The Jewish Weekly Issue 258 - November 24th

Terror in Jerusalem

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israeli security forces have begun a manhunt for a terror cell behind two bomb explosions that struck Jerusalem yesterday morning.

Sixteen-year-old high school student Aryeh Schupak of Har Nof died in the first blast at Givat Shaul. Emergency services were treating the wounded as a second blast went off at Ramot Junction 30 minutes later. Over 20 people were injured. Causalities are be ing treated at local hospitals.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid has vowed to catch the “heinous” ter rorists responsible for the attack targeting civilians and commut ers. The IDF will also hunt down anyone who provided weapons.

“We will find them,” he said. “They can run, they can hide, it won’t help them. The security

Our enemies need to know that we stand united and strong against them. We are one nation that knows how to stand together against those who seek our demise.”

Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of Schupak at Har Hamenu chot cemetery including Itamar Ben Gvir, former Je rusalem mayor Nir Barkat and Har Nof Chief Rabbi David Yosef.

Authorities are estab lishing whether the terror cell entered Israel from the West Bank or are residents

attack. “It is time to act with determination and a hard hand against the terrorists,” he noted.

Arriving at the scene, he called on Israel to bring back “targeted assassina tions”. Ben-Gvir told re porters: “Terror needs to pay a very, very, very high price.”

Religious Zionist party’s Bezalel Smotrich said: “This takes us back to sights that the brain remembers but the heart wants to forget.”

Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai said the at

Aryeh Shtsupak z”l

PHOTO: YWN

BY DAVID SAFFER

Campaign Against Antisemitism has called on the Director of Public Prosecutions, Max Hill KC, to resign.

CAA’s action follows charges against pro testers yelling ‘Jew-hate’ in the heart of Jewish areas of London in May 2021 being dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

CAA wants Hill to explain the decision. They were exploring legal options and con sidering whether to bring a judicial review against the CPS.

Robert Festenstein, Zionist Central Council President, has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to act because when it comes to crimes against Jews they are treated as “second class victims” (see page 12 for his letter in full).

Some 18 months ago a number of people drove from Bradford to London in cars dis playing Palestinian flags. The incident took place during Israel’s hostilities in Gaza.

The cars had loudspeakers and drove through Jewish areas including Hendon and Golders Green.

Footage of a Tweet is on CAA’s website. Men in one of the cars yells “F*** the Jews” and “show your support for Palestine”. Ac cording to witnesses, convoy participants also shouted “Free Palestine! Go back to Poland”.

Then Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the incident.

Dropped charges against Mohammed Iftikhar Hanif, 27, and Jawaad Hussain, 24, come four months after CPS dropped charges against Asif Ali, 25, and Adil Mota, 26, also suspected of being involved.

Festenstein explained to Sunak that there had been “justifiably significant outrage” at the incident.

He wrote: “In view of the video evidence available we all expected swift progress with prosecutions, most likely to be “using threatening, abusive or insulting words, or behaviour, with intent, likely to stir up racial hatred”. Sadly, this has not been the case. In fact, the opposite.”

“How can it be that it takes 18 months to get to this point?” implored Festenstein. “There are so many issues involved here and the one that stands out head and shoulders above the rest is that when it comes to crimes against Jews, we are second class victims.”

He continued: “If the convoy had targeted any minority other than Jews, it is incon ceivable that the charges would have been dropped. If the cars had been driven by white men and driven into a predominantly black area and undertaken the same heinous acts, the trial would have been long over and the men serving prison sentences.”

Festenstein recalled Kristallnacht when Nazi leaders unleashed pogroms against the Jewish population in Germany.

“The irony that the 84th anniversary of Kristallnacht took place only a few days

before the dropping of the charges against these men has not been lost on me or many of my fellow Jews,” he wrote. “The level of violence of course is wholly different, but the principle nevertheless is the same.”

Festenstein added: “The message now to these men and those who share their abhor rent views is clear, they can undertake these acts with impunity, knowing that the CPS will fight shy of bringing prosecutions.”

ZCC’s president said the community must be more vigilant given a “laissez-faire atti tude” of the prosecuting authority.

“If we are unfortunate enough to be phys ically attacked, then the prospects of any criminal proceedings resulting will be mini mal to none,” he wrote.

Recalling the 2019 general election, Fes tenstein said his family was among many in the Jewish community to think seriously about emigrating given “open hostility” in the Labour party towards Jews.

Although acknowledging support from the Conservative Government towards the Jewish community, Festenstein is clear that institutions intended to protect every citizen have decided that “Jews are an inferior class and not worthy of that protection”.

Festenstein, on behalf of the ZCC and Brit ish Jewish community, has called on Sunak to reverse a “frightening decision” and restore confidence to the community as equal citi zens under UK law.

A CAA spokesperson said: “If the CPS is in capable of bringing to justice the people who drove through London in broad daylight on camera calling for the rape of Jewish women and girls, then it has reached the absolute pinnacle of pointlessness.

“This was a crime that sent Jewish families running in fear and caused the Prime Min ister and Home Secretary to demand action. Britain’s Jews are facing surging hatred and are crying out for justice.

CAA added: “It shames our country that our criminal justice system has yet again left Britain’s Jews to fend for themselves.”

prevent the next explosion. This means bringing all the forces out, not only here, but also to other areas. It could be one ter rorist that placed the two explosives, or it could be two. All intelligence services will focus on this issue.”

Deputy Police Commissioner Sigal Bar Zvi, described the bombs as “high quality” explosives.

Witnesses told reporters it reminded them of the “dark days” of the Second Intifada.

The Canadian embassy condemned the “abhorrent terror attacks” whilst the US Embassy stated: “We are closely monitor ing the situation. Terrorism is a dead-end that accomplishes absolutely nothing.”

EU ambassador to Israel Dimiter Tzantchev was “horrified” by the attacks. “Terror is never justified,” he tweeted. And UK Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan was shocked by the terrorist attacks. “The UK stands with Israel against terrorism,” he wrote.

European Jewish Congress President Ariel Muzicant also condemned the attack.

“These cowardly and brutal attacks tar get innocent civilians and are intended to induce fear and terror,” he said. “They once again demonstrate the real intentions of Palestinian terror organisations, to maim and kill Israelis and Jews wherever they are.”

Hamas welcomed the attacks.

Army Radio news anchor Hadas Shtaif was suspended from covering the attack after reportedly connecting it to coalition

negotiations whilst broadcasting.

The station in a statement confirmed an investigation was taking place.

Bicom noted this was the first bombing attack in Jerusalem since April 2016 when a Hamas suicide bomber injured 21 people. That attack was the first one since 2004.

Recent months have seen shootings, stabbings and car rammings. Thirty Israelis have been killed in terror attacks this year and hundreds injured in incidents.

The public is asked to daven for Elchanan ben Livnat and Chaim Nochum ben Feiga Rivka b’toch shaar cholei Yisrael.

of the Memory’ Yizkor, Never Forget.

Name of victim to remember: Gabor Neumann

Place of Birth: Békéscsaba, Hungary

Date of Birth: 1940

Place of Death: Auschwitz

Date of Death: 29/06/1944

www.yadvashem.org.uk

‘Guardian

Outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Jnetics to perform BRCA testing

BY ANNIE ABRAHAMS

NHS England is launching a BRCA testing programme with Jnetics working in part nership with Chai Cancer Care.

The initiative will be rolled-out next year to catch tumours early when they are easier to treat.

The campaign will raise awareness in Jewish communities. Anyone with Jewish ancestry will be offered a simple genetic test to look for the presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 faults.

It is hoped hundreds if not thousands ‘BRCA carriers’ will be caught over the next three years.

Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England said: “BRCA testing for people at the most risk has the potential to save lives by helping diagnose future cancers earlier or avoid them devel oping altogether. Those at increased risk will able to take advantage of surveillance and prevention programmes with their health teams. For this to be effective we must ensure widespread awareness and support for the testing programme across Jewish communities.” He added: “We are delighted to be working with Jnetics and Chai Cancer Care to lead this campaign.”

Jnetics CEO Nicole Gordon noted: “This programme offers the community a breakthrough opportunity to reduce the impact of hereditary cancer in the Jewish community and to save lives. As the Jewish

community’s only organisation dedicated to improving the prevention and diagnosis of Jewish genetic disorders in the UK we are committed to ensuring that the NHS BRCA testing roll-out reaches every corner of our community.”

Lisa Steele, Chai Cancer Care CEO added: “We will bring our cancer care knowledge and expertise to this partnership. Together we will ensure that all those affected by the impact of a BRCA test are given the very best information, care and support at every stage in the process.”

BRCA refers to two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA. Some individuals are born with a fault increasing the likelihood of devel oping certain cancers including breast, ovarian prostate and pancreatic cancer.

People with Jewish ancestry are over 10 times more likely to carry genetic faults than the general population.

Jnetics, Chai Cancer Care and communi cations agency Creative & Commercial will target the Jewish community and anyone ancestrally Jewish with a media campaign.

Glazers consider selling United

BY ADAM MOSES

Manchester United's owners are consider ing selling the club.

News that the Board was exploring “strategic alternatives” came as it was announced star forward Cristiano Ron aldo would leave with immediate effect. United’s star player criticised the club in a TV interview last week. Both parties “mutually agreed” the decision.

“The process is designed to enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to cap italise on opportunities both on the pitch and commercial ly,” noted a club statement.

“As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alterna tives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company.”

Executive co-chairmen and directors, Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer, who have handled daily operations since 2006, said: “The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and follow ers. As we seek to continue building on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives. We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United

maximises the significant growth oppor tunities available to the Club today and in the future. Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”

“There can be no assurance that the re view being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the Com pany,” added the statement.

The club will not make fur ther announcements unless and until the Board has ap proved a specific transaction or other course of action.

United, who were part of a failed European Super League project last year, have not won a trophy since the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017.

The Raine Group will exclusively advise United. The US investment group handled Chelsea's recent £4.25bn sale. Latham & Watkins LLP is legal counsel to the Company.

Rothschild and Co. is acting as exclu sive financial advisor to Glazer family shareholders.

The Glazer family, who have faced protests from fans since its controversial £790m takeover in 2015, sold 10% of the club in 2012 through a stock listing. They have sold shares in subsequent years.

The Glazer family own NFL side Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a United Arab Emir ates Twenty20 cricket league side.

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Gantz warns of global extremism and terrorism

BY LILY JOSEPH

Defence Minister Benny Gantz has com pleted an official visit to the Hellenic Republic.

Israel’s minister met with Greek Minister of Defence Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos and warned that “extremism and terrorism” impacting countries across the globe.

Gantz participated in a ceremony at the ‘Memorial of the Unknown Soldier’ after he was welcomed in a ceremony at the Greek Ministry of Defence.

“The world is changing,” he explained. “The politics of extremism and terrorism impact countries across the globe. Iranian aggression continues to be a great threat to the region and the world.”

Gantz warned about Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine war and nuclear program.

“We see this in Iran’s support for terror proxies in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Judea and Samaria,” he explained. “Just this week, an Iranian UAV was launched at a civilian vessel. It is critical to stop the spread of Iranian influence and ambitions.

“This is what Israel aims to achieve, through some of our activities under the CENTCOM umbrella, we will continue to operate against any attempt to build terror bases on our borders.”

