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THOUSANDS TO MARK HMD 25 January 2018/ 9 Sh’vat 5778

BY ADAM MOSES

Thousands of events will mark Holocaust Memorial Day this year. The annual HMD commemoration marks the day Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945 just eight months before the war officially ended. Events also remember subsequent genocides around the world including Cambodia, Rwanda and Darfur. This year’s theme ‘The Power of Words’ is a reminder of how words can make a difference, both for good and for evil. “Hundreds of thousands of people will attend around 8,000 activities all around the country,” explained Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) chief executive Olivia Marks-Woldman. “We know from work we do at the Trust these events make a difference to what people know and learn

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about the past. They also make a difference to how people feel for those who suﬀered in the Holocaust and other genocides.” She added: “Over 90 percent of people who go to an HMD activity go on to take some form of action as a result of what they are learning and feeling.” In one of the initial events Holocaust victims were remembered at City Hall in a poignant ceremony on Tuesday. Survivors joined Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Rabbi Joseph Dweck, MPs and London Assembly members. Reﬂecting this year’s theme, the Mayor read an excerpt from The Diary of Anne Frank. “It is vital that we all take time to hear the accounts of Jewish survivors and refugees who went through unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust,” he said.

“As the years pass, and as we have fewer survivors to pass on their extraordinary stories, we must work even harder to ensure younger generations learn the lessons from history.” He added: “The Holocaust was one of the very darkest times in human history. “Today, we take time to remember the six million Jewish lives cut short, as well as the millions killed in subsequent genocides, and we commit to strengthening our resolve to ﬁght hatred and intolerance in all its forms.” Rabbi Joseph Dweck addressed the audience and performed a memorial prayer. London Assembly chair Jennette Arnold opened the event. “Some events can leave you speechless, the Holocaust is one

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Hundreds of thousands of people move to commemorate Holocaust CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 such event, as are the other subsequent genocides,” she said. “We must ﬁnd words to express our disgust, dismay and determination never to let such events happen again. We must also ﬁnd the words to pass on to future generations to ensure no one can ever forget.” Holocaust Educational Trust chief executive Karen Pollock added: “We are reminded that sadly antisemitism, racism and prejudice still exist in our society. “Hateful words have an impact, but so too does speaking out against them and today, we must recommit to always doing so, wherever hatred is found. We must treasure the precious testimony of Holocaust survivors, and pledge to always remember their stories.” Those gathered heard emotional accounts from Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg and from Kemal Pervanic, who survived the genocide in Bosnia in the early 1990s. The ceremony featured London schoolchildren, who presented their experiences from the Lessons from Auschwitz project together with music by Francesca Ter-Berg and Carol Isaacs courtesy of the Jewish Music Institute. In other events, The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Charles Bowman, welcomed 150 survivors of the Holocaust and genocide at Mansion House last Friday. HMDT organised the reception honouring contributions to British society made by survivors and refugees of the Holocaust and genocides. Speakers included The Lord Mayor, Olivia Marks-Woldman and

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Sir Eric Pickles. “Many survivors have made London their home and continue to make an immense contribution to British life and our wider society,” said Alderman Bowman. Longstanding HMD supporter Sir Eric joined the Trust as the first Honorary Vice President alongside Holocaust survivor and Honorary President Ben Helfgott. “There are few people who have done more to ensure the lessons from the Holocaust and other genocides are taught and learned,” said HMD chair Laura Marks. “He has campaigned tirelessly to ensure we never forget just where intolerance and hatred can lead.” Staff and volunteers from Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivor Centre supported the reception. Forty-eight hours earlier Holocaust survivors joined peers at a House of Lords reception. Hosted by Lord Shinkwin and Baroness Finlay, Holocaust survivor Joan Salter, awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list, described how she sailed from Europe to America aged three without her parents. “A couple took me from the orphanage, my name was changed, my past wiped out and it was not until 1947, that I was reunited with my birth parents,” she recalled. Among regional events, Manchester City Council screened a Holocaust related film to representatives from secondary schools and community groups earlier this week. Holocaust survivor Dr Peter Kurer and Mike Levy of the Holocaust Education Trust led a presentation at the event.

JLC discussions moved to Parliament after outrage BY ADAM MOSES The Jewish Leadership Council’s panel discussion regarding the UN Human Rights Council and Israel took place in Parliament last night. Louise Ellman MP and Damien Moore MP hosted the event. Amnesty International UK had originally agreed to host the event but inexplicably cancelled by email shortly before the Sabbath last week leaving the JLC to respond after Shabbat. Amnesty stated it was not appropriate to host an event by an organisation that “actively supports” Israel’s settlements. JLC responded by stating they have no publically stated position on settlements. The JLC backs a two-state solution as part of direct peace negotiations and oppose all blanket boycotts of Israeli goods. The JLC also noted the panel event was not focused on ‘settlements’. Jewish organisations and community members have lambasted Amnesty’s antics. “It is disgraceful a Jewish charity is barred from the offices of Amnesty International UK,” said JLC chairman Jonathan Goldstein. “For a long time, our community has been deeply disappointed by Amnesty International UK’s approach to Israel and the Jewish community, yet we had sought positive engagement. By withdrawing their offer to host an event on the role of the UN Human Rights Council, it is clear Amnesty International UK’s claim ‘to protect Freedom of Expression,’ is only on their terms. “We have long argued that the aggressive criticism of Israeli government policy creates an environment where antisemitism thrives and it is highly regrettable that on this occasion Amnesty International UK’s decision has targeted the Jewish community.” Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush vehemently backed JLC’s stance. “Amnesty’s stated reasons for cancelling a meeting organised by the JLC are specious,” he said. “Amnesty should not need to be reminded that human rights such as freedom of speech within the law are universal - they even apply to those whose opinions you disagree with. Amnesty has deeply discredited itself and exposed its long-held bigotry when it comes to the world’s only Jewish state, Israel.” The JLC published Amnesty’s email on its website as Monday unfolded after publically explaining its position. `‘Amnesty International UK initially committed to joining a panel debate. They withdrew from the panel some months ago, but agreed to maintain their offer of the event space.

Four days before the event was scheduled to take place, the JLC received notice that Amnesty International UK was no longer agreeing to host the event, on the grounds they are “currently campaigning for all governments around the world to ban the import of goods produced in the illegal Israeli settlements. We do not, therefore, think it appropriate for Amnesty International to host an event by those actively supporting such settlements.” Over the coming 24 hours, over 900 people responded to JLC’s request to sign an open letter on its website condemning the decision. By Tuesday morning, JLC’s target signatories had been all but guaranteed. The letter will be sent to Amnesty UK and national newspapers for publication. The letter stated: ‘We are writing to express our extreme disappointment at your cancellation of the Jewish Leadership Council’s panel debate on Israel due to be held at the Amnesty International UK (AI UK) headquarters. The reasons stated for the cancellation of this event are problematic and unacceptable. The belief that it is not appropriate for AI UK to “host an event by an organisation that actively supports Israel’s settlements” vindicates those who argue that there is a slippery slope from endorsing the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to discrimination of Jews. The Jewish Leadership Council takes no set position on settlements. AI UK has maligned the Jewish community by making sweeping accusations and assumptions about its policies on Israel. There have been a number of events previously held at the AI UK premises with speakers that hold problematic views. These speakers are seemingly not held to the same level of scrutiny as the Jewish community has been on this occasion. We therefore ask that you issue a public apology to the Jewish community for your discrimination and openly share the criteria under which you made this decision.’ The JLC has thanked the intervention of MPs for organising the Parliament discussion.

Parliament

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 06 Israel News 08 Letters 10 Community News 18 Judaism 22 Business 24 Sports

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Board calls on Jews and Muslims to “stand together” BY LEAH WAXLER The Board of Deputies has called on Jews and Muslims to stand together on a number of key issues following a series of meetings in Manchester. Board President Jonathan Arkush and Vice President Marie van der Zyl participated in a two-day programme with Muslim community leaders and schoolchildren. Among issues discussed were halal and shechitah, circumcision, the current anger surrounding coroner services and marginalising extremists. “This is the continuation of strong, constructive engagement with Muslim ﬁgures around the country tackling the big issues

t. Es

and saying the things that need to be said,” commented Mr Arkush. “Our goal is to strengthen the middle ground and to marginalise the extremists.” Mr Arkush and Ms van der Zyl met Imam Irfan Chishti of Manchester Central Mosque, one of the largest in the city. Imam Chishti spoke passionately about the anti-extremist work that he leads within his community during the meeting. Together with Mr Arkush they answered questions on Judaism and Islam from a group of primary school children who were visiting the mosque. Mr Arkush and his party spoke with students at Manchester Islamic High School for Girls who were

NEWS IN BRIEF

Dutch Police investigate shul and hospice vandalism

Jonathan Arkush

visiting the Boards’ Jewish Living Experience exhibition on display at Manchester Cathedral. Ms van der Zyl, along with Michael Rubinstein of the Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, met MEP Wajid Khan who pledged support in the ﬁght against antisemitism. Other meetings included a visit to Darul Aman Ahmaddiya Mosque, talks with Chief Inspector Umer Khan of Greater Manchester

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Yo u r l i n k t o a w o r l d o f t r a v e l

Police and novelist Qaisra Shahraz The Board has a track record with Muslim communities to ﬁght against anti-Muslim hatred. They protested against The Sun article calling for a solution to “The Muslim Problem”, defended the Golders Green Islamic Centre from an anti-Muslim campaign and showed solidarity following the terror attack on Muslim worshippers in Finsbury Park.

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Netherlands Police are investigating a synagogue and a hospice being vandalised earlier this month. Nieuw Israëlietisch Weekblad newspaper reported on the synagogue incident at Chabad Central Amsterdam where unidentified individuals hurled bricks at the building. A police spokesman said the incident bore signs of a “deliberate attack” against a Jewish institution. AT5 Television Channel reported on a man stealing two security cameras at Immanuel Hospice. The incidents follow an attack on a kosher restaurant in Amsterdam last month. Officers arrested the perpetrator who broke into the restaurant and removed an Israeli flag. Dutch Jewish leaders have criticised police for releasing the man whose trial is on-going after 60 hours detention and reports he planned similar actions in the future.

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Jacobson appointed Kick It Out Ambassador as FA investigate anti-Semitic comments at weekend game BY ADAM MOSES

Wycombe Wanderers star Joe Jacobson has been appointed an ambassador for football’s equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out. Jacobson will help endorse the messages of Kick It Out by providing support with events and initiatives run by the organisation. He shared his experiences of being a Jewish professional footballer at a Kick It Out educational workshop at Chiltern Way Academy when reﬂecting on his experience of faith and football with pupils, in particular discussing the negative impact surrounding the use of the Y-word. The Kick It Out Ambassador programme brings together footballers from across the Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League to champion the organisation’s core messages of equality and inclusion. Joe joins the likes of AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, Barcelona star Toni Duggan and Stoke City and England goalkeeper Jack Butland as an ambassador. Upon his appointment, Joe said: “I’ve always been more than happy to support a variety of Kick It Out

Wycombe Wanderers crest

programmes and play my part in helping to educate about equality and inclusion, particularly being one of the few Jewish players in the professional game. “I look forward to working more closely with the organisation to help them continue the excellent work that they do.” Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth, commented: “Joe is a true professional on and oﬀ the pitch and everyone at Wycombe Wanderers has great respect for the time and eﬀort that he puts into helping both the local community and the football community as a whole. “It’s brilliant to see him rewarded with a prestigious ambassador role within Kick It Out and I know he’ll do a brilliant job in supporting their work in equality and inclusion.”

Jacobson’s appointment comes within days of Hemel Hempstead Town F.C. placing on record it’s support for a Football Association investigation to be held following alleged anti-semitic comments aimed at its player, Scott Shulton, during the game at Braintree Town last weekend. Shultin claims he was sworn at by a former teammate during the Vanarama National League South match. A club statement said that Hemel would “co-operate fully” with the investigation: “We would like to make it clear that the club will fully support Scott during this diﬃcult time. Hemel Hempstead Town F.C. does not condone or accept any form of hate crime based on disability, race or ethnicity, religion or

belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity.” Braintree Town have been made aware of the allegation made by their former player Shulton following the conclusion of the match at home to Hemel. The allegation was made to the match referee Wayne Cartmel after the game. Club Secretary Tom Woodley was advised of the player’s allegation and that it would be included in the referee’s report on the match to the Football Association. The Match Referee added that neither he nor his assistants heard the alleged remark. Chairman Lee Harding told the club website: “I was disappointed to hear about the allegation made by Scott. He is well thought of at our Club, having been one of our championship-winning players from the 2010/11 season and he also made thirteen appearances for us this season before signing for Hemel Hempstead Town in the Autumn. “I am proud that we at Braintree Town have a multi cultural squad with a diverse cross-section of society representing our Club. In my sixteen years at the Club I have only ever seen or heard of one

NEWS IN BRIEF

Patel apologises on TV

Priti Patel has apologised on ITV’s Good Morning Britain for causing the Prime Minister diﬃculty when she met members of the Israeli government without her knowledge last summer. In her ﬁrst broadcast interview since being sacked as international development secretary in November the former minister said there was “no malice” in the secret meetings. She added that it would have been “remiss” not to speak to them while on holiday in Israel.

similar situation and that was when one of our players was subjected to racist comments and the matter was reported to, and promptly dealt with by, The Football Association. “I fully support the decision of the match referee to report the matter to the game’s governing body and we will co-operate fully with any enquiries from the Football Association. “Braintree Town Football Club has never, does not, nor will it ever condone or accept any form of personal abuse or hate crime motivated by hostility or a demonstration of hostility towards any individual’s disability race religion sexual orientation or transgender identity.”

Board call for Hassel to be axed from post BY ADAM MOSES

The Board of Deputies has called for Mary Hassell, the Senior Coroner for Inner North London, to be removed from her post. The damning appeal follows a meeting with the coroner last Friday who displayed “little interest” in addressing the Jewish community’s concerns in her work. Marie Van Der Zyl, Vice President of the Board of Deputies and Sidney Sinitsky of the Adath Yisroel Burial Society met Ms Hassell to see whether steps could be taken to re-instil the Jewish community with confidence in her work. Ms Van Der Zyl said: “The early release of bodies for those families who want it – including Jewish families – is a fulfilment of the basic human rights of family life and religious practice. “Not only is Ms Hassell failing to respect those rights, but she shows no inclination to do so. She has lost the confidence of the Jewish community and appears to have no

interest in winning it back.” The Board took the step of writing to the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, David Gauke, and the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon, to request her removal from her post on Tuesday. Ms van der Zyl noted in the letter that the situation concerning the Inner North London Coroners Service, which over 30,000 Jews depend oncontinues to be “deeply troubling”. Regarding her meeting with the Senior Coroner to discuss a way forward on policies that obstruct the early release of bodies for families that request it, she explained: ‘This is critical for the religious freedom of Jewish families, whose religious tradition dictates a funeral take place as soon as possible after death, and whose other crucial mourning rites cannot begin until after burial. ‘Ms Hassell’s insistence on what she terms a ‘cab rank’ rule on a strict ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served basis without any discretion, and

unwillingness to provide a contact number for burial societies to use out-of-hours services, has created a situation were the Jewish community of Inner North London is being failed by their coroner’s service.’ The document included a list of incidences where Ms Hassells’ “obstructive policies and manner” have resulted in unnecessary delays and distress to the bereaved. Ms van der Zyl added that the list was “not exhaustive” as the Board was seeking examples from the Muslim community. She concluded, “We cannot see how the situation can be resolved while Ms Hassell is still in her post. We therefore request that you relieve her of her duties.” The letter follows on from a number of days when Jewish representatives has been seething about the situation. The senior coroner for Inner North London covering Hackney, Camden, Islington and Tottenham, has been the subject of concern from Orthodox leaders for years.

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Mary Hassel

Hassell, from Wales, drew the anger of the religious Jewish community for saying she would not prioritise any religious group, leading to charges of “insensitivity”. In an angry statement following the meeting, Ms van der Zyl said: “Not only is Ms Hassell failing to respect those rights, but she shows no inclination to do so, she has lost the conﬁdence of the Jewish community, and appears to have no interest in winning it back.” In a further twist, London Mayor Sadiq Khan entered the debate whilst at a City Hall ceremony for International Holocaust Remembrance Day earlier this week. Asked for his views, he said:

“When somebody dies, it’s extremely distressing. For those who follow the Jewish and Islamic faith, it’s an important part of our beliefs and our culture to bury our loved ones as soon as possible.” And the mayor “welcomed” the Board writing to the Lord Chancellor. “I’m hoping he will make sure that coroners appreciate the sensitivity around these issues,” he said. “If there’s no good reason to delay the release of the body or if there’s no reason to have an invasive post-mortem, I think coroners should respect the wishes of the family and the community.”

6 NEWS IN ISRAEL

25 JANUARY 2018

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NEWS IN ISRAEL

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US Embassy to move to Jerusalem by end of 2019 Turkish forces attack Northern Syria Mike Pence became the first US Vice President to address the Israeli Parliament earlier this week as part of his four-day tour of the Middle East. He told the Knesset: “We stand with Israel because we believe in right over wrong, in good over evil, and in liberty over tyranny. We stand with Israel because that’s what Americans have always done, and so has it been since my country’s earliest days.” Pence said “Jerusalem is Israel’s capital” and that the US will open its embassy in Jerusalem by the end of 2019, confirming that the move is being accelerated after officials earlier said it could take three to four years. On Iran and the nuclear deal, Pence said the Trump administration is “working to enact effective and lasting restraints on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Iran to give the Congress and our European allies time to pass stronger measures. But as President Trump made clear, this

Mike Pence PHOTO CREDIT: BICOM

is the last time. Unless the Iran nuclear deal is fixed, President Trump has said the US will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal immediately”. Referring to peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the Vice President said Trump “reaffirmed that, if both sides agree, the United States of America will support a two-state solution”. Arab Members of Knesset were forcibly removed from the Israeli parliament after protesting at the start the speech. The lawmakers heckled Mr Pence and held signs which read: “Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine”. A scuffle erupted as ushers forced them out of the Knesset. In the evening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted Pence and his wife at the

official residence. Before the meal, Netanyahu reflected on the Knesset speech: “I want to commend you for your magnificent speech in the Knesset today. You saw people standing up again and again, applauding you, applauding the principles that guide your policy, applauding the genuine friendship that emanates from your heart.” “The Vice President and I also discussed opportunities for advancing peace. As countries in the region increasingly realise that Israel is not their enemy but a great ally of their wishes for a better future, the chances grow for a broader reconciliation,” Netanyahu said. It emerged on Wednesday that former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks played a key role in helping with the U.S. Vice-President speech.

Johnson and Tillerson renew “special relationship”

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said yesterday that US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel could be a “moment of opportunity” for peace in the Middle East. Following talks with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in London yesterday, Johnson said “the world waiting to see with great interest what the US is going to produce by way of a proposal on the Middle East peace process,” suggesting that after the Trump’s Jerusalem announcement “one would expect some symmetrical movement in the other direction to get things moving”. In December the Foreign Secretary said President Trump’s Jerusalem announcement was “not helpful”. The Foreign Secretary and Tillerson also discussed the recent moves by Turkish forces into northern Syria. Johnson said: “We understand that the Kurds have been instrumental in taking the ﬁght to Daesh [ISIS], and everybody appreciates that. On the other hand, Turkey does have a legitimate interest in protecting its own border.”

