46 minute read
Judaism
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Chanukah gift ideas
With Chanukah almost here, some people may still be struggling to find the perfect gift for their children, partner, friends or family member. Micaela Blitz offers some great ideas that are not only unique and original, but also support small businesses.
LARK THE SHARK BY NATALIE & HENRY NEWMAN
Giving a child a book as a gift can help them to learn about important subjects in an engaging and entertaining way and will help their imagination develop.
In the illustrated rhyming book ‘Lark the Shark’ by Natalie & Henry Newman young readers are taught about being kind and caring to others, as well as showing that same care to the environment.
The idea for the book was inspired by a conversation between Natalie and her then 7-year-old son, Henry who were discussing water pollution, sharks and why they have such a bad reputation to humans. Henry pointed out that they didn’t deserve such negativity as the reason they attack people is because they were just protecting their home. Natalie started thinking about this further, and together they began developing a story that eventually became Lark the Shark. In the book, he is on a mission to clean up his home in the ocean.
Natalie lives in Essex with her husband and two children and is a hairdresser, but always had an interesting in writing. Writing this book with her son has been a great bonding experience for both and she is really proud of what they have achieved. The book, which is suitable for children up to 8 years old has attracted fans from around the world, and Natalie has received drawings and letters from young readers who have fallen in love with Lark and his story.
The mother and son writing pair are already working on more ideas together creating new adventures for Lark the Shark. ‘Lark the Shark’ by Natalie and Henry Newman is available in paperback and hardback from most book outlets and online. Follow their journey through their socials http://www.instagram.com/ larktheshark2020 https://www.facebook.com/ groups/caterhamfestival/ permalink/941803396333252/
CHLOE LUCK DESIGNS
Personalised items always make a great gift and show that there has been extra thought involved in creating it.
For graphic designer, Chloe Goodman, the idea to start making personalised name bracelets and key chains came about when she was organising her daughter Eden’s 6th party. Chloe wanted cool going home gifts for all the children, but was unable to find anything suitable, so decided to get creative and make something herself.
Using premium marble and stones, Chloe creates bespoke, personalised items in a range of colours and styles. Each one is presented in a gift bag, and Chloe can add further personalisation through her party packages which include stickers and matching invitations.
To find out more about all of Chloe’s designs and products, visit her website: https://www.chloeluck.com/
Chloe has kindly offered a discount on her products until the end of December. Please quote ‘Jewish Weekly’ when making an order.
KIPPART BY LAURA
For those looking for other personalised gifts, hand-painted kippot are a perfect gift to adorn heads of all ages. Laura Gamliel offers a wide range of designs through her business, Kippart by Laura.
She first started designing kippot for her son, Ami, when he turned three. It was only when other people started asking her to make similar items for their own children, that she realised she could turn her passion for art into something more and she created, Kippart by Laura.
Laura’s love for art started when she was at school, but she did not continue it when she went on to university and then teacher training. It was only when her mother died that Laura found art again to relax and de-stress and she has been painting ever since.
Her hand-painted kippot that can be personalised with names, images and logos creating a totally unique gift for any age. As well as her wonderful kippot, Laura has also developed her range to include bespoke tzitzit bags, t-shirts, challah covers, and she is always happy to speak to clients about other bespoke items.
Laura originally set up her business alongside her full time job as a teacher, but she has now left teaching to concentrate on expanding her business and developing the Kippart brand further.
To see more of Laura’s wonderful designs, go to her Facebook page – kippartbylaura or on Instagram. You can also contact her via 07388002917
Laura has kindly offered a 10% discount on orders until end of December – please quote Jweekly.
DREAM DIGITAL ART
Original artwork can make a great gift not
only for Chanukah, but for any occasion and if you like your art with a bit of pop, then Dream Digital is for you. Israeli-based artist, Rochelle Goodwin uses her computer screen as her canvas to create bright, fun, unique digital images. Her first commission was to create a bat mitzvah portrait for a friend’s daughter, and since then she has created bespoke portraits for a wide variety of occasions including weddings, birthdays, and corporate events in both Israel, America, and the UK.
For every commission, Rochelle works closely with clients incorporating specific colours, textures, and wording to to create a truly unique print. Rochelle will then print the finished artwork onto canvas or a digital file can be sent to the client which they can print themselves.
Rochelle who is originally from London, has also created a series entitled Pop Art Rabbis taking images of well-known, respected Rabbinate and giving them a modern twist. More recently, she has given the same treatment to some Famous Jewish Leaders which included Golda Meir and Albert Einstein. These prints are sold in local boutique shops in Jerusalem as well as through her website and can send to anyone in the world.
Rochelle is also currently working on a new range of illustrations for an alphabet board book she is creating to help teach young children basic Hebrew words. She has also created stickers, badges and keyrings with these cute characters to accompany the book.
To find out more about Rochelle’s work, please go to her website - https://www. dreamdigitalart.com/
Rochelle has kindly offered a discount code for Jewish Weekly readers giving 10% off of all purchases until the end of December 2021. Please use code JW10 when ordering.
KEF DESIGNS
Finding personalised gifts that would appeal to the Jewish community can sometimes be tricky, and for husband-and-wife team, Benjamin and Chaya-Orna Warner they felt that there was a gap in the market so decided to set up their own business, Kef Designs, to solve it.
