The Jewish Weekly Issue 326 - 30th May

BY ADAM MOSES

Jewish organisations have welcomed Jeremy Corbyn’s expulsion from the Labour Party but are not behind a return to the Party for former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott.

Corbyn’s general election campaign as an Independent MP disgracefully includes an endorsement from Finsbury Park Mosque trustee and general secretary Mohammed Kozbar, who is also Muslim Association of Britain vice president.

Kozbar has praised Hamas’ terrorist founder Sheikh Yassin and has been pictured with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. He also infamously praised Yassin as ‘the master of the martyrs’ at a dinner with Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley in 2023. The news is sure to anger Jewish leaders.Keir Starmer, who has been meeting Jewish voters this week as

the general election bandwagon builds, told media outlets that Corbyn’s choice to stand as an Independent candidate at the general election on July 4 was for the former leader.

“We will have an excellent Labour candidate in Islington North, as we’ve got excellent Labour candidates across the country,” Starmer said.

Continued on page 4

IDF continue under immense international pressure

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel Defence Force ground troops are battling in central Rafah as a challenging operation continues to defeat Hamas almost eight months since the October 7 terror attack.

Israeli leaders were heavily criticised following an IAF targeted strike on Sunday night on a Hamas command centre in the Tel Sultan area which successfully targeted two senior Hamas officials, Chief of Staff Yassin Rabia and regional head Khaled Nagar. Both were released in the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange and were behind terrorist operations in Judea and Samaria.

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told reporters on Tuesday: “The strike was based on precise intelligence that indicated that these terrorists, who were responsible for orchestrating and executing terror attacks against Israelis, were meeting

inside this structure we targeted… Despite our efforts to minimise civilian casualties during the strike, the fire that broke out was unexpected and unintended.”

Hagari noted the strike was outside a humanitarian designated area and conducted using the “smallest munitions” IAF jets can use.

Israel is continuing an investigation into the incident, Hagari noted.

Israeli intelligence has reportedly intercepted a phone call of two Gazans confirming the IAF used a small missile due to the damage and secondary explosions occurred.

Mossad reportedly noted in a statement: ‘A Hamas ammunition depot in Rafah caused the deaths of the civilians. A satellite photo of the area (indicated) that there were Hamas rocket launchers near the area that was attacked… This is not the first case since the beginning of the war. This is part of the

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Hamas policy. First they lie for the benefit of the known narrative and then they deal with what is happening. Most of the time it works for them. That’s why they continue.’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mishap” and announced an investigation but refused to bow to international pressure until “every goal is achieved”.

The US, crucially in terms of military arms, has not classed the strike as a fullscale invasion of Rafah.

White House spokesman John Kirby told a press conference images of the aftermath were “heartbreaking” and “horrific” but there were “no policy changes” relating to Israel.

“We won’t support a major ground operation in Rafah,” he reportedly said. “The President said that, should that occur, then it might make him have to make different decisions in terms of support. We haven’t seen that happen at this point. We have not seen them go in with large units, large numbers of troops, in columns and formations in some sort of co-ordinated manoeuvre against multiple targets on the ground.”

Speaking in the Knesset, Netanyahu said, “In Rafah, we have evacuated about one million civilians. Tragically, despite our immense efforts to avoid harming non-combatants, an incident occurred yesterday. We are investigating it thoroughly and will learn from it, as is our policy and longstanding conduct. For us, any non-combatant hurt is a tragedy; for Hamas, it is a strategy. That is the core difference.”

World leaders and humanitarian groups for an immediate ceasefire.

The UN have ruled to stop the Rafah offensive whilst Spain, Ireland and Norway

officially recognised a Palestinian state despite condemnation from Israel this week.

UK Foreign Minister David Cameron described the strike as “very concerning, very worrying”, adding, that Israel had “accepted it was a “tragic mistake”.

Lord David Cameron called for a pause in fighting and for hostages to be released.

A US National Security Council spokesperson said: “Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians, but, as we’ve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.”

The IAF, meantime, struck over 75 targets in Gaza on Sunday, including a launch site in Jabaliya that has targeted Ashkelon throughout the war. Troops also continue to dismantle tunnels in central Gaza.

Hamas terrorists launched eight rockets from the Rafah area towards Tel Aviv, sirens were heard for the first time since January. Over 90 Hezbollah rockets were fired from Lebanon on northern Israel.

COGAT reported humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, 378 trucks were inspected and transferred through the Kerem Shalom and Erez West crossings.

Tensions between Israel and Egypt, however, have increased. Egypt opposes the IDF operation in Rafah over concern civilians will attempt to cross the border.

Netanyahu and the war cabinet are under intense pressure from hostage families.

The head of Mossad met with Qatari and US officials over the weekend with hopes of a return to talks although the positions of Israel and Hamas is a major hurdle to overcome.

Lord David Cameron seen with Bury North Convservative candidate Rabbi Arnold Saunders (C) David Eventall (L) and Mark Cunningham (R) at the FED in Heathlands Village

Continued from page 1

Corbyn was suspended by Starmer in October 2020 for his response to a damning report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission investigating antisemitism in the party.

Serious failings were found in how Corbyn’s office handled complaints of anti-Jewish abuse.

Corbyn, who led Labour from 2015 until his demise, failed to apologise for his handling of antisemitism in the party, stating that the scale of the problem was “dramatically overstated for political reasons” by opponents inside and outside the party and media.

Corbyn fought two elections of which the 2019 election, Labour suffered its worst election result since 1935.

Starmer has vowed to “tear antisemitism out of our party by the roots”.

“This election is about a choice, a choice of five more years of the chaos and division that we’ve seen over the last 14 years, or turning the page and rebuilding our country with Labour. That is what’s on the ballot paper, whether it’s in Islington North or anywhere else across the

country.”

A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said: “Good riddance. In the end, Corbyn has been thrown out of the Labour Party not for his role in staining UK politics with antisemitism, but for standing as a candidate against the Party. This day should have come much sooner, and it should have been brought about due to his racism rather than party political reasons, but at last it is done.

“Almost four years after the EHRC vindicated our complaint against Labour by finding the Party to have unlawfully discriminated against, harassed and victimised Jews, the man responsible for that horrendous period has finally been shown the door.”

CAA noted that Corbyn’s official departure from the party marks a new start for Labour that British Jews have long awaited

“The man who made the Jewish community feel so unwelcome in Labour has finally been told that he is unwelcome in the Party he once led,” a spokesperson observed.

Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Discrimination and Keith Rowe, National Jewish Assembly both welcomed the expulsion of Corbyn but said it was long overdue.

CAA were the first to call Labour institutionally antisemitic after the Chakrabarti whitewash, and in 2018, described Corbyn as an anti-Semite.

CAA referred Labour to the EHRC and became the complainant in the body’s statutory investigation into Labour over anti-Semitism.

Starmer welcomed the EHRC report. He observed at the time: “Antisemitism is an evil and any political party that cultivates it does not deserve power… It’s meant rebuilding trust, not just with the Jewish community but with all those who were rightly appalled by the culture of the party and the previous

leadership. When I became leader, I said I would turn Labour around and give it back to the British people and the most important and urgent part of that was tearing out antisemitism by its roots.”

Abbott was reinstated after intense media speculation but reportedly said she is banned from standing at the election.

Starmer has denied Abbot’s assertion and remains under pressure regarding Corbyn’s staunch ally. In interviews he said the matter would be resolved before an election deadline for candidates.

According to reports a deal was brokered for Abbott to get the Whip back but stand down.