Tillerson called for both sides to show restraint and minimise civilian casualties, and that the US is aiming to “see what we can do to work together to address Turkey’s legitimate security concerns”. They also spoke about Trump’s vow to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal if certain aspects of the deal are not addressed, despite Europeans – including Britain – reiterating their commitment to the agreement. Tillerson discussed the importance of how to ﬁx the “ﬂaws” in the Iran deal via a “side agreement”. Johnson said there was a “pretty wide measure of agreement on the European side about the need to look at what Iran is doing on the

ballistic missile front and to work out what we can do collectively to constrain that activity.” “We think we can do that together,” and that it would be done in “parallel” to the Iran nuclear deal, he said. Despite the two countries taking diﬀerent positions on major issues recently, Tillerson said Washington does see its connection with London as a “special relationship,” adding that sometimes the two sides “forget” its importance. Johnson echoed Tillerson’s support for the special relationship, saying: “It is always worth saying that the relationship between the US and the UK is absolutely fundamental to our diplomacy but also to our economy”.

Boris Johnson and State Rex Tillerson PHOTO CREDIT: BICOM

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Turkey launched a ground operation into northern Syria earlier this week as part of a major offensive against Kurdish militias in Afrin, which it regards as terrorists. The ground operation began on the second day of a military offensive called Operation Olive Branch. Since Saturday afternoon, dozens of Turkish airstrikes have hit over 150 targets in Afrin. The Kurdish group targeted, known as the People’s Protection Units (YPG), said it repelled Turkish troops and pro-Turkey rebels from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in the area and retaliated with rocket fire directed at the Turkish province of Kilis across the border. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was launching the military campaign to clear out the YPG and its political arm, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), from the district. Turkey regards the YPG as part of the Syrian wing of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a designated terror group by the US and EU. There are an estimated 600,000 civilians in Afrin, and Turkey says there may be up to

10,000 YPG ﬁghters. Erdogan said in a speech in the western city of Bursa on Sunday: “We are determinedly taking steps against the terrorist organisation and we will continue. It is out of the question to make concessions on this.” Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters in the Turkish capital Ankara that the plan is to create a buﬀer zone along the border, extending 30 km into Syrian territory. The Turkish government has threatened to do since it intervened in the Syrian civil war in August 2016 to limit Kurdish expansion west of the Euphrates River. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the US “is very concerned” about the situation in northwest Syria. The YPG said that the “Turkish army wants through these military operations to inspire fear among civilians to force them from their lands and lay the ground for occupying the city,” adding that it held both Ankara and Moscow accountable for the “massacres that will be committed in Afrin”.

EU Foreign Ministers pledge support for two-state solution EU leaders reaﬃrmed their support for the two-state solution, including East Jerusalem as capital of a Palestinian state and ﬁnancial support through the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). At a meeting in Brussels with EU foreign ministers yesterday, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas repeated his call for East Jerusalem to be recognised as the capital of Palestine as he urged EU members to recognise the state of Palestine immediately, arguing that there was “no contradiction between recognition (of Palestine) and the resumption of (peace) negotiations”. However, such calls appeared to win little support among EU members, whose position is that it should come as part of a peace agreement with Israel. Abbas told EU ministers that the PA “are keen on continuing the way of negotiations. We are determined to reunite our people and our land”. Prior to the meeting, Mogherini was critical of US President Donald Trump’s Jerusalem announcement, telling reporters that “clearly there is a problem with Jerusalem. That is a very diplomatic euphemism”.

However, she said she still wanted to work with the US on Middle East peace talks and said that she had discussed ways to restart them late last year with US Vice President Mike Pence and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. “We reaﬃrmed… our conviction that the framework [for the peace process] has to be multilateral,” suggesting that the framework the EU backs would include the Quartet, which is made up of the US, UN, EU, Russia and some Arab countries. French Foreign Minister JeanYves Le Drian told reporters that the EU should “move toward an association agreement,” giving the PA unfettered access to the EU’s 500 million consumers, as well as increasing aid and political and cultural ties, as a way to strengthen cooperation with non-EU countries. The EU already has an association agreement with Israel that has been in force since June 2000.

8 LETTERS

25 JANUARY 2018

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Letters to the Editor

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

Words of praise

Security concerns

Dear sir,

Just a few words to thank you for the Jewish Weekly. We look forward to reading it every week. It is a Jewish newspaper which is sensitively and discreetly written for all members of the family with excellent Torah thoughts, informative items of news, communal articles and fun features such as dingbats. Keep up the good work. May you go from strength to strength. F. Brunner

I was recently at women’s only Jewish event and was surprised by the manner of how they dealt with security. The security guards were not authorising ladies without a ticket to go inside. This would of been reasonable if everyone had their tickets on them but many of them had their tickets on hold at the reception desk in the hall. This caused a lot of havoc for the event, as people had to call friends who were in the hall to collect their ticket and bring it outside, others could not get through to the people they new in the hall and were forced to wait a while. Justiﬁably, the security threat is tremendously high in the UK, however there is no reason as to why this speciﬁc event did not conduct security in the same way as they do in Synagogues and other higher threat security events. It would have been more pleasing for the security guards to have a guest list with names allowing a smoother entrance as opposed to leaving young and old women in the brutal cold for an event they had paid for. Furthermore, an event like this should have CST present, security guards should be trained enough to recognise if an individual is innocent or a threat and if they feel someone looks suspicious they have the right to check their bags and question them etc. The organisers of these events should take responsibility and in future better organisation should be put in place.

London NW11

Yours faithfully, L Abramsky

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

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Reclaim the lost art OF HUMAN CONNECTION

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Locations A fascinating, new six-session course by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute

Jewish philosophy, communication is more than just a tool: it is who we are. Humans are defined as communicative beings with a communicative soul, and aligning ourselves with this soul is our raison d’être. In Communication: Its Art and Soul, we contrast Jewish thought with scientific discovery to unearth the essence of communication and how to utilize its powers to better ourselves, our relationships, and all of society.

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Nightingale Hammerson raises £1.25 million at Guildhall gala More than 500 Nightingale Hammerson supporters gathered at the City’s Guildhall on Monday 15th January for the charity’s 2018 fundraising dinner, ‘celebrating great lives, great care and great plans’. Presenter for the evening, newsreader and broadcaster Natasha Kaplinsky discussed the sector of philanthropy and social care in which Nightingale Hammerson is an industry leader “in conversation” with Michael Grade, Chairman of the Charity Fundraising Regulator, in front of an audience of distinguished guests including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Sir Trevor and Lady Pears, Sir Stuart and Lady Lipton and many other leading community personalities. The guests displayed exceptional generosity, donating £1.25 million which will contribute signiﬁcantly towards maintaining the excellent facilities and standard of care at the charity’s two residential care homes, Nightingale House in South London and Hammerson House in North London, which is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment. Speaking at the event, Lord Grade commended Nightingale Hammerson as an example of good practice in social care: “Charities like Nightingale Hammerson are doing a vital job of taking care of our older people. Organisations such as these contribute a great deal to their communities; it’s heart-warming to see so many of you here tonight supporting their work. Long may it continue.” Nightingale Hammerson Chairman Melvin Lawson addressed the theme of this year’s dinner ‘Celebrating great lives, great care, great plans’ when he said that Nightingale Hammerson’s reputation for delivering person-centred care

25 JANUARY 2018

MFS visit to mayor of Barnet Menorah Foundation school Council were invited to visit the Mayor of Barnet. Acting Head Teacher Karen Kent mentioned her pride in their exemplary behaviour that was praised by the Town Hall staﬀ. The children were fascinated to hear the Mayor speak about his important role and democracy in Britain today. They toured the town hall

admiring the portraits of Mayors past and present, and they were all excited to be given the opportunity to try on ceremonial robes and carry the mace. It’s fair to say they were truly dazzled by the display of gold chains and artefacts - a thoroughly enjoyable and educational day out for the children.

Nightingale Hammerson House

helped residents to “create a home from home where they feel respected and valued”. Reﬂecting on the organisation’s 175-year history in caring for older members of London’s Jewish community, he added: “It is our honour to bring light to each and every person in our care.” A highlight of the evening was a moving tribute to the late Gerald Lipton MBE, former Chairman and latterly Life-President of Nightingale Hammerson, by former CEO Leon Smith, who highlighted his “spectacular” involvement with the charity. “Everything he did was motivated by one thing only. To do whatever he possibly could to improve facilities, care, and the well-being of the residents,” he added, in the presence of many of Gerald’s family members. Speaking after the video appeal, Nightingale Hammerson President Harvey Rosenblatt paid tribute to “Nightingale Hammerson’s reputation for providing meaningful, quality care which allows our residents to live their lives to the very fullest”. The organisation’s success, he added, was in large part due to the residents themselves and

the pride they take in Nightingale Hammerson. Resident Ann Rowe, who until her arrival at Nightingale House four years ago was wheelchair-bound and unable to move independently, climbed the stairs to the stage with the aid of Nightingale Hammerson Senior Physiotherapist Michael Stokes to the praise of the dedicated in-house physiotherapy team who enabled her to accomplish walking the ﬁnal 40 metres of a 5k sponsored event last year. Another resident present was Walter Goldstein, accompanied by his daughter and his former student Paul Bristow, who credits Walter with “saving him from going oﬀ the rails”. Paul, now in his 40s, had given up on ever being reunited with his mentor, when he heard his old teacher on a radio broadcast in July at the launch of Apples & Honey Nightingale, Nightingale House’s on-site nursery. As a result of the inspirational intergenerational project, they were reunited and they are now in regular touch once again.

The group at the Town Hall

Jewish Blind & Disabled PETron competition

As well as having a bit of fun and winning a cool prize (the pet who makes the judge, Ashley Baker, smile the most wins a trophy and PetsPyjamas travel box), there is also a nice serious point. JBD ﬁnds it a good way to encourage people to sign their pets up as PETrons of Jewish Blind & Disabled which, is a really unique fundraising scheme with all monies raised going towards the charity’s work. Becoming a PETron costs £5 a month (or £60 a year) and comes

Minnie Raven

with a name tag and certiﬁcate, special toys and treats.

Donate your simcha ﬂowers to charity!

A large non-Jewish charity this week donated table centrepiece flowers from their fundraising dinner to those struggling in Jewish community through charity GIFT. The charity spokesperson told GIFT “It was a real pleasure to donate our flowers to such a good cause....If we can provide flowers to those in your community without incurring any cost - then surely all Jewish charity dinners and events could and should do the same!”

The beautiful bouquets were added to the food packages that go out weekly to hundreds of families across London referred by welfare organisations such as Norwood, Jewish Care, Jewish Women’s Aid, Jewish Blind and Disabled etc. GIFT’s twin objectives are to teach young people to GIVE and to help those in need. To donate your ﬂowers, time or money contact info@jgift. org or call 0208 457 4429 Floral delights!

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Minnie Good

Hudson and Shadow

12 NEWS

“Ultimate Israeli” inspires at Bar-Ilan University Bar-Ilan University, Prof. Arie Zaban spoke at an event that was arranged by Shlomo Rechtschaffen the executive director of British Friends of Bar-Ilan University and was hosted in the house of the Chairman Romie Tager and his wife, Esther, in the presence of Israeli Ambassador to the UK Mark Regev and University Vice President for Development Dr. Merav Galili. In introducing Prof. Zaban, Ambassador Regev called him the “ultimate Israeli”, having served as a combat pilot in the Israel Air Force and subsequently becoming a renowned scientist and, most recently, president of the University. One of the most important aspects of the vision outlined by Zaban is IMPACT. IMPACT as a concept represents a new approach to academic research developed at Bar-Ilan University. It emphasizes multidisciplinary research between groups of researchers from various disciplines with a common goal of tackling some of the most complex social economic political technological medical and cultural challenges we face in order to impact upon the world in which we live.

Eleven Impact Centres are currently operating at Bar-Ilan University. Zaban focused his talk on three of these groundbreaking centres focusing on prisoner rehabilitation, depression monitoring and energy storage. One of the ways in which Bar-Ilan University will make an impact over the coming years, Zaban said, is by improving the rehabilitation of prison inmates and successfully reintegrating them into society. In a first-of-its-kind programme, the University has an agreement with the Israel Prison Service to designate one ward of the Rimonim Prison, near Tel Aviv, as the pilot for Israel’s first University Research Prison. This will allow Bar-Ilan researchers to work together with rehabilitation staff at the Prison to collect and study data on prisoners and life within prison walls. A second Impact Centre is developing a special technique for measuring depression, which affects millions of people worldwide. The Centre combines the knowledge of psychologists psychiatrists natural language processing specialists, computer scientists, and engineers who are creating a DepressoMeter,

a system that will continuously gather linguistic vocal facial kinesthetic and physiological data which will be integrated in order to provide real-time feedback to patients and therapists on the severity of a patient’s condition. Creating an objective measure of depression severity will transform diagnosis and treatment of depression, and can be applied to numerous other psychological and psychiatric conditions. Over the past decade the State of Israel in general, and Bar-Ilan University in particular, have taken the subject of energy very seriously. “The world’s need for energy will quadruple by 2050 and we must free ourselves from using fossil fuels for the majority of our energy,” said Zaban, whose expertise lies in renewable energy. To this end the Israel National Research Center for Electrochemical Propulsion (INREP) at Bar-Ilan University, named by the State of Israel as the national research centre in its ﬁeld, is making a unique impact by combining fuel cells and batteries to create solutions for storing the energy that will serve autonomous cars – the wave of the future.

Belmont US is delighted to announce the completion of their Eruv extension, which now connects Belmont Shul and the surrounding Stanmore areas with Edgware. The Eruv extension, under the auspices of the KLBD, went live last Shabbat . The Eruv now extends beyond Canons Park Station to just before the traﬃc lights at the end of Whitchurch Lane. This extension

has brought hundreds more ﬂats and houses into the Eruv, many of them at the more aﬀordable end of the local housing market and makes for easier access to Belmont Shul. People using the Eruv may now access the Edgware Eruv by going through Montgomery Road and into Cavendish Drive and it also opens up all entrances to Canons Park, which is now in the Eruv. Anthony Broza, Belmont Eruv

Chair said “It is a real pleasure to see the completion of this Eruv project as it opens up greater inclusivity and accessibility to one and all for Shabbat observance.” For further information please contact Sharon Laifer, Administrator, Belmont United Synagogue on 020 8426 0104 or admin@belmontus.org.uk

Belmont US in pole position again!

Nancy Reuben Primary Ipad School get surgical Nancy Reuben Primary School’s Year 6 fully kitted out and ready for surgery, after having had a lesson on surgical eye instruments by Mr Daniel Ezra, at Moorﬁelds Eye Hospital on Monday. Mr Ezra is a parent and governor at the school and is a Consultant at Moorﬁelds Eye Hospital.

25 JANUARY 2018

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Fully kitted out

Mike Gapes meets Chaps That Chat 50 of Jewish Care’s Chaps That Chat group turned out in force recently to meet Mike Gapes MP at Jewish Care’s Redbridge Community Centre at a Q & A session with the group, chaired by Sid Green, a volunteer who organises

the monthly get-together. The group is one of Jewish Care’s Supportive Communities groups which aims to provide a fun and stimulating space where older men meet others and connect to their local community.

Chaps That Chat, Mike Gapes MP, Sid Green and Jewish Care’s Simon Morris

50 gap year students welcomed by Tribe

Last week Tribe and University Jewish Chaplaincy welcomed 50 Gap Year students in Israel to its UK Jewish Job Fair where attendees had an opportunity to hear a range of community leaders, including Chief Rabbi Ephraim

Mirvis, speaking about the unique rewards of a career in the UK Jewish community. The event was followed by a special Shabbaton. An insightful d’var torah was given by Jodie Franks of HGS.

A welcome buﬀet

event at Whiteﬁeld shul

Whiteﬁeld Shul’s bar and bat mitzvah clubs joined together for an iPad session where participants were challenged to design a a virtual conversation between two characters using an animation programme called plotagon in which the characters expressed gratitude towards each other. Examples included someone thanking a taxi driver, a grandfather thanking a granddaughter and a pupil thanking their teacher. The programme was held in honour of Tu B’shavat where we are encouraged to learn to appreciate and thank God for the

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Jamie Cosky and Louie Allen

great variety of natural creations The ﬁnal products were projected on to a large screen and judges nominated the best ones. Bea Glancy and Zara Zell-Davis

25 JANUARY 2018

NEWS 13

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Aish Young Professionals Boris visits Golders Green branches out BY ISAAC SHERMAN

This week saw the launch of “Aish Unfiltered” – a brand new programme for young professionals based in London. 45 people enjoyed a bowling and pizza evening at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes in Holborn. This was the first of a new series of weekly events designed to give busy young Jews across London a chance to unwind and meet like-minded peers in a fun and relaxed environment. The programme will offer a mixture of social activities and interactive discussion-based classes. On Sunday Aish Unfiltered will be hosting a social action campaign called “Change a Life”. The specially crowdfunded campaign has been raising funds to purchase “survival kits” including sleeping bags, clothing and food essentials which will then be distributed to homeless individuals around London. The new programme marks a fresh phase of expansion for Aish’s London-based young professionals department which operates primarily out of West Hampstead. Aish will be offering new opportunities for young professionals based in surrounding areas such as Hendon and Borehamwood, as well as empowering and supporting young individuals who wish to launch their own initiatives and social networks.

Rabbi Eli Birnbaum, one of Aish’s newest educators commented, “As the working life of London’s young professionals becomes increasingly hectic and demanding, we see a growing need to respond with an increasingly broad and diverse number of opportunities. Ranging from meet & greets, to interactive classes to social action projects and more, hosted in multiple locations, we are excited to oﬀer ‘something for everyone’.”

Local Golders Green Sofer Bernard Benarroch got a nice surprise this week when British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walked into his shop, completely unannounced! Mr Benarroch proudly showed him his Torah Scrolls at the back of his Golders Green road shop, and Boris was

truly astounded that every Sefer Torah was handwritten on parchment. As a special gift, Mr Benarroch gave him a handwritten copy of the Ten Commandments, with a personalized message that read, “G-d Bless Boris.” The sofer told the Jewish Weekly that “ it was an unexpected honour to give the appropriate Blessings to our Foreign Secretary, and he was generally thrilled with my gift!”

