The jewish weekly 046 by The Jewish Weekly

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WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY 29 March 2018/ 13 Nisan 5778

WISHING ALL OUR READERS A CHAG SAMEACH

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VICTIMS RECOVERING IN HOSPITAL AFTER TRAGIC ACCIDENT IN GOLDERS GREEN BY ISAAC SHERMAN

The community are asked to continue to pray for Shimon Elkouby and David Richards after a heartbreaking crash on Golders Green Road on Wednesday. The two men were initially treated for life threatening injuries, but as The Jewish Weekly went to press, they were reportedly both out of immediate danger, but had suﬀered severely broken bones amongst other injuries. The crash occurred after a silver Jaguar mounted the pavement outside Grodzinsky’s Bakery on the corner of Beverly Gardens, ploughing into David, who was on his way to work at Menachem’s Butcher shop across the road. As 46 year old David was carried along on the bonnet, Shimon who is in his 80’s and had been walking along the road with his walking stick, tried to get out of the way, but was swept along under the car, as it

Please note we will not be printing on Chol HaMoed Pesach OUR NEXT ISSUE IS OUT: 12.04.18

PHOTO CREDIT: HENRY JACOBS

Emergency services at the scene of the crash

smashed into the window of Victoria Pharmacy on Golders Green Road.

David was thrown with tremendous force into the window, whilst Shimon ended up being trapped

under the car. Both were conscious CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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29 March 2018/ 13 Nisan 5778

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WISHING ALL OUR READERS A CHAG SAMEACH

32 HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, EC1N 8DL

The Jewish Weekly wish you a Chag Kosher V’Sameach

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WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY 29 March 2018/ 13 Nisan 5778

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VICTIMS RECOVERING IN HOSPITAL AFTER TRAGIC ACCIDENT IN GOLDERS GREEN BY ISAAC SHERMAN The community are asked to continue to pray for Shimon Elkouby and David Richards after a heartbreaking crash on Golders Green Road on Wednesday. The two men were initially treated for life threatening injuries, but as The Jewish Weekly went to press, they were reportedly both out of immediate danger, but had suﬀered severely broken bones amongst other injuries. The crash occurred after a silver Jaguar mounted the pavement outside Grodzinsky’s Bakery on the corner of Beverley Gardens, ploughing into David, who was on his way to work at Menachem’s Butcher shop across the road. As 46 year old David was carried along on the bonnet, Shimon who is in his 80’s and had been walking along the road with his walking stick, tried to get out of the way, but

PHOTO CREDIT: HENRY JACOBS

Emergency services at the scene of the crash

was swept along under the car, as it smashed into Victoria Pharmacy on Golders Green Road.

David was thrown with tremendous force into the window, whilst Shimon ended up being trapped

under the car. Both were conscious CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

PESACH

32 HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, EC1N 8DL

SHABBAT/YOM TOV

1st DAY

2nd DAY

ENDS

LONDON MANCHESTER LEEDS LIVERPOOL BOURNEMOUTH BIRMINGHAM GATESHEAD

19:15 19:25 19:20 19:25 19:18 19:20 19:21

20:23 20:33 20:29 20:39 20:29 20:32 20:37

20:25 20:35 20:31 20:40 20:29 20:33 20:38

WISHING ALL OUR READERS A CHAG SAMEACH Please note we will not be printing on Chol HaMoed Pesach OUR NEXT ISSUE IS OUT: 12.04.18

2 NEWS

29 MARCH 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Jeremy ... Enough is Enough BY DAVID SAFFER

“Enough is Enough” has been the outcry as British Jewry ramps up pressure on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to take action against anti-Semitism in the Labour Party. Over 1,500 people demonstrated outside Westminster at a fervent rally condemning Corbyn’s failure to ﬁght anti-Semitism on Monday. Labour MPs joined members of the Jewish community just 24 hours after the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council called for action. Board chief Jonathan Arkush, JLC chair Jonathan Goldstein together with Labour MPs Wes Streeting, Luciana Berger and John Mann addressed a fervent crowd. Politicians across the divide showed solidarity including Secretary of State for Communities Sajid Javid, Chuka Umanna and Stephen Kinnock. Mr Arkush outlined Corbyn’s failings in taking action over various issues involving London mayor Ken Livingstone, Chris Williamson MP and other Labour members. He also noted such an unprecedented event to demonstrate anger towards a political party would not happen again. Mr Goldstein called for “action rather than words”, Ms Berger said anti-Semitism was “commonplace, conspicuous and corrosive” while Mr Streeting noted it was time to drain the “cesspit” of anti-Semitism. Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair told BBC’s Newsnight on Monday evening that whilst he did not believe Corbyn was anti-Semitic people around the Labour leader did not understand the seriousness of the problem. “I would urge the Labour leadership to collectively recognise this is a real problem,” he said. “He is going to have to show that he really understands the issue, that the people around him really

understand it, and that he’s prepared to act on it.” Former vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, Louise Ellman, said Corbyn’s followers must not dismiss anti-Semitism as slurs against the Labour leader. They could not turn a “blind eye” or fail to recognise anti-Semitism on the left or right she told Newsnight. Labour Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey defended Corbyn’s stance on anti-Semitism stating the Party had a “zero tolerance approach to anti-Semitism” on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme but accepted the Party must do more. Describing the Jewish community losing faith with Labour’s approach to anti-Semitism as “devastating”, Ms Long-Bailey called for a “root-and-branch action” to tackle the issue. She added that the Party would deliver a ‘political education programme’ to ensure everyone in the Labour Party is aware of all forms of anti-Semitism. Prior to the meeting the Board and JLC heads delivered an open letter to the Parliamentary Labour Party chair John Cryer detailing loud and clear how Corbyn had repeatedly failed to address anti-Semitism. Jewish leaders have cited concerns since Corbyn took the helm in 2015, and they offered examples of how he has failed to intervene in his own party and beyond. The letter also noted that Corbyn is viewed as a “figurehead” for an anti-Semitic political culture; he has the power to demand it stops in his party and must refrain from “siding with anti-Semites rather than Jews.” Responding to the letter Corbyn acknowledged anti-Semitsm had “surfaced” his party and would fight it. Describing himself as a “militant opponent” of anti-Semitism

he vowed to be an “ally” to British Jews. Anti-Semitism has too often “been dismissed as simply a matter of a few bad apples,” hurting Jewish Labour members and the wider Jewish community in Britain, he noted. Corbyn added: “I am sincerely sorry for the pain which has been caused, and pledge to redouble my eﬀorts to bring this anxiety to an end.” The latest twist on the Labour leader came after an unacceptable response to an anti-Semitic mural in 2012 when he initially opposed its removal and appeared supportive to its artist, Mear One. Though eventually supporting its removal, his slow stance was heavily criticised in Jewish quarters. Corbyn has since apologised for questioning the mural’s removal. After repeated calls for action from Corbyn, the Labour leader has now stated he urgently wants to meet Jewish leaders to hear their concerns. The Labour leader has some distance to travel if he is to appease his detractors. “Having been caught red-handed three times in the past two weeks, Jeremy Corbyn must take the public for fools if he thinks that he can now start talking about ‘stamping out’ antisemitism in the Labour Party and saying sorry,” said Gideon Falter, Chairman of Campaign Against Antisemitism. “It is too late. He has squandered every opportunity to address this issue, including by commissioning a whitewash inquiry into antisemitism whose author he then made the only person he has ever elevated to the peerage. “Mr Corbyn has spent his political life seeking out and actively defending vile anti-Semites as well as terrorists who seek the extermination of Jews worldwide. “It is little wonder that contrary to his claims, we are not witnessing ‘pockets of antisemitism’ in the Labour Party, but instead a spreading racist rot is taking hold and it is coming from Mr Corbyn’s hard-left supporters.

Jonathan Arkush addressing the crowd of protesters

“Mr Corbyn says that the solution is for him to pacify the Jewish community and that he will be meeting with us. “The telephone has not rung and frankly nor do we want it to. “Two years ago we proposed a transparent disciplinary process for Labour to implement. “The adoption of that process is the only sign that we will accept that the Labour Party is serious about freeing itself from the grip of anti-Semites, and the ﬁrst disciplinary case to be heard under that process should be the complaint we have made against Mr Corbyn himself.” Mr Arkush noted Corbyn had made up some ground but is awating “actions and not words”. “He (Corbyn) always declares himself to be an enemy of racism. The trouble is he still hasn’t confronted or taken eﬀective action,” The Board’s chief said. British Jewry’s action has received widespread support from many organisations including World Jewish Congress. “We are appalled by the failure of Labour’s leadership to get a grip on the issue of anti-Semitism within the party,” said President Ronald S. Lauder. “In a country where the Jewish community has long been so well integrated into public life, including Labour Party politics, it is deeply disconcerting to see examples of rabid anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism time and time again, with seemingly little consequence for the proponents. “We stand shoulder to shoulder

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The rally against anti-Semitism in the Labour Party made headlines across the country.

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with our British colleagues as they call for a zero-tolerance approach which is matched by actions and not just words. “We simply ask Jeremy Corbyn to end his support of anti-Semites.” The European Jewish Congress said the Labour leadership under Corbyn had at best a massive blind spot when it comes to anti-Semitism and at worst openly encourages hatred and double-standards against Jews. “Enough apologies, enough insipid justiﬁcations, enough excuses,” a statement read. “For too long ant-Semitism has been allowed to eat away at the values for which the Labour Party has historically stood for.” EJC accused Corbyn of systematically failing to take a strong line on anti-Semitism, aligning himself with people and groups holding openly anti-Semitic views. They added: “Anti-Semitism is not conﬁned to the periphery of the party, but has poisoned its very core. “The time has come for decisive action to root out this poison and, in doing so, send a powerful message that anti-Semitism has no place in our society and that the Labour party can still be a party of choice for Britain’s Jewish community.” Time will tell if Labour Party promised will prevail. Turn to page 10 for Editorial. To read the letters from this ongoing story visit our website at: www.thejewishweekly.com

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 08 Israel News 10 Letters 14 Community News 28 Judaism 32 Fiction

36 Business 38 Sports 40 Kids 44 Youth 48 Women 52 Food

29 MARCH 2018

NEWS 3

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Jewish Care appoints Car driven into new Chief Executive Golders Green shop

BY LEAH WAXLER

Daniel Carmel-Brown takes up the post of Jewish Care chief executive July 1st 2018. He succeeds Simon Morris who announced last December his decision to step down after 15 years. Currently Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Jewish Care, Daniel has various positions of increasing responsibility at Jewish Care having begun his career over two decades ago delivering front line services. An interview panel was unanimous in their decision after interviewing nine candidates from within and outside of the organisation over the past three months. “I look forward to working with this exceptional organisation to ensure we continue to meet the growing and changing social care needs of the community,” said Daniel. “He has the experience, determination and vision to take on

this role and address the significant challenges that come with leading a social care charity,” said Steven Lewis, Chair of Jewish Care. Lord Levy, President of Jewish Care added: “He is a natural leader, strategic thinker, excellent communicator and has a solid understanding of the organisation.” “I have every conﬁdence he will build on the strong foundations that his predecessor Simon Morris has worked so hard to achieve.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

at the time. The pharmacy is situated a few shops either side of Shefa Mehadrin and La Fiesta, and is opposite Kosher Kingdom. Fortunately, due to the time of year and the location, there were many Pesach shoppers and nearby workers around, who rushed to the incident to help lift the shop’s front clear from the vehicle and lift the vehicle off the trapped man. Emergency services including police, paramedics and London Fire Brigade were quickly at the scene. Road blocks were quickly set up before both seriously injured men were transported to hospital, with David being airlifted to St Mary’s after the air ambulance had managed to land at the nearby Princess Park. One of the people who helped lift the car off told The Jewish Weekly, “I was working across the road, when I suddenly heard a loud bang; the loudest noise I have ever heard in my entire life. We all rushed across the road to the terrible scene and remarkably we managed to lift the car off together.

After what I saw, it is truly miraculous that they are both still alive and that nobody else was injured” David’s mother Rachel had gone to Israel for Pesach but has now returned to London after learning of the news. The distraught driver, whose identity is known to The Jewish Weekly, had reportedly borrowed the car from a friend. He was questioned by police in Fame recruitment across the road from the incident, but was not arrested. A police spokesman said: “Police were called at 11.46am on Wednesday, 28 March to reports of a road trafﬁc collision in Golders Green Road, NW11. “Oﬃcers, the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended and found a car in collision with a pedestrian and a shop. A man has been taken to a central London hospital with possible life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.” The community are asked to keep praying for the speedy recovery of Shimon ben Zehora and Dovid Moshe ben Rochel.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Netanyahu hospitalised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was released from hospital on Tuesday evening after suffering from a high fever and a cough. Netanyahu said on Twitter: “I am on my way home. Sure some rest and hot soup will put things right.” An official statement from his office said hospital tests indicated the Prime Minister was suffering from a mild viral infection of his upper respiratory tract. “The doctors recommended him to rest and undergo medical treatment.” Netanyahu, 68, was ordered to undergo a series of tests. His personal physician, Dr. Berkowitz, said that he believes the prime minister’s symptoms from an illness he was suffering two weeks ago may have worsened due to not completing the period of rest required for recovery.

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6 NEWS

Bristol student Patterson wins UK Campus Pitch competition BY ADAM MOSES University of Bristol undergraduate Sally Patterson has won the UK’s ﬁrst ever Campus Pitch Competition. The contest sees students pitch idea for addressing Jewish issues on campus. Sally picked up £5,000 investment for her project ‘Women of Faith in Leadership’ in the competition ﬁnale. She defeated three teams to clinch the prize and will now run an interfaith conference for Muslim and Jewish women at Bristol University. Judges included Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron, Union of Jewish Students President Josh Holt, Pentland Group Chairman Stephen Rubin and World Jewish Congress Jewish Diplomat Marina Gerner. Head judge on the night, Mr Holt, noted that Sally’s winning initiative addressed “real problems of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred on campus in a positive way”.

29 MARCH 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

“We were delighted to award her the grand prize and look forward to seeing her project go from strength to strength,” he said. “This innovative competition has encouraged and showcased creativity and the excellent entrepreneurial work being done by our Jewish students and their peers on campuses across the country,” said Ms Merron. “It was inspiring to hear from students committed to meeting challenges in a positive way. They gave a real sense that the future is bright.” “College campuses have become one of the strongest frontlines in the ﬁght for Israel’s legitimacy,” added World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer. “It is a ﬁght that we shouldn’t have to have, but it is one that we must have, as Jewish and pro-Israel students feel silenced and threatened by the dangerous initiatives of those seeking to boycott and delegitimize Israel and Jewish communities. “The groups presenting have

proven their courage and determination in striving for a more balanced dialogue and a safer space. “World Jewish Congress stands fully behind their advocacy efforts. Together, we can and will change the conversation about Israel and anti-Semitism on campus.” Runner up pitches included a coexistence campaign at the University of London, Israel focused photography and film competition at University of Warwick and interfaith gardening project at Queen Mary University. The university trio received £1,500 to implement ideas on campus. The Campus Pitch Competition is a WJC initiative, which sees student teams pitch for investment in a project addressing Jewish issues on campus. As a leading affiliate of the WJC, the Board of Deputies ran the competition outside the United States for the first time in association with UJS.

Suspects arrested over Holocaust survivor murder

BY LEAH WAXLER

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the barbaric murder of 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Mireille Knoll who was stabbed to death in her Paris apartment before her home was set on fire last week. The brutal killing is being investigated as a suspected anti-Semitic attack by French judiciary. President Emmanuel Macron described Knoll’s murder as a “dreadful crime” on Twitter and consolidated his determination to fight against anti-Semitism. The World Jewish Congress has expressed its horror over the murder and called on French authorities to maintain full transparency over the investigation to discover the motivation behind the heinous crime. French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb committed to finding out the motivations of a “barbaric act” as it reminds France of the darkest hours of its history. “To attack a Jew, it is to attack France and the values that establish the foundation of the nation,” he said in a statement on Monday. The Representative Council of French Jews (CRIF) condemned the murder in a statement and urged transparency from

authorities so “ reasons for this barbaric crime are known to all as soon as possible.” Haïm Korsia, the Chief Rabbi in France, also took to Twitter stating, “Anti-Semitism kills. Let’s never forget it.” CRIF called for a rally in Paris in memory of Knoll yesterday. The French Jewish community is approximately 400,000 and has witnessed an increase in anti-Semitic attacks in recent years. Knoll as a child was living in Paris when she escaped the Velodrome d’Hiver cycling track roundup by Nazis in 1942 that resulted in the mass arrest of 13,000 French Jews. Codenamed ‘Operation Spring Breeze’ the atrocity took place on 16 and 17 July 1942. Thousands of Jews were deported to Auschwitz concentration camp.

Mireille Knoll

Shomer Shabbat candidates feature high for Barnet’s election

Your 1% can help end Jewish poverty

The Conservative Party has selected a large number of Shomer Shabbat candidates for Barnet Council in the forthcoming local authority elections on May 3. There are no candidates known to fit this description being fielded by other political parties within the Borough, though many other candidates from all parties will be Jewish. The Shomer Shabbat element consists both of sitting Councillors seeking re-election and new first-time candidates. The selection process , finally completed last week, followed the announced intended retirement of some Councillors and the deselection of others. The Councillors selected to stand again are Shimon Ryde and Peter Zinkin (Childs Hill), Eva Greenspan (Finchley, Church End) Melvin Cohen and Dean Cohen (Golders Green), Anthony Finn and Mark Shooter (Hendon) and Brian Gordon (Edgware). Newly selected

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candidates are Nizza Fluss (Hendon) and Elliott Simberg (Hale). If all the said candidates are elected it would mean ten Shomer Shabbat Councillors out of 63, probably the largest ever on any Council in the UK. All are standing in Wards usually considered safe for the Conservatives, though the current political climate nationally may have pushed one or two into the marginal category. Due to the decision of a recently deselected Councillor to renounce the Conservative Party Whip, the overall make-up of Barnet Council is precariously balanced. The Conservatives still retain control of the Administration with 31 seats. Labour have 30, Lib Dems 1 and there is 1 Independent. The slightest electoral change against the Conservatives could result in Labour taking control on May 3

AN OPEN DOOR ALL YEAR ROUND FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES This year people we support have packaged and mailed our appeal with our Pesach Plague Dippers. It is your generosity that makes vocational and employment training possible. To donate please visit www.kisharon.org.uk Additional Pesach Plague Dippers are available at EQUAL, 818 Finchley Road, London NW11 6XL 020 8457 5000 • £2 for a pack of 6 coasters

8 ISRAEL NEWS

NEWS IN ISRAEL

IN ASSOCIATION WITH BICOM

Israeli Air Force investigates Iron Dome The IAF (Israel Air Force) began an inquiry earlier this week to examine why the Iron Dome missile defence system responded to machine-gun fire from Gaza on Sunday evening. No missiles were fired at Israel but tens of thousands of Israelis evacuated into air raid shelters after the code red warning siren was triggered in Sderot, the Ashkelon beach area north of Gaza and Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council East of Gaza. The IDF Spokesperson’s Office confirmed “no missile barrage was launched at Israel” and that the Iron Dome was “triggered due to machine gun fire from the [Gaza] Strip”. The Commander of the IAF’s air defence systems Brig.-Gen. Zvika Haimovich, who will lead the inquiry, put the error down to “system oversensitivity”. “We don’t take chances in situations with even the slightest potential of harming either civilians or property,” he added. Haimovich also explained that

29 MARCH 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Iron dome missile defence PHOTO CREDIT: BICOM

a decision to activate the Iron Dome had to be taken very quickly, saying: “[The] incident had a ﬁve-second reaction time in which we needed to decide, and that takes courage, clarity and professionalism”. Israel launched approximately

20 interceptions on Sunday, each costing approximately $50,000. However Haimovich stressed that the safety of citizens would always remain the IAF’s priority, saying “we’ll continue minimising risks even at the price of paying high costs”.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Israel issues new travel warnings The Israeli Counter Terrorism Bureau has published new advice warning against travel to areas where terrorists could potentially target Israelis and Jews. The Counter Terrorism Bureau, a unit of the National Security Council, has advised of a significant terrorist threat to Israelis and Jewish people in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Thailand and Kenya. Israelis are already forbidden to travel to Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Officials at the Bureau said: “The travel advisories are based on solid and reliable information reflecting concrete threats based on the current intelligence picture.” The Bureau has highlighted that the Sinai peninsula is a very high-risk travel area and it advises against travel to Egypt. Israelis in Sinai have been asked to leave the area immediately. But, despite repeated warnings of the presence of a branch of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Sinai Peninsula, hundreds of

Israelis still travel there. The south of Thailand, a country popular with Israeli tourists, is also in the new high risk country list and Israelis have been urged to leave the area without delay and avoid traveling there during the coming holiday. Turkey, the Kashmir region of India, the Philippines and Jordan were also indicated as risky travel areas. The Bureau issued speciﬁc travel advice about the Passover holiday: “The current period is characterised by a redesign of the patterns of terror operations around the world.” Israelis were reminded to “be vigilant while visiting crowded locations, especially sites that are known as terror targets, including tourist attractions, sports stadiums, cultural sites such as museums, shopping and entertainment centres, hotels, airports, places of worship (churches, synagogues and mosques), and mass events.”

