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NORWOOD WELCOMES DOWN’S SYNDROME BILL BY DAVID SAFFER
Norwood has welcomed the government backing a proposed Down Syndrome Bill to provide people of all ages with Down’s syndrome with equality. The UK would be the first country to introduce such legislation should the bill become law. The Bill puts people with Down’s syndrome on an equal footing with other minority groups to ensure that councils and public bodies such as schools, NHS organisations, social care services and job centres are required to meet the specific needs of people with the condition. “This area is long overdue as people with Down’s syndrome increasingly live longer lives, in line with our ageing population,” Norwood CEO Dr Beverley Jacobson said. “It is essential that they are given a voice and empowered to be part of meaningful conversations
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
around their future care to ensure that their care is needs-specific and age-appropriate.” She added, “People with Down’s syndrome have a variety of needs and abilities and it is essential that people are treated as individuals and that public bodies and care providers alike are able to determine what care and support each individual needs on a case-by-case basis in order to enable them to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. As
well as providing a pathway to appropriate person-centred care, we support legislation to raise awareness of Down’s syndrome and the abilities of individuals born with the condition in order to facilitate their full inclusion into society.” Dr Jacobson concluded, “As a charity supporting people with a wide range of learning disabilities, empowering each individual to live full and fulfilling lives, we look to this legislation as a step towards full and broad inclusion of all people with learning disabilities in society.” Former cabinet minister Dr Liam Fox proposed the bill. Around 750 babies are born with Down’s syndrome every year and there are an estimated 40,000 people in the country living with the condition. The average life expectancy for a person who has Down’s syndrome is between 50 and 60 with a small number of people living into their seventies according to the Down’s Syndrome Association.
TERROR ATTACK IN JERUSALEM
PHOTO: YWN
A terrorist was shot dead in a suspected terror attack at Ateret Cohanim Yeshiva, Jerusalem last night. Two Border Police, a woman and man, both 20, received light injuries. Israel Police said the suspected attacker was a 16-year-old from East Jerusalem who wrote on social media “remember me well” before the shock attack. MDA Paramedics were called to the Old City after a report of the attack where they provided medical care and transferred the officers to Hadassah University Hospital to treat their upper body wounds.
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Israel will act against Iran warns Bennett BY DAVID SAFFER
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Israel will not shirk taking military action against Iran if necessary as Tehran and world powers are set to restart talks over the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons programme in Vienna this month. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has called for a tough stance against the Iranian regime ahead of the high profile gathering. And Israel’s PM has warned the IDF is prepared for any scenario to protect Israel’s borders. Speaking at a military drill by the IDF ‘Ga’ash’ Division with Defence Minister Benny Gantz, Bennett explained, “We are dealing with Iran and its proxies, in Lebanon and Syria. It does not matter what occurs between Iran and the major powers. We are concerned by the fact that there is not enough firmness in the face of the Iranian violations, Israel will defend itself, by itself.” Israel’s leader added that the recently passed state budget allows the IDF to train “continuously and intensively” and invest in whatever was necessary to prepare for the next confrontation. “We are surrounded by security challenges and the goal is to utilise periods of relative quiet to build up strength,” Bennett continued, “We are preparing for various scenarios, near and far.” Gantz backed Bennett and appealed to world powers to act. Some 3,000 soldiers have prepared for mountainous terrain and combat in urban areas. “We are monitoring everything that is happening on every front,” explained Gantz. “We currently see Iran’s policy both inside Iran vis-a-vis its nuclear programme, and its strengthening outside Iran, and its influence in Syria and Lebanon.” He added,
“The world needs to take action against Iran and Israel needs to continue to do what it needs to on all fronts in general and on the northern front in particular.” IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi, GOC Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram, “Ga’ash” Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Dan Newman and senior IDF commanders were also at the exercise. In related news, reports surfaced this week that Iran had resumed production of equipment for advanced centrifuges during August at an assembly plant in Karaj, a city west of Tehran. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Gantz and Director of Mossad David Barnea met with US Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley this week to overview Israel’s position. Lapid noted that the Vienna nuclear talks were a sham that allowed Iran time to develop its nuclear aspirations. According to the US State Department, Malley’s visit to Israel was to “coordinate approaches” on a range of concerns with Iran including its “destabilising activities in the region” and upcoming round of talks for a return to compliance with the JCPOA deal. The Vienna talks are the first since Iran’s government under President Ebrahim Raisi took power. Western diplomats have warned without an understanding of material Iran has it is harder to reach a deal. Malley is also visiting the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Bicom noted that the IAEA understands Israeli concerns over Iranian activities not being fully tracked. IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi hopes to visit Iran before the talks aiming to resolve access to Karaj to replace cameras and for an explanation over traces of uranium at undeclared sites.
Shadow Minister meets Jewish leaders Jewish organisations have met with Shadow Minister for Disabled People Vicky Foxcroft with social care at the top of the political agenda, Under discussion was staff retention, a requirement for staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and Labour’s approach to social care and disability reform. Kisharon Chief Executive Richard Franklin
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said there had been a “constructive and frank dialogue” on important issues of policy which was welcome. The meeting was organised by the Jewish Leadership Council. Other participants included Norwood CEO Beverley Jacobson, Langdon CEO Neil Taylor, Bernie Garner, Director of Community Services at The Fed and the JLC’s Daniel Kosky. WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 04 News 13 Opinion 14 Games 15 Community 26 Features
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WIZO releases disturbing domestic violence stats BY LEAH WAXLER Domestic violence in Israel rose by 315 per cent in 2020 according to a WIZO study ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th. WIZO collected data from government ministries, State Comptroller’s office, Israel Police and Israel Prison Service. Twenty-six women were murdered in Israel last year compared to 17 in 2019. Of the women murdered, 13 were killed by partners, compared to five in 2019. Four of the women killed had filed a complaint with police, 31% of suspects were known to police. Calls to the domestic violence hotline increased from 2,286 calls two years ago to 5,866 in 2020, a 157% increase. The number related to spousal violence and rose alarmingly from 688 to 2,853, a 315% hike, in the same period. Rivka Neumann, WIZO’s Division for the Advancement of Women, said the increase in domestic violence affected all sectors of Israeli society and was linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She reportedly said. “During lockdowns women and children found themselves stuck inside homes with an abusive person. There was no way for them to go outside.” Israel Police registered 20,140 violence offences and threats between couples in 2020, an 11.6% rise on 2019. Domestic violence also rose over the same period for male victims by 43%. Neumann hopes statistics will improve post-pandemic though family issues will continue, particularly individuals affected by PTSD. And she has called on the Israeli government to set up long-term programmes as more families will have entered the cycle of violence. World WIZO chairperson Anita Friedman appealed to the government to combat a “real plague.” “If a national state of emergency is not declared, and if government ministers’ schedules are not put on hold in a national effort to stop the bloodshed and suffering that are being passed down from generation to generation, then we have failed as a society,” she reportedly said.
18 NOVEMBER 2021
Dame Margaret appointed APPG co-chair Dame Margaret Hodge is co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Jews. The veteran Labour MP for Barking was unanimously elected and succeeds Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North, who stepped down due to his promotion to the Shadow Cabinet. The Board of Deputies, which provides the secretariat to the APPG, approached Dame Margaret about the post. Her cochair will continue to be Conservative MP, Christian Wakeford.
During the EGM, Parliamentarians heard from Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl, Michael Wegier and Amanda Bowman. Dame Margaret said issues of key importance to British Jews must be addressed. Ms van de Zyl noted Dame Margaret was not just a part of the Jewish community but admired for defending the community. The Board provided updates on shechita, coroners and the community’s response to Covid-19.
CAA concern over Holocaust survey BY DAVID SAFFER Over half Britons polled in a survey are unaware six million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany poll found that under a quarter of 2,000 UK adults asked thought two million Jews or fewer perished in the Nazi genocide. Although 89% of respondents were aware of the Holocaust and 75% knew it involved the genocide of the Jews the same figure did not know about the Kindertransport. Other figures showed that 67% wrongly believed the British Government allowed Jewish immigration to the UK, just over 50% believed fewer people care about the Holocaust than in the past whilst most felt
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another Holocaust could happen. Around 90% believe it is important to continue to teach about the Holocaust. Campaign Against Antisemitism are deeply concerned about the figures. “This is frighteningly fertile ground for the cultivation of Holocaust denial,” a spokesman said. “Clearly, there is a great deal more to do in the field of Holocaust education. That a majority of respondents believed that another Holocaust could happen today underscores the urgency of the fight against antisemitism, both through raising awareness and, crucially, zero-tolerance enforcement of the law.” A survey by the organisation in 2020 found that 32% of 18-39-year-olds in Britain were unable to name a concentration camp during World War Two.
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Oxford University in Mosley donation outrage BY ADAM MOSES Jewish charities have called on the University of Oxford and St Peter’s College, Oxford not to “honour or use” a £6 million donation from a Trust set up by Max Mosley for his son. Mosley’s fortune originated from his father, Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of notorious antisemitic British Union of Fascists. Mosley, who died earlier this year, was involved with his father’s post-war Union Movement during the late 1950s and 1960s. The donation was to bestow the Alexander Mosley Professor of Biophysics Fund. St Peter’s College was expected to benefit from a £5 million boost for a student block named Alexander Mosley House. UJS and Oxford Jewish Society have expressed distress over news of the donation. Mosley, who died earlier this year, set up the trust a decade ago in the name of his son, Alexander, an alumnus of St Peter’s College who died of a drug overdose. The Jewish charities have written to both the University and College, stating, “We find it extraordinary that, at a time when the university and its colleges are reviewing their legacies and making more efforts to be inclusive of minorities, your institutions could readily accept contributions from a notorious fascist family that has caused immense pain to the Jewish community within living memory and whose fortune
derives from a man who strove to see the antisemitic policies of Adolf Hitler implemented in this country.” The student bodies are “at a loss” to understand how a Jewish student will react to being taught by a professor or live in accommodation celebrating a family whose patriarch led violent marches through Jewish neighbourhoods and married his wife at Joseph Goebbels’s house in Berlin in the presence of Adolf Hitler. Signed by 10 national and local charities, the letter has appealed to Oxford’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Louise Richardson, and master of St Peter’s College, Prof. Judith Buchanan, “in the strongest possible terms” to apply a portion of the funds to education about antisemitism delivered by a credible organisation, to dedicate some funds for Jewish life on campus, and St Peter’s in particular, confirm no project, including the endowed chair and student accommodation will honour or use the Mosley family name. Signatories include AJEX, The Jewish Military Association, Campaign Against Antisemitism, Community Security Trust, Generation 2 Generation, Holocaust Educational Trust, Jewish Leadership Council, Oxford Chabad Society, Oxford Jewish Society, Simon Wiesenthal Centre, Europe and Union of Jewish Students. Oxford JSoc President, Ore Gazit, and Vice President, Jack Olsburgh, in a
Oswald Mosley
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
statement, wrote, “The Mosley family name is synonymous with fascism and antisemitism in Britain. The university’s decision to dedicate a professorship to this name serves to commemorate and revere the Mosley legacy.” They added, “The absence of any
Lapid blasts “Death to Jews” rally in Poland
Yair Lapid
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
BY ADAM MOSES The Israeli and Polish government have condemned a “Death to Jews” neo-Nazi march in Kalisz on Poland’s Independence Day. Three men have been arrested following the disturbing far-right rally which hundreds of demonstrators attended last Friday.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid welcomed the “unequivocal condemnation” by Polish authorities. Lapid said that Jewish people expected the Polish government to act uncompromisingly against those who took part in a “shocking display of hate”. Polish President Andrzej Duda slammed the antisemitic protest. Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski announced the arrests on Twitter. “There is no consent to antisemitism and hatred based on nationality, religion or ethnicity,” he wrote. “In the face of the organisers of the disgraceful event in Kalisz, the Polish state must show its ruthlessness and determination,” Kaminski said. Participants marched to the market square chanting “death to enemies of the fatherland.” And demonstrators burned a copy of the General Charter of Jewish Liberties (known as the Statute of Kalisz or Kalisz Privilege), a medieval document detailing Jewish community rights in Polish lands. Poland’s Jewish community said in a statement that Polish Jews had not experienced such hatred in public for years. Far-right activist Wojciech Olszanski reportedly organised the rally and after the burning incident told demonstrators, “We are abolishing Jewish rights in this land!”, adding “Death to the enemies of Poland!” The crowd responded by chanting “Death! Death! Death!” Olszanski was arrested. “Poland is our homeland,” the Union
of Jewish Religious Communities noted. “We are both Jews and Poles. We are asking, however, why our right to regard Poland as our home is being questioned ever more often and ever more openly?”. The statement added that state and local governments had giving up its role as the main organiser of Independence Day celebrations allowing extreme right-wing organisations to use public assemblies to preach antisemitic, xenophobic and homophobic words. Campaign Against Antisemitism said the abhorrent neo-Nazi rally was a repulsive testament to the persistence of far-right antisemitism. “The promotion of such grotesque views at this march, held on Poland’s Independence Day, does a disservice to Polish patriotism,” a spokesman said. “How this march was approved in the first place, despite the record of its participants, raises serious questions, but we welcome the condemnations of the rally by Polish authorities and the arrests of its ringleaders. They must now suffer the full legal consequences of their actions.” There has been criticism in Polisg media why it took a number of days for arrests to take place. Piotr Rybak, reportedly burned an effigy of a Jew and was amongst the trio arrested. In 2019, Rybak reportedly went to Auschwitz claiming, “It’s time to fight against Jewry and free Poland from them!”
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communication and consultation with Oxford’s Jewish students is inconsiderate and inappropriate.” The JSoc leaders have called on Oxford University and benefitting colleges to reflect on the impact of the donations on Jewish students and wider student body. “As an institution that seeks to promote an inclusive environment for all, we hope that Oxford University and the colleges involved will reconsider their positions,” they added. UJS is working to ensure Jewish student voices are heard and there is no long-standing impact. Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said students deserved an explanation. Speaking from Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp last week, he noted, “Antisemitism is not simply a historic debate, it is a present danger and a scourge that exists, sadly, on our campuses,” he said. Zahawi called on universities to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition oi antisemitism. Oxford University said it had “robust and rigorous” guidelines over donations and research funding. The Alexander Mosley Charitable Trust reportedly said that no funds received or distributed were the proceeds of fascism. It has been reported that Imperial College received £2.5 million from the Trust and University College London £500,000.
Police investigate antisemitic incidents Police are investigating disturbing antisemitic incidents in Stamford Hill this week. Jewish ladies were chased on Clapton Common by a gang of thirteen-year-olds shouting about suicide and reportedly implying “threats to kill”. The gang is believed to be associated with the nearby Webb Estate and accused of harassing Jewish residents for a number of years. The incident took place at around 7pm on Tuesday and was reported by volunteer neighbourhood watch patrol Stamford Hill Shomrim. Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 999 0123 (Ref: CAD56 17/11/2021. Also, in Stamford Hill, a woman shouted “******* Jew, dirty Jew!” at a Jewish driver before throwing a stone at the car. The incident took place at 1.40pm on Monday on Filey Avenue and reported by Shomrim. Police want to speak to a female driver of a black Nissan Juke with registration DV17 HPE. Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Shomrim on 0300 999 0123 (Ref number: CAD4632 15/11/21).
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Turkey holds Israeli couple on espionage charges BY SIMCHA ABIR Israeli diplomats are working “around the clock” to secure the repatriation of a married couple held by Turkish authorities on espionage charges. Natali and Mordy Oknin are accused of taking pictures of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Palace in Istanbul from a telecommunications tower. A Turkish court has remanded the couple in custody for 20 days. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has stated the Oknin’s innocence and is keeping the family updated on a return to Israel as they were mistakenly involved in a “complex situation”. Bennett has denied claims the couple had connections to an Israeli intelligence agency. “The most senior echelons in Israel dealt with this issue throughout the weekend, led by the Foreign Ministry, and will continue to work tirelessly with the aim of finding a solution,” he explained. President Isaac Herzog has also spoken to family members and ratified Bennett’s comments. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said Israel was “working around the clock at the highest levels” to secure the release of the Modi’in couple. Due to the political sensitivity Lapid has appealed to MKs, ministers and media outlets to address the incident “responsibly” to ensure a safe return.
Natali and Mordy Oknin
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
Israeli diplomats were granted permission to visit the Oknins, who are in different prisons, on Monday. The Foreign Ministry confirmed envoys ensured they are being held under appropriate conditions. Lawyer Nir Yaslovizh is acting for the Oknins and informed Israeli media “every
effort” was being made to bring them back to Israel. Yaslovitz visited Mordy and told an Israeli media outlet his detention conditions were “not easy”. “I promised to bring him back to Israel and I intend to keep my promise,” he said.
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Yaslovizh is expected to process an appeal to reduce the remand. A trial date has not been set. “We’re not operating under a stopwatch, we are doing all we can to bring them back to Israel,” he said. The Israeli Embassy in Ankara is liaising with the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Mossad and the National Security Adviser are working with connections. Israel-Turkish relations have been strained although during the summer Erdogan congratulated Herzog on his appointment. The coming days are seen as crucial for a diplomatic solution as the couple could face fabricated charges and imprisonment. It has been reported that Israel could update travel advice to Turkey, which is a popular destination for Israeli tourists. A number of Turkish media outlets meantime have criticised authorities over the arrests as tourists visit the television tower to take pictures. Former Israel Ambassador to Ankara, Pinchas Avivi, was quoted in Israeli media that the fact that Erdogan had not officially commented on the arrests was positive for the couple. Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency reported an employee tipped off police about the Oknins. A Turkish national, reportedly with the couple, was arrested on suspicion of political and military espionage.
