The Jewish Weekly Issue 250 - Rosh Hashanah Edition 22/Sep/ 2022

PARASHAT

SHABBAT:

London 18:42 19:41

Manchester 18:50 19:52

Leeds 18:44 19:53

Liverpool 18:50 19:58

Bournemouth 18:45 19:51

Antwerp 19:20 20:26

Birmingham 18:45 19:53

Gateshead 18:44 19:54

ROSH

SUNDAY

YOM TOV: BEGINS

London 18:38 19:37

Manchester 18:45 19:47

Leeds 18:39 19:48

Liverpool 18:45 19:53

Bournemouth 18:41 19:46

Antwerp 19:15 20:21

Birmingham 18:41 19:48

Gateshead 18:39 19:49

ROSH

MONDAY

YOM TOV:

London 19:34 Manchester 19:44 Leeds 19:45 Liverpool 19:51

Bournemouth 19:44

Antwerp 20:19 Birmingham 19:45

Gateshead 19:47

FAST

WEDNESDAY

FAST: BEGINS

London 05:17 19:26

Manchester 05:21 19:36 Leeds 05:17 19:33 Liverpool 05:23 19:39

Bournemouth 05:25 19:33

Antwerp 05:58 20:08

Birmingham 05:51 19:34

Gateshead 05:14 19:34

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THE QUEEN AND ROSH HASHANAH

What a funeral! Not a phrase often heard, but this was simply spectacular! The sheer amount of people who came from all corners of the globe to honour Her Maj esty The Queen on her final journey was beyond words. Virtually the entire way from London to Windsor, people lined the route to pay their respects and say goodbye to someone they mostly never even met.

What a beautiful tribute to a Queen who touched so many hearts! Last week we ran the headline ‘May her memory be a blessing.’ It is interesting to note that our sages tell us that if we want to know where we are spiritually heading in life, we should imagine what people will say about us at our funeral. Look at the honour and glory she received in her final moments and see how she lived a good life. She was clearly someone whose memory will be a blessing. If we look back in history, we can see how badly some of the kings and queens of England treated Jews in the past, with Jews even being kicked out of the country a few centuries

Aroundago.the world today, there are many leaders who mistreat their subjects, and they could well do with taking a leaf out of the Queen’s book. A good king or queen is indeed a blessing, and our weekly prayers for the welfare of the royal family further illustrate that point. The Mishna in Pirkei

Avot tells us that we must pray for the welfare of our rulers or else people will eat each other alive!

So many world leaders packed out the service, yet were simply treated like other people, hardly even shown on camera once inside. The sight of some of the most pow erful leaders alive today crowding together on a bus was quite something to witness, as was the prime minister of Canada and his wife walking up the hill in Windsor with no bodyguards.Whatreally hit me however was the concept of honour and devout, unswerving and steadfast loyalty to a human ruler. We saw the way in which the soldiers gave unswerving devotion to their sovereign until the very end, their allegiances were to her not the government. Should we not perhaps be ashamed at how we treat Hashem? Every time we say a blessing and say the word ‘Melech – King’ do we say it with the same gravitas that all the Queen’s soldiers and all the Queen’s men showed during the funeral?

Rosh Hashanah is not about forgiveness like Yom Kippur; we don’t say selcihot. It’s all about kingship. If we can take that one lesson with us into our Rosh Hashanah prayers, I am sure they will be greatly enhanced.Thelastyear has been extremely event ful. In Netaneh Tokef, we say the famous

words,’ who will live, who will die, who before their time, who by sword, who will suffer, who will be impoverished etc..’ The world changing events of the last year were all decided last Rosh Hashanah.

The Queen’s death. Charles becoming King. The death of Reb Chaim Kanievski, the greatest sage in our generation. A new prime minister in Israel, more terror attacks. All decided last Rosh Hashanah.

The terrible war in Ukraine. A war where millions of people have been killed, injured, tortured, displaced, lost loved ones and seen their homes and lives destroyed, all decided last year. The cost-of-living crisis affecting millions of people, all decided last year. Rosh Hashanah is very real and we must pray with all our hearts and soul.

On a personal note, the passing of our dear and much beloved popular columnist Jacqueline Curzon hit many people very hard, and we once again pay tribute to her excellent writing under the most difficult of circumstances, where she always managed to make the reader smile. She is deeply missed.

250TH SPECIAL EDITION

This week is our 250th special ediiton, and I know you will enjoy our tribute supple ment, where we look back at the highlights of the last 5 and a half years. We are priv ileged to present an exclusive interview

with Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, who appreciates what we have achieved in 250 issues. It is truly remarkable what we have achieved since March 1st 2017, and I must thank Hashem for every edition and beyond, it would not be possible without Him. It would also not be pos sible without the hard work and devotion of our loyal staff, slowlySafferjournalistoutthankespeciallycontributors.andAnhugeyougoestoourseniorDavidwhoisbutsurely interviewing everyone in the UK, and our senior designer Richard Herman whose creative talent never ceases to amaze me. I must thank the selfless devotion of my wife Miriam, and my family for their constant support.

I must end off with a tribute to our won derful readership and clientele. Without you, there would be no Jewish Weekly each week, and we look forward to continuing to enhance all 40,000 of your Shabbat tables for the next 250 issues and beyond! Wishing all our readers a happy, healthy and very sweet peaceful new year.

Security bolstered for High Holy Days

BY DAVID SAFFER

Jewish communities around the world are bolstering security ahead of the High Holy Days.Global condemnation followed a terror attack at a synagogue in Halle, Germany on Yom Kippur in 2019. Neo-Nazi lone gunman Stephan Balliet failed to force his way into the shul building but the aftermath saw the 27-year-old kill a woman passer-by and a man inside a kebab restaurant close by. Security organisations globally have urged caution and vigilance.

In the UK, the Community Security Trust is mounting an extensive operation to en able Jewish communities to celebrate the New Year safely.

Dr Dave Rich, CST Director of Policy, said, “This is an important time when the Jewish community comes together to celebrate new year and observe the High Holy Days, and CST will be mounting an extensive se curity operation, working closely with the Police, to ensure that our community is able to do so safely and securely.

“There will be joint patrols with CST volunteer security officers and police of ficers in Jewish neighbourhoods, and many people will be doing security shifts at their synagogues.”Headded, “We thank them all for their

commitment and dedication, and ask every one to follow the guidance of the security officers at their location and report anything suspicious in real time.”

In Israel, the National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau has issued trav el warnings until the end of October with thousands of visitors expected in Jerusalem.

Thousands of policemen, Border Police and volunteers will be on duty across the capital and other cities at holy sites and rec reational areas. Security checkpoints and road blocks leading to the Old City are in place. High-risk suspects will be detained ahead of Rosh Hashonah.

Jerusalem District Police commander Deputy Commissioner Doron Turjeman has vowed to uphold freedom of worship but maintain safety for people, property and public order. Police have stopped 47 terrorist attacks in Jerusalem this year by ‘monitoring social media and beat policing’.

Jewish worshippers can ascend Temple Mount according ground rules.

The NSC assess terror risks to Israelis abroad and anticipate Iran and its proxies will continue to try attack targets around the world. Security services stopped a terror attack in Turkey last June.

Travellers are warned to check travel warnings on destinations before purchas ing tickets.

Herzog NewdiplomatshostsforYear

BY LILLY JOSEPH

President Isaac Herzog hosted a recep tion for 100 foreign diplomats for Rosh Hashonah.Envoysfrom the United States, European Union and Bahrain were among those to attend the event.

Herzog began a toast by paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II after attend ing her State funeral in London.

Israel’s president sent condolences to King Charles III and described the late Queen as “an icon of service and integrity, a true woman of valour, an eshet chayil.”

Herzog told diplomats he had held “doz ens of informal conversations” with world leaders.Henoted, “I am immensely proud of their positivity toward the State of Israel and great interest in out capabilities in technological innovation, science, agriculture, COVID-19 and national service.”

Herzog continued, “Jewish tradition teaches us that we can always start over. This is true for individuals and for nations. Over the last two years, we have seen a remarka ble example of nations choosing a new path. The Abraham Accords represented a turning point, in which nations abandoned a path

of conflict and adopted the path of dialogue and peace. Just days ago, we hosted the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed to celebrate two years to these historic ac cords. Indeed, the historic undercurrents in the Middle East are beginning to change our collective landscape. A Renewable Middle East, a regional ecosystem of sustainable peace, is materialising before our eyes.”

Herzog invited the diplomats to play an active role in fostering a spirit of partnership.

He added, “Your important, dedicated work, day-in and day-out, to strengthen ties and cultivate friendship between our nations is truly impressive. Israel is perhaps one of the more exciting posts for a diplo mat, but it is no simple mission.”

First Lady Michal Herzog said that her work promoted emotional wellbeing, com bated mental health and advocated for so cial mobility and equality.

“I have seen throughout how personal bonds can open hearts and how soft power can move mountains. Each of us has the opportunity to make a real difference.”

“Jami gave me hope. Hope for life and hope for the future. ” saving lives this Rosh please make a donation.

President Herzog and First Lady Michal host a Rosh Hashanah reception for foreign diplomatic corps

PHOTO: HAIM ZACH (GPO)

Jewish for learning disabilities

Kisharon’s Social Enterprises include the Kisharon Bike Shop, Child’s Hill Library and Kisharon’s Gift & Homeware Store, Equal, which currently stocks a selection of wonderful gifts for Rosh Hashannah. Visit equalbykisharon.org.uk

What’s your most precious Rosh Hashanah memory?

Is it a favourite honey cake that grandma used to make? Counting the seconds on the longest shofar blast – ever? Or was it just something as simple as dipping an apple with friends and family?

For most of us, memories open a treasure trove from the past. Sadly, for those living with dementia, that trove is often locked.

With your support, our dementia services will not only help remind our clients of Rosh Hashanahs gone by, but will also make happy new memories that friends and family will have long into the future.

To support the vital dementia services at Jewish Care today just visit jewishcare.org/donate or call 020 8922 2600

Thank you.

Julian,

Olympic President Bach visits Yad Vashem

BY ADAM MOSES

International Olympic Committee Pres ident, Thomas Bach, visited Yad Vashem yesterday.Bachwas joined by Israel’s Olympian and chairperson of the Olympic Committee of Israel, Yael Arad and Yad Vashem Chair man Dani Dayan.

They toured the Holocaust History Muse um, participated in a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, visited the Children’s Memorial and signed the Yad Vashem guestbook.

Bach wrote in Yad Vashem’s Guestbook, “Words cannot capture the unspeaka ble horror of the Shoah. It is here in Yad Vashem, that I solemnly reaffirm the commitment of the entire Olympic Move ment to non-discrimination and peace.” He added, “Every human being must do everything in their power that such a hei nous crime against humanity can never happen again.”

After visiting the Children’s Memorial, dedicated to the 1.5 million Jewish children murdered during the Holocaust, Dayan presented Bach with the book, To Bear Witness: Holocaust Remembrance at Yad Vashem, marking his first official visit.

