The Jewish Weekly Issue 254 - October 27th

Israel goes to the polls next week for the General Election.

analysis

Rishi rallies Tories with “economic stability” vow

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to put “economic stability and confidence” at the heart of government.

Tough decisions await with the country facing a “profound eco nomic crisis”.

Sunak said he would endeav our to “fix” the mistakes made by predecessor Liz Truss’ brief ad ministration. Markets have stablil ised but they will be tested when Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers his fiscal statement next Month.

The Tory leader put together a ‘unity’ cabinet following the dis astrous 45-day Truss tenure.

Headline appointments include Dominic Rabb as deputy Prime

home secretary a week after re signing from the role for a breach of the ministerial code.

Sunak, 42, became Prime Min ister on Monday after Boris John son and Penny Mordaunt, who remains leader of the House of Commons, dropped out of the leadership race.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid tweet ed “congratulations” to Sunak.

“Israel and the United Kingdom are close allies,” he wrote. “We share not only mutual interests, but an unwavering commitment to democratic values. I look for

Jewish Leadership Council look forward to discussing key com munity issues. National Jewish Assembly believes Sunak will be regarded by the Jewish commu nity in a positive light due to his position on Israel, BDS and the Iranian threat.

Sunak wrote to Con servative Friends of Israel sup porters ahead of

lifetime, Sunak said the govern ment had elevated the UK-Israel relationship to its ‘strongest posi tion’. As PM he would ‘continue to grow’ that connection.

Sunak pledged to fight Iran’s destabilising activities, secure a UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement

lation. He was committed to combating antisemitism and backs construction of a National Holocaust

Minister Rishi Sunak

Downing Street after an audience with King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday morning.

“Our country is facing a profound eco nomic crisis,” he said, highlighting the im pact of Covid-19 pandemic and Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine destabilising energy markets and global supply chains.

Recalling how he protected people and businesses with the furlough scheme, he noted: “I will bring that same compassion to the challenges we face today. The govern ment I lead will not leave the next genera tion, your children and grandchildren, with a debt to settle that we were too weak to pay ourselves. I will unite our country not with words, but with action.”

Sunak said he would lead a government with “integrity, professionalism and ac countability” at every level.

Observing the Tory 2019 mandate was not the “sole property” of one individual, Sudak noted he would deliver the man date that included a stronger NHS, better schools, safer streets, border control and Brexit opportunities.

Sunak concluded that he would restore trust in a government representing the “very best traditions” of the Tory party.

The Truss cabinet had a final meeting at Downing Street before a group photograph. She remained defiant over her actions that crashed the financial markets in an outgo ing speech.

Three former PMs will be on the back benches for the first time since 1983 in Truss, Johnson and Theresa May.

Herzog UAV evidence for Biden

BY ADAM MOSES

President Isaac Herzog has revealed Israeli intelligence of Iranian UAVs being used in Russia’s war with Ukraine during his visit to the United States this week.

Herzog was in conversation with former US Ambassador to Israel, Daniel Shapiro, at an Atlantic Council event marking two years since the Abraham Accords.

Israel’s president told Shapiro that Iran “flatly denied” supplying drones to the Ukraine war then showed him slides that “unequivocally” proved Iranian drones be ing used against Ukrainian civilians.

“Innocent civilians in Ukraine are be ing killed and hurt and wounded and are suffering from Iranian weapons,” Herzog explained, adding: “Iran has kept on sup plying these drones and they are attacking all over Ukraine with suicide drones, spe cial UAVs that are meant to create havoc in large scope.”

Herzog went on to speak of his vision for a regional alliance to combat the climate crisis.

He observed: “I believe that there will be a Middle Eastern treaty. In my mind, if you look down the road, the region will supply energy one day to Europe, Africa and Asia.”

Herzog praised Israel’s integration in the Middle East, noting: “More Israelis and Arab neighbours throughout the region are talking to each other. It was an eye-opener to be a guest at a state visit in the United

Arab Emirates where the Hatikvah was played at the national palace.”

Herzog began the official visit on Tues day by meeting US Senior Advisor for En ergy Security Amos Hochstein, President Joe Biden’s mediator for Israeli-Lebanese talks on the maritime boundary.

Herzog and Hochstein discussed details of the deal and implications for regional stability.

Herzog also met with House Speak er Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State An tony Blinken and other US officials in Washington.

Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer invited Herzog to address a joint meeting of Congress as part of Israel’s 75th

independence celebrations. A date has to be set.

Pelosi and Schumer informed Herzog in writing that Congress wanted an opportu nity to hear about Israel’s ‘historic and joy ous milestone’ and the US-Israel alliance.

Prior to departure Herzog told reporters: “This visit comes during elections, both in Israel and the United States, and it is an opportunity to reaffirm that the powerful friendship and partnership between our nations is above all disagreements, and above any political or party divisions.”

Herzog was due to meet Biden, National Security advisor Jake Sullivan and Jewish communities at the time of going to press.

A full report will be in next week’s edition.

President Herzog in conversation with Daniel Shapiro at the Atlantic Council

Election too close to call

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel heads to the polls on Tuesday in a general election that looks too close to call.

Analysts have Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc on 60 seats followed by Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s coalition on 56 seats.

Netanyahu is one seat short of a Knesset majority but political twists and turns are expected in the coming days.

Should Likud’s leader suc ceed it will be an unprecedent sixth term and astonishing comeback for Opposition leader Netanyahu who lost power in 2021 after 12 years as Israel’s leader.

This is the fifth election Netanyahu will contest in three years. He has led Israel longer than any PM in history.

Lapid, who heads Yesh Atid, is battling to extend his term of office since succeeding Naftali Bennett.

Lapid reportedly said on Sunday that he had concerns that Netanyahu would not recognise the results.

“(The opposition) have already started filing petitions to the election committee and it is possible that they are planning a move where if (Netanyahu) does not win, he will try to question the legitimacy of the elections,” he observed.

National Unity par ty leader, and Defence Minister Benny Gantz, told reporters this week he may back Lapid when results are announced.

“We will finish the elec tions, we will sit down and analyse the results and see how we pro ceed,” he said.

Gantz and Netanyahu have confirmed they will not unite in a coali tion. “It’s not because he personally attacked me, personally offended me and violated agree ments with me, which all did happen,” he said. “Rather it’s because he acted against the interests of the State of Israel for the sake of his own.”

“Gantz is left-wing, he wants a Palestin ian capital in Jerusalem, I won’t form a government with him,” Netanyahu recently said.

If Netanyahu triumphs it comes just weeks after being released from hospital after collapsing during Yom Kippur with chest pains at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu underwent tests at Shaare Zedek Medical Center before continuing his election quest.

Read James Marlow’s analysis of the Israel election result in next week’s edition.

Chai Cancer Care

NATALIE SHIPMAN MEMORIAL

BRCA GENE MUTATIONS ARE SPEARHEADING OVARIAN

TREATMENT

Keynote

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Celebrating the Joy of Jewish Music

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Alby Chait Shulem Lemmer Avromi Freilich

Benjamin Netanyahu

NJA Holocaust memorial debate

BY DAVID SAFFER

The National Jewish Assembly is holding an online debate on the proposed Holo caust memorial near Parliament on Sunday (2.30pm).

The discussion over the £150m plus site will be held on Zoom. Anyone can join the meeting.

The NJA will remain strictly neutral in the debate.

Gary Mond, NJA chairman, said: “This is a very important issue for the Jewish community and fully worthy of a com prehensive debate, especially in light of the opposing views expressed by leading British Jews in recent months.

“Many senior figures believe that a me morial near Parliament will help ensure that the Holocaust will never be forgotten. Others believe that the cost, likely to be more than £150 million, is better spent on Holocaust education and trips for school children to Auschwitz.

“The NJA believes that all in the com munity should be given an opportunity to express their opinion. Moreover, it should be a debate amongst friends. Everyone wants only the best for the future of Holo caust remembrance and education, even though they might differ on the method of achieving this.”

NJA vice chairman Steven Winston, meantime, has submitted a formal letter to Secretary of State for Foreign, Common wealth and Development Affairs James

Cleverly regarding UK-Israel relations.

Policy recommendations arose from discussions held by the NJA’s Committee on Israel.

In the letter, Winston congratulated the then Prime Minister Liz Truss on her de cision to consider moving the Embassy of the UK to Jerusalem.

“The move is an unparalleled step to wards solidifying the strong and prosper ous bonds between the UK and Israel,” he noted.

Winston raised concerns over the FC DO’s use of the term “Occupied Palestinian Territories” to refer to Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).

The letter highlighted the fraught use of this term and its inherent historical and po litical inaccuracies. The NJA recommended the use of “Disputed” in lieu of “Occupied.”

Winston raised further concerns over the FCDO’s continued funding of the Pal estinian Authority security forces. The NJA called for a full review of the UK taxpayer’s funding of these forces.

The NJA hopes Cleverly will resolve to make the changes to improve on the bilat eral relationship between the UK and Israel.

NJA, meantime, has launched a dedicat ed youth wing, the Young NJA to be chaired by Michael Rowe.

The first meeting will be with representa tives of the Jewish Agency on November 7.

Registration for the Holocaust debate: www.nja.org.uk/upcoming-events

IDF precision strike knocks out Lion’s Den

BY ADAM MOSES

Israeli security forces carried out a preci sion ground operation against the Lion’s Den terror organisation hideaway in the West Bank city Nablus.

The terror group was responsible for re cent terror attacks against Israelis including the fatal shooting of Sergeant Ido Baruch in Tel Aviv last month.

According to reports five Palestinian militants were killed and 20 injured. Li on’s Den commander Wadee al-Houh was amongst those killed in the raid. IDF, Shin Bet forces and Border Police officers came under heavy fire from terrorists. Israeli forc es said the terror cell was a bomb factory.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid commended security forces: “Our goal remains to strike hard and continuously at terrorists and those who dispatch them in Jenin, Nablus and wherever terrorism takes root. We will not relent even for a moment. We will not permit the existence of terrorist organisa tions that attack Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.”

Lapid said targeting Lion's Den head Al-Houh and other terrorists is the result of joint efforts by the IDF, ISA and Israel National Counter Terrorism Unit.

“As part of the operation, the terrorist laboratory of the "Lion's Den' was severely damaged,” he said.

“This was a lethal precision strike at the heart of a terrorist cell that was trying to carry out attacks. I commend the security forces that are active day and night for the safety of all Israelis. Those who try to attack us will suffer the consequences.”

The three-hour operation reportedly caught the terrorists off guard. A large

number of local Arabs burned tyres and threw stones at IDF forces during the operation.

The IDF Break the Wave operation fol lows 17 Israelis killed by terrorists this year.

Israel’s leaders have made it clear terror ists have nowhere to hide.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz visited the Regional Division of the West Bank.

“IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police forces operate 24 hours a day in every place nec essary,” he said. "We will not live with the reality of terror in any of our operational fronts. Whoever tries to harm the lives of Israeli civilians will end either in jail or in the grave, there will not be refuge cities for terrorists.”

In related news, an Israeli in his 50s on Tuesday afternoon in Al-Funduq near the Jewish community of Kedumim was stabbed by a terrorist.

He was treated by IDF paramedics and evacuated to Sheba Hospital in Tel HaShomer in moderate condition.

IDF forces have launched a manhunt for the terrorist.

help end Jewish poverty

Shechita UK campaign director Shimon Cohen spoke to the European Commission about Jew ish religious freedoms in a closed EU conference last week.

