The Jewish Weekly Issue 135

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19 MARCH 2020/23 ADAR 5780

@TheJewishWeekly 135

Time to pray NOT TO PREY! Community urged not to panic buy for Pesach PARASHAT VAYAKHEL/PEKUDEI PARASHAT HACHODESH

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TorahWay won't stop!

Important information below.

As of this Sunday 22nd March 2020 - ‫כ"ו אדר תש"פ‬ until further notice, TorahWay may not be holding live Shiurim from its regular Location, Kehillas Ohel Moshe.

The shiurim may instead be transmitted live at the regular time from the respective Maggid Shiur's home or Beis Hamedrash

To watch or listen to a live or previous shiur visit www.TorahWay.org.uk To hear a live or previous shiur call 020 8191 7000 then press 1-9-3

To download a current shiur or access our library of thousands of previous shiurim just visit www.torahway.org.uk

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To keep updated with the changing situation, please visit www.TorahWay.org.uk

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‫ב' ניסן תש"פ‬-‫כ"ו אדר‬

22nd-27th March 2020

‫בס''ד‬

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

22 March - ‫כ"ו אדר‬

23 March - ‫כ"ז אדר‬

24 March - ‫כ"ח אדר‬

Covid-19

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Hagolas Keilim Part 3

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‫פרשת ויקרא‬ 9.10-9.40am

‫שליט"א‬

WEDNESDAY

8.30-9.00am

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THURSDAY

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TorahWay Live Daily Shiurim for Men

NW LONDON

Sun & Bank Holiday 9.10-9.40am Mon-Fri 8.30-9.00am Chol Hamoed 10:10-11:00

This week’s Torah Way has been sponsored by family Friedlander ‫לכבוד שמחת הנישואין של‬

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Due to the current circumstances and until further notice, TorahWay can't guarantee the shiurim will take place live from its regular venue Kehillas Ohel Moshe.

However we will do our utmost that you can watch the shiurim live at the regular time, or later.

Just visit www.TorahWay.org.uk to keep informed.

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DON’T PANIC OVER PESACH FOOD 19 MARCH 2020/23 ADAR 5780

BY DAVID SAFFER

Kosher stores are urging Jewish communities not to panic buy for Pesach.

With less than three weeks to go before Passover there is growing concern that buyers will replicate what has happened in major supermarkets around the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sainsbury's and Asda have stopped shoppers buying over three of any food product. Both have also put restrictions on cleaning and toiletry products.

Whilst there is no issue with there being enough products to go around, a priority is in place for vulnerable and elderly people with time slots.

Edgware-based Hadar supermarket has appealed for shoppers to be responsible for Pesach.

@TheJewishWeekly 135

“There is no reason to worry,” said owner Yanki Klein. “There is plenty of stock, our storage is full of Pesach goods more than any other year. We are ready, we are here to make sure you have got all your needs from matzah, grape juice, wine and that last bar of chocolate you fancy.”

He added, “We are forming a plan for those who are not going to be able to go out and shop. Your health is our first priority; we will make sure you have the goods.”

Hadar are putting in place an email order form with volunteers picking up orders.

Yanki added, “Please be responsible. Shop as much as you need but do not stock up for next year.

“There is plenty for everyone so

Queues outside Kosher Kingdom even before it opens PHOTO: AVI YODAIKIN

BORIS ANNOUNCES UK SCHOOLS TO CLOSE See page 2 for full story

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

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To enquire, get in touch with Aliza or Michelle: w: www.theus.org.uk/join e: 150membership@theus.org.uk t: 020 8343 5676

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Coronavirus late news update The United Synagogue United Hatzalah founder Eli Beer is being treated in a Miami hospital with suspected coronavirus.

Eli was due to return to Israel but stayed on to raise vital funds due to the demand of Hatzalah’s services in Israel due to the crisis.

Eli attended a Purim event in Miami where numerous people were stricken with the virus.

The Federation of Synagogues has followed the US lead in closing its shuls. All north west London shuls aside from the US and Federation have also shut. In Manchester and Leeds, the majority of shuls have shut. It is expected all shuls will close within days.

Hendon Adath Synagogue has closed for an initial period of two weeks but will probably have to remain closed for a longer period. Rabbi Bixenspanner, in a heartfelt letter, asked students to remove Chometz from desks and to retrieve tallis and tefilliin. Tragically the virus has hit the local community where there have reportedly been fatalities.

JW3 launched an online video platform called JW3 TV yesterday. The centre has put the initiative together in the past 48 hours.

Further videos will be stream daily in the coming few weeks.

There is no plan to charge for the service, donations would be welcomed.

A talk by former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks on his new book Morality in conversation with Elizabeth Oldfield is among

the first videos.

In Israel, the Mamilla Mall underground car park next to the Old City in Jerusalem is being transformed into a makeshift hospital.

Footage has appeared online.

Purim parties have been a major cause of the spread of the coronavirus in New York.

Many Lakewood residents have tested positive for the virus. More results are pending.

Mamila Mall car park in Jerusalem being converted into a makeshift hospital

launches Coronavirus helpline

BY NATALIE ASH The United Synagogue has launched a coronavirus helpline for members.

The service is a central port of call for people who need practical, spiritual or emotional advice.

The helpline will assist people in finding support for shopping, cooking or an opportunity to talk if they are feeling anxious and need someone to talk to. And it is able to provide rabbinic guidance to those who are seeking it such as how to say Kaddish as they are unable to attend shul.

Though the helpline is unable to offer medical, legal or financial assistance, community volunteers and staff will point callers in the right direction.

Locally, synagogues have put measures in place to help members.

The US is working alongside its team of community care coordinators and has joined forces with volunteers from GIFT to support members who require assistance.

“We are living through a time of uncertainty, fear and confusion but as a community we are there for each other,” said Steven Wilson, United Synagogue Chief Executive.

“To complement and support the tremendous work of our local shul volunteers, we have set up a dedicated coronavirus helpline for all those seeking support, advice or if you are simply struggling to cope. Our helpful team are standing by to take your call.”

Telephone 020 8343 5696 (Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday 9am-1pm) or email helpline@theus.org.uk Anyone wishing to volunteer or offer assistance should contact Yael Peleg at helpline@theus.org.uk

UK schools to shut Schools across the UK, except those looking after children of keyworkers and vulnerable children, are to close until further notice from tomorrow.

Nurseries, private schools and sixth forms have been told to follow the guidelines.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement in a press conference yesterday.

Exams in England and Wales will not take place. A decision in Scotland and Northern Ireland has still to be made.

Confirmed cases in the UK rose to 2,626 on Wednesday. Fatalities have increased to 104.

“We must apply further downward pressure with that upward curve by closing schools,” said Johnson. “After schools shut their gates they will remain closed for the vast majority of pupils until further notice,”

The Jewish Weekly www.thejewishweekly.com office@thejewishweekly.com editorial@thejewishweekly.com letters@thejewishweekly.com advertising@thejewishweekly.com

he said. “The objective is to slow the spread of the virus and we judge that this is the right moment to do that. But of course, we need to keep the NHS going and to treat the rising number of cases. So, we need health workers who are also parents to continue to go to work and we need other critical workers with children to keep doing their jobs.”

Details about these groups will be announced shortly.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson informed MPs in the House of Commons that assessments or exams would not take place ahead this year. Performance tables will also not be published.

Officials were working with exam boards to ensure children get qualifications required.

The government plans to hold 25,000 tests daily. To date 56,221 tests have been carried out.

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 12 Opinion 18 Community 28 Feature

30 Judaism 40 Kids 42 Youth 44 Sport

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Pre-Passover Guidelines (COVID-19) With the global health situation continually unfolding, we wish to reassure the community that we are working to ensure the pre-Passover period will be manageable for everyone.

WE ASK YOU TO JOIN US IN ACTING CALMLY AND RESPONSIBLY FOR THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF OUR STAFF AND CUSTOMERS. STEPS WE ARE TAKING:

STEPS YOU MUST TAKE:

• All staff are aware of the situation. Handwashing is required on a regular basis and our cleaning staff regularly disinfect all touchable surfaces.

• If you have cold or flu-like symptoms or have returned from an affected area overseas, please DO NOT visit our shop.

• In order to avoid crowding, please shop without children or extra family members. Please come prepared with a list so you can focus on getting your shopping done quickly and efficiently. (Please avoid socializing or congregation in or around shops.)

• Staff members who have been abroad must notify us so we can determine whether they should come to work.

• Staff members reporting with cold or flu-like symptoms are asked to stay home.

• You can minimize risk of contamination by carrying hand sanitiser, wipes and tissues with you. Avoid handshaking and cash handling— use a credit card if possible.

• We have placed a hold on all in-store tastings.

• We are doing all we can to accommodate our customers and keep prices fair under the circumstances.

• We respectfully request that you refrain from eating or drinking on the premises.

THINK ABOUT OTHERS: • If you know elderly or quarantined people who are unable to shop in person, offer to assist them with their Passover shopping.

Individual communities should make arrangements for their respective elderly and those who are unable to shop in person.

• Please remain calm and polite to our staff who are working extra hard during this period.

•

We ask you to work with us and show consideration by refraining from panic overbuying.

BE PREPARED: • We strongly recommend EARLY SHOPPING for Passover to avoid crowds and disappointment.

• The service we offer this year may differ from previous years. Delivery and online shopping service will not be offered during this Passover period due to limited staffing.

Assistance is being arranged within the community for those unable to shop in person, with no family or friends to assist. Please contact the following organisations directly.

Email volunteer@jgift.org

Email office@shabbatwalk.org

Shira Joseph 07801953207 02084574429

Eliezer Gilbert 07506750023

Email info@projectimpact.org.uk

We are continually monitoring the situation and may have to implement additional measures as required.

-------------------------------------We want your shopping experience to be pleasant and smooth, despite the current global health situation and will do all that we can to assist you. Please note product returns will not be accepted during this seasonal period unless damaged.

Wishing you a Happy and Heal thy Passover whatsapp

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7 Russell Parade, Golders Green Road, London NW11 9NN

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 long as you are responsible. Buy as you would every other year.”

The Pesach shopping warning came as Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis took the unprecedented measure of suspending all activity at United Synagogue shuls across the United Kingdom this week.

The decision followed consultation with Dayanim of the London and Manchester Batei Din. On-site and off-site prayer services, educational, cultural and social meetings and activities of all ages are affected.

Every effort had been made to find responsible and creative ways to ensure shuls continue to function as anchors of Jewish life but a conclusion was reached that congregational activity of any kind poses a significant danger to the vulnerable and would hasten the spread of the virus.

“These extraordinary times call upon us to take extraordinary measures,” noted the Chief Rabbi in a statement.

He added, “For now, let us comfort the bereaved and pray for the recovery of the sick. Let us guarantee that the physical distance that this virus creates between us will be bridged through compassion and kindness. And let us all resolve to play our part in overcoming this pandemic by carefully following medical advice and public health guidelines.

“May our Merciful Father in heaven, shower His mercy upon all of human

kind.”

The Board of Deputies, meantime, has made communities aware of resources available to support the community. A 'Can I Help You' card by the Board has been produced to aid neighbours for a food shop or speak by phone if they are self-isolating.

Initiatives, meantime, have been set up by synagogues and Jewish charities across the country.

A plethora of Jewish organisations including JW3 have closed while CST and the Zionist Federation are among many charities to postpone events.

March of the Living’s trip to Poland and Bergen-Belsen has also been cancelled.

Schools as expected have been told to close by the government, a number already took steps including JCoSS earlier this week.

Students will be expected to complete learning at home on a homework-based system.

Yavneh in Borehamwood has an action plan in place to provide work to pupils should it close.

Prior to the announcement that schools would have to close, Pikuach Director Jeffrey Leader has commented on the postponement of visits by the religious education inspection service to schools.

“The Department for Education have announced that Ofsted have suspended routine inspections for schools during this period of uncertainty,” he noted. “Last week, we postponed all Pikuach inspections for

Larger than normal queues this year

this term and the early summer. The relevant schools were informed directly. We will continue to monitor the developing situation and follow government advice.”

United Synagogue Burial Society services are taking place but the organisation has advised against anyone over the age of 70 attending in line with government recommendations.

It is advised that only close family members attend. Weather permitting services will take place by the graveside, doors will be open in the ohel.

Stone settings are taking place, but they can be changed should a family wish.

North Manchester Jewish Cemeteries Trust have shut ohels at Agecroft, Blackley,

myKoCo half page ad 160x260mm Pesach 11-03-2020 vFINAL.qxp_Layout 1 11/03/2020 14:28 Page 2

PHOTO: AVI YODAIKIN

Crumpsall, Failsworth, Rainsough and Urmston cemeteries until further notice.

Funerals will take place but services will be outside the hel and graveside. Wherever possible at each funeral, numbers are encouraged to be immediate family members with at least a minyan in attendance.

All public unveilings are cancelled until further notice. If a family has an unveiling booked, the cemetery grounds are accessible to small groups to say prayers.

Alternatively, families can reschedule later in the year. Families must check with their Rabbi and the Trust.

Further updates from organisations in the Jewish community are anticipated in the coming days.

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19 MARCH 2020

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Board co-ordinates community response to pandemic

BY DAVID SAFFER

inside and outside the community.

The Board of Deputies is to play “We all need to dig deep Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help. a pivotal role as Jewish commuand play our part,” Ms van My name is: nities come to terms with the de Zyl concluded. coronavirus pandemic.

The Board have asked at: I live nearby Consultations have taken communities to contact You can contact me by: place with organisations to coLauren Keiles with idewith: ordinate efforts. as and plans for action you help to able am I avirus coron the to If you are self-isolating due The Board has also called on which may help to mitiletters g postin grocery shopping all Jews to help those in distress gate suffering people will es suppli in a local community. endure in the coming other a chat over the phone in “We are facing an unprecmonths. help offer you sure make to ce Please take care and follow Government guidan rly and please leave dropped off edented time of crisis in our A ‘Can I Help You’ card regula soap with hands your Wash way. a safe country and across the world,” has been produced to items on the doorstep. Thank you! ָ ‫"וְאָ ַה ְב ּ ָת לְ ֵר‬ ָ said Board of Deputies Presipost through a letter box "Love your neighbour as yourself" - "‫עֲך ּכָמוֹך‬ dent Marie van der Zyl. “This of neighbours. virus does not recognise any This will let members boundaries. We are all impactknow you are availaed regardless of our faith, social ble do a food shop or or financial circumstances to one degree will continue to do so. We need to stick speak to them on the phone if they are or another. We all share the fear for our- together even though we may be physical- self-isolating. selves, our loved ones and humanity. We ly apart. I commend the many initiatives “We all have a crucial role to play at this need to dig deep to find the faith, strength being undertaken by synagogues and worrying time for our community and our and resources to get through.”

Jewish charities across the country and country, we must all rise to this great chalMs van der Zyl added, “Within this, we call on every one to do their bit, whether lenge,” noted a Board spokesman. must not lose sight of the effect that this that is helping isolated neighbours with In recent days Jewish organisations have may have on our mental well-being. We shopping or having phone calls with those closed and postponed events due to the need to find coping mechanisms to deal unable to leave their homes.” pandemic. J-Trade 2020 has now been with the new scale of challenge.

The Board has written to all deputies postponed. JW3 and the Jewish Learning “The Jewish community has always and communities they represent to make Exchange and Jewish Museum London been resourceful and giving to those both them aware of various resources available closed their buildings until further notice inside and outside our community and to support volunteering and ways to help this week.

HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04 Page 1

JW3 will refund tickets but have asked customers if they would make a donation.

Scheduled JLE programs will continue on a range of platforms including Podcasts to be announced.

Jewish Care has suspended all visits to its homes.

The Board of Deputies cancelled an event in Parliament on the rise of the farright this week.

The Community Security Trust, Chazak, Kisharon, Jewish Medical Association UK, Jnetics, Langdon, MyIsrael, Save a Child’s Heart UK, The Zionist Federation, Young Norwood, Youth Aliyah Child Rescue and WIZO are among many organisations to cancel fundraising events.

World Jewish Relief has cancelled a fellowship trip to Ukraine.

March of the Living’s annual trip to Poland has been cancelled. The group will also not be going to Bergen-Belsen to mark the 75th anniversary of its liberation next month.

AJEX has also cancelled its trip to Bergen-Belsen.

The Holocaust Educational Trust has suspended its ‘Lessons from Auschwitz and Belsen 75’ programme.

The Board is to post projects and links of guidance on its website www.bod.org.uk/ coronavirus

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Israel is heading for a nationwide lockdown

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel could be heading for a nationwide lockdown as it struggles to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan predicted a “full shutdown” in a conference call with the Police and Security agencies.

This followed new guidelines issued by the Health Ministry throughout the week.

“This is an inevitable decision that will save many lives,” Erdan said.

A detailed plan is being formulated where essential workers will be allowed to leave homes, other citizens will only be allowed to buy supplies and gain medical treatment.

If the lockdown takes place, police will be in charge of enforcement, the IDF Home Front Command will facilitate supply of essential items. Erdan accepted a full lockdown would be a difficult decision to take but it was preferable to have tough measures for a short period to defeat the coronavirus quickly and prevent deaths.

A potential lockdown followed escalating measures including a surveillance program to track movements of infected citizens.

Security services have denied it will be used to enforce quarantines.

The government unanimously approved a motion for authorities to use digital monitoring tools.

Data would be saved for 60 days after a state of emergency to perform an “internal investigation” into the success of the measure by the Ministry.

Confirmed coronavirus cases had hiked to 433 by Wednesday. The figure is expected to rise when mass testing begins.

“We will reach a situation in which there are many hundreds of new patients each day, possibly more,” Moshe Bar-Siman-Tov, Health Ministry’s director-general, told Army Radio.

Israel has yet to witness a fatality from the deadly virus.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed citizens that 3,000 coronavirus tests would be conducted daily including through a drive-through testing station in Tel Aviv and other cities. “I am glad that we have not yet lost anyone, but that will not continue to be the case,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement on Tuesday.

Restrictions could last for weeks or months, Health Ministry Deputy Director-General Prof. Itamar Grotto told reporters yesterday.

“It may be that the weather will have some kind of impact that we do not know or that there could be some extraordinary drop (in the number of infected) or there be some

Manchane Yehuda market last Friday - normally packed with shoppers

PHOTO: ROBBY BERMAN

An almost empty Jaffa Street in Jerusalem

Confirmed coronavirus cases had hiked to 433 by Wednesday. The figure is expected to rise when mass testing begins amazing drug that can treat patients,” Grotto said. “But we have to be realistic, take a look at the situation and say, okay this is going to be a few weeks to months.”

Referring to the rise in cases, Grotto noted, “This indicates a rise in the number of patients and it indicates a significant progression of the disease in Israel. This means we have to be sure to take these steps so that it doesn’t reach a scale that the Health Ministry cannot handle.”

Grotto added, “It’s clear that there are patients who have been out in the community and there are those whose diagnosis was missed during the system of tests, but it’s not in large numbers yet. We definitely think it’s still feasible to provide at least some relief (in the number of cases). I’m not saying we can avoid it altogether and reach zero cases, but we can certainly get to a more moderate scenario. It’s time to put our foot on the gas the hardest.”

Netanyahu has urged the public to observe Health Ministry guidelines. “We have begun using digital technology to trace the contacts of people infected by the coronavirus in order to locate anyone they may have

come into contact with so that those people could be isolated and prevented from infecting others,” he said. “We are imploring all of you to stay indoors and adhere to the guidelines and directives, but we are not enforcing the guidelines at this point, though that may change.”

Netanyahu confirmed testing would rise to at least 3,000 tests a day and could increase to 5,000. “We are purchasing tests abroad using our personal ties with leaders and also producing them locally,” he explained. “Per capita, we will test more than South Korea.”

Netanyahu added that hospitals were getting ready to treat the seriously ill and 1,000 new respirators had been purchased to assist this effort.

He did not confirm when equipment would arrive or be available for patients.

It was also reported the IDF is preparing to open hotels in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to treat mild cases of coronavirus.

Avnei Chen in Modi’in could be the first neighbourhood to be locked down with a quarter of residents in quarantine. Health Minister Yaakov Litzman added that the ultra-orthodox town of Kiryat Ye’arim, near

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PHOTO: ROBBY BERMAN

Jerusalem, may also be quarantined.

The Health Ministry, meantime, started constructing of a “drive-in” coronavirus testing center at Ganei Yehoshua Park’s parking area in Tel Aviv.

Once set up, anyone wishing to get tested can drive to the station and hand a DNA sample to medical staff. Results will be sent by a text message within 36 hours.

As part of new measures, buses and trains have been suspended at night and the weekend. They will only be available in the early morning hours of weekdays. “We are motivated by the need to protect public health,” said Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich. “We are doing all we can to minimise disruption to the public and I am appealing to everyone to avoid boarding busses and trans and follow the Health Ministry guidelines.”

High risk citizens including elderly people and patients with pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to stay at home.

The public sector will operate on an “emergency” footing with up to 80% of staff placed on paid leave until after Pesach.

Private firms should leave 70% of a workforce at home. The Health Ministry would allow certain industries to maintain a wider workforce.

Employers should utilise remote work, video calls and conferencing.

Police and local authorities can impose up to a NIS 5,000 fine fines on individuals who violate quarantine or Health Ministry’s guidelines on mass gatherings.

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LJWB to provide services in safe manner

BY ADAM MOSES Leeds Jewish Welfare Board is working closely with Jewish organisations to ensure it continues to provide services in a safe manner.

Staff are closely monitoring government advice regarding the coronavirus outbreak and working collaboratively to ensure it takes necessary steps to continue services.

The Board is following NHS guidance on minimising the risk of the virus spreading.

LJWB and the community centre is open and will continue to work to ensure the safety of everyone who comes through its doors.

Visitors must wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the building. Additional signage is in properties about handwashing and up to date information received from the government and Public Health England.

There has been a change in the layout of the Oasis café and restaurant, which remains

open. However, LJWB is promoting social distancing so tables are laid out differently.

Community service teams before visits will call to ascertain permission or appointments can be made telephone. All registered care services are operating but additional precautions are being made to minimise spread of infection. Separate communication has been sent to Moorcare clients, residents and families in residential services.

Anyone with a high temperature or a new continuous cough have been asked not to visit in person any LJWB properties. These include the community centre, LJWB shop and houses for adults with learning disabilities. Anyone who has been in direct contact with someone with a confirmed coronavirus diagnosis, or who have recently returned from affected countries even if they are not displaying coronavirus symptoms, have also been asked not visit LJWB premises for at least 14 days.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Shin Bet arrest Arab-Israel agent for Hamas Shin Bet security services have arrested an Arab-Israeli woman who served as an agent for Hamas.

Khatib channeled NIS hundreds of thousands donated by aid organisations and civilians for needy people in the Gaza Strip to Hamas. The terror group used the funds for “terrorist activity against Israeli targets.”

The 31-year-old mother of two from the Arab town

of Ar’ara was apprehended in a joint operation with Israeli Police last month. Her details only became known last Sunday. Khatib, a humanitarian worker in the Gaza Strip, also supplied intelligence to the terror organisation. She was apprehended whilst allegedly transferring surveillance equipment.

During interrogation, she admitted being recruited by two militants of the terror group.

Restoring Your Body’s Natural Balance About reflexology Reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that supports our body in self-healing, by tapping into its natural healing powers. Our feet are an intricate map of our bodies, and through massage and the application of gentle pressure in specific areas of the foot, we stimulate healing, bringing balance and rejuvenation to our body

Who benefits from a reflexology treatment?

Reflexology is suitable at all ages and stages. Whether baby, child or adult, reflexology supports the recovery of ailments, boosting the immune system, which in turn may prevent recurring infections.

Amongst many other benefits, it also improves blood circulation, reduces fatigue and improves metabolism and digestive issues.

Reflexology throughout your pregnancy As a non-invasive yet alternative method, reflexology is the perfect way to ease pregnancy symptoms and ailments. From back pain, constipation, lack of sleep to preparing your body for labour, reflexology will support you through it all.

Chabad ‘virtual’ school proves a hit

BY SIMCHA ABIR Chabad’s Nigri Jewish Online School is helping Jewish students, parents and schools continue their Jewish education across the world during the coronavirus pandemic.

For families whose schools are not providing an online option, children can join classes at an existing school in a safe environment. And enrolment at the school has increased.

Over 125 students from Europe and Israel have joined. The number is expected to rise.

Chabad’s Shluchim office has long been a pioneer of Jewish education with its international Shluchim Online School for children of Chabad emissaries and Hebrew Academy for Jewish children.

Nigri is offering it expertise for online studies and it has been welcomed. “It’s a time of need and we want everybody to be able to continue learning Torah and for children to continue their education,” said Bassie Shemtov, Shluchim Office.

“We have the ability to help others and we have to do that.”

Shemtov and Nigri officials have provided online Jewish classes for 14 years. Since last week, they have worked to ensure they have capacity to deal with increased students and schools. Over 100 Jewish day schools in North America have contacted the Shluchim Office seeking information.

Nigri is offering opportunities to use the same base school platform as the international school.

Each school, though, can run its own classes with its teachers and curriculums.

As North American schools join the concept, a Jewish school in Paris has started using the Nigri platform.

Yossi Goodman, technical director of the online school, has recorded tutorial videos to illustrate how the platform works.

The Hebrew online school principal has produced a document with practical tips for online education. “We’ve been doing this for so long, we knew we had to just put this information out there,” he explained.

“We can help an entire school, class by class, go online. We’re fielding emails and phone calls from parents and schools looking for help and we’re trying to help them navigate.”

The international school runs divisions including a Hebrew one for Israelis and Europeans. It also runs an English language school for the United States and elsewhere.

Shemtov believes Nigri can accommodate hundreds more students. The interactive school allows students to see a teacher and classmates in a virtual classroom.

“When new kids join, current students see a new name coming up on their screen as they log into class,” explains Shemtov.

“They also see their new classmates on camera and the teacher will welcome new students into the class.

“The idea is that we welcome everyone, just like when you go to a traditional school.

We’re opening the door to welcome kids who need us now.”

What to expect in a reflexology treatment?

A 40-minute treatment includes assessing your current health situation, massaging and working on pressure points on the feet, as you relax in a reclining position. The treatment will leave you feeling relaxed, energised and back in balance.

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New Knesset must maintain parliamentary activity

The Knesset

BY ADAM MOSES President Reuven Rivlin has called on the Knesset to maintain parliamentary activity after Likud and the Blue and White Party failed to agree the makeup of crucial committees.

Disagreements followed Rivlin selecting Blue & White leader Benny Gantz to form the next coalition government after he secured 61MKs earlier this week.

“The ongoing dispute about opening the Knesset harms our shared fight against corona,” Rivlin said, adding that the country was on an emergency footing and the Knesset played a “crucial role”.

Israel’s President called on Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein to guard the status of the Knesset as a “beacon of democracy”.

Edelstein is hopeful disputes will be quickly resolved.

“Gaps between the sides are not great and Israeli citizens deserve that their elected representatives work for them and oversee the work of the government,” he noted. “There is no reason to drag this out.”

Blue & White had disagreed with Likud over a demand for equal representation in accordance with a Health Ministry directive banning more than 10 people in gathering.

“Likud is trying to prevent the work of the Knesset,” said Gantz. “If it isn’t enough that the Knesset hasn’t functioned for a full year, now they want the new Knesset to do the minimum required work in a time of crisis.”

“At this time tens of thousands of families sit in their homes. Some of the citizens have already lost their jobs and livelihoods and some may soon be told about it. The government I will lead will cure Israeli society of the coronavirus and also the virus of schism and hatred.”.

Gantz added, “Our beloved and courageous doctors will overcome the coronavirus. Only leaders who put the good of the state ahead of themselves will overcome the virus of hatred and schism.

“I have always wanted unity. Unity that did not come at the expense of Israel’s democratic values. It’s up to the leaders of the other parties, and in particular Benjamin Netanyahu, to decide whether he is willing to go this way.”

Gantz tweeted after the ceremony for heads of all factions to put aside destructive verbal weapons.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gantz met at the official residence of Rivlin in Jerusalem to discuss forming an emergency unity government at the beginning of another extraordinary week of Israeli politics last Sunday.

Netanyahu had called for a power-sharing unity deal.

“Anyone who has watched the news in recent days understands that this is a time of trial, and that these are not regular consultations,” he said.

But the Arab Joint List, who chose to back Gantz in forming a coalition, refused.

With Joint List backing, Gantz needed support from the Yisrael Beytenu Party.

Avigdor Liberman initially backed an emergency government of Likud and Blue & White over the escalating battle against the coronavirus. But on Sunday morning, Liberman reversed his thinking.

19 MARCH 2020 Netanyahu had called for stability.

“We must unite forces and establish a strong and stable government that can pass a budget and make tough decisions,” Netanyahu said.

“The government will serve for six months and the ministerial positions will be split evenly. The Prime Minister will not be able to fire ministers from Blue & White, and Blue& White will not be able to express no confidence in the Prime Minister. At the end of this period, we will return to the current situation.”

Israel’s President called on Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein to guard the status of the Knesset as a “beacon of democracy”.

Netanyahu added he would like to discuss the establishment of a unity government with a rotation for Prime Minister with “parity in duration and composition”.

He explained, “In this unity government, I will continue to serve as Prime Minister for the next two years. During this time Benny Gantz will serve as deputy Prime Minister with the same division of ministers and the same rules for the government. After two years, Gantz will take up the post of Prime Minister and the government will serve four years in total.”

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

“The moves by Likud are a dangerous precedent for democracy and we’ll fight this with all the strength we can muster,” he added.

In another extraordinary week of Israel’s politics, the newly elected Knesset was sworn in on Monday under tight restrictions due the pandemic.

MKs entered parliament in 40 groups of three due to Health Ministry’s guidelines on public gatherings.

Rivlin appealed to politicians to “give the people a government” after three elections in a year had failed to produce decisive result.

“The requirement for compromise, to make deep and painful concessions, is the will of the people itself,’ he said. “I have just one request to make of you. Give these people a government.

“The current political crisis is very real, very deep and is breaking us in two. And we still have no other choice, because we have no other people and no other country. We were destined to live together.”

Gantz has vowed to form a “national, patriotic and broad government”.

“I will do everything possible to establish in the coming days, a patriotic government in which I will represent and serve the Blue and White voters, the Likud, the entire party on the Right and the Left, all the citizens of Israel,” he said after his selection by Rivlin.

Addressing the coronavirus crisis,” he noted. “Israel is at the beginning of a deep crisis.

