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28 OCTOBER 2021/22 CHESHVAN 5782
ISRAEL APPROVES CLIMATE CHANGE PLANS AHEAD OF COP26 BY DAVID SAFFER Israel has approved plans to tackle climate change ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow that starts on Sunday. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett heads a 120-strong COP26 delegation and has identified climate change as a national security interest. Israel’s plan includes ‘100 action items’ to develop technologies to tackle the global threat. President Isaac Herzog hosted the delegation due to visit Glasgow and was presented with a range of innovative environmental technologies, including technology to
presented Herzog with a revolutionary technology to manufacture water from humidity in the air. Bennett this week visited green energy company Phinergy, which produces ‘metal-air batteries’ that allow electric vehicles to expand their range by three times without needing to recharge. “The time has come for PHOTO: SUTTERSTOCK us to mobilise Israeli creaharvest organic waste as a renewa- tivity and innovation for the State of Israel’s fight against the climate ble energy source. Herzog was also presented with crisis,” Energy Minister Karin Alhara “carbon footprint” calculator, the rar said at a weekly cabinet meeting. first of its type in Israel, which calculates the quantity of greenhouse CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 gases each person emits. Watergen
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28 OCTOBER 2021
Increasing number of people need Norwood’s services BY DAVID SAFFER An increasing number of people are ‘likely’ to seek support from Norwood services. A commissioned poll by the charity has revealed that 23% of respondents may require help within three years. The disturbing figure comes as Norwood prepares to launch its most ambitious 36hour matched fundraising campaign next month. Every £1 donated will be doubled thanks to philanthropists. The #TogetherWeAre fundraiser runs from November 7th (10am) to November 8th (10pm). Speaking of the needs identified by the Survation poll, Norwood CEO Dr Beverly Jacobson noted, “We are a community organisation that depends to a large degree on voluntary donations of our community to help us support some of its most vulnerable members. With society’s needs having changed profoundly over the past 18 months, that support has become even more integral.” According to Jacobson, one of the reasons for Norwood’s longevity at the heart of the Jewish community is that it has been ready to respond to the changing needs of the community. Poll highlights revealed 93% of British Jewish adults in the survey thought Jewish charities play an “important role” in making appropriate social care available to the community and 87% felt the charity’s services are “very important” to the Jewish community. Just 10% of respondents would access services Norwood provide outside the Jewish
“EVEN SMALL THINGS LIKE GOING TO THE BARBER HAVE BECOME POSSIBLE FOR JOE”
Joe’s Story In January 2020, Joe moved into Norwood residential accommodation and he hasn’t looked back since. Before moving in, Joe had issues with his behaviour and personal hygiene and would sit in the corner and rock. His whole demeanour has changed for the better, which his mum attributes to the supportive and encouraging Norwood staff. As she says: “The staff have enabled Joe to try different things and build up independence and confidence. It’s like he’s a new person. Most amazingly, Joe’s discovered a passion and talent for art and he even had work displayed recently at the Royal Academy of Art.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Bicom noted that Israel is renowned for research with climate innovation a world leader in some areas. Minister of Environmental Protection Tamar Zandberg commented, “This is an opportunity for us, not only to ignite the Israeli innovation and technology economy, but also to play a key role in climate crisis solutions in a way that transcends our relative share, both at regional and global level.” Israel’s actions are clear and the cabinet passed resolutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote low-carbon transportation, accelerate building infrastructure and encourage technological innovation to fight climate change.
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community if they needed it whilst 76% associate Norwood with day services for children with disabilities. Norwood directly supports families in need, particularly for parents struggling to have children’s additional needs met. The charity is set to expand its free phone line set up during lockdown to allow parents struggling to diagnose their children’s specific challenges, identify and access appropriate support. By providing a call-back consultation, free at the point of access, with an appropriate specialist teacher, Occupational Therapist or speech and language therapist, Norwood can better facilitate parents’ access to longer-term support or signpost them to an appropriate service provision. For those who prefer to engage in a faceto-face consultation, Norwood will be hosting regular multi-disciplinary advice clinics. Parents can book a one-to-one session with a relevant specialist. Norwood will also be launching a comprehensive care management platform next year to improve continuity of care. Supporting children and families in challenging circumstances continues to be a focus for Norwood alongside its work supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. It costs £32 million a year to run Norwood’s services for more than 2,500 people a year. £12 million must be raised from voluntary contributions to facilitate the holistic, personalised care and support the charity provides. Donations can be made at www.charityextra. com/norwood Israel’s cabinet resolved to encourage academic and industrial research, expand financing solutions, pool resources and coordinate inter-governmental activity. The new policy looks to maximise Israel’s contribution to the global community and advance regional cooperation on climate change. The IDF will evaluate changes regarding technology, equipment and human resources. In related news, State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman published a report criticising past Israel governments for failing to do enough on climate change. Engelman stated a target of achieving 30 per cent renewable energy by 2030. The report sets a goal to maximise renewable energy potential by 2050. WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 14 Bridge 16 Community 24 Feature 26 Travel
28 Cookery 30 Judaism 32 Kids 34 Youth
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Barton blasted over Holocaust comment
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BY DAVID SAFFER Bristol Rovers FC manager Joey Barton has been heavily criticised after using the word ‘Holocaust’ to describe a bad team performance. The furore towards the former Premier League and England footballer’s post match interview following a 3-1 defeat to Newport County at Memorial Stadium last Saturday has been swift. Campaign Against Antisemitism have called on Barton, who has experienced his share of footballing controversies, to attend a Holocaust education course. CAA and Action Against Discrimination have demanded an apology from the Bristol boss to Holocaust survivors. Bristol councillor Fabian Breckels described Barton’s comments as “appalling”, Bristol Holocaust Memorial Day Steering Group said they were “really offensive” while National Holocaust Centre and Museum trustee Dame Helen Hyde said Barton showed a “lack of knowledge”. Holocaust Educational Trust’s Karen Pollock blasted an “inappropriate comparison” to the Holocaust. “Mr Barton’s comparison of the Holocaust, the systematic murder of six million Jewish men, women and children, to describe a poor performance on the pitch is at best, a shocking act of ignorance and at worst, a disgusting gesture of disrespect to those who were murdered by the Nazis and survivors,’ commented a CAA spokesperson. “Mr Barton should at the very least apologise to Holocaust survivors and undertake a course in Holocaust education.” “The use of this language is deplorable, sad and regrettable but, to be frank, not surprising,” lamented AAD chairman Jonathan Metliss. “This is where the education of footballers and former footballers comes
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in and the Football Association and all other relevant football bodies and the clubs themselves should look at this far more carefully and make a greater effort to teach and advise that this is not acceptable language.” Breckels has been particularly vocal, calling on Barton to consider his future. He has also blasted the club for not commenting on the controversy. Dame Helen noted, “I don’t think Mr Barton knows what the word means and he is certainly not aware of the huge sadness and offence he has caused. “Might I suggest he is encouraged to learn about these tragic events.” “To compare the poor performance of a player or team to a Holocaust shows a lack of understanding of the true barbarism, torture and evil that was inflicted on vulnerable groups in society,” said The Bristol Holocaust Memorial Day Steering Group. They added, “As one of two professional football clubs that represent the city, it is saddening that neither the football club or the manager Joey Barton has issued an unequivocal apology.” Reacting to the Newport defeat, Barton reportedly said, “I said to the lads during the week, you know, the team’s almost like musical chairs, you know. Someone gets in and does well, but then gets suspended. Someone gets in and does well, gets injured. Someone gets in, does well for a game and then has a Holocaust, a nightmare, you know, an absolute disaster.” Sadly, this is not the first time a Holocaust reference was made after a poor performance. In 2019, football pundit and former Arsenal footballer, Perry Groves, apologised after reportedly describing a player as having “a Holocaust of a game” on a live radio show. A year earlier, Phil Brown, former Hull City manager, apologised for the same phrase, also on radio.
Our community’s needs have changed profoundly over the past 18 months, and Norwood’s support has become even more integral for the children, families and adultwe support. We are working directly with those vulnerable members of our community to ensure we can be there for them, when and where we’re needed. With your help, we’ll be able to raise essential funds to help keep our vital services running.
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Staff shortages at Israeli kindergartens BY LEAH WAXLER Kindergartens are experiencing severe staff shortages resulting in closures across Israel. Parents of tots have been left frustrated and exasperated at the situation. Staff recruitment has been hampered by poor working conditions including low pay and long hours. Parents’ work has been inconvenienced without notice. Inadequate childcare solutions have increased but also complaints that children are being cared for by different staff on a daily basis. The crisis is particularly tough on special needs children who need a familiar carer. There are reports that some have been left unattended to, despite legal implications. Anat Dadon, a labour union representative for kindergarten staff, described the situation as grave. Kindergartens, she added were breaking the law but had little choice. “Local authorities, the Education Ministry and even parents view staff with disrespect,” she reportedly told media outlets. “Teachers are required to do the work of assistants instead of providing the proper education to the young children.” “The perception of what the proper care
is for the early age groups must change,” Dadon added. “Neglect at a young age will be reflected in later years.” Sigal Spitz Toledano, head of the kindergarten parents’ association, said the situation is untenable. “Parents bring their young kids to kindergarten in the morning, only to be informed the facility has been shut down,” she noted. “Every kindergarten that closes its doors because of staffing problems results in 35 parents unable to go to work, cancel appointments and pre-arranged plans and care for their kids who have already been hurt by the coronavirus lockdowns.” Director General of the Education Ministry, Yigal Slovik, said the ministry is working to provide solutions but the responsibility to provide staff is down to local authorities. Slovik added that a larger budget was needed to train staff and settle wage demands. “There are many challenges and problems,” he said. “We are working to solve them but it will take hard work and time.” Rishon Lezion Mayor Raz Kinstlich added, “I want to pay them more but am bound by labour contracts,” he said. It has been reported that the dispute is set to continue with calls for the government to act.
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28 OCTOBER 2021
WJC concern over antisemitic threats
BY DAVID SAFFER World Jewish Congress is concerned about increased antisemitic threats and a loss of support for Israel. A recent poll disturbingly found large numbers in Europe and the United States did not consider Hamas to be a terrorist organization. WJC President Ronald S. Lauder addressed WJC’s executive committee and noted that a lie told often enough on social media appears in different formats including mainstream newspapers then subsequently becomes the ‘truth’. “We’re tired of being the victim, we’re tired of going to Congress or the British government and saying, ‘Please protect the Jewish people,’” he explained in a zoom session. “We’re going to fight and we’re going to do so in all languages.” “We have a major fight ahead of us, we have to fight, we have to protect Israel at all cost,” Lauder added. The committee, which includes senior leaders of major Jewish communities around the world, met days after Lauder’s participation in the Malmo international forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism this month. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden welcomed 50 heads of state, foreign government ministers, European Union officials and WJC representatives at the Malmo forum. Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, Israel President Chaim Herzog and Holocaust survivors were among participants. In his address at the forum’s opening plenary session, Lauder highlighted resurgent antisemitism across the globe and “the new form of antisemitism” disguised as anti-Israel rhetoric. Lauder called for all schoolchildren to learn about the Holocaust, Herzog appealed for international cooperation to fight antisemitism. Addressing the Executive Committee, WJC Treasurer Chella Safra welcomed Lauder’s leadership and spoke of engaging with students and young Jewish leaders. Dayan warned against Holocaust distortion as the “greatest threat to the memory of the Shoah.” WJC initiatives develop Jewish students as future leaders came through in a discussion led by WJC’s Yoni Hammerman, Jewish on Campus CEO Julia Jassey and European Union of Jewish Students Policy Officer Caterina Cognini.
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Jassey’s non-profit organisation develops leaders through education, social media campaigning and grassroots work. With ties to students across the US, Jewish on Campus has published comprehensive reports outlining antisemitism issues. When students engage with administrations, they can “show them how it’s a problem,” Jassey said. Cognini, a former Lauder fellow, highlighted the steps her body is taking to combat antisemitism, particularly in European universities. The group’s main actions this year were consulting with the European Commission ahead of its publication of The EU strategy on Combatting Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, organising seminars on the rise of antisemitism and liaising with non-Jewish European youth organisations to ensure they understand challenges facing European Jewish communities. WJC’s Executive Committee, which meets twice a year, is led by Lauder. It includes Regional Affiliates, the 12 largest WJC-affiliated Jewish communities, international Jewish organisations and young adults. Meantime, WJC and Muslim World League have called on United Nations head Antonio Guterres to back religious freedom and end violence against houses of worship. After the UN briefing, Lauder and Secretary-General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa renewed a commitment to promote religious tolerance globally. The two leaders appealed to Guterres to promote interfaith dialogue to unite individuals. “Campaigns against racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and other manifestations of hate will be infinitely more effective if they are united, both by the Abrahamic faiths and other religions worldwide,” Lauder commented. “We must all stand together against racism. We believe in working toward a better world, for generations to come.” “The world is under threat from pernicious individuals and groups that seek to use hatred, violence and discrimination to target Muslims, Jews and many other global communities,” said Al-Issa. “Fortunately, however, we are seeing interfaith partnerships blossom more than ever before as we unite to fight the scourge of racism and extremism, and build bridges of tolerance, understanding, peace and harmony.” The two organisations issued a landmark statement before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva earlier this month vowing to promote and protect human rights.
Crowdfunder
31 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2021 in memory of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z’l. An avid supporter of British Emunah who with his family, set up music therapy programmes in our centres.
Not all injuries can be seen. Psychological damage may be invisible but it’s very real. Each year, across Israel, thousands of children and families suffer from devastating socio-economic problems and many are at-risk and vulnerable. Though most of us never see this first-hand, Emunah absolutely sees the need every day, responding and acting to improve lives wherever and whenever it can. By supporting our crowdfunding campaign this, Sunday 31st October and Monday 1st November, you can ensure that every child and family that need help will be seen and supported. Donate at www.charityextra.com/britishemunah or call 020 8203 6066
emunah.org.uk • British Emunah on Registered charity no. 215398
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CAA concern over Stamford Hill incidents BY SIMCHA ABIR Campaign Against Antisemitism have voiced concern that Orthodox children in Stamford Hill are being targeted in antisemitic incidents. At least two attacks on Jewish children have been recently reported in the area. Disturbingly a sixteen-year-old Jewish child was chased down the road by a woman who then assaulted him with a beer glass while laughing on the evening of 16th October. The incident took place on Egerton Road in the heavily-Jewish neighbourhood (Ref: CAD8103 18/10/21). Two days later a Jewish child had an egg thrown at him on a number 67 bus before two adult assailants reportedly threatened him, saying, “We will still get you.” The assailants then chased him off the bus until he reached a local shop for refuge (CAD8270 19/10/21). Both incidents were reported by Jewish volunteer neighbourhood watch patrol Stamford Hill Shomrim. “Perhaps the most egregious part of the surge in antisemitic crime in Britain is that
children are not being spared,” noted a CAA spokesperson. “The cowards who targeted these young people must be identified and prosecuted to the full.” They added, “If zero tolerance means anything, it must mean that attacks on children are met with the full force of the law.” Over the past months there has been a spate of incidents reported in the media that have taken place in the Stamford Hill area. Local politicians and police have expressed their concern and have vocally backed the Jewish community in tackling the issue and to bring the perpetrators to justice. CAA analysis of Home Office statistics illustrates that an average of over three hate crimes are directed at Jews every day in England and Wales. Jews are also more than four times likelier to be targets of hate crimes than any other faith group. Anyone with information on the latest incidents should contact the police on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim on 0300 999 0123, quoting the relevant reference number of the case.
