem directly, the day will come when we will see what is behind Hashem – i.e. we will be able to look back with retrospect and understand His ways.

A similar message emerges from the verse in Tehillim:

“Lay a table before me, against my foes” (Tehillim 23:5).

At first glance, this prayer is difficult to understand. One interesting explanation is that this plea is a prayer to Hashem at

a time of danger, with the metaphor of a saloon-bar or pub-brawl, where a wellplaced turned over table could protect one from flying objects or other forms of danger.

Another explanation is that we are praying to Hashem that one day we can ‘lay a table’ – i.e. ‘drink a toast’ to our troubles. The hope is that one day we can look back on those people and circumstances that caused us trouble and distress and raise a glass to them, saying confidently that we are better, stronger and greater people as a result of overcoming such challenges.

By displaying full faith in Hashem and carefully following His ways, may we reach the day when we can raise a toast with all our troubles behind us.

Rabbi Danny Mirvis is the Deputy CEO of World Mizrachi, and the Rabbi of Ohel Moshe Synagogue in Herzliya Pituach. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

appeals to G-d to bestow His full guidance and protection upon Israel.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 34:10-26

“Guard My Shabbat, for it is a sign between Me and you for your generations, to know that I am God, Who makes you holy" (Shemot 31:13).

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 33:12-16

G-d declares to Moshe that he is making a covenant with the people. After entering the Land of Israel, they must not follow the idolatrous ways of the Cana’anite nations. The mitzvah of coming to the Temple with an offering for the three festivals (Pesach, Shavuot and Succot) is restated, as well as the mitzvah to redeem a firstborn male child (pidyon ha’ben) and not to mix meat and milk.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 34:27-35

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – SHEMOT

30:11-31:17

G-d instructs Moshe to take a census. Instead of counting people, each man over 20 will give a half shekel coin towards the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle); the census figure will be calculated based on the money collected.

G-d instructs Moshe to make a copper washing basin (kiyor) for the Kohanim. Moshe is to make the anointing oil, containing select spices, to anoint Aharon, his sons, and the vessels of the Mishkan. G-d tells Moshe to make incense (ketoret) from specific spices, to be offered twice daily. G-d designates Betzalel to supervise the construction of the Mishkan and

According to Rashi, the narrative moves back in time, to the aftermath of the giving of the Torah. Moshe has been on Mount Sinai for 40 days. The people calculate that Moshe is late returning. Fearing that he is dead, they decide to make a new ‘G-d’. They fashion and worship a golden calf (see Rashi). G-d informs Moshe of events and threatens to wipe out the nation. Moshe pleads with G-d to relent, recalling His promises to the forefathers. G-d accepts his pleas. Moshe descends the mountain. When he sees the calf, he throws down and breaks the two stone Tablets of Testimony (luchot ha’edut). Moshe burns the calf and instructs the tribe of Levi to kill the sinners. He re-ascends the mountain to ask G-d to forgive the nation. G-d responds that He will no longer lead the people, but will send an angel instead to lead them through the desert.

Not prepared to accept G-d’s response, Moshe appeals to G-d to directly ‘accompany’ the nation and requests that Israel retain a special status, distinct from other nations. G-d agrees to both requests (Rashi).

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 33:17-23

Moshe asks G-d to show him a vision of His divine majesty. G-d responds that no mortal can see a ‘full view’ and live, but He will show Moshe a glimpse of His presence.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 34:1-9

G-d instructs Moshe to carve a new set of Tablets, containing the same words as the first set. Moshe ascends Mount Sinai with the new Tablets, as commanded. G-d now appears to Moshe and teaches him the 13 Attributes of Mercy. Moshe

Moshe descends with the new Tablets, his face radiating with light. He has to cover his face with a veil when speaking to the people.

MAFTIR (BEMIDBAR 19:1-22)

The special reading for parashat Parah is taken from the beginning of parashat Chukat, in which G-d instructed Moshe and Aharon how to purify someone who had come into contact with a human corpse. This involved slaughtering an unblemished red heifer (Parah Adumah) and mixing its ashes with water.

