The Jewish Weekly Issue 316 - March 7th

Can you tell us about your work?

What is your favourite thing about school?

I like Rosemary Class because they are really cute. I like all of the lessons, teachers and my friends. I like to go to the park.

What are your favourite lessons?

I like Food Tech, Science and English. I like all of my lessons.

What do you want to do when you leave school?

When I leave this school, I want to be a teacher and look after nursery people.

I volunteer at Kisharon Langdon, Equal Gift and Homeware Store as a cashier and have paid work at a hotel. I learn new skills all the time like how to keep to a target, working with other people and making new friends who all treat each other like a second family. This work has helped me to keep calm and carry on thriving throughout the week. I have learned how to travel on London Underground and overground - I am a master at travelling now!

What is your favourite element of Kisharon Langdon?

I like teamwork in my volunteering, learning new skills and making sure that everyone I work with is full of positive energy including myself. I have learnt lots of skills in the Enterprise team and I use these now at home and at work.

Favourite Jewish festival?

I am loving the jobs we are doing for Purim right now so much in the enterprise team. We are making different kinds of gifts that we are selling for Purim (we hope you order from the Equal shop!)

How long have you lived in Kisharon Langdon Supported Living?

I started at Langdon College in Manchester when I was 16 and after graduating moved to Supported Living in London – so it’s more years than I can remember!

What’s your favourite element about Kisharon Langdon?

I like going to pub night and coffee night and the Friday night dinners that Debbie organises are great! All my closest friends are part of Kisharon Langdon.

What ambitions do you have for the future?

To earn more money and get a promotion at work!

Marcus

Shammai

Tali

Pressure mounts on Bibi

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure globally and domestically as the war against Hamas across Gaza reaches five months today.

Israel pulled out of hostage talks in Cairo this week after Hamas failed to hand over a list of captives still alive. Negotiations have stalled. News that War Minister Benny Gantz held meetings with Foreign Minister Lord Cameron and US Vice-President Kamala Harris in Washington this week are a slight on Netanyahu, who has not received an invitation to the White House since taking office in December 2022. He became Israel’s longest serving prime minister in 2019.

Cameron and Harris both expressed concern over humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Netanyahu’s Office, meantime, confirmed worshippers entering the Temple Mount for Ramadan, which starts on Sunday, would match previous years, to the angst of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

The Office said in a statement: “Every week there will be a situational assessment around security and safety, and a decision will be made accordingly.”

Netanyahu said: “Israel’s policy was and always will be to maintain freedom of worship for all faiths. That is how we acted during Ramadan, of course, and it is how we will act now as well. We will do everything to maintain freedom of worship on the Temple Mount

while aptly providing for security and safety needs and enabling the Muslim public to celebrate the holiday.”

Ben Gvir criticised Netanyahu and the war cabinet for handing a victory to Hamas.

“Netanyahu and the limited (war) cabinet think that nothing happened on October 7,” he reportedly told Army Radio. “The decision endangers the citizens of Israel and may allow an image of victory for Hamas.”

United Arab List MK Mansour Abbas thanked Netanyahu for a “responsible decision”.

“I call on the Arab public to exercise its right and hold prayers during this holy month, while obeying the law and maintaining public order,” he said.

Netanyahu chaired a meeting to decide restrictions attended by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, war cabinet Minister Gadi Eisenkot, Ben Gvir and security agencies.

Continued on Page 4

Arsenal fans blast anti-Israel rally

BY DAVID SAFFER

Jewish fans of Arsenal FC have criticised the club for not halting an anti-Israel demonstration outside the Emirates Stadium before a Women’s Super League game against Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday.

A number of Jewish fans refused to attend the derby clash as they felt intimidated and unsafe. Security personnel reportedly informed them they could not act.

The club was made aware of the Football For Palestine rally before the game. After talks with the Metropolitan Police the rally was allowed outside the Clock End at the Emirates as it is a public place.

Security staff looked for inflammatory signs inside the ground. There is concern Palestine flags were on display.

In a statement, Arsenal said: “The safety of all supporters attending our matches is our top priority. Prior to Sunday’s fixture, we worked with the Metropolitan Police to ensure there was a plan in place to keep the impact of any demonstration to a minimum.

“The gathering took place in a public space outside Emirates Stadium, and it is not within our jurisdiction to stop

protests taking place in public spaces. Instances where prohibited items were identified inside the stadium were dealt with swiftly by our stewards.”

The Arsenal incident is illustrative of a spike in antisemitic/anti-Israel incidents since the Hamas terror attack on October 7 at various club grounds around the country.

Kick it Out have confirmed an increase of over 400% antisemitism instances in the professional game this season, surging from 11 to 57 this campaign. Issues have also taken place at grassroots football.