Bibi corruption trial postponed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial has been cancelled until May. The Supreme Court announced the decision last Sunday.

Justice Minister Amir Ohana has put courts in a “state of emergency” due to the COVID-19 crisis across the country.

Netanyahu faces bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges in three corruption cases.

The trial’s opening hearing was due to start earlier this week but this was shelved after Netanyahu announced that shopping centres, restaurants and cafés would be shut among numerous measures for at least five weeks. Gatherings over 10 people have also been banned during the period.

Exceptions include supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations. “In light of the latest developments, the spread of the coronavirus, the measures being taken and the declaration of the state of emergency (in the justice system), we have decided to cancel the hearing,” said the Supreme Court in a statement.

The new date for the opening hearing has been set for May 24.

Netanyahu faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery. A maximum threeyear term is applied for fraud and breach of trust charges.

Only last week, Netanyahu’s request to

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

postpone the start of his corruption trial by 45 days failed. The State Prosecutor’s Office turned down his request.

Netanyahu’s lawyer Amit Hadad appealed to the Jerusalem District Court due to technical issues over trial material. “A few months ago, an indictment had been filed against the Prime Minister, we still have not received trial material,” he said.

“We appealed to the court to postpone the hearing for technical reasons, so that we receive the trial material before appearing in court.”

Netanyahu has consistently stated he is the victim of a politically motivated “witchhunt” and attempted coup. He denies all charges.

Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu last November.

12 OPINION

19 MARCH 2020

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From the editor’s desk open on Shabbat. In the week where in the Parsha, Moshe Rabbenu gathers all the Jews to tell them about keeping Shabbat.

WHY IS THIS YEAR DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER YEARS? As I walked into shul on Monday morning, I was greeted by a new sign on the main front door, all about Covid-19. The same signs were stuck on the internal doors as well as walls and noticeboards.

The first point was in bold. IF YOU HAVE A COUGH DON’T COME INTO THIS BUILDING. I put on my Tallis as usual and before I got to my Tefillin, a teenage boy in the row behind me starting coughing uncontrollably, with no-one seemingly taking any notice.

Sadly, I packed up, left and prayed at home.

There are a lot of Jewish people who take shul extremely seriously. Whilst being ‘frum’ is certainly a good thing if it’s genuine, this should not come at the expense of fellow human beings. As Bibi said last week, ‘a cough is now as lethal as a bomb.’

It’s time for the Jewish community of the UK to start taking this virus seriously.

It’s not for nothing that the world as we know it has gone into lockdown. This disease is extremely contagious and we have a duty to protect those around us as much as we can. Most people will only get it mildly and may not even notice any symptoms at all. But it can be deadly to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

People traditionally get together with family for Seder night. But this year is different from all other years. If an elderly grandparent G-d forbid catches the virus from an infected grandchild with no symptoms, how will the family feel?

In New York, there was a jump of over 100 confirmed cases in the frum community this week. What happens if that is repeated here, where already many Jewish people have tested positive across the UK? This week the United Synagogue closed all its Shuls. Many other minyanim have closed and all schools now been shut by the Government.

We are going through desperately sad times right now.

Children off school creates problems for parents and the economy. Forced to pray at home, especially on Shabbat. Imagine no shul over Pesach, no Sefer Torahs, nothing!

No kiddush, no sense of community. Funerals with only 10 people in attendance. Weddings cancelled, simchas postponed. Over 70s being told to self-isolate for months.

Borders closed around the world.

Israelis ordered not to go out virtually anywhere, not to the beach, the park, nothing except shopping for basic survival. The

TOUGH TIMES I feel for the many individuals, charities and business that are really struggling. Some industries have been hit hard. Travel in particular stands out. The hospitality industry is not far behind. Millions of pounds have been lost by individuals as the stock markets have crashed; worried business owners look gaunt as they contemplate closing offices and shops or laying off staff. Yes the Government has pledged to help, but it may not be enough for everyone. Let’s hope that our community can do what it can during these difficult times to help out our struggling brethren.

The Kosher Outlet in Mill Hill

world has turned upside down.

The freedom that we take for granted has virtually disappeared. But don’t lose hope, we will get through this. Stay strong, pray hard to Hashem, and spend quality time with immediate family members.

So I appeal to all our readers. Listen to the advice of our Government, our doctors and our rabbis. By staying at home and protecting everyone around us, we are fulfilling the even greater mitzvah of ‘vnishmartem meod lenafshotechem - and you shall guard your lives very well,’ which overrides all else.

In an ironic way, by avoiding community for a while, we will actually protect the community in the long run and enable it to flourish once more after this nasty plague has gone.

SIGN FROM ABOVE There are now more Shuls and Yeshivot around the world than ever before. However Hashem decreed last Rosh Hashanah in His wisdom that they should shut now.

What message is He sending world Jewry.

Why is He unhappy with our prayers? Is it perhaps because many people talk constantly throughout Davening and Leining?

Perhaps we don’t concentrate properly on our prayers? Shockeling may look good but if we’re dreaming about other things Hashem will see right through us.

Are people friendly enough to strangers or even to other regular worshippers?

Have cliques put Hashem off our prayers?

Perhaps more Lashon Harah is said in shul than words of Torah?

These are sobering times. Hashem has spoken.

‘THE HEALING COMES BEFORE THE PLAGUE.’ The well known saying in Judaism, ‘refuah krovah lemacah,’ now rings loud and clear. My online Daf Hayomi shiur (R Eli Stefansky - 8minutedaf.com in Ramat Bet Shemesh) had 120 people in attendance on Motze Shabbat.

Yesterday only seven people were in the room. But at least through the internet, we can carry on learning Torah and listening to

Please remember everyone else.

Buy what you need and let others do the same. As you will see in this newspaper, our rabbis and shop owners have called out on this point.

PANIC BUYING We have all seen the images of people leaving supermarkets laden with toilet paper and other panic purchases. Whilst it may appeal to take a selfie in Tescos at a completely empty aisle, what won’t be very funny at all is if some people have no food over Pesach because others have bought 10 times what they actually need. Queues out of the door at kosher shops are uncalled for and having to queue at the tills for over an hour and a half is ridiculous.

Please remember everyone else. Buy what you need and let others do the same. As you will see in this newspaper, our rabbis and shop owners have called out on this point. Shops have enough supply as long as people don’t overbuy. Remember other people need to make Pesach too! PLEASE ADHERE!!!

VACCINE We all pray a vaccine is made really soon so this infected world can heal. How ironic will it be if the vaccine is produced in the West Bank. Will people boycott it?

Shiurim. If we have the right attitude we can take the flame of the shul into our homes to brighten up these difficult days.

MASHIACH Many people have been excitedly predicting the imminent arrival of Mashiach. The fact that countries have been separated and families all forced to stick together, like the first Pesach in history, have led to all sorts of predictions.

The fact that the word ‘Corona’ in Hebrew shares the same ‘gematria ketanah’ (numerical value) as ‘Gog u’Magog makes interesting reading.

One video of a woman dancing in her kitchen to the song ‘ani mamim’ went viral this week!

Whilst predicting the arrival of Mashiach is strictly forbidden in Jewish law, I will say one thing. This newspaper looks forward to the day we will be able to print the most fabulous headline of all time!

SHABBAT IN ISRAEL Someone showed me on WhatsApp that this Shabbat will be the first time in the 71 year history of the State of Israel that there will be no cars, trains, theatres, sports, shopping, restaurants or other forbidden things

Yossi Saunders Editor

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

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14 OPINION

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19 MARCH 2020

Op-Ed: Coronavirus Diary - Week #1

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The current coronavirus crisis has toppled the world order, sent stock markets plummeting and reshaped human consciousness. For many, it is,and will remain the most shocking event of their lifetimes. We certainly don’t know WHY G-d is challenging humanity, but we acknowledge that the crisis challenges us to reconsider our modern world, its potential and its perils.

Many have already delineated the questions we face in the “throes” of this corona crisis. Having been brought to its knees, has humanity been guilty of overconfidence in modern Man, his technology, financial abilities and governments? The common term “flu” is an abbreviated version of the clinical term to describe this sickness: influenza.

Ancients believed that this flu sickness was caused by the “influence” of the upper planets which exerted control over human behavior. Ironically, modern science has uncovered that this sickness isn’t driven by large planets but by miniscule and invisible microorganisms called viruses. Humanity has been cast into chaos by an invisible microbe. We aren’t as powerful as we led ourselves to believe.

The pandemic has showcased that perhaps we spent inordinate time preoccupied with social media, and virtual communities at the expense of our actual families (more on this later in the article). The virus has forced us to retreat into our quiet homes and encircle ourselves within our nuclear families with whom we will be spending the next few months– perhaps compensating for the quality time we neglected in the past.

Furthermore, we have been thrust into “survival mode” and our chances of success is based solely on communal and civic responsibility. As careful as we may personally act, our health is a product of the collective responsible behaviour of our fellow citizens. This shift into communal experience is a wonderful and transformative opportunity for the “Me generation” to step out of personal individualism and appreciate the interconnectivity of human experience.

Individuals- as wealthy or talented as they may be – will not survive this epidemic unless the broader society rallies toward medically responsible behaviour.

These and other important “identity” questions have surfaced in the wake of the viral epidemics we battle with this crisis. Beyond

these issues, it is important to explore not just what is occurring and how we are responding, but also HOW it happened and how this pandemic developed. In what manner is this outbreak a consequence of the culture modern Man has created? How are we complicit in creating an environment which enabled this contagion which so imperils humanity?

What can we learn about the type of society we crafted and how can we remake our society? This question must be pondered by all human beings also has particular resonance for Jews.

The past 70 years has witnessed a globalization of Western Civilization. We defeated the notorious enemies of democracy- the Nazis and the Communists- and imagined a world of common interest and uniform ideology all worshipping in the temple of democracy.

The world seemed to be “flattening” into a pleasant meadow of joint beliefs and mutual experiences. Cultural differences and national markers seemed far less important than “commonality”and “uniformity”.

The internet provided ‘jet fuel’ for this process of globalization as it shaped a “global village”of common language and easy communication. This sparkling global village created unprecedented economic opportunities, as pooled resources and shared markets created limitless supply and limitless demand.

Perhaps the most palpable symbol of this globalization was the popularization of global travel. The travel industry and the travel culture grew extraordinarily. Whether for business opportunity of for leisure we eagerly journeyed across the global village. Mobile warriors were no longer localized members of communities but “citizens of the world” comfortable across the broad expanse of the extended global village.

Ironically, it is precisely the increase of travel which fueled this epidemic. Viruses constantly mutate and leap from the animal kingdom to the human realm posing potential for pandemics. However, without a ‘carrier’ method a virus will only infect the local population which at some point will develop immunity and check the potential for global spread. A pandemic can only occur if the virus is delivered by human movement to faraway locations. In the early 19th century, cholera was imported into the European theatre by Russian soldiers returning from their wars in Asia. If an infection cannot travel its contagion will be geographically limited and will quickly fade. Ironically, corona wasn’t carried by soldiers at war but by a world of jetsetters traveling a world without boundaries. The modern global village created travel patterns which propelled this pandemic.

Ultimately, this virus should force us to consider the challenges of globalisation.

Without question, Mankind is struggling to strike a balance between national identity and global identity. Globalization unleashes enormous human potential but also threatens the notion of human communal experience. Human communities are unified by common valueslocal to that “community”; our local communities share common religious, ethnic, racial or family values and these particular values create a life of shared

The epidemic has showcased that perhaps we spent inordinate time preoccupied with social media, and virtual communities at the expense of our actual families.

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experience within a contained community.

Life in a global village doesn’t endorse the local and communal codes which create integrated communal experience. Lacking these “connectors” we naturally sink into a “Me” generation of individuals -well-resourced in the global village but none the less living lonely. Social media fooled us by tempting us with fake communities in lieu of actual communities of friends and family.

Social media creates “echo chambers” which merely reinforced our individual interests rather than creating communities of bonded experience.

Corona has literally shut the borders which the past 70 years have pried open. This closure – even if temporary - should remind us that humanity must craft a balance between parochialism and globalism. We need to create societies of acceptance and equality but somehow also create communities of bonded identity around national or religious shared interests. This appears to be the challenge facing modern Man in the shadow of coronavirus.

For Jews, the challenge is even more pronounced. Over the past 200 years the world has opened its doors to the Jews, and, for our part, we have assumed our rightful place in the march of humanity. We have immersed in the surrounding culture and have embraced political activism while fully participating in our surrounding cultures.

Not surprisingly we fly across the world; even kosher-eaters aren’t restricted in their travel, as kosher food has become globally available.

Has the globalization of Judaism effaced the notion that we are a “unique” nation selected

by G-d for mission and expected to lead a life of national identity punctuated by halachik and cultural differences. This is an important moment to assess whether globalization has diminished our Jewish identity. Ideally, halachik fidelity should reinforce our sense of ‘difference’ and national identity but that may not always be the case. Sometimes our halachik behaviour can be shallow rather than existential and our observance can be limited to practice rather than trickling down to our identity. If we can attend major sporting events while comfortably purchasing kosher food, are we in danger of diluting our unique sense of Jewish identity? The Jews of Egypt abandoned all halachik observance while maintaining robust cultural identity. This stout Jewish identity was manifest in their Jewish language, Jewish names and Jewish clothing. Ultimately, these identity markers provided a platform for the resuscitation of Jewish identity and the Segway into halachik observance. If that platform teeters, the entire structure becomes endangered.

As the weeks of this health crisis pass by, we learn more about ourselves as humans and as Jews. Let us pray that G-d spares humanity any more suffering. Let us hope that we continue to better understand our condition and find the wisdom to improve it.

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

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Alan’s family will be with him round his seder table But he’ll be all alone Never in our lifetimes have so many already vulnerable people faced such prolonged isolation.

As Manchester’s largest Jewish social care charity, The Fed is doing everything possible to support and protect those in greatest need through these unprecedented times.

Your support has never been more vital

Please support The Fed’s Pesach Appeal 0161 772 4800 thefed.org.uk/donate-online/

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Letters to the Editor

RCUK are recruiting!

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

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

As part of our exciting growth plans for 2020, we are looking for additional staff members in different departments of our Manchester branch:

WISHING YOU A GOOD, HEALTHY SHABBOS Dear Editor, The headline, and content, on the front-page of last week’s edition, “CORONA CHAOS,” (The Jewish Weekly, 12 March), I was inspired to compose this poem.

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As, worldwide, the Coronavirus is now doing its worst I pray that none of you fall prey to this medical curse May everyone keep safe and well Here in Britain and of course, Israel For now, more than ever, good health must come first I wish the worldwide Jewish community a good Shabbos Baruch Hashem, one that is free from the Coronavirus We should all resolve to pray That it doesn’t come our way Moreover, as we approach Pesach, may it pass over u Your sincerely, J D Milaric

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Jewish Blind & Disabled buy new building for their eighth development Jewish Blind & Disabled are delighted to announce that, after years of looking for their next development, they have purchased a building which will take their current number of developments to eight.

The development located on the corner of Bittacy Hill and Langstone Way in Mill Hill East is currently home to a block of 24 apartments built belonging to IBSA (The International Bible Students Association).

Jewish Blind & Disabled plan not only to transform the interior of the building but also, to extend it to create 30 state-of-theart one-bedroom mobility apartments for Jewish people from the age of 18 upwards who have physical disabilities or impaired vision.