Winter tough for Ukrainian families

World Jewish Relief calls on the Jewish community to be a lifeline for Jews in Ukraine and Eastern Europe every winter.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, gen erations have been left with almost no savings. WJR’s winter support saves lives every year, including those of Holocaust survivors.

Winter weather in Ukraine is brutal. Temperatures drop to -20 degrees and snow blankets the country. Fuel prices are unaffordable and Soviet-era homes let icy cold winds in.

The conflict with Russia means many face blackouts in critically damaged hous es. Even liberated areas like Kherson bear scars of vicious fighting and are on the verge of humanitarian catastrophe.

WJR will make sure thousands of Ukrainians have one warm room in their home this winter.

With ongoing fighting in Zaporizhzhia, for displaced families every day is uncer tain. Jewish families, including older peo ple, are stranded across Ukraine.

WJR needs to reach thousands of Ukrainians and ensure they have a warm room in the coming months.

Details: www.worldjewishrelief.org/ winter

Gantz added: “The global threats we see today are seeds for the challenges that will develop and grow in the future impacting national security, food supplies, immigra tion and energy resources.

Regarding bilateral ties with Greece, Gantz said that Greece was a “strategic partner.”

He observed: “Our ties are built on a

foundation of trust and ongoing commu nication. We value both our bilateral ties, as well as the trilateral framework together with our partner, Cyprus.”

Over the past two years Israel’s de fence cooperation has grown in military training, industrial projects and strategic dialogue.

“It has reached a new peak, with the official launch of the International Flight School in Kalamata,” said Gantz, who also spoke about regional opportunities.

“In the same way that we seek new ties and lean on our friends, Israel may act as a bridge in the East-Med region, in order to ensure peace and stability for all,” he explained.

Bibi’s tribute to Irgun member

One of the last surviv ing members of the Ir gun organisation has passed away.

Yaacov Aharoni, 101, was led by Men achem Begin before the establishment of the State of Israel.

Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanya hu led tributes to Aharoni describing him as a “brave warrior”.

“I was saddened to hear of his death and felt great pain,” he said. "Despite the many difficulties he endured, the independent State of Israel was his reward.”

Michal Aharoni, one his five children, said her father was a “hero” who risked his life as he loved his country.

According to the Betar Zionist Youth Movement, Aharoni blew a shofar at the Western Wall during the British Mandate and set up special units in the Etzel.

Born in Jerusalem in 1921, Aharoni joined the Irgun in 1938 and took part in many operations against the Arabs.

British Mandate forces regarded the Ir gun as a terror organisation and sentenced Aharoni to exile in Africa. When Israel was established Aharoni trained recruits in the IDF's Artillery Corps.

He went on to study at Tel Aviv Universi ty, graduated in Bible studies and worked in education.

Reeves addresses LFI lunch

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves ad dressed the Labour Friends of Israel annual lunch this week.

Reeves reaffirmed Labour’s position backing a two-state solution and heralded the Party’s progress at tackling antisemi tism under Starmer’s leadership.

Jew-hate has “no place in a party that holds equality as its highest value”, she said.

Reflecting on the recent election in Is rael, she “shared the pain” of the Israeli left in their loss, and pledged to “stand in solidarity” with the Israeli Labor party and maintain a position that was “pro-Israel, pro-Palestine and pro-peace” while ech oing Starmer’s rejection of BDS last year.

Reeves unveiled a “new initiative” in UK-Israel ties with a partnership between high tech firms in the artificial intelligence field.

The lunch was addressed by Merav Michaeli, Israel’s Minister for Transport and leader of the Israeli Labor party, who flew to London to address the event.

Michaeli thanked Starmer for “leading the fight against antisemitism” and pledged that Labor would “fight the destructive agenda” of the incoming Netanyahu government.

The lunch was also addressed by Ambas sador Tzipi Hotovely.

There were written messages from Israel President Isaac Herzog and Starmer.

Yaacov Aharoni z"l

Benny Gantz with Greek Minister of Defence Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos

PHOTO: GPO

100 countries attend Chabad conference

daily basis the Rebbe’s message and mission. And that inspired my wife and me to similarly dedicate our own lives to our fellow Jews.”

Philanthropist George Rohr, who has seen Chabad’s growth over four decades, gave a keynote address.

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Chabad-Lubavitch movement’s educational arm, introduced Rohr, as his “best friend for over 45 years”. Rohr has led Chabad’s growth over six continents.

BY DAVID SAFFER

The annual event attracted 6,500 emissar ies, dignitaries and lay leaders.

A grand siyum Sefer Torah ceremony took place at the gala banquet with 36 Chabad communities receiving new Torah scrolls including Montego Bay, Jamaica, Salem, Or egon and Kampala, Uganda.

Each scroll will have a velvet Torah cover ing similar to one used by the Rebbe and a silver crown.

Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, Chabad Jamaica with his wife, Mushkee told Chabad. “We have managed so far to borrow a Sefer Torah whenever we have needed it. However, now that we will finally have Torah of our own,

it significantly lends to the sense of perma nence and establishment that the Rebbe wanted for every Chabad House.”

“We’ve never owned our own Torah,” said Rabbi Avrohom Perlstein, Chabad Salem. “Having our own Torah is a dream come true, not only for me but for the locals who have come to really appreciate Yiddishkeit and Torah. It’s hard to describe the pride, joy and ownership one feels when a Torah is written just for your community to be used exclusively by your community.”

He added, “We teach that every single Jew has a personal portion in the Torah, and the more we speak about it, the more this idea becomes more tangible. The community is so excited.”

Rabbi Moshe Raskin of Chabad Uganda said that for the 60 members of the Jewish community of Kampala having a Torah will “elevate everything”.

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The past 12 months has seen 120 new Chabad centres established.

Chabad announced new cities to receive shluchim including Puerto de la Cruz in Ten erife. Rabbi Noam Rosen and his wife, Chava, will establish Chabad Canary Islands-Tener ife by Chanukah.

Delegates gathered in a year of Hakhel that marked 120 years since the birth of the Reb be, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau and Rabbi Sholom Gottlieb of Nikolayev, Ukraine opened the conference with Tehillim followed by a dvar Torah by Rabbi Avraham Feldman of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Seven emissaries gave reports of seven dec ades of Chabad from the 1950s to the present.

Rabbi Laivy Mochkin spoke on behalf of new Chabad emissaries.

He said, “Although I never merited to meet the Rebbe in person, I did encounter on a

He noted. “Each one of these Torah scrolls represents hundreds of individuals in bud ding Chabad House communities who are thirsty for Jewish knowledge and Jewish life.”

Rohr’s talk was followed by a presentation overviewing the work of Chabad emissaries in Ukraine during the war with Russia.

Three days of Torah study, prayer and workshops took place in English, Hebrew, French, Spanish, Russian and Yiddish focus ing on education, adult-learning programs, creating unity and crisis counselling people. Many delegates visited the Rebbe’s resting place.

Chabad has 5,646 emissary couples work ing in communities around the world. A highlight of the gathering was the famous “class photo” in front of Chabad’s Crown Heights headquarters.

Chabad congregations have grown from 346 to 1,036according to a survey of United States synagogues from 2001 to 2021. The 199% surge illustrates the impact of Chabad in the US.

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Chabad's annual “class photo” in front of Crown Heights headquarters.

Thousands attend AJEX parade

BY DAVID SAFFER

Thousands of members of the Jewish com munity across the generations attended the annual AJEX JMA remembrance ceremony and parade in London last Sunday.

On a crisp winter afternoon veterans and families of fallen serviceman and women proudly marched side by side from Horse Guards Parade down Whitehall to The Cenotaph.

The parade was the first under the reign of King Charles III and remembered the contribution of the late Queen as Com mander in Chief of HM Armed Forces. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, Second Battle of El Alamein and 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

Over 1,400 people participated in the his toric event themed on connection, includ ing a group of Central Synagogue members, together with Rabbi Lerer

AJEX national chairman, Dan Fox, praised the spread of generations and mix of military, Jewish and secular rites as it honoured the contribution of personnel to have fought and those in uniform today. “Being a part of it is an extremely meaning ful moment”, he said.

The mission of AJEX is to uphold remem brance, care for veterans and their families and educate about the contribution made to keep the nation safe.

AJEX chief executive, Fiona Palmer, not ed: “These goals continue to be at the heart of our work year-round. When I looked

around and see our schools, cadets, JLGB, families and hundreds of individuals walk ing alongside our veterans I felt the con nection so strongly with past and current generations.”

Alex Chalk of the Ministry of Defence laid a wreath alongside veteran Mervyn Kersh.

AJEX were joined by a Fusiliers unit re-establishing the Jewish community's connection to the royal regiment.

Fox hosted the Reviewing Officer, Major General Jon Swift. The Parade was com manded by Ron Shelley and supported by Commander Daniel Weil as his second in command, and as Operational Command er, Major Danny Yank.

JLGB members, cadets from JFS, Jewish schools and scout groups also participated.

Wreaths were laid by senior members of AJEX, Board of Deputies, religious repre sentatives, veterans organisations and mil itary leaders. Students from Jewish schools laid poppy posies.

AJEX received letters of support from King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Cenotaph service was conducted by the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, AJEX Chaplain Rabbi (Major) Reuben Living stone and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg. The ceremony was added to by the wonderful Band of Irish Guards who played the Adon Olam at the end the Service.

Schools took part in a Remember in Red Campaign, school activities and annual AJEX Shabbats. There were also communi ty and national events across the UK.

Standard bearers at the annual parade

JFS Cadets

JLGB members attending the parade

AJEX annual parade

The Jewish Weekly's Yossi Saunders marching with his daughters

National Chairman Dan Fox and Reviewing Officer, Major General Jon Swift at Horse Guards Parade

PHOTOS: FRANK MOON PHOTOGRAPHY AND STANLEY KAYE

Mervyn Kersch laid a wreath at the ceremony

OPINION

Dear Mr Sunak

I am writing as President of the Zionist Central Council – the ZCC. We are a group dedicated to promoting and defending the democratic State of Israel.

Whilst we are not primarily a Jewish communal group, as the name suggests we are concerned with the well-being of the Jewish people, their right to self-de termination and their ability to exercise this right by living in peace in the land of Israel.

In May of last year – some 18 months ago, in a blatant demonstration of Jewhate, a number of people drove down from Bradford in cars emblazoned with Palestinian flags. The cars which had loudspeakers attached, drove through Jewish areas and using the loudspeakers one of the people in the car called for Jewish women to be raped.

There was justifiably significant outrage at this appalling incident and in view of the video evidence available we all expected swift progress with prosecutions, most likely to be “using threatening, abusive or insulting words, or behaviour,

with intent, likely to stir up racial hatred”. Sadly, this has not been the case. In fact, the opposite. Firstly in July of this year the CPS dropped the cases against Asif Ali and Adil Mota and then last week against two other men Mohammed Iftikhar Hanif and Jawaad Hussain.

How can it be that it takes 18 months to get to this point? There are so many issues involved here and the one that stands out head and shoulders above the rest is that when it comes to crimes against Jews, we are second class victims.

If the convoy had targeted any minority other than Jews, it is inconceivable that the charges would have been dropped. If the cars had been driven by white men and driven into a predominantly black area and undertaken the same heinous acts, the trial would have been long over and the men serving prison sentences.

As a child in the 1970s I remember talking to an aunt who had left Germany in 1938. I asked her what had motivated her to leave. She said Kristallnacht. This was when, on November 9–10, 1938, Nazi leaders unleashed a series of pogroms

against the Jewish population in Germany and recently incorporated territories.