HAFTARAH (YECHEZKEL 36:16-38)

The prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel) admonishes the nation for worshipping idols and desecrating G-d’s Name. However, G-d will purify us, giving us a ‘new heart’ and returning us to the Land.

By showing Moshe His back, Hashem was sending Moshe the clear message that He is in control.

Torah from Israel Ki Tisa: The Politics of Compassion

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

A well-known American author asserted: “argue for your limitations and they become yours”. We trap ourselves in narrow self-defined profiles, convincing ourselves that once we possess certain character traits, we can’t also possess contradictory ones. Great people prove this formula wrong, demonstrating that traits which appear to be incongruous can be synchronized within one personality. Greatness is not achieved by conforming to established stereotypes but by forging an original personality, which merges varied and seemingly dissimilar traits.

To many, the traits of compassion and passion appear to be mutually exclusive. Through our passion for great ideas, we transcend our small world and our mundane routine. It is inspiring to witness passionate people dedicating their lives to lofty ideals or to long-term goals, often at the cost of personal comfort and luxury. Passion fills us with excitement and lends our lives deeper meanings.

Alternatively, through our compassion we feel mercy and empathy for the suffering of those around us. Many people are born naturally compassionate, while others acquire this trait by associating with people who behave compassionately. Just as passion lifts us above our own small world, similarly, through compassion, we transcend our own small selves and our own petty interests. Compassion softens us, focusing our attention upon others, their needs, and their welfare.

Passion stretches our imagination upward toward ideals and values that are larger than life. Compassion stretches our imagination sideways to the lives and struggles of the people in our life.

ARE THEY EXCLUSIVE?

Passionate people aren’t always compassionate to others. Big ideas dominate their agenda, and everything and everyone else around them feels minor and insignificant. Passion about the long-term dulls their interest in the more immediate needs of the people surrounding them. Ambitiously driven to large and long-lasting achievements, passionate people often have little interest in the “here and now”. It just feels too small and too inconsequential, given their broad panoramic interests.

BLINDED BY RELIGIOUS PASSION

In particular, religious people, in their pursuit of religious devotion, are often

blinded to compassion. Religious passion runs to the core of our identity and often, the quest for an other-worldly relationship with Hashem makes the common needs of people, especially people less religious, seem trivial. Religion contemplates eternity, and against this backdrop, human beings and their fleeting needs can feel inconsequential.

The Torah constantly checks against this imbalance by threading its list of ritual commandments with commandments to act with kindness and to perform charitable deeds. Additionally, the Torah endorses a balance between compassion and passion is its description of Moshe’s prayers in the aftermath of the egel debacle.

After we worshipped a golden calf, Moshe seeks to pacify Hashem’s anger, and fervently prays in two separate forty-day shifts, each without food or water. He is completely lost in his dedication to his beloved people and everything around him disappears. Nothing stands in the way of his passion for his Jewish nation, not food, not sleep, nor any personal comfort. It is a stunning display of religious passion.

Finally, at the end of the second forty-day shift, Moshe is granted a private audience with Hashem. While he hides under a boulder, he is educated about the thirteen attributes of divine mercy. Moshe’s passionate commitment to his people is insufficient to achieve atonement, unless and until he studies the merciful divine traits and becomes compassionate like Hashem. Along with his considerable passion, Moshe must also internalize the trait of compassion.

POLITICAL UPHEAVAL

Israel is currently experiencing a political upheaval. There are several political considerations to consider surrounding the current legal reforms. Proponents of these reforms hope to bring the judiciary system more in line with their values and their culture. Believing that, in the past, the judicial system discriminated against religious, national, and conservative values, they see these reforms as reversing that trend and restoring judicial balance. These reforms, though, are being adopted unilaterally, without broad public approval. Perhaps these policies reflect the interests of the majority of the electorate, but even then, only by a slim margin. Unilateral imposition of unpopular policies can backfire in the long run. When the aggrieved political

bloc reassumes power, they, ultimately, engage in retaliatory politics to quickly erase the policies of past governments which they view as unfairly. For policies to endure they must be viewed as national consensus rather than coerced legislation.