Cohen spoke candidly about the “blatant disregard” various mem ber states have regarding shechita.

“Anti-shechita concerns are often based on ignorance and misinformation, and sometimes even more sinister agendas,” he said. “Yet whatever the motivation, they hinder Jewish life creating a perverse hier archy of rights.

“Europe must practise what it preaches and act to institute legislative safeguards to protect religious rights and freedoms for all.”

The conference was entitled ‘Freedom to practice religion in Europe: Challenges for Jews and Muslims in the face of bans of traditional slaughter’.

HaGaon HaRav Shi

mon Badani, spiritual leader of the Shas Party, has been re leased from Mayanei Hayeshua Hospital in Bnei Brak.

HaRav Badani, 94, was hospitalised just before Yom Kippur. His family asked for tefillos but during Succot his health deteriorated.

HaRav Badani’s health has since im proved. The public has been asked to continue praying for HaRav Shimon ben Chavivah b’toch sha’ar cholei Yisrael as he recuperates at home.

Hagaon Harav Aharon Schechter, Rosh Yeshiva of Chaim Berlin and member of Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah - Agudath Israel of America, was also hospitalised before Yom Kippur.

Tehillim are being recited for HaRav Aha ron Moshe ben Fruma Rochel.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid

PHOTO: GPO

Shimon Cohen

HaRav Shimon Badani

Adidas drops Kanye West partnership

BY LILLY JOSEPH

Adidas has ended its partnership with rap per Kanye West (also known as Ye) over persistent antisemitic rantings.

The decision is expected to lose the shoes and sportswear company around $250 million.

Adidas has been universally praised for its decision. It acted after a “thorough re view” and backlash against Ye from celeb rities on social media.

“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech,” the company said in a statement. “Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unac ceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.”

Adidas added: “After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye imme diately, end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies. Adidas will stop the Adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect.”

Antisemitic statements in the past month on social media by Ye have been widely reported.

Of his Adidas partnership on Drink

Champs podcast, Ye reportedly said: “I can say antisemitic things and Adidas can’t drop me. Now what?”

He has made references on “Jewish business secrets”, “Jewish Zionists”, “Jew ish media”, “Jewish underground media mafia” and made inappropriate Holocaust comments.

Ye’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, tweeted: “Hate speech is never OK or excusable. I stand together with the Jewish commu nity and call on the terrible violence and

hateful rhetoric towards them to come to an immediate end.”

Friends star David Schwimmer posted to Instagram: “His hate speech calls for violence against Jews. If you interpret his words any other way and defend him, guess what? You are racist. If we don’t call some one as influential as Kanye out for his divi sive, ignorant and anti-semitic words then we are complicit. Silence is complicity.”

Other A-list celebrities reportedly speak ing out against Ye and antisemitism are Jamie Lee Curtis, Eric Andre, Florence Pugh, Josh Gad, Amy Schumer, Ruby Rose and Chelsea Handler.

Ye had already been suspended from Twitter and Instagram this month over an tisemitic posts. He offered to buy social net work Parler following his the suspension.

High profile businesses to end a business relationship with the controversial rapper are reportedly Balenciaga fashion house, Creative Artists Agency and JPMorgan Chase. The MRC film studio has ended a documentary on Ye. And US fashion chain Gap has removed products from the Yeezy Gap range.

According to Forbes, Ye is worth $400 million but has lost his place on its billion aires’ list.

Israel and Albania united against Iran

BY ADAM MOSES

Israel and Albania are united over the global threat of Iran.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid discussed the is sues with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama this week.

The leaders held talks on cooperation in various areas including strengthening bilat eral ties and overcoming common challenges faced by the two countries.

The Iranian threat was a particular talking point following Iranian cyberattacks on Al bania in recent months. Lapid proposed to the Albanian leader they cooperate in cyber to strengthen defensive capabilities against Iran.

“Israel will assist as much as possible in the effort against Iran,” he said. “We see this as a national interest and an historical obligation.” Lapid added: “Iran is a shared threat to both Israel and Albania.”

Israel’s leader thanked Rama for his coun try's support of Albanian Jews during the Holocaust.

He told Rama, “Albania has a special place in Jewish history. The values and principles of the Albanian people led its citizens to risk their lives during the Holocaust. They gave Jews shelter and found ways to smuggle them away from the Nazis. We will never forget those who stood by our side.”

Both leaders agreed on the importance of the fight against antisemitism.

Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Gaby Portnoy, also met Rama as part of his visit to Israel.

The cyberattacks have seen Albania im pose sanctions on Iranian diplomats in the country.

Rama welcomed the Israeli cyberattacks model, especially protecting critical nation al infrastructure and developing defence capabilities.

Portnoy overviewed the active defence approach and developing a national ‘cyber dom’.

He invited Albania to engage in close co operation with Israel.

Portnoy explained, “Iran is not paying a high-enough price for its incessant attempts to indiscriminately undermine civilian cy berspace. The position Albania took in con demning and imposing sanctions on Iran conveys the message that aggressive actions have a price. This position must be main tained. Cooperation between countries pro vides a protective belt against these attempts and others."

Portnoy called on Rama to participate in developing a cybersecurity system that Israel is promoting.

Israel's Ambassador to Albania, Galit Pe leg, attended the visit and will continue the dialogue for cyber to be a top priority for both countries.

Lapid also met with the Prime Minister of The Netherlands Mark Rutte this week.

The two leaders discussed energy coopera tion, the climate crisis, AI and Iranian threat.

“We share a vision and values,” said Lap id. “These values are being tested today and there are some who fight them.”

Citing Iran, he observed: “If we look at the demonstrations in Iran, they are an inspira tion to all of us. People are willing to fight for freedom, especially women, they risk their lives for basic rights.”

Lapid added: “I hope we approve in a short time the next meeting of the Dutch-Israeli Forum that has been neglected for too long.”

Israel has returned after more than a dec ade to the Association Council with the Eu ropean Union.

“Our Forum should be the natural fol low-up to strengthen our relationship,” Lapid said.

Lapid told Rutte that Israel would sign an historic agreement with Lebanon and be come a major supplier of gas to Europe in the near future.

He added: “We have to work together to find medium and long-term solutions for green energy and renewable energy.”

Energy Minister Karine Elharrar participat ed in the discussions.

World leaders to attend COP27

BY LILLY JOSEPH

COP 27 takes place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt next month (November 6-18).

The event welcomes world leaders to the summit as the world grapples with the cli mate crisis. It has been reported that events at pavilions at the site may be cut down due to the number of heads of state attending.

Scientists and campaigners will join pol iticians, business leaders and celebrities debating climate issues. Regular multilat eral consultations will offer opportunities to engage on specific issues.

Ahead of the conference Israel’s cabinet has approved a new climate plan. All gov ernment ministries will present reports for climate change by the end of next year.

Ministries will update the cabinet on pro gress, noted Prime Minister Yair Lapid at his weekly cabinet meeting.

Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg added that a significant step to ward preparing Israel to deal with the climate crisis had taken place. She explained: “We see the damage of the climate crisis. Storms at sea are causing death and destruction around the world. Advance preparations on a national level are critical in saving lives and the environment.”

Action plans will be written in accordance with the National Emergency Authority and Environmental Protection Ministry. Analysis has been prepared by the Climate Change Authority. The Ministry has passed the Cli mate Law on its first reading in the Knesset.

It is supporting local authorities with plans regarding shade for urban areas, streams and natural urban green spaces.

The National Security Council is responsi ble for inter-ministerial coordination.

The NEA has started preparations for cli mate change. The authority has issued guide lines for floods.

In the coming years, government bodies will issue actions for heat waves, wildfires and snowstorms.

WJC blasts UN inquiry

World Jewish Congress has blasted the UN’s ‘Independent International Commis sion of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel’.

WJC had little hope the report to the UN General Assembly would be balanced giv en antisemitic comments by some Inquiry members last summer.

“The report fails to mention at least once the terrorist organisation Hamas,” noted WJC. “As we have seen many times with reports coming out of the Human Rights Council, it is inflammatory, politicised and one-sided, and fails to reflect the complexi ty of the situation on the ground or provide any constructive way forward.”

WJC said the report was an affront to his tory and undermined values of impartiality the Council needs to abide by.

PM Yair Lapid meets with Albanian PM Edi Rama

PHOTO: GPO

Kanye West

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Naomi is new Norwood CEO

has an nounced the appoint ment of Naomi

joining the

that supports people with learning disabil ities and autism

and their families facing social, educational and men

health

joins in mid-January from Jewish Women’s Aid where she was CEO for eight years.

appointment follows the departure of Dr Beverley Jacob son, who stepped down earlier this year having steered the organisation through the pandemic, building a strong platform for its future.

news comes at an important time for Norwood as it seeks to consolidate its posi tion in the community amid an ever-more challenging landscape for communal or ganisations, given the social care funding gap and escalating cost-of-living crisis.

Norwood Chair, Neville Kahn, said: “As an established community and charity leader, Ms Dickson brings with her strong lead ership skills, communal knowledge and significant fundraising experience. Her

person-centred ethos made her the out standing candidate for the role of CEO, and we look forward to her bringing that to our work in empow ering each individual we support to live their best possible life at Norwood.”

Naomi comment ed: “I am delighted to be joining Norwood as the charity enters the exciting next phase in its history. I am committed to en suring we continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of the community.”

Naomi started at JWA, the only commu nity charity that supports Jewish women af fected by domestic and/or sexual violence, in the role of refuge coordinator.

Since her appointment as CEO in 2014, she has been responsible for almost dou bling the organisation’s annual income, and she was recognised as one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2020. Naomi’s experience includes roles at Jewish Blind and Disabled and the Notting Hill Housing Trust. She has been a trustee for the Women’s Aid Federa tion of England and is currently a trustee for Home-Start UK and Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

Naomi Dickson

Stolen Judaica returned to museum

BY ADAM MOSES

Judaica stolen by the Nazis during World War Two has been returned to the Jewish Museum in Prague.

Museum experts discovered the items at a New York auction house whilst monitor ing the global art market last June.

Synagogue items were among thousands of objects transferred to Prague from ru ral Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia between 1942 and 1944.

The pieces found passed through the mu seum during the Nazi occupation and were subsequently untraced. A Torah mantle, ark curtain and Bima covers are historical records of communities. They include em broidered dedication of members.

The Czech Embassy in Washington and Czech government facilitated the return of the items.

Czech Ambassador to the US, Miloslav Stasek said. “Private and communal prop erty was initially stolen by the Nazis, what remained was often lost in the post-war period. The lives of the victims cannot be returned. We must strive to recover our cultural heritage so that future generations can enjoy and learn from it.”

He added: “I am very glad that the Czech Embassy in Washington has recently been successful in this endeavour, whether it was acquiring the estate of the film direc tor Ivan Passer or repatriating textiles to the collections of the Jewish Museum in

Prague.”

The items were handed to the museum’s director, Leo Pavlatm, who noted: “It is both a privilege and a duty to care for this heritage that once belonged to the victims of the Sho ah. This is why every additional seemingly lost object from the heritage of the Jewish past that we can restitute to the museum collection is extremely important to us.”

Pavlatm added: “The Judaica in the col lections of our museum bear witness to the centuries-long diverse and multifaceted life of Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia, which was tragically interrupted by the Nazi occupation.”