Abbot was suspended over comments that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people were not subject to racism “all their lives” in April 2023. The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington received a formal warning and was required to complete an antisemitism awareness course.

Abbott, who sat as an independent MP, apologised following a furore over her comments, which she withdrew. Starmer condemned Abbott’s comments as antisemitic.

“AAD utterly condemns the restoration of the Labour Whip to her,” noted Metliss after Monday’s announcement. “The party and its leader have let the Jewish community down on the issue of antisemitism and will no doubt continue to do so. The promise by Deputy Leader Angela Rayner to recognise a Palestinian state should Labour get in to power is equally disturbing. Sadly, we understand the world of politics and how it operates. The Abbott decision is simply appalling and disturbing.”

“Abbott should not be reinstated for the general election given her extensive track-record of hostility towards Jewish constituents and Israel,” added Rowe. “Her views have consistently undermined the values of tolerance and respect that our community stands for.”

News in brief

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel Defence Force soldiers continue to pay the ultimate price as the war against Hamas approaches the eight-month landmark since the brutal October 7 atrocities.

Staff Sgt. Amir Galilov, 20, from Shimsheet, Staff Sgt. Uri Bar Or, 21, from Midreshet Ben-Gurion and Staff Sgt. Ido Appel, 21, from Tzofar, all of the 50th Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, were killed in a booby-trapped building in Rafah.

The IDF named the soldiers yesterday after informing families.

A 50th Battalion officer and two other soldiers were seriously wounded in the explosion. They were evacuated to a hospital. Families have been notified.

Since 10/7 the IDF death toll is 639, 290 in the ground offensive in Gaza.

Earlier Wednesday, a soldier from the Multidimensional Unit was seriously injured in the northern Gaza Strip.

On Tuesday, two members of the 614th Battalion of the Combat Engineering School and a member of Yahalom Special Forces Unit of the Combat Engineering Corps were seriously injured in the same area.

Last Sunday, Staff Sergeant Betzalel Zvi Kovach, 20, of the Kfir Brigade, from Jerusalem, and Staff Sergeant Sahar Sudaei, 20, of the Givati Brigade’s 435th Battalion, from Tel Aviv, were killed in battle.

AAD slams FIFA over possible Israel suspension

BY ADAM MOSES

Action Against Discrimination has condemned the Palestine Football Association calling for FIFA to suspend Israel after the IDF response to the October 7 terror attacks.

FIFA has postponed a decision until July. President Gianni Infantino said

the governing body needed to consult external legal opinions first.

The furore follows the PFA accusing Israel of war crimes at an annual congress in Bangkok. The proposal was backed by Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Yemen.

“Football should not and should never become a hostage for politics and always remain a vector for peace, a source of

hope, a force of good, uniting people rather than dividing,” he reportedly said.

“This legal assessment will have to allow for inputs and claims of both member associations. The results of this analysis and the recommendations which will follow from this analysis will subsequently be forwarded to the Fifa council.”

Jonathan Metliss, AAD chairman, said:

“Israel and its clubs participate in all major world and European football competitions and Israeli players play in major leagues throughout Europe. Paradoxically, the Israeli national football team regularly selects a number of Arab players. This is yet another example of the proposed intimidation of the State of Israel on the world sporting stage which will be vehemently contested and hopefully will prove to be unsuccessful and fail.

“There is also a possible move from FIFA to force the Israeli FA to ban settler clubs from the West

Bank from playing in Israeli leagues, which will doubtlessly be unsuccessful.”

Shino Moshe Zuares, Israel FA President, reportedly said: “We are facing a cynical political and hostile attempt by the Palestinian association to harm Israeli football. Seven months after the terrible day, when football matches cannot be played in large parts of Israel, north and south, and over 130 Israelis are still being held in Gaza, it is injustice that even in these circumstances we find ourselves fighting for our basic right to be part of the game.”

An Israel FA spokesman reportedly added: “The cynical attempt by the PFA will find a determined IFA and enough fair colleagues, even at this complex time, to prevent unjustified proceedings against us. We are fully confident that any legal assessment by Fifa of both sides will find the IFA, as always, operating according to all the roles of the organisation, something that the PFA will have great difficulties proving otherwise.”

FIFA President Gianna Infantino and Israeli Football Association (IFA) President Shino Moshe Zuares

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Dancing Through Tears

October 7th was Simchat Torah in Israel. Over 1,200 people were murdered and hundreds more were taken hostage. The Jewish people suffered our most horrific day since the Holocaust. Since that dreadful day, approximately 400 more have lost their lives on the battlefield and in captivity.

Next October will be the first Simchat Torah since the horrific events of October

7th.

Simchat Torah is a day of joy, festivity, and hakafot –we dance and celebrate. But Simchat Torah 5785 will also mark the first yahrzeit of the victims of October 7th. How do we, the Jewish people, respond? Will we dance? Should we dance? How do we commemorate this poignant and difficult anniversary?

King Solomon offers us guidance in Kohelet, which we will read on Sukkot: “There is a time for everything under the Heavens… a time to mourn and a time to dance.” This Simchat Torah, with tears in our eyes, we will dance.

"Join the Simchat Torah Project as 1,600 communities around the world join to dance with Sifrei Torah bearing the name of one of the victims.

1,600 communities corresponding to the more than 1,600 souls who we have lost, including the many soldiers and hostages who have since died al kiddush Hashem.

On Simchat Torah night when we take out the Torah scrolls, one Sefer Torah will be adorned with a new me’il (Torah cover), designed to mark the first yahrzeit of October 7th. This me’il will be identical to those in 1,600 synagogues across the world.

Communities from Argentina to Australia will dance with these Torah scrolls connecting tens of thousands through this project."

Your community registers on the website to join the project.

A unique me’il will be made for your community, bearing the name of one of the kedoshim who were murdered on October 7th.

ceremony, broadcast worldwide, from the Kotel where the 1,600 me’ilim

City of David findings

BY HARRY SIMONS

A new study by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University and Weizmann Institute of Science has discovered new archaeological findings in the City of David.

Research over a decade in excavations of the City of David National Park has dated structures and walls built in Jerusalem during the First Temple period and areas during the reigns of the Kings of Judah. Over 100 radiocarbon dates were taken from grape seeds, date pits and bat skeletons. The research indicates widespread settlement in Jerusalem during this period.

Prof. Yuval Gadot,Tel Aviv University, said: “Until now, most researchers have linked Jerusalem’s growth to the west, to the period of King Hezekiah, just over 2700 years ago. The conventional assumption to date has been that the city expanded due to the arrival of refugees from the Kingdom of Israel in the north, following the Assyrian exile. However, new findings strengthen the view that Jerusalem grew in size and spread towards Mount Zion already in the 9th century BCE, during the reign of King Jehoash, 100 years before the Assyrian exile. The expansion of Jerusalem is a result of internal-Judean demographic growth and establishment of political and economic systems.”

The wall of Jerusalem in excavation

areas on the eastern slopes of the City of David is older than anticipated.

Dr. Joe Uziel, Israel Antiquities Authority, noted: “For decades, it was assumed that this wall was built by Hezekiah, King of Judah, but it is now becoming clear that it dates back to the days of King Uzziah, as hinted at in the Bible. After the construction of the wall and until the Babylonian destruction, the city continued to grow and prosper.”

This article joins a series of features about Jerusalem for the first 4000 years of its existence. A more accurate picture of Jerusalem during the kingdom of Judah and periods preceding is emerging.

Meantime, a 2,300 years old gold ring set with a precious stone dating from the early Hellenistic period was found in in the City of David National Park. The find will be exhibited at the Jerusalem Mysteries conference hosted by the IAA on Jerusalem Day.