An unannounced visit in Golders Green where Boris Boris Johnson proudly displaying Johnson was delighted to receive The Ten Commandments the Ten Commandments and his name from B Benarroch of Sofer Stam PHOTO CREDIT: AVI YODAIKEN

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25 JANUARY 2018

Charedi representatives lobby education minister A delegation from the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations met last week with Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister of State at the Department of Education. The meeting was arranged through the good offices of Hendon MP Matthew Offord. Its purpose was to apprise the Minister of the deep concerns of the Chareidi community regarding the over-intrusive regulation of faith schools. All the members of the group addressed the Minister on different aspects of the problem. Introducing the group, Mr Chanoch Kesselman, Executive Coordinator, explained that the UOHC is the main representative body of the UK’s Chareidi Jewish community. Monitoring education was an extremely important part of its work. UOHC Executive member Cllr Brian Gordon said that orthodox Jewish faith schools had an excellent track record and were recognised as high achievers academically and socially, especially in the Borough of Barnet, home to the largest Jewish community in the country. Yet those schools were

now expected to teach matters of gender and personal relationships to children in a manner that is contrary to Jewish law and conﬂicts with the ethos of those schools. Such unprecedented external pressures, under the grand pretexts of community cohesion and diversity, are a form of religious discrimination, and are inconsistent with freedom of educational choice. Rabbi Avrohom Pinter, Chairman of the UOHC External Aﬀairs committee, spoke of his experience as a Principal of schools. He urged the Minister to appreciate Judaism’s strict religious rules governing relationships issues and that certain very personal matters could not be taught or discussed in the classroom. It was not a matter of being disinterested in concerns about extremism; on the contrary, combating extremism, racism and intolerance are an integral part of Jewish teaching. Rabbi Yehuda Baumgarten, Chairman of the Education Committee, said that as an advisor for many years to strictly orthodox Jewish schools he had played a key

role in establishing a good liaison and understanding on syllabus matters with the Department of Education. However, there could be no compromise when it came to the newly categorised “protected characteristics” relating to “alternative lifestyles” and recently legitimised forms of “marriage” which could not be accommodated within any orthodox educational framework. Mrs Chaya Spitz, Director of Interlink Foundation, explaining that children from strictly orthodox families were sheltered and very innocent compared to those in wider society, told the Minister that orthodox schools were facing an existential challenge that was unparalleled. Schools in Hackney previously regarded as outstanding were now ﬁnding themselves on the wrong side of “British values”. Ofsted inspectors had become obsessed with making demands about personal relationships, marking orthodox schools down on those subjects, even though they complied glowingly in nearly every other area. It was demoralising for the staﬀ of those schools, destroying

Travelling close to home BY B BLINET

On a quaint little street, barely a stone’s throw away from Stamford Hill, nestled between Victorian houses is the Shaarei Mazal Tov Shul - better known as The Walford Road Synagogue. I happened upon it a few years back, as I was wandering through the side roads of Stoke Newington. Its unassuming façade hides something special, which I was only about to learn this past week. As the coordinator of Traveling Chassidim in London, I was delighted when Rabbi Avraham Citron invited us to partake in a Shabbos at his shul. I have known Rabbi Citron as my soft spoken and smile-clad neighbour, when we used to live on Forburg Road in Stamford Hill. Over the course of this past Shabbos I found out what Rabbi Citron was really up to. As soon as we entered the foyer of the shul we were greeted with overﬂowing warmth by the Chairman Mr Ike Albert and fellow shul members. After concluding Mincha we gathered around the Bimah in preparation to usher in the Shabbos queen. Chazzan Moshe Meislik with his melodious voice started the Kabbalat Shabbos service, which was

peppered with song and dance. During the Lecha Dodi song the whole community broke out in a spontaneous dance. Hand in hand with the Chassidim, arms linked in a brotherly chain it was a dance of pure joy. After davening the whole community was invited to a lavish meal with song and Divrei Torah. Shacharis and Mussaf were led by The Traveling Chassidim. After davening the Shul’s Chairman Ike Albert delivered emotional words about selﬂessness, relaying a story of a terminally ill young child who gave his last wish to the Make a Wish Foundation, to help release a father of his classmate from prison. Tears welled up in our eyes as we felt the emotion in the room. Before we even knew it, we were up to Motzei Shabbos. Guitar slung over his shoulder, Shalom Schwartza fellow member of Travelling Chassidim - struck an electrifying chord in our hearts when he sang a true story that demonstrates the love of Hashem to each and every one of us. We bid our farewell to the memorable Shabbos with a musical Havdalah that was followed with song and dance. Mrs M - one of the shuls regulars related to me that she didn’t have such a memorable Shabbos in years

‘’ you should visit my daughter’s school- they need to know what a Shabbos should feel and look like!’’ For us it was not just another inspiring Shabbos that we merited to be part of, it was the start of building a sturdy bridge and a lasting relationship between the Stoke Newington Community and Chassidim from Stamford Hill. The Travelling Chassidim founded in the USA by Rabbi A. M. Royde of Monsey, NY - is a group of Chassidic families from London and Manchester who travel around the country. The Travelling Chassidim – a not-for-proﬁt organisation - is part of the World of Belz institutions under the guidance and leadership of the Rebbe of Belz in Jerusalem, Eretz Israel. The group was inspired by the teachings of the late Rabbi Noach Weinberg of Aish HaTorah, especially by his innovative Project Inspire initiative. Bringing with them classic Chassidic warmth and liveliness together with the special aura of the holy Shabbat day the Travelling Chassidim form a deep connection with the host community resulting in a Shabbaton that is truly transformational memorable and – sometimes even contagious..

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Rabbi Yehuda Baumgarten, Cllr Brian Gordon, Mr Chanoch Kesselman, Lord Agnew, Mr Matthew Oﬀord MP, Rabbi Avrohom Pinter

their incentive to satisfy the inspectors at all. Lord Agnew, in the company of Department of Education oﬃcials, appeared very sympathetic to the concerns expressed. He reaﬃrmed that faith schools were an integral part of the country’s diversity in education. The Government had no desire to undermine the traditions of any religion. He agreed it made no sense to expect orthodox Jewish schools to teach concepts totally beyond the comprehension of children raised in a protected religious environment, without access to social media - methods of upbringing which the Minister accepted were

very admirable. The Minister agreed that OFSTED inspectors should be better educated on the religious requirements of the schools they were visiting. He suggested orthodox Jewish educators might engage directly with OFSTED to try and facilitate this. He said OFSTED was an independent inspectorate appointed by Parliament, not directly accountable to the Department of Education. He would nevertheless convey the concerns of the UOHC to the head of OFSTED and help to encourage a meeting between the UOHC and the OFSTED leadership. A meeting is currently being arranged.

Primary School children join together to sing and raise funds for Ezra U’Marpeh Teachers, parents, family and friends gathered together at Hasmonean Girls High School on Tuesday evening to hear 8 school girl’s choirs perform. The schools included Beis Yaakov Primary School, Beis Chinuch, Bnos Beis Yaakov, Hasmonean Primary School, Nancy Reuben, Noam, Menorah Foundation and Menorah Primary School. For the ﬁnal all the school choirs joined together to sing the last song. There was a great element of Achdut (togetherness) in the atmosphere and over £1500 was raised

for the charity of Ezra U’marpeh. Ezra U’Marpeh has been at the forefront of patient care, steadfast in its mission to ease the eﬀects of illness and disability. They provide a range of targeted support services for patients and their families with a particular emphasis on enhancing the hospital experience and reducing in-patient stays. These include the free loan of medical equipment and respite rooms in hospitals across England.

25 JANUARY 2018

NEWS 15

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Shuvu Dinner Adopts Petach Tikva School BY MORDECHAI ULLMANN

It was the winter of 1990. At the annual Convention of Agudas Yisroel of America, the Rosh Yeshiva of Toa Vada’as HaRav Avraham Hakohen Pam, was scheduled to address the tzibbur. Moments before his speech, Rabbi Avraham Yosef Leizerson of Chinuch Atzmai, Israel, informed Rav Pam of an enormous pending crisis. There were myriads of Russian families who, recently released from the clutches of the communist regime, where they had been trapped in the Iron Curtain and were now making their way to Israel. Most likely they would enrol their children in the secular state’s school system, bereft of any hope of rekindling their Neshama. At that moment, the Rosh Yeshiva completely changed the topic of his lecture and transformed the educational landscape of the Holy Land. For on that night the Shuvu Movement was born. It is diﬃcult to know if Rav Pam could have fathomed the inestimable ripple eﬀect of Shuvu. Was the Rosh Yeshiva aware that thanks to his foresight, a quarter of a century later over 100,000 Jewish souls would have had their lives positively

transformed by Shuvu? At Wednesday’s banquet hosted by British Friends of Shuvu, over 250 supporters responded to the opportunity granted to London Jewry to assist Shuvu in continuing the spiritual rescue of thousands of students from secular homes and to allow their families exposure to our eternal values. The challenge of the evening was to “Adopt a Class” in the Petach Tikva Shuvu School. This school, one of the 74 around the country, educates close to 6500 students. The dinner was the ﬁrst in the UK since Shuvu appointed their new President, Dayan Yonason Abraham. Also honouring the occasion with their presence were Shuvu Director Reb Chaim Michoel Gutterman, Chairman of Shuvu USA, Dr Yossi Hoch and European Chairman of Shuvu Reb David Blachman. All were accompanied by International Guests of Honour were Mr and Mrs Chaim Turpiashvili who are major supporters of organisation. The gathering was addressed by representatives of both the staﬀ and the student body, who had travelled along with other international guests to grace the evening.

PESACH PES SA AC A CH 2018 8 IN ITALY

In a masterful illustration of what it means to be a Shuvu student, Ronen, whose family emigrated from in Uzbekistan told the audience, “Shuvu taught me what it means to be a Jew. I love learning Torah and about the Chagim. Without Shuvu I would never have learned a Pasuk in Torah nor would I have had any appreciation of Torah and Mitzvahs”. Guest of honour Chaim Turpiashvili shared similar sentiments. He related the personal journey of his family to Torah and Mitzvahs through the strong education they had received in Shuvu. A presentation was made by Mr David Blachman to the legendary philanthropists Mr and Mrs Harry Schimmel, in recognition of their kind sponsorship of the Shuvu Petach Tikvah School. Mr David Blachman spoke about what binds Klal Yisroel as a nation. He explained the most crucial of the multiple challenges facing modern-day Israel are in our power to correct. He recalled the legacy of Rav Avraham Pam, who would pray that Hashem should give us a “little more time to succeed as we are doing all we can”. He gave credit to the dedicated dinner committee as

Mr David Blachman, Dayan Abraham, Mr David Blachman, Rabbi Chaim Michoel Gutterman and Mr Yossi Hoch

well as the members of the Board. Finally, Mr Blachman expressed how fortunate Shuvu is to enjoy the wholehearted support and wise counsel of Dayan Abraham. Throughout the dinner students and teachers were displayed on pre-recorded video messages, touching the hearts all the supporters present witnessing the impact Shuvu has had on the students and the changes in the lives of their families. “Do you see what can be achieved?!” Exclaimed Dayan Abraham as he ascended the podium. He recalled his numerous visits to Shuvu schools and explained how a real opportunity to reach over one

million Israeli children and allow them to be exposed to our rich heritage, Dayan Abraham paid tribute to Guest of Honour Mrs Paula Weiler, whom ten years ago, dedicated the Leo and Fritzi Newman Shuvu Tel Aviv - Yaffo School in memory of her late parents. Closing words delivered by Mr Danny Blum who also thanked the dinner committee and spoke of his first-hand experience visiting Shuvu schools on the UK mission. The fundraising efforts will enable this sacred organisation to continue impacting 6500 children and 9000 family members in its 74 Mosdos.

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25 JANUARY 2018

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A ﬁve generation family birthday party was held for 105 year old Eva

Yeshivas Dvar Yerushalayim 35th Annual Melava Malka held last Motzei Shabbat

Eva Kay celebrated her 105th birthday on the 13th January, Eva was born on Friday 13th 1913..Eva is pictured with her two daughters, left Jean Cohen and Sandra Davies. Eva is a resident of the Newlands Care Home in Salford Greater Manchester, and is a Great, Great

In Tune, Rabbi Alan Plancey guest speaker with Shimon Santhouse, Keyboard and Singer

Grandmother. Her late husband Samuel passed away fourteen years ago. Eva looks forward to having her hair done every Tuesday, and joins in most of the Homes activities.

Barry Cohen, Rabbi Alan Plancey and Dr Michael Finlay

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Holocaust survivors, Arek Hersh 89, Sam Laskier 90, Abraham Bulwa 89 and Icek Alterman 89 PHOTO CREDIT: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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Eva Kay 105 years old with daughters,Jean Cohen (L) and Sandra Davies PHOTO CREDIT: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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18 JUDAISM

ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com Women and the Wall Dear Rabbi, I was at the Wall in Israel and I was very sorry to hear how women are denied rights at the Wall. I think that is so out of place in this 21st century! Women have equal rights to men and they should be allowed to pray as they so wish! It’s all about expression of religion! It is shameful that Judaism is so behind the times. Leonie Dear Leonie, I am not sure which “wall” you are talking about. The last time I checked there were hundreds of women, or more, praying at the Western Wall in Israel. So may-

be you’re referring to the Great Wall of China? Only of course that would have nothing to do with Judaism (unless you are a Labour government member and everything is blamed on Judaism). Let’s be clear here: The rules at the Western Wall have been in place for more than forty years (and really many hundreds before then when it was still in our hands). Those rules involve men having to have their heads covered and men and women to pray separately. You argue that people should be allowed to pray as they so wish. But I’m sure you’d object if a man stood there without a head-covering just as I am sure you would object if a member of the Muslim faith would choose to pray there on a rug. The point is, you are using your own subjective standards to determine what you

Tehillim Psalm 37

In this week’s Psalm, King David warns us not to be lured into the false trappings of the prosperity of the wicked. Evil people may appear to be wealthy and successful, but spiritually, they are utterly dead. “ Al titchar bameairim, al tekanei boise avlah- do not compete with the wicked, don’t be envious of the doers of injustice.” Our great and righteous King is warning Jews throughout millennia not to desire to achieve riches through the sinful ways of wicked people. “Ki Kchatzhir Mheira yemalu, ucuyerek desheh yeboilun – for they will swiftly be cut down like grass, and will wither like green vegetation.” Grass and vegetation can be full of life and appear invincible one moment, yet once a lawnmower has a couple of rounds around the garden, it is reduced to nothing, just like the wicked of this world. The Psalm then urges us to Trust in Hashem for all matters, from the smallest most trivial matter, all the way to

25 JANUARY 2018

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the biggest problem you could ever face in the world. Do not think you must steal, or retain from giving charity to have enough money to succeed; Hashem holds the keys for every penny in the entire world.

consider to be acceptable prayer and what is not. Just because a group of people come along and want to break the rules, doesn’t mean that everyone else becomes the bad ones! Who are really the divisive ones here? You talk about expression of religion. Whose religion and whose definition of religion? Surely when we talk religion, we invariably include G-d, which really means we have to express ourselves the way He wants not the way some mavericks might desire. Finally, let’s be clear about this so-called women’s rights in Judaism. Men and women have different roles to play in Judaism. Modern man recoils at the concept of different, because it immediately sets off alarms of inferior and superior. From the oppressive treatment of the poor and landless in This tehillim is Shay ben Dana

Trust in Him and you will never lose. Once you nourish yourself with faithlessness, you will always win in the end.

the caste system, to the enslavement of black people, to the horrific litany of abuse and torture in the name of “religious differences,” secular society has used differences as a license to exploit those groups whom they deem “inferior.” The secular woman’s experience with her differences has been equally disastrous. Women have had to fight fiercely to obtain basic rights - to be treated as a human being of equal worth in the work place, and in their relationships with men. Yet even today, women are still victims of sex discrimination and abuse. They therefore do not readily understand how they can be “different but equal,” and their evaluation of Torah, in many cases, begins with the presumption that having a different role than men is categorical proof of Torah’s negative view of women. But different does not necessarily mean inferior. Both the heart and the brain are vital organs without which the human body cannot exist. Neither is considered superior to the other, though they have distinctly different functions. Similarly, Judaism assigns different roles to men and women, both essential to the maintenance of the Jewish home and the Jewish nation. True fulfilment can be discovered when going in pursuit of one’s ultimate purpose and pre-determined destiny. Anything else is a restless trek down a windy path where no real contentment will ever be found. Can we hit our children? Dear Rabbi, What is the Jewish view on smacking children both in the classroom and at home? Should it be outlawed? Personally as a father, I think a good clip across the ear can be a very good thing sometimes. What about you? Jimmy Dear Jimmy, Your poor kids! You should never consider “a good clip” as a good thing – ever! Maybe sometimes necessary, but never good! I’ll be upfront and frank – I got my fair share of “clips” as a child – wheth-

er with a stick from a teacher in school, or occasionally at home. (I know, I know, you’re not surprised!). But to be sure, I would never raise a hand to any of my children, and G-d help any teacher that dares to do so. In Judaism there is a principle of “times have changed”, which means that what worked then, might not be appropriate now. The modern child is more likely to reject rather than embrace the school ethos if faced with such aggression. I do believe however that well-informed and caring parents should be entitled to make a choice to include rare and mild disciplinary spanking within the boundaries of loving discipline - as the exception and not the rule. What’s so bad about idolatry? Dear Rabbi, I have a nephew who is a Hebrew-Christian. I told him it is idolatry which he rejects. He asked me, what’s so terrible about “idolatry” if it benefits the individual? Samantha Dear Samantha, What’s so terrible about drugs if it benefits the individual? There are a lot of wonderful kids today, Jewish and otherwise, caught up in cults that they would argue benefits them even as you and I know can be particularly harmful in so many ways. So the subjective criterion that you apply has no bearing on the objective reality of the deleterious consequences, even if not readily discernable.

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25 JANUARY 2018 Volume 30 No. 19

27 January 2018 Shabbat ends

11 Shevat 5778 London THE5.31pm JEWISH WEEKLY Jerusalem 5.47pm

Beshalach Artscroll p.366 | Hertz p.265 Haftarah Artscroll p.1152 | Hertz p.281

| Soncino p.407 | Soncino p.434

Shabbat Shira. Tu Bishvat is on Wednesday

JUDAISM 19

Parshat Beshalach In loving memory of Devorah Bat Avraham

In loving memory of Devorah Bat Avraham “The water came back and covered the chariots and the horsemen of the entire army of Pharaoh, who were coming behind them in the sea....” (Shemot 14:28).

Unexpected Sources of Livelihood

by Rabbi Marc Levene, Belmont United Synagogue The Talmud (Pesachim 118a) states that: “Earning one’s livelihood is as difficult as the splitting of the Sea of Reeds”. The miracle at the Sea, detailed in this week’s sidrah, is one of the best known and most dramatic of the miracles in the Torah. The awesome, powerful, visions of the Sea splitting and the Israelites crossing through must have been unbelievable to witness; these vivid images–are reawakened 1st Aliya (Kohen) Vayikra 12:1-23every year at the Pesach Seder. After childbirth, a lady would wait several weeks before bringing an elevation offering (olah) and a What were the Sages conveying when comparing sin offering (chatat). This completed her post-birth earning a living to this miraculous experience? purification process. Many people may find it really challenging to God told Moshe and Aharon that someone who get a job, but is it comparable to arguably the had the appearance a particular type of skin greatest miracle everofrecorded? Furthermore, a disease (tzara’at) would have show how the white more basic question could betoasked: does blemish Kohen. Kohen splitting to thea Sea haveThe anything to would do withevaluate getting and if the affliction was clearly tzara’at, a jobdecide in the first place? thus rendering the person impure (tameh). If the I once a the beautiful to these case was heard unclear, Kohen answer would quarantine questions. thefor Children of Israel the person inWhen a house seven days, after found which themselves by the Sea, trapped on all sides, the Kohen would re-inspect the afflicted area and surrounded andtheafraid, a seemingly declare whether personfacing was tameh or tahor impossible situation, they did the only thing that (pure). was left to do – pray! They threw themselves Question: what were the typesbeseeching of blemish before G-d, begging for three salvation, called? (13:2) Answer bottom of page(Shemot 6. the heavens to help on them to freedom

nowhere in their minds would they have expected the salvation to come from the Sea splitting. Yet, within a very short space of time, they found themselves singing on the other side of the Sea, rejoicing with relief that they were now free in a miraculous way that they did not envisage. We may face situations where we cannot see

any hope. We are unable to find a way out or Sidrah Summary: Tazria-Metzorah

Pharaoh’s army engulfed by the Red Sea, 1900 by Frederick Arthur Bridgman Levene

Sidrah SidrahSummary: Summary:Beshalach Beshalach Question: Which three different materials are the 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Shemot 13:17-14:8 drowning Egyptians compared to? (15:5,7,10). After Pharaoh sends the Israelites out of Egypt, G-d does not lead them on a straight path Aliya (Chamishi) – army 15:27-16:10 "The waterthe came back the (Philistines) chariots and the5th horsemen of the entire of Pharaoh, who were through land ofand thecovered Pelishtim coming behind them in the sea...." 14:28). The Israelites arrive in the Sin Desert and towards Cana’an (later Israel), but(Shemot rather towards the Sea of Reeds. Moshe is carrying Yosef’s complain to Moshe that they are hungry. G-d tells bones, as Yosef had requested before his death Moshe that he will send down a daily portion of (see Bereishit 50:25). A pillar of cloud guides the ‘bread’ from the heavens. Moshe tells the people Israelites by day, and a pillar of fire lights up their they will also get meat in the evening. journey at night. G-d tells Moshe to turn back in the direction of Egypt. G-d hardens Pharaoh’s heart, who pursues the Israelites with his armed chariots.