This event came to be called Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass) because of the shattered glass that littered the streets after the vandalism and destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, and homes.

My aunt explained that this event made it clear to her family that the Jews were not safe in Germany, the state would not protect them and they had to leave.

It is encouraging to see that people of ability and skill have been able to achieve the highest offices of state here in the UK, irrespective of the colour of their skin, sexuality or religious beliefs. This is due in part to the support that every citizen is entitled to and can expect by way of protection of the rule of law.

What is not encouraging, and indeed of serious concern that the Jews are not being so protected. What Kristallnacht demonstrated to my aunt, and what the refusal to prosecute the men calling for the rape of Jewish women has shown is that the Jews are not seen as being worthy of the protection of the rule of law. The irony that the 84th anniversary of Kristall nacht took place only a few days before the dropping of the charges against these men has not been lost on me or many of my fellow Jews. The level of violence of course is wholly different, but the princi ple nevertheless is the same.

The message now to these men and

those who share their abhorrent views is clear – they can undertake these acts with impunity, knowing that the CPS will fight shy of bringing prosecutions. The direct impact is that I, my family and my community have to be so much more vigilant given this laissez-faire attitude of the prosecuting authority. Further, if we are unfortunate enough to be physically attacked, then the prospects of any crimi nal proceedings resulting will be minimal to none.

When there was the prospect of a La bour Government before the last election, many in the Jewish community (including me and my family) thought seriously about emigrating given the open hostility by many in the Labour party towards the Jews. Now, although there is considerable and welcome support from the Conserva tive Government towards our community, the institutions which are intended to protect every citizen have decided that the Jews are an inferior class and not worthy of that protection.

On behalf of the ZCC, myself, my fam ily and indeed the whole British Jewish Community I urge you to do whatever you can to reverse this frightening decision and restore confidence to us that we are equal citizens under the law in the United Kingdom.

Chai – Innovation runs the orgnaisation

PIECE BY LOUIS HAGER

Chai has always been a pioneer, in fact we started with just one telephone helpline service and now run 65 separate services!

We all know the impact of cancer on a patient and their families, and that’s why we need to be ahead of the game with world class innovation. Our Innovative does not stop, it literally pushes boundaries on a daily basis. Innovation runs through the whole organization!

Our running costs keep increasing as unfortunately there are so many people out there who need our help. In the last year alone, we have provided over 50,000 hours of specialized care and support. The impact of Chai on a family is crucial.

Children’s support, in cluding ‘Chai in schools,’ went up by 63% in the last year. We go into schools and help train teachers on how to deal with kids in their classes who are dealing with cancer in the family. A lot of the teach ers are very young, and need help and advice on how to deal with difficult

situations that they may not have had experience with before in terms of terminal or serious illness.

We also talk to classmates and help them with their friends who are very unsettled or the kids themselves whose parents may have cancer and they need help to adjust to the new environment at home.

We now also have an early morning workshop for parents to help them handle their kids if they are not sleeping or they don’t know how to be truthful with their kids.

Chai Cancer Care are hoping to raise £1.8 million next Sunday and Monday to help with our annual running costs.

To donate – scan the QR code or visit www.char ityextra.com/chai and help us be there for people when they need us most.

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this

Yours sincerely Robert Festenstein President – Zionist Central Council

OPINION

In view of the appalling decision of the CPS made last week

Look out for Chai’s digital advert at Brent Cross

Lead 4h

Terence Reese classified bids such as 2h as extremely dangerous if the bidder’s side did not play the hand. Reese believed that, in such cases, declarer could often adopt an almost dou ble dummy line (as if he could see all four hands) to bring home an otherwise tricky contract. West began by playing the ace of diamonds followed by the king. Declarer ruffed the second diamond low then cashed the ace of spades. After ruffing the five of spades in dummy, declar er played a trump to his king. East took the next trump with the ace to lead a third diamond. This return now marked West with an original 5:1:5:2 distribution and consequently East with a corresponding 3:4:3:3 shape which, in turn, allowed declarer to be certain that there was no remaining link between the defender’s hands as East had 1:1:0:3 shape remaining. So, at this point, declarer ruffed the third round of diamonds and played his last trump, throwing dummy’s remaining diamond. After cashing the king of spades, declarer had the queen of spades and the Ace and two clubs left, while East was down to the nine of hearts and Q10 and another club. When declarer played the queen of spades, East had a choice of unpleasant outcomes. If he ruffed, he would be endplayed and declarer would make three club tricks and his contract. If instead East discarded a club then the queen of spades would be declarer’s eighth trick with the ace and king of clubs to come. As a result, East conceded the contract to declarer.

(It seems that Terence Reese was right ☺)

Birnhacks take up seaside post

Rabbi Tzvi and Mushki Birnhack have tak en up a Shlichus post at Southend-on-Sea.

They are the seventh Shluchim family in the Essex area sponsored

This is the fourth Chabad House along side branches in Gants Hill, Buckhurst Hill and Epping.

Initially, the Birnhacks will engage with the community by bringing the spirit of Chabad through Shabbat and Yom Tov hospitality, festival programming, home visits and communal learning.

They will get to know the community by supporting existing infrastructure and strengthening Jewish life.

The Birnhacks trained in the Chabad higher education system in Moscow,

Seaside Shiur

of

Anna spoke about living a spiritually authentic and meaningful life replete with insights on the Parsha.

The atmosphere was warm and live ly and one attendee commented she was ‘enthralled by Anna’s feelings and interpretations’.

The shiur is part of a monthly series of educational events, open to shul members and also non-members.

For more information please see shulbythesea.co.uk

Cockfosters and N Southgate Synagogue welcomed 250 guests to celebrate the in duction of Rabbi Meir Shindler.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis led the cere mony also watched by 40 people on Zoom.

The Chief Rabbi described the union of a synagogue and its rabbinic family as a ‘shidduch’ and celebrated the match of the Shindler family with CNSS.

Rabbi Shindler spoke about humility and service, and commented how welcomed he and his family had felt during their first year in Southgate.

Paying tribute to her late grandmother, Rebbetzen Rina Shindler urged the com munity, “Partner with us, bring your best selves and we will accomplish great things for CNSS.”

CNSS chair Lauren Wolman welcomed the Chief Rabbi and guests including the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Alison Moore, Deputy Mayor of Enfield, Councillor Suna Herman, and members of Rabbi and Reb betzen Shindler’s family from London and the USA.

Lauren said: “With our new Rabbin ic couple, the recent investment in the building, and our excellent programme of events, as it approaches its 75th year CNSS is going through a resurgence and the next chapter in CNSS’s history has begun.”

Chazan Dov Speier, together with the CNSS choir and soloist Akiva Shindler, gave a moving performance. Children of the community narrated a poem to the

Rabbinic couple then guests enjoyed a re ception in the newly refurbished Maurice Tillkoff Hall.

Rabbi and Rebbetzen Shindler have been in post at CNSS for almost a year. They have made a positive impact with innovative ideas and programmes.

The shul has seen an increase in engage ment from young families, children and youth.

King’s ‘gift’ to Michelle

King Charles awarded GIFT’s founding direc tor Michelle Barnett with an MBE at Windsor Castle.

Michelle received the accolade in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for extraor dinary efforts made by individuals and char ities during the pandemic.

Shocked by wasted food in supermarkets and restaurants, and inspired by Rabbi Nafta li Schiff’s vision, GIFT started from Michelle’s kitchen table back in 2004.

Michelle gathered excess bread from bak eries each week and redistributed it to strug gling families whilst continuing her work as a probation officer. Soon Michelle became GIFT’s very first employee.

Almost 20 years later, GIFT has left an in delible mark on the Jewish community.

Michelle said: “This is a real acknowledg ment of the vital work we are privileged to do in the community. I dedicate this award to GIFT’s fantastic team, volunteers and my family who have given of themselves so self lessly, especially these past few years.” She added: “This was an awesome experience. To have a personal audience with the King was very powerful.”

Michelle shared GIFT’s achievements with the King, who was attentive to the charity’s vision. With his permission, Michelle recited the “blessing upon seeing royalty”.

Rabbi Sandor Milun, GIFT managing di rector, says: “Working with Michelle has been a life-changing and career defining time for me. It is a privilege to work alongside some one who is so selfless, cares so much for

everyone, and gets things done regardless the time of day.”

GIFT’s mission is to develop a giving mindset and lifestyle through education and volunteering.

The organisation has become the go-to for giving, whilst supporting those in need.

In March 2020, when the pandemic hit, GIFT created a number of lock-down ‘giving’ initiatives including gratitude packages for the NHS and Hatzola, telephone befriending, isolation packs for the elderly and virtual tu toring for students.

In addition to GIFT’s engaging educational programmes, the organisation offers volun teering opportunities such as the DofE/Yoni Jesner Awards, Bnei Mitzvah programmes, food parcel packing, Giving Kitchen cooking and delivering, befriending and tutoring.

Details: jgift.org/volunteering

Israel Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, pictured with Leeds Jewish Representative president Laurence Saffer, visited the Leeds Jewish community last week where she met community leaders, business leaders, and school students.

Israel Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely with Laurence Saffer

Rebbetzen Anna Bergson gave a shiur to al most twenty ladies in the Conference Room

the Glendower Hotel, St Anne’s, organised by shul Vice-Chair Michelle Morris.

by Rabbi Aryeh and Devorah Sufrin.

Ukraine, Germany and Kfar Chabad, Israel. Rabbi Tzvi has taught high school stu dents, Mushki was curriculum develop ment coordinator in Kiryat Malachi, Na chalas Har Chabad.

Rabbi & Mrs Birnhack

Rebbetzen Anna Bergson

HM King Charles presenting Michelle with her MBE

Chief Rabbi Mirvis with Rabbi Meir Shindler

JTrade’s 4th show a success

Jtrade held its 4th Annual trade show this week at Excel. The two day show spanning Monday and Tuesday once again saw many people across the property world come together to trade their wares, and shmooze over coffee and sand wiches. The event has the usual list of estate agents, bridging finance, law firms, EPC businesses and others including those selling doors, windows, fire alarm, drainage solutions, pest control and rubbish removal. Other exhibitors included website builders Better Websites and printers Fineprint. A large screen at one stand allowed guests to keep in the loop whenever England scored as the loud cheers echoed round the entire hall. Look out for details of next year’s show!

Aish student shabbatonim

Year 11 and 13 students attended Aish Manchester Shabbatonim this month.

Fifty year 11 pupils participated in a weekend away at Kingswood Adventure Activity Centre in the Peak District. The weekend included educational discussions and a powerful Shabbat filled with singing, sharing ideas and havdallah followed by a bonfire.

Students got to spend Sunday at the adventure centre enjoying abseiling, zip lining and laser tag. They also enjoyed the scenic Peak District.

One participant said: “The atmosphere, people and songs were amazing. I loved everyone coming together to sing and really feeling a connection.” Another student add ed: “The Shabbaton had the nicest atmos phere, especially with the singing. I’ve learnt so much more about my Jewish identity.”

The second Shabbaton was in Wales and was open to year 13 students. To kick the weekend off boys took part in a cholent cook off whilst the girls made use of the hot tub and swimming pool.

Students explored Torah concepts and

a Judaism Q&A. Discussions included the future of the Jewish community before tak ing time to enjoy the Welsh countryside.

