The Jewish Weekly Issue 253 - October 20th

BY DAVID SAFFER

Liz Truss has ended days of in tense speculation by resigning as Prime Minister outside Downing Street today.

Truss held the post for 44 days; she is the shortest serving prime minister in UK history.

Truss will remain as Prime Min ister until a successor is chosen. In a brief statement outside Num ber 10, Truss stated she could not “deliver the mandate” elected on by the Conservative Party.

She had informed King Charles of her intention to resign as Tory leader and had also met with Chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady.

“This will ensure that we remain

Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt are early favourites to succeed Truss. For mer PM Boris John son is also listed as a possibility of a sensa tional return.

Truss’ downfall followed former chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, deliver ing an ill-fated mini budget resulting in the dollar and finan cial markets crash

Your last chance to book for Eitan Freilich’s concert in Manchester.

of Tory failure, the British people deserve so much better than this revolving door of chaos.”

He added: “The Tories cannot respond to their latest shambles by yet again simply clicking their fingers and shuf fling the people at the top without the consent of the British people. They do not have a mandate to put the country through yet another experiment. We must have a chance

Liz Truss resigns as Prime Minister

PHOTO:

Gantz

that Israel stands with Ukraine

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel is sending Ukraine fresh humanitar ian aid but will not supply arms to Kyiv as the war intensifies with Russia.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz con firmed Israel’s stance yesterday as Presi dent Vladimir Putin declared martial law in four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.

Russian attacks include ‘kamikaze’ drones striking Ukrainian infrastructure. Officials have called on Israel for missile defence systems. An aid package includes air defence alerts.

Gantz addressed EU member-state Am bassadors in Israel yesterday.

He told emissaries: “Israel supports and stands with Ukraine, NATO and the West. Israel has a policy of supporting Ukraine via humanitarian aid and the delivery of life-saving defensive equipment. I plan to review and approve an additional package, as we have delivered in the past.”

Gantz explained that Israel would not deliver weapon systems to Ukraine due to “operational considerations” but offered ongoing support to Ukraine. He noted: “We have sent a request to the Ukrainians to share information about their needs for air defence alerts. Once we gain this

information, we will be able to assist in the development of a life-saving civilian early-warning system.”

Gantz’s clarification followed a tweet by Minister for Diaspora Affairs Nachman Shai noting that the time had come for Ukraine to receive military aid from Israel, the US and NATO.

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, in a rare solidarity move, backed Gantz’s “prudent policy”.

But he warned on MSNBC: “There’s al ways a possibility, and this happened time and again, that weapons that we supplied in one battlefield, end up in Iranian hands used against us.”

Israel is under pressure to change its arms position but Prime Minister Yair Lap id’s government is not expected to shift on the policy. However, this position may change depending on forthcoming elec tions. Israelis go to the polls on November 1st. Netanyahu is determined to return to power and oust Lapid. Should Likud’s lead er prevail he will extend his record run as Israel’s prime minister.

Regarding Iran, Gantz told ambassadors: “We are following Iran's involvement in the war in Ukraine.

“We see that Iran provides UAVs and in

From the Editor’s Desk

BY YOSSI SAUNDERS

WESTMINSTER CHAOS

So another Prime Minister bites the dust, the shortest ever premiership in UK history coming to a close after a mere 44 days. Five PMs in six years. The UK seems keen to give the Israeli government a run for their money when it comes to political chaos! The BBC described this as ‘an unprece dented crisis in British Politics.’

Boris might even come back. That would give us headlines for many weeks, but at least he has a mandate for power. Whoever takes the hot seat, or poisoned chalice as it’s now become, for sure will have a tough old job on their hands. First task, restore some much needed confidence.

With bills skyrocketing and no end seemingly in sight any time soon, the British people are crying out for a prime minister with strong leadership to bring back the much needed stability and trust (not Truss) to the nation that we have sorely lacked recently.

We all want more money in our pockets as the cost of living crises deepens alarm ingly. All the talk about how installing green energy will make things more effi cient and cheaper has been badly exposed as a ruthless tax, dressed up as ‘saving the planet.’

All involved should hang their heads in shame that we have allowed the situation to get so bad that little old ladies in front

of me in shops are debating if they should buy another pint of milk or put the heating on.

the near future may also provide additional advanced systems. The Iranians lie me thodically about selling this equipment. This kind of (Iranian) involvement also takes place in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and additional places and this continues.

“Of course, Iran also lies about the nucle ar program. They continue their activities in terms of enrichment, development, and building protected areas for their nuclear capacities. We must increase international cooperation, build an intelligence coalition and create a credible military threat.

“At the same time, Israel will continue de veloping and maintaining its capabilities.”

As for terror issues in Judea and Sama ria, particularly Nablus, Gantz noted: “We cannot allow this to continue. If it will not stop, I will increase our offensive activities in the area, as needed.”

Lapid has condemned Russian attacks in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine.

It is believed Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will issue another request to Israel for air defence systems in the com ing days and a proposal to formally cut diplomatic ties with Iran.

Earlier this week Iran deployed Irani an-built drones to occupied Crimea.

Putin yesterday announced Prime

Minister Mikhail Mishustin will work with Russia's regions to boost Moscow's war ef fort in a televised statement to his Security Council.

The Council’s deputy chairman and former President Dmitry Medvedev said that Israel supplying weapons would be a “reckless move” destroying relations.

On the global stage, Putin’s nukes continue to line up around Russian borders. Many analysts have said that the mess around Boris and Partygate allowed Putin to invade Ukraine in the first place, and recent political events wouldn’t have scared him into thinking that the UK are a serious threat to be worried about.

Who would have thought a few years ago when Corbyn was wiped out that Labour could be so close to power once more?

Keir Starmer today demanded an election, saying that the ‘soap opera at the top of the Tory party was doing huge damage to the UK.’

Who would have thought a few years ago when Corbyn was wiped out that Labour could be so close to power once more?

CORONATION

The Coronation of King Charles III has been announced for a Shabbat. What a shame that British Jewry are being exclud ed from watching it live, or lining up on the streets for this momentous occasion. Charles has usually been very accom modating to Jews, so it’s a shame on this occasion that the Palace have scored an own goal.

0161

Defence

Celebrating the

of Jewish Music

IDF track down Lazar murderer

Palmach memorial destroyed

BY LILLY JOSEPH

A memorial dedicated to Palmach soldiers who died in Israel’s War of Independence was vandalised on Monday. Police have begun an investigation.

The Battle of Beit Keshet memorial re members seven Jewish fighters killed on March 16, 1948.

The memorial site is in the Nahal Ha Sheva Park in the Lower Galilee. Regional Council Mayor Nitzan Peleg believes the riverside seating area was destroyed by heavy equipment.

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israeli security forces have killed the terrorist behind the murder of Border Police sergeant Noa Lazar.

Udai Tamimi was shot by a security guard after he opened fire at an IDF guard in the West Bank settlement of Ma’ale Adumim on Wednesday night.

The wounded officer has been treated at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem.

Lazar, 18, died of her injuries sustained in a shooting at Shuafat checkpoint in East Jerusalem last week. The IDF launched a manhunt for Tamimi following the attack.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid praised the

determination of officers.

“I commend the security forces, the IDF, the ISA, the Israel Police and the Border Police, for neutralising the terrorist as he attempted to carry out another attack,” he said. “We will not rest until we apprehend every terrorist who attacks Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers.”

Security forces are on high alert after La zar and Staff Sergeant Ido Baruch, 21, from Gedera, were murdered in terror attacks.

A manhunt continues for the muderer of Baruch on October 10 near Shavei Shomron.

The IDF is continuing a lockdown in the Nablus area following recent terrorist attacks.

He said: “This place was well kept by all local communities, it is a lovely corner that commemorates the seven heroes from Kib butz Beit Keshet who paid with their lives in the battle for the kibbutz. We expect law enforcement to handle the complaint reso lutely and arrest those who did it.”

Peleg added: “This is an action that was done using heavy equipment. This means that someone deliberately brought some thing heavy, this is not just another act of vandalism that we regularly encounter, unfortunately. This is not teen tomfoolery, but rather someone who was intentionally trying to harm something important.”

The Beit Keshet Kibbutz in northern Is rael was established in 1944 by HaNoar

HaOved youth. A Palmach museum is based at the kibbutz.

The second president of Israel, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, was one of the founding members of the kibbutz. His son was one of the Pal mach members killed.

BACK IN-PERSON!

Tax issues & solutions for Olim

Navigating the Israeli tax system and benefits for Olim

Binyamin Radomsky

Chartered Accountant (UK & Israel)

Aboulafia, Avital, Shrensky & Co.

Smart investing for Aliyah

Optimising your property, savings and pensions ahead of your move

Simon Benarroch

Chartered Wealth Manager

Raymond James | Golders Green

Raymond

capital is

Investment Services

Noa Lazar a”h

Israel’s second president, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi

when wayne needed norwood

Resource responds to unemployment reduction

Resource chief executive Victoria Sterman has responded to the announcement of a reduction in unemployment in the UK.

According to the Office of National Sta tistics, the unemployment rate in the UK has reduced to 3.5%, the lowest it has been since 1973.

The Jewish charity supports 1,000 people a year from all backgrounds.

Sterman said: “Whilst unemployment rates this low are usually boasted about as a positive, it is worrying that this rate masks the 8.9 million people who are cur rently economically inactive, due to longterm sickness or disability, and this has increased 9.3% in the last year.

“Resource believes the Government must provide more support for people in this category who want to work, and em ployers should be encouraged to consider how to recruit and support those who are currently economically inactive,” she said.

Resource provides people seeking em ployment with tailored advice, mentoring, networking and training to help them get the right job for them. Sessions take place face-to-face, or remotely.

Over 70% of Resource service users com plete the six-month programme with a job with 95% saying they leave with more con fidence and self-belief.

Resource also runs seminars, IT training programmes, mock interviews and net working opportunities for its service users.