IDF Chief says Israel at 70 is an invincible country In a series of interviews to mark 70-year-old Israel is an invincible Israel’s 70th anniversary, Isra- country.” He described Iran as Israel’s el Defence Force (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot said “central enemy” while concludIsrael is an “invincible country” ing that the chance for conflict this with enormous disparities over its year was the highest in comparison to the rest of his time as Chief enemies. Eisenkot was described by Ye- of Staff. With tensions mounting on the diot Ahronot as “tense but optimistic” about the state of Israel’s Gaza border, he said: “A large part security moving into its 70th year. of the army will be invested there Eisenkot said in the interview that on [Passover] eve …We won’t al“in the 70th year of its existence, low [Gazans to stage a] mass inthe State of Israel has an improved filtration into Israel and to damage strategic68816 balance withCommunity enormous fence, and not to reach - Jewish Housing the Association Ltdcertainly - Advert_v04.pdf 1 disparities over its enemies. The the communities. The instructions

are to use a lot of force.” He told the newspaper Maariv: “We are reinforcing the barriers and a large number of IDF soldiers will be stationed in the area to prevent any trespassing attempts into Israeli territory. Our main goal is to prevent civilians, especially women and children from being harmed. We are adamant about preventing any incidents.” Eisenkot also conﬁrmed that the Israeli Air Force had resumed operations in Syria since Israel lost an F-16 last month. He also prom06/03/2018 14:47 ised to dismantle all the tunnels

Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot PHOTO CREDIT: BICOM

along the Gaza border by the end of 2018. In response to the forthcoming release of Elor Azaria, the soldier who shot and killed a Palestinian attacker in Hebron who was

already severely wounded and incapacitated, Eisenkot said: “The last thing I would want is for people to say he is a hero. This is not how a hero looks.”

wishes you a very happy Pesach

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10 LETTERS

29 MARCH 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Letters to the Editor

Proud of our leaders

OPINION

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Dear Editor, I’d like to congratulate both the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council for taking a tough line with the Labour Party and especially its socalled leader Jeremy Corbyn. All too often our lay leaders “talk the talk” but don’t “walk the walk.” However, thanks to the incredibly strong leadership of Mr Jonathan Arkush and Mr Jonathan Goldstein, at long last, Mr Corbyn has been forced to take the Jewish community seriously. He is clearly unhappy about it but publicly at least he is making the right noises. However scary the prospect is, and it is scary, we have to accept that Labour could win the next General Election, and if that nightmare scenario happens then Monday’s incredible event at the heart of Westminster demonstrates that British Jews will not lay down meekly and allow a mainstream elected party to get away with blatant anti-Semitism. To all those MPs who turned out, I say thank you, but there still is a long way to go. Our lay leaders must keep the pressure up on this Palestinian-loving politician until he demonstrates he is truly sorry for the hurt he has caused Jews in the United Kingdom. Mr M Cohen Edgware

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Monday 26 March 2018. The day British Jewry ﬁnally stood up for its rights. Its rights not to have the leader of our opposition defend a disgusting mural on the streets of London, depicting wealthy Jews playing monopoly whilst sitting on poor naked slaves. Enough truly is enough. How can this man still be leader of the Labour party? The same man who has not expelled Ken Livingstone, despite his repulsive remarks about Hitler. The same individual who allows anti-Semitism to thrive in his party, whilst honouring the woman who produced the now infamous whitewash ‘report’ with a peerage. The Board of Deputies and the JLC should be proud. Proud that over 1500 people turned up at such short notice to demand an end once and for all to anti-Semitism. Whilst it will never truly end until our Temple is rebuilt, and we shouldn’t be naïve enough to think that it will simply disappear on its own, we must still do all we can to oppose it, in all its forms. People should be commended for taking to the streets of our Capital, holding banners loudly

proclaiming Enough is Enough. Passionate and brave, loyal to the cause. But what an absolute tragedy that it wasn’t just Corbyn they were ﬁghting against. A number of the hardcore Jewish left turned up to counter demonstarte. Chanting for Corbyn, supporting the man who has publicly befriended the likes of Hamas and Hezbollah, even speaking at hate rallies. These Jews must be branded as an absolute disgrace. One woman despicably held a poster saying ‘Jews for Jez,’ and to make matters worse, a yellow star, the symbol of tremendous suﬀering in the Holocaust, surrounded the word ‘Jews.’ According to the Daily Mail, it was simply too much for one Londoner. “Shame on you! Shame on you! Take down the star,’ he screamed. ‘How dare you spit on my grandmother’s grave!’ The woman simply ignored him. The six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust clearly doesn’t bother ‘Jews’ like her. The fact that it doesn’t seem to bother the leader of the Labour Party too is slightly more worrying.

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29 MARCH 2018

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Fables and Kneidles launch family First ever sponsored UK Eruv for Bushey education event at JCOSS On Thursday 15th March 2018, JCOSS hosted a family education initiative Fables & Kneidels sponsored by Eureka Cove the new freedom brand of kosher frozen foods under supervision of Rabbi P Padwa. Over 50 people attended this great event. JCOSS Children participated in rolling Kneidels which were then cooked for everybody to enjoy with the delicious traditional chicken Participants tolling Kneidels soup produced by Eureka Cove. Hannah from Mill Hill said that it was a: “Fantastic Family event – what a great idea” Laurie Rosenberg facilitated families to make Haggadah covers and compered the entire event. Fables & Kneidels will now be rolled out to Jewish schools, shuls and communities throughout the country. All the events will be focusing on the traditions of Jewish festivals where food plays a very important role within our religion. Haggadah cover

Work Avenue’s annual career networking evening Over one hundred people attended the Wohl Enterprise Hub in Finchley this week, the home of leading employment and business support organisation Work Avenue, to expand and develop their professional networks as part of the annual Career Networking evening. The event, now in its ninth year, organised by Work Avenue in partnership with UJS and leading global professional services firm BDO, offers students the opportunity to explore career options, make connections with people in their chosen sector and network with a wide range of professionals. The event was fast-paced and dynamic, with over 30 sector professionals from a broad range of industries each with a packed schedule of mini-meetings. Companies represented on the evening included Bank of England, EY, Sky and HSBC, as well as a range of contemporary businesses including Facebook, Snapchat, Waze and Deliveroo. Professionals and students alike were welcomed to the event with a drinks and buffet reception. Emma May, Ops Director at Work Avenue, opened the evening by welcoming everyone and by outlining some of the organisation’s key achievements

The fast-paced event in progress

from 2017 including support to 1495 employment clients and assisting 604 entrepreneurs with their businesses. Statistics indicate that networking is a very powerful route into employment for students and recent graduates, and this is reﬂected by the ongoing popularity of the Career Networking evening. A number of students have already been offered additional interviews or work placements as a direct result of the event. Tanya Burns from Facebook commentated on the vibrancy of the event and said: “This is an invaluable event for students. They were so energised and engaged and asked really thought-provoking questions. I am happy to do whatever I can to help.”

And the students were equally as enthused. Jessica Fishman, a second year geography student at Bristol University, commented: “I was thoroughly impressed by the variety of professionals and found their advice so helpful. I met some great people.” Debbie Sheldon, CEO of Work Avenue, added: “It’s great to see the community coming together to help guide students’ future careers. We are very grateful for the support of all the companies and professionals who had a hand in its success. It’s particularly satisfying to see former students now become our career professionals, thus turning the wheel full circle.”

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Bushey & District Synagogue is delighted to have secured sponsorship from Holiday Inn Elstree for its Eruv. This is the ﬁrst time a UK Synagogue Eruv has been sponsored by a corporate partner. The Eruv is now called Bushey Eruv sponsored by Holiday Inn London Elstree Dan Blake, Chairman of the Bushey Eruv said “we would like to express our appreciation for the Holiday Inn Elstree’s generous sponsorship of the Bushey Eruv. It will make a huge diﬀerence to the community.“ Rabbi Feldman from Bushey United Synagogue explained why it has such an impact on the community “The Eruv allows us to follow the same rules, both in the home, and outside . This is especially helpful to families with young children who want to use a buggy outside their home on Shabbat, and

to people who use a wheelchair or walking frames which would otherwise be prohibited under Jewish law. Prior to the Eruv there were families with children too young to walk to synagogue and people who found walking distances unaided diﬃcult, who could not attend Synagogue. Thanks to the Holiday Inn Elstree, Shabbat events are accessible to all families – young and old, mobile and less able. Everyone can now join in the Shabbat religious and social life of the community. An Eruv is about inclusion and togetherness and it is wonderful to see that through our Eruv we are forming partnerships with a local hotel which is very much at the heart of the community and often a venue for celebrations. The Holiday Inn Elstree specialises in providing an experience of togetherness in times of celebration and leisure.”

The Linen Hall library, a much cherished institution in Belfast city centre, is coming under vile attack on social media for hosting an event concerning the centenary of the birth of Chaim Herzog in Belfast at which the Ambassador of Israel attended. Chaim Herzog was born in Belfast in 1918 and the event was organised by the Northern Ireland Friends of Israel. Members of the Jewish and wider community attended. Books relating to the Herzog family were presented to the Library. We understand that some of the comments protesting about this event have been of a threatening nature and that Library staﬀ have taken abusive phone calls.

This is totally unacceptable. It flies in the face of efforts to make Northern Ireland an inclusive society where different communities can express their identity and heritage freely. Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron said: “Sadly there are those who want to import the extremism and conflict of the Middle East into our cultural life. As the representative body of the Jewish community in the UK, we call upon elected representatives from across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland to condemn this targeting of the Linen Hall library, which is acknowledged as a beacon of light and a meeting place for diverse community groups.”

Board condemns attacks on Belfast library following Herzog event

Emunah bridge lunch raises £3,000

Emunah Bridge Lunch raised £3,000 for Israel’s at-risk children. 44 people took part in the event organised by Emunah’s Miriam Moses group and held in a hall in Totteridge. The overall winners were Barbara Fenton and Rosalind Fine

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16 NEWS

Hertfordshire communities join forces to stage high-profile speaker event An event staged by Five of Herts + 1, a grouping of Hertfordshire’s five smaller US communities – Potters Bar, Shenley, St Albans, Watford and Welwyn Garden City – and the plus 1, Luton, their Bedfordshire neighbour, brought the burning topics of the day to an audience who would normally have had to journey to London to hear such high-profile speakers. Mental health, dementia awareness, slavery and media bias were among the subjects examined by a line-up of outstanding presenters at the day-long event, “Encounters 18”, held at Yavneh College in Borehamwood (March 11, 2018). Hit of the day was the moving presentation by Jonny Benjamin MBE and Neil Laybourn. Jonny’s story of how, seven years ago, he was pulled back from the brink of suicide on Waterloo Bridge by Neil, ‘the stranger on the bridge’, already well-known but bearing repetition, led into an account of how the incident has inspired the pair to devote a great deal of their time both to

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Israeli dance festival at Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School The Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School Dance Group performed at the recent Israeli Dance Institute’s Annual Israeli Dance Festival. The pupils, from Years 2-5, attend the weekly after-school Israeli Dance Club and the highlight of their year is always the festival. Having learned over 30 partner, circle and line dances, they were delighted to have the opportunity to participate.

Deborah Harris, Jewish Studies Lead, said: “This year, we have a particularly young dance group, consisting mainly of pupils in Years 2 and 3. They are all so enthusiastic and dedicated and have worked so hard to learn all the dances. The group performed beautifully at the festival are now looking forward to dancing the day away on Yom Ha’atzmaut.”

Neil Laybourn and Jonny Benjamin MBE with Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Alli Sturgess, of St Albans United Synagogue, two of the principal organisers of “Encounters 18”

campaigning and to educating children and adults on mental health issues. Another keynote speaker was the Israeli Embassy’s Udi Avivi, who described the eﬀorts of the embassy’s media watchdogs to counter misrepresentation in the press and broadcasting, while award-winning stand-up comic, director and playwright Rachel Creeger discussed, among other aspects of Jewish humour, whether racial jokes are every permissible. Other thought-provoking and timely topics included

Jewish involvement in the transatlantic slave trade (with comparison to our ancestors’ slavery in ancient Egypt) from Rebbetzin Ilana Epstein, head of project development at the United Synagogue’s Learning and Living department; ‘Did the Exodus really happen?’ from Aish UK Executive Director Rabbi Daniel Rowe; and a guide to how how communities can become more dementia aware, presented by Susan Dawson, Jewish Care’s dementia projects lead. All smiles from the dance group

Young World Jewish Relief return from Insight trip to Ukraine Rabbi Barry Marcus MBE to retire Ten British Jews have returned from the war in the East of the country. valuable and effective World JewUkraine on World Jewish Relief’s Nearly 10,000 people have died ish Relief’s projects I saw seemed from the Central Synagogue London latest Insight trip to see first-hand the support which the charity offers Jewish communities struggling to make ends meet. The group, led by World Jewish Relief’s Young World Jewish Relief Coordinator, Sam Schryer, visited Kryvyi Rih, a post-industrial town in Eastern Ukraine which has been hit hard by the financial crisis and decline of the manufacturing industry. Participants learned about World Jewish Relief’s life-changing Livelihoods work which helps unemployed Jewish people find sustainable jobs to lift their families out of poverty for good. Attendees also met people whose family members had been killed in

since the conﬂict began in 2014, including thousands of civilians. The group spent time in Dnipro, meeting older Jews who come together every week as part of World Jewish Relief’s ‘Warm Homes’ programme and Jewish people with disabilities who are supported by the charity. Participants also visited the Tkuma Centre of Jewish History and the Holocaust. Andrew Davidson, one of the participants on the trip from Barnet, said: “Apart from a reminder of how much we take for granted in the UK, the trip left me with a great feeling of warmth and respect for the people that we met throughout. I also was astounded by how

to be.” Sam Schryer, Young World Jewish Relief Coordinator, said: “It was truly inspiring to see ten young Jews from London engage so diligently and sensitively with the complex issues facing the Jewish communities in Ukraine. We met some amazing people on the way and I am proud to work for a charity that has so many young people who care about the future of Eastern European Jewry.” Young World Jewish Relief will be running another Insight trip to Eastern Europe in autumn 2018. For more information please contact Sam Schryer, sams@worldjewishrelief.org

The group visiting a disused mine

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After close to 25 years as the senior Rabbi at the Central Synagogue in Great Portland Street, Rabbi Barry Marcus has decided to retire in the autumn of 2018. Born in South Africa and descended from a long line of distinguished Rabbis, Rabbi Marcus is hugely respected for his work not only with his local shul community, but also in wider society. Rabbi Marcus has been at the forefront of educating Jews and non-Jews alike of the horrors of the Holocaust. He is one of the most respected Holocaust educators, leading countless group visits to Europe, the concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau and beyond. After pioneering the concept of one day visits to Auschwitz, in 2014 he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for Holocaust Education and for fostering dialogue and building bridges with Poland. In the 2015 New Year’s Honours, he was awarded an MBE for services to Holocaust Education. During his time at Central Synagogue a notable achievement includes the development of the morning minyan which is a regular point of prayer for West End and City Professionals. Central Synagogue Chairman,

Barry Townsley CBE commented: “We will all be very sorry to see Rabbi Marcus step down. His many years of leadership have established our community as one of the key central London shuls for mainstream UK Jewry. He will be sorely missed by many people whose lives he has positively impacted on.” Michael Goldstein, President of The US said: “Great Rabbis lie at the heart of the United Synagogue. The respect and aﬀection that abound for Rabbi Marcus, both within the Jewish Community and far beyond, are a real testimony to his stature. Replacing him will be an enormous task, one into which The US and the Central Synagogue community will put every eﬀort.”

Rabbi Barry Marcus MBE

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18 NEWS

Cocktails and cabaret on board the Nightingale House ‘cruise ship’ Residents of Nightingale House care home enjoyed a Cocktails and Cabaret evening, as Create Cocktails’ talented bar-tender entertained them with expertly-crafted bespoke cocktails. Inspired by the opening of Apples and Honey Nightingale nursery, the UK’s ﬁrst nursery located onsite a care home, Dan Wilks, the Director of Create Cocktails in Balham, approached the local home with a unique opportunity. Together with actors Laurel Lefkow and Simon Shatzberger, who regularly lead drama discussions for the residents, musician Matthew Lucas and singer Larissa Murray joined with the Create Cocktails team to entertain the residents with play readings, drinks, songs and music. One resident remarked that she felt as if she was on a cruise. The event was part of a comprehensive programme of activities run at Nightingale House, part of the Nightingale Hammerson group of London care homes for older members of the Jewish community, which is renowned for oﬀering holistic care programmes. As well as an in-house physiotherapy

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Residents enjoying the tasty cocktails

department which offers targeted and specialised treatment to each resident to improve their mobility, other activities in the home include pottery making, art gallery and museum collaborations, exercise sessions, concerts and singing groups. The benefits of music therapy are well researched as it helps to create meaningful relationships between residents and staff and gives residents a voice through music. In addition, the music helps residents retain their individuality which

helps Nightingale House to deliver person-centred care. Reﬂecting on the evening, Jacqui Beyer, Activities Team Leader at Nightingale House, said: “I’m still on a high from the evening. It was such an amazing event, with a special atmosphere as residents thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment, drinks and the wonderful company of all involved. We laughed, talked and danced; no-one would think this is what one would get up to in a care home – we were living!”

Trustee gave an update on ORT’s global projects and guests saw a short ﬁlm about the life-changing STEM (science, technology, engineering and science) and Jewish education ORT provides across impoverished communities in Israel. The breakfast raised over £55,000 which will go towards World ORT’s schools and educational programmes. “200+ guests had the opportunity to listen to one of the world’s most inﬂuential bankers and also hear about the impact that ORT is making on under-privileged students in

Israel and the former Soviet Union through technology education.” Said Adam Overlander – Kaye, Chief Executive ORT UK “In Israel, we deliver education and support to some of the most economically, socially and medically needy children in the north and south of Israel. Through our education programmes we bring aspiration and hope to peripheral regions and communities via a network of over 40 World ORT-Kadima Mada schools, aﬃliated colleges and centres of excellence.” Reported Simon Alberga, Chairman ORT UK.

Jewish tradition of charitable giving ‘alive and well’ Norwood has welcomed a wealth of Judaica donations this year, with the items put on display across its charity stores. Norwood currently runs eight charity shops across North and East London thanks to the support of 150 dedicated volunteers. One display, at Norwood’s ﬂagship Golders Green boutique (see picture) includes Siddurim, Pesach plates, Haggadot and other treasures. Donna Sanders, Shop Manager at Norwood’s Golders Green boutique, expressed her gratitude at both the volume and quality of people’s donations. “We’ve been bowled over by the donations we’ve received over the past week or two,” she said. “Some of the items people are giving are brand new, and others hardly used. There’s certainly never been a better time to come into a shop and treat yourself!” Norwood Trading Operations Manager, Kayt Mendies, also welcomed the community’s generosity, saying: “We are delighted that the Jewish tradition of charitable giving, especially around Pesach, is alive and well. Having so many

The Pesach display at Norwood charity shop

traditional Jewish items on our shelves at such a special time of year is fantastic.” Norwood’s charity shops will be open as normal until Thursday 29 March. They are then closed on Friday 30 April from 2pm and reopen Monday 2 April for normal hours of 9.30-5pm. They subsequently close on Thursday 5 April at 2pm, are closed on Friday 6 April and reopen on Sunday 8 April from 10-4pm as normal.

mourns Frank Meisler ORT UK holds another Business Breakfast AJR The Association of Jewish Refu- of the AJR-Kindertransport speORT UK held another successful Business Breakfast with guest speaker, Mark Tucker, Chairman of HSBC, who was interviewed by Iain Dey, Business Editor of The Sunday Times. Mr Tucker discussed his early career as a footballer, before oﬀering guests an insight into life as one of the world’s most successful businessmen. More than 200 guests attended the event at the Sheraton Park Lane, which was hosted by Lloyd Dorfman CBE and sponsored by Aurum and 2Gee Developments. Anthony Silverman, ORT UK

Ian Dey and Mark Tucker in conversation

gees (AJR) was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frank Meisler, the sculptor who designed and manufactured the series of iconic statues in dedication to the Kindertransport, including the monument at Liverpool Street station that was co-commissioned by the AJR and World Jewish Relief. Frank was born in Danzig in 1925 and arrived in England on one of the last Kindertransports, in August 1939. He learnt, after the war, that his parents had been murdered in the Holocaust. Leading the tributes was Frank’s friend, fellow Kind and Chairman

Sculpture designed by Frank Meisler

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cial interest group, Sir Erich Reich, “Alongside his great wit and wonderful sense of humour, Frank leaves us a rich legacy of memorials, sited across European cities form where the Kinder travelled to England. Frank was always keen that the local communities be thanked, especially so in England to which he was eternally grateful. In this special year, when we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the creation of the Kindertransport, his absence will be keenly felt but he can rest knowing that his great works remain appreciated every day.”