Tehiya Gangate, of the excavation team, discovered the precious item.

Dr. Yiftah Shalev, IAA, stated, “The ring is very small. Stylistically it reflects the common fashion of

the Persian and Early Hellenistic periods, dating from the late 4th to early 3rd century BCE and onwards. In that period people began to prefer gold with set stones rather than decorated gold.”

Professor Yuval Gadot of Tel Aviv University noted: “The aggregate of revealed structures now constitutes an entire neighbourhood. They attest to both domestic and public buildings, and that the

city extended from the hilltop westward. The character of the buildings, the gold finds and other discoveries display the city’s healthy economy and even its elite status.”

Gold jewellry was well-known in the Hellenistic world from Alexander the Great’s reign onward. Jewelry decorations were drawn from mythological figures or significant symbolic events.

Prof. Yuval Gadot and Dr. Joe Uziel (City of David Foundation)

The Jewish Community Demands Answers for the Upcoming General Election

BY STEVE WINSTON

As the general election looms, it is imperative that the Jewish community in the UK engages in a sober and informed discussion about the policies and platforms of each party. This is not merely an exercise in civic duty; it is a crucial step in ensuring that our community’s interests are adequately represented and protected. Given the diverse political persuasions within our community, a thorough examination of the candidates and their positions is essential. The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) is stepping up to facilitate this process by planning a candidates forum in the coming weeks where election hopefuls can present their views and engage directly with our community. This event is designed not only to inform but also to provide a platform for our concerns to be heard. It is an opportunity for us to take a sense check of where the candidates stand on issues critical to the Jewish community. Recent statements from Labour, for instance, have raised significant concerns.

The party has indicated its willingness to comply with potential International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli leaders such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has signalled Labour’s intent to arrest the Israeli leaders, regardless of whether it risks undermining Israel’s right to self-defence and the obvious severe diplomatic repercussions.

Moreover, Labour’s position on recognising a Palestinian state is another point of contention. Opposition leader Keir Starmer has expressed a desire to recognise a Palestinian state if Labour wins power. However, unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state at this juncture does nothing to advance peace. Instead, it rewards terrorists who commit heinous acts of murder, rape, and other atrocities against civilians. Recognising a state without a functioning unified government, without a citizenry, and without clear territorial boundaries is not just premature; it epitomises tokenism. Such a move would send a dangerous message: that the international community is willing to legitimise entities that do not meet the basic criteria of statehood simply for the sake of political expediency. This is a nebulous and shameful idea that

does nothing to promote genuine peace and stability in the region.

The Green Party’s extreme anti-Israel bias also requires serious scrutiny. The Greens have repeatedly called for an end to all arms sales to Israel and for scaling up actions against the Israeli government. A Green candidate in Bristol allegedly shared a video justifying the October 7 massacres by Hamas and describing Israel as “a cancer that should be eradicated.” Then there’s recently-elected Leeds counsellor Mothin Ali, who exclaimed ““We will not be silenced. We will raise the voice of Gaza. We will raise the voice of Palestine. Allahu Akbar!” after winning a council seat. Similarly, we must address the Conservative Party’s inconsistent messaging on the Israel-Hamas conflict. David Cameron’s flirtations with recognising a Palestinian state, the lip-service given to radicals advocating for an arms embargo on Israel, and the government’s reluctance to crack down on pro-Palestine marches demonstrate a troubling inconsistency.

The Jewish community must take a good hard look at the candidates and understand their positions on issues that affect us. This is not a time for complacency or for taking party loyalty for granted. The

stakes are too high, and the implications for our community too profound. The NJA’s candidates forum will be an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from those who seek our votes. We must ask pointed questions about their stances on antisemitism, their support for Israel, and their views on critical issues such as security, education, and social cohesion. This forum is our chance to demand clear answers and hold candidates accountable. In the past, political parties have made commitments that did not always translate into action. As a community, we must be vigilant and discerning. We need to ensure that our voices are heard and that our concerns are addressed. This election is an opportunity to shape the future of our community and to ensure that we are represented by leaders who genuinely understand and support our needs. As we approach the general election, let us remain committed to a thoughtful and thorough examination of the issues and candidates. Our future, and the future of the Jewish community in the UK, depends on it.

Steve Winston is the Managing Director of the National Jewish Assembly

OPINION PIECE

Shenley United Synagogue appoint new Rabbinic Couple

Shenley United Synagogue is delighted to announce that Rabbi Dovi Lebrett and Rebbetzen Mimi Lebrett have been appointed as their new Rabbinic Couple. Rabbi and Rebbetzen Lebrett are expected to start their new roles in September. They will be joining the Shenley community along with their daughter Racheli and their son Yaakov.

Rabbi Dovi is from North West London and is currently working and studying in Israel. He has a Mathematics and Economics degree with honours, and received a scholarship to complete Semicha as a Mizrachi UK fellow.

He is completing a Masters in Jewish Philosophy, and is a grade 8 pianist, avid cricketer and Barnet FC fan. With an extensive background leading services within the United Synagogue and as a scholar in residence in various communities, Dovi brings a wealth of experience to the Rabbinic role.

Rebbetzen Mimi has also completed a degree in Mathematics and Finance (Hons) and currently works as an accountant. She has a passion for leading collaborative learning groups, baking and spending time in nature.

Rabbi and Rebbetzen Lebrett said: “We are grateful for the warm welcome extended to our

family this past Shabbat. We were deeply touched by the friendship and generosity shown by everybody who made a special effort to join us. We are very excited to get to know the entire community in the near future and we are grateful for the vote of confidence in the vision we have to take this wonderful community to its next stages of development.”

Steven Gurevitz, Chair of Shenley United Synagogue, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Lebretts to Shenley. The community was enthused by Rabbi Lebrett during his trial weekend, and we look forward to working with him and his wife Mimi in the coming months and years to further develop and enrich Jewish life in the village of Shenley.”

Chai Cancer Care – ‘A model of Community-based support’

Last Wednesday, Chai Cancer Care was described as “a model of community-based support” for those in our community impacted by a cancer diagnosis. 24 MPs from five political parties attended a Chai drop-in session at the Houses of Parliament, organised by the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) and hosted by Nicola Richards, the Conservative MP for West Bromwich East.

Chai Chairman, Louise Hager, said: “For us, it was an opportunity to highlight the breadth and range of our services and demonstrate best practice. It was so encouraging that Nicola Richards described Chai as a ‘blueprint for cancer care’, confirming our reputation as a leader and innovator in this field.”

Coinciding with the day that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the general election, Louise described the popularity of the drop-in, as “testament to what we do. For the Jewish community to be able to showcase our work to the wider community is part of our remit. The MPs were interested to hear about our work with organisations such as Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and that we would be very happy to share our expertise with any existing cancer support organisations in their constituencies, or with people who were planning on starting one.”

Posting on X/Twitter afterwards, Nicola Richards MP wrote: “Great to host @ ChaiCancerCare with @JLC_UK in Parliament today for colleagues cross party to hear about the wonderful work they do, supporting the Jewish Community with cancer services and palliative care across the country. They have developed a blueprint for how best to support everyone affected, including family members.”

Russell Langer, director of public affairs at the JLC, said: “We are pleased to amplify and magnify the work of our members by arranging regular drop-ins in Parliament. We thank the 24 MPs from five parties who were able to come and meet the Chai team, especially on such a dramatic day in Westminster.”

Chai is currently supporting just over 4,300 cancer patients and their loved ones, aged 3 to 98, from 11 centres across the UK.