A student with their guitar helped make a musical havdallah to end Shabbat.

A participant said: “These two days al lowed me to get a better understanding of what it means to be Jewish and most importantly how to get the best out of being Jewish for the rest of my life.”

Aish’s Rabbi Zvi and Miriam Gefen, Rabbi Shauly and Adina Strom and head madrichim Saul and Chani Bishop led the programme.

Rabbi Zvi, Director and Educator of Aish Manchester welcomed so many youngsters at each Shabbaton.

“They wanted to experience an inspira tional, uplifting and fun-filled Shabbat with friends,” he said.

“The Shabbaton was a great opportunity for students to ask questions, explore their Jewish identity and envision themselves as an integral part of the Jewish future whilst having a great time. We’re already planning the next one!”

Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Kindergarten children brought in tzedakah for BBC’s Children In Need.

‘Uncle Cyril’ helped save world

BY ADAM MOSES

Laurence Saffer tells the fascinating story of civil rights activist Cyril Pustan who partici pated in the 1961 San Francisco to Moscow ‘Walk for Peace’ in a new book Plumber, Lec turer, Pacifist, Spy (?).

In an intriguing life, Cyril had tea with Nina Krushchev, wife of then-Russian premier Nikita Krushchev, at the height of The Cold War, and married Regina Wender Fischer, mother of chess grandmaster Bobby Fis cher. He also survived the Blitz, witnessed the building of the Berlin Wall and struggle of the proletariat against the State to name but a few tales.

Laurence, who is married to Cyril’s niece, Sally, has had access to Cyril’s diaries and University of Bradford archives. The biogra phy includes Cyril’s writings and accounts of others about him.

For many years Laurence, who lives in Leeds, had heard stories about Cyril’s many adventures but it was only when Sally’s mother, Ella, passed away last year, and they inherited two boxes of his writings that the full story could be told.

“We are all used to reading about famous people like Winston Churchill, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, and the great societal changes they helped bring about, but the truth is it’s the ordinary folk who took part in these huge public demonstrations that made politicians sit up and take notice,” said Laurence. “Without them, we’d all be living in

a completely different world. Each one of them, in their own way, helped save the world.”

He added: “It has been an honour to bring Cyril’s story to light, and I hope that in future, it might help enlight en a new audience, and give context to what were truly momentous times.”

Cyril was born in London, 1929, to Ukrainian immi grants escaping pogroms, and grew up in Shoreditch, Lon don. Leaving school with no qualifications, he became a plumber and found an outlet for his political views in the Communist Youth Association and Trade Union movement.

The Walk for Peace ended in Red Square in October 1961. Cyril took part in the European leg where he met his wife and proposed on a train back from Moscow. The couple settled in Jena where he taught English through use of folk songs at Friedrich-Schiller University.

Cyril also produced a record, recorded

stories for the visually im paired and had a small part in a film, The Frozen Lightening.

Laurence has offered Cyr il’s writings to the JB Priestley Library.

He says: “There is a passage in the Talmud that says if one person saves the life of anoth er, it is as if they have saved the whole world. This is the story of the continuum of ordinary people who might otherwise seem to have nothing remark able about them, but when you look at their journey, in this case Cyril’s journey, you realise that in some small way they have in fluenced the world we all live in today.”

The Cyril Pustan archive collection has been donated to the Special Collections at the University of Bradford’s JB Priestley Library. It will be made available to researchers.

Plumber, Lecturer, Pacifist, Spy (?) is avail able on Amazon.

(Article adapted from Neil Hudson, University of Bradford)

Laurence Saffer signs a copy of his book

Litter tidy up Volunteers Sunday afternoon for UK Mitzvah Day outside Habers Kosher World, Kings Road, Prestwich, headed up by Sedgley Ward Councillor Richard Gold and Kate Lurie, Project Manager for JAMH, Jewish Action for Mental Health.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Broughton Jewish Kindergarten who brought in Tzedakah

Mitzvah Day in Kings Road

CER highlights Faith, Tech and Tourism in Malta

BY ANNIE ABRAHAMS

Rabbis, tech entrepreneurs and business leaders gathered in Malta to celebrate the CER Prize for Tech and Innovation.

CER President, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, presented prizes that sup port tech start-ups.

Two €26,000 awards to invest in products were made due to the pandemic. Nina Pat rick of memido won for 2021 and Veronica Celis Vergara of EnlightAID won the 2020 prize.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs an nounced its backing for the CER Prize.

The 2020 and 2021 winners will visit Is rael over five days for meetings with the technology sector.

The offer could boost Maltese-Israeli ties. Maltese officials may reschedule a trade delegation to Israel, postponed due to Covid-19, to coincide with the visit of prize-winners.

The Conference of European Rabbis, Malta Investment Management Company Limited (Mimcol) and Malta’s Ministry for

the Economy, European Funds and Lands organised the tech investment event.

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt, said: “The CER Prize for Tech and Innovation is our way of celebrating the best in technology where it is a force for good.”

Minister Silvio Schembri noted: “Malta has 2,000 years of Jewish history. Whether for tourism, business, or investment, we invite the Jewish community, including our friends from Israel, to consider Malta as your next destination. We will welcome you with open arms.”

Breakthrough Foundation founder Yuri Milner sponsored the CER Prize. “Creative technology ideas have immense power to improve people’s lives, and encouraging those ideas is vital,” he said.

Schembri said the conference served as an opportunity to discuss future coopera tion with the CER.

“It’s been the government’s long-term vision to primarily build stronger political and economic ties with Israel who we con sider as a natural partner, particularly in the sphere of joint technological research,

The High School boys from Beis Yisroel Shul, Manchester, enjoyed an amazing Shabbos Hisachdus with the Rov, Rabbi Yehoshua Ahron Sofer shlita. They were accompanied with Rabbi Yaakov Hibert and Reb Gershon Rose.

economic investments and tourism,” he said.

Schembri hopes to develop new technol ogies in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

He added: “Our ultimate goal is twopronged, a socio-economic approach which will yield a multitude of benefits.

We intend to not only attract foreign in vestment and create jobs within the sector but also aim to ensure that the benefits brought about by this wave of innovation reaches more segments of Maltese society as it goes about its daily life, be it within the education or health sphere or interaction with government departments.”

Schembri launched a 316.4 million Euro Recovery and Reslience Plan for digitalisa tion related projects for SME’s, tourism and cultural sector projects.

Mimcol chairman Adrian Said expressed commitment to strengthen discussion and opportunities.

“Malta is the ideal home for start-ups where support can be obtained effectively as Government is nimble and entities are very supportive,” he said.

Central kiddush talk

Central

Kitching spoke about the history of AJEX and Levy focused on Jewish membership of the British Armed Forces and fatalities suffered.

Rabbi Barry Lerer of Central Synagogue

said: “It was important for the community to hear the immeasurable sacrifice Jewish ser vicemen have made to the country through out the years.”

Jonathan Metliss organised the talk, he added: “This was another example of our commitment to AJEX.” The talk was part of the series of Kiddush Talks every Shabbat.

Teacher of Jewish Studies

With the opportunity for additional responsibility • Full time / Part time

We are seeking a dynamic and committed individual to teach Tenach, Talmud and Jewish Knowledge and Skills to a range of ages and abilities. Teaching will include the GCSE Religious Studies syllabus. The successful candidate will prove to be an effective teacher with a wide Jewish knowledge and will identify with the Modern Orthodox ethos of the school. There is the opportunity for additional responsibility for the right candidate. Applications are welcome from ECTs or those willing to work towards a teaching qualification.

IImmanuel College is entering a new, exciting era of educational and physical development, which will build on our Jewish modern orthodox, co-educational, independent roots. You will join a school characterised by high academic standards, outstanding pastoral care and a renowned programme of Jewish study. We enjoy an environment of happy, fulfilled young people who are fully engaged in the life of this friendly school, are aspirational and committed to their studies and their community. We are looking for colleagues who are eager to contribute to their futures and build a bright beacon of Jewish life and learning.

Immanuel College is a vibrant, professional and caring place to work, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. We are deeply committed to the emotional and professional well-being of all our staff and believe that happy, well-cared for staff make the best team. We pride ourselves on providing an environment where staff have the freedom to learn and grow.

We provide access to the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS), a supportive CPD system, membership to a healthcare scheme, subsidised lunches, family-friendly policies and a range of well-being initiatives.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website www.immanuelcollege.co.uk

An Application Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and the names and contact details of two referees should be sent to Dr Millan Sachania, Head Master, at jobs@immanuelcollege.co.uk

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

For further enquiries relating to the role please contact Mr Michael Lewis, Assistant Head of Jewish Studies at mlewis@immanuelcollege.co.uk

Beis Yisroel Shul Shabbaton in Wales. Seated, Rabbi Sofer, Rabbi Hibbert, Rabbi Rose

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt at the awards dinner

The MC Oliver Rolofs addressing the conference

Synagogue hosted AJEX historian Paula Kitching and Lance Corporal Dan Levy in advance of the AJEX parade.

Immanuel College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

HMC Independent Jewish Day School for Children aged 4-18

Charities galore take part in Mitzvah Day!

BY ADAM MOSES

Jewish charities, synagogues, schools and volunteers participated in a host of Mitzvah Day activities.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent a message to the community.

“Mitzvah Day is a very special time of year,” he said. “It helps to foster a wonderful com munity spirt, celebrating diversity of faith or belief, and demonstrating that we each have a responsibility to one another.”

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer took part at South Hampstead United Synagogue to collect and pack clothes for people in need.

He noted: “Mitzvah Day is emblematic of the country we are, and the values we hold. Credit to all those involved in making it happen.”

At Kisharon there was a busy programme including ‘What is a Mitzvah’ session and packages for Homeless Action Barnet and All Aboard volunteers.

There were collection points for warm clothes for Goods for Good, and at Child’s Hill library bulbs were planted and fences paint ed to make a warmer environment. Tenants at supported living drew pictures and wrote

letters about the meaning of Mitzvah Day for Jewish Care residents.

Rachel Ucko, Community Inclusion Coor dinator, said: “Mitzvah Day is a great oppor tunity for us to showcase our work and how we upskill people we support.”

Camp Simcha ran an annual blood drive at North London’s Edgware Blood Donor Centre, the Joely Bear appeal and Toy Drive.

Shrubberies Synagogue in Manchester do nated toys and made get well cards for chil dren in hospital whilst Jewish Care’s Michael Sobell JCC made gift packages for neonatal hospital wards in a combined Mitzvah DayWorld Prematurity Day project.

Noa Girls welcomed Israel Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely for a bracelet beading activ ity. Beautiful pieces were donated to ‘Bayit Lepleitot’, an orphanage and home for dis advantaged girls in Israel.

Naomi Lerer, CEO said: ‘This was a won derful opportunity for our girls. They loved meeting the Ambassador and harnessed their talents towards producing jewellery that others less fortunate could enjoy.”

Norwood’s activities will enrich the expe rience of Shabbat and Chanukah.

At Kennedy Leigh Family Centre,

community groups created Chanukah cards and Shabbat placemats. Project Impact Youth Group, Finchley Jewish Cubs and Scouts, BBYO and Kinloss Synagogue partic ipated. They were joined by adults Norwood support.

At Mill Hill cheder, members replicated activities for adults in residential care and supported living services. And Kenton Unit ed Synagogue hosted adults supported by Norwood for a community tea.