Since launching earlier this year, they have been overwhelmed for the support they have received for their personalised gifts. The products that they offer appeal to all ages and include baby vests, bibs and romper suits through to pyjamas, sweatshirts and cool hoodies with glow in the dark names on the back. All designs are applied to garments via heat transfer vinyl.
For budding artists, there are also personalised name colouring t-shirts which come complete with washable felt tip pens so that they can create their own unique designs. All items can be personalised with either with English or Hebrew details and they are happy to work with clients to adapt designs to their requirements.
For Chanukah, Kef Designs have also created a great new range of products that would make ideal gifts for friends and family and all of their items are available for purchase via their Etsy store. https://www. etsy.com/shop/kefdesignsstore/
All of their designs are also on their Insta (@kef.designs) and Facebook (@ Kefcustomdesigns).
Kef Designs are offering 10% discount until the end of December. Please use code JW2021 when ordering.
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Torah from Israel
Chanukah: A Final Taste of Sovereignty
BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN
The celebration of Chanukah is most often associated with the dramatic miracle of the menorah oil. After vanquishing the invading Greek armies, it was crucial that the iconic menorah lighting be restarted as quickly as possible to signal the resurgent Jewish victory. Unfortunately, most of the oil in the plundered Temple had been vandalized and contaminated. The sensational discovery of one unopened and unmarred flask of oil was, itself, cause for great joy. Witnessing that miniscule amount of oil steadily burn for eight days confirmed, that, even in the tail end of the second Temple era, Hashem would still visit supernatural miracles upon His people. The “few” had defeated the “many” and a righteous band of brothers had overcome the invincible Northern Greek armies. The greatest armies of the world could not defeat the Jewish spirit. This enduring message of Jewish survival and heroism was embodied in the miracle of the oil.
Surprisingly, in his account of the Chanukah episode, the Rambam doesn’t stress the oil miracle as the primary cause for celebration. In reality, there were numerous miracles during the Mikdash era, yet none of them were enshrined into a week-long festival. What is it about the Chanukah story-beyond the oil miracle- that warrants historical celebration?
The Rambam provides the answer: As a result of the divinely-aided military triumph “Jewish sovereignty was restored for more than two hundred years.” Under Greek persecution, our autonomy had been suspended and the Chanukah victory restored Jewish self-governance. Chanukah doesn’t just celebrate a miracle which occurred in a “historical vacuum”. Chanukah reshaped Jewish history by restoring our lost sovereignty.
Ironically, the Chanukah-restored sovereignty during the final two centuries of the second Temple era was sadly disappointing. Regrettably, the leaders of the Chanukah uprising quickly fell from grace. The gemara in Kiddushin claims that if a person approaches a Jewish court claiming to be of Chashmonaim stock, he or she is assumed to be non-pedigreed and is banned from marrying pedigreed Jews. Within a few generations, the entire Chashmonai dynasty was massacred. The only surviving members of the household to escape this grisly death were a few slave hands or maidservants. Since all the pedigreed members of this line were murdered, evidently, a person who claims Chashmonai heritage must be slave.
This cruel outcome was actually a punishment for the illegal usurpation of the throne. Ideally Judaism mandates a division between religion and politics. Political authority is delegated to the tribe of Yehuda, while supervision of religious ceremonies in the Mikdash is the province of the house of Levi. A mix of religion and politics is always toxic, and never ends well for either. As descendants of Levi, the Chashmonaim were charged with Mikdash ceremonies but enjoyed absolutely no claim for political power. Usurping the throne, and violating this seminal division within Jewish society, they were annihilated. A heroic band of warriors who had valiantly defended Yerushalayim, committed a grievous national offense and were practically erased from history. It did not end well for the house of the Chashmonaim.
Furthermore, some of the surviving members of the Chashmonai line became dishonorable. John Hyrcanus served as a Cohen Gadol, ascended the throne in the year 135, and spearheaded great military victories over hostile neighbors. He greatly expanded the borders of Israel, refortified the walls of Yerushalayim and instituted numerous worthwhile decrees. Yet, sadly, toward the end of his reign he had a falling out with the Sanhedrin and turned against them, becoming a sworn enemy of the Rabbinic establishment, and a leading member of the notorious Saducee movement. His infamous “late-in-life” desertion became a metaphor of infamy. The Talmud cautions: “don’t ever take your faith for granted -even until your last day. After all John Hyrcanus deserted our traditions even after 80 years of reigning as Cohen Gadol.”
John’s son, Alexander Jannaeus or Yannai Hamelech had a similarly checkered career. Having been personally insulted by a ruling of the Sanhedrin, he murdered 6000 innocent people and barred pilgrims from freely entering the Temple. These two leading luminaries or the house of Chasmonaim brought disrepute to the family. The leaders of the Chanukah miracle launched a dynasty which betrayed our tradition, murdered innocent people and became embroiled in civil wars.
Not only did the Chanukah leadership ultimately turn suspect, but the sovereignty we experienced during that period was severely flawed. The two-hundred intervening years between the Chanukah miracle and the destruction of the second Temple were, possibly, one of the most pathetic periods in Jewish history. We were constantly under military aggression and constantly paying tribute to foreign powers. Additionally, that dark period was scarred by endless internecine struggle, as Jewish society splintered into multiple warring factions. Our regained sovereignty was hollowed out by civil war and, eventually, the second Temple caved in on itself.
