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UK JEWRY LET DOWN BY MINORITY OF FANATICS OVER LAG B'OMER

Ignoring all social distancing rules

BY DAVID SAFFER A minority of ultra-orthodox Jews in Stamford Hill and Manchesterhave embarrassed the UK Jewish community by blatantly ignoring government guidelines surrounding social distancing during Lag B’Omer on Tuesday.

Photographs published by MailOnline show around 300 men

PHOTO: KPPICS

and boys celebrating the festival outside a Hackney housing estate.

One reveller, wearing a gorilla mask, is seen on the shoulders of another man joining in the festivities.

Other Charedi men with hands on shoulders of the person in front of them are dancing.

The images, it must be stated, do NOT reflect the vast majority

of orthodox Jews, but they are disturbing for the Jewish community. They clearly undermine communal body efforts in backing national measures in battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The Board of Deputies update the community on fatalities across the UK. Latest figures recorded show that 440 Jewish funerals have been carried out where the deceased contracted Covid-19.

Deaths in the community account for a greater rate of coronavirus-related deaths compared to its number in the population.

The death rate across Israel stands at 262 amongst a population of 9.2 million of which 6.8 million (74%) are Jewish. Notwithstanding demographic differences between the nations, current trends are astonishing as the UK fatality total may soon double Israel’s figures.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

99-YEAR-OLD ISRAELI HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR RECOVERS FROM CORONAVIRUS

99-year-old Sara Itzinger with her grandson

PHOTO: COURTESY OF FAMILY

BREAKING NEWS An Israel Defence Forces soldier suffered “moderate” injuries in a car-ramming attack in the West Bank settlement of Negohot near Hebron this afternoon. A suspected terrorist was “neutralised” after the terror incident.

Magen David Adom transported the 20-year-old to hospital. No other details were available at the time of going to press.

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El Al’s $400m lifeline Bar Siman Tov to

BY SIMCHA ABIR El Al has been handed a financial lifeline by Israel’s government.

After two months of negotiations the Finance Ministry granted a $400 million loan following a meeting with senior finance, transportation and tourism officials on Sunday.

El Al will undertake reforms to kickstart a recovery plan including an injection of $28.5 million from the airline’s owners.

The carrier must put in place annual cost-cutting measures of $50 million.

Radical changes will cost a third of El Al’s workforce, around 2,000 employees their jobs.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu had vowed not to allow El Al to collapse but the plan ahead is not straight forward. El Al’s workers’ union, who protested outside the Finance Ministry during the meeting and this week, have to approve the job cuts.

El Al was struggling financially before the coronavirus pandemic because of low-cost airlines. The carrier had a huge financial commitment with an investment in a fleet of Dreamliners while plans to expand to Japan and Australia have now been cancelled.

Some good news saw El Al land a cargo

contract from German company Kuehne + Nagel International. Cargo flights had been under 50% of El Al operations before the pandemic. The carrier is now running daily flights between China and Israel over the coming five months.

Converted passenger jets drop off and collect from a number of European locations including the UK, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

“Adding the flights represents a major addition in capacity for importing from Europe and this will let Israeli industry and importers get businesses back on track as the Israeli economy returns to work,” explained El Al Cargo Director Ronen Shapira at the time of the contract award.

El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin wrote to company employees explaining the gravity of El Al’s problems just two months ago.

“Our situation gets worse each day that passes,” he noted. “We’re approaching the point at which the state must decide whether it wants a national airline, or whether it believes that aviation security is not an important and substantial element in national security.”

step down?

BY NATALIE ASH Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov has resigned from his post.

Speculation before the announcement on Monday mounted over the weekend about Bar Siman Tov’s possible departure from the high-profile post as Israel battles the coronavirus pandemic.

With lockdown measures easing there has been growing debate about a second wave, disquiet over some of Bar Siman Tov viewpoints and pubic image.

Following his resignation, Bar Siman Tov, said he was proud of his service and specifically during the pandemic. “Public service is the greatest privilege and after almost 20 years of service it is time to move on,” he said.

Bar Siman Tov thanked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the opportunity to lead the country’s response to the crisis and expressed appreciation of the government’s handling of the escalating challenges.

“We had set two goals at the beginning of the pandemic,” noted Bar-Siman-Tov. “One was to ensure everyone needing treatment would receive it and the other was that Israel’s achievements in the handling of the crisis would be among the best in the world.

We have achieved both.”

Pointing to indisputable facts, he added,

“Thousands of lives had been saved as a result of the excellent health services and the public’s responsible behaviour. You need only look at New York or countries in Europe that are counting their dead as they are faced with the need to decide who to save.”

There was also a warning from the outgoing minister regarding a second wave that the health system must be strengthened to face future challenges.

“We must not take these achievements for granted and the work is not yet completed,” Bar-Siman-Tov noted, adding he was willing to stay on and pass the torch to his replacement. Bar-Siman-Tov thanked outgoing Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who appointed him to the post. “I believe his years in office will be remembered as a time of action to advance the country’s health system,” he said.

During his tenure, Bar-Siman-Tov has been criticised by ministers in particular for Covid-19 measures backed by Prof. Sigal Sadetzki, the Health Ministry’s director of public health. He has also faced criticism over hardline measures to fight the deadly disease.

Bar Siman Tov was against reopening fitness facilities in parks. Ministers outvoted him. There was also disagreement with on reopening beaches.

Zoom classes up Rabbis across Europe have reported increased attendances up to 100 times for online Zoom classes during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Around 50 delegates discussed practical issues that Jewish communities face during the pandemic at a recent Conference of European Rabbis’ Spring Standing Committee online gathering.

Engaging new congregants when synagogues reopen is essential.

CER has been outspoken about following government advice.

“Every Standing Committee meeting is unique as we visit a different community and understand new issues,” said CER president Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt.

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“This year was a new experience. The fundamental question revolved around how Jewish communities in Europe can adapt to a new world post-lockdown. We have already seen several states begin to lift restrictions on the goings-on of daily lives.”

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt noted it was important to ensure communities are supported back into synagogues and equipped for religious practices in a safe manner.

He added, “This is an extremely testing time for everyone, we are here to support wherever we can.”

Other agenda items included the economic impact on religious communities, a fund to support families and community leader engagement in a post-lockdown world.

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14 MAY 2020 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The Board would not comment on the Lag B’Omer incident at the time of going to press but President Marie van der Zyl reiterated the organisation’s stance.

“The Jewish community is a close knit one and we cherish festivals and Friday night dinners which bring us all together,” she said. “However, in the current emergency we cannot celebrate in the normal way. Synagogues have been closed and extended families cannot spend time together as they would normally.

“We are supporting the Government’s message that Jews, like everyone else, must stay alert and stay safe. We all look forward to a time when we can once again mark significant occasions together.”

The Lag Ba’Omer episode follows footage of a wedding in a house in Golders Green and reports of large numbers of mourners at funerals.

Purim last March also saw large gatherings of Jews just before lockdown.

As of this week, the Board’s reporting of mortality rates has changed as it includes the Western Charitable Foundation and larger regional communities.

Communities are included across the length and breadth of the UK. A number of smaller communities are not included in this count. The Board does not anticipate incorporating these communities will lead to a sizeable change in the overall count.

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Pompeo holds diplomatic talks in Israel

BY HOWARD LAWRENCE Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo highlighted China and Iran before talks in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Updates on peace prospects and the coronavirus crisis were also on a packed diplomatic agenda.

Pompeo also met with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

“We have a lot to talk about,” said Netanyahu in a joint public statement ahead of talks.

“The first thing is the plague. The corona plague is something that challenges the entire world, our two countries and everyone else, and we’d like to talk about strengthening our cooperation and our partnership in battling the coronavirus plague.”

Pompeo was making the US’ first diplomacy trip since the pandemic hit global affairs.

Netanyahu welcomed the Israel-US alliance and President Donald Trump’s commitment to the State of Israel.

Referring to Iran, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for the strong position the US administration has taken against Iran by withdrawing from the Iranian deal, tackling Iranian terror and continuing an

Mike Pompeo

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

arms embargo.

He added that Iran had not stopped its aggressive designs actions against Americans, Israelis and everyone else in the region.”

Regarding the Palestinians conflict, Netanyahu told Pompeo the unity government offered a chance for peace and security based on the deal reached with

Trump.

Pompeo hit out at China, without directly naming them, over a lack of transparency over the pandemic.

He told Netanyahu, “You’re a great partner, you share information unlike some other countries that try and obfuscate and hide that information, and we’ll talk about that country, too.”

Trump has lambasted China. Beijing denies wrongdoing.

Pompeo expressed condolences following the murder of Sergeant Major Amit Ben Yigal during an operation in the West Bank on Tuesday.

“Israel has the right to defend itself and America will consistently support you in that effort,” he said.

A key part of Pompeo’s talks with Netanyahu and Gantz was Israel’s intention over annexation in the West Bank.

Pompeo noted, “There remains work yet to do and we need to make progress on that,” he said.

Netanyahu and Gantz postponed the swearing-in of the new government until Thursday to meet Pompeo, who did not stay in Israel overnight due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman was absent due to “mild upper-respiratory symptoms”. He has tested negative for coronavirus.

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Bibi to head up historic 23rd Knesset

BY DAVID SAFFER Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to lead Israel for a historic fifth term.

But at the time of going to press there was uncertainty if the inauguration ceremony at the Knesset will take place tonight as a number of ministerial posts had to be agreed.

Israel’s 23 rd Knesset will end 18 months political deadlock since September 2018.

When last minute negotiations are sorted a new era will dawns for the State of Israel.

During a week of drama Netanyahu informed President Reuven Rivlin and Knesset Speaker Benny Gantz in writing he had put together a three-year ‘rotation’ coalition government last night.

The cabinet will be made up of a record 34 ministers backed by 72MKs Netanyahu will step down after 18 months, Gantz will serve as Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister then take the helm as Prime Minister for the duration of the term.

Likud, Blue and White, United Torah Judaism and Shas will form the coalition.

Tourism Minister Yariv Levin headed up Likud’s negotiation team and praised Shas chairman Rabbi Aryeh Deri’s involvement

in “bridging the differences” with Blue and White.

During recent elections, the degree of orthodoxy in Israel has been an important debating point among politicians. To this end, the Rebbe of Vizhnitz held a landmark meeting with Netanyahu to help ensure the status quo of religious affairs in any deal.

It has been reported this was first time the Rebbe has been to the Prime Minister’s official residence. Traditionally, leaders visit religious leaders. The Rebbe praised Netanyahu for his actions during the coronavirus pandemic. Netanyahu committed to his coalition government maintaining the Rebbe’s wishes.

Blue & White MK Gabi Ashkenazi has been handed the Foreign Ministry, Israel Katz takes on the role of Finance Minister and Avi Nissenkorn Justice Minister.

Levin is expected to succeed Gantz as Knesset speaker.

Other ministry posts include Yoaz Hendel (Communications), Pnina Tamano-Shata (Aliyah and Integration), Chili Tropper (Culture and Sports), Michael Biton (Minority Affairs), Omer Yankelevich (Diaspora Affairs), Alon Schuster (Agriculture) and Yaakov Litzman (Housing). Yuli Edelstein has already been appointed Health

Benjamin Netanyahu

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Minister, Deri remains Interior Minister.

During tense negotiations, Netanyahu, failed to persuade Yamina leader Naftali Bennett to be part of his coalition although Rafi Peretz is expected to take up a post.

Bennett noted, “As I have said from the beginning, we are only interested in entering a government where we would have influence, and influence comes from the issues for which we would be responsible.

“If the Prime Minister wants us in positions of influence, we would be happy to enter, but if he wants us weak, and on the fringes, we would rather be in the opposition.”

Recent elections have floundered and Gantz stunned his own party last month to be a part of an emergency national unity government.

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The new 5,400sqm Intensive Care Unit

Hundreds of Intensive Care beds inaugurated at Sheba Medical Center, to serve in times of national emergencies A new Intensive Care Unit has been made possible due to a significant donation made by philanthropist Roman Abramovich. The unit will provide crisis response in times of national emergencies such as pandemic outbreaks and missile attacks, and can be further expanded according to need.

Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s leading medical facility, has headed the national battle against the coronavirus. Throughout

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Gantz had vowed not to sit in a government led by a Prime Minister facing criminal charges but relented to prevent a fourth election amidst the coronavirus crisis.

The pandemic has been the key task for Netanyahu and Gantz.

Netanyahu told Israelis at the time, “I promised the State of Israel a national emergency government that will work to save the lives and livelihoods of the citizens of Israel.”

“We will protect democracy. We will fight coronavirus and care for all of Israel’s citizens.”

Gantz noted, “We are faced with the greatest crises to health, economy, and society in recent decades. We chose to safeguard democracy and fight coronavirus and its consequences.”

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national military missions, Sheba also serves as the main evacuation hospital.

