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CORBYN IN DENIAL 07 September 2017/ 16 Elul 5777

BY JAMES MARLOW

Labour MP Ruth Smeeth does not believe Jeremy Corbyn is going to have “a very enjoyable return to Parliament” this week amongst the latest wave of anti-Semitic accusations at certain party members.

The Stoke-On-Trent North MP was speaking at the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) one-day conference this week at the JW3 centre in London’s Hampstead.

Ms Smeeth who last year received more than 20,000 hate messages alone on her twitter account, some containing death threats and even more worrying, some from fellow Labour supporters and members, said she meets with Jeremy Corbyn each week after Prime Minister’s Question Time. “It is the highlight of my week” she joked as she explained, “he just cannot get his head around it,” referring to the extreme anti-Israel and anti-Jewish comments from some Labour

members and councillors.

“He honestly believes he is dealing with anti-Semitism,” Ms Smeeth said referring to the calm voice Corbyn uses to express himself when saying the party will not tolerate racist behaviour. But just last week, Shadow Minster Chris Williamson, a key ally of Corbyn, believed that accusations against the Labour Party being anti-Semitic were “dirty, lowdown tricks” and “smears” and that the anti-Semitism claims are just a “weaponisation for political ends.”

In other words, Corbyn’s key allies along with the Labour party in general remain in denial.

The first ever JLM conference heard Labour members from the audience in the main hall and various break-out session rooms raise their concerns. One said that a known Labour “Holocaust denier was reported but nothing was done by the party.” Another said they

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saw anti-Jewish messages on social media from a Labour member and had evidence of their extreme anti-Jewish views from talks they had given “but no action was taken.”

A great deal of “online abuse” was another subject brought up by several party members asking how it can be tackled and dealt with. Yet another asked about losing voters in the last general election because of the perceived anti-Semitism and wanted to know what to do about it. Ruth Smeeth MP immediately replied “We will get those people back once Ken is voted out of the Labour Party.”

Another question came from a young female audience member asking “Who in the Labour Party recently invited the radical preacher, Sheikh Ekrima Sa’id Sabri for tea at the House of Commons?”

She then pointed out that the right wing American columnist Pamela Geller was banned from entering

BACK TO SCHOOL

First day in reception for King David pupils, Ela Walshaw, Adara Moscovia and Adina Korn. P 14 PHOTO CREDIT: LAWRENCE PURCELL

the UK, but Sabri, who is the former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and current Imam of the city’s Al-Aqsa Mosque was ironically expected in

Britain on September 11. However, it now appears the extremist will CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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2 NEWS

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

BOD launch new training programme

BY JW REPORTER

More than 100 delegates and professionals attended a Board of Deputies training day this week for a new Board of Deputies national initiative to train volunteer Judaism outreach ambassadors.

The training launch seminar, hosted at the Jewish Museum in London, consisted of workshops and one-to-one sessions with experts. These included author and educationalist Clive Lawton, Pikuach Director Jeffrey leader and educationalists Maureen Kendler, Anne Angel, Steve Miller and

Pamela Hartog.

Programme topics included presentation skills, effective use of artefacts, knowledge of content, dealing with difficult questions and preparation for school visits.

Board of Deputies Vice President Sheila Gewolb said: “The concept of having an accredited training programme for Outreach Ambassadors has grown from the increasing demand for Judaism education from non-Jewish schools and other organisations. Our aim is to provide and support a national network of trained ambassadors

HMRC Gift Aid Resolution

PaJeS, the JLC and The Board of Deputies are delighted with the decision from HMRC to allow gift aid to be claimed on voluntary contributions. This had been called into question and the removal of this income would have posed a direct threat to the financial viability of many state schools who requested parental contributions, including Jewish state schools. This follows a concerted effort from the Jewish community, and represents a major victory for all state schools nationwide.

For almost three years, certain Jewish state schools have been unable to claim gift aid on voluntary contributions, whilst others have been waiting to hear whether claiming gift aid on voluntary contributions will be continued or indeed, whether past gift aid claims would be clawed back.

PaJeS therefore formed a Gift Aid Working Party to co-ordinate a response to HMRC and assist in moving towards a clear conclusion.

Chaired by Rabbi David Meyer, the Working Party, which included experts on charity, educational and tax law from across the community, consulted on how best to represent schools, and submitted a full and detailed legal response to HMRC. Daniel Dover and his team at BDO led communications and held meetings throughout this period with HMRC and were directly contacted this week by HMRC to confirm this wonderful conclusion.

In conjunction with The Working Party, Lord Stuart Polak assisted in representing Jewish schools when meeting with both the HMRC and HMT. Daniel Green also assisted

in this regard. There has also been invaluable support from David Goldberg QC, who published a tax paper on this matter and put forward his opinion that the current way schools claim gift aid is correct in law.

This is an issue that had prompted a discussion with HMT as it affects, not only the Jewish schools, but all state schools nationwide who claim gift aid on their voluntary contributions.

Rabbi David Meyer, Executive Director of PaJeS said: “We welcome the decision of the HMRC which recognises the importance of parent’s contributions to their children’s schools.

We would like to thank the members of the Working Party, experts from across the Jewish community, for their tireless efforts. This is a community wide effort that has ensured that state schools across the country will be celebrating this decision.”

Jonathan Arkush, President of the Board of Deputies said: “The Board of Deputies and PaJeS welcome the decision by HMRC to confirm the longstanding arrangements for parental contributions. This had been called into question and the removal of charitable treatment would have posed a threat to the financial viability of many state schools throughout the country who requested such contributions, including Jewish schools. This follows a concerted effort from the Jewish community, including the Board of Deputies and PaJeS, and will be greeted as a very significant decision for our communal schools.

to meet this demand by providing quality Judaism education.”

In closing the session, Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron thanked participants who travelled from as far afield as Devon, Wales, Yorkshire and Merseyside to attend the session.

She said: “The Board of Deputies will enable the establishment of a national network of accredited Judaism ambassadors who will promote a proper understanding of the Jewish faith and culture among non-Jewish children and adults.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Anti-Semites plead guilty

BY JEREMY SCHOLNICK

Board of Deputies training day

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 not be arriving next week. But just the thought of a man, who said the Holocaust was a fairy tale, called for the destruction of Britain and USA and said that Jews are “the most cowardly creatures Allah has ever created and that he is “filled with rage” towards them, would be allowed into Westminster Palace is shocking.

Louise Ellman who was one of many Labour MP’s trying hard to answer audience questions said she was “appalled and angry about the anti-Semitism and about what is happening in the Labour Party.”

But Louise who is MP for Liverpool Riverside added she “wants a Labour government but will not accept the anti-Semitism.”

In an activist training session with the Regional Board and JLM National Secretary, Peter Mason delivered a fascinating workshop on how the Labour Party works with all its different factions and block voting. Councillor Mason then explained how complaints are dwelt with but admitted “The party was not equipped for the onslaught of disciplinary action.”

If a Labour MP, Councillor or a sim-

ple Party Activist member is reported as a Holocaust denier, they are not just expelled but are passed on to the disciplinary side of the party which is dwelt with by the NEC or CLP. From there, the member may receive a slap on the wrist or be passed on to the NCC which is currently dealing with 57 cases.

But what seems to frustrate many Labour activists is if you campaign for another party or stand against a Labour candidate then this will lead to an automatic exclusion or expulsion for five years, but if you deny the Holocaust or call for Israel’s destruction, very little or mostly, nothing happens.

Jeremy Corbyn

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After overwhelming evidence against them, a British couple finally pleaded guilty in court to a “racially aggravated assault” and a second charge of “assault.”

The couple attacked guests outside a Stamford Hill Synagogue at a wedding on July 3.

The couple pushed and struck guests as hundreds stood outside the shul for the Chuppah and some guests were whipped with a dog leash. They will be sentenced in the next week.

JLM CEO Jeremy Newmark admitted Labour has “Outdated disciplinary codes and processes for a party rooted in anti-racist values and zero tolerance.” The former Finchley and Golders Green election candidate explained that when cases go before the various disciplinary structures in the party, they are all being dwelt with as bringing the party into disrepute.

“For example, Ken said he was hauled in front of a panel for anti-Semitism, but he wasn’t - he was hauled up for bring the party into disrepute.”

The JLM are now gearing up for the party conference next month where they will introduce a motion for a Labour rule change to put anti-Semitism and other forms of racism and discrimination on par with campaigning against an official Labour candidate and create a category for automatic exclusion for that offence.”

When asked was he confident the agenda would be passed, Mr Newmark was not sure. However, Peter Mason believed the motion would definitely be adopted. But if the agenda is passed, the question remains how will the Labour Party ever decide what exactly is anti-Semitism or racism when some members insist it is their view that the Holocaust never happened and it is their right to free speech to call for the death of “Zionist” Israel.

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07 SEPTEMBER 2017

NEWS 3

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Jewish leaders meet Theresa May

BY ISAAC SHERMAN A delegation of Jewish community leaders met with Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday, to discuss a wide range of policy issues affecting the community. The agenda, formulated by the Jewish Leadership Council in coordination with its member organisations, reflects our community’s concerns, both on the domestic front and internationally.

The meeting with the Prime Minister allowed the delegation to raise various concerns, share ideas and highlight the community’s contribution to British society.

Various key issues discussed with the Prime Minister included the recent rise in antisemitic incidents. Last year saw the highest number of antisemitic incidents ever recorded across Britain.

The delegation impressed upon the PM the need for greater capacity in Jewish secondary schools, ideas for expansion and an expected new free school application.

The future of adult and independent social care operators across the community also featured prominently, with a particular focus on the government’s forthcoming Green Paper. Cuts to statutory funding of community-based mental health services, and in particular the affect this might have, led to many creative ideas on how to tackle the issue.

The scope and impact of the community’s Safer Dating programme for 16-25 yearold women was also on the agenda, together with an in-depth discussion on the ongoing communal efforts to support refugees.

Efforts have currently raised over £1m to date, and other points on this subject included the ongoing grass-roots programmes to re-house refugees.

The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for speaking out against antisemitism and for her unwavering support for, and in defence of the State of Israel, particularly in the lead up to the Centenary of the Balfour Declaration later this year. Leaders

also welcomed the new Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre, as well as the announcement of an additional £2 billion of funding for social care.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I was pleased to meet community leaders today to hear directly about the issues that are most important to Jewish people in the United Kingdom.”

“I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm my long-standing and total commitment to the security of the Jewish community and I will do everything possible to fight anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred and prejudice in our country.”

Jonathan Goldstein, Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council said: “It was an honour and a privilege to lead the communal delegation as JLC Chair to meet with the Prime Minister and discuss a range of issues affecting Anglo Jewry. Mrs May reiterated her strong support for our community and is committed to working together to address our concerns.”

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Shomrim urge police and CPS to do more to halt rising hate crimes

5778 ‫השנה‬

‫ב”ה‬

‫ראש‬

BY JEREMY SCHOLNICK The President of the Stamford Hill Shomrim, Rabbi Hershel Gluck is calling upon the police to be more proactive against anti-Semitic crime as the rate of incidents in the Stamford Hill area rise.

Rabbi Gluck whose Jewish neighbourhood watch patrol is responsible for part of North London called it a “shocking phenomenon” and that “there seems to be a lack of positive action in dealing constructively with anti-Semitic hate crimes.”

This latest news comes as research by the Campaign Against Antisemitism found that almost one in three British Jews have considered leaving the UK due to anti-Semitism and that just 59% of British Jews feel welcome in the UK with 17% feeling unwelcome.

For the first time, more than half of British Jews said that the Crown Prosecution Services (CPS) is doing too little to fight anti-Semitism and almost half criticised the courts.

A spokesperson for the CAA commended Rabbi Gluck for telling the authorities to do more to act against anti-Semitism and added “It is imperative that Jewish leaders continue to speak out against rising anti-Semitic crime and demand action.”

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4 ISRAEL NEWS

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

NEWS IN ISRAEL BY JAMES J. MARLOW

FOLLOW JAMES AT TWITTER: @JAMES_J_MARLOW

Netanyahu retains support despite scandal Anti-Netanyahu demonstrators calling for the Prime Minister to step down amid fraud accusations continues to grow but so does the pro-Netanyahu supporters.

Throughout his political career, Netanyahu has been dogged by scandals that threatened to bring him down.

There was “Bibi-gate” in 1993, at the beginning of his career, when Netanyahu claimed he was being blackmailed by a video of him in a compromising position with a woman (who was not his wife) to get him to drop out of the Likud leadership race.

He still won the contest and went on to win the 1996 general election becoming Israel’s youngest ever Prime Minister.

However, when he lost the next election in 1999 to Ehud Barak, there were screaming headlines that Netanyahu and his wife kept state gifts worth some $100,000.

Netanyahu left the political arena but returned to politics in 2002 as Foreign Affairs Minister (2002–2003) and then Finance Minister (2003–2005) in the Likud government led by Ariel Sharon where he engaged in a major reform of the Israeli economy - which was credited by commentators as having significantly improved Israel's subsequent economic performance.

Although Bibi reluctantly voted for the Gaza disengagement in 2005,

Netanyahu

he eventually left the government to challenge for the leadership and was successful when Prime Minister Sharon formed the Kadima party which won the December 2006 general election.

As Likud Chairman, Netanyahu won just 12 seats in 2006 but fought off calls to resign, building a solid loyal team around him to come back and win in 2009. After Netanyahu’s victory in the January 2013 election and again in March 2015, Bibi became Prime Minister four times, matching David Ben-Gurion's record.

But since he returned to power in 2009, there was “Bibi Tours” - allegations that he and his family when abroad were wined and dined on someone else’s money when he was finance minister from 2003 to 2005.

The current scandals involving Netanyahu however are said to be different because of the decision by his former chief of staff, Ari Harow, to turn state’s witness.

No one really knows what Harow will reveal, but the widespread assumption is that he will provide damning evidence in at least one

of the three current cases under investigation.

Case 1000 relates to the acceptance of gifts from a very wealthy friend. Case 2000 involves collusion with the newspaper Yediot Aharonot to receive favourable coverage. Case 3000 is connected with the purchase of three submarines from Germany.

The court document recently revealed confirms police were investigating Netanyahu on suspicion of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, in a Channel 2 interview said that the Prime Minister legally does not need to resign at the beginning of the legal process if an indictment is served. But if he is convicted and after the appeals process is exhausted, then according to a dry reading of the law, Shaked said he should resign only at that point.

However, coalition parties are constantly asking themselves today what is politically good for them and what is good for the country. According to polls, the only coalition partner that is likely to increase its seats in a new election is Bayit Yehudi.

But Naftali Bennett has no plans to pull out of the government and

force elections because of the trauma of 1992 always in mind when an election was triggered by the right wing to bring down Yitzhak Shamir, only to get Yitzhak Rabin and the Oslo process instead.

UTJ and Shas have no interest in early elections as they hold extremely good positions in this government. Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beytenu and Kulanu’s Moshe Kahlon know their poll numbers are not encouraging and do not wish to face the electorate just yet.