Point to Consider: Who ‘told’ Pharaoh that the Israelites were not intending to return to Egypt? (see Rashi to 14:5) 2nd Aliya (Levi) – 14:9-14 The Egyptians catch up with the Israelites, who are encamped by the Sea. Seeing the approaching army, the people cry out in prayer, and ask Moshe why they left Egypt only to die in the desert? Moshe tells them not to fear; they will experience G-d's salvation. 3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 14:15-25 Moshe raises his staff; an easterly wind blows and the Sea splits. The Israelites walk through the dry channel, the water providing a wall on either side of them. The Egyptians enter the Sea but struggle to move. 4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 14:26-15:26 Moshe raises his staff; the Sea ‘closes’ on the Egyptians, drowning them. The Israelites see the drowned Egyptians on the shore. Together with Moshe, they sing the Song at the Sea (Shirat HaYam) which celebrates G-d's miraculous salvation. The nation travels on, experiencing three days in the desert without water. They come to a place called Marah, where the waters are too bitter to drink. They complain to Moshe, who is shown a tree by G-d. Moshe throws the tree into the water, thus sweetening it.

6th Aliya (Shishi) – 16:11-36 The heavenly bread – called ‘man’ (manna) – falls between two layers of dew (Rashi). Each household gets a daily portion sufficient for its members. Moshe tells them not to leave any over until the next day. Some people ignore this warning; their manna becomes infested. A double portion falls on Friday. Moshe tells them to use the excess for Shabbat but not to go out to collect any manna on Shabbat. Again, some ignore this instruction. Moshe tells Aharon to keep some manna in a container, as a reminder to future generations. 7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 17:1-16 The Israelites travel to Refidim, but again do not find water. G-d tells Moshe to strike a rock with his staff; water emerges from the rock. Amalek attacks the Israelites at Refidim. Yehoshua (Joshua) leads the battle against them, whilst Moshe, Aharon and Chur (Moshe’s nephew) ascend a nearby hill. Whenever Moshe raises his arms, Israel overcomes Amalek. Aharon and Chur support Moshe’s tired arms. Yehoshua is victorious.

2nd Aliya – 13:24-39 14:10). At(Levi) that moment, they had no idea from andpossible how that would come. Maybe Itwhere was also forhelp tzara’at to develop from a Pharaoh’s army simply fall apart, or burn. Tzara’at couldwould erupt on the scalp or on the perhaps there would be of further beard area, causing a loss hair. plagues; but

3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 13:40-54 A slightly different form of tzara’at is detailed, which caused a more substantial loss of hair. A metzora (one who has been contaminated with tzara’at) was sent outside of the camp and had to tear his/her garments (see p4 article). Tzara’at could also infect clothing. A suspected garment was quarantined before the Kohen made a decision about whether it was tameh. If it was declared tameh, the garment was burnt.

7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 15:16-33 A similar set of laws is listed for a lady who has specific discharges, as well as the laws of niddah (menstruation), which form the basis of the laws of family purity.

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

Haftarah Devorah was a prophetess and a judge. The haftarah, from the Book of Judges, includes the song that Devorah sang to celebrate the defeat of the evil Ca'ananite general, Sisera. This defeat was facilitated by the bravery of Yael, who attacked and killed Sisera with a tent-peg.

United Synagogue Daf Hashavua Produced by US Living & Learning together with the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue Editor: Rabbi Chaim Gross Editor-in-Chief: Rabbi Baruch Davis Editorial Team: Ilana Epstein, Michael Laitner, Sharon Radley Available also via email US website www.theus.org.uk ©United Synagogue To sponsor Daf Hashavua please contact Loraine Young on 020 8343 5653, or lyoung@theus.org.uk If you have any comments or questions regarding Daf Hashavua please email rabbigross@theus.org.uk

see the end goal. Then sometimes the solution comes from the place we least expect it. So too when earning a livelihood. G-dthree wants us to offerings earn a metzora would also bring animal living, but meal our sustenance and three offerings. does not always come where we what wouldisexpect it. Choosing Pointfrom to Consider: the significance of the a cedar certainwood, path orcrimson placing our efforts in ahyssop? particular(see thread and direction not always ensure that this is how Rashi todo 14:4) we will earn our income. 5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 14:21-32 A metzora not alluded afford three Perhaps this who pointcould is also to at animal the offeringsofcould instead bring animal offering, beginning the sidrah, when theone nation came out ofone Egypt (ibid. 13:17). They meal offering and twofaced birds.two options to get the Land of Cana’an, either through the 6thtoAliya (Shishi) – 14:33-15:15 wilderness or through land ofThe thehouse Pelishtim Tzara’at also affectedthe houses. owner (Philistines). The land of the Pelishtim was the would report the suspicious signs to a Kohen. The more direct route, yet they would run the risk of house would be evacuated before the Kohen’s exposure to a people who had a moral compass arrival.toIf that the Kohen a deep Therefore, green or deep similar of the saw Egyptians. theyred ‘affliction’, he would order the house to be were directed through the desert in order to free quarantined a week. He would then re-inspect them of this for danger, though the journey was the house. If thearduous affliction and had spread, the infected more indirect, daunting. Even stones sustenance would be removed and replaced. If the though would have been more affliction available nevertheless returned, house would obviously on the direct the path, the less expected path would actually provide the be demolished. However, if replacing the road stones they would to reach destiny. solved theneed problem, thetheir Kohen would declare the house tahor (pure). The Torah lists specific discharges that would cause a man to be considered tameh, and details the purification procedure.

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each principle, halacha or precept in the Talmud generations, many of them giants of Torah (sugya) being discussed, also in light of Tosafists was the Rashbam’s younger brother, scholarship. Possibly the mostbut influential of the should be understood not only within the specific topic other was relevant pieces within the whole of Rabbeinu Yaakov ben Meir (1100-1171), more Tosafists the Rashbam’s younger brother, topic (sugya) being discussed, but also in light of any any other relevant pieces within the whole of Talmudic Yaakov ben MeirBabylonian (1100-1171), literature – the andmore the commonly known as25 Rabbeinu Tam. He was the 20 JUDAISM JANUARY 2018 THE JEWISHRabbeinu WEEKLY Talmudic literature – the Babylonian and the Jerusalem commonlyTalmuds. known as Rabbeinu Tam. He was the foundation and bedrock of the Tosafist school; Jerusalem Talmuds. foundation and bedrock of the Tosafist school; many of the leaders of the following generations Through every phrase orgenerations ruling and many of scrutinising the leaders of the following were his students, or students of his students. Rabbinic Innovators of the Medieval Period Partphrase 5: of Rabbinic Innovators Period Part 5: his students. Through scrutinising every or the ruling Medieval and by asking searching on an were his students, or questions students ofbased by asking searching questions based on an Rabbeinu Tam and his foremost student (and The Tosafists (1100-1300) The Tosafists (1100-1300) Rabbeinu Tamknowledge and his foremost student (and encyclopaedic of the whole Talmud, encyclopaedic knowledge of the whole Talmud, nephew) Rabbi Yitzchak ben Shmuel of nephew) Rabbi Yitzchak ben Shmuel of by Rabbi Meir Shindler, Richmond United Synagogue by Rabbi Meir Shindler, Richmond United Synagogue ‘the Tosafists’ as they became known, were able ‘the Tosafists’ as they became known, were able Dampierre (known as Tosafot Ri HaZaken, (known as Tosafot Ri ingenious HaZaken, toDampierre uncover new insights and draw to uncover new insights and draw benTosafists Meir (the After Shmuel Rashi (d. ingenious 1105)(thegrandson, grandson, Rabbeinu ben Meir d.1185) areRabbeinu the most Shmuel oft-quoted in d.1185) are the most oft-quoted Tosafists in After Rashi (d. 1105) in the finer elements of halachic distinctions in the finer elements of halachic distinctions 1080-1158, who took over as the printed Tosafot on the Talmud. had completed his asRashbam, the printed ca. 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After Rashi’s passing, study over the following centuries, who also and the Tosafistit style. passing, it was not necessary to intellectually-challenging experience! deserve a mention, but to list his themgrandfather’s all is beyond the Rashbam completed replicate his style scholarly intellectually-challenging experience! deserve a mention, but to list them all is beyond his of grandfather’s replicate his style of scholarly the Rashbam completed the scope of this article. They lived through the to the Talmudic tractates of Bava work. Instead, in ofthe Shlomo to Luria (known as tractates ‘the Maharshal’ the scope of this article. They lived through the commentary the Talmudic Bavacommentary work. Instead, in the Rabbi terribleShlomo Crusades European persecutions Luriaand (known as ‘the Maharshal’ Batra and Pesachim and combined the textual terrible Crusades and European persecutions generations that followed, described thecombined writings of textual the Rabbi Batra and Pesachim and the generations that followed, 1510-1573) and yet used they breathed life writings and depth described the of into the approach by Rashi together with extended focus as was on by delving deeper intowith the extended ‘sea of 1510-1573) Tosafists “making the Talmud into one integral approach used Rashi together the focus was on delving deeper into the ‘sea of the Talmudicasanalysis and added complexity and and yet they breathed life and depth into cross-topic analysis of the Tosafists, tackling Tosafists “making the Talmud into one integral the Talmud’ and recording incisive insights. unit”. 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Through analysing and resolving apparent Tosafists as “making the occasions Talmud into in onethe integral known as the father of Jewish musiccomplexity research, andnovelty into Torah study, John Hyrcanus – known One of the most famous examples of a dispute of the Talmudic analysis and added discrepancies between one source and another, unit”. Through Jewish analysingcalendar and resolving apparent to investigate whether one ‘Jewish in Rabbinic literature as between the Sadducess and the Rabbinic Sages on which wanted the result of which has novelty into Torah “the result is that thestudy, entire Talmud is interwoven. discrepancies between one source and the another, music style’ was traceable. In 1906 he moved we acknowledge Yochanan Kohen Gadol – was over the reading of the verse from parashat lasted throughout the the result of which has All obscure texts are thus clarified and its “the result is that the entire Talmud interwoven. from South Africa to Israel, equipped with one of importance of the ismusical reached the end of his 31- Mishpatim, that someone who injures another generations. lasted decisions throughout the are reconciled”. All obscure texts thus clarified and the its halachic very first recording machines. He started year reign in c. 104 BCE. should be punished “an eye for an eye” (Shemot aspectare of our tradition. Moshe generations. halachic decisions used in synagogues During those decades he 21:24). While the traditional interpretation is not andare thereconciled”. children of Israel recording The eramusical of the traditions Tosafists spanned approximately First page of the Vilna Edition of the Babylonian Talmud, Jewish communities. came tobut theit is Tractate Berachot, folio 2a.extended and secured the literally taking someone’s eye in retribution for expressed their gratitude to of diverse Firstyears, page of from the Vilna Edition1100He 200 around to 1300, The era of the Tosafists spanned approximately of the Babylonian Talmud, Torahwhen reading (leyning)of study of boundaries of Judea and injuring someone else in the eye (rather paying tothat pinpoint this school G-d the from greataround miracle1100 of the of it conclusion The main text in the middle is 200after years, to splitting 1300, but is difficult Tractate Berachot, foliomay 2a. indeed have some text of the Rabbinic Talmud itself. communities introduced rulings that we follow to this the monetary value), the Sadducees understood exactly began. However, it is clear that it was the the Sea of Reeds by singing a song, followed different difficult to pinpoint when this school of study The main text in the middle is the right on the inner musical direct uswho to one day. Yet in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers – see this directive literally. As the Sadducees were Rashi’s own elements family andwhich descendants led the To by drum playing and dancing by Miriam and similar margin of the page is Rashi’s exactly began. However, it is clear that it was the text of the Talmud itself. original musical source. green siddur, p. 530), way in this on area. Perhaps most notably, Rashi’s commentary; the women (Shemot 15:20). To the right the inner to the left on the the great sage Hillel states: represented in the Sanhedrin (Rabbinic high Rashi’s own family and descendants who led the margin of the page is Rashi’s “do not trust yourself outer margin is the Tosafotuntil the day of your death”. court), this allowed the strife to go all the way way in this area. Perhaps most notably, Rashi’s commentary; to the left on the The Talmud says that the end of Yochanan’s life to the top. this claim may not be accepted today In various places in Tanach (the Hebrew Bible) While outer margin is the Tosafot In memory of Shmuel Nissim ben Yaacov illustrates the danger of ignoring Hillel’s teaching 4 we see music playing a significant role. The among researchers, I believe it is important to Though Yochanan was of the traditional Pharisee (Berachot 29a). What did Yochanan do wrong? Torah mentions it as Nissim one ofben theYaacov two oldest at least be aware that for nearly 1000 years 4 In memory of Shmuel sect, he had friends amongst the Sadducees. professions in the world, formed by Yuval, seven (taking away 70 years of Babylonian exile), Jews During the rule of his father Shimon the Josephus (the Roman Jewish first-century generations after Adam: "he was the father of had one main musical centre, which housed an Maccabee, the presence of the Hellenised Jews historian) describes a banquet in which all who grasp a lyre and a flute" (Bereshit orchestra and a choir. This centre, of course, in the Accra citadel in Jerusalem had been Yochanan invited both Sadducees and Pharisees. 4:21). In the book of Shmuel, music was used was the Temple (Beit Hamikdash). It had a great neutralised. After Yochanan took over, the Yochanan asked the Pharisees if they had any by prophets as a means to enter into a mode of impact on Jewish life and the Jewish people, Samaritan temple in Shechem was destroyed, complaints to level against him. Amongst other prophesy (Samuel I 10:5); King David's harp- spiritually, culturally and musically. and enemies were kept at bay. Yet this relative things, an old man named Yehuda ben Gedidim playing helped to push away the negative plans peace allowed for the emergence of rival religious accused Yochanan of not being the legitimate of King Shaul towards him (ibid. 16:23). Perhaps when the ultimate redemption will factions – namely the Sadducees, the Pharisees son of Shimon the Hasmonean and therefore come, the Mashiach will be able to check and the Essenes. These three factions would not worthy of being the Kohen Gadol. In anger, Researchers of Jewish music debate what whether this music still exists somewhere become main players in the inter-religious friction Yochanan ordered that the accusation be defines ‘Jewish music’ today and whether there today. Hopefully the Jews will be able to use which characterised the remaining years of the investigated. When the claim proved false, is any existing music that may have deeper and that musical style in the Third Temple. Yochanan demanded that the Sanhedrin punish Temple. older roots, which may justifiably be categorised the slanderer. When they refused to do so, In religious literature the Sadducees are referred Yochanan switched camps, disbanded the as intrinsically 'Jewish'. to as the heirs of the Hellenists. Though there Sanhedrin, and decreed that for the rest of his were a number of differences, the similarities were life, the Temple be run according to the For 2000 years, Jews have been moving from enough to justify being termed ‘heirs’. Both sects Sadducees’ reading of the laws. one place to another, keeping and developing occupied the upper echelons of Judean society; musical traditions. There is no doubt that these both sects had many members who were traditions have also been influenced by the Kohanim; and both denied that the Oral Torah music styles of the outside world as well. was of divine origin. For instance the music in Fiddler on the Roof or cantorial pieces may sound 'Jewish' to Yet the Sadducees posed a greater threat to the Ashkenazi Jews and those who are exposed traditional Jews than the Hellenists had. The to the culture of western society, but would Hellenists had wanted nothing to do with a most likely mean nothing to Ethiopian or Jewish state, seeing no point in its existence; they Yemenite Jews, as their musical context is had fought to gain complete integration into Image of a Sadducee completely different. Hellenistic society. In contrast, the Sadducees from the Nuremberg were proud to be Jewish, yet they were opposed Chronical 1493 to the Rabbinic Sages and the Oral Torah. Abraham Zvi Idelsohn (d. 1938)

Rabbinic Innovators of the Medieval Period Part 5: The Tosafists (1100-1300) by Rabbi Meir Shindler, Richmond United Synagogue

Answer: stone, straw and lead

memory of David Yochanan ben Moshe InInmemory of David Yochanan ben Moshe

Inmemory memory Harav Yisrael ben Eliyahu In of of Harav Yisrael ben Eliyahu

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This weeks Parsha sheet is sponsored Lirfuat Moshe Ben Rav Yitschak Hakohen Betoch Shaar Cholei Yisrael. RABBI RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL JONATHAN TAWIL each ShofarShofar blast.going. The The first,first, served as asa warning MAZAL TOVTOthis TO each blast. served a warningtotothe the curely under self-rule. Even though to keep us >>MAZAL TOV farmers working in the fields outside they RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL BenjaminAgami Agamiand andAnnaelle Annaelle Bettane Benair farmers working in the fields outsidethe thecitycitythat that they Benjamin Bettane Benair custom does not appear to have any There is a special day once a week blast. The first, asmaking amaking warning to way the musteach put Shofar down theirtheir toolstools andserved start their their engagement > MAZAL TOV TO must put down and start their way onon their engagement