Over the past several months Sheba has taken the lead in treatment and care of coronavirus patients, and has admitted the largest number of patients nationwide. Sheba established unique, dedicated facilities, the only ones of their kind in Israel, including a special maternity corona care unit, a psychiatric corona care unit, dialysis corona unit and a corona respiratory rehabilitation unit.

To date these special units have treated dozens of patients.

The newly established Intensive Care Unit spans 5,400 sqm and covers three floors of the hospital’s underground parking lot. The infrastructure has been tailored to provide rapid response to pandemic outbreaks and – due to its subterranean location, is also suitable in times of all-out war.

Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, Director General of Sheba Medical Center said, “The Unit will provide hospitalization on a national level, in the event of an emergency. Mr. Abramovich is a long time donor of Sheba Medical Center and thanks to him, Israel has now increased its intensive care capabilities.”

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Ben Gurion may reopen

BY NATALIE ASH Ben Gurion airport could reopen by the beginning of next month. Authorities are discussing the possibility with coronavirus cases declining across the country.

There have currently been 262 fatalities across Israel according to Health Ministry data.

Visitors from “green countries” may be allowed to enter the country subject to Health Ministry measures. A green-country has low rates of coronavirus cases with laws on personal protective equipment.

The plan would see Israelis notify the Health Ministry before traveling abroad.

They would have to undergo a medical before departure and on their return.

Tourism has been devastated since the Covid-19 outbreak in mid-March.

Hotel and restaurants have been hit while airlines have appealed to the Israeli government for financial support.

As Israel continues to battle the pandemic there was a heart-warming story of a 99-year-old Israeli Holocaust survivor recovering from coronavirus symptoms.

Sara Itzinger left Sha’are Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem a month after being diagnosed with the deadly virus.

Her husband Hershel, was also diagnosed, and sadly succumbed aged 96.

Sara moved to the United States after World War II where she met and married

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her husband.

They had one daughter and 13 grandchildren. All moved to Israel last year.

She lives in Maon Horim, an assisted living facility.

One of her grandsons, Nitzan Hefetz, heads up Magen Dovid Adom coronavirus testing team in the capital.

Jerusalem has the highest number of cases with 3,658 confirmed infections, followed by Bnei Brak with 2,912. Tel Aviv has 556 coronavirus cases, Beit Shemesh 520 and Charedi settlement of Modi’in-Illit 413.

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14 MAY 2020

Manhunt for killer of 21-year-old IDF soldier

BY DAVID SAFFER Security forces are conducting a manhunt after an IDF soldier was killed during an operation in the West Bank town of Yabed in the early hours of Tuesday.

Defence Minister Naftali Bennett and IDF senior officials joined hundreds of mourners at Sergeant Major Amit Ben Yigal’s funeral at Be’er Yaakov cemetery.

Yigal’s unit was conducting arrests of four terror suspects. Whilst leaving the village, a large rock was thrown from the roof of a building, striking Yigal. The 21-year-old from Ramat Gan was transferred by helicopter to Rambam Medical Centre in Haifa but pronounced dead.

IDF troops questioned a number of residents living in the building where the rock was thrown from. None are suspects.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin have vowed to track down those responsible. “Israel’s long arm will reach the terrorist and bring him to justice,” Netanyahu posted on Twitter.

Rivlin commented, “Heartbroken at youth cut down in its prime. Our forces will reach the despicable terrorists and justice will be done.”

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo offered condolences to the Yigal family during a brief visit to Israel for talks with Netanyahu on Wednesday. “Israel has the right to defend itself and America will consistently support

Amit Ben Yigal z”l

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

you in that effort,” he said.

Yigal was one month from ending his military service in a Golani Brigade reconnaissance unit.

He is the first IDF casualty in the West Bank of 2020.

An IDF soldier was wounded as rioters hurled stones, boulders and explosive devices during the manhunt.

“Troops responded with riot dispersal means and live fire,” said a military spokesman.

The IDF is aware a Palestinian was

reportedly killed in clashes along with injuries to rioters. Brig. Gen. Hidai Zilberman confirmed the incident that led to Yigal’s death to military reporters.

“Overnight, we conducted four arrests simultaneously,” he said. “It’s a hostile village, 10 kilometers west of Jenin. They are experts at throwing rocks at the path that leads to Mevo Dotan.

“Throughout the night, rocks were thrown in the village by groups of 10. Two of the fugitives were rock throwers and two others were involved in terrorist activity.” Zilberman continued, “A rock was thrown from a rooftop, apparently the last house in the village.

“The soldier was wearing a helmet, but the rock hit him very hard from an angle.”

An IDF spokesman said the rock was large, possibly a cement block, but not a boulder.

The IDF is investigating the attack.

Yigal’s heartbroken father, Baruch, told

Israel Radio how a trip to Poland inspired his sons’ army career.

“I went with him to Tel Hashomer and signed permission,” he said. “I was proud of his decision. He was raised in a very Zionist home. He loved the people of Israel.”

Defence Minister Bennett told mourners, “Such a young man full of smiles, the kind who lifts the spirits of his brothers in arms, the kind who knows that happiness is contagious.”

He added, “Baruch, Amit’s father, said that he was his only son and that he permitted him to serve in a combat unit. So much bravery in the father, so much bravery in the son.”

Hamas praised the killer.

“This incident proves the ability of our people in the West Bank to continue their struggle against the occupation until the Israeli military and the settlements are pushed out,” noted a statement.

War of Independence mural discovered

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The uncovered mural

PHOTO: THE COUNCIL FOR CONSERVATION OF HERITAGE SITES IN ISRAEL

BY ADAM MOSES

Shimon.

“It is possible that the soldier served in the Palmach or the Etzioni Brigade that captured the castle and guarded it after a difficult battle.”

“The soldier painted the mural on an Arab house that was buried and destroyed.” added Shimon, “We estimate the painting was buried for over 70 years ago.

“This is a very important historical finding. There are not many such findings in this area. We would love to find out who painted the painting, who if alive, should be around 90 today.”

Omri Shalmon, Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel executive director noted, “We consider preserving the legacy of the struggle for Israeli independence and its protection a very important value.

“We we will work together with the local council to rescue and preserve the discovery.”

The mural is in storage until the Heritage Centre is ready. It will be on permanent display.

The Conservation of Heritage Sites is also attempting to establish the soldier in the mural and unit members.

The search has begun to identify an Israeli soldier who drew what is being viewed as a historic mural on a building in Mevaseret Zion near Jerusalem during the War of Independence.

The recent discovery during construction work for a Heritage Centre is believed to date back to operation ‘Nachshon’ in April 1948 when the house was captured in the village of Al-Qastal by the IDF. Abd al-Qadr al-Husseini, head of Arab forces was killed in a brutal battle. Qastal Castle is a heritage site.

The painting depicts Al HaMishmar newspaper published in Israel from 1943 to the mid-90s with a headline translated as ‘The village of Qalunya was conquered, the Qastal is in our hands’.

IDF forces climbing Qastal Castle, a sinking ship and IDF soldier can also be clearly seen in the mural.

The soldier is believed to have taken part in the battle.

“We assume the mural was painted by a soldier who was part of the battle of Al-Qastal and Qalunya,” said the Head of the Mevaseret Zion municipality, Yoram

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Yuli Edelstein appointed Health Minister

BY NATALIE ASH Yuli Edelstein accepted the post of Israel’s Health Minister on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered the high-ranking position to the long serving politician.

Netanyahu and Edelstein confirmed in a joint statement that the Likud MK had accepted the challenge and chosen the health portfolio from a number of posts offered.

“After serving Israel’s citizens for seven years as Knesset speaker, I have chosen to accept the most central and significant challenge Israel faces, the fight against coronavirus and preparing Israel’s health system for new challenges,” Edelstein said.

“I thank Edelstein for accepting my request and wish him luck,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

Netanyahu added that Edelstein would

be part of the State Security Cabinet and deputy chairman of a ministerial body overseeing the coronavirus response.

The announcement came shortly after Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov resigned.

Outgoing Health Minister, Yaakov Litzman, is set to be offered the Housing portfolio.

Litzman said Edelstein was fit for an “important and challenging” post.

Litzman added that he looked forward to handing over the post in an organised manner.

The Yamina Party however lambasted Netanyahu for the appointment.

Defence Minister Naftali Bennett was reportedly targeting the position.

“Netanyahu slammed the door on our entry to the government,” noted a statement.

“He looked for the perfect way to

IDF demolish terrorist home

Yuli Edelstein

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

humiliate Yamina and its voters and succeeded in this.”

The statement added, “This is a calculated move by Netanyahu to destroy the alliance with the religious Zionism. Netanyahu’s betrayal of his biggest supporters signals the beginning of his end in politics.”

Edelstein was Knesset speaker from 2013 until earlier this year when Blue & White’s Benny Gantz, with Netanyahu’s support, took up the mantle heralding the rotation coalition deal.

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Israel Defence Forces have demolished the West Bank home of a suspected terrorist.

Qassem Shibli was allegedly involved in the murder of 17-year-old Rina Shnerb during a terror attack in August 2019.

IDF troops arrived in the village of Kobar near Ramallah for the operation. Dozens of Palestinians threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at troops who adopted riot dispersal methods.

The High Court of Justice denied petitions by family members. “The IDF will continue to work to secure the area and against the terrorists in Judea and Samaria,” an IDF spokesperson said.

The demolition followed a similar operation last month where troops destroyed the homes of Walid Hanatshe and Yazen Mughamis who both allegedly participated in the horrific incident.

Clashes with Palestinians took place during an overnight operation. Hanatsheh and Mughamis, together with other cell members, are on trial in Israel. Rina’s 19-year-old brother Dvir was seriously wounded in the terror attack. Her father, Rabbi Eitan Schnerb suffered light injuries.

An explosive device was responsible for the attack at Danny Spring near Ramallah.

The natural resource is named after Danny Gonen, killed by a Hamas affiliated group in 2015.

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Lag Ba’Omer bonfires banned

BY ADAM MOSES Over 300 ultra-Orthodox Jews were arrested during riots at Mount Meron at the end of Lag Ba’Omer on Tuesday night.

Police acted when worshippers contravened strict health regulations for the festival in an ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Measures have been relaxed in recent days but authorities concerned over a second outbreak renewed specific guidelines for the festival.

Disturbing footage shows a group of men break into the compound on route to the gravesite of Bar Yochai after police took down checkpoints. Scuffles with riot police took place. A police spokesman confirmed “30 to 40 extremists” involved in the incident were removed from the site.

Orthodox Jews traditionally gather at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai for Lag Ba’Omer. Celebrations are marked with large crowds, dancing and bonfires. Limitations on groups came into force on Monday night until Tuesday evening.

Earlier in the day, Israel’s Health Ministry blasted ultra-orthodox residents of Beit Shemesh and Mea Shearim for contravening health regulations by attending bonfires on Monday night.

Ultra-Orthodox communities comprise

Lag Ba’Omer last year on Mount Meron

around 12% of Israel’s population but has experienced 70% of the country’s 16,500 plus cases during the pandemic. Both neighbourhoods could be forced into a new lockdown.

“This is a very serious incident, especially in a place that has already been defined as a ‘red zone’ due to a past major outbreak,” confirmed a Health Ministry spokesman

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The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness week is kindness.

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on Tuesday.

Police forces dispersed several hundred residents at gatherings but avoided entering the Mea Shearim neighbourhood. A riot unit was available if required. Israel Police confirmed there had been a “clear violation” of health regulations in a statement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the incident with Public Security

Minister Gilad Erdan, Acting Police Commissioner Motti Cohen and National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat.

A number of Mea Shearim residents told local reporters the whole neighbourhood was not to blame. But Netanyahu’s Office strongly condemned a breach of regulations.

The incidents followed authorities banning Lag Ba’Omer bonfires across the country. Restrictions applied to private bonfires at homes where neighbours might have been tempted to join.

Ministers backed Health Ministry, National Security Council and Fire and Rescue Service concerns over public safety and a potential for large gatherings spiking coronavirus infections.

Attorney General, Avichai Mandelblit, approved the decision.

Although Mount Meron and surrounding areas was closed off to the public, authorities did agree to rabbis representing Charedi, Sephardi and national-religious Jewish communities attending the graveside of Bar Yochai with a maximum number of participants.

Regrettably, this gesture was breached later in the day.

Israel Police had announced that any person found violating a ban would be fined NIS 500.