“Part of learning about the Holocaust is knowing what Jewish life was like before the atrocities, understanding what role com petitive sports and culture played in Jewish life,” said Dayan. “Many are surprised to learn about the Jewish world-class athletes who competed in international games like the Olympics. We must remember these individuals not as faceless and nameless victims, as the Nazis viewed them, but as individuals with unique life stories just like

us“Yadtoday.Vashem dedicates itself to telling those stories, alongside the history of how they were brutally persecuted, ostracised and ultimately murdered at the hands of the German Nazis and their collaborators. We owe it to them to remember who they were and not just how they were murdered.” Dayan and Bach visited a tree planted at Yad Vashem in memory of Righteous Among the Nations Berthold and Elsa Beitz.Berthold was an honorary member of the German Olympic Committee. During the Holocaust the couple helped rescue Jews despite the grave risk to themselves.

Jewish shops targeted in Stamford Hill

Police are investigating disturbing CCTV footage of a suspect believed to be respon sible for a series of Jewish-owned shops on a parade in Stamford Hill being damaged.

Shomrim (Stamford Hill) tweeted, “Clear CCTV now available, someone must recog nise this serial racist offender who repeated ly targeted a parade of Jewish shops”.

Last month, local shops had windows broken on at least two separate occasions, which it is believed caused £25,000 worth of

damage. Online images show shops board edBothup. incidents were reported by Stamford Hill

TheShomrim.Jewish volunteer neighbourhood watch patrols the area and has reported numerous incidents this year.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim on 0300 9990123 quoting reference numbers CAD 4620417/22 or CAD 8616 02/08/22.

Central Shul selichot

Central Synagogue held its first Choral Seli chot service for 16 years in conjunction with Western Marble Arch Synagogue last Motsei Shabbat.Chazanim

were Simon Cohen from Isra el and Robert Brody accompanied by the

WJR shines lighton Uganda

World Jewish Relief is shining a light on the Abayudaya Jewish community of Uganda this Rosh Hashanah.

With your help the charity will continue its six-year long engagement with local NGO Jewish Response Uganda they helped establish in 2016. Together, we can help Jewish families out of the intergenerational cycle of poverty because kol Yisrael aravim zeh l’zeh, all Jews are responsible for one another.Ineastern Uganda, the Abayudaya com munity has been practicing Judaism for over 100 years. Their name has its roots in the Luganda word for ‘people of Judah’. Established in 1919, the community de veloped over time in the predominantly Christian and Muslim society. They be came deeply connected to Jewish tradition al and global Jewish peoplehood.

The Abayudaya set up a Yeshiva in 1920 and synagogue in 1923. They began to thrive. But in 1971 Ugandan leader Idi Amin banned Jewish practice. Many were forced to convert to other religions. A core group of 300 Jews remained committed to thee religion, practicing in secret.

At the turn of the millennium, the com munity numbered about 3,000. Today it is closer to 2,000 spread across eastern Uganda, living among their non-Jewish neighbours. The largest group is based in Nabugoye. There is a synagogue and Jewish primary and secondary school.

The region where many Abayudaya Jews are based is almost a five-hour drive from Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, it is a region that tourists visit to hike and explore.

The climate and terrain are perfect for growing high value crops. Yet, for most lo cal farmers even growing enough to feed their families is a challenge. Many farmers have not had access to training, to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to yield high value crops and make a profit from their land. Some cannot afford essentials like seeds or fertilisers. For others, owning farmland is a far-off dream.

Against this backdrop many Jewish men, women and children are trapped in the cycle of intergenerational poverty and face an uncertain future.

futures are in their own hands.

Ninety-four percent of participants complete the programme, some earn over £1,000 per season, the equivalent of a pri mary school headteacher’s salary.

Amos is just one Jewish community member who, with the help of TransFAR Mation, has turned his family’s life around.

As a child, he dreamed of being a doc tor. But having left school early because his parents couldn’t afford the fees, Amos worked as a bricklayer. He went home ex hausted every day.

Amos’ 11-year-old son, Sinyana Moses, was born with a condition that means he needs nutritious food, regular hospital vis its and physiotherapy. But Amos couldn’t afford to feed him properly, let alone pay for his medical care. He watched his son get weaker, unable to keep up with his siblings.

When Amos joined TransFARMation, staff helped him develop his land, teach ing him modern irrigation methods. He learned to yield lucrative pepper, water melon and onion harvests, as well as finan cial planning and accessing local markets.

Amos’ hard work began to pay off and his confidence grew. He began to harvest his crops, which he sold for more than he could’ve imagined.

Central Synagogue choir conducted by Benjamin Fingerhut. Two hundred people heard a powerful address from Rabbi Joseph Dweck, of the Spanish and Portuguese Com munity of the UK, following an introduction by Rabbi Barry Lerer, Rabbi of Central.

WJR believes the solution to breaking the cycle of poverty within the Ugandan Jewish community lies in the hands of ed ucated, committed farmers. They helped establish local partner JRU, and together in 2017, launched the TransFARMation programme.Theinitiative helps Jewish families in Uganda lift themselves out of poverty through commercial farming, so the en tire community can thrive. Staff work with the most vulnerable community mem bers, helping them to rent fertile land, buy seeds for lucrative crops like watermelon, peppers, and onions, and become skilled at using modern agricultural techniques. They are taught financial management, so they can plan for the long term. Their

He said: “There was never enough food before, but now we can eat whatever we want and share food with the community. My children go to school. And I can finally afford to take Sinyana Moses to the clinic for treatment and pay for his physical thera py and medication. But the most important thing is the change in my mindset. Before the programme we relied on handouts. Now I can change things myself.”

Sinyana Moses is healthier than he’s ever been. He loves playing with his brothers and sisters and singing at the top of his voice. He wants to run his own business one day. His future looks bright.

To help Jewish community members in Uganda visit roshhashanahwww.worldjewishrelief.org/

IOC President Thomas Bach at Yad Vashem

PHOTO: YAD VASHEM

Members of Uganda’s Jewish community

IMAGINE

...

If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that there is no place like home.

Our homes are our shelter from the outside world, our safe haven, and our source of comfort.

But imagine being homeless as a fire has damaged your home, you have no money to fix this and nowhere else to go. Being incapable of walking through your front door as your debilitating illness renders you unable to climb stairs. Or living in a home that is covered in mould, where every breath you take is poisonous.

Unable to afford even the basic repairs, many find themselves living in appalling, often dangerous and life-threatening conditions, with no options.

This Rosh Hashanah, JNF UK are raising funds to continue supporting this life-changing work in deprived areas in the south of Israel.

We have helped thousands move forward with dignity, courage and hope, giving them confidence to reach for a better future, lift themselves and the community and build a stronger Israel.

But without your help these deserving families and people cannot get the help they need. support of this year’s appeal ensures UK’s the that no one behind

JNF UK, together with Tenufa Bakehila (Building Hope) help to carry out essential repairs and upgrades to the homes of the desperate and poor and in doing so change their lives.

Lapid addresses General Assembly

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Yair Lapid will warn the Unit ed Nations General Assembly in New York about the dangers of a nuclear agreement with Iran today.

He is also expected to speak about Israel’s challenging relations with the Palestinians.

Arriving on Tuesday, Lapid held high-pro file meetings including with UN Secre tary-General Antonio Guterres, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Turkish President Re cep Tayyip Erdogan.

Lapid told Guterres he expects him to rec tify “discriminatory treatment of Israel” at the UN. The leaders discussed the fight against antisemitism and Lapid called for western countries to fight terrorism.

In his meeting with King Abdullah, the second since July, Lapid discussed strength ening Israel-Jordan relations and recent vio lence in the West Bank.

Israel’s leader stressed a need to calm vio lence on the ground and halt terrorism ahead of the upcoming Jewish holidays. The leaders also spoke about advancing economic and civilianBeforeprojects.meeting Lapid, King Abdullah ad dressed the UNGA on the Israel-Palestinian conflict.Henoted, “Peace continues to be elusive. Neither war nor diplomacy has held the an swer to this historic tragedy.”

Abdullah told the assembly the Palestinians

had a right to self-determination and only a two-state solution would resolve the conflict. "There is no place for hate in the holy city," he added.Lapid and Erdogan held the first meeting between a Prime Minister of Israel and Turkey since 2008. Full diplomatic ties and a return of Am bassadors has taken place.

The leaders discussed the fight against terrorism and Lapid thanked Erdogan for “intelligence cooperation” during Iran’s attempts to carry out terrorist attacks on Turkish soil.

Lapid praised the return of Israeli flights to Turkey as it will boost tour ism between the nations.

Israel’s leader also reiterated Is rael's demand for a return of four of citizens including two soldiers missing in the Gaza Strip since a 2014 war.

Erdogan met with a delegation of rabbis in New York and announced plans to visit Israel after November elections, possibly the following month.

Lapid welcomed the appointment of a new Israeli Ambassador to Ankara in Turkey, Irit Lillian.Lillian will be the first woman to hold the post since Israel’s envoy left in May 2018.

Lapid was expected to speak with Prime Minister Liz Truss and Prime Minister of

Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Truss told the UN yesterday that Britain would not be "strategically dependent” on those who weaponise the global economy. She also spoke about how the British gov ernment would get the economy moving forward in a wide-ranging address.

Lapid met leaders of American Jewish communal organisations and was due to attend the Friends of the IDF annual gala. FIDF provides welfare for soldiers through academic scholarships.

In related news, Senior Israeli officials met with US Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs Amos Hochstein

over indirect negotiations with Lebanon over the maritime border.

According to reports in Lebanese me dia negotiations have ended. Both sides are waiting for Hochstein to present a final agreement. Calls for a UN patrolled security zone.

Lapid was welcomed at JFK Interna tional Airport by Israel's US Ambassa dor Mike Herzog, UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Canadian Ambassador Ronen Hoffman and Consul General in New York Asaf Zamir.

Israel’s head arrived after the govern ment backed his proposal to establish the Negev Forum.

It was seen as a positive step for his UN talks with global leaders.

The Director-General of the Foreign Ministry, Alon Ushpiz, will represent Israel at the multilateral steering committee.

Lapid told his weekly cabinet meeting, “The decision funds the working groups for the Negev Forum, which we established with the US, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt.

“These groups will create economic and security links. We are working together with entrepreneurs in food-tech, water, energy, tourism and climate, increasing trade be tween our countries, and are holding a dia logue that strengthens Israel's security."

The Negev Summit held at Sde Boker in March and steering committee in Manama in June led to the ‘Forum.’

Prime Minister Lapid meets UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres PHOTO: GPO

Jewish Care is recreating connections

Everywhere you turn there’s someone in need of Norwood

Jewish Care this Rosh Hashanah is appealing to the community to donate funds for vital support services for people living with de mentia and their family carers.