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Leeds condemns antisemitism BY DAVID SAFFER Leeds United Football Club is the latest Premier League team to condemn antisemitism. The Yorkshire club’s stand follows Chelsea season ticket holder Nathan Blagg pleading guilty to sending antisemitic messages and the furore involving West Ham in a recent Europa League clash against K.R.C. Genk in Belgium earlier this month. Regarding the Hammers, a third man has been arrested after a video surfaced of fans chanting an antisemitic song at a Chasidic passenger on a Ryanair flight to Belgium from Stansted Airport for a Europa League match (November 4). Leeds took a strong stance against antisemitism in their matchday programme against Leicester City following the Genk clash. The official statement made a point to speak out against fans who they say have “tarnished some fixtures by using antisemitic chanting, noises and gestures”. As for the use of the word ‘yid’ in football, Leeds noted that it opposed the
“justification of opposition fans using specific terms as a form of identity”. The club was clear that there was “no place for such behaviour” regardless of its use by supporters of other clubs or its inclusion in the Oxford English Dictionary where the Y-word is described as ‘derogatory and offensive’.” The statement added, “Discriminatory actions or language have no place anywhere in football or society”. Leeds were proud to be part of an “inclusive and diverse” club. “Our players, staff, fans and visitors come from such a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, including the Jewish community, and we want to ensure that everyone feels safe and valued at all times,” the statement explained. “We would like to urge all of our supporters to think about the words they use and show their support in the right way, at Elland Road and any other ground around the country.” A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson commended Leeds for taking a firm stand against antisemitism. This was particularly the case, given “high-profile instances of abhorrent anti-Jewish racism by some football
supporters of other clubs”. CAA added, “Antisemitism in sport in intolerable, and other football clubs should follow Leeds’ admirable example.” Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Discrimination chairman, welcomed the statement, although, he noted, it was ironic as Leeds for many years had Jewish owners in Manny Cussins and Leslie Silver. Metliss added, “It is very positive and encouraging coming at the same time as the long awaited and delayed action against racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.” In related news, police have questioned a 31-year-old from Dartford after he voluntarily attended a police station in connection with the West Ham incident. “This is not the first time a minority of West Ham supporters have engaged in grotesque antisemitic abuse,” commented a CAA spokesman. “We commend both the police for these arrests and the club for swiftly imposing bans on those from the video whom it identifies. ‘ They added, “Football clubs have long said the right things about kicking racism out of the football, and it is reassuring that West Ham is taking this opportunity to translate those promises into action. We are in contact with Ryanair to understand from the airline what action its crew took on board to protect its passenger from racist abuse.”
Chief Superintendent Tom Simons, who is leading the investigation, commented, “Essex Police will not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind. Having been made aware of the incident officers worked quickly to secure an arrest at the earliest possible opportunity.” Two men, aged 55 and 26, had been arrested in connection with the West Ham incident. Hammers fans were filmed chanting “I’ve got a ******** haven’t you, ******* Jew” whilst the orthodox passenger was taking his seat before it departed the airport. AAD described the incident by West Ham fans as “undiluted racist abuse”. Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl called for a police investigation into an incident. Police confirmed the arrests were on suspicion of Section 4A Public Order after questioning the men in connection with the video. The enquiry is ongoing. A West Ham spokesperson said the club condemned the behaviour of the individuals involved and had a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. “Any individuals identified will be issued with an indefinite ban from the club,” they noted. Anyone with information or phone footage of the Ryanair incident are asked to call the Police on 101.
Search for Israeli ends in tragedy
Knoll murderer gets life sentence
The body of an Israeli hiker who went missing has been found in southern Mexico after a three-day search. Yanai Rimon, 25, from Sderot, according to a friend he was traveling with, went missing last Wednesday Yanai Rimon PHOTO: FACEBOOK after falling into a river at the Mexican-Guatemalan border and was swept away by the current. Yanai’s friends and locals were joined by rescue teams using helicopters, drones and search dogs. Yanai was the second child of four of Nirit and Dori Rimon. “The Rimon family is grateful to Yanai’s friends, friends for life who vowed they will not return without Yanai,” the family said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to them and the group of friends who joined them and worked day and night to try to find Yanai and did not let go of the belief that he would be found alive and returned to them.” The group went on a trip a few months ago after finishing military service. According to reports, the trip did not include challenging or dangerous tracks.
BY ADAM MOSES The murderer of a Holocaust survivor in Paris three years ago has begun a life sentence. Yacine Mihoub, 32, will not be considered for parole until 2043 after stabbing Mireille Knoll 11 times and partially burning her body in a horrific attack in her Paris apartment in 2018. The ruling by a Paris court followed a harrowing case that incited antisemitism across France. Co-accused, Alex Carrimbacus, was acquitted of murder, but sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for aggravated robbery of the 85-year-old’s home. Mihoub’s mother, Zoulikha Khellaf, received a three-year prison term, including a year with electronic surveillance for destroying objects and cleaning the murder weapon. “It’s fair, it’s what we expected. Our family will be able to start mourning,” Knoll’s grandson reportedly said. “A life sentence for the murderer of Mireille and prison terms for his accomplice and mother come as a relief, as does the court’s recognition of the role of antisemitism in the killing,” Campaign Against Antisemitism noted. “The antisemitic murder of a Holocaust survivor is a monstrous illustration of the scale of Jew-hatred in France. It is no credit to the French judicial
Mireille Knoll z”l
PHOTO: COURTESY
system that, given the Halimi precedent, this verdict and sentence were even in question. We hope that Ms Knoll’s family can now begin to mourn her.” According to the court, Mihoub was “fuelled by hatred” because of Knoll’s Jewish religion and Mihoub’s prejudices and beliefs that riches could be hidden in the victim’s apartment. President Emanuel Macron has stated Knoll’s murder was an antisemitic incident as Mihoub “assassinated an innocent and vulnerable woman because she was Jewish”. Knoll lived next door to Mihoub’s mother and acted as a surrogate grandmother to her son. Knoll’s death occurred 12 months after the murder of Sarah Halimi in her Paris apartment. Halimi, 65, was murdered by 27-yearold Muslim neighbour, Kobili Traore, who tortured then pushed her out of a window to her death.
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French authorities refused to admit the antisemitic crime for months. France’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that Halimi’s killer would not stand trial as he was high on cannabis when he committed the murder. President Macron called for reforms in French law following the case. The Simon Wiesenthal Centre was similarly distressed by the Supreme Court decision. The Centre’s Director for International Relations, Dr. Shimon Samuels described it as a “devastating blow” “It confirms that it is possible to deny justice for a murder aggravated by its antisemitic character,” he noted. “This decision potentially creates a precedent for all hate criminals to simply claim insanity or decide to smoke, snort or inject drugs or even get drunk before committing their crimes.” Halimi’s family is considering an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Mass demonstrations took place in Paris and London following the outrageous verdict. A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson referred to the ruling as a “disgraceful miscarriage of justice”. Knoll escaped the Velodrome d’Hiver (“Vél d’Hiv”), which was the biggest roundup of French Jews during the Holocaust in 1942. Over 13,000 men, women, and children were arrested. Most were deported to Auschwitz, less than 100 survived.
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Bennett to tackle “chronic” crime rates
Knesset passes first stage of ‘two term’ PM bill
BY ADAM MOSES
Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation has backed a bill to set term limits for a future Prime Minister The amendment tabled by Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar means Israel’s leader will step down after eight years or two terms in power. “Prolonged rule is a danger to the freedom of the nation and to the morality of its sons,” Sa’ar said. “It breeds corruption”. “Term limits, in lieu of a limitless term, are an important principle at the foundation of the perception that the government works for the wellbeing of the citizens instead of itself and its survival.” He added, “We will continue to strengthen
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has vowed to tackle “chronic” crime rates following an armed fight in the Arab sector that stunned residents. An emergency meeting took place hours after clashes between rival Bedouin families from Rahat outside Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. Gunshots were heard outside south Israel’s most populated hospital. There were four injuries and 20 arrests. “We are dealing with problems that we have become used to,” he explained, adding that the quantities of illegal weapons was “enough for a small army”. “The arsenal that has accumulated and expanded over many years, needs to be emptied,” Bennett continued. “Israel Police has started to work with full force. We are making a critical effort throughout the country against weapons and munitions.” Operations will continue until the mission is completed, Bennett added. Be’er Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich described the escalating crime wave as a “national emergency” and “real war on democracy”. The families reportedly arrived at the hospital to see relatives at the same time. “This is civil terrorism that is slowly
Naftali Bennett
Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” The draft bill must pass three Knesset readings before becoming law. It will also not be retroactive so opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who is opposed to wthe bill and served a recording breaking 15 years in office, could serve again if he seeks re-election. Likud MK David Bitan backs the bill as it does not affect Netanyahu. “I don’t think we can oppose this law, it won’t look good in the eyes of the public,” he said. “I am ready for Netanyahu to be Prime Minister for eight years.” Bitan added that he would vote according to Likud’s position on the bill.
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
beginning to take over the state,” Danilovich noted. “Murder cases have become routine and no one is waking up. Someone has to come and talk to the Israeli public, they are losing their sense of personal security.” Danilovich added that Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai spoke to the hospital’s management. And he called for Shin Bet to help in the fight or it would spread across the country. The Mayor also claimed that the State of Israel had lost control and leaders had to send a clear message before another “red line” was crossed.
WJC coordinates youth assembly
Campus incidents up 59% in ‘20/‘21 BY DAVID SAFFER Antisemitic incidents on campus have increased 59% in the 2020/21 academic year. CST recorded 111 university-related antisemitic incidents compared to 70 in 2019/20. The hike in incidents is down to the conflict in Israel and Gaza in May. The month of hostilities saw 64 of the university-related incidents. CST has recorded university-related incidents since 2002, the latest statistics is a record. The highest totals on campuses were at the University of Bristol and University of Warwick with 11 apiece, University College London on 10, University of Oxford 9 and University of Birmingham 8. There were also eight incidents that directly targeted the Union of Jewish Students. Almost all 2020/21 incidents involved verbal, written or online abuse. Only one was assault. “This record high for university-related antisemitic incidents, and the fact they have risen for the fourth year in a row, should ring alarm bells for everyone in the Higher
Education sector,” noted a CST spokesman. “Universities need to be doing much more to ensure their complaints processes are fit for purpose and that Jewish students get the necessary support when they suffer antisemitism. The fact that this record total coincided with the recent conflict in Israel and Gaza shows yet again that wherever extreme anti-Israel hate is found, anti-Jewish hatred surely follows.” Bristol and Warwick campuses have had ongoing and high-profile cases of alleged antisemitism involving academic staff. Ten of the incidents at Bristol occured in February when David Miller made outrageous comments that led to his dismissal. All of the incidents at Oxford were in May during the Gaza conflict. CST has a full time campus team that travels to campuses across the UK ensuring Jewish student events are secure, providing personal safety advice to students and offering victim support to students who experience antisemitism. CST national emergency 24-hour number: 0800 0323263
IFFSE & CER hold Afghan-Taliban debate BY SIMCHA ABIR World Jewish Congress is coordinating a Jewish Youth Assembly as they invest in future leaders. High school students will meet virtually in February 2022 to discuss challenges facing Jewish communities around the world. During the assembly over 100 participants will be assigned to 12 country delegations representing a Jewish community. Each will meet leaders to learn about challenges. Delegations will evaluate various topics including preserving Holocaust memory without access to first-hand testimony, fighting antisemitism and Holocaust denial on social media. The assembly will discuss online hate and the next generation’s approach to Jewish peoplehood. Students will develop their diplomatic
skills as they converse with political leaders. “The younger generation, which may already face antisemitism will be tasked with leading the global Jewish community tomorrow,” Lauder explained. “Participants will leave the programme better informed, better equipped and better connected to tackle the challenges of the Jewish people,” he added. The assembly will vote on resolutions based on topics proposed by delegations. “This programme has a global reach and demonstrates WJC’s long-term commitment to engaging and inspiring future leaders,” said Yoni Hammerman, WJC NextGen. Future JYA meetings will be in person depending on health protocols. Teenagers aged 15 to 18 can apply for the project. Applications are through the JYA website until December 15th.
The Institute for Freedom of Faith & Security in Europe (IFFSE) and Conference of European Rabbis held an online joint discussion on the Western withdrawal from Afghanistan and Taliban takeover. Security expert and IFFSE Director Peter Neumann moderated the event. CER President, Moscow’s Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, referred to the refugee situation on the Belarusian border. The virtual debate focused on the relationship between the Taliban and al-Qaida, and amount the Islamic State benefits. The debate pondered whether Afghanistan could become a “safe haven” for international terrorism. An expert panel called for the West increase humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. Professor Hassan Abbas, National Defense University, Washington DC, warned that a supply crisis could play into the
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hands of terrorist group Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K). Experts also stressed a growing rivalry between the Taliban and Al-Qaida. According to Asfandyar Mir, United States Institute of Peace, Afghanistan could be a place of international Islamist terrorism within two years. And Katherine Zimmerman, American Enterprise Institute in Washington, voiced concern that the Taliban’s power could lead to conflict regions. There was a view the Taliban had changed since 9/11 as twothirds of members were born since the global terrorist event. Rabbi Goldschmidt concluded that in Afghanistan a “medieval grouping” had succeeded in defeating major powers. It was important extremists did not destabilise neighbouring countries and beyond.
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Al Jayoosi terror T-shirt guilt BY ADAM MOSES Campaign Against Antisemitism has welcomed news that a man has pleaded guilty to wearing T-shirts supporting banned terror groups. Feras Al Jayoosi, 34, of Swindon, was charged with four counts of wearing an article, namely a T-shirt, supporting a proscribed organisation contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Al Jayoosi was accused of wearing the T-shirts at Barbury Castle in Swindon in May and Golders Green in June. CST reported him to Police for the incidents, who opened an investigation. One T-shirt had a logo of Izz al-Din al Qassem Brigades, Hamas’ “political wing” that is banned in the UK. The other T-shirt, also with a logo, backed the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group, also banned. Al Jayoosi was identified from CCTV and duly arrested at his home address in June. CAA have called on Home Secretary Priti Patel to ban Hamas in full. Al Jayoosi was charged last month and released on conditional bail, sentencing is
for securing this conviction,” they expected on December 17th. “This was yet another brazen disnoted. play of support for the Hamas terCommander Richard Smith, rorist organisation, which seeks the the Met’s Counter Terrorism genocide of all Jews worldwide,” Command head, said, “Al Jayoocommented a CAA spokesperson. si’s actions caused a great deal of “We welcome this verdict but the concern within local communities, police have one hand tied behind and an investigation was quickly their backs in dealing with this launched as a result of a call to pothreat due to a legal loophole that lice. This case further underlines the Government has yet to close. It how important information from is high time that the Government communities is to our work, and how seriously we take reports of heeded our warnings by proscribing the entirety of Hamas instead of this nature.” one notionally-distinct part of it.” Smith called on anyone with CAA added, “Hamas and Palesconcerns or suspicions about tinian Islamic Jihad are terrorist orcrime in their neighbourhood to ganisations and the presence of a call police. man walking round Golders Green “We will listen, and we will act,:” openly supporting these terrorist he said. “Communities defeat tergroups while wearing a large backrorism and information from the pack was understandably alarmpublic is vital to counter terrorism ing. This was especially the case Feras Al Jayoosi PHOTO: MET POLICE investigations. If you see or hear coming so soon after the huge rise something unusual or suspicious in antisemitism and anti-Jewish extremism Golders Green, CST’s National Security and think someone may be engaging in Control Centre and counter-terrorism terrorist activity, trust your instincts and during the recent conflict in Israel.” CAA commended the swift action and police. act by reporting it in confidence online. cooperation between security guards in “We are grateful to the police and CPS Always dial 999 in an emergency.”
Israel prepares for new COVID-19 variants BY DAVID SAFFER Israel might ban travel to European destinations with high COVID-19 rates. Health Ministry Director General Professor Nachman Ash this week said Israel must limit the danger of new variants. “This is what we’ve been trying to do over the past few months and that is no simple task,” he explained. Ash added that no changes to current policy had been made over tourists visiting Israel or stopping Israelis from traveling abroad. But some countries may be classified as red zones. “We consider the data on a weekly basis and thus far, the number of people entering Israel who have been confirmed to have been infected, remains low,” he explained. Ash hailed the booster vaccine that Israel has championed since July. “Most people traveling abroad have been vaccinated with three doses and are protected from infection,” he said. Ash added that the efficacy of the booster shot remains high. “We hope it will be effective for longer than six months,” he noted. Ash expects paediatric vaccines to be soon approved for children aged 5 to 11. “I hope they will be here within days. I cannot say definitely when but we will begin vaccinating young children by next week or the week after,” he said. Head of Infectious Disease at Sheba Medical Center, Professor Galia Rahav, has reportedly advised Israelis not to travel to Europe. “The booster shots appear to provide a
Vaccination stations in Israel
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
good protection from infections,” she noted, “But with new variants appearing, there is a risk.” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke at the National Management Center about a national ‘Omega’ drill to test nationwide preparations for a new variant. “We took Israel out of the Delta wave, without even one day of lockdown,” he said. “Not only is this an important achievement
but it shows that it is possible to do things differently. We have proven that with proper management, it is possible to beat the pandemic.” Bennett added, “The world is still in the reality of a pandemic. The coronavirus has not yet disappeared. There is currently record morbidity in Europe. Just like the Delta strain broke out violently, other, even more deadly and more infectious strains could
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come, which could bypass the vaccine. “The State of Israel needs to be prepared. The right thing to do is to prepare for any scenario, check that all government ministries are ready, that hospitals know how to deal with extreme scenarios and that the scientists are carefully monitoring every variant that appears in the world while it is still small. “We will contribute from our experience to other countries, we are already doing so. We will also continue to be a global center of knowledge and insights, which save lives around the world. “The most important tool at our disposal against the virus is, of course, the vaccines. Our goal is that most of the population will be protected. Now, in light of the approval of the FDA and of the Advisory Committee for Epidemic Management in Israel, and there is no doubt regarding safety, there is no reason to leave our children defenseless. There is no reason why a child should infect, and be infected by, others and, under certain conditions, also deal with the side effects of long Covid, a series of difficult phenomena, when their entire lives are yet before them.” Bennett appealed to parents to allow the vaccination of children. “Safeguard them, give them the same layer of protection that you have,” he said. The ‘Omega’ drill is being be run by Defense Ministry Director of Civil Defense Brig.-Gen. Moshe Edri. Participants include professional agencies, National Security Council, IDF and Knesset representatives.