Some say that Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert moved to the Left in the last decade so they could stay in power when their own scandals made the media, but Netanyahu will not do the same.

As it stands Netanyahu is the only Prime Minister in Israel's history to have been elected three times in a row and is currently the second longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel's history after David Ben-Gurion.

If his current government lasts a full term, he will become the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of Israel.

Palestinian Police arrest radio boss after he denounces Abbas The Palestinian Authority this week arrested the chairman of the Minbar al-Huiyya radio station after he spoke on air against PA President Mahmoud Abbas and PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.

Ayman Qawasmeh was picked by the PA Preventative Security on Sunday night in Hebron because he called on Abbas and Hamdallah to resign, due to the IDF raiding his radio station and confiscating some equipment.

Qawasmeh accused his own PA leaders of failing to protect PA controlled areas in the West Bank.

Israeli officials said the IDF did raid the station and took away

some equipment because it was inciting violence and encouraging Palestinians to attack Israel, a charge that Qawasmeh denies.

According to a member of Qawasmeh’s family, the radio station chairman served for a number of years in the PA security services, which is why he was arrested, but resigned before municipal elections took place last May. The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate official confirmed that Qawasmeh had submitted a resignation letter, but said that his resignation had not yet been formally accepted by the relevant PA officials.

However, Hisham Sharabati, a

political analyst and activist in the West Bank, said that the PA only upholds that standard when it pertains to itself or Fatah, the West Bank’s ruling party.

“I have heard Ayman Qawasmeh criticise Hamas and the Popular Front [for the Liberation of Palestine] many times on the radio,” Sharabati said. “So why did the PA arrest him only after he made his recent statements about Abbas and Hamdallah? Where were they when he made the statements about Hamas and the PFLP?” Palestinian Authority arrested Ayman Qawasmeh

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

IDF military drill begins on border

Israel is holding its largest ever military exercises in almost 20 years along the border with Lebanon as tensions rise with Iran and Hezbollah.

The drill began on Tuesday and involves thousands of ground, sea and air force vehicles and personnel and will run for 11 days through to 14 September.

Among systems of advanced weaponry, the exercise will include Israel's multi-layered missile defence systems.

The drill started with an “invasion scenario” by the Shia terror organization Hezbollah.

During the exercise, the Iranian backed Hezbollah initiated an offensive against the Galilee Division and the IDF responded to the “attack” using three tactics.

1. Using defence measures over the first few days, including counter-attacks and the deployment of defence forces akin to an air strike.

2.

A sudden offensive attack as a second stage, with extensive ground manoeuvres.

3. A change of mission as the third and last stage in an aim to push enemy forces back into Lebanon.

ISRAEL NEWS 5

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

“Hezbollah's initial attack” on Tuesday was expressed as a simulated invasion of dozens of IDF fighters into Israeli territory and infiltration into one of the border communities.

Home Front Command forces practiced the evacuation of civilians from threatened communities, as soldiers act the part of civilians in distress. The southern Galilee is serving as southern Lebanon during these crucial days of the exercise from Route 85 southward.

The IDF did however insist that the drill has been planned for about a year following a directive given by Chief of Staff, Gadi Eizenkot when he took office in 2015 and is not a sudden knee jerk reaction because Iran is attempting to establish itself in Syria with permanent residence.

Israel and the US has repeatedly raised concerns over Hezbollah’s build-up of thousands of rockets and other weapons in Southern Lebanon despite a UNIFIL peace keeping force present. But now that Hezbollah and Iranian troops have access to bases in Syria close to Israel’s border, this is of huge concern to Israel and these exercises come just in time.

Israel pledges $1M to Houston’s Jewish community In wake of Hurricane Harvey that caused devastation to many parts of Houston in Texas, the Israeli government, in a rare move, has pledged a million dollars in emergency aid to the Jewish communities of Houston.

The aid will be transferred through the local Consulate in Texas and used to help repair and restore communal infrastructure (schools, synagogues and JCCs) not funded or supported by the state, according to the statement released by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.

Israel has offered it's help in natural disaster relief efforts in the past, but rarely earmarks emergency relief funds to other developed nations like the United States.

Hurricane Harvey killed dozens of people and left hundreds of thousands without a home. Thousands of Jewish families were affected and Houston's Jewish community,

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

Hurricane Harvey caused devistating destruction PHOTO CREDIT: YESHIVA WORLD NEWS

which consists of some 66,000 people, suffered substantial damage. Schools, synagogues and an elderly care home suffered from water damage.

Minister Naftali Bennett said, “For years the Jewish communities stood by Israel when it needed their help, now it is our turn to stand by Houston's Jewish community.

The Israeli donation comes

as Hurricane Irma with winds of up to 185mph is causing havoc on several Caribbean islands and is expected to hit Florida by Sunday.

Irma is the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricanes ever recorded and communities in Florida are preparing for the worst.

6 LETTERS

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Letters to the Editor

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

My blood boiled when I heard that the Catford and Bromley Synagogue hosted a radical Muslim cleric who called for Jihad against Jews in Israel. I just do not understand why these establishments feel it is more important to hear the views of other religious leaders especially if they are an extremist Muslim, instead of hearing about our own precious religion and traditions. Building interfaith relations is one thing, but inviting radical clerics who praise extremism against Jews is absolute madness and whoever was responsible for this should be condemned.

I respect all political views if they are moderate and respectful, regardless of whether I believe in them or not. However I find it difficult to become a Labour voter especially as the party has so many different factions within it, many fighting each other. Everyone knows that the Labour party is controlled by the anti-Israel unions who use the block vote of tens of thousands of their members to get what they want, undemocratically.

Whilst I respect the Jewish Labour Movement trying to fight from within and make changes, I see Labour as a secular socialist society with no responsibility for finance and constantly criticising Israel. It’s not for me.

Charles Morris Stanmore

Gershan Roston Edgware

Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.

OP-ED

BY JAMES MARLOW

Among the many MP’s present at the JLM conference was Wes

Streeting who should be congratulated for winning the Ilford North constituency in June by just under 10,000 votes against his Conservative rival, Lee Scott, in a true democratic vote. It is therefore extremely alarming he does not show the same tolerance and respect to the democratic process in Israel.

Once again Wes went on a rampage against the Likud party and Israel in general and admitted the “only” reason he does not support BDS is because he believes “it will play into the hands of Netanyahu and the right.”

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Wes, you and your colleagues should not support BDS because it is racist, discriminatory and as we saw with the Israeli company, Soda Stream, who left Judea for northern Israel after a campaign against it, hundreds of Palestinians lost good jobs with excellent salaries. Furthermore, there is absolutely no such thing as a BDS against any other country in the world – it only exists to demonise the Jewish state.

The Ilford North MP then went on to compare the extremists on the Palestinian side to those on the

Israeli side who no longer believe in a two-state solution and that both were “zealots.”

Wes, are you really comparing the hundreds of suicide bombers, shooters, knife and vehicle attackers with those who now refuse to give up any further part of the land of Israel? Are you aware of how many times Israel (even under Labor) has offered a full independent, first ever Arab Palestine state to the PLO, but it has been turned down?

Do you know that Fatah which is headed by Mahmoud Abbas, regularly writes on its Facebook page

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“from the river to the sea Palestine will be free,” and encourages more children to be become “martyrs”?

The MP is so caught up in his own hatred for the Jewish state that he is blinded by his own racist beliefs on Israel. Yet racism and how to deal with it in the British Labour party was the main discussion at the JLM conference. It is perfectly acceptable to criticise and even condemn the Israeli government on a certain subject – most Israelis do it most of the time. But to compare the radical Palestinian Islamic and nationalist movements with Jewish people who just want to live in their own land with Palestinian Arabs as all being “zealots” is beyond genuine criticism. As I looked at other panellists from the second row, they all looked extremely uncomfortable to me and so they should be.

Wes, Israel gave land, arms and money to the Palestinians in 1993 under the Oslo accords but got back terror, suicide bombers and rockets. The Palestinian view today towards Israel and Jews is much more extreme than it was, not because of Israel policy, but because of radicalisation everywhere. Many respect your democratic election result so show the same respect for the process in Israel. Polls show if there were to be an early general election, the Likud would again be the largest party in the Knesset. So instead of condemning Israel, learn why the two-state option is currently dead, which by the way is Israel’s Labor party’s position at this time.

8 NEWS

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

A summer full of Ezra-programmes 20 years at Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue

BY DOVI LEBRETT The start of the new school year also marks the conclusion of a remarkable summer of growth and success for Ezra Youth Movement.

Over the past month, nine unique summer programmes for the UK’s young Jewish community were run under the Ezra banner.

Over 400 boys and girls attended the varying Ezra programmes, with over 100 participants on Ezra Israel Tours. From the Junior Camps targeting 8-11 year olds; Inter Camps for those aged 12-15; the three week long Israel Tour and Yeshiva Trip for 16 year olds; to the Ezra Plus and Mad camps for those aged 17; every age group was catered for by experienced and passionate

Ezra Israel Tour

Ezra Boys Camp in Northern Ireland

teams of Madrichim and Madrichot. This year marked the first instance in which Ezra Inter Boys Camp was split to create separate camps for Years 7-8 and Years 9-10, allowing for an even more specialised and focussed camp experience for each age group. The boys and girls camps were spread around the world, from Spain to Ireland, Israel to sunny Wales.

Ezra camps provide the perfect informal counterpart to the formal school education received throughout the year. With an energised Jewish atmosphere, role models of the highest calibre, adrenaline charged adventure activities, creative tochniot, beith hamedrash programming and tailored shiurim, chanichim leave camp inspired and ready to tackle another year.

With wonderful positive feedback for this year’s summer camps, Ezra has already started planning next year’s winter and summer camps. Look out for Ezra programmes through the year, starting with the Elul programme, weekly groups and amazing succos outings. Ezra aims to continue growing and providing the community with vital informal educational facilities for its youth.

Last Shabbat, Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzen Nechama Davis were presented with a certificate for trees planted in the Lord Sacks Forest in Israel to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their joining Chigwell & Hainault synagogue.

Following the service, a Kiddush was held in their honour.

In presenting the certificate, Shul chairman Lindsay Shure,

mentioning that a more formal celebration would be held in November, thanked them both for their hard work and dedication to the community over the last 20 years and for the support, love and friendship they had shown. In addition, he praised them for their work on behalf of the wider Jewish community.

Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzen Nechama Davis proudly displaying their certificate

Hasmonean was rated the top performing non-selective comprehensive school in the country at GCSE for the sixth year running (The Times, August 2017)

Hasmonean High School

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07 SEPTEMBER 2017

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Shofar making factory at Chigwell & Hainault Shul Chigwell & Hainault Shul recently ran a shofar factory. Organised by Rabbi Rafi and Chaya Goodwin and led by Rabbi Yossi Simon of Tzivos HaShem.

Over 50 participants were shown step by step, how to make a shofar and in total 23 children made and took home their very own shofars. No doubt the neighbours will be very pleased after all the practicing. The children were also shown different types of animals and learnt the difference between a kosher shofar and ones that may not be used.

The children had to first saw off the end of their shofars. Then Rabbi Simon drilled a hole through each one. Then the shofar required sanding and varnishing.

Sarah Strong said “It was really great fun. The kids were so proud making their own Shofar from scratch and it’s one of those lovely things they won’t forget and they’ll always have at home. Really lovely idea! The man leading it (Rabbi Yossi Simon) was great fun too and the kids really took to him”

Trying out the brand-new shofar

Further honour for US cemetery The United Synagogue welcomed the announcement of its Willesden Cemetery being awarded Registered Park and Garden Status by Historic England. The cemetery which is described as “London’s pre-eminent Victorian Jewish cemetery” by the report is the only Ashkenazi Jewish cemetery in England to be Registered as a park or garden.

The decision was based around four topics which are ‘historic interest’, ‘design interest’, ‘survival’ and ‘group value’. The historic element details the cemetery as the first venture of the United Synagogue and the influential families and individual buried there, with ‘survival’ relating to the excellent condition of the grounds and the subsequent evolution of the cemetery being well-documented and legible.

Part of the report states: “Willesden Jewish Cemetery (also known as the United Synagogue Cemetery) is a highly significant and important Jewish cemetery in a national context and as such it fully merits its place on the Register of Parks and Gardens for its designed plan, planting, complex of high quality and listed funerary buildings, and a vast range of

tombs and monuments of differing stylistic influences and complexity, including those to key Jewish figures from the 19th Century onwards”.

Speaking about the announcement, US Director responsible for Burial, David Kaplan said: “I’m delighted that our beautiful Willesden Cemetery has received further recognition from Historic England. This new status will ensure that Willesden Cemetery and the many significant figures it contains will continue to showcase the Jewish contribution to British society for generations to come”.

The announcements follow the cemetery receiving Grade II Listing last month and the Listing of the grave of Rosalind Franklin as Grade II in March 2017.

In a separate announcement on Wednesday, the War Memorial and the burial enclosures of Mayer, Juliana, and Hannah Rothschild at Willesden Cemetery are being listed at Grade II. On Sunday 17 September, Willesden Cemetery in conjunction with Open House London will be opening its sites or buildings to those interested in architecture for the first time.

Sawing the shofar to perfection

Explaining the background of the shofar

Sawing the shofar together

Sammy Garfinkel climbs mountains for GIFT 12 year old Sammy Garfinkel was one of twenty seven Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids who recently scaled new heights after raising £20,000 for charity with a sponsored hike and mountain climb in the Lake District.

Accompanied by their parents, the 57-strong group from northwest London completed a 15km (10 mile) hike around Lake Derwent on Friday. Then on Sunday set off at the crack of dawn for a seven-hour climb up Helvellyn mountain – England’s third highest peak at 3117ft.

The event was organised by Sarah Sultman and Matthew and Natalie Jackson, from Mill Hill Shul.

Sarah said: “We came up with the idea for a Bnei Mitzvah challenge in shul one day. We wanted our kids to do something that would physically and mentally challenge them getting them off their phones while motivating them to raise money for people in need.

“We took over an entire youth hostel with no ensuites, no wifi, no phone service and everyone had a truly memorable and spectacular weekend.”

Some other charities benefiting were Camp Simcha, Bet Halochem,

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Sammy on top of Helvellyn mountain

Gesher, Emunah and Wateraid, Sammy chose charity GIFT to raise money for as his mother Caroline has been a regular volunteer with the charity for the past four years, delivering food parcels to families struggling to put food on their table.

Caroline told us “I’ve been delivering for over four years now - I was looking for a charity to volunteer for that would fit in with being a working mum. The work GIFT does is incredibly important in ensuring no one goes hungry.

Sammy chose to donate the money

he raised on his Bnei Mitzvah challenge hike to GIFT because when he’s off school he comes with me, taking the food bags from the car to people’s doorsteps and he enjoys helping. He has also been really moved by the cause and says that no one should have to go without food as it is a basic necessity.”

GIFT’s objectives are teaching young people to be givers in order to help those in need.

To volunteer or donate please contact info@jgift.org 0208 457 4429

12 NEWS

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

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Painting commemorates Balfour Decleration Balfour Accomplished is the latest original artwork by the Award-winning British artist, Beverley-Jane Stewart.