Dates for your diary Monday 18th May 4:30 – 5:30pm Wellbeing and Self Care (for students 18 plus) Kelly Waldorf, Education Outreach Worker, Jami

Monday 18th May 8:00pm Community Conversation on Kindness, Open to all Tuesday 19th May / Thursday 21st May 11:00am – 1:00pm Kind Co-Working

Wednesday 20th May 2:00pm Head Room Café online Kindness Creativity Session Wednesday 20th May 8:00 – 9:30pm Preventing Mental Health Burnout Phillipa Carr, Education Manager, Jami

Thursday 21st May 5:00 – 6:00pm Youth Session: Self - Care During Strange Days (for young people aged 12 – 16)

Sarit Gafan, Jami volunteer and wellbeing practitioner

Emma Dorman, Senior Education Coordinator, Jami

Tuesday 19th May 4:00pm Poetry Tuesday

Thursday 21st May 8:00 – 9:00pm Open Mic Night – everybody welcome

Tuesday 19th May 6:30 – 7:30pm “If you can be anything, be kind” – a kindness workshop (for ages 18-32) Emma Dorman, Senior Education Coordinator, Jami

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

10 LETTERS

Letters to the Editor Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

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

A COVID STORY Dear Editor, I remember Purim, do you? We were not supposed to kiss or hug but nothing prevented us from coughing, touching food and all of it …

On the 25th of March, we go to the forest because we can. Exercising ... We meet too many 70+ very fit people. In the evening I develop a strong cough and in the morning I’m in bed ravaged with fever; I realize I have the flu. But as I hadn’t had the flu for the past 15 years and I’m rarely ill in this way Bh; I don’t need to wonder too long what kind of flu it is. I’m a pretty fit person in my late thirties.

DAY 2 Thursday evening I’m a bit breathless and on Friday I have the doctor on the phone. She is very kind and decides to prescribe antibiotics even if an infection is probably premature. I linger in bed for 3 days with a 38 degrees fever and then it’s my husband’s (H) turn to become feverish. He’ll sleep for 3 days abnormally exhausted and then will get back up as if nothing happened. We disinfect the house obsessively but we know the children may catch it anyway. Sunday, the fever is gone. I’m extremely weak: It’s devouring my energy from the insides.

Plenty of muscle pain like a squeezed lemon. I feel pressure in the thoracic cage in the evenings. I’m tired and lightheaded. I cough a lot; the coughing makes me nauseous and I vomit about 3 times and then I’m hungry again.

By now, both of us being unwell, my eleven years old cooks and the children fend for themselves like Mowglis somehow. (I’d rather not know if they washed...)

Anosmia comes; It’s weird at first as I can’t smell a thing but then it becomes extremely uncomfortable because I also can’t feel the air passing through my nose.

(Unlike some of my relatives’ experience).

This feeling and the panic on top makes me call Hatzola to see if everything is ok.

They calm me down; the oxygen is normal but the breathing is still awful. I feel bad for them coming with the whole PPE, for me, for everyone, but they’re more than happy to help and don’t see it at all that way.

The Anosmia and the breathless feeling is going to waste me over the following days: intense in the evenings, it comes in waves throughout the day. I wouldn’t be able to find the air I need and would breath strongly through my mouth. My dear aunt who is a GP in Jerusalem is a

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comforting voice. A friend gives us a ton of vitamins and also Ventolin. I’m ready to try anything, but, having nothing wrong with the bronchial tubes I just feel cold air in the trachea.

DAY 8 1st of April: Feeling slightly better but the next day I cough again and I’m awfully tired. Evenings are hard.

DAY 13 On the 6th, The doctor tells me “You’ve conquered Coronavirus; It’s amazing you’re a wonder woman” (lol). I have strong vertigo though so she prescribed me something. I decide to clean the house but it’s the wrong move. The next day the vertigo is strong and H goes to the pharmacy to pick up the medication and an oximeter which I really want.

His friend from Hatzola comes to measure my blood pressure which is quite low.

I need to eat almost constantly even if I don’t feel hungry. It’s Erev Pessach and we’re missing rather some basic comfort food. I then take the medication which is also an anxiolytic drug and it sends me flying. I need to lie down thinking my heart will stop any moment. Clearly, I cannot tolerate that drug. The medication has countereffects till the next day when I feel that whole day that my heart is affected, and an awful pressure on the chest. I feel forced to call Hatzola back again a few hours before Pessach comes in, sadly, but they’re not worried and come to check my vitals. They decide to do an ECG and find everything is regular. The GP calls back and tells me to stop the medication.

H has done so much; he is the angel everybody needs; He cooked 6 meals and cleaned everything alone with a bit of little hands help. I award him a specific medal but The One Above will always know.

I’m somewhat reassured a little but the pain subsists. I’m prevented from a normal Seder as I cannot sit at all feeling the chest pressure. I’m still looking for air and cough a lot. The children manage the meal beautifully with their singing and comments.

H calls me outside in the dark street to breathe and we salute our neighbour opening the door to Eliahou who blesses me with good health. I think it’s a good omen as since then I’ve never felt worse.

Thank you Mr A! The next 2 to 3 days are full of vertigo; A slight cold comes on and coughing too much causes me to vomit.

I manage to visit my garden and some of you are probably acquainted with the cydalima perspectalis or box moth; an

awful caterpillar which destroys our bushes. It’s back (with the virus). Its origins are Chinese apparently (no comment lol).

But now I notice a new kind of leaf which seems to fight it like a vaccine. I find the comparison fascinating.

DAY 19, On Sunday I wake up with a weird cold and a slight pain in the ears.

Therefore I decide to call 111 who prescribe me more antibiotics even though they do not think it’s an ear infection and the vertigo is probably the after-virus effect. I can theoretically go to Finchley memorial if its open as I’m not contagious (apparently who knows...) but the pain recedes and I do not take the antibiotics.

DAY 24 The vertigo is now regressing (and we are 1 day after Pessach); I’m looking towards the end of the tunnel …

Fast forward ...

DAY 33: I’ve been well apart from a dry small cold for a whole week but then the

breathlessness and weakness came back for a few days: I use Vicks and hay fever spray to bear through the hard moments, I also took the antibiotics again and added zinc to the vitamins. I managed to get to hospital to be checked but all vitals were fine.

It is awful and long and I do not wish it on to anyone.

I’m so grateful to all of you who helped with the shopping, the pharmacy, the food and even the postcard. Thank you Roman, Audelia , Judith, Moshe, Shani and Yossi S, Moishy and Chaim A, Moshe from KO and Myriam.

THANK YOU of course to Hatzola members: Mr K. Mr R. Mr S. Mr G . Mr D / THANK YOU to A&E Royal Free.

Refua Shelema to Rahel bat Lea and Shlomo ben Esther Tsipora P

THE LABOUR PARTY Dear Editor, I have hitherto withheld comment on the Labour Party’s new leadership, in the hope that it would bring a breath of fresh air, and strive to eradicate antisemitism from its ranks, as Sir Keir Starmer pledged. Recent developments have indicated otherwise.

The appointment as Labour’s Deputy Leader of an MP who has expressed insidious opinions about Israel and the Rothschild family is one example. Sir Keir’s weak response to the Zoom conference addressed by senior Labour MPs to a participating audience including some notorious anti - Israel activists and terrorist sympathisers is another.

Even after its massive defeat at the General Election there seems to be no real thrust within the Labour Party to investigate the numerous manifestations of antisemitism that have occurred and to discipline those responsible. On the contrary, there is an intensifying effort to turn the tables on the victims and their

supporters, and accuse them of a “witch hunt” against the former leadership of Jeremy Corbyn- the man who unleashed and “legitimised” the antisemitic venom in the first place.

I derive no joy from making these observations. The election of a majority Conservative Government under Boris Johnson has unquestionably saved us from an alternative that could have been horrendous for the future of our freedom and democracy. However every Government needs the challenge of a responsible, loyal opposition, which is absent at the present time. Furthermore, it is distressing that the kind of race hatred and bigotry that was once the feature of odious, now-defunct fringe groups such as the National Front and BNP, remains alive and deeply-rooted within a major political party.

Cllr Brian Gordon London Borough of Barnet

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Thousands donate so Kisharon can carry on In an extraordinary demonstration of support, over 3,000 donors ensured Kisharon can Carry On through its record-breaking campaign raising £1.3m in just 36 hours.

Launched on Sunday 10th May, this was the first mass crowd-fundraiser for the charity, which initially set an ambitious challenge of raising £1m within just 36 hours to replace lost income from their annual dinner cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

In this iconic fundraiser, Kisharon raised £1.3m covering lost revenues to extend the time during which the charity can maintain operational services during ongoing restrictions by a further 3 months from August.

Kisharon faced an unprecedented forecast £1m deficit as a result of the Government’s lockdown restrictions. In spite of making cutbacks within the organisation the charity also faced additional unforseen costs to keep services running until the end of their financial year (August 2020). The additional £310k will go towards maintaining their front-line work for the remainder of 2020.

Commenting on the impromptu campaign which replaced Kisharon’s Annual Dinner, Campaign Chair, Emma Castleton commented, “Challenges are hard enough but with a

Saying thank you (while social distancing)

child with special needs it’s unimaginable, not just everyday life but planning their future. Kisharon offers a full service and support for those with complex learning difficulties from children through to adulthood.

The Kisharon infrastructure is vital. Without Kisharon, as a family, we would be lost. It is evident the pandemic of COVID-19 has affected all our lives. As Elias’ mother, his life changed dramatically since lockdown but Kisharon have continued to support us. This fundraiser has been far more effective than any dinner as we have been able to reach out to a wider community in highlighting just how hard life has been for those with complex learning disabilities.”

Celebrating hitting their target

Richard Franklin, Chief Executive added “I am astounded, overwhelmed and in awe of just how generous our community has been over two short days. Without exception, everyone engaged in such a positive way which has enabled the wonderful team I serve to have renewed hope for the first time in 8 long hard weeks where over 25% of our work force (including myself) were Covid symptomatic and self-isolated.

As a film buff, the last two days have been a Jewish version of It’s a Wonderful Life”!

Notwithstanding the outpouring of support from the local community, Kisharon must still overcome further financial challenges posed by continuing uncertainties

over statutory funding of its vital adult services and new expenditure required as a consequence of the lifting of Government restrictions to ensure Kisharon’s strategic priority of “best in class” service can be maintained throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Given the extraordinary lengths Kisharon’s front line staff have gone to, donors responded overwhelmingly to show how appreciation for the charity’s frontline social care and support for people with learning disabilities and their families.

Donations are still coming in, if you would like to donate you can via: www.kisharon. org.uk

Jewish Care Chief Executive zooms in behind the scenes with South Hampstead Shul Members of the South Hampstead Synagogue community joined a Zoom meeting to hear from Jewish Care Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, who shared his experiences during the Covid-19 crisis from Jewish Care’s perspective, as part of shul’s Behind the Scenes virtual programme.

The talk covered a range of topics with Daniel Carmel-Brown sharing information on key issues relating to care homes and social care from the cost of Covid-19 crisis to the organisation and the acquisition of PPE. Hosting the meeting was Rabbi Eli Levin, who invited members of the community to ask questions which included topics such as how the organisation is supporting residents, relatives and staff, the mental health effects of the virus, how the organisation plans to go forward to organise relative visits to care homes after lockdown, the future of community centres until a vaccine is found and testing.

Daniel Carmel-Brown explained, “We don’t have all the answers yet. We work with the most vulnerable people and will be very cautious about how we approach the next phase but we are looking at how this will all be done.”

On testing, Daniel responded, “Though there have been announcements that tests

Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown, in conversation with Rabbi Eli Levin

will be widely available across care homes, to date, only a few tests have been made available to us, despite our on-going requests and pressure to the authorities to receive them.

It is something that we are very concerned about and we will continue to pursue this.

We are working with the umbrella bodies in social care to campaign for more tests.

Our aim is to be able to test all residents and staff.”

He also praised the Jewish Care “angels, our wonderful staff in care, nursing, management, administrators, maintenance and hospitality, who put the care and wellbeing of our residents above their families and own. We are so very grateful to them.”

Other topics included how Jewish Care is continuing to celebrate festivals and shabbat in the absence of volunteers physically being able to go into the home.

As Daniel explained, “Like the rest of the community we are doing things differently. Our volunteering has shifted to virtual experiences so when it comes to prayer, we are linking with shuls who are sharing their Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdallah services.

We are celebrating festivals with care home residents so that prayer can continue. It has always been central to us and will continue to be.”

Rabbi Eli Levin says, “Amongst our many virtual programmes keeping the South

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Hampstead community together, our ‘Behind the Scenes’ series provides the opportunity to gain inside knowledge on key issues relating to current times.

“It was important, insightful and reassuring to go behind the scenes with Daniel and the Jewish Care team, to hear about their journey over the last couple of months.

“Jewish Care is a truly remarkable organisation, one to be proud of and support.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown added, “I’d like to thank the Chair of South Hampstead Synagogue, Laurence Gold and Rabbi Eli Levin for inviting us to give the talk to the members about life behind the scenes at Jewish Care.

“During these challenging times it’s never been more important for us to communicate regularly, not just with our residents, clients, relatives, staff and volunteers but also with the wider community and shuls too, so they feel connected to us, understand what’s happening and how they can support us.”

Laurence Gold, a member of South Hampstead Synagogue, said, “Hearing about the amazing work that Jewish Care does explained so clearly by Daniel Carmel-Brown is so important and helps to lower barriers between these many communities that make up the large family that is British Jewry.”