(L-R) Nicola Richards MP, Chai Chairman Louise Hager, Chai CEO Lisa Steele, Richard Holden MP, JLC Regional Manager Marc Levy

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Over 200 YPs celebrate Lag B’omer with Aish UK

Despite a last-minute venue change due to inclement weather, Aish UK’s Young Professionals (YP) community gathered in full force for a spectacular Lag Ba’omer celebration on Sunday evening. Originally planned to be held in a private garden, the event was seamlessly relocated indoors to Mountcliff House the new Jewish Futures hub in Hendon, where more than 200 YPs came together for a great evening. The vibrant energy and unity of the Aish young professional community was palpable.

Rabbi Cookie Cohen, Aish UK’s YP Educator, shared his thoughts on the event: “Lag Ba’omer is such a powerful day, honouring

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the greatest educators of all time who created accessible pathways to Jewish spirituality. It was incredible to welcome so many young professionals to our Lag Ba’omer party and to have a great time together.”

United Hatzalah of Israel Dinner

British Friends of United Hatzalah of Israel held its annual dinner at the Nobu Hotel in London, on 20th May, bringing together 320 distinguished attendees in support of the lifesaving efforts of the Israeli Emergency Medical Service organisation’s volunteers. The event was highly successful, raising £1.9 million for the charity’s essential work.

United Hatzalah of Israel is a pillar of Israel’s civil society. Last year their volunteers treated over 750,000 people, an increase on the previous year, not just because of the ongoing war. This year they remain on high alert for the potential escalation of hostilities in both the North and the South of Israel. As a result, United Hatzalah are now allocating a large amount of resources to train more volunteer medics (in addition to the current 7,000) as well as to build up their medical supplies for emergency use. At the event, guests were privileged to hear from the esteemed speakers that included the former head of Mossad Yossi Cohen, Ambassador Mark Regev and actress and antisemitism campaigner Tracy-Ann Oberman about the

challenges the state of Israel is facing. They also heard how the resilience of the nation, its mutual commitment and spirit will see it victorious. “The road is probably long but the will is strong and with your support we draw strength and encouragement to continue”.

President and Founder of United Hatzalah, Eli Beer, addressed the audience and emphasised the dedication and selfless contributions that the volunteer medics are giving of themselves each day to help save lives in Israel.

Neil Blair, Chairman of British Friends of United Hatzalah commented - we are deeply grateful for the incredible partnership that has formed between United Hatzalah of Israel and this remarkable community here in the UK.

MDA Ambulance Visits Local Jewish Schools

The visit of the Magen David Adom ambulance to Yavneh Primary, Yavneh Secondary, and Clore Shalom schools served as a poignant celebration of Yom Haatzmaut. It provided a unique opportunity for the young students to deepen their understanding of Magen David Adom’s vital role in Israel and its significance in saving lives. Witnessing the “inner workings” of an ambulance likely sparked curiosity and inspired admiration for the courageous work of paramedics and emergency responders. Such experiential learning fosters a sense of connection to Israel’s

KisharonLangdon fun

Kisharon Langdon celebrated Lag B’Omer with a BBQ including toasting marshmallows. People Kisharon Langdon support talked about the significance of bonfires, barbecues and the joyous nature of this special day.

Sara Levin, Kisharon Langdon Jewish Living Manager shared: “One of my favourite parts of the Lag B’Omer BBQ was that the people we support were not just attendees but actively

humanitarian efforts and reinforces the importance of community service and emergency preparedness.

participated in the preparation, cooking, and speeches at the event”.

LSJS Fellowship Shabbaton

The LSJS Rabbi Sacks Learning Fellows enjoyed a Shabbaton at South Hampstead Synagogue.

This year’s cohort of 17 young professionals came from across the UK, Helsinki and Israel.

The one-year programme navigates contemporary modern living through an honest engagement with Jewish thought, teachings and wisdom.

During the Shabbaton, fellows spoke about the projects that they have undertaken.

“We really bonded as a group and were made to feel so welcome by our host families and the wider community”, said David Schogger. “The shiurim and discussions were fascinating and thought provoking.”

Highlights included a conversation

between Joanne Greenaway, Chief Executive of LSJS and Rabbi Sacks’ daughter, Gila Sacks, about Rabbi Sacks as a scholar, leader and father.

“The weekend was a great opportunity for meaningful discussions whilst enjoying the Shabbat atmosphere,” said Michael Rainsbury, LSJS Head of Adult Education.

Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, LSJS’ Dean and the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought spoke over Shabbat on ‘The Halachic Origins of Israeli Democracy’.

“It was such a privilege to spend Shabbat with such a passionate group of young professionals, and to see just how dedicated they are to Jewish learning and the future of our community, said Greenaway.

L-R Neil Blair, Mark Regev, Assaf Admoni PHOTO: BLAKE EZRA PHOTOGRAPHY

The Jewish Family Centre hosted its first ladies luncheon at The Sorting Office ahead of their campaign to raise £500,000 to sustain the centre. Photographed are Natascha Lieberman with Miriam Coleman, Sandy Weinbaum and Nikki Glantz

Avi (MDA supporter) and Avi The Ambulance (book)

Jess and Shammai enjoying a BBQ at Kisharon Langdon

Beyond the headlines A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read in the news

BY SIVAN RAHAV MEIR - TRANSLATED BY YEHOSHUA SISKIN, JANINE MULLER SHERR

A mother in Israel can teach the truth to the entire Western world.

Last week, I paid a shiva call to the Buskila family in Kiryat Gat. After eight months of uncertainty, former hostage Amit Buskila was finally laid to rest. On my way there, I heard on the radio that the international court in the Hague was seeking to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu for war crimes, that the European Union had expressed its condolences for the death of the Iranian president, and that the UN had marked his death with a moment of silence. It is, indeed, a topsy-turvy world.

But Ilana Buskila, Amit’s mother, isn’t confused at all. That is what she told me:

“Every day of life is a precious gift. I was privileged to have a gift, my Amit, for 28 years. She was an innocent girl who was murdered by Amalek. I believe that Amit was protecting us, protecting me. The terrorists would have reached Kiryat Gat if they hadn’t been delayed for so long at the Nova music festival.

“Amit was murdered just because she was a Jew. Any Jew who was there would have been murdered. A rabbi explained to me today that she has risen to the highest level of heaven, as a martyr of the Jewish people. Her last words on the phone with her uncle were: ‘Shema Yisrael.’ That was her last will and testament.

bat Ilana, and people will continue to do good deeds in her memory.

“We consider it a great chesed that her body was recovered and returned to us, and are deeply grateful to all the people involved in this operation.

“Immediately after Simchat Torah, Amit’s friend went back to the area where the festival took place to look for her. She didn’t find Amit but, to her horror, she witnessed the atrocities that were perpetrated there. She filmed what she saw and her documentation contributed to the New York Times’ investigation into the violence that occurred during the attack.

“The only moral thing to do now is to erase this evil from the face of the earth. They are absolute evil, and my daughter was all light, pure gold”.

thousand international jurists and foreign diplomats will never achieve Ilana’s moral clarity and pure faith. In the end, this truth will prevail.

REMEMBER: THERE IS EVIL IN THE WORLD

Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l did not live to see the video released last week by Hamas showing the kidnapping of five female soldiers from the Nahal Oz base. He did not watch the UN observe a moment of silence in memory of the president of Iran. Nor did he witness the International Court of Justice in the Hague seeking the arrest of both Israel’s elected officials and Hamas leader Sinwar for war crimes.