The charity is supported by 50 skilled vol unteers, with an annual budget of £330,000. For an interview contact jennifer.hoff man@resource-centre.org or 07790 845019 or victoria@resource-centre.org or call 07889 352970

Carr may shred Hitler painting

A new Channel 4 pro gramme where come dian Jimmy Carr could shred a painting by Adolf Hitler has been criticised by Jewish organisations and historians.

An audience will de cide whether artwork from “problematic” artists should be destroyed following a de bate on ‘Jimmy Carr Destroys Art’.

If the Hitler painting is not destroyed it will “appropriately” disposed of.

The TV show surrounds the ethics of separating the art from the artist. Other artists include Pablo Picasso, Rolf Harris and Eric Gill.

Ian Katz, Channel 4’s Director of Pro gramming, said: “There’ll be someone ar guing not for Hitler, but for the fact that his moral character should not decide whether or not a piece of art exists or not.”

In a statement, Channel 4 said the show was a “thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the limits of free expression in art.” They added: “It speaks directly to the current debate around cancel culture.”

Trump criticises American Jews

“There is a lot of truth in this assertion among secular US Jews. What bodes espe cially badly for the future is that attitudes to Israel among US Jews have become more and more partisan, with Jewish Republican voters tending to be very pro-Israel and Jewish Democrat voters being far more agnostic about the Jewish state, or even critical.”

Mond viewed Greenblatt's comments about Trump engaging in ‘Disgusting Jew splaining’ an “utter disgrace to his office”.

He explained: “This is not because Trump might be right, but because either way this is a very serious issue and requires thought, debate and potential action, not insulting soundbites. Most worrying of all, the White House's statement that Trump's comments are antisemitic demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding in that most powerful of institutions as to what antisemitism really is.”

Trump has previously slated American Jews over their loyalty to him.

BY ADAM MOSES

Former US President Donald Trump is at the centre of a media storm for criticising the support he receives from American Jews regarding Israel.

The furore on the eve of Shemini Atzeret followed Trump calling on US Jews to “get their act together” in appreciation of Israel “before it’s too late”.

The White House and Anti-Defama tion League labelled Trump’s comments ‘antisemitic’.

US President Biden told CNN last week he could beat Trump again if both ran for office in 2024.

Trump, who is building towards his presidential bid, cited his support in Israel compared to US Jews.

“No President has done more for Israel than I have,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “Somewhat surprisingly, however, our wonderful Evan gelicals are far more appreciative of this than the people of the Jewish faith, espe cially those living in the U.S.” He added: “Those living in Israel, though, are a differ ent story – Highest approval rating in the World, could easily be P.M.!” he continued. “U.S. Jews have to get their act together and appreciate what they have in Israel – Before it is too late!”

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that Trump's comments were “anti-Semitic” and “insulting” to Jews and our Israeli allies.

ADL CEO Jason Greenblatt told CNN: “In this moment, Jewish people are feeling besieged, and when the former president of the United States makes - if you will - an unveiled threat, don’t excuse that by hark ening back to policy things you may have done years ago.”

He added, “There is a larger pattern afoot. People are feeling attacked and hewed in from both sides. It’s incredibly concerning. So when the President says ‘before it’s too late,’ it sounds like a threat in an environ ment where Jews already feel threatened,”

Regarding Trump’s quote, Greenblatt fumed: “We don’t need the former presi dent, who curries favour with extremists and antisemites, to lecture us about the U.S.-Israel relationship. It is not about a quid pro quo; it rests on shared values and security interests. This “Jewsplaining” is insulting and disgusting.”

Rachel Rosen of Democratic Majority for Israel Communications noted: “Once again, the former president manages to be both insulting and ill-informed. Amer ican Jews support the US-Israel relation ship. What they don’t support is his big otry, cruelty and incitement of a deadly insurrection.”

Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips called the comments “repulsive, offensive and downright dangerous”.

Gary Mond, National Jewish Assembly chairman, joined the debate.

“What really matters is whether Trump's principal comment about American Jews not supporting Israel is true or not,” he said.

Last year, he said evangelical Christians “loved Israel” more than Jews in the US. And after 75% of American Jews backed Biden in the 2020 election, Trump noted they either “don’t like Israel or don’t care about Israel”.

The American Jewish Committee stated at the time: “Support for the Jewish state never gives one license to lecture American Jews, nor does it ever give the right to draw baseless judgments about the ties between U.S. Jews and Israel.”

Last month the Jewish Electorate Insti tute survey observed 70% of Jewish voters backed Biden compared to 19% for Trump.

Jewish Democratic Council of America CEO Halie Soifer said: “This won’t change because Jews view Trump and MAGA can didates as extremist-aligned threats to our security, democracy & values, as epito mised by this antisemitic screed. This has nothing to do with Israel.”

The Zionist Organisation of America have backed Trump and will award him its high est honour next month.

“I understand Trump’s pain that not one mainstream Jewish group, except for the ZOA, honoured Trump for being such an extraordinary friend to Israel and the Jewish people,” said ZOA President Mor ton Klein, who noted his “groundbreaking pro-Israel policies”.

Trump was a key player in the US embas sy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and in ensuring the Abraham Accords succeed ed during his term of office. He has noted that Israel had “absolute power” over US Congress in that period. It was the “exact opposite” under Obama and Biden.

Prime Minister Liz Truss at the CFI meeting

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Langdon Member Tova, with her mother, Rachelle, and Langdon Brady Volunteer, Joe

Lapid laments Aussie “rash” move

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Yair Lapid has voiced his disappointment at the Australian govern ment reversing its decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Lapid described the announcement by Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday as a ‘rash and wrong’ move.

Wong said Australia is a “steadfast friend” to Israel and is committed to a two-state solution.

The Australian embassy will remain in Tel Aviv.

Lapid responded to Australia’s an nouncement, “In light of the way in which this decision was made in Australia, as a hasty response to an incorrect report in the media, we can only hope that the Aus tralian government manages other matters more seriously and professionally. Jeru salem is the eternal and united capital of Israel and nothing will ever change that.”

Wong described the former govern ment's decision on Tuesday as a “cynical play” to win Jewish voters before elections.

"I regret that Mr Morrison's decision to play politics resulted in Australia's shifting position, and the distress these shifts have caused to many people in the Australian community who care deeply about this issue," she said.

The Foreign Ministry called Australian Ambassador to Israel Paul Griffiths to dis cuss the announcement.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry lamented the government’s deci sion, stating: “The timing of this morning’s cabinet decision was clearly media driven. The status of Jerusalem is an important foreign policy issue and it is demeaning for Australia to have its international po sition changed in such a shoddy manner. (It is) a gratuitous insult to a key economic and strategic ally, with no countervailing benefit for Australians. This is no way to treat an ally whose intelligence-sharing with Australia has prevented at least one terrorist attack against Australians that we know of.

“The decision panders to the most ex treme elements of the Labor Party and will

also serve as a disincentive for the Palestin ians to return to negotiations.”

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh welcomed the move.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2018 following former US Pres ident Donald Trump’s historic decision.

Honduras, Guatemala, Kosovo and US have embassies in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Liz Truss has pledged to review the location of the British Embas sy to ensure Britain is “operating on the strongest footing within Israel”.

Israel Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely thanked Truss for her “historic” review” regarding the embassy.

Outrage over ‘globalist coup’ about Shapps

Jewish organisations have condemned po litical commentators using the term ‘glo balist coup’ about new Home Secretary Grant Shapps.

Shapps is the first Jewish Home Sec retary in over two decades. His appointment came during a torrid time yesterday for Prime Minister Liz Truss who is clinging to power. Many MPs have called for her resignation, Labour leader Keir Starmer has called for a general election.

Grant Shapps MP

Shapps, sacked as Transport Secretary by Truss last month, replaced Suella Braver man after the former minister departed over data breaches.

GB News presenter Dan Wootton claimed Shapps appointment was part of a ‘globalist remoaner coup’. Former Brexit Party lead er Nigel Farage made the ‘globalist’ com ment about Shapps and ‘globalist coup’ comment after chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s appointment.

The terms ‘globalist’ is used in antisemit ic conspiracy theories.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Prime Minister Liz Truss

Youdon'tneedtoliveinthe lapofluxurytoleavealegacy

Herzog to meet Biden at White House

US ‘Iron Dome’ tests successful

US Marine Corps has complet ed air defence system tests incorporating the Iron Dome interceptor.

The Dome’s launch capability was tested using a mobile launcher.

Live-fire tests took place in the White Sands Mis sile Range, New Mexico and are part of the Corps’ development of its medium-range intercept capability prototype.

Moshe Patel, Ministry of Defence, said: “The Iron Dome Tamir Interceptor and associated ground components can be

integrated quick ly and efficiently.”

Brigadier Gen eral (Ret.) Pini Yungman, at RAFAEL added that the systems created synergy between systems and optimal performance. The Tamir In terceptor is a proven missile capable of intercepting cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, rockets, artillery and mortar threats.

Israel’s missile and air defence array are based on Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3.

BY DAVID SAFFER

President Isaac Herzog travels to Washing ton DC at the invitation of President Joe Biden next week.

This is Herzog’s first official visit to the US since taking office.

The visit was finalised following the mar itime border dispute between Israel and Lebanon.

Herzog will meet Biden at the White House on Wednesday for talks to develop ties. They will discuss strategic, security, economic issues and joint initiatives on the climate crisis.

Herzog will also hold meetings with White House officials, Senate and House politi cians and Jewish community leaders.

White House spokesperson Karine JeanPierre said the visit highlights the partner ship and friendship between the US and Israel.

Herzog will be accompanied by Israel’s

Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog and US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides.

In related news, Herzog participated in the traditional Hakhel re-enactment and Simchat Beit Hashoeivah ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Tens of thou sands attended the tradition of Hakhel re started by Herzog’s grandfather, Chief Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog.