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OPINION
OPINION 13
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Giving with one hand… OPINION PIECE BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN This week, at a meeting of Labour Friends of Israel, and in the presence of the Israeli Ambassador the leader of Her Majesty’s opposition Sir Keir Starmer spoke at length about the Labour Party’s support for Jews and Israel. This support on the face of it has been wanting for some time, and it is refreshing to hear Sir Keir this. The devil though is in the detail and an analysis of what was said suggests that whoever wrote the speech wanted to convey in that detail confirmation that much of Labour has not changed and the old skewed thinking and inaccuracies are alive and well. Our old enemy the double standard emerged when Sir Keir said: I welcome, too, the new Israeli government’s efforts to re-engage with the Palestinian Authority and Yair Lapid’s proposals to help tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and begin to rehabilitate its economy. I was under the impression that the Palestinian
Authority walked away from peace talks and refused to sit down directly with the Israelis yet there is no mention of this. It is not clear how Yair Lapid is supposed to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza let alone do anything about its economy when that responsibility lies with those in charge there – Hamas. It is odd that there is no reference to how Hamas should engage with this process. What though is of most concern is the proclamation that BDS is to be condemned and yet at the same time promoting at the same time some of the key BDS principles. Sir Keir said: And let me be clear, too, the Labour party does not and will not support BDS. Its principles
are wrong – targeting alone the world’s sole Jewish state. We fully oppose and condemn illegal settlements, annexation and the eviction of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian territories. Illegal Settlements? What does that mean? The BDS movement makes it clear that all of the areas of Jerusalem liberated in 1967, including the Jewish Quarter amounts to occupied territory and any building there constitutes illegal settlements. As for eviction, this sounds suspiciously like the lies told about a civil property dispute mis-reported by Hamas and their supporters in May of this year as a pretext for sending over rockets into Israeli civilian areas.
What is depressing though is that so many of those desperate to turn their backs on Labour antisemitism will simply ignore the detail of Sir Keir’s speech
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In other words, Labour is saying they oppose BDS but have no problem adopting their false narrative. As for supporting Labour Friends of Israel it is notable that whilst Sir Keir is not a member, he is a member of Labour Friends of Palestine. There are plenty of MPs who are members of both groups, including Wes Streeting (Ilford North), David Lammy (Tottenham) and Graham Stringer (Blackley & Broughton in Manchester). Why not Sir Keir. We are sadly not very much further forward with the Labour Party despite the long speech earlier this week. What is depressing though is that so many of those desperate to turn their backs on Labour antisemitism will simply ignore the detail of Sir Keir’s speech and in doing so, allow the lies told by the Jew and Israel haters to flourish. Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.
14 GAMES
18 NOVEMBER 2021
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COMMUNITY 15
Kisharon social enterprise Chanukah gifts
A Kisharon student helps to put Chanukah packs together
The Kisharon Gift and Homeware Store, EQUAL in Temple Fortune, is fully stocked for Chanukah. A selection of eye-catching gifts for all the family products includes the award-winning exclusive Ooh La La confectionery. Students from the Kisharon Further Education College have put Chanukah gift sets together. The children’s ‘build your own’ Chanukiah craft set contains a decorative menorah including craft materials, dreidel shaped candle holders and candles at £5 per set. A Chanukah candles set includes candles, matches and a bracha card at £8 per set.
The AJEX Field of Remembrance
Aviva Braunold of Kisharon Further Education College said, “It’s been brilliant to see students so engaged, following instructions and completing stock orders for Equal. It gives them a rewarding sense of achievement. Students were thrilled to be involved. When people buy a set it’s not just about someone receiving a nice package. It is important they know it was created as an educational and work experience for our students which you cannot put a price on.” The social enterprise project provides learning opportunities for people Kisharon support. Details: 0208 4575000
Duchess opens Field of Remembrance The Duchess of Cornwall opened the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. The Duchess met veterans and representatives from the Armed Forces after a short service. Brian Bloom, Ivan Sugarman, Ron Shelley and Clive Boxer accompanied National Chairman Mike Bluestone to represent AJEX. AJEX laid Stars of David markers for anyone that submitted a family members name who served in the British or
Commonwealth armed forces and was killed in action. Bluestone met The Duchess when she stopped at the AJEX plot. Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely spent time with AJEX as did the Israeli Military Attache and delegation from the embassy. The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Abbey, and Canon, Tricia Hillas, also showed interest at the plot. The public can access the Field of Remembrance this Sunday.
AJEX to honour veterans at Cenotaph AJEX honours thousands of Jewish men and women who fought for freedom at the annual Parade and Ceremony at The Cenotaph, Whitehall on Sunday. The organisation hopes to see spectators lining the streets supporting marchers. The historic event will witness veterans and families of fallen veterans march side by side with pride, wearing awarded medals. And this year is especially poignant as it marks the 100th anniversary of the first wreath laying by Jewish Veterans at The Cenotaph. In 1921 at the third National Remembrance Parade a group of Jewish ex-soldiers, from the Judeans (38, 39 and 40 battalions of the Royal Fusiliers), laid the first Star of David wreath. AJEX National Chairman, Mike Bluestone added, “We hope to see many spectators lining the streets of Whitehall supporting the marchers this weekend. The overwhelming support from all age groups will encourage and support our dedicated veterans in what will be a momentous march for the Jewish community.” He added. “It is so important for spectators
AJEX members and serving personnel at the Cenotaph
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to attend this year’s parade as it not only signifies the support for our veterans but it also creates a huge amount of positive energy on such a significant return to the Cenotaph on this 100th anniversary year”. Fiona Palmer, AJEX Chief Executive, said, “We are delighted to be able to hold our annual event to honour those who fought to protect our country and stood up against antisemitism. We are proud of their service, strength and resilience, which resonates after 18 months of the Covid Pandemic.” The parade will be commanded by Ron Shelley and supported by Lt Col Simon Soskin as second in command. Bluestone will host The Reviewing Officer, Col Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE. AJEX is passionate about handing the baton of Remembrance to the next generation. JLGB and JFS Combined Cadet Force take on key roles along with schools and youth groups. No tickets are required to be a spectator from outside the secure area at the ceremony.
16 ADVERTORIAL
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Cannabotech’s top team ensures quality care solutions BY YOSSI SAUNDERS Cannabotech is leading the next generation of preventive care products by fusing traditional Asian knowledge with modern science. At the helm is an elite team of global professionals who are key to the success of the company. Elchanan Shaked heads up the management team consisting of Dr Efrat Oron, Yoav Rothler and Gadi Klarsfield. CEO and chairman Shaked is a serial entrepreneur and business man. Founder and chief executive of the brand Natural Formula, manager of both the healthcare division of Agis and Perrigo, he was part of the global executive management of Perrigo. Shaked was founder of several projects in South East Asia leading to setting up Cannabotech. Chief scientific officer Dr Oron is a molecular biologist with an MSc and PhD from Tel-Aviv University. She completed her post-doctoral research on embryonic stem cells at Yale University. And she has been an associate research scientist at the University of California and scientific advisor at the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office “Mimshak” fellow. Rothler is chief finance officer with extensive experience in finance, economic and business development. He also has specialisations in economic planning and implementation of agro-industrial projects around the globe. Rothler received his BA & MA in Economics and is currently a doctoral researcher at Tel-Aviv University. Klarsfield is chief operations officer, a pharmacist and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. He has extensive experience in building new business units, especially pharmacies with specialisation in international consultancy for pharmacy retailers. Klarsfield received his MBA from Boston University. The scientific team includes PhD research scientists, medical doctors and pharmacists dedicated to the collective mission of producing effective, preventive care solutions for consumers. And the experience of academic and clinical research, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medicine helps to ensure that clients can trust evidence-based solutions for wellbeing. The team comprises experts from academic research centres, medical development, global management and consumer retail totalling 150 years of experience and proven credentials. And they are united in a vision to create the next generation of preventive care. Dr. Dov Melamed, Chief Technical Officer, is a research scientist with over 15
Elchanan Shaked, CEO & Chairman
Dr Efrat Oron, CSO
Yoav Rothler, CFO
Gadi Klarsfield, COO
Dr. Dov Melamed, CTO
Prof. Yuval Heled, Scientist
Prof. Faud Fares, R&D Manager
Moav Givni, BizDev Manager
Prof. Chaim Lotan, Cardio R&D
Dr Masem Fares, Researcher
Prof. Tamar Peretz, Clinical Advisor
Dr Alex Weisman, Clinical Advisor
years of experience in Biopharmacy. Most notable, he has been a researcher at Bar Ilan’s Male Fertility Clinic where he assisted in the development of new drugs and QBI where he helped establish In Vivo models for drug discovery and delivery. He has completed his Ph.D. in Biotechnology at Bar Ilan University. Prof. Yuval Heled Ph.D., LLB, is a scientist, consultant and lecturer. A physiologist, he is a world-class expert in integrative physiology and physiology of effort, in the study of metabolic processes, and in disease prevention. Heled is a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prof. Fuad Fares is research and development manager at the company. A world-renowned biologist and pharmacologist, he is founder and director of the Department of Molecular Genetics at Carmel Medical Center and associate professor at the Department of Human Biology at Haifa University. Fares completed his DSc studies at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
and postdoctoral studies at Washington University. He has published over 75 papers in reputed journals and serves as a member of the Israel Council for Higher Education. Moav Gafni takes on the role of Business Development Manager. He received his B.Sc. in Biotechnology & Food Engineering. And he has extensive experience in all aspects of the Cannabis Industry including cultivation, marketing and regulation. Prof. Haim Lotan looks after cardiovascular research and development. A prominent world figure in cardiology, he is the director of cardiology at Hadassah University Hospital, former president of the Israel Cardiology Association and founder of the Israeli Department of Invasive Cardiology. Dr. Basem Fares is a researcher who received his Ph.D. in Oncology and Cancer Biology from the Faculty of Medicine of the Technion Institute of Technology. He is a cancer researcher at the Rambam Oncology Department and a
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research assistant at Mount Carmel Hospital and Prolor Biotech. Prof. Tamar Peretz, Dr Alex Weisman and Dr Itzchak Andel are clinical advisors at Cannabotech. Prof. Peretz is a senior physician and researcher specialising in the treatment of breast cancer and immunological approaches to the treatment of cancer. She is a full-time professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Medical School. Weisman is the former manager of research and development together with business development activities at Perrigo API with extensive experience in product selection and the development of chemical analytical methods. Andel is an accomplished pharmaceutical executive with over 30 years of experience, guiding strategic drug development in both large and emerging companies. He is accompanying Cannabotech in the process of creating biologically effective formulas.
18 NOVEMBER 2021
The biomedical company has focused on the untapped benefits of cannabinoids and functional mushrooms, applying the power of nature to today’s pressing health issues. A wide variety of products have been designed to help consumers take control of health concerns including stress, sleep, immunity, muscle and joint fatigue, skin health and conditions associated with a modern lifestyle. Cannabotech has actively invested capital in CBD and mushroom research to advance scientific knowledge in the
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market. And they are determined to continuously improve products according to the latest research and customer feedback. Products are manufactured recommended on best manufacturing practice and international standards. Cannabotech complies with local laws for CBD hemp extract. And they adhere to Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association and Medicines and Food Standards Agency standards in addition to EU regulations. Solutions benefit the immune system, stress and sleep support, muscle, joint
ADVERTORIAL 17
and bone support, mood support and health maintenance. The future is bright for Cannabotech, time is on the company’s side, but also, they have a team that keeps them at the cutting edge of the industry. In the next few weeks The Jewish Weekly will be interviewing some of the leading professors at Cannabotech. Stay tuned for more in depth interviews on the most exciting developments in the magical medical advances coming out of Israel.
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Over 1,400 visit new domestic Abuse Toolkit in run up to Jewish Women’s Aid shabbat The Jewish Women’s Aid Community Toolkit has attracted 1,400 website hits since launching on 22 October, with many community members reporting using the materials to take part in Jewish Women’s Aid Shabbat, which took place on 12-13 November. One mother of two, from Edgware, who had printed out the conversation starter cards from the toolkit, contacted us to say, “Discussing relationships and power helped us articulate our deeply held belief. The boys were so insightful and there was no eye rolling. As parents of boys we were so grateful to have this window into their thinking and to be able to begin this dialogue which we probably wouldn’t have done without these conversation starters.” Domestic abuse and sexual violence were discussed in shuls across the country as part of the cross communal Shabbat, but this was the first time Jewish Women’s Aid provided materials to enable individuals, families and other groups to take part at home or in other settings. CEO Naomi Dickson said, “Covid has meant that fewer people are attending shul at the moment and therefore we wanted to make sure that our community could participate in JWA Shabbat, regardless of where they were. I’ve had so many messages from people saying that they used the toolkit at home or a friend’s, but also at shul, as they were able to print out materials before
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Holy Law Shul member Daniel Berke the Grandson of Frank Berkovitch a Japanese Prisoner of War. Three-quarters of a century later Daniel tells Frank’s story along with the remarkable group of fighting men known as the Chindits in his new book “Captured behind Japanese Lines’’.
JWA challah bake
Shabbat and leave them out for congregants to read.” Many videos of support were published on social media from supporting organisations, including from the Chief Rabbi who urged the community to look at the toolkit and said, “Every single instance of domestic abuse is one too many.” Our young volunteers organised a number of awareness raising activities, including a challah bake on Thursday at Hillel House in Birmingham, attended by approximately 30 University of Birmingham
students. Gina Lewis, 22, and Natasha Hertz, 20, both volunteers with JWA, organised the event, which included a talk by Rebbetzen Esther Cohen on domestic abuse and sexual violence. Gina said, “The talk was really useful and included how to spot the signs of abuse and help others who you may think are struggling. It was such a lovely evening and brought a lot of awareness to the students.” The Jewish Women’s Aid Community Toolkit can be accessed at www.jwa.org.uk/ toolkit.
Daniel Berke with his new book
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
Shenley raises £1,500 at breast cancer evening Over 30 ladies attended a Breast Cancer awareness evening at Shenley United Jewish Community raising over £1,500 for Jewish cancer charities. Dr Emily Simon, NHS Speciality Doctor in Haringey Islington gynaecology service and Brook surgery a GP, talked about rogue genes that cause breast cancer, symptoms to look out for and how to do a self-examination. Shenley’s Rebbetzin Tanya Garber, an advanced practice radiographer at Royal Free NHS Trust, told the audience how to prepare for a mammogram. The speakers explained the value of breast screening and evening’s sponsors provided raffle prizes including jewellery, luxury stationery and orange gin. The fund raiser was organised by Evelyn Diamond and Tanya in memory of 38-yearold Rosie Choueka (née Kalman). Rosie was a wife and mum of two children and partner in a City law firm. After treatment and surgery, a new lump occurred so she investigated possible treatments. Treatments for primary breast cancer could be successful, but little attention was paid to the disease once it had spread to other parts of the body via the blood stream, lymph system or body cavities.
SUJC breast cancel awareness evening
Only a small percentage of the large sums raised for breast cancer is spent on research into secondary breast cancer. Rosie asked that a charity be set up for research and increased awareness of secondary breast cancer before she passed away. According to SecondaryFirst research approximately five in every 100 people with breast cancer already have secondaries when their first cancer in diagnosed. Doctors and researchers estimate that another 35 out of 100 people with primary breast cancer will develop secondary breast cancer within the first 10 years of the first diagnosis. The disease according to research is responsible for the deaths of nearly 1,000 women each month in the UK.
Broughton Jewish Yr 6 pupils learning about British values
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Broughton Jewish Cassel Primary School year 6 pupils have been having lessons on British Values. The picture show pupils holding messages they have written.
To donate: www.secondary1st.org.uk
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Mitzvah Day activities Belmont & Edgware
Cricket Club Awards
Kisharon made get well cards for Mitzvah Day
Mitzvah Day takes place with a host of activities on Sunday. Events have been taking place including children at Kisharon Noe School making get well cards to be distributed to patients in hospital via Bedside Kosher. The school caters for students with special educational needs. Pupils enjoy a Jewish ethos, the school welcomes students from all backgrounds. Bedside Kosher provides fresh kosher meals and snacks to Jewish hospital patients and visitors across the UK free of charge. Stanmore & Canons Park Synagogue
PHOTO: YAKIR ZUR
volunteers spent a morning tidying at Canons Park memorials gardens for the local community. The group supported AJR’s inaugural tree-planting ceremony for the ’80 Trees for 80 Years’ project. Jewish and Muslim women across the country came together for the Nisa-Nashim Annual Retreat project. Participants visited Sandy’s Row Synagogue, Brick Lane Mosque and St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. Discussions took place on the Middle East conflict.