Efforts to recover stolen items is an on going process. Nazi Germany stole art from Jews in occupied countries. While stolen art was recovered by Allies it has been esti mated that twenty percent of European art

Fallenkvist condemned over Anne Frank comments

BY LEAH WAXLER

The Council of Swedish Jewish Communities has called on Sweden’s Democrats Party to de tach itself from Rebecka Fallenkvist who made derogatory comments online about Anne Frank.

The far-right party sus pended Fallenkvist after a distasteful incident about the respected teenage di arist that was been round ly condemned.

Anne died in Bergen Belsen concentration camp, around 30 million copies of her famous diary have been sold around the world. Amongst the teeanger’s lasting legacy, as of 2018, over 270 schools have been named after her globally, 100 in Germany alone.

Fallenkvist, a 26-year-old head of televi sion programming for the SD party, called Anne “immoral” in an Instagram post now deleted.

President Lena Posner Korosi said in a statement: “Fallenkvist expresses a remark able disrespect for Anne Frank as a Holo caust victim. Normalising a treacherous language and shamelessly trivialising the suffering of Holocaust victims is indecent

pieces, hundreds of thousands of artwork, were plundered.

Hermann Goering and Joseph Goebells liquidated assets through ‘approved’ deal ers to fund the Nazi war machine. Allies subsequently discovered over 1,000 stores of works across Germany and Austria. The US Army were able to identify and return some 700,000 pieces.

In 1985, European countries released lists of works of confiscated art from Jews by Nazis.

An international effort soon started with 39 countries pledging to identify art stolen from Holocaust victims and compensate heirs. An Austrian advisory panel returned over 6,000 art pieces to legal owners, mostly Jews.

In 1998, the US State Department and US Holocaust Memorial Museum co-host ed the Washington Conference on Holo caust-Era Assets. Over 40 governments and international non-governmental organisa tions attended to continue the work of the 1997 London Nazi Gold conference.

The conference recognised different legal systems and agreed a number of universal principles.

Archives and resources must be accessi ble to researchers to help identify art con fiscated by the Nazis and not restituted. Every effort should be made to publicise art found to have been confiscated by the Nazis and establish a central registry. Res titution work continues across the globe.

Tragedy in Geulah

and undignified, all the more serious from an elected politician who enjoys great influence.

“The kind of rhetoric Fallenkvist expresses stands in stark contrast to Sweden’s commitment to remembering the Hol ocaust”. The Jewish Cen tral Council welcomes a clear, clear and immedi ate disassociation from the SD’s party leadership.

Aside from Jewish groups criticising the comments, Sweden’s Ambassador to Israel, Ziv Nevo Kulman, tweeted his condemnation to the disre spectful memory of Anne.

He said: “It comes in sharp contrast to Sweden’s efforts to preserve the memo ry of the Holocaust. Unfortunately, there are many more bad weeds that must be uprooted.”

Sweden Democrats’ media director, Oskar Cavalli-Bjorkman said the party would take Fallenkvist’s “insensitive and inappropriate” comments seriously.

An internal investigation has been launched by the Party.

Fallenkvist later sent a text message to the media stating she was misinterpreted.

Tragically, 10-year-old Yoel Dovid Lanao was stuck and killed by a cement mixer in the Geulah neighbourhood of Jerusalem. His family had just recently emigrated to Israel from Ukraine, where his parents Rab bi Daniel and Nechama Lanao had served as Sheluchim in Kiyiv.

The Jewish Museum in Prague PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Anne Frank PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Yoel Dovid Lanao z”l

Goldschmidt meets Pope in Rome

Pope Francis and Chief Rabbi Pinchas Gold schmidt discussed the Russia-Ukraine War and Jewish religious freedoms in a private meeting in Rome last Sunday.

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt has been one of the few religious leaders in Russia to speak out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He began an operational tour around neighbouring European countries absorbing Russian refugees fleeing from the war. And has publicly protested against the violence.

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt explained to the Pope that key Jewish practices, such as Shechita, are not explicitly safeguarded by law, operating instead as a derogation. Many countries, pressured under the pretense of animal welfare, can and do ban Kosher meat production.

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt also spoke to the Pope of a need to have clear legislation protecting Shechita and Jewish religious practices.

He said: “It is an honour to continue voic ing the concerns of the Jewish communities of Europe before Pope Francis. Religious leaders must proclaim what they believe is right, morally and for their followers, how ever outspoken these messages may be.”

Chiet Rabbi Goldschmidt also met Italy’s newly appointed vice-Prime Minister Mat teo Salvini and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, awarded the Lord Jakobovits Prize of European Jewry in 2019.

Google & Reichman Uni ‘tech’ school

BY LILLY JOSEPH

Google and Reichman University are estab lishing a school for High-Tech professions in Herzliya.

The School of High-Tech will include technological and business courses includ ing programming, software testing, busi ness development, sales and data analysis.

The school's establishment will provide equal opportunities to students in under represented populations hoping to contrib ute to the Israeli economy.

Google has invested in providing schol arships for diverse sectors of the Israeli population.

Courses will comprise core academic studies, combined with professional train ing in the industry. Academic credits will count towards an academic degree. Support to ensure high-quality placements and inte gration into the workforce will be provided.

The educational facility will reach out to populations under-represented in Israeli high-tech, including women, the ultra-Or thodox, Arabs, members of the Ethiopian community and people from the geo-social periphery and disadvantaged socio-eco nomic groups.

This will be done in collaboration with civil society and non-profit organisations.

Studies will take place at the Google cam pus in Tel Aviv and Reichman University. Some courses will be held in the north and south of the Israel.

Barak Regev, Google Israel managing di rector said: “Google has been leading the journey to diversify Israeli high-tech for several years.”

Initiatives including KamaTech began their paths at the Google for Startups campus a decade ago. “We believe that a variety of voices, opinions and perspec tives enriches Israeli high-tech and its de velopments,” said Regev. “We are excited to take this commitment with Reichman University.”

Google has pledged to invest $25 million in diversifying high-tech employment in Israel.

Regev explained: “This is the first step in our Journey to Tech program, which will enable us to expand the circle of high-tech employees and at the same time diversify it through skilled and high-quality employ ees from all parts of the Israeli population.”

Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairman of Reichman University’s board said: “The High-Tech school is being established out of national responsibility and belief that it is only through education that can we promote social mobility.

“Reichman University continues to work to strengthen social resilience and train the future leadership of Israeli society.”

Prof. Rafi Melnick, Prof. Uriel Reichman, Prof. Yossi Matias and Barak Regev at the signing ceremony

make your mind up time

BY JAMES MARLOW

Israeli voters will head to the polling stations on Tuesday for an unprecedented fifth time in less than 4 years. In fact, Israel now “holds the award” for calling more general elections in the 21st century than any other country worldwide.

That’s quite an achievement because Is rael is currently beating previous unstable coalitions from The Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. Even Britain has ONLY held 3 general elections since 2015.

Forty parties have registered to run on Tuesday, but only 11 are expected to cross the electoral threshold which requires a minimum of 4 seats. In all polls over the last 4 months, the Likud led by Bibi Net anyahu, has never slipped below 30 seats and will once again become the largest party.

Bibi’s rival is Yair Lapid who last week celebrated his party’s 10th anniversary since its launch. This week a Channel 13 poll put his Yesh Atid party on a massive 27 seats, but that comes at the expense of the two far-left parties,

Labor and Meretz who according to the survey, are both on 4 seats and dangerous ly close to not passing the threshold.

The Religious Zionists led by former cabinet minister Betzalel Smotrich and his far-right number two, Itamar Ben-Gvir, reached 14 seats in all polling last week. That’s around 750,000 people who say they will vote for the Religious Zionists. If these numbers are turned into actual results, it will make them the third largest party in the Knesset.

Contrary to popular opinion, they are NOT all far-right-wing mostly uneducated anti-Arab extremists. Perhaps around

30,000 to 40,000 but that’s it.

The rest are fed up with the politics. Fed up with the cost of living. Fed up with low wages. Fed up with the rising attacks against their communities and fed up with candidates insisting they are more right-wing than Netanyahu, (like Avig dor Liberman, Gideon Sa’ar and Naftali Bennett) but then join in a coalition with Labor and Meretz.

The overwhelming number of these 750,000 voters are planning to support the “anti-establishment” Religious Zionists party. We have seen across the western world a phenomenon that mainstream

voters are turning away from their tradi tional parties.

In the last two weeks Sweden and Italy have rejected their traditional parties and chosen a different path. Some in the me dia call it far-right-wing fascism, but that rhetoric is usually reserved for those who wish to shut down the conversation.

These Israeli voters know that when Smotrich and Ben Gvir say they are rightwing, they mean it and will never join a coalition with Labor and Meretz.

To put in easy-to-understand language, there are two camps: The Pro Bibi and Anti Bibi blocs.

It’s Likud, Religious Zionists, Shas and UTJ versus Yesh Atid, National Unity, Yisrael Beytanu, Labor, Meretz and Ra’am. The Arab Joint List is right now against both of the two blocs.

Will report back from Jerusalem next week with the results.

James J. Marlow is a broadcast journalist previously working for ITN, EuroNews, LBC Radio, Daily Express and GB News. He was a consultant at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.

politics

BY CLLR RABBI ARNOLD SAUNDERS

It is not everyday that you witness history from a ringside seat!

Last Thursday, I was on a Zoom call for councillors with a Cabinet Minister (whom I am not going to name!) The Minister was assuring us that the Prime Minister was not going to resign and would soldier on and eventually “turn things around”. During the meeting, the Minister received a message that they should come to 10 Downing Street imme diately! An hour or so later (just after the Minister arrived at Downing Street) the PM announced that she was resigning!

Four days later, Rishi Sunak was de clared Leader of the Conservative Party and the next day, was appointed Prime Minister by HM King Charles III.

I have to admit that I voted for Liz Truss in the Summer election. I even “got the TShirt”! You could get them free at hustings.

However, I now accept that she made mistakes. I still believe that her policies were basically correct but she failed to “prepare the ground” sufficiently. There was a time- not so long ago- when a Budget remained confidential till it was presented to Parliament. Indeed

Chancellors have resigned for “leaking” information in advance- most recently Hugh Dalton in 1947. However, today the markets abhor uncertainty or surprises!

There is an old saying in the field of Mar keting- “sell the sizzle- not the sausage!”

Liz Truss’ problem was the sizzle - not the sausage. She also attempted to do too much too quickly. She also failed to appoint a broad Cabinet. There is another old saying-“keep your friends close- but your enemies closer”!

I now feel Rishi will make a good PM. He saw the country through COVID . He brought in the Furlough scheme - as well

as other schemes for businesses and self employed people- in double quick time. He is calm under pressure and his “hand on the tiller” is clearly reassuring to the markets.

There have been some who have been critical of Rishi. They point to the the fact that he is a multi millionaire - having mar ried into a mega wealthy family. However there is an interesting halocho concerning the preferred characteristics of a Baal Tefilla on the Yamim Noraim. The Mishna Berura (Siman 681) brings down a custom that a Baal Tefilla should be a communal leader. One might have thought a poor

man would have been preferable. After all, he has much to daven for. He understands what poverty is. He will daven from the bottom of his heart. Tears will flow from his eyes. However, a communal leader who is involved in running charities and communal organisations and who gives tzedoko himself knows the feelings of MANY poor people. Whereas the poor man only thinks of himself. (The same would apply to a Rebbe or Rov who dispenses blessings and advice. Even a politician might qualify in this regard! Thus Rishi is uniquely suited to being PM.