Herzog told the packed crowd that all Chief Rabbis of Israel had observed the event.

“From here I pray that the spirit of this oc casion remain before our eyes at all times, as a nation and as a state,” he said. “May we and the whole House of Israel, together, merit a good and blessed year, and happy holidays.”

Chief Rabbi David Lau, Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu, Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Ambassador Nides attended.

Eilat hosts conference on production technology

the desert,” said Forer.

BY LEAH WAXLER

Rachel Pisam has been appointed head of human resources for Israel Fire and Rescue Services.

Pisam, 55, is from Bnai Brak and is the first woman in the post. She has 11 children and 18 grandchildren. The position is equivalent to a Major General in the IDF.

Pisam told reporters: “A woman in such a position, in an operational array, and in uni form breaks the glass ceiling for both women and the Charedi people from Bnei Brak."

Public Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev praised Pisam, stating, “There is no more worthy and important choice than this. Ra chel is a ground-breaking woman and she will be the first at that rank.” He added: She represents everything that is wonderful about Israel and how it integrates people from all sectors.”

Pisam said: “Before I ran for the position,

I was given a blessing by one of the greatest Rabbis of the ultra-Orthodox sector. I also consulted with my husband and family and they pushed me to fulfill my dream. My neighbours and friends said they'd be proud to see me coming in uniform with the new rank.”

Eyal Caspi, Israel Fire Commissioner rec ognised Pisam is making history.

“She will be required to befit the firefight ing array to the various threats and scenarios in an era of the global climate crisis, as well as modifying the fire and rescue services to be a leading emergency body and a central part of the national resilience in Israel,” he said.

Pisam was a Major in the Israeli Air Force. A graduate of the Hebrew University, she holds a bachelor's degree in social science and second degree in public policy. Among senior positions in public service, she was most recently senior vice president of the Public Security Ministry for human capital.

BY LILLY JOSEPH

Israel and Bahrain’s agriculture ministers Oded Forer and Wael Bin Nasser Al Mubar ak signed a historic cooperation agreement at the Food Technologies conference yes terday in Eilat.

The two ministers were among 70 del egates from around the world at the first international summit in response to the global climate crisis and food insecurity.

Aside from 10 ministries, researchers and industry innovators attended the three-day conference

Delegations included United States, Chile, Ghana, Singapore, Romania, Malta, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, the Netherlands, Australia and Iceland.

Forer and Al Mubarak agreed a joint dec laration on agriculture, livestock and food security. This follows knowledge sharing in technology and diverse products to im prove quality of production.

“Israel will become a center for research and development of food from the sea and

The conference followed a government decision to develop Eilat and Eilot region in food production at a cost of NIS 170 million.

Global food security includes population growth, global-warming, rising sea levels and decreasing fertile areas for agricultural crops.

A significant part of global food must orig inate from the sea and the desert.

Among panels was a discussion on the future of global food security in the climate crisis.

Speakers included Professor Yonatan Zo har from the University of Maryland, known for his research of land-based fish farming systems. Flavio Corsin of Aqua Spark, which promotes global investments in sustaina ble aquaculture, Dr. John Buchanan, of the Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Dr. Hanna Rosenfeld, of the National Center for Mariculture and Prof. Amir Sagi from Ben Gurion University.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Devel opment, Oded Forer hosted the conference.

President Isaac Herzog with president Joe Biden

Agriculture ministers Oded Forer and Wael Bin Nasser Al Mubarak

PHOTO: ROTEM LAHAV

US Marine Corps successfully completes series of air defence tests incorporating Iron Dome Interceptor

“Mental illness doesn’t just a ect the person but the whole family.”

Jami supports all carers, whatever you’re going through.

Laurie’s making his mark on mental health

For Laurie, running the mental health ser vice for the Jewish community is all about the people, whether that’s providing the most innovative and appropriate services for individuals and families affected by mental illness, valuing the expertise of Jami staff who help deliver them or educating the community about mental illness and its impact on all our lives.

He says: “All our services are person-cen tred. We’re focused on what people’s issues are and why they might need Jami. In most cases, someone will only need us if their illness is impacting on their daily living. Therefore, our support is not based on a person’s diagnosis but on how they want to live their life.

“Hence, if someone has a job interview but their anxiety is stopping them from getting there, Jami will support them by providing travel training through its occu pational therapists.”

The charity has widened its ‘front porch’ - that first point of contact people have with

the charity - recognising that many issues can be dealt with through advocacy, advice and signposting to other organisations.

Indeed, Laurie says: “Collaboration with other organisations is really important. We want people to be able to access services within their community.”

Jami is clearly achieving this, most notably through its Head Room café in Golders Green, which has changed the way the Jewish community thinks about mental health.

“It’s a place where people can walk in off the street to get support, while others sit down to eat shakshuka,” explains Laurie. “Our mental health café on the high street makes a lot more sense to people now than it would have done several years ago. That lone figure on the street once treated with disdain is now the person sitting in our café being given respect. And that change is quite remarkable.”

Although Laurie recognises that the stigma around mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, is subsiding, he believes the stigma around psychosis and some other mental health conditions is as bad as ever.

“Not all mental health is the same al though we seem to lump it all together,” he explains. “We need to get to the stage where the community not only understands men tal illness but can also openly talk about the problems we are having and regard mental illness just like any other physical illness. The good thing is that we are starting to do this.”

The fact that more people are reaching out to Jami for support could be an indi cation of this change in attitude towards

mental illness or an increase in the num bers of those affected.

“It’s really hard to say which it is,” says Laurie.

Whatever the reason, the charity has evolved and grown to meet this increasing need.

“From an outdated, taboo, institutional ised service for people with mental illness, Jami has become one of the most refreshing brands in the community,” Laurie says. “We are accessible, innovative and fresh in our ideas. And yes, we have grown, with more staff, more volunteers and more people us ing our services than 30 years ago. But our values and culture haven’t changed. We’re just doing bigger and better things.”

Head Room café’s expansion is just one of them. Once complete, the café will have a bar area at the back and three semi-soundproofed meeting rooms.

Two more accessible toilets have been added and the kitchen is being completely renovated and enlarged so it can offer better menu options. There will be sofas for lounging as well as tables for dining, and the outside of the café will have new signage. Most importantly, increased space at the café will allow Jami to deliver more events and activities geared around supporting mental health.

Jami’s Children and Young Per son’s (CYP) service is another area of development.

“Our pilot programme for 11 to 16-yearolds is so important because the vast majority of mental illness starts in child hood,” says Laurie. “We need to help people manage their mental health as early as possible so that they need less support in adulthood. If we have good mental health, we can cope with so much in our lives.”

If the future health of the community relies on Jami, it is also fair to say that the future health of Jami relies on the commu nity and its continued support.

Jami can only develop services like Head Room café and the CYP service through voluntary donations, but in these finan cially difficult times, this becomes an even greater challenge.

However, Jami and its long-established leader have never been afraid of a chal lenge. “In the future, I’d like to be doing more of what we’re doing now,” says Laurie.

“But I would also like to see Jami shrink because we have done such a good job in enabling the community to look after men tal health itself. In short, I would like Jami to transform the mental health landscape and create a mentally healthy community for the future.”

To find out more about Jami’s work, visit www.jamiuk.org

Laurie Rackind in his office

As Laurie Rackind approaches his 16th year as chief executive of mental health charity Jami, The Jewish Weekly finds out what has kept him at the helm all this time.

With Harold Schogger

Lead Qs

This deal was played in a teams match with identical auctions and opening leads, the queen of spades. When dummy was displayed, both declarers realised that they would have nine easy tricks if the club finesse won.

At the first table, declarer was less experienced: after winning the opening lead with dummy’s bare ace of spades, he ran the queen of clubs. West won with the king of clubs and continued with the jack of spades. Declarer let this hold, but was forced to win the ten of spades continuation with his king. Declarer now ran the clubs, but East was safe, for he could afford to part with a heart and two diamonds. When declarer continued with a low diamond, West rose with the ace while East played a second heart. West continued with the seven of spades and East was able to overtake the re maining 7 and take two tricks with the eight and six of spades to defeat the contract.

At the second table, declarer showed his experience by trying another option first instead of completely relying on the Club finesse. At trick 2 he led a low diamond. This would always see the contract made when East started with the ace of diamonds and the suit was 3-3 or the jack was doubleton. (If East played low in such circumstances and the queen of diamonds held, declarer would have shifted his attention to clubs and would always have made at least four tricks in the suit along with his contract. If instead East played the ace of diamonds, the diamond suit would have provided four tricks and would also have seen the contact made.) East played a low diamond and West took the queen of diamonds with the ace. West then cleared the spade suit in the same manner as at the first table.

Here, however, after winning with the king of spades, this declarer played the four of diamonds to the king, felling East’s jack of diamonds. Declarer then had nine tricks: two spades, two hearts, four diamonds and the ace of clubs.

If the jack of diamonds had not been doubleton, the second declarer would have had to fall back on the club finesse as well.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Police officer takes the suspect to a Police Van

Grandparents join Camp Simcha fun

Grandparents of children Camp Simcha supports were treated to a fun day to mark National Grandparents Day this month.

Attendees were given a chance to ex perience activities their grandchildren enjoy at events.

Magician Sacha Johnstone performed for guests, who took part in build-a-bear and pottery painting activities, with final creations going to grandchildren.

Camp Simcha chief executive Neville Goldschneider said: “This event brought two different benefits to the grandparents of the children we support because they suffer twice, seeing their grandchild but also their child having to cope with it all. We wanted to give them that access to other grandparents in the same position.” He added: “They also got to experience

some of the fun of Camp Simcha with ac tivities their children and grandchildren might do at our parties and retreats.”

Anna Churnin, whose family have been supported by Camp Simcha since her granddaughter Chloe underwent lifesaving surgery at just eight days old in December 2020, said the event was “absolutely delightful”.