Imagine the scene every erev Yom Kippur. The High priest was summoned by Sanhedrin, and forced to swear that he would not short-circuit the sacred ceremonies of Yom Kippur. More often than not the High priest was a Saducee-sympathizer and would intentionally torpedo these ceremonies. Both the High Priest and the Sanhedrin committee shed unhappy tears at the woeful situation in which such incredulous doubts had to be considered.
Finally, after two hundred years of strife and social disunity, the Romans marched into Jerusalem, burnt it to the ground, razed the land and renamed the city Aelia Capitolina. The miracle of Chanukah has absolutely no long lasting political impact. It is a blip on the radar of history. What sovereignty, exactly, are we celebrating?
Evidently, whenever, Jews achieve autonomy and enjoy self-rule we celebrate and we recite Hallel– regardless of the caliber of leadership and independent of the texture of that sovereignty. It is specifically the imperfect nature of the post-Chanukah sovereignty which makes it so relevant and so contemporary. How long have Jews endured persecution, yearning for the day we could live under Jewish rule in a Jewish state? For how many cold Decembers did defenseless Jews endure the inevitable Christmas-time pogroms? How often did we dream of a Jewish army or police force for protection against interminable hostilities? How many centuries did we dream of Jewish government and of carving a society based upon Jewish values? It has now been restored to us and we celebrate our fate, despite our imperfect leadership and despite our incomplete sovereignty. It is the specifically the flawed nature of the post-Chanukah sovereignty which makes it so relevant! Chanukah demands that we appreciate and celebrate any form of Jewish sovereignty.
Thousands of year ago, as the Jews were about to embark upon a long and dark exile, Hashem offered us one last taste of Jewish sovereignty, so that we would recognize it when it was ultimately restored to us. He reminded us that Jews are meant to self-govern rather than subject to the laws of others. He reminded us that Jews were meant to live securely in their land rather than be precariously hosted across in foreign lands. He reminded us of that Jews were meant to defend their security rather than be vulnerable to the aggression of their many enemies.
Sovereignty has finally been restored. Chanukah has once again been renewed. We hope for more, but we rejoice for what has been already achieved. We know what sovereignty tastes like. For centuries Chanukah `kept that taste alive.
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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Chanukah
RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE
MACCABEES
What weird and wonderful theories people have. A Jew from Glasgow told me in all seriousness that Judah the Maccabee was a Scotsman, like Macbeth and MacDonald. A Cheder teacher even summoned up the ingenuity to link the Maccabees with the Biblical cave of Machpelah…
The word Maccabee is not found in the Bible or Talmud; It derives from Greek and comes in the Apocrypha, where I Macc. 2:14 and II Macc. 2:19 refer to “Judah known as Maccabeus”.
The sages are often reluctant to admit that a word has a foreign origin; they suggest that Maccabee is the initial letters of a Biblical verse (Ex. 18:11) or comes from a Hebrew root that means “to extinguish”.
There is a theory that it is from Makevet, a hammer, because “hammer” is a metaphor for a strong leader.
Aaron Kaminka thinks that the name is a corruption of Machbanai, who was one of David’s warriors and embodied lion-like strength, speed and valour (I Chron. 12:13).
It is not certain that Judah called himself Maccabee; he is more likely to have been simply Yehudah ben Mattityahu. The rabbis preferred to call Judah’s group “Hasmoneans”, from the town of Chashmon (Josh. 15:27). ADAM & THE 8-DAY FESTIVAL
Adam had his own Chanukah at the beginning of human history.
According to the Talmud he noticed that the days were getting shorter and darker and he thought it was his fault because he had eaten forbidden fruit, so he fasted and prayed for eight days in repentance for his sin. When he saw that the days were getting longer and brighter he rejoiced and celebrated by means of an eight-day festival.
In later generations, heathens followed but grossly distorted Adam’s festival and turned it into a mid-winter time of idolatry and paganism.
In later generations, the sages realised and were shocked at what the heathens were doing and ensured that the winter celebration was dedicated to God and to genuine spirituality.
THE SEVEN CHANUKAHS
When as small children we asked what the name “Chanukah” meant, we were told it meant “Dedication”, for after recapturing the Temple from the heathen enemy the Maccabees put it in order and rededicated it to its sacred purposes.
The sages surely thought hard and long before fixing on the name “Chanukah”. They must have discarded a number of alternatives, finally choosing the name used from the dawn of Jewish history to denote a feast of dedication.
The Midrash says there are seven Chanukahs:
1. The Chanukah of the creation of the world, when God completed His work and launched man on the arena of history. 2. The Chanukah of the Tabernacle in the time of Moses, when the princes of the tribes brought offerings to the Sanctuary. 3. The Chanukah of the First Temple, erected and dedicated by Solomon. 4. The Chanukah of the Second Temple, erected by exiles who had returned from Babylon. 5. The Chanukah of the wall of Jerusalem, completed in the days of Nehemiah. 6. The Chanukah celebrated by the Maccabees. 7. And the Chanukah of the time to come, when the world will be illumined more brightly than on all the Chanukahs of ages past.
Each of the first six Chanukahs has a symbolic meaning, particularly relevant for an age when principles are discarded and values devalued.
The Chanukah of creation tells man that, God-like, he should devote his energies to constructive ends.