I wish him every success.

Finally, using my yarmulke as a rabbi rather than a councillor, Hashem is ulti mately in charge!

Councillor Rabbi Arnold Saunders

Peripatetic Rabbi and Minister, Journalist and Broadcaster-NW England

Ward Councillor, Kersal and Broughton Park Ward, Salford City Council

Conservative Spokesperson- Finance and Support Services

Member, LGA, Safer and Stronger Communities Board

LGA National Champion (Spokesperson), Modern Slavery

OPINION PIECE

OPINION PIECE

PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN

On the 29th November 1947, the General Assembly of the United Nations voted on the proposition that there should be two new states created from the then Palestine Mandate, one Jewish and one Arab. Jeru salem in this new arrangement would be an international city and be the capital of both new states. The Arabs wholly rejected the plan and vowed to drive the Jews into the sea. The ‘yes’ votes won the day and the rest is history.

Well, it is a history that Israel critics wish to forget, particularly the part about Jerusalem being the capital. This issue has gained traction recently as a result of the former Prime Minister Liz Truss express ing her view that the British Embassy currently in Tel Aviv should be moved to Jerusalem. In what has turned out to be a re-run of when the American President announced moving the American embas sy, the same people have come out with the same complaints.

It appears that the most common of these is that moving the embassy will

interfere with the prospects for peace. As far as I can tell, there have been very little changes good or bad since the Americans moved the embassy to Jerusalem. Hamas still want to kill Jews and the Palestinian Authority continue to pay those who do.

According to the Jewish News Palestin ian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh voiced concern over a UK embassy move saying: “Any change in the status quo in Jerusalem would undermine the two-state solution and will be considered a tacit recognition of the city’s annexation to Israel, which will encourage the occupying state.” Not very exciting it has to be said and certainly not new. What is interesting though is the reference to a two-state solution. What two-state solution? The only two-state solution that the Pales tinian leadership have in mind are those states run by Hamas and the PA once they have destroyed Israel. You only need to

read or listen to their broadcasts in Arabic to know that.

There is of course an underlying reason for all this rhetoric. Those complaining about the embassy move have a more serious problem than immediately apparent, and that is relevance. Ever since Israel started normal relations with the United Arab Emirates the writing on the wall has been clear to see. There doesn’t need to be an accommodation with the Palestinians for Israel to make peace with its neighbours. Deadly though Hamas and the PA may be, they are slowing becoming less relevant to Middle East issues. This is a huge shift, since the standard approach of nearly all the Arab states for decades, until now, has been that there cannot be peace in the Middle East until the Israel/ Palestine conflict has been resolved. Not so much currently it seems. Iran is much more significant now it is

threatening to become a nuclear power and many of the Arab states recognise this. Those Arab states need a reliable military partner in the region and Israel offers that prospect. Self-interest is now leading the way, with the Palestinians being left behind as a result. That self-interest is telling because it reflects the understanding that Israel is a strong regional power. The Abra ham Accords haven’t come to pass because the withdrawal from Gaza or some promise to evacuate the Golan Heights. It is Israel’s strength which has been a major factor not its willingness to compromise.

Middle Eastern leaders see compromise as a weakness so their view of those calling for the embassy to stay where it is will be one of contempt not respect. As for their approach to where the embassy should be, I don’t know, but I suspect it will be similar to most people, in the capital. Which of course is Jerusalem. And why on earth not? End of story.

Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.

”

“ I’ve won the battle inside me. I am the happiest person I have ever been. Now I am the best version of myself

is is what it’s like inside my head

GIRLS AT NOA REDUCED OR RECOVERED FROM DEPRESSION

relates to girls who have been at Noa for 1+ years

West led the queen of hearts. Declarer threw a diamond from dummy and East took the trick with the ace of hearts in order to shift to the two of clubs. West won with the ace and returned a club; East ruffed, and the king of trumps meant the contract was down one.

Declarer moaned about his bad luck.

His partner answered “On the opening lead, you can place East with the ace of hearts, you should win the trick by ruffing in dummy and playing on clubs. If West ducks his ace, you continue with a second club.”

“Suppose West gives East a club ruff after winning the ace of clubs at trick two. East can do no better than exit with the king of diamonds. You win with the ace of diamonds and play the queen of trumps. You have to keep the ace of trumps intact at this point, otherwise you will not be able to ruff a second heart in dummy for your game-going trick. Suppose East takes this trick with the king of trumps. He can try to cash a diamond or lead a second trump. Either way, you would be able to ruff another heart in the dummy”.

“You’d make ten tricks: four trumps in hand, two heart ruffs in dummy, one diamond and three clubs”.

South asked, “Can you survive a red-suit shift after West wins the ace of clubs?”

“If West exits with a heart, you discard a diamond from dummy and would be in full control. A diamond exit is no better: you win with the ace of diamonds and play the ace and queen of trumps and, if the latter holds, you would play the three of trumps next.”

“You would always make four trumps, a heart ruff, the ace of diamonds and four clubs on a

AJEX marker initiative

The AJEX Annual Remembrance Parade and Ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph on Sunday, November 20th.

AJEX is marking the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, Second Battle of El Alamein and 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

AJEX will lay markers for any member who served in the British or Commonwealth armed forces and was killed in action.

A Magen David marker will be placed by AJEX in the field of remembrance at Westminster Abbey.

Contact AJEX with rank, name, age, date of death and unit served. Inform AJEX by November 1.

The field will be officially opened on November 10 and accessible to the public (1-4pm). From November 11-20 the field is open 10am to 4pm. (Times may change)

AJEX Chairman, Dan Fox and Vice President Brian Bloom will be at the official opening.

AJEX’s remembrance theme is ‘Connection’. The organi sation is inviting people of all ages to participate and help in connecting generations.

AJEX markers: headoffice@ajex.org.uk Visit www.ajex.org.uk to march in the parade on.

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

bnjcbrighton BNJCbrighton BNJCBrighton

Side by Side opens

Side by Side special needs school in Stam ford Hill welcomed pupils to their first day of school on Monday.

The £11.6m purpose-built building has a state-of-the-art campus. The school capac ity has increased from 80 to 150 pupils with enhanced facilities and bespoke support to cater for student’s needs.

Pupils visited the building earlier this year. Parents remarked that the school is ‘exceptionally welcoming’. Staff are excited that children have improved opportunities.

Headteacher Gerald Lebrett and trus tees invited pupils to join a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

He said: “This is more than just a physical move for all involved. We cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings as our

pupils continue to flourish and reach new heights.”

Jacob Sorotzkin, school trustee, added: “This beautiful project will allow our cur rent and prospective students to maximise their potential. Our dream has become a reality.”

Pupils learn new skills over time. The school takes a holistic view and resourc es to extend provisions to more of the community.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Eitan Freilich during his Havdalah concert at Holy Law Shul

Over 400 Manchester boys and teachers recently attended at the Crumpsall Synagogue, Cheetham Hill, Greater Manchester to recite in unison special Jewish Psalms for the sick and elderly to get well.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Tehillim by 400 Boys at Crumpsall Shul

Brian Bloom

Opening of Side by Side special needs school

Belovskis to depart

new senior rabbinic couple with a wide-ranging community consultation.

Plans are afoot for their departure by the end of 2023 after the rabbinic couple lead the Yamim Noraim season.

David Vaughan, Chair of the community, has written to shul members.

“Their impact has materially transformed our community into one of the most vibrant, open, inclusive and diverse modern Orthodox commu nities in British Jewry,” he wrote.

“There will be plenty of opportunities to thank them as a community.”

Looking to the future, he noted: “Change can be unsettling, particularly as Rabbi Belovski and Vicki have provided us with seamless and ex pert leadership for so long. However, change can also be positive and create opportunities for our community.”

Vaughan will outline the selection process for a

“We will be canvassing as many of your views as possible before embarking on the formal se lection process,” he said.

The Belovskis said they were making this an nouncement to allow the executive to carefully consider the community’s future rabbinic needs.

“Leadership includes knowing not just how and when to lead, but also when the time has come to pass on the baton of leadership,” they wrote in a letter to the community. “This decision has been a difficult one for us, but we are confident that it is right for GGS and for us.

“It is hard to express the gratitude we feel for almost 20 years leading this extraordinary community. We have partnered with outstand ing lay-leaders and for the past seven years, the remarkable Fromsons, always supported by our dedicated office and caretaking teams.”

The couple are taking on a portfolio of current and new consultancy roles.

AJEX and WWTT (We Were There Too) marked the centenary of The British Jewry Book of Honour at the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum at The Tower of London on Monday.

The publication commemorates Jewish life in Great Britain and the former Empire during the First World War.

First published in 1922, the com prehensive 1,000 plus page volume contains 55,000 records of Jews who served in the armed forces during the conflict between 1914-1918.

The book contains fatalities and casualties, military honours, Jewish units, the work of Jewish hospitals and other Jewish institutions.

The book was the result of research by the Reverend Michael Adler and senior Jewish Chaplain of the British Army. Forewords were written by Adler, General Monash, and

others including Secretary of State for War, Winston Churchill, and Field Marshall Haig.

AJEX National Chairman, Dan Fox said:

“World War One was a turning point for British-Jewish identity and the community in this country. The commitment of Jewish

men and women to the allied war effort was incredible and spanned the newest privates in the trenches, crews in untested tanks, nurses in hospitals, pioneering aviators in the skies, sailors fighting naval battles, and generals leading victories from HQs. It deserved, and continues to deserve, the fullest recognition.”

He added, “The book remains a fitting tribute to those who served between 1914-18 and stands as a unique artefact around which Jews today can refute any question of our loyalty to Britain. This book is the embodiment of AJEX’s three-fold mission of Remembrance, welfare and education”.

Speakers included Education and Out reach Officer, Paula Kitching, WWTT Project Director, Alan Fell, Rabbi Major Reuben Liv ingstone, Jonathan Lewis and Anthony Rau.

Three thousand copies were published.

Members of the community who lost loved ones could read about the war effort at a time of growing anti-Semitism. The book is an essential genealogy primary source for historians and members of the community researching family histories.

WWTT Project Director, Alan Fell de scribed the book as a “treasure trove” for families, genealogists and researchers.

The charities have launched a series of events to commemorate the publication of the book.

AJEX has produced 50 limited edition tro phies via its website and a special commem orative booklet.

The original book has a deep blue cover with an edition number on the first page.

AJEX is searching for the original 3,000 numbered volumes in circulation.

Owners can email bookofhonour@ajex.org. uk or telephone 020 8202 2323

Centenary events and digital copy of the book: www.jewsww.uk

AJEX parade: www.ajex.org.uk/ paradebooking

Rabbi Harvey and Vicki Belovski are stepping down as Senior Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Gold ers Green Synagogue after 20 years of dedicated service.

Rabbi Harvey and Vicki Belovski

Rabbi Major Reuven Livingstone with Paula Kitchin of

STAN

Registered charity number 1195729

Attendance Officer

Monitoring attendance of all

Headteacher:

GIFT ’s Giving Kitchen inspires chapel community kitchen in Wheathampstead

GIFT’s extraordinary Giving Kitchen, where volunteers cook and deliver hundreds of fresh, nutritious meals for those in need, has inspired the launch of a new, much-lauded community kitchen in Hertfordshire.