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AJR Unveils plaque at the British Embassy in Berlin The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) announced the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the British Embassy in Berlin, in dedication and memory of consular officials whose devoted efforts in issuing visas helped many thousands of Jews escape Nazi Germany and Austria during 1933 to 1939.

The plaque was unveiled by the British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Sebastian Wood accompanied by Michaela Küchler, President of IHRA and German Special Representative for Relations with Jewish Organizations at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

From Adolf Hitler’s assumption of power in January 1933 until the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, staff at the British Embassy and Consulate in Berlin and the consulates in other German and, from March 1938, Austrian cities worked to expedite the emigration of Jews from the Third Reich to Britain.

Following the annexation of Austria, Nazi persecution of the Jews prompted such an exodus that in April 1938 the British government introduced a visa system.

Visas were issued by the Embassy and Consulate, whereas previously the decision whether or not to admit a refugee to Britain had been taken by immigration officers at the port of arrival. The greatly increased workload fell on the staff of the embassy and consulates, who were frequently guided in their decisions by considerations of common humanity rather than by strict adherence to official guidelines. Thanks to them, some tens of thousands of Jewish refugees were issued with visas that enabled them to emigrate to Britain and in all probability saved their lives.

Sir Sebastian Wood said, “The plaque on the Embassy pays tribute to the bravery and compassion of diplomats such as Frank Foley, Margaret Reid and their staff. It also pays tribute to the many Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi Germany with British visas and re-built their lives in exile. Whenever our common values are threatened, individuals can make a huge difference and, as in this case, save peoples’ lives.”

The Rt Hon Lord Eric Pickles, the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues

said: “I am delighted that an AJR plaque is to be unveiled at the British Embassy in Berlin to remember those fearless men and women who at great risk issued visas that saved thousands of Jewish lives. The visas were the difference between life and death.

These brave souls never let petty rules get in the way. When the bureaucracy ground to a halt they stepped in to grant visas on the spot. The Association of Jewish Refugees was founded in 1941 by many of those that had fled Germany and Austria on the very visas issued by people like Major Frank Foley and Margaret Reid at the British embassy. Without them, the AJR may never have existed and gone on to serve the Jewish community of Great Britain, as it does today, with pride.”

AJR Trustee, Frank Harding, who devised the commemorative plaque scheme said, “It is a personal honour and the AJR’s great pleasure that we are recognising the heroic work of all those British officials whose actions enabled many thousands of Jews in Germany and Austria to flee Nazi oppression. Without their diligent work, often going beyond their remit, many more thousands would have perished.

“This will be the 14th plaque in AJR’s commemorative scheme and the first one to be unveiled outside of the UK. Citing the plaque at the British embassy in Berlin is hugely symbolic, especially during the year of Germany’s Chairmanship of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). It is our great hope that as well as fascinating passers-by, the plaque will help form a tangible link in the story of refugees’ escape from Nazism and the sanctuary they received in Britain. This plaque, along with the others in our scheme, help bring the past into the present and perpetuate the memory of the Holocaust.”

Michaela Küchler, said: “The history of the Holocaust would be incomplete if it did not tell the history of those who helped. There were those who hid Jews, who provided them with false identities or who issued visas guided by humanitarian convictions rather than by bureaucratic considerations. I am glad the plaque at the British Embassy in Berlin tells their story.”

Keeping Older People Active during the pandemic Jewish Care has created an online resource to provide fun and engaging virtual activities for older people at home whilst on lockdown. Since suspending activity at its community centres at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation has responded quickly, rolling out remote services and maintaining the deep levels of care and support it provides for older people in the community.

The virtual activities focus on different ways for people to keep their minds and bodies active at home and brings together resources from other organisations to provide stimulating activities, entertainment and information. It includes physical activities for staying fit, meditations and reflections to maintain emotional balance and resilience, theatre, music, TV and radio to keep people entertained, and classes for learning new skills, quizzes, games as well as access to eBooks and audiobooks for mental stimulation.

The main things that people enjoy when coming to Jewish Care’s community centres are socialising, eating tasty and nutritious kosher meals and engaging in a diverse programme of activities. Jewish Care quickly re-designed the community offer, so that people could get similar benefits remotely.

Sandi Wassmer, Jewish Care‘s Head of Transformation and Service Design, says,

“We are now delivering kosher Meals on Wheels across London, are providing social connection and friendship through our new online and telephone befriending service and have pulled together a wide and varied range of activities for people to choose from on the Jewish Care website.”

Some of the activities can be accessed online by those with the digital skills and there is also a lot of content to print off and send to a loved one who isn’t online, or to use as an activity to do during a phone, Skype, Zoom or FaceTime conversation. The organisation is also integrating suitable activities into telephone befriending conversations.

Sandi continues, “We are really looking forward to growing these resources in the weeks and months to come, and for older people in the community, along with their friends, family members and carers to make use of these resources and keep their minds and bodies active, stimulated and well.”

One new user of Keeping Active is Carol, 69 and from Stanmore, says, “I’m so pleased I found so many great ideas on the Jewish Care website to keep me busy during lockdown. It prompted me to do a Hebrew language course with Duolingo, something that was easy to find on the website. I’m already making great progress. Thanks Jewish Care.”

To find out more, visit the website https:// jewishcare.org/keepingactivev

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Virtual Chabad camps

BY DAVID SAFFER The chances of traditional summer camps taking place around the world are becoming less likely with each passing week.

With just over two months to go until the traditional start of camps thoughts of camp directors and parents have turned to the potential of ‘virtual’ programs with youngsters set to stay at home due to social distancing measures.

Many university students jet out to the United States for Camp America schemes whilst some 60,000 youngsters attend over Camp Gan Israel programs internationally.

Plans are all but in tatters for both but options are taking shape. “We are ready to go and make camp available in any option,” said Rabbi Zalman Loewenthal at Chabad-Lubavitch’s programming office.

Gan Israel has not ruled out a traditional summer-camp experience but a realisation is setting in. “I don’t think it’s a realistic expectation that camp will run like normal,” said Rabbi Schneur Scheiman, Camp Gan, Northbrook.

Rabbi Yitzchok Kahan, Camp Gan, Cherry Hill is remaining open to all possibities.

“If we can be at full operating capacity that would be wonderful,” he said. “If it’s a partial opening, we will do whatever the state and local authorities advise. If we need to cancel trips or swimming, we will.” Rabbi Kahan added, “Parents want their children

outside and if there is an ability to accommodate that, we will.” Aware that areas might suddenly be on lockdown, he noted, “I’m trying to wrap my head around the idea of a virtual camp. Camp is not about virtual. It’s about movement and interaction, so it is a bit harder. It is a last resort.”

How would a “virtual” camp work? Rabbi Loewenthal successfully launched the Chabad Hebrew School online in March so is well placed to advise. “We can have an extremely interactive program with the most entertaining performances and amazing craft projects,” he noted. “Obviously, this would all be done with a personal touch from the Chabad emissaries and their camp staff.”

Camps could offer a daily online scheduling with camp songs, Jewish learning, snacks, art and activities with modifications. There may also be customised virtual meetings for campers to join for special activities.

Rabbi Loewenthal noted that whatever form camp takes, campers want to see counsellors, engage with them and be a part of a bunk. A resilient philosophy resonates throughout Chabad’s structure to provide a special summer for youngsters.

“I will be educating Jewish children this summer in some kind of camp setting,” commented Rabbi Scheiman. “For how many days and how many kids I don’t know, but it will happen.”

Eitan Freilich brings joy to the Kisharon Family To celebrate Lag B’Omer Eitan Freilich held a concert from his music room in London with Luis Hersaft on piano from Israel to entertain people from Kisharon. The Zoom concert bought so much joy to those staying at home and was the first time so many people from all different parts of the organisation have all been together in one place. The Kisharon family loved starring as backing singers and dancers!

Messages flooded in with song requests.

Kisharon Rabbi Beni said “This is such a great concert with our Kisharon community.

True achdus- unity! And what a great way to start listening to music again during the sefiras haomer- thanks Eitan, Luis and everyone involved” Aviva Braunold, Kisharon Vocational College Manager helped organise the concert comments “The concert was attended online and via telephone by members of TuffKid, the school, day opportunities services, college, supported living, volunteers, head office, trustees and donors and was a beautiful example of how Kisharon comes together and does “carry on”.

“Despite our physical distance from each other, we were able to come together as Kisharon family and carry on and bring each other joy to celebrate Lag B’Omer together through Eitan’s talented performance”.

NHSOS - The GIFT of Gratitude for our NHS

Family Calvert packing the NHSOS packages at GIFT

NHSOS is an initiative instigated by St John’s Wood entrepreneurs Howard and Beverly Calvert who spearheaded the idea to give out gratitude packages to NHS workers after consulting with the Royal Free and Barnet Hospital Trusts.

The Calverts approached GIFT to help, as they had been impressed by the plethora of Covid-19 initiatives that the charity had already launched. They explain “Motivated as a result of our daughter and son-in-law being NHS Doctors, we wanted to create a ‘care pack’, NHS-OS - filled with lovely treats like lip balm, moisturiser, drinks and pretzels to help those on the front line who are caring for the sick, feel appreciated.

GIFT and Shira Joseph especially, have been amazing in helping this to happen by

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organising the assembly by volunteer families, - 3,500 packs containing 7 items is no mean feat - it just shows the scale of the NHS.” Volunteers Tamara Fisch, Rebecca Freedman and Sophie Saunders helped coordinate efforts, approaching various beauty and snack companies and within a few days, thanks to the persistence of the team and the generosity of the companies, the NHSOS project was ready to go. With donations from brands including; Can o water, Indie Bay Pretzels, Livias kitchen, Brand Avenue, Meller Beauty and Cowshed; donations exceeded 31,000 products from 14 different companies.

GIFT then reached out to its enormous volunteer base for help transporting, packaging and delivering the items. Volunteers

maintained social distancing by volunteering together with members of their household only and within a week the NHSOS packages had been delivered; 1,500 packages to Barnet Hospital and a further 2,000 products to different care homes across London. One recipient of the care packages said “The staff here at the hospital have been overwhelmed by the love and appreciation.

A massive thank you to all those who have donated and packed the bags. The contents have been really useful. All the staff love them from the doctors, nurses, managers, cleaners and porters. They really come in handy - especially after a long shift! Thank you!”

GIFT’s Shira Joseph who project managed NHSOS said “It has been a real pleasure and an amazing experience working on this project with the incredible committee, brands and the dedicated volunteers. This initiative is such a poignant example of how one idea can make such a huge difference; and it has been a real honour joining together with so many companies and volunteers to show our appreciation and gratitude to the NHS workers and carers who are working tirelessly and selflessly to help those around them.”

The NHSOS team are now working on a big fundraising initiative for the NHS together charities involving a high profile artist.

Watch this space for details…

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COMMUNITY 17

Maureen Lipman leads lockdown interfaith cook-along

Maureen Lipman cooking

Four hundred people join legendary TV star via Zoom and Facebook Legendary TV personality Maureen Lipman was joined by an imam, a reverend, two rabbis, an MP, a BBC Radio star and those representing a wide range of faiths and backgrounds for a lockdown cook-along.

Four hundred people took part in the event, via Zoom and Facebook Live, which was part of the new Every Mitzvah Matters interfaith volunteering scheme created by the charity Mitzvah Day. The initiative is intended to highlight and encourage how even the smallest every day acts of kindness that

people do for each other can be transformative for both the receiver and the giver, especially during this coronavirus crisis.

Those cooking could either follow Maureen’s special bean and barley soup recipe or make something of their own choice, using whatever ingredients they had in the house. Participants then gifted the dish as an act of kindness – whether to a vulnerable or elderly neighbour or an isolated family member who would appreciate the personal touch of a home-cooked meal.

Mitzvah Day Founder and Chair Laura Marks OBE said: “There is something life-affirming about coming together to do good.

In this crisis, particularly when we are isolated in our own homes, to congregate over a pan of vegetables felt so good. Knowing we are helping other people at the same time felt amazing.”

Maureen made her soup for Niku, a Romanian neighbour and the caretaker of a desolate local hostel, long closed down. He can cook only by microwave and has few amenities and very little English.

She said: “Whenever the tetradactyls who circle my terrace decide to simultaneously dump on the top of my car, Niku gets out the power hose, thus allowing me to see through crusted windows. My rich protein layered soup is my thank you for his kindness and a recognition that life is not universally kind to everyone equally.”

Joining Maureen and Laura in cooking

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were faith and society leaders including: Remona, who regularly stars on BBC Radio including the recent broadcast ‘A Virtual Ramadan’, said: “The fact that hundreds of people came online together to cook along with the wonderful Maureen Lipman, and provide the simple gift of soup for an isolated or vulnerable person, shows how essential every small act of kindness is to make our world feel greater. In these times of social distancing, we are uniting with a new urgency. It was an honour to join friends of many faiths in this heart-warming Mitzvah Day initiative.”