20 NEWS

Special Bar Mitzvah celebration promises happier Pesach holiday for 120 orphans For 120 orphan boys, this Passover will be infused with an additional dose of unexpected joy as the result of an initiative of Colel Chabad, Israel’s longest running social services organization, which provided the boys with a Bar Mitzvah celebration including gifts and a lavish ceremony. Each of the boys has their own individual stories of pain and loss. All have suﬀered the death of a parent, the majority of them their fathers – often due to illness but in some cases due to accidents or terror attacks. Many come from families that are also struggling with poverty and other challenges that have resulted from the loss of the primary bread-winner. “The common bond that unites all of these boys is the sense that there is something missing,” says Itzik Marton of Colel Chabad, director of the Bar Mitzvah program. “Our goal is to remind them that despite their losses, there remains a supportive community that understands their pain and is doing something pro-active to surround them with happiness and support at this most exciting time in their lives.” Colel Chabad, in service to Israel’s needy and those who need support since 1788, has been hosting the Bar Mitzvah celebration since 1992. This year’s celebration is supported by the Krakowiak family of Sao Paulo, Brazil in honor of their son Fernando’s Bar Mitzva. The

After weeks of rigorous planning this past Sunday over 250 men and boys gathered together in London for an unprecedented and inspiring event. They successfully completed ‘Shas’ Mishnah, over 4000 individual Mishanyos, in two hours under one roof. This event was truly community wide with a vast range of people coming together to complete this vast achievement. Almost 50 participants travelled from Manchester to the event and amongst those learning one could see boys of all ages, yeshivah bochrim, students,

JNF legacy clients celebrate early Seder

Bar Mitzvah celebrations

family came to Israel to celebrate the occasion alongside the children of Colel Chabad. Each participant is provided with a fully-funded shopping spree at Zara where the boy chooses an outfit that best matches his personal taste. He is also presented with a set of teffilin and the ceremony begins at the Kotel where the boys are individually danced down to be called up to the Torah. The program is coordinated by a team of volunteers including Mendy who came to the Jerusalem from Tzfat in Northern Israel. “Our role here is to bring that extra level of happiness and simcha to these boys,” he said. “We were told there was one specific boy who lost both of his parents so we made certain he never felt alone and tried our hardest to make him feel loved and happy. It was incredibly emotional to see how happy we were able to help him feel,” he said. Bar Elias from Ashdod whose husband passed away from illness two years ago accompanied her son, the youngest in the family, to the celebration. “This was the first

major family event since my husband died and I was thrilled to see how my son was given the feeling that he hasn’t been forgotten,” she said. “This is so much more than I could have ever imagined.” Following the Kotel ceremony, the entire delegation of boys and their families travelled to a gala celebration at Jerusalem’s Binyanei Hauma where a fully catered meal was accompanied by dancing and entertainment by Yishai Lapidot. Special guests included the Chief Rabbis of Israel as well as government ministers and members of Knesset, all blessing the young men as they enter the next stage of their lives. The Bar Mitzvah project is just one of Colel Chabad’s initiatives that works with over 700 orphans and widows throughout the year – with a special focus around the holidays. Ahead of Pesach, Colel Chabad is also preparing to provide support to thousands of families through its Food Security Project which supports families through a network of projects all across the country.

Mishnathon event draws over 250 men and boys BY DOVI LEBRETT

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Rabbonim and parents. After the event many of the participants commented that it allowed them to not only realise that as individuals they have the ability to achieve, but also that, when working together, the youth of our community can truly accomplish vast things. The Mishnathon was honoured to have Rabbi Moshe Levy as guest speaker. Rabbi Levy spoke about the immense power each individual has to achieve when one is driven and committed to their goals. Dayan Yonason Abraham Shlita completed the Siyum and also provided encouragement and admiration for the

Energetic dancing from the crowd as Shloime Gertner leads the singing PHOTO CREDIT: SHMULI SMUS

participants of the event. Following the Siyum a full meal was served as well as musical entertainment by Shlomi Gertner and Eli Olech accompanied by energetic dancing. The Mishnathon was a sponsored event and those who successfully raised money won incredible prizes such as ﬂights to Israel, a ski resort holiday and more. The funds raised have been donated to the Ezra Youth Movement, one of the pillars of the English Jewish community’s educational infrastructure. For almost 100 years Ezra has provided informal education through camps, weekly learning programs, outings and a lot more. More details of its activities can be found on the website www. ezrayouth.com. We would like to thank all those who sponsored, supported or took part in this ground-breaking event and we look forward to it becoming a regular feature on the London Jewish community’s calendar.

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JNF UK legacy clients celebrating an early Seder in their Head Oﬃce in Hendon. Seated at the forefront, Mr. Frank Curtis, who will be 94 at his next birthday, gave a vote of thanks on behalf of everyone present.

Belmont Book Club: From Rouge to Noir BY REBECCA CHARLES

What makes ‘a good read’? Members of the Belmont Book Club are well-placed to give their answers, having started to meet about a dozen years ago and bringing in people who want to share their love of reading and books. Book Club members often choose titles with a Jewish or Israeli theme but, as the years went by, the themes broadened. Michelle Minsky, who founded the book club, says: “I like books and I also like talking about them with other people. We often get to read books which we wouldn’t otherwise have read by ourselves”. The person who chooses the book will often lead the evening discussions at the Book Club, giving some background about the author and picking out points to ponder. People who come along also make suggestions for future titles and if there is a Book Club consensus, then they opt for the suggested book as their next choice. About 10 people meet in members’ homes every six to eight weeks and the host provides coffee and cake which usually follows full, frank and lively discussions. The group remains both friendly and warm, as Julia Morrison-Wood says: “We felt there was a need for a book club which is welcoming to newcomers”. The very first book the Belmont Book Club members chose was The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, a fictional account of a biblical event focusing on Dinah, the sister of Joseph and his brothers. The book portrays the shocking events of this masculine world through a matriarchal Jewish perspective. But that doesn’t mean that the Book Club is exclusively female or that it has a particular agenda, political or otherwise. “One of the more recent books we read was Louise Doughty’s Apple

Tree Yard” says Carol Brookstone, one of the regular Book Club hosts. “It was a complete shock to the system”, she says, as the book is a thriller, combining deceit, seduction and murder. The March choice this year was Waking Lions by Israeli author Ayelet Gundar-Goshen whose morally ambiguous tale is a psychologically dark roman noir . Late one night an Israeli doctor working in Beersheva runs over and accidentally kills an African migrant. The doctor’s actions after the accident provoked a great deal of controversy at the Book Club, prompting questions about what is a ‘good’ life; can subsequent ‘good’ deeds erase one ‘bad’ deed? What would we do if faced with a similar situation? The Belmont Book Club has also hosted several ‘Meet the Author’ sessions: for example, Alan Balfour author of Waiting for Walter gave insights into his characters and plot, as well as donating some of his books. The Book Club also operates a ‘book swap’ for members who have books they no longer want. They can bring a book along and exchange it. Belmont Book Club members volunteer to ‘pre-read’ any suggestions that are made before giving a recommendation. Any books are then chosen by mutual agreement. The next choice for June’s meeting is Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. As Alan Bennett said in The History Boys: “The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours”.

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NEWS 21

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Busy time for GIFT this Pesach

The run up to Pesach has been extremely busy at charity GIFT, with food collections and educational sessions in schools and communities across London, Manchester & Israel. Food collections took place in Immanuel Primary School, North West London Jewish Day School, Sacks Morasha and Beit Shvidler Primary School. Over 30 brownies and rainbows from 5th Mill Hill came to the GIFT warehouse for a special GIFT Pesach food packing session. Food collections across London and Manchester generated over £10,000 with hundreds of people delighted to be able to drop oﬀ their packages containing pasta, ﬂour, cereals, crackers, spirits etc at a number of venues in North West London, Stamford Hill and North Manchester. Hasmonean Girls’ School and JFS students made Bedikat Chometz sets be given to families and Pesach decorations were given out to Bucket and Spades Norwood Respite Centre. In Manchester, Friendship Circle volunteers stood outside stores

Food and donations stacked from ﬂoor to ceiling!

collecting Pesach food items, which were distributed to families that GIFT support and also sent to the Agudah Housing Hershal Weiss Centre for their food bank. King David High School and Yavneh High made Ten Plagues ﬁnger puppets which went to Aim Habonim School for children with learning disabilities. GIFT gave out thousands of pounds worth of Pesach food to families prior to the Festival collected from Pesach GIFT BOXES

outside shops and generously sponsored by the Israel Lazarus Charitable Trust and Kinloss Synagogue. GIFT distribute weekly food parcels to over 2000 people across London and Manchester as well as oﬀering practical and tutoring help for children after school, and weekly Shabbat visits to people in hospitals and care homes.

Maccabi GB double appointment BY ISAAC SHERMAN Daniel Gordon and James Lever have joined Maccabi GB’s Board. Gordon has been involved with the organisation since the age of seven when he joined Kenton Jewish Youth Club. Whilst working in Hong Kong, he co-founded Maccabi HK and headed their delegation at the 2013 Maccabiah Games. Transferring to the UK two years later he continued his involvement with Maccabi GB and represented the Masters 45s football squad at the 2017 Games in Israel. “Maccabi has been in my life for over forty years and I have seen at close quarters the diﬀerence it has made to so many people’s lives,” he said.

Lever hails from Manchester before moving to London in 1992. A veteran footballer of the Manchester Jewish Soccer League and Maccabi GB Southern Football League, for the past eight years he has been Maccabi London Lions manager of a number of junior teams. “My family and I have all beneﬁted from Maccabi GB and we have seen ﬁrsthand the strength of community and spirit this creates across all generations.” “They both bring youthful drive and enthusiasm to the organisation and are committed to giving back in order to ensure that others have the same opportunities they have enjoyed,” said David Pinnick, Maccabi GB Chairman.

To volunteer your time or resources, please contact Info@jgift. org or call 0208 457 4429

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22 NEWS

Charity Corner Raphael Jewish Counselling Service

Raphael is a Jewish counselling service oﬀering therapy for individual and couples for a range of issues from relationship problems to depression and anxiety. The Jewish Weekly talks to Roberta Coﬀer who as one of the longest serving member of the organisation has been involved in the charity for almost 20 years. Having started as a therapist herself, she is now Chairman of Trustees, and is passionate about good work that Raphael does.

What is a typical day? As an organization, Raphael Jewish Counselling Service is a very small operation, and despite the fact that it has been running for almost 40 years, we have never really had an official ‘home’ as such, which means that it is difficult to define a typical day or even week.

As part of Aish UK’s eclectic “Unﬁltered” programme, a group of 25 young professionals gathered at the home of Rabbi Moshe Mayerfeld for a fascinating multi-faith panel evening featuring Rabbi Daniel Rowe, Reverend Marjorie Brown and Imam Mehmed Stublla. The evening was themed around “Religious Freedom in Britain Today”

Confidentiality is key to the role of a therapist. Raphael is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and is bound by its ethical framework with regards to counselling practice, and clients can be assured that their privacy and confidentiality will not be breached unless there is a danger to themselves or others. For many, just having someone to listen to them is what they need and can really help. People can sometimes struggle with different areas of daily life from panic attacks to self-esteem issues. Other issues are often more specific such as bereavement or breakdowns in relationships. Another area that Raphael is involved in is working with second generation Holocaust survivors struggling to come to terms with traumatic experiences. Our counsellors are able to help with a variety of issues which may be causing distress at home, at work or on a social level.

will then do an assessment to ascertain suitability for counselling. A therapist will then contact you directly to arrange a session. How many counsellors do you have? We currently have 32 qualified counsellors with a range of expertise who all give their time on a voluntary basis, and we rely on their generosity and help in order to be able to offer the service we do. The sessions run for 50 minutes once a week at the same time and place. The amount of sessions needed is very much up to individual requirements, and can be discussed with the counsellor and reviewed on a regular basis. Clients are expected to pay for their counselling sessions. For those who may be in financial difficulties, we are still able to help as we have a Bursary Fund to which they can apply. It is our policy to never turn anyone away if they are unable to pay the full amount.

contact us through our website. Having volunteered myself, I found it a very rewarding experience, and something that has obviously stayed with me as I am still very much involved in the charity all these years on. There is also an opportunity to join our fundraising Friends committee for those not clinically trained but wishing to support us What do you see as the future for the organisation? We will be celebrating our 40th anniversary next year which is quite an achievement as a small charity, and we hope to be able to continue to oﬀer our services to the Jewish community for many more years to come.

What is the benefit of counselling? Mental health can often be misunderstood. Many see it as just talking, but there is much more If you would like to know more to it than that. Having worked as about Raphael Jewish Counsela therapist myself for the charity, ling Service, please look at their I know that being able to share website – www.raphaeljewishyour problems is important, and counselling.org or call there is definitely a need for a 0800 234 6236. broad based service like RaphaHow do people get in touch to el. Some people may not always By Micaela Blitz arrange a session? feel comfortable confiding in their How can I get involved? friends or family so Raphael offers a safe space where there is no The first step is to contact us either We are always happy to welcome judgement and anything shared is through our website or phone. We new therapists, and would encourdone in the strictest of confidence. aim to respond within 24 hours and age anyone who is interested to

Aish UK explores religious freedom in Britain today BY ISAAC SHERMAN

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and included discussions on religious insignias, tolerance, tackling extremism and discrimination. Rabbi Mayerfeld commented, “Over the years we have seen and struggled with a lot of hate. Dislike of the unlike. Pharaoh, Haman, Antiochus – and this still reigns true today. Events such as this are essential for teaching the Jewish ideals of tolerance, acceptance and respect.”

The 25 young professionals at the home of Rabbi Moshe Mayerfeld

Jewish Care all set for Pesach BY LEAH WAXLER Jewish Care community centres and residents of homes across London and the South East are enjoying getting ready for Pesach by holding mock Seders. Children from nurseries and schools have joined older members for a special intergenerational telling of the Passover story. “They had a wonderful time and members love it when the children join us,” said Jacey Harris, centre manager. “It’s very special for members, they really enjoy celebrating Pesach with children, friends, volunteers and staﬀ.”

Stepney Community Centre members join friends at a mock seder

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Meantime, Maccabi GB is sponsoring Seder services at 11 Jewish Care homes for the ﬁrst time. The annual services run by volunteers working alongside staﬀ are special occasions for the organisation’s 650 care home residents. Around 80% of residents live with dementia yet many still join in Ma Nishtana and Dayenu on Seder night. Traditional songs surrounding Jewish festivals together with the sight, smell and tastes of symbolic foods on a Seder plate stir memories for many older people. “Seder night is one of our most enjoyable traditions, it is part of

our identity and culture and these services enhance our well-being,” said Maccabi GB chairman David Pinnick. “We are committed to enhancing wellbeing across the community regardless of age or ability. This initiative is another example how we achieve this.” Simon Morris, Jewish Care CEO, added: “Pesach at Jewish Care is a great example of what makes us diﬀerent from other social care providers. These moments have an enormous impact.”

24 NEWS

29 MARCH 2018

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Pesach Matzos in the making

Baking the Matzos in the oven in Manchester Machzekie Hadass Synagogue

A busy Monday evening for Belz Shul volunteers who kneaded the Shemura Matzo dough, made holes, then placed into the ovens to be baked into the Matzos

Placing the Matzos after being in the oven in Manchester Machzekie Hadass Synagogue PHOTO CREDIT: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Rolling out the Passover Matzos in Manchester Machzekie Hadass Synagogue

Koshering for Pesach

Blow torching the Chometz away at MH Shul

Bochurim Koshering at Beis Hemedrash Chanichei Hayeshivos, Prestwich

Satmar Pesach Koshering outside Satmar Shul. Placing items in the boiling water, then into the cold water, then gas hobs get blasted by a high power ďŹ&#x201A;ame thrower.

Pesach matzo factory at King David Primary School

Rabbi Shmuli Brown,dressed up as an Egyption to show Reception children at Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s King David Primary SWchool how to make Pesach Matzos, with his mobile Lubavitch Pesach Matzos factory PHOTO CREDIT: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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28 JUDAISM

ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com How can we ask? Dear Rabbi, This might sound a little silly but doesn’t the four questions go against the grain of Judaism? Aren’t we a faith that accepts without question everything that G-d asks us to do? Why then are we encouraging the children to ask, with a detailed reply, when what we should be teaching is blind obedience? Orli Dear Orli, A New York Times reporter once asked the Noble Prize-winning Jewish physicist, Isidore Rabi, why he became a scientist, rather than a doctor or lawyer or businessman, like all the other immigrant kids in his neighbourhood? Izzy replied: “My mother made me a scientist without ever knowing it. Every other Jewish mother in Brooklyn would ask her child after school: ‘Nu? Did you learn anything today?’ But not my mother. She always asked me a diﬀerent question: ‘Izzy,’ she

Tehillim There is an interesting Torah thought that if the weekly Sedra, or an approaching festival contains an idea or verse identical or similar to what you are currently learning in your regular shiurim, then this shows that Hashem is truly happy with your Torah. As we approach the festival of Pesach, our Tehillim talks about the upheavals of the time of Mashiach. As Mashiach and redemption are the major themes of Pesach, it must be a sign that Hashem is happy with the reading of this Tehillim column! The sons of Korach once again take centre stage, as they add this psalm to their ever growing collection. As people who suﬀered the agony of falling into the earth, it is unsurprising that they use

29 MARCH 2018

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would say, ‘did you ask a good question today?’ That made the diﬀerence. Being encouraged to ask good questions made me become a scientist.” Contrary to your assumption, Judaism is a faith that encourages questions. The greatest prophets asked questions of G-d. Abraham asked: “Shall the judge of all the earth not act justly?” Moses asked: “Why do the Jewish people suffer?” The whole of Talmudic literature is in the form of questioning and answering known as “shakla v’tarya.” Not easy questions, but diﬃcult ones. There are no technical terms more frequently found in the Talmud then the terms used for describing questions: Kasha, Tiuvtah, Maysivay, Ei-boye-leho, Mina Lun, Bishlomah, Ei hochi, V’ha, Umi omar hachi, Riminhu! I’ve heard it said the Eskimos have nine words for snow. Jews have got a lot more than nine words for questions. As a child in Yeshivah, when I was not paying attention during Talmud class and the teacher would ask me a question I could not answer, I would always say: “There is a dispute about this.”