28 OCTOBER 2021
Portman handed jail term BY ADAM MOSES The Hon. Piers Portman has received a fourmonth prison sentence and fined £20,000 after being found guilty last month of calling Campaign Against Antisemitism’s Chief Executive Gideon Falter “Jewish scum” in a confrontation at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in 2018. Passing sentence at Southwark Crown Court, His Honour Judge Gregory Perrins said Portman held “strongly-held antisemitic beliefs” and had “deliberately targeted” Falter because of his role in prosecuting antisemite Alison Chabloz. Chabloz has been repeatedly imprisoned over antisemitic statements following work by CAA. Perrins reportedly told Portman he was “anything but” an honourable British gentleman. The sentence includes a release on licence after two months. The fine includes a £10,000 compensatory payment to Falter which he’s donated to CAA. Falter was reassured by the sentence as it sent a “very clear message” to antisemites the wealthiest and most privileged cannot escape British justice. Falter’s 10K donation to CAA will help the organisaiton ensure anti-Jewish racists face consequences for their actions. CAA thanked the Community Security Trust for specialist protection officers in the trial. CAA brought a private prosecution
against Chabloz which the Crown Prosecution Service took over and led to a landmark conviction. CAA reportedly noted Portman confronted Falter in the lobby and extended his hand to Falter who refused to shake it as the building was filled with a “who’s who of Holocaust deniers, neo-Nazis and far-right extremists”. Falter, concerned Portman may be in Chabloz’s entourage, replied, “I’m very sorry but I can’t shake your hand because I don’t know who you are.” The Court heard Portman became “very enraged”, saying, “Come after me, you Jewish scum. Come and persecute me. Come and get me.” Portman was told to leave by security staff. When police arrived, Portman had left the area. Following the court ruling, Falter said, “This despicable, unrepentant antisemite instructed his lawyer to tell the court that he is an honourable man being framed by lying Jews. The jury saw straight through Mr Portman, whose hatred of Jews speaks for itself. This verdict reaffirms my belief in the justice system of our country. It shows that even the wealthiest and most privileged cannot escape British justice and will face the consequences of their anti-Jewish racism.” The defence case was that Falter and a colleague “fabricated” the fact Portman said “Jewish scum”. Jurors found Portman guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm and distress.
Israel-UAE air force exercises BY SIMCHA ABIR
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Israel and the United Arab Emirates united for the largest air force exercise this week. Western countries participated including India. The UAE’s air force chief inspected drills. Ibrahim Nasser Muhammed al-Alawi’s visit was the first by an Emirati military official since the IAF’s Sufa F-16I two nations’ normalisation accord last year. Amir Lazar, Israeli air force operations chief, told reporters that drills “don’t focus on Iran”, but Iran is known to be Israel’s main strategic threat and key to military operations. Israel have held Blue Flag bi-annual exercises since 2013 in the Negev desert. The most advanced aerial exercises took place last week with air forces from seven nations taking part. Air forces of Germany, Italy, Britain, France, India, Greece and the US were involved in the drill. The IAF’s Sufa F-16I squadrons, led
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PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
by the 115th “Flying Dragon” aggressor squadron were the “red” enemy force. A Yahalom Patriot battery joined the enemy simulation force. Drills focused on fourth and fifth-generation aircraft, including the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, in operational scenarios. For the first time, international teams conduct an honorary flyover in Israel’s skies. Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, commander of the IAF, lead the flyover. Norkin said that the exercises were of the “utmost strategic importance” for the IAF, IDF and State of Israel.
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28 OCTOBER 2021
UK Jews climate conscious says report BY ADAM MOSES UK Jews are more conscious about climate change than the general population according to a new report by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research. With the UN Climate Change COP26 Summit starting in Glasgow on Sunday, JPR outlined Jewish opinions for the first time on the global topic. Key findings included 92% of respondents agreeing the world’s climate is ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ changing. Some 69% of Jewish people viewed the climate as ‘definitely’ changing, 40% of respondents noted ‘very’ or ‘extreme’ concerns about climate change. A further 37% were ‘somewhat’ worried. Based on data, 66% of Jews said climate change was ‘mainly’ or ‘entirely’ caused by humans, compared to 54% in the general population. But there are differences in attitude in the Jewish population influenced by denomination, politics, education, politics, religiosity, economics and demographics. Progressive Jews and those on the political left are more climate change conscious than Orthodox Jews and those on the political right.
“Climate change is the great global challenge of our time and the Jewish community needs to play its part in addressing that challenge,” said Dr Jonathan Boyd, JPR Executive Director. “JPR’s data are designed to help community leaders to understand what Jewish people across the UK think on this issue, provide a benchmark against which to measure changes in attitudes over time, and help inform discussion about what community organisations can and should do.” Data on the attitudes of UK Jews are drawn from JPR’s UK Jewish research panel and were collected in July and August 2021. The report explores attitudes and experiences of Jews in the UK on a variety of issues. The provisional sample size was 4,152 for UK residents aged 16 who self-identify
as being Jewish. Data was weighted for age, sex and Jewish identity and are representative of the self-identifying Jewish population of the UK. Participants who gave permission to be contacted again were invited to take part in the summer 2021 survey and new participants joined the panel. The paper is a first step in addressing the data gap on climate change, as part of an ongoing plan to monitor British Jewish attitudes. The report took an “empirical look” where Jews sit on the issue and also to encourage community leaders to reflect on results. “We can see that attitudes among the general public in the UK have been shifting over time towards the scientific consensus, but with only one set of data points, we cannot ascertain whether the same shift in attitudes is also happening among UK Jews,
Israel Magen Fund presented Binyamin Regional Council chairman Yisrael Gantz with eight life-saving defibrillators for MDA ambulances in the Binyamin region. The organisation supports medical and military sectors.
or any subgroups within the Jewish population,” authors note. “None of the questions posed in this study were behavioural, so we need to learn more about what Jewish people are doing to take action on climate change. Ongoing research is the only way to determine this, and the answers are likely to be shaped both by changes in attitude among individuals and the larger demographic shifts taking place across the Jewish community.” They added, “There is little doubt that climate change will move further up the global political agenda in the years to come. Whether or not it similarly moves up the Jewish communal agenda remains to be seen. Although Jews make up a small proportion of the population, they can clearly play a part, both individually and collectively, in a variety of ways, as citizens, consumers, investors and role models, as well as through any organisational roles they hold. JPR will continue to monitor the trends, adding new dimensions to our work, such as environmental behaviours and the relationship between climate change attitudes and actions, and build up a picture of change over time.”
PHOTO: LYDIA WEITZMAN
Nazi camp secretary on trial BY ADAM MOSES The trial of a Stutthof concentration camp secretary in Nazi-occupied Poland began last week. Irmgard Furchner, 96, has been charged with contributing to the deaths of over 11,400 people between 1943 and 1945. Stutthof was 34km from Danzig (Gdansk) Furchner is being tried in a juvenile court in Itzehoe, north of Hamburg, as she started working at the camp at 18 years of age. Itzehoe is in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. Furchner was chief secretary to Camp Commander Paul Werner-Hoppe. She is accused of being a contributor to the “entire killing operation” at the camp. Prosecutors reportedly stated that Furchner “assisted those responsible at the camp in the systematic killing of Jewish prisoners, Polish partisans and Soviet Russian prisoners of war, in her role as a stenographer and secretary to the camp commander”. Lawyers noted Furchner would have assisted with “transport lists of detainees” sent to Auschwitz concentration camp, radio messages and dictation of Hoppe’s
orders and correspondence. Deportation orders that Furchner compiled are signed “Di”, the first letters of her maiden name”, the court heard. And due to the layout of Stutthof, Furchner would have “been aware” of all happenings. Wolfgang Molkentin, defending, reportedly stated that Furchner “does not deny the crimes of the Shoah, neither does she deny the terrible acts that took place as has once again been made clear to us all in the indictment. She simply rejects the charge around which this trial ultimately revolves, that she was personally guilty of a crime.” Judge Dominik Grob has permitted filming of the trial for historical reasons as it is “one of the worldwide last criminal trials related to crimes of the Nazi era”. Last month, Furchner tried to escape before the start of her trial. Court spokesperson Frederike Milhoffer stated an arrest warrant had been issued, noting, “She left her home early in the morning in a taxi in the direction of a metro station.” Molkentin reportedly told Der Spiegel before she absconded he would ensure the trial offered a “dignified treatment” for
Irmgard Furchner
PHOTO: YOUTUBE
victims and families, and especially Holocaust survivors expected to “bear witness”. Furchner was later detained and previously declared fit to stand trial that is anticipated to last a number of months. Over 100,000 Jews and political prisoners from 28 countries were at Stutthof camp, 65,000 were murdered.
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Furchner has been a witness to trials linked to Stutthof, claiming she knew nothing about murders and had no contact with prisoners. She married Heinz Furchtsam, a senior SS sergeant at the camp, in 1954. He changed his name to Furchner and died in 1972. They lived in Schleswig, northern Germany. Furchner’s prosecution follows the conviction of Sobibor camp guard John Demjanjuk a decade ago. The judge ruled that however small a person’s role in the Shoah, if proved they were “cogs” in the “machinery of destruction” they could be held responsible for crimes committed. Auschwitz bookkeeper Oskar Groning, 94, was subsequently sentenced to four years and Reinhold Hanning, 94, a guard at Auschwitz, a five-year term for his involvement. Demjanjuk, Groning and Hanning appealed but died before serving sentences. Stutthof guard, Bruno Dey was sentenced last year to two years probation. Dey accepted his guilt. Court cases are seen as ‘symbolic’ due to the age of those facing trial.
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Israel settlement plans under fire BY ADAM MOSES Israel’s announcement of construction tenders for 1,355 housing units in the West Bank has come under fire. A further 3,000 homes in settlements is expected to be declared. The United States and European Union have led discontent. There is also conflict in Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s coalition government whose resolve will now be tested. Housing Minister Zeev Elkin welcomed the news noting that “strengthening Jewish presence” is “essential to the Zionist vision”. But Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz reportedly told Kan radio his party would not agree to actions that harms “a solution” with the Palestinians. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid told the Yesh Atid Party when the government was formed it would not build new settlements but would allow “natural growth” in existing ones. US President Joe Biden has previously vowed to take a tough stance on settlements. An official response has come on the matter. “We are deeply concerned about the Israeli government’s plan to advance thousands of settlement units,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. “We strongly oppose the expansion of settlements, which is completely inconsistent with efforts to lower tensions and to ensure calm, and it damages the prospects for a
they want far more. The Defence Ministry, meantime, has issued 9,000 permits for West Bank Palestinians to work in the Israeli construction industry. “The goal is to add another 6,000 permits,” a spokesman noted. Settlement expansion increased under former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has also increased work permits for 3,000 Gazans who travel into Israel. The unit responsible for Palestinian territories said total permits is 10,000, the highest since Hamas took over Gaza in 2007. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, meanwhile, has legalised the residential status of 4,000 Palestinians in the West Bank. Shin Bet backed the decision and will conduct background checks before permits are given. The IDF said an increase of work PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK permits is conditional on the region’s just, lasting and comprehensive peace be- security stability long term. tween the parties,” the EU said in a statement The move comes as Israel and Hamas Monday. continue indirect ceasefire negotiations. The tender announcement is one of the Hamas has demanded the release of hunlast steps before construction begins but the dreds of Palestinians for two Israelis and the EU does not recognise changes to pre-1967 bodies of two soldiers. Israel won’t agree a borders, including Jerusalem. deal until the exchange issue is resolved. The Palestinians want land targeted for During the summer Israel increased perJewish settlements to be part of a future state. mits for Palestinians in the West Bank by The coalition has planned 1,600 housing 16,000, taking the total able work in Israel units for Palestinians in the West Bank. But to 122,000. two-state solution. We also view plans for the retroactive legalisation of illegal outposts as unacceptable.” Price confirmed the US would speak with Israel about their concerns. “Settlements are illegal under international law and constitute a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution and a
28 OCTOBER 2021
Gantz designates six terror groups Defence Minister Benny Gantz has designated six Palestinian ‘Civil Society Organisations’ connected to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) as terror groups. Shin Bet and the National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing conducted research. The organisations are Addameer, Bisan Center think tank, Al-Haq, Defence for Children International: Palestine, Union of Agricultural Work Committees and Women’s Council. The main activity of the six was the liberation of Palestine and destruction of Israel. Organisations are accused of receiving large sums of money using “forgery and deceit ways” from European countries and international organisations. The investigation found the organisations funded ‘martyrs’ wages for activists, enlistment of activists, promotion of terror activity and Popular Front activity in Jerusalem. The Defence Ministry noted, “These groups serve as a cover for PFLP activism, kept hidden in order to protect them from sanctions by security forces in Israel and around the world.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added, “The PFLP maintains total control of these institutions, including via the employment of its agents in key positions and the systematic diversion of donor funds to its militant activities against Israeli civilians.” Intelligence material has been shared with European countries. Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas condemned Gantz’s decision.
CAA blast auctioneers over Nazi memorabilia BY SIMCHA ABIR
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Campaign Against Antisemitism has blasted C&T Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd for not pulling Nazi memorabilia from an on-line militaria auction. CAA corresponded with the Kent-based auctioneers earlier this month, expressing shock over plans to auction off Nazi memorabilia. Amongst lots were Third Reich daggers along with busts and pictures of Hitler and senior ministers. The two-day auction also featured plaques and medals, clothing, shoes, goggles, medical pouches, china, posters, toys and books, all from the Nazi era. The auction house responded to CAA’s letter. Aside from giving no indication to halt the sale of Nazi mementos, astonishingly C&T told CAA that auctioning such items kept the memory of what happened “alive”. CAA persevered and outlined a belief that this type of grotesque ephemerae belonged in a museum instead of with collectors whose motivation was unclear. But C&T insisted that auctioning to private collectors could educate them in “the horrors of history”. CAA noted that the auction house added that if private auctioning of Nazi memorabilia ceased, society would have to ban anything related to the Second World War including
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books, films and television programmes. CAA are staggered by the response. “C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are putting profit before ethics by participating in the trade of Nazi memorabilia,” commented a CAA spokesperson. “Respectable auction houses only sell such objects to museums and for academic purposes, whereas at C&T Auctioneers and Valuers anybody could buy them, even neo-Nazis.” CAA added, “The ultimate shame is trying to convince Jews that selling Nazi daggers and portraits of murderers helps ‘keeps the memory of what happened alive’, a claim that would be laughable were it not so obviously laced with contempt and condescension. We condemn C&T Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd’s decision to carry on auctioning these items.” While C&T show no signs of ceasing the sale of Nazi memorabilia, Tennants auctioneers recently assured CAA they will not put Nazi items up for auction after being contacted in connection with an auction of Third Reich items. Sadly, auctions of Third Reich items continue including some recently hosted by Easy Live Auction. But last month a BBC Bargain Hunt expert apologised after it was revealed Nazi memorabilia was due to be sold at his auction house. CAA continues to act against the threat from the far-right.
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Israel “no comment” on Syria strike BY ADAM MOSES Israel has declined to comment on reports of an air strike on Iranian-linked targets in Syria. Syrian state news agency SANA quoted a source at the foreign ministry regarding “a new aggression in the southern region”. There were no reports of casualties. This is the latest in a series of reported IAF strikes. Israel has long had concern over Iran-backed groups in the region. The alleged strike came within 48 hours of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi in the first official meeting between the leaders last Friday. Bennett and Putin discussed bi-lateral cooperation on the economy, culture, science and trade. Putin informed Bennett of his desire for positive relations enjoyed with the previous Israeli government. And he hopes to see an increase in trade. Figures for 2021 illustrate a 50% increase. Putin added that he wanted to cooperate in high tech and regional issues. He also acknowledged issues rebuilding Syrian infrastructure but there were opportunities, especially in the fight against terror. Bennett said he would discuss Syria and Iran’s nuclear ambitions at the high profile meeting. “Our conversation will be based on the deep ties between the two nations and peoples,” Bennett told Putin. “We regard you to be a true friend of the Jewish people,”. Bennett noted there must be renewed “efforts to halt the Iranian military nuclear programme” at the start of talks with Putin. Israel’s leader also recalled the role of
Russia in defeating the Nazis in World War Two. “Our responsibility is to pass our gratitude to Russia to the next generations including with monuments honouring the Red Army and Russian veterans among them one Putin himself dedicated during in his visit in 2020,” he said. Bennett visited a new museum in memory of Jewish soldiers who fought in World War Two, many served in the Red Army. The Israeli delegation had to stay in Sochi over Shabbat as meetings went on longer than anticipated. Bennett was met by Rabbi Shalom Lazar, the son of Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, and Chabad on arrival. Rabbi Shalom ensured food and a Sefer Torah was available at the hotel over Shabbat. Regarding Iran, Conservative MPs raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear violations at a Westminster Hall debate secured by CFI Parliamentary Chairman, Stephen Crabb MP last week. James Cleverly, Minister for the Middle East, warned that Iran’s nuclear programme was “more advanced and worrying than it has perhaps ever been”. Cleverly added that it was “impossible to overstate the severity of Iran’s actions”. Cleverly said the UK should join the US, France and Germany in bringing Iran back into compliance with the JCPOA nuclear deal. “The diplomatic door remains currently open, but Iran must return to talks in Vienna and engage in good faith,” he explained. Opening the debate, Crabb called for the “full range of options” to be considered regarding Iran’s strategy, Theresa Villiers, CFI Vice-Chair, questioned what more
“belligerent violations” are needed before the international community snaps back sanctions lifted. Dr Andrew Murrison, said that Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid were right to be “deeply concerned” about what was happening with the Iranian regime. “The State of Israel has to be protected from what is an existential threat from Iran,” he noted. Rob Halfon warned again that a nuclear Iran meant a nuclear Hezbollah and Hamas. “It sickens me to the stomach that we now stand on the edge of this becoming a reality,” he noted. And Christian Wakeford commented, “For the sake of the safety of our close allies on the Middle East this issue needs to remain at the forefront of our foreign policy agenda.” Wakeford added that the Iranian regime was a “real threat to Jewish communities” in his Bury South constituency and beyond. Conservative Home published an article by Crabb to coincide with the debate on Iran’s nuclear programme, noting that the JCPOA nuclear deal had “fundamentally failed to curtail Iran’s nuclear activities”. Iran was a “threshold nuclear weapons state”, he added. Crabb called for a “concerted multilateral push against Iran” and wanted the UK to send a “decisive signal” to Iran at next month’s IAEA Board of Governors’ meeting by pushing for a motion of censure for the Iranian regime’s non-compliance.