The event featured people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths, cooking in all parts

of the UK and overseas.

Twelve-year-old Samuel Segal of East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue, who is due to celebrate his barmitzvah in June, was one of many youngsters taking part. He said: “The cook-along was so much fun and it was nice to ‘meet’ a celebrity in a virtual way. It also felt good to make something for my grandma, who recently returned from hospital, as she likes to try my creations!”

Further Every Mitzvah Matters events are planned and will include a range of online sessions including family friendly activities.

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COMMUNITY 19

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20 FEATURE

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Advertorial

Disease prevention through the use of hybrid medicinal mushrooms learning to tap into. These diseases and conditions can be overcome or avoided through proper nutrition and exercise.

Each cell of the human body is composed of thousands of proteins and chemicals, expressing a myriad of chemical interactions occurring every second. These require specific catalysts (enzymes), which are provided from our food source.

GOING BACK TO OUR ROOTS IN NATURE

Alan Attridge

BY ALAN ATTRIDGE, FOUNDER QUANTUM HEALTH DISCOVERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

OUR CURRENT HEALTH CRISIS

Today’s world with its troubling health crises are forcing many people to wonder, “Am I doing all I can so that myself and my family can be as healthy as possible, in order to resist and even reverse disease?”

Good health and disease prevention are about providing the body’s cells with the essential tools to keep all cellular functions operating efficiently and effectively, in a harmonious, well-regulated balance.

The foundation of good health, according to modern medical science, now agrees with much of what our mothers and fathers traditionally told us: nutritious food, regular exercise, social connections, and restful sleep are the foundations for good health… yet there are situations when they are not enough.

Chronic diseases are a major factor in the continuous growth of medical care spending, with 75% of the associated costs allocated to those over 65. As the body ages, certain aspects of the immune system also decline such as redox molecules (Redox signalling molecules are the communication centres in your cells).

Toxins ingested from the environment and denatured foods also take their toll over the years. The body has an innate wisdom and resilience which we are

We, as humans, have evolved and learned to adapt with our individual chemistry set, based upon the food source around us.

We have evolved with these foods, and it is necessary not to deviate too far from the synergy between our “food” source, and our bodies. As little as two hundred years ago we were fundamentally an agrarian society. We grew a garden behind the house, we hunted for meat from the local forest, and we scavenged for mushrooms and berries from the forest. Fruits and vegetables are imperative to a healthy diet, but what our modern society does not get is a regular supply of the super-class of medicinal mushrooms. White and brown button mushrooms, commonly sold in the markets, are grown because they are easy and cheap to cultivate. While these store mushrooms can have healthful chemistry particularly if they are organic and clean from contaminants, they lack the abundance of chemistry found in specific hybrid medicinal mushrooms.

Specifically grown hybrid strains of medicinal mushrooms are essential to our good bio-health. These medicinal mushrooms provide a very unique chemistry, which mimics steroids, but are neither toxic nor dangerous. The mushrooms, therefore, provide antioxidants, vitamins B and D. Most importantly, they have very complicated sugar chemistry, which plug into the cell’s surface receptors causing an up-regulation and modulation of the immune system.

These medicinal mushrooms provide a very unique chemistry, which mimics steroids, but are neither toxic nor dangerous.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Our Immune System is a collection of mechanisms which protect against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumour cells. It detects and defeats a

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14 MAY 2020

14 MAY 2020

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 wide variety of agents including bacterial, viral, parasitic worms and cancer.

Our immune system has essentially two major parts: the innate, and the adaptive defence. The innate system is the body’s primary first line of defence providing an immediate response. Innate cell types include monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophiles, mast cells, and natural killer cells. The Innate System is triggered at the onset of infection and includes specific cellular memories of how the body has fought off similar infections.

Adaptive immunity is triggered in vertebrates when a pathogen evades the innate immune system and generates a threshold level of antigen. The adaptive system is comprised of T cells and the B cells: these are activated by the innate system.

These cells adapt their response during an infection to improve their recognition of the pathogen.

Several studies have also shown that they improve the body’s immune system defence against foreign invaders by enhancing the ability of macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells to respond to and fight a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungus, and parasites.

Cancers are normal cells of our body, which have subsequently become corrupt through many types of stresses placed upon them. One type of stress is oxidative stress caused by free radicals. UV and gamma radiation from the sun which destroy cell structure in an indiscriminate way. Another stressor is a lack of proper functional proteins, caused by improper manufacture and/or a lack of amino acids used to make proteins. Another stress is DNA fragmentation, caused by radiation and chemical teratogens from our environment. There are many other cellular stresses which cause our cells to fail partially or catastrophically. Our only defence against cancer is our powerful immune system. Everyone has cancer cells in their bodies daily. What keeps us from developing and dying from massive amounts of these corrupt cells is a strong immune system, which then targets and consumes cancer cells.

Our immune system is hugely complex and is constantly bombarded with billions of pathogens and corrupt cells. We would be overcome with infection in two days and would be likely dead within five, if not for our incredible and immensely powerful defence system. When our immune systems become weak or deficient, cancer cells can mask themselves by utilizing portions of our immune chemistry. Here is how it happens: When we get an infection or a wound, the first defence of the body is an inflammatory response.

When this occurs, the body rushes white blood cells to the wound. These white blood cells then summon complementary proteins to the area, signalling the cells at the wound site not to die. They signal the cells to reproduce rapidly to heal the wound area, to produce a special protein, so that the cell can replicate many more times than it normally would. These wounded or infected cells reproduce until other chemistry tells them to stop.

After about a week the immune system then down-regulates the interleukins and

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FEATURE 21 complement proteins, causing an anti-inflammatory response. This is the natural process. But when we have a chronic inflammatory condition, this is when a corrupt cancer cell has the opportunity to use the inflammatory response to its advantage by growing rapidly, producing tumours, and then migrating to other places in the body to take hold (metastasis). Fortunately for us, many of the medicinal mushrooms grown in sterile clean rooms contain chemistry which has been shown - and is published - in journal articles, to down-regulate this inflammatory reaction. These mushrooms produce this anti-inflammatory response. Two common causes of chronic inflammation are gum disease, and inflammation of the colon. Ingesting mushroom chemistry can prevent cancer from masking itself from our immune system. Since medicinal mushrooms significantly increase white blood cells, now the immune system has the direction and intensity to seek out and destroy existing cancer cells.

Radiation treatments (radiotherapy) and Chemotherapy are currently the common treatment options for cancer.

Although one is classed as targeted, both are actually nonspecific, doing collateral damage to healthy cells surrounding the tumour. Both treatments also depress the immune system. The rationale is that the body may eventually recover without the cancers. Unfortunately, many cancers have a nasty way of re-occurring a few years later, perhaps in a new location, and the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation may debilitate the immune system for many years.

A depressed immune system allows bacteria, viruses, and new cancer cells to proliferate. Then these hazardous drugs do damage to vital organs like kidneys and liver, and the effectiveness of chemotherapy is limited. Worsening the situation, biopsies of tumours are often taken surgically, creating yet further inflammatory response. The cancer cells can then use this inflammatory chemistry to further ‘hide’ from our immune system. Tumour metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer-associated deaths and are frequently inaccessible by chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy.

Peer reviewed research which is published in scientific journal articles show that medicinal mushrooms cause regeneration of liver and kidney tissue. When we provide the body’s cells with the essential chemistry tools, the body will heal itself.

The chemistry comes from quality foods, and mushrooms - unlike drugs - do not degrade body organs, but rather effect re-growth of tissue. Dr. Jacqueline Curzon experienced traditional treatments for pancreatic cancer with limited results. She now consumes the Immune Medicinal Mushroom blend and has seen her tests improve. There are many stories which people can read about on our website, Mycoldiscovery.com. For more scientific information on the research and benefits of medicinal mushrooms, please visit quanthealth.org.

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS CAN FAVOURABLY IMPACT OUR METABOLISM Our body’s energy source is provided

22 FEATURE from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

The carbohydrates are complex sugars and must be broken down by enzymes in our gut to produce simpler sugars which are then absorbed into our blood. Our modern food manufacturing processes have now developed soft drinks, which are nothing more than glucose water with flavour. This glucose is provided in an unnaturally high concentration. Day in and day out, high levels of glucose cause the cells to respond to this stress. It is possible to overwhelm the systems of the body.

The body is very adaptive and responds to chronic large amounts of glucose by downregulating the insulin receptors’ sensitivity. Insulin plugs into the receptor, to open the gate so glucose can flow into the cell. With the insulin receptor now desensitized, the glucose is unable to do that. High concentrations of glucose taken as ‘normal drinks’ chronically undermine our health and are a major

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 contributor to type 2 diabetes. American and European populations drink unlimited quantities of soda pop (fizzy drinks), which are universally available at all fast food outlets.

When the insulin receptor becomes desensitized, the body produces more insulin in the pancreas. This new insulin tries to plug into the cells insulin receptors to let glucose in. But the receptors are already saturated with insulin. Now the blood has high blood glucose and high blood insulin levels. The cells sensing that there is not enough ATP being produced – conclude that the body is being starved. Consequently the cells create new protein enzymes to break down muscle tissue to create more blood protein. This protein is then broken down into amino acids; the tissue also produces lipids, cholesterol, and carboxylic acids. The pH level of the blood decreases, blood pressure increases, and

plaques form on the arteries, because of thick polluted blood. All of the processes within the cells decrease, because there is not enough available ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) and redox molecules (Redox signalling molecules are the communication centres in your cells), and the nerves in the body suffer, and then begin to die through necrosis, because glucose is their only organic source which can produce ATP. This leads to loss of sight, memory loss, and poor healing.

The medicinal mushrooms further help the pancreas and liver to not become overworked, blood cholesterol levels decrease and the efficiency of all cells in the body improve. All because we have provided the body with the essential tools to heal itself. This chemistry is natural, it is provided at the correct biological ratios, as the body was intended to have.

And because the mushrooms have no direct action, but rather communicate

14 MAY 2020 through cell receptors, they are not toxic to any body organs. Mushrooms, fruits, and vegetables are safe whole foods and provide essential chemistry necessary to your ongoing good health. Good health and disease prevention are done by providing the correct biological ratios of essential inorganic and organic chemistry through a comprehensive diet before consumption.

This is an extract from a larger scientific paper by Alan Attridge. For the complete scientific article please email harmony. melody.2010@gmail.com To access Myshroom® products that came from the research of the Quantum Health Human Research Institute www.quanthealth.org. Product information contact 267-355-3925 in the USA and in the UK, please call 0800 038 5107 or email myshroom.eu@gmail.com.

From the heart of the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON My life has become a perpetual merry-go-round, it seems. I made a reference to a roller-coaster last time, and I now seem to have fallen off. So, what happened to the radiotherapy, you ask? Good question. My team reviewed my lung lesions for a third time and then came to the very unpalatable conclusion that in fact these lesions were now metastasis from my tumour, which in beginners lingo means the hateful, venomous pancreatic cancer cells have marched off during my ‘treatment holiday,’ and taken occupation up north.

I thought being in lockdown was pretty safe, for travel was not permitted, but no-one was checking the Carcinoma Express which was still running - ahead of schedule.

Jacqueline Curzon Consequently, radiotherapy and daughters has retreated to the wings.

Talk about up-down-upin my professional life, I then received down. So, it's a dismal and unhappy return to the chemotherapy suite the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, my parents became seriously ill and both died this week, but I refuse to be beaten. in short order. Of course, I didn't coral There was a time when things went these thoughts together instantaneously, downhill in short order. I won’t detail all but it did occur to me in retrospect that of it here, but a few years ago I had an as a person normally robust and up for accident which ruined one of my fingers any challenge, one must ask how much (not great for a classical musician) and a human being is expected to deal with, then promptly discovered I had a large to take on the chin and to keep bouncing bone tumour. We experienced redundanback? I am renowned for my joie-de-vivre cy, I lost a healthy baby to intra-uterine pneumonia, suffered professional bullying but think I have truly suffered enough. I would like a few more good times! in an unexpected arena and I recall then I think fondly of the classic film, ‘It’s a making a light-hearted remark that nothWonderful Life,’ (1946), based on a short ing else could hit me unless I were ‘to get story called, ‘The Greatest Gift.’ The film a death sentence.’ But I was so wrong. On stars James Stewart, who feels – through the back of yet another heinous chapter

circumstances beyond his control – that his life has hit rock bottom. He decides that his life is no longer worth living, and then an Angel (Henry Travers) comes down, in a very enigmatic human persona, and shows him the impact his departure will have - on his friends, his family and his children. The world is infinitely better with him still part of it, despite any human failings and faults he may have. It may be a Hollywood fiction, but it resonates with every one of us, and most likely the reason it is screened annually, to our delight. I cannot imagine what the world will be like for MY little children with my unintentional premature departure, and this is the pressing reason I am endeavouring to stay with them. I am not perfect, but then – who is?! Being a parent is a difficult job, but I love them so very much and want to be with them for many more steps of their journeys.