Psalm 46 imagery that speaks of their previous ordeals. ‘We shall not be afraid when the earth is transformed, and at the collapse of the mountains in the heart of the seas.’ They are referring to the tremendous upheavals that will take place before Mashiach arrives, as the powerful nations of the world slowly but surely realise just how futile their pathetic attempts to contend with Hashem really are. Jerusalem is then referred to as a river of tranquillity amid the raging turbulence which will engulf the entire world. It truly is amazing that for thousands of years, Jews have longed and prayed for Jerusalem, and still today, we hardly go a week without Israel making news headlines across the world.

and I was always right. Questioning is at the heart of Judaism. People think that faith means to be unquestioning. Judaism teaches the opposite. Asking questions is itself a profound expression of faith, faith in the meaningfulness of human life and in the intelligibility of the universe. To ask is to believe that there is an answer. The fact that a scientist would dedicate his or her life to observing and categorizing the natural world is a demonstration of faith that the universe is not random. Far from faith precluding questions, questions testify to faith -that the world is not accidental, that the universe can be understood. All is not blind chance. The great Jewish prophets asked questions not because they doubted, but because they believed that history is not random, because they believed G-d is the author of all. If you don’t believe, then there is no reason to question, to learn. Critical intelligence is a gift G-d gave humanity. We use it in the cause of making a better world through the sciences. We use it to help us understand G-d’s words, Torah. The Seder begins with four

This Tehillim is in memory of Yaakov ben Soulika Hashem is clearly waiting for us to be on the level where we are ready for Mashiach to come, and perhaps over the upcoming Chag, we will finally ascend to the required level and all be off to celebrate in Israel. Wishing you all a Chag Sameach! To sponsor a Tehillim for £36 call 0203 906 8488 or email office@thejewishweekly.com

questions, each asked by a child. On Pesach, Jewish parents carry on the rich tradition of Jewish inquiry by teaching their children to ask questions. So be sure to ask all the little Izzys around the table to go ahead and ask their four good questions. What’s in a sandwich? Dear Rabbi, Can you please explain the significance of the Hillel sandwich? I mean we have just consumed much matzah and bitter herbs. Just because the Rabbi used to make a sandwich out of it, why does that become my problem? Why must I be subject to such a gastronomic ordeal? Yaniv Dear Yaniv, There was a difference of opinion between Hillel and his contemporaries as to whether the matzah and maror should be eaten separately or together. The view that they should be eaten separately holds that these are distinctive commands, neither of which should detract from the other. Matzah symbolizes freedom; maror represents slavery. They have different tastes. They are opposite experiences. They do not belong together. Hillel, however, thought otherwise, and out of respect for the great Hillel we do as he did and mix the two. Hillel was guided by the biblical verse: “You should eat the Pesach offering on matzot and bitter herbs”, this verse suggesting that all three be eaten together. What Hillel understood was that this mixing also reminds us of the Jewish experience of history. Within the bitterness of slavery, there was also the hope and promise of freedom. Within freedom, we are also commanded each year never to forget the taste of slavery, so that we should not take liberty for granted, nor forget those who are still oppressed and need our help. Together we make a great combination. That’s a concept worth digesting. Next year in Miami Dear Rabbi, We end the Seder each year with the words, “Next year in Jerusa-

lem.” Who are we kidding? First, some of us are already there, enjoying our one day of chag, instead of two. Second, we’ve been saying it a long time and it ain’t happening. Finally, I think most of us would take Miami Beach if given the option. Gerrard Dear Gerrard, Eli Wiesel once pointed out that just over a century ago, Theodor Herzl and Sigmund Freud lived on the same street in Vienna. “Luckily,” said Eli Wiesel, “they never met. Can you imagine what would have happened had they met?” Theodor Herzl would have said: “I have this dream of a Jewish people going back to Israel!” Sigmund Freud would have said: “Tell me, Herr Herzl, how long have you been having this dream? Lie down on my couch and I will psychoanalyze you.” Sigmund Freud would have cured Theodor Herzl of his dreams and today we may not have Israel! Thank G-d we are the people who were never cured of our dreams. We are a people who dream that one day soon redemption will come, and we know that our good deeds will help make it happen. Passover is the night for fantastic dreams; for visions about what human beings can be, what society can be, what the Jewish people can be, and what history can become. That is the signiﬁcance of saying “Next year in Jerusalem.” So when you conclude the Seder, open your heart in prayer, dispel of your cynicism, dream Jewish dreams, live Judaism with heart and soul. Beseech G-d to grant you a happy and healthy year. And may we all see the fulﬁlment of our greatest dream: “Next Year in Jerusalem!”

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

Shabbat ends in Jerusalem

29Volume MARCH 2018 30 No. 29

Pesach Eighth Day In loving memory of Malka bat Peretz

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Pesach In loving memory of Malka bat Peretz

“This is the bread of poverty that our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Anyone who is hungry should come and eat, anyone who needs should come and partake of the Pesach sacrifice” (Pesach Haggadah).

Sefirat HaOmer

by Rabbi Daniel Roselaar, Alei Tzion United Synagogue The mitzvah of Sefirat HaOmer (Counting the Omer) begins on the second evening of Pesach and continues until the festival of Shavuot 50 days later. The Torah states that “seven complete weeks” must be counted (Vayikra 23:15). According to some halachic authorities, this means that if one misses counting any of the days of the Omer period, the mitzvah has been disqualified and one 1st Aliyacarry (Kohen) – Vayikra cannot on counting the12:1-23 subsequent days. After lady wouldinwait weeks This childbirth, view findsaexpression theseveral ruling of the Shulchan Aruchan(Code of Jewish written before bringing elevation offeringLaw (olah) and a 1563) that (chatat). althoughThis suchcompleted a person should count sin offering her post-birth on the subsequent purification process.days, they should not recite the beracha (blessing) on the mitzvah in case who the God told Moshe and Aharon that someone counting has been invalidated by the type omission. had the appearance of a particular of skin

previous model – this would be out-of-sync with everyone around them and they would either end up celebrating Shavuot a day ahead of the local community, or on the 51st day of the Omer! It is only the increased frequency of air travel in recent decades that has made this question a live issue and no clear halachic consensus has yet been reached. The issue is further complicated by Rabbinic debate regarding the halachic status of the international date line.

Sidrah Summary: Tazria-Metzorah

Sidrah SidrahSummary: Summary:Pesach Pesach Days 1 & 2 First Day Torah Reading (Shemot 12:21-51) This reading is a section of parashat Bo, in which Moshe relates the laws of the Pesach offering. The blood on the door frame will ‘indicate’ to G-d to ‘pass over’ the Israelite houses and only smite the Egyptians. The tenth plague strikes Egypt at midnight, leaving no house without a death. Pharaoh searches frantically for Moshe and Aharon (Rashi) and tells them to leave. The Jews take their dough with them before it has time to rise. The Egyptians agree to let them take gold and silver items. The nation travels from Ra’amses to Succot. They bake the unleavened dough and make matzot. Maftir – First and Second Days (Bemidbar 28:16-25) Maftir is read from a second Sefer Torah, from the section of parashat Pinchas detailing the extra offerings brought during Pesach. First Day Haftarah The reading is taken from three different chapters of the Book of Yehoshua (Joshua). 40 years after leaving Egypt, all uncircumcised males fulfilled the mitzvah of brit milah in a place called Gilglal. The nation then brought a Pesach offering and ate matzot. The preparations for conquering Jericho then began. Second Day Torah Reading (Vayikra 22:2623:44) An excerpt from parashat Emor, the reading begins by specifying that an animal cannot be offered in the Temple until it is at least eight days old. The mitzvah to sanctify G-d's Name (Kiddush Hashem) is given. The laws of Shabbat and the festivals are listed. On Pesach, which

lasts seven days, we eat matzot. The first and last days are Yom Tov, on which we refrain from specific prohibited activity (melacha). On the second day of Pesach, the barley Omer offering is brought. There is a mitzvah (Sefirat HaOmer ) to count 49 days from 16 Nisan (the second night of Pesach) until the night before Shavuot. The mention of Sefirat HaOmer is why this section from parashat Emor was chosen for the second day reading. On Shavuot itself, the double bread wheat offering (shtei ha’lechem) is brought. Rosh Hashanah is called ‘a day of shofar blasts’. Yom Kippur is a day of fasting. On Succot we take the four species (arba’a minim) and dwell in temporary booths (succot). The seven days of Succot are followed by Shemini Atzeret. On all festival days, melacha is forbidden; the punishment for doing melacha on Yom Kippur is more severe. Question: Which animal offering accompanied the barley Omer offering? (23:12) Answer on bottom of next page. Second Day Haftarah From the Book of Kings II, the haftarah relates the righteous deeds of King Yoshiyahu (Josiah) towards the end of the First Temple period. Inspired by hearing the words of the Sefer Torah, he took major steps in eradicating the wide-spread idolatry that had been encouraged by his evil grandfather, King Menashe.

disease (tzara’at) would have to show the white The requirement to count of the seven blemish to a Kohen. The every Kohenday would evaluate weeks of the Omer raiseswas several interesting and decide if the affliction clearly tzara’at, halachic conundrums. One such(tameh). conundrum thus rendering the person impure If the relates to unclear, someonethe who becomes case was Kohen wouldbarmitzvah/ quarantine batmitzvah the for Omer period. Even though the person induring a house seven days, after which they may have counted the days prior to their the Kohen would re-inspect the afflicted area and birthday, since they were not absolutely declare whether the person was tameh or tahor mandated to do so, there is a debate about (pure). whether or not those days have any halachic

Question: whatdo were types ofit blemish validity. If they not the havethree any validity, is as if called? (13:2) on bottom of page 6. they have not Answer been counted. Ironically (according to this when the person becomes 2nd Aliyaopinion), (Levi) – 13:24-39 barmitzvah/batmitzvah, he/she to cannot continue It was also possible for tzara’at develop from a to count the Omer with a beracha! However, burn. Tzara’at could erupt on the scalp or on the despite this opinion, the general consensus is that beard area, causing a loss of hair. in such cases the child should continue counting 3rd (Shlishi) – 13:40-54 withAliya a beracha. A slightly different form of tzara’at is detailed, which caused a more substantial loss of hair. A further conundrum relates to someone whoA metzora (one who has been contaminated crosses the international date line during with the tzara’at) was sent of ifthe camp and had to Omer period. Whatoutside happens they go westbound tear (seeIt p4 article). Tzara’at and his/her repeat a garments calendar day? would be somewhat could infect aclothing. A day suspected garment bizarrealso to count particular twice, since the was before Kohen act ofquarantined counting implies thatthe there shouldmade alwaysa decision about whether it wasBut tameh. If it also was be an incremental progression. it would be bizarre to continue counting according declared tameh, the garment was burnt. to the

4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 13:55-14:20 The Torah details the process through which a In memory of Avraham ben Yehoshua metzora purified himself/herself after the period of isolation and the healing of the affliction. This involved a Kohen taking two birds, cedar wood, a crimson thread and hyssop. The Kohen would slaughter one of the birds and – using the wood, thread and hyssop together in a bundle – sprinkle In of Avraham Yehoshua its memory blood seven times ben on the metzora. The

Point to Consider: Why is this haftarah read on Pesach?

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

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metzora would also bring three animal offerings The halachic literature also discusses what an and three meal offerings. onen (a mourner whose deceased relative has Point Consider: is the significance of the not yet to been buried) what should do about counting cedar wood, crimson thread and the Omer. Normally an onen does nothyssop? fulfil ritual(see Rashi toHowever, 14:4) mitzvot. in this case, refraining from counting would disqualify an onen from reciting 5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 14:21-32 a Aberacha of the metzorathroughout who couldthe notrest afford threeOmer. animal Rabbi Yechezkel Landuabring (known the offering, Noda offerings could instead one as animal Be’yehuda d. 1793)and ruled an onen should one meal offering twothat birds. count (without a beracha) in order to enable the 6th Aliya (Shishi) – 14:33-15:15 resumption of normal counting once this short Tzara’at also affected houses. The house owner period ends. would report the suspicious signs to a Kohen. The house would be evacuated before the Kohen’s arrival. If the Kohen saw a deep green or deep red ‘affliction’, he would order the house to be quarantined for a week. He would then re-inspect the house. If the affliction had spread, the infected stones would be removed and replaced. If the affliction nevertheless returned, the house would be demolished. However, if replacing the stones solved the problem, the Kohen would declare the house tahor (pure). The Torah lists specific discharges that would cause a man to be considered tameh, and details the purification procedure. 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 takes places upon the background of the long siege and ensuing famine of the Shomron area 3 (Samria) by the King of Aram. Four metzora’im were put outside the city gates because of their affliction. They discovered and reported that the Arameans had actually left their camp, which allowed the Jews to plunder the camp and thus end their famine.

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

intimate relationship thatnot wetouch haveour with G-d, we be cleaned, but it does essence. of the King”. When we remember the profound to intimate relationship that we have with G-d, we evaluate ourselves differently. When we evaluate ourselves differently. When we appreciate who we really are, to sin becomes This is the understanding of the above verse. is the understanding of the above verse. tents that were left appreciate who we really are, THE to sin becomes 30 JUDAISM 29andMARCH 2018 JEWISHThis anWEEKLY option which seems incongruous with our Kedar was a rainy area was a rainy area and tents that were left an option which seems incongruous with our Kedar out there soon became dirty from the elements truethere identity. out soon became dirty from the elements true identity. and the dust. Nonetheless, that dirt was not a and the dust. Nonetheless, that dirt was not a Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) – Who am I? Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) – Who am I? stain; once the tents were cleaned, The Midrash describes Shir HaShirim (Song of stain; once the tents were cleaned, The Midrash (Song of permanent Solutions in the Sidrah: The Man of thedescribes CrowdShirbyHaShirim Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum, Hadley Wood Jewishpermanent Community by Rabbi Chaim Burman, Fellow Songs) weasread by Rabbi Chaim Burman, US Rabbinic Fellow they werewhich as fresh new.today, as a love song they were as fresh as new. Songs) which we read today,US as Rabbinic a love song by Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum, Hadley which Wood Community is a Jewish poetic analogy for the deep emotional which is a poetic analogy for the deep emotional That is the statement of the Jewish people: We the statement the the Jewish people: We bondis between G-d ofand Jewish people. bond between G-d and the Jewish people. That may have become “dirty” through sin,its butloving our OneWe of the Chasidic inherently Godly. We were formed from the may have become “dirty” through sin, but our One of the Chasidic masters Examining is inherently were formed from theGodly. dialogue between itsmasters lovingtheis Examining the dialogue between and as Rabbi noted, we arebe, all ofinsight the 19ththe century true essence is, Aharon and will always Divine, and as Rabbi Aharon noted, weofwas are of the 19th century was characters provides into nature the allDivine, characters provides insight into the nature of the true essence is, and will always be, of G-d. “beautiful” (see Rashi’s commentary). Though Aharon children of that G-d.weRabbi Rabbi Aharon of Karlin relationship have with G-d. of Karlin children “beautiful” (see Rashi’s commentary). Though relationship that we have with G-d. retain that we might have strayed, we always (d. 1872). Famed for his (d. 1872). Famed for his we might have strayed, we always retain that thegodly other hand,that weattests remain human. On the hand,of we eternal neshama to who we determination to find human. the at theother beginning Shir remain HaShirim, the On determination to find the Right eternal godly neshama that attests to who we Right at the beginning of Shir HaShirim, the Sometimes we sin; we miss the mark and fall Sometimes sin; wein miss the people markone and good allJewish situations, of fall really are and can be – a ben hamelech, child of thatwe embodies the says: good in all situations, one of character really are and can be – a ben hamelech, child of character that we embodies Jewish people says: short of where should the really be. However, no “I am dirty yet beautiful… just as the tents of the King. his followers posed the short of where we should really be. However, no his followers posed the we do, howeverjust far as wethe may haveof the King. “I am what dirty yet beautiful… tents question him: matter(1:5). what we following do, however far wetomay havematter following question to him: Kedar” strayed, we always retain that godly soul within Kedar” (1:5). Rabbi, is the worst thatgodly a Jewsoul could strayed, we always retainsinthat within “What, Rabbi, is the worst sin that a Jew could “What, What is do?” theit is meaning thisDivine seemingly possibly us. Since a part ofofthe (so to cryptic speak), itus. Since it is a part of the Divine (so to speak), it possibly do?” verse? How are the Jewish people dirty and what remains pure and cannot become blemished. remains pure and cannot become blemished. What is the meaning of this seemingly cryptic does itAharon mean that they also beautiful? What is Just as How a surface can accumulate dirt, and but can Rabbi took theare question seriously and verse? are the Jewish people dirty what Rabbi Aharon took the question seriously and Just as a surface can accumulate dirt, but can the comparison to the tents of deep Kedar?in thought. always be cleaned and made as new, the same is paused for a few minutes, paused for a few minutes, deep in thought. always be cleaned and made as new, the same is does it mean that they are also beautiful? What is Finally he answered: “The greatest sin possible true of us. If we sin, we do not become inherently true ofG-d us.created If we sin, we He do not become inherently the comparison to the tents of Kedar? Finally he answered: “The greatest sin possible When is to forget that oneMan, is a benbreathed Hamelecha –neshama a child flawed; there is something extraneous that needs flawed; there is (Bereshit something2:7). extraneous that needs is to forget that one is a ben Hamelech – a child (soul) into him The Zohar (the to be cleaned, but it does not touch our essence. of the King”. When we remember the profound When G-d created Man, He breathed a neshama to be cleaned, it does not touchwritten our essence. of the King”. When we remember the profound central in but Jewish intimate work relationship that Mysticism, we have with G-d, 2nd we (soul) into him (Bereshit 2:7). The Zohar (the intimate relationship that we have with G-d, we evaluate century CE)ourselves explains that just as a breath comes differently. When we from the inner depths of one’s body, so too one’s This central work in Jewish Mysticism, written 2nd evaluate ourselves differently. When we appreciate is the understanding of the above verse. who we really are, to sin becomes This is the understanding the above neshama emanates from theof essence of verse. G-d Kedar appreciate who we really are, to sin becomes an century CE) explains that just as a breath comes was a rainy area and tents that were left option which seems incongruous with our llumination for the opening verse of Kedar was a rainythis area and that tents that Himself. Practically means that ourwere soul, leftout an option which seems incongruous with our true there soon depths became dirty the from theHaShirim, inner one’sfrom body, soelements too one’s identity. Shir the of Rothschild Mahzor, out there soon became dirty from the elements true identity. and the dust. Nonetheless, thatessence dirt was of not a neshama emanates fromFlorence, the Manuscript on parchment. Italy, 1492G-d andMidrash the dust. Nonetheless, that dirt(Song was not llumination for the opening verse of stain; once tents The describes Shir HaShirim of apermanent Himself. Practically this the means thatwere that cleaned, our soul, permanent stain; oncetoday, the tents were cleaned, The Midrash describes Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) they were as fresh as new. Shir HaShirim, the Rothschild Mahzor, which we read as a love song 4 In memory of Harav Binyamin ben Harav Shalom they is were as fresh as new. Songs) which we read today, as a love song which a poetic analogy for the deep emotional Manuscript on parchment. Florence, Italy, 1492 which is a poetic analogy for the deep emotional bond between G-d and the Jewish people. That is the statement of the Jewish people: We That is thethe statement of the Jewishits people: have become “dirty” through sin,Shalom but our bond between G-d and the Jewish people. Examining dialogue between lovingWemay In memory of Harav Binyamin ben Harav may haveprovides becomeinsight “dirty” through sin, of but true essence is, and will always be, Examining the dialogue between its loving characters into the nature theourIn memory of Harav Binyamin ben Harav Shalom true essence will always be,“beautiful” (see Rashi’s commentary). Though characters provides insight into the nature of the relationship that we is, have and with G-d. “beautiful” (see Rashi’s commentary). Thoughwe might have strayed, we always retain that relationship that we have with G-d. we might strayed, retainthe thateternal godly neshama that attests to who we Right at the have beginning of we Shiralways HaShirim, Spending a Year in Yeshiva or Seminary II: Yeshivot Hesder Yom Hashoah eternal godly neshamathe that attests to who that embodies Jewish people says:wereally are and can be – a ben hamelech, child of Right at the beginning of Shir HaShirim, the character byKing. Rabbi Gideon Sylvester, United Synagogue Israel Rabbi by Rabbi that Michael Laitner, Living says: Division Rabbi; “I really am dirty yet beautiful… just hamelech, as the tents of ofthe are Assistant and can beRabbi, – a ben child character embodies the Jewish Jewish people (1:5). “I am dirty yet beautiful… just as the tents of Kedar” Finchley United Synagogue the King. Kedar” (1:5). As Yom Haatzmaut Many of the Hesder yeshivot offer places to What is the meaning of this seemingly cryptic approaches, this series students from the Diaspora who wish to study in The Polish hamlet of atmospheric Chasidic melodies. For an instant, verse? How are the Jewish people dirty and what What is the meaning of this seemingly cryptic focuses on the various Israel for a year or two. In some of these yeshivot, the shul came to life again. Its memory and Kazimierz Dolny, on the does it mean that they are also beautiful? What is verse? How arebanks the Jewish people dirty and what yeshivot and seminaries there are even separate tracks for those who of the Vistula River that of its Jews had lived beyond its physical the comparison to the tents of Kedar? does it mean that they also beautiful? destruction. hosted by the State of wish to study in English. In others, the students west ofare Lublin, was homeWhat to is the comparisonatothriving the tents of Kedar? Israel that are attended by from abroad are fully integrated into the Israeli Jewish community. When G-d created Man, He breathed a neshama young British Jews. study programme. It was brutally destroyed This year, more Jews, including a Young US (soul) into him (Bereshit 2:7). The Zohar (the When G-d created Man, He breathed neshama during World War Two,a when group, willwork visit in Kazimierz Dony with March central Jewish Mysticism, writtenof2nd (soul) into himits(Bereshit 2:7). The Zohar (the One popular option is a year or two of study in For me, studying in Yeshivat Har Etzion was an synagogue was also that just a breath comes thecentury Living CE) UK, explains to remember the as Jews who lived central work in Jewish Mysticism, written 2nd a Hesder yeshiva. In this piece, I explain what a incredible privilege. Many of the teachers were demolished. After the War, there were no from whilst the inner depths of one’s so too one’s there, thanking G-d for body, the renewed, century CE) explains that just as a breath comes Hesder yeshiva is, reflecting on my own years world-class scholars and the classes were an Jews to pray there anymore and the synagogue neshama emanates of G-d vibrant Jewish life withfrom whichthe weessence are blessed from the inner of one’s body, so too itone’s of study in oneforsuch yeshiva,verse Yeshivat Har intellectual feast. Equally inspiring were the llumination the opening of was rebuilt as depths a cinema. More recently, Himself. Practically this means that that ourand soul, today. Tribe’s Learn-to-Lead programmes neshama emanates from the essence of G-d young men who studied there. They were Etzion. Shir HaShirim, the Rothschild Mahzor, has housed an exhibition about the town’s many US Living & Learning heritage llumination for thecommunity opening verse of Himself. Practically this means that that our soul, exceptionally bright; throughout the week they Manuscript on parchment. Florence, Italy, 1492 Jewish community. trips have similar journeys. On Shirundertaken HaShirim, the Rothschild Mahzor, In the early years of the State of Israel, religious studied with intensity, on Shabbat they would Yom Hashoah, the Fast of 10 Tevet or other on parchment. Florence, Italy, 1492 communities debated the issue of army service 4 sing beautifully and when they served in the InManuscript memory of Harav Binyamin ben Harav Shalom days in our calendar on which we remember In 2013, a group of Jews from March of the for young Israelis. Some felt that the security Israel Defence Forces, they distinguished 4 In memory of Harav Binyamin benbackgrounds, Harav Shalom the Shoah, we pray that G-d brings us ever Living UK, from a wide variety of situation demanded that young Israelis devote themselves with their outstanding courage. closer to a world in which, as Yeshaya (Isaiah) visited the former synagogue, now barely at least three years to army service, while others famously prophesised, “from Zion shall Torah recognisable as a place of Jewish worship. argued that it was wrong to remove them from Yeshivat Har Etzion was built with a sense that come forth… and nation shall not lift sword Sensing the sanctity of the place, the madrich yeshiva study should be something honourable full-time Torah study. against nation” (Yeshaya 2:3-4). (leader) of the group and a Rabbi present locked and dignified. The study hall itself is in the shape Rabbi Yehuda Amital (d. 2010) realised that of an eagle and the stunning campus boasts eyes and nodded in mutual understanding. The Rabbi then said, “this place was a vibrant house while soldiers were needed to defend the beautiful flower gardens, a fishpond and a wellExtracted and adapted from the United State of Israel, it would be counter-productive stocked library. We were not the only ones of prayer for hundreds of years. Perhaps Synagogue and Koren Publishers Jerusalem nobody has prayed here for over 70 years, to remove them entirely from their studies, privileged to study on a fine-looking campus. ‘From Exile to Redemption Machzor’. certainly not with a minyan (quorum). It is now as Torah learning also provides protection Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh is also set in beautiful for the nation. He therefore devised the grounds, whilst students at Yeshivat Hakotel time for Mincha (the Afternoon Service). Let’s The national Yom Hashoah Commemoration "Hesder" system, which literally means the enjoy a building located in the heart of the Old honour the memories of this synagogue and the in the UK takes place this year on Sunday 15 April. "arrangement". Over the course of five years, City of Jerusalem, just a few minutes' walk from Jews who lived here. Let’s daven Mincha. Even Tickets can be booked (at no cost) via Hesder students devote their time to yeshiva the Western Wall. if you do not know how to do so, at least pray www.yomhashoah.org.uk study, interspersed with 16 months of army for something that you really want and pray for service. Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh, the first A beautiful campus is a constant reminder of the Jews who were here. For a few minutes, the privilege of studying Torah in the modern Hesder yeshiva, was established in 1953. let’s make this a shul once again”. State of Israel. We knew that we were fortunate Although attending a Hesder yeshiva means an to be there, and we And so it transpired. Everybody prayed in some abbreviated army service, these students have strived to earn that way. After 70 years, the walls once again gained an honourable place in Israeli society. right, by studying from resounded with the sounds and quiet sobs of Hesder yeshivot are built on strong religious early morning to late prayer, the atmosphere heavy with meaning. As Zionist ideals, which means that the students at night. the conclusion of this emotional Mincha, led by enter the army with a fervent commitment to a participant from Finchley (Kinloss) Synagogue, fulfilling their military duties. For this reason, the Rabbi spoke again: “The Jews here were Hesder students are renowned in the military for Chasidim. Before we leave, let’s bring a spark their outstanding discipline and motivation. In of Chasidut back to this place”. As other visiting 1991, in recognition of its contribution to Israeli Rabbi Yehuda Amital onlookers watched entranced, men and women society, the Hesder system was awarded formed separate circles, dancing slowly to Old Synagogue. Kazimierz Dolny Israel's highest honour – the Israel Prize.