“For eight months, we didn’t know that these were her last words; we thought she was still alive. We had an additional eight months of strength, of prayer, of unity, of speaking about her to the entire the world. There was nothing we didn’t do on her behalf. People transformed their entire lives for the sake of Amit Esther

“We thought that collective evil was as extinct as the Amalekites. Evil was then, not now. Then came two World Wars and the Holocaust, the worst crime of man against man. Today, the great danger is terror.

“Evil never dies. We are commanded to remember, not for the sake of the past but for the sake of the future; and not for revenge but the opposite: a world free of revenge and other forms of violence.

“A society of rational actors can sometimes believe that the world is full of rational actors with whom one can negotiate peace. It is not always the case!

“Rarely was a biblical message so relevant to the future of the West and of freedom itself. Freedom depends on our ability to remember and, whenever necessary, confront the face of Amalek throughout history. Sometimes there may be no alternative but to fight evil and defeat it.”

THOUGHTS ON THE UPCOMINGWEDDING SEASON

However, many years ago, he eloquently addressed the necessity of recognizing human evil and confronting it directly.

“We in the West have forgotten the concept of an enemy,” he wrote.

“We believe that for every problem there is a solution, for every conflict there is a resolution. In the real world, however, not everyone is a liberal democrat. An enemy is ‘someone willing to die in order to kill you.’

“This explains the significance of an unusual command in the Torah: ‘Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt… You shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!’

Bat-Chen Weil, a pre-marital counselor for brides, wrote me the following message on Lag B’Omer, the day that the summer wedding season officially begins:

“I cannot help but get excited whenever a bride-to-be comes to me for guidance. With sparkling eyes and a fluttering heart, she is making the triumphant statement of every engaged couple: ‘There is love in the world. There is consolation and there is hope. We believe in life, in marriage, in children, in commitment, in the future.’

are also creating new life. Mazal tov.”

‘HOLY

STICKERS’ AROUND THE WORLD

Week ago, I wrote about the “holy stickers” that can be found all over Israel, featuring statements from those who lost their lives since Oct. 7 next to their photo. Today I received a message from some-

“With the breaking of the glass under the chuppah, we recall everything that is broken in our world — the victims of terror and war, the wounded, the hostages, the evacuees. Our heart is with all of them. But our Sages say that whoever makes a bride and groom rejoice is considered as if they have rebuilt one of the ruins of Jerusalem. These days, perhaps we can say that each couple is contributing to the rebuilding of the ruins of Be’eri, Nahal Oz, or one of the other devastated communities that will be built anew.

“Most of us will be invited to weddings in the coming days. In my view, it is important to attend these celebrations with a feeling that despite our enormous pain over the loss of life since October 7th, we

one who was moved to see these stickers as well as posters of the hostages on the wall surrounding the ancient Jewish cemetery in Prague. “Unlike elsewhere in Europe, here no one is taking them down; to the contrary, the Czech Replublic supports Israel and is not afraid to show it publicly,” she wrote.

THE REAL NEWS

The attached photo shows thousands of French Jews crowding the recent Aliyah fairs held last week in Paris, Marseilles and Lyon. Some 1,500 people registered for the events, but in the end almost 3,000 showed up! Students, young couples and families are uprooting themselves from all that is familiar and putting the process in motion to settle in Israel. Which just goes to show you that the daily headlines often conceal the deeper, more significant news. Welcome to our dear brothers and sisters from France!

ASK THE RABBI

Looking

ISRAEL REALITY CHECK

Dear Rabbi

I know you’ve commented a lot about Israel lately and I, like many readers, have drawn much encouragement from your words. Your article last week, “free Palestine,” was brilliant. I’ve been asked by my university to present a concise perspective to explain Israel’s position in the current conflict. I could decline but I am going to go out on a limb and ask you for some perspective which I could present.

Clive

Dear Clive

There is a clear and coordinated effort aimed at undermining the world’s only Jewish state. Israel is currently in a fight for survival, surrounded by an enemy unified in their ideological goal to destroy it.

A small group of highly focused international extremists from Right to Left united in their anti-Semitic views, have a basic strategy: delegitimise Israel’s very existence while stirring up fabricated outrage among uninformed masses

worldwide to make it difficult for Israel to defend itself.

Despite the display of various terrorist flags on Western campuses, those enemies surrounding Israel are far from being allies. The Iranian regime is one of the closest examples of a fascist dictatorship today. Consider whether you would prefer being gay, a single mother, a teenage girl, a Christian, or a socialist in democratic, pluralistic Israel, or in any of the surrounding countries.

There are over 150 Christian countries and more than 50 Muslim ones, most of which were established by actual colonial powers drawing arbitrary lines on maps of other people’s lands. Many of these countries were formed far more recently than the world’s only Jewish state, which was established by a United Nations vote in 1948. Why is there a call to dismantle only one country? Why just Israel? It’s suspicious, especially when you recognise the decades-long campaign against it.

Jews make up less than 1% of the global population, yet they are disproportionately targeted, blamed for various issues, and persecuted for one reason or another. Fortunately, they now have their own

small country in their ancestral homeland, allowing them to rely on themselves for safety. They possess the strength, unity, and determination to defend themselves in a challenging region.

The most stable Arab nations understand this reality- Jordan, Morocco, the UAE, Saudi Arabia - which is precisely why they rarely criticise Israel. They are aware of the tunnels, the weapons, the theft of international aid, and the abuse of Palestinians by Iran-backed Hamas. They know what actions Israel needs to take.

Perhaps Israel attracts so much attention because Jews have steadfastly resisted subjugation. They understand the consequences of being a minority in their own land. Israel represents the most significant story of decolonisation ever told. Now is the time to acknowledge and celebrate this truth loudly and proudly.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

Dear Rabbi

I am really struggling lately in life. Things were going good for me for a while but now I seem to have hit a brick wall. Sometimes I feel like just giving up rather than putting up with the struggle. Is there something I can do to overcome this overwhelming feeling of despair?

Pauline

Dear Pauline

I am sorry you’re going through whatever it is and I do hope you turn a corner soon. You haven’t specified what the particular issue is but I would urge you to consider the following. In Ethics of the Fathers we are told to be “light like an eagle.” There any many explanations to that but here’s a thought to consider: Eagles can live up to seventy years. This is because they are mentally strong. After forty years every eagle has to make a difficult decision. Its claws are no longer sharp enough to hunt. Its beak becomes

bent and blunt and its feathers become thick. The eagle has two options: Either it dies or it goes through a painful change. This painful change is that eagle must go to the mountain and hit its beak on a rock for 150 days until it falls out. When the old beak falls out a new beak grows in. With the new beak the eagle pulls out its claws. When the caws fall out the new ones grow in. the eagle also plucks out its feathers. This painful journey takes another 150 days but after doing this the eagle gets a new life.

True growth often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and endure discomfort. Personal growth is an ongoing process. Like the eagle’s repeated renewal, we must continually assess and adapt to changes in our lives to maintain our well-being and effectiveness. While the eagle’s journey is solitary, humans benefit greatly from support systems. Friends, family, mentors, and professional help can provide the encouragement and guidance needed during challenging times of transformation. The outcome of enduring pain and making difficult choices is a new beginning. It’s about emerging stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to handle future challenges, much like the renewed eagle. Sometimes we have to get rid of our old selves in order for a new and better version to emerge.

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Due to the current Headteacher retiring, the Governors and Trustees now seek an exceptional leader to join as the Headteacher of the Girls’ School to make a crucial contribution to its continued success.