Allrounder Scott Gerard crowned his best season with the bat by scooping two prestigious gongs at Belmont and Edgware Cricket Club’s awards night on Sunday. The top order batsman capped off his 600 runs and 16 wickets in 2021 being recognised as batsman of the year - and also by his peers as Players’ Player of the Year, voted for by the membership. On a terrific Sunday evening at Old Camdenians, Jonny Eintracht picked up Player of the Year, after a remarkable season with bat and ball. In what may be his final year for the club, he was joint-top wicket taker with Zack Gothelf, who picked up Bowler of the Year Award, in what was a breakthrough season for the left-arm spinner. Other awards included for Greg Mayer, who won Fielder of the Year for his boundary-sweeping and smart catching, while Josh Reynolds picked up Most Improved, following a year of hostile and accurate spells, which produced 26 wickets. Best Newcomer went to top order batsman Dan Humphrey, while Clubman of the Year, chosen by chairman Mark Ableson, and went to Joel Winston. Young player of the year was awarded to batsman/wicket-keeper Matt Gittleson, and a new award, performance of the year, was handed to Mark Spanjar for his display
Scott Gerard (centre) receiving his award
against Rosslyn CC, featuring 76* with the bat over 36 overs, followed by 3 catches, a stumping and a run out, behind the wicket. A series of light-hearted awards were also handed out as everyone reflected on the season, while looking ahead to what promises to be an exciting 2022 campaign. Club captain Elliott Mayer said: “We had a fantastic and enjoyable evening with lots of people attending in person and some on zoom as well. Well done to all the award winners! Based on what I have seen this season, l am confident that we will be able to improve results going forward without losing the USP of our club which is maintaining a fun, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Bring on the 2022 season!”
MDY London’s Siyum on Mesechet Rosh Hashanah Lomdim from many different communities across North and NW London of the London recently gathered together to jointly celebrate the next milestone in the Daf Yomi cycle - a siyum on Mesechet Rosh Hashanah. The participants are united in their Daf Yomi journey. Learning the Daf with the now well renowned Maggid Shiur Reb Eli Stefansky of the Merkaz Daf Yomi (MDY) in Israel. The Siyum was kindly hosted on the premises of Ohr Chodosh Shul. Mr Shimon Cohen, Director of Shechita
MDY Daf Yomi Siyum
Leeds Daf Hayomi Shiur and Siyum During Seudah Shlishis at the Etz Chaim Shul, the Leeds Daf Hayomi Shiur made a Siyum on Mesechet Rosh Hashona. The Shiur which started with just one person now has over 10 regular attendees. During the Siyum, one of the Shiur members Mr David Koren spoke about how Daf Hayomi has given him an intense yet amazing experience in learning many topics and bringing Torah into the home. He praised the maggidei shiur and the participants
UK and Founder of the PR Office, chaired the evenings proceedings. Mr Cohen described his journey to finding this online Shiur, and also shared insights about Time and the Jewish Calendar from Mesechet Rosh Hashanah. The Mesayem was Mr Dovid Sharman, who was a sponsor of the Siyum in memory of his father, Mr Julian Sharman. Dovid recounted his fathers connection to Torah learning and the Daf Yomi programme, whilst being engaged in an active business career and other communal matters. To join the Shiur visit joinmdy.com.
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for creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The main Maggid Shiur, Rabbi Aaron Stroh of the Leeds Kollel, spoke about how Daf Hayomi transforms not only the lives of those learning it, but the lives of their families too. He also welcomed others present to join in the daily Zoom shiur. The Shiur is just one of the many things that the Leeds Kollel and other local organisations provide as the Leeds Jewish community becomes ever more vibrant.
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Community stands with StandWithUs
Jewish Blind & Disabled gain from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
StandWithUS staff proudly showing the cheque
The first ever crowdfunding campaign for Israel educational charity StandWithUs UK, which took place this week, was met with a huge response. The charity – whose mission includes educating about Israel and combatting antisemitism - set out to raise £450,000 to educate, empower and enable students on campuses across the UK to stand up for Israel and themselves. Within 12 hours they had smashed through that target and by the end of the campaign raised over an incredible £750,000 – and counting. This campaign has been an inspiring and emotional experience for all of the staff, students and volunteers of StandWithUs UK”, said Lana Saffrin Betesh co-chair of StandWithUs UK. “The community has truly rallied around our cause. We’ve been overwhelmed – not just with generosity but with stories from students and parents of the difference that StandWithUs is making and the support that they need. We have our work cut out for us to deliver even more programmes to more campuses across the UK, but now, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we can make a tremendous impact.” Loretta Cash, co-chair of StandWithUs UK added: “With this incredible momentum, we are pushing forward so that we can do much more in the upcoming year. We have immediately initiated strategy meetings to ensure that we put these much-needed funds to wise
use. Our campaign was called “Generations for Israel” and the impact of this result will be felt as we implement a breadth of strategies to ensure the bond between the next generation and Israel is strong.” StandWithUs UK Executive Director, Sara Sherrard said: “Unfortunately, the scenes we saw at LSE recently are far too commonplace on British campuses. With representatives at campuses across the country, we so often hear from students describing their problematic university experiences and the increasing, antisemitism and antizionism they face. This antisemitism, often thinly masked as anti-Israel activity, should not need to be part of British-Jewish students’ campus experience. Now we will be in a position to support these students in a much more significant way. We realise that the community is trusting us to deliver and we take that responsibility very seriously.” Thanking the over 1,350 individual donors who supported the campaign from across the country, Lana Saffrin Betesh continued: “We are thrilled with the success of the campaign and are extremely grateful to the board, our ambassadors, our student activists and all our supporters for the opportunity to ensure that StandWithUs UK maintains and grows in its important role in our community.” Campaign Page: https://www.charityextra. com/standwithusuk
Robe Rinder MBE with Jeremy Clarkson on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
This week Rob Rinder MBE appeared on Celebrity Who Wants to Be A Millionaire and won an amazing £32,000 for Jewish Blind & Disabled. Overall Rob won £64,000 with the other half of the prize money going to Buttle UK – a charity dedicated to helping children and young people in crisis in the UK. Rob got to the 12th question out of 15 and after using his last lifeline and phoning friend Clare Balding, who wasn’t sure on the answer to the question ‘In which James Bond film is 007 shown to kill only one person’, decided to walk away with the prize money he had already secured of £64,000. This support means that Jewish Blind & Disabled can continue to transform the lives of more people who have a
PHOTO: ITV
physical disability and/ or vision impairment through independent living and support either in a mobility apartment located in one of JBD’s 7 developments or through our support services provided within someone’s own home. Jewish Blind & Disabled Chief Executive, Lisa Wimborne commented: “It is not very often that an independent Jewish charity like Jewish Blind & Disabled gets a mention on prime-time national TV and is awarded a generous prize sum too. Having this recognition and support from Rob Rinder, the son of a tenant is all the more special. Rob has seen first-hand the impact of our work, what better endorsement can we get? His decision to nominate us as one of his chosen charities means so much to us”.
Year 6 Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox primary School girls decorating the GIFT collection box for toys and presents to be donated for Chanukah.
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Broughton Jewish Yr 6 Girls decorate the GIFT Box collection for Chanukah
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Pioneer Synagogue celebrates 70th anniversary St Albans United Synagogue members marked the 70th anniversary of its opening as the first purpose-built shul in Hertfordshire last Sunday. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and the Mayor of St Albans & District, Cllr Edgar Hill, joined the celebrations which was the first in-person social event by the shul since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Honoured guests included children and grandchildren of founder members. Many contributed to a video review of the seven decades of the shul’s history. Memories of early days included wardens in top hats to makeshift minyanim and community excursions to Jaywick Sands. Among those who spoke affectionately of pioneering were Victor Harris, 91, son of shul warden Jack Harris who performed the 1951 opening ceremony with a golden key, Anthony and James Larholt, now both in their 70s and sons of Louis Larholt, who laid the foundation stone in Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis with Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Alli Sturgess, and St Albans US co-chairs Daniel Agasee and 1950 and Hazel Kyte, 85, who recalled Elissa Da Costa-Waldman participating in the children’s choir Tributes were paid to Henry Grabiner, closeness of shul members and to the rabthat sang at the shul’s consecration. Also contributing were friends Howard Derek Wenzerul and Laurence Bamberg binic couple, Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Joseph, Sheila Abrahams and Ray Claret who held the community together in its Alli Sturgess. who attended cheder in its first decade and tougher times. “There’s a very special warmth here, are current shul members. Chief Rabbi Mirvis remarked on the it’s palpable, I can feel it,” he said. “It’s a
marvellous thing, that sense of camaraderie. It is something really, really special.” Congratulating St Albans on achieving the shul’s 70th anniversary, the Chief Rabbi added, “By the sound of it, you are growing and developing, and when this happens in an out-of-London community, that is exceptional, but it does not happen just because of good luck, it happens because of good leadership, good partnership and a wonderful community spirit.” Rabbi Sturgess noted the many instances where the number 70 occurs in Jewish sources. Mayor Hill expressed his admiration to the local Jewish community in the city’s life. Shul co-chair Elissa Da Costa-Waldman observed the shul punching above its weight in providing services and charitable efforts to the wider community. Co-chair Daniel Agasee and Professor Andrew Eder, who stood in for US President Michael Goldstein, also spoke. Professor Eder commented that while the synagogue was founded by people forced out of London by the war, it was gratifying to see record numbers joining the shul voluntarily.
JKaraoke: All you need to know! ADVERTORIAL
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Hello there! We are jKaraoke. Unseen to the global Jewish market before, jKaraoke gives one and all the platform to belt out, from the comfort of their own home, thousands of their favourite Jewish Karaoke songs! Perfect for every occasion, jKaraoke will keep the kids, grandparents, and everyone in between, entertained for hours!
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jKaraoke was both a lockdown inspiration and project, which has been in the works for almost 2 years! Yehuda from London, a member of the jKaraoke team, noticed a gap in the Jewish market for some fresh and kosher home-entertainment for himself, his family, and the kids. 3 UK Lockdowns, 2 US Presidents and thousands of hours later… jKaraoke emerged!
in mind. Suitable for all ages, you will be amazed by the huge selection of songs available to you, from Hava Nagila to Vehi Sheamda, we even have nursery rhymes for your little ones… There are over 1,000 songs available to sing from online! New music is added daily!
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You can buy your kit and mics from either jKaraoke.com or your local Jewish stores (subject to availability). Subscriptions are only available on jKaraoke.com
To get the most out of jKaraoke, and to have that thrilling ‘superstar’ feeling, we advise purchasing a jKaraoke Kit and subscribing to a plan that suits you! Kit + Subscription (Most Popular): For just £99.99 you will receive 1 x jKaraoke Kit, 1 x Mic and 1 x Full Year Subscription with access to thousands of songs on jKaraoke.com. You can pick up an extra Mic for just £17.99 when purchased with a Kit. Gift Option: You can even purchase the
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6. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC? HOW MANY SINGERS?
jKaraoke boasts a varied selection of songs from multiple Jewish Artists, genres, and styles. Genres on jKareoke. com include Hassidic, Modern, Israeli, Traditional and much more! There are over 1,000 songs, and hundreds of Jewish Artists to sing from on jKaraoke.com
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Jewish Care marks Remembrance Sunday “It’s an honour to lay the wreath on behalf of Jewish Care,” said 92-year-old volunteer, Freddy Berdach, on laying the wreath on Remembrance Sunday at the Edgware cenotaph, to remember those that served in the war. Today, Freddy volunteers at Jewish Care’s Ronson Family Community Centre at Sandringham. He says, “I want to do things for others. I was lucky, having survived when so many didn’t and I thank God every day for my blessings. It’s important for young people to know what life was like and what good opportunities they have today.” “I arrived in the UK in December 1938 after fleeing Vienna at the age of eight years old. I came with my mother who had a visa to go into domestic service and I was fostered out eight times over the two years so I wouldn’t be too attached to the families. When my father arrived here, he volunteered for the British Expeditionary Force in Le Havre. He was wounded and stayed in hospital for nine months before being honourably discharged and demobbed in Taunton, Somerset, where he became an enemy alien. “Having missed two years of school, I eventually started school in Holloway. I finished my A levels and was called up for National Service and deferred my university place at Kings College. “I served two years in the RAF during the Korean War in 1951 as part of Air Traffic Control on RAF Stradishall in Suffolk, and RAF
Freddy Berdach, Jewish Care Ronson Family Community Centre volunteer laid a wreath on behalf of Jewish Care at the Edgware Cenotaph
Ringway, which is now Manchester Airport. The community ceremony at the Edgware Cenotaph was also attended by Andrew Dismore representing the former members of the Royal British Legion Edgware branch, as well as representatives from local churches and Buddhist and Nepalese community, Ghurkhas and those from Edgware United Synagogue and Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue, the Hebrew Order of David, AJEX, Jewish scouts and guides, army cadets and members of the local community. At Jewish Care’s Betty and Asher Loftus
PHOTO: YAKIR ZUR
Centre in a moving service led by Rabbi Junik, Jewish Care’s Spiritual and Pastoral Lead, many residents and staff from the three care homes, attended a Remembrance Sunday service. Residents, Michael Levitt, laid a wreath and resident, Melvin Goldberg who did National Service for two years at the age of 18 and served in the 14th Field Regiment, played The Last Post on the trumpet whilst another resident, Laurence Brown, read a poem by Siegfried Sassoon. Care home resident, Melvin Goldberg played The Last Post and resident Phyllis
Burley, born in 1925, remembers her time as an Airforce mechanic repairing planes near the end of World War II. Sheila Golding remembers her father, Joseph Schneider, who served in the World War I in the trenches for four years in France at the age of 16. Her brother Bernard Taylor, who was in the RAF for 20 years between the wars, and was mentioned in Dispatches for his service in Africa, and her husband Nat Golding, who served in the Royal Signals en route to Burma. Sheila says, ‘I’m very proud of them all.” Residents across care homes participated in Remembrance Sunday reminiscence activities, watched the service and had special teas to mark the day. The Hebrew Order of David kindly sponsored teas at Jewish Care homes at Sandringham, The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre and Otto Schiff home. Jewish Care’s Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, said, “The members of our community who are ex-servicemen and women are becoming frailer and the number who are able to share their stories with us is decreasing. It is so important that we pay tribute to the courage shown by those who served during the wars and since, so that we can live in freedom today. We continue to be inspired by their stories and honour them and the memory of those, who have sadly, over the years, lost their lives. We would like to thank the Hebrew Order of David for supporting our care home residents to mark the day.”
The Giving Kitchen’s official opening GIFT giving Kitchen lead Lauren Fried, GIFT community engagement coordinator Roxanne Stross, Barbara Feldman who generously donates the food containers and volunteer cook Roweena Mostyn
GIFTs Roxanne Stross, Giving Kitchen lead Lauren Fried, GIFTs Founding Director Michelle Barnett, The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet Councillor Alison Cornelius, Rabbi Sandor Milun MD of GIFT, Chief Rabbi Mirvis, R. Naftali Schiff Chair & Founder of GIFT
The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and The Worshipful The Mayor of Barnet Councillor Alison Cornelius attended the Official Launch of The Giving Kitchen at the offices of Jewish Furtures, in north London, on 17 November 2021. Over 50 guests – volunteers, donors, VIPs and community leaders – attended the lunchtime occasion, and were delighted to come together to celebrate this milestone in the history of GIFT, one of the most-loved
Jewish charities in the UK. Guests relished the opportunity to sample this week’s Giving Kitchen meal. The Chief Rabbi noted its delicious flavours and asked if he could be added to the list of recipients! Michelle Barnett MBE, Founding Director of GIFT, says: ‘We were thrilled to welcome so many special guests into GIFT today, and to celebrate the ongoing and wonderful support of our team of volunteers. GIFT exists to create a community engaged, supported and
empowered by the gift of giving; The Giving Kitchen epitomises all that we endeavor to do, helping those in our community in need while enabling our volunteers to make a real difference.’ Lauren Fried, a GIFT supporter who has set up food-based community projects and whose drive and dedication helped to establish The Giving Kitchen, says: ‘I am so thrilled with how The Giving Kitchen has already evolved since its early days, and is now nourishing so many members of our community each week. Food builds bridges; it has the power to transform and is a tool for change.’ The Chief Rabbi said: ‘Thank you for giving me inspiration, I attend so many events but this is one which is extraordinary and extra special. I can just feel such a wonderful sensation of giving which you also receive in
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turn, which is certainly at the heart of all the activities here.’ A recipient of the weekly meals says: ‘Not only are the meals so helpful, life-saving, delicious; but we love seeing the volunteers as we are house-bound and have little contact with the outside world. We have had meals on wheels in the past, but the meals from The Giving Kitchen are on a different level, so delicious and beautifully presented. I am an elderly disabled man and my wife has serious dementia. Thank you for changing our lives.’ The Giving Kitchen provides a weekly hot meal to over 130 people each week. It was born out of COVID, when there was an urgent need to support vulnerable people who were old, ill, or suffering from severe mental health issues, and therefore physically unable to prepare their own meals. GIFT was inundated with requests for help, and many of the charity’s volunteers stepped up to give their time and money. Working closely with GIFT’s Michelle Barnett and Roxanne Stross, the team sprung into action to set up an 8-week pilot programme, which was a resounding success. Now, GIFT’s dedicated volunteers show up to GIFT HQ every Wednesday to wash, peel, chop, cook, pack and deliver the soup and meals. The trays of food are diligently filled with tasty portions of nutritious food, as they form a production line outside the kitchen. There are ambitious plans to expand the venture for 2022.
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Remembrance Sunday at Whitefield Cenotaph, Greater Manchester, the Community of Whitefield gathers together for an act of remembrance.
Col Martin Newman at Whitefield Cenotaph
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Jacquie Shapiro head of the ‘Stenecourt Stitchers’ a group of four lady Shul members who took 6 weeks to make these Poppies selling for £1, they have made 170 with all money raised in aid of Broughton House Veteran care home, founded in 1916 to provide treatment to the thousands returning from WW1, located in the heart of the Broughton Park Kehillah.
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
Jacquie Shapiro holding the hand made Poppies at Stenecourt Shul.