Answer: from the master's flocks, threshing-floor and wine-cellar

memory of Chaim ben Moshe Bentzion InInmemory of Chaim ben Moshe Bentzion

In of of Harav Yisrael ben Uriah Inmemory memory Harav Yisrael ben Uriah

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PTHE a r a s h a S h e e t THE SPECIAL EDITION PESACH SPECIAL EDITION PESACH

CC O M M UU NNIITTYY O M M Parasha Sheet

Passover sacriﬁce to the Lord, because He passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, but saved our houses.” (Shemot 12:26-27) During the very ﬁrst Pesach, as the Israelites were about to leave Egypt, Hashem commanded that certain symbolic rituals be performed year after year. The Torah imagines that these symbols - the Matza, Bitter Herbs, and Paschal offering - will pique the curiosity of children, who will ask about their meaning and provide occasion for the telling of the Jewish Master Story. It would appear that, in the Torah’s view, the child’s questioning is secondary and the telling of the Exodus story is primary. But the Rabbis later elevated the questioning itself to a level of primary importance (Pesachim 117a). Anyone who has attended a Seder knows this. Consider: We begin the Seder as we do all Jewish festive meals with Kiddush. We then wash our hands, again as traditional Jews commonly do. But next, instead of reciting Hamotzi and breaking bread, we dip greens (Karpas), we break the Matza without a blessing and without eating, and we pour another cup of wine - as though we are about to recite Kiddush again! All this time, the child is gazing on, inquisitively thinking; What’s happening here? Why is everything out of its normal order? Ma Nishtana - Why is this night different? People may not realise, but the child sees everything. They are watching us 24/7. They see our discrepancies and bring them out into the open. The Rabbis instituted several ‘out of the norm’ practices in order to teach us two things. 1. Action speaks louder than words. The best way to teach a child is through your own actions. Telling a child to behave is one thing, but when the child sees his/her parents behaving, then they have a role model

to follow. 2. Encourage wisdom through questioning. Motivate the child’s imagination and encourage them to ask. This will only make them wiser. There is a further importance to the question at Seder night. The question itself highlights an important point of the Seder. Picture being a slave in Egypt. It’s tough times, there is no coming home at 6pm to your children and asking them about their day and homework. There are no choices when it comes to different dinners and vacations. Every choice is made by the Egyptian King, whatever he says must go. Days are long and hard, and there is no room for questioning and understanding. Slaves are not permitted to ask questions. Freedom, on the other hand is distinguished by one’s ability to question. Without questions, what is called freedom would be meaningless. Thus, at the Seder, we live our freedom by doing what free people must do - ask questions! Indeed, the Jewish sense of the centrality of questioning to a free people extends far beyond its symbolic presence at the Seder. The Talmud, the greatest of all classical rabbinic works, is distinguished, above all, by its commitment to questions and challenges. The Mishnah gives the law; the Talmud asks, “Why?” “For what reason?” “Maybe there is an alternative?” These questions challenge. We are a people of questions. By continuing to ask questions, we guarantee our freedom. RABB This Seder Night, let’s make an effort to boost our children’s participation, wet their taste buds through encouraging questioning. Remember: He who has a why to live for, GUES can bear almost any how. Chag Sameach! ■

info@torahactionlife.com www.to From all of us at TAL, CHAG KASHER VESAMEACH!! S h e info@torahactionlife.com et www.torahactionlife.com This special edition Lehatslachat Raya Bat Liora Yehudit Vechol Mishpach www.torahactionlife.com From all of us atinfo@torahactionlife.com TAL, CHAG KASHER VESAMEACH!!is dedicated

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This special editionFrom is dedicated Lehatslachat Raya Bat Liora Yehudit Vechol Mishpachta all of us at TAL, CHAG KASHER VESAMEACH!! This special edition is dedicated Lehatslachat Raya Bat Liora Yehudit Vechol Mishpachta

RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL

> TIMES > TIMES

It seems that the younger generation getting intelligent in this Itare seems that more the younger generation YOM TOV 1ST NIGHT: 19:12 2ND YOM TOV: 19:22 technological age.intelligent in this are getting more 2ND 2ND SHABBAT: have they lostNIGHT: interest the rote19:24 anYOM TOV 1ST NIGHT: 19:1220:23 because 2NDYOM YOMTOV TOV: 19:22 technological age. YOMNIGHT: TOV ENDS: 2NDTOV YOM TOV ENDS: 2ND 20:2320.242ND YOM SHABBAT: 19:24 20.35 DIRECTOR swers-driven school system doesn’t allow Do you remember when you were a YOM TOV ENDS: 20.24 2ND YOM TOV ENDS: 20.35 DIRECTOR Do youatremember child home? when you were a TAL them to ask enough questions child at home? TAL In school, we’re rewarded for having Were you the inquisitive type? 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Takes All Sorts It Takes All Sorts The was aa big bigstrong strong point in life that, student motivation The boy boy said said “Moshe “Moshe was RABBI MASHIACH KELATY – the fespoint in life that, student motivation MASHIACH Which RABBI brings us on KELATY to Pesach man Pharaoh up. up. Then Then and man and and he he beat beat Pharaoh and engagement engagement plummets. plummets.Which Which tival of freedom and ... questions? At the while down, he he got got all all the the raises while he he was was down, raisesananinteresting interestingquestion: question:Have Have DVAR TORAH DVAR TORAH P.6 P.6 together ran towards themore people together and ran towards Seder night we celebrate like Kings and The Seder of Chaim Porter intelligent in this technological age. A littlepeople boy once returned home from the the kids kids stopped stoppedasking askingquestions questions The Seder of Chaim Porter the RABBI DOVIE SHOCHET RABBI DOVIE SHOCHET sea. there, he has has the the Do sea. When got there, because they’velost lost interest? have Queens with because they’ve interest? OrOr have the best dining set, most lavyou remember when you were a child Cheder and hisWhen fatherhe asked, “What he did you Corps build aa huge huge they Corps of of Engineers Engineers build they lost lostinterest interestbecause becausethetherote rote ish meal and wine, all in honour of P7 our P7 G-d at home? learn today?” HALACHOT HALACHOT pontoon bridge. bridge. Once pontoon Once they they got got on on the the answers-driven system doesn’t answers-drivenschool school system doesn’t Breaking Off Undesirable PiecesPieces of Matza Breaking Off Undesirable of Matza given freedom. Yet it seems that if you are Were you the inquisitive type? Most of us He answered, “The Rabbi told us how other side, side, they blew questions other blew up up the the bridge bridge allow allowthem themtotoask askenough enough questions RABBI ELI MANSOUR RABBI ELI MANSOUR while the were trying while Egyptians wereout trying Moshe led thethe children of Israel of totoas kids loved to ask questions. Sometimes the inquisitive type then Pesach is the festiInInschool, forfor having thethe cross.” school,we’re we’rerewarded rewarded having val for you! The whole evening is surroundin the most awkward of situations we would Egypt.” cross.” OUR CHACHAMIM P7 P7 OUR CHACHAMIM answer, a good question. answer,not notforforasking asking a good question. RabbiRabbi Abdallah Somech Abdallah Somech ed by unusual actions and encouragement approach our parents and stump them. At “Excellent, tell me how?” asked the fakids—who start The father father was was shocked. Whichmay mayexplain explainwhy why kids—who start The shocked. “Is “Is that thatwhat what Which off endless “why” “what if” if” the Rabbi Rabbi taught taught you?” towards the children to ask questions. Why others we would repeat the and same question ther. offasking asking endless “why” and “what the you?” questions—gradually ask fewer and questions—gradually ask fewerto and id isKthis so? the whole week, seemingly oblivious our The boy said “Moshe was a big strong ANDAND CARTOON id K’s The boy boy replied, replied, “No. through STORY CARTOON P8 P8 e ’seSTORY im The “No. But But you’d you’d never never fewer fewerofofthem themasasthey theyprogress progress through TThe im T Torah states: “And when your chilparents answer. man andbelieve he beat Pharaoh up. Then while grade school. believe the the story story he DID tell us!  grade school.  he DID tell us! dren ask you, “what do you mean by this Times have moved on and recently he was down, he got all the people togethThis newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot - Please dispose of accordingly This newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot - Please dispose of accordingly

DIRECTOR TAL

BRING ON THE QUESTIONS

BRING ON THE QUESTIONS!

A little boy once returned home from Cheder and his father asked, “What did you learn today?”

It seems that the younger generation are getting more intelligent in this THE WEEKLY QUOTE THE WEEKLY QUOTE age. technological

Do you remember when you were a child at home? Were you the inquisitive type? Most of us as kids loved to ask questions. Sometimes in the most awkward of situations we would approach our parents and stump them. At others we would repeat the same question the whole week, seemingly oblivious to our parents answer.

YOM TOV 1ST NIGH 2ND NIGH YOM TOV END

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DVA Times have moved on and recently TORAH He answered, “The Rabbi told us how research you shall say,has “It is the termed our children’s er and ran towards the sea. When he got research has termed our children’s gen- rite (Pesach)?’” havingIsrael a ‘Creativity Crisis’. there, he had the Corps build eration as of Moshe ledof Engineers the children outRe-of generation as having a ‘Creativity a huge pontoon bridge. Once they got on search showed that preschool kids ask the other side, they blew up the bridge their parents an average of 100 questions Egypt.” DVAR Crisis’. Research showed that a day! By middle school, they’ve basically while the Egyptians were trying to cross.” Ten pl The father was shocked. “Is that what stopped asking questions. It is at this point preschool kids ask their parents an in life that, student motivation and engagethe Rabbi taught you?” AHAR “Excellent, tell me how?” asked the average of 100 questions a day! By The boy replied, “No. But you’d never ment plummets. Which raises an interestbelieve the story he DID tell us! It seems ing question: Have the kids stopped asking father. middle school, they’ve basically that the younger generation are getting questions because they’ve lost interest? Or DVAR stopped asking questions. It is at this It Take - GUESTwas WRITER The boyDVAR saidTORAH “Moshe a big strong point in life that, student motivation RABB man and he beat Pharaoh up. Then against the Russians. Chaim replied with a story. Which In one word. Achdus. and engagementReb plummets. THE DIPPING ON SEDER NIGHT So too, in order for us to understand that A wealthy man was once driving his wagWe left mitzrayim when they were acting while he was down, he got all the as oneraises an interesting question: Have we are also going out from mitzrayim weDVAR on pulled by six strong horses when they family is why we dip our food twice on got stuck in mud. As much as he whipped need to learn the secret and the way we mitzrayim. We are accustomedtogether to the child asking whyand people ran towards the Thatthe The Se asking questions couldn’t move. In the distance did it then. Once,kids as it took usstopped down and them, they The shevotim took off his coat and Seder night. we dip twice on Seder night, but we need saw an old rickety wagon with two things it Into the blood goat ... anthe act once as it took us out. tosea. look at this from a deeper perspective. When he got dipped there, heof ahas because they’ve helost interest? Or haveBy acting as one family and one teamRABB In fact, Reb Elchonon Wasserman hy’d horses, and to his amazement when the together. ■ Rabbeinu Monoach on the Rambam in of undeﬁned and unimaginable separation. them, they pulled theirthe wagon outrote if not for lost this act of dipping Yo- owner hit as unbrotherly Hilchos Chometz uMatzoh, compares the Brothers acting Corps of Engineers build a as possible huge writes that they interest because This was remedied on Seder night in sefs cost into the blood, then we wouldn’t of the mud. word Karpas to the word Pasim, which HALA pontoon Once got onPesach the have suffered The poor man explained. with the blood libels through- school mitzrayimthey while eating the Morning alludes to the beautifulbridge. coat of Yosef that answers-driven system doesn’t My horses are brothers and care for Breaki was taken from him when he was sold to in families and groups of friends and they out the generations ... other side, they blew up grass the allow them to ask eachenough other so they pull questions together, while the There is an amazing story that illustrates dipped the hyssop into thebridge blood and Mitzrayim. RABB other horses were six individuals and didn’t the power of family unity. As an aside, we know that the Gematri- smeared it onto their door posts... while the EgyptiansWe dipwere trying to Napoleon once approached Reb Chaim work as a team. twice to remind ourselves of how yo of the word Pasim is 190, which outReb Chaim explained Napoleon’s the asked whether he would rewarded lines how much pain Yosef suffered which we got ourselves into the exiles of mitzray- of Volizhin In and school, we’re for thathaving cross.” men were individuals who would not win succeed against the Russian army. eventually relieved us of the 190 years in im and how we left our troubles behind. OUR answer, not for asking a good question. Rabbi Which may explain why kids—who start The father was shocked. “Is that whatTHEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM off asking endless “why” and “what if” the Rabbi taught you?”

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Sherlock Holmes and the Unusual Phobia By Rafi Youngerwood (Pesach 5778)

Raﬁ Youngerwood

It was one of those mild April days in 1902 marred only by the rain hitting our consulting room window with intermittent regularity. Holmes had just resolved a complex fraud case and successfully helped avoid a scandal affecting various members of the Dutch royal family. The case had clearly taken its toll on his health, so I was prescribing a break from intense mental stress to facilitate a much-needed rest. No case to occupy his mind would cause Holmes to become insufferable, ‘my mind rebels against stagnation,’ I can hear him say, so any matter which did not tax his mind too greatly was the ideal medium and, with the arrival of Benedict Russell, my prayers were answered. He was a man not too far off fifty who dressed as one does when you subscribe to that successful business class, wearing a conservative suit, expensive top hat and a bowtie that seemed to perfectly complement his moustache. ‘Mr. Holmes, my name is Benedict Russell, I am delighted to make your acquaintance and I would be most grateful for your advice’, he immediately stated whilst holding out his hand to Holmes. ‘You are most welcome to any assistance I can offer Mr. Russell. This is my colleague Dr Watson in front of whom you may speak as openly as you can to me’. Holmes acknowledged my presence and then continued with, ‘I trust the property world is providing you with a good living?’ ‘Ah, I see you got my card delivered this morning then?’ was our guest’s response. ‘I don’t believe so,’ Holmes continued.