Specialist staff at Jewish Care understand the impact on those living with dementia, but also on family, friends and carers. They provide stimulating and person-centred support in a nurturing environment for the community.Aroundthe Jewish festivals, challenges for people living with dementia and their families can become more pronounced. Expert staff at Jewish Care’s three specialist day centres support clients living with dementia to partic ipate in stimulating activities and socialise in a Jewish environment. They connect with Rosh Hashanah memories with apple and honey, honey cake and the sound of the shofar.

Alongside the day centres, Jewish Care runs support groups for people living with demen tia and their family carers. The Family Carers Team provides specialist emotional and prac tical support for 150 carers. This ranges from guidance on to how to manage challenges of becoming a family carer to understanding benefits they are entitled to and how to navi gate the application system.

Warren and Ruth attend Jewish Care’s Memory Way Café support group.

Married for almost 59 years, they met on a blind date 61 years ago. Warren started as a salesman at an electronics company and became Managing Director. When he was diagnosed in 2019, Ruth called Jewish Care and together the couple began to visit the Memory Way Cafe where they became friends with other couples in a similar situation.

At the cafe people living with dementia have opportunities to engage in activities run by specialist staff and experienced, dedicated volunteers, whilst at the same time offering respite to family carers. Warren regularly

attends The Zalman & Ruchi Noé Centre at Sandringham.Ruthexplains how valuable the services are, saying, “It’s great the centre is here for Warren. He can be among friends who are experienc ing the same things he is going through and has found real companionship. When Warren is at the centre, it gives me the time I need to be able to do general everyday chores and also have some time for myself. Warren gets the care he needs with like-minded people and together, we enjoy time spent at the cafe withJewishfriends.”Care

Director of Community Ser vices, Volunteering and Social Work, Richard Shone, says, “For many people living with dementia and their families, festivals can stand as reminders of how much has changed since they received a diagnosis of dementia. Memories are often locked inside. Our spe cialist staff are there to support people living with dementia to celebrate festivals, creating meaningful new experiences whilst recon necting with positive moments from the past.

“Family and friends of people living with dementia often become carers. Our specialist staff in our dementia day centres, support groups and Family Carers Team understand the impact that dementia has on their lives and are here to support them.

“Our services for people living with demen tia and their families receive no government funding. As the cost to provide this special ised care continues to rise, we rely on the generosity of the community so that we can continue to support and care for people living with dementia and their families through our services.”

To donate: Telephone 020 89222600 or www. Jewishjewishcare.org/donateCareservices:www.jewishcare.org or telephone the helpline 020 89222222.

Kitty turns 100

Kitty Stern, a member of Jewish Care’s Southend & Westcliff Community Centre, whose design has been made into a card for the Southend community for Rosh Hashanah, turns 100 just before Rosh Hashanah.Kittycelebrated her birthday with fellow

members, staff and volunteers at a party thisMeanwhile,week.

Eveline Baer, resident at Jew ish Care Sidney Corob House for people with mental health needs, was delighted her card was chosen for Jewish Care’s Rosh Hashanah card this year.

More people than ever need Norwood’s help. In fact, one in four people will need Norwood over the next three years*. We help support children and families in crisis, and people of any age with learning disabilities or autism. But we can’t do it without you. Please support Norwood with a donation this Rosh Hashanah.

*Source: [Survation, October 2021]

To find out how, please call 020 8809 8809 or visit norwood.org.uk/buckets

Call 020 8420 6970 to make a donation today. Alternatively, visit norwood.org.uk/donate or scan the QR code using your smartphone. Queen No.

Warren and Ruth at Jewish Care’s Memory Way Cafe with Community Dementia Project Lead Susan Dawson and volunteer Pam Bertschinger

Nation bids ‘final farewell’ to HM Queen Elizabeth II

BY DAVID SAFFER

Over four billion people, more than half the world’s population, watched the State funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

Pageantry was on full display in a his toric ‘once-in-lifetime’ occasion as the nation said a ‘final farewell’ to the Queen. Thousands lined the streets of central London for the solemn procession led by the 123-year-old Royal Navy’s State Gun Carriage carrying the Queen’s coffin draped in the royal standard with Imperial State Crown, orb and sceptre on top to the Abbey.King Charles III, the Princess Royal, Duke of York and Earl of Wessex followed by the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex walked slowly behind soldiers from the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards to the Abbey and later past Buck ingham Palace before the final journey to Windsor Castle.

The Queen was laid to rest beside Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh at St George’s Chapel.

Some 4,000 soldiers, sailors and air force personnel participated in the ceremony, watched by tens of thousands on big screens across the UK.

King Charles and the Royal family were joined by 500 world heads including Kings, Queens, Emperors, Prime Ministers and Presidents in a 2,000 congregation at the Abbey. Dignitaries included religious and community leaders.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby recalled the Queen’s 21st birthday broadcast when she vowed to serve the nation and Commonwealth. “Rarely has such a promise been so well kept. Few leaders receive the outpouring of love we have seen.” he said.

The Archbishop observed, “People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But in all cases, those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten. She was joyful, present to so many, touch ing a multitude of lives”.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev erend Dr David Hoyle, paid tribute to the Queen's "remarkable reign and lifetime of service” as Head of the Commonwealth.

Her Majesty’s great-grandchildren

Prince George and Princess Charlotte sat with the Prince and Princess of Wales in theTheAbbey.Queen’s grandchildren, cousins the Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent, a number of god-children, Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer and family friends were also present.

Prime Minister Liz Truss, the six living

prime ministers Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major attended.

A total of 15 prime ministers served the Queen. Sir Winston Churchill was born in 1874, Ms Truss in 1975, illustrating best the 70-year reign that will never be repeated.

Over 100 heads of government were at theKingservice.Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe VI of Spain, King Carl XVI of Sweden, King Harald V of Norway, Prince Albert II of Monaco, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and Grand Duke Hen ri of Luxembourg were joined by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, the sole female monarch in the world.

Malaysia and Jordan’s King and Queen were present. The Emperor and Empress

of Japan made a first international visit to theUSUK.President Joe Biden, Israel President Isaac Herzog, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ard ern and European Commission President, Ursula Von de Leyen attended.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl rep resented the UK Jewish community.

The Chief Rabbi was asked by BBC News following the service what he hoped the Queen’s legacy would be regarding in ter-faith relations.

He said, “She wanted us to get on well to gether and certainly that is being achieved at the top of the pyramid. Our good rela tionships amongst between faith leaders now needs to filter down to the grassroots level.” The Chief added: “Seeing all those present today in the Abbey, there was such a beautiful sense of harmony. The ultimate tribute to her legacy will be to preserve that harmony. If tomorrow and the day after, and the months and years that follow, we treasure all her values and guarantee that further to knowing what her legacy was we will ensure we have a peaceful and harmonious society.”

He told LBC radio. “There was an aura about the place, a lot of sadness, people were together as one for someone deeply loved and hugely admired.”

“Two thousand people along with mil lions watching worldwide honoured her remarkable life,” said Ms van der Zyl.

AJEX patron, Vice Admiral The Right Honourable The Lord Sterling of Plaistow GCVO CBE, was in the procession rep resenting worldwide all members of the Royal Victorian Order.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid signed the condolence book at the Residence of British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan. “In her seven decades as monarch, Her Majesty led with grace, dignity and ded ication. Her legacy will forever live on,” heAroundwrote. 10,000 police officers were on duty for one of the biggest diplomatic events in British history and the largest military operation in decades. Armed po lice, motorbike escort riders, officers on horseback and dog teams were involved in a complex operation.

Some 250,000 people attended the late monarch’s lying-in-state at Westminster Hall, waiting up to 14 hours in five-mile queues to offer a final respect the late Queen.Over 90 percent of the population was born after the Queen’s reign began reflect ing an end to the modern Commonwealth as King Charles now heads the House of Windsor.

State Hearse with Her Majesty’s coffin at the funeral procession

President Isaac Herzog signs condolence book at Downing Street

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO: RORY ARNOLD (DOWNING STREET)

Prime Minister Yair Lapid signs the Condolence Book at the British Ambassador Residence

PHOTO: HAIM ZACH (GPO)

Antisemite Raisi blasted over Holocaust comments

any weapons of mass destruction."

BY ADAM MOSES

Israeli leaders have blasted Iranian Pres ident Ibrahim Raisi over comments about theRaisiHolocaust.called for “further research” into whether the Holocaust occurred during an interview with CBS on “60 Minutes”.

Asked by interviewer Lesley Stahl whether he believed six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, the controversial Iranian lead er reportedly replied that “historical events should be investigated” by historians.

“There are some signs that it happened,” Raisi added. “If so, they should allow it to be investigated and researched.”

IDF Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi gave his reaction from Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland.

“You don’t need to be a historian or re searcher to understand the horrors of the Holocaust, you need to be human,” he said. “We just toured the gas chambers, saw the crematoria, the very stones scream the mur der of the Jewish people. Whoever lies and denies the painful historic truth now, will easily lie in the future.”

Kochavi added, “This is another reminder that people like this can’t be allowed to hold

Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum Chairman Dani Dayan called Raisi a “vile antisemite” and described the remarks “dangerous and deserveDayancondemnation”.added,“Even casting doubts on the occurrence of the Holocaust is one of the most abhorrent forms of anti-Semitism.”

Prime Minister Yair Lapid tweeted Hol ocaust images with a caption “some signs”.

President Isaac Herzog noted, “Mr. Raisi, on my desk in Jerusalem there is one photograph (of a Holocaust survivor). The numbers speak forIsrael'sthemselves."Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan said the comments were “shocking”, tweeting for Antonio Guterres to “DENY THAT DE NIER a world stage to spread antisemitism and“Thehatred”.UNwill reach a new low if they give the Butcher of Tehran a platform," Erdan added.

Iranian leaders have a history for Holocaust denial.Stahl asked Raisi if he supported Israel’s right to exist. He responded, “The people of Palestine are the reality. The Americans are supporting this false regime there to take root and to be established there.”

Questioned about the Abraham Accords,

Raisi replied, “If a state shakes hands with the Zionist regime then they are also an accom plice to their crimes. And they are stabbing the very idea of Palestine in the back.”

As for former US President Donald Trump withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, Rai si responded, “The Americans broke their promises. They did it unilaterally. We cannot trust the Americans.”

• With the current rate of inflation at a staggering 10.1% (August 22 CPI Data), savers face their greatest threat since 1982.

• At this rate, £100,000 left in a non interest earning bank account will have the purchasing power of less than £62,000 in only 5 years time.

• The Bank of England predicts inflation will continue to grow this year, potentially reaching over 13%. can provide you with a managed, tax efficient investment portfolio that can combine growth potential with income to help protect your savings from the impacts of inflation. Raymond James,BOE, 2022

Ibrahim Raisi PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA James Investment Services Ltd is a England Wales

Two Fully funded CYP-IAPT Trainee posts at Noa Girls

Full time post (12 month fixed term) government funded

Noa Girls is a charity supporting adolescent girls in the Orthodox Jewish Community.Wehavean

exciting opportunity for two motivated and enthusiastic mental health practitioners to join our team as a Recruit to Train Trainee in

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Anxiety and Depression or

Systemic Family Practice Eating Disorders (SFP ED)

The posts are fully funded by Health Education England (HEE) in partnership with the Anna Freud Centre, University College London, and Kings College London. You will be training on the Children & Young People Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT) Course and carrying out clinical work in our service to complement your studies and use your developed skills in order to receive your PGDip (Postgraduate Diploma).