The Chanukah of the Tabernacle suggests that, like the princes of the tribes, man should bring his best to every worthwhile cause.
The Chanukah of the First Temple declares, “Set aside time and place for worship, joining heaven to earth as your prayer ascends upwards.”
The Chanukah of the Second Temple, built by returned exiles, tells man to work for the day when all men will be free and none shall be subject to harassment or hatred.
The Chanukah of the wall of Jerusalem, which gave security to the City of God, shows man how to find anchorage in time of fear and uncertainty: “Find protection,” it says, “in the encompassing Providence of God!”
The Chanukah of the Maccabees, possible because the few stood up against the many, assures man that he need not be afraid to stand up and go it alone against the negative tendencies of the age.
The culminating Chanukah, when the messianic end of days will dawn, is one which we can begin to build now, without delay. The first step in building it is to learn to live at peace with yourself. The second is to learn to live at peace with your fellow.
The Messianic Chanukah will arrive when we succeed in making the earth a temple of peace.
This is what we pray for in Ma’oz Tzur – the day “when You will cause all slaughter to cease,” and man “shall complete with song and psalm the dedication of the altar”.
A delicious latke recipe for Chanukah from Denise Phillips
For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com
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Chanukah oil
BY DENISE PHILLIPS
It is a tradition at Chanukah time to eat oily foods as part of our celebration of this fun festival. Olive oil is the best oil to use, not only is it the Torah’s oil of choice for kindling the Chanukah lights, but it is also one of the seven types of agricultural foods for which the Holy Land is praised.
Although the olive may seem to be just a small and undistinguished fruit, its outer appearance is misleading. There is so much more to the olive than meets the eye. Inside this tiny fruit is enough oil to light an entire room and it is this oil, from just a few olives, that was used to light the Menorah in the Holy Temple, and that was behind the miracle of Chanukah.
At this time of year the olives on the trees are late in their season and are starting to darken from green to black. This is ideal, because it is the black olives that contain the most oil. The blacker the olive, the more light it contains.
There is a Chassidic teaching that the Hebrew word for oil, hashemen has the same Hebrew letters as neshamah, “soul.” The oil is the hidden essence of the olive; the soul is the hidden essence of man.
There are various grades of culinary olive oil each with their own levels of acidity and variations in taste and purpose.
Extra virgin olive oil is the oil from the first press. It is the least processed form of olive oil and has only 1% acidity and the highest levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. It also has the richest, deepest flavour but as it does not have a high burning point it is not ideal for cooking. It is best used for salads and other cold dishes, or drizzled over hot dishes just before serving, so the rich flavour can be fully enjoyed. Ideal on traditional Greek salads, spinach, avocado and asparagus salads, Italian bread salad or hot dishes like Tuscan bean soup, a trio of tomato risotto, tuna steaks with Sicilian sauce or ratatouille lasagna. Virgin olive oil is from the second pressing and is used in for more mainstream purposes such as stir frying, and roasting vegetables. Pure olive oil is perhaps a bit misleading because it comes from the final pressings, when they extract every last drop out of the olive, and it is usually filtered and refined. This oil is quite resistant to heat and does not oxidize or go rancid during cooking. Not only is it an excellent cooking oil but one of the healthiest. On a health note, olive oil has a high content of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which fight heart disease, ulcers, and gastroenteritis. If your Chanukah is incomplete without a latke or doughnut, take comfort from the fact that deep-fried food absorbs less fat than shallow-fried and you can limit fat absorption by making sure your frying oil is hot. If the oil is too cool, food takes longer to cook and it absorbs more oil and ends up greasy. So test the oil temperature with a thermometer – aim for 180C to 190C - or by frying a cube of bread before you cook. If the bread browns in 60 seconds the oil temperature will be about 185C and perfect for latkes.
The oil will cool when you put your food in, so limit how much you cook in each batch and give it time to get back up to heat before the next batch goes in.
If you do deep-fry follow these top tips for safety: • Use a splatter screen. • Do not overheat the oil – if it smokes turn off the heat. • Keep a pan lid nearby in case of fire. • Leave at least 4 cm at the top of the pan to prevent oil overflowing. • Pat wet food dry to avoid spitting. • Always drain on a rack and not absorbent paper.
Here is a latkes recipe which I hope you will enjoy.
Wishing all my readers a very happy Chanukah
Best dishes! Denise www.jewishcookery.com
Za’atar Carrot Spiced Baked Latkas
The story of Chanukah connects its culinary link with oily food, but for a healthier option, I have baked these latkas instead of fried them. This is definitely a twist on a traditional favourite but adds flavour, colour and crunch to the final recipe. The secret is to cook them at a high temperature so that the ingredients go crispy without burning!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Makes: 20
Ingredients 350g carrots -peeled and coarsely grate 150g potatoes – peeled and coarsely grate 1 onion -peeled roughly chopped and coarsely grate 1 tablespoon corn flour 100g chickpea flour (gram flour or besan) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 tablespoon za’atar powder 1 tablespoon harissa powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg
Method 1. Preheat the oven to 220C/425F 2. Using the grater section to your food processor or by hand, coarsely grate the carrots, potatoes and onions. 3. Squeeze out any excess liquid with a clean tea cloth. 4. Transfer to a bowl, add the corn flour, chickpea flour, baking powder, za’atar, harissa powder, smoked paprika, salt and egg. 5. Mix well so that the spices and evenly distributed. 6. Take about 1 large tablespoon of mixture, flatten it and place on a tray lined with baking parchment paper. It doesn’t have to be perfect; those crispy edges are the best! 7. Bake for about 20 minutes, then flip over and bake for 10 more minutes. Serve with your apple sauce, sour cream or tahini dressing.