Recognised for her exploration into the relationship between Jewish and British cultures, Stewart’s large scale oil on canvas features imagery from the past and present to commemorate this year’s 100 year Anniversary of the Balfour Declaration - the historic letter dated November 2, 1917 from the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour to Lord Rothschild, expressing the British government’s support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

In Balfour Accomplished, Stewart has created a multi-faceted, thought-provoking piece, depicting a period of complexity and diversity. Featuring imagery from a time of turbulence and change, her painting tells the story of a unique

period of history to illustrate the cementing and stabilising of a lost nation and the story of the Balfour Declaration connecting to modern Israel and the Jewish destiny.

Beverley-Jane comments, “Balfour in 1917 occurred at a time when Jewish people were experiencing massive pogroms and persecution in Eastern Europe. It was recognising the fact that people had a right over their own destiny.

This was a bold and brave action for a British politician to initiate.

I still believe that whatever a person’s religion or ethnicity, they have a right to be in control of their lives. This is still sadly relevant in today’s society where many people have lost their identity. This could be interpreted as a utopian wish but as an artist I aim for ideals.”

Stewart’s work is due to be unveiled as the centrepiece of an event dedicated to the Balfour

Beverley-Jane Stewart

Declaration at this year’s Jerusalem Biennale for Contemporary Jewish Art. Stewart’s main painting, Balfour Accomplished, and a series of etchings on which she has focused on topical and thoughtprovoking themes in The painting, Balfour accomplished connection with Balfour, will be on display Declaration.

Researching the at Jerusalem’s Machtarot Museum piece both in the UK and during (the Underground Prisoners Muse- my recent travels to Israel has been um) as part of the Biennale from fascinating and rewarding and I am October 1 - November 16, 2017. looking forward to conveying this The Biennale will showcase the in my work along with marking work of nearly 200 Israeli and in- the significance of this date in both ternational professional artists in Jewish and European history.” dozens of exhibitions hosted in Ram Ozeri, Founder of The Jerueight venues throughout the city salem Biennale, comments, “I can centre of Jerusalem. The theme say the event around the Balfour of JB2017 is Watershed and the Declaration in general, and Bevexhibition dedicated to the Balfour erley-Jane’s work specifically, are Declaration will mark one of the one of the most exciting things for most important Watershed mo- me as I look towards the Jerusalem ments in recent Jewish History.

Biennale 2017. Beverley-Jane’s Stewart continues, “I am hon- work is truly unique in the way it oured and extremely excited to brings the evolution of Jewish and have been invited to exhibit at this British identity to life and we are year’s Biennale and in particu- delighted to be able to showcase lar, to have been asked to paint her work, as one of our lead artists, my interpretation of the Balfour at this year’s festival.”

AJR offers grants for Holocaust remembrance & educational projects Following a strategic review of its grant making programme, The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) is inviting applications from

charities and educational institutions requiring financial support for Holocaust remembrance and educational projects.

The AJR is the UK’s largest dedicated funder of such programmes.

The recently completed strategic review has helped the organisation to examine how it can leverage this role to make the most meaningful impact on the future of Holocaust remembrance.

The AJR will now offer two types of grants.

Catalyst Grants of up to £10,000 are available to support those initiatives in their very early stages and those with a limited target audience, and Project Support Grants, which are available for exceptional projects requiring more than

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£10,000. Project Support Grants are for larger-scale projects whose rationale is demonstrated by evidence and research, and which have the potential for a significant multiplier effect.

Michael Newman, Chief Executive of The Association of Jewish Refugees said, “Although the overriding priority of the AJR is to continue to provide social, welfare and care services to Holocaust refugees and survivors, we also aim to foster innovation in Holocaust education and remembrance because we, on behalf of our members, are committed to preserving the memory of those who perished and ensuring that history does not become distorted.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Board intervenes over offensive bus shelter poster

BY JW REPORTER The Board of Deputies of British Jews has intervened over an offensive bus shelter poster calling for cancellation of Tel Aviv in London festival.

A Board of Deputies spokesperson said: “After it came to our notice that offensive posters from London Palestine Action calling for the cancellation of next week’s Tel Aviv in London festival, the Board of Deputies intervened immediately and decisively with the Mayor of London’s office. We have now had confirmation that site agents JCDecaux believe that all offending material has been removed and are sending out their operational team to check all sites and will remove any further posters found. We understand that TFL are currently looking into whether there was any wrongdoing and will consider enforcement action as appropriate. We would like to thank the Mayor’s team for their quick response. Unlike this shabby poster campaign, we are sure that the Tel Aviv in London Festival will be a huge success and would commend all Londoners to attend.”

The AJR is particularly interested in promoting self-sustainability, and will typically look for opportunities to offer match-funding to organisations. In keeping with common practice throughout the grant making sector, it will also look to invest in programmes with a measurable impact.

Newman added: “With a renewed emphasis on evaluation, we hope to improve both the AJR’s and our grantees’ own understanding of effective practice, and we hope it will also make a contribution to the important work being done by colleagues across the field.”

Application deadlines in the coming year will fall on the following dates: 13 September 2017; 13 December 2017; 14 March 2018 and 13 June 2018.

For more information about how to apply for a grant, please contact Alex Maws, Educational Grants Advisor at alex.maws@gmail.com.

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

Kisharon’s unique gift this Rosh Hashanah Kisharon has been working closely with people they support with learning disabilities to create unique personalised gifts of appreciation for those supporting the charity’s “Learn, Develop and Grow” Rosh Hashanah Appeal.

People with learning disabilities supported by the charity have for the first time this year learnt to collate and mail Kisharon’s Rosh Hashanah Appeal to over 5000 people, which included gifting Rosh Hashanah cards incorporating their own designs.

Kisharon’s social enterprise design agency, Equal Creative, designed the appeal – which also offers personalised honey jars as Rosh Hashanah gifts, to support

The honey pots

Charlotte Kaye and Shammai Rottenberg labelling honey jars

Kisharon’s Appeal.

The handmade personalised honey jars, and accompanying Rosh Hashanah greeting cards have been produced in conjunction with people with learning disabilities supported by the charity. People supported by Kisharon are further being taught to packaging honey cakes for Rosh Hashanah, which will be available online and at Kisharon’s Equal Gift & Homeware store in Temple Fortune - one of five social enterprise initiatives being launched this year by the cause to offer equal work opportunities and experience to people with learning disabilities.

This year, Kisharon hopes to top last year’s record £94,000 raised

through their Rosh Hashanah Appeal.

Kisharon’s CEO Bev Jacobson, said “This exciting Appeal amply demonstrates how, through the communities generosity, Kisharon enables people with learning disabilities to develop and learn to give back, taking on real and meaningful roles in the communities in which we live.”

Kisharon mail packing

Food For You chooses Norwood for latest charity cook book Food For You, a North-West London based charity committee set up in 2004, is launching their fifth and finest cook book, entitled Simply Food For You. All proceeds for this project will go to Jewish charity Norwood.

Since its formation, Food For You has raised an incredible £1.5m through the sale of their cook books which has funded worthy causes, such as mental health organisations and programmes for vulnerable youth.

The official launch took place today (Thursday 7 September) and books are available to buy online at www. simplyfoodforyou.org.uk/.

The event was an all-day open house from 8am – 8pm, with stalls selling artisan goods and homeware, as well as refreshments featured in the book.

Proceeds from the new book, Simply Food For You, will fund a full refurbishment of Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh family centre kitchen and café, which will be

NEWS 13

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re-branded as Sara’s Kitchen.

Sara’s Kitchen will be a working kitchen, offering food training courses for young adults with learning disabilities, providing them with skills from food preparation, barista training and customer service to food hygiene and retail operations. The training courses will also promote independence and social skills and Sara’s Kitchen Café will service the centre and local community.

The Simply Food For You project has been dedicated to Sara Morein, a tireless and effervescent member of the Food For You team who sadly passed away in January 2015. The book, as well as the new Sara’s Kitchen at the Kennedy Leigh Centre, has been created to honour her memory and the legacy of her work.

Explaining the decision to choose Norwood for the latest project, David Morein, the husband of Sara Morein, said: “This charity encapsulates two of Sara’s main passions: a love of preparing

and providing delicious food and a genuine care and interest in helping others. By supporting Sara’s Kitchen at Norwood, young adults with learning difficulties will be taught various aspects of food preparation and hygiene. On this journey they will acquire the immeasurable joys of gaining independence, self-confidence and friendships that we feel sure will benefit them in all aspects of life. I cannot think of a more apt and meaningful way to honour Sara’s memory and provide a legacy that will help others for many years to come “



SIMPLY

FOOD FOR YOU DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR SIMPLY EVERYONE

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Interfaith Charity shop at Selfdridges Norwood is part of a new artwork

by Miranda July and Artangel which takes the form of an interfaith charity shop. It is located on the third floor of Selfridges and open to the public from 31 August – 22 October 2017. The shop is by artist, writer and filmmaker Miranda July. It is a major commission by arts organisation Artangel, and the artist’s first commission in the UK. This is the UK’s first interfaith charity shop which is run and staffed jointly by Norwood and three other religious charities chosen by Miranda July: London Buddhist Centre, Spitafields Crypt Trust and Islamic Relief. The proceeds will be shared equally between the four partners, all of whom run their own charity shops.

Each participating charity is donating 2.5% of its share of the proceeds to another charity of their choice: Norwood to Carers in Hertfordshire; London Buddhist Centre to Praxis Community Project; Spitalfields Crypt Trust to Providence Row; and Islamic Relief to The Bike Project.

Items for sale are typical of those traditionally sold in charity shops - second-hand clothes, books, games, DVD’s, kitchenware, religious items and books, toys ornaments and bric-a-brac. Prices are the same as in any charity shop.

Miranda July is known for artworks that depend upon the

public’s participation — be they apps, performances or sculptures.

Her interfaith charity shop at Selfridges will present customers with an unexpected retail experience that will resonate with founder Harry Gordon Selfridge’s famous pronouncement in 1909 that his store was created as an open house, where “everyone is welcome”.

Norwood chairman David Ereira said: “Norwood is proud to be involved in the UK’s first interfaith charity shop at Selfridges; alongside London Buddhist Centre, Spitalfields Crypt Trust and Islamic Relief, promoting our common sense of charity and community.

Projects such as these are important to raise vital funds, but also to build social cohesion and bring people of different faiths together. We are delighted to be partnering with Artangel and talented global artist Miranda July and to be featured in her latest installation.

“Our local charity shops are very popular and we look forward to showcasing our diverse offering and expertise in such a prestigious location over the next six weeks.

Opening an interfaith charity shop in the heart of London’s shopping district sends a powerful message that religions can work together to be a force for good. I hope people will come to see this exciting project for themselves and give generously to all of the charities involved.”

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07 SEPTEMBER 2017

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First day in reception at King David Primary school

Noah Levine, 4, a new King David Primary Reception pupil on his first day at ‘BIG’ school.

Children enter the classroom after saying their “goodbyes” to their parents.

Emily Rubin and Jay Berger look forward for the year ahead.

Ella Walshaw, Adara Moscovia and Adina Korn.

Father takes a picture of his children looking smart.

PHOTO CREDITS: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Shofar blowing by Reb Moshe Feldman and Rabbi Benzion Lewis

Manchester Jewish representative council hold 1st of the month meeting

Moshe Feldman blowing the Shofar to his Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox primary school year 3 boys.

Yaakov Frankkle was a 21 year old CST volunteer who was on duty at the meeting.

Rabbi Benzion Lewis blows his Shofar.

Minute of silence at the start of Sunday’s Rep Council meeting for the recent loss of members of the Council.

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Rabbi Arnold Saunders and Cllr Rishi Shori.

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

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NEWS 15

Leeds community mourn the loss of inspirational Louise

By Rabbi Anthony Gilbert, Minister of Etz Chaim Synagogue, Leeds With the passing of Louise Haft the community of Etz Chaim in particular and Leeds in general has lost a devoted member.

Louise was their for everyone, she deployed her culinary talents with zeal and grace Although young in age she had all the characteristics of a true baalat habayit.

Her family was her life. She was loved and admired by a large host of friends and nothing for Louise was ever a problem.In her final days she was stoic and courageous, a true inspiration to all.

She is survived by her Husband Jeremy son Joel daughters Daniella and Millie, Father Martin Clarke, sisters Michelle and Janine and Parents in law Maureen and Leslie Haft.

Disability, not dependency.

When Joel’s parents first learned of his cerebral palsy they were sick with worry about what his future might hold. Now, thanks to Jewish Blind & Disabled, they all enjoy Joel’s independent life in his own mobility apartment with 24/7 on site support.

To FinD ouT more abouT how we give The giFT oF inDepenDence or To make a DonaTion visiT www.jbD.org or call 020 8371 6611

Louise A’H with her husband Jeremy

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16 JUDAISM

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Parshat Ki Tavo

There is a punishment for not being happy.

It’s in this week’s Parasha of Ki Tavo: the long list of the Klalot, the curses, of the Tochecha is presented to us. And the Torah gives a reason why these awful things might occur: ‘Tachat Asher Lo Avadeta Et Hashem Elokeicha Besimcha’, ‘on account of the fact that you did not serve the Lord, your G-d, with happiness’.

Usually we explain this to mean that in the event, G-d forbid, that there is machloket, serious division, let’s say within a community, a lot of tension. And as a result, the community cannot function in a happy and joyous

way, the impact of what we are doing is limited and so, as a people we don’t function as we really should.

That’s a good message, but can we really justify so many Klalot, so many curses, happening?

I love the peirush of the Kotsker Rebbe on this verse. You see, he reads this as follows: ‘Tachat Asher Lo Avadeta’, it’s when your ‘Lo Avadeta’, when the absence of your serving of Hashem is carried out ‘Besimcha’, ‘with joy’.

Says the Kotzker Rebbe, here we are talking about a phenomenon, where people

have no shame whatsoever with regard to what they are doing and in a brazen way, they are flaunting their rebelliousness and

encouraging, thereby, others, to follow them.

That’s when we as a nation have a problem.

You know, I’m sure in some Shuls on some Shabbotot, people have a mobile phone in their pocket, and they turn it off and you know, they will be exceptionally embarrassed if anybody knew about it. But I’ve known in a few instances, in a Bar Mitzvah, somebody taking out a phone to take photos while the boy is singing his Haftorah, without any embarrassment, any shame. You see, if you know that it’s wrong, then there is some hope, there is some recognition of respect for the law. But if the ‘Lo Avadeta’ is carried out with ‘Simcha’, and people flaunt what they are doing, and more than that, they might even encourage others to be just like them, then as a nation we are in trouble.

So, the message therefore from our Parasha is, of course, do what is right. In the event that you are ever going to stray from that path, if you are embarrassed or ashamed about it, that actually is a good thing. It’s good for you and it’s also good for us.

Shabbat Shalom

Ellul Watch

As we approach the Day of Judgment, the need to improve our deeds takes on more significance. It is customary to give more tzedakah during this time of year, in hope that G-d will bless us with a “good and sweet new year”. The word “tzedakah” is derived from the root “Tzadeik” which means righteous.