Additionally, one-sided legislation can fray our national unity. Fortunately, Israe li society still enjoys a unifying narrative which unites most of its citizens, regardless of religious, ethnic, and socio-demo graphic background. Most Israelis believe they are living a shared story: we have returned after 2000 years of wandering to resettle our ancient homeland. We face broad and hostile opposition, but share a common belief in our rights to our homeland and to our peoplehood.

As our politics become more fractious this narrative is in danger of unraveling. Many Western countries have suffered rapid cultural and social decline precisely because they have lost a common narrative. The great 20th century battles against Naziism and Communism provided a common narrative for the West, but once these threats were neutralized Western civilization lost its narrative and is still struggling to replace it. To make matters worse, multi-culturalism has scrubbed cultural, racial, and religious identities, and without these rallying points humanity feels lost. Without a unifying narrative we suffer a crisis of identity. We live alone and don’t belong to any larger community. We live in the loneliness of unbelonging.

Radical politics polarizes society imperiling this national narrative. Sadly, many Israelis are becoming disenfranchised with our shared historical project. In the long run, national unity is our greatest military, social and economic asset. There are many purely political reasons to question the wisdom of this political blitzkrieg.

POLITICS OF COMPASSION

For religious Jews however, aside from pure political considerations, there is an additional factor to consider when launching one-sided reforms. Unilaterally imposed legislation is politics without compassion. Too much passion and not enough compassion is unhealthy even in the political arena.

Religious people are very passionate about their State. Orthodox Jews care about their religious environment, kashrut, marriage, Shabbat observance and Torah education. Additionally, many

religious Jews are concerned about the religious spirit and tone of the public domain: religious life in the army, public Shabbat recognition, chametz regulation on Pesach, and conversion protocols, to name a few. We harbor grand religious expectations and passionate hopes for our long-awaited-for State.

However, our passion to religiously shape our State is alienating large segments of our population. Forcefully imposing policies which elicit such harsh opposition isn’t compassionate politics. Many would argue that a pure democracy should not be driven by compassion, but by hard and emotionless policy decisions. Emotions and compassion have no place in political democracies. But that is exactly the point: Israel Is not meant to be a pure and unfeeling democracy, but an ingathering of our people to their homeland, framed upon the principles of democracy. We haven’t returned to Israel to construct a pure democracy, but to rebuild our people and restructure ourselves as a large family of Jews. Families are built upon compassion for every member, and not just for those who agree with the views of the head of the household. It is unfortunate and ironic that religious Jews are quickly losing sight of this sense of family and aren’t conducting politics of compassion.

As we shape our the future of our State, compassion for all members of our family must be evaluated alongside our passion for a State inspirited with religious values. Passion and Compassion must walk hand and hand in the modern State of Israel.

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.

Politics and the Jewish approach to leadership

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

The topic of leadership is both fascinating and fundamental to human society. What is the Jewish approach to leadership, and how does it compare to other perspectives on leadership?

LEADERSHIP TO SERVE YOURSELF

The most primitive form of leadership is selfish leadership, driven by the desire for power and self-gratification. In such a system, the leader represents only himself and his own selfish desires. He demands power, craving it for himself, and generally maintains leadership over his people through fear. In such a system, he demands the allegiance of his people and makes promises of food, shelter, and perhaps power and honor, in return for respect and obedience.

This was the system of old, where kings, tyrants, and oligarches ruled large provinces. Wealth, birthright, or rebellion served as the right for leadership, and the purpose of leadership was focused solely on the leader- the goal was to give the leader increased power, respect, and control. This system is inherently corrupt, and resulted in endless bloodshed, as

the king killed anyone that stood in his way. There were pointless wars, as the king would send the young men of his kingdom to die for no reason other than his own territorial expansion and glory. In essence, the king answered to no one other than himself.

REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE

In response to such corruption, there became an increased desire to shift the focus of power. As history unfolded, leadership moved towards democracy, towards a balance of power. In such a system, the power belongs to the people, not the leader. The leader is appointed to serve the people. If he fails to do so, he is removed and replaced with someone who better fills the people’s needs. This is a far better system than the previous one, as it stabilizes power and creates a society focused on the needs of the people, rather than an individual king or elite few. Nevertheless, there is still a fundamental problem with democracy: a leader becomes nothing more than a puppet of the people. The flaw in this is apparent. Imagine if parents lost their parental license as soon as their child got upset with their decisions. As soon as the parents put their child to bed, they’d be out of a job. When a leader is fully subject to the will of the people, it is impossible to lead. Democratic leaders may appear

to be leading, but in essence, they are following. (It is important to note that this chapter speaks only of ideals. In today’s day and age, the ideal political system is democracy. Additionally, not all democratic leaders share this pitfall. It is only a likely possibility, not a guaranteed outcome.)

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 97a) states that Mashiach (the Messiah) will come at a time when the face of the generation is like the face of a dog. Rav Elchanan Wasserman explains the depth behind this statement: When you see someone walking a dog on a leash, it appears as though the dog is leading. He is the one walking ahead of his owner, he appears to be calling the shots. However, this is an illusion. The dog is completely subject to the will of its owner. One small tug and he changes direction. The dog is the follower, in an illusory position of leadership.

Many democratic systems suffer from this flaw. Leaders are appointed by the people and are therefore completely subject to the will of the people. They walk ahead, pretending to lead, while in fact, they are merely puppets. Whatever the people want, they’ll do. They create their policies and campaigns around the people and polls, not based on their internal values. They would change their policy in an instant if it meant more votes.

A true leader stands for the truth, for their inner values, regardless of opposition. He or she walks ahead and doesn’t look back. Even if no one follows, they push onward. They never sacrifice their ideals for public approval. A true leader creates a direction for a greater future, a pathway to individual and collective greatness, and inspires the people to strive for that ideal. This is the nature of Jewish leadership. Let us briefly explore this topic.

TRUE LEADERSHIP: CONNECTING TO SOMETHING HIGHER

A Torah leader does not represent himself, or the will of the people; he represents Hashem. A Torah leader is an emissary of Hashem in this world, and will lead the people towards the truth, towards their true destination. Of course, he will care for and empathize with each individual, and deeply so, but the foundational goal of leadership involves driving people towards a transcendent goal.

Traditional kings represented themselves, and were therefore no greater than themselves. Democratic leaders are chosen by the will of the people, and are therefore usually no better than the people themselves. A true leader is one who strives towards perfection, and leads others on their own individual and collective journeys towards perfection as well.

AN IDEAL SOCIETY

In an ideal society, everyone is devoted towards achieving their own unique greatness, while simultaneously devoting that individual greatness towards the larger collective greatness of the nation.

A leader’s role is to enable each individual to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and achievement, while also helping them devote their lives to a greater whole, to that which transcends themselves, to Hashem, the Jewish people, and the world as a whole.

QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP

Everyone is a leader in some capacity. Some will lead their families, others will lead the world. The scale is irrelevant; the principles remain the same. A leader must begin by leading their own life, devoting themselves towards their own personal greatness. In addition to self-development, a leader must have a strong moral conviction, a genuine love of others, and a sensitivity to their needs. Most important of all is the desire to lead lishmah (for a higher purpose), without any selfish or ulterior motives.

WE ARE ALL LEADERS

Some leaders are the face of a nation, the ones who stand in front of large crowds and deliver extraordinary and inspiring speeches. But that is not the only type of leader. A leader is anyone who is on a mission, who empowers others, and who always looks for ways to contribute to the greater good. Leaders are great parents, great teachers, great friends. We are all potential leaders, we are all potential revolutionaries. We can all create change in the world. But to create any external change, we must first learn to develop ourselves and live with higher ideals. Let us all be inspired to become the greatest version of ourselves, with the hopes that our own journey of growth will inspire others to become the greatest version of themselves as well.