The brochure for the Headteacher role outlines the job description and person specification for this role, as well as the Headteachers’ standards and can be found on our website https://hasmoneanmat.org.uk/vacancies/

For a confidential discussion regarding this post, to request an application pack or to arrange a visit, please call Tim Field on 07841364610.

To apply you are required to complete a school application form. To request an application pack, please email hasmonean@hays.com

Hays is our search partner and supports our recruitment.

Key dates:

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Renewal vs Change Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

BY RABBI SHALOM ROSNER

If you follow My statutes and observe My commandments and perform them. (Vayikra 26:3)

Much ink has been spilled explaining this pasuk. The Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh has 42 different interpretations of this pasuk. We will highlight an important and relevant lesson derived from this pasuk by the Menachem Tzion, Rav Menachem Sacks, the son-in law of Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank.

In every generation there are movements among even observant Jews to “modernize” Judaism in an unhealthy way. Such individuals desire to maintain the “logical” principles of the Torah and they claim that in order to preserve our religion in a modern society, we should relinquish the irrational mitzvot, known as “chukim.” In an advanced society, we need to adapt our religion to the times. The Gemara (Shabbat 31b) states that when a person passes away, one of the questions that Hashem will ask of them is: “Kavata itim laTorah? Did you set aside time to study Torah?” But we have, on occasion, suggested another interpretation. “Did you adjust the times – the norms and influences of the day – to the

precepts of the Torah rather than trying to adjust the Torah to fit with the times? (the latter would reflect: kavata Torah la’itim). The influence should be from within the Torah environment to the outside world and not the opposite. Some people try to adapt the Torah to modern times. They suggest that we be “open-minded” about contemporary norms and values. We say that, on the contrary, we need to open our minds to accept the Torah and adapt our lives to it.

History testifies that once change is instituted at the “chukim” level, it eventually leads to the demise of the observance of rational mitzvot as well. Trying to modernize the Torah leads

one down a slippery slope. Torat Hashem temima meshivat nafesh – only when Torah is complete does it restore the soul. Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik distinguished between a “mechadesh” (renewal) and a “mesahane” (change). It is important to constantly evaluate how to perform mitzvot properly in different situations. During the COVID period gedolei hador were challenged with many new halachic questions that arose and many treatises were written to address those issues. As Chazal tell us “ein bet midrash b’li chidush.” However, to be “mesahane” – change

Parashat Bechukotai

1STALIYA(KOHEN)– VAYIKRA26:3-5

G-d promises that if we keep His laws, then He will provide rain, the Land will give plenty of produce and we will not suffer any physical threat from enemies.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 26:6-9

More blessings are promised if we follow G-d’s will. Wild beasts will withdraw from the Land and our enemies “will fall before us”. G-d will make us fruitful and multiply our numbers.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 26:10-46

This aliya opens with further blessings if we choose the right path – a huge abundance of crops and a tangible sense of G-d’s presence amongst us: “I will walk among you, I will be G-d unto you and you will be a people unto Me”. However, it then continues with the tochacha, the Passage of Retribution, which is recited in an undertone by the person reading from the Torah. If we do not listen to G-d and do not observe the mitzvot, the consequences will be grave. Five stages of punishments are listed. These include: being captured by enemies, the Land being unproductive, livestock being destroyed, famine, hunger and being chased from the Land but finding no comfort on foreign soils. Eventually, however, G-d will remember His covenant with the forefathers. He will never fully reject Israel.

Point to Consider: With which transgression does Rashi associate the onset of the retribution? (26:14)

4TH ALIYA

One is able to make a vow pledging to give one’s monetary value, or the monetary value of someone else, to the Temple. These gifts are referred to as erechin (‘valuations’). The amount is based on a list of fixed values depending upon age and gender. After designating an animal to be brought as an offering, one is not allowed to try to switch its status to another animal.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI)

– 27:16-21

The Torah details how to ‘redeem’ a house or field, as first discussed in the 3rd and 4th aliyot. This includes calculating the amount of time left until the Jubilee year (Yovel) at the point of redemption.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) –

27:22-28

A firstborn animal is dedicated from birth to be a Temple offering. If a person dedicated a non-kosher animal to the Temple, he must redeem it and bring its monetary value instead, after adding a

halacha to adapt to modern times is prohibited.

The Menachem Tzion interprets our pasuk as follows. If you follow my statutes (“im b’chukotai telechu”), only if you keep the mitzvot, the chukim that may be difficult to comprehend, only then will you continue to observe the rational mitzvot. Once chukim are ignored, other mitzvot are later disregarded as well.

During this period between Pesach and Shavuot as we prepare for our celebration of Matan Torah, may we strengthen our learning and observance of Torah and mitzvot, both chukim and mishaptim and transmit the full mesorah to future generations. Only then we will be worthy of the blessings that are promised in the following pesukim – peace and prosperity in the Land of Israel!

Rabbi Shalom Rosner is a Rebbe at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh and Rabbi of the Nofei HaShemesh community. He is also the new Tzurba Maggid Shiur, giving a weekly shiur on Tzurba Hilchot Shabbat. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

fifth to its value.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 27:29-34

Certain types of agricultural tithes can be redeemed if an additional fifth of the original value is added. This is the closing part of the book of Vayikra. We stand for the final verse and after it recite: “chazak, chazak ve’nitchazek”, asking for continued strength to study the Torah.

HAFTARAH

(YIRMIYAHU 16:19-17:14)

The prophet Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) admonishes the people for worshipping idols and forecasts the downfall of those who turn their hearts away from G-d. In contrast, Yirmiyahu encourages those who trust in G-d, comparing them to “a tree that is planted near water, which will spread its roots alongside brooks and will not see when heat comes, whose foliage will be ever fresh”.

The Qualities of Great Leadership

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

In an ideal society, everyone is devoted toward achieving their own unique greatness while simultaneously devoting that individual greatness toward the larger collective greatness of the nation. A leader’s role is to enable each individual to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and achievement while also helping them devote their lives to a greater whole — to that which transcends themselves, to Hashem, the Jewish People, and the world as a whole.

This explains a seemingly strange halachah of the eglah arufah (Devarim 21:1–9). If a man is found dead outside a city, the elders of the city must decapitate a calf and proclaim that they did not kill this person. Why, though, would this even cross our minds? It appears obvious that the elders — the leaders of the city — did not murder an innocent Jew! What then is the deeper meaning of this strange halachah?

The Gemara elaborates on the procedure of the eglah arufah and explains that the elders of the city must promise that they did not turn the man away without food and an escort. On a practical level, this means that, as the elders of the city, they did not refuse this man adequate sustenance and protection. But do the leaders really have to escort every single guest out of their city? Rav Michael Rosensweig suggests a deeper understanding, one that carries with it a profound lesson. The elders of the city are the leaders of the city. They influence the atmosphere and set the standards for the city; it is their job to inspire greatness in the people. If they achieve this, nobody in the city would ever murder an innocent man. The elders are therefore required to swear that this death was not due to a lack in their leadership; they assure us that they set up the proper standards of behavior to make something as abhorrent as murder unthinkable.

With this foundation, let us now study the key characteristics of a great leader.

QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP

Everyone is a leader in some capacity. Some will lead their families, while others will lead the world. The scale is irrelevant; the principles remain the same. A leader must begin by leading their own life, devoting themselves toward their own personal greatness. In addition to self-development, a leader must have a strong moral conviction, a genuine love of others, and a sensitivity to their needs. Most important of all is the desire to lead lishmah (for a higher purpose), without any selfish or ulterior motives. Let us develop this topic in greater depth.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT AS THE PREREQUISITE

The crucial prerequisite of effective leadership is first developing oneself. Before you can lead anyone else, you must lead yourself toward a greater state of existence. This requires a relentless desire to better yourself, to improve every aspect of your life, to become more selfaware, and to maximize your full potential. Developing a deep awareness and connection with Hashem is fundamental to this process. It is therefore no surprise that many Jewish leaders in the Torah were shepherds. (See Kli Yakar, Shemos 3:1) The Avos, the Shevatim, Moshe Rabbeinu, and David HaMelech were all shepherds, which provided them the time and setting to contemplate the nature of

redirect, and then return with newfound purpose and meaning. Avraham completely removed himself from his culture. Moshe spent many decades alone in the desert and on the run from Pharaoh, building his clarity and understanding of life before returning to lead the Jewish People. David HaMelech grew up as an outcast before being appointed as king by Shmuel. This is not always necessary, but often, a step back leads to a giant step forward. This is why teenagers who leave their homes in chutz la’aretz and spend time learning Torah in Eretz Yisrael often find it immensely transformative for their spiritual development.

existence and connect with Hashem on the deepest levels. They walked around in nature, admiring the awe-inspiring world Hashem created — a lifestyle conducive to a spiritually rich existence. They had the peace of mind to gain deeper levels of self-awareness and weren’t caught up in the unimportant and tedious elements of life. In addition to developing empathy and leading a flock, a shepherd’s life is one that enables a spiritually flourishing existence.

THE LONE PATH

A leader must also be willing to commit to the right path, even if he is the only one doing so. Avraham was called the “ish ivri” because all the masses walked on one side of the river, and he walked on the other. (Ivri comes from the Hebrew word “ever” (the other side), as in “the other side of the river.” Ideologically, Avraham walked on “the other side.”) He walked alone, choosing to live a life of truth rather than a life of social acceptance. Sometimes one can see most clearly once they have distanced themselves from their current surroundings, as this gives them the ability to rethink,

EXPANDING OUTWARDS

After one has properly developed his or her own inner self and connection with Hashem, a true leader must then learn to properly expand outwards, devoting his life to that which transcends himself, i.e., his people. This requires one to become a giver, a lover of others, someone who focuses on the well-being of his nation. Avraham was an “ish chessed” (man of kindness). Moshe’s first sign of leadership was his empathy, feeling the pain of those outside of himself: He intervened when a Mitzri was beating a Jew, when Dasan and Aviram were fighting, and when Yisro’s daughters were being harassed. (It’s fascinating to note the unique progression of Moshe’s empathy. First, he stops a non-Jew from hurting a Jew. Then he stops a Jew from hurting a Jew. Finally, he prevents a non-Jew from hurting a non-Jew. This reflects an ideal whereby we care about all of humanity, not only people who we are related to, feel close to, or relate to ideologically. While there may be a hierarchy, the fact remains all of humanity is interconnected, and all are deserving of respect, dignity, and empathy.)

A leader’s empathy must extend so far that he is willing to sacrifice and endure pain for his people, putting the needs of his people before himself. The seventy Zekeinim (elders) in the midbar were the taskmasters in Mitzrayim. They were beaten mercilessly by the Mitzrim because they refused to hurt their brethren when the Jews failed to meet their quotas. Their leadership was granted to them as reward for the pain and sacrifice they were willing to endure for their people. But in a deeper sense, they weren’t awarded positions of leadership because of their sacrifice; their sacrifice itself is what transformed them into leaders. (True leaders do not sacrifice their people for their own well-being. Israeli officers are known to lead their soldiers into battle and not remain behind in the safety of their army’s protection.)

Truly empathetic leaders care as much about the individual as the masses. While inspiring the masses is critical, if a leader cannot lower himself to help an individual, there is something essential missing from his leadership abilities. He must see the infinite value within every single individual. When a single sheep ran away from his flock, Moshe ran after it to retrieve it. It was at this exact moment that Hashem revealed Himself to Moshe at the burning bush, appointing him as leader of the Jewish People.

Perhaps most important of all, a true leader never desires power for himself. His goal is solely to fulfill his unique purpose and to help others do the same. He leads by directing his people toward something far greater than himself: He leads them toward Hashem, toward their purpose, and toward their destiny.

WE ARE ALL LEADERS

Some leaders are the face of a nation, the ones who stand in front of large crowds and deliver extraordinary and inspiring speeches. But that is not the only type of leader. A leader is anyone who is on a mission, who empowers others, and who always looks for ways to contribute to the greater good. Leaders are great parents, great teachers, and great friends. We are all potential leaders; we are all potential revolutionaries. We can all create change in the world. But to create any external change, we must first learn to develop ourselves and live with higher ideals. Let us all be inspired to become the greatest version of ourselves with the hopes that our own journey of growth will inspire others to become the greatest version of themselves as well.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership.

Family FunBechukotai

So you want to be a Jew? We got a pretty cool rewards system.

1. Hashem promises to give rain in Eretz Yisroel at the right time. Rain? It’s very important. No rain means no plants no food, nothing to sell so no money and no water to drink. Too much rains means storms and flooding. Not cool. So it’s a blessing to have the right amount of rain, in the right time, right place.

2. Hashem promises that the grains will be

in such abundance that it will take months to thresh the fields!!

3. The problem with having tons of food is that our enemies will come to steal it! No worries, Hashem promises to keep the armies of surrounding countries out of the land. Even animals won’t harm you in Eretz Yisrael.

4. Big, healthy families.

5. Hashem Himself will come to stay.. Hashem will live amongst us. He will open our eyes and hearts to His Shechina

Parasha Stats

Z

Y Y E D A S C G I G X Y

Y Y E S S H Y Y N N D R

L E T I A H X G Q U I A

M E N I M A F K S T H E

X G S I T Y K E O O S R

S W P X P H Y Y U P E A

O

(glory) so that we will understand Him. Where is Hashem? Wherever we let Him in.

Oh, but, er it isn’t all sunshine and happiness. We’re the Chosen Nation. We said we would keep the Torah. With great power comes great responsibility. Keep the Torah and it’s all good. Don’t and we got trouble. (Insert dramatic thunderboom here)

6 curses.

1. Hashem will bring about sickness.

2. No food, that’s called a famine.

3. Wild animals will attack.

4. Enemies of Israel will kill many Jews.

5. You thought Egypt was plagued? Just look out for a punishment of plagues for not keeping Hashem’s Mitzvot.

6. Hashem will destroy the Bait Hamikdash and exile the Jewish people.

And break out the party spirit we’ve completed Vayikra!!

Facts about Parashat Bechukotai

Number of Verses - 78

Number of lines - 131

Number of Words - 1,013

Number of Letters - 3,992

Jewish Riddle

This week’s Question:

On Tisha B’Av morning, everyone sits on the floor as a sign of mourning. However, one person in every synagogue publicly sits down on a chair. Who is this person?

Last week’s Answer: As the sun moves from east to west, Shabbat and Yom Tov occur first in Israel, and then in USA. Which mitzva is observed first in New York, and then in Jerusalem?

Reading Megillat Esther! In New York (as in most places inside Israel and out) Purim is celebrated on Adar 14. But in Jerusalem, as in any city which had a wall around it in the days of Moses and Joshua, Purim is celebrated on Adar 15. This distinction commemorates the special miracles experienced in Persia’s capital, the walled city of Shushan.

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes, can you make the shape on the right?

Word Wheel

The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

Last edition’s words

Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more!

W O K E L N D E G

Use the area below to write the words you have found.

Jokes Riddles

Q: What creature is smarter than a talking parrot?

A: A Spelling Bee!

Q: Why did the chicken get a red card?