You will receive a full-time salary whilst undertaking two days of week of training at university and work clinically at Noa Girls for three days each week. You will have supervision by clinicians specialising in CBT/SFP and be supported by a clinical psychologist.

The salary is commensurate with a band 6 NHS salary (up to mid-point). Your university fees are fully funded. You will need to be available to start by the January 9th 2023.

Full details of the post and instructions on how to apply can be found at www.noagirls.com. Closing date October 14th 2022

Each year, across Israel, thousands of children and families suffer from devastating socio-economic problems and many are at-risk and vulnerable. Though most of us never see this first-hand, Emunah absolutely sees the need every day, responding and acting to improve lives wherever and whenever it can.

By supporting our crowdfunding campaign on Wednesday and Thursday 21-22 September, you can ensure that every child and family in need of help will be seen and supported.

Please donate at www.charityextra.com/britishemunah

Our crowdfunder dedicated to memory of Majesty Queen Elizabeth DATES - 22 SEPTEMBER

Israel and UAE celebrate Abraham Accords success

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel and the United Arab Emirates cele brated two years of the Abraham Accords in Jerusalem last week.

Trade between the two countries is ex pected to hit $2.5 billion this year.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid and UAE For eign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, called in bilateral meetings to strengthen regional stability, economic development and cooperation.

Areas discussed included agriculture, energy, water and food security. They also spoke about developing the Negev Forum process.Lapid said, “This is a visit of a strategic partner that will strengthen economic and security ties between our countries. Coop eration between our countries is progress ing at an unbelievable pace.”

He added, “We have made huge strides this past year, but we have not even scratched the surface of the potential.” said Lapid. “Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with you in the face of any terrorist attack. Regrettably, we have experience in this area. Together, we are changing the face of the Middle East. We are changing it from war to peace, from terrorism to economic cooperation, from a discourse of violence and extremism to a dialogue of tolerance and cultural curiosity.”

President Isaac Herzog welcomed the UAE minister at an official luncheon at his residence.Herzogsaid the world looked at the Abra ham Accords with awe as a new Middle East was being created and moving forward.

“This is a joyous celebration because it marks a paradigm change in the Middle East, of sounding new voices, of painting new horizons for our children and their future and a celebration of life and change,” he noted. “Ten or twenty years ago, as the Middle Eastern trajectory was fraught with conflict, no one could have imagined such a vision of peaceful cooperation, and much less foreseen the festivities including the one in this room.”

Herzog added a different, more humane world was now possible.

The UAE leader told Herzog the two na tions could “achieve a lot together.”

Herzog at a UAE Embassy reception confirmed he would visit Bahrain in the coming months as a guest of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to further peace and pros perity for the region.

UAE Ambassador to Israel, Mohammed Al Khaja, hosted the event.

Herzog said signing the Accords in Sep tember 2020 was a moving occasion for theWitnessingregion.

that moment, he added, was of historic importance as it provided a future of “partnership and prosperity of renewal and peace”.

He observed, “The Abraham Ac cords transformed and continue to transform our region beyond rec ognition. Over the past two years, we have seen how much power is latent in an openness to change, in good neighbourliness and in unmediated interactions between people. We have seen how a bold partnership may form the basis for sincere change, even when we do not agree on everything.

“The Accords heralded the re turn of hope, of dramatic regional change, of a horizon of cooper ation and prosperity, of a future that draws its power from the to getherness created in the present.”

Recalling trailblazing peace accords with Egypt and Jordan, Herzog said that the Accords proved the courage of leaders and nations that can open a win dow to a world that had previously seemed unattainable.Henoted,“I hope that we shall see more groundbreaking accords, including with our close neighbours, the Palestinians, and that the historic process, gaining unimaginable momentum, of Israel’s integration into this region will continue, layer upon layer.”

Herzog acknowledged the effort of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. And he saluted former Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu and former US President Don ald Trump, the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa and King Mohammed VI of Morocco for their roles in the Accords.

“So many partners have contributed their share to the reconnection between the chil dren of Abraham, living in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, in Bahrain and in Morocco,” he said.

Herzog noted positive conversations with the leaders of Sudan to deepening relations.Hecontinued, “All Israeli governments have a commitment to this dramatic

transformation and to these ac cords, and the Israeli people salute our new friends.

“It is clear that Israel’s integra tion in the region, the direction in which history is leading, is bring ing down barriers, erasing cyni cism and doubt, and making room for creativity and life.”

Herzog highlighted the scope of trade and tourism between the nations that continue to break records. This will be enhanced by the free trade agreement between Israel and UAE.

He observed, “Look at the excit ing leap in cooperative ventures between Israel and Morocco, two states and two nations with a shared history stretching back years. Eco nomic ties between Israel and Bahrain are also expanding in impressive ways.”

Herzog called on nations to expand the circle of peace with Israel and hoped that the future would be marked by interfaith harmony and building of new bridges.

He noted, “We are all destined to be neighbours, to live together in the Middle East side by side, Jews next to Muslims next to Christians next to members of all other faiths. We must insist on choosing our com mon good, in choosing life, for our sake, our children’s and descendants.”

Prime Minister Yair Lapid meets UAE's Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

PHOTO: (GPO)

President Isaac Herzog and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

PHOTO: (GPO)

Visiting Israel

Experience the land from a new perspective. Join JNF UK for a meaningful and fun day trip to the Negev.

Let us share with you how inspiring pioneers have taken on the challenges of the desert, turning this into thriving and innovative communities, helping to fulfil Ben Gurion’s vision.

The trip includes:

• Unique opportunity to understand how the future of Israel lies in the science of turning the Negev green

• Meeting and connecting with the extraordinary people who are making this vision a reality

• Delicious Kosher lunch in a Succah

• Local wine tasting with grapes uniquely cultivated in the dunes of the desert

• Tour guides and refreshments

• All transport pick-up to and from: Jerusalem, Modi’in, Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Netanya

When? 13th October 2022

How much? £45 per person Save 15% on group bookings of three or more.*

Need to know more? Reserve your place. www.jnf.co.uk/succot2022, email us info@jnf.co.uk or call us on 020 8732 6100

“It is in the Negev where the creativity and pioneer vigour of Israel shall be tested” David Ben Gurion this Succot?

Anything else?

Book now. Reservations close at noon on 6th October 2022. Don’t miss out as limited spaces are*T&Csavailable.applywww.jnf.co.uk/succot2022

Registered Charity Number: 225910

SHANA TOVA

EL AL UK is grateful for the continued and incredible support of our passengers and customers all through years. Wishing us all a success, great health and fulfilment in all aspects of our lives!

West led the four of spades. Declarer counted 11 tricks and the contract seemed to depend on the location of the queen of clubs. However, declarer saw an extra chance of a possible and trusted elimination play .

So, after taking the opening lead with the king of spades, declarer played the jack of hearts to his ace and ruffed a heart. Next, declarer cashed the king and ace of trumps then ruffed his remaining heart in dummy. Declarer had intended to play the Ace and another spade in the hope that West would win the trick and be forced to lead a club or concede a ruff and- discard.

However, that plan failed when West discarded a heart on the ace of spades. All was not lost. By playing another spade East would gain the lead and declarer would be forced to rely on a winning finesse in clubs. Declarer observed that East had ten known cards to West’s six, giving West seven places for the queen of clubs to East’s three, approximately 70%.

As it was against the odds to play East for the queen of clubs, declarer continued with the ace, king, and jack of clubs. West won the queen of clubs and now had to lead a heart Giving away a ruff and discard, the Spade loser being thrown as if by now claim 12 tricks. losing just the one club

PaJeS restructure

PaJeS has appointed of Raisel Freedman and Sharon Radley to the posts of Assistant Director.Freedman will take responsibility for Pub lic Affairs and Operations with Sharon lead ing the Education side of the organisation.

Samantha Benson remains in post as Di rector of Leadership programmes.

PaJeS has been without an Assistant Di rector since the passing of Lady Lira Win ston last year.

They said in a statement, “We are hon oured to take up these positions and

honouring the legacy of our dear friend. We have many exciting projects on the ho rizon. PaJeS is a remarkable organisation supporting schools and this division of responsibility will ensure we cater across allRabbifacets.”David Meyer, CEO, commented, “Both Raisel and Sharon are highly valued members of the PaJeS team and been recog nised for their professionalism and exper tise. Their appointment will help ensure a strong leadership team at the core of PaJeS and enhance provision for schools.”

AJEX gravescorrectsarchivistwar

AJEX archivist Martin Sugarman ensures Jewish war grave errors are corrected.

A new plaque commemorates cryptogra pher Leopold (Leo) Marks MBE at Kendal Road, Marble Arch.

It is positioned near the entrance to flats where Leo lived when he was Chief of Codes at Special Operations Executive (SOE) in Baker Street during World War Two.

Jerry Klinger of The Jewish American So ciety for Historic Preservation, UK branch, commissioned the initiative.

Leo was born in 1920 and headed the coding office supporting resistance agents inBornEurope.into a devout Jewish family in Lon don, his father, Benjamin Marks worked at ’84 Charing Cross Road’ bookshop featured in a Hollywood film. Here Leo deciphered price codes pencilled inside book covers by his Calledfather.upin 1942 his coding skill reached SOE headed by Sir Charles Hambro.

Leo briefed agents including secret agent F.F.E Yeo Thomas along with Jewish agents

including Denise Bloch, Marcus Bloom, Isi dore Newman and Muriel Byck. Supreme Allied Commander General Eisenhower said SOE shortened the war and saved countless lives.

Among Leo’s innovations were code poems and one-time pad. Both increased code security in radio messages for agents. Among his poems was the classic Violette Szabo, ‘The Life That I Have’.

Leo also discovered that most Dutch agents were compromised. His actions savedPostlives.War, Leo wrote plays, films and a book about his life, ‘Between Silk and Cyanide’.Sugarman interviewed him before he died in 2001.

Anyone suspecting a headstone is incor rect contact Martin 07806 656756.

Kisharon riders

Twenty-four people participated for Kis haron in the iconic London to Brighton 54-mile cycle event earlier this month.

Beginners and seasoned cyclists enjoyed the spectacular ride and raised over £20,000 has been raised for Kisharon to date.

Chaya and Moshe Langerman cycled together as a tandem entry and raised overChaya£5,000.took up tandem cycling with her husband after an accident left her with poor balance. She said, “We’re glad we took part. When you have a purpose, like raising money for Kisharon, the ride is far more satisfying. Kisharon is an amazing charity and the work they do is brilliant.”

Jonathan Sinclair cycled in memory of his mother and raised over £5,500.