Everything in the world ultimately

belongs to G-d, therefore by giving tzedakah, you are showing that you trust in G-d and also that you Have mercy for the people in need. In merit of giving tzedakah, Hashem will have mercy on you too and answer your prayers to have a healthy and prosperous year ahead.

Tehillim

Psalm 21

This week’s Tehillim is in memory of Louise Haft

DONATE ONLINE @ WWW.HATZOLANW.ORG OR POST TO FREEPOST HATZOLA

On Rosh Hashanah, we spend the day in shul, acknowledging that Hashem is our King. With Rosh Hashanah now less than 2 weeks away, it is appropriate that this week’s Tehillim deals with kings, and how powerful people use their influence to inspire others to see Hashem. Our sages tell us that if you are coming up to a festival, and the subject of that particular festival comes up in your weekly learning, then it is a sign from G-D that he is happy with your learning. So this column is clearly making waves in the heavenly world!

Many kings, both today and throughout the ages have rejoiced in their own honour and used their power to heap untold misery upon many people. However, the righteous king should trust in G-d alone. King David, King Solomon along with many other great Jewish kings realised G-ds total control and prayed to him for assistance

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every single step of the way. A simple look around history will show us that even the most mighty king in the world can have his power taken away from him by G-d in a split second. Think Pharaoh, and Hitler to name but a few..

The words “length of days for ever and ever” provide comfort and hope to accompany the long years of exile.

As a reward for the brilliance of King David and Solomon, G-d promises in this Psalm that despite a temporary interruption, the monarchy will eventually be restored to the Davidic dynasty.

By trusting completely in Hashem, loyal kings can be secure in the knowledge that Hashem will always look after them, and continue to bestow his kindness upon them.

To sponsor a Tehillim for £90 call 0203 906 8488 or email office@ thejewishweekly.com

07 SEPTEMBER 2017 Volume 29 No. 50

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JUDAISM 17

Ki Tavo In memory of Harav Yisrael ben Eliyahu

In memory of Harav Yisrael ben Eliyahu

“It will be when you enter the Land that the Lord, your God, gives you as an inheritance, and you possess it, and dwell in it, that you shall take of the first of every fruit of the ground that you bring in form your Land that the Lord, your God, gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord, your God, will choose, to make His Name rest there” (Devarim 26:1-2).

The Untenable Eleventh Commandment

by Rabbi Dr Martin van den Bergh, Childwall Hebrew Congregation, Liverpool There is a notion that we are free to do as we wish, as long as we are not found out. This is commonly known as “the Eleventh Commandment”. In other words - we can behave anyway we like in private, as long as we put on a public display of conforming to social norms of behaviour. However, today there is little privacy; it is becoming increasingly clear that there is nowhere to hide. Therefore, no matter how discreet we may try to be, we are likely to be found out.

Especially with the12:1-23 advent of modern 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Vayikra technology, social media platforms and CCTV After childbirth, a lady would wait several weeks networks, privacy has eroded and it (olah) may seem before bringing an elevation offering and a likeoffering ‘big brother’ is always watching.her post-birth sin (chatat).

This completed purification process.

Added this notion is the that Jewish belief that God toldtoMoshe and Aharon someone who actually there is always a reckoning our had the appearance of a particular typefor of skin actions,(tzara’at) as the Book Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) disease wouldofhave to show the white tells us: to “ina the end of theKohen matter, everything is blemish Kohen.

The would evaluate heard” (12:13).

Therefore, there can be no and decide if the affliction was clearly tzara’at, distinction between private and public behaviour, thus rendering the person impure (tameh). If the and outward appearances should reflect our case was unclear, the Kohen would quarantine private persona. We are urged to be wary of the person in a house for seven days, after which transgressing in secret just as in public. the Kohen would re-inspect the afflicted area and declare whether the person was tameh or tahor In this week’s sidrah, the Torah highlights this; the (pure).

Israelites were commanded by Moshe to commit Question: were theand three of blemish themselveswhat to the Torah the types covenant of G-d called?

(13:2) onthe bottom ofRiver pageinto 6. the once they hadAnswer crossed Jordan Promised Land.–The Levites were to bless the 2nd Aliya (Levi) 13:24-39 and utter curses: “you shall putfrom thea Itpeople was also possible for tzara’at to develop blessing uponcould Mount Gerizim, curse burn.

Tzara’at erupt on the and scalpthe or on the upon Mount Eval” (Devarim beard area, causing a loss of11.29). hair.

craftsman, and sets it up in secret” (Devarim 27:15). This emphasises that transgressions committed in private are just as bad as if they had been committed in public.

In fact, we can never hide from G-d or, for that matter, from ourselves. Taking this lesson to heart can prevent us from transgressing, as can be learnt from Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi’s statement in Pirkei Avot: “Apply your mind to three things and you will not come into the hands of sin. Know what there is above you – an eye that sees, an ear that hears, and all your deeds are written in a metzora would bring three offerings book” (Ethics of also our Fathers 2:1 animal – see green and three meal offerings. siddur, p. 530).

Sidrah Summary: Tazria-Metzorah

Sidrah Ki Ki Tavo SidrahSummary: Summary: Tavo in between the mountains to call out the 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Devarim 26:1-11 “It will be the Land G-d, gives youthe as curses, an inheritance, andthe youpeople and to which Once thewhen nationyou hasenter come into the that Landthe of Lord, Israel,yourblessings possess it, and dwell in it, that you shall take of the first of every fruit of the ground that you bring in there is a mitzvah for a produce-grower to take should respond “Amen” (Rashi). form your Land that the Lord, your G-d, gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place the first fruits of the new harvest and place them Question: which tribes stood on Mount Gerizim that the Lord, your G-d, will choose, to make His Name rest there” (Devarim 26:1-2). in a basket, before bringing them to a Kohen in and which tribes on Mount Eival? Answer on bottom of next page. the Temple (bikkurim). After the Kohen takes the basket, the person who has brought the fruit 6th Aliya (Shishi) – 28:6-69 reads out a text which recalls the initial descent This aliyah opens with further blessings if we are to Egypt, the servitude and the redemption, and to follow G-d's will – our enemies will flee from us and the other nations will be in awe of us. concludes with an expression of gratitude to G-d However, the sidrah continues with the tochacha, for the bounty from the Land. the passage of retribution. If we do not listen to 2nd Aliya (Levi) – 26:12-15 G-d's commandments and do not observe the At the end of every third and sixth year of the mitzvot, the consequences will be grave. Verse seven year shemitah cycle, one has to make sure after verse warn of petrifying suffering, including that all the tithes from the produce of the Land illness, plague, blindness, children taken captive, over the previous years have been given to their being at the mercy of other nations, parents respective recipients. Once that has been eating their own children and the nation organised, a text known as viduy ma’aserot is becoming scattered over the Earth. said, which declares one’s care for the laws of tithing and a prayer to G-d to bless the Land.

Point to Consider: why does the Torah add this passage of tochacha, given that there was already a lengthy one in parashat Bechukotai 3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 26:16-19 Moshe encourages the people to keep the (Bemidbar chapter 26)? mitzvot and to see them every day as fresh and new (Rashi). This will elevate the nation to the 7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 29:1-8 Moshe reminds the people of their wondrous status of being holy and distinguished.

Exodus from Egypt, their miraculous survival in the desert for 40 years and their victories over the 4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 27:1-10 Moshe tells the people that on the day they cross mighty kings Sichon and Og. the Jordan, they should take stones, coat them with plaster and inscribe upon them the words of Haftarah the Torah. They should erect these stones on Taken from the book of Yeshaya, this is the sixth Mount Eival, where they shall also build an altar of the seven ‘haftarot of consolation’ read after Tisha B’Av. The prophet relates a vision of the and bring peace-offerings. nations of the world coming to Zion and recognising G-d. Violence and pain will become 5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 27:11-28:5 After the nation enters the Land, they will come memories of the past – “never again shall your to Mount Gerizim and to Mount Eival (see p.3 sun set, not shall your moon will be withdrawn; article). Six of the tribes are to stand on one for G-d will be an eternal light”. mountain, six on the other. The Levi’im will stand

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Point to Consider: what is the significance of the cedar wood, crimson thread andushyssop?

The Sages of the Talmud also tell that we(see Rashi to 14:4) should avoid anything that even appears to be 5th Aliya This (Chamishi) forbidden. is what–is14:21-32 called marit ha’ayin.

Again, this does onlynot apply in public, A metzora whonot could afford three but animal even in thecould privacy of our ownone homes: “Rav offerings instead bring animal offering, Yehudah in Rav's name: one mealsaid offering and two birds.Wherever the Sages prohibited something because of marit 6th Aliya (Shishi) – 14:33-15:15 ha’ayin, it is forbidden even in one's innermost Tzara’at also affected houses. chambers” (Talmud Shabbat 64b).The house owner would report the suspicious signs to a Kohen. The house would be evacuated before the Kohen’s Thus, from our perspective, the ‘eleventh arrival. If the Kohen saw a deep green or deep red commandment’ is untenable. As the late Rabbi ‘affliction’, he would order the house to be Levi Meier (chaplain of the Cedar-Sinai Hospital ford.a 2008) week.once He would inquarantined Los Angeles, said: then “we re-inspect should the house.

If the affliction had spread, serve G-d with all our hearts and withthe allinfected our stones wouldinbe removed replaced. If the minds, whether private or in and public”. affliction nevertheless returned, the house would be demolished. However, if replacing the stones solved the problem, the Kohen would declare the house tahor (pure).

The Torah lists specific discharges that would 3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 13:40-54 The Rashbam (Rabbi Shmuel ben Meir d. 1158, cause a man to be considered tameh, and details A slightly different form of tzara’at is detailed, a grandson of Rashi) points out that these curses which caused a more substantial loss of hair. A the purification procedure. also refer to transgressions which are committed metzora (one who has been contaminated with 7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 15:16-33 in private, as inferred by the mention of the word tzara’at) sentcurses. outside For of the camp and to A similar set of laws is listed for a lady who has “secret”was in the example, thehad first specific discharges, as well as the laws of niddah tear his/her garments (see p4 article).

Tzara’at curse states: “Cursed be the man who makes could also infect A suspected garment (menstruation), which form the basis of the laws any engraved or clothing. molten image, an abomination was quarantined to the Lord, the before work ofthe theKohen hands made of the a of family purity. decision about whether it was tameh. If it was Haftarah declared tameh, the garment was burnt.

3 In memory of Harav Yitzchak Yoel ben Shlomo Halevi From the Book of Melachim (Kings II), the haftarah 4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 13:55-14:20 takes places upon the background of the long The Torah details the process through which a siege and ensuing famine of the Shomron area metzora purified himself/herself after the period (Samria) by the King of Aram. Four metzora’im of isolation and the healing of the affliction. This were put outside the city gates because of their involved a Kohen taking two birds, cedar wood, affliction. They discovered and reported that the a crimson thread and hyssop. The Kohen would Arameans had actually left their camp, which slaughter one of the birds and – using the wood, thread and hyssop together in a bundle – sprinkle allowed the Jews to plunder the camp and thus end their famine.

In of Harav Yitzchak ben Shlomo itsmemory blood seven times on Yoel the metzora.

TheHalevi

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the mitzvah of bikur cholim? The Rashba requires another person's participation or before (which was also the building's bomb shelter). family moved into a Jerusalem apartment, we Shlomo ibn Aderet d. 1310) agreement for its performance has no blessing (Rabbi We were told that someone in theanswers buildingthis had noticed after Shabbat at around midnight, that He writes that any whichall our neighbours had all gathered in the shul before it; for one cannot be sure that the mitzvah question. been admitted to hospital andmitzvah they were 18 JUDAISM 2017 THE WEEKLY will be completed. There is therefore no JEWISH blessing requires person's participation or (which was also 07 praying foranother her recovery together.

Jews the world the SEPTEMBER building's bomb shelter). recited before giving charity because one cannot agreement over pray for the recovery of others there We were told that someone in the building had its performance has no and blessing that the potential recipient will accept Bein Adam Lechaveiro Part 13:guarantee BikurAdam Cholim – The are bikur cholim societies for visiting Bein Lechaveiro Part 13:before Bikur Cholim –beThe it; for one cannot sure that thepeople mitzvahin been admitted to hospital and they were all the donation. Similarly, there is no blessing for hospital, such as the wonderful services will be completed. There is therefore no blessing praying for her recovery together. Jews the world Practical Side Practical visiting the sick,Side for one cannot be sure that the provided in London by Jewish Visiting (part of US recited before giving charity because one cannot over pray for the recovery of others and there

by Rabbi Daniel Fine, Community Rabbi, Stanmore & Canons Park United Synagogue patient will Daniel want to Fine, accept visitors.

Chesed)& Canons through Park its hospital chaplains and

by Rabbi Community Rabbi, Stanmore United Synagogue guarantee that the potential recipient will accept are bikur cholim societies for visiting people in volunteer visitors. www.jvisit.org.uk donation.

Similarly, there is no blessing In our last two articles, Perhaps the question Shulchan Aruch’s ruling could In our last articles, Perhaps the Shulchan Aruch’s ruling couldfor be hospital, such as the wonderful services The second posed wastwo whether onebethe we discussed the origin of adhered by asking thecholim doctors the sick, for one cannot be sure the provided in London by Jewish Visiting (part of US we discussed the origin of visiting adhered to by asking the doctors or relatives fulfils the to mitzvah of bikur withor a relatives phone Bikur cholim is a true expression of the that qualities the mitzvah of visiting before entering thethe ward. mitzvah of penned visitinga patient before entering ward. visitors. call. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (d. 1986) will want tocompassion accept of kindness andthe that are so central Chesed) through its hospital chaplains and the sick (bikur cholim) and fascinating discussion the sick (bikur cholim) about this topic.and He to our faith. volunteer visitors. www.jvisit.org.uk we noted the three When noted theto fulfil three When praying for the posed patient's recovery, this praying the patient's recovery, if thisThe writes that whilstfor itwe could be possible one second question was whetherifone components of the components of the mitzvah: is of done the criteria of presence, the mitzvahthen on the phone – is done in their presence, then any language in their anymitzvah: language fulfils the mitzvah of bikur cholim with a phone Bikur cholim is a true expression of the qualities showing the when patient that you showing the patient that you may enquiring as to Inthe patient's wellbeing andformay be used. In contrast, when praying for be used. contrast, praying call.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (d. 1986) penned a abouttwo them, praying practical needs – care the other criteria of the somewhere else, Hebrew (and their Hebrew of kindness and compassion that are so central care about them, praying somewhere else, Hebrew (and their Hebrew aboutHebrew this topic. their and wellbeing ensuring that theyname) have mitzvah – showing you care and assessing their isfascinating name and discussion their mother's name)Heis to our faith. for their wellbeing and ensuring that they have for name their and mother's Hebrew writes that whilst it could be possible to fulfil one their practical needs met. situation so ifyou can pray for them - can only be preferable, if possible. their practical needs met. preferable, possible. fully performed in the patient's presence. Thus, of the criteria of the mitzvah on the phone – Rabbi Feinstein writes ifhave youtwo have nomitzvah way to isenquiring ended last weekthat with questions. assensitivity to the patient's andis The national we have towellbeing this mitzvah We ended last week with two questions. We The national sensitivity we to this travelinspiring. towhy the patient, you may ago, 'visit'soon themrecited with amypractical isSome there no blessing very inspiring. soon after my needsSome – the years other ago, two criteria of the Firstly, why is there no blessing recited Firstly, very years after phone call,mitzvah but this would cholim? mean that have mitzvah Theyou Rashba into you a Jerusalem apartment, we before the mitzvah of bikur cholim? The Rashba before – showing care and assessing their family the moved intoofabikur Jerusalem apartment, wefamily moved not fulfilled theibn mitzvah completely.