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From the front line… Remember, when leaving the train, to take your baby with you. BY JACQUELINE CURZON Activists at Cop26 in Glasgow were directing their annoyance at owners of SUVs by deflating their tyres, adding a little note to the windscreen which said, ‘Tyred of SUVs!’ Putting aside the fact that tampering with a vehicle is probably a form of criminal damage, I’m sure the 60 drivers affected by this interference were equally vocal in their protestations, more than likely adding, ‘I’m tired of the SNP - you’ve lost my vote!’ Some drivers were then late for work, not a minor inconvenience for any, but especially those who were health workers, pharmacists and dealing with sick patients. Ms Sturgeon stated to the press that she ‘doesn't pose with anyone,’ but just one day before was snapped holding a can of Irn Bru, posing with the US Democrat congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. Perhaps she had run out of energy to squeeze in a snappy argument. Police have been urged to investigate publisher Sandstone Press, after they were handed £295,000 of public funds. Run by an SNP supporter, they have also been awarded more than £400,000 in grants from Creative Scotland, the SNP government arts quango, over the past 15 years. Keith Charters, MD of Strident Publishing, accused Sandstone Press of falsifying statements relating to the number of staff it employed and the location of its business, in order to maximise public funding. Sandstone released a collection of Sturgeon speeches merely days after the Holyrood election, hailing the FM as a ‘significant world leader.’ Well, of course they would say that. The SNP government have also been busy, deleting offensive language such as ‘mother’ from maternity leave policies and providing sanitary bins and products in gents lavatories to accommodate persons of transgender persuasion. In another development, staff will now be entitled to use the title Mx in staff directories, rather than the conventional Mr, Ms, Miss or Mrs. In other somewhat connected news, Lord Winston, the biologist and scientist jointly involved in the development of IVF technology, has come to the political rescue of Professor Kathleen Stock, telling Fiona Bruce on Question Time, that people 'cannot change their sex.' He said [one has] a chromosomal, a genetic, a hormonal and a (psychological) brain sex, and they are all different. Thank you, Professor Winston, for that much needed clarification. So, you can be a biological woman, but feel hormonally or psychologically like a man, or vice versa. But despite any physical tinkering, you will simply be a modification of how you were born. Closer to home, Harrow school has enlisted ‘menopause influencers’ to teach sixth-form pupils to be compassionate partners. Given the average age of these
Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
students is 16 and those entering menopause are around 52, they’ll have plenty of time to catch up on women’s wonky hormones. A sad piece of news tells of a former lady High Sheriff who drowned after driving her car into flood water on a dark country lane which police had failed to cordon off. Annie Hall (69) was driving her husband home to Ashford-in-the-Water in November 2019, but the River Derwent had burst its banks and they found themselves in deep water. Peter Nieto, the Derbyshire Area Coroner, said there was nothing in the police log to show a road closed sign. Now moving swiftly onto medically related matters. NHS baby checks are still being carried out on Zoom, with new mothers saying they are still being denied basic care. A report by Home-Start Best Beginnings indicates that Covid restrictions are still having a significant impact on babies, their families and the services which support them. The report entitled Nobody Wants to See My Baby, suggests that families are struggling to access care from GPs and health visitors, with appointments being offered online or by phone call. My young friend who had her baby at pesach, has had a diabolical experience in this regard. We all know weight gain during pregnancy is notoriously hard to shift, and for veterans such as myself, we often end up with a veritable Aladdins Cave of clothes sizes to peruse, as the inches creep up or down. I can categorise my clothes according to which generation of child I was tending. It was therefore quite fascinating to read - according to a recent leading diabetic report - about people’s expanding waistlines. The average waistline for men has risen from 36 inches in 1993 to nearly 40 inches today. Although this was a very small study, 60% of the participants managed to get themselves into diabetic 'remission' by following a liquid-only diet for two weeks, followed by four to six weeks of support to maintain their weight, thereby effecting a 10-15%
weight loss. They managed to reduce the levels of fat in the pancreas and liver, and the insulin-producing cells were deemed to be ‘restored’. After optimum weight loss was achieved, scans showed reduction in fatty liver, which meant patients no longer needed to be on diabetic meds. Professor Roy Taylor, who led the study, said although it was early days, the results seemed to demonstrate that diabetes is 'caused by being too heavy for your own body.' As a rule of thumb, your waist size should be the same now as when you were aged 21. For me this would be around 25 inches - ouch so I need to pay attention here. It is unusual to find stories of musical interest, but my eye was drawn to a news article about Stradivarius violins. The story quickly morphed from one of musical interest to human disaster. Bernard von Bredow (62), a famous Bavarian archaeologist and renowned expert on the Ice Age, moved to Paraguay five years ago with his daughter, where he spent his retirement, restoring valuable antique instruments. He was found covered in burns and bruises, which makes the case that he was tortured before being shot; his daughter Lydia (14) was also murdered. Three men, Volker Grannass (58), Stephen Jorg Messing Darchinger (51) and Yves Asriel Spartacus Steinmetz (60), all German expats and believed to have been his friends, are now being held in custody. When von Bredow made a trip back to Germany, he entrusted the Stradivarius collection to Steinmetz, but when von Bredow returned, Steinmetz claimed they had been destroyed in a fire. The four violins have subsequently been found in the home of Grannass, probably because the trio were unable to sell the violins without the certificates proving their provenance and authenticity. With certification their value would have jumped to potentially £11 million each, so it is quite probable that they tortured him for the authentication documents. The most expensive Stradivarius instruments were made by Antonio Stradivari during his Golden Period {1700 -1725}, and they have regularly made headlines including the ‘Lady Blunt’ which sold for £11.8 million in 2011, whilst numerous others have been stolen and never recovered. But, it is not the sole preserve of violinists who can claim memory loss over their prized possessions. In mid-October, musician Stuart Russell boarded the Lewes to Brighton train, placing his custom made bassoon in the overhead rack. When he alighted the train and reached the concourse he immediately realised his mistake, but although he raced back to the platform, the train had begun its return journey. CCTV showed a passenger taking the bassoon, then boarding another train and alighting at Southwick station. Russell isn’t the first to leave his instrument on public transport. In 2008 Philippe Quint gave a thank-you
performance at Newark International Airport, after a cabdriver returned his $4 million violin. In 2016, professional violinist Jane Gordon (42) forgot to take her precious 300-year-old Maggini violin with her when she left a London station. It remained on the train for several hours before being removed by a passenger and was subsequently found dumped, by members of the public. In October 2019 Stephen Morris (51), a professional violinist with the RPO, alighted a train in southeast London and promptly forgot he had left his 310-year-old violin behind. Exhausted from a recording session it slipped his mind until the following morning, when he was devastated to have lost his £250,000, 1709 Tecchler instrument. He wrote to Southeastern Railway and appealed to the public through social media for its return. A CCTV image was released showing someone who may have taken it, and after an agonising few weeks his violin was returned by the person who had picked it up. He had evidently wanted to deliver it in person. I never quite understand someone forgetting an instrument, which in some cases is worth more than your car or your home. Put aside it being your livelihood. Remember back in 2013, former PM David Cameron left his ministerial red box in a train compartment, whilst nipping off to the buffet car, or in 2017 when Education Secretary Justine Greening left her red box outside her home as she popped inside to make a phone call? Instruments should be foremost in your mind, if necessary strapped in the seat next to you, and something you simply don’t take your eyes off. Like your child! Let’s hope Mr Russell and his bassoon are quickly reunited. And now, a little nugget of humour. A Royal Navy sailor who faked his GCSE certificates in order to secure a promotion, was caught out after making a huge mistake. Leading Seaman Ian O’Mahoney (33), Head of Catering on board HMS Brocklesby, applied to be promoted to Petty Officer, but needed to have scored a C or above in his English exams. He forged two AQA certificates, claiming he had received a B and C, but in reality he had scored two D grades. The fraud only came to light {ready for this?!} when he misspelt his name as O’Omhoney on both certificates. I’m not sure if it was more pathetic because a) he didn’t actually notice, or b) because it was over an English paper. At least he wasn’t applying to be a Pretty Officer. At Bulford Military Court he was handed 120 days of detention, suspended for 12 months. It clearly wasn’t a case of mi’steak’en identity, because someone still has to be there to make dinner, but I’m sure his catering colleagues will knock the stuffing out of him for some time. Love Jacqueline x
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LSJS and Revel unite in MA transatlantic course BY DAVID SAFFER London School of Jewish Studies and the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University has signed a transatlantic partnership agreement for an MA in Jewish Studies. LSJS’ UK-based students can study remotely for the award at the top US educational establishment. Professor Daniel Rynhold will be at LSJS on November 22nd (6-7pm) to host an open evening for anyone wishing to find out about the MA course. Professor Rynhold is a professor of modern Jewish Philosophy and Dean of Revel in New York City. He is delighted with the joint venture as his first academic appointment was at LSJS, at its inception in 1999, where he served as the Sam and Vivienne Cohen lecturer in Jewish Studies until 2001. Looking ahead to the trip across the Atlantic, he explained how the partnership come about? “It is an honour to be bringing the very best of academic Jewish Studies to students in the UK via an institution with which I have a deep personal connection, and that is of such historic importance to Anglo Jewry,” noted Professor Rynhold, who lectured in Judaism at King’s College, London prior to taking up his Revel post in 2007. “LSJS provided an MA through Kings, but when I left it became difficult,” he said. “When I became dean at Revel, offering a Jewish Studies MA became an opportunity. I’m thrilled it’s worked out. People can just turn up and if there is an interest that will be great.” Who will be interested studying the course? “I don’t imagine it will be too different at LSJS from our experience at Revel,” he said. “Many of our students work in the Jewish community as a school teacher, as rabbis or communal leaders. Having an MA takes you up a level. Students at Revel want to get an MA as it gives them extra knowledge, background and an academic lift. “We also have students who are a little bit older with an interest and the time to study. Our enrolment for remote instruction has shot up. People who worked in downtown New York then had to get to the top of Manhattan, didn’t have time. Now they can sit at their desk. To do it for pure interest sake is now possible. “A key difference for the MA is that you can enroll part or full time. And part time can be one course per semester (term). It’s also a ‘pay as you go’ system. So, you are not hit with a big bill from year one. You pay for courses each semester so it helps spreading costs. You can do it at your own pace.”
Professor Daniel Rynhold
The content is thought-provoking and varied for students. Topics include Jewish philosophy, the bible, Talmudic studies and Jewish history, which is split into ancient, medieval or modern. “Students have a lot of choice but they do not have to specialise, they can do a general Jewish Studies MA and combine as many subjects as they wish,” commented Daniel. What is special about taking a course with Revel for LSJS students? “Revel can genuinely compete with the best when it comes to academic Jewish Studies,” enthused Professor Rynhold. “We have leaders in the field of Jewish Studies. We are up there with the best options. It’s an American Masters. An MA here in terms of level is the same as at a top US educational institution.” If students with an American MA wish to travel, is it worth considering? “Opportunities for teachers of Judaic Studies in the US is a numbers game but
there is immense demand, particularly for people with an academic degree as well because it helps differentiate them,” Professor Rynhold noted. “In the UK there are not many options for a Jewish Studies MA. Certainly not one based at an institution with professors who are all in a modern orthodox spectrum.” In terms of how long it will take to complete the MA, that depends on the student as flexibility is key. “It depends how quickly students want to do it,” explained Daniel. “The MA is 10 courses. A full-time student may take three courses per semester then we have a summer schedule. You can do it in one academic year plus a fourth semester. But part time students could do one semester and complete it if they wish. It’s up to the individual and how long they have to commit to it.” Revel are also providing a two thirds scholarship, no questions asked, to bring LSJS students in line with the cost of an
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MA in the UK. UK students can spread the cost over the course. “This is great in terms of deciding how many courses you can afford each semester,” said Daniel. “I genuinely think we have something that is exciting, competitive and international with the best Jewish Studies academics around. It’s a great opportunity for students who have an interest to explore.” Revel have offered its Jewish philosophy Master’s remotely since 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic and increased move to online education, like many educational institutions, has led to the school expanding internationally. Professor Rynhold is visiting professor at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Jewish Studies. He has received a B.A. in Philosophy at Cambridge University, an MA in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at University College London and PhD in Jewish philosophy at the London School of Economics. Professor Rynhold’s academic interests include the philosophical thought of Moses Maimonides and Joseph Soloveitchik and the relationship between Jewish and non-Jewish philosophy. To book a place or find out about the MA contact Helena.miller@lsjs.ac.uk
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30 COOKERY
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18 NOVEMBER 2021
Brisket with Pomegranate and Lemon Gremolata This succulent piece of brisket just melts in the mouth. Make it in advance, slice and keep warm. What could be easier…….? Preparation Time: 25 minutes plus 2 hours refrigeration Cooking Time: 3 hours 20 minutes Serves: 6-8
Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com
Ingredients Brisket 4 garlic cloves - peeled and finely chopped Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 1 piece beef brisket 1.8kg – 2kg 2 tablespoons olive oil ~ 2 lemons – zest and juice 2 tablespoons beef powder with 300ml hot water- to make beef stock 150ml red wine/ Kiddush wine Pomegranate Gremolata/ Herb Topping 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 100g split almonds 1 lemon – zest only 2 garlic cloves – peeled and finely chopped Flaked sea salt 1 pomegranate – remove seeds Method 1. Prepare the brisket by mashing garlic and a pinch of salt using a mortar and pestle/ rolling pin or the side of a knife until a paste forms.
The AJEX Remembrance Parade and food BY DENISE PHILLIPS Sunday 21st November will mark the 100th year that Jewish Veterans have laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in London. The AJEX Remembrance Parade and Ceremony is a firm part of the calendar for many of us as we remember the sacrifices of family and friends. What was Jewish food like a 100 years ago? My wonderful mother, at 91, has many memories of food from days gone by, and of her favourite dishes as a child. When she was young and living in Bethnal Green, fried fish, salt beef and chicken soup were all on the weekly menu and she remembers seeing barrels of cucumber being left outside in the street to pickle in brine for two to three weeks – what a tasty snack! Chicken soup was made using ‘boilers’ and cooked with just carrots and onions. Nowadays I tend to use regular chicken carcass or chicken wings to make my soup and I include leeks, swede, turnip, tomato, parsnip, fresh parsley, a couple of bay leaves and a tablespoon or two of chicken powder. Today kosher meat can only be purchased ready koshered and of very recent times this includes chicken livers too! Fried fish was popular for Shabbos as it is tasty cold. My mother-in-law, now 95, recalls how her mother made fried fish – usually plaice or haddock - for Friday night dinner because her father
went to synagogue. Shabbat times obviously vary throughout the year, but having a ready prepared cold meal made in advance made life much easier, whatever the season. Fish was still on the menu even during the dark days of the Second World War. Judy Jackson, the eminent food writer, explained this oddity in a recent article: ‘fish was not rationed, because the Ministry of Food couldn’t find an effective way to do it, because the underlying principle is that rationed items had to be in constant supply. In the case of fresh fish, the supply was governed by natural scarcity caused by the uncertainty of how many fishermen were able or willing to go to sea’. (www.thearmchairkitchen) Today we are spoilt for choice with all the non dairy products in our kosher supermarkets to include all the alternative creams, milks and cheeses. There are so many vegan and gluten free choices and of course the ‘readymade’ range of dishes too. Thanks to KLBD (Kosher London Beth Din) this has been made by possible. Produce fresh, tinned and frozen is less labour-intensive enabling menus to be more adventurous and varied. ‘Extended families often lived together. Recipes with beef were not common since beef was only an occasional luxury. Below is one of my favourite brisket recipes, done the modern way!
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2. Smear brisket with the paste and transfer to a baking dish. 3. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours or overnight. 4. Preheat oven to 160C/ 325 F/ Gas mark 3. 5. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. 6. Sear brisket until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes and then transfer to an ovenware dish. 7. Pour lemon juice, stock and wine over brisket and cook covered for 3 hours. Uncover for a final 15 minutes. 8. To make the gremolata/ herb, combine the parsley, chives, split almonds, lemon zest, and garlic. Season with sea salt. Add pomegranate seeds. 9. Slice brisket. Serve with pan juices and pomegranate gremolata.