NEWS 11
Cable car survivor’s Israeli family lose court case A six-year-old Israeli boy who survived a horrific cable car crash in northern Italy last May is to return to relatives in the country after a heartbreaking custody battle between grandparents. An Israeli court made the ruling on Monday concerning Eitan Biran whose grandfather, Shmulik Peleg, had brought him back to Israel. Biran’s paternal relatives contended he was taken without their permission or knowledge and lodged a formal complaint in Italy. Biran will now return to “the place of his normal residence, which is Italy,” noted the court, following proceedings. Peleg must pay $20,000 in expenses and lawyer fees. Eitan Biran The deadly crash killed 14 people including five Israelis. Four other couples and a five-year-old child died in the crash that shocked the nation. Eitan lost his parents, Amit, 30, Tal, 26, two-year-old brother Tom and great grandparents, Itzhak, 81, and Barbara Cohen, 71, in the tragedy. Investigations revealed emergency brakes had been deactivated. Three suspects including the owner of the cable car operating company were arrested. Eitan and his parents were living in Italy at the time of the accident. Following his release from a Turin hospital, an Italian juvenile court ruled the youngster live with his aunt, Aya Biran, near Pavia.
Israel to counter climate change BY ADAM MOSES Israel can develop technologies to counter climate change. Israeli Minister of Environmental Protection Tamar Zandberg offered the welcome news at a joint Board of Deputies/EcoSynagogue climate change meeting yesterday. Zandberg was in conversation with EcoSynagogue founder Rabbi David Mason at a pre-COP26 event. “The environment is the greatest challenge our generation,” she said. “It’s happening here and now. The importance and urgency of climate is sharpening now and is more urgent every month.” Noting that Israel was at the forefront of developing new technologies to counter the crisis, Zanberg added “We are already world leaders in several technologies, in desalination, energy storage and alternative proteins for example. We are investing heavily and Prime Minster (Naftali) Bennett is pushing us to put more focus on this. “The countries of the Middle East share one climate which means we have a
common interest in developing technologies together and this can also help in conflict resolution in the area.” Zandberg continued, “In terms of water conservation, waste disposal and other matters we have been talking to the Palestinian leadership. We can do good for our respective societies on the ground without even discussing the politics of the situation.” On COP26, Zandberg said, “The world is united about the notion that COP26 is the last chance for the world to stop from crossing the 1.5 degree threshold. We are striving for net zero by 2050. Our current target is an 85 per cent carbon reduction by 2050 but we would like to increase that target to zero. We hope that the Prime Minister will commit to taking that step. Although our parties Meretz and Yamina are divided on many issues we are united on this one.” Zandberg said that despite being a Government minister, she remained an activist. “I see myself as a messenger, I will do everything in my power to bring that message to government,” she said.
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Take up vaccine and booster offer says Marie BY ADAM MOSES Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has appealed to anyone yet to be vaccinated or not to have taken up a booster offer to do so. The Board’s chief has stepped forward amid calls from Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the country to back the government’s successful vaccination policy although cases are increasing. Getting vaccinated will help support families, the community and society as a whole says Ms van der Zyl. To date there have been 937 Jewish funerals carried out where the deceased contracted Covid-19. The Board works with Jewish community burial boards, regional Jewish communities and the Jewish Small Communities Network for accurate weekly data. “Coronavirus has affected so many of us.” noted Ms van de Zyl. “We have lost more than 900 of our community to the pandemic and our synagogues are yet to return to the full life we knew before March 2020. Certainly, many of our friends and family who were avid shulgoers are nervous to return. “We still have a long way to go to defeat this pandemic. But for the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and so that we can fully revive our communal life as soon as possible,
I urge those who are eligible for a booster to take one, and those who are yet to take the two original jabs to do so as soon as possible. We all need to take responsibility for overcoming Coronavirus together.” She added, “We wish bereaved families a long life, and pray that the memory of their loved ones should be for a blessing.” The Board liaises with seven of the largest denominational burial boards to collate an indicator of deaths where Covid-19 was a factor. Burial boards include The Adath Yisroel Burial Society, Federation of Synagogues Burial Society, Joint Jewish Burial Board, Spanish and Portuguese Sephardi Community together with the United Synagogue Burial Society. The Board receives reports about large and small Jewish communities across the United Kingdom. Data on how many funerals were carried out by burial societies and communities where COVID-19 appeared on the death certificate of the deceased is from hospitals and the wider community. When comparing figures, data separate to this indicator may not have similar parameters. Successive figures are not indicative of a trend as smaller communities are not reported weekly.
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Jewish Care staff pay increase Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries
gather for 38th conference BY SIMCHA ABIR
Dedicated Jewish Care staff
BY LEAH WAXLER Jewish Care is implementing a significant pay increase for over 500 frontline staff. No member of staff will earn less than £10.85 per hour in line with the current London Living Wage. The pay rise mainly affects lower paid staff, specifically carers, housekeepers, cleaners and catering assistants. The new pay rate also applies to frontline staff outside London. The increase reflects the organisation’s gratitude to frontline staff who worked through the Covid-19 pandemic putting client safety
first round the clock. “Our staff deserve this significant pay increase,” said Jewish Care CEO, Daniel Carmel-Brown. “It is not only the right thing to do, in line with our Jewish values, it also makes good business sense. It will help us to mitigate against national staff shortages by helping us to recruit and retain frontline staff, so that we can continue to provide high quality care.” Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation for London and South East Jewish communities.
since the Rebbe initiated the event, led to a week-long The 38th annual Internavirtual farbrengen and the tional Conference of Kinus world’s longest Zoom video Hashluchim begins today. conference. This year’s gathering will The first conference took be a hybrid event that ends place in 1983 with some on Sunday. Fewer dele65 emissaries from the gates are anticipated than United States and Canada normal. All participants attending. An inauagral must be vaccinated and iconic group ‘class’ photo was taken inside the synahold a negative Covid-19 test before joining live secgogue at Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Menachem Mendel tions under New York City Schneerson - the Lubavitcher Rebbe Headquarters in Brooklyn. measures. Sessions will run In 1987, the event became across various locations whilst meals are an international conference with emisstaggered to prevent crowding as an extra saries from around the world. Around this time the photo moved outside to include safety condition. “The Rebbe’s visionary approach to all rabbis. And it is still a high point. Due Judaism, focusing on the importance of to the pandemic organisers are exploring every individual Jew, has become increas- other ways to capture the picture. ingly vital during the ongoing upheaval Participating emissaries will visit the and isolation of the pandemic,” confer- Ohel in Queens of the Rebbe on Friday ence chairman Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky morning. The gathering will be broadcast explained. live. Panel discussions and workshops will Since the first gathering, conference has highlight isolation and mental health. grown exponentially and in pre-pandemic Delegates will also hear about increasing years some 6,000 emissaries and lay leadJewish pride on campus, strengthening ers attended from over 100 countries. Jewish communities in small towns and The event is the largest rabbinical gathJewish identity in Gen-Z. ering globally and biggest ‘sit-down’ dinLast year’s digital conference, a first ner in New York.
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14 GAMES
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Go Purple for Jewish Care Last week, 18 – 24th October, the community decided to Go Purple for Jewish Care. Schools and nurseries, shops and bakeries as well as JC Families, care home residents and community centre members at Jewish Care embraced the colour purple to show that they care. They held purple parties and participating in purple-themed activities to express their appreciation of the vital work that the charity does to support older people in the community. The Go Purple campaign was originally born out of the pandemic to boost the morale of care staff and has now expanded to across the community. The week began with a purple party and a rendition of Purple Rain by care home residents and staff at Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House at Sandringham Six nurseries went purple including Alonim, Golders Hill Nursery, Bushey Ganim, Nagillah Nursery, Shofar Nursery, FRS Nursery, Keren’s Nursery at Hampstead Garden Suburb and Woodside Park Gan where the team said, “The children enjoyed making purple crowns, baking and selling cupcakes with purple icing, and even eating purple carrots!” Keren Nursery staff also shared fascinating stories and photos of some of the older people Jewish Care supports with the children and wrote cards and sent artwork which they posted into a purple post box to
be sent to care home residents. Go Purple activities range from dressing in purple, making purple play doh, purple handprints, drawings, collages and cards for care home residents and members of community centres. Meanwhile, school children at Rosh Pinah School, and Naima JPS children made biscuits and gave to Tzedakah, receiving stickers and certificates from the charity. Young participants of Project Impact’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah Programme put together purple Havdalah candles and spice bags for members at the Jewish Care’s new Ronson Family Community Centre at Sandringham for the first of many Havdalah services they will perform on Monday mornings when the members come into to start the new week of activities. There were purple themed songs, quizzes, crafts and foods across the care homes and community centres and even a purple-themed reminiscence 1940s wedding at Jewish Care’s Rosetrees care home. Shops including Kosher Deli, Daniels and Wrap a Wish and Instagram influencers, @ Jennyscakes, @canvascakecompany, @networkmums and @simply.pea also shared their #GoPurple creations throughout the week to show their support for the charity which touches the lives of 10,000 people each week.
Phylis Fenton who lives at Jewish Care’s Shebson Lodge Retirement Living in Westcliff on Sea Keren’s Nursery Go Purple for Jewish Care
Adam Overlander-Kaye, Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Community Engagement, says, “We all need a little bit of fun, so it was great to see the community of all ages taking part in so many purple-themed activities during Go Purple week. On behalf of Jewish Care, I’d
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like to thank all the schools, nurseries, shops, influencers and our JC Families supporters, care homes and community centres residents, staff and members for getting involved. It was a wonderful way to connect and engage with Jewish Care’s vital work supporting older people in the community”.
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COMMUNITY 17
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Social Care role reaps rewards for Ephraim
Kisharon’s Ephraim, (right) makes challah with Daniel
When it comes to job satisfaction Ephraim Cohen’s job delivers and Kisharon are calling for more youngsters to consider a support worker role as a career. The 21-year-old Mancunian is a new support worker at a Kisharon Supported Living house in Golders Green, home to five young men with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Ephraim is on the first rung of the career ladder and has been getting to know the men, cooking with them and leading daily prayers. He is looking forward to infusing their Shabbat experience with Judaism. “At the end of every day I feel I have accomplished something,” he said. “I’ve taught someone a new skill or improved a skill they
already have, and that makes me happy.” Kisharon and other social care providers need more Jewish support staff to create the optimum ‘home from home’ for men and women they support. The oldest of an orthodox family of five, Ephraim has been a keen cook since the age of 13, has always helped with cleaning and has fond memories of hosting Shabbat and yom tov guests with learning disabilities from Manchester’s Friendship Circle. Ephraim did voluntary work with them growing up, and not only that, his mother, Freyda, is a SENDCO teacher. Ephraim gained two A levels at school and his first job was with an eBay online selling
business, next came a post in freight forwarding. Disappointment followed when a business trip to set up a warehouse in the US was called off because of Covid-19. A career rethink ensued. Fortuitously, an aunt living in London had a conversation with Kisharon’s Director of Operations, Hadassa Kessler, who was discussing career opportunities for young people in social care. Ephraim said, “At that stage, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Given the fact that the job was with a Jewish organisation and meant living in London, not too far away, it didn’t take long to work out that this was a good opportunity.” Ephraim admits he is a hands-on learner, but is aware of a steep road ahead of NVQ and other qualifications to develop his career. Every aspect is governed by statutory requirements, company policies and new methodologies. “I know there’s a lot to learn,” he admitted. “You are tired at the end of the shift but know there’s been progress and you’ve achieved something,” he added. “It’s a very friendly environment. At Kisharon, we are one big family.” Kisharon offers inspiring opportunities as a support worker. Applicants can apply from age 18. If Ephraim has inspired you to learn more about a career opportunity with Kisharon email recruitment@kisharon.org.uk or telephone 020 3209 1160.
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28 OCTOBER 2021
Spreading kindness for Jewish Action for Mental Health ( JAMH) at the ‘START inspiring minds’ project ‘Chalk to Talk’ across the City of Salford. Working with diverse communities, and sponsored by Salford City Council.
Kate Lurie project manager of Jewish Action for Mental Health
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
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Worldwide learning programme marks Lord Sacks 1st yahrzeit Israel President Isaac Herzog and Gila spiritual act, a way of opening ourselves Sacks offered moving contributions to the up to something beyond ourselves, of ‘Communities in Conversation’ learning being challenged, the only way we could programme to mark Rabbi Lord Jonathan really become more than we were before. Sacks yahrzeit on Tuesday. A training, perhaps, for opening ourselves Herzog spoke about how few figures up to G-d.” Gila added, “It is fitting that through this had shaped the global Jewish conversation like the former Chief Rabbi. And initiative, Communities in Conversation, Rabbi Sacks’ daughter, Gila, linked this all over the world, individuals, commuweek’s parsha of Chayei Sarah to her late nities, and organisations will mark my father’s yahrzeit, not simply from learning father’s life. “Rabbi Sacks was a giant of a man, from what he wrote, but through conversation, coming together, asking, challenga rabbi whose prose reads like poetry, ing, listening, and learning from each whose words in the magically soft and wise voice touched our hearts and souls other.” She continued, “It means more and our minds, whose humility, whose than I can say to us, his family, that you kindness, whose brilliance of mind enare helping to carry forward his teaching riched the Jewish world, and indeed, the in this beautiful way. He wrote of Moshe’s death at the end of the Torah, “We will entire world,” said Herzog. “His untimely passing one year ago has left an enormous not complete the journey. Therefore, we void in our collective Jewish life.” each must inspire others to continue what After speaking about the Torah portion, Left to right: Rabbi Dr Rafi Zarum, Joanna Benarroch, Joanne Greenaway, we began.” Thank you for continuing the PHOTO: BLAKE EZRA Herzog added, “Rabbi Sacks inspired and Rabbi Daniel Epstein, Rabbi Joseph Dweck work my father began, and may the work continues to inspire us to invest in Jewish he began be a blessing for all of us.” future, to understand that we are all part of and build a home together.” Lord Sacks made an incalculable conand learned, and continued to learn every one great Jewish story, and we are each called Herzog concluded, “I sorely miss Rabbi single day, until his last. He learned from tribution to the religious life of the Jewish upon to add our own chapter to this story.” Sacks very much, and I’m comforted by the books, from text, from laws. He learned community and national conversation on Herzog was moved, to see Jews all around outpouring of love for him one year after from history and from world events. But, issues of faith, ethics, and morality. the world participating in the initiative hon- his tragically passing away, as well as his mainly, he learned from people. He would The learning programme brings togethouring Rabbi Sacks’ lifelong impact. enormous writing, his enormous legacy seek out people to learn from, from every er a compelling selection of his BBC Radio “Just like Abraham, everyone engaged and his wonderful ideas.” possible path of life. And he would seek out Thought for the Day broadcasts, Credo in this great project is honouring the past Lord Sacks’ daughter noted, “Perhaps what he could learn from everyone he met. columns from The Times, and a range of by investing in our future together,” he the most defining feature of my father’s “And he would do this through conver- articles published in the world’s most resaid. “We are filling the void with love, and life, one that I don’t think I fully appreciat- sation, through talking and listening. So spected newspapers, along with House of through love we heal our fractured world ed until after he died, was that he learned for him, conversation was a defining and Lords speeches and keynote lectures.