‘So how in all that is good do you know my occupation?’ I prepared myself for one of Holmes deductive demonstrations, an occurrence that usually played out at this stage in the evolution of meeting a client for the first time. It had the dual purpose of winning the client’s confidence and allowing Holmes to let his ego fly. Holmes began, ‘here is a successful man if his quality attire is any indication, whose shoes were brought recently, as that shine and smell which only emanates from unworn new shoes is still prevalent; however the soles have already worn through to some degree, indicating that your day is largely occupied with walking from place to place as part of your daily work routine. Your hands are soft so manual work is not something that occupies you much. Your inside pocket, which I noticed when you bent over to shake my hand, contains a ledger book which I presume lists amounts owed and received. The fact that you have this ledger on your person and not in an office suggests that you do not frequent or require an office much for your work. Finally, jutting out from your case are three copies of the properties to rent section of The Times; today’s copy, an edition from a month ago, and one dated even further back. If you personally were looking to rent you would only have current editions on your person, the fact that they spread over many months indicates that you use The Times is a professional capacity to advertise your business. Thus you walk to inspect the properties you rent out is a conclusion that fits the current facts.’ ‘How absurdly simple sir!’ was the disappointing but predictable response from our guest. ‘Please tell me how I can assist? Holmes urged, starting to get impatient, smarting from the damage to his ego. ‘I do not know who to turn to as my problem appears to be more a case for the student of mental illness than one requiring the services of a detective!’ Mr Russell

explained. ‘This is Baker Street not Harley Street,’ Holmes interrupted. ‘I understand, but a neighbour suggested approaching you in the first instance in case you can shed some light on the matter as it baffles me no end. Mr Russell responded. ‘Mr Holmes has often been able to throw light where others see only darkness,’ I interjected, propping up Holmes’ self esteem. ‘Please go on Mr Russell.’ ‘Well Mr Holmes, you are quite correct, I own a number of properties which I rent out proving me a more than sufficient standard of living for myself and family. My main property in Aldgate, where I receive considerable rent, has recently been the cause of much aggravation, having to go to court at great expense to remove a tenant who defaulted on his rent and also caused £300 of damage to the property. I renovated and refurbished the property and vowed to myself to be more circumspect in selecting the next tenant. I was delighted when a most respectable doctor and his family made inquiries and were keen to take the property. He had impeccable references and credentials from his place of employment where he was noted and commended for his professionalism and ethics, with similar testimonials from his previous landlord, and was prepared to pay three months in advance!’ ‘Sounds a most fortunate state of affairs,’ Holmes interrupted to indicate he was listening.’ ‘My thoughts exactly sir! Dr. Fisher seemed to me the epitome of decency when I met him and I thought my tenant worries were over. However these last 5 days have made me wonder if I have allowed a madman in and I really worry that my woes have caught up with me again.’ Mr. Russell was getting agitated as he spoke, far more animated now than when he began his narrative. ‘How gratifying, I mean interesting’ Holmes muttered betraying his true reaction to the account being told. ‘Do pray continue your

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most matter of fact account, but before you do so please tell me if this Dr. Fisher is a native of our green and pleasant land?’ ‘He speaks excellent English but with a mild accent, can’t tell you where, Prussia maybe? ‘Thank you. Please carry on with your excellent narrative.’ ‘Well, I regularly inspect my properties, collecting rent, ensuring tenants are content and to generally satisfy myself that all is well. It was ﬁve days ago that I had cause to visit my property in Aldgate. It was already dark when I arrived for my visit. As I approached I saw it was similarly all dark inside. I did think this was slightly unusual as Dr. Fisher has a young family and would have expected some light emanating from one of the rooms. I approached more closely to notice that there was indeed a light but coming from a candle that was slowly being moved from room to room. I peered in from the outside and, to my astonishment, there was the respectable Dr. Fisher on all fours, crawling around the room with a candle in one hand and what looked like a feather in the other.’ ‘Fascinating!’ was the knee jerk reaction from Holmes. ‘I presume some game of hide and seek with his children?’ was my weak suggestion. ‘Dr. Watson, I did indeed have such thoughts but the children were all asleep in the other room, he was deﬁnitely on his own.’ ‘Maybe he ran out of matches for the oil lamps and was searching around the property,’ I suggested without much conviction, ‘or mice?’ ‘I pride myself on providing accommodation of the highest quality and that includes having electric lights installed in all my properties,’ was our client’s immediate reply, ‘and before you suggest that maybe the electricity was not working, I had it tested only two days prior to this event and have subsequently discovered that they have been fully functional. As for mice, if he was trying to scare them away then he would want to make use of the electric

light as mice retreat from bright light.’ ‘I take it that although you were startled by this incident, you concluded that it was a one off eccentricity on the part of the otherwise sane Dr. Fisher?’ Holmes retorted. ‘Why do you say that Mr. Holmes?’ our client argued back. ‘Simply because you did not consult me then and that another incident has taken place more recently that has resulted in your presence in my consulting room hither.’ ‘Ahh yes, of course, that makes sense’ Holmes was by now sensing that our client was a challenge to impress. ‘What took place today then?’ Holmes repeated eager to move the narrative on. ‘I had reason to speak to Dr. Fisher on a small matter regarding an item of furniture that needed upholstery work. I concluded my meeting and got up from the chair on which I was placed when a look of complete shock came over the doctor, he face turned pale, ghostly white and he fainted clean away.’ ‘What caused this shock Mr. Russell?’ Holmes pushed impatiently, ‘what could have had such a drastic effect?’ ‘Mr. Holmes, what scared my tenant out of his wits was the remnant of a bread roll!’ was the astounding answer. ‘A bread roll?’ I remarked involuntarily. ‘When Dr Fisher recovered, he was inconsolable, mumbling about bread and other words which sounded like gibberish to me. I left him in the capable care of his wife and I took my leave.” ‘In all my medical experience I have never come across someone with a phobia of bread.’ I responded, ‘but I understand that the study of psychological illness is a new field of science being led by an Austrian named Freud.’ ‘Well that may be so Dr. Watson but this incident together with the strange occurrence I witnessed last week has convinced me that my tenant is quite mad and I want

29 MARCH 2018 him out before this madness causes him to damage my property.’ Holmes rubbed his hands in glee and questioned further, ‘this is excellent. Tell me Mr. Russell, was the roll fresh?’ ‘Fresh? What an absurd question sir, I have no idea at all! And I don’t appreciate being the subject of your questionable sense of humour Mr. Holmes.’ ‘My question was completely honest, in fact it will allow me to clear up this whole matter,’ Holmes responded sharply with a hint of anger, ‘do you know if Dr. Fisher is right or left handed?’ ‘Why these pointless questions Mr. Holmes?’ I interrupted, ‘Mr. Russell, I can assure you that if Mr. Holmes asks such questions, then he has a very good reason for them.’ This went only a small way to mollify our frustrated client. ‘Well, let me think, yes when we shook hands on signing the rental contract he gave me a firm handshake with his right hand, I remember how strong his grip was.. yes his right-hand sir.’ Russell confirmed. ‘Thank you, Mr. Russell. Now I want you to find a pretext to visit him before eight in the morning and to observe if his left hand has any marks or impressions on them,’ Holmes instructed. ‘This is lunacy sir, I am convinced of it but I will do as you instruct as I am intrigued to find out where all this is leading’. And with this Mr. Russell took his leave with, I dare say, very little comfort. ‘What’s all this Holmes? Will these bizarre instructions lead you to solve this matter?’ I immediately asked my friend. ‘Oh I have solved it Watson and my instructions are just for confirmation. I would have found this information out for myself only my strength is still not what it was.’ ‘You’ve solved it! Well, it makes no sense to me. What does it mean?’ ‘I will give you a clue Watson. It all began 3500 years ago.’ And with that cryptic statement, he took his pipe out of his pocket which indicated that he did not wish to be disturbed. I must admit that the more I went over this small matter in my head the stranger it seemed to become. I knew better than to pressure Holmes into confiding with me any further so I let the matter rest and I took solace in a medical journal that I had been putting off reading for many days. Two days later Mr. Russell re-entered our rooms without the graciousness exhibited at our previous encounter. ‘Nothing Holmes! no

FICTION 33

THE JEWISH WEEKLY marks, no impressions on his left hand! And I made myself out to be a fool trying to look for such marks I may add.’ Our client’s mood had only worsened in the interim since his last visit and I would guess that his faith in Holmes was fast approaching rock bottom. ‘No marks, that’s impossible. I was so sure,’ Holmes replied. He then went out the building without stating his intent. After a little while he re-entered our consulting room with a triumphant stride that gave me cause for alarm due to his recent weakened condition, and, with almost sadistic pleasure, asked Mr. Russell to wait four more days and then to again go to Dr. Fisher’s apartment to have another look at his left arm. ‘No! Absolutely not! You have tested my patience and wasted my time and I will not play your foolish games again. Your reputation sir is sorely undeserved,’ Russell blasted. ‘Humour me this one more time Mr. Russell. I guarantee that I will not have any further requests of you and I hope to answer all the

he did without a word, but with plenty of attitude. On Mr. Russell’s departure, I grabbed the paper he had been reading to determine what headline could have caused my friend to act in such a peculiar manner. There was nothing I could determine that had any direct relevance to the case in hand; a burglary in Shepherds Bush; speculation about a local election; and a story about uprisings in Eastern Europe, nothing that I could connect with Dr. Fisher. I refrained from demanding an explanation from my friend as I was certain that no such explanation would be forthcoming. One thing Holmes enjoyed enormously was bringing together all strands of a problem and to announce the solution in one bravado session. I knew I would have to wait it out until our client would return with the information that Holmes had requested, albeit with much encouragement. Over the next few days there had been nothing else that even approached being worthy of Holmes’

queries you have. I can see you are angry, please sit down, and calm yourself. Read the Weekly headlines’. And with that Holmes retreated into the study beckoning me to follow him. ‘What do you want me in here for Holmes?’ I enquired after I had joined him. ‘Quiet Watson, I am observing our guest reading the paper.’ ‘Reading the paper? Holmes I am having doubts as to your sanity, never mind Dr. Fisher’s’, I whispered. ‘Go on Mr. Russell, ﬁnd the story.’ Holmes silently urged our guest. After a while, Holmes was satisﬁed and re-entered the consulting room. ‘Yes Mr. Russell, I can say that I should have an answer for you next time we meet.’ And with that he waved his hand to indicate that our client could leave, which

attention and he was impatiently anticipating the return of Mr. Russell. When he did not return on the fourth or fifth day, there was concern that our client had given up on relying on Holmes to explain the eccentric behaviour of his tenant. It was on the sixth day that Holmes, with barely suppressed enthusiasm, welcomed back Mr. Russell into our rooms. ‘Well, Mr. Russell what did you find out?’ Holmes blurted out forgoing any customary pleasantry. ‘Well Mr. Holmes, I don’t know how you could have known, but when I went to see Dr. Fisher this morning at a quarter to eight precisely, he was having breakfast and his shirt sleeves were both rolled up and there, on his left arm, were some strap marks just as you predicted, as if he had tied himself up with some sort of rope. I think this behaviour confirms completely my

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assumption that the man is totally insane and I thank you sir for helping me come to this conclusion.’ ‘On the contrary my dear Russell, it is the final piece of evidence I am seeking to conclude that the man is as sane as you and me!’ responded Holmes, clearly invigorated and relieved that he had been proven right. ‘Mr. Holmes, I am starting to see now why people hold up your powers to high esteem, but if you feel that I have judged Dr. Fisher unfairly then I would greatly appreciate an explanation to his behaviour over the last ten days.’ Mr. Russell was now under Holmes’s spell. ‘You deserve nothing less Mr. Russell’ Holmes began. ‘Firstly let me say that from what I have heard I think you have no worries about Dr. Fisher, I think he is, and will be, a model tenant, honest and with principle. Phobias or any other psychological issue I dismissed from the outset’, and turning to me he added ‘why must you also leap to a medical hypothesis when the study of human nature and culture will more than often lead to the answer.’ Mr. Russell and I were lapping up Holmes’ every word. ‘The solution I was able to quickly arrive at after the very first meeting with you Mr. Russell, I just needed you to confirm my conclusion. Watson here will tell you that I am a cold logical man with music, and specifically my Stradivarius, my only spiritual pursuit. That is not quite true. I am fascinated by religion and its effect on behaviour. You may recall the case Watson of the priest who was anything but forgiving to his flock? ‘Yes I have drafted that story, the Case of the Vindictive Vicar is my tentative title,’ I responded. ‘We need to discuss your overly creative titles another time Watson. Anyway, that case showed me how religion, when preached but not practiced, can bring people to behave in ways that are not always consistent with their beliefs. Dr. Fisher has shown the opposite, a man of true conviction Mr. Russell.’ ‘I don’t recognise his behaviour as particularly Christian Holmes?’ Russell replied. ‘That’s because he is not of that persuasion Sir. Dr. Fisher is of the Jewish faith. Holmes announced. ‘Jewish! Of course’ Russell blurted out, ‘he had some unusual items around the house but I thought they were cultural artefacts emanating from his ancestors or country of birth.’ ‘Dr. Fisher has just finished celebrating the Passover festival. A

festival, from my limited understanding, which forbids leavened flour products, which of course most obviously means... ‘No bread rolls!’ I completed the sentence. ‘Yes from my Sunday school education I remember being taught of how the Israelites left Egypt in a hurry meaning that the cakes they were making did not have time to rise and thus they left with unleavened, flat pancakes.’ ‘Matzo I believe is the Jewish name for such plain delicacies.’ It was Holmes turn to finish the sentence. Mr. Russell was getting involved too. ‘I have next to no knowledge of Jewish people, I don’t think I have ever been in contact with one, but Dr. Fisher’s behaviour was still baffling. I mean you asked me if the bread roll was fresh, a question I dismissed as being impertinent and irrelevant.’ It was my turn to play the detective, which Holmes’s acquiesced to. ‘In order to be consistent with Holmes’ conclusions, the roll would have been stale, having been brought into the house prior to the Passover festival and its presence being hidden from view since. But Holmes, what was all the business with Fisher crawling around on all fours?’ ‘His crawling on the floor almost two weeks ago was the ritual culmination of the process to purge leavened products from his possession on the eve of Passover to create a leaven free environment. I have a jeweller friend in the East End, Mr. Goldblatt, who has helped me solve many a case of counterfeit diamonds; he educated me on such matters. Watson you may recall me calling on him last month?’ I nodded and Holmes continued. ‘The traditional way this ceremony is carried out requires one to take a feather and search for the leaven using a candle in every room of the house, hence our mysterious Dr. Fisher’s now not so extraordinary behaviour.’ ‘OK, but his reaction to seeing the bread was so extreme – is it that important?’ Mr. Russell quickly reminded Holmes. ‘I am of the firm belief that a people who live their history as if they are current events will remain strong and faithful to the practices that have bound them together and to their G-d for another three thousand years. Passover, as far as I understand, represents the seminal moment when G-d fulfilled the covenant promised to Abraham and took a nation of slaves to be His people with a mission to be CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 a light unto the nations, a light, I may add, other nations have sought to diminish ever since. The Passover festival is accompanied with stringent rules that have been applied for thousands of years. Those Jewish people, like Dr. Fisher, understand that any dilution of the rules risks ultimately severing the chain that has been passed down from father to son since that world changing event three and a half thousand years ago. I understand that since the enlightenment took hold of Europe last century a more liberal form of Judaism has emerged, but Dr. Fisher in exhibiting that extreme reaction to the bread roll, as well as the strap marks on his hand, conﬁrmed my belief that he is steadfast in the traditional form of Judaism, a stance I admire greatly. ‘But you are always commenting how the enlightenment put science at the forefront of education.’ I reminded Holmes. ‘Indeed Watson, but science without moral boundaries will corrupt as much as the perverse form of religion that brought the inquisition to the Middle Ages. Watson, you published the case of The Creeping Man which demonstrated to us the dangers that science

poses without such moral principle where a man of science, in his quest for the elixir of youth, ended up becoming less than an animal. Dr. Fisher, by his profession is a man of science, but his grounding in religious principle surely anchors him to practicing science in the best moral tradition, the same way you are a man of principle my dear Watson.’ ‘Thank you, Holmes.’ I responded, buzzing by the complement just paid. ‘Mr. Russell, you looking at Dr. Fisher’s arm was the confirmation I needed’. ‘I still fail to see what sort of confirmation that was Mr. Holmes?’ Russell enquired. ‘Religious Jews who live their Judaism wear phylacteries every morning – leather straps are bound on their arm and around their head each with black boxes containing parchment scrolls inscribed with biblical passages to reflect the synchronicity between thought and deed, the head representing one’s intent and the arm, the act.’ Holmes was speaking to nobody in particular and took the guise of a university lecturer and continued. ‘The first time I asked Mr. Russell to look at Fisher’s arm resulted in no marks and it was only when I asked Mr. Goldblatt if Jews

wear phylacteries every day that I learned that during the intermediate days of Passover many practicing Jews have the custom not to wear them. Thus I asked you to return again once Passover had concluded, and behold the marks were there. Watson, you may recall my monograph on the length of time it takes for various marks to disappear from skin. I calculated that such marks as made by the leather straps of the phylacteries would still leave an impression on the arm of the wearer for up to sixty eight minutes subsequent to their removal, which is why I insisted that you visit early in the morning.’ ‘I see,’ Russell responded as Holmes’ practical demonstration continued to impress. ‘So far so clear’ I chimed in, ‘but what was all the business about observing Mr. Russell reading the newspaper? ‘Mr. Russell, was there a story that you can recall which caught your sympathy?’ Holmes asked. Russell thought, the furrowed lines on his forehead exposed his deep concentration. ‘I don’t believe so sir.’ ‘Well there was’ Holmes replied, ‘and it showed me that unlike many across Europe, you do not harbour a suspicion of Jewish people to the

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extent where you may not wish to have one renting one of your properties, a practice I understand that some despicable landlords undertake.’ Russell’s eyes then lit up, ‘you are right sir, there was an article on the plight of Eastern European Jews caught up in those wretched pogroms…. truly heartbreaking!’ ‘Your face softened and your eyes elicited sympathy with the subject of that article. Up to this point I needed to be cautious, for if I revealed that the answer to your small problem lay in Jewish ritual I would be unsure of your attitude to that most persecuted of people. I risked doing a disservice to your noble tenant’. Mr Russell did not respond immediately allowing Holmes’ words to penetrate. ‘Mr Holmes, thank you for preventing me from judging my tenant, however unwittingly, in an unfair fashion. I would not have forgiven myself if my actions were seen as relating to prejudice in any manner. I would like to think that I have brought up my children to respect all our fellow human beings.’ And with that he quickly bowed his head and left us. I was still going over Holmes’ words, ‘but to faint clean away, surely that is an overreaction Holmes?’ I ex-

claimed. ‘I agree, his reaction may seem extreme to us, but if you are a man of deep religious conviction, abiding by a set of intricately set out laws and customs which you fulﬁl meticulously, and then to see the very symbol of all that is forbidden on such an important festival which is fundamental to his identity, I can understand the shock that it would emit.’ Holmes continued. ‘No plain logic can answer why the Jewish people, through their stubborn attachment to tradition in the face of the challenges and persecutions they have faced, challenges other civilisations have failed to overcome, have survived throughout all these centuries. A people that continuingly remember and are anchored in their humble beginnings will be here long after today’s Austria-Hungarian empire has fallen the way of every other empire in history. With that Holmes took leave of me and I could tell that he would be contemplating the enormity of the Jewish people’s long journey until morning, a practice I soon learned the Jewish people undertake each year on their ‘Seder’ night. THE END

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Ten ways to safeguard your savings 3 Premium bonds and other winnings

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.

PART 1 OF 2 How much tax do you pay on your investments? As investors face an increasingly complex and changing set of tax rules, the cost of choosing the “wrong” savings vehicle can be very large. Yet those who time their income carefully and make use of all the available tax breaks can end up paying relatively little. Remarkably, it could be possible for a couple to have an income of £120,000 a year and pay less tax than someone earning the average wage, based on nothing more elaborate than tax-free allowances, sharing assets between spouses and a history of using individual savings accounts. Of course, being able to withdraw money tax free from a savings pot is not the full story. It also matters how much tax is levied on the original funds — and on their

investment returns. Take pensions, for example, where the tax incentives are given up front and income is mostly subject to income tax. They are more tax efficient than any other mainstream form of saving. At the other end of the scale, buy-to-let housing is about the most tax-penalised form of investment you can make. Even so, to focus on tax or even charges might miss the big picture. A more important question might be whether or not the investment is likely to offer good investment returns. Investments should stack up on their own merits rather than on its tax advantages. That said, taxes and charges can significantly change the relative attractiveness of different savings options. Here are 10 ways — some complex, some straightforward — to save more tax efficiently. Breakdown of Aggregate UK Wealth 1 Savings allowance Large cash deposits are extremely inefficient, from a tax perspective. Since the tax rules make no allowance for rising prices, effective tax rates on the interest earned on cash is highly sensitive to inflation. But since April 2016, about 95 per cent of taxpayers have no tax to pay on their savings income. The introduction of a “personal savings allowance” has meant no tax on savings income up to £1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers. Higher-rate

taxpayers get a £500 savings allowance, while additional-rate payers get none. There is also a 0 per cent starting rate for savings for those on very low incomes whose non-savings income is below a £16,500 threshold. The bonuses on Save As You Earn schemes, the savings-related share schemes, are also tax free. 2 Individual savings accounts The scope for tax-free saving has increased with the April 2017 rise in the individual savings account (Isa) limit to £20,000. The restrictions on holding cash versus shares in them have also been relaxed. And the options for tax friendly savings were expanded with the ability to hold peer-to-peer loans in the new Innovative Finance Isa, shielding the interest repaid by borrowers from tax. These tax-privileged accounts date back to former chancellor Nigel Lawson, who introduced the personal equity plan (Pep) to encourage equity ownership among the wider population in 1987, with a maximum investment of £2,400. Anyone who squirrelled away the maximum allowed under Peps and then Isas, which replaced them in 1999, would now have saved around £250,000. While investment returns have varied widely, a growing group of investors now have over £1m in their Isa tax shelter.