Keren Hashviis 32 FEATURE
Representatives of Keren Hashviis Europe have recently returned from a lightning visit to Eretz Yisroel. Mr Aryeh Melinek, Chairman, Mr Binyomin Green, Administrator and Mr Akiva Hakenbroch, member of the executive committee, were accompanied by the CEO of Keren Hashviis America Mr Shia Markowitz. The purpose of the two-day trip was to receive Brochos and Chizuk from the Gedolei HaDor as well as to witness firsthand the awe-inspiring Mesirus Nefesh of several farmers, many of whom are keeping Shemitta correctly for the first time. “We took the first opportunity we had to travel once tourist restrictions were eased in November”, explained Aryeh. On the first day of their trip, the Keren Hashviis askonim were taken to the homes of the Gedolei Hador including Harabbonim Hageonim shlita Harav Chaim Kanievsky, Harav Gershon Edelstein and Harav Shimon Galai. A reciprocal visit to HaRav Moshe Shaul Klein was also carried out on the first day of the visit, a mere few weeks after the well-publicised visit of Harav Klein to London. The Gedolim extended their Brocohos to the askonim and conveyed words of Chizuk for the supporters of the holy efforts too. The powerful message of the Gedolim was that the Brocha of “Vetzivisi es Birchosi” first reaches the benefactors who support the farmers as it this support which enables the Mitzvah to be kept, adding that keeping and supporting the Mitzvah of Shemitta is a tremendous Zechus that will bring the Geula. The askonim also had the privilege of being invited for lunch with the mayor of Bnei Brak, Harav Avraham Rubinstein. Despite his ill-health, Rabbi Rubinstein works day and night to persuade more farmers to become Shomerei Shevi’is. On day two of the trip, the askonim visited a total of five farms across the Holy Land. The first farmer they arrived at also has many schools and chadorim visit throughout Shemitta, with hundreds of Israeli children thereby witnessing firsthand, Mesirus Nefesh for a Mitzvah. Six months before Rosh Hashanah, this farmer had no intention of observing Shemitta and purchased a new tractor. When he eventually was persuaded to keep Shemitta, not only was his main source of income placed on hold, he was still required to maintain his monthly payments towards his tractor despite not being able to use it. “For many farmers, the cost of living is the smaller challenge to keeping Shemitta”, says Binyomin. “Their general living expenses are small when compared with the ongoing expenses such as taxes, insurance and the lease on their farm”. Another farmer, who spends much of his free time during the Shemittah year learning in Kollel, related that he had a rolling
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Round the table discussion with Itzik Atiya, a Gibor Koach
Reb Binyomin receiving Diveri Brocho from Sar Hatorah Reb Chaim Shlita
The Commitee receiving chizuk and Brochos from Reb Shimon Galai Shlita
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18 NOVEMBER 2021
contract with a certain wholesaler. When the farmer notified the wholesaler that business would halt temporarily in honour of Shemittah, the wholesaler did not hide his disdain and promptly terminated their business relationship paying all monies owed to the farmer. This was a great Siyatta Dishmaya, for a mere couple of months later, the wholesaler went out of business and all his creditors were left lacking whereas the Shomer Sheviis farmer had received everything he was owed. A further farmer visited currently has 5000 tonnes of potatoes in his storehouse which he has not found a buyer for and is incurring a monthly 50,000-70,000 shekel in electricity bills, in order to keep the potatoes fresh. Keren Hashviis is therefore not only assisting him in finding a buyer; they are also working with renowned Hechsherim to ensure that he should be recognised as a Shomer Shevi’is and prioritised in that merit to sell to heimishe food suppliers. “The help offered by Keren Hashviis extends to more than directly financially supplementing the losses that the farmers incur”, the askonim report, “We assist them with so much more”. The same farmer also has 400 dunam of lemon trees, some of which have become infected with a rare fungus, forcing him to uproot thousands of trees. One farmer, besides his 2000 dunam of land, owns a factory which produces a large percentage of the pre-checked lettuce in the country. It was Rabbi Avraham Rubinstein who convinced him to properly keep Shemitta this year. Observing Shemitta as mandated by Halacha is not only a financial Nisayon; the farmers’ entire chiyus - their life pleasure, comes from “busyness”- the noise and action on the farm, and for this year the silence is almost deafening! The farmers bravely face the challenge of not working their field for the seventh year, but what is often overlooked is the knock-on effect this has for the first months of the following year, when there is similarly no income and they nevertheless incur hundreds of thousands of shekels in expenses. Whilst Keren Hashviis would ideally wish to grant additional financial aid to these Giborei Koach, their resources are limited to the seventh year. Across the globe, Yidden are proudly upholding the 51% of privately-owned Jewish fields in Eretz Yisroel lying fallow in honour of Shemitta, for the first time since Churban HaBayis. UK Jewry is particularly proud to have a part in this great Mitzvah and donations to this vital cause are welcome. Partnership and dedication opportunities are available on the website www.kerenHashviis.org.uk or for more information please contact the office at office@kerenHashviis.org.uk
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36 JUDAISM
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Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com WHY CAN’T WE ENJOY THE SEASON?
Dear Rabbi I have a question that I have always wondered and I ask this in the utmost respect for the Jewish religion. Why don’t Jewish people celebrate Xmas as a secular holiday with Santa and tree? I understand the idea behind not celebrating the ‘birth’ but what about Santa? Why not just enjoy the season that everyone else is enjoying? Something I was curious about. Dan Dear Dan A perfect husband went with his perfect wife in their perfect car on a perfect holiday. Suddenly Santa went flying by on his sled and they had a terrible collision. Only one survived – which one? The perfect wife of course! Everyone knows there is no such thing as Santa - - or a perfect husband! We have our own holidays, thank you very much. We’ll stick with Elijah and jelly donuts.
SHABBAT IN ALASKA
Dear Rabbi As Shabbat comes in so early I leave work early on a Friday. I was explaining to a colleague how the times for Shabbat relates to when it gets dark, and how we consider the preceding night to already be the next day. He asked how Shabbat times work in the North Pole where it is light for months at a time. Hope you can shed some light on this. Richard Dear Richard The question applies as much to Norway, Sweden, Alaska,
Iceland, etc. There is a classic source (Shabbat 69b) cited by some (Rabbi Jacob Emdin 17th Cent.): “A person lost in the desert who doesn’t know when it is Shabbat, counts six days and rests on the seventh”. In other words, when you are in a place where normal time divisions don’t exist, you arbitrarily adopt a method for observing Shabbat after six 24-hour days. This Talmudic example however is talking where one has no concept of time at all. Hence in our scenario where we do have watches etc. others follow different principles. Rabbi Israel Lifshitz (18th Cent.) cites the halachic principle of following the customs of your point of origin if you intend to return there and if there is no local Jewish community (Maimonides, Laws of Festivals 8:20 and Shulchan Aruch Orah Hayyim 468:4). Hence he maintains that if you have a watch, which shows the time at your point of origin, you observe Shabbat according to your point of origin. The Lubavitcher Rebbe (20th Cent.) ruled for the benefit of Chabad Houses in such places that you should observe Shabbat according to places with the same longitude. So now you have something to chew over your next lunch break. It’s nice to know you made an impression with your early Friday departure.
CAN YOU PICK ME UP?
Dear Rabbi I recently lost my job. I know we are supposed to believe everything is for a reason and there is a silver lining, but I am struggling to see this at the moment. I am not writing to
Pirkei Avot ָּכל ַה ְמ ַק ֵּבל,אֹומר ֵ ַר ִּבי נְ חּונְ יָ א ֶּבן ַה ָּקנָ ה ַמ ֲע ִב ִירין ִמ ֶּמּנּו עֹל ַמלְ כּות,ּתֹורה ָ ָעלָ יו עֹל ,ּתֹורה ָ ּפֹורק ִמ ֶּמּנּו עֹל ֵ וְ ָכל ַה.ְועֹל ֶּד ֶרְך ֶא ֶרץ :נֹותנִ ין ָעלָ יו עֹל ַמלְ כּותו ְ Rabbi Nehunia ben Hakkanah said: whoever takes upon himself the yoke of the Torah, they remove from him the yoke of government and the yoke of worldly concerns, and whoever breaks off from himself the yoke of the Torah, they place upon him the yoke of government…
you with a specific question, just with an unusual request. I am an avid reader and great admirer of your column and I just know you will find the words to lift me up and encourage me. Thank you in anticipation. Simon Dear Simon In 2005, the late Steve Jobs delivered a commencement address at Stanford University. He described three crushing blows in his life: dropping out of college, being fired by the company he had founded - Apple, and being diagnosed with cancer. Each one, he said, had led to something important and positive. He described how his parents invested their life’s savings so that he could go to Reed College, but six months into his first semester, he dropped out. He was living from hand to mouth while doing a course in calligraphy to while his time, where he learned all about typography. It wasn’t till ten years later when he appreciated its significance while designing the Mac computer - the first computer with beautiful typography. Had he not taken that course, the Mac would not have had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts which paved the way for other computers to do the same. In 1985, Jobs was fired from Apple – the company he had cofounded from scratch in his parents’ garage 11 years earlier. It was a public humiliation. He considered running away but then he realized he still had his passion. He started another company called NeXT, and then another one called Pixar, where he also met the love of his life. Pixar went
on to become the most successful animation studio in the world and NeXT was bought by Apple and he returned turning the company into the juggernaut it is today. His diagnosis with pancreatic cancer - devastating though it was - inspired him to be all the more thankful for each day. As he said to the Stanford graduates, “if you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll be right..’.. So each day ask yourself, ‘If today were the last day of your life,
Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.
For Refuah Shalema for אריה בן ציפורה According to the Bartenura, if you learn Torah enthusiasticly for the sake of heaven, Hashem will take away the stress of earning a parnassa. We see this happen on a daily basis witnessing people around the world who learn Torah full time surviving against all the odds. It has naturally become the subject of a major debate down the years, should one learn full time or get a job. The answer is it’s clearly best to learn full time but if one is not supported and finances would be very tough, the ideal scenario is to combine both.
Perek 3: Mishna 5
I once saw a brilliant shiur on Youtube by the great Reb Yaakov Hillel, entitled ‘The Torah outlook for the working man.’ Definitely check it our if you can! There he promotes the value of learning the same amount of time as working. If money means so much to you why didn’t Hashem receive adequate time in your chesbon! By making sure to treat Hashem and the Torah at least on the same level as earning a parnassa, Hashem will see to it that our livelihood is taken care of leaving adequate time to learn.
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would you want to do what you’re about to do today? If the answer is ‘No’ for too many days in a row, it means you need to change something. Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” The message is clear: Rather than allow traumatic experiences to be nothing more than just that, we can turn them into opportunities to create something new. Sometimes we have to wait for the dark clouds to part before the blessings can rain down upon us.
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Torah from Israel
18 NOVEMBER 2021
Vayishlach: A Little Less Confidence BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN Ya’akov endures a lifetime of confrontation and chaos. He grappled with his father-in-law, warred with the local rapists of Shechem, and, toward the end of his life, emigrated to a foreign country – never to return to his homeland. Amidst all this drama, his tense face-off with his armed brother-flush with four hundred warriors-is the most perilous day of his life. Having been assured of Divine protection, Ya’akov should, logically, feel confident about his prospects. In addition to that divine guarantee, Ya’akov enjoys the support and protection of a vast entourage of family, slaves and cattle. No longer a penniless and lonely man barely escaping Esav’s clutches, he is now the leader of an impressive clan. Finally, he should take reasonable confidence in his past struggles, having survived twenty years of a devious father-in-law. As he faces off against Esav, Ya’akov has every reason for supreme confidence in his ultimate victory. Yet surprisingly, he is agitated with worry. Nervous of the outcome, he adopts numerous strategies to assure victory, or, at least, to limit the casualties. After dividing his camp into two factions and presenting gifts and tributes to his furious brother, Ya’akov desperately prays for Divine assistance. Conceding his fears to Hashem, he famously acknowledges: ”Katonti” (literally “I am small”)- an iconic phrase which perfectly captures his shrunken confidence. It seems odd that a person of such colossal faith and of such mighty religious achievement should feel so tiny. Apparently, despite his past successes, Ya’akov has numerous reasons to doubt his future. Looking back, he has benefitted from two decades of extraordinary divine intervention. Not only did he survive “against all odds”, but he returned as the wealthy head of an impressive family. Having received such profuse abundance perhaps the “divine well” now runs dry, and he can no longer expect future generosity. He doesn’t take the past twenty years for granted. Additionally, he was concerned with conspicuous shortcomings in his religious behavior. Absent for two decades, he wasn’t available to tend to his aging parents – who incidentally, continued to be supported by his brother. Furthermore, Ya’akov had been missing from the land of Hashem for longer than either of his predecessors. Perhaps he can’t just “parachute in” to the promised land after such a long absence and lay claim against
a rival brother, who had “labored on” for two decades. Through no fault of his own, Ya’akov had lapsed in two crucial mitzvoth and perhaps the “bill was due”. Hashem doesn’t round off our religious performance. Sins of the righteous are accounted for, just as merits of the wicked are considered. Despite his overall religious accomplishments, Ya’akov was concerned “shema yigrom hachet”- even minor sins would compromise his future. He remains vexed with uncertainty. He was not alone. While he was momentarily worried by the uncertainty of “katonti”, Dovid Hamelech is continuously haunted by lack of religious confidence. Facing seemingly endless enemies, he feels lost, taking no solace in any assured outcome. Utterly unconvinced of future security, he desperately clings to Hashem for hope and survival. The sins of his past gnaw at his conscience, thwarting any future optimism. Ya’akov experiences a flash of uncertainty but in the book of Tehillim, Dovid is unceasingly immersed in religious insecurity. Ya’akov in parshat Vayishlach and Dovid Hamelech in the course of Tehillim, showcase the important balance between religious confidence and doubt. Proper calibration of the two is vital for personal achievement, emotional health and, even more so, for religious success. It is obvious that healthy confidence in our abilities and talents is crucial to our general successes. It generally improves our self- esteem, leads to better decision making and motivates hard work. Confidence is even more crucial for healthy and lasting religious growth. The very concept of religious duty and mitzvah observance, exerts formidable pressure upon us. Religious shoulders carry great weight and heavy expectations. Too much pressure can quickly spiral into religious despondency, emotional anxiety and obsessive behavior. Too much failure and guilt can create a perpetual sense of religious disappointment. Religious observance isn’t meant to suffocate our emotional happiness nor to cause excess religious nervousness. Serving Hashem is meant to transform us into better and happier versions of ourselves, endowed with the quiet confidence which only faith and belief can supply. Religion and emotional anxiety are a volatile mix- and one which rarely lasts. Ultimately, too much stress and too much emotional disquiet is unsustainable, and persistent nervousness or guilt often “eject” someone from orbit of religion. For religious life to be successful and sustainable it must be anchored in the calm confidence
Supreme confidence blinds us to ideas beyond our own imagination, whereas intellectual humility compels us to probe for the truths we don’t yet possess. of religious success. As important as confidence is, it is also crucial to sense “under confidence” and to feel uncertainty. Healthy self-doubt is a gateway to personal growth. Supreme confidence blinds us to ideas beyond our own imagination, whereas intellectual humility compels us to probe for the truths we don’t yet possess. Doubt for the layman is integrity for the scholar. Healthy self-doubt invites self-critique, opening our hearts to the input and corrective wisdoms of others. Our culture imbues the value of strong confidence, sometimes to the detriment both of intellectual flexibility and attentiveness to differing views. Self-doubt is even more valuable in our religious practice and experiences. Religion can be defined as an endless pursuit of the Unreachable. Often, moderate religious success breeds contentment and religious stagnation. The final section of masechet Berachot comments that righteous people have no respite either in this world nor in the next. Constantly striving for greater spirituality, religious people should always be stretching their religious horizons. Confident in their religious practice they, none the less, should not be content with their current
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religious level. We are searching for the infinite. In that search there is little room for contentment. Secondly doubt and insecurity helps us retain our humility. Self-introspection and self-scrutiny evoke our fragility and our dependence upon a Higher Being. There is a thin line between confidence and swagger and healthy self-doubt prevents us from crossing it. Proper “confidence calibration” yields a life of “poise”. People of poise are fully aware of their talents just as they admit their limitations. Religiously “poised” people innately feel confident in their relationship with Hashem. This security provides inner equilibrium and composed religious practice. However, they always doubt their accomplishments, seeking new vistas for religious opportunity, rather than resting upon past laurels and prior accomplishments. They feel at once, large and small. The writer is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.
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Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y I S R A E L
Struggling With Angels BY RABBI ZEV LEFF A society in which technology enables us to deal effortlessly with many of life’s difficulties raises the issue of the value of challenges and struggles. The Torah’s view on this question lies at the center of the account of the struggle between Ya’akov and the angel. According to one Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 77:3), the angel who confronted Ya’akov was Esav’s archangel, Satan himself. He came to obstruct and deter Ya’akov on his return to Eretz Yisrael. Another Midrash, however, says that the angel was Micha’el, the patron of Ya’akov and the Jewish people. To make matters even more difficult, Rashbam writes that Ya’akov sought to run away from Esav, and Micha’el came to restrain him and force him to confront Esav, thus demonstrating to Ya’akov that Hashem’s promise to him would be fulfilled. To resolve these seeming contradictions we must understand the Torah’s view of
man’s struggle. Mesilat Yesharim describes life as one of struggle. Hashem put the neshamah (soul) into a physical body in order for it to earn Olam Haba through its efforts to overcome the yetzer hara. It is this struggle which elevates a person and enables him to reach the ultimate goal of achieving the World to Come. During the struggle, the angel took on different disguises. According to one opinion, he came as a talmid chacham. Another opinion says that he came as a robber. Sometimes a person wants to elevate himself, but the Satan stands in his way – the robber who seeks to deny the person what he wants. That denial challenges him and causes him to appreciate all the more his accomplishments. On the other hand, there is the angel, Micha’el, the talmid chacham who tries to pull a person up when he wants to stay put. Ya’akov wanted to avoid problems; Michael forced the struggle upon him in order to elevate him higher.
Vayishlach
Yaakov sends angels to inform his brother Esav that he is returning home, after decades away. Yaakov’s message offers Esav the chance to make peace, but also conveys Yaakov’s own strength (Rashi). The angels return, warning Yaakov that Esav is approaching with 400 men. Yaakov becomes afraid, divides his camp into two and prays to G-d for survival.
2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 32:14-30
Yaakov sends copious gifts to Esav, hoping to appease him. That night, Yaakov’s family crosses over the Yabok stream. Yaakov is left alone. He is attacked by ‘a man’, identified by the Midrash as the ministering angel of Esav. They wrestle until dawn. The ‘man’, unable to defeat Yaakov, nevertheless dislocates Yaakov’s
Rabbi Zev Leff is the rabbi of Moshav Matityahu, and a renowned author, lecturer and educator. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www. mizrachi.org/speakers).