25,000 volunteers perform good deeds on Mitzvah Day
BY DAVID SAFFER
Politicians joined community leaders and volunteers to mark Mitzvah Day.
Over 25,000 volunteers around the UK, and 40,000 globally, performed good deeds to strengthen communities across the UK. Some 500 places of worship, schools, offices and other organisations took part. Over 30 other countries also participated.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon along with Rabbis, Imams and Bishops backed the faith-based day of social action.
“Mitzvah Day is a wonderful tradition,” Johnson noted. “I am filled with so much pride to see the thousands of volunteers who every year donate their time to do something positive for their communities.” He added, “Mitzvah Day encourages people from all faiths and backgrounds to come together. This Jewish-led day is an excellent example of the generosity and good spirit of the British public.”
Starmer joined South Hampstead Synagogue for a litter pick and collection of non-perishable food and toiletries for Camden’s homeless.
He said, “Mitzvah Day is special for many reasons, but I am always struck by the way that it brings people from different faith communities together to give their time to help others.”
Sturgeon added, “Our faith and belief communities achieve great things when they work and act together. Today, people with a variety of different beliefs and backgrounds came together in a united effort to support their communities. By donating time rather than money, those taking part make a difference to the projects they support whilst also building and strengthening relationships with different faith backgrounds.”
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis commented, “Mitzvah Day provides a special opportunity to give selflessly to others. One of the best examples of this is the planting of trees, from which future generations will significantly benefit.”
Among scores of events communally Norwood ran a virtual cooking session over Zoom.
On the menu were latkes for Chanukah that were baked, collected and delivered to Sufra NW foodbank. The final products were delivered with a leaflet explaining the festival of Chanukah and its customs. Volunteers also used Mitzvah Day to raise funds for Children in Need.
Members of Young Norwood Connect Committee entertained people at adult residential services. And volunteers painted specially designed Jewish-festival themed murals that will grace the walls of Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Children & Families Centre.
The 20th Finchley Jewish Scout group and Alei Tzion Synagogue joined forces at the Library garden for Kisharon.
Youngsters planted crocuses to represent polio with bulbs donated by Rotary. The group also planted flowering plants and helped paint a fence in the garden to create a colourful space.
Neha Dhakar, Kisharon Social Enterprise manager commented, “The children did a fantastic job despite the freezing weather. It was the coldest day of the winter yet they all had smiles on their faces ready to help us.”
Camp Simcha held a Blood Drive with the Joely Bear Appeal at Edgware Blood Centre.
Food parcels for donors were packed in advance by members of Jewish Care’s Michael Sobell JCC and Holocaust Survivors’ Centre. Camp Simcha’s Daniel Gillis said, “We so appreciated the support of Jewish Care’s members, packing food for our blood drive.” GIFT organised a plethora of activities around the country with a record number of over 2,000 people at schools and shuls volunteering their time, effort and goodwill. Amongst them Yavneh High School pupils In Manchester baked cakes, Mill Hill shul attended an educational supermarket challenge at Tesco Brent Cross, Birmingham University students made sandwiches for the homeless and a young professional group in London also sorted hundreds of bags of food bank items received.
Volunteers from Kenton Synagogue delivered afternoon tea to local adult residential services and participated in a Zoom concert led by Norwood’s Jewish cultural adviser.
Northwood held a Mitzvah Day trilogy of ‘Togetherness’ events with faith communities.
Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s Chief of Staff and key negotiator in the Northern Ireland Peace process, held a Zoom discussion with Lord Daniel Finkelstein on the importance of ‘Togetherness’.
The shul held a dedication at the
Holocaust memorial at Bushey cemetery conducted by Robin Cantor. Survivors and Holocaust Survivors Centre volunteers attended.
Northwood also had a collaboration with the Muslim Iron Aid Foundation in an appeal for Afghan refugees. Goods are being delivered to ‘Goods for Good’ for distribution to appropriate hubs.
Central Synagogue representatives congregated at Waitrose in Marylebone High Street collecting items. Donations have been distributed to local food banks and shelters.
Golders Green Synagogue members went to Childs Hill Park to plant spring bulbs and cherry trees with representatives from the Japanese Embassy.
Hampstead Synagogue joined Emanual Church members outside Waitrose and Tesco locally.
Donations were for food banks and Afghan refugees in Camden. Coats were also collected at the synagogue for refugees. The Mayor of Camden, Councillor Sabrina Francis, visited stalls and later went to the Synagogue’s community centre to see goods sorted and distributed.
Borehamwood & Elstree members knitted blankets and hats for the new born babies of Barnet Hospital, donated blood, and took part in the Woodcock Hill Environmental Community Project.
Pinner Synagogue’s Mitzvah Day Collection and Bake-off supported Help & Hope for the Homeless. They collaborated with the wider community to create 100 care kits. Pinner’s youngest children made cards and artwork for recipients.
The Bake-off created cookies for distribution to homeless people. Youngsters met Lloyd and Shoshana Gilmore, founding directors of Help & Hope who spoke about the organisation.