There are a handful of professional players including Joe Jacobson who captains Wycombe Wanderers.

that I apologise, demanding that, if I didn’t, they would barricade the gates at Adams Park on a match day. There were some plain-clothed security that were watching out and looking for anything. Fortunately, nothing happened… I’m just going to a place of work and there’s people worried about something that might happen, that can’t be right.”

He added: “There were fans... or so-called fans, messaging saying that (he) shouldn’t be playing for this club or be captain of this football club. Those things weren’t there before.

Since October these things are happening.”

out. The biggest way for the FA, EFL and football to realise the problem it has is by people speaking out and reporting instances that happen, especially in football stadiums and football grounds.”

Action Against Discrimination has condemned football authorities and clubs for not acting against hostility towards Israel and the Jewish community during the Israel-Hamas conflict, including waving Palestinian flags at matches.

Since Israel’s war in Gaza, Wycombe have been forced to adopt security for Jacobson following antisemitic abuse online. The League One club has resisted calls for Jacobson to stand down after he wrote a post relating to the Hamas terror attack on October 7.

Jacobson told Sky News: “The club got sent some emails and letters demanding

Jacobson continued: “The one thing that Jewish people have always said is, ‘Why is it always us? Why are we different to anyone else? I think that was a prime example.”

Since 10/7 an antisemitism task force has been set up. Jacobson has a role. He has called on football authorities, including the Football Association and English Football League, to do more.

Jacobson reportedly told BBC Five Live. “I feel a responsibility as one of the few Jewish footballers in the UK to speak

AAD criticised the FA for not lighting up the Wembley arch at an England vs Australia game on October 13 and they continually advocate an end the chants of the ‘Y’ word/Yid Army by Tottenham Hotspur supporters as it adds to an antisemitic atmosphere at grounds.

Chairman Jonathan Metliss has criticised Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker’s over posts regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, for backing a proposed pro-Palestinian demonstration on Armistice Day and criticising former Home Secretary Suella Braverman for calling the demonstration a ‘hate march’.

AAD have vowed to continue lobbying the Premier League, FA and EFL, clubs, police, politicians, press, Jewish organisations and football stakeholders to tackle antisemitic/anti-Israel behaviour.

Continued from Page 1

Police will mount a major operation but a tense atmosphere is expected whilst The National Security Council have cautioned Israelis traveling abroad to act in accordance with NSC travel warnings.

The NSC estimates terrorist organisations will utilise the Gaza War and tense surrounding the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque to spur militants and supporters to attack Israeli and Western targets. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have called for attacks on Israelis during Ramadan, including overseas.

Travel warnings to various countries on the NSC website remains unchanged.

In other news, Netanyahu has been held ‘personally responsible’ by a state commission inquiry into the 2021 Meron Lag B’Omer disaster yesterday.

The event ended in tragedy, 45 people were killed and over 100 were injured during a stampede.

A statement noted: “Since we came to the general conclusion that Netanyahu knew, or at the very least should have known, about the improper management of the Kever Rashbi site and the risks it posed to visitors to the site, he should have acted to correct things. The steps he took in this regard were unsatisfactory. This is especially so considering that he was aware that government decisions made in the matter

were not implemented.”

The report did not make recommendations on Netanyahu’s future.

The committee recommended Police Chief Kobi Shabtai terminate his position. Due to the ongoing war the government should determine an appropriate date.

The committee held Shimon Lavi, commander of the Northern District of the Israel Police, personally responsible. Lavi accepted responsibility and resigned. He acted to values of the police command.

The committee held public security minister Amir Ohana and Rabbi Yaakov Avitan, minister of religious services personal responsibility. Neither should be in a future government.

The committee held director of the National Center for the Development of the Holy Places in Israel, Yosef Schweinger personally responsible. Findings were “particularly serious”. Schweinger’s tenure should end immediately, he should not hold a position related to Lag B’Omer or Meron complex.

The committee has not imposed personal responsibility on Rav Shmuel Rabinovitch, Rav of the Holy Places, as he acted to improve the situation.

Committee members concluded: “This disaster could have been prevented.”

BoD calls on MPs to shun Galloway

BY ADAM MOSES

Jewish organisations have expressed deep concern over George Galloway’s shock by-election triumph in Rochdale last week.

The Board of Deputies have called on Parliamentarians to shun the Workers Party of Britain leader who was sworn in by the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in the House of Commons on Monday.

Campaign Against Antisemitism slammed Galloway’s “atrocious record of baiting” the Jewish community, the National Jewish Assembly expressed profound concern and vowed to defeat his arguments while Action Against Discrimination are appalled and shocked at his election.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described Galloway returning to parliament “beyond alarming” as he “dismisses the horror of what happened on October 7” and “glorifies Hezbollah”.

Labour leader Keir Starmer apologised to voters for withdrawing support for Azhar Ali following his anti-Israel comments but stuck by his decision to do so.

“Obviously we will put a first-class candidate and a unifier before the voters in Rochdale at the general election,” he said.