Each of the 30 apartments will be built to Jewish Blind & Disabled’s recognised highest standard. The apartments will be designed to meet the needs of people with physically disabilities or impaired vision using latest technology and equipment, with accessible modern fitted kitchens and walk in shower rooms spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs. There will be communal laundry facilities, with accessible machines, a communal lounge, small garden and roof terrace. There is ample tenants parking enabling those who drive to be able to retain this aspect of their independence.

Jewish Blind & Disabled have been looking for a new development opportunity for

Photo of current building

Artist’s impression of new development

several years during which time they have raised sufficient capital to pay for this new building. They are now looking to raise £6m from across the community to complete their ambitions plans for the property.

Commenting on this new development, Jewish Blind & Disabled chairman John Joseph said “I am absolutely delighted that we have secured this development opportunity. Over this past year with the opening of the Dyna and Fala Weinstock Wing at Cecil Rosen Court we have managed to reduce our waiting list but we still do not have enough apartments to meet current

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need. Number eight, as its currently known, will go a long way to ensuring we can meet current and future demand from within the community.”

The organisation aims to have secured planning and to have appointed contractors by the end of the year with works beginning in early 2021. The works will take around 18 months to complete so with current plans Jewish Blind & Disabled hope to welcome the first tenants into this new development in 2023.

Chief Executive Lisa Wimborne remarked “The purchase of number eight is exciting news and will ensure we can support more individuals and families in need of our unique offering. However, the purchase is just the starting point. This month we will launch a multi-million-pound fundraising project to support our new development. We are also beginning to work on detailed plans for the development prior to seeking planning permission. It will be several years until we welcome new tenants into this development. Alongside our new development we are also

New JBD apartment

committed to continue to invest in our existing buildings to ensure they are well maintained, bright, modern environments that meet the needs of both current and future tenants” Jewish Blind & Disabled are dedicating their Pesach appeal this year to raising the funds needed to transform this building into a development designed to enable those who have no other organisation to whom they can turn to live with the independence, dignity and choice that are so easy to take for granted until they are suddenly taken away.

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Ner Yisrael holds online shiur The LSJS ‘alternative’ dinner

Rabbi Zobin holding the onine shiur

The Ner Yisrael community in Hendon has embraced technology to help people prepare for Pesach and help combat social isolation as a result of the Covid-19 virus outbreak.

Ner’s hugely popular pre-Pesach shiur was due to take place on Monday night in the shul, but with government guidelines and people self-isolating, this wasn’t going to be a practical solution, especially with demand higher due to Covid-19 cancelling many people’s travel plans.

With the help of IT consultancy DMW Group providing their resources free of charge, the shul ran the class via Microsoft Teams, a video conferencing facility. A link

was shared to members of the congregation, allowing them to connect via video (or for the older members of the community who may not have access to the internet via teleconference) with Rabbi Zobin to enjoy and participate in the shiur from the comfort of their own homes. Over 130 members attended remotely, in addition to congregants attending in person.

Taking into consideration the potential challenges due to the Covid-19 outbreak this Pesach, Rabbi Zobin covered topics such as how to kasher kitchen surfaces and ovens in addition to guidance around buying food for Pesach.

Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum (left) helping to load one of the delivery cars

LSJS were meant to be holding a Tribute Dinner to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Susi Bradfield Educational Leadership Programme last Tuesday evening. As with all major events, this has been cancelled.

However, this hasn’t stopped us ensuring that all our guests have been taken care of this evening.

With the help of bochurim who are home from yeshiva, LSJS have delivered over 120 goodie bags comprising wine, gourmet popcorn, the Dinner Brochure and next term’s LSJS Summer Brochure (all of our courses

will now be delivered online via Zoom video conferencing) to every guest who was meant to be attending the dinner.

At 6.45pm, all guests receivef an email with instructions to watch a special video which has been made for this specific purpose with messages from Chief Rabbi Mirvis and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.

That was be followed up with a phone call from either a table host, LSJS member of staff or trustee, in the hope that the recipient will be happy to pledge their support to LSJS.

Dancing their way through Purim

Supervised Kosher Platters & cakes to suit any occasion Large Selection of Kosher products & Wines Large Selection of Special Dietary products Taking part in the Purim Zumbathon

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More than 700 children from four schools took part in Purim Zumbathon’s, dancing their way through Purim whilst raising funds for Jewish Care to support older people in the community. Yavneh Primary, Nancy Reuben, Sacks Morasha and Kerem schools took part in the sponsored Zumba sessions led by Dancing with Louise. This year, Elsa from Frozen was a popular favourite, along with superheroes from cartoons and real-life in the form of firefighters and police with a sprinkling of minions, princesses and pirates and

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PHOTO: GRAINGE PHOTOGRAPHY

of course Harry Potter and Hermione Grainger.

Caroline Field, Headteacher of Yavneh Primary, who was dressed as a pirate along with the rest of the staff team, for the school’s pirate-themed Purim, said, “The Purim Zumba run by Jewish Care and Louise Leach brought energy and excitement to Yavneh Primary School. Raising money for this wonderful tzedakah (charity) meant the children were fulfilling one of the mitzvot of Purim and the Zumba enhanced the ruach of Purim at Yavneh.”

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COMMUNITY 21

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COVID-19 couldn’t stop ‘Pop Up and Shop’ in aid of Chai Cancer Care ‘Pop Up and Shop’ had a plan B. After months of hard work and planning, Chai’s dedicated committee found a way to turn things around when Chai had to cancel their Kids and Tweens Fashion Show commencing on Sunday 15th March due to COVID-19.

The fashion show, raising money for Chai’s Children, Teenage and Family services was to be compered by celebrity host Suzanne Baum and scheduled to have a wide range of other activities including a magic show, dance, art, music and Cosmixology workshops and fantastic raffle prizes from a variety of high end brands.

Realising the event had to be cancelled, with only four days to go, chairman of the committee, Claudia Salem, launched the ‘Virtual Pop Up and Shop’ concept. Still hosting the same brands and more, the shop moved online and a percentage of the cost of each product purchased went to Chai.

Overcoming so many challenges, an outstanding £26,000 was raised. Both Chai and the ‘Pop Up and Shop’ Committee are completely blown away by the support they have received.

19 MARCH 2020

Gordon elected Mayor of Barnet

Claudia Salem and Suzanne Baum

Claudia Salem comments: “I was not going to let go of the months and months of hard work that we and the fundraising team at Chai put in. The level of generosity and good will we received is incredible and a testament to how much people want to support Chai and all that they do.”

Ambassador Regev exclusive lunch with Malki Foundation supporters

Councillor Brian (Binyomin) Gordon

Councillor Brian (Binyomin) Gordon has been elected Mayor of Barnet for the coming municipal year, commencing in May. A long-standing resident of Edgware since childhood, Mr. Gordon been a Conservative member of Barnet Council since 1998, representing initially Hale Ward, then Edgware.

He has held several senior council positions and is currently Chairman of Hendon Area Planning Committee. He is a forthright participant in Council debates and at Councillors’ Questions, a Governor of Rosh Pinah Primary School and Trustee of a local Almshouses trust. Recognised as a passionate advocate for religious freedom, he is a strong opponent of what he sees as “excessive bureaucracy and political correctness” A former radio broadcaster, member of the Board of Deputies and United Synagogue Council, and Vice Chairman of British Likud, Mr Gordon is currently an Executive member of the Union of Orthodox

Hebrew Congregations representing Edgware Machzikei Hadass, and was recently elected Vice Chairman of its External Affairs Committee. He has initiated and participated in many delegations to meet Government Ministers, especially on the issue of faith schools and changes to organ donation law.

In his professional life, Mr. Gordon is a Solicitor with Waller Pollins Goldstein of Edgware, having previously run his own firm. He is a regular columnist and contributor to communal newspapers, including the Jewish Weekly. On the spiritual side he serves as a regular Ba’al Koreh, Ba’al Tefilah on Yomin Noraim , and is a keen student of Daf Hayomi. . He enjoys learning with chavrusos and has trained many Barmitzvah pupils to leyen.

The new mayor will have the support of his family, in particular his wife, who will serve as Mayoress.

GIFT of connection Ambassador Regev and Geoff Hartnell

Lsst week, Malki Foundation had the honour of hosting Ambassador Mark Regev and a handful of guests, for an intimate lunch at Vintage Wealth Management.

Ambassador Regev led an informal conversation providing insights into current issues such as the Corona virus and the Middle East. Guests were appreciative of the unique opportunity to speak to the ambassador in such a private setting. The stimulating conversation flowed for over an hour and could have gone on for even longer.

Guests such as Jeremy Goldsmith said “how enjoyable it was and a treat being in an intimate environment with the Ambassador.”

With Coronavirus affecting lots of charity events Malki Foundation were fortunate and grateful to the Ambassador for making the time and effort to attend the lunch.

Well done to Malki Foundation Chair, Geoff Hartnell, and Ambassador Regev for setting an example and bumping elbows instead of shaking hands!

In response to the recent COVID 19 Coronavirus outbreak and the rapidly changing news, our UK community seems likely to suffer significantly in the coming weeks and months. As a matter of urgent priority GIFT is putting into immediate effect, newly created plans to support the needs of the community, especially those in the greatest need, the elderly and most vulnerable. At the time of writing, the GIFT Giving Hub is still open and GIFT volunteers are still distributing food and support packages to over 270 households in London and Manchester. The new plans will see volunteers who would normally have visited homes and care homes, calling or video calling instead, care packages being made for front line staff to keep morale high, a chicken soup kitchen, volunteer shopping and virtual tutoring to

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replace the Sunday morning tutoring club.

Michelle Barnett, Founding Director said ‘GIFT has a major part to play in the forthcoming months – to offer practical support to as many individuals in need as possible. We will continue to drive forward with any initiatives that will offer support and comfort.

We will partner with other welfare organisations such as US Chessed as the welfare of the community and those who support us is of vital importance. Within the first hour of creating a new volunteers support group, we have been flooded with hundreds of people wanting to give. As always, GIFT is here to support the community. Today more than ever in the last 15 years, our vision of a world full of givers is one we all need.

To offer your support, visit jgift.org

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NEWS 23

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From the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON My, how the world has changed in 7 days. I think I last said this during Brexit, but when I said last week that we weren't anticipating the Great Plague of 1665, I couldn't have foreseen the rapidly climbing mortality statistics of the past week. Im sure many of you are at breaking point, endlessly hearing about Covid-19, but I think my column needs to be dedicated to it this week, for a variety of reasons.

Unlike Brexit, where we seemed at political odds with each other and across Europe, I think our differences are now set aside. We have also come together as a nation, with a war 'needs-must' mentality, and we need to continue to stick together, irrespective of where we are on the gender rainbow, or political spectrum.

We are also unified with our European brethren, in terms of strategies for virus avoidance, self -protection and quarantine protocols. Although we're not exactly on the same page, we are fighting the same invisible enemy, and forgiving each other's foibles on the way.

The Government's medical advisors conclude that Britain may be just a few weeks behind Italy, which as we know was the epicentre of the disease in Europe, originating in China. Since we were not prepared for this virus invasion, with our lax movement and border control issues, there is now no safety net for us, even in the fact that we are fortuitously an island.

It looks as if we might indeed end up going the same way.

Boris Johnson has had to change tack in the space of 7 days. He admits that up to a third of the population may be forced to stay at home, he has banned gathering of 'crowds', and all over the country events and institutions are shutting down. My daughter's Ballet School - one of the most prestigious in the country - has reluctantly closed its doors. They have also cancelled a major forthcoming presentation with the Bolshoi ballet, and they are just one institution.

Presently hospitals are functioning normally, and schools are still open, although the latter could be the first to change. The decision to keep schools open has been incredibly unpopular, but the rationale behind this is that many families in the UK have two working parents. Therefore, a decision to send the children home will result in at least one parent not going to their employment, which will have a massive impact on a critical workforce. Some of these same parents will be nurses, doctors and healthcare providers and as we're anticipating struggling within the NHS, this is going to make it worse. Involving grandparents or extended family further extends the lines of transmission.

So, if you have not been completely swamped by social media or endlessly following the news, let's get you up to date.

Where DO we stand on Corona Virus? In summary:-

Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

• all unnecessary travel must end.

• all employees should work from home (from today) if possible, • everyone over the age of 70 and those who are younger (but suffer from health conditions) and pregnant women are asked to stay at home as much as possible.

• if any member of your family has a persistent cough or/and high fever, your whole household must stay at home for 14 days.

• Don't go out to pubs, clubs, theatres or social events.

There are further ramifications of these controls. Nobody in isolation should go out, not even to buy essentials. Let's hope that you've got a network of people who can shop for you, but they should leave your goods 3 metres from your front door.

If you don’t have family help, appeal to your neighbours, community organisations, be it shul, clubs etc, but do ask for help! Those in the vulnerable group should be largely 'shielded from social contact' for 12 weeks.

Who is in the ‘vulnerable group’? As mentioned in brief above, those over 70, regardless of their state of health, those under 70 with underlying health conditions such as: chronic respiratory diseases [asthma, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis], chronic heart, kidney, liver or neurological conditions, the latter including Parkinson's, MND, cerebral palsy, diabetes (type 1 & 2). If you have a weakened immune system (such as a AIDS related condition, or HIV) or if you are on steroid medication or chemotherapy, additionally if you have a BMI of 40 or above, you're at risk; and finally there is a doubled risk if you are pregnant. FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION, ASK YOUR GP FOR ADVICE. I would (un)happily consider staying home for a couple of months, doing my art, playing my music, putting my feet up and watching Netflix, eating nice food (assuming I could get anyone to do deliveries) and keeping busy. However, for somebody such as myself all of that is just a dream.

For I will have to go out, and I will have to travel on public transport. Who otherwise

is going to take me around? I will have to do school runs, go to hospital appointments, all the while hoping that the people who are in contact with me, who I pass or who sit next to me on public transport, or in a waiting area, are not already infected or carrying this dreadful disease.

As a disincentive to flouting the rules, there is going to be £1000 fine imposed for anyone who refuses to self-isolate. Be clear - this is not the time to play Russian roulette, for you would be endangering a whole community with such noncompliance. Should anyone decide to attend a large gathering, you would find yourself 'unsupported' by emergency workers should you be in need. We must accept that these are mandatory changes and there's no opting in and opting out, and these measures could last for months. It's not going to be easy making such changes, but it's something we must do.

I don't feel too guilty about having to alter my view of Covid-19 when the government has had to make a drastic U-turn in its whole policy of damage limitation.

Entire nations are having to make changes to their corona policies overnight. Our government advisers have said even if we follow these draconian strategies, we could potentially see 20,000 people die from this.

I've also been advised that if one absolutely must use public transport, especially the underground - the haven for germs - that one should wear gloves, even more than face masks. Obviously, you're handling metal poles, doors, switches and so on, you will doubtless unconsciously touch your face. Hygiene is paramount. You don't know who was touching the same spot two minutes before you!

I want to mention Darrell Blakeley (88) who has just died from corona virus.

Someone travelling back from a skiing holiday in Italy - breaking their quarantine - attended a birthday party where he was a guest. Just a week later he died in hospital from sepsis. Before he died, his family were allowed to visit him, but they had to wear two pairs of gloves and a mask with a seal.