Elsewhere Councillor Debbie Morris, chair of Three Rivers District Council, opened Mitz vah Day at Northwood United Synagogue where activities included collections for JGift, Langdon College and Chabad Krakow, which supports Ukrainian refugees.

One thousand school children, teachers and faith groups across Borehamwood and Elstree engaged in a mass flower-planting project coordinated by Gratitude and Garden in a Roll.

Jewish and Muslim school children joined the community at Woodside Park Synagogue with Theresa Villiers MP for projects includ ing making cupcakes and collecting for food banks.

Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue

put on a day of activities with collections for charities including Against Breast Cancer, Comfort Cases, Food Bank Aid and St John’s Hospice.

And Mill Hill Synagogue joined neigh bouring churches and mosques to collect for Sebby’s Corner. Bushey United Synagogue put on a knitting project and collection for Goods for Good.

Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue had a range of activities including collectathons, soup making and children’s activities. They joined Bob Blackman MP and Friends of Canons Park gardening group in the walled rose garden to give the area a tidy up.

Golders Green Synagogue collected 20 boxes of items from Sainsbury’s for Food Bank Aid and ran a cooking session to make a delicious meal for the Barnet Winter Shelter.

The community also knitted hats for ba bies in the neonatal ward at the Royal Free Hospital.

Members of Central Synagogue, includ ing Rebbetzen Naomi Lerer, collected food outside Waitrose Marylebone. And Pinner United Synagogue supported children and babies in the Jewish community via Sebby’s Corner.

Norwood Mitzvah Day with BBYO

Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely at Noa Girls

Camp Simcha and Michael Sobell JCC

Camp Simcha CEO Nevile Goldschneider at Ilford Jewish Primary School’s Toy drive

Chai baked challah for clients for Mitzvah Day

Central Synagogue members collecting for Mitzvah Day Kenton United Synagogue

Sir Keir Starmer at South Hampsead Synagogue

Kisharon cards for Jewish Care residents

ASK THE RABBI

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

I CAN’T – CAN I?

Dear Rabbi

My wife and daughter have been regularly attending Jewish classes at an outreach programme. They are certainly growing in their general Jewish observance. They are of course keen for me to do the same and to come along on the journey. I have since attended a couple of classes, and while I support my family’s choices and I enjoyed the classes, I can’t see myself growing more observant.

Jeff

Dear Jeff

You know how some things from your childhood make a lifelong impression? Well I vividly recall struggling over some math work and moaning allowed, “I can’t do this!” My teacher, Miss Spitzer, yelled across the room, “Yitzchak Schochet, there’s no such a thing as ‘I can’t!”

The great Rabbi Yisroel Bal Shem Tov was delivering a discourse in the cramped study hall in Mezebush to his many disciples assembled. A man, who had been riding by, came rushing into the hall looking for some assistance. His horse and buggy became stuck in the thick wintry mud. He approached the first person standing nearby: “I can really use some help!” The man shushed him, motioning to the grand Rabbi lecturing in the middle. “I just need someone for a couple of minutes. I’m sure with an extra pair of hands, I could be on my way and you could be back to your class.” The man, barely looking up, shushed him again, this time with increasing irritation. “Oh come on, just a few minutes. What’s

the big deal? You could hear lec tures whenever. I just need to be on my way. Please!” At this point the other man turned to him menacingly and hissed rather loudly: “Don’t you see. We are in the middle of an important lecture. The Bal Shem Tov is speaking. I really can’t help you!” To which the frustrated horseman retorted in Russian: “You can – only you don’t want to!” The Bal Shem Tov immedi ately paused in the middle of his class: “What that man has to say is a more important lesson in life than anything else I can teach you right now!”

The difference between who you are and who you could be lies in what you get yourself to do. The only obstacle - the only thing that can impede your abil ity to progress is that little voice that says, “I can’t.” The challenge is for you to go in search for the hero inside yourself and continue to nurture yourself at every interval in life, constantly progressing, always moving for ward, aiming ever upward. Will you sometimes fail? Definitely so! But the greatest tragedy in life is not aiming too high and missing. It’s aiming too low and reaching. Good luck!

IS JEWISH GUILT A THING?

Dear Rabbi

Growing up I always had the idea of an evil inclination pounded home to me. “Get out of bed. It’s your yetzer hara telling you to sleep.” “Don’t speak like that. It’s your yetzer hara talking.” So now I go through life always feeling guilty about things – obsessed about this ‘bad angel’ hovering over me. Is this

the cause for Jewish guilt? Heather

Dear Heather

Let’s dispel with this myth called Jewish guilt. A classic Jewish greeting is usually made up of, “you’ve gained weight,” “you’ve lost weight,” “you look tired.” To the son it’s “she’s not feeding you right.” To the daughter it’s “he’s letting you work too hard,” or “why aren’t you having more children?”

The truth is there is no cred ible evidence whatsoever that Jewish people feel more guilt than anyone else. Sure, we may feel bad when we deviate from traditional roots, but that surely applies to any member of any faith community. And even as guilt seems to be institutional ised – think High Holidays, espe cially Yom Kippur – that’s part of general religious practice – it’s not something ingrained in the psyche of Jewish individuals.

If anything Jewish guilt was probably invented by Jews in order to better deal with their own estrangement. “Oh, he’s just trying to make me feel guilty about my life choices,” etc. This so-called Jewish guilt factor is little more than a buffer con cocted by those trying to make themselves feel better for what they might otherwise be doing wrong. When you can blame the pressures of community or family on ‘Jewish guilt,’ then you have something tangible to reject, making it easier to get on with life.

That said, you can’t walk around obsessed about your yet zer hora the whole time. You’re giving it too much headspace. As a child, Reb Herschel of

Krakow was once scolded by his father for not arising early for prayer service. “I can’t help it,” complained the boy. “It’s that yetzer hara of mine. It keeps telling me to turn over and go back to sleep.” “But Heschele,” countered the father, “don’t you see? The yetzer hara is just doing his job. The yetzer hara is an angel created by G-d with the assignment to divert people from observing His will. You ought to be smart enough to do as he does, not as he says. Next time the yetzer hara entices you

to stay in bed, tell yourself: ‘Aha! He’s at it again – he’s up bright and early fulfilling his duty. I too must get out of bed quickly to get on with my task as well.’”

“Oh father,” retorted the child with a twinkle in his eye, “you make it sound so simple. But since when does the yetzer hara have to contend with a yetzer hara that tries to stop him of his assignment? Perhaps that’s why he is so efficient. I, on the other hand...”

I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions from that story.

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

Pirkei Avot Perek 4: Mishna 18

Rabbi Shimon son of Elazar taught: Do not try to appease your friend whilst they are in a state of anger and do not comfort him whilst his deceased lies before him. Do not attempt to present reasons to annul his oath at the time he takes it and do not make efforts to see him whilst being disgraced.

The first lesson is derived from Hashem Himself, who in structed Moshe after the sin of the Golden Calf, to allow Him time (as it were) for His anger to dissipate and only after that, to intercede on the Jewish People’s behalf. The idea of not comforting someone prior to the burial of a loved one is either because attempting to comfort someone (if one is not careful) in such a state can lead

to intensity of grief or because they may say words which seem to downplay the extent of the tragedy.

If one sees a person making a prom ise, they should not ruin the chances of this promise being annulled. To annul the promise, one would need to pres ent a reason to a Rabbi as to why their promise only applied in certain circum stances. If the bystander presents them with circumstances in which the oath should not apply, whilst they are making the promise, the promiser may say, “I want this oath to take effect nonetheless”. This diminishes their chance at having the

vow annulled.

Little needs to be added to the closing words of the Mishnah - in particular in today’s digital age. When you see some one who has fallen over in the street or has been involved in any unfortunate or embarrassing scene, do not be the one who photographs or videos it and then shares it!

This too, we learn from G-d, when re proving Adam and Chava for their sin, He waited until they were of respectable appearance before communicating with them.

People deserve respect - both in life and after.

Refuah sheleima for Batya bat Chava, Elchanan ben Livnat and Chaim Nochum ben Feiga Rivka

Torah from Israel Gratitude or Gratification

comfortable for thankfulness.

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

Thanksgiving is an American non-Jew ish holiday which is so charming that it deeply resonates with religious Jews. The holiday is not overtly Christian, but, in stead, is pivoted upon the universal value of gratitude, a trait which is enshrined in Judaism through numerous experiences such as a “toda” sacrifice for escaping a perilous situation, or through chagim festivals which express gratitude for G-d having liberated us from slavery. Sitting around a Thanksgiving table and admir ing the trait of gratitude feels deeply reli gious and is fully consonant with our own value system. For this reason, the holiday has been roundly adopted by Jews.

The original pilgrims who migrated to the new world, faced the prospect of a harsh winter without food or shel ter. When they unexpectedly received a successful harvest, they shared an autumn feast of gratitude with their local native American neighbors. We live in a vastly different world, and very few of us face the threat of a freezing winter or the specter of starving to death. In our world of comfort, the trait of gratitude has become more elusive. How can we generate genuine gratitude in our less vulnerable world?

FACING FRAGILITY

The Book of Beresihit narrates the story of the men and women who founded Ju daism. Surprisingly, bearing children and perpetuating their legacy was harder than expected. With only one exception, each of these women went barren for extended periods, only bearing children after much effort. The gemara comments that their extended barrenness induced their fer vent prayer and their deeper connection with Hashem. It is provocative to imagine that such surpassing people were ex posed to suffering and hardship merely to elicit prayer and longing for divine assitance. This approach frames human struggle and suffering as a catalyst for religious growth. Without hardship we lose our dependency upon Hashem, and He slowly drifts out of consciousness.

Additionally, the barrenness of these women made them more grateful for the children they did bear. Sarah bore one child and Rachel bore two (after which she deceased), and their struggle augmented their appreciation of child bearing. When we easily and effortlessly achieve our goals, we more easily take things for granted and don’t properly cherish our success. Our lives have be come too successful for gratitude and too

Ironically, Thanksgiving is quickly mor phing from a day of gratitude into a day of gratification, as a day which once embod ied gratitude has been recast as a holiday of consumerism and the official launch of the coveted Black Friday sales. Too much gratification and gratitude fades. Black Friday has killed Thanksgiving.

TRIUMPH AND HEARTACHE

The only matriarch who doesn’t struggle to bear children is Leah, who effortlessly bears six boys and a girl to her husband. Despite the ease of her childbearing, she is depicted as the epitome of gratitude, as she named her fourth son Yehuda, which stems from the word “hoda’ah”, or grat itude. The gemara remarks that before Leah, no one had fully expressed their gratitude to Hashem. What made her naming a superior example of gratitude? Others before Leah had, undoubtedly, expressed their gratitude, but there was something different and remarkable about her gratefulness.

Sadly, Leah led a tortured life, always slated to be her husband’s second choice. Even after Rachel’s death, a bereaved and nostalgic Ya’akov spends more time with Rachel’s handmaiden than he does with Leah. Evidently, Leah will never fully win the heart of a husband who never intended to marry her in the first place. Her life will always remain imperfect, and she will always carry the pain of being the spurned wife.