I haven’t been resting on my laurels to date, already taking a huge number of verified supplements, but I've now had to up the ante and take on further treatments. I am in discussions with a reputed medical scientist about adopting other complimentary strategies. I spend enormous amounts of time researching, and analysing data and alternative therapies because, although Big Pharma would like me just to consume their toxic therapies, often this is not enough, especially as my standard care team are not interested in anything out of the ordinary. The chemotherapy agents are so toxic, that treatment often fails because of acquired and

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debilitating neuropathy and toxicity, and rates for overall survival are very low.

When I read the stories of survivors of pancreatic cancer – maybe 2 years, maybe 10 - I find they've all been doing something a little bit unorthodox. They've been having alternative chemo regimes, consuming wheatgrass [Surviving the Death Sentence, Traysiah Spring], they've been doing offline, off-label medications, all with evidence they can make a difference [How to starve your cancer, Jane McClelland], they've been dabbling with plants, consuming vegetable drinks, adopting a pescatarian diet. There is an example of a man, literally at death’s door, who turned his life round at the last minute and is still here today, 7 years later. [Wallace Rose] In the USA, most hospitals have an Integrative Care Department, which rolls lots of these therapies together, but these don’t exist here in the UK. Our physicians, including GPs, stick rigidly to conventional methods which - in my case – will not be curative and may not add quality to my life. For immune, and integrative support, you are on your own. There is lots of research and scientific papers are out there, published by NCBI, BMJ and others. I’m happy to share these with anyone if you are in touch with me through the Weekly, who will pass your message on.

Now I've been advised to give up red meat, so this is something that I've taken to heart. In fact, I never eat it - so that's going to be easy. I am told to stay off dairy, but I don't eat much anyway. As for the vice of sugar, that's something I gave up early on this journey, which was quite hard, as it was my one sin. I remember writing, 'why would I want to feed my cancer glucose, glycogen and raw sugars, when all it's doing is feeding this ugly mutation of cancer cells?' The downside of that is that if you deprive the cancer cells of those fuels, they re-group and find an alternative way of getting energy. They really do!

14 MAY 2020 It's unsustainable for me to walk past W H Smiths, and even look at a Cadbury's Twirl- it does not make me want to dance; to look at a Curly Wurly - it puts me in a spin; to eat a Marathon - makes me feel I need to run one. My tumour seems to be spreading its poison regardless of my habits, so I'm getting really miffed. It needs to be hit hard with everything at my disposal.

Strength of mind, positivity, well-being, these are further attributes which evidently make a difference and most of those I have by the bucket load.

I remarked recently I would probably drink drain cleaner if it would help, but mercifully, there's no evidence for that!!

I'm not altogether sure I'm ready to convert myself to eating a diet of wheatgrass, no matter how good the reviews, but I am looking into it. I mentioned once before that I really need to exercise more - it's something I'm deplorable at, which is shocking, given I used to be able to run 1-2 miles in a very impressive time. (Army Days, if you've read my online blog) Now my exercise may consist of running a bath for the children. I jest, obviously, but whatever I do is plainly not good enough.

Since lockdown I take a walk, several

FEATURE 23

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I am extremely indebted to all those who have donated, helped with medication provision, and given sound medical advice… times a week, lasting at least an hour in the evening and keeping up a good pace.

I probably need a running machine or an adult hamster wheel. Or a running mate. Be in touch, any sympathetic power walkers.

Sometimes you meet a fellow pavement walker who regards you as the Corona Crusader, and they then stride purposefully into the middle of the street with oncoming cars to avoid you, in case you should purposefully cough as they saunter past. This is unsustainable moving forwards, even if the world has changed, because we need to regain a sense of normality. Let's assume we've all been exposed to it and we are going to be stronger

and more resilient. One cannot travel through an airport or a railway station, or be on a plane or train, and still observe ridiculous social distancing. Masks- maybe, metres – no. It’s a balance or risk versus reason. We are on a provisional route map to lift the deadlock of social lockdown, but it is still going to be a long haul.

Now I also have to re-plan my onward journey, with strategies new and diverse.

All the afore-mentioned tricks and treats earlier on the page will need to come into play, for failing is NOT an option. I have b’H many children, and for them to have me around for a year or two more, is something I need to aim for. I realise that my 3 little girls will probably likely reach high school without having a mother to attend parents night, train their choirs or celebrate their prize-givings or graduations.

I do not cry that I will not reach old age, indeed I didn't when they told me I would die early, for we will all certainly die. I just didn’t predict a sudden downturn like the one I have just been dealt, and not when I feel so healthy. I have beaten the odds this far, and I have recently added 3 major league players into my survival kit, all of which will be continued p”G, through your

incredible donations on the funding page.

I know some readers may have already helped, and I am extremely indebted to all those who have donated, helped with medication provision, and given sound medical advice in all quarters. Big ticket cancer-bashing therapies however come at a significant cost, exactly because they are not mainstream and not funded, and it's absolutely excruciating to ask for help.

With medical bills of around £1200 a week it is a massive undertaking. They don't come with a money-back guarantee either, but I am committing to doing them: what choice do I have??

The last few weeks have forced me to realise that this gargantuan battle for my survival needs perhaps a generous donor or group of sponsors who between them might cover the costs of treatment for perhaps a week, or a month. Can we Divide and Conquer? Will you help? You might regard it like sponsoring a brick in a new building, where each ‘brick’ may represent a building block in my life. You would be giving ME - The Greatest Gift.

Thank you once again for your support Jacqueline x

To support Jacqueline in her battle with pancreatic cancer, please go to: www.gofundme.com/f/jacqueline039s-front-line-cancer-battle-fund A Natural Health-Supporting Breakthrough More people are learning that Myshroom mushrooms have a mix of special chemistry which benefits the body’s ability to fight and prevent chronic diseases. In ancient texts originating in China over thousands of years ago is recorded that various species of mushrooms were used to treat various illnesses. We have found hybrid mushroom strains from universities that possess health supporting chemistry, and are considered “medicinal.” Myshroom® products include proprietary blends of hybrid-strains of extreme-quality medicinal mushrooms created in the labs of universities targeted to support the Immune and nervous systems. These products are the ultimate natural health improvement solution. Add the powder blends to your favorite foods and drinks to support your health, fitness, and life.

Benefits of Myshroom® Blends

The Science behind MyShroom®

Brings the body’s functions into balance: ➢ Supports the immune system ➢ Supports the modulation of the immune system ➢ Supports the nervous system ➢ Supports blood sugar balance ➢ Supports liver and kidney function ➢ Supports brain function ➢ Supports hormone function ➢ Supports fitness, exercise-recovery, skin-aging, and quality of life

Extreme-quality Pure, Organic Mushrooms

Made from proprietary hybrid-strains of medicinal mushrooms developed at university laboratories ➢ Grown in a sterile environment with sterile air, water and organic certified substrates (no soil used) ➢ Consists of proprietary blends of the whole medicinal mushrooms, with no extracts or chemicals ➢ Myshrooms are organic, vegan, non-GMO, glutenfree, soy free and an essential part of a diet

➢ During the growing process, the mushrooms exude unique chemistry to digest food from our pure organic substrates ➢ The natural chemistry contains beneficial enzymes, proteins, polysaccharides, other molecules and all the essential amino acids ➢ The chemistry found in the mushroom blends supports the immune and nervous systems ➢ Various molecules have been found that may cause the break down various gram-negative bacteria cell membranes causing cell death which are resistant to antibiotics ➢ The chemistry found in the mushrooms supports flow of glucose, adrenaline, and insulin into human cells ➢ Myshroom blends support cholesterol levels, ATP production in all cells, dilation of blood vessels and the absorption of free radicals ➢ Myshroom blends consist of 100% rare medicinal mushroom strains ➢ Medicinal mushrooms are a safe food to consume by the FDA

More information can be found at www.mycoldiscovery.com Products come in various formula blends: ➢ Immune Health, Neural & Cognitive Health, Liver Health and Blood Sugar Health Products come in various size packages: ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

1.3 pound, 20.8 oz., (590 grams), [236 teaspoons] container .65 pound, 10.4 oz., (295 grams), [118 teaspoons] container .43 pound, 6.9 oz., (196 grams), [78 teaspoons] container 2.7 grams per teaspoon Dosage averages from observations: 4 to 24 teaspoons a day

For pricing and to order: www.myshroom.com 267-355-3925 info@myshroom.com

Note: Myshroom® products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. All statements have not been evaluated by the FDA

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24 COOKERY

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Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com

Toasted Almond & Blackberry CheeseCake I love this purple and white combination of blackberries and cheese.

Make a day in advance so it has time to chill and the flavours to merge.

The secret to its light texture is cooking the cake on a low slow light which also helps to prevent cracking. Decorate just before serving for best results.

Preparation Time: 35 minutes Cooking Time 45 minutes plus 2 hrs cooling time Serves: 10 Ingredients Base 200g tea biscuits 75g toasted flaked almonds 1 teaspoon almond extract 150g melted butter Filling 675g medium fat soft cream cheese 180g caster sugar 75g plain flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 eggs 200ml sour cream 250g blackberry jam 25g toasted flaked almonds

Method 1) Preheat the oven to 200 C/ 180 Fan / Gas mark 6.

2) Line and grease a loose based 23 cm cake tin with baking parchment paper.

3) Place the base ingredients in a food processor and whizz together to form a fine crumbed mixture.

4) Transfer to the lined baking tin, pack firmly and bake for 10 minutes.

5) Whisk the cream cheese and sugar together until thick. Add the flour, vanilla extract, eggs and finally the sour cream and whisk again to combine.

6) Spoon the mixture into the tin with dollops of jam as you go. Smooth the top as gently as possible.

7) Bake for 10 minutes and then scatter over 25g flaked almonds.

8) Decrease the heat to 150C for a further 35 minutes.

9) Turn off the oven and leave to cool for about 2 hours. Transfer to the fridge to chill overnight.

10) Remove from the tin and carefully peel away the baking parchment paper.

To serve the stylish way: Dust with icing sugar and decorate with fresh blackberries.

100g fresh blackberries Icing sugar and cream to serve

The Joy Of Dairy on Shavuot

BY DENISE PHILLIPS Dairy foods are a popular choice at Shavuot. The most widely accepted reason for this is that when the Israelites were given the Torah at Mount Sinai on Shavuot, they were also given the rules of Kashrut and commanded only to eat meat which had been ritually slaughtered. Since none of the meat they had with them already was ‘kosher’ and as the Torah was given on a Shabbat when it is forbidden to slaughter animals, they could only eat dairy foods for

the rest of the day.

Our sages take this tradition even further, saying that receiving the Torah was a form of rebirth of our connection with G-d and one another. One miracle of childbirth is that a mother’s milk provides her newborn with all the nourishment that it needs to grow. Similarly, Torah is the milk which sustains man’s soul’s needs for spiritual growth.

Interestingly, ‘Chalav’, the Hebrew for milk has a gematria of 40 reminding us of the number of days and nights Moses went

up Mount Sinai.

And finally, of course, the children of Israel were off to the ‘Land of Milk and Honey’!

There is the why and why not about enjoying dairy over Shavuot. There are numerous benefits to having milk and milk products. Foods in the dairy group provide excellent nutrition for general good health and well-being. Dairy is a source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, magnesium, and zinc. All of these are vital for ensuring healthy

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bones, teeth, skin and growth. Non-dairy milks come in many varieties and are increasingly popular. However, they are nutritionally different from milk and its products so please make sure you are getting your calcium if you choose to substitute dairy milk.

Enjoy your cheesecakes, borekas or blintzes – they connect you with the spiritual and physical wellness.

Above is my recipe for toasted almond and blackberry cheesecake, a great tasting alternative to the traditional cheesecake.

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Isolated elderly can beat coronavirus loneliness

BY ORIT EYAL-FIBEESH Coronavirus lockdown has left millions of people across the UK feeling isolated – yet elderly people had been quietly suffering the effects of loneliness way before social distancing began.

Almost three-quarters of elderly people in the UK say they feel lonely, according to a survey of more than 1,000 people carried out by the Joe Cox Commission on Loneliness, and 200,000 elderly people have not had a single conversation with friends or family for a whole month according to another survey by the commission.

But there is a potential light at the end of the tunnel for elderly people yearning for more contact with loved ones, more friendships, more fun and a greater sense of community during this difficult time – and that light could be coming from their television sets.

A new company Sparko is offering a remarkably simple way for elderly people to stay connected through their TV. Using a simplified remote control, they can enjoy video and audio calls with family, friends, caregivers, and other local community members.

They can easily join live video classes and groups ranging from a Spanish lesson to fitness, mental wellbeing, cooking and art classes. There are also thousands of hours of bespoke videos and a Happy News channel to uplift their day.