Eve Sacks and Simon Silver are continu ing to fundraise post the cycle for Kisharon. Simon in the TCS London Marathon on

2nd October and Eve in The Royal Parks Half Marathon on 9th October.

Fundraising Manager, Emma Nagli said, “We are so grateful to our cyclists who left the buzz of the city behind them and joined thousands of fellow cyclists to the beautiful Brighton seafront. The physical challenge they faced and fundraising efforts mean Kisharon can continue its vital frontline services.”Kisharon support children and adults with complex and profound learning disabilities.Aperson-centred approach to working improves lives daily. Kisharon ensures people they support are at the centre of everything.Overthepast year 12 months a range of challenge events have taken place. To take part in future challenges email challenges@kisharon.co.uk

Left to right: Sharon Radley, Raisel Freedman

Chaya and Moshe Langerman

Jonathan Sinclair

Plaque Remembering Leopold (Leo) Marks, MBE

Rabbi Harvey Belovski

Paul, the Pawnbroker trust

Paul Levenston insists he’s the pawnbroker everyone can trust. His Laurick Jewellery, in Hatton Garden, London, will give custom ers what an item is worth, and he promises he will not rip them off. “I went into a cen tral London pawnbroker last week with a £70,000.00 watch and they offered to buy it for £600.00,” he said. “People come to me with their family heirlooms and know that I will treat them courteously and tell them precisely what it’s worth and not try to make a fast buck from someone who doesn’t un derstand the market.”

Paul, who has been licensed as a pawnbro ker for many years, knows that it takes just one dissatisfied client to destroy a lifetime’s reputation.Paulreports that, following his recent ad vertising campaigns, there are now 18 repre sentative offices, including Los Angeles, Hol lywood (opening on September 5), Valencia, Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, Indonesia, Edinburgh, Manchester, Salford, Sidcup, Newcastle, Westminster, Ilford, Leeds, Croydon, Lew isham, Webley, Bounds Green, Birmingham and Hatton Garden.

Paul says, “All you need is a building with 24-hour security and a small office with a table at a cost of maybe £60 a week.

“The 101-page catalogue has 9ct and 18ct chains and includes over 5000 items.

Everything is in stock, offering immediate de livery on any item. We are £7 a gram cheaper than any other wholesaler in England. This is what all people who join the franchise will get.“Earn £20,000 every week, with the help of nationwide advertising. I want a franchise in every city in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.”Paulstresses that customers selling gold to Laurick receive payment by return and watch repairs are dealt with equally speedily.

Meanwhile, Paul is celebrating his 65th birthday with a party at the Evolution, Bat tersea Park, London, on Sunday, December 11, with more than 40 celebrities present. The ticket includes a meet and greet with celeb rities, including Chris Waddle, Steve Jones, Paul Smith, Tony Adams, Paul Merson, John H Stracey, Mark Stein, Brian Stein, Mel Eves, Edward Stein, Barry Fry and John Duncan.

A three-course meal will include a choice of food and all drinks. On arrival, guests will enjoy a glass of Champagne and canapés. There will also be dodgems and music is New York New York.

Paul has pledged to donate £25,000.00 of the proceeds to Help the Heroes and £50,000.00 to war veterans. Tickets, £2000.00 each, are now on sale by phoning 07958 037 459.

0.21 carat, 18 carat white gold stud earrings, G colour VS1, RRP £800 - our price £90

0.11 carat, 18 carat white gold stud earrings, G colour VS1, RRP £600 - our price £45

ASK THE RABBI

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

CAN I MAKE UP THE SHOFAR?

Dear Rabbi

If I miss the blowing of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah can I make it up any other time of the year?

Ruthie

Dear Ruthie

I’ll list that in my book, “Funny Questions Rabbis Get Asked.” Were you thinking with some latkes on the side, or at the Seder table? To be sure, if you will be unable to hear the Shofar because you are unwell or some other extenuating circumstance, then be in touch with your local Chabad Rabbi. They are always on call to accommodate those who might otherwise not have an opportunity to fulfil the mitzvah. Otherwise, even as you might not be able to make it to Synagogue for whatever reason, there are often additional Shofar blowing opportunities in local parks etc.

DIPPY IN THE MIKKY

Dear Rabbi

I was told by my cousin that Orthodox Jews go into a bathhouse before the High Holidays and dip themselves naked in some special pool. The thought of a bunch

of bearded men standing naked in a socalled bathhouse creeps me out. Chester

Dear Chester

But the image of a bunch of sweaty bodybuilders, standing around naked in a gym locker-room works for you? Park your prejudices. The “bathhouse” you refer to is actually known as a Mikvah which contains a certain measurement of rainwater into which man immerses him or herself. And upon emergence from the water one restores their natural spiritual stature. How does water achieve this? Water, which is the prototype of fluid, unlike solid matter, is capable of change and does not have any permanence. In the second verse of Genesis it states: “And the spirit of G-d hovered over the waters.” G-d’s spirit as it was manifest in the crea tion process enabled change. His infinite compassion enabled there to be change in the world so that we, His ultimate cre ation, could always be subject to change. Even as we may be distant we can always change and become closer. Even as we may be sinners we can always change to become righteous. Even as we may be ritually impure we can always change

and become ritually pure again. But most significant is what we do in this water. We immerse. We are totally sub merged in a habitat that is not natural to us. This submersion is called in Hebrew tevillah, which are the same letters as the Hebrew word bitul meaning self-nullifi cation. What greater self-nullification can there be when submitting ourselves, even if only momentarily into a state where we can otherwise not survive and we re-emerge a new, spiritually invigorated being. PS: Not just High Holidays. Some do this before each Shabbat, yet others every day.

LESSONS FROM ROYALTY Dear Rabbi

I find it especially meaningful that we are all talking about the regal Queen Eliza beth, and now also King Charles, espe cially in these days before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I know there must be a message in there somewhere. I am struck by the reverence paid to Her Majesty and I am sure that some parallel can be found.

Monty

Dear Monty

A lot of people mistakenly assume that Queen Elizabeth was not that well disposed towards Israel. After all, she never visited. I cannot speak as to what arrangements there are with the Foreign Office, essentially the ones responsible for such trips. But I would ask readers to consider the following anecdote. When former Israeli Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, went to visit Buckingham Palace, he took with him a special copy of a doc ument from the Israeli National Archives of a letter signed by Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, in which he wrote that he recognised Israel as the Jewish homeland. This, he was going to present to the Queen.

I had personally been in attendance on more than one occasion when Shimon Peres spoke or was interviewed. He had a tendency of sometimes going on – and on. So when he arrived at the palace he was advised on protocol. He was told the process of how he should enter the room, that he could not speak until the Queen addressed him, that the audience would be just the two of them, and, above all else, that he could not remain with her for a second longer than twenty minutes.

Twenty minutes into his meeting with the Queen passed but the door remained closed. The accompanying team and the court officials were getting nervous when, after half an hour, Peres still did not emerge. It took 40 minutes before Queen Elizabeth tinkled the royal bell to indicate that the audience had ended. The royal doors opened, and then Queen

Elizabeth did something extraordinary. She accompanied Shimon Peres out of the room where he introduced her to the Israeli delegation that had accompanied him to Buckingham Palace.

Now think about this in the context of our relationship with G-d. There are other faiths where the assumption is that G-d despises the sinner. Not so in Judaism.

G-d condemns the sin, never the sinner. Each year we are given a special opportu nity to have a personal audience with the King. During that time, in our prayers, we present before Him how He recognises us as His chosen people.

The image of a loving merciful G-d who waits eagerly, and, as it were, with open arms, to welcome back the sinner is deeply rooted in Biblical text. In the words of the Psalmist (which we recite daily between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur): “For kindness is with the Lord…and He will redeem Israel from all iniquity.”Noristhere a time limit on when or how we can return. As we recite in our High Holiday service, “even until one’s dying day G-d waits for one to return.” And when we do, and we reconnect, then at the conclusion of the High Holidays, at Neilah, G-d escorts us to the door, and sees us off into a year filled with good ness, love and laughter.

One other thing: The respect paid to the Queen was really quite exceptional. The amount of time people stood in line, just to pay their momentary respects was very heartening. So here’s a thought: If people were happy to wait in line for hours on end in order to spend a few minutes to pay their respects to the Queen, should they really object to sitting in shul for a few hours during the High Holidays, to pay their respects to the King of Kings?

Wishing all readers a truly happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, filled with life, love and laughter.

Rosh Hashana: The Three Stages of Teshuva

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

The birth of a new year is a time of reflection and resolution, when hope and inspiration fill the air. We dream about what this upcoming year holds in store for us, how we can make the rest of our life the best of our life. We all have ideas, ambitions, and aspirations that we yearn to bring to fruition, and the new year gives us “permission” to revisit these goals and breathe new life into them. For a brief moment, everything is crystal clear, we see our purpose and our path with vivid clari ty. However, there is an underlying frustra tion that accompanies this time period as well. If we reflect honestly, we often realize that our new year’s resolutions are awfully similar to those of last year, and the year before, and the year before…

We have brief moments of inspiration, but they soon fade into oblivion, only to be resuscitated for a few more days the next year in the hopes that somehow this year might be different. However, there is another option, a way to actually make this year different. By truly understanding this time of year and fully tapping into powerful themes, we can we can turn what was previously fleeting inspiration into lasting, eternal change.

THE DEEPER THEMES OF TESHUVA Elul and Rosh Hashanah center around the concept of teshuva, and Parshas Nitzavim is clearly linked to this theme as well. The pesukim in Nitzavim discuss the theme of teshuva, the importance of choosing life - choosing what is right, and connecting ourselves back to Hashem. As Parshas Nitzavim is connected to the transition from Elul into Rosh Hashanah, let us delve into the idea of teshuva.

Teshuva literally means “return”- but whom, or perhaps what, are we returning to? The Gemara (Kidushin 39b) explains that Hashem created teshuva before creating the world itself. What is the meaning of this enigmatic statement, and what lessons and implications does it have for us as we proceed through the teshuva process?

The Practical Form of Teshuva

The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 1:1) dis cusses the three-step process of teshuva:

• First, one must reflect on their past and acknowledge that a problem exists.

• One must then transition into the present and strongly feel the pain of their mistake, regretting it wholeheartedly.

• Finally, one must look towards the future and resolve to never commit this same mistake again.

This three-step guide is the practical process of teshuva. However, the essence of teshuva is the deep foundation for these three steps, and understanding this essence is the key to truly transforming ourselves through these three steps.

TRUE TESHUVA: RETURNING TO YOUR HIGHER SELF

Genuine teshuva is not just about

self-transformation, it’s about self-expression, returning to your true and higher self. As the Ge mara (Niddah 30b) states, while we were in the womb we were in a perfect and transcendent state of being, and a malach (angel) teaches us kol ha’Torah kulah (all of Torah). As the Vilna Gaon explains, this refers to the deepest realms of Torah, a transcendent Torah that lies far beyond this world, beyond the confines of space and time. This Torah is the very root of reality, and you were granted complete under standing of its every detail. Not only were you shown this level of Torah, but you also learned your specific share of Torah- you were shown your unique purpose in the world, and how your unique role fits into the larger scheme of the human story as a whole. You were given a taste of your own perfection, of what you could, should, and hopefully will be come. And from this transcendent realm, you were birthed into the physical world with the mission to actualize everything you were shown in the womb, while in your perfect, primordial state.