So, I ask myself, should we now be wearing masks when we go outside, and would these small cotton masks we see actually be effective? We should avoid contact with handles, poles, switches etc on the underground and in public buildings, although this is a very hard thing to do. But how to keep a distance of 3 metres from other passengers? We can't expect everybody to be able to follow the distance rule. Teachers cannot guarantee that, doctors will struggle, parents cannot stay away from their young children at that distance.

Lastly, if you're not well one would normally reach for the paracetamol, but if you also have a temperature, the government advice would be not to take IBUPROFEN over fears they have that it could actually make your symptoms worse. There is a concern from a neurologist that taking anti-inflammatories could be a factor in aggravating infection. The official advice

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on NHS 111 with these symptoms is ‘to rest and take fluids - and take paracetamol or ibuprofen.’ Maybe skip the ibuprofen…..

Now, there is no need to go out and stockpile paracetamol, or anything else for that matter. Be fair to everyone. But please don't run out of toilet paper or soap. We have graduated from the days of having one’s newspapers on 'standby,' but last resorts could make it a rough few days, until normal service might be restored. Seriously, large families will struggle at being only allowed a ration of 2 packs at a time, and the large stores appear unsympathetic to this genuine need. I have a further bit of a (t)issue here…. There are people who suffer from stomach cancers, Crohn's disease, IBS and all kinds of GI issues.

They need more toilet paper per mile, than others. Should we petition for ration cards, with family quotas, and 'disability' points to apply to get extra stock??

It's a very sombre fact when we talk about the NHS cancelling non-essential procedures, elective surgeries etc, but what about those people who actually NEED essential / lifesaving surgery, without which they will likely die much faster? These may still go ahead, but the patients have the added agony of knowing that - should they even get surgery - they run quite a serious risk of dying (from Covid-19) whilst in hospital, recovering from the operation, and there's nothing whatsoever they can do about that! Contagion will be everywhere.

I was sent a very interesting YouTube clip of Bill Gates giving a lecture in 2015, one year after the African Ebola outbreak, which killed 11,000 people. He said that it would not be a nuclear event that was going to destroy the world, but it was going to be something like a virus epidemic. He quoted the Spanish flu of 1918 which killed 30 million people.

The means to defeat such an epidemic would include: a strong health system, a reserve Medical Corps (like our Military reservists) and critically R&D (research and development) with vaccines and diagnostics. He stated it would be a high cost but compared to lost revenue during an epidemic it was a no-brainer. As an estimate he put a figure of $3 trillion in lost revenue, aside from the human cost predicting millions of deaths. This is not boding well, for if we could lose millions of people back in 1918, what’s going to happen today if we don't contain this?

I think there's only one thing more damning in my case than dying of pancreatic cancer, which still looms over my head. And that would be to die now from coronavirus through some lapse of attention or some unlucky chance of fate.

Stay tuned, stay safe Jacqueline x To follow Jacqueline’s journey blog, please visit https://whenallissaidanddone.home. blog/author/jacquelinecurzon/

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com GOING BUT NOT REALLY GONE

Dear Rabbi We were much saddened to read of your departure from The Jewish Weekly. From its inception three years ago, your column very quickly became our staple diet on Shabbos, in fact we took two copies so both of us could have one. Particularly as the minimal amount of Manchester news was just that… minimal. Your wit and wisdom, honesty and humour in answering the wide variety of questions put to you made your column for us, the best feature of the paper. We wish you every success in the future.

Kind Regards, Heather and Brian Dear Heather and Brian Did you know I’ve been writing the same thing in my column since I’ve been writing, always in the week of Purim. Without fail, everyone, editor included, falls for it. It’s just my little spiel.

I’ll be doing the same next year and my money says you’ll fall for it again. Meanwhile, thank you for the compliment (and others who wrote as well) and be assured you’ll be able to maintain your staple Shabbat diet (but don’t forget the chollent as well).

COVID-19 – WHAT DOES G-D HAVE TO SAY?

Dear Rabbi The world is in turmoil. Israel is in lockdown. People are suffering everywhere. What is G-d thinking?

Sam Dear Sam This might come to you as a

surprise, but I am not a prophet and I really do not know what G-d is thinking. But I do know that there are always lessons to be derived and some perspective and counter balance that we can apply.

There are two scenes that have emerged in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic. There was the viral video of two women slugging it out in Costco over a remaining package of toilet roll. Against that there was that beautiful picture of Chabad Rabbis standing on streets outside homes in Israel and America reading the Megilah for those in isolation.

It certainly gives us cause to consider: What are you like when crisis strikes? How do you react? Your response, dare I say, says much about your character. Is it “survival of the fittest” or is it, “all for one and one for all?” Do you become independent, or do you become interdependent?

It’s quite ironic how the response to this crisis is self-isolation. The chronic virus of our 21st century has been exactly that – isolation.

The fragmentation that ensues in the face of religious, political and social divide is unprecedented. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again.

You don’t have to go to statistics for this: Anyone who looks into their own hearts honestly enough knows it to be true. Prejudice is one of the principle constituents of the human personality. Take a look around you right now! I guarantee you almost everyone harbors some sort of prejudice. I don’t like him because he’s too right wing; because she’s too left wing; because he’s Litvish, because he’s Chabad; because she’s Sephardic; because

Tehillim Psalm 135 In this week’s Perek, we visit a psalm we say each Shabbat, in the extended Pesukei Dizimrah. ‘Halelu avdei Hashem- Praise O you servants of Hashem.’

According to the commentator the ‘Sforno,’ we are taught that the ultimate goal of life is to be free of any human ruler such as the wicked King Pharaoh and be free to serve only Hashem.

In these dark and difficult days, where the world is virtually on lockdown due to the pandemic of Covid-19, this sentence brings tears to the eye.

We are not free to properly serve Hashem at the moment. Our Shuls are all shut, as are our schools. We are forced to daven in the privacy of our own homes, and teach our kids ourselves.

It can be quite depressing when we realise how much freedom we have lost.

But we can surely find hope in the words of this Tehilla.

As we progress through the psalm, we are reminded of how our Almighty G-D ‘smote many great nations and slew powerful rulers.’

he’s Pro-Trump, anti-Bibi, because of whatever the views. We have been quarantining for a long time now – isolating from one another, becoming estranged from family, friends, colleagues.

My father A”H always taught me that when something transpires in the negative, we have an absolute obligation to address it in the positive. When there is darkness in the world we have to respond with even more light.

When G-d created the world, every day we are told, “And He saw it was good.” There is only thing that G-d said was not good. “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make him a helpmate.” Obviously there it is talking in the specific context of marriage. But in the bigger scheme of things, it is not good for anyone to be in isolation – to be left alone, cast asunder, and quarantined by the animus of others.

Presently we are reading in the Torah about the making of the Sanctuary in the desert. Why does G-d want a Sanctuary? Does He really require a spiritual abode here on earth? Consider this: G-d is sometimes lonely as well. “Hear O Israel, G-d is our G-d, G-d is One.” Do you hear what those words are saying? G-d is One, alone. He doesn’t exactly have other G-ds He can get together with over the weekend to catch up on the week’s events: “So what did you create this week?” Nor are there any G-d conferences where they come together to discuss: “Human Destruction: How to Better Manage Your PR.” What does G-d do to deal with His loneliness? He instructs the

making of a Sanctuary. “Make for me a Sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst.” The Sanctuary is a spiritual abode where all the people assemble and G-d can rest among them. He is no longer lonely.

As part of the Sanctuary process, each person was to give half a shekel – the rich shall give no more, the poor shall give no less.

This sacred abode was to be built by everyone collectively, unified as one entity. These half coins were the means by which a census was taken and the people were counted.

Note the deliberate choice wording of the Torah: “And there shall then be no plague amongst the people.” Our Rabbis derive from here that it is wrong to count the people by finger pointing and enumerating them one by one, as in 1 - 2 – 3 etc. In the times of King David there was a count done exactly like that and it indeed resulted in a plague befalling the people. Why should there be a difference in how the people are counted? What’s the difference between counting them one way or another? What is the underlying message?

When you count people one by one – you are implying disparity, fragmentation, each person isolated from the next. When they all put their equal value coin into the pot, and that is counted collectively, when there is no quarantine rather a compelling unity, then says the Torah, “there will not be a plague to befall the people.”

It’s clear is it not, that the root of things in the spiritual are manifest in the physical. It’s not for nothing that Hillel tells us, “love your neighbour as yourself is the essence of the whole Torah.” Too

‘Sihon King of the Amorites, Og (the giant) King of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan.’

These were powerful men who brutally ruled with an iron fist, killing anyone who got in their way and striking terror into the hearts of their subjects and enemies. Yet Hashem destroyed them all.

We should take great comfort from these words. As we recite it alone in our dining rooms this Shabbat, remember that just as Hashem destroyed these wicked people, He is perfectly capable of rescuing the world from this deadly Coronavirus.

We pray heartfelt prayers to Hashem above that he heals this fractured world and takes our pain away as quickly as He brought it in, Amen.

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many people talk the talk about love and amity but they don’t walk the walk. In the famous words of Linus, Lucy’s little brother in Charles Schultz’s Peanuts comic, “I love mankind! It is people I can’t stand.”

That then becomes our paramount responsibility. First and foremost, take all necessary precautions. Do whatever your health professional and government tells you to do. But beyond that, reach out to someone – maybe someone you haven’t spoken to in a while for whatever the reason. Remove them and yourself out of that quarantine. That’s what building a Sanctuary – a community is really all about. We have to share a little more love, a little more toilet roll (figuratively speaking), generating a little more light. And please G-d, as we stand in this auspicious period between the miracles of Purim and Pesach, all the world will experience an end to this pandemic and a return to an even better future, together forever more.

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

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JUDAISM 31

The Gemara in Ketubot (33b) asks what is more stringent punishment; Mita - Death or Malkut - the 39 lashes that Bet Din can apply to a sinner? The Gemara explains that Chanania Mishael and Azaria all disobeyed Nebuchadnezzar and didn’t bow to the idol. For this they were sentenced to death by fire.

Nevertheless Hashem performed for them a miracle and they came out alive. Rav is of the opinion that had Nebuchadnezzar punishedCOMMUNITY them through TheTHIS Mitzvah of Shabbat wasAND given to would notANNOUNCED have survived, would haveMEMBERS keep aINconstant reminder o SPONSOR PARASHA SHEET AND HAVE YOUR SIMCHA TOthey OVER 50,000 YOUR LONDON’S LEADING PLATFORM FOR STUDENTS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Makot (rather than death) they would not have surthem specifically now to teach them broken under the pressure and bowed vived, they game. would have broken under the pressure SPONSOR THIS PARASHA SHEET AND HAVE YOUR SIMCHA ANNOUNCED TO OVER 50,000 MEMBERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY and bowed down. Hence Malkut is more powerful that everything comes to an end. The down. Hence Malkut is more powerful then death.

However theis Gemara goes on to of rebuffOlam a taste time will come when they will not suffer then death. However the Gemara goes this andShabbat th states that there is a difference between RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL th 5780 states straight away.

The SHEVAT Bnei Yisrael had that there Malkut is a an taste that has end, andsince Malkut thatthrough has no end. it w the punishment of the golden calf,The the on to this24and straight away.

Bnei Yisrael had rebuff SHABBAT BEGINS: 5:59 PM According to the torah we are supposed to grant 39 sinned. They weresinned. no longer on the same noLetlonger on the same time will come when justhighlike Shabbat, They is a were difference between that has lashes and theno more. realization that the wor us take aENDS: deeper lookMalkut as to why Moshe focused spiritual level that they possessed When a person is told how many SHABBAT 7:02 PM on the Mitzvah of Shabbat. high spiritual level that they possessed Sinai. Moshe wished to implore on DIRECTOR everything will seem toat Har them in the an end, and Malkut that has no end. lashes constantly they are going to receive, is much easrunthen byitHashem.

It After the sin of the Golden Calf the people were left ier for him to deal with it. However when the lashes THE WEEKLY QUOTE them the necessity to constantly show at Har Sinai.

Moshe wished to implore on TAL and a new dimension past, time toand to theThetorah arebrings supposed dismayed. mitzvah ofwe Shabbat it both are meted that their of allegiance Hashem. According The way " You make awith living out guides without any us fixed through amount, then busine this them the necessity to constantly show forward would be through having a place consolation and the correct path to lead our lives. by what you get; you make a life spirituality will flow. When a person knows to grant 39 lashes and no more. When can cause a person to brake.

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The lesson clear; when there a fixed amount The day was the 11th of Tishrei, 2449, day asare if a new beginning out has arisen; it is a through. when lashes meted without Let us take a deeper look as to why Moshethe seventh of sorrow, we can take encouragement and look >separate UPCOMING EVENTS the Jews had been eagerly awaiting To stop ourselves day from sinning in theit by specializing to all others.

Sanctify can focus on the realfor-sourc focused on the Mitzvah of Shabbat. ward to the day the sorrow will end. We can convince Moshe. He had now been up on the any fi xed amount, then this can cause a rd on ouraconnection Hashem.

No other mundane 23place Marchwith Wisdom & Knowledge future we need to have of worship of the temporary aspect and keep a conHashem. mountain Sinai for a in third period of (33b) Davidourselves GUBBAY & Ruby NISSIM The ofGemara Ketubot asks After the sin ofwhat the Goldenperson Calf the to daily thshould even enter our minds, we should work  30 March Wisdom & Knowledge brake.

Chanania Mishael and stant reminder of the end game.

40 days. On Yom Kippur Moshe finally people were left and a time solely designated to worship. dismayed.

The mitzvah on their recent Engagement. view all of that as already completed. All the sorrow is forgiveness more stringent Mita For our upcoming events check our websitesuccumbed www.torahactionlife.com is a taste of Olam Habah. It is a taste received for the PARASHA sin thatpunishment; theINSIGHTS Azaria would have only of Shabbat brings with it both consolation of that business week, all that effort, those phoneto Shabbat The itMidrash Rabbah (Vayikra TheJews day was theMalkut 11th of Tishrei, had perpetrated on Shiva Asar Be since through we come to the realization that the and2449, the correct path to lead our lives.

Death or the 39 lashes that Bet calls, emails, discussions, meetings, arguments etc Sponsor the TorahMoshe Parasha Sheet The dayTamuz was thewhen 11th ofthey Tishrei, 2449, thethe Jewsgolden had prised to learn that upon Letdescending us take deeper look as why thea mountain, Malkut without anto end, however if they worshiped world is being constantly run by Hashem.

It is His that the Jewish people will be the Jews had been eagerly awaiting theyand allshare come end on yourtosimcha withShabbat. thousands in your community, been eagerly awaiting Moshe.

He hadtonow been up decides to relate two important Our sages us that whenon themessages.

PasukMitzvah can apply tocome a sinner?

The teach Gemara calf. Din He was now able and Moshe focused the of Shabbat. hand that guides us through business, it is His Hand were given a fi xed amount of Malkut for call 07759 550 102 or email info@torahactionlife.com The Bnei Yisrael had witnessed the breaking of the onMoshe. the mountain ofthe Sinaipeople for a third period ofbeen 40all days. first is the Shabbat the secondYeAseh is the building of the Sheshet Yamim Melacha had now upThestates on approachHe and tell them that our exile inKnowledge the rdfrom our family and social&life, and it is merit His explains that Chanania and holy tablets, and then had heardthey that their punishment for  that 23guides March Wisdom On Yomhe Kippur for Mishkan.