Since the launch of GIFT’s Giving Kitchen in 2021, it has been regularly visited by Risk Reports’ Health, Safety and Fire Risk Asses sor Maria Azcona. Having been kindly sup ported by her local community 20 years ago, she knew that one day she wanted to give back by opening a local food hub. Having observed GIFT’s work, and witnessed the joy that volunteers felt from being givers, she decided that the time was right to launch a similar community initiative.

Just as GIFT seeks to inspire and enable the community to come together to sup port those in need, The Chapel Community Kitchen runs from a newly renovated hall where local residents of all ages can come together to cook and eat together.

Maria Azcona, Founder of the initia tive and Trustee of the Wheathampstead Community Hub, says: ‘If it weren’t for The

Giving Kitchen, I do not think I would have had the courage to go ahead with the Chap el Community Kitchen. Seeing the Giving Kitchen was the push that made me see my idea wasn’t so crazy after all.’

Roxanne Stross, who runs GIFT’s Giving Kitchen, says: ‘I’m so proud that GIFT has inspired a similar initiative. Our volunteers continue to make such a difference, making and distributing 300 delicious meals each week, and they always comment on just how incredible it feels to give your time and energy to help others and to truly make a difference. Congratulations to the Chapel Community Kitchen!’

In addition to inspiring this initiative, GIFT has been thrilled to launch a new partnership with The Michael Levine Lone Soldier Centre in Israel, which will provide Shabbat meals to lone soldiers.

GIFT hopes that its successful model of volunteering and community support will continue to inspire and provide a best prac tice model for other groups around the UK and further afield.

BEIS YAAKOV

GIFT’s Giving Kitchen volunteers

Celebrating Succot with a Day Trip in the Negev

After a two-year break as a result of Covid 19, JNF UK took 30 participants on a day trip to the Negev on Thursday 13th October.

This opportunity was created to offer a different type of Israel experience, away from the busy tourist attractions by sharing the Negev through the eyes of JNF UK.

Participants visited many projects in cluding the KKL-JNF Agricultural Research and Development Centre in Ramat Negev and the incredible Ashalim Thermal Power Station that demonstrate Israeli ingenui ty by the unique desert environment and climate.

Everyone was invited to sample some

delicious pomegranates and were treated to home-grown wines produced at Moshav Be’er Milka and a delicious Kosher lunch served in the Succah at the JNF UK-sup ported Nitzana Educational Village.

A highlight of the trip was the opportu nity to meet with the young people taking part in Derech Eretz a project supported by JNF UK, which helps participants to crys tallise life shaping decisions and forge their identities as Israel’s future leaders.

Dan Shapira, JNF UK’s representative in Israel who led the trip commented “JNF UK’s Succot Day Trip was inspiring! We are excited to share with the participants

the various JNF UK supported projects and very special people that help make the Ne gev bloom through the work they do to fulfil and build David Ben Gurion’s dream that the future of Israel lies in the desert”.

Participants Valerie and Leigh Strachan commented “We really enjoyed the JNF UK day trip to the Negev. We saw a lot of interesting projects and met many people who gave us an insight into what they are seeking to achieve and the passion in their endeavours”.

JNF UK look forward to announcing the dates of its 2023 Pesach Day Trip. Look out for further details coming soon.

AJR Annual Teaback in person!

Mitzvah Day launch

BY ADAM MOSES

Over 25,000 volunteers in the UK and 15,000 worldwide will participate in Mitzvah Day on Sunday November 20.

The social action initiative was launched with an event in at Bowdon Shul in Manchester.

Faith and civic leaders attended. Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond opened the event and announced this year’s theme would be ‘Winter Warmers’.

The initiative brings together people in social action to help neighbours.

Stuart said: “The chill winter winds this year will bite deep. The effects will be pro found not only physically, but also emotion ally and psychologically during long, cold, dark nights.

“We can’t fix the world in one day, but we can use Mitzvah Day and our ‘Winter Warmers’ as a focus for building long term relationships between people of different faiths and backgrounds, and between com munities or people and charities that des perately need our help.”

The event highlighted the importance that communities outside of London play in making Mitzvah Day a huge success in the United Kingdom. It was organised in partnership with the Board of Deputies rep resented by regional manager Sara Radivan

and deputies including Jeremy Michaelson, Owen Power and Esty Bruck.

BoD president Marie van der Zyl said: “Mitzvah Day is a wonderful charity which encapsulates the Jewish imperative to give generously of our time and possessions to relieve suffering in the world. It reflects our own commitment to social action and social

justice.”

Keynote speaker Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar of Manchester City Council empha sised the importance of interfaith work.

Other speakers included Rev’d Dr Car oline Hewitt of St Michael and All Angels’ Church, which hosts the Little Lighthouse Baby Bank, and representatives of The

After three years the AJR Annual Tea was finally able to happen again in person rath er than on Zoom. People of all generations came together at the StoneX Stadium, with fabulous entertainment from the Singing Waiters.

Wellspring homeless charity.

Everyone at the launch helped pack bags of essentials for people being supported by Wellspring.

Guests attended from around the north of England including the Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, Councillor David Wilson and Ms Jeannette Slavinski

JNF UK’s day trip to the negev

Owen Power, Sara Radivan, Stockport Mayoress and Mayor Jeannette and David Wilson, Sajjad Haider, Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Stuart Diamond and Jeremy Michelson

AJR Annual Tea

Interview with Noa's founder

whatever tools she needs to succeed in every area of challenge in her life.

What is your success rate?

Yossi – Hi Naomi, great to be here. What a fabulous place. So, tell me more about your upcoming campaign…

Naomi –The community’s response to our first campaign two years ago blew us all away when we raised £1.5m! Those funds enabled us to clear our waiting list and take on even more girls. We have ex panded and increased our programming, invested in our infrastructure. We have not stopped. Since our last campaign the need for Noa has grown exponentially and there are so many more girls and their families reaching out for support. Our budget for this year is £1.8m and this upcoming campaign is to help us to meet this so we can continue to provide our wraparound holistic care to the 250 girls we currently support and the many more girls out there that are asking for our help.

Why was this charity necessary in the first place, and what happened to these girls beforehand?

Mental health affects everyone including people in the Orthodox community. In

Former CST head to become The Nicky’s new CEO

the past, girls who were struggling had no address. There was this huge stigma and girls felt they wouldn’t be understood and were fearful that anyone would find out about their challenges. Noa was established to reach the unreachable so each girl could receive the support they desperately needed.

How do you get to those girls who are unreachable?

Girls and their families have to feel comfortable approaching Noa. We achieve this by working closely with rabbanim and schools, and by creating an environ ment that is culturally sensitive and absolutely confidential. Our pro fessional clinician led service is trusted both by statutory and other external organisations

Rabbi Sacks global day of learning

The Rabbi Sacks ‘Global Day of Learning in Schools’ takes place on Monday November 14.

The annual educational programme marks Rabbi Sacks’ second yahrzeit.

such as CAMHS, and the community. Girls feel safe and understood. Once we get girls through the door, we know that adolescents can be really hard to engage. These girls may be suicidal, self-harming and/or suffering from depression. They’re not always going to want to sit in a sterile clinical environment and open up to someone they don’t relate to on day one. Our young friendly and dynamic staff are great at meeting girls where they’re at. We work tremendously creatively to work with girls at their pace and provide them whatever form of support they need to connect. We give totally holistic and tailored care plans for each girl who comes through our door. We give girls whatever support and

We have exceptional stats of recovery, gathered through our rigorous monitor ing and evaluation. For example, 87% of girls who have been supported at Noa for over a year have reduced or recovered from self-harm, 78% reduced or recov ered from depression, 68% from suicidal thoughts, and 79% have not had a repeat suicide attempt. However, all of these stats can’t fully convey the individual success of each girl. We have helped so many of them to turn their lives around until they are no longer just surviving, but coping and then thriving.

Sum up to your readers why they should make sure to donate to your charity extra campaign next Sunday and Monday?

Mental health is the greatest challenge of our generation. Everyone has been affected whether its personally within our family or close family friends. No one, absolutely no one is immune. We already support over 250 girls each year, yet we still have a huge waiting list and we can only take on a girl if we know we have the resources to support her however long her journey to recovery takes. Every girl needs an individual and tailored support package. We have created a safe space for girls struggling with mental health chal lenges. We need the community’s help to allow us to meet the growing demand for our services.

David has a wealth of experience in community work which started when he joined the Board of Deputies security department as a volunteer at the age of eighteen. He later joined the organisation, which evolved into the CST, a registered charity, as a full-time employee. In 1998 he became the CST’s first Northern Regional Director and relocated from London to Manchester. He also has his own security consultancy which he will retain as part of his professional portfolio.

In 2013 David was appointed to be come the Chief Executive, a position he held until 2019 when he moved back fulltime to Manchester. He said: “My mother moved in Manchester shortly after and I introduced her to The Nicky. This proved to be a life changer for her. Despite having no previous connection with Manchester, or the centre, she soon became a regular user attending four days a week making many new friends. I no longer had the daily worries about her being lonely in her apart ment knowing how well looked after she was being at The Nicky.

This year’s chosen theme is ‘From Opti mism to Hope’, a profound idea often ex pressed by Rabbi Sacks. Schools around the world will join together to commemorate and celebrate his life, his Torah and the impact he made.

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy has developed new educational resources, specially de signed for educators participating.

Rabbi Sacks was one of the greatest Jew ish thinkers of our generation. A teacher of Torah, a moral voice and a leader of lead ers, his words and teachings are his legacy. The annual event allows students to delve into Rabbi Sacks’ ideas targeted towards different age-groups.

Details: www.rabbisacks.org

Dein chat

Former Arsenal chairman David Dein will take part in a Q&A at Central Synagogue on November 6 (7pm).

The former Gunners chairman will be interviewed by Jonathan Metliss.

Bookings: myus.theus.org.uk/ events/7727/david-dein

Former Chief Executive of the Community Security Trust (CST), David Delew, is to succeed Michelle Wiseman as Chief Ex ecutive of The Nicky Alliance Community Centre in November.

Ahead of next week’s charity extra campaign, Editor Yossi Saunders sat down with Naomi Lerer, the founder and CEO of the charity at their Golders Green premises. Noa Girls provide practical, emotional and therapeutic support to adolescent girls in the Orthodox Jewish community in a safe, caring and non-judgemental environment.

Naomi Lerer

Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel’s talmidim fondly recall the special atmosphere of the Mirrer rosh yeshivah’s Erev Shabbos shmuessen when, with his trademark smile and delight in Torah, he would share thoughts on the parashah and personal insights

life.

these shmuessen have been carefully chosen and adapted for print.

Why getting an ADHD assessment is important

BY DOV BENYAA COV-KURTZMAN FRSA BA LL.B BSW PGDIP PSYCHIATRY

Understanding who we are, what brain type we have and how our brain works is imperative not only for an effective life but also a life of wellness, wholeness, and motivation.

By now most people have heard of ADD or ADHD otherwise known as Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder.

If you have not come across this before or not sure of what it means, there is an abundant amount of good information freely available on the internet.

Let me first say that I have a fundamen tal objection to the word “disorder” as it is used in the name of this brain type (or neurodevelopmental type), as it does not need result in disorder. In fact, it can be, if attended to appropriately, be a very pro ductive state and so needs to be brought in to the mainstream of acceptability.