“Thus Rachel died, and was buried on the road to Efrat, which is Bethlehem” (Bereishit 35:19)
Sidra Summary
1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEREISHIT 32:4-13
At the end of the night, the angel asked to be set free, but Ya’akov refused. While at the beginning of the night Ya’akov sought to avoid the confrontation, by night’s end he realized that the struggle was essential to his very existence. The prohibition of eating the gid hanasheh (the sciatic nerve) is a constant reminder of Ya’akov’s struggle. The Sforno explains that in throwing away the gid hanasheh we are showing that the place where Ya’akov was wounded is not important. That is how a person must deal with failure. When you fail in one area you cannot become depressed over it. Every time a person refrains from eating the gid hanasheh, he is reminded not to be overwhelmed by adversity. Failure, challenges and struggles provide the incentive to rise and continue. Rabbi Dessler points out that the word ra, evil, inverted is ar, awaken. Evil awakens a person. Setbacks and obstacles should
not immobilize him, but offer a challenge, something to fight against in order to strengthen oneself and earn one’s ultimate reward. That, too, is the greatness of Klal Yisrael. We deserve Hashem’s blessing because we have the strength of character, derived from the Torah, to be able to struggle even when we are wounded. Ya’akov is now called both Ya’akov and also his new name Yisrael – Ya’akov when he’s struggling and Yisrael when he overcomes adversity. It is the same for us. Life is full of ups and downs – sometimes we are Ya’akov and sometimes we are Yisrael. However, we realize we have the potential of being Yisrael even when we are Ya’akov. We may be slowed down by setbacks in life but we do not give up. Chazal tell us that Eretz Yisrael is acquired with suffering and difficulties – due to the enormous potential Eretz Yisrael has to offer, it is only through struggling with difficulties that one can derive benefit from them.
hip. The ‘man’ then tells Yaakov that his name will later change to ‘Yisrael’ and blesses him.
built an altar when escaping from Esav. As the angel had previously foretold, G-d changes Yaakov’s name to Yisrael.
3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 32:31-33:5
Point to Consider: Why did Yaakov rebuke Shimon and Levi? (see Rashi to 34:30)
Yaakov’s injury is the source of the prohibition of eating the sciatic nerve of an animal. As Esav approaches, Yaakov bows to him seven times. Esav embraces and kisses Yaakov, and they both weep.
6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 35:12-36:19
Rachel dies whilst giving birth to Binyamin and is buried in Beit Lechem. After Rachel’s death, Reuven, Leah’s son, moves his father’s bed out of Bilhah’s tent and into Leah’s (Rashi). Yitzchak dies, aged 180. He is buried by Esav and Yaakov. Esav’s descendants are listed.
4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 33:6-33:20
Each person in Yaakov’s family bows to Esav. Yaakov successfully urges Esav to accept the gifts that he had sent. Esav suggests that he and Yaakov travel together, but Yaakov politely declines. Esav departs for Seir and Yaakov departs for a place called Succot. Yaakov then travels to Shechem.
5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 34:1-35:11
Dinah is captured and violated by Shechem the son of Chamor, ruler of the town. Shechem falls in love with Dinah and asks his father to secure her as his wife, whilst still holding Dinah captive. Yaakov’s sons are outraged. Chamor speaks to them, suggesting that their two families unite in marriage, as well as offering them trade and land prospects.
7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 36:20-36:43 Shechem offers a large dowry for Dinah. Yaakov’s sons trick Chamor and Shechem – they offer the Israelite girls only if all the town’s males are circumcised. Chamor and Shechem agree; all the men of the town circumcise themselves. Three days later, when they are in great pain, Shimon and Levi kill them all, take Dinah back and plunder the town. Yaakov rebukes them. G-d appears to Yaakov, telling him to go back to Beit El, where he originally
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The Torah lists eight Edomite kings and their origins.
HAFTARAH (HOSHEA 11:7-12:12)
The Haftarah, according to the general United Synagogue custom, is taken from the Book of Hoshea. The prophet refers to events in Yaakov’s life, including his struggle with the angel. Hoshea encourages the people to learn from Yaakov’s responses to the spiritual challenges he faced, so that they can become worthy of being his descendants.
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Vayishlach: Hinting At History BY GAVRIEL COHN
This week’s Torah portion concludes with a long litany of verses listing “the generations of Esav, that is, Edom… These are the names of Esav’s sons: Eliphaz, son of Adah, the wife of Esav, Reuel, son of Bosmat, the wife of Esav; The sons of Eliphaz were Teiman, Omar, Zepho, Gaatam, and Kenaz; And Timna was a concubine to Eliphaz, son of Esav, and she bore to Eliphaz, Amalek...These became the chieftains of the sons of Esav: the sons of Eliphaz, Esav’s firstborn: Chief Teiman, Chief Omar, Chief Zepho, Chief Kenaz, Chief Korah, Chief Gaatam, Chief Amalek... Chief Magdiel. These are the chieftains of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah... Thus, the chieftains of Edom according to their dwelling places in the land of their possession…” This list takes up a whole chapter. One Kabbalist, R’ Azriel of Gerona, notes rather bluntly, “just as some of the human body’s limbs, joints, and organs seem to be more vital than others, so it seems with the Torah. To one who does not understand their hidden meaning, certain sections of the Torah seem fit to be thrown into the fire. But to one who has gained insight into their true significance, they appear essential. Consequently, to omit so much as a letter, or
Vayishlach RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE
THE SIGN OF THE FOUR
“The Sign of the Four” is a famous Sherlock Holmes story. The number four has a long lineage. It is a well known symbol in ancient logic, borrowed and used in the numerical sections of the Ethics of the Fathers. Much earlier, it figures in the Bible from the early chapters of B’reshit onwards, and in the Torah reading this week we meet in the name Kiryat Arba, “the town of four” (e.g. Gen. 35:27), the town named after four giants or four patriarchal couples who were buried there at Machpelah. It had additional names: Mamre, the area, and Chevron (“Friendship Town”: Gen. 23:2), where Abraham and Isaac dwelt (and Sarah died). Abraham was called the Friend of G-d. The Bible says that G-d is our Friend, who loves us and protects us; the idea that Abraham is G-d’s friend suggests that the believer must bring lustre to G-d and His Name.
JACOB & THE JAR
On the way home after years of absence, Jacob was levado, by himself, and a man struggled with him all night (Gen. 32:25). There is a Midrash which reads levado as lekado, “for his jar”. Jacob was obsessed with the thought of the cans and containers which he had left behind, and fretting
even a point, is like removing part of a perfect unity. It also follows that as concerns the divine character of the Torah, no distinction can be made between the verses in Bereshit that detail the children of Esav [in our Sedra] and the Ten Commandments, for all are parts of the whole” (brought by Cardozo, The Infinite Chain). Similarly, the Rambam stresses, “there is no difference between the verse ‘And Timnah was his concubine’ and ‘I am the Lord, your G-d;’ they are all from the mouth of the A-lmighty and it is all the Torah of G-d, complete, pure and holy truth” (Introduction to Perek Chelek; see also Hilchot Teshuvah, 3:8) Why though, if we may ask, does the Torah indeed record this long list of Esav’s descendants, what is the point? For some commentators it serves the purpose of providing us with clear halachic details, clarifying for the Jewish People who Amalek are, to correctly identify them, and which clans constitute the nation of Edom, enabling us to keep the commandment of “You shall not despise an Edomite”(Rambam; R’ Avraham ben haRambam). Indeed, for many, the Torah is primarily a guidebook, teaching Jews proper conduct and providing halachic instruction. Alternatively, this genealogy may serve to disgrace the Edomites by delineating and exposing their incestuous lineage (Abrabanel, based on Rashi who interprets their marriages as entangled ones). Most remarkably, however, perhaps this list of Esav’s descendants serves to highlight the future history of Edom’s powerful civilisation. As the Ramban so brilliantly expounds:
“Everything which befell our father Yaakov with his brother Esav will occur to us repeatedly in our relations with the children of Esav... Our whole Parsha represents future history. There would come a time when the descendants of Esav would overcome Yaakov to the brink of absolute annihilation... The Jewish People as a whole will persevere, as is intimated by the text: “And Yaakov came to Shalem [‘Shalem’ means whole or perfect]… Now, the tenth of these Edomite kings listed will rule over Rome, and from there their kingdom will spread over the whole world. It is to this that the very name ‘Magdiel’ [from the words ‘gadol’ and ‘el’] hints to: that he will magnify himself above every power.” According to the Ramban, this extensive genealogy of Edomite chiefs listed at the end of our Sedra depicts the conquering might of Esav and their sprawling future empire. The medieval Jewish scholars thought that these kings would come to found or merge (either religiously, culturally, or even symbolically) with the kingdoms of Europe and that the intertwined, strained relationship between Yaakov, the father of the Jewish People dispersed in those lands, and Esav, the father of Edom, would continue: “And you [Esav] shall live by your sword and you shall serve your brother and it will be, when you become agitated that you will break his yoke off your neck.” The very fact that these descendants of Esav are all listed by the titles of chiefs and kings (unlike the other genealogies of Sefer Bereshit) reflects the prestige their placed on militarism and power, an ancient cultural
over these articles slowed him down and delayed him. Why was he so concerned about the items he had left behind? Not because his pockets would be empty but because he needed his possessions in order to afford to give charity in the new environment in which he was about to settle. When a person moves from one place to another, his first thought must be to resume his spiritual and ethical life.
with Job 13:15, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him… but I will argue my case before Him.” (Rashi re-interprets the verse to say, “I will not be separated from Him and will constantly hope in Him.”) Job is told by his “friends” to curse G-d and be rid of his G-d-problem. We in later generations hear the same thing – “Give up religion, forget G-d, drop your Jewishness!” We won’t… and we can’t.
STANDING UP FOR G-D
The sidra explains how Yaakov’s name was changed to Yisrael. The new name is a compliment, usually translated as meaning “prince of G-d” or “champion of G-d”. It can also be rendered “wrestler with G-d”. Maimonides draws our attention to the grammar of the name and says the initial yod makes it a future tense. The events which led to the new name took place in the past, but the future tense indicates that whatever the word means it implies a duty for the future. Is Yaakov – symbolic of every Jew – going to stand up for G-d? It is a task which continues to the end of days. We cannot sit down and sit out the duels. We cannot say we are tired and the job is too wearying. Not until history comes to an end can we afford to relax. If the word means “wrestler with G-d” we likewise cannot abdicate. It is never going to be easy to live with G-d when we are never quite certain what He is and what is His agenda and timetable. We have to say
18 NOVEMBER 2021 precursor perhaps to the medieval knights of Europe (R’ Avraham ben haRambam). In fact, from Talmudic times onwards, Jews would often open a Chumash and read Parshat Vayishlach before undertaking dealings with any hostile Roman or Christian neighbours in order to gain insight and inspiration for themselves as to how to deal with the adversaries they were about face, learning from Yaakov’s persistence and strategies against Esav, how to face these kingdoms alluded to at the Sedra’s end. Indeed, we anticipate an era when all nations will live peacefully together; nevertheless, by reading this genealogy, this lengthy list of Esav’s descendants, we still maintain that keen Jewish historical awareness: that over the ages, great empires, the chiefs and kings of vast lands, have amassed against us and we, pre-destined already by our forefather Yaakov, have wrestled with them in the night, “striven with beings divine and human,” and marched (or even only limped) onwards into the glistering morning sun: “The [mighty and many] chiefs of Edom” have been matched by the children of Jacob. [To be sure, perhaps the Rambam (Maimonides) has an entirely different view of the Torah and its messages, not reading the text as deterministic allusions to the future as the Ramban (Nachmanides) does (presented here), but that’s a story for another article, also in the future…!] Gavriel Cohn is an informal educator at Immanuel College, Bushey. He has written a number of articles for various publications. If you have any questions or comments or would like the Torah sources for this piece, please get in touch! gavcohn@gmail.com.
GID HANASHEH – VAYYISHLACH
Jacob emerged limping after his tussle with an unnamed assailant who was probably the symbol of Esau. To recall the pain Jacob suffered in his thigh, Jews do not eat an animal’s gid ha-nasheh, “the sinew that shrank”. Dayan Grunfeld points out that the event that motivated this prohibition must have been important enough to justify being symbolically present throughout the ages. Grunfeld’s explanation is that Jacob’s struggle with the assailant “is a prototype of the struggle which goes on throughout history between the moral law represented by Jacob and brutal force as championed by Esau… a symbol of our nation which will never be defeated by the materially stronger force of Esau, although it may, like our ancestor, suffer from wounds and temporary afflictions on its journey through history” (“The Jewish Dietary Laws”, vol. 1, pages 19-20). There are additional laws of kashrut which show the difference between Judaism and other cultures. As against our prohibition of mixing milk and meat (Ex.
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23:19 and 34:26, and Deut. 14:21), the 14th century BCE Ras Shamra texts say, “Seethe a kid in milk”. Defying heathen ways is not the only explanation. Some think eating milk and meat together caused disease. Others say it is ethically repugnant to boil a kid in its mother’s milk and we must not do what is repugnant. Rabbi Raymond Apple was for many years Australia’s highest profile rabbi and the leading spokesman on Judaism. After serving congregations in London, Rabbi Apple was chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, for 32 years. He also held many public roles, particularly in the fields of chaplaincy, interfaith dialogue and Freemasonry, and is the recipient of several national and civic honours. Now retired, he lives in Jerusalem and blogs at http://www.oztorah.com
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How to Overcome Fear
BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN In our previous article, we identified the various fears that hold us back in life, including our fear of failure, our fear of the difficulties we will face during the process of growth, and our fears rooted in selfdoubt. This article aims to help you confront those fears. We will develop strategies for overcoming our inner fears so that we can fully unlock our potential and achieve the extraordinary. I remember when I was still a college student, and I was undergoing a tremendous inner struggle. On the one hand, I wanted to go out into the world and teach, write, and inspire. On the other hand, I had several fears holding me back. I didn’t think I was good enough or worthy of succeeding. I hadn’t yet finished Semicha, completed my degrees, or positioned myself as a professional. A large part of me feared that without the credentials and professional positioning, I would fail miserably. Not only wouldn’t my skills and talent be good enough to achieve my desired results, but no one would take me seriously. Perhaps it would be better to wait several years until I finished all my degrees and successfully positioned myself, and then begin the journey of teaching and impacting others. However, another part of me knew that even before achieving any of those things, I had the ability and responsibility to start sharing what I had learned and help inspire others to achieve their greatness. But I realized that what was holding me back was fear; I decided that the only way I would be able take the leap into the unknown and strive after my dream would be to study the topic of fear and determine the best strategies I could use to overcome my fears.
1- DEVELOP AN EMPOWERING “WHY”
While fear is a powerful and debilitating force, it has its limits. The best way to overcome the force of fear is to have an even more powerful force: the existential power of an empowering “why.” A “why” is an underlying drive, an all-compassing vision that motivates everything else in your life. Your “why” can be centered around providing for your family, proving to yourself how great you can be, or the
contribution you want to make to the world. But the greatest “why” a person can have is living their G-d-given purpose and achieving their ultimate greatness. When you know why you are striving for greatness, when you have a crystal-clear vision and purpose, you can harness your willpower to overcome anything, even your greatest fears. When fueled by the strength and passion of meaning and purpose, you can push forward and withstand- even embrace - the pain, doubt, and sacrifices that come with the journey. As we discussed previously, suffering is meaningless pain, and therefore unbearable. But when our pain takes on meaning - when we understand why we are undergoing this painful process and the sweetness of the fruits it will produce - it becomes bearable, even enjoyable. When someone at the gym lifts weights, they are ripping their muscles, a painful and strenuous experience. But they know that this pain is the source of their growth, the source of their progress, so it becomes a
spoken, from the theoretical to the real. Is this actually dangerous, or is this only selfdoubt? Am I risking my life, or my comfort? Am I scared of slipping off a cliff and falling to my death, or am I scared of failing or looking unprepared and foolish in front of my peers? When we fail to understand what we are truly afraid of, our fears build up into something they’re not, taking on a life of their own, endlessly expanding into something infinite and unconquerable. Sometimes, we even actively magnify our fears and make them more complex, just to avoid confronting them. I remember one of my clients was scared of going to the gym and exercising. I asked him, “why do you think you’re scared to go to the gym and work on getting into better physical shape?”. He thought for a moment and answered, “It’s just too much for me. First, I’ll need to get changed. Then, I’ll have to go to the gym and try it out. When I get there, the gym will ask for ID and then try to get me to sign up for a trial period. When I finally get into my gym clothes, I’ll have
If you’re scared of what other people will think of you, then perhaps it’s time to question why other people’s opinions of you means so much to you. meaningful pain. The same applies to existential growth: when we rip ourselves out of our comfort zones and push ourselves to the limit, the pain becomes the source of our growth and progress, and therefore becomes a meaningful pain that we can not only bear, but even embrace.