In essence, your job in this world is not to create yourself, but rather to recreate yourself; to re-attain your original state of perfection, as you were shown by the malach. This time, however, it must be done through free will, by choosing to become great. Only by overcoming challenge and difficulty, only by asserting your willpower, can you fulfill your true potential. In essence, our entire life is a story of teshuva- returning to our original, higher, and true self.

The shofar is a wake-up blast, meant to shake us from our stupor and return us to our true self. When we hear the shofar’s piercing cry, we yearn to return to our source, to our higher selves. The word “shofar” shares a root with “li’shaper”, to perfect and beautify. Strikingly, it also shares a root with “mei shafir”, the amni otic fluid which surrounds the fetus while in the womb. When we blow the shofar, we are reminded to improve and perfect ourselves, to return to our fetal state of perfection we once knew, to return to our true selves.

THE THREE STAGES OF TESHUVA

There are three stages of genuine teshuva: The first is individual teshuva, whereby we return to our higher selves, our fetal selves, our true selves.

The second stage of teshuva goes beyond the limited self, turning the focus from individual to community.

The Rambam, in discussing the laws of teshuva, states that someone who removes himself from the Jewish community has no share in Olam Habah (the World to Come). In other words, even if this person keeps all of Torah and mitzvos and is an upstanding Jew, if he disconnects himself

from the community, he loses his eternal existence. This requires explanation. After all, this person didn’t commit a heinous or evil act, he merely chose a life of isolation. Why should this warrant such extreme punishment?Theanswer is profound. As human beings, we begin our lives as complete ly self-centered creatures, perceiving ourselves as isolated, separate, and disconnected from everyone else. As we progress through life, we learn to break down those walls and psychological barriers, recognizing that we are part of a bigger self, a collective self, a higher consciousness. At root, all of Klal Yisrael is one, an interconnected self. Each of our individual neshamos are part of a bigger whole, like individual cells that make up a single human body. A central aspect of the experience of Olam Habah is experiencing yourself as part of Klal Yisrael, as part of your true, collective reality. If, however, one disconnects themselves from Klal Yisrael, they have uprooted themselves from reality itself, and simply cannot exist. Just as if you unplug a light bulb from its electric circuit, the light extinguishes, if a soul is disconnected from its root, it ceases to exist. This is not a punishment, merely a consequence.Thisisthesecond stage of teshuva, re turning to our collective self, to the single soul of Klal Yisrael.

THE THIRD STAGE OF TESHUVA

The third stage of teshuva is returning to our absolute root and source, to the Source of all sources, to Hashem Himself.

The Nefesh Ha’Chaim refers to Hashem as the “Neshama shel neshamos”, the Soul of all souls. Hashem is the root of ex istence, the absolute root of all our souls. Our entire journey through life is about sourcing our existence back to Hashemthis is the ultimate teshuva.

We can now explain the Gemara which states that teshuva preceded creation.

This not merely a chronological phenomenon, this is a fundamental principle: teshuva is the root of this world, all of existence is created with the purpose of returning to its source, to fully reflect its absolute root, Hashem Himself.

THE THREE THEMES OF THE ROSH HASHANA TEFILLAH

The three themes of the Rosh Hashana davening are Shofros, Zichronos, and Malchuyos. Shofros relates to the blowing of the shofar, zichronos relates to remembering seminal events from Jewish history and Hashem’s covenant with the Jewish People, and Malchuyos is the process by which we crown Hashem King

The shofar represents one’s individual spiritual yearning. It is a haunting, wordless cry that returns us to our higher self, our fetal self. Zichronos refers to the concept of memory, building upon this same theme. Memory represents tracing something from the present back into the past. It is an exercise in sourcing some thing back to its root. On Rosh Hashana, as we discuss the Akeidah and other seminal moments in Jewish history, we connect back to our collective self, the root soul of all of Klal Yisrael. Malchuyos is where we crown Hashem as our Melech, our King. We declare Hashem to be the source of everything, our ultimate root. While all three of these themes are connected to all three forms of teshuva, shofros most deeply reflects our individual teshuva, zichronos most deeply reflects our collective teshuva back to our col lective self, and malchuyos most deeply reflects our ultimate teshuva, sourcing ourselves back to Hashem Himself. May we be inspired to fully actualize all three forms of teshuva this Rosh Hashana, and seal ourselves in the book of life, the book of true existence.

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

Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

Teshuvah is the Answer

BY RABBI STEWART WEISS

This last sedra of the year, Nitzavim, seems perfect as a precursor to Rosh Hashanah. It begins by stressing the unity of the Jewish people: “You are all here together, from the heads of the tribes to the simple citizens; the men, the wom en and the children; the natural-born citizens as well as the converts.” It even includes all those who are not present today: our past ancestors, as well as our future descendants.

The sedra reiterates the mutual bond and covenant that exists between us and the Eternal: “You will be My people, and I will be your G-d.” The two, opposite paths of this relationship are clearly defined: There is a rather fearful warning of what can (and will) happen to us if we stray from the way of Hashem – plagues, fire and brimstone, exile from our land, utter devastation; and a much more pleasant

promise of the manifold blessings that will be ours if and when we keep the covenant – prosperity, an abundance of children, victory over all of our enemies andAllRedemption.thisinoneof the shortest parshiyot in the entire Torah!

I suggest that the key to all these mo mentous events appears in just a very few pesukim where one basic word is repeat ed over and over again:

V’shavta ad Hashem Elokecha (you shall return to Hashem your G-d);

V’shav Hashem Elokecha et sh’vutcha (and Hashem will return and redeem you from your captivity);

V’shav v’kibetzcha mikol ha-amim (and you shall return and be gathered together from all of the nations);

V’ata tashuv v’shamata b’kol Hashem (and you shall return and hearken to the voice of Hashem);

Ki tashuv b’chol l’vavcha u’v’chol

SidraNitzavimSummary

G-d’s wrath and result in the Land being destroyed and the nation exiled.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 30:1-6

Moshe says to the people: “If you do stray and are exiled, you will return to G-d with all your heart and all your soul”. G-d will have mercy upon the people, releasing them from their captivity and bringing them in from wherever they have been dispersed. He will open the hearts of the nation to love Him unequivocally.

nafshecha (for you have returned with all your heart and all your soul).

This central word, of course, is lashuv, to return, and it is the root and the very essence of this process we call teshuvah.

Our primary mission, you see, is to return. To return to a time when we were pure, innocent, without sin. When we were less cynical and more wholesome, less critical and more idealistic, less pessimistic and more optimistic.

To return to Hashem, Who loves us eternally, Who performs daily miracles on our behalf and passionately wants us to reach our fullest potential, if only we choose to walk His path.

And, of course, to return as a nation to Israel – the only land which Hashem created specifically for us, the land “upon which the eyes of G-d are perpetually focused”, the one land on the planet where our Divine destiny can be most fully realized.

evil” in front of the people, who are urged to “choose life”. That means loving G-d and walking in His ways. Heaven and Earth are called to bear witness to this responsibility and its consequences.

HAFTARAH

Taken from the book of Yeshaya, this is the last of the ‘seven haftarot of consolation’ read after Tisha B’Av. The

Teshuvah, of course, has yet another meaning: “the Answer”. Ironically, even as we go forward to a New Year, we must at the same time also go back, we must work to return to being the holy vessel, the pure, pristine person that we were created to be. If the question is, “How can I merit yet another year of life?” then the answer is chadesh yameinu k’kedem, help us to renew ourselves to be as we once were. That is the teshuvah, the answer; that is the challenge that lies before us.

May all of our tefillot be answered by Hashem for good – this year and all years.

Rabbi Stewart Weiss is director of the Ra’anana Jewish Outreach Center (joc mtv@netvision.net.il), leads kosher tours around the world and is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (mizrachi.org/ speakers).

redemption will come, when Israel will be like “a bride who bedecks herself in jewellery”. The nations of the world will recognise Israel’s splendour. Though sul lied by the blood stains of the struggles of exile, the nation should always be aware that G-d loves them and is guarding them. Eventually, Israel will be known as “the holy people, the redeemed of G-d”.

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – DEVARIM 29:9-11

On the last day of his life, Moshe gathers every member of the nation, from the heads of the tribes and the elders to the very young children.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 29:12-14

Moshe enters them into a covenant with G-d, that they will be “a people to Him and He will be a G-d to them”, which He promised to Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. This covenant will be binding for future generations.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 29:15-28

Moshe warns them against idolatry, which they had seen during the Egyptian exile. Forsaking the covenant will provoke

Point to Consider: What lesson is derived from way the Torah phrases how G-d will “return our captivity”? (see Rashi to 30:3)

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 30:7-10

After Israel’s return to G-d, His wrath will be unleashed upon those enemies who persecuted her. G-d will bless the nation like He blessed their forefathers, in “the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your animals and the fruit of your Land”.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 30:11-14

The Torah is not hidden, nor is it so far away that it is inaccessible – it is not “in the heavens”, nor is it “across the sea”; rather it is “very close” to us.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 30:15-20

G-d has placed “life and good, death and

“[The Torah] is not in heaven, for you to say, ‘Who can ascend to heaven for us…’ Nor is it across the sea, for you to say, ‘Who can cross the sea for us…’ Rather, it is very near to you, in your mouth and heart, to perform it” (Devarim 30:12-14)

Torah from Israel

Rosh Hashanah 5783: The “State” of Hashem in Our World

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

“All of humanity pass before You as sheep.. “. On Rosh Hashanah, Hashem reviews all human behavior, scrutinizes our inner hearts, and determines our fate for the coming year. On this solemn Day of Judgement, we also celebrate Divine sovereignty. The shofar blast recalls historical milestones: creation, the binding of Isaac, Jewish selection, Sinai, and, of course, the Messianic endpoint of history. Rosh Hashanah is both a somber day of judgement, but also a celebration of Divine majesty and religious glory.

Hashem is infinite and omnipresent, but His “status” on our planet, is de pendent upon human decisions and the fluctuations of history. By vesting humans with free will, Hashem abdicated control of His presence in this world, delivering to humans the opportunity to bolster or undermine that presence. Our historical Jewish mission is to draw Hashem into our world, speak in His name, and hoist humanity to higher ground. Rosh Hashanah is the grand day of divine authority, human free will, and Jewish destiny.

On this day of gravitas, with both trepidation and anticipation, we look toward the future and pray for prosperity and success. We dream of augmenting Hashem, and moral spirit in this world. But we also look back upon the previous year: Which events over the past year have enhanced the presence of Hashem in our world, and which events have di minished His presence? As the new year commences, what is the state of Hashem in our world?