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

Family Fun Ki Tisa

Moshe is up the mountain receiving the Torah from Hashem, and learns about the Ketores, spices that were to be brought every day in the Mishkan, as well as the Kiyor - the large container of water for the Kohanim to use to wash their hands when arriving in the Mishkan to serve Hashem.

When Moshe is about to come

Sidra Word Search

down the mountain with the Luchos he is saddened to see the Jewish people dancing around an Egel - golden calf. Sadly, there were groups among the Jewish People, who thought it wise to create an image to serve in place of Moshe. As good as their intentions may have been, the second of the ten commandments may never be

transgressed.

So, sadly the Luchos were broken, and the pieces were placed in the Aron.

Now, the Jewish people are taught about some of the laws of the three main Chagim and the ban on mixing meat and milk. The journey of the Jewish People through the Midbar continues.

What are the cards suits?

Each of the suits on a deck of cards represents the four major pillars of the economy in the middle ages: heart represented the Church, spades represented the military, clubs represented agriculture, and diamonds represented the merchant class.

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. D T Y E R P D E

C

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

bares barns baser basin baste bates beams beans bears

bites brans

Jokes

brats brims earns emits inset items mains manes mares maser mates means meats

mines mints mires miser mites names nears rains raise rants rates reams reins

rents resat resin resit rimes rinse risen rites satin siren smart smear smite

snare stain stair stare steam stern tames teams tears terms tiers times tines

tires trams trans tries trims absent arisen armies biters brains braise breams breast

Riddles

Q: What do librarians take with them when they go fishing?

A: Bookworms.

Q: What did one wall say to the other wall?

A: “I will meet you at the corner”

Q: What did one toilet say to the other?

A: “You look a bit flushed”

Q: Why was the broom late?

A: It over swept!

brines insert inters mantis master merits miners mister satire sinter smiter stamen strain

stream timers trains tribes banters batsmen inmates marines minster remains retains retinas retsina

1. Is always in front of you but can not be seen?

seminar smarten timbers banister tribesman

2. Take one out and scratch my head, I am now black but one was red?

3. What is as light as a feather but even the strongest man cannot hold for long?

3. Breath

2. A match

1. The future

Answers

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

Gunners’ late win could be pivotal in title race

BY DAVID SAFFER

The Premier League appears to be down to a two-horse race after the latest round of fixtures that included two astonishing encounters.

Arsenal and Manchester City lead the way after wins last time out but the Gunners comeback victory against Bournemouth, culminating in a 97th minute winner, could prove to be a pivotal moment at both ends of the table.

The Cherries looked set to secure a shock 2-0 away win at Emirates Stadium just after an hour following goals from Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi but were stunned as Arsenal levelled through Thomas Partey and Ben White. A share of the spoils would have been a superb result for the relegation threatened side but Reiss Nelson fired home a howitzer to claim the spoils and retain a five-point lead over City at the

summit. With Pep Guardiola’s side still having to play Arsenal at The Etihad they would have celebrated a draw but for Nelson’s thunderbolt.

Carabao Cup winners Manchester United have enjoyed great form in recent months and were favourites as they faced Liverpool at Anfield but Erik ten Hag’s team were blitzed 7-0 in a record-breaking defeat against their great rivals.

Jurgen Klopp’s side eclipsed Liverpool’s all-time triumph in the fixture, 7-1 in 189596. Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah bagged a brace before Roberto Firmino completed the rout on a historic day for the club.

Liverpool have won four of the last five league games and are suddenly three points behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand and well placed for a Champions League push.

With City defeating Newcastle United,

now in sixth spot, and Tottenham going down to a disappointing 1-0 reverse at Wolves, the top-four battle is set up for a terrific climax.