Shlomo Aderet d. 1310) answers this noticed after Shabbat at around midnight, that (Rabbi Shlomo ibn Aderet d. 1310) answers this (Rabbi so you can pray for them - can only be noticed after Shabbat at around midnight, thatsituation He writes that any mitzvah which our neighbours had all gathered in the shul question. He writes that any mitzvah which question. our neighbours had all gathered in the shulfully performed in the patient's presence. Thus, anotherAruch person's or (which was also the building's bomb shelter).

The Shulchan (Code participation of Jewish Law, requires another person's participation or requires (which was also the building's bomb shelter).Rabbi Feinstein writes that if you have no way to for rules its performance has blessing We were written 1563) that one must notnoembarrass told that someone in the building had agreement for its performance has no blessing agreement We were told that someone in the building hadtravel the patient, you may and 'visit'they themwere with all a the patient notcannot all patients want be mitzvah visited. been to before it; for –one be sure thattothe admitted to hospital before it; for one cannot be sure that the mitzvah been admitted to hospital and they were allphone call, but this would mean Jews that you have will be completed. There is therefore no blessing praying for her recovery together. the world will be completed. There is therefore no blessing praying for her recovery together. Jews the world recited before giving charity because one cannot not fulfilled the mitzvah completely. recited before giving charity because one cannot over pray for the recovery of others and thereover pray for the recovery of others and there guarantee that the potential recipient will accept are bikur cholim societies for visiting people in guarantee that the potential recipient will accept are bikur cholim societies for people In memory of Moshe ben there Avraham Zarach the donation.

Similarly, is visiting no blessing for inhospital, such as the wonderful services 4 the donation. Similarly, there is no blessing for hospital, such as the wonderful servicesThe Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law, visiting the sick, for one cannot be sure that the written provided in London

by Jewish Visiting (part of US 1563) rules that one must not embarrass visiting the sick, for one cannot be sure that the provided in London by Jewish Visiting (part of US patient will want to accept visitors.

Chesed) through its hospital chaplains and patient – not all patients want to be visited. patient will want to accept visitors.

Chesed) through its hospital chaplains andthe volunteer visitors. www.jvisit.org.uk volunteer visitors. www.jvisit.org.uk The second question posed was whether one The second question posed was whether one fulfils the mitzvah of bikur cholim with a phone Bikur In memory Avraham cholimofisMoshe a true ben expression ofZarach the qualities fulfils the mitzvah of bikur cholim with a phone call.

BikurRabbi cholim is a true expression of the qualities Moshe Feinstein (d. 1986) penned a of kindness and compassion that are so central 4 memory of Moshe ben Avraham Zarach call. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (d. 1986) penned a fascinating of kindnessdiscussion and compassion so central about that this are topic.

He In toInsights our faith. into Jewish History Part 81: Megillat Antiochus II Parallel Thinking Partthis 33:topic.

The He Enigma ofwhilst Consciousness V fascinating discussion about to ourthat faith. writes it could be possible to fulfil one

by Rebbetzen Ilana Epstein, Cockfosters & N Southgate United Synagogue; Head writes that Dr whilst it could be possible toWest fulfil one

by Rabbi Moshe Freedman, New End United Synagogue of the criteria of the mitzvah on the phone – of Project Development, US Living & Learning of the criteria of the mitzvah on the phone – enquiring as to the patient's wellbeing and enquiring as to the patient's wellbeing and practical needs – the other two criteria of the The Sefer Mitzvot Gadol, It is also clear that, like Rabbi Saadya Gaon, other practical needs – The the last other twoarticles criteriahave of theadopts mitzvah showing you care and their four the– Talmud’s assertion andassessing writes that (written by Rabbi Moshe early commentators had this Megillah, and cited mitzvah – showingfocused you care you can pray for only be modernsoday dreams canthem have- can prophetic onand theassessing concept oftheiroursituation ben Ya’akov of Coucy quotations and language which can only be found situation so you can pray for themin- can only besignificance fully performed in thetopatient's Thus, consciousness science, or relate spiritualpresence. experiences. d. 750 CE) refers to in Megillat Antiochus, including Rashi (d. 1105) fully performed in philosophy the patient'sand presence.

Thus,This Rabbi Feinsteinwhen writeswe thatsleep if youour have no way Judaism. is because souls canto and the Rambam (Maimonides d. 1204).

Megillat Chashmona’im travel to the patient, may 'visit' themforces with a Rabbi Feinstein writes if you article have no way This thatfinal on tosometimes interact withyou external spiritual (The Megillah of the phone call,our but subconscious this would mean that you and have consciousness enter awareness travel to the patient, you may 'visit'turns them our with awhich Hasmoneans), which is also The Megillah consists of eight chapters, one for not the fulfilled the of mitzvah completely. attention dreaming, one phone call, but this would to mean that you haveaffect content our dreams. referred to in other books as each day of Chanukah. It has almost certainly of the most mysterious not fulfilled the mitzvah completely.

Megillat Antiochus.

What is this Megillah? The remained in its original language – Aramaic, with a One might think this sounds a little far-fetched. of human experiences. Most neuroscientists, The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law, author of the Sefer Mitzvot Gadol suggests that Hebrew translation side by side. This attests to its Yet in a recent article, psychologist Dr. Patrick written 1563) rules that one must not embarrass psychologists and psychotherapists accept The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law, Megillat Antiochus may be the original source of authenticity, as Aramaic was the lingua franca.

McNamara noted that a wide range of that the 1563) content of that our one dreams significant, written rules mustisnot embarrass the patient – not all patients want to be visited. the miracle of the lights on Chanukah and that it Where at times we struggle to reconcile what we unexplained dream phenomena, such as shared whether it has been by our psyche, the patient – not all influenced patients want to be visited. was written by the students of Hillel and Shammai know regarding Chanukah from the Talmud and our experiences during waking hours, from dreams and precognitive dreams containing (two of the great Sages of the Mishnah). Yet he our Sages with the characters and timelines from exquisite, incontrovertible detail are widely medication or from the food we eat.

In memory of Moshe ben Today, Avraham Zarach adds that this Megillah is lost to us and perhaps 4 the Book of Maccabees and the Book of Judith, reported (Psychology June 2016). the characters and language of Megillat Antiochus The famous neurologist and forefather of will He admits that science has “no good 4 only re-emerge in the messianic future.

In memory of Moshe ben Avraham Zarach line up perfectly with the Talmud’s version. psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud (d. 1939) viewed explanations” for such astonishing phenomena Yet Rabbi Saadya Gaon (d. 942), writing in the content of his patients’ dreams as a window for “science has no place to put them within Babylon some 150 years later, seems to be in If this is an authentic source for the Chanukah into their primitive, unconscious desires. Swiss its current worldview – but this is all the more possession of this elusive Megillah. He even goes story and its associated miracles, one wonders psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung reason to investigate them”. as far as to quote from it. He asserts that this why it remains relatively unknown. In truth, while it (d. 1961), who collaborated with Freud, felt that Megillah was written by the five sons of Mattityahu does remain unknown to many Jews of Ashkenazi In conclusion, consciousness is difficult to study Freud’s analysis of dreams was too limited. Jung – Yehuda, Shimon, Yochanan, Yonatan and Elazar origins, the Jews of Yemen actually had a tradition viewed dreams as a communication from the scientifically. Scientists wedded to the idea that there is nothing other than the physical world – who wrote down their story and the story of to read Megillat Antiochus on Shabbat Chanukah, unconscious, as part of the self-regulation of the after the haftarah was read.

Judea under the Seleucid kingdom. psyche. While contemporary opinions still differ, will inevitably conclude that consciousness, defined as our sense of self and inner thoughts, is modern studies support the theory that dream It is possible that the author of the Sefer Mitzvot You can still find Megillat Antiochus today in the content is primarily related to the experiences a merely an elaborate illusion. While science cannot Gadol, living in France, was unaware of the back of some old Chumashim, after the other five provide concrete evidence to the existence of the person has while awake. existence of Megillat Antiochus in Babylon at the Megillot, although it does not appear in the supernatural, for those with a conviction that time of his writing, or that between his time and editions which are popular in our communities.

From a Jewish perspective, the Torah itself reality is more than just atoms and molecules, the the 10th century, the Megillah was discovered describes how G-d communicates with people footprints of the spiritual world can be found in among old handwritten manuscripts. through dreams. Having dreams and interpreting many areas of the human experience. their meaning is, for example, one of the Some commentators point out that during Rabbi prominent threads that runs through the story of Saadya Gaon’s time, it was particularly relevant to Yosef (see Bereishit chapters 37, 40 and 41). The publicise the story of Chanukah. The 9th century Talmud indicates that while some dreams are was a strong period for the Karaite community insignificant and meaningless (Horayot 13b), who denied the existence of the Second Temple in others have the potential to contain messages Jerusalem, as well as the miracles of Chanukah. about the future (Berachot 57b). While Yosef’s They claimed that the whole episode was created dreams were clearly prophetic, could our own by the Rabbis. This Megillah helped to refute their dreams contain elements of prophecy or portent? assertions.

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (known as the The opening line of the Megillah is very similar to The book Antiochus critically examined and translated in Ramchal, d. 1746) concurs with the scientific that of Megillat Esther: “And so it was in the days German by L. Grünhut. Jerusalem: A. M. Luucz [printer], [1895] approach that dream content is affected by the Front row: Sigmund Freud, G. Stanley Hall, C. G. of Antiochus…”; just as Megillat Esther starts thoughts and emotions one experiences, as well Jung; Back row: Abraham A. Brill, Ernest Jones, “And so it was in the days of Achashverosh…”. as through food that we have eaten. Yet he also Sándor Ferenczi. Photo taken for Clark University in

Bein Adam Lechaveiro Part 13: Bikur Cholim – The Practical Side

by Rabbi Daniel Fine, Community Rabbi, Stanmore & Canons Park United Synagogue

Answer: Mount Gerizim - Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Issachar, Yosef and Binyamin. Mount Eival Reuven, Gad, Asher, Zevulun, Dan and Naftali

Worcester, Massachusetts, September 1909

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ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to asktherabbi@thejewishweekly.com

I am always perturbed at this time of year. Maybe this makes me sound presumptuous and arrogant but I have a real issue with the three times a year Jews, almost to the point of resentment. I am there every week, and all of a sudden my seat gets moved, the noise level is up, no one knows what they’re doing anyway, and before you know it, they’re gone again. I really want to know, if they don’t care all year, what motivates them to want to be there, then? What’s the point?

Harvey Dear Harvey,

RE

Is it any wonder that so many Jews perceive Judaism as a trite, restrictive faith with little delight or joyfulness? Their whole exposure is limited to what are in effect three sombre days of the year! They never allow for exploring beyond, to the happier and more elated moments during the course of the rest of the year. Get them in for Simchas Torah, Purim or Shabbat UK and their perception will change radically.

That said, the hard fact is that they are there. Not because of “tradition” as some might argue.

Anyone who fasts 25 hours or sits in Synagogue for hours on end, “because that’s what Grandpa used to do,” needs their head examined. No, they are there for an altogether different reason; because they want to be there!

A census was done at UCLA many years ago where it was determined that a mere 2% of non practicing Christians will still attend their churches during their particular holidays. An overwhelming 82% of non-practicing Jewish students will still be found in their synagogues on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. If you go over to that young Jew in the pew and ask him: “Do you believe?” he will likely respond with something like, “don’t confuse me with such questions. Take it up with my Rabbi.” If you then ask him, “do you observe?” he’ll likely look at you and say something like, “are you kidding me? You should have

D

he sits down to have breakfast, he turns on the radio and he hears: “Today the markets will be slow because it’s Yom Kippur and many will be in Synagogue…” and he remembers and he puts his hand in his pocket and he pulls out his ticket to Synagogue. He gets in his car and he drives to shul and he sits and prays for fifteen minutes before proceeding to the office…”

Said the Rebbe: “If you knew how precious those fifteen minutes are before G-d…”

He’s there because he wants to be there, just as you are there because you want to be there. In that moment, we are all bound as one before G-d and it is certainly worthwhile to park your own judgments much as you want G-d to do the same for you. Wishing you a meaningful High Holiday experience.

tence prayers, Shofar blowing, etc. follows deliberately after the summer, because of the way we become lax over the summer, perhaps more “sinful” on holiday, and so it is an opportune time to “repent.” Is there any truth to this?

Cheryl Dear Cheryl, will repent’ to be able to repent.”

So setting up an official repentance period in anticipation of a preceding sinful summer, goes against basic Jewish principles.

Bottom line Cheryl – the summer is not for sin. And Elul is about repentance before the Day of Judgment on Rosh Hashanah, which marks the beginning of each New Year. Here’s hoping your summer was reasonably chaste and that your New Year preparations go well.

Dear Rabbi,

That is presupposing that G-d expects there to be a particular “sinful period” in the year, hence arranged for there to be a subsequent “repentance period.” I don’t know that G-d anticipates any uptick in sin such that the summer is the season to be less Jewish conscientious. Last I checked, our Jewish values and responsibilities are equally binding all year round.

Furthermore, there is a principle of “it is formidably more difficult for one who says ‘I will sin and I

Someone suggested to me that the Hebrew month of Elul and all of its associated ritual, including peni-

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

Is Summer a sinful period?

T

Dear Rabbi,

seen what I had for breakfast this morning.” If you then ask him, “so why are you here?” he will invariably answer, “Because G-d wants me to be here, that’s why!”

Is that hypocrisy? No. It is subjective opinions to an objective truth.

A Jew is a Jew even if he doesn’t observe and G-d is G-d even if I don’t believe.

That’s the essence of faith Innate, intrinsic, part of your spiritual makeup and DNA. You cannot shake it off or rid yourself from it. Sometimes life can mask over it, but at key intervals during the year – notably the High Holidays, sometimes Seder night etc. that flickering spark always seemingly at risk of extinguishment, bursts into an impassioned inferno.

As to your precise point, someone aired a similar grievance in a letter to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, expressing concern about the hypocrisy of the Jew in the pew on Yom Kippur, to which the Rebbe replied the following: (With some of my added embellishments): That man wakes up in the morning, he showers, he shaves, he dresses,

H

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individual’s best interests to have all the options available to them.

This is particularly the case when it comes to the protection market.