WEAR YOUR FAMILY’S MEDALS WITH PRIDE
THE ANNUAL AJEX REMEMBRANCE PARADE & CEREMONY
SUNDAY 21ST NOVEMBER • PARADE BEGINS 2PM CENOTAPH, WHITEHALL, LONDON SW1 This year marks 100 years since the first Jewish Veterans laid a wreath at The Cenotaph The medals awarded to family members represent remarkable courage and endurance. Every Jewish Serviceman and Woman helped to secure our freedom. In the 100th year since the first Jewish Veterans laid a wreath at The Cenotaph, make history and march with, or in honour of, the veterans in your family. We are encouraging young people aged 9 upwards to join the parade this year, accompanied by a responsible adult or in an organised school or youth group. TO PARTICIPATE in the Parade please book your ticket by Tuesday 9th November at www.ajex.org.uk TO SUPPORT the Parade and be a spectator from outside the secure area at the Ceremony – no booking required. Follow updates on the Social Media channels below.
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WE ARE PROUD THAT THIS EVENT IS A KEY PART OF MITZVAH DAY. AJEX Charitable Foundation Registered Charity No: 1082148
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Lady Hale delivers lecture
Jewish Women’s Aid launches Community Toolkit To Counter Domestic Abuse Jewish Women’s Aid has launched a Community Toolkit in advance of the upcoming national and cross-communal Shabbat on 12/13 November. Available at jwa.org.uk/ toolkit, the resources have been created to raise awareness and understanding in the Jewish community about domestic abuse and sexual violence, and to encourage discussion, questions and change. The Toolkit contains: • An article by CEO, Naomi Dickson, which communities can use in their publications before the Shabbat • Video tutorial giving an overview of domestic abuse and sexual violence in our community • Conversation starter cards for families and adults • A case study of a Jewish woman who have been supported during the Covid-19 pandemic • 7 fact sheets, including signs of abuse, types of abuse, how to make a difference and quotes from our community leaders These free resources can be used in lots of different settings: with your family and friends informally, at shul, at work, in your educational setting, or any other community space. Even sharing the resources on your social media accounts helps drive the anti-abuse message. The main point is to increase knowledge and open up the conversation in our community. Naomi Dickson said, “We need to do more to make our community safer for women and much of that task is breaking the taboo around domestic abuse and sexual violence. If we talk about it, and the fact that it happens in our community just like any other, then we help create spaces where harming women, either physically or emotionally, is unacceptable and women feel supported. We hope that by providing these resources, we can encourage more of these conversations, especially on 12-13 November.”
Lady Hale gave the Isaiah Berlin Lecture at Hampstead United Synagogue. Zaki Cooper and Henry Grunwald are also pictured.
Lady Hale of Richmond recently delivered the 19th Isaiah Berlin Lecture at Hampstead United Synagogue. Hale, who served as President of the Supreme Court from 2017 to 2020, gave a lecture titled “Is there anything wrong with rights?” which focused on the rights of children. Questions from the audience, in attendance both in-person and online,” followed. Zaki Cooper, lecture coordinator, commented, “She gave a fantastically clear and well-argued lecture about children’s rights. Through her remarkable legal career, she has had a huge influence not only on the law but also acting as a role model for women in the legal profession. It was a wonderful evening, all the more so to be able to hold the lecture in person.”
Politicians unite for Mitzvah Day launch Politicians from all parties came together in social action at the Parliamentary launch of Mitzvah Day on Monday. The event marked the start of the month leading to Mitzvah Day on November 21st. Around 20 MPs and Peers from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties attended a special event in the House of Commons organised by Mitzvah Day with the Board of Deputies and All Party Parliamentary Group on British Jews. Together they helped pack hygiene kits for Comfort Cases UK, which provides backpacks with personal care items for young people entering the foster care system. MPs attending the event, the first in two years, included Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Robert Courts, Theresa Villiers, Kim Leadbeater, Robert Halfon, Lord Dholakia, Mark Fletcher, Christian Wakeford, Chris Elmore, Saqib Bhatti, John Howell and Fleur Anderson, Chair of the APPG on Charities and Volunteering. Leeds North West Labour MP Alex Sobel hosted the event. “Mitzvah Day is so vital right now,” he said. “In the last 20 months we have seen the response of the Jewish and faith communities to the pandemic, doing everything they can to support others, both on Mitzvah Day and all year round. I’ve seen the Jewish community, in Leeds and all over the UK, really stepping up to the plate and supporting people through a
Robert Halfon MP with the Mitzvah Day, Board of Deputies and Comfort Cases teams
whole range of issues.” Courts noted, “Mitzvah Day is a lovely charity that does a whole host of great work for good causes, as well as bringing people of all backgrounds and none together.” Parliamentarians were assisted by Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks and Chief Executive Georgina Bye, Board of Deputies Vice President Amanda Bowman and the Comfort Cases UK team. The event was held under the 2021 theme
PHOTO: YAKIR ZUR
‘This Mitzvah Day, Together’, reuniting people after restrictions and isolation. Ms Bye said it was clear MPs and faiths are united around a need to do social action in local communities. Ms Bowman added that it was important to raise awareness of the challenges young people in the foster care system face directly with MPs. Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks paid tribute to Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire.
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Wear your family’s medals with pride AJEX is inviting people to attend the Annual AJEX Parade and Ceremony at The Cenotaph, 2pm on Sunday 21st November. People from across the community are being encouraged to march with, or in honour, of the veterans in their family, wearing their medals or those awarded to family members at this special event. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first wreath laying by Jewish Veterans at The Cenotaph and AJEX will honour and remember the thousands of Jewish men and women who fought for our freedom. This historic event will witness veterans and families of veterans, march together in honour of the service they gave. Veteran and active member of AJEX, Mervyn Kersh, has educated thousands of school children by sharing his powerful personal stories of World War II. Mervyn shares why this is such an important event and a key part of Mitzvah Day, “We must remember that the Remembrance Parade is organised by AJEX but it is the Jewish Remembrance Parade and Service. Every Jew and Jewess, of all ages, should either march or be a supporting spectator at the Cenotaph”. AJEX are encouraging the next generation to be part of this momentous event by inviting the youth of the community to take part. Those 9 years old and above are encouraged to take part and join the parade this year, accompanied by a responsible adult or in an organised school or youth group. No tickets are required to be a spectator from outside the secure area at the Ceremony One young attendee in particular, 10-yearold Yishai who has been attending the Parades since he was a young boy, is excited to return to the Cenotaph in person. He attended age 5 with his late Great
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Yishai with his late Great Grandfather, Lt Col Mordaunt Cohen MBE TD DL. Taken after the AJEX Annual Parade in 2016
Grandfather, Lt Col Mordaunt Cohen MBE TD DL who was a Vice President of AJEX when he passed away, aged 102 in 2019 and former National Chairman of AJEX. This year Yishai will be attending with a large number of family members including his Uncle, Rabbi Major Simon Taylor CF, Senior Chaplain to the Army Cadets in North West London and Middlesex and Father, Rabbi Sam Taylor, the Rabbi of BES Yavneh who are both grandsons of Mordaunt. Yishai says “It will feel amazing to be back at the AJEX Parade in Whitehall, wearing these medals will make me feel so proud”. To participate you can book a ticket for an individual or group member by Tuesday 9th November at www.ajex.org.uk/ajex-annual-remembrance-parade-and-ceremony
Former headteacher takes on new challenges As headteacher of Broughton Jewish Primary School, Dr Bernstein would walk around the grounds, connecting with students and making memories that last. This was a few years ago - since then he has left that position and has been undertaking projects he’s passionate about. As a sought-after global speaker who could effortlessly connect with people of all walks of life, Dr Bernstein would fly around the world on a frequent and continuous basis to give over the knowledge, in an interesting way, of how to improve family life, relationships and education. Then COVID began and all the travelling had to come to a standstill; yet, he prevailed to continue to better communities, but this time online. After spending months constantly refining how to give over an online workshop, he has now perfected the art, or at least as close as one can. Dr Bernstein is now starting an online workshop for teens, which will begin quite soon; in two weeks. This course will give arbitrary advice to teens on how they can improve their relations with all the people they know in life, as much of the success in life can be attributed to relationships and connections. Currently, only adults are being taught how to do so, so Dr Bernstein asked the most important question one can ask ‘why not?’, why not teach teenagers how to do drastically improve their life? Dr Bernstein’s programme would demonstrate skills that could be used from how to reasonably clarify to a teacher when they feel they’ve been wronged, to even when’s the best time to ask for something. SiteAwe Philanthropy, the management company that has paired up with Dr Bernstein, have put out adverts that have caused some controversy. They stirred conversation, knowing parents and teenagers would
Dr Leon Bernstein
be magnetised, by promoting this course under the title ‘How to get what you want from your parents’. Properly embracing the average teenager’s lack of attention span (understanding that the train has left the station in this respect) Dr Bernstein and SiteAwe Philanthropy limited workshops to one a week of half an hour. By doing all this, Dr Bernstein seems hyper-focused on the aforementioned target audience. In regards to endorsements, this course has received video endorsements by teen mental health experts, some of which list as Menachem Dovid Kanter, Rabbi Dovid Eisenberg and Rabbi Yechiel Cohen. For more information on this course, contact 07729 614061 or philanthropy@ siteawe.com. Also, to see more on Dr Bernstein, visit www.drleonbernstein.com, and to see more on SiteAwe Philanthropy, visit www.siteawe.com/philanthropy.
Selling poppies at Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School by year 6 pupils at Tuesday morning break time.
Congratulations to Daniel Glicksman who recently made his 100th blood donation! The Bushey Synagogue member has been donating blood for over 20 years.
Selling Poppies at Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School
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Future Dreams targets £700k boost
COMMUNITY 23
TikTok talk at Hasmonean
Michal Oshman being interviwed by Mrs Shalvie Friedman
The late Future Dreams Founder, Danielle Leslie with husband Spencer and their children
Future Dreams supports those touched by breast cancer and aims to raise £700,000 in a 36-hour matched funding campaign starting Sunday. Mother and daughter, Sylvie Henry and Danielle Leslie, founded the charity in 2008. Danielle was first diagnosed in 2005 and recovered. Sylvie was diagnosed when she was quite young and also recovered but it returned three years later as did Danielle’s in 2009. They never wanted anyone to feel like they were going through breast cancer alone. Tragically, Sylvie died in July 2009, Danielle died aged 40 years old in September 2010. Danielle’s husband, Spencer had to pick up the shattered family pieces. He had a huge support network who made his loss as bearable as it could be. However, Spencer could have benefitted from support leading up to and during the worst moment of his life without upsetting family and friends. Spencer is passionate about people not going through breast cancer alone, as are his children Ben, 22, Joe, 20 and Amy, 17, who are on a mission to raise as much money as possible for breast cancer support, awareness and research, and to ensure Danielle and Sylvie’s legacy lives on. “Before Danielle passed away, she put so much in place to ensure the future happiness and wellbeing of her children,” Spencer said. “Danielle planned her presence to continue in her families’ lives including preparing a box for each child filled with a mother’s love. Inside each box is a birthday card that is taken out and re used every year, good luck cards for exams, starting university, passing a driving test and for weddings and births of children. She even thought about self-care products for the boys and Amy. In each of the children’s rooms is a letter from Danielle so they always have a sense of her in their lives.” During the Covid-19 pandemic breast cancer treatment stood still. It is estimated over 1.5 million people did not receive scans, chemotherapy treatment was curtailed and vital surgery did not happen. Treatment waiting time for those with a diagnosis has increased. The breast cancer community is in crisis. Future Dreams raises awareness and funds vital research into secondary breast cancer and provides practical and emotional support and saves lives by educating on
early detection. Danielle and Sylvie’s dream was to open a safe environment for those going through or post treatment. Earlier this month, Elizabeth Hurley, Global Ambassador of Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast cancer Campaign, opened Future Dreams House, the only specialised breast cancer support centre offering virtual and in-person support in the UK. It offers a safe, non-medical environment and vital service for men and women that the NHS is unable to do. Services include life-coaching, financial advice, nutritional advice on exercise and healthy eating, acupuncture, yoga, post-surgery bra fitting advice, brow workshops as well as other vital support services for those going through treatment and their families. The 36-hour fundraising campaign will ensure the charity continues to pledge funds towards its three divisions - support, awareness and research – and to secure the future of Future Dreams House. Future Dreams needs £1 million to keep the doors of the House open. Danielle’s daughter, Amy Leslie said, “We are living through my mum’s dream and this keeps us emotionally connected to her. My mum was very passionate about the next generation and I am honoured to take on the legacy of Future Dreams so no woman has to go through breast cancer alone. My mum and my mama had so many things they wanted to happen, that they didn’t get to see but I hope I can get those things to happen and in the future they will happen for them.” Mother of three, Helen, was diagnosed in 2018. She is a breast cancer survivor and Future Dreams Ambassador. “When going through treatment often women don’t realise how much of an impact it can have,” she said. “There isn’t anybody to show you how to wash hair when going through chemo, how to stop the skin shedding from the ends of your fingertips, how you still eat when your mouth is full of ulcers and you can barely speak. You muddle through. Whilst going through treatment I found it really hard and I felt really lonely which had an impact on those around me”. Future Dreams have ambitious goals and can’t continue without support. Donations: www.charityextra.com/ futuredreams
Hasmonean Girls’ HIPE team created an unusual and exciting event for its Year 1013 students with Michal Oshman, Head of Company Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at TikTok Europe. She was formerly responsible for international leadership and team development at Facebook. In an interview by Mrs Shalvie Friedman, Mrs Oshman spoke about her current role
at TikTok, which is to establish the values of TikTok and help people in the company deal with challenges in life and make them feel that they belong. During her very successful working life, Mrs Oshman returned to religion as a means of creating balance in her life. She was able to demonstrate to the students that being a committed Jew and being a successful part of the corporate world is an attainable reality.
Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge! This November, two of Hasmonean students reached the 2021 Grand Final of the Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge! Over 9,000 young people participated this year, and only 15 make it to the Grand Final. Alegria B won the Barnet Regional Final outright with her original and humorous study of her own name and the challenges which it can present to some. In addition, as a semifinalist, Natan B, whose subject
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was “Is Big Tech a Force for Good?” was also invited to compete. The Final will take place on Wednesday 29th November at the Cambridge Theatre. Congratulations to both Alegria and Natan for reaching the Final. Thank you to Mrs Jacobson and Mrs Serfaty for supporting our students. It is a remarkable achievement for two students from the same school to have reached the Final.