She observed: “It was a joy and a priv ilege to attend and hear about the wid er scope of Camp Simcha and to have acknowledged the impact that a child’s illness had on the grandparents as we see our children hurt and in need.”

Anna said it was a good opportunity to meet other grandparents, adding. “Al though all our stories are different we share a bond and as they say ‘it’s good to talk’.”

There’s a young, dynamic, growing Jewish community in the UK and we’re waiting for you to join us. London? Manchester?

Jewish Care’s Chief Executive, Daniel Car mel-Brown has won the No.2 spot by public vote in the prestigious Social Care Top 30 awards with Care Talk magazine, recognis ing the very best of national leadership in social care.

CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown, says, “I’m very humbled to have won a place in this list and want to sincerely thank everyone who voted. I work with inspiring col leagues at Jewish Care, who are dedicated to maintaining older people’s dignity; providing care, company and meaningful ex periences each day. Jewish Care feels like one big fam ily; from our professional and caring staff to our residents, tenants, mem bers and volunteers, it’s a privilege to be a part of

this amazing organisation.”

Angela Beerman, Jewish Care’s Director of HR, says, “We are so proud that Daniel’s inspiring leadership is being celebrated and recognised as one of the top leaders in social care making a difference through his vision and decision-making at Jew ish Care and in the sector. Thank you so much to everyone who voted and thank you Daniel for your authentic and caring leadership and we wish you a hearty Mazeltov!”

In the Top 10 of influential lead ers in social care, the winner was Jane Townson from the National Homecare Association and CEOs at National Care Group, Community In tegrated Care, Hallmark Care Homes, Housing 21, Home Instead UK, Anchor and Barchester.

There was a wonderful buzz at Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School during Succot.

Every year group learned about a differ ent aspect of the festival and every class had a Jewish Studies lesson in the succah.

Families came together after school for

nosh in the Succah and they welcomed lo cal rabbonim who came to shake the lulav and etrog with children.

Year six pupils had fun at ‘Supper in the Succah’ where they enjoyed a hot dog sup per and games.

bnjcbrighton BNJCbrighton BNJCBrighton

Taking part in National Grandparents Day at Camp SImcha

Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School pupils having fun in the Succah

Jewish Care CEO

Daniel Carmel-Brown

Kisharon embraces Succot

Kisharon supported Day Opportunities and Supported Living for Simchat Torah.

They conducted a price comparison to buy stock before packing pekelech to be used in shuls. Daniel said: “I really enjoyed the project. I learnt how to package the food”.

Aviva Braunold who led the project said: “It was great to see the men learning new skills and subsequently doing the task independently.”

Students from Kisharon also embraced Succot last week.

Pupils from Kisharon Noé School visited Munks Beis Hamedrash to see preparations for Succot and to help prepare for the fes tival. They collected items to decorate the school succah.

At Kisharon Tuffkid Nursery pupils learnt about the esrog, lulav and succah. Children enjoyed making a succah by turning a table over and placing schach on top. They talked about seeing the stars at night.

B&Q support Norwood

B&Q’s Chingford store helped to transform the garden of one of Norwood’s homes for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Lee, Idris and Paul offered their time and skills to create a sensory patio for people

Brighton, actually.

There is nothing new about Jewish life in Brighton. But the development of 45 apartments and houses in a complex that includes a Shul,

restaurant and co-working facilities, will revitalise the Jewish community in the area. With financial incentives to

they support, using £1,000 of items, tools and equipment generously donated from their store.

The volunteering day formed a part of B&Q’s community garden project.

GIFT volunteers spreading Succot joy

GIFT volunteers spread the joy of Succot to community care homes and families throughout London and Manchester.

GIFT London partnered with Ezra Youth to help disadvantaged families in northwest London.

GIFT Manchester, in conjunction with King David and Me’Or High School stu dents, created decorations. Me’Or high school girls took items to Heathlands Care Home. Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Pri mary School pupils created decorations brought to Beenstock Care Home by high school girls.

Shira Joseph, GIFT’s Director of Program ming said: “We absolutely love partnering on these types of initiatives with other or ganisations such as Ezra as it is a fabulous opportunity for their youth to be engaged in volunteering, in addition to supporting the community.”

Talia Douek, GIFT’s head of Care Home Initiative Care-nection added: “Now that care homes have been re-opened to vol unteers, we are so glad to be bringing the younger generation back to volunteering and building relationships with the elder ly. It’s amazing to see the impact on both sides.”

Sophie Woolfstein, GIFT’s Manchester Coordinator, said: “Succah decorating was a beautiful way to get kids and high school students involved.”

Arba Minim sets were donated to GIFT’s recipient families and over 2,000 Sukkot bags containing festival treats were packed by volunteers and distributed before the festival.

GIFT’s volunteering initiatives: volun teer@jgift.org

Kisharon Tuffkid Nursery pupil embraces Succot

Norwood B&Q garden volunteering

Norwood supporters raise £450K

supporting climate action”.

Introducing the appeal film, Norwood chair Neville Kahn said the global political turmoil and cost-of-living crisis had com pounded Norwood’s challenges.

Paying tribute to Norwood’s life-chang ing impact, he recalled a 2021 Survation survey for Norwood that found one in four members of the community would need the charity’s services in the next three years.

He noted: “With more people than ever turning to us, you may be surprised by some of the people Norwood helps and by how much we need you to enable us to continue to be there.”

Kahn introduced Norwood tenant Gil lian, who spoke about her life-changing support.

“Norwood supported me when my mum needed extra care,” she said. “Now my mum and dad are no longer alive, I miss them a lot but I hope that they would be proud of me if they could see me today.” Calling for support, Gillian added: “Be cause of Norwood, I am happy.”

Mitzvah Day launch

The official ‘Share Every Mitzvah’ launch for Mitzvah Day takes place today.

Mitzvah Day is the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action, setting up projects, which address real needs.

Each year, in November, over 40,000 peo ple around the world, come together to give their time, not money, to make a difference to the community around us. The initiative brings together people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds, to volunteer side-byside, building longstanding, relationships.

Mitzvah Day projects offer a range of art and crafts activities such as making dog toys for animal rescue centres, eco-pro jects including tree planting and litter picks, friendship projects like visiting care homes, collection projects at food banks, appreciation projects such as writing letters to hospital workers, cooking initiatives for night shelters and refuge centres, upcycling and care projects such as distributing es sential supplies to rough sleepers.

Norwood supporters raised £450,000 at the Distressed Investing dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Some 350 members heard insights from a panel of industry experts at the 17th an nual event.

JWA volunteer wins national award

Jewish Women’s Aid volunteer Iris Tay lor has won the Unsung Hero accolade at the Third Sector awards at The Brewery in London.

Six hundred people across the charity sector attended and several other awards were presented to recognise the achieve ments of individuals at charities and vol untary organisations, celebrating work that makes a difference to society.

Iris, 81, has been a loyal, committed and inspirational volunteer for 30 years. She is responsible for coordinating the volunteer rota for the JWA helpline.

Naomi Dickson, JWA’s CEO said: “We are

James Roome, Akin Gump Strauss Hau er & Feld, Chris Krishanthan, Davidson Kempner, Jed Hart, Centerbridge and Gor don Singer of Elliott Advisors participated.

Welcoming guests, Singer said the committee and charity were “proud to be

British impressionist Jon Culshaw entertained.

Norwood supports people with learning disabilities and autism and children and their families facing social, educational and mental health challenges.

award.”

Judy Roth, JWA volunteer coordinator added: ‘Iris is a truly inspirational volun teer, who has worked tirelessly to support our organisation. The award recognises her outstanding achievement.”

Iris said: “This is an important volun teering role and I believe it is a mitzvah to do this role.”

This winter they will look at the ‘Winter Warmer’ project to ensure that all people feel support.

Primary Schools’ cultural exchange

absolutely delighted that Iris is getting this wonderful recognition. Iris has seen the service grow and develop and has been absolutely core to the smooth running of our helpline. With her help, we have sup ported thousands of Jewish women. We are so proud that Iris has won this prestigious

Norwood appoints Jessel

Norwood has appointed Jami’s Head of De velopment Liz Jessel as its new Director of Fundraising, Communications and Com munity Engagement.

The appointment comes ahead of the launch of next month’s matched giving campaign.

The charity seeks to consolidate its lead ing position in the community in the midst of a challenging landscape for community charities given the cost-of-living crisis.

Liz oversaw exponential growth heading up activities at Jami.

Norwood recently opened a new Sup ported Living service for young adults with

complex needs.

Chair Neville Kahn said: “Norwood continues to adapt to meet the growing demands for our life-changing support among the Jewish community. Liz’s proven track record in fundraising and community engagement makes her an ideal addition to our senior leadership team.”

Liz began her career in the fi nancial services industry for brands including Alliance & Leicester, NatWest and Coutts.

Her 14 years within the

JWA’s helpline supports women expe riencing domestic abuse and sexual vio lence. It acts as the gateway to all JWA ser vices, enabling women to make decisions about their lives.

Together with the organisation’s webchat service, launched during the pandemic, the helpline service received 196 calls in the first half of 2022.

These avenues of support are a core fea ture of what JWA offer Jewish women.

charity sector included six years at World Jewish Relief, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Norwood family at such a crit ical time, when the community depends on its life-changing support for some of its most vulnerable adults, children and families, more than ever before,” she said. “The pandemic has placed sig nificant pressure on the social care sector and the demand for Nor wood’s care and support is growing as a result. As a charity that has been there for its communi ty for more than 225 years, I am looking forward to helping Norwood as it continues to adapt to meet the community’s ever-changing needs.”

Simon Marks Jewish Primary School and Olive Islamic School pupils took part in a cultural exchange for Succot.

A long-standing relationship saw the schools learn about Succot and share in celebrations. Pupils gathered in the Succah and learnt about customs associated with the festival.

With the help of Rabbi Goldmeier, pupils shook the lulav and etrog, and shared a harvest inspired buffet.