2- BREAK IT DOWN
Much of fear’s impact, especially its ability to paralyze us and cause us to shrink away from tackling our goals, is due our tendency to turn things into something disproportionately larger than it truly is. Fear causes us to turn things into infinitely expansive and unconquerable obstacles; ours fears distort and magnify our challenges, making them too large and overwhelming to even think about approaching. As a result, we avoid taking even the first step on the journey towards greatness. For example, while we know that we are physically capable of spending an hour exercising or speaking up in front of a group at work, our fear of exercising or public speaking can make it seem literally impossible. Even a simple step towards our goal, like exercising for ten minutes or saying one sentence in public, can be so overwhelming that we avoid it completely. The first step to overcoming this aspect of fear is to acknowledge what the obstacle actually is and break the obstacle down into tangible parts. When we allow fear to live in our head unchecked, it expands infinitely. When we acknowledge our fears for what they are, we bring the challenge into the finite, from the unspeakable to the
to wait for a machine to be ready; and I’ll also have to wash it down before I can use it. And once I finish that machine, I’ll have to wait again for the next one. And all this time, everyone else is going to be staring at me, judging how I look and how I exercise. Then, I’m going to have to go home and change. And then I’ll have to do this with a few other gyms, so that I can know which gym I should commit to. It’s just too much for me!” Let’s be honest, this does sound like a lot. So I asked my client, “how do you eat breakfast each morning?”. He answered, “what do you mean? I eat cereal…”. “Are you sure? Don’t you take out a bowl, then a spoon, then the cereal, then the milk, and then open the cereal, pour the cereal into bowl, and then open the milk, pour the milk into the bowl, then pick up the spoon, and put the spoon into the bowl, scoop up some cereal and milk, then put it into your mouth, then chew, then swallow, then place the spoon back in the bowl, then….” If we want to, we can turn anything into an endlessly daunting and overwhelming obstacle. The key is packaging and framing. If we turn a fear, such as exercising, into something unimaginably difficult and burdensome, we will never be able to overcome the fear. But if we acknowledge the real reason we’re not exercising, which might be our fear of failing or giving up, or the pain of the workouts, or sacrificing the pleasure of all the junk food and unhealthy food that we eat, then we suddenly have a concrete, finite, and solvable obstacle that can be overcome when approached in the right way. In addition to having an
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18 NOVEMBER 2021
empowering why, you can respond to the actual reason behind the fear: not only can you question the reason behind the fear to determine if the reason is valid, but you can also counter the reason with an empowering solution. If you’re scared of failure, then think about why you’re scared of failing. If it’s because you simply don’t want to fail at your goal, then not trying will guarantee failure. If it’s because you don’t think you’re capable of succeeding, then work on developing an empowering identity and learn the importance of failure, as it’s a crucial ingredient that leads towards success. If you’re scared of what other people will think of you, then perhaps it’s time to question why other people’s opinions of you means so much to you. If you’re scared of the pain you’ll encounter during the process of growth, then consider the pain of a life unlived, where you let your potential go to waste. Or consider the pain of continuing to live the way you do now. Furthermore, consider the fact that the pain that comes from growth is the most meaningful and enjoyable pain imaginable. And if you’re scared of sacrificing the pleasure of your current lifestyle, consider the fleeting nature of that joy relative to the lasting existential happiness and fulfillment of becoming your ultimate self. Instead of focusing on what you’ll lose, focus on everything that you’ll gain. Breaking down the fear you experience and understanding what exactly is bothering you is the first step in overcoming it. Once we understand exactly what we are afraid of, we can develop strategic plans for overcoming our fears and achieving our ultimate greatness. The underlying principle is clear: instead of living as a victim of our fears, we need to take responsibility for our lives. As Earl Nightingale said, “All of us are selfmade, but only the successful among us will admit it.” Once we acknowledge our actual fears, we can develop strategic plans for overcoming them and achieving our ultimate greatness. In our next column, we will delve deeper into this topic and continue exploring the strategies we can use to overcome fear. Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is an author, educator, speaker, and coach who has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. He is the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy, the transformative online self-development course based on the principles of high-performance psychology and Torah. After obtaining his Bachelors degree from Yeshiva University, he received Semikha from RIETS, a Masters degree in Jewish Education from Azrieli, and a Masters degree in Jewish Thought from Revel. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Exchange Scholar. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. To find more inspirational content from Rabbi Reichman, to contact him, or to learn more about Self-Mastery Academy, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com
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Vayislach Yaakov is on his way back to his father’s home when he is told big brother Esav is on his way with no less than 400 gentleman. Yaakov sets the standard for what to do in times of distress from other nations: Gifts, (on this occasion, sending sets of animals), Prayer and Preparation for War. He divides the family in different groups and prays to Hashem to save him from his brother Esav. Anyway, Esav arrives and gives his brother a hug and kiss! Some say that it was just a temporary moment of mercy. Esav suggests that they travel together. Yaakov politely says, “No” and they part ways. Yaakov arrives back in the Holy land, Dinah ventures out and is taken by Shechem; her brothers Shimon and Levi are furious and dealt a harsh blow to the entire town. Rivka dies in the week’s Sidra, as does her nurse, Deborah. The sidra ends with listing the vast family of Esav and all its branch heads. This is done in brief, to show that the main focus is of course Yaakov, whose lifestory continues to be related next week onwards!
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Tangram Challenge! Using all the shapes on the left can you make the chicken shape on the right?
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W
hy is she always smiling? Hadassa thought, spotting Yehudis sitting happily in the corner of the classroom. I just don’t understand how she can be happy all the time! Hadassa felt grumpy. It wasn’t like Yehudis had the best clothes, hair or house. Why was Yehudis so happy? Why couldn’t she be like Yehudis? Miss Klein entered the classroom. “Sit down everyone please, today we will be learning about gratitude.” Gratitude? Hadassa was perplexed. What was there to be grateful about? It was raining outside, she had loads of homework to complete and her friend’s party that Sunday had been cancelled. What was she meant to be grateful about? “Specifically, I want to talk about the connection between being grateful and jealousy. I want you all to think of a time when you’ve felt jealous of someone else and write it down in your books.” Hadassa remembered the last time she was in shul on Shabbos. Chavi was wearing this gorgeous pale peach dress with delicate silk ruffles. As Chavi swished past looking elegant and regal, Hadassa had felt a pang of envy inside her. She had wanted to be Chavi at that moment. Hadassa wrote down what had happened and how she had felt. “Now”, Miss Klein continued, “I’d like
I have everything
you to really imagine what it would be like to be this other person. Not just in that moment, but if you were them every single day.” Hadassa thought hard about Chavi. True, Chavi had looked amazing in her new dress, but how often did Chavi get new dresses? Not as often as Hadassa herself got. Why she had even received a new one for Succos and Chavi hadn’t. It was also Chavi whose party had been cancelled last
Sunday. Poor Chavi, Hadassa thought. Imagine not being able to have your own planned birthday party. Baruch Hashem no-one in my house tested positive for Covid and I managed to have all my friends over on my birthday. Miss Klein moved around the room, looking at each person’s workbook. When she got to the front, she called out “Hadassa, could you stand up and tell us if you think
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you can see a connection between jealousy and being grateful?” Hadassa was a bit nervous, but she stood up. “When you are jealous of someone, you just take that one little bit of their life you see that you want. You don’t realise this person has a whole life, full of ups and downs the same as you. When you really think about it, you start to realise that you have things in your life that others don’t have that you can be grateful for.” “Exactly. Well done, Hadassa,” continued Miss Klein. “When a person feels they are lacking, does it make them jealous of others or can they focus instead on being grateful for what Hashem has given them. Hashem gives each person exactly what they need in life to fulfill their potential, so there is no need to be jealous of anyone else. We should try to be like Yaakov in this week’s sedra who says ‘ ’יש לי כל- ‘I have everything’, because if we really think about it, we do!” Hadassa thought about Yehudis. She thought she understood now why Yehudis was so happy all the time. It wasn’t nice dresses, a big house or car that made you happy. It was the fact that she was grateful for everything she had been given in her life. Hadassa smiled to herself, she had wanted to be happy like Yehudis and now she knew how!
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Vayishlach
In a nutshell Yaakov has left the home of his father in law Lavan and is now journeying to the Land of his father Yitzchak. He hears the news that big brother Esav is on his way to “greet” him with 400 men. Yaakov then shows us how we are to deal with such fears. He prepares in 3 ways - Presents to send to the enemy to appease him, Prayers for success and Preparing for battle. He prepares groups of animals to send to Esav - large amounts of animals, placing a space between each group so as to maximise the impact of the presents. He says to Hashem, “I’m worried that all Your kindness has diminished my merits and I pray please save me from the hands of my brother Esav”. He takes his family over a river, but forgets some jugs and crosses alone in the night to collect
them. He meets a man - whom we are taught is the angel of Esav - and he struggles with him, with Yaakov sustaining injuries to his thigh. As day breaks, the angel and Yaakov part ways after Yaakov demands a blessing from him. The angel informs him that from then onwards he will be known as “ Yisrael”. Yaakov splits up the family into groups and then sees Esav coming. Suprisingly Esav rushes towards Yaakov and kisses him! Esav then suggests to Yaakov that they journey together but Yaakov declines. Yaakov arrives in the Holy land and one day, Dinah ventures out on her own. Shechem, a local young man, takes her away and Dinah’s brothers Shimon and Levi are very angry. They arrange for the entire town to have a Brit Mila, thereby making them weak and, after three days, they battle with
Word Wheel The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.
the town, wiping it out. Yaakov is very worried about their actions and later will criticise their anger. Son number 12 is born - yes it’s Binyamin, but sadly, his mother Rochel dies at the time and is buried in Beit Lechem. To this day and throughout our exile, Jews have travelled there to beseech Hashem to have mercy on His children and to end the Galut! Yitzchak’s death is reported in this week’s Sidra and that of her nurse, Devorah. Finally, the Torah relates all about the family of Esav and its offshoots. We are pleased to have just a summary of Esav’s family, as our spark of Yosef is going to take over next week as we learn about his adventurous and tumultuous teenage years and beyond.
Use this area to write the words you have found.
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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! arm dam elm lam mad
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Q: Why are seagulls called seagulls? A:Because if they flew over the bay, they’d be bagels!
Q: What did 0 say to 8? A: Nice belt! Q: Why did the girl smear peanut butter on the road? A: To go with the traffic jam!
(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)
1. What travels around the world but stays in one spot?
3. What begins with T, finishes with T, and has T in it?
Q: Why are fish so smart? A: Because they live in schools!
2. Mr. Blue lives in the Blue house. Mrs. Yellow lives in the Yellow House. Mr. Orange lives in the orange house. Who lives in the White House?
3) A teapot 1. A stamp!
2) The President.
1. Short back and sides 4. Sailing on the seven seas 2. No one understands me 5. Forgive and forget 3. Step sister 6. Breakfast
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Pacesetters Hendon Sixteen-goal Lions defeat defending champs rout Scrabble in Cup BY DAVID SAFFER Reiss Mogilner scored six goals as Maccabi London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. The Premier League side racked up a 16-0 win with Daniel Green and Michael Kenley both bagging a hat-trick. Ed Brafman, David Dinkin, and Adam Hassanali completed the rout in a mismatch of a tie. Lions could have scored in the opening minute of the clash but soon opened the scoring and led 9-0 by half time. The Division One team, though outclassed, battled away to the end. Lions boss was lost for words at full time such was the display from his team who gave every respect to the opposition. “I’m not really sure there’s anything to say, we are happy to make it through to the next round of the cup,” he commented. Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 victors against League One outfit North London Maccabi Raiders.go close to scoring against Faithfold The Premier side led early in the second BY DAVID half only SAFFER for Raiders to equalise but struck two late goals to book a place in round Premier League leaders Hendon United three of the competition. Sports made it seven winstowith Hendon now turn consecutive their attentions the a 3-1 triumph against champions league as they traveldefending to Oakwood A for a Oakwood in of thethe latest round of fixtures. crucial top table clash on Sunday Sharpshooters Yehuda Korman, Rocky (10am). Spitzer and Moses team Seitlerstunned scored the Daniel Kristall’s theall-imleague portant goals. leaders last month when they won 2-0, a The hosts bossed game early on but victory would move the them to within a point have yet to win a home game this season and of Hendon with a match in hand. areElsewhere strugglingin tothe staylatest in theround title race. of fixtures, “It wasNorth a greatLondon win at one of the hardest 10-man Galaxy made it a places to come in the league,” commented three-way title race in the only Division One Hendon’s Garbacz. “WeOakwood were probclash of theDavid day after defeating B. ably second bestsaw forred theearly first on halfbut butGalaxy after Jamie Murray half time wegoals switched few things rallied with fromaJosh Cohenaround and Jaand Leigh it made the difference as we cob to all record an important 2-1slowly away but surely got on top and scored three great win. team goals.” Galaxy head Redbridge Jewish Care A in Hendon points clear of HMH the table byare justnow one11 point after 10 matches, who came on top a six-goal thriller third place out Fairlop FCofare five points beagainst Club Chigwell. The top two meet hind with twodegames in hand. inRafi the Premier ‘matchfor of the day’ at The Hive Bloom scored Oakwood. on“It Sunday. was a fantastic performance in a Jordan Nathan bagged a brace alongside
16-goal Maccabi London Lions
PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER
must-win game,” commented Galaxy player-manager Luke Lewis. “We sat back and allowed Oakwood the ball, given the one-man advantage and looked to hit them on the counter attack with pace. “Both goals came down the right-hand side. Leigh crossed the first one into Cohen to finish, before slotting home himself. Up to first we go.” The Division Two title race also took a twist with league leaders Herstwood Vale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple Fortune. Faithfold B have played a game more than Vale but moved level with a 5-3 win at North London Raiders Masters. Jacob Kalms struck twice for Fortune who scored through leading scorer James Milletwith his 17th goal of the season. The result was all the more remarkable as Temple were down to 11 players with ‘keeper Ben Rebuck dislocating a shoulder in the warm up. “This was a fantastic win given the Faithhold stop a Maccabi attack
Ethan Krell and Sammy Kingston strikes in a 4-2 win. Faithfold White picked up a fine win at Maccabi London FC 2-1 thanks to Harry Graham who struck twice in the first half. The visitors are in striking distance of Maccabi and Chigwell after this first victory of the season. “What a performance,” said Faithfold boss Jack Shulman. “Determined and ruthless from us. We worked incredibly hard to make sure we took the points.” Division One pacesetters Stoke Salmon FC look set for a second successive promotion after a 3-0 win at East London Bees. Nick Barnett scored twice and Jack Christie hit the target as Stoke moved six points clear of second placed Borussia Jewdinese whose clash at Temple Fortune was postponed. NWL Azzurri edged past Redbridge Jewish Care 3-2 to stay in third place. Brandon Wolmark (2) and Scott Oldstein struck for the hosts. Sam Morris and Ryal Cole scored for the visitors. Brook Farm Rovers eased to a 4-0 win over PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER bottom-placed Scrabble courtesy of Dan Cohen and Amit Harton-Hotinsky who scored two goals apiece. Mill Hill Dons struck six goals as they thumped Straw Hat Pirates away from home. Division Two leaders Geez Park Rangers picked up a seventh win from as many games without kicking a ball as Millbrook Park Calcio forfeited the game. The result took Rangers four points clear of London Athletico who shared the spoils in a goalless draw at lowly Boca Chillers. And the league leaders will fancy their chances of racking up the one will enjoy. ” goals difference column as they onJacob bottom placed Brady FC next Valetake boss Emanuel was quick to time Rebuck out. wish well following his injury. Real Madreidel in third place but “First and most remain importantly, everyone at wasted an opportunity into ‘keeper second Vale would like to wish to thejump Fortune as they went down to ato shock 3-2 home aspot quick recovery, we hope see him back loss against Oakwood Town. place on the football pitch as soon asFourth possible, ” he Qarabagel also failed to take advantage of said. teams dropping points commented, as they drew As forabove the defeat, Emanuel 2-2doesn’t at Brady.matter how big a squad you “It Camden City never movedaccount into mid-table with a have, you can for unavail3-0 winoratinjury. HapoelOnly Hampstead. ability five of today’s team Redbridge Careover routed Templea played in our Jewish recent win FC Team, Fortune 5-1 to move out of the bottom three lack of togetherness and poor individual spots.
“It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes and took our chances. Experience proved to be the winner.” circumstances,” said delighted Fortune boss Simon Linden. “We had a number of players out, Rebuck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked any more from the players. We wish Ben a speedy recovery. “It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes and took our chances. Experience proved to be the winner. It’s a big win, one we will enjoy and we hope to build on it in 2019.” He added, “This win marks 50 years as a football club and will be one Nigel Kyte and everyone associated with the club from day
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The future of science-based personalized preventative care is here. Supercharge your health-being with DNAbased personalisation. For decades, the health industry has concentrated on treating the illness, not preventing it in the first place. But we need to turn this paradigm around. Instead of waiting for things to go wrong in our bodies, we need to actively prevent poor health from happening to begin with. Often, when we think about preventing sickness, we focus on general areas like diet exercise, and possibly supplements – but there can be a lack of precision involved in the decisions we make. The My-being approach to preventative care is different. It aims to remove the ‘fuzzy thinking’ from the health-care process – including misconceptions or
one-size-suits-all treatments – and replace it with specific solutions based on scientific evidence, high-end technology, and DNA-based personalization. The outcome: Supercharged results that are based on your individual needs. Our My-being programme is a 6-month journey to strengthen your body and supercharge your health-being. DNA screening helps us provide personalized solutions that work for you, while a high-tech health app will track your progress and help you implement any lifestyle changes needed. Our tailored programme also includes monthly sessions with an experienced healthcare professional who’ll listen to your concerns and experiences, as well as a combination of three powerful, effective products based on our unique M²CBD formula. We believe that the My-being programme is the new, modern standard for preventative care.
• My-being triple system | Founded on three products designed to solve the key health challenges of modern life – reducing stress, improving the quality of our sleep, and strengthening our immune system. • DNA screening, conducted by one of the world’s leading DNA laboratories. This enables us to personalize the programme for the solutions your body needs. The DNA test will offer insights into the functioning of your immune system, your endocannabinoid system, your metabolism, how you respond to fitness and movement, any mineral and vitamin sensitivities, and how your body reacts to certain drugs. The DNA report will also help analyse your individual responses to a range of health-being challenges – including stress and sleep, mood support, anti-aging, skin health, immune function, and healthy muscles, joints, and bones. • The My-being app | This enables you to track your progress during your journey based on a range of health parameters, and further personalize your programme over the months. Crucially, it’s designed to help you stay active, remain motivated, and not give up on the process midway. • Monthly 1:1 session with a healthcare professional | They will accompany you throughout the whole process, offering human insights into your progress, giving extra support, and helping you make the most of your My-being journey. • M²CBD-based personalized kit | Every month, you’ll receive a set of products, based on our unique M²CBD formula – a powerful combination of functional mushrooms (to strengthen your immune system) and pharmaceuticalgrade, isolated CBD (to target your endocannabinoid system). Each product aims to support a specific area, from mood to sleep to skin health, to help keep you on track.
Leading the next generation of preventive care by fusing traditional Asian knowledge with modern science
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