Why did he choose these work specific – itMishael means literally that to forrelate six their days disobedience would have hadMoshe learntfinally whilstreceived above forgiveness with Hashem. hand that guides our success.

On Shabbat we stop mountain of Sinai for a third period of the Golden calf will last for generations, they were After the sin of the Golden Calf the the sin that the Jews hadall perpetrated on Shiva Asar matters at done this point time? thobservance. Let us take enco will be andinon the seventh Tishbot Azaria disobeyed Nebuchadnezzar and  our30 March Knowledge robotic life, and Wisdom take a break.& A break where we managed to cope.DVAR TORAH P1 despondent.

At this they point we would have expected Be40 Tamuz when worshiped theKippur golden calf.Moshe He you should rest and consider as if all your We fi can understand why Moshe told them about days.

On Yom nally people were left dismayed.

The mitzvah from the message of Shab can focus on the real source of life – Hashem. didn’t bow to the this were Insights was given to them specifiMoshe enter theapproach camp and start toFor The MitzvahParasha of Shabbat hasthey completed. was now able totocome and the idol. people thework building ofbeen the Mishkan straightOne away.should The Bnei For our upcoming events check our website www.torahactionlife.com RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL received forgiveness for the sin that the The Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 3:1) states that ofwere Shabbat both about how hadwhilst prayed sincerely cally it now toclear; teachconsolation themwhen that everything comes to an a approach the seventh day asThe ifonbrings athe new and tellrelate themsentenced all that he hadhelearnt above with had sinned.

They no longer same with focus at least from this onein the day o toHashem death by fiYisrael re.

Nevertheless lesson is there is Jewish people will be redeemed our exile the for the people, how in His beginning has that arisen; is a day separate end.

The time will come when they will not suffer the Jews had perpetrated on Shivahigh Asar Be Hashem. spiritual level theyitpossessed at Har Sinai. and the correct path to lead our lives.

Great Mercy hadhave forgiven the people Shabbat observance.and Let us His take encourageHashem performed fortoforthem awished miracle and fixed of ofDVAR sorrow, can take merit ofon to all others.

Sanctify by the specializing Hashem command the TORAH golden calf,we the time willP2come At this point we would expected Moshe Moshe to implore on itthem necessityamount to punishment Tamuz when they worshiped the golden Pave your own street their sins, perhaps how Hashem had on our connection with Hashem.

No ment from the message of Shabbat, let us focus at Shabbat, everything will seem to to them enter the camp and start to relate aboutalive. how he had constantly show their allegiance to Hashem.

The way when just like and sharein yourthis simchamerit with thousands in your community, RABBI AHARON GABBAY they came out Rav isother of mundane the opinion encouragement and look forward the the Geula guaranteed after Moshe’s pleading that Our sages teach us that when the Pasuk daily work should even least this one day out of seven on Hashem and Kerova His calf.

He was now able to come and prayed sincerely for the people, how Hashem in His forward would be through having a place of worship in the past, and a new dimension of time and spiritcall 07759 550 102 or email info@torahactionlife.com he himself and not an angel would lead enter our minds, we should view all of that had Nebuchadnezzar punished them day the sorrow will end.

We can convince commandments, and in this merit the Geula Kerova. uality will flow.

When a person knows that there is an Great Mercy had forgiven the peopleand for their sins, and all through sanctifying a time of Sheshet worship. This was states Yamim YeAseh Melacha approach theintopeople that OUR CHACHAMIM P3 the people Eretz Yisrael. tell Yet them we that alreadyTocompleted.

All the sorrow to the his suffering, thenSHAUL the pressure is much less Moshe’sas message. stop ourselves from sinning in end perhaps howthrough Hashem had guaranteed after Moshe’s than RABBI YOSEF Makot (rather death) they ourselves of temporary aspect and Amen. ■ Shabbat Shalom seem to be surprised to learn that upon – it means literally that for six days work of that business week, all that effort, he had learnt whilst above with the Hashem.

OFand LVOVconfidence to see it an extra urge future we need to have a place of worship and a felt. There is NATHANSON pleading that he himself and not an angel would lead descending the mountain, Moshe decides those phone calls, emails, discussions, Shabbat Shalom. be done and on through. the seventh Tishbot to worship. the people into Eretz Yisrael. Yet we seem to be sur- time solely designatedwill

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to relate two important messages. The

meetings, arguments etc they all come to

HALACHOT P3 DVAR TORAH P At this point the wesecond would have expected as if all your first is Shabbat is the building end on Shabbat. you should rest and consider Customs to Observe After Experiencing a of the Mishkan.

Why did he choose to Parasha Insights Moshe to enter the camp and The start - RABBI ELI MANSOUR work been One should BneitoYisrael had has witnessed the completed.Miracle relate these specific matters at this point RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL RABBI AHARONhow GABBAY KOLLEL OHR HATORAH, JERUSALEM breaking of the approach holy tablets, and relate about he -had prayed sincerely thehadseventh day as if a new in time? heard that their punishment for the ’s aQ&A Kitidthings for We thecan people, Hashem in His CARTOON beginning hasthey arisen; is day separate describes bringing into& blowing, existence.

Shabbat,P4on the Based on this, we can take a tremend Golden calfthese will last understand how why Moshe told kan. e through Tim Therefore, formsforof generations, work are prohibited on glass and, constructs any shape building and ascend to the next world. That day is DVAR TORAH P  Mishkan themMercy about the building of the Mishkan were despondent.

Great had forgiven the people all others. itofby become complete become we real- begins Shabbat.

Infor fact, sinceto the consists of Sanctify con- is they desire.

Seeing as it isthat a liquid, extremely flexEvery single Jewand that waswho created other hand a day the specializing week weit isremember thatwhen we struction andTorah creation is our only appropriate that of accordingly ible with and one can bend it and formNo any shape. Howev- ly are. We Pave remainyour builtown that street way for eternity. While in This newsletter contains Divrei and may Sheimot - Please dispose their sins, perhaps how Hashem had onitcontain connection Hashem. journey connecting towe Hashem Hashem resteder, from allglass work andceases did tonot Shabbat, the day of rest, should consist of no conwe areof inAHARON formation, when stop and getby per when the blower blow,conduct only then aanythis world, RABBI GABBAY guaranteed after Moshe’s pleading that other mundane daily work should even next world that creates us intoEach who we really struction whatsoever. It is even one of the fundamen- beautiful glass object has been created. The creation to the and character growth. and every o creation whatsoever.

How can the one compare the building the stopping itself that makes us who we are. of theshould world is exactly tal rules in all Halachotenter of Shabbatour that any work that we he himself and not an angel would lead minds, viewsame. allHakadosh of Baruch Hu are. It isourselves, for abetter or worse.oneWe sp onceCHACHAMIM visiting village, approached beganwhich to createconsists the world and the creatures, of A king was in a creative form is prohibited, of even thewriting Mishkan, of form an allabundance OUR P the people into Eretz Yisrael.istwodone Yet we that asasalready completed.

All theHashem sorrow poor villagers, and told him “I am the king, Ithat bu plants and landscapes. spent six days creat- of the building letters is prohibited seeing one might have more and more.

However, RABBI YOSEF SHAUL creating, to a week, day where all but isthat passive and It would created upon a word. ing and forming, only when it gotrested. to Shabbat and own the entire country. Here are four pegs. Place seem to be surprised to learn that of that business all effort, NATHANSON OFyou LVOV become complete until weandstop building ground wherever wish, you will with more thought, it seems that the Hashem rested, then all the creating ceased, 1only them into the PAVE YOUR STREET Moshe However, descending theOWN mountain, decides those phone calls, emails, discussions, seem that the building of the Mishkan is not synonymous that isworld. contained The vil-we be comparison is not appropriate at all. The building of then was the world created. Shabbat is a day where own the thelandnext Thatwithin daythem”. is when toweek’s relate two messages.

The arguments etcIf they come the Mishkan describesmeetings, bringing thingswith into existence. remember that all Hashem stopped This Parasha delvesimportant more into the construcShabbat atweall. anything, any othertocreating day of and thethat weeklager placed three of the pegs in the ground and realandheHALACHOT become really are.

P on the other end hand ison a dayShabbat. of the week that in itself brought the world into existence. Therefore, it ised that was placedwho with we an ultimatum.

TheWe fur- remai tion of the - Bnei Yisrael’s primary place first isMishkan Shabbat the second isoftheShabbat, building would suffi ce, since that is where Hashem conducted the we remember that Hashem rested from all work and is only appropriate that we refer to Shabbat as the ther he placed the last peg, the bigger his land would Customs to Observe After Experiencing worship for Hashem. All the details are clearly deeternity.

While in this world, we are in af of the pesukim Mishkan.

Why did he choose to any creation whatsoever. How can real day when the world was created and so it is only be andforthatMiracle not conduct would establish hisELI land but he could RABBI MANSOUR fined and theThis tell us Parasha at length of delves all the conweek’s moredid into the construction creation of the had world itself.

The Yisrael witnessed the one compare the building of theBnei Mishkan, which con- appropriate to juxtapose Shabbat with the building of never change we stop it. and get to the next world that relatethatthese specifi c matters struction is required.

The Gemara in Shabbatat this point of the Mishkan Bnei Yisrael’s primary of worship the Mishkan.

Life presents with a phenomenal opportunity to sists of anplace abundance of creating, to a day where all breaking of the holy tablets, and had (49b) says that while the Torah tells of the construcwho weusreally are. It is the stopping itsel in time?

Based on this, we can take a tremendous life les- grow and connect with Hashem. We must take advanis passive and rested. It would seem that the building for Hashem. thetopic details are clearly defi ned and the tion of the Mishkan, it switchesAll to the of ShabIfShabbat onetheir to Every see single the Jew artthatfor ofwasglass it isdtage heard with that punishment the blowing, of the Mishkan is not synonymous atwere all. son. created begins their life everywe opportunity are. of growth that comes to us ’sofwho Ki because bat. The reason for this juxtaposition is, to teach usall the Q&A CARTOON P pesukim tell us at length of construction that is If anything, any other day of the week would suffice, on a journey of connecting to Hashem by performing when the& fourth peg is placed, the land will Golden calf will last for generations, they We can understand why Moshe told e fascinating.

The glass blower masterfully handles liquid Tim that all these different forms of work, which were since that is where Hashem conducted the creation Mitzvot and character growth. Each and every one of never get bigger. required.the The Gemara in Shabbat says that while the despondent. us buildsblowing, them about of the(49b) were done in the construction of the building Mishkan, are prohibitglass and, through any shape they A king was once visiting a village, approa ofMishkan the world itself. ourselves,constructs for better or worse.

We spend

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Torah of the construction Mishkan, it switches ed on Shabbat.

For tells example, building, sewing andof the If one were to see the art of glass blowing, it is fas- every day building more and more. However, that Seeing as it does isSheimot a notliquid, it complete is extremely flstop exibleShabbat poor villagers, This newsletter contains Divrei desire.

Torah maybuilding contain - Please dispose become untilof weaccordingly Shalom! writing were to performed for the building of the Mishcinating.

The glass blower masterfully handlesand liquid the topic of Shabbat. The reason for this juxtaposition and one can bend it and form any shape. However, when is, to teach us that all these different forms of work, the glass blower ceases to blow, only then a beautiful which were done in the construction of the Mishkan, are THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM prohibited on Shabbat. For example, building, sewing and glass object has been created. The creation of the world

and told him “I am the entire country. Here are four pegs. Place ground wherever you wish, and you will ow is contained within them”. The villager

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Vayakhel Pekudei RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

SANCTUARIES IN TIME

Though the Torah reading focusses on the Mishkan, the tabernacle built in the wilderness, it begins by stating the law of Shabbat (Ex. 35:1-2).

Rashi explains that this shows that not even for the building of the tabernacle may Shabbat be broken.

The thought behind this rule may possibly be that the tabernacle represents holy space while the Sabbath is holy time.

Both are essential to Jewish life, but if they are in conflict the top priority goes to time.

By establishing sanctuaries in time we carry holiness with us. We can be holy outside the holy space which is represented by the tabernacle, the temple or – in the world of today - the synagogue.

We invest every moment with meaning and enrich every moment with inspiration and opportunity.

THE ROAD TO DESTINY

The first word of the sidra is Vayakhel, “and he assembled”. Moses brought the people of Israel together in order to chart their future.

The sages say it was the day after Yom Kippur. The Israelites had sinned; G-d had

seen their repentance and forgiven them.

Now they had to work out how to continue with their road to destiny.

The crucial element in their journey seems to be the feeling of being a congregation, a community, an entity. Being part of each other gave them the sense of strength to proceed – one strengthened the other, and they were not a mere conglomeration of individuals but a people.

Therein lies the significance of it being the day after Yom Kippur. What Yom Kippur does for us is two things – as individuals we find G-d and pour out our hearts to Him, and as a community we find ourselves bound to one another.

Yom Kippur is symbolic of the Jewish people – individuals and a community.

ACCOUNT & RECKONING

The sidra is called P’kudei, “accounts”.

It reports the audit of the funds used towards the tabernacle.

Moses, as the leader of the people, was entrusted with considerable sums, and he had to account for them all.

Would anyone have accused him of fraud or embezzlement? Probably not.

But even a Moses has to show that all he does is totally above board, beyond all criticism or question.

The same applies to anyone who has money to administer. No-one is exempt from giving din vacheshbon, “account and reckoning”.

Metaphorically we all have to face audit and give a din vacheshbon every day of our lives. How we live, what we do, how we relate to other people, how we relate to G-d – nothing escapes scrutiny on some level.

The sages even hint that in the World to

Moses, as the leader of the people, was entrusted with considerable sums, and he had to account for them all.

19 MARCH 2020

Come we will be required to account for how we handled all the opportunities that life presented us with.

Let us hope that the Chief Auditor on high will declare Himself satisfied.

Rabbi Apple served for 32 years as the chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, Australia’s oldest congregation. He is now retired and lives in Jerusalem. Rabbi Apple blogs at http://www.oztorah.com

Mesillat Yesharim: Part 31 RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN In the last segment we discussed the extra mile that one will go to fulfil what they know to be the will of someone they love, even prior to it being expressly asked. Ramchal says that this may be seen between good friends, a husband and wife, or father and son. To summarise: anyone who truly has a strong love for another, will never suffice with, “I have done what they asked me, now I will not do anything further”. Instead, they

would consider what the real wish of the requester is.

The same should hold true for one’s attitude towards G-d. Instead of being “strictly Orthodox” a Chassid is “broadly Orthodox”.

Meaning, not only do they say Shema in the morning by the prescribed time, they contemplate the message of Shema throughout the day. Not only do they pray when they’ve finished eating, they always live with a sense of gratitude towards G-d.

Chassidus may be applied to three areas

of service of Hashem: 1) In action 2) In the manner of action 3) In the intent of the action.

Part one itself applies to relationships both between man and G-d and between man and his friend. Much of the former has been explained, but regarding the latter, a person makes certain to be good towards their fellow, whether physical kindness, financial assistance and emotional support.

This is what our sages defined as one who, “bears the burden with their friend”. If their

friend is susceptible to being harmed, they go out of their way (or, in contemporary times, they STAY out of the way), to prevent it. Financial assistance and prevention of financial loss for one’s fellow also rests paramount on the mind of a Chassid. And, with regards to emotional health, one seeks to support a fellow, by honouring them and ensuring they never cause them distress.