Galloway, who taunted Starmer, “This is for Gaza”, after triumphing, has previously been an MP for Labour, an Independent and Respect Party.

Since his victory, he has vowed to defeat Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner at the forthcoming general election on his first day in Parliament. And he has listed areas with large Muslim populations which would ensure Starmer “doesn’t win”.

Worryingly, his party are reported to be standing in up to 100 seats.

During his first speech, Galloway spoke about the Holocaust, stating: “There’s a genocide going on.... If the by-election had been in February of 1940 or 41, would anyone seriously have condemned me for putting the crimes of the Holocaust at the centre of my election campaign?”

His comments contravened the IHRA working definition of antisemitism which states that ‘drawing comparisons of

contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis’.

Workers Party deputy leader Peter Ford claimed on LBC Radio on Tuesday that Hamas’ actions had not been ‘substantiated’. Presenter Nick Ferrari was astonished at the comments and Ford’s response when asked how diplomatic Galloway’s comments were that Israel’s actions were ‘like the Holocaust’.

Following the broadcast, A CAA spokesperson said Galloway knows “exactly where the line is and purposely strides over it”, adding, “Diminishing the Holocaust through this appalling comparison is repulsive, although at this point we should expect nothing less from Britain’s newest MP.

“For Peter Ford to appear to laugh off Mr Galloway’s comments and potentially play down the extent of the October 7 Hamas attack is a disgrace. It is a stain on our public discourse that these people have a platform to promote their grotesque views.”

A Board of Deputies spokesperson commented: “News networks urgently need to understand that featuring representatives of George Galloway’s political party means they inevitably will be giving airtime to loathsome individuals spouting despicable falsehoods. Giving these people free publicity is a profoundly irresponsible act.”

Regarding Galloway’s victory, the BoD noted: “Galloway is a demagogue and conspiracy theorist, who has brought the politics of division and hate to every place he has ever stood for Parliament. His election is a dark day for the Jewish community in this country, and for British politics in general. We believe he should be shunned as a pariah

by all Parliamentarians.”

CAA cited Galloway infamously declaring Bradford an ‘Israel-free zone’, describing Jewish comic David Baddiel as a ‘vile Israel-fanatic’ whilst he claimed institutional antisemitism within the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn was ‘a disgraceful campaign of Goebbelsian fiction’, in reference to Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propagandist.

Recently, CAA noted, Galloway described Hamas’ terror attack on October 7 as a ‘concentration camp breakout’ and referred to Hamas terrorists as ‘fighters’. A CAA spokesman said: “Given his historic inflammatory rhetoric and the current situation faced by the Jewish community in this country, we are extremely concerned by how he may use the platform of the House of Commons in the remaining months of this Parliament.”

Gary Mond, NJA chairman, noted: “Galloway’s history of antisemitism and divisive politics underscores the urgent need for vigilance in combating hate speech and intolerance. His victory speech, echoing previous messages of hostility and confrontation, is deeply troubling and underscores the urgent

need for greater accountability and responsibility in public discourse.

“Galloway’s leafleting of Muslim voters with misleading information in the leadup to the by-election was highly inflammatory and divisive. By spreading such misinformation, Galloway aims to exploit religious and political sentiments for personal gain, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

“Galloway’s exploitation of the Israel-Hamas war to serve his political agenda at the expense of community harmony is deplorable at best.”

Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Administration chairman, said that Galloway’s campaign was focused “squarely on the plight of the Palestinians” after the withdrawal of Labour Party support for their own candidate.

He added: “Galloway is not a friend, indeed is an enemy, of both the Jewish community and the State of Israel. The overwhelming support for him from the mainly Muslim Rochdale electorate is extremely disturbing.”

George Galloway swearing in as an MP

Sunak highlights extremism across UK

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted growing extremism, including antisemitism, across the United Kingdom in a hard-hitting address to the nation outside Downing Street last Friday.

Sunak feared Britain’s multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy was being “deliberately undermined” by Islamists and the far right.

Sunak’s comments followed chaotic scenes in a House of Commons vote calling for a cease-fire in Gaza last month and last week’s divisive by-election victory of George Galloway in Rochdale.

“Islamist extremists and far-right groups are spreading a poison,” Sunak told the nation. “That poison is extremism. It aims to drain us of our confidence in ourselves as a people and in our shared future.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed Sunak addressing threats to British democracy including intimidation and planned acts of violence.

Sunak’s comments, CAA noted, were a rebuke of the Metropolitan Police ‘making excuses for extremism instead of arrests’, and putting frontline officers in impossible situations.

Sunak demanded weekly anti-Israel marches must be policed.

CAA have called on Home Secretary James Cleverly to announce solutions to allay Jewish community safety fears.

“Firm action is long overdue,” a CAA spokesman said.

“Extremists are not simply hijacking protests, they are organising them. The Prime Minister condemned the anti-Jewish genocidal “From the River to the Sea…” slogan projected onto Big Ben, but

we have heard march organisers testify to MPs that they actively promote that language.”