Yet, instead of harping upon her pain she savors her role as the matron of the family. Instead of sorrowing over the romance she will never enjoy, she welcomes the opportunity she has been granted. Too often, we experience ingrat itude because we stubbornly strive for perfection in a world which rarely offers it to us. Too often, when life offers its mixed bag of triumph and frustration, we obsess about our disappointments while ignor ing the potential which lies beneath our own two feet. Le’ah isn’t exasperated by her handicap but chooses to embrace her potential, and this steely courage grants her realistic and authentic gratitude. If we delay gratitude until perfection arrives, it will be forever stalled.

It wasn’t always this way. Previous gen erations labored under more harsh condi tions, never dreaming of a perfect life, but instead, graciously celebrating whatever successes they did achieve. Modernity has created the illusion that with enough effort and determination we are capable of perfection. These outsized and unreal istic expectations blind us to healthy and

realistic gratitude. Leah was the paradigm of gratitude precisely because she faced a complex situation, savored her successes, and expressed her gratitude in the face of her continuing struggles.

THANK YOU

There was a second distinct feature of Leah’s gratitude. Others had already sensed gratitude and likely expressed it. Leah, however, didn’t just express it, but embedded it into her child’s name. Every time she called her son’s name, she was reminded of everything in life that she had to be thankful for. She didn’t just experience gratitude, she voiced it.

Though gratitude is an internal attitude and a long-term perspective upon life, the more we actually express our grati tude, the more deeply we feel it and the more frequently we sense it. The simple act of saying thank you sharpens our own sense of gratitude, just as Leah’s calling her child’s name accentuated her own appreciativeness. Thank yous should not be reserved for special occasions but should sprinkle our daily conversations and interactions. Gratitude grows the more that it is sounded.

During daily tefillah the chazzan repeats the 18 berachot of shmoneh esrei, while the congregation quietly listens, responding with “amen” at the conclusion of each blessing. When the chazzan recites the penultimate Beracha of modim which expresses gratitude to Hashem, the entire tzibbur chimes in, reciting their own version of the beracha. By personally uttering gratitude we hope to better internalize this cardinal trait.

HISTORICAL GRATITUDE

The 11th century Spanish philosopher named Bachye Ibn Pakuda branded gratitude as the central trait of religious identity. Pondering our gratitude to Hashem makes us more thankful and thereby more obedient to His will. In the post-Holocaust world though, it became difficult to pivot religious experience upon the trait of gratitude. After the Holocaust, even Jews of sturdy faith were left with many questions about Hashem. The shock and trauma of the Holocaust created a potential vacuum of gratitude. That vacuum of gratitude was filled by the emergence of the state of Israel which has increased our collective national gratitude. Our grandparents suffered through an endless tunnel of hopelessness and wandering while we have been chosen to return to our homeland and to return to history. As we have restored our national pride and rebuilt our historical narrative, our national experience is more vibrant than ever before. Living through this historical renaissance induces historical gratitude which should boost our per sonal gratitude. Gratitude is contagious. If we sense it in one area of our lives, we are more inclined to identify it in other aspects of our lives.

The writer is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzi on/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University, as well as a master’s degree in English literature from the City University of New York.

Aseres Hadibros: Engrave Them on Your Soul

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

The Aseres Hadibros are an expression of the oneness of Torah and the root of our connection to Hashem in this world. As we mentioned in our previous article, there is a powerful connection between the specific commandments on each side as well. Each individual dibrah on the right parallels the corresponding dibrah on the left. Together, they make up a unified whole of connection to both Hashem and one’s fellow man. While we already explained the unique connection between the first four pairs of dibros, we still need to understand the deep and unique connection between the last pair.

KIBUD AV VA’EIM AND LO SACHMOD

Before comparing the last two dibros, we must first address an apparent problem with one of them. Kibud av va’eim, the commandment to honor one’s parents, is the fifth commandment, the last of those on the right side of the Luchos. However, the right side of the Luchos is reserved for mitzvos bein adam laMakom, and while it may not always seem so, parents are human too. Why, then, is the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents included on the right side of the Luchos?

The right side of the Luchos contains the mitzvos bein adam laMakom, but the deeper theme of the right side is mitzvos between man and his source (bein adam la’Makor). The first four are bein Adam laMakom, between man and his ultimate source, while the fifth, kibud av va’eim, is between man and his more immediate source, his parents. This juxtaposition reveals a deep connection between these mitzvos: The first step toward tracing oneself back to Hashem is recognizing that I am not my own creator, that I have a source. Kibud av va’eim is the first step toward doing so. Recognizing our parents as our source is the first step in tracing ourselves back to our ancestors, then to Avraham, then to Noach, eventually all the way back to Adam HaRishon, until finally we get back to Hashem Himself. In doing so, we trace our individual existence back to Hashem’s creation of the world itself.

Kibud av va’eim is therefore the perfect transition between bein adam laMakom and bein adam le’chaveiro, as this mitzvah serves as the springboard for the connec tion between you and Hashem. Recogniz ing that someone created us helps train us to source everything in our lives back to Hashem.

This is deeply connected to the concept of hakaras ha’tov. While literally translated as recognizing the good, hakaras ha’tov actually refers to one’s ability to recognize where things come from, sourcing things back to their original root. The mitzvah of kibud av va’eim is essentially the paradig matic mitzvah of hakaras ha’tov, recogniz ing where one’s existence comes from. After clarifying why kibud av va’eim is on

the right side of the Luchos, we must now explain its connection to the prohibition against jealousy — lo sachmod. While some consider the prohibition of lo sa chmod to only be transgressed when one acts upon their thoughts of jealousy, many consider even the thoughts and feelings of jealousy themselves as a violation of this prohibition. (According to the Sefer Hachinuch and several other opinions, even thoughts of jealousy violate the pro hibition of lo sachmod, even if one does not act on these thoughts (38, 416). Even the Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Gezeilah 1:9), who suggests that one only violates the prohibition of lo sachmod if they act on their thoughts and force the owner to give or sell them that which they covet, still thinks that the act is simply a way to quan tify the degree to which one had the illicit thoughts and desires of jealousy. In other words, the act is a retroactive revelation of how bad the jealousy truly was.) How is it possible for us to avoid these thoughts? Given the assumption that we have free will over our thoughts, how are we expect ed to overcome the urge of jealousy?

Each one of us is entrusted with a unique mission in this world, and Hashem gives each of us the unique talents, skills, and drives that we need in order to fulfill that mission. Hashem is our Source, and therefore the Source of everything we have; every aspect of our life was designed specifically for us. When we understand that every single aspect of our life is given to us in order to help us fulfill our unique purpose, what another person has becomes irrelevant, and jealousy becomes nonsensical. Nothing that somebody else has is necessary for your mission, and you are the only person who is able to fulfill your unique purpose. Hashem not only gave you your mission but also gave you all the tools you need to achieve your purpose in this world. Instilling this understanding in ourselves allows us to live without any feelings of jealousy, as our full focus becomes directed toward

maximizing our time in this world to fulfill our unique potential.

Aside from being jealous of other people’s possessions or circumstances, there is a tendency to be jealous of other people’s successes and achievements. However, the same principle applies here: nobody else’s successes affect ours, nor should it diminish our self-worth. We are all part of one nation, one people, one team. There is no room for jealousy when we are all working toward a shared mis sion; on the contrary, we should celebrate each other’s victories as our own! For example, one’s ear would never be jealous of their nose, as they are both parts of the same body. At root, they want what is best for the body, for the collective self. If we viewed ourselves as limbs of the body of Klal Yisrael, we would never be jealous of our fellow Jew.

This is what kibud av va’eim teaches us: the importance of tracing everything in our life back to its source, to Hashem. When we realize that our entire existence in this world, and all of the circumstances and challenges that we face come from Hashem, there is no place for jealousy, as Hashem has given each of us the exact tools we need to succeed in our mission.

ENGRAVE THEM ON YOUR HEART

When we picture the Luchos, we instinc tively conjure up an image of two rounded tablets. However, the Gemara explicitly states that the Luchos were cubic or rec tangular. If so, why does almost every shul depict the Luchos with two rounded tops, as an almost heart-shaped figure? (There are, of course, practical suggestions, including those who suggest that this custom is, in fact, a mistake and is based on non-Jewish artwork.)

Perhaps the depth behind this is that the Luchos are intrinsically connected to the heart. The Aseres Hadibros are the heart of the Torah, and we are told to engrave them into our hearts, “Kasvem al luach libecha” (Mishlei 7:3).

This idea touches upon the unique nature of the Luchos and how they were written. There are four possible ways to record an idea in writing:

• The first is to use an adhesive, such as glue, paste, or tape, to attach the message to the medium. This is the weakest form of writing, as the message remains separate from the medium and can easily be erased or removed.

• The second is to use ink on paper. In this case, the message is not as easily removed, as the message is more connect ed to the medium itself. However, the ink still remains on the surface of the paper, separate from the medium (the paper). It is the very contrast between the ink and the blank paper that allows you to under stand the message.

• The third is to engrave the message into the medium itself. As such, the message becomes part of the medium and cannot be erased.

• However, there is a deeper form of writing, which is to bore the message com pletely through the medium, whereby the message becomes one with the medium itself.

This fourth level is how the Luchos were written. The pasuk says that the letters of the Luchos were engraved through the stone and could miraculously be read both on the front and the back of the tablets (Shemos 32:15). Chazal discuss the miraculous way in which letters such as the samech and mem-sofis both had inner pieces that floated in the air, disconnected from any other part of the stone.

This is the deep message of the Luchos. We must engrave their words onto our hearts; we must become one with the medium; we must become one with these mitzvos. We cannot simply perform the mitzvos; we must become the mitzvos. May we be inspired to fully embrace the inner depth of the Aseres Hadibros and merit to fulfill the directive of “Kasvem al luach libecha.”

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psycholo gy, and leadership. His bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self, serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is also a business, executive, and leadership coach, with a unique approach based on Torah values. After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva Univer sity’s RIETS, a master’s degree in educa tion from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. To enjoy more of Rabbi Reichman’s content, to contact him, or to learn more about his services, visit his website: ShmuelReich man.com

Two Trepidations Weekly Dvar Torah FROM

BY MRS. SHIRA SMILES

Twice in his life Yitzchak Avinu trembled with great trepidation. The midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67b) tells us that the first time was at the Akeidah and the sec ond was when he realized that he blessed Yaakov Avinu thinking it was Esav. The midrash wonders, which of the two was with greater intensity? The midrash answers, when Yitzchak Avinu realized that he blessed the ‘wrong’ son, “He was filled with a great trepidation” (Bereishit 27:33). This was clearly the greater of the two. Yet we may still wonder, how could anything be greater than the Akeidah, the fear of imminent death?

Rav Sternbach in Ta’am Veda’as notes that these two experiences are repre sentative of future experiences that Jews would endure throughout history. The Akeidah symbolizes Jews dying al Kiddush Hashem. Yitzchak Avinu trembled with the fear that Jews would not be able to withstand this challenge. The incident of the berachot reflects those times when

Jews will need to resort to using deception and trickery for self-preservation. Yitzchak Avinu was afraid that such acts of subter fuge may negatively impact the Jewish people and taint their inherent holiness. This fear was the greater of the two.

Rav Goldwicht in Asufout Marachot, focuses on the individuals involved in each event. When Yitzchak Avinu saw his father, the paradigm of chessed, acting counter to his essence, it filled him with dread. In our parasha, when Yitzchak Avinu sees Yaakov Avinu acting counter to his middah of emet, this too filled him with dread. Not only did Yitzchak see Yaakov engaged in deception, it was cou pled with seeing Rivka orchestrate such

ERETZ YISRAEL

an event that ran counter to her nature –being supportive of her husband. Hence, Yitzchak Avinu was filled with greater dismay and wonder.