OVERCOMING CORONA

The past year, civilization finally over came the worldwide corona pandemic. Vaccines were manufactured in rapid speed, enabling us to manage this pan demic in record time, and to significantly limit the death toll. Past pandemics rav aged civilization causing tens of millions of deaths, while thankfully, this pandem ic was checked before it overwhelmed society.Ingenuity is a divine gift and when we employ divinely endowed creativity to improve the human condition and to save lives, Hashem’s will has been served and his presence has been enhanced.

As we transitioned from the pandemic and felt its aftershocks, we were remind ed just how fragile modern society and modern economies are. “Supply chains” became a household term in 2021-2022.

For decades, we outsourced our basic needs, relying on rapid transportation and improved “logistics” to supply daily needs, as we moved goods across great distances. COVID-19 exposed the downside of supply chains: shortages and stoppages far away created local shortages, which ultimately “dominoed” into disruptions of both goods and labor. Eventually, shortages and shutdowns caused food prices to rise and transpor tation costs to spike, further stressing an already inflated worldwide economy.

We had assumed that we could in tegrate humanity into a global supply network, but this pandemic showcased just how delicate a global web of human needs can be. For the two years of the actual pandemic, we were reminded of human mortality. This past year, as we struggled with global logistics, we were reminded of how fragile any human “system” is, and how dependent we are upon divine support. The past year was our Tower of Bavel moment- the year of disruption. When human experience is disrupted, we look to Hashem for reassurance.

WAR IN UKRAINE

In an unprovoked act of naked aggres sion, Russia attacked a sovereign nation, reviving its imperialist ambitions for territory and for regional hegemony. Thousands of innocents were murdered, and millions have been displaced. Hashem and evil cannot reside side-byside, and this malicious violence led to a recession of Hashem’s presence.

Moreover, this war shattered our postcold war illusions of creating an intercon nected world of peace and harmony, im mune to war and aggressive nationalism. Hashem vested us with national identity, but He also wants us to curb nationalistic fervor so that it doesn’t encroach upon the rights of weaker nations. In the past century, unchecked nationalism led to two horrific world wars and to the death of hundreds of millions. Once again, ag gressive nationalism is running rampant, and Hashem’s expectations aren’t being met.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN

Though the war has been dispiriting, there is a more encouraging “Jewish” narrative. Throughout history, the regions of the Ukraine and Western Russia, where this war is unfolding, were, literally, killing fields of Jews. In the 17th century the Khmelnitsky rebellions took the lives of anywhere between 100,000 to 500,000

Jews. Throughout the 19th and early 20th century, successive waves of bloody Russian pogroms murdered thousands of Russian Jews, eventually contributing to mass emigration to North America. During the Holocaust, approximately a million and a half Ukrainian Jews were massacred, many at the hands of Ukraini an auxiliaries who assisted the Nazis.

For hundreds of years, Jews living in these regions were defenseless, some times directly attacked, while other times caught in the crossfire. During this current war in the Ukraine, international Jewish relief organizations intervened, providing support and services for Jews victimized by the war. Of course, the best way to protect Jews is by offering a homeland and a refuge. Since the outbreak of the war, over 30,000 Russian and Ukrainian Jews have emigrated to Israel. Between 1989 and 2006, in one of the most transformative events in the history of the state of Israel, one million Jews from the former Soviet Union made aliyah. Twenty years later this historical waveHashemcontinues.returned His land to His peo ple and the state of Israel must adminis ter to Jews across the world. During this war, Israel’s role in overseeing worldwide Jewry was on full display. Jews returning to their homeland inches us closer to our final redemption and to the kingdom of Hashem.

A GREAT LOSS

Rabbi Chaim Kaniefsky, who passed away this year, was known as the Sar Hatorah or the “prince of Torah”. His tenacious Torah study is hard to duplicate and his mastery of the entire sweep of Torah is hard to replace. Additionally, he was a moral and religious authority to hundreds of thousands who daily sought his wisdom and guidance. Unfortunately, for some, his political activity and policy statements about the pandemic, blurred his Torah achievements. As the new year begins, our world is considerably defi cient in Torah knowledge.

ABUSIVE PUBLIC PERSONALITIES

During the past year terrible scandals were uncovered, as two well-known and influential religious personalities were exposed to be long-term abusers. As they each took their own life, they weren’t legally indicted, but all appearances indicate that this abuse was premeditated andOften,persistent.ourfirst response to these type of scandals is to raise the concern of “chillul

Hashem” or the desecration of Hashem’s name in the public arena. What will soci ety think about religion, as they witness supposedly “religious” people commit ting heinous crimes? How will this reflect upon religion? Immoral behavior by reli gious people disillusions public opinion about religion. As Rav Kook commented “immoral behavior forms the foundation of ideological heresy”.

However, atrocious crimes remove Hashem from our world, whether they are exposed or not. Our primary response to immoral behavior should not be the concern of chillul Hashem, but rather, concern for the victims, and revulsion of the crimes themselves, which always distance Hashem from our world even if never discovered. There is much to recover.

QUEEN ELIZABETH AND BACKSLIDING DEMOCRACIES

Queen Elizabeth passed, and with her passing, an era came to a close. Though her titular role was largely symbolic, she was an icon, representing centuries of European monarchy. It is unlikely that future “royalty” will wield much influ ence, if any. She was probably the last of herThekind.history of monarchy isn’t pleasant, as it often persecuted its subjects and repressed freedom. Modern democracy replaced absolute rule, and liberated man from political oppression. However, society is currently witnessing the flaws of modern democracies such as polarized politics, manipulation of public opinion, political gridlock, just to name a few. We cherish democracy because it is the fairest political system humanity has constructed, but it is far from perfect and far from what we dream of.

On Rosh Hashanah we dream of the kingdom of Hashem and for benevolent monarchy. We pray for perfection. Each year we try to inch closer.

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

New Year, New beginnings?

Rosh Hashanah – the start of a new year; an op portunity for new beginnings. A time of renewal and a new cycle within the greater cycle of life. A chance for us to praise Hashem and recognise His hand in the world and to reach into our hearts and daven and ask to be blessed with our most longed for blessings in the year to come. Rosh Hashanah can be a time of hope and inspiration. I even felt a sense of excitement when I lit my Yom Tov candles and vividly imagined that the next year I could be lighting 3. But this year, I am dreading that moment of lighting my 2 lonely candles for the 6th Rosh Hashanah in a row. All my sisters will be going to light at my parents where we will be eating first night together as a family, but I don’t know how I will face the pain of being the only one lighting just 2 candles on my lonely silver plate. I would much prefer to light at home and save myself the awkward embarrassment of the sorry looks and inevitable comments – please Gd this is your year, please Gd by you. So, I will light at home alone, isolated, again.

I am a spiritual person and feel a deep connection to Hashem, but perhaps this makes it even more difficult to understand why my pleading tefillos are not being answered. Year after year I stand and cry and plead; I look over at my husband and I feel so helpless to give him the answers and the family that he longs for. We know that the next few months will be another gruelling cycle of injections, blood tests and scans. Endless trips to and from the clinic –with little time to enjoy anything else within this regimented process. Not that we want to – going anywhere ‘nice’ simply provides a constant reminder of what we don’t have. Everywhere we look we see women with buggies, men holding hands with their children on the way to school or shul. Putting on a

brave happy face is exhausting. How can I possibly explain that someone else’s joy and blessing causes my own heart to break? How would anyone under stand that it’s not jealousy, it’s just the painful longing to have that joy and blessing for myself. It is easier to close the curtains and protect myself from the anguish. But I am a teacher, a daughter, a sister, a friend. I don’t have the luxury of hiding away from life. I have to face the pain, every day, everywhere. I really cherish the space I have to just be my self in my Chana counselling session. I don’t know where we would be if it wasn’t for Chana. I know my therapist is always just at the other end of the phone, and if I have an urgent question about my medication or my treatment I know that I am never alone. In this kind of journey – that is invaluable. We are onto our 4th cycle of IVF, having already spent £30 000 on treatment with no success yet. There is no way we could have the opportunity to pursue these treatments without Chana funding. The Chana medical panel who generously reviewed my notes have uncovered something really important in my medical history and have suggested a new approach to the treatment in our next cycle. In the run up to Rosh Hashanah I am trying to reach into myself and gather together the crumbs of faith that I know I have deep inside. Chana has given me that little bit of hope to hold onto while I light my candles this Yom Tov, and who knows, maybe next year there really will be 3.

This Rosh Hashanah, there are 42 Chana couples who will be lighting one more Yom Tov candle than last year. With your support, B”H we can help create lives together.

Jteen reflects on the past year

Ya’alov Barr

As Rosh Hashana approaches and with the summer feeling something of a distant memory, Jteen can reflect upon its summer initiatives with tremendous satisfaction. From over nine thousand wellbeing booklets printed and dis tributed to summer camps and homes across the UK and camp counsellors receiving emotional health training from Jteen therapists, summer camps reported seeing far less emotional health problems in their campers this year. Jteen safeguarding experts also made themselves available throughout the holiday to advise camp leaders when urgent matters arose, and several camps made use of this service on a number of occasions. Our work ensured that the inevitable challenges were dealt with in an appropriate and timely fashion.

At the same time we are hugely excited by what the year ahead has in store for Jteen. We are now preparing to train an other large cohort of volunteers, who will join the current pool of over 60 volunteer counsellors and therapists.

In another recent development, in response to the feedback received from teenagers, parents, our own volunteers, and leaders in the community, Jteen Support now has a phone-line in ad dition to its text line. The availability of our phone-line ensures that we can reach teenagers who prefer to speak on the phone rather than text, as well as those who do not have access to text (SMS). Teenagers from across the UK and Belgium feel comfortable sharing feelings that they may otherwise be reluctant to share safe in the knowledge that nobody can see their name or phone number. The service is fully anonymous

andFollowingconfidential.theCovid pandemic, the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people is more fragile than it has ever been. Jteen was established under the guidance of mental health professionals, including John Cameron (previously leader of NSPCC/Childline) to address the needs of young people across all sections of the Jewish commu nity. Listening carefully to the needs of our teenagers, through their feedback and the reasons they are reaching out to the service, JTeen is now undertaking workshops within schools on vital sub jects like friendship and stress, as well as extending the successful teacher-train ing courses to more teachers within the community. Jteen firmly believes in prevention over intervention, and is now set to be at the forefront, acting to avoid mental health decline amongst teenagers in the coming year, hoping to prevent small problems ‘morphing’ into emergencies.Rabbiniclead Rabbi S.F Zimmerman commended the work of JTeen saying ‘it is crucial for our teens to know that there is always someone to share life’s burdens with, and to offer support and encour agement. We are here. We are ready to listen.’Reflecting on the past year, CEO and psychotherapist Yaakov Barr (MSc) said, ‘I would like to sincerely thank all the Jteen volunteers who have selflessly given hours of their time to help sup port our teenagers. Looking ahead I am tremendously enthused about the programmes that we are planning for the coming year for teenagers, parents and teachers. We have a lot to do!”