Down at the bottom the relegation scrap is getting tighter with six points separating 12th placed Crystal Palace from bottom clubs Southampton and Bournemouth. Indeed, the bottom six are separated by just one victory. The escape to the Championship will go to the wire.

This weekend sees Arsenal face an intriguing derby at high flying Fulham while City are also in the capital as they take on Crystal Palace.

Manchester United will aim to bounce back from a humiliating defeat at Southampton, Liverpool will hope for another win at Crystal Palace while Tottenham must not slip up at home to Nottingham Forest.

In the battle for European places Brighton

and Brentford travel to Everton and Leeds United respectively. Both will be keenly fought contests with the hosts a point above the bottom clubs.

Looking a week on the FA Cup reaches the quarterfinal stage with a Wembley spot up for grabs.

The possibility of a first all-Manchester final is still on as Manchester City and Manchester United host Burnley and Fulham respectively. Both will be hard fought but the joint-favourites will be expected to advance to the last four where Brighton should be as they welcome League Two giantkillers Grimsby Town. The other place up for grabs is a toss-up as Sheffield United, who shocked Tottenham in the fifth round, and Blackburn Rovers meet in an all-Championship affair.

I expect City, United, the Seagulls and Blades to make the Wembley semis next month.

Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips

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

Paprika

Lamb Kofta Stew

Ideal winter warming dish best enjoyed with cous cous or rice. I like to make the kofta mixture and then leave overnight for the flavours to infuse and strengthen.

Preparation Time: 40 minutes plus overnight

marinating

Cooking Time: 1 hour Serves: 4

Ingredients

Paprika Koftas

2 onions – peeled and finely chopped

30g fresh coriander – finely chopped

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tin 400g chickpeas – drained

500g lamb mince

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 red onion – peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic – peeled and finely chopped

1 tin chopped tomatoes

2 teaspoons tomato puree

500ml chicken stock

Pinch of sugar

1 cauliflower – broken into small florets

1 tin chick peas – drained

Garnish: Sprigs of coriander and lemon wedges.

Method

1. For the koftas, mix the onions, coriander, cumin, paprika, chickpeas and salt and freshly ground black pepper in the food processor. Whizz on the pulse button so that it is roughly combined.

2. Stir in the minced lamb.

3. With slightly wet hands, make golf –size balls and transfer to a plate lined with baking parchment paper. Ideally cover and leave at the bottom of the fridge overnight.

4. For the sauce, heat the oil in a large pan.

5. Fry the onions for about 10 minutes until starting to soften and caramelise. Stir in the

garlic, tomatoes, tomato puree and stir again.

6. Add 400ml stock, pinch of sugar and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes.

7. Drop the kofta balls into the sauce. Add the cauliflower florets and chickpeas. Cover and simmer for a final 30 minutes or until the koftas are cooked and tender. Add the remaining 100ml stock if required.

To serve the stylish way: Ladle the stew into a large serving bowl and garnish with sprigs of coriander and lemon wedges.

LSJS Education Page

Pass it on

BY RABBI DR RAPHAEL ZARUM

With Purim over, Pesach is just around the corner. One of the most surprising parts of the Exodus story is that just after the tenth plague, at the height of the action, the Torah pauses to talk about something else.

There is a long description of how this story should be taught to their descendants: “And you shall tell your child on that day, saying: it is because of that which the L-rd did for me when I came forth out of Egypt” (Exodus 13:8). Why break in the middle of such a thrilling narrative?

One answer was given by Maureen Kendler z”l. “Amid the high drama of the Children of Israel leaving Egypt, planning education for future generations is the priority. Epoch-making moments are unfolding: the Israelites are charged to mark and feel the uniqueness and significance of what is happening. They

must memorialise the Exodus for every generation to come who will not know about it.”

She continues: “To give this event eternal significance and reverberation across time is an ambitious but vital task. It takes genius in the heat of the moment to say: what is happening now is of inestimable importance. Forgetting is going to be much more natural – and much easier than remembering. But it is essential that this story, of all stories, is passed on.”