Pupils learnt about each other’s interests and life and what they had in common. By the end of the event the children were sad to say farewell, but excited to see each other again.

“Our aim is for pupils to gain a mutual understanding and respect for other cul tures and beliefs to help them act as role models in our community of Hackney,” said Ms Metin, Headteacher of Simon Marks School.

Simon Marks and Olive School have had a history of collaboration including sharing gifts for different holidays and festivals.

The choirs sing together at Hackney’s Hol ocaust memorial.

Norwood Distressed Investing Committee Members

Pupils from Simon Marks Jewish Primary School and Olive Islamic School

Host, Ben Bailey Smith with JWA representatives

Liz Jessel

PHOTO: @PAULHIPHOP

Another delicious recipe for from Denise Phillips

Hazelnut Beef Stew

Long slow cooking works a kind of magic with stewing beef/ or shin of beef. Over time, the gentle heat transforms the meat into tender juicy mouthfuls. Slow cookers or roasting on a low heat intensifies flavour as well as succulence. If you wish to increase the quantity for a large crowd just add more meat, keep the liquid measurements the same.

Ideal for Friday night dinner or shabbat lunch.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 4 hours Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 kg shin beef/ stewing beef – cut into 2 cm cubes

inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com

For more

3 tablespoons flour – seasoned with salt and pepper

2 large onions – peeled and sliced

6 garlic cloves – peeled and lightly crushed with a knife

2 celery sticks – sliced

4 carrots – peeled and chopped

500ml red wine

500ml beef stock – use 2 tablespoons beef powder to 500ml boiling water

Bunch fresh thyme – about 3 tablespoons

Bunch fresh rosemary sprigs – about 3 tablespoons

1 bay leaf

100g pitted black olives

Hazelnut Topping

100g blanched hazelnuts

3 thick slices bread / challah

2 cloves garlic – peeled and finely chopped

Zest 1 lemon

3 tablespoons fresh parsley – finely chopped

Method

1) Heat the oil in a large deep casserole pan over a medium heat.

2) Coat the beef in the seasoned flour and pan fry in stages turning until nicely brown on both sides. Transfer to a casserole ovenware deep dish.

3) Add the onions, garlic, celery and carrots to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.

4) Add a splash of wine to the pan and scrape off any brown bits stuck to the bottom. Add the beef stock and remaining wine. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

5) Transfer all the vegetables, sauce, olives and herbs to the casserole dish. Cover and cook at 150C/ 140 Fan/ Gas 1 for 4 hours or until the beef falls apart when pressed with a fork.

6) To make the hazelnut topping, toast the hazelnuts by placing on an oven tray. Bake at 200C/ 400F for about 10 minutes or until golden. Then roughly chop.

7) Drizzle a little oil over the bread and again toast in the oven for about 5 minutes. cheese,coriander, remaining tortillas and sliced chilli.

Then roughly tear and add to a bowl. Add the lemon zest, parsley and chopped hazelnuts. Mix together and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

To serve the stylish way: Sprinkle the hazelnut topping over the beef just before serving.

The Cost of Cooking

BY DENISE PHILLIPS

None of us should be immune to Cost of Living Crisis that is all around us. Clearly, the cost of buying food is a big issue, but let us also not forget the cost of then actually cooking that food. The Metro newspa per (Sept 2022) reported that using an electric oven was the most expensive means of cooking - an av erage of 87p a day at £316 – whilst the microwave was the cheapest, about 8p a day or £30 annually. This year’s latest fad, air fryers, and crockpots/ slow cookers come out at a close second option.

As they can cook or heat food more quickly, microwave ovens use up to 80 per cent less energy than conventional ovens for the same job. Whilst mi crowaves aren’t as versatile as conventional ovens, they are still a reliable tool for a busy chef and ideal

for certain tasks. Reheating is a good example, as is defrosting, melting butter or chocolate or softening onions. Baked potatoes are also best started off in the microwave before being crisping up in the oven –or indeed finished in the microwave if you don’t mind a softer skin.

Perhaps it is also time to consider using your crockpot for more than just Shabbat. Recipes like bolognaise, ragu, vegetable barley stews, lentil and root vegetable casseroles, butternut squash dhal, meat balls, chilli, mushroom stroganoff, brisket, Thai Peanut Chicken, Salmon with lemon, curries and soups can all be cooked efficiently in a crockpot. And remember, make more than you need and freeze it – saving you time and energy for that quick lunch or dinner in the future.

Recipe: Hazelnut Beef Stew

ASK THE RABBI

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

ONE PAPER TOO MANY?

Dear Rabbi

I have been reading a lot lately about online media V print. I hate reading stuff online and I’m worried because you are my weekly fix and I am not inclined to read you online in the way I enjoy you each week as I sit down to relax each Friday night. Also, we are a small and declining Jewish community. At last count, there are I think four Jewish newspapers. Can we really, as a community, support that? I wonder if you could shed some light on all of this.

Gerard

Dear Gerard

I wondered when this was going to finally come up. Print media is considered by all demograph ics, including Millennials, as more trustworthy than its digital counterpart. It takes time and effort to create and publish

printed content. This engenders greater feelings of trust, than do the instant and disposable nature of digital content. Moreover, print is easier to read than digital media, and you can fit more information on a page than in social media content. It is argued print is more engaging and offers an opportunity to disconnect from the frenetic world and immerse yourself in the moment, as you do on a Friday night.

Yes, it is a saturated market but as small as our community is, an even smaller proportion of it keep to strictly kosher diets. Yet we have no less than six kashrut authorities. We also have at least six different syna gogue bodies, numerous schools and much else beside. So four newspapers isn’t the end of the world. (To be sure, by my count there are six).

Of course, you can argue the distinction in that one is

essentially reading the same news in each paper. But, as with broadsheets in general, there is always something one paper will carry over another. For example, the excellent exclusive interviews conducted by this paper, with high profile Israelis, including the Ambassador, before Rosh Hashanah.

It also helps that some of the newspapers are free, so one can pick up several whenever doing their shopping. However, it is also very telling when you look at the news racks which store these papers outside shops etc. Next time you walk past, take a good look and see which papers people are picking up and which ones people leave behind.

Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding. One newspaper is entirely reliant on a trust fund. Another is reliant on an anon ymous benefactor. The Jewish Weekly seems to be supporting itself well on advertising. Which means, people are happy to put their money where they feel it well spent.

It’s also worth pointing out, when the Jewish Weekly launched, some were suppos edly hell-bent on squashing it. It is alleged that there are still some who try hard to malign it amongst potential advertisers. You only do that if you feel threatened.

Were there teething problems at the Jewish Weekly? It has only been around a short while, compared to others that have been around much longer. It can be safely assumed they endured similar problems at the outset.

On the upside, when the Queen died, others didn’t report on it till the following week. The Jewish Weekly featured it as a headline that very day. And now that Liz Truss has resigned as PM, once again, other papers missed the headline, but you’re looking at it at the front page of this paper today!

As a final point: The Jewish Chronicle has excellent journal ists like the inimitable Simon Rocker, who has a better under standing of the Anglo-Jewish community than anyone else.

The Jewish News has renowned journalist Alex Brummer whose pen really is mightier than the sword (and who seemed at pains the other week to appar ently pave the way for that paper to replace print with online).

But neither paper has me – and

that’s where the Jewish Weekly will always have the edge. I’m kidding of course, but not really.

OF QUEENS AND RAINBOWS

Dear Rabbi

When our dear Queen died, a single rainbow appeared over Windsor Castle and a double one over Buckingham Palace.

Knowing how devoted the Queen was to her faith, is there any thing we can take away Jewishly from this remarkable sign.

Geoff

Dear Geoff

There’s a lot of interesting dis cussion about a rainbow and the blessing recited over it. There are two beautiful Talmudic statements. One is in Chagigah (14b) which relates how, it was in the middle of the dry season in Israel when it never rains.

Several of the great Sages were studying intently some deep

kabbalistic ideas. Suddenly, the Heavens became covered with clouds and a rainbow appeared in them, and the ministering angels gathered together, the way people gather to see the cel ebrations of a bride and groom, in order to hear the kabbalistic words emanating from the scholars.

Similarly, we have the follow ing passage of the Talmud in Brochot (59a): “Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said, ‘one who sees a rainbow in a cloud should fall on his face, as the verse states, ‘One who sees the rainbow appears in the cloud on a rainy day, so appeared the brilliant surrounding light; this is the image of the Honour of G-d.’”

You can draw your own parallels between these state ments and the uniqueness of the Queen, what she brought to society, how she impacted our country and the enormity of the loss endured.

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

Distinct Divine Relationships Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

BY RABBI YEHOSHUA FASS

Parashat Bereishit bursts with colorful narratives and fantastic scenes such as Creation, Gan Eden, the etz haDa’at, and Kayin and Hevel, all of which portray the earliest history and birth of humankind. It is the last of these stories, Kayin and Hevel, which is usually portrayed as the most negative – the first, sad introduction to murder and subsequent punishment. Is this perception correct? In an initial statement about Kayin, the pasuk states:

“And it was at the end of days and Kayin brought of the fruit of the land as a gift to G-d.” (Bereishit 4:3)

Kayin created the concept of “giving back” to G-d. He harvested his fields and wanted to bring bikkurim, his first fruits. In bringing this korban, Kayin was seemingly not expecting any response from Hashem; he had no knowledge or prior experience of a Divine fire descend ing from above. His desire to bring a

Bereishit

korban was simply an expression of his appreciation for all that he had received, an acknowledgement that his success was not his alone; and he expressed this very successfully in a moment of spiritual connection.

Chazal tend to paint Kayin’s motives as being less sincere, but if we approach the story only through the prism of the text, it appears that Kayin’s korban was a success. It was a positive religious and personal experience, and Kayin was happy with the gift he gave.