Above all, performing acts of kindness and spreading peace is a crucial part of being a Chassid.

him, it is a serious sin of Motzaei Shem Ra to accuse Genendel of being the cause of the prevention of the sale.

Even if Berel insists, “I accept it was my fault; I should have carried cash on me. I am just curious who the lucky buyer was”, it is nonetheless forbidden for the peddler to reveal Genendel’s identity to Berel.

The Chofetz Chaim’s closing line of the General Halachos (and where this column will be making it’s “Siyum”) is – the laws of Shemiras Halashon only apply to those who are do not deny the Divine origin of the Torah, nor denigrate the words of the Rabbis. For those that espouse heretical views, it is praiseworthy to publicise the danger of their views, so

that others not learn from them.

Chofetz Chaim: Part 35 RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN The Chofetz Chaim closes the Sefer with one example of instances where a person stumbles in Rechilus and suggests one extrapolate from there to other circumstances. In the days of peddlers, it was common for a potential buyer to request of the peddler to hold the stock whilst they “run home to get some cash”. Often, whilst the interested person (whom we shall name Berel) would be on their sprint home, another person (who shall be named Genendel) would arrive and pressure the peddler to sell the item to her instead. The peddler gives in to the pressure and then Berel returns, puffing and

panting, with the cash. When Berel asks the Peddler where the supplies are, the peddler replies, “I had no choice; Genendel put me under too much pressure to sell to her”.

Although it was morally repugnant for Genendel to have put the peddler under such pressure, knowing full well that Berel was after the goods, nonetheless, the sale is completely valid and there is nothing for Berel to gain by knowing who prevented him from being able to buy the goods.

Certainly, says the Chofetz Chaim, if the peddler wasn’t caving in to pressure, but merely acceded to the sale to Genendel for a general reason, and is simply inventing the fact that undue pressure was placed on

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IN CLOSING: We have now reached the conclusion of the 35 Chofetz Chaim columns, thank G-d. It is hoped that the reader has enjoyed and has benefitted from, the mammoth work that the sage of the 20th century Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, bequeathed to the Jewish people.

It is well worth remembering the opening paragraphs of his book – especially in the times we live in. In it, the Chofetz Chaim wrote that if we sincerely hope for the salvation of G-d, for our prayers to be answered and for the ultimate redemption, it is critical that we exercise extreme care not to slander others.

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Rabbi Shlomo Segal

His Miraculous Story

BY LARA ROSE The writer, Maya Angelou, once said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Rabbi Shlomo Segal is an individual who has achieved so much in his life thus far.

However, he has endured much trauma and adversity and consequently, in the past, it has not always been easy for him to maintain his faith and remain true to G-d. He is a unique individual whose honesty compels him to publicise the story of his life via the Jewish Weekly so that people can appreciate how his past has shaped his present and how his struggles have enabled him to be the man he is today.

Born in Zhytomyr situated in the Ukraine, Rabbi Segal was the victim of bullying as a child. The abuse was of an anti-Semitic nature as he was the only Jew in his class. In the intensity of his physical and emotional pain and turmoil, the tormented child turned to G-d and cried, “Why do You, my Father in Heaven, Who chose to create me as a Jew, allow my Jewish identity to be the very cause of my suffering?” In the depths of his anguish and with the impatience of youth, he demanded that G-d provide him with an immediate response. Though the question has remained as yet unanswered, when he was slightly older and had considered the issue further, Rabbi Segal, in an incredible demonstration of unadulterated faith, concluded that some questions will only be answered when Moshiach arrives.

When Rabbi Segal was but one year old, his parents divorced. His father left the family home and relocated to Germany. Both his parents led a completely secular lifestyle but the young Shlomo soon became deeply attracted to Orthodox Judaism when the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s emissary, Rabbi Shmuel Plotkin, arrived in Zhytomyr. Indeed, the Rebbe’s “Children of Chernobyl” project later enabled him to study in a Chabad Yeshiva in Tzfat, Israel. His affinity with Lubavitch continued for the duration of the Rebbe’s lifetime.

When Shlomo moved to Israel with his mother, a non-religious uncle was adamant that he be placed in a secular boarding school in Netania where tragically, he was once again bullied. It had not occurred to him that he would be plagued by his peers once in the Holy Land for in this school, he was amongst those of Jewish descent just like him. However, ironically, he was still different from the other children in the school as he was Ukrainian and moreover, he was religious. These differences were reason enough, in the mind of his unfeeling peers, to make him the subject of their cruelty and derision.

Notwithstanding his uncle’s antipathy

for Orthodox Judaism and his insistence that his nephew not be influenced by a religious education in Israel, the young Shlomo Segal strived to keep the laws of Shabbat and Kashrut whilst at the school.

This exceptional teenager still clung to his will to serve G-d to the best of his ability despite the undeniable fact that his merciless suffering at the hands of school bullies was partly due to his dogged persistence in adhering to religious practices.

Upon visiting his father in Germany, he was invited to learn in a yeshiva in the Stamford Hill area of London which had a section dedicated to Russian speakers. He later progressed to the Manchester Yeshiva where he became very close to Rabbi Shmuel Goldberg, whom he is proud to call his Rabbi to this very day.

Eventually, he returned to his birthplace and became the Assistant Rabbi to the Rabbi of Zhytomyr for several years. With his sincere and contagious love for spirituality, he later established a yeshiva which encouraged boys from all over the Ukraine, regardless of their level of religiosity, to immerse themselves in the world of Torah.

Rabbi Segal’s love for Torah is only matched by his love for his fellow Jew. Four years ago, on Erev Shabbat, he witnessed a student at his yeshiva being physically attacked by a neo-Nazi. Rabbi Segal did not hesitate to rush to the boy’s defence but in so doing, he himself became a target of the Neo-Nazi’s brutality.

The Rabbi was beaten with a metal rod and sustained serious injuries. Miraculously, he survived the attack, but he still suffers from severe headaches and sometimes has difficulty in walking. Never once though, has he regretted his selfless heroism.

After the traumatic and vicious assault and his subsequent stay in hospital, Rabbi Segal visited the gravesite of the famous and revered “Baal Shem Tov”. Whilst there, he was overcome by an out of body experience. He felt an inexplicable bond with the souls of those buried at the site and an unsettling sympathy for the souls of those who had wasted valuable opportunities in their lifetime and had not achieved their full potential. In great distress, he fled the gravesite but in the deepest recesses of his mind, he heard the words, “Where are you going and why have you come? Cleanse yourself and return.” Consequently, he became more introspective and to this

Rabbi Segal Teaching about Pesach in the Ukraine

day, he is convinced that much of his physical pain receded once he returned to the gravesite after having indulged in some soul-searching.

However, his introspection led him to contemplate various Biblical quotations in more depth. In particular, the verse from Tehillim (79:6-7) which states “Pour your wrath upon the nations that did not know You and upon the kingdoms that call upon Your Name!” reverberated in Rabbi Segal’s head. He was disturbed by the fact that notwithstanding G-d’s destruction of the wicked Egyptians centuries ago, those nations of today’s world who deny the existence of Hashem, or who challenge the concept of monotheism, do not seem to be held accountable for their actions and are left unscathed.

Subsequently, he made a welcome

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discovery on the Internet. He found that just as the Egyptians had been plagued by the water in their country turning to blood, the Indians in Kerala had been subjected to a “blood rain phenomenon” for several months during 2001. A “blood rain phenomenon” is defined by Wikipedia as being an occasion when “blood is perceived to fall from the sky in the form of rain”. Moreover, in 2012, the colour of the Yangtze River in China alarmingly turned blood red.

Rabbi Segal is convinced that this is a direct result of the fact that neither the Indian nor the Chinese nations accept the all-encompassing supremacy of Hashem and that they have instead chosen to worship other gods.

In the aftermath of his discovery, Rabbi Segal searched the “Sefer Otzar Hachochmoh” which referred him to a medrash stating that all the plagues endured by the Egyptians will inevitably be revisited in the future upon those nations who denounce the existence of Hashem. Rabbi Segal resolved to write a book in which he planned to delve into this subject in more detail. He consulted his mentor, Rabbi Shmuel Goldberg of Shaarei Torah, who was impressed with the basis for his book and has encouraged him to prepare the manuscript and present it to him for his approval before publication.

Rabbi Segal’s visit to the gravesite of the Baal Shem Tov proved to be a life-changing event. He resolved to write the book in order to publicise the fact that Hashem still exists in today’s world even though in exile, His presence is less obvious. Indeed, subsequent to his attendance at the Baal Shem Tov’s gravesite, Rabbi Segal was inspired to do his utmost to be a true servant of Hashem. He proceeded to set up a registered charity in the Ukraine. The organisation helps Jews in need of food or financial aid. Its particular focus is on the provision of much-needed assistance to approximately fifty elderly Jews who require food, medicine or medical treatments.

Rabbi Shlomo Segal has conducted every single day of his life in a manner that is truly humbling as he strives to attain spiritual levels that most people do not even dream of gaining. Undaunted by physical and emotional setbacks, he never rests on his laurels.

When one meets him, one is reminded of the words of Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks - “Never compromise your ideals. Never give in to defeat or despair. Never stop journeying merely because the way is long and hard. It always is.”

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Weekly Dvar Torah F R OM E R E TZ YISRAE L

The Emotionally Intelligent Leader

BY RABBI DORON PEREZ In the early 1980s, a new realm in the field of intelligence emerged: Emotional Intelligence. The guiding visionary behind it was Professor Howard Gardner, a psychologist at Harvard. It was popularized by Professor Daniel Goleman in his bestseller entitled “Emotional Intelligence – Why It Can Matter More Than IQ”. IQ testing, which began during World War I, focused mainly on mathematical/logical thinking as well as linguistic verbal expression. In “Frames of Mind”, Gardner refutes this IQ view of the world and proves that there is a much wider spectrum of intelligences with at least seven key variations. There are the two standard academic ones of verbal expression and rational thinking but he goes on to include at least five others. Subsequent to Gardner’s original findings, there are many who show that there are up to 20 different types of intelligences.

First and foremost amongst these is emotional intelligence. Gardner found two realms of emotional intelligence which he

coined as interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence.

Simply put, there are a host of other qualities in this realm of emotional intelligence that are needed in order to succeed in leadership: qualities such as intuition, empathy, the ability to read social trends, understand people in general, passion, vision and self-control, to mention but a few.

Not surprisingly, these types of intelligences are already alluded to in the Torah over 3,000 years ago.

A term which appears consistently throughout the portions dealing with the building of the Tabernacle in the desert is the term chacham lev – wise of heart. The term chacham lev is the central quality needed for the architects and artisans who created the exquisite and multifaceted clothes of Aharon and the Kohanim, and the even more remarkably diverse and beautiful details of the Tabernacle and all its vessels.

What is this wisdom of the heart that is so critical to the success of the building of the tabernacle and all its details?

The Netziv explains: “We may clarify

this by saying that ‘wise-hearted’ has two meanings: one is the wisdom of the fear of G-d, which is the basis for wisdom, and which resides in the heart. Secondly, with the power of trust that he will have the wisdom necessary for this craft, even though he has never learned it and his hands never practiced it.”

The Netziv here is clearly talking about qualities from the world of emotional intelligence. Qualities such as self-belief, self-confidence and intuition. These are far beyond the technical ability to weave, construct and build. Clearly, the wisdom of the heart opens up a host of other qualities which are found so to speak in the heart, in the softer, emotional and spiritual elements of our persona.

The Mishkan, with all its paraphernalia, is not only a building of exquisite aesthetic external beauty, but it is first and foremost the place where G-d’s shechina – Presence – is detected on earth. It is a place, so to speak, where Heaven meets Earth and a place where G-dliness can emanate from within our physical lives. In order to create this,

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the chief architects – Betzalel ben Uri and Oholiav ben Achisamach, as well as every individual worker, must be blessed with a wise heart in order for G-d’s Presence to be experienced.

Not only in the realm of art and architecture do we see the need for a wise heart, but also specifically in the realm of statesmanship and judgment. King Solomon, the wisest of all men and the great statesman of Israel was called upon to make tough judgment calls both in the political and judicial arenas. He understood that in order to read situations correctly and make the right decisions, he needed the plethora of the emotional intelligences embedded in the wisdom of the heart (Melachim I 3:9-13).

Remarkably, this modern term of Emotional Intelligence which Gardner so beautifully pioneered and researched and which Goleman popularized, already existed within the ancient wisdom of the Torah for millennia.

The wisdom of the heart is as critical today as it always was to navigate success in life and leadership.

Rabbi Doron Perez is the Chief Executive of the Mizrachi World Movement.

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‫פרשת ויקהל פקודי‬

In Parshas Pekudei, Moshe will give a reckoning of every specific item and amount that was donated and identify where it was used in the Mishkan. This underscored the necessity of each person bringing that which he had been blessed with, for the completion of Hashem’s home.

The Sifsei Chachomim points out that Rashi omits certain items which could be used on their own. He says it was obvious that, just because one did not have all the items in his possession, it would not stop him from bringing what he did have. However, regarding certain of these fibres which had to be woven together, I might have thought that they had to be brought as a unit.

Therefore, Rashi specifies that even in such a case, one could bring whatever he found in his possession, regardless of whether he had its complementary component.

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‫לע''נ ר' מרדכי בן ר' שלום ז''ל‬ ‫נלב''ע ט''ו סיון תשס''ב‬

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Please daven for

‫ספר במדבר‬

For questions on Divrei Torah, please email the editor Rabbi Yonasan Roodyn at editor@oneg.org.uk

To suggest an idea or a response to the ideas exchange please email ideas@oneg.org.uk

Rabbi Blickstein is currently in London and can be contacted at abrahamblick@gmail.com

When one builds a new Beit Knesset, one can equally have this idea in mind. R’ Chaim Volozhin reportedly said that if every person who laid a brick during the building of a new Beit Knesset would have only the purest intentions, the Beit Knesset would stand forever. Similarly, Chazal tell us that the kotel hama’aravi still stands after two thousand years because it was built by poor people who gave up their very sustenance to help build the Beit Hamikdash. When the foundations are laid with the correct intentions, the building will remain! M

I would like to add that there was another factor for this special protection. All the people who brought materials for the Mishkan did so out of “nedivut lev” – pure willingness – and no one was forced to bring. During the building of the Beit Hamikdash, however, gentiles volunteered work and materials, and therefore the purity of the intent was not the same.

It is evident that the building of the Mishkan was purposely assigned to Betzalel and the most righteous people of the generation, this was a fundamental reason why the Mishkan never fell into enemy hands.

The Seforno at the beginning of this week’s parasha writes that the Mishkan, although eventually stored away, never fell into enemy hands. This was due to four elements that the Torah mentions: a) it was the house of the two luchot, b) it was instructed by Moshe’s command, c) all its pieces were guarded by Itamar from the family of the Levi’im and d) Betzalel built it (and they were all tzaddikim).

Conversely, the first Beit Hamikdash was eventually captured by enemies, and the Seforno points out that it was lacking in the sense that it was built by workers from Tyre. In fact, the Shechina never rested in the second Beit Hamikdash at all, and it was captured by enemies, because it lacked even more that the first one – it never housed the luchot, and it lacked the service of the Levi’im.