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From the front line… Money makes the world go round… or does it? BY JACQUELINE CURZON Rishi Sunak has said ‘it is time to start building the post covid economy,’ whilst better-than-expected growth figures have given him £10s of billions extra to play with. Stepping neatly to the side for a moment, I think of all the recently promised money: billions for the unreformed NHS which, together with care, will soon account for 40% of the country’s total current spending. GPs are to be paid from an additional fund, if they see patients f2f. Hang on a jiffy, isn’t this what they used to be paid for, as part of their job? The magic money tree - so criticised when it was wilting in Corbyn’s garden - is now being lovingly watered and nourished by Rishi and BoJo. The levelling up cash pouring into northern towns to boost transport and other infrastructure, pay for the millions of public sector employees - many of whom have worked from home for 18 months [some still do] - is going to go up in the spring after a pandemic-induced freeze, and unquantified sums are to be spent on the move to zero carbon future. Sunak has earmarked £3bn on a skills revolution, £1.6bn of which will fund the introduction of T-levels, technical courses for those not best suited to A-levels; plus £1.4bn in grants funding to encourage UK overseas investment. Business rates, after tax relief, usually generate £25bn which goes towards vital services. This past year the government has said it has provided £16bn in relief. All this of course comes on top of the £400bn or so unplanned outlay on covid mitigation and job protection schemes, and the eye-watering £37 billion wasted on the idiotic Test and Trace programme, which failed to return us to normality, instead consuming almost 20% of our total healthcare budget of £182bn. This T&T funding was mainly used to hire over 2000 consultants, employed on rates of more than £1000 a day. In 2020 call handlers told how they were effectively being paid to watch Netflix at home, with one handler receiving £4,500 without having taken a single call. Nice work if you can get it. MPs have said that billions have been squandered on this promise to enable people to return to a more normal way of life, which instead resulted in two lockdowns and a rise in cases. Just keep in mind that the cost of furlough across the UK was £68.5 billion, and you can see why T&T is lambasted. Even the naysayers would probably agree it became redundant with the development and significant uptake of vaccines. France is fighting for an agreed sum of £50 million which we apparently promised to strengthen controls along the coastline, whilst Tehran is effectively still holding Nazanin Zaghari to ransom over an alleged outstanding British debt of £400 million, an amount we evidently
Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
could have spared from the T&T debacle. With the Whole of Government Accounts showing state liabilities at £4.5 trillion, maybe it’s time for Sunak to rein in his profligacy, cut up the national debit card, which allows Uncle Rishi, Tom Cobley and all to spend £100 (million) contactless each time, without hesitation. Ireland and Wales will no longer be able to play each other at rugby in their green and red shirts, because World Rugby wants to help colourblind fans. However, it’s not as if the viewers cannot tell which sides are playing as they’re running in different directions. We - those of a certain age - remember watching television in blackand-white and regardless of whether it was snooker, rugby or It’s a Knockout, you could follow what was going on. In fact, if you’re sitting at a set of traffic lights, you know which one is green, even if you can’t see the colours properly. In another interesting piece of news, colourful pedestrian crossings, costing around £23,000, which have recently been installed in Leicester, Totnes & Devon and Wandsworth are said to pose a risk to the elderly and visually impaired. Campaigners are warning about risks following rainbow pride patterns installations on UK roads. For those with specially trained Guide dogs, how will your journey be improved with rainbow roads? Now whilst on the health topic, I bring you a personal update. I am having truly awful pancreatic pain at the moment, which is not readily responding to pain control. I was thus compelled to ask at the pharmacy for a refill of Oramorph, but they told me I needed to go and ask at my surgery. I cross the street to the surgery door then, miraculously, gain access to the surgery. Okay, but I notice the receptionist is not wearing a mask either. I point out the irony of this, only to be rounded on that (he) is in a bubble, and that’s why he doesn’t have to wear one. Hilarious, I am
in and out of hospital constantly and the staff always wear masks, no exceptions. He tells me I should have requested it at the pharmacy, adding I should have had a reserve plan for my medication. Then I’m told I should have called 111, which is quite ridiculous as I would wait hours for a call back, although the primary care surgery knows my case well and could have dealt with it virtually immediately. The fact that I am a red flag patient who is to be seen urgently seems to have evaded this receptionist, but after waiting the prescribed 48 hours for a virtual appointment, I do speak to my GP. I was not looking for something I could have simply purchased over the counter. Morphine - a controlled drug - is taken only with good reason. NHS statistics show that f2f appointments have fallen by a million a month, barely different - in some GP cases - to what they offered at the height of lockdown. Helena Maffei (55) was trying to get a GP appointment for breathing difficulties, when she collapsed at home, and died whilst waiting for an ambulance. She had been holding on for two hours, when a receptionist finally said she would receive a call back. I have also heard of cases where a patient dialled 243 times before the call was answered. Doctors, your patients need YOU, you personally, not a total triage system to then blame when you lose a person to something life threatening. $ Money makes the world go round, ¥ The economy, and cancer too. £ Money makes the world go round € Unless the coffers need renewed. The number of patients waiting more than six weeks for tests to diagnose cancer has risen eightfold since the pandemic began. Charities called for action to tackle the “unacceptable backlog” saying too many are facing anxious delays for diagnosis while their tumour is growing. NHS targets state anyone given a routine referral for such tests should undergo them within six weeks; if the GP spots red flags, referral should be fast tracked and dealt with under the 2WW. National data shows that 25% of patients were ultimately diagnosed following a GP referral, where the doctor did not initially suspect cancer. A radiographer reported ‘normally, we would be scanning people and finding Stage 1 or 2 cancer, then recommending treatment. Now we see them at Stage 4, and nothing much can be done.’ Right at the onset of my illness, I had a registrar tell me, prior to running my CT, ‘you probably don’t need the CT as you look pretty healthy to me’: even at Stage 4, this was followed by a 12 week wait to start chemo. No rush, chaps. Now for a recent first hand example: I was taken off treatment in March, and reassured by CT scan every 2 months, that things were stable. Explain then how my
primary tumour has doubled in size during that period? Either the scanning was erroneous or the reporting by the oncologist was at fault. Either way, my escalating back pain should have set alarm bells jangling whilst we were effectively ’doing nothing.’ Alarm bells are absolutely going off now, but who knows what results will manifest once they get me back on chemo. I am worried. Cancer patients in some areas are being denied treatment because there are not enough staff to deliver it, a worrying fact when added to the knowledge that treatments for S4 (palliative) patients were being rationed from last March; if the patient was not S1 and 2 then there was less or no provision for those with lesser chances of survival. As a fun fact, readers might be surprised to know that of my 37 months since being diagnosed, I had chemo for 12 months of that. Presumably only by the grace of G-d was I supposed to get through the other 24 months, given pancreatic patients may leave the stage anywhere from 4-6 weeks to 4 months. The majority make one year. Perhaps - given my outlier status - the oncologist was optimistically crossing her fingers, convincing me to take a break, by telling me she’s had ‘patients on longer chemo breaks’ than I. Substitute ‘rationing’ for ‘treatment break’ and it creates a whole new complexion on my ‘24 months break.’ To be completely transparent, my breaks were 3 months, 5 months, 5 months, 7 months plus other little treatment holidays scattered around, here, there and everywhere. I restarted chemo this week, but have no idea how I will get on, or whether the acute pain I feel will be resolved or at least improved. One could reasonably consider me a lab-rat: let’s see how long it takes THIS patient to fall off the cancer cliff?! Mirror, mirror on the wall. What’s the deadliest of them all? Jacqueline, you surely know, pancreatic cancer - is no way to go. And now to finish with a more cheery story. The very first penny black stamp with its famous image of Queen Victoria, is expected to fetch up to £6 million when it is sold at Sotheby’s in December. Hopefully that’s what you call an investment! Mary Berry, the grande dame of Bake Off, was a very happy bunny this week, as she was made Dame Commander at her investiture at Windsor Castle. Mary, who has devoted 50 years to the advancement, evolution and elevation of British culinary skills, will be known as Dame Mary. She may not be cast in the role of Panto Dame, but I think we could wish her a Very Merry Berry in time for some festive food frolicking. Love Jacqueline x
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Travel
Malcolm Ginsberg, Jewish Weekly Travel Editor, is the Editor-in-Chief of Business Travel News, a member of the International Travel Writers Alliance, a noted analyst on aviation matters. Over the years he has been hosted by Jewish communities as varied as Hong Kong; Hobart, Australia; Quito, Ecuador and Cape Town, a very Jewish city at the tip of South Africa. Travel organisers please contact malcolm. ginsberg@btnews.co.uk www.btnews.co.uk We still don’t know as this piece is being written what is going to happen with regard US entry for Brits. The Americans have muttered helpful words to relax the draconian border controls “in early November” but that may just have been a sop to IATA, the airline industry’s trade organisation, who recently held its annual conference in Boston. Attendance was down by 60% with many senior managers and press unable to secure entry rights. Normally all that is required is an ESTA visa, available online and usually turned around in less than 48 hours. Assuming it does sort itself out quicky there is still time to visit this busy modern metropolis before winter sets in. Don’t go in the early months of the year. It can be very cold but once into Spring it is glorious. Boston is the nearest American city to the UK with the flying time from London about 6.5 hours. Logan International Airport is ten minutes by cab to Quincy Market in the centre of the city. If you are flying with Virgin Atlantic, and eligible for the Virgin Clubhouse, kosher meals are available and don’t need pre-ordering. American Airlines, British Airways, Delta and Virgin Atlantic are on the route but schedules at the moment are at best ‘flexible’. Boston is a city steeped in history and is said to have the fourth largest Jewish
Typical summer’s evening along the front
Quincy Market
BOSTON – once a colony
Boston public garden, the oldest botanical garden in the country
population in the United States. It can claim to be one of the most significant in US history for its part in helping to spark the War of Independence in 1775, which ended British rule and led to the formation of the United States of America a few months later. With Boston’s seemingly casual attitude, there are few American cities more
pleasant to visit for business or pleasure. Even if you are not into baseball, but at least a sports fan, a visit to Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox, is a must, an ancient ground, best compared to Chelsea before it was re-built. The average gate, before the pandemic, was around 35,000. Boston is flat and compact. This is an ideal city for walking around to explore the mixture of state-of-the-art glass and steel towers to 19th century beaux arts buildings. Walk up Tremont Street to Boston Common, for example, and head to the Visitors Center, where you can sign up for a Freedom Trails Walk Into History Tour, a stroll through Boston’s historic sites, including the Old State House and ‘Old Ironsides’, a pet name for the ship, the USS Constitution. If you fancy a bit of designer-style shopping head for Newbury, which locals widely maintain is one of Boston’s best shopping streets, an eight-block stretch of old (by US standards) townhouses now used as boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Taxes are less than New York.
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For some serious sightseeing make a beeline for Beacon Hill with its 18th- and 19th-century houses, lined up on narrow and often hilly streets. The centrepiece is Louisburg Square where you will find some of Boston’s smartest addresses. Nearby Acorn Street with its picturesque cobbles, is said to be the most photographed street in the US. It is near here at 84 Beacon Street that you will come across Cheers, the bar that inspired the 1980s TV sitcom. If you have time it’s worth making the trip across the river to visit Harvard, one of the United States oldest universities. It is also worthwhile visiting to the Seaport District, the 21st-century development in South Boston which stretches around the southern end of the harbour, for a tour the futuristic Institute of Contemporary Art at 100 Northern Avenue. The Seaport district is also one of Boston’s after-dark playgrounds with a selection of bars and restaurants but there are excellent alternatives all over town. And don’t miss the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museums at 306 Congress Street, which provide an insight into the infamous Boston Tea Party, the 1773 dumping of tea into the harbour as a protest against taxation. For something a bit different visit the Liberty Hotel, originally the Charles Street Jail, once home to some of Boston’s most infamous criminals and now a very smart property with all the facilities you may need. When it comes to choosing where to stay you are spoiled for choice in Boston, The Park Plaza, just by The Common, is 4-star in price with a fine location, an ideal base. Otherwise if you want to push the boat out try one of the hi-tech rooms and suites at the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, which come complete with floorto-ceiling windows or XV Beacon Hotel at 15 Beacon Street, which has the benefits of being both in the centre of the old city and tucked away on a narrow winding street on Beacon Hill. The stylish rooms here are served by original beaux arts glass cage lifts. The Vilna Shul is now a historic landmark housing a cultural centre, community building, and vibrant living museum. It is a short walk from Boston Common. Also to add as a ‘must’ when visiting the city, is the John F Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library, easily accessible by public transport and in lovely setting overlooking the Harbour Bay. The museum covers his early years to his death. It is filled with an amazing number of interesting items, and information spanning readings, voice recordings, and videos. There is a section on Kennedy’s remarkable wife Jackie who became Mrs Onassis. Be prepared for an emotional visit and a reminder of a man who had his flaws and sadly was not allowed to fulfil what was expected of him. https://vilnashul.org https://store.jfklibrary.org www.bostonusa.com
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Cinnamon and Pumpkin Soup This is the perfect soup for a cold autumn night. Pumpkin is an extremely versatile vegetable – great in risottos, baked, roasted, stuffed, made into pies, or even used to make bread. Its vibrant orange colour indicates that it is abundant with beta-carotene, an important antioxidant, (which is also true of carrots). Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Serves: 8
Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com
Ingredients 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for frying 2 tablespoons olive oil – for inside pumpkin shell 2 onions – peeled and finely chopped 2 sticks celery – sliced 2 carrots – peeled and roughly chopped 1 leek – trimmed and sliced lengthways 1 large whole pumpkin – for serving the soup Plus 750g pumpkin flesh – peeled and diced to include in the soup 75g plain flour 250ml orange juice 1 litre hot vegetable stock 2 tablespoons dried cinnamon Bouquet Garni made with sprigs of thyme, 2 bay leaves, 2 half sticks of celery Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method - For the Base 1) Prepare the pumpkin. Slice off the top and retain as a lid. Carefully hollow out the flesh, removing the fibres and seeds from the inside, keeping the shape intact so that you can use it to serve your soup. 2) Save 750g of pumpkin flesh and cut into cubes. 3) Heat a large saucepan with vegetable oil. Sauté the onions, cinnamon, leeks, pumpkin, carrots and celery for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
4) Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. 5) Add the stock and orange juice and bring to the boil. 6) Make the Bouquet Garni (mixed fresh herbs) by tying a piece of string around the bay leaves, thyme and celery sticks and add to soup. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 7) Simmer for 35 minutes. Remove the Bouquet Garni. 8) Pre-heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4. 9) Brush the vegetable oil inside the pumpkin shell. Replace the lid on the top of the pumpkin. Place on a tray, lined with non-stick baking parchment and bake for 20 minutes. 10) Liquidise the soup until smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan, reheat and season to taste. To serve the stylish way: pour the soup into the cooked pumpkin shell and serve immediately.
Pumpkin Season BY DENISE PHILIPS Pumpkins are a type of winter squash and are now readily available, in all sizes, in your local supermarket. The word “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word “pepon”, which means large melon; they are technically a fruit, not a vegetable. Native to North America, pumpkins are one of the oldest domesticated plants with their usage dating back thousands of years. Pumpkins are widely grown for their use in popular recipes and as seasonal decorations. For example, pumpkin pie is a traditional part of the Thanksgiving meal in Canada and the United States, and pumpkins are frequently carved as jack-o’lanterns for decoration around Halloween. Pumpkins also feature in Sephardic Jewish cuisine. Syrian Jews have developed a taste for the savoury pumpkin patties (kibbet yatkeen), while Sephardim from Turkey and Greece prefer the sweeter pumpkin-stuffed small pastries (borekitas) and deep-fried pumpkin fritters. Italian Jews are also known for their sweet pumpkin fritters, and pumpkin-stuffed ravioli and tortellini. Some Jews consider pumpkins to be a symbolic ingredient on Rosh Hashanah. The many seeds of the gourd symbolise fertility and abundance, which make them a great food to include at the traditional Sephardic Rosh Hashanah Seder – where seven blessings are made on eating specific foods, accompanied by a corresponding wish for the coming year. Pumpkins are also often used on the festival of Sukkot to decorate the Sukkah. The first thing to do with your pumpkin,
vegetables or stir fries. Puree alone or with other root vegetables. Add to pasta dishes, stews, curries, pilaffs, savoury scones or tagines. Oven roast with chestnuts. Some of my personal favourites are turkey and pumpkin stew, and cod and pumpkin curry.
SWEET SUGGESTIONS:
Use in cakes, muffins, pies, tea loaves, or pancakes. To create some lovely flavour combinations, try mixing pumpkin puree with chocolate, nuts, coconut, caramel, passion fruit or ginger. I recommend buying the tinned puree as a quick, easy addition to pumpkin apple cake, donuts, or pecan and pumpkin pie.
WHOLE PUMPKINS:
whether you’re carving or cooking, is to scoop out the seeds. These little kernels are packed with vitamins and minerals and are a great source of fibre, so it would be a shame to throw them away. To roast and eat, simply clean the seeds, boil for 10 minutes to soften, then drain and dry on kitchen paper. Toss with a little oil, then sprinkle over some salt, pepper, paprika, or
whatever flavour takes your fancy. Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and roast on a low heat for around 45 minutes or until they are crisp and golden. The options for your pumpkin pulp can be divided into savoury, sweet and whole.
SAVOURY SUGGESTIONS:
Use in soups, risottos, tray bakes with other
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If you want to serve your pumpkin whole, I recommend you cut the pumpkin in half horizontally, scoop out the seeds and membrane, and boil for 10 minutes or bake until soft. Dry the inside, stuff with a delicious filling of rice, fennel, apple, pomegranate seeds and pecans. Serve with the pumpkin lid for impressive presentation. The cooked pumpkin halves also make fun centre pieces for numerous savoury dishes, including tagines, or as a soup tureen. On a health note, pumpkins flesh is fatfree, high in fibre and high in potassium and vitamin C. It is rich in antioxidants and is one of the best known sources of beta carotene. Altogether, these properties make pumpkins good for our hearts, eyesight, weight control and fighting cancer. So this autumn, add pumpkin to your shopping list and enjoy in good health!