As we progress in scientific under standing of how our brains work, we are learning that there are a varied number of brain types or as I mentioned earlier neurodevelopmental types among the human population, none of which are diseases, illnesses, or disorders. AD(H) D is one of them among an array of others including Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

Neurotypical is the word used to describe most neurodevelopmental states and neurodivergent to describe the others that are less common in the general population.

Understanding who has which type of brain can be very useful to promote wellbeing throughout the developmental stages of people – childhood, adoles cence, and adulthood – which can all have their specific challenges and make the appropriate contextual adaptations.

Around 1 out of every 10 children may have a neurodivergent brain of the AD(H) D type.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW?

Being neurodivergent and not knowing can be a fundamental cause for misun derstood behaviour and response to what is going on in the environment under Your's skin as much as what is going on in our environment on the outside.

Neurodivergent people think different ly and experience the world differently. If not addressed appropriately this can lead to misunderstandings at school as well as at home and in social interactions. These misunderstandings can precipitate emotional distress within your body and result in outward behaviour that can alienate you or your child from their surroundings.

For example, an AD(H)D child may experience a lack of staying attentive to the teacher in a standard classroom due to their brains being much more present moment and interest lead than impor tance lead resulting in them wandering off inside their heads commonly known as “daydreaming” or being easily dis tracted with what is going on outside the window of the classroom or by talking to their friends that sit close by which can lead to a disconnect from the lesson being taught. The teacher misreads this as inappropriate behaviour of the child and may possibly punish the child either verbally or physically by removal from

type of experiential history and not understanding “why me?” can lead to a breakdown of social interaction leading to inwardness, high distress, high anxiety, social anxiety in addition to the regular challenges that adolescents experience. At least half if not more will continue to experience this well into adulthood which carries with it a whole new set of challenges like time keeping at work, staying on task, dangerous driving, social acceptability with co-workers, issues with intimate and social relationships which can increase the amount of misery on a day-to-day basis.

SO HOW DOES AN ASSESSMENT HELP?

Well, I think the most important funda mental is to know that there is a reason I think and behave like this and that it is not a pathological condition. It’s a neu rological state. Once I know this, I can at tend to things differently. If it is my child, then I can inform the school and make provisions for them. I can advocate for them to their teachers and make arrange ments that they will receive appropriate assistance in the classroom and not be on the receiving end of humiliation or

unjustified punishment.

Behavioural issues can be addressed by well trained professionals showing me or my child the most efficient way of using our neurodivergent brains in the most optimal way. And if needed medication can assist with brain-based issues to help optimise our performance.

This will have a domino effect in the transition through adolescence to adult hood making for a much more competent and confident individual with a high sense of self-worth and motivation.

Of course, some only discover that it is possible to be assessed in adolescence or adulthood and here the old adage is very relevant that “it is better late than nev er” as your quality of life can always be raised to a higher quality when you know more about how your brain functions, and you are committed to changing your behaviour.

class in the attempt to “fix” the “disturb ing behaviour” in the class. This may lead to the child being labelled as “naughty” “disruptive” “stupid” or worse. This in turn can lead to humiliation of the child in front of their peers affecting their sense of self; identity, self-worth, self-talk (that little voice inside our heads) self-judge ment. As this repeats itself over and over in their school career it may affect your child’s social relationships and social standing within their peer groups with a high risk of being low on the social hier archy or of being marginalised from their peers which has a knock on effect of your child creating low opinions of themselves and their capabilities, low motivation, low academic success and high risk of developing detrimental behaviours like smoking, drugs, aggressive behaviour, bullying (as the victim or as the perpetra tor) and possibly migrating to criminal activity where they will meet a peer group that will accept them for whom they are.

Particular attention to girls is important as girls can “suffer in silence” and not be identified as they cause less distur bance and internalise their discontent much more than boys. In fact it was once thought that AD(H)D was only a “condi tion of boys” which has now proven to be wrong. In girls this discontent can express itself with eating disorders and school refusal among other conditions.

Moving into adolescent life with this

Neurodivergent people think differently and experience the world differently. If not addressed appropriately this can lead to misunderstandings at school as well as at home and in social interactions.

ASK THE RABBI

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

KANYE WEST THE ANTISEMITE Dear Rabbi

Should corporations sever ties with Kanye West after his Anti-Semitic rant? What about individuals? I know plenty of Jewish people who wear clothes he promotes and others who love listening to his music? I know this is a hotly debated topic and I welcome your views.

Howard

Dear Howard

I had exactly this sort of discus sion/debate on Talk TV earlier this week. Kanye West is an An ti-Semite. There’s no two ways to cut it. Many people around the world who are aware of what he said, actually believe so. You can argue that he’s sick or a little de ranged but then Mel Gibson was drunk when he launched into his own Anti-Semitic diatribe. Inasmuch as that might go some way to “excusing” the individual in the moment, it nevertheless exposes the sentiments that lie at the core of the individual.

So for me as a Jew to be wear ing clothes that Kanye promotes, or to listen to the music that he produces, is disingenuous at the least. Why would I, as a Jew, want to be seen lending support to someone who wants to go “deathcom” on me and my people?

That said, if I see you wearing his clothing or listening to his music, it would be equally disin genuous for me to condemn you and misconstrue that, as lending support for Kanye. That you like his music or his clothing doesn’t mean you like his despicable points of view. You might not

even be aware of what he said. When someone wears Yves St Laurent they might not even know if the designer is a man or a woman, let along their point of view.

But that’s all on an individual level. On a corporate level, when a company is using some one to promote their product and it is known that, that someone is an Anti-Semite then they are undeniably guilty by association. Just as the “icon” is endorsing their product, by giving him a platform they are effectively endorsing his vile rhetoric. Most companies that have ties with Kanye did the honourable thing and severed them. Adidas, as of me writing this, is still holding tight. For them, it would seem, profit is more important than the well being of Jews. If even one Jew is harmed on account of Kanye’s statements, that’s every bit on them just as much. As for me, I am going to throw out my Adi das sneakers (see the video on my twitter page @RabbiYYS).

ARE RABBIS HUMAN?

Dear Rabbi

Over the summer holidays we met a Rabbi. We introduced ourselves to him but he was quite aloof and unwelcoming. We un derstand that he was on holiday and he is entitled to his time off, but surely he could have at least given us a smile or perhaps some sort of acknowledgement that he was listening to us? I mean no offence, but Rabbis should real ise that we value their openness and a little bit of savoir faire goes a very long way.

Delia

Dear Delia

Oh my goodness! The Rabbi who was on holiday and who might have been having a bad day, or might have had much on his mind when his thoughts were interrupted, or who might have simply spaced out and not even properly processed what you were saying, or who might have been with his wife and/or kids and didn’t want to get dragged into a conversation, actually is human and behaved in the same way other humanbeings behave, rightly or wrongly. He is actually not infallible – who knew?

MY FAMILY OR MY JOB?

Dear Rabbi

I am the main breadwinner in my family. My husband com plains that I am too involved with my work and don’t spend enough time with the family. I am not saying he’s wrong but I enjoy what I do, and it brings home the paycheque by which I am able to give him and my kids the life they want. Surly he can’t have it both ways!

Vickie

Dear Vickie

Perhaps your husband is feeling threatened and even guilty about the fact that you are earn ing more than him. The male ego can be quite fragile and see ing you out at all hours working when he might feel that should be him can be quite a trigger. Rather than react perhaps you should have a sensitive conver sation with him and determine where he feels you are absent

and where you might be able to be more present.

It’s not about having it both ways. You do admit to the fact that he might not be wrong. In which case I would urge you to remember to invest in

yourself, don’t enslave yourself to your work. Do your job but don’t become your job. Always remember, family first. If more people can go back and do their time again, I think that would be number one on their list.

Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com

Twitter: @RabbiYYS

Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.

Rabbi Nehoraisaid:

place of Torah

it is

standing”

not

3:5).

In this weeks Mishnah, Rabbi Nehorai makes it clear how important it is to live amongst great Torah scholars. Even if we are not the most scholarly person who ever lived, we should still seek to associate ourselves with

great people as they will definitely have an effect on us. Their Torah merit acts as a protection for the town and their spiritual brilliance shines through from their face. By clinging to greatness and striving mightily to do all we can to surround ourselves with great Torah teachers, we will automatically be spiritually uplifted in their presence and this will carry though to other areas of our lives too. One example is learning Daf Hayomi. By learning the daf, you connect each day with Torah and you will be surprised

at how much ground you will cover without even realising it! To our Lon don readers, world famous Maggid shiur Reb Eli Stefansky is in town this coming Monday and Tuesday! A live shiur in Golders Green is being held on Monday night followed by a gala siyum the following evening - call this newspaper for more details of last minute spaces at what will be a mega event. Wednesday night sees him travel to Manchester which is current ly sold out but you can still climb on the roof as Hillel did all those years ago!

Refuah sheleima for Mordechai Elazar Ben Etel

Torah from Israel

Noach: Religious People must also be Humanists

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

Sometimes we confuse our terminology. The term humanism is often misunder stood and is often confused with related terms such as liberalism and individual ism. Unfortunately, this misperception causes many religious people to reject the core values of humanism, many of which are central to Jewish belief.

Fundamentally, humanism addresses the question of Man’s innate nature: are human beings inherently noble or inher ently evil? Many modern thinkers asserted that we are inherently evil, and, if left to our own devices and our own conscience, we would quickly descend into chaos and violence. Hobbes, Dostoevsky, and Orwell all portrayed man as inherently corrupt and sinful.

Judaism sharply disagrees with this pessimistic view of human nature, claim ing instead, that Man is created virtuous and noble. Observing the final stage of creation capped by the formation of Man, Hashem announces that his handiwork is “tov me’od”- wonderful and agreeable. Of course, Man, though inherently virtuous, also possesses powerful desires which, if left unchecked, lead to moral freefall. The story of flood displayed the depths of mor al degeneracy, and Hashem was forced to reboot all of civilization. Yet, even in the aftermath of this apocalypse Hashem never decries Man as innately evil. Rather Hashem acknowledges Man’s penchant for disobedience and vows to never anni hilate humanity. The Torah never deviates from its optimistic view of human nature, even at this low point of moral history.

Asserting the nobility and dignity of Man, Judaism is predicated upon a hu manistic outlook. Every human possesses a tzelem elokim or divinely endowed traits exclusive to the human condition includ ing free will, consciousness, creativity, moral sensibility, cognitive communica tion, and emotional awareness.

Additionally, Judaism designates supe rior status to human beings based upon their divinely assigned mission and duty. Man’s superior station is not just a product of his inborn lofty character traits, but more importantly, due to his religious and moral calling.

A humanistic view demands that we respect the dignity of every individual crafted in the image of Hashem. Similarly, we should respect their intelligence and learn from both their greater wisdoms and their worthwhile achievements. These humanistic values are enshrined with Judaism.

Yet, even though Judaism is built upon humanistic values, the term “humanism” is often threatening to religious people. Ironically, it is not humanism per se, but some of the historical effects of humanism which pose challenges to religious values.

SECULAR HUMANISM

Conceptually, Humanism draws upon a religious belief, that Hashem invested Man with superior and uncommon po tential. Many of the first humanists were deeply religious and derived their ideas from the Bible. One of the first humanists, Pico Della Mirandola, a 15th century Italian philosopher, wrote a manifesto of humanism entitled “Oration on the Dignity of Man” in which he claimed “to [man] it is granted to have whatever he chooses, to be whatever he wills.”