Christine Scales, 72, from Brixton, who uses the Sparko service, says: “Quite honestly I wouldn’t be without Sparko because it has changed my life. I can ring anyone and we can see each other.

“I love dancing so I asked them to put some dance videos on and they did it.

I dance in my living room. I like doing exercises and now I can use these lovely exercise classes on my telly.”

Elderly people are often put off by having

to access smartphones or tablets and log in to apps such as Skype, WhatsApp or FaceTime to chat with family and friends – or searching YouTube and Google to find interesting videos or news – but none of that is required with Sparko’s simple solution.

“We wanted every elderly person to be able to use it straight away so they connect and enjoy being part of a community,” says

Orit Eyal-Fibeesh, CEO of Sparko. “Everyone knows how to use a TV remote control, and all of this – including help with daily tasks, and a dedicated coordinator to ensure everyone is happy and safe – is now available at the touch of a button in your home.”

The customer is provided with a bespoke plan according to their interests, so they can follow an enjoyable and mentally

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stimulating daily routine.

Jane Caldwell, CEO of AgeUK East London, says: “We love Sparko because it is a brilliant way to use the technology that all older people have in their own homes already – their television – to connect to activities, information and to each other.

“This was an opportunity to turn the reality that nearly 50 percent of older people say that a TV is their main form of company into a positive. Instead of having to learn to use new technologies which don’t feel familiar, with a simple to use remote control, Sparko opens the door to a range of tailored content with exercise and educational classes and great dramas including old movie classics.

“If an older person can’t attend their usual class we can live stream the class into their home and if they are nervous to attend a new class they can connect to someone who also wants to attend who can take them with them. Users can form friendship groups around similar interests or support groups to help with anything they are struggling with.

“Older people have been enjoying speaking to their sons and daughters through the video call function and reporting that it’s so much more personal than a phone call.”

Peace of mind for carers Whether you are a family member or a carer, you can rest assured that the elderly user is looked after by the Sparko community team. An app available on Android or iOS allows video calls to be made and photos and messages to be sent straight to their TV. You can regularly check in to make sure the person you look after is safe and well, and create diary reminders for important medications, birthdays and special occasions which pop up on the TV. For added security, the primary carer, usually a family member, provides initial contact details for trusted friends and family and must approve future friend requests from community members.

How it works Sparko provides a box connected to WiFi and the television set, along with a camera for video calls. The user can connect with their primary carer, usually a family member, as well as their family and friends on unlimited video and audio calls. A broadband connection is required.

The Sparko kit including Sparko TV box, remote control and camera costs £149.

Sparko can be easily installed by a family member or, if required, by a member of the Sparko team wearing full Personal Protection Equipment for £45. The Essential Plan subscription costs from £24 per month.

For further information, visit the sparko.tv website or call 0333 305 0182.

26 JUDAISM

14 MAY 2020

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com VE DAY Dear Rabbi I hope you are keeping well during this difficult time. I want to firstly thank you for your recent columns that have been both inspirational and informative.

My question is a more general one. Last week was VE day and while I acknowledge we all have a responsibility to pay gratitude to those who fought for our freedom, is it always necessary that we as a Jewish community need to put so much emphasis on it?

I mean more Jews acknowledge VE day than they do Chanukah or Purim. To me it always seems we do these things to blend in more with the non-Jewish world.

Rochel-Leah Dear RL Firstly, as you noted, it provides an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who laid down their lives for the sake of peace and harmony to reign supreme once more. And indeed, 75 years on it also provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the many who are thank G-d still every bit with us and to recognize their bravery and thank them for all that they have done for the sake of our country and beyond.

There can be no act more selfless, brave and more courageous than that of a soldier. They all wear medals on their lapels attesting to their bravery. In our world today where each passing generation becomes more indulged – they set the greater example of what it means to give of oneself, to extend oneself beyond comfort zones, to live not just for oneself but for the sake of others.

Eighty years ago the world was cast into darkness. Hopelessness crept in and despair was prevalent. So many lives were lost.

But it is the many soldiers who stepped up to fight back against the enemy, that gave all of us – all of humanity a second chance to live again, in a world where good triumphs over evil and light over darkness.

Today, we have a different form of those on the front lines.

Doctors and nurses, so many of them exposed to danger – many indeed who gave their lives for the sake of healing society. Each one of them is a soldier in their own right. They don’t have the same medals dangling from their PPE or whatever other uniform, but they too serve as a shining example of being so unbelievably dedicated for the sake of the greater good.

Really, to some extent we are all on the front lines – we are all caught up in the midst of a battle that we wanted no part of and the struggle is great for each in their own personal and individual way. Some physically, others economically, emotionally or psychologically.

VE Day was the day Europe had to start working out how to reconstruct life after the war’s carnage. We too will be challenged to build from where we are now to whatever the new normal is going to be. We will have each endured some kind of darkness in whichever form and we will be tasked with the mission of generating new light as well. We can do it! We can look to the veterans and be inspired by them to know we can do it.

We can look to our front liners today and all join in the task of

Tehillim Psalm 141

bringing healing – into our personal lives, into our communal lives and indeed into our world.

COVID-19 Dear Rabbi Do you think this pandemic is intended to change us as a people? Is that G-d’s greater plan in all this?

Lora Dear Lora I’m not G-d nor a prophet to whom G-d communicated the “plan” in all this. But I can tell you that this “could” serve as a reset for humanity – only it very much depends on us. Rabbi Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam, otherwise known as the Klausenberger Rebbe, was a giant of a man. He lost all of his family during the Holocaust yet in the midst of it all he remained a tower of strength and support to countless other Jews. (He also went on the build the Laniado Hospital in Israel).

A little while after the Holocaust he was seen crying. Someone approached and asked: “When we were in the midst of it all you demonstrated such incredible fortitude. Why are you crying now?” The sacred Rabbi replied: “We endured so much pain, suffering and loss I was certain it was a prelude to Moshiach. Yet here we are all this time on and he has still not come.”

I would say that this current crisis has certainly generated a lot of incredible kindness, benevolence and really brought out the extraordinary in so many wonderful ways. There are many unsung heroes behind the scenes. The two that really stand out in my mind

are those working throughout the burial society. This includes the Chevra Kaddisha and alongside them the superintendents who work on the grounds. They have been on the frontlines of so much bereavement, sometimes dealing with burials every half hour. They certainly deserve our immense gratitude.

The other heroes are our children. Think about it: everything they have come to regard as normal was ripped away in an instant; all rules changed, without them even having a chance to prepare; and they are not allowed to see their friends, their teachers or visit family members.

If this situation is so difficult for us as adults, spare a thought for the little (and the not so little) people. Their daily routine has been turned upside down, they

have no bell to tell them what class they have to go to now, or when is break time. They have to adapt to a new way of learning and doing homework, with their mom or dad as the teacher.

But, amid all of this, our children have stood tall, accepted the challenges and expectations, and done what is expected of them.

They are being incredibly brave while trying to weather this uncertain storm and I, for one, want to salute them and commend them for their bravery.

As for the rest of society who have been extending themselves above and beyond the call of duty in helping others, it only remains to be seen whether this will be maintained when please G-d we emerge from this chaos. If not, that too would be a crying shame.

Here’s hoping!

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

This Psalm is a refuah sheleima for Aron Shmeul Yeshaya ben Tovah and for Refoel Chaim Menachem Ben Leah (Added name Refoel)

In this week’s psalm, we are taught an important lesson for life. During a crisis, even as we pray for our very lives, we must always remember to also ask for Hashems help to protect ourselves from even the slightest trace of sin.

‘Shitah Hashem, shamra lfi.. Al tat libi ldavar rah, lhitolel allilot bresha.. – ‘Hashem, post a sentry for my mouth, Let not my heart incline towards a thing that is evil, to perform acts that are evil.’ Even during troubled times when many people would easily forgive the king for having bad thoughts against wicked people, David prays to Hashem to help him guard his tongue.

There is a story told about a former rabbi of Kovno, who was wrongly hated by a well to do member of the community, for no good reason. Everyone in the town knew it and whenever they were in the same room, the elderly man always ignored the Rabbi.

One day to the surprise of the community, the rabbi went up to the old man and shook his hand and enquired as to how he was. They conversed for a few

minutes and afterwards some close confidants of the rabbi rebuked him and said that he should not have spoken to such a wicked man.

The rabbi swallowed his pride and remained silent. A few weeks later a neighbouring town of Jews had a wicked decree thrust upon them by the local government that they would all have to leave within a few days, never to return. The rabbi knew that the old man knew some people in that town’s government and after a gentle prod the old man contacted his friends and the decree was averted.

The rabbi returned to his friends and asked them what would have happened to the Jewish residents of that town if he had not made peace with the old man. Enough said.

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

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Behar Bechukotai RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

THEY ARE ALL IMPORTANT

The double sidra for this Shabbat ends (Lev. 27:34) as it began (Lev. 25:1), with the words Har Sinai – Mount Sinai.

Quoting the Sifra, Rashi says that it was not merely the Decalogue but all the laws of the Torah that were given at Mount Sinai, and they were highlighted as needed.

Ibn Ezra disputes this and says the laws were given at various places during the sojourn in the Wilderness.

The lesson we are meant to learn from Rashi is that the Torah makes no distinction between the status of its laws.

When Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi says in Pir’kei Avot says (2:1) that there are lighter and heavier laws, this distinction is not real but a matter of perception. To prove the point, some translations insert the word “seemingly” before each category.

The point is that to human beings some commandments seem rather trifling and others highly serious, but we are obliged to regard them all as G-d-given and important.

The Pesikta Rabbati 121b gives us a parable.

A king employed labourers to work in his orchard but did not tell them whether one category of plants would be better paid than the others because otherwise the workers would have neglected some plants and over-loved the others.

PLEASE SIR, MAY I HAVE SOME MORE? A verse in the sidra reads, “You shall eat your bread until you have had enough, and you shall dwell in your land in safety” (Lev. 26:5).

In line with a rabbinical comment that says this applies to the righteous, the Baal Shem Tov quoted from the Psalms the words, “Let the humble eat and be satisfied” (Psalm 22:27).

Those who are not so humble, he suggested, should not eat too much. Otherwise their full stomachs will be accompanied by such a puffed-up sense of their own importance that they will be unable to live at peace with the world.

This applies to other things as well as food. The more you have, the more you want. You can never be at home or feel safe in a world in which you always want more.

When Oliver Twist said, “Please Sir, may I have some more?”, he was hungry - not greedy. Greed is the problem.

RATIONALE OR RESPONSE

The pandemic has shaken everyone in every nation. We are all affected and scared.

When it is over – with G-d’s help! – we will all want the international community to find ways of sensing and if possible preventing such horrific things.

In the meantime we all have questions about how it started and whether there were any warning signs.

Asking questions is fair enough for the long term. At this stage, more important than answers about who, where, why and what, is to find a response.

In connection with the Holocaust, great thinkers – Soloveitchik, Berkovits and Fackenheim – said it was not a time for answers but responses.

For the present we cannot hug and kiss each other but we can obey instructions, honour the medical and auxiliary experts who work so hard to protect us, be in touch with each other in “virtual” ways, say T’hillim and pray for G-d’s mercy.

RULES FOR EMPLOYERS

We learn a great deal about labour law from the principle of the sh’mittah, the seventh year, and the yovel, the jubilee year.

Every seven years the land shall lie

fallow as “a sabbath to the Lord”, and after seven times seven years, there is to be a jubilee year when “you shall proclaim freedom in the land to all its inhabitants” (Lev. 25:10).

The P’nei Y’hoshua remarks that the verse says, “to all its inhabitants”, not merely “to all its workers”, because the freedom is not for employees alone but for employers too.

But surely the employers need no release from work?

Surely an employer can live in luxury without lifting a finger to do any physical labour!

One answer might be to point to the example of Boaz in the Book of Ruth. His workers were busy bringing in the harvest, and one might have thought he could have sat comfortably at home, leaving it all to them.

But this is not what he did: he came to the field; he greeted them with the words, “The Lord be with you!” and they responded, “The Lord bless you!” (Ruth 2:4).

He may not physically have worked with them, but he knew, respected and appreciated them, and his presence uplifted their morale and made them feel that they and their work were important.

In such circumstances it is unlikely that they had industrial disputes and inconceivable that labour and management would feel they were on opposite sides.

The P’nei Y’hoshua gives a somewhat different but parallel explanation of the use of the words “to all its inhabitants”.

The employers felt a sense of freedom by means of giving freedom to their workers.

The rabbis say, “He who acquires a servant acquires a master over himself” (Kidd. 20a).

JUDAISM 27

This could be taken cynically, since having a labour force can add to a person’s headaches. But understood charitably, as it surely can be, it suggests that a good employer is like Boaz and is concerned with his workers’ and their families’ wellbeing and not simply his own.

Naturally, not every employer is such a tzaddik. Many will say, “I’m a businessperson, not a philanthropic society.

I’m in it to make money and to put bread on my own family’s table.”