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Tax-free savings certificates are not currently available from National Savings & Investment, the stateowned savings bank. But NS&I offers premium bonds that give holders the chance to win tax-free cash prizes of between £25 and £1m in a monthly prize draw. The interest rate used to determine the annual prize fund is 1.4 per cent, although investors — who can buy up to £50,000 of bonds — should not expect their returns to match that. Small savers would be better off making use of Isas and the savings allowance, advisers says. But the tax-free prizes mean they can be a good bet for big savers who are higher- or additional-rate taxpayers. Lottery, football pools and other betting winnings are also free of tax. 4 Stocks and shares The taxation of dividends was overhauled in April 2016 and is set to change again in April. As well as scrapping the old tax credit and introducing a new £5,000 dividend “allowance”, it introduced higher rates of dividend tax: 7.5 per cent for basic-rate taxpayers, 32.5 per cent for higher-rate taxpayers and 38.1 per cent for top-rate taxpayers. Next month, the tax-free allowance for dividend income will be cut from £5,000 to £2,000. While the 2016 changes left about 700,000 taxpayers facing tax rises,

the coming reforms will affect nearly 2.3m more. But capital gains on investments are relatively lightly taxed. Higheror additional-rate taxpayers pay a rate of 20 per cent on most gains, while basic-rate taxpayers pay at half the rate. A tax-free allowance of £11,300 can be deducted from total taxable gains. Gilts and many corporate bonds are exempt from capital gains tax, if held directly rather than through a fund. 5 Pensions Pension tax breaks remain very generous, even though the amount that can be saved this way has been significantly reduced. Indeed the IFS says that the NICs relief on employer pension contributions — taken together with the 25 per cent tax-free lump sum — means that an employee receives as much pension income as if they had saved in an Isa with only 70 per cent of the cost in upfront income. Pensions can also be a tax-efficient way of handing on wealth, particularly for those who die before they are 75. But high earners are increasingly restricted in their pensions savings. The annual allowance for those with total earnings of more than £150,000 has been whittled down from the standard £40,000 to a floor of £10,000 for those with income of £210,000 or more. The lifetime limit has fallen from a high of £1.8m at its peak to a £1m limit in this tax year.

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY

JAMES PALMER – URBANCRAZY For most people, a trip to the seaside usually means paddling in the sea, making sand castles or even having a picnic, but for James Palmer a visit to the coast led him to come up with the idea for a new business. As he explains: “I was looking for a career change and happened to be in Hastings with my friend Jon Angel. It was pouring with rain, but we noticed that there were a number of crazy golf courses that amazingly were still all exceptionally busy. It started us thinking about why such a popular activity that appeals to adults, children, men and woman alike can only be found at the seaside, and whether there was a way that we could bring it to even more people?” A wedding themed hole

BY MICAELA BLITZ That way was through setting up their company, UrbanCrazy. Though miniature golf courses are now very popular and commonplace in towns and cities across the UK, in 2002, at the time that UrbanCrazy was established, it was a very new concept. They are considered to be pioneers in developing this market, and they have since gone on to be market leaders in the world of minigolf. UrbanCrazy oﬀers the chance to hire fun, unique portable minigolf

courses for any occasion from parties and corporate events to weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs or family fun days. The courses can be used at any kind of venue, both indoors or outside and is a great activity for guests. James believes that one of the reasons that minigolf works so well is that it is all-inclusive, meaning that anyone can join in. He adds: “No matter what your age, skill level or golﬁng ability, anyone can play minigolf. When we do events, it always gets people’s interest, and everyone is keen to have a go. It’s a great ice breaker for parties and everyone who plays has a lot of fun.” Their courses have also been hired for school events, as well as being featured on numerous television programmes, including A Question of Sport, Blue Peter and The One Show amongst others. Each UrbanCrazy course is comprised of modular sections meaning that they can be put together to ﬁt into practically any space, shape

and size area. This also means that they can be laid out in endless configurations and can even be used to spell out names or make shapes, such as hearts which are particularly popular for weddings. The courses are also able to be customised with photographs, logos and messages and can fit in with different themes. UrbanCrazy enjoy being able offer their clients the chance to have something special and unique, and James along with his team create bespoke obstacles to fit specific requirements. They enjoy the challenge of producing new and interesting designs and over the years have been involved in making some unusual obstacles and hazards including a wedding cake, a surfboard, and even a ten pin bowling themed hole. In 2016, as part of the celebrations for the Rio Olympics they created a range of sport-related themed holes including an athletics running track and long jump, which were sited at JW3 for the whole of

Hoping for a hole in one!

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Barmitzvah mini golf!

the games. Always keen to put their unique spin on other games, as well as minigolf, they have also created their own range of themed table tennis tables which are also available for hire at events under the name ‘PongCrazy’. Their designs include a giant fried egg with a yolk for a net, a golf course (complete with rough bunkers and holes) and even a mesmerising, angled mirrored table which takes the game to a whole new level, and is a challenge even for the most competent player. Their newest addition to their range of games is ‘DartsCrazy’. A giant dartboard which is laid on the ground, and can be played in a variety of ways from throwing bean bags to putting or chipping balls to score. UrbanCrazy have also been involved in creating permanent miniature golf courses at locations around the country, even transforming the back garden of a couple in North London into a course for their grandchildren. James adds: “It was a great project to work on and their grandchildren thought it was great fun to have their own golf course. The couple really loved what we created for them, and it meant that they never had to mow their lawn again, so that was a bonus!” For anyone looking to start their own business working in the events industry, James believes that it is important to find something that you enjoy and have a passion for, to ensure that you do it to the best of your abilities. This will then reflect in how you deal with your customers. He adds: “If you are enthusiastic and take pride in what you are offering, your clients will see this and have confidence that you will make their event really special.” James is very much involved in the business on a personal level and deals directly with many of his clients to help and advise them about the best options for their individual needs. “We like to be able to help

our customers by supplying them with creative, unique high quality products that will make their event have the wow factor. We always get great feedback from people who have hired us, and often have repeat business with the same clients hiring us for regular events.” The company are also responsible for supplying miniature golf related equipment to many of the crazy golf, adventure golf and minigolf courses and traders both in the UK and internationally, making them a true one-stop shop for all things minigolf. For James, the thing that he loves most about his role, is the variety that comes with it. He adds: “I love that every phone call that I take can lead somewhere diﬀerent. I can be involved in designing a 12-hole themed course for a client in Dublin one minute, and then discussing a wedding or bar mitzvah booking the next.” UrbanCrazy would like to oﬀer a 5% discount on any UrbanCrazy, PongCrazy or DartsCrazy bookings made by the end of April. Please quote Jewish Weekly when making a booking. Check out their websites – www.urbancrazy.com, www.pongcrazy.com and www.dartscrazy.com or contact them on 08456 860 160 / 08456 860 360 (local rate) Do you know anyone who would like to be featured on this page? Let us know by emailing micaela@thejewishweekly.com

Last week this article was publoshed with the incorrect opening paragraph. We have decided to reprint the article this week so our readers can enjoy the correct article.

38 SPORTS

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY

SPORTS

ONE NATION... ...MANY TEAMS

W E E K LY

Hendon stay top as Oakwood hit ﬁve BY DAVID SAFFER

Hendon United Sports came from behind against Camden Park to maintain a two-point lead at the top of the Premier Division. Zac Lewis, Rocky Spitzer and an own goal sealed the points in a 3-1 away win. “Camden took a deserved lead but we have immense quality in this Hendon team and have the ability to score goals out of nothing which was badly needed before half-time,” said Hendon boss Greg Corin. “We spoke about changing the intensity and pushed hard to get a second and third goal which I was delighted managed to see us through. “Camden showed that despite their league position, they are a good team with a number of experienced technically strong players and they made it a tight contest. “It was a vital win today. We stayed focused and got the job done.” Oakwood A remain hot on the heels of Hendon with a 5-0 victory against Brady Maccabi. Sharpshooter Lior Sidle scored a hat-trick with Dave Woolman and Kyle Bentwood completing the win. “This was a big win and just like last season we seem to be getting stronger each week,” said

Oakwood boss Daniel Kristall. “We played some excellent football and could have won by more. This was probably our best performance of the season. “At times, Brady couldn’t cope with our pace and movement.” Kristall added: “Sidle is back in the goals, it was a superb hat-trick. “Luke Brookner puts in incredibly hard work in midfield and Josh Cuby on the wing was unplayable. He’s a tricky winger and had three assists. “Our task in terms of the league is simple, keep winning and keep the pressure on the title favourites Hendon. It should be a very interesting few weeks ahead.” Maccabi London Lions White overcame a two-goal half time deficit to earn a draw with Redbridge Jewish Care A. Russell Goldstein and Steve Summers scored for the visitors before Lions roared back. “Today was a battling performance and well deserved draw against a young and talented Lions side,” said Redbridge boss Jon Jacobs. “The second half was backs to the wall. With seconds remaining it looked like a famous victory on the cards but Lions stole an equaliser from a close range move. “Summers forward play in the first half was a class apart from the

Oakwood’s Josh Cuby (blue strip) drives towards goal

rest whilst Adam Hakimi played his first 90 minutes for a long time at the back and looked really comfortable.” Division One champions Faithfold A ended the season with 3-1 win at Oakwood A. Player-manager Avi Markiewicz tapped home the opening goal, Ben Shirbini slid in a second and Amit Dinowitz completed the scoring in the last minute before the team received the trophy and medals. “We wanted to go out with a bang and did that against a very good Oakwood side,” said Markiewicz. “We are looking to build and wanted to show potential players what they are joining. We had a very strong team and equally strong bench. “Everyone involved with the club contributed over the course of the season.” North London Raiders B thumped Redbridge Jewish Care B 6-1 in a fine away win. Matt Leader (2), Simon Buchler, Jordan Nathan, Anthony Goodmaker and Jake Gilbert scored for the runners up in Division One. “We were aware of Redbridge’s excellent defensive record so to score six goals knowing it could have been more is very satisfying,” said Raiders manager Doron Salomon. “The second half was one of our best of the season, it was nice at full time for everyone to relax and enjoy the win after a positive season. “If that was the last game before retirement for some of our players, notably captain, Anthony Goodmaker, then it was the perfect way to go out. “We can reflect on a successful campaign in which we’ve a good chance of ending up with the best attacking and defensive records in the league. “In 2018 in particular we’ve been relentless and played some outstanding football.” Fairlop FC thumped Faithfold B with James Jaconelli notching a hat-trick in Division Two.

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Lior Sidle puts Oakwood 2-0 ahead against Brady Macabbi

Bradley Gayer, David Farkash and an own goal completed the scoring in a 6-1 victory. “I was happy with the result and performance,” said Fairlop boss Aaron Dias. “It wasn’t the most exciting game of football but it was good to get another win. “Jaconelli got three good goals and at times he is was unplayable. “Farkash came on for the last 30 minutes and was a joy to watch. He plays the target man role perfectly and scored a beauty of a goal. “We’ve waited a long time for him to score his first goal for the club and was worth the wait. His first touch was delicate then he smashed home into the top corner.” Mill Hill Dons missed out on top spot following a 3-3 draw at Hertswood Vale. Zach Cohen, Harry Moss and Josh Cinna scored for The Dons, Josh Cohen scored twice for Vale alongside an own goal. “I don’t think anyone expected us to take anything from the match so to take a point after they fought back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 showed great mental strength,” said Hertswood manager. “We got ourselves back into it and had chances to finish the game off, but didn’t take them,” said Dons manager Brandon Hamme. “We were not good enough defensively today. We made things hard for ourselves by making unnecessary decisions in crucial

times, which led to the goals. “But there were positives to take forward, despite being unable to finish our chances we did extremely well with our build up to create so many. There was some great off the ball movement and passes, which managed to unlock the Vale defence. “The boys all put in a good shift, it just wasn’t to be our day. “This is our first draw of the season and the fact that the boys are so disappointed with the result, shows how far we have come as a team since last season.” Maccabi London Lions Blue went down to a 1-0 defeat at Maccabi Manchester 2nd in the Peter Morrison Trophy quarter-finals at Brooklands. Gabe Silva headed the 75th minute winner for the northerners. “We were up for the battle and knew what to expect, however found it difficult to play our football on a generally ‘heavy’ pitch,” said Lions manager Samuel Marchant. “We like to get the ball down, pass it and play. “We knew it was likely a setpiece would decide the game and that is what happened. “It’s always a shame to lose a game in such a manner, and the game was particularly scrappy, but sometimes you just have to accept the situation and move on. “We are disappointed because we had a serious chance of going

29 MARCH 2018

SPORTS 39

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

further. I wish Manchester luck for their future matches.” FC Team stunned Bayern Mincha with a 2-1 away win in the Barry Goldstein Trophy quarter-finals. Adam Rones and Ryan Kangisser struck the all-important goals. “Any cup win is great but to knock out the favourites is very pleasing especially as we have not beaten them this season,” said FC player-manager Mitch Young. “The game should have been put to bed in the first half but we have them hope and they scored a goal to equalise. Overall our experience shone through to see out the game and we are delighted to be in the semi final.” Temple Fortune A enjoyed a stroke of luck during a tough season to knock out Real Hendon 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Simon Linden’s team dug deep to reach the semi-final for the fourth time. Lloyd Becker (2) and Steven Black scored for Fortune in normal time. Fortune ‘keeper Lee Fegan was the hero saving a last minute penalty with the scores level at 3–3. Fegan then stopped a spot-kick in

Maccabi Manchester Yellow 3rd v South Manchester Sports 2nd

Kyle Bentwood waits at the far post to nod in Oakwood’s third

the shoot-out. Lloyd Becker, MIke Woolf, Adam Speck and Ami Wynbourne scored in the shoot-out. “You have to feel for Hendon who deserved to win game in the first half,” said Linden. “We couldn’t get into the game, it was one way traffic but we took our chances. Sometimes you have to have a bit of luck at this level.” “The boys deserve to be in a semi-final after the season we have had.” added Linden. “We look forward to the draw, it will be my fourth semi in this competition and I’ve yet to make a final

so let’s hope the boys deliver.” “We should have won the game comfortably, but missed chance after chance, not to mention a penalty with the last kick of the game,” said Hendon’s Motty Korman. “Credit to Fortune who scored from three shots on target, good luck to them in the next round. “The lads are gutted but will bounce back in our last three remaining league games.” North London Raiders C knocked out Straw Hat Pirates in a 2-0 triumph.

Both teams scrambling for the ball

A crunching tackle

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Pesach

Pesach Crossword

Name: On Pessach, we celebrate how G-d took the Jewish People out of Egypt, where they had been enslaved by Complete the crossword below Pharaoh. 1 2 The Jewish people had been slaves in the land of Egypt for many 3 years. Moshe and his brother Aaron came before Pharaoh and said “Let my people go!” But Pharaoh just laughed. They threatened Pharaoh with 10 terrible plagues if he did not listen to G-d, but he did not believe them. Plague after plague soon struck the Egyptians, each one more shocking 4 5 than the next. Blood, frogs, lice, wild animals, sick animals, boils, hail, 6 locusts, darkness – and the worst plague of all – death of the firstborn. Finally, Pharaoh had enough. He ran frantically through the streets S 7 WER S N of Egypt searching for Moshe. “Go!” He yelled, “And take all the Jews A 8 with you!” Moshe sent word to all the Jews. “The time has come” he told them, “grab your bags and get ready to leave at once. Don’t wait for your bread to rise, just go!” The Jews left Egypt with sacks on their backs, and faith in their hearts. The Jews walked until they reached the sea. And there they stopped. 9 They were trapped! They could see the Egyptian army chasing after Created with TheTeac hers Co rner.net Cro s s wo rd Puz z le Generato r them, swords at the ready. Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was 2 Down Across Across Down chasing after his slaves, trying to recapture them. G-d told Moshe 3. Unleavened bread 1. Hebrew name fo r ro asted egg which symbo lises 3. Unleavened bread 4 . Apple, mo urning 1. Hebrew name for roasted egg which symbolises mourning to stretch his arm out over the waters, and all at once, the sea split!nut, spice and wine mixture 7 . Ten afflictio ns o n Egypt 2. Vegetable dipped into salt water to represent the tears 4. Apple, nut, spice and wine mixture 2. Vegetable dipped into salt water to represent the tears Miraculously, the Jews were able to walk through on dry land, but as shank bo ne representing the sacrificial lamb 8. Ro asted 5 . The bo o k o r service used during the seder 7. Ten afflictions on Egypt 9 . Led came the Jews o ut o f Egypt 6 . Bitter herbs symbo bitterness o f slavery 5. The book lising or service used during the seder soon as the Egyptians stepped foot in the sea, the walls of water 7 . Egyptian 8. Hebrew name for roasted shank bone representing the king 6. Bitter herbs symbolising bitterness of slavery crashing down on them and the Egyptian army drowned. sacrificial lamb 7. Egyptian king 9. Led the Jews out of Egypt The Jews were free! 1. Hebrew name fo r ro asted egg which symbo lises mo urning (be it za) 2. Vegetable dipped into salt water to represent the tears (carpas) 5 . The bo o k o r service used during the seder (hagaddah) 6 . Bitter herbs symbo lising bitterness o f slavery (m aro r) 7 . Egyptian king (pharao h)

3. Unleavened bread (m at za) 4 . Apple, nut, spice and wine mixture (charo se t ) 7 . Ten afflictio ns o n Egypt (plague s) 8. Ro asted shank bo ne representing the sacrificial lamb (ze ro ah) 9 . Led the Jews o ut o f Egypt (m o she )

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Complete the crossword below

Name:

You will need • • • • • •

1 sheet of felt fabric (A4) Buttons and Sequins Adhesive glue Scissors Puﬀ paint or glitter pens 1 popper

Method

1. To create the fold-over envelope ﬂap: fold over the top edges covering 1/3 of the felt fabric 2. Cut along the fold lines to make a triangle 3. Fold the bottom of the felt in half to reach the bottom of the triangle. 4. Glue the sides to make the envelope and let dry. 5. Glue the popper at the corner of the bottom of triangle and the felt so it closes correctly. 6. Decorate with puﬀ paint, glitter pens, sequins and buttons. THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

Aﬁkoman Bag

cross

Arts and Crafts

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CUT OUT & KEEP

KIDS 41

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TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN JEWISH WEEKLY RECIPE BOOK

MATZ0 NACHOS • • • • • •

Ingredients:

4 sheets of matzo Olive oil Salt 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or more to taste 1/4 teaspoon crushed chili ﬂakes (optional) Toppings: Guacamole, tomatoes, coriander

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. 2. If desired, soak the matzo in water for 30-60 seconds (this step is not necessary, but it makes it easier to cut the matzo into pieces and some people prefer the texture). Remove from water and slice into triangles. 3. Lay matzo on a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil over the matzo and sprinkle with salt and chili ﬂakes. Sprinkle with cheese and place in the oven 7-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. 4. Remove nachos from oven and top with your favorite toppings.

Did y u kn w? w Today, Israeli matzos factories send kosher-forPassover matzo products to over 50 countries around the world! In 2011, Manischewitz set a world record for the largest matzo in honour of the opening of its new headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, Manischewitz baked a 7.5-metre long and 1.1-metre-wide piece of matzo that weighed almost 25 pounds! That’s about 336 regular matzo in one! Or over 37,000 calories…

Matzo Facts Shmura matzo is extra-guarded matzo. ‘Shmura’ means ‘guarded’. It involves the strictest guidelines call for guarding the wheat from moisture from the time of harvest. There are handmade and machinemade varieties.

Matza, matzah, matzo, matzoh … a food with many spellings thanks to its Hebrew origins and no direct English translation. Matzo is also known as “poor bread” and “bread of affliction” in the Torah. In 1838, Frenchman Isaac Singer invented the first matzo dough-rolling machine.

In 1888, the first matzo factory in Cincinnati, Ohio was opened and took on the name Manischewitz.

Each square of regular machine-made matzo packs 111 calories and there are 46 calories in one matzo ball.

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Pesach Why don’t we make a bracha on the story of the Exodus before we read Maggid? 1. According to the Chatam Sofer when a non-Jew wants to convert, he must immerse himself in the Mikva, however he does not say a bracha before immersing because he is not a Jew yet and therefore says the bracha after he has immersed.

On Seder night we are supposed to feel as we are becoming the Jewish nation and being reborn. Imagaine the happiness the Jewish people felt on their way out of Egypt and their excitement on becoming a Free nation. Therefore we don’t make a bracha on Maggid. 2. According to the Shevach Pesach a bracha is not said on a Mitzva that needs the participation of others, such as the mitzva of Maggid.

Change just one letter in the words below to change the bottom word to the top. Each word at each stage of the ladder must be a real word.