There were numerous activities in Manchester and across the Pennines.
People of all faiths across Manchester turned the city green for Mitzvah Day all over the north west.
The Friendship Circle Manchester collected items for the homeless.
Community members and volunteers were joined by friends from Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, Shrubberies Shul and North Manchester Masjid Mosque to sort 30 care packs. Donated food and winter wear are being delivered to the SSO-Sikh Sewa Organisation and Cornerstone Day Centre in Manchester.
Whitefield Hebrew Congregation had a community collection for GIFT with hubs around the local area.
The team at Jewish Action for Mental Health (JAMH) joined the Prestwich Clean Team litter pick.
Bowden Shul held projects to back homeless charity The Wellspring Stockport including a rucksack challenge. An interfaith tea party also took place at the synagogue.
One of the biggest events took place across Bradford and Leeds where faiths came together to collect items for domestic abuse charities Staying Put and Leeds Women’s Aid.
Youth groups including Bnei Akiva and Habonim Dror ran events across the country.
Mitzvah Day chief executive Georgina Bye, who joined Labour’s leader in Hampstead, reflected on the day. She said, “Communities are determined to work together, side-by-side with their neighbours, demonstrating resilience and commitment in supporting local causes and charities that continue to have increasing demands on their services.”
Marie van der Zyl laying a wreath The newly reformed Cadets of the JFS Combined Cadet Force under inspection
AJEX National Chairman, Mike Bluestone laying a wreath
Thousands attend AJEX remembrance ceremony
The Chief Rabbi meeting a veteran
BY DAVID SAFFER
AJEX held its annual remembrance ceremony and parade at Whitehall last Sunday.
Thousands of members of the UK Jewish community honoured Jewish veterans. This year marked the 100th anniversary of the first wreath laying by Jewish Veterans at The Cenotaph.
Over 1,200 people participated in the march from Horse Guards Parade down Whitehall to the Cenotaph. They gathered to remember the contribution and sacrifice of Jewish serviceman and women.
Military awards could be seen with campaign medals from conflicts across the 20th and 21st century displayed by those in uniform, military blazers and family members to honour those no longer with us.
Many people joined online, footage has been viewed thousands of times on social media. Residents at Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff home marked the parade and ceremony with a special tea. They included Rita Tack whose husband, David was National Chair of AJEX in the 1970s.
This year, National Chairman, Mike Bluestone hosted The Reviewing Officer, Col Sir Lloyd Dorfman. The Parade was commanded by Mr Ron Shelley and Lt Col Simon Soskin.
AJEX received letters of support from the Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Representatives from The Royal British Legion and SAFFA were in attendance.
Veterans, Jewish military personnel, Jewish police officers, school children and youth groups including the JFS School Combined Cadet Force and JLGB attended.
“We will never forget the sacrifice made by so many in two World Wars and in later conflicts, and we could not enjoy the very freedom that we and our entire community enjoy today without their actions and dedication,” commented Bluestone. “I thank everyone for joining us to share this vital act of Remembrance that AJEX has kept alive despite changing times.”
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis conducted the service together with AJEX Chaplain Rabbi (Major) Reuben Livingstone and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg.
Senior members of AJEX, the Board of Deputies, religious representatives, veterans’ organisations and military leaders laid wreaths. Students from Jewish schools laid poppy posies.
AJEX chief executive, Fiona Palmer, commented, “It was awe inspiring to be standing at the Cenotaph, 100 years on hearing Jewish prayers recited and continuing to lay our wreaths. To see so many marchers and spectators lining the streets given the last two years was a truly special moment.”
The Ceremony marked the end of a packed and memorable Remembrance fortnight for AJEX with schools taking part in the Remember in Red Campaign, school activities and the annual AJEX Shabbats, as well as participating in community and national events across the UK.
The Parade gets underway
Reviewing Officer, Col Sir Lloyd Dorfman
25 NOVEMBER 2021 TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488
COMMUNITY 45
Business Breakfast at St John’s Wood Synagogue
Action Packed Mitzvah Day for Project ImpACT Volunteers!
Mitzvah Day was buzzing for 150 ImpACT volunteers from across the community who got busy in a range of sold out volunteering initiatives from morning until evening.
A record number of teens gathered from across 18 schools to wrap hundreds of gifts for seriously ill children at Project ImpACT’s annual ‘Wrap-a-thon’ in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital, Camp Simcha and Noah’s Ark Hospice.
The volunteers heard from inspiring guest speakers who shared their moving accounts of their hospital experiences and learnt about the fantastic work Camp Simcha does.
Volunteers on the Bar Bat ImpACT programme visited the Association of Jewish Refugees where they engaged with members virtually and made 100 personalised care packages. An inspiring group of ImpACT youth also volunteered and taught English to Israeli youngsters online through a new powerful session of ImpACT in Israel in partnership with ORT.
Project ImpACT facilities a range of weekly impactful and meaningful volunteering initiatives for teens.