Yet ironically this is often the area in which individuals appear to be content to receive restricted advice. The article below gives you an example of what you could be missing out on if you don’t take competent and independent advice.

not paid for being on the list – nor do doctors pay Best Doctors to be on the list.

The second opinion service is available on a wide variety of conditions including major trauma, burns, stroke, renal failure, organ transplants, heart, eye, hearing, speech, lung and bone disorders, diseases of the nervous system such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. It can also provide support for other conditions causing major discomfort or interference with a healthy and productive life such as migraines or skin diseases.

Family protection tends to be focussed on three key products.

1. Life cover – providing either a lump sum or an income on the death of the life assured. One of the cardinal sins I frequently come across when reviewing someone’s life cover is that the plan has not been put in trust. As a result, should there be a need to make a claim on the plan, the insurer will pay the sum assured into someone’s estate, potentially add to their beneficiary’s inheritance tax liability. A rather expensive oversight !

Last few spaces remaining!!!

Rosh Hashanah Supplement Out next week...

To advertise contact us on: 0203 906 8488 advertising@thejewishweekly.com

2. Critical Illness cover – providing a lump sum on diagnosis of a specified illness.

3. Income protection – providing regular and potentially long term income in the event an individual is unable to work through illness or disability.

With respect to selecting an appropriate protection plan, price is always going to be a key factor in any recommendation process. However, it is far from the only consideration these days. A competent adviser would discuss the added value benefits that now come with each provider and their respective plans. Such added value benefits include counselling services, hospitalisation benefit, career support services, legal services and rehabilitation services. However in my opinion there is one particular benefit, offered by only a couple of providers that trumps the others and provides you and your family with an outstanding and potentially

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life-saving benefit.

The free added value benefit I am referring to is called Best Doctors. Best Doctors is a ‘second medical opinion service’ that gives policy holders and their immediate family the information they need to help ensure they get the right diagnosis, treatment and care. As the name implies, the service offers policyholders access to a second medical opinion service from one of the best experts around the world in their particular area of medical need.

Founded over 25 years ago by professors from Harvard Medical School, Best Doctors is a worldwide network of over 53,000 leading medical specialists across 450 specialities. These experts are identified through the medical profession’s largest ongoing peer-topeer survey. Every two years, doctors in the survey are asked, if they or a loved one needed a doctor in a certain speciality, who would they choose? The top 5% of those recommended make it onto the Best Doctors list. Doctors are

The Writer is the owner and Managing Director of Alpha Wealth Management Limited. Drawing on over twenty years’ experience in financial services, Marc helps private clients, businesses, charities, and trusts optimize their finances.

He is a Chartered Financial Planner providing ‘Independent’ financial advice. Prior to being a financial adviser, Marc was a Director at several global investment banks, providing investment advice to Europe’s leading institutional investment and pension fund managers.

For advice on inheritance, investment, protection, or retirement planning, please contact Marc on 020 8203 6920 or 07866 503 898 or marc@alphawm.co.uk.

TO BE CONTINUED...

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

S

SPORTS 21

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PORTS

ONE NATION... ...MANY TEAMS

W E E K LY

MJSL70 match day 1 produced 9 goals and 2 home wins The MJSL’s 70th season started with predictable wins for Leeds and South but it was not as plain sailing as either would have liked.

Over the Pennines, Maccabi Yellow started poorly against Leeds Maccabi and conceded in the 4th minute, although it was an excellent goal. Man of the match youngster Theo Tobias weaved his magic down the right and swung in a great cross which was perfectly headed home by Rob Selwyn.

The Yorkshiremen took the game by the scruff of the net and squandered several opportunities which did not match their domination in midfield.

Mancunian attacks were minimal and easily kept at bay with Harry Landy marshalling his defence.

Surprisingly it took a dead ball strike to double their advantage as James Landes curled a 20 yard free kick into the bottom left corner and the score was maintained till the break. Maccabi’s team for the most part had been overrun but in the second period it was a different

Leeds Maccabi line up

story with much more possession and meaningful attacks.

Perhaps against the run of play on 62 mins, Zak Tobias nipped in and took advantage of indecision at the back making it 3-0 and effectively sealed 3pts for Leeds Maccabi. The visitors rallied rather than caving in, Ben Gould hit the bar after chipping the keeper and Fenton went close. They did gain

their reward with 3 minutes to go after a sweeping move saw a cross slammed home by Gould making it 3-1.

Unfortunately there was not enough time to reduce the deficit further but manager Anton Radiven can be pleased with the significant improvement in the second half. Stalwart of yesteryear Rick Buxton held things together for Maccabi Yellow whilst Leeds deserved to win but will have harder challenges this season. John Porter was the man in black controlling proceedings and whilst had cause to caution several players, in the main the match was keenly contested with no severe disrespect to report.

As MJSL Chairman who ventured across county boundaries, it was very pleasing to see the efficiency in overall organisation by both clubs on the opening day of the season and augurs well for #MJSL70.

odd goal in five. Debutant Johnny Franks opened the scoring with a shot from outside the penalty area albeit slightly deflected over Jeremy Rubens after a relatively close start. A second followed followed from Mike Stratton which perhaps could have been prevented, but the visitors rallied and Simon Mann reduced the deficit with a splendid strike before the break.

The second half saw battling performances, Adam Tauber in central defence for South, Ethan Mann for the visitors, but a questionable offside decision meant that Franks raced through past Hatton and rounded the keeper to complete a

Chazan

brace and just about keep his team at arms’ length. Maccabi Blue hit the woodwork several times and eventually grabbed another through Jacob Huller but South took the points.

Both teams were missing some regular and first choice players so will be interesting to see how both teams develop over the season. No cautions were recorded by new official Jahangir Hussain and the game was played in a very good spirit.

No games this week but then 4 matches on Sept 17 with just Prestfield not starting their season till the week after that.

***************************

A leeds corner results in a shot on target

Elsewhere, South Manchester 1st having returned to the MJSL ranks, are widely predicted to be challenging for the title. They beat a spirited Maccabi Mcr Blue team by the

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Available for Shabbat services for all your simchas

24 KIDS

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

Parshat Ki Ta vo Moshe carries on reminding the Jewish people that when they enter the Holy Land of Israel they will have to bring Bikkurim (the first produce of their fields and orchards) to the Beit Hamikadash (Holy Temple), and there they should show Hashem how thankful they are for all the good and kindness He does for them.

In this weeks Torah portion it talks about the mitzvot of the tithes which must be given to the Levites and to poor people. Moshe reminds the Jewsish people that they are Hashem’s chosen people and that they too serve Him as their G-d.

The parashah lists out blessings which Hashem will reward the people with when they follow the laws of the Torah. It also talks about ‘tochachah’ which means ‘rebuke’, which lists thebad things that’s will happen if they decide to stray from the Torah and its commandments.

This week’s Torah portion finishes by reminding all the Jews to follow Hashems commandments.

Hashem loves every individual he created and made us all with differences. Even identical twins look slighly different and have differnt character traits. We should all be proud of the individual characteristic that we were born with.

Can you spot the 10 differences in the 2 picutres on the right? (Answers below).

Making Play Dough

Arts and Crafts

You will need • • • • • •

1 cup flour 250ml (1 cup) water 1/2 cup cooking salt 1 tbsp cream of tartar 60ml (1 tbsp) cooking oil Food colouring

Method

1. Mix together the water, flour, cream of tartar and salt in a saucepan over a medium heat until thick.

2. Let the mixture cool down and then put the oil and knead together well over a floured cutting board or similar.

3. Split up this blob into even pieces, as many colours as you’d like.

4. Put food colouring on each ball until it is just the colour you are looking for.

5. That’s all done! Now you have hours of fun of imaginative play.

Tip

- Put the playdough in a zip lock bag (squeeze out all the air first) then put it in in airtight plastic box- this will keep it fresh for longer.

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07 SEPTEMBER 2017

CUT OUT & KEEP

KIDS 25

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN JEWISH WEEKLY RECIPE BOOK

Blueberry Muesli Loaf Ingredients: • • • • •

3/4 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup caster sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 eggs 1 cup mashed ripe banana (approx. 2 bananas) • 1 cup self-raising flour

• 1 cup wholemeal self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 cup milk • 1 cup blueberries • 1 cup muesli

Method:

1. Grease a 22cm loaf tin and preheat oven to 180 Degrees.

2. Butter and sugars should be beaten until pale, then add in the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Add in the mashed banana and beat well. Now, fold through the baking powder and flour along with the milk. Lastly, mix through the blueberries and other muesli, leaving aside the other half.

3. Pour the mixture evenly into prepared tin and sprinkle the remining muesli over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a fork or toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

4. Serve warm (can add butter) and enjoy!

Did you know?

Fun facts about insects and bugs

A butterfly has its taste receptors in its feet!

Of the huge amount of insects, only one per cent are actually harmful to humans. Most insects are harmless or beneficial, ie, if bees didn’t pollinate flowers, plants would not have a way to reproduce and we wouldn’t have anything to eat.

A slug has four noses.

Dragonflies can fly up to 50 miles per hour.

The only insect that can turn its head is the praying mantis.

There are more than 3000 different kinds of insects- that’s more than all the other animal and plant species combined!

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26 KIDS 

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

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07 SEPTEMBER 2017

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

JOB revirdtaes G

G P

P

AN

WA E T H E R

YOUTH 27

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

You Just Me

A

TEMPER TURE

Q) Waiter, this food tastes kind of funny?

A) Then why aren’t you laughing!

Q) Did you hear the joke about the peanut butter?

A) I’m not telling you. You might spread it!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

Q) Why couldn’t the athlete listen to her music?

A) Because she broke the record!

1. What 4-letter word can be written forward, backward or upside down, and can still be read from left to right?

Q) When is the moon the heaviest?

2. What English word has three consecutive double letters?

A) When it’s full!

3. What goes up, but never comes down?

3.

Your age!

1. Noon .

2.

Bookkeeper.

1.An Inside Job 2.Back Seat Driver 3.Ping Pong 4.A Bad Spell of Weather 5.Just between You And Me 6.A Rise In Temperature

Dingbats Answers THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

28 YOUTH

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Parasha Ki Tavo In a Nutshell The people of Israel are instructed by Moshe that when they enter the land of Israel that G-d is giving you as an eternal heritage, you should settle there, cultivate it, bring your first ripened fruits (Bikkurim) of your orchard to the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) and show your immense gratitude to G-d for all he

has done for you.

This Parshah also entails the laws of the tithes given to the poor people and to the Levites, and detailed instructions on how to proclaim the blessings and the curses. Moshe reminds the Jews that they are G-d’s chosen people and they should choose G-d too.

The final part of Ki

The Month of Elul

Tavo comprises of the Tochachah (“Rebuke”).

Moshe lists the blessings with which G-d will reward them with if they keep his Torah and commandments, and then he lists the harsh account of punnishments that will happe if one abandons G-d’s commandments.

Elul is the name of the month which we are given each year to prepare for the “Days of Awe:” Elul” has been interpreted as an acronym, with its Hebrew letters “Aleph,” “Lamed,” “Vav,” “Lamed” representing the words “Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li”. The words mean “I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine,” where my “Beloved” is G-d, and “I” am the Jewish People.

Elul is the time of year that Jews take a look at the past year and review their actions to prepare for the Day of Judgment - Rosh Hashanah. During this month the shofar (ram’s horn) can be heard after morning prayers. However, the shofar is not blown on Shabbat. The shofar is blown to serve as a powerful reminder of the commandments and the importance of observing them.

5 ways to have a healthy but tasty breakfast 1

INCORPORATE WHOLEGRAIN FOODS

2

Wholegrain foods include wholemeal bread, oats and wholegrain cereals.

Wholegrain foods can help keep you feeling fuller for longer and studies have shown they may help lower the risk of certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes and stroke.

3

BUILD BREAKFAST INTO YOUR ROUTINE

4

START YOUR ‘5-A-DAY’

START YOUR ‘5-A-DAY’

If you struggle to eat first thing, as many people do, then you can take your breakfast with you and eat it on-the-go or when you get to work. As long as you eat it within the first couple of hours of your day, you will still be getting the benefits of breakfast.

Breakfast is the ideal time to get started with your recommended ‘5-a-day’ of fruit and vegetables. A glass of fruit juice or a banana, berries or chopped apple with your cereal or porridge is a good way to include some fruit. For a healthy dose of vegetables, try baked beans, tinned or fresh tomatoes or mushrooms on your toast.

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COMBINE CARBOHYDRATES WITH PROTEIN

Combining a protein with a carbohydrate based food such as bread, oats or cereal provides invaluable nutrients for the day ahead. Protein sources include milk, eggs, yogurt and nuts.

5

STAY HYDRATED

As well as going without food overnight, your body has also gone without liquids, so to avoid dehydration it’s important to include a drink with your breakfast. Start your day with a glass of water, fruit juice or herbal tea. Coffee and tea are also fine but are not as hydrating as other drinks due to their caffeine content.

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

YOUTH 29

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

News Bites 6-YEAR-OLD APPLIES FOR LEGO JOB WITH HEARTFELT LETTER, BOASTS ‘LOTS OF EXPERIENCE’

HURRICANE IRMA WREAKS MAJOR DAMAGE IN CARIBBEAN

Hurricane Irma has destroyed buildings and caused major flooding on several French island territories in the Caribbean.

The four “most solid” buildings on Saint Martin, shared by France and the Netherlands, were destroyed, French Interior Minister

Gérard Collomb said.

Power cuts there and on Saint Barthélemy disrupted communications.

The category five hurricane, the highest possible level, has sustained wind speeds reaching 295km/h (185mph).

RUSSIAN COUPLE FIND ROAD BUILT THROUGH THEIR HOME

The owners of a house in Russia have returned home from work in a nearby city to find their house partially bulldozed and a new road running through where it had once stood.

Pictures broadcast on REN TV show what’s left of the house sitting next to a rain-glistening new highway in the Zavod Voskresensky district. The TV said that the remaining part of the structure is no longer fit for habitation.

The owners, who do not live in the house permanently, had returned from seasonal work in Nizhny Novgorod to find the

scene of devastation. They say that they had not been warned of the impending construction work, and had not received any compensation for their loss, RIA Novosti reports.

After Legoland Windsor posted a job listing earlier this year seeking designers to help create animated Lego figures, staff at the British theme park received one application that really caught their eye.

“I am the man [for] the job because I have lots of experience,” wrote a confident Stanley Bolland in a handwritten note.

“I am 6 years old,” he wrote.

According to the BBC, the Legoland job listing had sought applicants with “experience in product design, IT and design packages, as well as an ‘interest or knowledge about Lego and creation of Lego models.’”

A “competitive annual salary” had also been promised.

THE BRIDPORT HAT FESTIVAL IS EASILY THE MOST RIDICULOUS FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD You have to take your hat off to the people attending the Bridport Hat Festival in Dorset, they know how to entertain.

Every year thousands of people descend on the town with the most ridiculous headgear they can imagine – and we’re not talking about a slightly edgy slogan or a colourful snapback.