CAA pointed out that a statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square and the Cenotaph on Whitehall has seen police officers guard them numerous times since the October 7 terror attack.

A spokesman observed: “Over the past few weeks we have seen the extremism on our streets penetrate our politics. Now it has entered Parliament. We know, as the Prime Minister does, that nothing is likely to change without firm action from his Government and the authorities. We have made clear recommendations to the Government and the police.”

CAA observed that democracy faced a ‘grave assault’ by anti-Israel protesters who had used intimidation to get messages across, ‘brazenly threatening’ elected representatives.

CAA is offering free legal representation to MPs subjected to antisemitic threats or intimidation, including obtaining court orders to unmask authors of anonymous comments online.

CAA observed that a House of Commons Home Affairs Committee report on policing of protests had failed to restore confidence in the British public and ensure safety for Britain’s Jews.

A spokesman noted: “After months of intimidatory marches, this report offers no concrete recommendations for the here and now, just a long-term policy discussion about workforce planning and new laws that will take years to agree. The Jewish community is in fear and our city centres remain no-go zones during the protests. We need action urgently.”

Sunak said Jewish children were fearful of wearing school uniforms, Muslim

women were being abused in the street and democracy was being targeted. Council meetings had also been stormed, MPs did not feel safe at home and Parliamentary conventions were upended due to safety concerns.

Sunak said Britain was a patriotic, liberal, democratic society where Jewish, Hindu and Muslim immigrants had integrated without giving up their identity. But the world’s most “successful multi-ethnic, multi faith democracy” was being undermined by forces at home tearing the country apart.

He explained: “Since October 7 there have been those trying to take advantage of the very human angst that we all feel about the terrible suffering that war brings to the innocent, to women and children to advance a divisive, hateful ideological agenda. On too many occasions recently, our streets have been hijacked by small groups who are hostile to our values and have no respect for our democratic traditions.”

Sunak called for the rule of law and a peaceful, democratic process.

He explained. “Nearly everyone in Britain supports these basic values but there are small and vocal hostile groups who do not. Islamist extremists and the far right feed off and embolden each other… Neither group accept that change in our country can only come through the peaceful democratic process. Both loathe the pluralist, modern country we are. Both want to set Briton against Briton to weaponise the evils of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred for their own ends.”

Sunak added that Islamist extremists and far rights groups must not be able to spread extremism.

He added: “There is no context in

which it can be acceptable to beam antisemitic tropes onto Big Ben in the middle of a vote on Israel/Gaza. And there can be no cause you can use to justify the support of a proscribed terrorist group, like Hamas. Yes, you can freely criticise the actions of this government, or indeed any government, that is a fundamental democratic right. But no, you cannot use that as an excuse to call for the eradication of a State or any kind of hatred or antisemitism.”

Sunak has met senior police officers and made clear they must not ‘manage’ but ‘police protests’.

Regarding the government implementing a robust framework on extremism, he said. “We will demand that universities stop extremist activity on campus. We will also act to prevent people entering this country whose aim is to undermine its values.”

Sunak concluded: “We must live together united by shared values and a shared commitment to this country. Don’t let the extremists hijack your marches.”

Sunak described Galloway returning to parliament “beyond alarming” as he “dismisses the horror of what happened on 7 October” and “glorifies Hezbollah”.

Labour leader Keir Starmer apologised to voters for withdrawing support for Azhar Ali following anti-Israel comments but stuck by his decision to do so.

Starmer has vowed to field a unifying candidate in the upcoming general election.

CAA have voiced concern about Galloway given his history of ‘baiting’ the Jewish community.

UN report confirms Hamas 10/7 atrocities

BY ADAM MOSES

A United Nations report has accepted sexual violence was committed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 terror attacks and against hostages in captivity.

Full details of the atrocities may take months or years and may never be fully known.

The UN report calls for a “fully-fledged investigation” to establish the scale of violence and the highest standards of information integrity in reporting cases “given the risks of inflammatory rhetoric and sensationalised headlines escalating tensions”.

Pramila Patten, UN special envoy on Sexual Violence in Conflict, has called on Hamas to “immediately and unconditionally” release all hostages and ensure their protection.

President Chaim Herzog said the report was of “immense importance”.

Patten and her team concluded there was “clear and convincing information” that “torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment” was committed against hostages.

There were ‘reasonable grounds’ such

violence was ongoing against those still held in captivity.

During the October 7 attack, experts found evidence at the Nova music festival site and kibbutz Re’im near the Gaza border.

Hamas have denied involvement but the report quashes those denials.

Herzog said: “It (the report) substantiates with moral clarity and integrity the systematic, premeditated, and ongoing sexual crimes committed by Hamas terrorists against Israeli women. Hamas and its allies are trying to discredit the report, to escape from this horrific shame. They will not succeed as the testimonies are shocking indeed. Therefore, now the world must react strongly by condemning and punishing Hamas. We must all continue our relentless efforts to bring all the hostages home to their families. As

we can learn from the report they are constantly under clear and present danger.”