A: For fowl play!

Q: Why can’t you trust atoms?

A: They make everything up!

The poor have it, the rich need it and if you eat it you’ll die.

2. What always runs but never walks, has a bed but never sleeps, has a mouth but never eats?

The more you have of it, the less you see. What is it?

Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah Project ensures that young people, on their special day, can share it with a child Holocaust victim who was denied a future.

Over the past 10 years we have twinned over 1000 children.

Complete the on-line Twinning Form and researchers at Yad Vashem will use the information to find a suitable twin.

Celebrants will receive a comprehensive Twinning Pack which contains:

• A Page of Testimony, with details of your chosen twin

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EXPERT ADVICE

‘Why is it important to leave

a will’? continued...

Mutual will

One of the (many) important elements to consider when making a will is what happens not after you die, but after the person to whom you have bequeathed your estate dies. For example, often spouses or relatives want to leave their assets to each other, and after both of them die, leave it to someone else. However, they also want to ensure the remaining spouse (or relative) will not change these conditions after their death.

Israeli law has a safeguard in place for such a situation – a “Mutual Will.”. According to the law, a mutual will can only be changed if all parties are still alive. This means that if the remaining partner would like to change the will, they must give up all their rights according to the will, which de facto prevents them from altering the will. So, what does this mean in plain English?

Take, for example, a couple that has a mutual will that states that when one of them passes away, the remaining spouse will receive all their assets and once both of them die, everything goes to their children.

Should one spouse pass away and the remaining spouse remarry, the remaining spouse cannot change the will and leave the assets to the new spouse. The inheritance has to be distributed to the children – as per the original mutual will.

If the remaining spouse tries to change the will, and leave it to the new spouse, they lose all their rights and the children can request to receive all the assets while their parent is still alive.

For parents of children who are minors (under 18)

While everyone should have a will as suggested above, it is vital for anyone who has children under 18 to have a plan in place should something, G-d forbid, happen to them. The will, in this case, will contain information about who should have custody of any children and instructions relating to distribution of assets to their children when they turn 18 (or older), and who will manage their assets until then.

One important thing to point out (which shows the flexibility of wills once more) is that there is no issue in splitting between custody and asset management, for example. This means that there could be someone responsible for custody of the children and a separate person for asset management. This is a common split, but it could effectively be split or divided however one sees fit.

If there is no will, a court-appointed guardian would be appointed. In such an instance, the court awards guardianship to whoever is the most appropriate given the circumstances with preference to family members (siblings, grandparents, aunt, uncle, step-mother or step-father).

What makes a will valid?

Now you know why you should have a will, and what’s usually contained in it, but what makes it legally valid?

A will can be written, dictated, recorded or given orally. But for it to be legally binding, it needs legally valid witnesses who have to sign an affidavit (the lawyer takes care of this) and sign a testimony that the person writing the will was in a coherent state of mind, understands, and is not coerced into the terms of the will, at the time the person left the will.

A will can also be changed, altered or amended however and whenever the testator wants – as long as it follows the rules above. The binding will is then the latest valid will.

BUTCHERS

KOSHER DELI

Kosher Deli was established with the intention of making kosher meat and poultry affordable for all with the convenience of multiple locations and a comprehensive delivery service. All this without compromising on kashrus or quality.

Locations in: Golders Green, Hendon, Temple Fortune, Edgware, Borehamwood & Manchester

Contact: 020 8381 4450 info@kosherdeliuk.co.uk www.kosherdeli.co.uk

ESTATE AGENT

MARTIN FRYDENSON - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE

Roundtree Real Estate are your local experienced Estate Agent having been established on the High Street since 2009. We are both ARLA and NAEA Propertymark regulated and we are here to offer you expert advice in Property Sales, Lettings, Commercial and Full Management Services, covering Hendon, Golders Green, Finchley, Colindale and surrounding areas. We have built long standing relationships with all our clients and should you have any property related queries please do contact us.

Contact: 020 8203 2111 mail@theroundtree.com www.theroundtree.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

JACOB BERNSTEIN LLB (Hons) CeMAP

A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: Mortgage, Protection and General Insurance Intermediaries

• Lenders, Credit Brokers, Debt Counsellors, Debt Administrators and Debt Collectors Wealth Management (Portfolio Management and Advice Services), Capital Markets (Asset Management and Broker Dealers), Wholesale Investment Firms (Fund Managers, Corporate Finance and Private Markets)

• Payment Services, PISP, AISP and E-Money.

Contact: 020 7781 8019 info@richdale.co.uk www.richdale.co.uk

Book a FREE meeting with UKAA’s founder Gary Brown, who will go through your particular needs and wants on a the PRACTICAL side of leaving your country of origin and/or living in/moving to Israel. This is both for pre and post- Aliyah Olim.

This FREE meeting will allow Gary to advise on who you need to speak with for each requirement and when in the year you should approach them. Confidentiality assured.

Contact: +972 (0)2 372 3775 / +44 (0)20 3 989 5080 info@aliyahadvisors.com aliyahadvisors.com/aloh-naaleh/

JEWISH CARE

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

Contact: 020 8922 2222 helpline@jcare.org www.jewishcare.org

CHARITY

ALIYAH ADVISORS

ALIYAH ADVISORS - GARY BROWN - PRACTICAL ALIYAH ADVICE

WEALTH MANAGMENT

MARC OVITS – BA (HONS) APFS CERT PFS (DM)

Over 25 years of successful experience in financial services including 11 years of investment banking experience.

Offering expert independent financial advice to individuals, businesses, charities and trusts. Individual services:- Wealth Management, Investment, Retirement, Estate/IHT, protection planning, Tax Mitigation and Cash Management Solutions

Business & Charity services:- Investment Planning, Business Succession & Business Exit Planning, Business Protection, Corporate Pensions, Employee Benefits, Cash Management Solutions, Profit extraction strategies

Alpha Wealth Management

Contact: 020 8203 6920 info@alphawm.co.uk www.alphawm.co.uk

BUILDING AND PARTY WALL SURVEYING

MATRIX SURVEYORS LIMITED

Offering a range of building surveying services and specialising in party wall matters, nationwide, for both consumers and businesses, including; -

• Pre-acquisition Surveys

• Party Wall Matters

• Defect Inspections

• Schedules of Condition

• Insurance Reinstatement Costs Assessments

Contact:

Toli Moscovitz BSc (Hons) MRICS 0161 823 6973 info@matrixsurveyors.co.uk www.matrixsurveyors.co.uk

SHIPPING

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET

We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010. We specialise in supplying businesses with VoIP Packages, Mobile Plans, Broadband, Card Merchant Services, Leased Lines, On-Hold Marketing, and Call Centre Services. Smartinet, your reliable and efficient business communications provider.

Contact: 0333 613 0000 connect@smartinet.co.uk smartinet.co.uk

MANAGED I.T. SERVICES PROVIDER (MSP)

SIMON MOSCOVITZ BSC (HONS) – EUROTEK UK LIMITED

• Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules

• Construction Project Management

• Licence for Alterations

• Insurance claims

With almost 40 years experience, our company has the ability to move household and personal effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and care that comes from that experience coupled with an attention to detail.

We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation. And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!

Contact: 020 8832 2222 info@shipsms.co.uk www.shipsms.co.uk

We are a well-established and successful Managed I.T. Services Provider (MSP) with a clear sense of purpose. We plan, design and enable the procurement, implementation, protection and management of a wide range of modern technologies through an earned and trusted partnership with our clients across the UK. We enable our clients to be operationally efficient by successfully embracing their digital transformation journey.

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