In any community, building a Magen David Adom station not only saves lives, it changes them too.

To support our work in Julis and across Israel call 020 8201 5900 or visit mdauk.org/build With your help we will save more lives.

GROUNDUP FROM SAVINGLIVES

THE

In the growing Israeli Druze town of Julis, Magen David Adom UK is building a station that will house an ambulance together with a team of medics. More than that, MDA Julis will provide jobs and volunteering opportunities for a community living on Israel’s social and economic periphery. What started as a simple dispatch point is now something much, much bigger.

We are specialists in children’s eye care, committing the time needed to assess your child’s vision fully and recommend the best solutions possible if they need corrective eyewear. One of the most common childhood vision problems is called myopia, also known as Myopiashort-sightedness.occurswhen children’s eyes grow more than they should. When this process doesn’t stop, we call it myopia Todayprogression.mostmyopic

children wear glasses with standard ophthalmic lenses. These lenses correct myopia and allow children to see clearly. However, their myopia might still be worsening. This means that as children grow, their myopia may progress, requiring stronger prescriptions. The more the correction grows the more they are dependent on their glasses. This also means

the risk of becoming highly myopic and developing complications increases. High myopia is a major concern nowadays, with almost 1 billion people worldwide expected to be affected by it by 2050¹. This is important because high myopia can increase the risks of vision impairment later in life.

But did you know help is at hand? Stellest™ lenses are Essilor’s best solution to fight children’s myopia and are clinically proven to slow down myopia progression by 67% on average.²

If your child needs an eye examination or already wears standard spectacles for myopia , contact us today to book an appointment. We will carry out a thorough eye examination and if your child is myopic, we can start them on the Stellest™ journey, giving them the vision they need both now and for the future.

Don’t despair… we’re here to help Paperweight Perspective

BY HARVEY LEADERCASEWORKER/TEAMSILVER,

fellow Jews need help, there is Paperweight. The Torah teaches us to take care of those in need, to show compassion and facilitate the needs of the community. We under stand the cultural and religious needs of our community and are there to assist through many of life’s difficult moments.

decisions. Caseworkers advocate for clients’ rights, reinstating people’s basic income. Many people feel understandably, that they are not able to navigate the disability bene fits system without Paperweights support.

There will be many times during our lifetimes when things are not running to our overall plan. Many of us will experience difficulty with for example, debt, housing or relationship issues. At Paperweight our caseworkers are continually trained to assist the Jewish community in their time of need.

Perhaps you are assisting an elderly rela tive with welfare benefits or are not sure if you are entitled to welfare benefits yourself, we can help, we understand the Jewish community’s needs and will always assist in completeThroughoutconfidence.ourlong and varied history, Jews have built strong and supportive communities. Now whenever or wherever

I began volunteering with Paperweight in 2020, I had been with The Citizens Advice Bureau for 12 years. One field of expertise that I have is welfare benefits and the minefield of Universal Credit, with the ever changing law that the Department of Work and Pensions have to abide by. The benefits system is complicated and changes often.

Having the knowledge and experience of the benefits system, Paperweight has helped and continues to help many in our commu nity contest injustices in benefit assessment

Many people with illnesses or disabilities may find themselves in debt and struggle to have enough money for rent, food and bills. After getting advice from Paperweight, they were able to manage their debt problems more successfully. Many in our community, have said that they would never have been able to achieve the outcome they received without Paperweights assistance.

Contrary to the general perception, a lot of Jewish people are living on a low income, or indeed in poverty, this can and does have an impact on an individual’s mental and physical health. Social exclusion, which

often goes hand in hand with financial poverty, reduces an individual’s capacity to access support and to engage in activities with therapeutic value to help them towards recovery. The interlinked elements of men tal health and poverty and deprivation also impact on the next generation. Research conducted recently confirmed that families living in poverty were more likely to expe rience brief and repeated mental health problems, and that the mental health of a parent was found to be linked to children’s developmental outcomes. Behavioural and emotional development in those children was stunted and often repeated.

When creditors letters or phone calls inev itably make life intolerable, Paperweight can assist by empowering individuals with the ability to negotiate with creditors, explaining and offering the ammunition to process an affordable repayment plan.

The Jewish community are not immune to life’s many challenges. If you are experienc ing difficulty, please contact Paperweight.

For a free copy of the guide, please 2AS.inchaniecooper@paperweight.org.ukemailorcalltoourofficeat89BellLane,HendonNW4

“One I ask of you: Do not lose hope when things go ill with you; do not give way to despair because you of any kind lasts forever but is or distress (Proverbs

Nitzavim

Moshe starts off with “You stand today, all of you, before the L‑rd your G‑d: your heads, your tribes, your elders, your officers, and every Israelite man; your young ones, your wives, the stranger in your gate; from your wood hewer to your water drawer.” It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, if you’re rich or poor, a very important person or not, clever or not, popular or not, we’re all one people. Everyone has to keep the Torah and everyone is a Jew, no one is better than anyone else, Hashem loves you more than your parents, more than even you love yourself and He doesn’t care if you’re good at school or if you suck at football, you’re a Jew and He loves you. It also means that Torah has to be kept whoever you are, don’t think mitzvot are for big rabbis. You have to do them too.

Moshe has only a few hours left because it’s now the 7th of Adar and he’s going to die that night. He goes around and comforts everyone, going into every single tent and making people feel better even though he’s going to die. Isn’t that amazing – he’s going to die in a few hours and this is how he spends his time, helping others?! Moshe was a very great leader, look how much

he cared for us!

Hashem then tells us that Torah isn’t something really, really hard. It’s not in Shamayim that you have to climb ladders to get there. It’s not across the ocean, you don’t have to fly to Tibet or trek across the Himalayas. It’s easy, it can be done with your heart and mouth.

Next, we need to make a new “deal” with Hashem because the generation that was at Har Sinai had already passed on and Moshe wanted this new generation to promise to keep the Torah. But the Bnei Yisrael must swear that they will be Hashem’s people forever. From now on every Jew, in every generation, will be responsible for himself and his fellow Jew.

Even if Hashem sends the Bnei Yisrael into Galut, the Jews must know that Hashem will not stay angry forever. Galut is Hashem’s way of pushing the Jews to do Teshuvah. If the Jews do Teshuvah on their own, the exile will go easily. The longer Bnei Yisrael pushes off Teshuvah, the harder the Galut will get. When Hashem brings the nation out of exile, all curses will transfer to their enemies and Bnei Yisrael will be “blessed for success!”

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes on the right can you build the apple shape on the right?

Rosh Hashanah Word Search • COVENANT EXILE IDOLATRY • MOSHE TRIBES YAAKOV YITZCHAK

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

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

The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.

Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the Wheel i

We Treat… severe cases are rapidly assessed and referred for appropriate therapy. (90 mins) (3 hrs) (90 mins) (90 mins) (3 hrs) (90 mins) (3 (3 DATES

We know there are stormy times ahead.

Covid, conflict in Ukraine and beyond, economic pressures, employment insecurity...we’re facing unprecedented levels of uncertainty and anxiety – key drivers of mental ill health.

Project Lily’s FREE online training equips you with vital skills to respond to mental health issues before they escalate. Our CPD accredited courses are delivered via Zoom by our Clinical Director, Jonathan Dove (B.Sc. M.A. MBACP Reg; Member EMDR UK).

Topics: Mental health basics • Stress • Anxiety Depression PTSD • Self-care approach:

We Train… People learn to identify and rapidly respond to common mental health issues.

We Support… trainees, guided by our clinical team, support others (and themselves) with practical help before issues escalate.

Q. My parents are in their 70s. My Dad has health issues and is finding it harder to man age the stairs. My Mum is finding it harder to manage doing everything she used to do at home. I worry as they will need more help and I live quite far away from them. What do you recommend I do to help them?

A. Your concern for your parents makes sense and it could be that initially, with a few easy adjustments, your parents could improve their quality of life in their home to help them maintain their independence safely. It’s important to adapt our environment to suit our needs as we age. With their consent, you could contact the Jewish Care Direct Helpline who will be able to discuss their needs with a referral to our Social Work and Community Support Team for a more in-depth discussion.

In the longer term, it may be a good idea for your parents to think about planning for the future and if their support needs were to increase, it could be a good idea to look at retirement and assisted living apartments. You can take a tour of Jewish Care’s Retire ment Living apartments, they are designed with independence and wellbeing in mind. Giving peace of mind, they create a choice to make a home of your own and to live life the way you want to live, in a safe and supported environment. At the same time people in later life can be involved in purposeful activities and contribute to the com munity in which they live. With regular activities close by, including at our community centre hubs, those living in Jewish Care’s Retirement Living can enjoy closing their own front door to their home, whilst having the opportunity to stay connected with others, as being part of a vibrant, active community.

Our Living With Jewish Care team are happy to assist you if you have any questions or would like to know more about our Retirement Living options. You can contact the team on 020 8922 2222, or email lwjc@jcare.org to arrange a visit and take a virtual tour online.

Jewish Care Director of Care, Housing and Hospitality

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

JACOB BERNSTEIN

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

Contact: 020 7781

JEWISHCHARITYCARE

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

KOSHERBUTCHERSDELI

Contact: 020 8922 www.jewishcare.orghelpline@jcare.org2222

Kosher Deli was established with the intention of kosher and poultry affordable for all the of All without

Contact: 020 8381

ESTATE AGENT

V - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE

Roundtree Real Estate Estate Agent having been established on the High and we are here to long do

Rachel Jones

MARTINTELECOMMUNICATIONSHEIMAN–SMARTINET of since 2010. 0333 613

ENERGY PERFORMANCE 03300

SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT

SITEAWE

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

Contact: 07707 220 www.eli@siteawe.com445siteawe.com

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

STEPHEN COLMAN – INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

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

Contact: 07956 234 524 020 8458 stephencolman2@aol.com9137 FINANCIAL EXPERTS in association with richdale

Shana Tova your a sweet, the Jewish Women’s

22 Beehive Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3RT

22 Beehive Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3RT

Rabbi Steven & Rebbetzen Siobhan Dansky, Reverend Gary & Gillian Newman, the Executive and Synagogue Council wish the whole Community Shana Tova V’Gmar Chatima Tova. During these difficult times we wish you good health and hope that you keep safe.

Rabbi Steven & Rebbetzen Siobhan Dansky, Reverend Gary & Gillian Newman, the Executive and Synagogue Council wish the whole Community Shana Tova V’Gmar Chatima Tova . During these difficult times we wish you good health and hope that you keep safe.

For the last 30 years, Langdon has been working together in partnership with families, support workers, volunteers, trustees and donors to empower independence for hundreds of young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.

Please support our 36-hour crowdfunder campaign on Sunday 23rd to Monday 24th October when we can all come together to enable our Members to live their best lives and be their best true selves.

Donate and find out more at langdonuk.org/30together

With your help this new year, together, we can continue to enable Livingness.