For more information visit www.projectimpact.org.uk
Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE speaking at the event St John’s Wood Synagogue hosted a very successful business breakfast. Close to 120 people came together for a networking opportunity, and chance to hear from one of the most successful business leaders in the United Kingdom. Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE is a British entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded Travelex in 1976, which became the world’s largest retail currency exchange business. After an agreement was reached to sell the business in 2014, he focused his attention on a variety of business interests, including The Office Group (of which he is Chairman and majority shareholder), which provides flexible office and meeting spaces, and Doddle, the parcel collection company, which he co-founded. He has a long association with a number of charities, including the Prince’s Trust, which he now chairs, and the National Theatre, where one of the theatres is named after his family. He established the Dorfman Foundation in 2007, which focuses on the arts, education and a wide range of other charitable purposes.
This event was organised by Rabbi Yoni Golker who in his opening remarks explained “Starting one’s day at the Synagogue, is a reminder that it is the epicentre of our life. According to Talmudic tradition (Shabbat 31a) the very first question in one’s judgement in the next world is: “were you honest in business?” This breakfast is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of being honest & upright in business and the need to contribute to good causes throughout our life.”
Prospective Parents Tours
We invite you to experience what Sacks Morasha is all about.
Take a walk through our corridors and meet our wonderful team inperson. You can also watch our video and unique 3D virtual tour at
sacksmorasha.org.uk
s imcha midot achdut ruach torahsmart values
Strong links with Jewish and private secondary schools
Excellent well-being programme
Tours are available. To register, email
offi ce.administrator@morashajps.org.uk
or call 0203 115 1900
Feeding curiosity and building confi dence
Providing high academic excellence
46 ADVERTORIAL TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488
25 NOVEMBER 2021
Yuval is on a mission for a healthy lifestyle
Prof. Yuval Heled, Scientist
BY DAVID SAFFER
Professor Yuval Heled is a scientist on a mission as Cannabotech leads the way in the next generation of preventive care products.
The cutting edge biomedical company have justifiably earned the title ‘The Botanical Pharmacy’ as they apply the untapped benefits of cannabinoids and functional mushrooms to today’s health issues.
Fusing traditional Asian knowledge with modern science a plethora of products have been specifically designed to help consumers take control of health concerns including stress, sleep, immunity, skin conditions together with muscle and joint fatigue associated with a modern lifestyle.
Extensive cannabidiol (CBD) and mushroom research has advanced Cannabothech’s scientific knowledge in the industry enabling them to continuously improve products.
Prof. Heled is an esteemed scientist, consultant and lecturer. A renowned scientist, he is an expert in clinical, exercise and environmental physiology.
A former IDF Medical Corps chief physiologist and director of the Heller Institute of Medical Research, Israel, Prof Heled has held numerous academic posts round the world.
Head of a Masters degree programme in physical activity and health promotion at the Kibbutzim College, Tel Aviv, he is a scientific consultant in the anti-aging industry.
Recognised in integrative physiology, the study of metabolic processes and disease prevention, Prof Heled is a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He gained a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science at the Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University and a Bachelor of Education at Wingate Institute.
The Cannobatech management approached Prof Heled soon after they established the company to create an integrative group.
He recalled, “They specialised in mushrooms, cannabis and CBD, and molecular biology but they needed a scientist with an integrative view to combine the company’s main approach to deal with preventative health and preventative medicine. My experience during 25-30 years of research into human physiology was to optimise human performance, that includes the full spectrum from being healthy to survival in extreme conditions. My experience included exercise, survival, sleep, nutrition, altitude and supplements.
“I assisted then in moving forward their formulas and approach to educate people in preventative medicine to boost both the mental and immune system.”
Prof Heled added, “The endocannabinoid system, even in the medical community is an interesting system of the body. The company with technological support wanted to develop an application including a face scan. It’s in smart form. The technology is Transdermal optical imaging and we added an algorithm. Using vital signs such as heart and respiratory rate we measure someone’s physiological status. We then assist and educate in lifestyle changes. We show what formulas can help to strengthen weak aspects like sleep, stress or skin problems.” Prof Heled continued, “Cannbatech is not a cannabis company, it’s a biotech company, our interest is promoting health, resilience and embedding new functions. This company has an integrative, pioneering approach. Chronic diseases are getting worse but technology is improving all the time yet we lead more sedentary lifestyles. We eat processed foods, we are more stressed and our community life can be worse. It is very difficult to convince people to change behaviour. “In the western world, in
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England, even in Israel, only around 20 to 25 percent of the population perform physical activity the way my expert friends and I recommend. In children it is around 10 percent. Some 30 to 40 percent of the population is overweight, they are eating processed foods, have high blood pressure yet we live longer and that creates a paradox. For cultural, behavioral and economic reasons it’s difficult to cope with our recommendations. That is why by having a novel scientific based approach we can assist the population in boosting immunity using materials from plants, from CBD.
“With cannabis there are cannabinoids that have a very significant health benefit for preventive medicine.
“And if you add to that mushrooms, for thousands of years we know there are benefits. It is not a medicine but as basic nutrition its healthy.
“We want to educate the population, give advice and follow up using this application. We measure vital signs every few days, weeks and months. And we can see a change. But we do not recommend everyone to take everything. It’s tailored. I sincerely believe that we should and can assist the population.
“From our questionnaire we learn about people and by having DNA results we can assist in choosing a better way to live, changing a lifestyle with support. We give formulations to assist preventive diseases while maintaining immune function.”
Cannobatech products may help alleviate chronic diseases, aside from exercising and nutrition guidance, but they are clear that people on medication must seek medical advice.