Though Pico and his fellow Renaissance thinkers were deeply religious, regrettably, their lofty ideas eventually yielded a secu larized humanism which eliminated God from human history. Gradually, the belief that Man is a surpassing being, implied that human potential alone was sufficient. With its tools of ration and science, and its inherent moral sensibility, humanity could produce utopia without any need of divine assitance or religious guidance. Sadly, secular humanism yielded the secular world we currently inhabit.

In addition, secular humanism often prioritized human experience over reli gious submission. If Man was a superior creature, perhaps human prosperity and enjoyment represented the highest goal. Whereas religion elevates obedience to Hashem as the supreme value, secular humanism often designates human pros perity as the highest achievement.

Ultimately, secular humanism clashes with religion on these two central issues: it suggests that that Man has little need of heavenly assistance, and it designates human prosperity as the highest objective. However, though secular humanism is incongruent with religion, humanism itself, with its belief in the in the majesty and potential of human beings is central to religion. It is imperative not to confuse the two and crucial that religious people define themselves as humanists as well.

LIBERALISM

Secular humanist thought didn’t just pose intellectual challenges to religion but also caused a reimagination of society and politics. As religion and state became separated, society was now viewed as a collection of different citizens rather than an organic community united by race,

religion, or nationality. This shift was welcome news for many Jews looking to integrate into the broader society. Jews could now achieve full membership in liberal societies which didn’t discrimi nate between its citizens.

However, liberal societies always chal lenge national identity and, in particular, raise questions about the concept of a chosen people. If citizens of liberal demo cratic societies are all equal, how can Jews also lay claim to being a people chosen by Hashem? For many Jews living in liberal societies which stressed the commonality and universality of all human beings, Jew ish rituals and traditions now appeared tribal or parochial. Historically, many Jews, who entered liberal society rejected or significantly diluted their Jewish iden tity, practice, or their sense of historical Jewish mission.

Rebbi Akiva said “beloved is Man created in the divine image, special divine affection exists for the Jewish people who are called children of Hashem.“ We assert that every person has divine majesty but still uphold our special relationship with God, and our unique calling. Univer sal belief in the virtue of Man should not dilute national identity or religious commitment.

EROSION OF VALUES

Additionally, since Humanism champi ons the potential of each individual, it also, implicitly, defends the rights of each individual, thereby providing the intellec tual grounds for political democracy and the protection of basic human rights. The doctrine that the rights of each individual are sacred, led to the false notion that the values and ideals of each individual are also sacred. In this manner, liberal society, founded upon humanist values generates a swirl of moral relativism which blurs core religious and moral values.

We have witnessed the erosion of traditional values such as identity, family, community, and morality. In response to this deterioration of values, religious people turn away from liberalism toward

more conservative approaches which appear to more strongly uphold traditional religious values.

RELIGION AND CONFORMITY

There is a third effect of humanism which threatens religious identity. Religious commitment is a delicate calibration be tween personal expression and conform ity to values and practices common to all. Religion demands surrender of unlimited personal autonomy and submission to divine will. Each religious community establishes a different balance between collective experience and personal expression.

For several reasons, many modern religious communities have veered toward greater conformity and less personal expression. This is very evident in both Hassidic and Charedi cultures, but is also evident in many other religious communities.

Humanism glorifies the singular traits of each and every human being and thereby encourages more personal expression and individual behavior. For this reason as well, many religious people remain suspicious that humanism will subvert conformism and sabotage religious submission.

It is crucial to discriminate between core tenets of humanism and the manner in which secular humanism has crafted liberal societies which challenge national identity, muddle our core values, and overemphasize personal expression.

Religious people must unconditionally reject secular humanism and its social and cultural influences. It is crucial however, not to reject the core notion of humanismbelief in human nature and respect for every human crafted in Hashem’s image.

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.

ERETZ YISRAEL

The Positive Approach Weekly Dvar Torah

BY RABBI HANOCH TELLER

Hurray! After years, indeed decades, of being troubled by Rashi’s interpretation we were privileged to gain an insight that resolves this protracted issue.

In the very beginning of the parasha Rashi interprets “These are the children of Noach, Noach was a perfect tzaddik in his generations.” There is a polemic regarding what exactly, “in his generations” means. Some of the Sages interpret it favorably, if Noach was righteous in his corrupt gener ation, how much more so would he have been righteous in a generation of righteous individuals. Others interpret this critically; he was only righteous in his generation. However, had he lived in a generation of Avraham he would have been insignificant. What always troubled me, from the time I was a little boy, is why interpret critically if there is equal reason to interpret positively? Finally, I was advised to read Rashi a little more carefully (always a wise policy)

and discovered what I had been missing all these years. Rashi’s precise words are, “some of our Sages interpret positively…” and the contrary opinion is presented as “others interpret it negatively…”

It was the Sages, our Rabbis, who aligned themselves with the positive approach; and it was the “others” who preferred to inter pret negatively. So here is a signpost for life. Whenever you have a choice whether to interpret positively or negatively – and there is no compelling factor in either direction –remember that the Rabbis would favor the positive approach.

It almost goes without saying how pertinent this is regarding our perspective

toward the Land of Israel. When the spies came back with their negative report about the Land they wept that night, and we have been weeping ever since for the restoration of the Land to its former glory. Had it only been viewed positively, there would have been no need to weep.

There is a special blessing of, “u’rei b’tuv Yerushalayim”. To always see the good of Jerusalem. In contemporary terms it may be frustrating to be delayed by all of the construction work plaguing Jerusalem’s roads, but perhaps one blessed with the proper vision would understand that all of this is necessary work to enable more Jews to return to the Holy City. In that view it is

not even a blessing in disguise, it is exclu sively a blessing.

Lastly, when the Ramban came to Israel in 1267 (I heard this from Rav Yosef Zeinvert zt”l) those who ascended with him seemed to be divided in half. Half of the group found whatever they saw in Israel unappealing and in no way comparable to the majestic sites that they had just depart ed in Spain. The other half, however, were enchanted by the most prosaic things dot ting the Israeli landscape. They saw beauty and splendor in what was nothing more than a modest hill or a skinny tree. It was the latter group that was blessed with the perspective of “u’rei b’tuv Yerushalayim”. They were the ones who aligned them selves with the rabbinic, positive approach.

Rabbi Hanoch Teller, internationally-ac claimed storyteller, is an award-winning author and producer. His podcast, “Teller From Jerusalem” beautifully and dramat ically portrays the early struggle to build the State of Israel and is available on every podcast platform or at www.hanochteller. com. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/ speakers).

Noach Sidra Summary

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 7:17-8:14

The rising Flood waters cover the highest mountains and wipe out every living creature. The rains strengthen for a fur ther 150 days, after which they stop and the waters start to recede. Ten months after the start of the Flood, the mountain tops become visible again. 40 days later, Noach sends out a raven and then a dove, to see if the Flood waters have receded.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 8:15-9:7

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEREISHIT 6:9-22

Noach is introduced as a righteous man who “walked with G-d”. He had three sons, Shem, Cham and Yefet. The people have become thieving and corrupt. Noach is told by G-d that He will destroy the world with a flood and commands Noach to build a wooden Ark with specific dimensions. Noach and his family are to enter the Ark, as well as a male and female of every non-kosher species of animal and bird.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 7:1-16

In addition, seven males and females from each species of kosher animal and bird are to enter the Ark. Noach is 600 years old when the Flood starts. The rain falls gently for the first seven days, then heavily for 40 days and nights.

Upon G-d’s command, Noach, his family and the animals leave the Ark. Noach builds an altar and brings one of every kosher animal and bird as an offering. This pleases G-d, Who pledges never again to destroy life on Earth.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 9:8-9:17

G-d establishes His covenant never to destroy the world with another flood, with the rainbow as its sign. Whenever a rainbow appears, it is a ‘reminder to G-d’ to keep this promise.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 9:18-10:32

Noach plants a vineyard, eventually drinking its wine and becoming drunk.

Cham enters Noach’s tent and disgraces his father; Shem and Yefet then protect Noach’s dignity. After Noach wakes up, he

realises what has happened and curses Cham and his descendants, but blesses Shem and Yefet. Noach dies at the age of 950. Cham and Yefet’s descendants are listed, including Nimrod, a mighty warrior and conqueror.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 11:1-11:32

All people share a common language and live in Babylonia. They decide to build a city with a tower that can reach the heavens – the Tower of Babel. The Midrash says that, led by Nimrod, they wanted to wage war against G-d. How ever, G-d thwarts their plans, dispersing them around the world and introducing different languages so that they can no

longer understand one another. Shem’s descendants are listed, up to the gener ation of Avram (later Avraham) and his nephew Lot. Avram marries his niece Sarai (later Sarah), who is not blessed with children.

Point to Consider: Why does the Torah give no details of Avraham’s youth or upbringing?

HAFTARAH

Chapter 54 of Yeshaya (Isaiah) refers to the Flood, labelling it “the waters of Noach”. The Midrash explains that Noach was partly to blame for the deluge, as he could have prayed more fervently for his generation to be spared.

It was the Sages, our Rabbis, who aligned themselves with the positive approach; and it was the “others” who preferred to interpret negatively.

“The dove came back to him in the evening, and be hold! An olive leaf it had plucked with its beak. And Noach knew that the waters had subsided from upon the earth” (Bereishit 8:11)

The journey to yourself

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

I will never forget what happened that night. After going to hundreds of lectures, and giving quite a few myself, I thought I’d seen it all. But I had never seen anything quite like this. To give you a little background, there are protocols for the introductory process of a speech. At major events, like the one taking place that night, there are always two microphones. The first is for the person who gets up to introduce the main speaker. After finishing his intro duction, he walks off with his microphone, and the second microphone is waiting on stage for the main speaker.

But not that night. That night there was only one microphone. After the intro ductory speaker concluded his opening remarks, the main speaker walked onto the stage and headed towards the podium. But as you already guessed, the introduc tory speaker was still holding onto the only microphone. At this point, the main speaker was expecting him to simply hand over the microphone so that he could begin his speech. But that’s not what happened. Instead, the introductory speaker just kept hold of the microphone. He then took a

deep breath, and said something I will never forget.

A JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN

At the end of this week’s parsha, we’re in troduced to Avraham Avinu, the first of the Avos. At the very beginning of next week’s parsha, when Hashem commands Avraham to leave his home and embark on a journey, Avraham is told “Lech lecha me’artzecha... — Go for yourself, from your land….” (Bere ishis 12:1). This directive is quite strange. Avraham is told where to leave from, but he is not told his destination. What kind of journey lacks a destination? Generally, the destination, not the starting point, is most important. For example, imagine being invited to a wedding, but instead of being told where the wedding will take place, you are told only where to leave from. Good luck getting to that wedding!

The fact that Avraham is not told his destination is not merely a practical issue; it is a fundamental challenge to the idea of a meaningful venture. In order to accomplish anything great, we must first identify a clear target and then determine the path required to get there. One does not accidentally achieve spiritual greatness; it requires ex treme focus and dedication. A great journey must begin with a clear goal and desti nation. As we say every Friday evening in Lecha Dodi: “Sof ma’aseh be’machshavah

techilah,” the physical result originates first within the mind. Only when we first deter mine a clear destination can we achieve the extraordinary. If so, why wasn’t Avraham given a clear destination for his journey?