Patten called for a humanitarian ceasefire and urged any ceasefire agreement to acknowledge the importance of recognising sexual violence as a key issue.

She offered sympathy and solidarity to all civilians impacted in the region since October 7.

Patten visited Israel last February at the initiative of the Division for International Organisations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ and Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan.

Patten visited the headquarters of the Hostage and Missing Families Forum and met with abductees who had returned from Hamas captivity and with families of abductees who are still in Gaza.

Patten listened to testimonies and promised to use all means to bring about the

release of hostages.

At Camp Shura, Patten met Capt. (res.) Avigail Bar Asher, head of the Military Rabbinate’s Female Corpse Identification Team, who described the unit’s work since October 7.

Later, Patten toured the headquarters of Unit 105 of Lahav 433 of the Israel Police, where she was briefed about activities of the national investigation against Hamas and collection of evidence regarding assaults, abductions and massacres committed by Hamas.

Patten also visited western Negev communities, where she spoke with eyewitnesses at Kibbutz Be’eri, at the site of the Nova Music Festival and at Nahal Oz military camp.

At Kibbutz Be’eri, Patten met local resident Or Yelin and ZAKA volunteer Yossi Landau. She listened to testimonies regarding the atrocities.

Patten was invited to Israel by Erdan so she could witness the extent of the atrocities for herself and bring Hamas’ crimes to the attention of the international authorities.

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UK missions to Israel

BY ADAM MOSES

The Board of Deputies has shown solidarity of British Jews in a mission to Israel.

Delegates heard testimonies from Israelis impacted by Hamas’ October 7 terror attack.

The group visited Sderot where Hamas terrorists murdered civilians and attacked a police station. At the Nova music festival, they met a survivor where young people were murdered, wounded and kidnapped.

The delegation met Ditza Or, mother of Avinatan kidnapped from the party with his girlfriend Noa Argamani. Both Avinatan and Noa have been ‘adopted’ by UK Synagogues as part of a national initiative of the Board.

Delegates met first responders to the 10/7 attack in the south and in Tel Aviv at a rehabilitation centre for the wounded.

The trip included a meeting with Professor Jonathan Rynhold of Bar Ilan University who gave an overview of the regional and international situation.

They also met British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters at his official residence.

The group were able to spend time volunteering to support the agricultural sector, affected by the attack on farming communities including the murder of foreign

workers by Hamas terrorists.

Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board, said: “The purpose of this trip was to show our solidarity with the people of Israel, to make sure they feel that they aren’t alone, that our community cares deeply for them and that the Jewish world is thinking of them.

“Every person we met, with their incredible and heart-breaking stories, made clear they were grateful we had been there to speak with them and to show we care. They asked that we make sure that people don’t forget what Hamas did on October 7. It was a powerful, moving, mission and I was truly struck by the resilience of every Israeli we met.”

The Conservative Friends of Israel held a five-day delegation trip to Israel for

Prospective Parliamentary Candidates.

Delegates included Alexander Clarkson (Stevenage), Katie Lam, (Weald of Kent), Ben Obese-Jecty, (Huntingdon) and Bradley Thomas, (Bromsgrove).

PPCs visited Kfar Aza, site of the Nova Music Festival, and vehicles used on October 7, witnessing first-hand the devastation left behind in the aftermath of Hamas’ massacre.

Obese-Jecty, said the visit to some of the homes was “incredibly sobering”. Thomas, added that it showed the “sheer brutality and extent of hatred towards Israel”.

Stephen Crabb MP spoke of each vehicle having a story to tell about Israeli lives lost and people brutally attacked.

Delegates watched an IDF video

documenting Hamas’ atrocities captured by bodycams worn by terrorists as well as CCTV footage.

The group visited the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, meeting five families whose loved ones are held captive in Gaza. They also went to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. A Hamas replica tunnel has been erected, simulating claustrophobic tunnels where hostages are known to be held.

PPCs met Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana and Ambassador Walters.

Candidates visited Beit Halochem, a charity which supports disabled IDF veterans and victims of terror, and spent time at Save a Child’s Heart children’s home based in Holon which has performed 6600 life-saving surgeries for children from over 68 countries.

Thomas called the trip “an eye-opener” and stressed the resilience of Israeli people.

“They are going through something we cannot comprehend back at home, but they have resilience in abundance”, he noted.

Clarkson felt at home because the “country believes in love, freedom and in being who you are”.

Lam added that Israel was “a nation under incredible strain, after an unimaginably barbaric terror attack.

Candidates were joined by CFI Parliamentary Chairman (Commons) Stephen Crabb and CFI Honorary President Lord Polak.

No one should have to hide who they are

OPINION PIECE

BY THERESA VILLIERS MP

Many in the Jewish community in my constituency have told me of their shock and anxiety about the record increase in antisemitic incidents reported by the Community Security Trust in February.