“This is very important, when I trained in medicine the first thing we were taught was not to harm the patient,” explained Prof Heled. “People diagnosed with chronic diseases taking daily medication must consult physicians or a nutritionist to assist them, before starting any supplements. Although we don’t think there will be issues some may react with ingredients of a mushroom or CBD.
“However, if physiological parameters are not diagnosed as a disease, so blood pressure may be a bit high, you are a bit stressed, a bit overweight and you don’t take medication then changing your life style and using evidenced based products proven to be safe for release can have a positive effect. If anyone is unsure though then check with a physician.”
Cannobatech opened a few weeks ago at Westfield Shopping Centre, how has it been received globally?
“We have a few months experience so will know more over the coming year,” explained Prof Heled.
“England was the first shop we opened and there are other countries that understand the significance and positive influence of CBD. We are in the first stages and hopefully in the future these products will assist, it’s a tool in your tool box to assist, to promote health and prevent diseases, to strengthen the immune function and also create a lifestyle approach of physical activity with less stress and so on.”
In your medical career is working with Cannobatech one of the most exciting organisations you have been involved in?
“I’m a scientist, not a physician, this is definitely the first integrative approach that I’ve been involved with and that’s why I joined the company,” he said. “As an expert, I get a lot of projects to consider. With this company, its evidence based. CBD is interesting then there is mushrooms, DNA and lifestyle changes. This integrative approach is my approach to health and preventive health. We want to help prevent diseases, getting healthy materials from nature can change lifestyles and assist a population be more aware of health.”
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.
All products are recommended to best manufacturing practice and international standards.
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Westfield Shopping Centre Ariel Way, London W12 7GF
48 COMMUNITY TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488
25 NOVEMBER 2021 Working together to promote health and wellbeing for people with physical disabilities and/ or vision impairments
Jewish Blind & Disabled and Maccabi GB have joined forces to deliver a programme of accessible sports for tenants living at Jewish Blind & Disabled developments.
During lockdown, tenants’ health and wellbeing was a key focus of Jewish Blind & Disabled’s Zoom programme. From exercise classes, mindfulness, relaxation, pilates and yoga to name a few, tenants had the opportunity to get involved from the comfort of their own flat. As these all proved to be popular and now classes and activities can happen in person again, JBD have been looking at different ways to promote health and wellbeing activities within their developments.
Clive Geller, a Jewish Blind & Disabled Tenant and a Vice President of Maccabi GB and Former Chairman was always keen to see a closer partnership between the two organisations. He commented: “I am very pleased to see that the relationship between Maccabi GB and JBD is beginning to move forward and
Jewish Blind & Disabled tenants Diane and Malcolm with their certificates from winning a 5 hole accessible golf competition that accessible sports and wellbeing activities are starting to take place. I hope that the future will be bright for both of our organisations and await with interest to seeing how the programme develops.”
A consultation exercise took place with Maccabi GB and tenants at JBD to establish what sports people would be interested in and what they used to enjoy but felt they could no longer access it. The trial pilot, a five-week programme of accessible golf, was launched at two of the developments. The programme is suitable for any tenants that wish to join of any age and no matter what their disability is.
Tenants at two developments participated in the accessible golf and there was positive feedback all round. Malcolm said: “I used to play golf and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play again. It was something different and lovely to see people enjoying themselves no matter how good or bad they were at golf.” Diane said: “I have never played golf before but it was something fun to do and it was good exercise for me.”
Following the success of the programme we are working with Maccabi GB to consider taster five-week programmes in different developments with a range of accessible sporting activities from walking football using a ball that is adapted and has chimes in it to ensure those with visual impairments can also play and archery.
Ashley Lerner, Chief Executive from Maccabi GB commented: ‘It’s great to be working together with Jewish Blind & Disabled on this important project. We have each recognised the importance of promoting health and wellbeing and making it accessible to anyone and I look forward to watching this partnership grow’.
Simone Mazin, Jewish Blind & Disabled’s Community Engagement Manager said; “By working in partnership with Maccabi GB I hope we can introduce accessible sports and wellbeing activities that are an opportunity for tenants to take part in activities that many assume they can no longer do. It has been great to see tenants get so involved and enjoy the accessible golf and I look forward to seeing how the programme develops.”
For more information, please contact Natasha Lazarus – natasha@jbd.org or 020 4548 8676.
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Headteacher: Miss Judith Caplan B.Ed Hons, NPQH Principal: Dayan Ivan Binstock 180 Willesden Lane, London NW6 7PP T: 020 8459 3378
North West London Jewish Day School is a warm, happy, high-achieving, Modern Orthodox, Zionist Primary School, always aiming for excellence whilst supporting everyone to reach their potential.
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, dynamic and hardworking Early Years Practitioner/NVQ3 From January 2022
We are looking for a practitioner to work in our Nursery. The ideal candidate will also be able to work with a group of children as well as carry out administrative tasks. We are looking for full time but part time would be considered.
If you work well with others and want to join our team, we want to hear from you!
Pupils are polite and respectful and have positive relationships with their teachers and each other. They are self-assured and appreciative of their school and education. Ofsted, July 2017
Deadline for applications: Noon on Wednesday 8th December 2021
To apply, please complete an application form which can be found on the school website www.nwljds.org.uk/vacancies
PerryField | 07802157500
NWLJDS is committed to safeguarding children; all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