LECH LECHA: NO SIMPLE JOURNEY

The answer to this question lies within the words “lech lecha.” While this phrase is often translated as “go for yourself,” it can also be translated as “go to yourself.” Avraham was commanded to embark on a journey toward “himself,” toward his true and ultimate self. In a genuine journey to the self, we don’t know the destination; we don’t know where it will take us. All we know is where we’re leaving from; where we are right now. Only once we arrive can we retroactively see where the journey was taking us all along. Of course, we have goals and proposed directions, but anyone who has achieved anything of substance knows that the vision they once had is nothing like the actual journey they took. The goals create the process, but the actual journey transcends the limited goals that initially motivated the journey.

The inability to fully understand the destination of one’s own growth can be compared to a child’s inability to grasp a complex scientific or spiritual concept. Imagine explaining to a young child the relationship between quantum mechanics and general relativity, or the unique con nection between the physical and spiritual world, or the different approaches to a complex Gemara sugya (topic in Talmud). The concepts would be completely beyond the child’s comprehension, as his limited intellect cannot grasp such sophisticated and abstract ideas. The same is true for each of us: imagine meeting a younger version of yourself and explaining all the things you will eventually accomplish, all the ideas you will learn, and all the experiences you will have. Your younger self would simply be unable to grasp the full meaning of this con versation. Now imagine instead that your older self does the same to your present self. The same would happen; you would not even begin to understand all that you will eventually become. You can have lofty goals and a clear direction, but that simply creates the journey. What will actually happen is a mystery. Therefore, to genuinely venture on the path toward your true self requires a leap of faith into the unknown, ready to embrace whatever future Hashem has in store for you.

This is why Hashem didn’t give Avraham a clear destination. In a journey to the self, all that we know is the starting point; the destination remains to be discovered. We don’t know what we’ll find along the jour ney, the challenges we’ll face, what people will think, or if we will even succeed. To embark on such a journey, we need to step outside our comfort zone, overcome our fears, and take the unpaved and uncharted path, the path toward greatness. Avraham was not the only one entrusted with a lech lecha journey. Each of us is entrusted with this mission as well – each one of us must embark on our own lech lecha journey to our ultimate selves.

THE PUNCHLINE TO YOUR STORY

There is probably something bothering you, something in the back of your mind

making you a bit uncomfortable. Did you forget something, is there something miss ing? Perhaps it’s the fact that the introduc tory story had a set up, but no punchline; a beginning, but no conclusion. Did you think I forgot about that?

Everyone will agree that a story needs an ending; unless a story goes somewhere, it’s pointless. The purpose of a setup is to lead towards a conclusion, towards a destina tion. A story without an ending, without a purpose, is not a story worth telling.

The same is true for our lives: we need a destination. We are all part of a larger story, but we’re also writing our own individual stories. Hashem created us in this world with unlimited potential, but that was only the “set-up”, the beginning of our story. Without a purposeful direction, a clear goal, and a deeper understanding of who you are and who you are meant to be, the set up lacks its true meaning. We need to make this a meaningful journey, a story of growth, creativity, and contribution.

And while the ultimate destination remains unknown, the journey towards it is the essence of our lech lecha mission. That is why I wrote my parsha sefer, “The Journey to Your Ultimate Self.” I hope it will serve as a guide and tool as you embark on your personal lech lecha journey towards your ultimate self. So as we begin the new parsha cycle, I invite you to get a copy of this sefer and take this journey with me into the deepest and most inspiring ideas of Torah thought. This sefer serves as an ac cessible 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, psychology, 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 University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education 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: Shmuel Reichman.com

Noach

Welcome as we ride through the second and one of the most exciting Sidrot in the Torah! But beware –as the signs next to the rides say “You will get wet”! Parshat Noach contains the story of the big flood that washed away the whole world besides for one tzaddik – good man named Noach and his wife and family. Hashem wanted the world to continue after the flood, so he told Noach to take the animals with him. “The animals went in two by two” if they were non-Kosher, but “seven by seven” if Kosher. It’s one thing for a Tiger to come for Tea, but in Noach’s day, not only does a tiger come to the Teiva, a lot of other animals such as sheep, goats, elephants, birds and lots more were invited in. It had three floors, top floor for people – Noach, his sons and their wives, middle floor for the animals (-that must have been quite noisy!) and the bottom floor for waste. After months of the world being washed away, a dove returns to the Teiva with a leaf, which helps Noach understand that the flood was finishing.

After the flood, which lasted many months, Noach

comes out with the animals to a new world and after thanking Hashem for saving him, he is shown a rainbow, which until today we remember each time we see it that we should do Mitzvot and what is expected of us.

The next part of the Sidra talks about another type of adventure – building a tower in Bavel which no-good people thought they would use to climb up to heaven and challenge Hashem! No such luck, and once they realised that they suddenly were talking different languages, they decided to leave that project.

Then we are taught about the ten generations –father to son, between Noach and Avraham Avinu. Even though everyone in his day bowed down to idols (no direct relation to ipads…) he stood strong and said “NO” and even broke his father’s supply.

It is Avraham who would grow up to teach the world that no, stones or metal can’t help you if you have a problem, but there is someone who can and wants to - Hashem!

Tangram Challenge!

Another delicious recipe for from Denise Phillips

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

Oven Roasted Pumpkin and Chestnuts

This is a colourful side dish that adds texture to a roast dinner. When pumpkin is not in season substitute with butternut squash and for a short cut, buy ready peeled vacuum packed chestnuts.

Chestnuts, unlike other nuts and seeds, are relatively low in calories; contain less fat but are rich in minerals, vitamins and nutrients that benefit health. They are chiefly made of starch rather than fat similar to sweet potatoes, sweet corn and plantain.

To cook fresh chestnuts either boil them completely in their skins, simmer for 20 minutes. Leave to cool and then peel. This method is best if you are mashing them as they will tend to fall apart.

Alternatively roast them at 200C/ 400 F for 20 minutes; make cuts horizontally or an ‘x’ along the side otherwise they can potentially explode from internal pressure if not pierced! .

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes Serves: 6

Ingredients

1 kg pumpkin – peeled, de seeded and cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

~

250g whole chestnuts – peeled

1 teaspoon golden caster sugar

2 shallots – peeled and finely chopped

2 cloves garlic – peeled and finely chopped

3 tablespoons freshly thyme– roughly chopped

Pumpkin time

BY DENISE PHILLIPS

Pumpkins are a type of winter squash and are now readily available, in all sizes, in your local supermarket. The word “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word “pepon”, which means large melon; they are technically a fruit, not a vegetable.

Native to North America, pumpkins are one of the oldest domesticated plants with their usage dating back many hundreds of years. Pumpkins are widely grown for their use in popular recipes and as seasonal decorations. For example, pumpkin pie is a traditional part of the Thanksgiving meal in Canada and the United States, and pumpkins are frequently carved as jack-o’lanterns for decoration around Halloween.

Pumpkins also feature in Sephardic Jewish cuisine. Syrian Jews have devel oped a taste for the savoury pumpkin patties (kibbet yatkeen), while Sephardim from Turkey and Greece prefer the sweeter pumpkin-stuffed small pastries (borekitas) and deep-fried pumpkin fritters. Italian Jews are also known for their sweet pump kin fritters, and pumpkin-stuffed ravioli and tortellini.

Some Jews consider pumpkins to be a symbolic ingredient on Rosh Hashanah. The many seeds of the gourd symbolise fertility

and abundance, which make them a great food to include at the traditional Sephardic Rosh Hashanah Seder – where seven blessings are made on eating specific foods, accompanied by a corresponding wish for the coming year. Pumpkins are also often used on the festival of Sukkot to decorate the Sukkah.

The first thing to do with your pumpkin, whether you’re carving or cooking, is to scoop out the seeds. These little kernels are packed with vitamins and minerals and are a great source of fibre, so it would be a shame to throw them away. To roast and eat, simply clean the seeds, boil for 10 minutes to soften, then drain and dry on kitchen paper. Toss with a little oil, then sprinkle over some salt, pepper, paprika, or whatever flavour takes your fancy.

Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and roast on a low heat for around 45 minutes or until they are crisp and golden.

The options for your pumpkin pulp can be divided into savoury, sweet and whole.

SAVOURY SUGGESTIONS:

Use in soups, risottos, tray bakes with other vegetables or stir fries. Puree alone or with other root vegetables. Add to pasta dishes, stews, curries, pilaffs, savoury scones or tagines. Oven roast with chestnuts. Some

Method

1) Preheat the oven to 180C/ 170 C fan/ gas mark 4.

2) Line a baking tray with baking parchment paper.

3) Toss the pumpkin with the olive oil and salt and pepper.

4) Roast for 30 minutes or until soft and golden.

5) Add the chestnuts, sugar, shallots and garlic and cook for a further 15 minutes.

6) Transfer the cooked pumpkin mixture to a serving dish.

To serve the stylish way: Sprinkle over some chopped thyme

of my personal favourites are turkey and pumpkin stew, and cod and pumpkin curry.

SWEET SUGGESTIONS:

Use in cakes, muffins, pies, tea loaves, or pancakes. To create some lovely flavour combinations, try mixing pumpkin puree with chocolate, nuts, coconut, caramel, passion fruit or ginger. I recommend buying the tinned puree as a quick, easy addition to pumpkin apple cake, donuts, or pecan and pumpkin pie.

WHOLE PUMPKINS:

If you want to serve your pumpkin whole, I recommend you cut the pumpkin in half horizontally, scoop out the seeds and

membrane, and boil for 10 minutes or bake until soft. Dry the inside, stuff with a delicious filling of rice, fennel, apple, pome granate seeds and pecans. Serve with the pumpkin lid for impressive presentation. The cooked pumpkin halves also make fun centre pieces for numerous savoury dishes, including tagines, or as a soup tureen.

On a health note, pumpkins flesh is fat-free, high in fibre and high in potassium and vitamin C. It is rich in antioxidants and is one of the best known sources of beta carotene. Altogether, these properties make pumpkins good for our hearts, eyesight, weight control and fighting cancer.

So this autumn, add pumpkin to your shopping list and enjoy in good health!

EXPERT ADVICE

Dear Martin

With the cost of living increases, do you see Rishi Sunak assisting with lowering mobile & broadband costs? Gershon

Dear Gershon

Firstly, allow me to congratulate the new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. I hope he does an excellent job with stabilising our economy.

I also congratulate The Jewish Weekly editor, Yossi Saun ders, and his family, on the birth of their daughter – mazal tov!

The reality is that connectivity is the future. However, not all connectivity is reality.

There’s no doubt that connectivity has enhanced our lives in so many ways, and will continue to do so. But at what cost?

I speak with no sarcasm, humour or exaggeration when I say that every reader knows of people who are suffering ill effects of misuse of the in ternet. Although, we often don’t know that these people are suffering. And by the time we do know, the damage is already done.

I implore readers to ensure that EVERY single connected device that we have access to is FULLY filtered.

Yes, we may go into a recession, but hopefully we’ll soon come out of it.

However the many lives that are being broken in the meantime because of unfiltered internet access will have a knock on effect on society and our future generations.

The mobile & broadband market will likely remain very competitive, but please invest in the long term, on the correct filters for your devices. And spend more time with your loved ones.

TAG is a non-judgemental organisation that can advise and assist with filtering your devices.

With best wishes for a healthy, productive & prosperous life.

SHIPPING

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We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen 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

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WEALTH MANAGMENT

MARC

Over

Offering

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

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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.

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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.

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BUTCHERS

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

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ESTATE

Martin Heiman

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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

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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

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

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