Building an Everlasting Building

Parashat Pekudei

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When the Bnei Yisrael went away from Moshe they recognised that Moshe personified all the lessons he taught – he was truly a “man of G-d”! Similarly, our Sages teach us that one should always look at one’s teachers, because through this, one cultivates the desire and will to become a better person! M

We learn from here that being in the presence of holy people inspires us to elevate ourselves. In fact, our own life experiences demonstrate this. When we meet seemingly great people, what are the measuring tools we can use to truly ascertain if they are holy? None other than the feelings they invoke within us. The greater this person is, the more inspirational his presence is, and the more those around him desire to reach higher heights. After meeting such people, do we leave the way we came in, or, perhaps, somewhat different?

When Moshe came down the mountain and the people stood in front of him, they were surely in awe of the rays of light that shone from his face, and this must have left an incredible impression on them. It is very possible that they too wished to attain this level of spirituality that Moshe had achieved and taste such a reflection of the Divine Light. Consequently, no sooner had Moshe finished instructing them, they left his presence to go about his instructions, confident in the fact that the tasks he taught them would bring them to elevated levels of spirituality.

The beginning of this week’s parasha describes how Moshe Rabbeinu gathered together all of the Bnei Yisrael and instructed them regarding the mitzvah of Shabbat and building the Mishkan. When Moshe finished, the Torah tells us that all the Bnei Yisrael went away.

Surely it is obvious that the people went away after Moshe finished; why does the Torah feel the need to emphasise this here?

Emulating Greatness

Parashat Vayakhel

Rosh Chabura in Darchei Horaa Lerabanim

Rabbi Avraham Blickstein

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‫לע"נ מרת טויבא רחל נאה ע''ה‬ ‫בת ר' שמואל שמעלקא הי''ד‬ ‫נלב''ע כ''ה מנחם אב תשע''ז‬

‫לע"נ ר' יקותיאל זלמן נאה ז''ל‬ ‫בן ר' חנניה יו''ט ליפא הי''ד‬ ‫נלב''ע ט''ז אדר תשע''ז‬

‫ספר דברים‬

The words “with whom was found” are very important to the underlying message of the Parsha. When the items needed were mentioned, people realised that they had some of the things needed, even though they may not have had a particular use for them before. They may not have had a reason for acquiring the item, but somehow it landed in their possession. Yet, it was in

The work of the Mishkan is a microcosm of the work of the world. Just as different people had different materials to offer for the Mishkan, so do different people have different experiences, abilities, and talents to share with the world. If you find yourself blessed with a talent, do not be proud of yourself, because this was a gift from Hashem. Recognise that just as He gave people items to be used in the mishkan, so does He give us abilities to use for society and Mankind, and we are to step forward and share these gifts with others. M

his possession. When that happened, he Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz understood that Author The Observant Jew, Migdal Ohr Hashem had given him this item in order to participate in the building of the Mishkan, so he followed through and brought the item.

No one person brought all of these things. Rather, whoever had one of these items brought it and it was put together with the other donations, until all the material needs of the Mishkan’s construction were met. Rashi specifically points out that the posuk does not mean all of these things were brought together, but rather that whoever found this OR that OR the other item in his possession, brought that item to Moshe.

EVERY MAN WITH WHOM WAS FOUND GREENISH-BLUE WOOL, DARK RED WOOL, CRIMSON WOOL, FINE LINEN, GOAT’S HAIR, RED-DYED RAMS’ SKINS OR TACHASH SKINS BROUGHT THEM. (35:23)

The World in Microcosm

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Vayakhel Pekudei The Jewish People are finally ready to have Hashem place His Shechina in the Mishkan and Moshe passes on the instructions of how exactly to build the Mishkan. All the details of the material, the setting up of the Mishkan as well as the clothes for the Kohanim, are taught to the Jewish people and they put it all into practice with two young men, Betzalel and Ohaliav overseeing it all.

Moshe gives an accounting for where all the gold, silver and precious materials have been used during the preparations.

Moshe gives the Jewish people a heartful blessing that the Shechina should rest on their handiwork and the Mishkan is finally – and miraculously – set up on the 1st of Nissan.

In shul, we would exclaim, upon reaching the end of Sefer Shemos, the second book of the Torah, at the end of this week’s double sidra, “Chazak Chazak Venischazek”! Let’s be strong!

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Vayakhel Pekudei

In a nutshell This week has a double Sidra, Vayakhel and Pikudei.

Moshe gathers the Jewish people and reminds them of the importance of keeping Shabbat. In particular, not to light fire on Shabbat.

(Some say this is an allusion to steering clear of anger – compared to fire – on Shabbat).

Moshe relates the detail of the materials needed for the construction of the Mishkan, its furniture and the garments that the Kohanim were to wear.

Bezalel and Ohaliav are announced to be the construction managers for the

Mishkan. And the people throng to give to the Mishkan, to the extent that the people had to be told to hold off donating!

And so, the construction begins. The curtains, the walls, the sockets, the Aron, the Shulchan, followed by the Menorah and the two Mitzeiachs. The Kiyor – for the Kohanim to wash their hands and the anointing oil and then the clothes of the Kohanim.

Moshe blesses the Jewish people that the Divine Presence should rest on the work of the Jewish people.

The first of Nissan is chosen to be the

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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.

day for setting up the Mishkan and for the oil to be poured on the items for them to become holy. The Kohanim are dressed in their clothing and the Shechina was now ready to descend and rest in the Mishkan.

When it is read in a shul, this double Sidra ends with “Chazak Chazak Venitchazek” – words that would be music to our ears.

Although we are temporarily unable to attend Shul, it is our hope that we will one day not only return to Shul but see the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash itself soon.

e

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c

b a

e t

Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! baa bar bas bat bes bet

fab tab abet baas bake bare

barf bark bars base bask bast

bate bats beak bear beat best

bets kerb stab tabs abaft abase

abate abets baker bakes bares barfs

barks baser baste bates beaks bears

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beast beats braes brake brats break

saber abaser abater abates bakers barest

basket baster brakes breaks abreast breakfast

19 MARCH 2020

NEWS 43

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Q: What is a vampires favourite fruit?

A: BLOOD ORANGE! Q: Why did the teacher wear sunglasses to school?

A: Because the students were so bright!

Q: What room is impossible to enter?

A: A mushroom!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. What starts with P and ends with E and has thousands of letters?

Q: What did the mouse say to the keyboard?

A: You’re my type!

2. What occurs once in minute, twice in a moments and never in a thousand years?

3.Why is an island like the letter T?

3) Because its in the middle of water 1. A post office

2) The letter M 1. Mixed emotions 2. High five 3. Seaside THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

4. Fish out of water 5. It’s a small world after all 6. Bond Street

44 SPORT 34 SPORT

19 MARCH 2020 13 DECEMBER 2018

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W E E K LY

LOCAL AND NATIONAL COVERAGE...

THE ENTIRE PICTURE

Sunday football leagues Sixteen-goal Lions suspended rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

The Manchester Jewish Soccer League has also shut down.

North London Raiders clinched the Division One championship with a 5-1 win against Hertswood Vale in what could be the final fixtures of the season last Sunday.

Raiders struck four goals late on to secure the win on a red-letter day for the club.

Sharpshooter Jordan Nathan notched four goals for the champs, Josh Bloom also hit the target.

Raiders have one match remaining.

The win took Raiders seven points clear of rivals North London Galaxy who have two games remaining. A further victory for Galaxy guarantees the promotion behind Raiders.

The final result for Raiders did not look on when Vale opened the scoring on 43 minutes in an open first half. Dan Reuben

The Maccabi GB Southern Football League 2019/20 BY DAVIDseason SAFFERhas been suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Reiss Mogilner scored six goals as Maccabi The management took the decision, London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the which was expected, at a meeting onCup. Monsecond round of the Cyril Anekstein day night.

The Premier League side racked up a 16-0 “We willDaniel keep aGreen constant onKenley develwin with andwatch Michael opments and advise you ofEdupdates, ” noted both bagging a hat-trick.

Brafman, Dachairman Wolff in a statement.

“We vid Dinkin,David and Adam Hassanali completobviously say whenofora even ed the routcan’t in a mismatch tie. if there will be a resumption of play for this opening season.”

Lions could have scored in the The Football Association and London minute of the clash but soon opened the Football Association issued a statement scoring and led 9-0 by half time. toTh alle leagues the Government’s Divisionfollowing One team, though outannouncement for people to avoid social classed, battled away to the end. contact where possible.

Lions and bossgatherings was lost for words at full time “We are now advising that all grassroots such was the display from his team who gave every respect to the opposition.

“I’m not really sure there’s anything to say, we are happy to make it through to the next round of the cup,” he commented.

Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 victors against League One outfit North London 16-goal Maccabi London Lions Raiders.

The Premier side led early in the second half only for Raiders to equalise but struck must-win game,” commented Galaxy playtwo late goals to book a place in round er-manager Luke Lewis. three of the competition.

“We sat back and allowed Oakwood the Hendon now turn their attentions to the ball, given the one-man advantage and league as they travel to Oakwood A for a looked to hit them on the counter attack crucial top of the table clash on Sunday with pace.

(10am).

“Both goals came down the right-hand Daniel Kristall’s team stunned the league side. Leigh crossed the first one into Cohen leaders last month when they won 2-0, a to finish, before slotting home himself. Up victory would move them to within a point to first we go.” of Hendon with a match inout hand. e Division Two title racePHOTO: also DAVIDtook SAFFER Jewdinese won a penalty shoot against North LondonTh Galaxy Elsewhere in the latest round of fixtures, a twist with league leaders Herstwood 10-man North London Galaxy made it a Vale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple football intitle England forOne the Fortune. tapped home a pinpoint cross by Josh Gorb three-way race inis thepostponed only Division foreseeable future, ” they said.

“Throughout a free kick. clash of the day after defeating Oakwood B. from Faithfold B have played a game more this period, we have taken Government adRaiders are moved champions they Jamie Murray saw red early on but Galaxy than Vale but levelbecause with a 5-3 winare at vice with the priority being the health and the most clinical team in the division. rallied with goals from Josh Cohen and Ja- North London Raiders Masters. wellbeing of record all. Wean will continue2-1 to away work Boasting a record 10 wins, a draw who and cob Leigh to important Jacob Kalms struckoftwice for Fortune closely with the grassroots game during this just one defeat prior to this encounter, win. scored through leading scorer James Miltime. co-manager Gideon Gale’s charges hit back Galaxy head Redbridge Jewish Care A in letwith his 17th goal of the season.

“We are in regular communication with with a goal of the season contender

by Nathe table by just one point after 10 matches, The result was all the more remarkable the Government and the situation within than, thumping home the equaliser into third place Fairlop FC are five points be- as Temple were down to 11 players with English football at all levels remains under the top corner of the net from 30 yards on hind with two games in hand. ‘keeper Ben Rebuck dislocating a shoulder regular review.

Further updates will follow the stroke of half time.

Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood. in the warm up. as“It needed.

Both chances after the the was ”a fantastic performance in a “Th is teams was acreated fantastic win given

North London Galaxy suffered a penalty shoot out defeat

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

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

North London Raiders clinched the Division One title

circumstances,” said delighted Fortune boss Simon Linden. break. game up grabs,out, Raiders “We With had athenumber offor players Reedged ahead for a second time from a Nabuck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked thanmore penalty in the minute. any from the 83rd players.

We wish Ben a As the visitors pushed for an equaliser, speedy recovery.

Raiders Galaxy’s resolve with three “It wasbroke a proper old school performance, further goals. we battled and defended for the 90 minutes Bloom home Experience a penalty, Nathan and took slotted our chances. proved side-footed number four to be the winner. It’s a big into win, the one bottom we will cornerand for we his hope hat-trick thenon completed enjoy to build it in 2019.the ” scoring with a left-foot finish He added, “This win marks 50following years as aa solo effort. football club and will be one Nigel Kyte and “I couldn’t be prouder of the boys, ” said everyone associated with the club from day

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PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

one will enjoy.”

Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to Raiders co-manager Gideon wish Rebuck well following his Gale. injury.“True grit and determination got us through.

“First and most importantly, everyone at The score doesn’t reflect the way the game Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper credit we to Vale who made it diffiaflowed, quick but recovery, hope to see him back cult for us. ” on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he Gale added, “Focusing on the full season, said. it’sAsbeen a terrific from the for the defeat, achievement Emanuel commented, lads.

No team has got close to us.

We hav“It doesn’t matter how big a squad you en’t conceded a goal in open play since Ochave, you can never account for unavailtober, have two of the top scorers in Jewish ability or injury. Only five of today’s team footballin and exceptional played our recent winmidfield over FCcombinaTeam, a tions tie it all together. ” lack of togetherness and poor individual

19 MARCH 2020 Raiders, who picked up a pre-season trophy, have two semi-finals to look forward to against Oakwood in the Cyril Anekstein Trophy and Vale in the David Woolff Division One Cup. Both though are now in serious doubt.

However, commenting on the achievement before Monday’s announcement, Gale said, “‘Double’ winners sounds great but quadruple winners sounds even better.

“It’s now about building a team good enough to challenge the top two in the Premier next season, which we know were more than capable of doing.”

Vale boss Jacob Emmanuel praised Raiders for winning the title but was downbeat at the result.

“Well done to Raiders for a deserved title win,” he said. “They’ve been fantastic all season and will do well in the Premier next season.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 “I’m disappointed we’ve come off the pitch with an undeserved loss. Had it not been for an unfortunate penalty decision, I would’ve backed us to grab a draw with both teams looking for chances on the break. We were naive at the end and feel we’ve let ourselves down with the scoreline.

It was hard for the boys when they deserved a result from today’s performance. But it’s a learning curve for us and we’ll come back stronger from it.”

He added, “The score really doesn’t tell the full story. I’m disappointed we collapsed in the last few minutes, but I’m proud of a strong performance.

“I would’ve liked to have seen us take a deserved lead into the half time break but there are moments in football where there isn’t really much you can do. Nathan’s equaliser is the best goal we’ve conceded all season. There was nothing anyone could

have done about that strike.”

Borussia Barnet moved to within a win of league leaders FC Team in Division Two after routing West Hamdillah 11-1.

Borussia are level on goal difference with FC and have a match in hand if the season restarts. Ten points from the final four games would secure the title.

Ollie Hart, Oron Sheldon, Danny Shina and Mitchell Gerber all bagged braces.

Adam Bowman, Joe Woolf and Sam Lipton also hit the target against the Hamdillah who have not registered a point.

Borussia joint-manager Brad Papier, commenting before the season curtailment, noted, “We needed to make up the goal difference to put things in our favour and we’ve done just that. We’re in a fantastic position to go on and win the title.”

Faithfold Green enjoyed a 3-2 win at Scrabble.

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SPORT 45 In cup action, Jewdinese goalkeeper Ben Halmer was the hero against North London Galaxy in the last of the David Wolff Division One Cup quarterfinals.

James Ross opened the scoring for the hosts before Tyler Smith sent the match to a shootout.

Halmer, superb during the game, saved two penalties in the shootout before slotting home the winning penalty kick.

“We’re absolutely delighted, it was a superb win,” said Jewdinese manager Darren Lawrence.

“We dug in deep, limited Galaxy to playing in front of us and defended tremendously. What can I say about Halmer, he single-handedly won us the game. Ben was outstanding and has been all season. “He deserves this, I’m so happy for him. Onto the semis.”

#inittogether

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CONNECTION TIME

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