Then, Hevel saw what Kayin did, and decided to copy it. “Hevel also brought [a gift] from the first-born of his sheep… and Hashem sent a fire to Hevel and his offering.” Once Kayin saw the response that Hevel received, he felt spiritually jealous of him.

And here we encounter an unusual question, from Hashem to Kayin, in response to Kayin’s crisis: “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?” Hashem asks: Kayin, you were happy be fore – why are you no longer happy? Why

are you questioning your entire religious experience based on the experiences of someone else? If the experience that you had was valuable, the fact that Hevel had a different experience does not negate the power of what you yourself felt.

Bereishit is a new beginning for all of us, and a chance to re-engage in our Torah study. Each of us has a different relationship with Hashem, one that we’ve developed on our own. Seeking to simply duplicate the experiences of others does not always work. Rather, we should each strive to develop the connection with spirituality on our terms, and should not dismiss or negate a spiritual connection based on the accomplishments of others.

Rabbi Yehoshua Fass is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

Sidra Summary

Knowledge of Good and Evil, lest he become mortal. Chava (Eve) is created from one of Adam’s “sides”.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 2:20-3:21

The snake, the most cunning of animals, manipulates Chava into eating from the Tree of Knowledge, after which Chava also gives Adam its fruit to eat. G-d rebukes them, punishing Chava with the pain of childbirth and Adam with the need to toil and sweat for his sustenance.

The snake is cursed to crawl on his stom ach and eat the dust of the earth.

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEREISHIT 1:1-2:3

(The aliya divisions of Bereishit vary from one chumash to another)

The Torah details the six days of Creation.

On the first four days, G-d created light, water, dry land, vegetation, the sun, the moon and the stars. On the fifth day, He created creatures of the sea and the air.

On the sixth day, He created animals and the first man and woman, whom He blessed to be fruitful and to have do minion over the rest of Creation. On the seventh day, G-d rested.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 2:4-19

The creation of Mankind is detailed again. Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to guard and protect it, and is warned not to eat from the Tree of

Point to Consider: Why is it considered a curse for the snake to have his food constantly available? (3:14)

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 3:22-4:18

Chava gives birth to Cain and Hevel (Abel). They both bring offerings. Hevel’s offering is accepted. However, Cain’s offering is inferior and is not accepted by G-d, who then appears to Cain and tells him to improve his ways rather than remain downcast. Nevertheless, Cain goes into a field and murders Hevel. G-d punishes Cain by decreeing that he will be a homeless wanderer for the rest of his life. Cain’s descendants are listed.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 4:19-22

Lemech is the sixth generation from Cain.

Lemech’s children pioneer cattle-breed ing, instrumental music and metal sharpening.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 4:23-5:24

Lemech accidentally kills Cain (see Rashi) and pleads his innocence to his wives. Adam has another son, called Shet (Seth). The ten generations from Adam to Noach are listed, including their age at death. Adam dies aged 930.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 5:25-6:8

Noach has three sons: Shem, Cham and Yefet. Immorality starts to spread and G-d decides to limit mankind’s lifespan

to 120 years. After further sins, G-d ‘regrets’ the fact that He created man kind and decides to wipe out all living creatures, apart from Noach and his family.

HAFTARAH

The prophet Yeshaya (Isaiah) declares G-d’s ongoing mastery over Creation and charges Israel to be “a light unto the nations”. He encourages us to help other nations remove their blindness to G-d’s greatness. Yet Israel often disappoints and does not lead by example to fulfill this mission. Nevertheless, G-d does not abandon us.

Bereishit is a new beginning for all of us, and a chance to re-engage in our Torah study. Each of us has a different relationship with Hashem, one that we’ve developed on our own.

“In the beginning of G-d’s creating the heavens and the earth…" (Bereishit 1:1)

Torah from Israel Bereishit, Darwin and Jewish values

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

Scientific revolutions often lead to cultural upheaval. Our current information revolu tion has altered almost every aspect of hu man experience, and it will take decades to fully assess its long-term impacts.

The two most transformative scientific revolutions of the past one thousand years occurred in the 16th and 19th century respectively. In 1543, Copernicus proved that a stationary star was fixed at the center of our galaxy. We call that yellowish ball, the sun, and planet Earth, orbit this fiery star. The Copernican revo lution radically altered our perception of the prominence of human beings within the larger universe. If planet Earth no longer stood at the midpoint of the uni verse, perhaps human beings weren’t as central to creation as had been previously assumed. Humans were now reduced to a speck of cosmic dust occupying a minute orb, lost in an endless cosmos, containing billions of galaxies. What would become of Man and his lofty station as divine masterpiece? Everything changed.

In many ways, Darwin’s discoveries in the 19th century were even more world-shattering. In 1859, Charles Darwin published his “Origin of Species” proving that diversity in Nature is driv en by an evolutionary process known as natural selection. Genetic mutation creates both different species as well as variations within each specie. The strong er creatures are advantaged by a process known as survival of the fittest: only the fittest creatures survive and reproduce, while weaker forms of life are filtered out of the natural ecosystem.

Darwin’s theories radically impacted human thought and severely challenged religious dogma. Here are five enduring Darwinian challenges to our Jewish value system.

IS SCIENCE THE ENEMY OF RELIGION?

Darwin’s theories directly challenged our belief that God created the world, or the doctrine of creationism. Some of Darwin’s discoveries are more easily reconciled with religious tenets, while others appear to be more difficult to resolve. The concept of evolution per se, doesn’t directly clash with creationism. Perhaps God created an intelligent system with inherent creative capabilities. Perhaps evolutionary change, driven by an invisible hand, is part of God’s intelligent design. Other Darwinian claims more directly clash with religious belief, such as his assertion that Man descends from primates, or the overall implication that the world is older than the Biblical timeline.

Despite the apparent conflict, most if not all of Darwin’s actual discoveries can be squared with the Torah’s description of creation. It is not necessarily his actual claims which counter religion, but, rather, the growing rift between science and religion which emerged in the aftermath of his discoveries. Unfortunately, many religious people harbor a perennial but false suspicion of science as the enemy of religion. Science empowers us to better understand the mechanics of God’s world and should enhance our appreciation of God’s handiwork. Of course, science and ration are only equipped to describe the “how” but never the “why”. Science can reveal the process, but can never provide meaning. Sometimes scientific conclusions challenge religious dogma and force us to develop more profound understandings of our religious belief. Defaming the entire field science as anti-religious, is theologically fraudulent, and cripples human progress, which itself is part of the divine will. Darwin’s discoveries added to the false illusion of science as the enemy of religion.

SOCIAL DARWINISM

Darwin’s ideas also caused a century of bloodshed. Social Darwinism extended Darwin’s theories about Nature to the field of sociology: just as the selection of the strong from the weak is vital to natu ral evolution, it is similarly necessary for the sustainability of society. Society must be filtered of its impurities, else it will wilt. These posionous ideas led to various programs aimed at cleansing society of undesirable elements, and, ultimately, to the Nazi program of genocide against non-Aryans. Hitler was deeply influenced by social Darwinism and quotes these theories in his book Mein Kampf.

A humane society or a jungle?

Even when it doesn’t express itself in murder, social Darwinism is socially toxic. Nature may be driven by the harsh realities of competition, but society of Man should be more humane and com passionate. Judaism envisions a society of ethics and social welfare, in which the weakest members aren’t exterminated, but provided for. In the wake of Darwin, society has become less caring and more violent and is slowly resembling Darwin’s jungle. Just because nature is morally indifferent does not mean that humans should follow suit.

HUMAN WILL OR GENETIC FATE

Darwin’s doctrine of evolution also constrained human freedom. Man is the only creature gifted with consciousness, creativity, and freedom of choice. Our

freedom empowers us to make moral and religious decisions, but it also demands we take responsibility for our failures. Darwin’s system implied a more deter ministic view of Man who is nothing more than a ‘gene capable of creating a gene’. We are just one small spoke of a larger evolutionary wheel, being spun by forces beyond our individual control.

Darwin was not alone in deflating hu man freedom. Marx asserted that human history was driven by class warfare over the distribution of wealth. Freud suggest ed that we are driven by dark psycholog ical forces beyond our control, namely our hatred of our father and our desire for our mother. Taken together, Darwin, Marx and Freud relandscaped a world of free choice into an ironclad deterministic world where humans cannot determine their fate or their decisions.

Ironically, we have achieved unprece dented political and economic freedom, but we feel more trapped and less em powered. In a world of determinism, we are less likely to take responsibility for our failures, and more likely to blame others for our struggles. Judaism is predicated an unconditional belief in unlimited human freedom, and once that belief is toppled the entire system collapses.

A DIVINE MASTERPIECE OR A COSMIC HICCUP?

Finally, Darwin’s theories of evolution blurred the distinctiveness of Man. By claiming that all living humans belong to a unitary species with a single origin, Darwin asserted equality between Man and the rest of the natural kingdom. If, as Darwin claimed, all species descend from a common evolutionary source, Man pos sess no lofty or distinctive status. Homo Sapiens are just a small part of a large evolutionary tree, and we don’t even occupy our own branch, as we share ours with primates. Darwin reduced man from a Divine masterpiece into an amalgam of genes, positioned randomly on an evolutionary timeline of billions of years, commencing well before we arrived on this planet. In place of a Divine grand

mission, we are locked into an evolution ary survival of the fittest alongside the animals of the jungle. Forumulating this implied Darwinian view of humanity, Stephen Hawking referred to the human race as “just a chemical-scum on a mod erately sized planet, orbiting round a very average star in the outer suburb of one among a billion galaxies.” God compares us to stars, but to Hawking we are just scum.

Bereishit celebrates the dignity of Man by recording that God fashioned Man in His own divine Image and vested him with unlimited potential. Man was created noble and pure, and to under score this primal virtue, his creation on the sixth day is marked by effusive divine praise: “God beheld all His creation, and it was surpassingly good”. Darwin and his comrades devalue human dignity, but Judaism heralds it.