The hats featured are nothing short of works of art, which this year included a hat resembling a cooked breakfast, another fashioned into a makeshift ‘grumpy-ometer’, and (inevitably) one mocking US President Donald Trump.

The surreal festival saw the

streets of Bridport packed with Pythonesque creations on Saturday (or ‘Haturday’ as it’s known), with some people sometimes going beyond hats and donning full fancy

Dear Aunt Mia,

KEEP CALM AND ASK

AGONY AUNT MIA AND AGONY UNCLE JOEY

The Jewish Weekly’s Teen Agony Aunt and Agony Uncle are here to help with all your questions, problems and difficulties. Just write your letter to agonyaunt@thejewishweekly.com or agonyuncle@thejewishweekly.com Disclaimer: All letters that are published may be edited. All letters are kept confidential and names can be changed for confidentiality upon request.

In his letter, Stanley, who lives in the town of Waterlooville, England, cited his one box of Lego blocks ― which he said he hides “so my brother can’t get it” ― as evidence of his experience.

“I love Lego,” he stressed.

We, (my family) have recently moved into a smaller house so I must share a bedroom with my younger sister who I’ve never shared with before. I really enjoy it as I feel like we chat a lot more and its loads of fun, the problem is I’m not getting much sleep because..she snores! Very loudly!! Please give me some tips to deal with this so I can stop feeling so tired.

Thank you!

dress.

As well as bringing a few laughs, the event raises money for head-related charities.

something on in the background such as white noise (i.e. a fan) or to put on music that might distract you from the snoring and try to calm you into falling asleep.

If the snoring doesn’t pass in time, you might want to suggest she see a doctor for a check-up, to rule out conditions such as sleep apnea. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can aslo be culprits that cause snoring, as they interfere with the airflow through the throat, nose and mouth.

Good luck, I really hope this gets sorted quickly and you get your much needed shut- eye!

Layla.

Dear Layla, From someone who lives with a snorer I definitely feel for you! On your part there’s a couple of things you could do to help minimise the noise.

Firstly, if you didn’t think of it already, get yourself some good earplugs, I find the foam ones are very good and tend to block out quite a lot of noise. The other suggestion is to put

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Agony Aunt Mia.

30 WOMEN

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

EVELYN DIAMOND – ESSENTIALLY MEDICAL Essentially Medical, an independent medical education company, was started by Shenley-based Evelyn Diamond in 2004. After 10 years of working as Marketing Manager in the private medical sector at The Garden Hospital, she realised that there was an information gap within the profession between GPs and Consultants that needed to be addressed.

“Many of the NHS Consultants I worked with expressed their concerns that local GPs just didn’t know who they were. I began Essentially Medical as a way of bringing local GPs and NHS Consultants together so they could learn more from each other to benefit their respective local patients. This then developed into Consultants giving up their time to visit GPs and share their expertise at surgeries or other locations at a convenient time”.

The company co-ordinates and organises free educational sessions for GPs, their nurses and healthcare assistants to meet with locally based Consultants. The sessions are held at the GP’s own premises and timings are flexible enough to work around the surgeries’ operational hours, with the GP being able to choose whether sessions take place before surgery,

A meeting with GPs

during lunchtime or early evening.

Refreshments are provided at all meetings, including kosher food if requested. These meetings enable GPs to choose an area of interest and receive bespoke education and training from relevant consultants on a wide range of subjects.

“It’s quite a simple idea, but what is so special about this service is that it makes the best use of time. We understand that GPs and Consultants are extremely busy people, and that they rarely have time to meet, so we aim to maximise the use of their time by ensuring that the GPs get the training they want, by literally bringing it to them at their place of work at times that suits them”.

When she first started the business, she was advised by several Consultants including Mr Daryll Baker, consultant vascular surgeon at The Royal Free Hospital,

and also Dr Martin Harris, a Temple Fortune GP who has been very helpful from a GP’s perspective.

Since it started the company has organised in excess of 2000 meetings, and now has more than 130 Consultants taking part in the service, who work both in the NHS and private sector.The NHS is constantly looking at ways to keep costs down, and Evelyn believes that her company has been able to save the service literally thousands of pounds by giving GPs training and education to be able to treat patients better. “It saves the NHS money because after the educational meetings GPs feel able to make informed decisions on a patient’s health, dealing with problems without having to make what is often an expensive referral to a hospital”.

The meetings are organised free of charge, so there is no cost to the GP or NHS. The finance comes from the Pharmaceutical or medical equipment company reps who are invited to sponsor the meetings and give a short non-promotional product presentation. Each Consultant speaker has a short biography on the website and this provides GPs and the public with the individual’s information. As well as organising these meetings, Evelyn has also arranged for some of the Consultants to speak at charity events, including the UJIA Moth-

er and Baby fair last year.

“I guess, you could call me a medical matchmaker. We invite GPs to let us know their learning requirements in specific areas of medicine and then match them with a Consultant with expertise in that field. The GP is able to tap into the most recent information and developments in key areas of healthcare from relevant Consultants who also often update them in services available in their local NHS Hospitals. It’s a win-win situation”.

For their involvement in the scheme, both Consultants and GPs receive Certificates of Participation. For GP’s, there is a set amount of hours learning that needs to be covered annually, and for Consultants there is a specific amount of teaching required and so these certificates fulfil these obligations on both sides.

Over the past 13 years, Evelyn has developed good working relationships with many of the Consultants, GPs and Pharma reps as well as those who work directly with her at Essentially Medical.

The business is run as a franchise and Sacha Myers, the Company administrator helps Evelyn both in the office and also in the running of the surgery meetings. The service runs mainly in North West, West London, Enfield, East and West Hertfordshire, but Evelyn plans to possibly branch out to other areas including South London and Essex. Each area has their own team, and these are headed up by Susan Lipman, Kay Mavromatis and Denise James-Rutty. “Having a great team of colleagues is really essential. I know that I can call on any of them, and we are always

happy to help each other out”.

She believes offering a first class customer service is key for anyone setting up their own business. “It is really important to always go that extra mile. Although it takes time to build up relationships, it is definitely worthwhile.

Often when pharmaceutical reps contact me, they have been told by surgeries that in order to speak to the GPs and nurses at the practice, they have to arrange it through Essentially Medical. How great is that?”

Evelyn really enjoys running her own business, and the flexibility that this offers.

“Being able to be my own boss, and doing something that really helps people makes it all worthwhile. I am really proud of what I have achieved, and the fact that my business is not only beneficial to patients, but also saves the NHS valuable time and money as well”.

If you are a GP, or medical professional and would like to be involved in the scheme, please contact Evelyn on info@essentiallymedical.co.uk.

LIGHT

MEDIUM

Do you know anyone who specialises in an area of female expertise and would like to be featured on this page? Let us know by emailing micaela@thejewishweekly.com BOLD

TIPS & TRICKS – BACK TO SCHOOL

Jewish Weekly aims to source the most genius, time saving and useful hacks for you every week, so watch this space!

The summer holidays are over, and it’s back to school again. Getting ready in time in the morning, can be tricky for both parents and children, so here are some ways to get to be top of the class.

•

Plan ahead - try to lay out clothes, pack school bags and make lunch the night before to avoid early morning panics.

•

Be an early bird - set your alarm 15 minutes earlier to give yourself a bit of extra time before the madness begins.

•

Wipe away your troubles – keep baby wipes by the front door just in case of breakfast-y faces or dirty shoes that may need the once over before leaving the house.

•

Breakfast at dinner – set the table for breakfast before you go to bed for one less job to do in the morning, or even better get the kids to do it!!

If you have any questions or there is something you want to feedback on, please contact us on office@thejewishweekly.com. Your question might be someone else’s solution!

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32 WOMEN

BY MICAELA BLITZ My parents were moving. After 40 years of living in the same house, they were moving out. Leaving the house where me and my two sisters had grown up. The house where I had lived until I got married and moved out to start my own house.

They were moving. They had decided it was time to downsize.

They didn’t really need a 5 bedroom house with just the two of them rattling around in it. My dad was getting a bit wobbly on his feet and the stairs were getting more tricky, so it made sense that a nice modern ground floor flat would be much better for them.

They were quite excited about the whole thing really. They were moving into a complex where many of their friends already lived so they would have a built in social life.

Not that they needed much help.

They were both very busy people involved in various committees and groups, and they always had lots of friends to meet up with.

My sisters and I were excited for them too. We were all married and had our own lives, so were happy that they were doing something for themselves, but we were a little sad too. That house held so many memories for all us, and now another family would be moving into this special place. They would paint over the marks on the kitchen wall marking out our heights, maybe add a new carpet covering the weirdly patterned dated one that my parents insisted on keeping, and they would replace my dad’s comfortable, battered armchair with new modern furniture; erasing us completely.

We had all been helping our parents pack things up, but 40 years

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Piece of Cake FICTION

in one house means a lot of stuff.

Every time we went to visit we tried to sort through a different room, and usually ended up with a box of our old stuff to take with us.

Looking through forgotten drawers and cupboards full of random bits and pieces we had found things that had been too important to throw away, but not important to remember why they had been kept in the first place.

The last time I was there, I had come across at least 30 batteries, some broken Chanukah candles, a box of lightbulbs for a lamp that was given away years ago, and some stamps for letters nobody wrote. There also seemed to be lots and lots of different keys. Some looked like spares for windows and doors, and we had managed to work out where most of them belonged, but there were a few random ones that so far had remained unmatched. I joked to my dad that he could probably melt them down and make a healthy profit in scrap metal from them.

“Mummy. Do I look smart in my oo-niform” Shana asked proudly standing in front of me – here buttons were done up wrongly, her cardigan was inside out, and her shoes seemed to be on the wrong feet, but she looked so proud and happy. Shana was starting school next week. For her, she was looking forward to meeting new friends, learning new things. She was also super excited that she had a uniform and had been trying it on at every occasion since we had bought it. For me, I couldn’t quite believe that my baby was going to big school.

She was growing up so fast. I was worried she would not need me

anymore. But as my husband reminded me, “She will always be our baby. She is just moving onto the next stage of life. You still need your parents, and you are 34, so I am sure a 4 year old will need us a for a bit longer.”

He was right of course. I had spoken to friends who had also been through the same thing with their own children. They were now on their second or third child, so having one at school actually made it a little easier they said. So far, we only had Shana. We hoped that our prayers for more children would be answered soon, but we were happy as we were for now.

“Doesn’t she look cute?” I showed my mum the picture of Shana in her school uniform. Mum and I tried to meet up once a week if possible. We had our favourite kosher café on the high street which did the best coffee according to my mum, and also the yummiest cakes in my humble opinion. I wasn’t a fan of coffee myself. I loved the smell, although not the taste, but I had a pretty sweet tooth so often tried the cakes that had on offer.

Cake was my major downfall, I just couldn’t resist. It didn’t matter what kind of cake it was, I would eat it. My mum used to joke that it was the first word I said when I was a baby, and

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my husband would probably say I loved it more than him, which is not strictly true. Although I never had to remind a piece of cake to take the rubbish out, or not to leave wet towels on the floor.

My mother and I had been coming to this café since I was young. It was our special place, where we would put the world to rights. We had come here after my first day of school, after my GCSE results, before I went to university, and I had even gone on my first few dates with my husband here too. Over the years we had become friendly with the owners. They were a lovely couple.

They were originally from Israel and they had amazing food. Yaakov and his wife, Sara, were always happy to chat, and I would often talk about recipes and different ingredients she liked to use.

On our most recent meet up my mum had suddenly presented me with a box. A box I had not seen for about 20 years. It was decorated with doodles, glitter and stickers.

When I looked at it, it brought back so many memories.

“I can’t believe you still have this stuff after all these years.

I thought I was the one that never threw anything away,” I said to her as she gave me the box.

“Well I thought that you might want some

PART 1 OF 2 bits and pieces from it. I found it in the back of the wardrobe in your room when we were packing. It looked like you spent a lot of time decorating it, so I didn’t want to throw it away.”

I laugh. I look at the childish handwriting on the front of it.

“Ruth’s Box of Secret Stuff.

Keep Out!!!!”

With two older sisters, it was difficult to have anything private so I had kept this tucked at the back of the cupboard behind my winter jumpers so no one else ever found it. It would be funny to see what is in there, I guess.

“Well, have a look through and see what’s there and you can keep it or throw it away?” my mum encouraged me as she stirred her coffee. “Whatever you decide is up to you” That night after Shana had finally gone to sleep, despite her usual bedroom antics of suddenly finding a toy to play with or another bed time story for me to read. I made myself a peppermint tea in my favourite, LET THEM EAT CAKE, mug and sat on the sofa with my secret box.

It may have been a bit dog eared in places, and some of the stickers had fallen off, but looking at that box again brought back so many memories. As I opened the box suddenly I was 14 again…

TO BE CONTINUED ...

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34 NUTRITION

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Let’s Get Practical

BY ALAN FREISHTAT

People like myself, in the field of bettering health, are constantly reading up on the latest findings in areas of diet, exercise and mental wellness and trying to implement them. Once in a while we have clients who are already on a good path to health and wellness, but they want to refine what they are doing to get it better. For them, we can fine-tune what they are doing and move to a higher level of healthy habits. However, most of the people need a lot of educating and need good techniques for implementation. If there is one thing I have learned in all my years, it’s that it doesn’t take massive changes to start seeing good results.

Even when people have a lot of weight to lose or have multiple risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and terrible inactivity, small changes one by one improve a person’s health and quality of life enormously. That was the case with my client Levy.

Levy fell into this precise category and was ready to give up on himself. He was on multiple medications and just never felt well. He felt sluggish all the time and lacked energy even for regular daily tasks.

Just going to shul to daven was a struggle. When I met him and we discussed his long term goals, he was clearly overwhelmed. I asked him to have patience and that every small bit of progress was a cause for celebration. Every kilo of weight lost will be a kilo of health gained. Even if this takes years to reach his weight loss goal, all of his other problems would begin to improve and his quality of life would be enhanced long before he

gets there. Just like everyone, we began working on the essentials, one by one. Even if you aren’t in as bad shape as Levy was, here are the areas in which to seek improvement in order to better your health and quality of life—but don’t bite off more than you can chew—take it one or two changes at a time.

When those feel like something you can keep doing, take on the next one.

1.Get More Sleep. Surprise!

This is my top choice. Without the proper amount of sleep, most everything else won’t be able to happen like it is supposed to. In today’s world of one big global economy, more and more people are working jobs that require second and third shifts; they are working out of their time zone. Many are communicating electronically with relatives and friends till the wee hours. Worries and daily problems keep us from sleeping enough hours or from sleeping soundly.

Lack of sleep will disrupt your metabolism and cause you to secrete more of the hormone cortisol. This increases your appetite and causes you to crave fatty foods, prolongs reaction time and slows cognitive function. It also may make you irritable.

2. Be Active. Before we get to formal exercise, there is so much you can do to enhance your basic levels of fitness and health within the routine of your average day.