Further dismay was caused when my friend Mike Freer announced he was retiring from politics at the next election, largely because of security concerns. The arson attack on his office was the final straw. He is in no doubt that his strong support for the Jewish community, and for Israel, was one of the reasons he became a target for extremists, including the killer of David Amess who visited his constituency office in Finchley.

Then we had the Speaker of the House of Commons disapply the normal rules of Parliament during a debate on Gaza because of fears that MPs would be attacked.

In that debate, I seriously considered withdrawing my application to speak because of the risk that it might lead to physical harm. I pressed ahead anyway,

but it is depressing that we are now seeing the democratic process being directly impacted by hardening of political debate on the Middle East.

These many weeks of mass marches have given rise to some appalling incidents of antisemitism. Of course, I acknowledge that these come from only a small minority amongst what are otherwise peaceful protesters. But it is a grim spectacle to see people calling for jihad and genocide on the streets of our capital city, and even projecting these slogans on to Parliament itself.

No one should have to hide who they are to protect their own safety. It is not acceptable that Jewish people feel intimidated and deterred from spending time in the centre of London, or indeed other major cities, because of these seemingly endless Gaza protests.

The police must use the full force of the law against perpetrators of anti-Jewish hate crime. Enough is enough. The laws on protest are being strengthened, for example to allow the police to arrest people covering their faces. But we need to go further.

When I met Sir Mark Rowley, with

other London MPs, back in October, I asked him to consider banning these marches. He was clear he had no power to do so because there was no evidence of a serious threat to public order.

I believe it is time for the Government to listen to the advice of their extremism adviser, Lord Walney. He has suggested that the test for banning a protest should allow the police to take into account the cumulative impact on hate crime and community cohesion of a series of marches.

We must also take action to address this worrying alliance of hardliners on the left

of British politics, with Islamist extremists, which is manifesting itself in relation to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

As the Prime Minister said in his speech outside Number Ten, we must get better at defending our values and steering young people away from hatred and division. The furore over the Gaza conflict should be a wake-up call to us all.

Theresa Villiers is a British politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet since 2005.

Go around the side

OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN

When Jews started coming to the UK in significant numbers towards the end of the nineteenth century and up to the outbreak of the Second World War, they settled everywhere. Jewish communities sprang up in towns up and down the country. Towns such as Grimsby, Exeter and Aberdeen all had thriving communities which are now either completely gone, or have just a few remaining Jews.

The presence of Jews all around the UK meant that we were visible, as tailors,

jewellers and other trades. We might not have been allowed into golf clubs in the 1950s but we could be seen. Now all that has changed, and in so many ways. Nearly all of the regular contact that might be had with the local Jews has gone. The Jewish retail trade is a shadow of its former self, the small communities which local people could see and interact with have gone.

Our parents and grandparents knew the value of education, and encouraged and supported us to study, qualify in one profession or another and as a result the shift from small town to large cities began. Now the main areas of Jewish population are limited to London, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow. There are other communities still active, but for most non-Jews, unless they live in these four cities, they will not have had any regular contact with any Jewish person.

So how does the wider community find out about Jews? Since they can’t bump into them in the town, their only source of information is the media. Newspapers, news websites, television and of course social media. For my generation, born in the 1960s, newspapers still play a part in understanding what is going on around us. Social media is limited to Facebook, with Instagram and Tik Tok

being just strange words. For Generation Z - people born between 1996 and 2010 – it is completely different. They don’t read newspapers or watch much television. They rely on Tik Tok and other social media platforms for their news.

The result is predictable. The vast amount of Jew-hatred present on Tik Tok together with the anti-Israel vitriol both serve to present a dangerously biased view of the world which the younger generation are absorbing as fact. It comes as no surprise then that accounts of harassment of Jewish students over the last few months have been coming out thick and fast. Threats of violence and general intimidation are currently commonplace and the universities where this is taking place have been slow to take these seriously and even slower to respond.

We know already that today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders and we cannot let these incidents go unchecked. Those of us with children in higher education need to make our voices heard. Many universities rely on funding from industry, whether it is manufacturing or professional. Most if not all of these entities have well defined policies on equality and particularly diversity. Creating Jew-free universities is unlikely to come within their definition of

promoting a diverse society.

Follow the money. If the universities are sitting on their hands when Jews are being attacked, let’s go to their funders and business partners. Leeds University has been the site of appalling incidents including death threats. The Business and partnerships profiles on the Leeds University websites include Asda and PwC. Both of these businesses have inclusion and diversity policies well-advertised on their websites.

The principle applies to pretty much every university in the country. If the educational institution won’t take any notice of us, perhaps they will sit up when their business partners want to know why their diversity and inclusion policies are being undermined. Sometimes going headto-head with your opponent just doesn’t work; we need to be smart and going around the side might just do it. Give it a try.

Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.

Galloway victory “dark day” for Jewish community

British politics in general”.

We were not alone. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called Galloway’s election “beyond alarming” and Labour leader Keir Starmer apologised for the result. Readers of this newspaper will have had the same sinking feeling as I had when I awoke to the news that this demagogue had been elected to Parliament once more. This is after all a man who, in 1994, told Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein: “I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability.”

Then there is his view on Bashar al-Assad, thought to be one of the most brutal dictators of our time. Galloway took a different view. He said: “For me he is the last Arab

ruler, and Syria is the last Arab country. It is the fortress of the remaining dignity of the Arabs”.

He also cast doubt on Russian involvement in the nerve agent used to poison Yulia and Sergei Skripal in Salisbury – presumably buying the story that the Russian agents who visited Salisbury twice, were innocent tourists fascinated by the cathedral’s impressive spire.

It is also worth noting that, although he has been handed a platform for his odious views by our meticulously fair electoral system, in an address to China’s International Forum on Democracy in Beijing, he criticised “the form of democracy in western countries”.

And given his support for Chinese Communism you may not be surprised to hear his support for oppressed Muslims around the world does not extend to Muslims in China. In fact, he has denied the persecution of Uighur Muslims by the Chinese authorities, an issue that the Board of Deputies has worked to highlight for several years.

We haven’t even delved into Galloway’s

extreme anti-Israel prejudice. Where, many politicians have rightly or wrongly been critical of Israeli Government policy, Galloway once walked out of a debate at the Oxford Union, because the man he was debating had dual Israeli-British citizenship.

He was sacked from his job as a presenter on talkRADIO after tweeting, “No Israël [sic] flags on the Cup!” He claimed the statement referred to Tottenham fans who were flying the flag of Israel in the crowd, but Tottenham Hotspur took a different view, accusing Galloway of “blatant antisemitism”.

And there are also concerns about his closest ally, Chris Williamson, who was by suspended by Labour for his views on the party’s antisemitism crisis, and who, on Radio 4 the morning after Galloway’s election, pointedly refused to condemn the 7th October massacres.

If the Prime Minister feels Galloway’s election is beyond alarming, how anxious should we be? Well, in a sense Rochdale was the perfect storm. It is a constituency with a high number of voters who were

clearly looking for a candidate to take a stand on Gaza. However, Labour was unable to field a candidate after suspending Azhar Ali, who was found to have spread falsehoods on Israel – namely that Israel had “allowed” the deadly attack by Hamas gunmen on 7 October- leaving the field clear for an unscrupulous pro-Palestinian candidate. This is not just about the Jewish community. Rochdale deserves better than George Galloway and we hope that at the coming General Election, he will be soundly defeated.

What this episode does underline is the unrelenting atmosphere of fear under which the UK Jewish community is currently suffering. We are reassured by support we have been given by both Government and opposition and we hope and expect the authorities will continue to protect Jews who feel vulnerable to attack.

Marie van der Zyl is president of the Board of Deputies

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Record-breaking turnout at Jewish Care Business Lunch

It was a record turnout as 1,000 guests gathered at the Grosvenor House on Monday in support of Jewish Cares Topland Group Business Lunch, raising a record-breaking amount of £440,000. The funds raised will help to support the charity’s vital services, which are a lifeline to many isolated members of the community, touching the lives of 10,000 people each week. This was Jewish Cares 36th Business Lunch and it is now in its 15th year of partnership with the Topland Group.

The guest speaker was The Right Honourable Lord Cameron, The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who was interviewed by Lord Finkelstein OBE, former Executive Editor and current columnist for The Times newspaper. Joanne Barnet, member of the Topland Group Business Lunch Committee, introduced the guest speakers who shared fascinating insights and observations on the world today.

Talking about the work of Jewish Care, The Rt. Hon. Lord Cameron, said, “The UK must be a place that the Jewish community can feel safe, which is why the work that organisations such as Jewish Care do to support older people is so vital. Right now and always.

“It was a privilege to attend the Topland Group Business Lunch, to hear about Jewish Cares important work and to support efforts to raise the funds needed to ensure it continues.”

Jewish Care President, Steven Lewis then gave a powerful appeal to guests to give generously: “As we know, this year has been an incredibly difficult time for the community. For our Holocaust survivors it’s been particularly devastating - never again did they think they would witness some of what we are witnessing. For them, we’ve become a safe haven - where they can proudly be Jewish. For those living in areas where they no longer feel safe because of the threat of antisemitism, with us they can proudly share their Jewishness – and above all, they can feel safe.”

Guests were also shown a short film showing the charity’s impact on just one of the thousands of families that Jewish Care supports each week. Jewish Care was there

for Fiona Mendel’s family when her mother, Anne, z’l, needed specialist end-of-life care at Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House care home at Sandringham. Jewish Care continues to be there, caring for Fiona’s father, Tony, who became a resident at the care home after he experienced a stroke.