Without respect for the dignity of the human condition we are more likely to dehumanize or objectify other humans. Without belief in our own inner nobility, we suffer lack of self-esteem and lose of belief in ourselves and in our potential. Without viewing ourselves as God’s masterpiece we forget that God chose us, spoke with us at Sinai, and handed us a historical mission. We are different and not just because we are better adapted at surviving Nature’s contest for survival.

It is not Darwin’s doctrine of evolu tion per se which is dangerous to Jewish belief and values. Instead, it is a range of implications about science, society, free will and human dignity. Every revolution creates cultural and religious upheaval. While we accept scientific findings, we cannot accept implied messages which erode basic religious values. Science should provide data, not values. It should provide information but not belief.

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

The Deeper Purpose of Torah Wisdom

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

As we begin the new Torah cycle, let’s take a moment to contemplate the deeper purpose of Torah. Some may refer to the Torah as a history book; others may think of it as a book of law or a source of Jewish wisdom. While these are all true, they only scratch the surface of the Torah’s true nature. Torah is not sim ply a guide to living a life of truth within this world; it is the blueprint and DNA of the world itself. Our physical world is a projection and emanation of the deep spiritual reality described in the Torah. This is the meaning behind the famous Midrash, “Istakel b’Oraisa u’bara alma — [Hashem] looked into the Torah and used it to create the world.” (Bereishis Rabbah 1:1). Torah is the spiritual root of exist ence; the physical world is its expression. Imagine a projector: the image that you see on the screen emanates from the film in the projector so that everything you see on the screen is simply an expression of what’s contained within the film. So too, every single thing that we see and ex perience in the physical world stems from the spiritual root — the transcendent

dimension of Torah. To illus trate further, the trees you see outside originally stemmed from a single seed. Similarly, each and every one of us origi nated from a zygote, half a male and half a female genetic code.

From that single cell ultimately manifested a fully developed and expressed human being.

You are the expression of your original seed, just like the world is the expression of its original seed and root — the Torah.

Thus, the world in which we live is an avenue to the spiritual; we can access the spiritual, transcendent world through the physical world because the two are intimately and intrinsically connected.

To relate to this concept, think of the way in which other human beings experience and understand you. All they can see of you is your physical body. They cannot see your thoughts, your con sciousness, your emotions, or your soul. All they can see are your actions, words, facial expressions, and body language, i.e., the ways in which you express yourself within the world. They cannot see your inner world, but they can access it through the outer expressions that you project. The same is true regarding

The Parsha Sefer That Will Change Your Life!

to

Join thousands of bnei and bnos Torah learning Rabbi Shmuel Reichman’s sefer every week.

This sefer will take you on a life-changing journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth as you engage in the deepest ideas of Torah.

human beings trying to experience Hashem and the spiritual. We cannot see the spiritual; we cannot see what is ethereal and transcendent, only that which is physical. However, we can use the physical to access the spiritual; we can study the Torah’s expression in this world to understand its spiritual root.

To fully grasp the depth of this con cept, we must understand the nature and purpose of a mashal. A mashal is an analogy, an example one gives in order to explain an abstract, conceptual idea to one who does not yet understand it. If a teacher wants to share a deep principle with his or her students, they might share a story or analogy that depicts the idea through a more relatable medium. While the mashal does not fully convey the idea itself, it leads the listener toward it, aiding him or her in the process of understand ing. Deep ideas cannot be taught, as they are beyond words. They can only be hinted to and talked about. The job of the teacher is to guide the student toward the idea until the idea falls into the student’s mind with clear understanding. A mashal serves as a guiding force in this process, leading the student toward an under standing of that which defies simple explanation.

This process itself can be understood through a mashal. You cannot teach someone how to ride a bike. You can only help them, holding on while they prac tice, and perhaps showing them an exam ple of how it is done. Ultimately, though, you must let go, and the student will have to learn how to ride independently. (This is a mashal to help explain the concept of a mashal. Think about that.) Once you learn how to ride a bike, it’s hard to imagine not being able to ride one. We often can’t understand what took us so long to learn. Yet, despite the fact that we now know how to ride a bike, we will not be able to explain how to ride a bike to someone else. It is simply beyond words.

A mashal is the only tool a teacher can use to teach spiritual truths; the learning and understanding must be done within the inner mind of the student. If this is true, how can we relate to and under stand the spiritual world? We cannot see, touch, or feel the spiritual. Thus, if all learning occurs through the use of

analogy, what mashal did Hashem give us to help us access spiritual truths?

The ultimate mashal is the world itself. The physi cal world guides us toward deeper, spiritual truths.

Everything in this world is a mashal — a tool guiding us toward a deeper reality. Every physical object, every emotional phenomenon, every experience in this world is part of a grand mashal leading us toward the root of all existence. With the Torah as our guide and teacher, we can navigate the physical world and understand how to trace ourselves back to our ultimate Source, Hashem.

And as we begin the new parsha cycle, I invite you to get a copy of my parsha sefer, “The Journey to Your Ultimate Self,” and take this journey with me into the deepest and most inspiring ideas of Torah thought. This sefer serves as an accessible and inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish wisdom, living a life of higher truth, and achieving your ultimate purpose. It is organized according to the weekly parsha, providing a consistent for learning and spiritual growth. The ideas in this sefer are rooted in the full range of Torah wisdom, spanning Tanach, Gemara, Midrashim, and the writings of classical Jewish thinkers, including the Maharal, Ramchal, Nefesh Ha’Chaim, R’ Tzadok, and Sfas Emes. And each chapter concludes with a summary to help you remember the main concepts and ideas, as well as action points and discussion questions to help close the gap between intellect and action. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you as we continue journeying to our ultimate selves!

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

Bereishit

Bereishit Word Search

It’s always great to begin again. And Bereishit is a particularly action-packed and exciting book to study. People of all ages relish its stories, its messages, its happy moments, and its sad ones.

This week’s Sidra spans 1500 years. From Day 1 of creation all the way until the birth of Noach.

First, the Torah describes the 6 days of creation and the 7th day which was Shabbat.

We then learn of the terrible mistake Adam and his wife Chava made by eating from the one tree they were not allowed to! So much is allowed for us in life yet we often wish for what is not allowed...

Then, the older son of Adam, called Kayin is filled with jealousy of his brother and actually kills him.

Finally, we are taught of the ten generations from Adam all the way till Noach. People had begun worshipping idols and doing other sins, except for Noach and in his merit the world would be saved (in next week’s sidra).

Sometimes, all it takes is one person to right many wrongs...

Tangram Challenge!

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

Q D S T V P I M D I I T L Y H P X P N A J T L H N O I T A E R C H Y F S K E J T D K T G D U Z I G N D R N R I W C U X J D I A E L L U M X A T N A G S E E Z R X U F Z Y

S N N P W F F P H A F O A A M F O E U G W B W Z Y K J M U W B P I V J

I E G H D H T Z X X O R M K I S P J S A O M V

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

The goal of

is to create as many

possible with the

wheel. Each word must

in the

at least three letters.

each

once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the

AJEX ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE PARADE AND CEREMONY

SUNDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2022

Gather at Horse Guards Parade 1pm. March off at 1.45pm.

The AJEX Annual Remembrance Parade & Ceremony will take place at The Cenotaph on Sunday 20th November 2022.

theme for Remembrance this year is ‘Connection’ and

invite people of all ages, right across the community to participate and help in connecting the generations. This is a moving opportunity to honour and remember the thousands of Jewish Servicemen and Women who fought and served for our freedom.

this especially poignant time, honour

remember

late HM Queen Elizabeth II and all she did as Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces.

ticket

www.ajex.org.uk/paradebooking

EXPERT ADVICE

I am thinking of letting my property and am unsure if I will need a managing agent or not?

Ben S

Dear Ben

This is a common query, often people think it will be rel atively easy, but then discover how many aspects of man agement actually start to occupy their time. Between all the legally required compliance checks, maintenance requests and control of rent (and so much more) this can often be a lot to handle.

Ensuring that you comply with all the relevant legislation in an ever-changing field, from gas safety to electrical checks, and smoke and CO2 alarms to HMO licencing, it can be a lot to keep up with. What to do and when to do it? Are there any new regulations? For example, did you know that as from the 1st of October all rental properties with gas fixed appliances, are legally required to have a Carbon Monoxide alarm? And that HMO licencing schemes are changing in Barnet from the end of October to include many more rental properties. As a landlord these are all things you are required to know – unless you have a managing agency who takes care of it all for you.

And then you have the tenant who calls you at 9PM with a leak. Would you know who to call? Do you know what your legal obligations are?

And what about the tenant who refuses to pay rent. Tenants cannot just be evicted out of your property because they haven’t paid on time. You still need to follow the full legal due process.

That is where a professional letting and managing agent can come in. Contact Roundtree today for all your management requests: 020 82032111 or mail@theroundtree.com.

Martin Frydenson Roundtree Real Estate

SHIPPING

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING

With almost 40 years experience, our company has the

effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and

coupled with an attention to detail. We construct our own Tri-Wall and

to

that

and

from that

YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

JACOB BERNSTEIN

COMPLIANCE EXPERTS

A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: Mortgage, Protection and General Insurance Intermediaries; Lenders, Credit Brokers, Debt Counsellors and Debt Managers; Alternative Investment Fund Managers; • E-Money, Payment Services, PISP, AISP and Grant-making Charities.

Contact: 020 7781 8019 info@www.richdale.co.uk www.richdale.co.uk

CHARITY

JEWISH CARE

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

Contact: 020 8922 2222 helpline@jcare.org www.jewishcare.org

BUTCHERS

KOSHER DELI

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

and

for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation. And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!

Contact: 020 8832 2222 info@shipsms.co.uk www.shipsms.co.uk

WEALTH MANAGMENT

MARC OVITS – BA (HONS) APFS CERT PFS (DM)

Over 25 years of successful experience in financial services including 11 years of investment banking experience.