practical ramifi cations forBettane the Shulhan Benjamin Agami and Annaelle Benair on their engagement Aruch’s time, he nevertheless found it THE THEWEEKLY WEEKLYQUOTE QUOTE necessary to mention thisof custom. “The lifelife is toislearn. “Theadventure adventure of to learn. TAL THE WEEKLY QUOTE The goal of life is to grow. The nature of life is tois to The Kaf Ha’haim (Rav Yaakov Haim The goal of life is to grow. The nature of life change. The challenge of life is to overcome. TheThe “The adventure of life is to learn. change. The challenge of life is to overcome. Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939) each week before Shabbat during the time to light the Shabbat candles. The final Shofar of isisgrow. totocare. The secret life istotois to Theessence goal of life is to The nature ofoflife essence oflife life care. The secret ofislife The person blowing the Shofar would thenputputdown downthe the blasts indicated the of Shabbat. The person blowing theonset Shofar would then dare. The beauty of life is tobe give. change. The challenge of life is toshould overcome. The writes that this Halacha folTalmudic times. A person would climb dare. The beauty of life is to give. Shofar and come down from the rooftop, as Shabbat TheThe joysecret of lifeof is to essence of life is to care. lifelove! is to“ Shofar and come downthefrom the rooftop, as down Shabbat The joy of life is to love! “ The person blowing Shofar would then put the lowed in places where Jews enjoy cononto the rooftop of a tall building in PARASHA INSIGHTS begun. dare. The beauty of life is to give. PARASHA INSIGHTS begun. Shofar and and come down fromsix the Shofar rooftop, as blasts. Shabbat The joy of life is to love! “ trol over their communities and do not the town blow > UPCOMING EVENTS How is your schedule looking next week? Shouldn’t really Thus Shabbat was sanctified publicly by blowing the PARASHA INSIGHTS begun. UPCOMING How is your looking nextbut week? really Shabbat sanctifi ed publicly by(Tanhuma blowing the about it schedule on Shabbat, Ilooking am Shouldn’t asking as next this questionThus • TU B’SHVAT PARTY the local COCKTAIL gentileEVENTS population. Under Specifi cally, he bywould twice blowMatot the fear> How istalkschedule your Shofar andwas privately kindling lights >•30TH UPCOMING talk aboutHow it onisa Shabbat, but looking Itoamteach. asking as thisShouldn’t questionreallyShofar TU B’SHVAT COCKTAIL your schedule next week? (see EVENTS more infoPARTY online) JANUARY has specifi c lesson privately kindling Matot Thus wasbysanctifi ed lights publicly(Tanhuma by blowing the 2).andShabbat such circumstances, a public proclaseries of Teki’a-Teru’a-Teki’a. The Geweek? Shouldn’t really talk about it on (see more info online) 30TH JANUARY has a specifi lesson to Shabbat, teach. but I am asking as this question talkcabout it on • •TU B’SHVAT COCKTAIL PARTY GALA DINNER We are grateful to be living in one of the most advanced2). Shofar and privately by kindling lights (Tanhuma Matot mation of the onset of Shabbat should mara explains the signifi cance of each Shabbat, I 30TH JANUARY (see more infoinfo online) has abut specifi cam lessonasking to teach. as this quesInterestingly, the Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 256) records 26TH FEBRUARY (See more online) • GALA DINNER 2). We are grateful nationstoinbetheliving world,in atone oneofofthe themost mostadvanced advanced times Interestingly, the Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 256) records this practice, noting that it was observed during the times • GALA DINNER 26TH FEBRUARY (See more info online) be made, if not with a Shofar, then with Shofar blast. The fi rst, served as a tion has a specifi c lesson to teach. grateful to living onethere of theready mosttimes advanced intheare history. Soatmany luxuries out for the take Interestingly, the Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 256) records nations inWe world, onebeof the inmost advanced 26TH FEBRUARY (See more info online) when thenoting Jewishthat people securely undertheself-rule. this practice, it waslived observed during times nations inwethe world, at one of living the mostforadvanced and yet seem soto busy. in We history.are So many luxuries out there ready taketimes warning some other medium, such as a siren to the farmers working in the grateful be intheone thisthepractice, thatlived it was observed duringtoself-rule. the times though this custom does not appear have any Jewishnoting people securely under history.soSobusy. many luxuries out there ready for the takewhen Even yet weinmost seem Not so long ago we would nations rely on our memory, when the Jewish people securely under self-rule. or a bell. Indeed, the Kaf Ha’haim refi elds outside thedoes city that they must ofandthe in thewhetherEven practical ramificustom cations forlived thenot Shulhan Aruch’s time, and yet weadvanced seem so busy. though this appear to have anyhe it was in school math exams, or with car directions. Even though their this custom doesand not appear to making have any Not so long ago we would rely onmost our memory, whether nevertheless found it necessary to mention this custom. cords various customs that were pracput down tools start world, at one of the advanced ramifications for the Shulhan Aruch’s time, he Not so long we agorely weon would relycalculators, on our memory, Nowadays digital mobilewhether phonespractical DVAR TORAH P1 practical ramifications for the Shulhan Aruch’s time, he it was in school math exams, or with car directions. itand was in schoolSo mathmany exams, orreminders with car to directions. electronic calendars withluxuries keep usnevertheless ticed in several Jewish communities to their way back home to prepare for times in history. out found it necessary mention custom. Parasha Insights The Kaf Ha’haim Yaakov to Haim Sofer, this Baghdad-Israel, nevertheless found(Rav it necessary to mention this custom. NowadaysNowadays we rely on digital calculators, mobilemobile phones DVAR TORAH RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL we rely on digital calculators, phones afloat. P1 P1 1870-1939)The writes that this HalachaShofar should be followed theTORAH onset Shabbat. second blast announceDVAR there ready for the and toyet we and electronic calendars withtake reminders keep us usThe Parasha Insights of Shabbat. He Kaf Ha’haim (Rav(Rav Yaakov Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, and electronic calendars with reminders to keep Parasha Insights The Kaf Ha’haim Yaakov Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, in places wherethat Jewsthis enjoy theirsixcommunities How reminders have you set yourself this year inRalerted Moshe explains is control to hint over to the Shofarthat as seen in the “Shir Shel “TodayTAWIL is TAWIL the fithe rst dayRabbis in In fact there ismany a custom in Kabalat Shabbat to recite RABBI JONATHAN afloat. writes thatRABBI inYom:” Jerusalem, the shopkeepers in thebebecity seem so busy. JONATHAN afloat. 1870-1939) writes thatthat thisthisHalacha should followed 1870-1939) writes Halacha should followed DVAR“Today TORAH P2 your calendar? and do fear theas gentile population. Under (theincount towards) Shabbat.” that werenotsounded atoreminder andsixpreparing thesuch six psalms of isnature whichincorrespond to the six days of Rblasts Moshe explains that this islocal hint toover the Shofar as seen the “Shir Shel Yom:” is the first day in In fact there a custom Kabalat Shabbat to recite in places where Jews enjoy control their communities would dispatch messengers just before the time has come to close their stores, Not so long ago we would rely on our How manyHowreminders have you setyou yourself this year places where Jews enjoy control over their Trust or effort many reminders have set yourself this in year inpeopleincircumstances, a public proclamation of communities the of count towards) Shabbat.” Shabbat. blasts were Erev sounded as a reminder and preparing the onset(the Have you signify ever forgotten a sibling’s birthday? Need a thatevery six psalms of nature which correspond to the six days of Creation. These also the six Shofar blasts that were Shabbat is a day we remember and anticipate. RABBI YEHONATAN SALEM DVAR TORAH TORAH P2 P2 your calendar? and do not fear thethe local gentile population. Under yourwhether calendar? it was in school math and do not fear gentile population. Under Shabbat toDVAR instruct the storekeepers to and the indicated the to light memory, Shabbat should be local made, if not with atime Shofar, thensuch with reminder for an important meeting Dr’swere appointment? people every Erev third Shabbat. Creation. on These signify the six Shofar blastsorthat Trust or effort Trust effort is a day we remember andor anticipate. sounded Erevalso Shabbat. from the the week we have an Shabbat circumstances, aofpublic proclamation the onset circumstances, a public proclamation ofaofbell. the onset of In an ever increasingly busy society, the Torah has already some otherstart medium, such as a The sirenalready orfi Indeed, the Have evernow forgotten a sibling’s aEven It’s allyou done at sibling’s the tip ofbirthday? your fibirthday? nger tips. Need You can Have you ever forgotten a Need a close their shops, warning that they the Shabbat candles. nal Shofar exams, or with car directions. NowaRABBI YEHONATAN SALEM RABBI YEHONATAN SALEM sounded on Erev Shabbat. Even from start of thewith week already have an Shabbat should be made, ifwe not witha aShofar, Shofar, then established relationship Shabbat should be made, ifShabbat. not with then with the waybusy forward. In an laid ever down increasingly society, the Torah has already reminder for important meeting Dr’s appointment? Kafthe Ha’haim records various customs that were practiced evenanset yourself weekly annual OUR CHACHAMIM for important meeting or Dr’s appointment? Rreminder Moshewe Chorev Shlita observes thatorcalculators, there is orreminders. an interesting would not receive blessing from P3any blasts indicated the onset of Shabbat. days rely onannow digital moestablished relationship with Shabbat. some other medium, such as a siren or a bell. Indeed, the laid down the way forward. It’s all done at the tip of your fi nger tips. You can medium, such as a siren a bell. theof Believe it or not, it could RABBIbeMATZLIAH inother several Jewish communities to orannounce the onset R Moshe Chorev observes there isinanone interesting It’s allthatdone theon tipthese ofthat your finger You can Insome Shemot (20:8) the Torah states: “Remember theIndeed, Shabbat note appears inatthis week’s Parasha Pasuk forgotten!MAZUZ We now relyShlita heavily reminders totips. keep us six going. Kaf Ha’haim records various customs that were practiced even set yourself weekly or annual reminders. profi ts earned from sales made The person blowing the Shofar bile phones and electronic calendars CHACHAMIM P3after Shabbat. HeTorah writes in Jerusalem, Rabbis would Ha’haim records various customs that were practiced even set yourself or annual reminders. In Shemot (20:8) the states: “Remember the the Shabbat note that appears weekly in this week’s Parasha in one Pasuk six OUR CHACHAMIM P3 Believe it or not, it could beOUR forgotten! toKafkeep it holy.” Based onthat this, the Mekhilta comments times. There is a special day once a afl weekoat. for which our Sageswould RABBI MATZLIAH MAZUZ in several Jewish communities to announce the onset of So every single day we remember the Shabbat. Even dispatch messengers just before Shabbat to instruct that point. then put down the Shofar and with reminders to keep us We rely heavily on these reminders to keep us going. to that RABBI MATZLIAH MAZUZ in several Jewish to announce the onset of keep it are holy.” Basedcommunities oncount this, the Mekhilta comments times. we obligated to the days of the week leading We rely heavily these reminders keep us going. So every singleonday we remember the Shabbat. Even we are P3 adviseonthat we should set atoreminder. HALACHOT Friday, as we approach the Shabbat Shabbat. He writestothat in Jerusalem, the Rabbisthat would theobligated storekeepers close their shops, warning they more soToday TheHow torahThere relates the day spiritual enjoyed by the thatup wetoare to count days ofrooftop, the week leading Shabbat. He writes thatthe inthe Jerusalem, the Rabbis would many in Israel, many reminders setSages come down from asto ShabBorer: Ifhinted One Selected Shabbat. Accordingly, the Ramban comments that is athat special once food ahave week for you which our more reminded so on Friday, as we thecities Shabbat wesixShabbat are by the sixinapproach blasts at in ouron psalms ...of loud dispatch messengers just before Shabbat instruct The torah relates that the spiritual food enjoyed by the The Gemara Shabbat (35b) describes a custom that was There is a special day once a week for which our Sages would not receive blessing from any profi ts earned from RABBI ELI MANSOUR up to Shabbat. Accordingly, the Ramban comments that Bnei Yisrael (Manna) daily, on Shabbat. To dispatch messengers just before Shabbat to instruct advise thatyear wefell should setexcept a reminder. HALACHOT P3 the reminded by the six blasts hinted at in our six psalms ofbefore the verse teaches that we should remember Shabbat every Jewish music is played just yourself this in your calendar? bat begun. music in certain cities in Israel). the storekeepers tothat close their shops, warning that they Kabalat Shabbat (andHALACHOT each week before on Shabbat during Bnei Yisrael (Manna) fell except Shabbat. To Talmudic advise thatobserved we should setdaily, a reminder. P3 sales made after point. Borer: If Onecities Selected on Shabbat ... theday verse teaches thatThis we remember Shabbat every Kabalat Shabbat (and music in certain in Israel). make up The fortimes. this two portionswould fell onclimb Fridayonto signifying thethat was the storekeepers to should close their shops, warning that they ofThus the week. isblessing to was ensure that we dotsed not forget Gemara Shabbat (35b) describes a custom A person the rooftop of a would not receive from any profi earned from Borer: If One Selected on Shabbat ... onset of Shabbat to remind the people Have you ever forgotten a sibling’s Shabbat sanctifi publicRABBI ELI MANSOUR make up for this two portions fell on Friday signifying the Winter is upon us, Shabbat begins so early and Friday’s are day of the week. This is to ensure that we do not forget The Gemara a blow custom that was Today inconfuse many cities Israel, Jewish isthis played wouldsales not receive from loud any ts music earned from preparation ofShabbat Shabbat to be describes done theand day before. Shabbat and itthat withinpoint. another day.profi Additionally, observed each(35b) before Shabbat during Talmudic RABBIsoELI MANSOUR tall building inweek town six Shofar blasts. Winterhectic. is uponYet us,id Shabbat begins early and Friday’s made afterblessing ’s we know that enjoyment of a realare preparation of Shabbat tobefore done the day onto before. andK get them into the mood ofexclusive this P4 ausbirthday? Need abethe reminder for an imlyalsoby blowing the Shofar and privately and confuse it with another day. Additionally, this Q&Athe AND CARTOON observed each week Shabbat during Talmudic just before the theand people times. Acally, person would climb rooftop ofShabbat aissales Specifi he would twice blow thetheseries of Teki’ae made after thatonset point.oftheShabbat hectic. Yet we know that the enjoyment of a real exclusive in order to remember creationtoofremind the world im T Shabbat experience is dependent on prior preparation. is also in order to remember the creation of the world and ‘’See that Hashem has given you the Shabbat; therefore Today in many cities in Israel, loud Jewish music is played times. A person would climb onto the rooftop of a tall building in the town and blow six Shofar blasts. picious day. I portant meeting or Dr’s appointment? by kindling lights (Tanhuma Matot 2). The Gemara explains the significance it’s of Creator and get them into the mood of this auspicious day. Shabbat experience on prior preparation. daily. ‘’See that Teru’a-Teki’a. Hashem has given you the Shabbat; therefore Kid’sis dependent Q&A AND CARTOON P4 many cities in Israel, loud Jewish musictheis played it’s Today Creator justindaily. before the onset of Shabbat to remind people Don’t getTlost Specifi cally, he would blow the series of Teki’ae’sallthere He you oninthe day food for two days. You should tallgives building thesixth town andtwice blow six Shofar blasts. in that work,isremember the Shabbat! im id n fact custom It’s all done now at the your fi nger Interestingly, the Shulhan Aruch K He gives you on the sixth day food fortip twoof days. You should This newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot Please dispose of accordingly Don’t get lost in all that work, remember Shabbat! in Kabalat Q&A ANDathe CARTOON P4 thethem Ramban writes, ourofmethod of counting the Teru’a-Teki’a. Gemara the cance ofTherefore, and get into the mood this auspicious day.people  just before the onset of Shabbat to remind the Specifically, heman would twice blowletexplains the series e remain – each – inThe his place; not any manofsignifi goTeki’aout im Therefore, the Ramban writes, ourrecords method of counting the remainYou – eachcan man –even in his place; letyourself not any manweekly go out NextShabbat weekT addtothis todiary; your diary; set a reminder to recite sixyourself psalms of for nature tips. set (Orah Haim 256) thisthatpractice, days of the week differs fundamentally from of the Next week add this your set yourself a reminder for Teru’a-Teki’a. The Gemara explains the signifi cance of and get them into the mood of this auspicious day.  from his on the the Seventh SeventhDay.’’ Day.’’(Shemot (Shemot16:29) 16:29) days contains of the week fromSheimot that of -the This newsletter Divreidiffers Torahfundamentally and may contain Please disposethis of accordingly valuable day. Perhaps canadd even add ansix electronic his place place reminders. on this valuable day. Perhaps you canyou even anthe electronic which correspond to days of noting that it use was observed orfromannual nonJews. non-Jews use unique names forduring each daythe nonJews. TheThe non-Jews unique names for each day voice of a Shofar to itmake extra special! This newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot Please dispose accordingly voice of of a Shofar to make extraitspecial! InInSephardic communities this note is called Shofar holech of the week, such as Sunday, Monday, etc. By contrast, we Creation. These also signify the six times when the Jewish people lived seWe rely heavily on these reminders Sephardic communities this note is called Shofar holech of the week, such as Sunday, Monday, etc. By contrast, we

DIRECTOR DIRECTOR TALDIRECTOR TAL

–– literally horn going goingforward. forward. literally -- aa horn

forfarmers which ourin the Sages advise that we working eldsShabbat. outside thesecond city that they back home to prepare forfifor Shabbat. TheThe Shofar back home to prepare second Shofar must put down their tools and start making their way should set a reminder. blast blast alerted the shopkeepers in the citycitythat alerted the shopkeepers in the thatthe thetime time back home to close prepare forstores, Shabbat. The second Shofar has come to thethird thirdindicated indicated has The come toGemara close theirtheir stores, andand the Shabbat (35b) deblast alerted the shopkeepers incandles. the cityThe the Shofar time the time to light Shabbat final the time to light the the Shabbat candles. Thethat final Shofar scribes a custom that was observed has come to closethetheir stores, and the third indicated indicated onset of Shabbat. blastsblasts indicated the onset of Shabbat.

count of the an towards eye towards Shabbat, Shabbat Shabbat Shalom count thethe daysdays of the weekweek withwith an eye Shabbat, Shalom ■ ■

RABBI SALEM--SHALOM SHALOMLAAM LAAMDIASPORA DIASPORA RABBI YEHONATAN YEHONATAN SALEM

DVAR TORAH

TRUST OR OR EFFORT TRUST EFFORT While the Jewish People travelled and sojourned While the Jewish People travelled and sojourned

in the desert, sustained People them with thetravelled Manna While the G-d Jewish in the desert, G-d sustained them with the Manna – heavenly bread. It was a miraculous food that and sojourned in the desert, G-d – heavenly bread. It was a miraculous food susthat was sent daily from heaven and tasted according tained with the and Manna – heavwas sentthem daily from heaven tasted according to each person’s wishes. The experience of enly bread. It was a miraculous to each person’s wishes. The experiencefood of these open miracles revealed to them and that was sent daily from heaven and these open miracles revealed to them and to future generations that, essentially, all our tasted to essentially, each person’s to future according generations our sustenance is G-d-given.that, On Rosh HashanahallG-d wishes. The experience of these open sustenance G-d-given. On Rosh Hashanah G-d establishes is how much parnassah each person miracles to them and toonfuestablishes howyear. much parnassah each person will receive revealed that However, money spent will receive that year. However, money spent ture generations that, essentially, all doing G-d’s mitzvot is not included in theon doing G-d’s mitzvot is isG-d-given. not aincluded inRosh the yearly allowance. Whatever personOn spends our sustenance for the purpose of learning Torah, educating his yearly allowance. Whatever a person Hashanah G-d establishes howspends much children, Shabbat and other mitzvot, ishis for the purpose ofexpenses learning Torah, educating parnassah each person will receive paid back fullyHowever, to him. children, Shabbat expensesmoney and otherspent mitzvot, on is that year.

paid back fully to him. What is the difference between emunah – faith and What is bitachon the difference between emunah – faith and bitachon

Shofar blasts that were sounded on Erev Shabbat. R Moshe Chorev Shlita observes that there is an interesting note that appears in this week’s Parasha in one Pasuk six times. The torah relates that the spiritual food enjoyed by the Bnei Yisrael (Manna) fell daily, except on Shabbat. To make up for this two portions fell on Friday signifying the preparation of Shabbat to be done the day before. ‘’See that Hashem has given you the Shabbat; therefore He gives you on the sixth day food for two days. You should remain – each man – in his place; let not any man go out from his place on the Seventh Day.’’ (Shemot 16:29) In Sephardic communities this note is called Shofar holech – literally - a horn going forward. R Moshe explains that this is to hint to the six Shofar blasts that were sounded as a reminder and preparing the people every Erev Shabbat. Even from the start of the week we already have an established relationship with Shabbat. In Shemot (20:8) the Torah states: “Remember the Shabbat to keep it holy.” Based on this, the Mekhilta comments that we are obligated to count the days of the week leading up to Shabbat. Accordingly, the Ramban comments that the verse teaches that we should remember Shabbat every day of the week. This is to ensure that we do not forget Shabbat and confuse it with another day. Additionally, this is also in order to remember the creation of the world and it’s Creator daily.