Here , too, the mitzva is one person is asking and another person answering. 3. According to the Maharal, we don’t recite a bracha on a mitzva that is based on feelings of the heart. Since tonight the mitzva is to feel as if we are coming out of Mitzrayim, we therefore do not say a bracha before doing the mitzvah.

Cut very carefully along the lines so that you have seven separate pieces. Shuﬄe the pieces around and try to put them back together to form a square.

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Joke: Q: Why do we have a Hagaddah at Passover? A: So we can Seder right words.

Solve this tricky maths puzzle below:

29 MARCH 2018

YOUTH 45

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

News Bites VOLVO OCEAN RACE YACHTSMAN JOHN FISHER ‘LOST AT SEA’ A yachtsman who fell overboard during a round-the-world race in the Southern Ocean is now presumed to be lost at sea, organisers say. John Fisher, 47, from Southampton, fell from Team Sun Hung Kai’s Scallywag yacht 1,400 nautical miles west of Cape Horn at 13:42 GMT on Monday. Volvo Ocean Race organisers said: “This is heart-breaking for all of us. We are devastated and our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and teammates.” Other crew members are reported safe. The Scallywag team aboard the 65ft yacht conducted an exhaustive search for several hours but they were unable to recover their teammate. In January the team released footage of the rescue of crew member Alex Gough after he was washed overboard by a wave during a sail change Mr Fisher, who lived in Adelaide but competes for Great Britain, was on watch and wearing appropriate

survival gear when he fell overboard. He was taking part in the 45,000 nautical mile race around the world for the first time. The teams were on leg seven from Auckland, New Zealand, to Iajai, Brazil, when Mr Fisher went missing.

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.

MAN TRIES TO ORDER AT FAST FOOD RESTAURANT DRIVE-THRU WHILE ON HIS HORSE A man tried to use a drive-thru while on the back of his horse. The brazen customer attempted to order while mounted on his steed but staff at the fast food restaurant in Beccles, Suffolk, were having none of it. They ordered him to dismount before they were willing to serve him at around 1pm on Thursday. The customer really wanted a coffee so did not argue. Instead he trotted to the parking bay, got off

his horse and then tied it up. Jason Barrett, 43, watched the bizarre incident while he was queuing for his lunch. ‘I had to do a double take because you don’t see that every day,’ he said. ‘But I looked around and no one seemed to be bothered, I just thought people must be used to it.’

INCREDIBLE BIRD LAYS TWO TRIPLE YOLKERS IN ONE MONTH A chicken called Lucky has beaten odds of 25 million to one to lay two eggs with triple yolks in the space of a month. Lucky was rescued from a battery farm by Lauren Mayes and her son Toby in September last year. She was just one day old when they took her back to their home in Corpusty, Norfolk, and she quickly became a family pet. Earlier this month, Toby, who is in year three at Corpusty Primary School, was shocked to discover Lucky had laid an egg with a triple yolk. Now she’s amazed everyone by laying yet an-

other triple yolker. Lauren said: ‘You’re more than twice as likely to become a millionaire playing the National Lottery than to stumble across a triple yolk egg. ‘And now in the space of a couple of weeks Lucky has laid two, which apparently beat odds of 25 million to one.’ Young Toby, who currently has 15 chickens and a baby tortoise, is delighted at Lucky’s laying. Lauren added: ‘He loves wildlife and is always doing something involving animals.’

Dear Agony Uncle Joey, I love Pesach! For me, the most enjoyable part of Pesach has always been the Chol Hamoed trips. My family is really into nature and we always use this time of year to really explore and visit beautiful places in the Uk. However, I find the journeys in the car really difficult as it can be quite long and boring. Would you be able to give me a few tips to keep me more entertained which doesn’t involve an ipad or phone. Many Thanks, Shimi Hi Shimi, Long car rides can get pretty tedious, especially if you’re stuck in one spot for hours on end. But with a little creativity, you can make a long car ride into an entertaining adventure. Here’s a few pointers to help you get through it: 1. Wear something comfortable. You don’t want to be uncomfortable for the entire length of a long car trip. 2. Load up on music: Having a good selection of upbeat cd’s can make a huge difference.

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3. Take some reading material: It can be a novel you enjoy or educational material. A long car ride can be a perfect environment to learn a new skill, language, or subject. 4. Try daydreaming. Look out the window and use this time to make up an amazing adventure in your head. You can also think about your life and any goals you might have. Use this time to plan and think about what you will do to achieve these goals. 5. Look for unusual things on the road: Announce the things you see to your companions in the car or record them in a book. 6. Take pictures and videos of your ride. You can take pictures of the scenery or pictures of yourself and your companions. Record your trip and talk to the camera about how the trip is going. Collect these photos as memorabilia from your trip. You can even put them into a scrapbook or start scrapbooking in the car. 7. Play word games: Have a spelling bee or name all the countries of the world. You can have each person say one word to create a sentence or story. You might come up with some hilarious examples. 8. Get to know your companions: Speak to your siblings and parents get to know things you didn’t know about them and you might be surprised as to how much you didn’t know. Have a great Pesach and enjoy all the trips! Joey

46 YOUTH

29 MARCH 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

I hated my job as an origami teacher. Too much paperwork.

Q: How are coďŹ&#x20AC;ee beans like kids? A: They are always getting grounded. (Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

Q: What happens if you eat yeast and shoe polish? A: Every morning youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll rise and shine!

1. What kind of coat is always wet when you put it on?

It was an emotional wedding, even the cake was in tiers.

2. There is an ancient invention still used in some parts of the world today that allows people to see through walls. What is it? 3. What type of cheese is made backwards?

2. A window 1. A coat of paint.

3. Edam

1. Hunch Back 2. Good for nothing 3. Laminate 4. Bald eagle 5.Thrown in the towel 6.Second time around

Dingbats Answers THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

29 MARCH 2018

YOUTH 47

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

The Waves of War

PART 2

BY CHAYA SANDLER Recap: The kingdom of Kashmir is besieged and the Prince is lost along with most of the army. The king sends his daughter to safety to a neighbouring kingdom across the sea. Meanwhile a young pirate is determined to prove himself to the captain. The princess’s ship is attacked.

“Fire” The cannonballs whistled across the gap and smashed into the ship with a deafening sound. The ship rocked and swayed as it was blasted and bombarded, slowly being ripped to pieces. The ship began to sink. Yells and jeers accompanied the swinging pirates as they swung onto the wrecked ship. There as the flash of metal and the yells and cries of battle as the two sides fought fiercely. The captain grabbed the princess by her arm. “Quick! Come with me my lady.” The princess and the captain ducked and swerved as they made their way across deck. With a snarl a ragged pirate leaped onto the captain. The captain swung around and pulled out his sword. He struck out and the pirate leaned back. He pushed the princess on but whirled around, horrified as another marauder met her. But he collapsed quickly. The captain, confused, gazed around, until he saw the smoking pistol in her hand. “I can take care of myself dear captain.”

He nodded gravely and pulled her down behind a barrel. “Get to portside and slip into one of the lifeboats. Row swift and true until you reach a small rock jutting out of the water. There’s a cave just below the surface. Hide there tonight and may G-d save you in the morning, but at least you shall not be on this ship. Make haste!” The princess nodded bravely and the captain leapt up to fight with his men. ................. The boy was bored. He kicked the mast angrily. “They all get to fight and I’m stuck here!” The lizard blinked in response. The boy held out his hands and let the lizard scamper up his arms to rest in the crook of his neck. “I hate this. They don’t respect me..... it’s not my fault. It’s hard to beat someone twice your height in a fight. But if they just gave me a sword I’d... I’d.... oh who am I kidding?!” He sighed and stamped his foot. “Can you hear that? They’re all plundering and pillaging and I have to stay here. I don’t even want to watch the battle!” The lizard slid onto his lap and stared at him. “Fine... maybe a little.” The lizard blinked slowly. Not for dramatic effect, just because it was a lizard. And lizards tend to do that. But the boy didn’t have any friends so... “Alright, alight.” He got to his feet. “I’ll just take a quick peek.” The lizard clambered along the telescope. “Hey! Get off!! Ow! I can’t see, hey!” The boy swayed and lunged and almost fell over the side of the mast. He ended up in a rather ungainly position, hanging by his foot on the edge of

the mast. At least his hair wasn’t in his eyes. “Now I can’t see a thin- wait a minute. What’s that?” He raised the telescope to his eye once again and noticed a small rowboat slipping away unnoticed. There was one occupant. A decidedly female occupant. “Hamish!” The boy grasped the lizard and lowered it to his face. “Do you know what this means?! The special cargo from Kashmir- it’s the Princess! And no-one else has noticed. Ha, ha, this’ll make ‘em respect me. Let’s go get here.” The boys elation was rudely interrupted by reality as he realised he was hanging approximately 71 feet in the air. Or to put it more accurately - dangling. “Um...” he swung wildly as he reached for the rope tangled around his leg. He ended up loosening it. The boy fell. “Agghhh!” Fortunately he got tangled in the rigging. Eventually arriving on solid ground, he straightened his cap, jerked his shirt straight and put his foot heroically onto a nearby box. Which turned out to contain a crab. The crab apparently didn’t like having its sun blocked. So it bit him. The boy yelped. ............. The princess clambered onto the rock, panting heavily. She wasn’t used to exertion. She felt around the surface of the rock until she found a depression. A human sized depression. With a sigh, she squeezed through it. And gave out a distinctly unladylike yell

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as she tumbled into the cave below. Dark and foreboding, wet and damp. “Delightful.” She fumbled for a match in her pocked. They were soaking wet. Frustrated, she tossed them onto the ground. Then she raised he pistol and shot at the candle. Light. She found a blanket and pulled it over herself. It would be a long night. Noise She extinguished the candle. “I know she’s here Haimish. I saw her.” There was a scream. And a thump. Then a groan. Then another scream as the princess grabbed the intruder and raised her pistol to his head. “Tell your friend to stand down and I may let you live.” “What friend?” “I heard you conversing with your associate.” “Who - Haimish?” “Where is he?” “He’s not my associate.” “Oh really? A rose by any other name...” “Roses? What ya talking about lady?” “Oh, never mind. Uncivilized brute.” “I don’t know what that means but that better not be an insult!” “Or?” “Um.... good point.” The boy twisted an slipped out of her grasp. He drew his dagger and the Princess raised hers. TO BE CONTINUED

48 WOMEN

29 MARCH 2018

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

W oman of W orth ‫ֵֽא ׁ ֶשת ַֽחיִ ל ִמי יִ ְמ ָצא‬ and educational programmes as well as organising social events for sixth form and university students and young professionals. In 2011, Liat and Moshe along with their children moved from Golders Green to West Hampstead and are now based at the Aish centre there. The centre, which is also their family Rebbetzen Liat Mayerfeld home, is based on Hillfield Road Rebbetzen Liat Mayerfeld was and the couple run classes and born in New York, but moved to programmes during all hours of Israel when she was 11 years old the day. Liat particularly enjoys with her family. Whilst living teaching text based classes, in Israel, Liat spent more than which she feels allows for the two years working for the Israeli individual to gain their own military intelligence section, understanding and message which she feels helped to develop from the words, and opens up her love and appreciation for other areas of discussion and Israel. She holds qualifications learning. in teaching and degrees in Unsurprisingly, their home is Jewish studies and special a very busy environment with needs education from Machlala visitors and guests dropping by College for Women in Jerusalem. at all times, but their children When she first came to visit enjoy the hustle and bustle. One England with her husband of her children commented, “We Moshe in 1998, they were keen have all grown up in this kind of to work within the community, environment, and really enjoy and to help young Jewish meeting new people and sharing people who were not really our home and Shabbat table with involved in any aspects of their them. I think that the centre offers Judaism. “We saw that there a family atmosphere to those were not many programmes for who attend and it’s a great way non-affiliated young Jews and for them to learn and experience wanted to be involved in creating Judaism while feeling part of a infrastructure for young people community.” to connect with their Judaism on As well as teaching at the Aish different levels.” Liat and Moshe Centre, Liat holds group learning first spent two years working for sessions at people’s homes. She the JLE and then started working also holds a women’s class on for Aish, running various classes alternate Wednesday mornings

REBBETZEN LIAT MAYERFELD

at Great Portland Synagogue. As a busy working women herself, she recognises the pressures that face people in the modern society, but feels that factoring in some learning is beneficial for self-growth. She says: “In modern society life is a lot more pressured, and it is important to be able to develop a sense of self and understand what you want and believe for yourself. Being able to do that, and to get some clarity enables people to be more focussed when it comes to what they want in their career and in building relationships.” As a teacher and educator, Liat works with people from all different backgrounds, and Jewish levels, and she really enjoys the chance to help them grow and develop in their own way. As she explains: “Every person has to be seen as the unique individual that they are today. When I meet someone for the first time, there is no agenda or expectation, and I encourage them to do what they want at their own pace.” For many people that attend, they often have become removed from their Jewish identity and culture, and Liat recognises how regaining this connection can often empower them in other areas of their lives as well. She add. “It can often lead to them doing some great things not only for themselves, but for their community, and it is amazing to

watch, and be able to help make this happen.” Another area that she enjoys teaching are pre-marriage classes for brides. Along with her husband, she also runs couples classes for both the bride and groom to teach them about aspects of Jewish marriage. Having been married for almost 25 years herself, she knows how important it is to develop a strong foundation and she feels that these lessons give people the tools to create a successful and strong marriage. She adds: “Often people can get caught in the detail for the wedding day, but these classes help them to focus on the long term and realise that this is for the rest of their lives.” Liat is often invited along to the weddings of many of the couples that she teaches, and Moshe in his role as a Rabbi has oﬃciated at over 50 weddings in the past two years. As well as formal teaching, Liat is also involved in social action projects. Some of these she does with her husband and family, and others involve those within the local Jewish community. One of their family traditions, is to go into Central London on Christmas Day and bring food and hot drinks to working members of the emergency services, as well as the Queen’s guards at Buckingham Palace. Liat explains: “We feel a Jewish imperative to take the time to

show these people gratitude for the jobs that they do, and how we appreciate this. That time of year, it can be very busy, and often very cold, and I think that it is an important positive Jewish message to send out.” This winter, Liat along with some other Aish members, also collected duvets, blankets and food packages which they distributed to the many homeless around London. Their kindness was even mentioned in the Metro newspaper in their ‘Good Deed Feed’ piece which champions the acts of kindness by ordinary people. For Liat, helping others is key to everything she does, and she believes that making time for this is something that everyone can do, no matter how busy. She is always happy to help and advise individuals who want to get involved, but are often not sure where to start or how much time they can commit. If you would like to contact Liat about learning or getting involved in Aish Social Action projects, please contact her on lmayerfeld@aish.org.uk If you would like to nominate a ‘Woman Of Worth’ to be featured on this page then please email micaela@ thejewishweekly.com PHOTO CREDIT: BLAKE EZRA

TIPS AND TRICKS – PESACH PREP A TO Z (PART 3) Jewish Weekly aims to source the most genius, time saving and useful hacks for you every week, so watch this space!

Preparing for Pesach can be a bit of a headache, but with this A-Z list, hopefully this year will be hassle-free: Queues – Something you get used to during the Pesach shopping frenzy. Try to shop at less popular times to avoid them! Recipes – Save all your favourite recipes in a book for next year. Sugar – Don’t forget to stock up on this, for all the extra desserts and goodies you will be making for the Yomtov. Tables – If you are having a lot of people for meals it can be a bit of a tight squeeze. Plan ahead by maybe investing in or borrowing a small collapsible table. Umbrella –It might be raining this Pesach so make sure your umbrella is not locked away in the chometz room if you need it for your Chol HaMoed trips.

Visitors – Ensure you have lots of reading material for your guests to read whilst they wait for the other guests to arrive. Washing up – Don’t forget to get plenty of washing up liquid for all the extra dishes. X-ray vision – This would be a handy super power to have when it comes to Pesach cleaning as you could see every last bit of chametz! Yawn – To avoid falling asleep at the seder table try to have a little nap beforehand. Zeroah – Hebrew for Shank Bone, which represents the sacriﬁce of the Pascal lamb. Don’t forget to get one from your butcher before they run out!

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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50 FOOD

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

29 MARCH 2018 10 min Prep Time 30 min Cook Time 40 min Duration 6 Servings

joyofkosher.com Instead of just adapting your year-round recipes, use Pesach as an opportunity to try new things. A few years ago, quinoa burst onto the scene as both healthful and Kosher for Passover (according to some) and became a year-round, here-to-stay grain. This recipe is special enough for a Yomtov meal and hearty enough to serve on Chol Hamoed. If you make this for a dairy meal, try adding a ½ cup of whole milk when you stir in the spinach. It gives the dish a light, creamy ﬂavor.

INSTRUCTIONS • 2 tablespoon olive oil • 2 medium onions, chopped • 8 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces • 3 cloves garlic, chopped • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 cup quinoa • 6 cup vegetable broth • 2 cup baby spinach or frozen spinach defrosted and drained • 2 teaspoon kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • Matzo crackers for serving

PREPARATION 1.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion, carrots and garlic and sauté 8 to 10 minutes or until beginning to soften. Add paprika, cumin, coriander and ginger and cook 1 minute more. Add quinoa and broth and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until carrots are tender and quinoa is cooked. Stir in spinach and season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide soup between 6 bowls and serve with matzo crackers on the side.

CARROT, QUINOA & SPINACH SOUP

ME DITE RR ANE AN GRILLE D C HIC KE N AND GR APE SKE WE RS INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, fresh minced 1/2 tsp. crushed red chili ﬂakes 1 Tbsp. oregano, fresh minced 1 Tbsp. rosemary, fresh minced 1 tsp. lemon zest, 1/2 tsp. salt 1 lb. wt. chicken breast, boneless and skinless • 1 3/4 cups green seedless grapes, picked from stem and rinsed • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, fresh

PREPARATION 1. 2. 3. 4.

In small bowl combine olive oil, garlic, chili ﬂakes, oregano, rosemary and lemon zest. Whisk together marinade. Cut chicken into 3/4 inch cubes. Alternate chicken and grapes and thread onto 12 skewers. Place skewers into a baking dish or pan large enough to hold them. Pour marinade over skewers, coating each one. Marinate for 4-24 hours. Remove skewers from marinade and let excess oil drip oﬀ. Season with salt. Grill on barbecue until chicken is cooked through, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Arrange on serving platter and drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice. Note: 4 entree servings

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Wishing the Community a Kosher Pesach Maxi & Sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6th Generation London Caterers

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Europe’s Largest Kashrut Authority

Kashrut Division of the London Beth Din Rabbinical Certification Coordinator – Full-Time The KLBD Kosher certification department has expanded in recent years and we are happy to announce a new full-time position of Rabbinical Certification Coordinator. The role entails liaising 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 preferable have semicha that includes ‫הל 'מאכלי‬ ‫עכו''ם‬. As the role is office based, the applicant must hold strong computing skills and have substantial experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and databases. They must be fluent in English and 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: 16th of April 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

After last year’s success, Mizrachi UK & Kinloss invite you to join top scholars from Israel, for the most inspiring and uplifting event of 2018...

Sunday 29 April 2018, Kinloss Synagogue The full programme will run from 09:15-22:30*

Rav Reuven Taragin

Rabbanit Rachelle Fraenkel

Rav David Aaron

Rabbanit Shani Taragin

Dr Tova Ganzel

Rav Yehoshua Grunstein Straus-Amiel

Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi

World Zionist Organisation

Rav Alex Israel

Naomi Kahn

Rav David Milston

Rabbanit Pescha Fisher

Rav Doron Perez

Rabbi Andrew Shaw

Rabbi Joseph Dweck

Yeshivat Hakotel

Rav Menachem Leibtag Yeshivat Har Etzion

Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi

CEO Mizrachi UK

Yeshivat Orayta

Bar Ilan University

Regavim

Senior Rabbi of S&P

Matan

Midreshet Harova

Rav Yehuda Peles

Mizrachi Manchester

Rav Ari Kahn

Nishmat

Bar Ilan University

Rav David Ebner

Midreshet Amit

Rav Yechiel Wasserman

Mizrachi Olami

Eli Beer

United Hatzalah Israel

Rav Jesse Horn Yeshivat Hakotel

Rav Moshe Gold

Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi

Rav Eliyahu Silverman Rav Aharon & Rabbanit Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence Kinloss Synagogue Mizrachi Mechanech Shira Hirshkovitz Shaliach for Mizrachi UK and BAUK

£10 for one session or all (food available for purchase) To sign-up, please go to www.mizrachi.org.uk/events/doi18 On Shabbat 27/28 April, these educators will be speaking across 40 communities around the UK. *There will be morning, afternoon and evening sessions. For £10 everyone is welcome to come & go for keynote addresses or shiurim that they wish to attend.