Offering expert independent financial advice to individuals, businesses, charities and trusts. Individual services:- Wealth Management, Investment, Retirement, Estate/IHT, protection planning, Tax Mitigation and Cash Management Solutions Business & Charity services:- Investment Planning, Business Succession & Business Exit Planning, Business Protection, Corporate Pensions, Employee Benefits, Cash Management Solutions, Profit extraction strategies

Alpha Wealth Management Contact: 020 8203 6920 info@alphawm.co.uk www.alphawm.co.uk

Contact: 020 8381 4450 info@kosherdeliuk.co.uk www.kosherdeli.co.uk

ESTATE AGENT

MARTIN FRYDENSON - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE Roundtree Real Estate are your local experienced Estate Agent having been established on the High Street since 2009. We are both ARLA and NAEA Propertymark regulated and we are here to offer you expert advice in Property Sales, Lettings, Commercial and Full Management Services, covering Hendon, Golders Green, Finchley, Colindale and surrounding areas. We have built long standing relationships with all our clients and should you have any property related queries please do contact us.

Contact: 020 8203 2111 mail@theroundtree.com www.theroundtree.com

RICHDALE – YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS

MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010. We specialise in supplying businesses with VoIP Packages, Mobile Plans, Broadband, Card Merchant Services, Leased Lines, On-Hold Marketing, and Call Centre Services. Smartinet, your reliable and efficient business communications provider.

SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT SITEAWE

Social media is POWERFUL for businesses. But a community around your business with followers to do more than just follow is even MORE powerful. Our partners include The Jewish Weekly and Badatz Igud Rabbonim. Comments have included “They boosted, and are continuing to boost, our online presence to far beyond what I could have imagined.” So what are you waiting for? Get in touch today

Contact: 0333 613 0000 connect@smartinet.co.uk smartinet.co.uk

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

EPC NATIONAL

EPC NATIONAL are leading experts in providing EPC certificates for domestic & non-domestic properties nationwide. Especially with the new regulations coming, we provide guidance to all of our clients. Call the team to discuss any requirements.

Contact: 07707 220 445 eli@siteawe.com www. siteawe.com

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

STEPHEN COLMAN – INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

An independent mortgage broker directly authorised by FCA specialising – for over 25 years - in the more ‘challenging’ situations. We take care of the whole mortgage process on your behalf, handling all aspects of buying your residential or investment property. In addition over the past 5 years we have been at the forefront in arranging Equity Release mortgages for the over 55’s

Contact: 03300 881141 info@epcnational.co.uk www.epcnational.co.uk

Contact: 07956 234 524 020 8458 9137 stephencolman2@aol.com

with richdale

Travel Marrakesh The Red City

BY CARON BLUSTONES

Morocco holds a special place in my heart, so I was truly excited to take the kids back, at an age where they won’t be too young to remember the experience. Just over three hours from the UK takes you to exotic Africa, where hospitality comes naturally and sunshine is almost guaranteed! We headed to Marrakesh, known as the Red City, whose centre is the distinctive medina, where buildings and ramparts of beaten clay date back to the 12th century and the residence of the Almohads; North African Berber muslims. It’s the true jewel of Morocco and home to the most vibrant and lively marketplace known to man - Jamaa el Fna Square. This protected landmark, whose heady offering of snake charmers intertwined with hennaed ladies and mountain traders touting their wares makes for a heightened and dramatic atmosphere at any time of the day. Be prepared to bargain and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to the constant flow of colourful people harassing you to buy something. Move further into the medina and the covered souk is an Instagramer’s para dise; spice markets that captivate all the senses, baskets and leather goods galore, go further to find marvellous antiques and Judaica, intricate light shades. It's a shopper’s dream as much as an experience like no other. Leaving you buzzing from the thrill of the exotic surroundings, plus of course, the bargains!

When it comes to sleep, there are plenty of riads within the medina; small, tradi tional and ornate houses with internal

gardens and pools, steps away from the action. However, this wasn’t our first trip by any means, so we were happy to travel. Outside the medina lies the Palmeraie and the imposing wall of the Atlas Mountains beyond. A mere fifteen minute taxi or drive away - parking is easy by the way and cheap, takes you somewhere astonishing; the countryside beyond. It’s here that there’s fresh air and space. Our first stop was the magnificent Fairmont Royal Palm, it’s beautiful beyond all belief. Nestled within a two hundred and thirty one hectare landscape of natural, yet perfectly maintained palms, orange groves, the vast free form pools that are inspired by Mauri tian lagoons, offer space to sit as if you are alone and sit in front of a the spectacular golf course and even more breathtaking snow-capped mountain landscape. The low rise, dusky pink buildings blend seam lessly into the , letting the natural environ ment speak for itself.

Golf buggies zip guests around the complex, although mostly we chose to enjoy the walks. The facilities are every bit as 5* as it gets. From the largest Kid’s Club in Morocco, with its own pool and mini tennis court, to the vast Fitness Centre with another outdoor pool. Each a destination in itself, the offering is so complete. Want a game of football, basketball, tennis, a workout or training? Just call and one of the pro’s will oblige. There’s even a squash court. This place has it all. Everything is state of the art and equipped for every need. The huge Spa, designed as a modern riad with its own indoor pool, transports you to paradise. I had a blissful massage

there - It would have been rude not to experience the offering for the readers, of course.

So much gushing and without mention of the accommodation. Our home for the three nights was a ground floor, ultra luxurious, two bedroom suite with its own secluded terrace and direct access to the gardens. Most striking, the exceptionally high ceilings and the vast bathroom with a walk-in shower room large enough for the whole family to shower in, a sunken bath big enough for all too and walk-in closets that would make any multimillionaire fash ionista cry with happiness.

The end of our stay came too quickly

but we were off to pastures old! Back through Marrakesh and out in the opposite direction into the countryside, an eight kilometre drive to the most wonderful family-run, home-away-from home that I have ever stayed in. I barely want to mention the place for fear of giving away such a treasured secret, however I owe it to the owners, Karima and Hicham and their most gracious and truly wonderful team to give credit where credit’s due. The last visit to this luxurious guest house had been with my eldest son still in my tummy. I never forgot the experience; the hospi tality, the food - mostly grown in their own gardens, the wonderfully unique rooms and suites and that heavenly, palm-fringed swimming pool where I lay in their shade in a hammock. My husband warned of the possibility of disappointment after ten years and fading memories but this place just gets better with age.

With just eight rooms/suites, Casa Taos is a tiny, hidden gem. Our little piece of heav en, the Botero Suite. Through the courtyard behind the pool with our own private gar den and orange tree, we immediately felt at home. The sunken bath is so large that it has steps to enter, a stained glass window throwing colourful light into the bedroom, an open fire and the most comfortable bed. Moreover, the lovely housekeepers are like magical fairies. Our suite was spotless and maintained so. We would leave for break fast and return to a cool, clean and inviting haven of relaxation without even noticing them having been! It was also the perfect location for yet another massage. Nothing is too much trouble to organise here and the wonderful front of house, Hin arranged for a lady to come. A massage table was set up, soft music played and more bliss followed.

There’s something so special about Casa Taos. We happened to be one of just two families staying for the few days that we were there. They became friends and we shared meals on the huge communal table under the awning beside the pool. We left our front door open and unlocked and our children roamed free together, trampolining, playing basketball and table tennis, board games and Ipad or simply swinging in the hammocks in the shade of the palms. We felt as if we were in our own private villa but with the luxury of a full team of dedicated staff!

There are plenty of day trips that are a must from Marrakesh but first, if you are a reasonably competent driver, I’d suggest renting a car. It’s quick, easy and inexpen sive. I can highly recommend Soufiane and his company Car Rental Ltd. His customer service is second to none, our car was modern, clean and delivered to our hotel and his communication via Whatsapp was impeccable. He saved us from an extremely expensive alternative!

So, car in hand we headed to the desert. If there’s one trip that you make from Marrakesh then take a day in the Agafay desert. We opted for the uber-luxurious Inara Camp. A magical oasis in an area of exceptional beauty that has to be seen to be believed. A 45 minute drive takes you to an

The Bluestones on their dune buggy ride

Main Building, Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakesh

other-worldly place of exceptional beauty. Agafay is a mineral desert that stretches for over 20km. The breathtaking landscapes of the stony desert change colours like a living picture over the course of the day and in to night. This is uber-luxury desert camping

booted and with helmets for protection, we followed our guide over an awe-inspiring landscape, attacking hills and stopping as the sun-set to take the photos of a lifetime. There are plenty of tour operators offering the service but Inara organised

a brand that offers luxury swim and resort wear for the whole family. Created on the exotic Caribbean Island of Mustique by Lotty B, their colourful swim trunks in sizes for adults and their children, beautifully cut linen shirts with intricate cuff detail and flowing, eye-catching silk katfans means that the whole family can be beautifully dressed at all times. Eilat has well and truly re-opened for business.

As the nights draw in and our days be come shorter so our minds can’t help but wander to the next getaway. September is a perfect time to make plans to look forward to and this year, as pressures mount and news never seems good, some guaranteed sunshine, nine hours a day to be exact, 330 days of the year, has never felt so appealing. www.pinkhousemus tique.com

Sunglasses are a must! LGR is my go-to brand for style and substance. Italian, hand-made eyewear whose quality and elegance are obvious from a mile away. www.lgrworld.com

www.inaracamp.com from £36 per person for a pool day pass to £837 for a totally luxurious, all inclusive, 2 night experience in a Suite Inara Tent www.fairmont.com/Marrakesh Junior Suite Garden View from €450 for 2 adults and 2 children

http://www.casataos.net/en/ From €199 per night, per room in low season

Flights daily with Royal Air Maroc (part of the One World Alliance) from Heathrow or Gatwick from £230 return https://www.royalairmaroc.com/ Service, offering and comfort levels will make for an enjoyable and stress-free journey.

Main Swiming Pool, Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakesh

Running Track with a View