Therefore, the Ramban writes, our method of counting the days of the week differs fundamentally from that of the non- Jews. The non-Jews use unique names for each day of the week, such as Sunday, Monday, etc. By contrast, we count the days of the week with an eye towards Shabbat, as seen in the “Shir Shel Yom:” “Today is the ﬁ rst day in (the count towards) Shabbat.” Shabbat is a day we remember and anticipate. In an ever increasingly busy society, the Torah has already laid down the way forward. Believe it or not, it could be forgotten! So every single day we remember the Shabbat. Even more so on Friday, as we approach the Shabbat we are reminded by the six blasts hinted at in our six psalms of Kabalat Shabbat (and music in certain cities in Israel). Winter is upon us, Shabbat begins so early and Friday’s are hectic. Yet we know that the enjoyment of a real exclusive Shabbat experience is dependent on prior preparation. Don’t get lost in all that work, remember the Shabbat! Next week add this to your diary; set yourself a reminder for this valuable day. Perhaps you can even add an electronic voice of a Shofar to make it extra special! Shabbat Shalom ■

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1 trust,andand do need both of them? an an nah. average businessman notto “I will “in – –trust, whywhy do we we need ofincluded them? businessman shouldshould notjust say: “Isay: will doing G-d’s mitzvot isboth not in average It is not enough believe While is allowance. the knowledge thatthat G-d G-d runsa While emunah is the knowledge runs go togothe two a day it”. with to offi theceoffi ce two hours aand daythat’s and that’s it”. theemunah yearly Whatever pertheory”, wehours must actually “live 1 thethe world in His infiinfi nitenite wisdom andand withwith flawless world in His wisdom flawless That That wouldwould be a be mistake that could destroydestroy his his a mistake that could son spends for the purpose of learning G-d” through all our life situations perfection, bitachon is the calmness that Rather, he should go according to the to the perfection, bitachon is the calmness that business. business. Rather, he should go according Torah,one educating his children, Shabbat feel calm that He is looking after envelopes whowho is convinced of this truth.truth. We We norms ofand that envelopes one is convinced of this norms of trade. that trade. allall know that things do do not generally go exactly expenses and other mitzvot, is paid us, and that everything He does is for know that things not generally go exactly asaswewe plan them. is not likelike that.that. Although plan them. Life is not Although However, similar businesses are open back fully toLife him. ourif best. However, if similar businesses are from open from wewe areare certain thatthat what we we wantwant is good for us, certain what is good for us, nine nine to five, and wants to “take off” anoff” hourantohour toThe five,he and he wants to how “take to What is the difference between question is: does bitachon often G-d knows better. Life is full of surprises, before coming to thetooffithe ce,offi and trusts that often G-d knows better. Life is full of surprises, learnlearn before coming ce, and trusts that emunah – faith and bitachon – – trust in G-d, fi t in with hishtadlut – sometimes even unpleasant ones. There may be not harm his trade, then that is a feasible sometimes even unpleasant ones. There may be this will this will not harm his trade, then that is a feasible heavy burdens to carry, trials and diffi culties both to trust, and why do we need of the steps a person must take in order heavy burdens to carry, trials and difficulties to plan. He is not enslaved to regular office times, plan. He is not enslaved to regular office times, face. This is why we need bitachon – it is the longachieve as the “pipeline” is open, blessing them?While is the knowledge his needs? G-d expects face. This is why emunah we need bitachon – it is the and as to and as long as the “pipeline” is open, blessing practical application of our emunah. It is not will come in. Someone on a higher levelsort than practical application of world our emunah. It infi is not that G-d runs the in His nite everyone to make some effort, will come in. Someone on a higher levelofthan enough just to believe “in theory”, we must feel that he can look for a business that enough justand to believe “inawless theory”,perfection, we must that maybut wisdom with fl beyond that, a person must actually “live with that may feel that he can look for a business that bewill take up even less time. He may think that he actually “live with will his takebusiness upand eventrust less time. He mayHow think that he efbitachon is the calmness that envein Him. much can runlieve from home on a computer G-d” throughone all ourwho life situations and feel calm can run his business from home on a computer lopes is convinced of this fort a person needs to make depends G-d” ourus, lifeand situations and feelHecalm and devote half a day to learning Torah; if that that He through is lookingallafter that everything andhisdevote half day to Torah; if that is truly level of trust,a then will help him. Everyone truth. We all know that things do not upon their levelG-dlearning of trust. that looking does isHe forisour best. after us, and that everything He is truly his level of trust, then G-d will help him. does is for ourgo best. generally exactly as we plan them. must try to honestly gauge how much We serve Hashem according to our personal TheLife question is: how bitachon – trust we in are is not likedoes that. Although hishtadlut Hashem expects him, in his serveWeHashem according ourand personal levelWe of trust. must fully believe intoHim The is: what how does – good trust infor G-d, fitquestion in with hishtadlut –we the bitachon steps a is person certain that want standing, to do in order to achieve of trust. We before must fully believe in Him and a trust level Him on that level we take on more. G-d,take fit inin with the needs? steps a G-d person must orderhishtadlut to achieve– his trust Him on that level before we take on more. us, often G-d knows better. Life is full certain goal. Beyond that, is where his As we become more proficient in bitachon, our expects everyone to make some sort effort, G-d must take in order to achieve his ofneeds? beliefAsand trust will hopefully rise, and the level inourG-d” we become more profi cient in bitachon, of surprises, sometimes even unpleaspersonal service of “trusting butexpects beyondeveryone that, a to person makemust somebelieve sort ofand effort, of effort required, decrease. belief and trust will hopefullyshould rise, andoperate the level on trust inbeyond Him. Howthat, much a person to and ant ones. There may be needs heavy burcomes in. A person but a effort person must believe of effort required, decrease. make depends upon their level of atrust. Everyone trust in Him. How much effort person needs to to dens to carry, trials and diffi culties his own level of trust and not exceed Let us solidify our present level of trust in G-d, must try depends to honestly gauge how much hishtadlut make upon their level of trust. Everyone– it face. This is why we need bitachon it. For example, an average businessenabling us solidify to “live our withpresent Him” and have Hashem him, ingauge his standing, to hishtadlut do in Let us level of peace trust in G-d, must tryexpects to honestly how much of mind due toshould ourtoreliance upon Him, which willto is the practical application of our emuman not say: “I will go the offi order to achieve a certain goal. Beyond that, is enabling us “live with Him” and have peace Hashem expects him, in his standing, to do in eventually bring us to the next level of trust. where his personal service of “trusting in G-d” of mind due to our reliance upon Him, which will order to achieve a certain goal. Beyond that, is comes in. A person should operate on his own eventually bring us to the next level of trust. where his personal service of “trusting in G-d” Shabbat shalom. ■ level of trust and not exceed it. For example, comes in. A person should operate on his own Shabbat shalom. ■ level of trust and not exceed it. For example,

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Get in touch 0207 561 6600 michael@cityprinting.co.uk

City Printing Ltd City House 171-173 Hornsey Road London N7 6RA

ce two hours a day and that’s it”. That would be a mistake that could destroy his business. Rather, he should go according to the norms of that trade. However, if similar businesses are open from nine to fi ve, and he wants to “take off” an hour to learn before coming to the offi ce, and trusts that this will not harm his trade, then that is a feasible plan. He is not enslaved to regular offi ce times, and as long as the “pipeline” is open, blessing will come in. Someone on a higher level than that may feel that he can look for a business that will take up even less time. He may think that he can run his business from home on a computer and devote half a day to learning To-

rah; if that is truly his level of trust, then G-d will help him. We serve Hashem according to our personal level of trust. We must fully believe in Him and trust Him on that level before we take on more. As we become more proﬁ cient in bitachon, our belief and trust will hopefully rise, and the level of effort required, decrease. Let us solidify our present level of trust in G-d, enabling us to “live with Him” and have peace of mind due to our reliance upon Him, which will eventually bring us to the next level of trust. Shabbat shalom. ■

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22 BUSINESS

25 JANUARY 2018

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Should I invest through passive or active investment funds ? BY MARC OVITS

BA (HONS) APFS CERT PFS (DM)

PART 1 OF 2 Responding to the growing appetite for passive investing from the general public, this article attempts to set out the differences between active and passive management whilst also setting out some of the reasoning behind why the passive fund market has seen rapid growth. What is an ‘Investment Fund’ The risk of investing directly in individual shares (or bonds or property) is that if the price of your asset drops significantly in value, or the issuing company goes bust, you will be overexposed and could suffer extreme losses in your portfolio from which you will have difficulty recovering. The key to reducing this risk is having a spread of investments both within particular asset classes and between asset classes themselves. So rather than buying shares in one company, you might buy shares in 10 different companies to diversify your portfolio and help spread the risk around. If you then add some bonds and property to the mix,

you have the makings of a diverse portfolio. However, for some asset classes, such as corporate bonds or property, it’s pretty impractical to build a diverse portfolio of investments to spread risk if you’re investing directly. You might have enough money to buy a buy-to-let property as an investment, but do you have enough capital to build a portfolio of 10 or 20 properties? What’s more, you might not know which the best companies to invest in are or, more importantly, which ones are going to give you the best return. Investment funds are collective investment schemes which pool your money with that of other investors to give you a stake in a ready-made portfolio. Two of the most popular types are unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs). An investment fund can offer a practical and affordable way to invest in lots of different assets without the pressure of making your own calls on individual stocks and shares. Unit trusts and OEICs are by far the most popular investment funds.

With a unit trust, a fund manager buys bonds or shares in companies on the stock market on behalf of the fund. The fund is split into units, and this is what you’ll buy. The fund manager creates units for new investors and cancels units for those selling out of the fund. The creation of units can be unlimited, hence why the fund is ‘open-ended.’ The price of each unit depends on the net asset value (NAV) of the fund’s underlying investments and is priced once per day. This means that the value of the units you buy directly reﬂects the underlying value of the investment.

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OEICs operate in a similar way to unit trusts except that the fund is actually run as a company. It therefore creates and cancels shares rather than units when investors come in and go out of the fund, but they still directly reflect the value of the assets that your fund manager has invested in. Broadly speaking there are two different types of funds investors can purchase – active or passive. Passive management is an investing strategy that tracks a market-weighted index or portfolio. The most popular method is to mimic the performance of an externally specified index by buying an index fund. Examples of passive funds include funds that attempt to track the FTSE 100 or S&P 500 indices. By tracking an index, an investment portfolio typically gets good diversification, low turnover (good for keeping down internal transaction costs), and low management fees. With low fees, an investor in such a fund would have higher returns than a similar fund with similar investments but higher management fees and/or turnover/ transaction costs. Passive management is most common on the equity market, where index funds track a stock market index, but it is becoming more common in other investment types, including bonds, commodities and hedge funds.

The Writer is the owner and Managing Director of Alpha Wealth Management Limited. Drawing on over twenty years’ experience in financial services, Marc helps private clients, businesses, charities, and trusts optimize their finances. He is a Chartered Financial Planner providing ‘Independent’ financial advice. Prior to being a financial adviser, Marc was a Director at several global investment banks, providing investment advice to Europe’s leading institutional investment and pension fund managers. For advice on inheritance, investment, protection, or retirement planning, please contact Marc on 020 8203 6920 or 07866 503 898 or marc@alphawm.co.uk.

Active management refers to a portfolio management strategy where the manager makes specific investments with the goal of outperforming an investment benchmark index. Ideally, the active manager exploits market inefficiencies by purchasing securities (shares or bonds etc.) that are undervalued or by short selling securities that are overvalued. Either of these methods may be used alone or in combination. Depending on the goals of the specific investment portfolio, hedge fund or mutual fund, active management may also serve to create less volatility (or risk) than the benchmark index. The reduction of risk may be instead of, or in addition to, the goal of creating an investment return greater than the benchmark.

25 JANUARY 2018

BUSINESS 23

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW - ADAM DIAMANT - LAND COMMERCIAL SURVEYORS Land Commercial Surveyors is a family run business founded by Lewis Diamant in 1989. His son, Adam, began working as a negotiator for the company in 2002 after being made redundant from his previous job as a trader in the city. He worked his way up to becoming director in 2007.

Adam Diament

Last year Adam took on the position of Managing Director, and in his new role he is now effectively responsible for overseeing the business, and looking after a team of 14 members of staff. Based in Gants Hill, Land Commercial looks after properties in East, North and North West London, as well as the Essex and Hertfordshire area. They offer a complete comprehensive service which incorporates commercial sales and lettings, surveying as well as commercial and block management which is the fastest growing part of the business. By being able to cover all of these areas, Adam believes that ‘Land Commercial Surveyors’ offers an all-encompassing service that not only saves the client time but also money, as they are able to deal with just one company. Adam explains, “Rather than having to work with a separate agent, surveyor and property manager for one property, we are able to offer every service that a client needs in a tailor-made package. The property business is a fast moving industry, so the continuity of service benefits the client, and gets things moving much quicker.” The company’s agency department covers industrial, retail and office space and the team have expertise in all of these areas. Currently industrial property is very much in demand from both a sales and lettings perspective, and Adam is keen to acquire new and exciting properties within this sector. “The industrial market is very strong at the moment, and property is in short supply. Everything that we have is being let or sold very quickly. It would be great be able to get some

more properties on our books, and I would be happy to speak to any owners that are looking to rent or sell this type of property.” During his 15 years’ experience at the company, Adam has developed extensive knowledge and an impressive client base working on behalf of prestigious clients including Higgins Group, Lee Barron, and Freshwater as well as many independent property owners and developers. Over that time, Adam has seen a change in how the property market works. “When I started working at the company, I remember that we would have to send out information to prospective buyers by post, and then we would have to wait for a response. Now everything is possible at the touch of a button. Things move much quicker, and so it is essential that we are able to adapt to this. If I take on a property on a Thursday morning, I can send out an email or post it on a property portal, and get responses by that afternoon. In some ways this can be a good thing and makes this industry exciting and dynamic, but there used to be something special about taking on a property, and being able to give priority to prospective purchasers/ tenants who you knew the property would be suitable for.” As MD, Adam has a pro-active, hands-on approach, and is involved with every area of the business. One of the key elements he is focussing on is finding new business opportunities, and connecting with new clients. He enjoys meeting people and helping them to maximise the potential of their property, and believes that Land Commercial Surveyors, as a smaller business, has the advantage of being able to offer a more personal touch. He explains, “When dealing with larger companies it may mean that every time a client gets in touch, they will speak to a different person, or that there specific departments that look after particular parts of the client negotiation process. A negotiator will often pass a client onto a deal progressor/admin person to conclude the deal. With our company, there is one main point of contact throughout the transaction who is

able to help with any questions and queries. This gives our client the faith that we are doing our best for them and their property, and we will work hard to help them get the best results.” When taking on a new property, Adam will first make contact with the owner to find out as much Aas possible about the property, and their expectations for sale or letting. In order to be able to offer the best valuation additional in-depth research may be required, so he can gain the most up to date market information. He will also work closely with his surveyors to ensure he has a complete picture. “For us, it is not about getting a quick deal, but getting the best deal for our client.” If they are happy to proceed, Adam and his team will start working to sell or let out the property as soon as possible. It will be listed on property websites and boards will be put up to generate interest. Based on this interest, viewings will then be organised. All of this will be handled by the Land Commercial surveyor who will deal with the transaction through to completion, once a buyer/tenant has been found. For those interested in going into a career in property, Adam believes that starting out working in commercial is a great way to learn about the industry as a whole. He explains, “You get to see a lot more of a variety of properties within the commercial sector than in residential. Anything from large office buildings to retail units, and even if you want to eventually move into the residential sector, I think that commercial offers a great foundation on which to develop.” When thinking of longer term prospects and career development, Adam

would recommend that qualifying as a surveyor is advisable. Adam is excited about his role at the company, and is determined to continue to work on the strong business relationships and excellent reputation that the company has developed. He is keen to be involved in all areas of the business, and to take it forward. “We feel that offering our clients the personal touch sets us apart from our competitors. There is always someone answering the phone that will know about your property and they will be able to offer assistance. In the days of impersonal computer technology, we offer an old school, more traditional approach, but still utilise all of the modern tools available to create a great client experience.”

If you would like to get in touch with Adam and the Land Commercial team, please call 0208 498 8080 or email info@landcommercial. co.uk . Further information is also available on www. landcommercial.co.uk or www. charteredsurveyorsinlondon. co.uk . They is also a Facebook page – landcommercial.

Do you know anyone who would like to be featured on this page? Let us know by emailing micaela@thejewishweekly.com

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24 SPORTS

25 JANUARY 2018

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SPORTS

ONE NATION... ...MANY TEAMS

W E E K LY

‘JJ’ late winner fires Fairlop into Peter Morrison quarterfinals BY DAVID SAFFER James Jaconelli struck an 84th minute winner for Fairlop FC against London Lions Vets 1-0 to advance in the Peter Morrison Trophy. Whilst Fairlop triumphed the Lions were unfortunate as they hit the woodwork on three occasions and had goals controversially disallowed. “Fair play to Lions, they have some quality players and at times had us very worried,” said Fairlop boss Aaron Dias. “They gave their best today but their best wasn’t good enough. “Lions huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow that orange wall down. “The first half of football was end to end stuff with both teams having chances. We should have taken the lead after Rosen was hacked down in the box but failed to convert the penalty. “The boys showed great character in the second half, time and again we kept Lions at bay. “With six minutes to go ‘JJ’ hunted down one of there centre-backs, robbed him of the ball, skipped round the goalkeeper and cooly finished. But it felt like time had stood still.” Looking to the next round Dias said: “I’d love a trip to Manchester in the next round, but I’m worried someone else will knock out our local rivals before we do, so we be hoping for a Fairlop versus Redbridge quarterfinal.” Manchester Maccabi 2nd defeated Brady Maccabi 3-1 to book a place in the next round. Stanley Offord scored for the Londoners who had a weakened team but made the journey despite terrible weather conditions. “We didn’t help ourselves by going behind to two mistakes and then were in the wrong end of a dreadful decision by the officials just before half time,” said Brady boss Joel Nathan. “We rallied in the second half and scored and then missed an open goal, which would have got

the nerves going, but ended up not be good enough on the day.” Cup ties between Redbridge Jewish Care A versus Redbridge Jewish Care B and Maccabi London Lions Blue versus Sedgley Park were postponed. Los Blancos shocked Premier League Camden Park in the Cyril Anekstein Cup with a 3-0 win to set up a semi-final clash against reigning Premier champions Oakwood A. Avi Kestenbaum made up for missing an early chance when he glided past a marker before wrong-footing the Camden ‘keeper for the opening goal on 30 minutes. Camden adopted an all out attack approach after half time and it paid off when Oli Sade lobbed the ‘keeper from 20 yards on the hour. Jake Doffman drilled home the third on 70 minutes. ‘The lads put in a strong performance today and every one of my players dug deep,” said Blancos boss Joel Holder. “We are delighted to be in the semis and look forward for some more magic of the Cup.” Maccabi London Lions White thumped North London Raiders A 6-0 in the Premier Division. Sharpshooter Ollie Craig scored a hat-trick, Adam Arnold, Tyler Smith and Josh Weiner also hit the target to claim the spoils. Oakwood B came from behind to earn a share of the spoils in a six-goal Division One thriller against North London Raiders B. Rob Blackman opened the scoring for Raiders with a looping cross. David Dinkin volleyed home from a Matt Leader corner for a two-goal lead then Oakwood hit back with two goals in as many minutes through a Simon Davies header and Daniel Seligman strike. Jake Gilbert edged Raiders ahead on 80 minutes only for Max Clynes to nod in a late equaliser for a 3-3 draw. Oakwood manager Jason Stein was unavailable for the match but got a full review from ‘A’ team

Los Blancos caused a cup shock

boss Daniel Kristall who stepped in for the match. “Dan’s quality showed at the end when he sent Max into the box to head home, but why he wasn’t up there already is beyond me!” said Stein. “Losing goalkeeper Ben Lewis to a broken ﬁnger in the warm-up was obviously a disaster that set us back. Then to be 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go and not lose is a pretty good eﬀort. “Raiders will be gutted not to have won from there, then to have led 3-2 as well.” Stein added: “By all accounts we played well but once again were our worst enemy. “We missed loads of chances and gave away soft goals so it’s got to get better. Every week we are going out and giving ourselves too much to do.” “Given the conditions, both teams deserve credit for playing as well as they did,” commented Raiders manager Doron Salomon. “Snow fell all game and on the 3G pitch the surface became very slippery and unpredictable. “This game was everything we anticipated it would be. Despite Jason’s absence from the sideline his team were well prepared, up for a battle and tough opposition. “Although there was some

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controversy surrounding the late equaliser I couldn’t begrudge Oakwood the draw, a Raiders win wouldn’t have been a fair reflection on the game.” Salomon added: “This doesn’t feel like two points dropped particularly because we lost a few players in the 24 hours before the game. The players worked very hard for a point against a good team who we face again in a couple of weeks.” Temple Fortune A were unable to raise a team to play Faithfold A. Mill Hill Dons defeated Real Hendon 4-0 to stay top of Division Two. Zach Cohen and Adam Isaacs scored the Dons goals. Hendon manager Rafi Addlestone didn’t feel the result reflected the game as Benny Goldberg twice hit a post, a wonder save denied Martin Smulovitch whilst Jordan Alex and Lolu Hibbert both went close to scoring. “I’m sure the league leaders would admit that the score line flattered them,” he said. “On a boggy pitch, the youthful exuberance of the Dons won through. “Whilst we don’t go in to next week’s rematch flying high, we are quietly confident the score line

will better reflect the relative parity between the teams.” Bayern Mincha kept up their title challenge with a 4-1 win over North London Raiders C. Adam Ellis struck a brace; Rafi Terespolsky and Gav Nussbaum completed the scoring. “For the first 20 minutes we dominated the game,” said Bayern player-boss Alon Pinhas. “We were 3-0 up then took our foot a bit off the gas but still played well. “In the second half we were way too complacent until Raiders made it 3-1 but Ellis took on the Raiders defence to finish the game off.” Pinhas slotted home a fifth in the final minute only for the goal to be ruled offside. “Most of the boys thought it was a harsh decision, however the referee was good throughout the game,” said Pinhas. “Fair play to our opponents, they fought hard in the second half and made the game interesting. We wish them luck throughout the remainder of the season.” A Josh Cohen hat-trick was the star moment as Hertswood Vale defeated Faithfold B 1. James Neidle scored his first Vale goal in a 4-1 win.