There is no problem with management looking after its own interests, but it also entails responsibility..

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 37 RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN Ramchal now details the three ways that a Chassid shows love to Hashem.

The first is “D’veikus” - literally, “clinging”. It’s important to know that this is a Mitzvah that all Jews are commanded, not only the greatest. As Ramchal describes it, the Chassid only wants to feel a closeness to G-d in all their actions; however, he writes that at the very least, the Chassid attempts to do so whilst serving G-d. So one can put the Schach on their roof whilst listening to songs that evoke feelings of closeness to G-d.

One can infuse even mundane activities with passion, if they are mindful of G-d.

We are even taught that a sage of the Talmud was adamant that he hadn’t even noticed a poisonous lizard by his feet

whilst praying, so great was his level of “D’veikus” .

The second is happiness. “Ivdu es Hashem b’Simcha”, exclaimed King David in Tehillim. How joyful the Chassid is at the very opportunity to stand before G-d who is so loving and all-powerful and to perform His mitzvot which each

have a value greater than all the wealth in the world! “The king has brought me to his room” says King Solomon, “Let us rejoice and be happy with you”. The further in to the “rooms of knowledge of G-d” one gets, says Ramchal, the more happiness they experience experiencing!

We read in the Parsha about the

… when the Chassid sees G-d’s name, or His Torah or Rabbis being mocked, they are the first to stand up and cry out in defence of their beloved.

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unfortunate curses that befall the nation when not serving G-d and in Parsha Ki Tavo the extra detail is given, “(This befell you) for not serving G-d with happiness”.

Finally, the Chassid shows his love of G-d by acts of zealously. One who loves their parent or their spouse or friend will never put up with seeing them brought to shame. Likewise when the Chassid sees G-d’s name, or His Torah or Rabbis being mocked, they are the first to stand up and cry out in defence of their beloved.

Obviously, protesting against the wicked or misguided must be done sensibly (perhaps inwardly first…) but the bottom line is, it bothers a person to see someone they love being disregarded or worse, desecrated.

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London Treasures launches 2nd Fine Judaica Auction Have you ever felt you would like to own a piece of Jewish history, or a letter or inscription penned in the hand of a famous tzaddik? Or perhaps you had a famous relative and wish to own something that would connect you to him? Maybe you cherish the thought of learning Torah from a sefer used by talmidei chachamim for hundreds of years, probably learning by candle-light - possibly sometimes even while in fear for their lives? Well, here is your opportunity!

Following London Treasures’ launch

at its successful public Judaica auction in January, founder and director Naftali Knobloch, now presents another fascinating collection of sefarim, old letters, documents and other Judaica collectables for the forthcoming 18th May sale. Due to current circumstances, this sale will be an online auction and not at a public venue, but with options of telephone bidding and placement of advanced bids through the auctioneer’s offices. Viewing of sale items is by appointment only.

The attractive auction catalogue, in which each of the 237 items is fully described and illustrated, will surely whet the appetite of Judaica collectors and others.

Each item has its own distinct attraction, whether it is a first edition of a classic Torah work, a sefer used by an outstanding tzaddik, or a letter that reveals information about a historic event.

The auction will take place on 18th May at 5.00 pm London time. To view all sale items and to register to bid in the auction

It is impossible to do justice to the wealth and variety of collectors’ items included in this sale within a short newspaper article. But the following should give readers a taste and a desire to know more, by obtaining the catalogue and/or viewing the items online and hopefully even participating as successful bidders:

• A sefer bearing the ownership inscription of the great Rav Nassan Adler of Frankfurt, the famous rebbe of the Chasam Sofer, and a first edition of Dagul Me’revava, by the Noda Biyehuda that belonged to his son Rav Yakov’ka, with marginal notes in his handwriting, a volume of Panim Me’iros with a manuscript note by the author, and a sefer with an ownership inscription of Rav Yehuda Aszad of Szerdahely.

• Other valuable letters include items written by the Minchas Elazar of Munkacz, the Satmarer Rebbe – Rav Yoel Teitelbaum (appealing for funds for the Bnos Yerusholayim Girls School in London), and the Beis Yisrael of Ger (an interesting letter addressed to Rav Silberberg of Pittsburg).

• First editions and rare editions include: A fine complete copy of the very rare Augsburg 1540 edition of the Arba’a Turim (in which the publisher corrected many errors found in earlier prints using a copy of the Arba’a Turim belonging to Rav Avraham of Prague). The first print of the classic Meshech Chochma of Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk. First edition of Derush Chidushei Halevana, by Rav Yomtov Lippman Heller, the author of Tosfos Yomtov. A number of rare Haggados.

• First edition of classic chassidic work Ohev Yisrael, printed at the renowned Shapira press in Zhitomir in 1863.

• A number of other fine prints from the Zhitomir press include a set of Chumashim, Machzor Leshalosh Regalim and Tikun Leil Shavuos. Many tzadikim were particular to pray from sidurim and machzorim etc printed at this press operated by the distinguished grandsons of Rav Pinchas of Koritz, where all employees were G-d fearing Jews.

• Handwritten letters include interesting items by prominent Hungarian rabbonim, among them: Rav Shimon Sofer – Schreiber son of the Chasam Sofer and Rav of Mattersdorf and Krakow, the Shevet Sofer of Pressburg, Rav Yehoshua Buksbaum – famous Rav and Rosh Yeshiva of Galanta, Rabbi Shimon Grunfeld - the Maharshag, Rav Shimon Sofer of Erlau (known as ‘Rav Shimon Hatzaddik’), Rav Ahron Teitelbaum of Volove.

• Montefiore collection: Fascinating items associated with the great 19th

• Rare American Hebrew prints include a Tanach published in Philadelphia in 1853 with an English translation by Isaac Leeser - leading 19th century American orthodox Jewish teacher, minister and communal activist. This was the first English translation of Tanach by a Jew and was written in accordance with the teachings of Chazal in order to replace the ‘King James’ Bibles in use by many Jews in the Western world at that time.

• A number of ‘Segula’ sefarim, declared by tzadikim to bring protection to the home in which they are kept.

These include: Beis Chachma - a commentary on Shir Hashirim

by Rav Yeshaya Yaakov of Olesko, which the Imrei Yosef of Spinka writes is a Segula for protection from plague and illness, with similar blessings expressed by the Rebbes of Sieniawa, Bobov, Belz and Dolina, in their haskamos.

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visit Londontreasures.bidspirit.com. For telephone bidding and other enquiries call: 0203 827 6699 or email at: Londontreasuresauction@gmail.com.

All phone lines will be open during the auction. Viewing of individual lots will be by appointment only.

London Treasures also welcomes enquiries from members of the public considering submitting antique Judaica to future auctions, and would be happy to inspect individual items and larger collections by appointment.

century philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore include letters written by Rav Menachem Mendel Panet – the Rebbe of Dezh, 15 letters by Rav Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenburg – author of Hakesav Vehakabala, letters signed

by Rav Zundel Salant and Rav Shmuel Salant together with other leading Yerushalayim rabbanim, and a historic letter documenting the transmission of huge sums to the poor of Eretz Yisrael by the great Rav Moshe of Kobrin. In addition to these letters, there is a set of two large English porcelain decorated dinner dishes, used by Sir Moses Montefiore and bearing the Montefiore crest.

• Letters from famous Western European rabbonim include those by Rav Shimshon Refael Hirsch of Frankfurt, Rav Yitzchak Dov Bamberger of Wurzburg, Rav Mordechai Rottenberg of Antwerp and many others.

• Lithuanian Jewry is well represented with six letters by Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski of Vilna, a letter by Rav Yitzhak Ze’ev Soloweitchik of Brisk (written in 1939, asking Rav Chaim Ozer to obtain an inhaler that he required), the Or Sameach of Dvinsk and the Rogatchover Gaon, amongst others.

• Anglo Jewish items include Rav David Nieto’s anti-Sabbatean work Eish Das – London 1715, the first edition of Selichos published in England London 1770, sets of 19th century London Machzorim, letters by Rav Eliyahu Lopian and Rav Nachman David Landinsky – first Rosh Yeshiva of Gateshead, correspondence with Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Herzog regarding the rabbinate of London’s Machzikei Hadass community in 1955, interesting letters sent to Rav Aba Werner and Rav Tzvi Hirsh Ferber.

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Behar Bechukotai

Behar Bechukotai

Did you notice the days are getting longer? Shabbat afternoon seems to stay awake later than us!

Well, it’s a good job, because this week we will be very busy with two Sidrot - Behar and Bechukotai! So much is contained in these and maybe you are familiar with some of its lessons already!

Behar means on the mountain and the entire Torah and it’s Mitzvahs was given on a very humble mountain - Har Sinai and Shemitta is no exception.

Shemitta and Yovel are years that the land must rest, Shemitta falling every seven years and Yovel after forty nine years.

The Parsha also contains the laws of

doing business honestly - not cheating in business and treating workers and servants honestly.

Bechukotai, which is the second of the two Sidrot, discusses all the beautiful things that happen to the Jewish people if they are careful to keep the Mitzvot and learn Torah, and also sadly the opposite.

We are so grateful to Hashem for giving us the opportunity to serve Him. And we ask for strength and good health in order to continue doing so. Did I hear you say, “Chazak Chazak V’nitchazek” - Yes! It’s the end of the third book of the Torah.

Let’s hope to say these words even louder in shul next time! Amen!

Tangram Challenge!

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BLESSINGS • CURSES • FALLOW • INTEREST • REDEEM • SEVENTH • SHEMITAH • WALLED

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

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30 YOUTH

14 MAY 2020

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Behar Bechukotai

In a nutshell This week we are in for yet another double sidra. Behar and Bechukotai are both fascinating and dramatic. The opening Mitzva of Behar is of course Shemitta, the laws surrounding a field in Eretz Yisrael. Every seventh year the land is to rest. All produce, grain and fruit must be left free for all to eat, including animals. If one guarded their field illegally, the produce is prohibited to eat. So, as with all produce from the holy land, one must always seek Rabbinic advice prior to eating it, for sadly, not all are aware sufficiently of the laws of Shemitta.

The land of Israel belongs to G-d, so we must remember to adhere to all laws surrounding it. Every seventh cycle of seven years introduces another sabbatical year called, “Yovel”. So it’s another year where the land must rest and all Hebrew slaves went free as does land sold return to its original owner. A shofar is sounded.

The parsha continues with the laws surrounding land. As we’ve mentioned, once the yovel arrives, land

returns to its original owner, so one must ensure when selling land that a fair price is agreed upon for if it’s overpriced, it’s unfair on the buyer for he may only have a small number of years ownership.

All this limitation on working the field during Shemitta and Yovel may lead one to worry - from whence cometh my bread? Worry not, says Hashem, I will ensure that your field produces masses of grain in the sixth year which will carry you through til the eighth! Wow! When buying and selling anything (even cans of coke) make sure you don’t rip off the buyer. Also, it’s a mitzvah to support your brother or sister and the entire nation are like one family.

Here’s an interesting Mitzvah - don’t lend, borrow or be party to a loan that includes interest. We have the laws of how to treat slaves, which today may sound a bit old-fashioned but one must be aware that in the Torah days it was a very common practice, and the Torah and our sages were ahead of their times when they issued

Word Wheel

guidance on how to treat a slave properly. (Any other law system from three-two-one thousand years ago demanded a day off work every week for a slave?!)

Bechukotai, the second sidra is the one that starts with blessings for keeping and learning the Torah and its Mitzvot and the numerous curses for not keeping it properly. There’s loads more detail about what happens when things go wrong compared to what happens when things go right and one reason for this is to drive home the message that life as an obedient good-hearted person may be simple and plain, less exciting, but that itself is a blessing, whereas once one deviates from the right path they often run into so much mess.

Never give up, though, for Hashem always remembers our dear ancestors Abraham Yitzchok and Yaakov, and will one day send us a redeemed in memory of all the kindness they showed G-d and His people forever!

Smile and spread blessing wherever you go!

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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

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

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! abs bar bat bee bet bit

rib tab abet bait bare bars

base bats bear beat beer bees

best beta bets bias bite bits

brat ribs stab tabs abets baits

bares bears beast beats beers beets

beret beset biter bites brats sabre

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tribe barest batter beater berate berets

better biters bitter braise rabies rebate

tribes batters battier beaters berates betters

bitters rebates batteries

14 MAY 2020

YOUTH 31

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Q: What do you call an old snowman?

A: Water!

Q: What kind of haircut does a bee get?

A: Buzzzzzcuts!

Q: What part of the fish weighs the most?

A: The Scales!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. Why did the boy bury his torch?

3. Where does Friday come before Thursday?

Q: What did the mouse say to the keyboard?

A: You’re my type!

2. What starts with a P, ends with an E and has thousands of letters?

3) The Dictionary 1. Because his Batteries died

2)The post office.

1. Get over it 2. Lemonade 3. Crossroads THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

4. Fat chance 5. I understand 6. Two black eyes

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