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Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com THE HALLOWEEN QUESTION AGAIN Dear Rabbi My kids want to go trick or treating with their friends from school this Sunday (Halloween). I don’t have the heart to say no to them even though my wife thinks we are giving them the wrong message. Isn’t after all harmless fun? Joe Dear Joe That question, again. How do you define “harmless fun”? Something that looks innocuous on the external might be more damaging than you think, especially where it conveys a mixed message, as your wife rightly observes. Halloween – or All Hallows Day / All Saints Eve take your pick – is every bit a pagan holiday. In a day and age where the Chanukah bush reflects our new brand of Judaism-Lite - bending over backwards to blend with society as much as possible with a touch of Jewish twist, we should be looking to encourage the next generation to appreciate their own festivals rather than having to celebrate other ones. Explain to your kids the reason why it is inappropriate and maybe ensure to put the emphasis on delivering mishloach monot (the special food parcels) on Purim. Today it’s a simple Halloween, tomorrow it’s a not so simple relationship that will be no trick nor treat. Education starts now – seize the moment.
WHEN IS A JEW A JEW? Dear Rabbi I would like to know why some orthodox Jews persistently talk patronisingly about other forms of Judaism such as reform and liberal. I myself am a teenager unsure of where my allegiances lie as of yet and want to understand more about the reasons there is seemingly mistrust and competition between people who are all essentially Jewish (obviously you may feel differently about what kind of convert is “Jewish”, but leaving that aside). Derek Dear Derek Let me begin by saying that you are absolutely right. A Jew is a Jew is a Jew. Hitler did not discriminate and neither should we. However there are two key points to consider: First, a distinction has to be made between individuals and denominations. Whilst I have an obligation to respect every individual Jew, in accordance with the biblical obligation of ‘love every Jew as yourself’ that does not mean that I have to recognise another denomination which runs counter to my own. There is no way that I, as an orthodox Jew could possibly recognise reform Judaism as a legitimate expression of the faith, just as it is impossible for any reform clergy to recognise orthodoxy as a legitimate representation of the faith. Second, the divisiveness really escalated when a new brand of conversion was entered into the Jewish faith. Whilst
Pirkei Avot ֱהוֵ י ִמ ְת ּ ַפ ּ ֵלל,ַר ִ ּבי ֲחנִ ינָ א ְסגַ ן ַהכּ ֲֹהנִ ים אוֹ ֵמר ִא ׁיש, ׁ ֶש ִאלְ ָמלֵ א מוֹ ָר ָא ּה,ִ ּב ׁ ְשלוֹ ָמ ּה ׁ ֶשל ַמלְ כוּת ַר ִ ּבי ֲחנִ ינָ א ֶבן ְּת ַר ְדיוֹ ן.ֶֹאת ֵר ֵעה ּו ַח ִ ּיים ְ ּבלָ עו ,יהן דִּ ְב ֵרי תוֹ ָרה ֶ ֵ ׁ ְשנַ יִ ם ׁ ֶשיּוֹ ׁ ְש ִבין וְ ֵאין ֵ ּבינ,אוֹ ֵמר ׁ ֶש ֶּנ ֱא ַמר (תהלים א) ו ְּב־,ֲה ֵרי זֶ ה מוֹ ׁ ַשב לֵ ִצים ֲא ָבל ׁ ְשנַ יִ ם ׁ ֶשיּוֹ ׁ ְש ִבין וְ יֵ ׁש.מוֹ ׁ ַשב לֵ ִצים ל ֹא יָ ׁ ָשב יהם ֶ ֵ ׁ ְשכִ ינָ ה ׁ ְשרוּיָ ה ֵבינ,יהם דִּ ְב ֵרי תוֹ ָרה ֶ ֵֵ ּבינ Rabbi Hanina, the vice-high priest said: pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear it inspires, every man would swallow his neighbour alive. R. Hananiah ben Teradion said: if two people sit together and there are no
there was always one strand of Jew (irrespective of synagogue affiliation) the fact that different forms of conversion was allowed, means that the bigger question of ‘who is a Jew’ inevitably emerged. It should be noted, that the reform rabbis who initiated the reform conversion process (in America) recognised the error of their ways in the obvious schism this would cause and published articles in national broadsheets urging the movement to retract and keep only the ‘highest common denominator’ for conversion (i.e. orthodoxy) so as to maintain harmony in the Jewish world. Alas, the rest of history speaks for itself. I suggest to you that as a Jew you should transcend the politics and focus on finding meaning within your faith. Attend some Torah classes and find your way.
CAN I EUTHANISE MY PET? Dear Rabbi Our dog is now becoming old and has some serious health problems. The vet has advised us to consider euthanasia to prevent further suffering. What is the halachic view on this distressing situation? Anthony Dear Anthony There is an obvious distinction to be made between euthanasia of people and that of animals. Jewish law forbids euthanasia in all forms, and is considered an act of homicide. Even as today they sugarcoat it and call it “assisted dying” it is still homicide
in the eyes of Jewish law. The life of a person is not “his” rather, it belongs to the One Who granted that life. It may therefore be reclaimed only by the true Owner of that life. Despite one’s noble intentions, an act of mercy-killing is flagrant intervention into a domain that transcends this world. An animal on the other hand is in fact your possession. The
Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.
n loving memory of Simon Ben-Shushan Z’’l - Known lovingly as ‘Ben’
words of Torah [spoken] between them, then this is a session of scorners, as it is said: “nor sat he in the seat of the scornful…[rather, the teaching of the Lord is his delight]” (Psalms 1:1); but if two sit together and there are words of Torah [spoken] between them, then the Shekhinah abides among them. This weeks Mishnah is rather sobering for those people who follow politics. As much as people pretend to be good law abiding citizens, the reality is that if not for law and order, police and government, people would eat each other alive. Look at the beginning of the
Torah, the ten generations from Adom until Noach, and the subsequent flood. Look at the ten generations from Noach to Avraham, who all failed miserably including the episode of the tower of Babel. People need to feel scared of punishment to stop doing bad. Subconsciously the fear of a speeding ticket or parking fine keeps many drivers within the boundary of the law and probably saves many lives. Go look at countries with weak law and order and see the results. Here in the UK, the fact the police are so useless on many occasions has allowed London to become
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prohibition against causing pain to animals is a serious one, and is treated as such by Jewish Law, which not only forbids man from causing pain to animals, but also bids him to help relieve the pain of animals. In general therefore, euthanasia for animals should only be when the animal is dying and in pain. Of course every effort must be made to make the process painless.
Perek 3: Mishna 2
the knife capital of the world, as the Mayor seems to prioritize charging clean air tax! It is exceptionally important to talk words of Torah at the shabbat and weekday table, even if just briefly. This transforms your table into a table fit for Hashem Himself to join you. A simple lack of Torah transforms it into a degrading place of simple food and drink. We must all use the lessons of this powerful advice in this week’s Mishnah to transform our lives from basic physicality to see the unending spiritual potential in each mundane act.
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Keren Hashevi’is
JUDAISM 31
BY RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN This past week, London Jewry had the unique privilege of hosting two distinguished visitors from Eretz Yisroel. HaGaon Rav Moshe Shaul Klein, a foremost Posek of our generation and a talmid of the Shevet HaLevi zt”l was in town for the chasuna of his grandchild. The Rav, who is the Av Beis Din of Beis Din L’Inyonei Shemitta, has a very strong connection to the Keren Hashviis organisation. The Rav’s visit also served the purpose of supporting and bringing awareness of the crucial work of Keren Hashevi’is, an organisation which encourages and enables thousands of farmers across Eretz Yisroel to properly observe the Mitzvah of Shemittah. The other guest was Reb Oded Karakim, a farmer from Ramat Hasharon. This will be the fourth Shemitta that Oded, a father of six from Petach Tikva, is observing in a most mehudar manner. On Shabbos Parshas Vayeira, Oded was the guest speaker at Bridge Lane Beth Hamedrash as well as Kehillas Ner Yisroel, Hendon. He shared his story, which in addition to being an example of the Torah’s unique blessing for Shemitta observers, serves as a Chizuk in Bitachon too. Twenty-one years ago, Oded was internally debating whether or not he was able to keep the Mitzvah as required. He therefore approached his Rav, the Rav of Ramat Hasharon, HaGaon Rav Yaakov Edelstein zt”l to request a Brocha. He asked to be blessed with a son as he had hitherto only been blessed with daughters. Rav Yaakov blessed him that in the merit of keeping Shemitta he would merit to have sons. That year, Oded kept Shemitta as required and received a grant of only 20,000 Shekel (several thousand pounds) from the Israeli Government. Nonetheless, for reasons otherwise unexplained, his fridge was never empty and not only did he have enough for his own family, he had spare supplies for guests too! One year later, Harav Edelstein’s blessing came true and his wife gave birth to twin boys! Administrator of Keren Hashevi’is Europe, Reb Binyomin Green, also addressed the gatherings and related a remarkable story of a farmer who contacted Keren Hashevi’is several months ago, towards the onset of Shemitta 5782. In anticipation of not being able to earn an income in the usual manner for some 18 months, an Israeli farmer planted a vast amount of onions before Rosh Hashanah this year, with a view to harvest them in time and to store them. Given that onions remain fresh for a substantial amount of time, this farmer was hoping to sell them throughout the Shemittah year thereby recovering some of his losses. What he had not accounted for, however, was that his neighbouring Shemittah observant farmers had identical plans which resulted in an abundance of onions and a sharp drop in their price to 60 agorot per kilo, when it had cost him 90 agorot to produce the same amount. The office of Keren Hashevi’is suggested that this farmer
Speaking in Tashbar Edgware
Dayan Dunner speaking to over 1000 children
approach HaGaon Rav Dovid Abuchatzeira for a Brochoh. The Rav heard the problem and replied: “Vetzivis Es Birchosi” - you are keeping Shemitah - there is nothing to worry about! Hayad Hashem Tikztor?!! The farmer left the Rav with a feeling of encouragement but without knowing how the issue would be resolved. Less than 24 hours passed and the office of Keren Hashevi’is received a second phone call from the farmer, this time highly emotional. He explained that he had received a phone call from a Jordanian counterpart, who had informed him of a desperate shortage of onions in his country due to a freak virus affecting all onions plants. Not only was this farmer willing to pay 3 Shekel per Kilo - approximately 5 times the amount he had expected to fetch, he was also willing to sort out all the harvesting and transport arrangements required! Between Sunday and Tuesday of this week, Oded paid a visit to a total of 13 schools in North West London, where he addressed thousands of excited children, boys and girls, of Primary and High School age. On Sunday, a mass gathering of Tinokos Shel Beis Rabban was held in Yesoiday HaTorah Hall in Stamford Hill. The thousand-strong crowd heard divrei Chizuk from Rav Klein and from Oded. A children’s choir sang heartwarming songs and the crowd danced for many precious moments, rejoicing with a courageous Yid, a living example of the Torah’s blessings. Oded’s farm is owned jointly with his brother. Whilst 21 years ago, Oded was ready to take the plunge, his brother was not. It didn’t take long for his brother to also accept this unique Mitzvah on himself - when harvesting one season’s worth of potatoes in their 600 dunam land, Oded’s half of the farm yielded double what his brother’s had. Whilst in London, Rav Klein held two asifos with the Rabbonim of North and North West London respectively. The Rav
is known for his expertise in many areas of practical Rabbonus and the opportunity to draw from his knowledge was immensely appreciated. On Sunday evening a further gathering was held in Stamford Hill where over 1000 people came to hear first-hand of the importance and relevance of Shemitta. The event was graced by the presence of the Rabbonei Ha’ir as well as Rav Moshe Shaul Klein and Reb Oded. Speakers included Harav Aharon Dovid Dunner who spoke about the relevance of Shemitta in Chutz La’aretz and Reb Binyomin Stern, the Rosh Hakohol of the UOHC. The keynote address was delivered by Rav Klein who gave an impassioned talk on the importance of this Mitzvah. Reb Yaakov Shechter spoke of how strongly connected his late father Rabbi Ezriel Shechter zt”l was, heart and soul, to this great cause. Oded’s speech was a further highlight of this gathering LeShem Shamayim, with many people queuing to receive his Brocha, long after the event drew to a close. For the first time since the Churban of the Beis Hamikdash, a total of 685,000 dunham
(equivalent to approximately 170,000 acres) are lying fallow in honour of Shemitta. The fixed expenses of the farmers do not rest however, and for eighteen months they cannot engage in their usual form of livelihood. Keren Hashevi’is provides the farmers with up to 50% of their fixed expenses. To enable these brave farmers to observe Shemitah fully, the target is for world Jewry to contribute a combined $65 million, and the target is halfway to being reached. UK Jews will together aim to contribute at least £3 million to this wonderful cause. Fundraising chairman of Keren Hashviis Europe, Reb Aryeh Melinek is hopeful that this visit to be the first of many, which will allow British Jewry to repeatedly be exposed to the remarkable Siyatta Dishmaya that accompanies those who observe this once-in seven-year Mitzvah, and how Hashem supports those who support the Giborei Koach too. Donations to Friends of Keren Hashviis can be made via the website www.kerenhashviis.org.uk or by posting to PO BOX 77772, NW11 1PX. For more information and partnership opportunities, please email office@kerenhasviis.org.uk or call 0333 800 6868
Cheder Head Teacher The Cheder Committee and Trustees are seeking to appoint a well qualified dynamic and passionate Headteacher to lead Sha’are Tikva from January 2022. Sha’are Tikva – The Gates of Hope School of the S&P Sephardi Community – has been educating the youth of our historic community since the 17th Century, making it the oldest and longest running institution of Jewish learning in the UK. Sha’are Tikva is an integral part of our community. It is where we engage our youngest all the way through to post Bar/Bat Mitzvah, educating them in the values of Judaism and the traditions of the Sephardic community. The Cheder is based at Lauderdale Road Synagogue, Maida Vale and is open for all Jewish children aged 3 – 14. Classes meet on most Sunday mornings from September to July. The S&P Sephardi Synagogue is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. To request a full job description or to send your CV & cover letter please contact: recruitment@sephardi.org.uk Closing date for applications: Monday 8th November 2021
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Torah from Israel
28 OCTOBER 2021
Chayei Sarah: A Modest Purchase BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The stories of Bereishit chronicle Jewish selection and the birth of our historical mission. Facing a violent world of moral degeneracy and religious chaos, Hashem selected our people to model dignity, morality, and life of commandment. Israel, the land of Hashem, is the theater within this “performance” is staged. Having selected Avraham, Hashem piloted him to this land to amplify the broadcast of this message. However, settling this land would not prove easy for Avraham, nor would the course proceed smoothly. Avraham’s initial acquisition of land in Israel- outlined in parshat Chayei Saraprovides important lessons for future Jewish settlement of our land. Jewish history is cyclical: what happened before will happen again. The formative stories of Bereishit carve out historical patterns which shape Jewish history. As he journeys to Israel, Avraham is endowed with two celebrated prophecies. Abandoning his family, he is assured that he will form an impressive nation, whose population will outnumber the stars in Heaven. Leaving his biological homeland, he is also awarded the land of Hashem. Two grand promises and two ambitious prophecies propel Avraham into his future. Though these two prophecies were delivered as one, they materialize in very different manners. The birth of a son to succeed Avraham and who will craft that future nation, occurs with great drama and with significant spectacle. For twenty-five long years Sarah remained barren and Avraham’s legacy remained bleak. Unexpectedly, visiting angels arrived, speaking of a future miracle- a son born to a ninety-year old woman. Exactly a year later, a baby was born to the delight and amazement of a society numbed by laughter. Astonishingly, as this boy grew, Hashem commanded that he be sacrificed, testing Avraham’s faith in a divine future. Dramatically, the sacrifice is halted last minute by a lunging angel. Avraham’s prophecy children and a flourishing nation is realized with great drama and the guiding hand of Hashem is obvious throughout the process. Strikingly, the second prophecy about settling the land of Israel unfolds in more tedious fashion. After years of being hosted by local overlords, Avraham finally acquires a modest parcel of land to bury his wife. Even a simple and dark tomb can only be secured after multiple rounds of negotiations. No angels descend and Hashem’s role in this process is invisible. Evidently, setting the land of Israel isn’t always supernatural. There is a model for
settling Israel which is driven by miracles and infused with overt divine intervention. After wandering the desert for forty years we entered Israel, defeated thirty warlords, and swiftly established a kingdom of Hashem. This wasn’t the natural order of settling lands. However, the book of Bereishit depicts a more gradual and less spectacular model for settling our homeland. Apparently, at least the initial stages of our current return to Israel, will resemble the plodding story portrayed in Bereishit, and not the rapid-fire entry detailed in the book of Yehoshua. Not only is the process of acquiring land in Israel gradual and tedious it is also “coincidental”. You would expect Avraham’s first purchase to be resolute and purposeful. After all, this is the land awarded him by Hashem and the launch of this mandate should be provident and visionary. Instead, Avraham’s first purchase is based “solely” upon humanitarian concerns. He is desperate to locate land to bury his dead wife. This acquisition feels more apologetic than prophetic. Given the desperate circumstances, he was fortunate to acquire a small and insignificant parcel of land. Were it not for the humanitarian crisis, he may have remained property-less. Not only must Avraham struggle to acquire this prophetic land but he must also provide an “excuse” to justify his settlement. We waited for two millenia to return to our homeland. During that long exile, Jewish hearts across the globe were riveted to our city of dreams longing for our eventual return. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries our people rallied around the specter of a glorious return home. Yet despite our grandest visions and despite our greatest devotion to this cause, our state was only established, after the holocaust and, in part, in response to the horrors and after-shocks of the holocaust. Awarding a Jewish state was, partially, a manner of assuaging this terrible guilt which the world community felt having for not checking Hitler’s genocidal plans. Additionally, the Jewish state had great practical benefits in solving a modern humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands of Jewish war refugees had no home. Our collective memory is still haunted by painful images of ocean liners carrying Jewish refugees being turned back from potential host countries. Our return in 1948, felt very ‘incidental’ rather than prophetic or historic. Shouldn’t our return have been more miraculous and more breathtaking? Don’t we deserve to marvel? Avraham’s pedestrian purchase of land in Israel reassures that there are numerous models for settling this land.