25 JANUARY 2018

SPORTS 25

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Maccabi Blue 1-4 South Manchester Sport 1st South Mcr 1st took 3pts in somewhat wintry conditions at Brooklands today, taking a 2-0 lead at the break, and ﬁnishing up 4-1 victors. Jonny Franks was on target with an excellent hatrick ably supported by Joe Glaskie. Maccabi Blue contributed their part and Andy Hatton scored his 5th successive goal in as many games albeit a consolation. South move up to 3rd with 2 games in hand on Sedgley with a 4 point gap. Haroldeans game against South Mcr 2nd was postponed on Thursday whilst Sedgley PC cancelled their Morrison game in London which will be rescheduled in February. Elsewhere in the Morrison .... Maccabi Mcr 1st hammered Maccabi GB Masters 9-0 and Maccabi Mcr 2nd beat Brady Maccabi B 3-1 so both progress to National QFs, Haroldeans are scheduled to play their National last 16 game next week.

Max Bennett lost in the snow storm

Maccabi Manchester Blue v South Manchester Sports 1st

Maccabi Manchester Blue v South Manchester 1st Sunday in a snow storm

Hardy fans at the Maccabi Manchester Blue v Manchester South Sports 1st

PHOTO CREDIT: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Max Bennett, 16, guarding his goal mouth in the snow storm

The workshops proved invaluable to me

David attended Work Avenue’s Job Readiness Workshop which helped him to present his skills and experience on his CV and provided him with guidance on his applications for formal accountancy training. If you need help looking for work or with a change of career then contact us today: Call - 020 8371 3280 Visit - theworkavenue.org.uk

My pipe dream is now a credible business

Suzanne knew what she loved to do, but didn’t know if she could turn her hobby into a business. She met the business advisers at Work Avenue and now is balancing a successful business together with looking after her family. If you need help or advice about your business then contact us today: Call - 020 8371 3280 Visit - theworkavenue.org.uk

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25 JANUARY 2018

Parshat Beshalach

In last week’s parshah, after years of the Jews enslavement and following the ten plagues, Pharaoh lets the Jews out of Egypt. But in this week’s parshah, Pharaoh changes his mind and begins chasing after them! Now, in front of the Jews is the sea, and behind them is Pharaoh with his army of thousands of soldiers. If they move forward they will drown, but if they turn around, or do nothing, Pharaoh and his army will reach them and they will be forced back to Egypt. What should they do?! They are trapped! G-d tells Moshe to take his stick and stretch it over the sea. Moshe does, and the amazing miracle of the splitting of the sea allows the Jews to walk through on dry land! The Egyptians try to follow the Jews into the sea, but the sea begins to flow again and closes in on them. When the Jews come to the other side, they sing a shira (a song) of thanks to G-d, grateful for the miraculous way they were saved. Miriam, Moshe’s sister lead the singing and dancing for the women. Now, the Jews have come to the desert, and they are worried that they will not have food to eat. So G-d sends quail for the Jews to have meat, and every morning, a special food called Manna falls to the ground. The Jews collect one portion of Manna every day, but on Friday there is a double portion for Shabbat. Then Moshe hits a rock and it becomes a fountain, giving the Jews water. Next, a nation called Amalek comes and attacks the Jews. Moshe sends Yehoshua to gather an army from the Jews and go fight them. and Yehoshua does this, and he wins against the Amalekites.

G a m e s o n t h e P a r s h at

May I Cross Your Golden River? Activity: Someone stands at one end of the room, and everyone else lines up on the other side. Everyone else shouts “May I cross your golden river?” and each time, the person on the other side responds, “Only if you’re wearing a blue shirt,” or “Only if you have a clip in your hair,” etc. The ﬁrst person to reach the other side and tag the leader gets to start the game again as the person on the other side of the river. Song Competition This week is known as Shabbat Shira (song) because it includes Az Yashir. Imagine being so thankful to Hashem that you just burst into song! Have you ever felt like that? Activity: Divide your friends into groups. For every round, choose a word and each group has to alternate singing a song with that word in it.. They need to sing only enough of the song to make it clear what song it is. Keep going back and forth until a team has run out of ideas. If the other team can still think of a song with the proper word after the other team has given up, that team gets a point. While you’re at it, you have any fun songs to teach, this is a good week to do it! Relay Races Activity:The Jewish people left Egypt so quickly that there was no time for even the bread to rise. I wonder what that was like... Conduct a series of races, where your friends have to hop, go backward, run with their eyes closed, balance a cup on their head, etc.

Arts and Crafts DIY TOY MICROPHONE

In this weeks parshah the Jewish people sing the Shira, so why not make your own microphone and sing your heart out too!

You will need • • • • •

Empty toilet roll Styrofoam ball Tin foil Black paper Any coloured paper

• • • •

Scissors White glue Hot glue gun Glitter

Method

1. Cut the black card to measure and cover the toilet roll with it using glue to stick it on. 2. Cover the card with glue and sprinkle glitter all over. 3. Use extra pieces of paper to decorate the handle. You can create buttons to make it look more realistic, or just have fun with patterns and shapes 4. Cover the styrofoam ball with silver foil. 5. The ﬁnal step is attaching the ball to the handle. Ask an adult to help by applying hot glue around the rim of the tube, lay the ball on top and hold until secure. THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

25 JANUARY 2018

CUT OUT & KEEP

KIDS 27

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TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN JEWISH WEEKLY RECIPE BOOK

Raspberry Vegan Ice Cream Ingredients: • 2 cups of fresh raspberries • 2 cups full fat coconut milk or coconut cream • 4 tablespoons honey • 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Method: 1. Puree the raspberries in a small food processor. Push the

In this weeks parshah we learn about the Manna that the Jewish people ate. Did you know the manna would taste like anything you wanted it to taste like? Now who doesn’t love ice cream?

puree through a strainer leaving just the seeds behind.

2. Whisk the raspberry puree into the coconut milk, and add the honey, sugar and vanilla.

3. Beat for 15 minutes 4. Freeze until ﬁrm. It is best eaten the same day. If it gets

to hard in the freezer leave it out on the counter for a few minutes to soften.

5. Add sprinkles before serving

Did you know?

The sound of each person’s voice is unique, not only because of the shape and size of their vocal cords but also due to the size and shape of the rest of that person’s body.

Facts about the voice Good lung capacity is essential for singers to sustain notes. Exercise is the best thing for increasing lung strength, with swimming and interval training among the most effective activities.

Hearing a mother’s voice eases stress just as much as a hug according to a 2010 study. The sound of Mum’s voice lowers a child’s stress hormone.

Being a singer isn’t just a born trait. Many people just need some training to reach those extra high notes.

The average normal speaking pitch for women is G below middle C. For men, it is C below middle C.

Singers rely heavily on good lung capacity to take in a large amount of air to expel for a complex line of a song. Not only does this higher oxygen intake improve endurance, it can also improve brain health, increase alertness and reaction time, and decrease drowsiness.

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28 KIDS

25 JANUARY 2018

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The Snowman’s Scarf

By Chaya Sandler Sophie was really proud of her new scarf. It was a knitted mix of purple and red and orange and a golden brown colour that reminded her of falling leaves. It felt snug around her neck. Not smooth and annoying but slightly rough and comforting. “Remember not take oﬀ your scarf when you’re in the yard Sophie.” Sophie rolled her eyes, “uh huh.” “Sophie, are you listening? If you loose this scarf I won’t buy you such a nice one to replace this. It was a special gift from Bubby and Zeidy and they’ll be really upset if you don’t take care of it. “Yeah, yeah. Sure. Ok bye Mum!” Sophie ran out the door, she couldn’t wait to show all her friends! Sophie was satisﬁed with all the oohing and ahhing, the gasps and squeals and appropriate admiring glances that her scarf garnered. But it didn’t last for too long. Soon the

scarf was old news and Sophie was hard at work constructing a masterpiece of a snowman with her friends. The finished masterpiece could have rivalled anything a modern sculptor would have to offer. By this we mean that It was a disfigured lump that officially was intended to represent something but no-one could see what it is. The snowman was…. Disfigured to say the least. “It doesn’t look very much like a snowman….” “Let’s just smash it into sludge.” “No, wait, let’s use Sophie’s scarf!” “Yeah!” “Brilliant, that will really make it look like a snowman!” “Nothing could make this look like a real snowman,” Sophie noted dryly. But no-one paid her any attention. They were all caught up in the excitement and no-one seemed to realise that Sophie didn’t look very pleased. Her mother had THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

warned her not to take it off. If she put it on the snowman it would get filthy. “Sorry, I don’t want to use my scarf.” She folded her arms defensively. “Seriously?! Stop being such a spoilsport.” “What’s your problem?” “Come on, it’ll be so cool.” “Your mother won’t mind.” “We’ll make sure to be careful.” “Come on Sophie…” Sophie wavered. Her mother had warned her... but all her friends really wanted her to take it off. She felt the crowd push against her. She took a step back. Tears sprung to her eyes. “Come on Sophie.” The battle raged on inside of her. If she took it off her friends would be so happy but her mother would be so disappointed because it was sure to get lost. But if she didn’t take it off… the pressure was immense. “NO.” Sophie flicked her long ponytail over her shoulder. “I said no. Ok?!” The girls stared at her for a moment. Some of them looked disappointed. Some looked mad. But Sophie didn’t care. She felt really good inside. She knew she had done the right thing.

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NEXT WEEK IS TU BISINAT -THE NEW

YEAR FOR Tl-IE TREES. WE CELEBRATE BY EA TING LOTS Of FRUIT!

BUT LOOK OUT Tl-IE WINDOW - IT'S STILL WINTER AND Tl-IE TREES ARE BARE. WJ.IY DON'T WE CELEBRATE TU BISI-IVAT IN Tl-IE SUMMER WJ.IEN TI-IERE IS FRUIT ON Tl-IE TREES?

LOOK CLOSER, TJ.IERE IS NO FRUIT OR LEAVES ON THE TREES BUT TI-IERE ARE TINY BUDS! IN TIME, THOSE BUDS WILL TURN INTO FRUIT. ON TU BISI-IVAT WE ARECELEBRATING POTENTIAL. THE FRUIT ISN'TTI-IERE YET BUT WE KNOW TI-IAT TI-IOSE BUDS CAN GROW INTO DELICIOUS FRUIT.

Tl-IE TORAl-f COMPARES PEOPLE TO TREES, SO WE ARE ALSO LIKE THOSE BUDS. NOW WE ARE CJ.IILDREN BUT WE. J.IAVE Tl-IE POTENTIAL TO GROW INTO ADULTS. WITJ.f GOD'S BLESSING AND OUR OWN EFFORTS, WE WILL EACJ.f DE.VE.LOP IN Tl-IE FUTURE IN OUR OWN UNIQUE WAY. SO MANY CHO ICES, SO MAN Y OPPORTUNITIE S: WHO WOULD Y OU LIKE TO BE?

TIDBITS� T A V H S 1 8 U T £ £ A T e tree ,s

fruit of th The bracha (blessing) for HA'ETZ. m to eat a new On Tu B\shvat \tis a custo a of fruit and make the brach SHEHECHEYANU. or a � on the ground For anything that grow mter (e.g. bush that •dies In the wpin eapple bananas, strawberries, me 1 O n ' braeh a'HA'ADAMA. blackberries) we say the g� 247 of the Tribe Tuey can be found on pa Shevet Asher S1ddur.

Tribe is the Young People's Department of the United Synagogue: Creating a future for our community through engaging, educating and inspiring the next generation. THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

30 YOUTH

25 JANUARY 2018

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Parshat Beshalach In a Nutshell 22/01/2018

Soon after allowing THE Israelites to depart from Egypt, Pharaoh chases after them to force their return, and the Israelites ﬁnd themselves trapped between Pharaohs armies and the sea. G-d tells Moshe to raise his staﬀ over the water; everyone hesitated to go into the sea, however a man called Nachshon Ben Aminadav, who was Elisheva’s brother

(Aaron’s brother-in-law) was the ﬁrst person to put his foot into the sea. This was considered a great act of courage. The sea split causing dry land for the Israelites to pass through, and then closed over the pursuing Egyptians, drowning them all except for Pharaoh. The Israelites sang a song of praise and gratitude to G-d. Miriam, led the women

into beautiful singing and dancing. This week is also known as Shabbat Shira, due to the song of Az Yashir that the Israelites sang. In the desert the people suﬀered thirst and hunger, and repeatedly complained to Moshe and Aaron. G-d miraculously sweetens the bitter waters of Marah, and later has Moshe bring forth water from

a rock by striking it with his staﬀ. Hashem sends down manna from the heavens before dawn each morning, and quails to appear in the Israelite camp each evening. Each day every person receives one portion, however on Friday everyone receives 2 portions for shabbat. That is why there are 2 challot on the table for the shabbat meal.

Aaron preserves a small quantity of manna in a jar, as a testimony for future generations. In Rephidim, the people are attacked by the Amalekites, who are defeated by Moshe’s prayers and an army raised by Yehoshua.

22/01/2018 22/01/2018

Here is a brain teaser that will help develop spatial and problem solving skills. Using only three straight lines, can you separate the animals into their own area?

The object of this brain teaser is to ﬁgure out what would be the top number in the pyramid. Each pair of blocks adds up to the block directly above them.

Remove 9 matchsticks leaving no squares of any size.

1/1

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25 JANUARY 2018

YOUTH 31

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News Bites WHY YOU CAN’T JUDGE A ZEBRA BY ITS STRIPES DRIVER CAUGHT WITH SHED BALANCED ON CAR IN NEWTON ABBOT A motorist has been caught by police driving with a shed balanced on a car roof. Devon and Cornwall Police said the car was spotted driving in Newton Abbot town centre on Saturday with the shed held in place “with a single rope and no roof rack”. Sgt Olly Tayler tweeted that it “could have ended far worse

than a ticket for an insecure load”. The driver was issued with a ﬁxed penalty notice. Sgt Tayler tweeted that he “didn’t quite believe” what he had seen, and added: “If you’re carrying a load on your vehicle please make sure it’s secure.”

You can’t judge a zebra by its stripes. That’s the ﬁnding of research that is shaking up the family tree of the African wild horse. The common (plains) zebra lives on the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa, from southern Ethiopia to northern Namibia. DNA evidence challenges

the idea that there are six subspecies that you can tell apart based on variations in the animal’s distinctive black and white stripes. Dr Rasmus Heller of the University of Copenhagen says there’s little evidence that diﬀerences in striping patterns “mean anything in a biological sense”.

THE MYSTERY OF THE CARS ABANDONED IN A ROBOT CAR PARK The mystery of why a handful of cars were abandoned in a derelict car park in Edinburgh may have been solved. The £5m Autosafe SkyPark used robots to stack cars and was dubbed the “car park of the future” - but went bust in 2003. After lying empty for more than a decade, the building in Morrison Street is now being demolished. And the work has uncovered eight cars which were left behind when the doors were closed.

Images of the abandoned vehicles has sparked a number of theories about why they were never removed. But a former employee has said they could be old vehicles which were bought by the car park’s former operators to test

Dear Agony Aunt Mia,

KEEP CALM AND ASK

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

The study, based on analysing variations in the DNA of 59 plains zebra from across Africa, suggests that there are nine populations of the zebra living in diﬀerent areas of the continent.

I live almost an hour away from school. Some days I get a lift from one of my parents, or older brothers and other days I have to leave earlier and take public transport. I am really struggling to concentrate in school as the journey is quite tiring and to be honest sometimes I can be a little disruptive as this is a form of keeping me alert. Do you have any tips that could help me? Thanks so much Avital Hi Avital, Thanks for getting in touch. Traveling to school and work everyday can be extremely exhausting! Even traveling on holiday can be exhausting too, although that’s slightly more exciting! :) Here are a few tips to help you stay alert in the classroom.

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out the robot equipment. The state-of-the-art building was described as Britain’s “most technologically advanced car park” when it opened its electronically-controlled doors in 2001.

1. Have a cold shower first thing in the morning. It will wake you right up! 2. Stay hydrated through out the whole day. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, constantly remind yourself to drink. Being hydrated enables the body to feel more alert. 3. Bring a nutritious lunch to school. 4. Make sure to snack on plenty of healthy food during break. Try some fruit for first break and a protein or energy bar in your last break. 5. Don’t wear a jumper during class. If it’s warm in your classroom, you’re more likely to fall asleep. So take off your jumper or open a window to catch the cool breeze. 6. Stop the daydreaming by taking notes. This will enable your body to keep active, keeping your mind constantly focused. 7. Sit up and focus on your posture. Roll your shoulders back and remember not to slouch. Slouching can cause unnecessary stress on your muscles and lead to fatigue. 8. Tug on your earlobes. Yes, it sounds odd, but it works! Due to acupuncture points on your ears, this is a sure way to get the brain going. I’m sure these tips can help others too who don’t have a long journey but still struggle with concentration. Take care, Mia

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Q. What is the color of the wind? A. Blew.

Q: Why did the painting go to jail? A: It was framed. Q: What do you call a sleeping bull?

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

A: A bulldozer!

Q: What has to be broken before you can use it?

Q: What do you call security guards working outside Samsung shops?

Q: Lives in winter, dies in summer, and grows with its roots upward. What is it?

A: Guardians of the Galaxy.

Q: When you look for something, why is it always in the last place you look?