The quotes come from ‘Such A Fuss About A Lemon’, which was published last year and is an anthology of Maureen’s writings. Last week was the fifth

Teacher of the week

Rabbi Yitzy Hill

Immanuel College

Head of Informal Education

Where did you train?

LSJS

What is the best part of your job?

To work with a wonderful team in such a supporting and caring environment, which I am so grateful to be a part of.

anniversary of her passing. Maureen was an incredible teacher who inspired many thousands of people. There is an educational trust set up in her memory and its website holds many of her writings: maureenkendler.org.uk

Maureen taught in schools and shuls, rising to become Head of Educational Programming at LSJS. Her love of Torah was infectious, and huge crowds flocked to her classes. She was a personal mentor to many teachers, rabbis and scholars, including me. Her insights drew from a unique weaving of Jewish tradition and modern literature. At her funeral, one leader gave her the title Morateinu, our

teacher.

Maureen quoted widely, but one of her favourites was undoubtedly from Alan Bennett’s The History Boys. It’s a play about an eccentric teacher called Hector who manages to instil a love of learning in his wayward students. The brilliant film version stars Richard Griffiths, as well as a young James Corden.

Hector taught his pupils a lesson that Maureen embodied, through every single class she gave: “Pass the parcel. That's sometimes all you can do. Take it, feel it and pass it on. Not for me, not for you, but for someone, somewhere, one day. Pass it on, boys. That's the game I want you to learn. Pass it on.”

Great teachers give us the passion, knowledge and skills to pass on our great tradition. And we will pass it on, as Maureen taught us to do.

Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum is the Dean of LSJS and holds the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought, established by the Zandan family.

Teacher Training With LSJS

Teaching is one of the most stimulating and rewarding careers, offering clear career progression.

At LSJS we have been training teachers for over 10 years and offer a range of courses to become a qualified teacher, specialising in primary teaching or a range of secondary subjects including Jewish Studies, Maths, Science, Modern Hebrew, French and Spanish.

Our hands-on, expert team are ready to guide and support you every step of the way.

Contact us now to find out more.

For more information on how you can be featured as the Teacher of the Week please contact helena.miller@lsjs.ac.uk

*subject to terms

020 8203 6427 ext. 216 | suzanne.wayland@lsjs.ac.uk

"Forgetting is going to be much more natural – and much easier than remembering. But it is essential that this story, of all stories, is passed on."

EXPERT ADVICE

Dear Marc

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

Mr and Mrs Cohen

Dear Mr and Mrs Cohen

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

Marc Ovtis

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FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

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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.

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BUTCHERS

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

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ESTATE AGENT

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

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ENERGY PERFORMANCE

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UK ALIYAH ADVISORS

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BREAKING THROUGH 5,000 SCREENING PARTICIPANTS

Jnetics is now screening for a larger group of 47 genetic disorders, increasing our relevance to the Sephardi and Mizrachi audiences, as well as now testing for more disorders that affect Ashkenazi Jews.

BREAKING THROUGH ACROSS ALL SECTORS OF OUR COMMUNITY

BREAKING THROUGH SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES

As well as testing across 60 universities and the eight mainstream Jewish secondary schools, Jnetics has branched out further and is now able to test Jewish students in those non-Jewish schools that have a significant Jewish cohort.

Jnetics has been introduced to many new audiences in the last six months. We are delighted that we have been able to get our message out - loud and clear - to the community.

BREAKING THROUGH OUR OUTREACH TARGETS

We are delighted that Jnetics has been appointed by NHS england to deliver an engagement campaign that will direct anyone of jewish descent to The Jewish Community’s NHS BRCA Screening Programme. Jnetics, together with other community stakeholders, is working to ensure that our engagement with the community is both responsible and effective.

Please support The Breakthrough Campaign this weekend. Scan the code below or visit charityextra.com/jnetics

BREAKING THROUGH BRCA TESTING

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