Rav Shmulevitz in Sichos Mussar offers a profound insight into this analysis that holds a great lesson for our lives. When Yitzchak Avinu sees Esav in front of him, Chazal tells us that he saw gehenom open in front of Esav and he trembled with a sudden awareness. At that moment he realized that he had been mistaken about who his son really was. It was a moment of extreme clarity; he had spent many years with a false understanding and had made choices and decisions according to his perceived reality. He had treated

Esav as the future heir and suddenly the truth about Esav emerged. Rav Freiman in Sha’arei Derech applies this under standing with a sobering perspective. We must constantly introspect so as not to fall into a similar trap. At times people pride themselves on the performance of a mitzvah, an ideology, or even being involved in a project that perhaps is actually faulty or not as beneficial as they imagined. As humans, our nature is to get into a certain groove in life believing we are on the right track without stopping at regular intervals to reassess. The pain of realization that we were mistaken on the path we chose may occur many years down the road. This is the agonizing awareness that Yitzchak Avinu felt not only for himself but for us, his children, as well. It is indeed something to be conscious of always.

Mrs. Shira Smiles, a lecturer, author and curriculum developer, is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi. org/speakers).

Toledot Sidra Summary

Israel). G-d tells Yitzchak not to go down to Egypt for food and assures him that he will be a forefather of a great nation.

Point to Consider: Why did G-d insist on Yitzchak not leaving the Land? (see Rashi to 26:2)

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 26:6-12

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEREISHIT

25:19-26:5

Yitzchak, aged 60, prays for his wife Rivka to have a child. Rivka conceives twins and is told prophetically that the two children will father two separate nations. Esav is born first, red and hairy. Yaakov then emerges, holding on to Esav’s heel. As they grow up, Esav becomes a hunter, whereas Yaakov dwells in tents of Torah study (Rashi). Yitzchak loves Esav, where as Rivka prefers Yaakov. One day Yaakov prepares a red lentil stew. Esav returns exhausted from the fields, demanding that Yaakov give him some of the stew. Yaakov agrees, but in return for Esav selling the first-born rights to him. Esav agrees, taking an oath in return for the food.

Famine hits the Land of Cana’an (later

Yitzchak lives amongst the Plishtim (Philistines) in Gerar. Afraid to reveal that Rivka is his wife, lest harm befall them from jealous men, Yitzchak tells the locals that she is his sister. However, the ruler Avimelech discovers that they are actually married. He accuses Yitzchak of deceiving him, but warns the people not to harm Yitzchak and Rivka. Yitzchak sows the land and becomes very prosperous.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 26:13-22

The Plishtim, jealous of Yitzchak’s pros perity, stop up his wells. Yitzchak carries on digging wells; the arguments eventually end.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 26:23-29

Yitzchak moves to Beersheva. G-d appears to him in the night, telling him that He will bless him. Yitzchak builds an altar.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 26:30-27:27

Yitzchak agrees to the peace proposal. Esav marries two Hittite women. This pains his parents, as both women wor ship idols (Rashi). The ageing Yitzchak, almost blind, asks Esav to go and hunt some game for him to eat, after which he will bless Esav. Rivka overhears and instructs the reluctant Yaakov to go to Yitzchak disguised as Esav, with two cooked goats, so as to receive the bless ings instead of Esav.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 27:28-28:4

Rivka’s plan is successful; Yaakov receives the blessings. Esav returns from the field, realises what has happened and lets out a loud and bitter cry. Yitzchak also gives Esav a blessing, but it includes his future subservience to Yaakov. Esav plans to kill

(Bereishit 26:18)

Yaakov. Rivka realises this, and tells Yaakov to escape to her brother Lavan in Charan. Yitzchak instructs Yaakov to marry one of Lavan’s daughters. Before Yitzchak sends Yaakov away, he blesses him with the blessing first bestowed upon Avraham, including, specifically, the blessing of the Land of Israel. From this we can see that Yitzchak had always intended that the real legacy was to go to Yaakov, not Esav.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 28:5-9

Yaakov sets off to Charan. Esav marries a third wife, Machalat, the daughter of his uncle Yishmael.

HAFTARAH

The prophet Malachi speaks of G-d’s love for Yaakov and His rejection of Esav. However, Yaakov’s nation has to justify G-d’s favour; the prophet rebukes them for being lax and insincere in their Temple service.

Avimelech brings an entourage from Ger ar, offering Yitzchak a new peace treaty.

At times people pride themselves on the performance of a mitzvah, an ideology, or even being involved in a project that perhaps is actually faulty or not as beneficial as they imagined.

“And Yitzchak dug anew the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Avraham his father”

BY GAV COHN

Yitzchak the Person: Work-life Balance

Classically, Yitzchak is trans formed into a symbol of spirituality and otherworldli ness. After he was bound up upon Mount Moriah, he was a walking, living sacrifice to G-d, detached from the world and even unaware of his own son’s waywardness. One midrash relates how, for a time, Yitzchak even soared to heaven, dwelling in the Garden of Eden.

However, reading the verses on their liter al level, another interpretation also comes to light, treating Yitzchak not as a symbol but as a person. The Rambam and his son Rav Avraham both understand Yitzchak in this way.

The Rambam related how, in his view, the Akeidah is not the story of Yitzchak’s heroic submission, but a test for Avraham. Yitzchak was just a child at the time, and it was less about his role. As an adult, Yitzchak then became immersed in work, and kept his natural fatherly love for Esav, being impressed with how much Esav supported him in his this-worldly affairs. Yitzchak thought Esav was still of savoury character.

Yitzchak the person was a businessman, busy building, investing, travelling, and negotiating. He spent his time digging

wells, sowing fields, reaping produce, and discovering water. He grew prosperous and wealthy, gaining fame and renown even at a time of famine, his vast business projects arousing the jealously of others.

How should we understand Yitzchak the person?

On the one hand, the Rambam explains that the Avot were figures whose minds never strayed from contemplating the Di vine. Only their bodily limbs were at work, their hearts were filled with thoughts of the Divine. Additionally, the Avot had the sin gular goal of bringing themselves and other people closer to transcendence, so all their work managing their flock and fields were for them a perfect worship of G-d. However, as Rav Avraham ben haRambam points out, Yitzchak called the wells he dug names like “strife” and “tension” because he did feel that his work life, necessary though it was, took him away from serving G-d.

Like with Yitzchak, our lives too are a bit of a balance. If we remain focused on why we work, then it too can be called a divine worship, but at the same time we should fill our hearts and minds with what’s impor tant. Perhaps this balance can be achieved. One medieval commentator cites a remark the Rambam once made, “For six days a week, we can be like the Avot, serving G-d alongside our work, then, every Shabbat, we can devote ourselves more fully to G-dly matters.” We may not soar to heaven, but we can bring heaven to down here on earth, even with all its wells and fields.

Another delicious recipe for from Denise Phillips

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

Turkish Red Lentil & Carrot Soup

When I was in Istanbul about 10 years ago, I attended a cookery class, and this is a variation of one of the recipes that we pre pared. I have kept this recipe vegetarian and without butter and love to serve it with sesame bread. Red lentils soup is a regular and popular addition many restaurants. Smoked paprika and sumac provide the subtle and exquisite flavours in a delicious warming soup.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes Serves: 12

Ingredients

300g red lentils

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 onions, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic – peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

1 tablespoon sumac

6 carrots – peeled and roughly chopped

2 tablespoons tomato puree

200g potatoes peeled and diced

2 litres vegetable stock

1 red chilli – deseeded and finely chopped

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Garnish: Sprigs of fresh mint, sumac

Method

1) Place the red lentils in a colander and rinse. Set aside.

2) Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep saucepan.

3) Sauté the onions, garlic, smoked paprika, sumac, carrots and potatoes for 5 minutes.

4) Add the washed lentils, stock, tomato puree and chilli.

game in Doha.

England hit six as Saudis and Japan stun Argentina & Germany

Sixteen-goal Lions rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

England made a dream start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup by beating Iran 6-2 in Doha on Monday.

in the other group game in Doha. Argentina, boasting a 36-game unbeat en run and 2021 Copa America win, play Mexico next in a must-win game. Poland must bounce back against Saudi or could

5) Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

6) Add salt and pepper to taste.

7) Liquidise the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

To serve the stylish way: Garnish with a dusting of sumac and sprigs of fresh mint.

Costa Rica had no answer to the 2010 winners after Dani Olmo stuck early. Marco Asensio doubled the lead, then Ferran Tor res bagged a brace. Teenage sensation Gavi became Spain’s youngest World Cup scorer, Carlos Soler made it six before substitute Alvaro Morata completed the rout.

As for Gareth Southgate’s side, another teenage star, Jude Bellingham nodded home England’s opener before Bukayo Saka hit a brilliant strike in Group B. Raheem Sterling scored before half time.

Saka fired home a superb second before substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Gre alish completed the scoring. Mehdi Taremi scored the Iran goals.

Mbappe have the world’s best player. The French eased to a 4-1 win over Australia in Group D after Craig Goodwin opened the scoring for the Socceroos in Al Wukair.

Adrien Rabiot equalised, Olivier Giroud equalled Thierry Henry’s all-time scoring record with two goals, either side of Mbappe sealing the win with France’s third goal.

Denmark and Tunisia shared a goalless draw in the other group game.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands won 2-0 win against Senegal in Group A courtesy of Frenkie de Jong and Davy Klaassen. Ecuador comfortably beat hosts Qatar in the opening game with a Valencia brace. Belgium defeat ed Canada in Group F after Croatia played out a goalless draw against Morocco.

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.

But the story in Qatar has been stunning triumphs by Saudi Arabia and Japan who defeated former winners Argentina and Germany.

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 Raiders.

The Premier side led early in the second half only for Raiders to equalise but struck two late goals to book a place in round three of the competition.

Hendon now turn their attentions to the league as they travel to Oakwood A for a crucial top of the table clash on Sunday (10am).

The Saudis enjoyed a seismic shock in Lusail against Argentina in Group C on Tuesday. Lionel Messi slotted home an early penalty, but Saleh Al Shehri levelled then Salem Al Dawsari, with a superb winner, signalled a national holiday for the Sau di’s after a 2-1 victory.

Daniel Kristall’s team stunned the league leaders last month when they won 2-0, a victory would move them to within a point of Hendon with a match in hand.

Mexico’s goalkeep er Guillermo Ochoa Mexico saved a penalty from Poland’s Robert Le wandowski to ensure a draw

Elsewhere in the latest round of fixtures, 10-man North London Galaxy made it a three-way title race in the only Division One clash of the day after defeating Oakwood B. Jamie Murray saw red early on but Galaxy rallied with goals from Josh Cohen and Jacob Leigh to record an important 2-1 away win.

Galaxy head Redbridge Jewish Care A in the table by just one point after 10 matches, third place Fairlop FC are five points behind with two games in hand.

Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood.