2. An icicle. 1. An egg.

3. Because when you ďŹ nd it, you stop looking!

1.Easy come, easy go 2. By and large 3. Repeat after me 4. Water hose 5. Painless operation 6.Red in the face

Dingbats Answers THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

25 JANUARY 2018

YOUTH 33

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Up, up and away

PART 2

BY CHAYA SANDLER Recap: Callie and Phoebe go on a school trip to a coin museum. Masked men come looking for the 1943 copper cent. For some reason, Phoebe grabs it and runs away. Callie follows and they are chased into a hot air balloon and are now drifting in a thunderstorm.

The basket careered wildly. Thunder smashed the heavens all around us. Lightening streaked past, illuminating our terriﬁed faces. We clung to each other for dear life. The rain pelted relentlessly, the wind tossed us around as if we were a toy. The thunder boomed around us. BOOM “Phoebe we’re going to crash!” BOOM Phoebe couldn’t even hear me over the roar of the elements. “Phoebe!” Though she was clinging onto me, she still couldn’t make out what I was saying. The wind tore my words from my mouth and ﬂung them away. BOOM The basket dropped and we plunged. A gust slammed into us. We fell against opposite sides of the basket. Phoebe smashed into the gas canisters. She swooned. And she...

E L

T E H I

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I screamed, but the sound was as lost as Phoebe. BOOM I made it to the other side of the balloon and peered over. Phoebe’s foot was tangled in the rope leading down from the balloon... and the rope was about to snap. I reached over and grabbed the rope. The pull nearly dislocated my shoulder. I tried to yank her up, but SMASH The wind spun us around and I ended up dangling over the edge with Phoebe. The rope was so frayed it couldn’t hold for more than 30 seconds. That was ok, in about 10 seconds we were going to hit an electricity pylon….. TO BE CONTINUED

34 WOMEN

W oman of W orth

‫ֵֽא ׁ ֶשת ַֽחיִ ל ִמי יִ ְמ ָצא‬

Janine Webber

This Thursday, 27th January, is Holocaust Memorial Day, which marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. It was ﬁrst held in 2001, and is a day which commemorates those who suffered under the Nazi occupation, as well as more recent victims of genocide in Darfur, Bosnia, Rwanda and Cambodia. The theme of this years’ memorial is the power of words, and Janine Webber knows ﬁrst-hand how talking about her own experiences during the Holocaust helped her to face up to some of the fears that haunted her for most of her life. For over 50 years, Janine did not talk about her experience, but around 12 years ago her children began asking her more about it, and encouraged her to open up. “I took part in a recording for the Shoah Foundation and also wrote my story down for my sons. It brought back so many memories that I had been supressing that I sought medical advice on how to deal with my feelings.” After

25 JANUARY 2018

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talking to a psychotherapist over many years, he advised that talking about it, and sharing her story could actually help her deal with her feelings. Her ﬁrst talk took place at the London Jewish Cultural Centre (LJCC) in 2005. Her late husband, Eddy, helped her to create a presentation, and supported her throughout the process. “I remember that I was very nervous and anxious before I gave my talk. Having worked as a University lecturer for most of my career, I was used to standing up in front of people, but I had never had to talk about something so personal before.” The talk went well, and afterwards Janine felt much better about recounting her story. “I found the whole experience very cathartic. For most of my life, I had a recurring nightmare where I did not see the faces of the Nazis, only their shiny black boots coming towards me. After the talk, I stopped having the nightmare, and it has not returned since, which is truly amazing.” Janine was born in 1932, in Lwow, Poland, which is now part of Ukraine. She was only nine years old when the Germans invaded the city. The family were made to leave their apartment with just one suitcase, and were forced to live in a small house with her grandmother, her aunt’s family, and two other families. At that time, the Nazis were raiding houses to round people up for the camps. In order to avoid this, her parents dug a hole under the wardrobe so that Janine, her

JANINE WEBBER BEM

brother and mother could hide. Her father and grandmother were not able to fit in the space, and both suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Her grandmother was taken away, and Janine never saw her again, and her father was shot along with other family members. The Nazis later created a ghetto on the outskirts of the city, and Janine along with her brother, mother and aunt were forced to move there. Tragically her mother died from typhus soon after arriving at the ghetto, leaving her and her brother as orphans. Thankfully, Janine’s uncle arranged for her and her aunt to stay with a Polish farmer, but had to leave due to his abuse. Her aunt fled and Janine went to stay with her brother at a different Polish family. After a few months in hiding, the farmer’s daughter brought an SS man to farm, and betrayed them by revealing their hiding place. Whilst she narrowly escaped, her younger brother Tunio was not so lucky. After wandering the countryside, a Polish family helped her get back to Lwow, where she sought the help of the caretaker of the local convent. Her aunt had given Janine his contact details in case of emergency. Here she was reunited with her aunt, and uncle, and had to hide in an attic, later having to move to a cramped underground bunker. Janine’s aunt managed to find a way to obtain false papers giving Janine a new identity as a Polish girl, and she ended up working as a maid for an elderly Polish

couple until the liberation in 1945. After the end of the war, her aunt returned for her, and placed her in a children’s home, but fearing the still prevalent antisemitism in Poland, she decided to leave for France. In 1956, Janine moved to the UK in an attempt to improve her English, and she has lived in London for the past 55 years. Since giving her first talk, Janine has worked with the Holocaust Education Trust delivering talks and presentations to groups all over the country. Although in her 80’s, she is still very mobile, and is happy to travel and share her stories with as many as possible. “I feel that I have to carry on speaking, for people to remember, and understand the past. Anti-semitism has not gone away, and we have to ensure that something like this can never happen again.” As well as giving talks, and presentations, she has also been involved in an educational initiative run by the National Holocaust Centre and Museum in Nottingham. ‘The Forever Project’ uses advanced 3D digital technology to enable adults and children to hear accounts from survivors sharing their stories. Janine was filmed answering around 1200 questions with her answers forming part of the final exhibition. Visitors to the museum are able to interact with a life size 3D laser image which they are able to ask questions to, and hear Janine’s and the other contributors’ answers. “It is a really incredible project to be involved in, and

means that even when we are no longer around, our voices will still be heard, and our stories can continue to educate for generations to come.” The exhibition is due to open in the summer, and so far the stories of ten survivors have been recorded, but it is hoped that in the future more stories will be added, and that the archive can be developed. For Janine, sharing her personal experience can sometimes be emotional, but she has learnt to try and detach herself a little from her story. “People often ask me how I feel talking about something so traumatic and life-changing, and there are times when I do get upset talking about it, but I picture it through the eyes of the 9 year old me, and that helps me.” Her work has been recognised, and she was recently included in the New Year’s Honours List. “When I received the letter to say that I had been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for my contribution to Holocaust education, I was so surprised, but also humbled at the same time. This award acknowledges the importance of continuing to educate people about the Holocaust, and I am honoured to receive it. I am one of the lucky ones who survived, and I feel I owe it to those that died, including my own family to keep the story, and their memory alive.”

TIPS AND TRICKS – BAKING

Jewish Weekly aims to source the most genius, time saving and useful hacks for you every week, so watch this space! Make baking a piece of cake with these handy hints and tips: • Shell does not go down well – If you crack an egg and you get an annoying bit of shell, don’t despair. Wet your ﬁnger and dip it into the egg. The shell will be drawn to it like a magnet. • Taking the biscuit – if you’ve made cookies or biscuits and want to avoid them going hard, store them in airtight box with an apple wedge to keep them fresh. • Avo-go – Trying to be healthy but still love cakes? Why not swap out butter in a cake recipe for an avocado for a delicious, healthy alternative

• Keep it sweet – if you have brown sugar that seems to have stuck together. Try putting it in the microwave for 20 seconds in a baking dish covered with a wet paper towel over it to make it soft and able to use again. • Don’t go bananas – You want to make a yummy banana cake, but your bananas are not ripe enough. Just put them on a baking tray and stick them in the oven for 40 minutes at 300 calories and they will naturally soften • Butter me up – If you need to soften butter but don’t want it to melt simply place a warmed glass over the top of it for a few seconds.

If you have any questions or you have a top tip you want to share, please contact us on ofﬁce@thejewishweekly.com. Your question might be someone else’s solution!

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25 JANUARY 2018

TRAVEL 35

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“Prague never lets you go”

Dr Charles Landau charles@charleslandau.com Charles Landau leads Exclusive History Tours. In the past has taken groups all around Europe including Berlin, Warsaw, Rome, Florence, St Petersburg and this year will be leading groups to Andalucia, Vienna and Budapest and at the beginning of November to Prague. All his tours are in conjunction with the experienced and professional Travelink groups@travelinkuk.com and eli@goldenlegacytours.com Europe contains many cities of charm, beauty and interest. European cities exude the wonder of a Jewish past and in some cases of a fragile present. Prague has to be one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in the world.

“A city beyond compare” Wrap up warm in the early winter and inhale the wonders of its buildings, bridges, art, museums, synagogues, cemeteries, Golem, clock and towers.

The Jewish cemetery

Let me take you on a wondrous tour of a magical city Jews ﬁrst came to Prague in the tenth century and today the Jewish ‘quarter’ is at least a third of the area of the old town. Possibly the most famous extant synagogue in the world is the Altneuschul situated in the Josefov area. Its very name is covered in mystery and its later association with the Golem adds to its mystique. It is said that the Golem was created by the famed Maharal of Prague but in reality the fable of the Golem was created after his death. Whilst visiting the Jewish museum, which is an area and not a building, note the Hebrew clock on the Old Town Hall, visit the Pinkas Synagogue with its collection of pictures painted by children whilst in Terezin. Wander into the Klausen, Maisel and the Spanish Synagogues. Following long negotiations between Germany and the Jewish leaders, in 1942, the Central Jewish Museum was created. As a result, precious objects from the synagogues in the Czech Republic were saved and they are now on display at these four of the synagogues in Prague. The Jewish Museum in Prague has one of the most extensive collections of Jewish art, textiles and silver in the world; there are 40,000 exhibits and 100,000 books This is the museum which Hitler allegedly wanted to call “the Museum of an Extinct Race” Then wind your way through the cemetery to the most famous grave, that of Rabbi Loew (1520 -1609), the Maharal. With a hot drink in hand walk to the statue of Franz Kafka. Consider his writings and his angst of Jewish identity. Then walk through the famous Old Town Square with its medieval astronomical clock. Opposite the Klementinum building, where one can catch an atmospheric evening concert of Smetana or Dvorak, is the 1910

Jerusalem Synagogue

Statue of Rabbi Loew, magniﬁcently lit up and standing, together with its plinth, at 20 feet. As with so much to do with Rabbi Loew the statue by Ladislav Saloun is mysterious, with a young naked girl at the Rabbi’s side, looking up to Rabbi Loew handing him a rose which contained the aroma of death. Death for Rabbi Loew was a metaphor for the death of Jewish Prague. Not far from the King David kosher hotel is the Jubilee Synagogue Also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue built in 1906 in honour of the silver Jubilee of Franz Joseph I of Austria. It is a magniﬁcent Moorish style building with beautiful art nouveau decoration. Then slowly wander up the road, past the statue to Woodrow Wilson in front of the main railway station, into the station itself. There quietly perched on Platform I is a moving statue of children of the Czech kindertransport in honour of Sir Nicholas Winton who saved 669 children from the clutches of the Nazis. He was the ‘British Schindler’ and was awarded the Order of the White Lion by the Czech President in 2014. Whilst considering the Czech Republic and WWII it is worth visiting the site of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich in Operation Anthropoid in 1942. Then drive to the St Cyril and Methodius Cathedral and museum where after the assassination the brave last stand of Czech and Slovak patriots took place. Many will visit Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (Terezin) where tens of thousands died and at

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least 150,000 were held prior to being sent to Treblinka or Auschwitz. The camp was part of “Operation Embellishment” to deceive Jews, visitors and the Red Cross. No visit to Prague would be complete without crossing the iconic Charles Bridge. Visit during the day and then at night. It is described as the most beautiful Gothic bridge in the world. Its foundation stone was laid on July 9th 1357 at 5.31am and a palindrome of that date is etched into a building as you enter from the Old Town Bridge Tower (135797531) The bridge crosses the Vltava River, spanning the areas of the Old Town and Prague Castle. Don’t just walk across the bridge as so many tourists do, but note the 30 baroque statues on both sides of the bridge. All the statues are dedicated to saints such as St Augustine, St Wenceslas, and St Vincent Ferrer who was responsible for forced conversion of Jews especially in Spain. From a Jewish perspective the most historically interesting sculpture on the bridge is the ‘Cruciﬁxion and Calvary Statue’. The statue has a long history and in 1696 a golden Hebrew text was added around the head of the statue reading ‘Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh Hashem tzvakot’ “Holy, Holy. Holy is The Lord of Hosts” from Isaiah 6:3

and part of the kedusha. Today this statue surrounded by Hebrew is ‘sold’ as a symbol of Prague’s religious co-existence, however the history and legend are far more interesting and illuminating and are recorded on a brass plaque at the base of the statue. Whilst leaning over the side of the bridge, viewing the other bridges, the undulating river and the beauty of Prague I play to my groups part of Smetana’s The Moldau (German for Vltava). Its music is reminiscent of the tones of the Hatikva. In the words of Franz Kafka “Prague never lets you go…”

A building in the Jewish quarter

36 FOOD

25 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

denise’s kitchen

modern jewish cookery with style

On Wednesday 31 January 2018, we celebrate Tu B’shvat, the festival of trees. Tu B’shvat means 15th Shvat but the number 15 also refers to The Name of G-d which connects the physical to the spiritual side of this world and the next. Many people celebrate by eating 15 different types of different fruits, where we honour the land of Israel especially the 7 species – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. Tu B’shvat, has many different

traditions and customs. During the Middle Ages, the Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Safed instituted a Tu B’shvat seder which has been recently revived and practised by many Jews, religious and secular. The main idea was that by eating diﬀerent fruits and drinking 4 cups of wine according to their season we would appreciate G-ds bounty that we so often take for granted and the amazing world around us. Another custom suggested that when a baby was born, the parents planted a tree in its honour

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

on the Tu B’shvat following the child’s birth. If the baby was a boy, a cedar tree was planted and if it was a girl, a cypress tree was planted. As the children grew so did the tree and when the children got married, the wood was used to make their chupah. As two trees were joined in the chupah so were the bride and groom in their marriage. Below I have 2 recipes which are perfect for this fruity festival.

MIXED SEED, FIG AND NUT FRUIT SODA LOAF

This fruit and seed loaf is delicious to enjoy as part of the Tu B’shvat celebrations, or at a buﬀet tea or even for breakfast with cream cheese and topped with slices of oranges. It is a healthy recipe as the sweetness comes from the dried fruits and it is also packed with a wide selection of ingredients high in ﬁbre.

INGREDIENTS

• 400ml hot strong coffee • 100g dried figs – hard stalks removed – cut in half • 140g sultanas • 50g porridge oats • 200g Self raising flour • ½ teaspoon bicarbonate soda • 100g mixed nuts – almonds, brazils, hazelnuts walnuts • 1 large egg

Topping • 1 tablespoon each – sunﬂower seeds and sesame seeds plus teaspoons to sprinkle • 25g pumpkin seeds

PREPARATION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Preheat the oven to 150 C Fan/ 350 F/ Gas mark 3. Pour the coffee into a large bowl and stir in the figs, sultanas and oats. Set aside to soak. Line the base and sides of 1 kg loaf tin with baking parchment paper. Mix together the flour, bicarbonate soda, nuts and seeds. Beat the egg into the cooled fruit mixture, then stir the dry ingredients into the wet. Pour into the prepared tin, level off the top of the mixture and scatter with the extra nuts and sesame seeds. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the cooked. Leave to cool before removing from the tin.

To serve the stylish way: To serve the stylish way: Cut into slices, spread with cream cheese and serve with fruit.

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15 min Prep Time 75 min Cook Time 1 Loaf

25 JANUARY 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

FOOD 37

OREGANO, ORANGE & OLIVE ROAST CHICKEN

Finding a roast chicken dish which is slightly diﬀerent is always welcome. Sometimes ‘same old’ needs to be refreshed with the addition of something new! This recipe is ﬂavoured with oranges, olives, and garlic and lemon juice.

INGREDIENTS • 12 chicken thighs/ pieces of chicken – skin removed • 1 bunch fresh oregano – leaves chopped • Juice of 2 oranges • Zest of 1 orange • 3 cloves garlic – peeled and roughly chopped • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • Sea salt and freshly black pepper Olive Topping • 200g mixed green and black olives pitted and chopped

• 2 garlic cloves – skinned and ﬁnely chopped • 1-2 red chillies - deseeded and ﬁnely chopped – optional • Zest of 1 orange and 1 tablespoon orange juice • 2 fresh oregano sprigs – leaves only • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • 2 teaspoons lemon juice • 1 teaspoon honey • 2 small oranges – sliced • Pinch of sugar

PREPARATION 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Trim the chicken thighs / pieces of any excess fat or skin and place in a large dish. Add the oregano, garlic, orange juice and zest, 2 tablespoons oil and some black pepper. Mix with your hands, cover and marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. For the olive topping, put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix and set aside. Preheat the oven to 190C/ 170F fan/ Gas mark 5. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Heat 2 tablespoons oil and sauté on both sides until golden. Do in batches so the chicken is in one layer. Transfer to an ovenware dish, add the marinade ingredients and roast covered for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and now add the orange slices some under the chicken and some on top. Add pinch of sugar and roast for another 20 minutes. When ready to serve, scatter over the olive topping.

Cookery Classes for Jewish Singles The Recipe for Romance. Cookery class & champagne dinner for 6 men & 6 women. Each week is a different age group and food theme. AGE Sun 28th Jan 50-60 Sun 4th Feb 55-65 Sun 11th Feb 25-35

THEME AGE Fruity feast tu b’shvat Sat 17th Feb 45-55 Food quiz & dinner Sun 25st Feb 38-48 Valen�ne Special Sun 4th Mar 50-60

THEME New Year Age Persian Purim feast Food quiz & dinner

Call Denise on 01923 836 456 denise@dateonaplate.com www.dateonaplate.com THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

30 min Prep Time 45 min Cook Time 6 Servings

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Kashrut Division of the London Beth Din Kosher Certification Coordinator – Full-Time The KLBD Kosher certification department has expanded in recent years we require a Coordinator to liaise with companies certified by KLBD and factory auditors to ensure that the highest standards of Kashrus are maintained as mandated by the London Beth Din. The successful applicant must have a thorough knowledge of Kashrus and related Jewish customs and practices. An additional background in science or engineering will be greatly advantageous. As this role is mainly office based, you must hold strong computing skills and have substantial experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and databases, fluent in English have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. For more information about the position, please contact Rabbi Shimon Black on 020 8343 6311 or Rabbi Shlomi Wise on 020 8343 6319 Closing date for completed applications: 12th February 2018. To view the job description and apply for this position, Please log on to our website: www.theus.org.uk/vacancies United Synagogue Registered Charity No. 242552

Jewish Cultural Advisor An exciting vacancy has become available in Norwood, taking a key role in shaping the programme of events and opportunities for people we support to express and celebrate their Jewish identity. Working closely with people we support, service colleagues and the Norwood Rabbi, the Jewish Cultural Advisor will provide the following important functions: •Training staff to understand Jewish culture and tradition •Creating links with the wider Jewish community •Supporting the celebration of Jewish festivals, and good practice across all Norwood services The successful candidate will demonstrate an advanced understanding of Jewish culture and be supportive of the whole range of approaches and levels of observance that are expressed within the modern British Jewry. Key to success will be working with and influencing a range of people and communities, and above all a commitment to supporting people with learning disabilities, families and children with special educational needs to access culturally appropriate services that celebrate their Jewish identity. If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please apply with your CV and cover letter to jobs@norwood.org.uk This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. Registered Charity No: 1059050.