Just a few changes in activity can also help you lose up to 5-6 kilo a year. Park the car a few blocks away from your destination. Get off the bus or train a stop or two early. Use stairs instead of elevators. Try to walk instead of driving

wherever possible. A recent study in Japan showed a marked decrease in blood pressures of those who walked back and forth to work (as little as 10 minutes each way) as opposed to those who drove. It will help you control weight, improve your mood and contributes to your cardio-respiratory health.

3. Eat Small Meals more Often.

By scheduling three meals with two or three snacks and keeping your portions under control, you are less likely to overeat. Just as important, this will regulate the way insulin is released in your body and keep you from becoming a type-2 diabetic. And every time you eat, your metabolism elevates, and all of us want our metabolism to be faster and not slower. Make sure you include enough healthy fats also!

4. Water. Water is one of the six classes of nutrients that we must ingest on a daily basis. 60 to 70 percent of our body is composed of water. Without it, chemical reactions that occur all the time in the body cannot take place. Drinking is essential, as we cannot conserve or store water in our body. Yet most of us are probably only getting about a third of the valuable hydration benefits we need. And just like with eating regularly, it keeps your metabolism on the high side.

5. Exercise! Lack of cardio-respiratory fitness (your ability to walk fast, climb the hills and get up those stairs) is the leading risk factor of all-cause mortality. So make sure to do aerobic exercise regularly and include muscle building as well. It is essential for dayto-day functioning such as holding

your children, your grandchildren and picking up your own suitcase without asking for help. Try to schedule that thirty-five minutes of walking five days a week and two days a week of muscle building exercise. You don’t have to go to the gym everyday for an hour-long heavy work out to get benefit. See a trainer to help you get a good routine started.

6. Limit the Processed Foods and Junk. If it is processed (most of what you buy ready-to-eat off the supermarket shelves), try to stay away. In 2010, a Harvard study showed a pronounced difference in eating unprocessed versus processed meats. Eating processed meats such as deli was associated with a 42% higher risk of heart disease and a 19% higher risk of type-2 diabetes. We now know for certain that processed meats cause cancer! Most of those pop-in-thetoaster items are also highly processed, full of sodium and devoid of nutritional value—no matter what the front of the package says.

Eating whole foods gives you your daily nutrition and fills you up to keep you from being hungry. Keep your sugar to minimal amounts.

Sugar includes the white processed stuff, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, glucose and stay away from artificial sweeteners too. All processed and canned foods are very high in salt/sodium.

7. Reduce and Manage your Stress. It is difficult for me to convey just how damaging stress is to your health. Chronic stressors are thought to be the real villains associated with many health and disease problems. Chronic anxiety and depression, an overabundance of life changing-events, and a repressed feeling of loss, bereavement, emotional distress, and hostility have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, cancer, infection, suppressed immunity, asthma attacks, back pain, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal disease, headaches, and insomnia. A well-rounded exercise program, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching, and some good problem solving techniques can go a long way in solving stress issues.

8. Stop eating by 8:00-8:30 in the evening. When you eat earlier, you use the calories through daily activity, when you eat late,

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Alan Freishtat is an A.C.E. certified personal trainer and a behavioural change and wellness coach with over 19 years of professional experience. Alan is the creator and director of the “10 Weeks to Health” programme for weight loss and is available for private coaching sessions, consultations, assessments and personalised workout programmes both in his office and by telephone or Skype. Alan also lectures and gives seminars and workshops.

Contact Alan on 02-651-8502 or 050-555-7175, or email alan@alanfitness.com.

For more information visit www.alanfitness.com you just go to sleep soon after and the calories don’t get used up. You will also sleep better when you eat earlier. In a study with two control groups, one group ate their daily allotted calories in the early afternoon and the other in the evening.

Group one lost weight and group two gained weight even though they ate identical calories each day.

Best not to eat at all from 2.5 hours before bedtime. So, set yourself a curfew.

These eight areas are exactly what Levy, myself, and my dieticians worked on together. After three months of work, his doctor was even able to reduce one medication for high blood pressure, lower his dosage of cholesterol medicine and he avoided having to taking insulin for his diabetes. He is losing weight and on track, so we expect even better results and even less medication over the next three months. Pick one or two of the eight and get started. Try to add one every week. You don’t have to wait, today is a perfect day to start to better your quality of life.

Working on these eight areas will bring you to good health and “add hours to your day, days to your year, and years to your life.”

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

WINE 35

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Delicious Wines to Start the Year Off Right

BY GABRIEL GELLER Every year, we see articles about the newest or fanciest releases of wine for Rosh Hashana. While I have myself written some of those articles, I must admit having grown a bit tired of them. Reflecting on the past to look ahead for a brighter spiritual future, I believe that I should act in the same way towards some practical things as well, such as wine. For my selection for these coming holidays, I thought I should not solely focus on new or expensive wines but also go back to some wines that may not necessarily be new, and yet are delicious and well-worthy of the celebrations.

Everybody should know that if there was a single winery that has always known how to reinvent itself while retaining the lessons from its rich history, Carmel is the one. I have been praising Carmel for years now,

as I truly consider this winery to be among Israel’s very best. Sure, their flagship Limited Edition and Single Vineyard (Kayoumi Shiraz and Riesling, Shaal Merlot and Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Sumaka Cabernet Sauvignon, Admon Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon) are always excellent. The Appellation series is always dependable, as well.

However, it is with the entry-level of a winery that one can really recognize quality from the ground up. Carmel has recently released a complete lineup of 8 wines in its “Selected” series. These are wines that are very much affordable and yet provide quite pleasant drinkability. My favorite is the Mediterranean Blend. For years, Israeli wineries have been struggling to make their wines stand out from those of other wine growing regions. Many people who are not familiar with Israel in general and Israeli wines in particular

wonder what is so special about them. Carmel, which is arguably the winery at the origins of Israel’s wine Renaissance, has come up with the answer: Israel has the ideal terroir, the perfect soil and climate for varieties such as Carignan, Petite Sirah, Viognier or Petit Verdot. After multiple successes with wines based on these aforementioned varieties in their highend series, here is a wine that is delicious, inexpensive, food-friendly and which showcases unique characteristics.

Rosh Hashana is also a time for taking inventory of the past year, something that requires extra humility. In that spirit, I thought I should talk about a new French wine that is not considered fancy and yet bears the same features and qualities of some of the most prestigious wines.

Château Royaumont is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet

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Franc. It is made by Vignobles Péré-Vergé, the same producer as Château Montviel, in Pomerol.

While not as exuberant, the Royaumont offers remarkable complexity as well as the potential to be cellared for over 10 years from harvest. The Pascal Bouchard Le Classique which hails from Chablis, an appellation within Burgundy is yet another French wine that is reaching the stores shelves these days. As opposed to most kosher Chardonnay wines, this one is unoaked and radically different, style wise.

It showcases some bright citrus and green apple fruit profile with notes of saline and earthy minerals, as well as lip-smacking acidity. It is really fun to compare and taste it side by side with another excellent yet different style such as the Matar Chardonnay from Israel with its slightly

creamy texture and buttery notes.

It is customary to indulge in sweet fruits and treats on Rosh Hashana, in the hope of being granted a sweet New Year. Herzog Wine Cellars in California have been crafting stellar dessert wines for more than two decades with the Late Harvest series. My personal favorite is the Chenin Blanc, a variety originating from France’s Loire Valley. The grapes for this wine grow in the Herzog Family’s vineyard in Clarksburg. The wine has a luscious, almost oily texture with aromas and flavors of quince jam, pear and lemon drops with hints of dried apricots and honeysuckle. It is the perfect companion for an apple pie.

Happy and sweet new year to all, Shana Tova!

36 FOOD

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

07 SEPTEMBER 2017 40 min Duration 20 min Cook Time 20 min Prep Time 6 Servings

joyofkosher.com Since the custom of eating apples revives our memory of Biblical blessings, let’s combine it with a more recent, beloved tradition. Nu, what’s a Yuntif without brisket?

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

1 (2 ½-pound) beef brisket 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 medium gala apples, cored and cut into wedges 1 small bunch fresh thyme, or 2 teaspoons dried thyme 2 cups apple juice

PREPARATION 1. Preheat oven to 190°C. 2. Season both sides of brisket with sugar, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add brisket and brown 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Add apples to the pan, and cook 5 minutes or until nicely browned. Stir in thyme, and return brisket to the pan.

4. Add apple juice, cover, and bake at 190° C for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until tender.

5. Remove brisket and apples from the Dutch oven and let rest.

6. Transfer the pan to the stove and bring liquid to a boil over medium. Simmer for 15 minutes or until reduced by half. Pour into a gravy boat or serving bowl.

7. Slice brisket into ¼-inch thick slices and place on a serving platter. Place cooked apples around brisket and serve with sauce on the side.

ROASTED APPLE BRISKET

BUCKWHEAT HONEY CAKE INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • •

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 3 large eggs at room temperature 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup Bee Raw buckwheat honey (or honey of choice) • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3/4 cup chai tea • 1 orange, zest and juice Chocolate Glaze • 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips • 1 tablespoon Bee Raw Buckwheat honey • 1 tablespoon coconut milk (plus more if needed)

PREPARATION 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Preheat oven to 175°C. Generously grease a 10 inch bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray and coat with a little flour.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves ginger and allspice. Make a well in the center, and add oil, honey, white sugar, eggs, vanilla, orange zest and juice and tea. (If you measure your oil before the honey, it will be easier to get all of the honey out.)

Using a strong wire whisk or in an electric mixer on slow speed, stir together well to make a thick, well-blended batter, making sure that no ingredients are stuck to the bottom.

Place cake pan on a baking sheet. Baked for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out without batter.

Let cake stand at least 20 minutes before removing from pan.

For glaze: Combine chocolate, honey and coconut milk and place in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 20 seconds and stir, then heat for 10 second intervals until it is smooth.

Drizzle over cooled cake.

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

80 min Duration 60 min Cook Time 20 min Prep Time 16 Servings

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

TRAVEL 37

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

The miracle of Jewish survival in Belmonte Portugal

By MARCEL MANSON Tel: 020 8954 5074 www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk A Division of West End Travel Email: marcel.manson@westendtravel.co.uk

CONTINUING HIS FORTNIGHTLY COLUMN, MARCEL MANSON OF JEWISH HERITAGE TOURS AND WEST END TRAVEL, TAKES US ON A TOUR OF MORROCO. In a remote part of Portugal some 3 hours from the nearest metropolis of Porto in the north, lies a town called Belmonte. Jews escaping Spain following the 1492 decree of Queen Ferdinand settled here.

When the Portuguese inquisition followed soon after in 1495, the Jews, having to hide their Judaism were known as Marranos or Christian Converso’s. Jewish rituals however still continued in secret amongst the Portuguese Jews. The secret belief of Belmonte’s Jews was not uncovered until the early 20th century when a Polish-Jewish mining engineer called Samuel Schwartz discovered the Marranos in 1917 and subsequently published a book about his experiences.

When the openly Jewish Samuel Schwartz visited the town in 1917 for the purpose of constructing a

new bridge, he was befriended by the local secret Jews who were still wary of being discovered. He saw how they still lit Shabbat candles, avoided bread around Easter and still recited shortened Hebrew prayers following centuries of such prayers having slowly corroded into single word hebrew utterings.

Belmonte, a delightful small mountain hilly village with great views is truly a miracle of Jewish survival with a lovely Synagogue now built [Beit Eliyahu] with a kosher hotel and facilities. Services are regularly held as as Rabbi Silas has been installed by Shevai Israel to the community and its many visitors today. There is a dedicated Jewish Museum which was once the only Jewish Museum in Portugal, but this is about to change when the long awaited Jewish Museum in the capital of Lisbon opens.

In nearby Transcosa one can visit another ultra modern Synagogue recently built on another town that had long Jewish past to before the middle ages.

Any tour through Sephardic Portugal begins in Porto and concludes in the capital Lisbon and with 2 nights in Belmonte en route where you will experience the MIRACLE OF JEWISH SURVIVAL with the local Jewish community descending from the golden age some 600

Old City of Lisbon

years ago. Portugal is a beautiful diverse country with its spectacular Atlantic coastline, rolling wheat fields, silver olive trees, vineyards as far as the eye can see, stony outcrops crowned by ancient castles, and white-washed villages, that once sheltered Jewish communities. The Jewish presence in Iberia existed long before Portugal itself became a country. The contribution of Portuguese Jews to the arts, philosophy, commerce and sciences helped create the rich cultural heritage of this nation.

These fascinating remaining Jews continue to contribute to Portuguese society. These descendants of the Inquisition, often referred to as Marranos, are now known as the B’nai Anusim (Children of

Castelo de Vide

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Oppression). Forced to convert during those awful days, many secretly, and over the centuries, retained their precious Jewish practices, as well as pride in their true heritage.

Combine all this with an entire population that is discovering its Jewish roots, with a renewal of Jewish life in this beautiful land. We also recommend visiting the town of Castelo de Vide a stunning hillside pueblo blanco that once housed a significant Jewish population on the way south to Lisbon where the former Synagogue has been converted into a museum. The Jewish quarter is very atmospheric and when you stroll through the street it appears nothing has changed since the middle ages. This town is even closer to the Spanish border which

can be reached within a short drive.

Finally before heading for Lisbon a visit to Tomar is an absolute must. Groups can still pray today at the remaining Medieval Synagogue groups to pray and one will find the remains of the Mikveh next door. Inside this high celing stone Synagogue you can really feel a divine presence that calls for Hebrew songs to resonate echoing across its hollow chambers.

Finally you will enter Lisbon across a huge suspension bridge where Lisbon the capital awaits.

Once upon a time, soon after the 1492 Spanish expulsion the city of Lisbon became one of the world’s biggest Jewish city, where Jews would transit before departing across the world, once explained in dispatches ‘that the navigation lanes east were so crowded with fleeing Jews that they feared there would not be any boats left in Portugal.

I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful and fascinating country.

You will discover a Portugal you never knew existed by visiting the towns & Cities of Porto, Belmonte, Transcosa, Tomar Castelo de Vide and concluding in Lisbon.

For a Jewish Heritage Tour of Portugal or details of other tours being offered, please contact Marcel on 0208 958 3188 or marcel.manson@westendtravel.co.uk

38 PUZZLES

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

07 SEPTEMBER 2017

Puzzle Page Crossword

Down 2 Renovate (8) 3 Renovate (5) 4 Most of the time (2,1,4) 5 Bias (5) 6 Suitor (7) 7 Gentle — light (4) 11 Worsening of economic activity (8) 13 Hush! (2,5) 14 Artwork — not a gem (anag) (7) 16 Give expression to one’s feelings (5) 17 Meal (5) 18 Frame for a windowpane (4) Across 1 Of little merit (2,5,6) 8 Page (4) 9 Scaremonger (8) 10 Field athlete (4-6) 12 Mix confusedly (6) 14 Large green vegetable (6) 15 Australian state (10) 19 Canadian province (8) 20 Sound practical judgement (4) 21 Possession that proves expensive to keep and difficult to get rid of (5,8)

Medium Sudoko

Easy Sudoko

Puzzle Sources: www.theguardian.com THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

Crossword Answers

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