“It was a fantastic performance in a

letwith 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

circumstances,” said delighted Fortune

England control the group after Gareth Bale earned a 1-1 draw against United States who led through Tim Weah in Doha. The match was Wales’ first World Cup game since 1958. World Cup holders France in Kylian

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

If the Argentina result was a shock of gargantuan proportions then Ger many’s 2-1 defeat to Japan in Group E was not far behind yesterday. Late goals by Ritsu Doan and substitute Takuma Asano earned a deserved comeback win after Ilkay Gun dogan slotted home a penalty in Qatar.

Germany will go out for a second World Cup running at the group stage should they lose to Spain on Sun day and Japan avoid defeat against Costa Rica.

“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

“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.”

one will enjoy.”

Brazil are the bookies favourites. They kick off today against Serbia while Switzerland play Cameroon in Group G. Portugal play Ghana and Uruguay face South Korea in Group H.

Saracens to play Israeli side in historic game

Saracens rugby union are set to take on an Israeli side in an historic match at StoneX Stadium on Sunday.

Saracens Men face Tel Aviv Heat (12.15 kick off) and Saracens Women will play Wasps Women (15.15 kick off) in a double header.

Georgia as well as the Romanian Wolves of Romania.

Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to wish Rebuck well following his injury.

“First and most importantly, everyone at Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper a quick recovery, we hope to see him back on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he said.

Luis Enrique’s side thumped the South Amer icans 7-0 in their opening

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

As for the defeat, Emanuel commented, “It doesn’t matter how big a squad you have, you can never account for unavailability or injury. Only five of today’s team played in our recent win over FC Team, a lack of togetherness and poor individual

Tel Aviv Heat is the first professional Is raeli rugby union team. Based in Tel Aviv, the team competes annually in the Eastern Conference of the Rugby Europe Super Cup, alongside RC Batumi and The Black Lion of

They have qualified for their semi-final play offs which takes place next month. This fixture will provide a valuable test for both teams as Saracens head into Europe an Champions Cup competition. “Saracens embraces the Jewish community in north London and look forward to hosting this spe cial fixture,” said a club statement. “Fans who observe the Shabbat can attend.”

BY DAVID SAFFER

Reiss Mogilner scored six goals as Maccabi London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup.

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

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

in association with

Lionel Messi’s Argentina went down to a shock defeat against Saudi Arabia

Yitzchak and Rivka have been married twenty years but still have no children. They pray and Hashem answers however something is wrong. As she passes a synagogue or yeshivah she feels the baby struggling to get out and whenever she passes a place of idol worship the baby also struggles to get out. Is this baby very mixed up? Rivka goes to Shem and Ever who tell her she is having twins, one will be good, the other evil…

Before long the boys are born. Esav comes out red and fully hairy and there’s his brother grasping onto his heel. So they call him Yaakov – heel. This is actually very important. It was a sign that Esav will rule first but in the end, Yaakov and goodness will win. Everything is fine at first but as they grow up, they become very, very different. Yaakov learns Torah and Esav becomes a mean hunter who tricks his father Yitzchak into thinking he is wise and learned. He is very good to Yitzchak and asks him lots of Torah questions whilst doing bad things behind his back! Rivka sees through him but Yitzchak thinks he is a big tzaddik. Esav comes back from the hunt empty handed one day, exhausted and hungry. He heads for the kitchen and finds Yaakov cooking up some red lentils. On that day, their grandfather Avrohom has died and Yaakov is preparing a special mourner’s meal for Yitzchak. Esav cries. “ Gimme me a swallow of this red stuff!” Yaakov spies a chance to get the bechorah, the ticket to some special brochot which Esav doesn’t even want. They make the trade.

Many years pass. Esav has married two Chiti women. Yitzchak has grown old. His eyes have grown weak over the years and he his practically blind. Fearing that he will die soon, he calls Esav to the tent. Yitzchak commands Esav to head out to the fields, catch an animal, slaughter it kosher and prepare a meal for him. After Yitzchak eats, he will give over the brachot of the

first born. Now remember, Yitzchak doesn’t know that Esav sold his birthright to Yaakov.

Rivka overhears Yitzchak’s instructions. She is determined to get Yaakov those brachot. She knows prophetically that Yitzchak’s made the wrong decision. Somehow she must trick her husband into thinking that Yaakov is Esav. So she cooks up two young goats. Everyone knows that young goats taste like wild game, right? But what about Yaakov’s arms? They’re smooth as silk! Esav has hair all over his body. Rivka covers Yaakov’s arms and neck with goat skins so Yitzchak will think Yaakov is his hairy son Esav. She also gives Yaakov one of Esav’s garments so he’ll smell like he’s been out hunting. Yaakov takes the prepared meal and heads over to Yitzchak’s tent. As Yaakov enters, Yitzchak calls out “Who is there?” Yaakov has to think quick. He replies “It is I. Esav is your first born” (not really a lie, if you think about it). “Please rise and sit up, eat from my dish so that you may bless me.”Even though Yitzchak is blind, he’s not deaf. He knows Yaakov’s voice when he hears it. First of all, Yaakov’s voice is sweet. Secondly, Esav not only growls when he speaks, but he talks like a rough and tough hunter. Yitzchak calls Yaakov over and feels his skin, “the voice is Yaakov’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esav!” Rivka’s plan works out just right. Yitzchak is fooled by the goat skin after all! But he seems legit so Yitzchak gives him the blessings and Yaakov runs out hiding behind the door as Esav walks in… Yitzchak trembles, who has he just given the blessings to?! Esav is furious but Yitzchak realises that Hashem runs the world and the brochos were meant to go to Yaakov.

Esav doesn’t take it well though and Rivkah hears that Esav plans to kill Yaakov so she tells Yaakov to run to her family, maybe there he will also find a wife? Find out next week!

Tangram Challenge!

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

EXPERT ADVICE

Dear Martyn

I am confused with the housing market at the moment, as I am thinking of selling but have read confusing advice?

Richard

Hi Richard

To help curb the current inflation and cost of living crisis, the government and Bank of England have increased the interest base rate to 3%. Thereby reducing overall demand for products and services within the country, hopefully driving prices back down. However, mortgage interest rates are linked to the Bank of England’s base rate. This means that when the BoE (Bank of England) increases their base rate to reduce inflation, the cost of borrowing to purchase a home goes up.

The BoE base rate has been below 1% since February 2009 and was 0.1% in December last year, compared to an average of 4.8% between 2000 and 2007. Whilst the war with Ukraine and Covid-19 definitely played a part, it can be argued that it was inevitable that BOE base rate would start heading upwards. We have been lucky to have had it this low for so long – borrowing money isn’t free! House prices increased rapidly during the pandemic, many believe it is reasonable to say they have now peaked. Therefore, based on the economic supply and demand model, more expensive mortgages may mean that the demand has been reduced.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts an average drop of house prices of 9% between now and autumn 2024. Of course, there is significant uncertainty in this prediction given the sensitivity of the market and mortgage rates. Whilst this may sound like relieving news for first time buyers, many who are looking to sell their current home and move have less purchasing power than they expected, following the reduction of the value of their current home.

However, that predicted 9% decrease is an average across the whole UK. The changes in demand will vary greatly across different towns, cities and boroughs. For example, some prime areas in central London, like Kensington and Chelsea, have seen signif icant price increases in the last 12 months. Despite all of this, North West London continues to be an area of choice for many to purchase homes, both to live in and buyto-let. Within Roundtree Real Estate core areas of Hendon, Golders Green, Finchley and surrounding areas, we have not seen any substantial changes to demand so far, we still have people looking to buy a home just like yours! Whatever your requirements are, whether you’re looking to purchase a new home, sell your flat or rent a house, we are positive we will be able to help. Whilst nobody knows for certain what the next year will bring, we remain sure that we can find your next home!

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Martin Frydenson

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JEWISH CARE

Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Our vital services touch the lives of 10,000 people every week. We provide services and offer a wide range of support groups to older people, people with mental health needs, Holocaust survivors, people living with dementia, people with a variety of needs and carers support.

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BUTCHERS

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

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ESTATE AGENT

MARTIN FRYDENSON -

Contact: 020 8203

RICHDALE – YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS

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LSJS Education Page

Is Jewish Education ‘buffering’?

BY RABBI DANNY BAIGEL

The excitement, expec tation and potential exhilaration of the World Cup is a familiar fouryear hardship that we, ever-optimistic England supporters, put ourselves through. Schools have an additional challenge. I recall senior team meetings, where we debated whether screening a world cup fixture should take precedence over the Year 8 Maths curriculum. During the 2018 world cup, we decided that the England fixture was too close to an upcoming GCSE exam, and subsequently a whole school screening was out of the question. Instead, each teacher could decide whether to screen the match on a class-by-class basis. Unsurprisingly, this resulted in around sixty classrooms all tuning into the BBC at the same time. Unfortunately, the school Wi-Fi connec tion was not fast enough to support this, resulting in universal frustration as we all

watched the icon on the screen buffering for the rest of the afternoon. Fortunately, England lost, so at least we didn’t miss out too much!

‘Buffering’ as our computers struggle to download enough data to continue streaming our required programme is one of the principle frustrations of modern life. This challenge can be resolved, either by reducing the quality of the download, or investment in a more efficient network.

My role at LSJS is two-fold; I sup port teachers on their journey into the classroom and provide Jewish studies educators and senior leaders with opportunities to develop their expertise.

I see first-hand, the passion, commitment and talent of our school teachers. When I meet Heads of Jewish Studies, their sense of responsibility, passion to deliver and care for their pupils is palpable. Our Senior Leaders are invested in their staff, and work creatively under enormous pressure, to support their teams to deliver the high standards of education towards

Teacher of the week

Misha Barry Hasmonean

Primary School

Kodesh teacher for Years 3 and 5.

What is the best part of your job?

It is the change and growth I see in my pupils over the course of the year. Whether it is progress in their learning or behaviour, I love seeing each child progress, learn and develop over the course of the year.

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

which we all aspire.

Yet, despite the commitment and positivity I see in schools, we are at a stage where Jewish education is ‘buffer ing’. The government bursary to support Religious Studies teachers has disap peared. Vacancies in Jewish Studies roles are left unfilled or given to unqualified candidates. Teacher workload and stress is a prompt to look elsewhere for a more comfortable career, and the already over stretched budgets to keep the lights on, will ultimately take priority over financial remuneration and professional develop ment for staff.

In order to move past the buffering, I believe that we need to acknowledge that our teachers are the single most important commodity in our ambition for excellence. Rabbi Sacks coined it so aptly, when he said that teachers are the ‘trustees of our collective future’. We need a community strategy to recruit more talented, passionate and commit ted teachers into our schools. We need to provide meaningful training and

development for our existing teachers, empowering them to grow and deal with the challenges they face as our children grow up in an ever-complicated world. Most importantly, we need to value the teachers in our schools, support their mission and applaud their contributions to our children’s lives. If we fail to invest in our teachers, we are at risk of buffering our children’s future.

So, this Shabbat, rather than focus entirely on the skills of the footballers at the World Cup, let’s shift the conversation to the skilled professionals in our class rooms and support them in their task, to deliver the goals we aspire towards for our children.

Rabbi Danny Baigel, Secondary Pro grammes Manager and Jewish Career Pathways Director at LSJS. To find out more about how you can start your career as a teacher please contact danny.baigel@ lsjs.ac.uk

LSJS offers a range of courses to become a qualified Jewish Studies teacher in primary or secondary schools. Train with the UK’s leading provider of Teacher Training for Jewish schools and make an impact on the next generation.