Resettling the land of Israel after two thousand years of absence is both challenging and intoxicating. It demands defiance, resolve but also perspective. Messianic expectations must not convince us that a settlement enabled by larger geo-political factors isn’t part of Jewish prophecy. Prophecy has many disguises. Avraham’s modest purchase suggests a third historical pattern. Not only is settlement of Israel gradual, and not only does it advance under cover of larger geo-political dynamics. Our land should, ideally, be acquired by strictly legal means. Avraham’s negotiations are rigorous and thorough. First, he secures the approval of the local Hittite people and then he bargains with a local chieftain who owns the land but who drives a hard bargain. Ultimately, Avraham pays an exorbitant price for a cave unfit for agriculture or any other utility. The land of prophecy must be legally acquired through contracts signed in boardrooms. The land of Israel is divinely designated for our people to serve as our platform for inspiring the world. Ideally, for that mission to be successful, our presence in Israel should elicit international endorsement. Avraham has long labored to receive public consent for his presence. His ‘first city’ of Be’er Sheva, was founded upon a covenant of “oaths” and a treaty of seven sheep – each of which is latent in the double-entendre term ‘sheva’. Likewise, his plot of land in Chevron is achieved through prolonged and strictly lawful acquisitions.
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Evidently, at least at this stage in the process, we are walking down that same trail. At any moment Hashem can shatter the model, and unilaterally allocate His land to His people. In 1967, after twenty years of slow acclimation to our new homeland and gradual developing of national infrastructure, Hashem suddenly accelerated the pace, inviting us to re-inhabit large tracts of our homeland. Since that historical epiphany, we struggle to secure international backing for our divine right. Inherently, our license to this land isn’t a product of international opinion, but it seems that Hashem wills us to operate within historical and political norms. Hopefully, some of the recent accords signed with various Arab countries is a harbinger for broader approval in the future. Resettling the land of Israel after two thousand years of absence is both challenging and intoxicating. It demands defiance, resolve but also perspective. The past provides patterns for the future. What happened before will happen again. The writer is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/ Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.
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Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y I S R A E L
Living the Good Life BY RABBI BEREL WEIN The Torah records for us the years of the life of our mother Sarah. Instead of merely stating that she lived 127 years long, it does so in a lengthy fashion, counting one hundred years, twenty years and then seven years. Rashi, in his famous commentary, states that this teaches us that that all her years were good ones. At first glance, this is difficult to understand and accept. In reviewing the life of our mother Sarah, we are aware of the difficulties, dangers and frustrations that marked her experiences in life. Always threatened to be taken and abused by powerful kings, a woman who is barren and longs for children, a wife who has a concubine living in her home and presents her with a stepchild who is uncontrollable, and finally challenged by the fact that her only miraculous child is going to be sacrificed by his own father. One could hardly conclude that she had a
so-called good life. In fact, I would say that most people would not wish such a life experience upon themselves. Yet, we find this to be the pattern in the experiences of all our forefathers and mothers, with very difficult lives. Rashi will later comment that when Jacob wished to have a more peaceful and serene existence, only then did the dispute regarding Joseph and the brothers blossom and explode. Rashi explained there that Heaven somehow is saying that the reward for the righteous is in the eternal world, and that they are, so to speak, not entitled
to a leisurely and tranquil life in this world. And yet, in our Parasha, Rashi states that all the years of our mother Sarah, her entire lifetime, can be summed up that she had a good life. Over the ages, many thoughts and ideas have been devoted by our great commentators to try and explain this statement and attitude. One of the main ideas is that a person can have a good life only if he or she learns the secret of accepting life in its basic terms and as it occurs. Lofty expectations always bring about disappointment and frustration. Low expectations can
Lofty expectations always bring about disappointment and frustration.
Chayei Sarah
Sidra Summary
allow us to overcome the unavoidable vicissitudes that inflict all human beings during one’s lifetime. Sarah has no illusions about life and about the challenges that she will face, having embarked on the path of her husband Abraham and the founding of the Jewish people. Therefore, she will view all the occurrences of her lifetime, even those that apparently are negative and dangerous, if not even tragic, with equanimity and fortitude. There is a higher goal that she is striving to achieve, and this goal is always present in her assessment of life. Therefore, no matter what occurs in life, it somehow has the ability to push her forward on that path towards her ultimate goal. This notion, therefore, transforms everything that transpires in life to point towards good and eternity. In her eyes, therefore, all of her experiences in life had a purpose, a noble one, that taken together transforms the fabric of her life, and enables her to become the mother of Israel for all generations. Rabbi Berel Wein is Senior Rabbi of Beit Knesset HaNassi in Jerusalem and Director of the Destiny Foundation.
“And afterwards Avraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah facing Mamre, which is Hebron” (Bereishit 23:19)
that Yitzchak’s future bride must agree to leave her home to come to the Land of Cana’an (later Israel), rather than Yitzchak going to live in Charan.
his mother ask for Rivkah to stay with them longer before leaving. Eliezer is insistent and Rivkah agrees to go immediately. Rivkah meets Yitzchak in the Negev, where he brings her into his mother Sarah’s tent.
3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 24:10-26
1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEREISHIT 23:1-16
Sarah dies aged 127, in Kiryat Arba, also known as Hebron. After eulogising Sarah, Avraham negotiates with the head of the local Hittites, Efron, in order to purchase a burial plot for Sarah, Me’arat (Cave of ) Hamachpela. They agree a price of 400 silver shekels. Point to Consider: In what way does the spelling of Efron’s name hint at his greed? (see Rashi to 23:15)
2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 23:17-24:9
Avraham buries Sarah. Avraham asks his servant (understood to be) Eliezer to seek a wife for his son Yitzchak, making him take an oath only to select a girl from Avraham’s birth town, Charan, rather than from Cana’an. Avraham also insists
Eliezer sets out on his journey, with ten camels and presents from Avraham. Towards the evening, Eliezer arrives at a well, close to his destination, where he rests the camels. He prays to G-d to show him a clear sign of the identity of Yitzchak’s future bride: the young lady who would offer water to Eliezer and his camels. As he finishes his prayer, Rivkah appears, with a jug on her shoulder, from which, after drawing water from the well, she gives Eliezer to drink. She then draws water for all of his camels to drink. Eliezer gives her jewellery and asks her who she is. Rivkah relates that she is the daughter of Betuel, Avraham’s nephew. She grants Eliezer his request for a place to sleep.
4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 24:27-52
Eliezer is amazed that his prayers were answered so quickly and exclaims thanks to G-d. Rivkah runs home to tell her
6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 25:1-11
Avraham marries Ketura, whom the Midrash identifies as Hagar. Their descendants are listed. Avraham dies, aged 175. He is buried by Yitzchak and Yishmael, also in Me’arat Hamachpela, next to Sarah. family what has happened. On seeing Eliezer’s gifts to Rivkah, her brother Lavan runs out to greet him and welcomes him in. Eliezer introduces himself and recounts the story of his journey. He asks permission to take Rivkah as a wife for Yitzchak. Lavan and Betuel agree.
5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 24:53-67
Eliezer gives more jewellery, as well as gold and silver vessels, to Rivkah. He gives her family delicious fruit (Rashi). They eat and drink together, and Eliezer stays overnight. The next morning, Lavan and
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7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 25:12-18
Yishmael’s descendants are listed. He dies, aged 137.
HAFTARAH
This section of the Book of Melachim (Kings) relates the attempt by Adoniyah, the older son of King David, to establish himself as David’s successor. Queen Batsheva and Natan the Prophet manage to foil this plot, by warning King David, who reasserts his younger son Shlomo’s (Solomon) right to succeed him.
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Chayei Sarah: Seventy Verses Over A Shidduch?! BY GAVRIEL COHN
In this week’s Torah portion we find Avraham “well on in years.” He sends his servant, Eliezer, “the elder of his household, who controls all that is his,” on a match-making mission back to his home region of Ur Kasdim, to find a wife for his son Yitzchak from his extended family. The bulk of our sedra is dedicated to Eliezer’s wife-finding mission. The Torah tells of how Eliezer left Canaan with a huge entourage, ten camels laden with gold, silver, garments, and fruits to give to the chosen family. It details Eliezer’s many prayers to G-d and the discerning test he laid for any potential candidates as he stopped by an oasis just outside the city of Aram Naaraim. Only the woman that would pour water for both him and his camels, he proclaimed, would be a fitting wife for Yitzchak. Just as Eliezer had devised his test, the verses relate, Rivka, a pleasant young woman, approached the well. She hurriedly and kindly offered both Eliezer and his camel’s water, strenuously refilling her jug until all his camels had quenched their thirst. Eliezer then requested to meet Rivka’s family (her father being a nephew
of Avraham’s). This girl had proven to be kind, independent, intelligent, and of good stock – the perfect match for Yitzchak (see Bechor Shor)! Eliezer then “entered the house and muzzled his camels.” After a long, exhausting trip, Eliezer, Avraham’s servant, had finally accomplished his goal. “Food was placed before him, but he said ‘I will not eat until I have spoken my piece.’” The verses then record Eliezer’s lengthy discourse to Rivka’s household, word-for-word: Eliezer describes his entire trip, from when he had sworn to his master, Avraham, to find a wife for Yitzchak back in Canaan until he came to find Rivka at the well hundreds of miles away. The Torah’s verses thus repeat Eliezer’s entire journey twice. The first, in real-time; and the second, in recording Eliezer’s speech of the events. Perhaps the Torah quotes Eliezer’s entire monologue for us to palpably appreciate that he refused to eat even a morsel until he had completed his mission for Avraham; with each verse, we, as readers, can feel him speaking, relating to his
We are all in Eliezer’s position, servants to a tradition that demands both dedication and loyalty…
Chayei Sarah RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE
DEAD OR ALIVE
Chayyei Sarah has a name (“The Life of Sarah”) that focusses on life – but its real theme is death. What this phenomenon teaches us is that life and death are intertwined. There are times when we are alive but dead, times that we are dead but alive. You can be dead but still alive if, despite the ending of your earthly career, you are still thought of, loved and quoted by those who survive you. When Joseph was faced with an ethical dilemma, he wondered what his father Jacob would have done in similar circumstances. When he saw “d’mut d’yukno shel aviv” – “the appearance of his father” – in front of him, he knew the answer to his quandary. Result: Jacob was still alive! In contrast, someone can be alive, but dead. If they have found no taste of heaven on earth, their life lacks quality.
WHAT IS THE ANSWER?
The Torah narrative says in this week’s sidra, “And Abraham arose… and he spoke to the Hittites… and the Hittites answered” (Gen. 23:3-5). If the Hittites answered Abraham, he
hosts why was there and asking them for Rivka to marry Yitzchak. Yet, a far more puzzling question hovers over our sedra. Why is Eliezer’s journey told in such minute detail; almost seventy verses are taken up in an extensive account of Eliezer’s travels to find Yitzchak a match? The Sages of the Midrash and the traditional commentators all ask a similar question. Perhaps Eliezer’s journey and how he undertook it teaches us some profound lessons, three at least, and underpin our observance of the Torah: Throughout, Eliezer’s saw himself as “a servant of Avraham” (in fact, for this reason, he is never referred to by name). He took the promise he had made with Avraham seriously. He tirelessly and single-mindedly devoted himself to the task of finding a wife for his aging master’s son (which would not even directly benefit him). Eliezer never misused the vast amount of wealth that Avraham had dispatched him with nor exploited his voyage to veer off course for himself. He even refused to eat at Rivka’s
must have asked them something. On the surface, the request Abraham made was for a burial place for Sarah, but that is not the only possible explanation. In one of his Divrei Torah on Biblical Hebrew grammar, Rabbi Dr Meshullam Klarberg explains that the Tanach does not always take “answer” (“ayin-nunhey”) as the response to a question or request. Instead, it may bear the meaning of raising the voice. It has this meaning in D’varim 27, where a series of verses (e.g. verse 15) says, “The people shall respond with a loud voice”. This is the approach that Rashi takes, understanding the verb as meaning to utter something aloud.
house until his mission was completed. Such was his loyalty, the value of his word, and his commitment. Eliezer was not Avraham; he had not discovered G-d himself. Yet, being a member of Avraham’s household, he nevertheless grew to absorb, respect, and continue in his great master’s ways, constantly recognising and thanking G-d throughout his travels. Eliezer thus loyally adopted his master’s values, seeing their truth and beauty. However, crucially, Eliezer did not set about his task as an unthinking automaton. Instead he applied shrewdness and his own thinking, devising a brilliant test to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak (see Beit HaLevi). We are all in Eliezer’s position, servants to a tradition that demands both dedication and loyalty (see Pirkei Avot) but also independence of mind and our own creative input (“everyone has their own unique portion in Torah”). Perhaps that is why the Torah describes his travels in such detail, to teach us how to make a success of our life journeys too. Gavriel Cohn is an informal educator at Immanuel College, Bushey. He has written a number of articles for various publications. If you have any questions or comments or would like the Torah sources for this piece, please get in touch! gavcohn@ gmail.com.
A LAND OF HOLINESS
The Torah portion informs us that G-d chose Eretz Yisra’el as His people’s dwelling place. Even separated from the land for lengthy periods, Israel the people and Israel the land remained bound together in spite of countless historical challenges and changes. These days people often say that the other nations, especially the Arabs, do not understand. Amos Oz said in an article written for the 25th anniversary of the State of Israel that the problem is not that other peoples do not understand but that they understand all too well. I once had a Talmud teacher who used to say to one of my fellow students, “Mr. C…., I think you
You can be dead but still alive if, despite the ending of your earthly career, you are still thought of, loved and quoted by those who survive you. THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
deliberately misunderstand the Gemara”. I cannot judge whether my teacher was right about Mr. C., but it sounds as though Amos Oz borrowed the teacher’s terminology when he said that the rival claims to the Holy Land are not based on accidental misunderstanding.. Rabbi Apple served for 32 years as the chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, Australia’s oldest congregation. He is now retired and lives in Jerusalem. Rabbi Apple blogs at http://www.oztorah.com
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Fear of Falling, Fear of Flying: Why Don’t We Become Great?
BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN In our previous article, we lay down the groundwork for our underlying question of “why don’t people become great?”. We discussed the importance of developing an empowering identity that clarifies the path towards achieving our unique greatness and inspires us to begin the journey. However, even among those of us who have a clear path and genuinely want to achieve our greatness, many never begin the journey because of three common reasons:
A. LACK OF SELF-WORTH
The first step on the journey towards greatness is developing and choosing a strong sense of identity. However, even those of us who have chosen an identity may realize that the identity we have chosen is limited, unempowering, and not a true reflection of who we really are. Just think about it for a moment: have you ever been inspired by someone extraordinary? Maybe they were brilliant, had an amazing marriage, were healthy and full of energy, or were simply achieving their unique greatness in life. For an instant, you’re inspired and you think to yourself, “what if I achieved that…?”. Your mind goes racing as you imagine what your life could be like. But then another voice speaks up in the back of your head: “what makes you think you can accomplish that? Have you ever achieved anything like that in your past? You’re just ‘normal.’ You’re not destined for greatness. You’re destined to watch from the sidelines as others strive after their dreams and achieve the spectacular.” Often times, this negative voice is a reflection of someone else’s limited belief in you, perhaps an echo of your friend, parent, or teacher’s negative comments. Their negativity, which often stems from a limited belief in themselves and their own value, becomes our inner voice. We adopt their negative perception as our own; they convince us that we’re not capable of achieving anything, and we ultimately come to believe them. Once we believe that we are incapable, we are free to live mediocre lives. Even
though, deep down, we know we’re capable of more, we convince ourselves that we’re comfortable with being ok, with being “normal”. When we look in the mirror, we say: “This is just who I am.… There are great people, and there are people like me. And you know what, I don’t even want to be great. I’m okay with being okay. As long as people think of me as a ‘pretty good person,’ that’s enough for me.” We try to convince ourselves that we are happy living this way, that we are content with being mediocre, that we are happy to just be “okay”. But deep down, we know this is a lie; we know that we really want more from life, that we are capable and destined for more. But thinking about this makes us uncomfortable, so in order to sleep better at night and deal with our inadequacies, we convince ourselves otherwise. However, life does not have to be this way. What could we accomplish if instead of listening to the voice that tells us we can’t, we listened to the voice us that tells us we can? Whether that negative voice comes from inside our head or from someone outside, we need to learn how to stand up and say, “NO. I will not let you crush me and my dreams. I can and will go after my greatness.” It’s time to say, “Yes, I can”. We need to stop holding ourselves back from our own greatness. We have greatness within us, and it’s our responsibility to bring that greatness to the world. (In future articles, we will develop some of the best strategies for accomplishing this.)
B. FEAR
Even for those of us who have worked on developing an empowering identity, there is often still a powerful force that holds us back from beginning the journey towards our greatness: fear. In some way or another, we have all let fear hold us back. Fear blinds us, it paralyzes us, it stops us from chasing after our dreams. While fear is universal, there are various forms of fear, and each is responsible for killing dreams. The most common is fear of failure. Any genuine journey towards greatness risks the possibility of failure, and we so scared of failing, that we become scared of striving for greatness itself. We can’t convince ourselves to step into the unknown, to try, because we are afraid of being vulnerable, of putting ourselves out on display; we are paralyzed by the possibility of failure. We’re afraid of what other people will think if they see us fail; perhaps more importantly, we’re afraid of what we’ll think of ourselves if we fail. We’re afraid that if we fail, we’ll become a failure. So we never push past our comfort zone, we never bet on ourself, we never take a leap of faith, trusting that Hashem has something great designed for us. Others fear the pain and struggle that comes with striving for greatness.
Learning is difficult; exercising and giving up junk food can be painful; getting out of a bad relationship can be heart-wrenching. We fear the pain that comes with the journey, the discomfort of progress, the instability of growth. We convince ourselves that the complacency of okay is “okay,” the stagnancy of average is “just fine,” and that being good enough is “good enough.” But if we can be better, than good enough is not good enough, and if we can be great, then being okay is not okay! The ultimate pain of staying where we are will always outweigh the pain of growth, the struggle of progress. Because the pain of growth is meaningful pain, and meaningful pain is the most enjoyable pain imaginable. The pain of staying where we are is existential pain – the pain of wasted potential. Suffering is meaningless pain, and therefore unbearable. But when we give meaning to our pain, it becomes bearable. When someone at the gym lifts weights, they are ripping their muscles, a painful and strenuous experience. But they know that this pain is the source of their growth, the source of their progress. Growth only occurs only in the face of resistance and pressure. There is no growth in the comfort zone. You can only grow muscle when you rip your muscle fibers; you can only grow existentially when you rip yourself out of your comfort zone. Growth in our life, learning, middos (character traits), career, and relationships only happens when we push ourselves to the limit. The last form of fear is perhaps the most surprising. Deep down, we’re afraid that if we strive for greatness, we might just succeed; we might just become extraordinary; and what if we’re unable to handle it? What if it’s too much for us? What if we fall apart? So we take the easy road; we don’t push, we don’t strive, we simply pretend that we aren’t capable of that incredible dream that we’ve tucked down somewhere deep inside of ourselves. But this is the greatest tragedy of all. As the quote goes, “we can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” The greatest shame is not aiming too big in life and missing, it’s aiming too low and hitting. So many of us are pretending like we’ve succeeded when we know deep down that there’s so much more that we’re capable of, so much more that we can contribute to the world.
C. DESIRE TO BE ORDINARY AND FIT IN
There is another reason that holds us back from our greatness, an obstacle that touches the very root of our identity and how we see ourselves in the world. We want to fit in; we want to be “normal”; we want to have friends; we want everyone to like us. This is because, at root, we all part of something bigger than ourselves. Hashem created all of us as a single interconnected self, and single soul; we
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JUDAISM 35
are each individual selves that are part of this bigger self. Because of this common root, we all yearn to feel connected to, and accepted by, those around us. And what will happen if you start striving for greatness? What will happen if you start valuing your time, the words that come out of your mouth, the thoughts you think about, the impact and importance of every single decision you make? You will start to become different. You’ll start to stand out. Why? Because most people are not doing that. By default, the people in your life will start to see you differently, treat you differently, act differently around you; mostly because you will start to become… you. And while many will be happy for you, support you, even encourage you, others will judge you, discourage you, or even hate you for it. They will assume that you assume that you’re better than them; they will think that you think that they are a failure. By becoming you, by not blending into the crowd and being a nobody, you will, by nature, stand out. But we don’t necessary want all this. We don’t want to lose any of our friends or relationships. We don’t want to be judged or singled out. And while the ideal is to strive for our greatness while balancing these potential struggles, such a path is difficult and requires tremendous balance and nuance. So we hide our dreams, we cripple our ambitions, we stifle our drive for greatness, we crush our hopes and aspirations… and we pretend like we don’t want what we want. We live as a shadow, a skeleton of our true selves, and pretend like we’re happy with who we are. We know we’re destined for something more, but we prefer the companionship of people who we have just admitted to ourselves don’t want us to strive for greatness over the challenging but extraordinary path into the unknown, towards our true selves. In our next column, we will delve deeper into this topic and finish exploring the factors that hold people back from striving after their greatness. Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is an author, educator, speaker, and coach who has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. He is the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy, the transformative online self-development course based on the principles of high-performance psychology and Torah. After obtaining his Bachelors degree from Yeshiva University, he received Semikha from RIETS, a Masters degree in Jewish Education from Azrieli, and a Masters degree in Jewish Thought from Revel. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Exchange Scholar. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. To find more inspirational content from Rabbi Reichman, to contact him, or to learn more about Self-Mastery Academy, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com
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Chayei Sarah
Chayei Sarah Search
Our great-great (etc…) grandmother Sarah, passes away after living a full life, at the ripe old age of 127! Years later, Queen Esther was to rule over 127 states in Sarah’s merit. Avraham then has to deal with a man who is a bit of a swindler, who begins by offering him a place to bury his wife free of charge, then “graciously” accepts 400 silver coins, a princely sum. Its now time for Yitzchok to look for a wife. Not just any woman from Canaan, and also not from Eliezer’s family. It must come from Avraham’s family. So off goes trusted Eliezer to the home of Uncle Besuel. Having prayed to be sent the right person he meets Besuel’s daughter Rivka, who offers to draw water from the well. Well, not only for Eliezer, but also for his ten thirsty
camels. Wow! This girl must be some relation of Avraham and is truly worthy of being a princess! Eliezer then gives Rivka a gold nose ring and two gold bracelets. When her brother Lavan, sees what she’s adorned in, he excitedly runs towards the guest and welcomes him into the house. Eliezer tells the whole story of his master’s blessings and how he would like to take Rivka as a wife for his heir, Yitzchak. Eliezer and Rivka travel back and land in the field where Yitzchak is praying Mincha. To this day, we daven Mincha each day thanks to Yitzchak. Shacharis was started by Avraham. Guess who started Maariv? Avraham dies at 175 and is buried next to his wife in Me’arat Hamachpeila.
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CHARAN • ELIEZER • HEBRON • LAVAN • MACHPELAH • RIVKAH • SARAH • WELL
Tangram Challenge! Using all the shapes on the left can you make the plane shape on the right?
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“W
hat does it mean, ‘to go the extra mile’?” Rivki asked Hadassa as they sat eating breakfast one Wednesday morning. “It means to do something a bit extra, more than what was expected of you” replied Hadassa. “Why do you ask?” “Well in school we were learning about Rivka Imeinu” answered Rivki. “Not only did she give Eliezer a drink when he asked, but she also gave all his camels to drink without being asked. My teacher said Eliezer knew she was the right girl for Yitzchak because she did such a great chessed by going the extra mile.” “That’s a great example!” exclaimed Hadassa. “Thank you for explaining it to me,” said Rivki thoughtfully as she put her bowl on the side. She headed to the hall to get her coat on, ready to go to school still thinking about what Hadassa had said. Rivki wondered if she could also go the extra mile in doing chessed. My name is also Rivka, she thought. She decided that she was going to try and be like Rivka Imeinu for the day and go the extra mile. The first opportunity came when she was going into school. Mrs Kaye, who was carrying lots of books, arrived at the front door at the same time as Rivki. She asked Jewish Weekly 265x158 0121.pdf
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1
Going the Extra Mile
Rivki to open the door for her and Rivki did as she was asked. Then suddenly she remembered about her decision to go the extra mile today. Rivki asked Mrs Kaye if she wanted any help carrying her books. Mrs Kaye was surprised at the offer and smiled at Rivki. “Thank you” Mrs Kaye said to Rivki. “I’m ok for now but I really appreciate the offer.” Rivki smiled to herself as she skipped
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off to class, maybe this going the extra mile wasn’t so hard. The next chance came when Tova wasn’t feeling well in Rivki’s morning kodesh class. “Rivki, please take Tova to the office,” asked Miss Landau. Rivki took Tova to the office and was about to leave her there when she thought about going the extra mile.
“Can I get you a cup of water?” Rivki asked Tova. “That’s very kind of you” said Miss Taylor, the Receptionist, to Rivki. “Please don’t worry, I’ll look after Tova now.” Rivki had a great day, she didn’t realise how nice it was to make people happy by doing a little bit extra for them. At supper time, when Ima asked her to put the cutlery on the table, she didn’t just put them in a large pile in the middle like she usually did. Rivki carefully went round the table laying out the knives and forks at each place. “Wow,” said Ima when she saw what Rivki had done. “Thank you, that looks so nice, especially as grandma is coming for supper.” After supper, grandma went to sit on the sofa to read Rivki and Yehudis a story. Rivki went to get the book as grandma had asked, but she noticed grandma looked a bit cold. Without even asking, she went upstairs and got her grandma a nice, warm blanket to use. “Rivki, that is so kind of you, thank you” said grandma in a very surprised voice. Grandma, Rivki and Yehudis all snuggled up together under the blanket as Grandma began to read the story. Rivki smiled to herself. She had gone the extra mile today and that had made the day extra special.
17:03
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28 OCTOBER 2021
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Chayei Sarah
In a nutshell Avrohom has just returned home to the news that Sarah has died. When she found out that Hashem stopped the sacrifice, she was so happy that she died! Sarah died at the age of 127. She has been a righteous woman all her life and changed the lives of thousands of people who passed through the four entrances of the tent. During her lifetime the cloud of glory rested over her tent. Her Shabbos candles would burn through the entire week until the next Erev Shabbat. In her merit the bread lasted all week. The Machpelah cave is where Adam and Chava are buried, and Avrohom knows that all three Avot (forefathers) and three Imahot are destined to be buried there. Avrohom realizes that he has to buy the cave and the field from its present owner. Efron, the owner of the cave offers to give Avrohom the property free but Avrohom insists upon paying for the property. “Name your price,” Avrohom says. Efron responds “Four hundred shekels” Now that there is no question as to who owns the cave, Avrohom turns to the proper burial of his beloved wife, Sarah. All of the nobles and important people of the day come to pay their respects to Sarah. Avrohom now gets back to his son Yitzchak, he realises
that had he acatually been sacrificed he would have died childless and he is 40. So Avrohom calls his servant Eliezer to find Yitzchok a wife. Avrohom sends Eliezer to Charan, Avrohom’s home country, where he might find a girl with a better upbringing. Eliezer heads out for Charan with a caravan of ten camels bearing gifts for the lady of choice. He also has a letter from Avrohom guaranteeing him that Yitzchok will inherit all of his father’s possessions. The trip to Charan usually takes 17 days. But Hashem gets him there in only three hours!! But how will Eliezer know which girl is the one? He prays to Hashem and asks for a sign, a test of sorts. Eliezer decides that since Yitzchok needs a generous girl whichever girl offers him and his camels a drink will be the one. Remember ten camels will drink approximately 2,000 litres!! Along comes Rivka. She doesn’t usually come but Hashem brought her today. Rivka offers to water the camels when Eliezer only asks for a sip for himself!! Eliezer whips out a gold nose ring and two gold bracelets, each weighing ten gold shekel. He gives these expensive gifts to Rivka who reveals that she is the daughter of Besuel who is Avrohom’s nephew, his brother Nachor’s son.
Word Wheel
Use this area to write the words you have found.
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The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.
Rivka runs ahead to tell her mother about Eliezer. Rivka is a self made girl, she comes from a family of idol worshippers. Lavan, her brother eagerly eyes the golden gifts and runs out to greet Eliezer. Lavan figures that if this is what Eliezer pays for water, imagine what he’ll pay for bed and breakfast! Eliezer sits down at the table with the family. Rivka’s father, Besuel, serves Eliezer a plate of food. But before Eliezer will eat, he must feed the camels and complete his mission. Besuel is quite an evil man, he gave Eliezer poisoned food in order to steal all his money. However while Eliezer finishes business, a Malach switches Eliezer’s plate with Besuel’s plate. That night Besuel dies from his own poison plot and Lavan is left to finish off the wedding plans. The next morning Eliezer sets off with Rivka for Canaan, and a few hours later, they see Yitzchok saying his afternoon (Mincha) prayers out in his field. Rivka is so overcome that she slides off her camel and covers her face. She is very pleased to learn that this is her fiancé. Yitzchok brings her to Sarah’s tent and the three blessings return! When Avrohom dies at the age of 175, Yitzchok and Yishmael, who has done teshuvah team up to bury him in Meorat Hamachpelah, by Sarah’s side.
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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! ale eel lad lea led lee
dale deal dual duel earl lade
land lane lard laud lead lean
leer lend lune lure real reel
rule addle alder eland elder elude
learn lunar lured renal ruled ulnae
ulnar dandle dealer delude dueled dueler
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eluded ladder landed lander larded lauded
lauder leaded leaden leader leaned leaner
lender neural unreal deluder launder learned
unleaded laundered
28 OCTOBER 2021
YOUTH 39
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Q: Where do baby cows eat? A: In the calf-ateria!
Q: What do you call a sheep that knows karate? A: A lamb chop! Q: Why did the elephant paint his toenails red? A: So he could hide in a cherry tree!
(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)
1. I have lakes but no water, mountains but no stone and cities but no buildings. What am I?
3. I am easy to lift but hard to throw. What am I?
Q: Have you ever seen an elephant in a cherry tree? A: No! See it works
2. I am always about to arrive but never today. What am I?
3) A feather!
1. A map! 2) Tomorrow!
1. Backwards glance 2. From top to bottom 3. Too good by half
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4. Dig in the ribs 5. Something big 6. A score to settle
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