Chairman of the Topland Group Business Lunch Committee, David Pollock, thanked guests for their support, highlighting some of Jewish Cares vital services from the warm and vibrant community centres, including the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre and centres for people living with dementia, to the charity’s nine care homes for older people and people living with mental illness to the Meals on Wheels service, Jewish Care Direct helpline, Befriending service, support groups and more.

Since Jewish Care and Jami have recently announced plans to become one, the range of mental health support services will grow to support the increasing number of people living with mental illness and distress in the community.

Topland Group Business Lunch

Chairman, David Pollock said: “Never has it been more important in these difficult times for the community to come together, and it is incredible to see so many of you here, attending and supporting us, and the charity’s work.

“Most of Jewish Cares services receive no government funding, and the cost to provide care services has significantly increased. It is the support from our guests today and from the community and beyond that will really enable Jewish Care to continue to meet the needs of our community, so thank you for

giving generously today.

“I would also like to thank our two special guest speakers Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, The Right Honourable Lord David Cameron and Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE. We are incredibly privileged to have them with us and I also thank all the members of the committee for their support and hard work in making this event happen as well as Sol and Eddie Zakay, for their generous sponsorship of our lunch, as well as Allsop LLP and BKL, we are truly grateful for their support.”

After the Topland Group Business Lunch, Daniel Carmel-Brown, Jewish Care CEO, added, “We are so grateful to all of our guests who have helped to raise an extraordinary amount of money for our core services. With costs rising by £1 million in

“My congratulations go to Amanda Barbanel and Jacqueline Harris, winners of this year’s Philip Greenwold Award, in recognition of their incredible inspiring achievements.”

Each year, an award is given in memory of Philip Greenwold to an outstanding individual or group who have made a significant contribution to others. This year, the award was presented to two teachers, Amanda Barbanel and Jacqueline Harris, who are co-founders of the charity, Give. Help. Share. which makes an impact on food insecurity. During lockdown, they distributed food parcels to those who needed them in school. They now supply wholesome food bags to more than 2,000 families monthly in London and Hertfordshire and provide food education workshops to primary-aged pupils. Accepting the award,

the last year, we need to raise nearly £17 million each year to keep all of our vital services going and today’s support will help us to continue to support the thousands of people in our community who rely on Jewish Care every day.

Amanda and Jacqueline, said, “We are truly honoured to accept this award and we want to extend our gratitude to the Topland Committee for nominating us.”

NJA expresses deep concern over election of George Galloway in Rochdale by-election

The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) expresses profound concern over the election of George Galloway in the Rochdale by-election.

Gary Mond, Chairman of the National Jewish Assembly, said “George Galloway’s appalling views on Israel, its residents and supporters, together with his links with Iran, Hamas and other Islamist groups make his election as MP for Rochdale highly regrettable. However, it is imperative that we play the ball and not the man. Comments such as describing him as a “demagogue” and “conspiracy theorist”

do our community no good at all. Instead, we must focus on defeating his arguments, in particular supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against the massacres of 7 October, emphasising Israel’s right to exist and refuting the ridiculous allegations that Israel is an apartheid state.”

Galloway’s history of antisemitism and divisive politics underscores the urgent need for vigilance in combating hate speech and intolerance. The NJA condemns in the strongest terms Galloway’s history of antisemitic rhetoric and divisive actions. His victory speech, echoing previous messages

of hostility and confrontation, is deeply troubling and underscores the urgent need for greater accountability and responsibility in public discourse.

Galloway’s leafleting of Muslim voters with misleading information in the lead-up to the by-election was highly inflammatory and divisive. By spreading such misinformation, Galloway aims to exploit religious and political sentiments for personal gain, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

The NJA condemns Galloway’s attempt to manipulate voters by claiming that Labour

betrayed Muslims by supporting Israel’s alleged “genocide” among other patently erroneous accusations. Such comments perpetuate falsehoods and incite hostility toward Jewish communities. Galloway’s exploitation of the Israel-Hamas war to serve his political agenda at the expense of community harmony is deplorable at best. As an organisation committed to combating antisemitism, standing with Israel, and promoting Jewish life in the UK, the NJA calls on all political parties and leaders to unequivocally reject and condemn antisemitism in all its forms.

The Rt Hon. Lord Cameron and Lord Finkelstein OBE

PHOTO: GRAINGE PHOTOGRAPHY

Join us at this critical time as we come together to support our community in times of crisis. As we embark on this journey of compassion, resilience, and unity, your presence and participation are a vital part of our collective strength.

Yad Sarah is at the forefront of social welfare services in Israel. We are urgently evacuating hundreds of Israel’s elderly, Infirm and disabled trapped in their homes in areas of extreme danger now from the north as well as those close to the war in the south. We have opened additional branches in the safe locations in order to care for these extremely vulnerable people. Almost every hospital throughout Israel has a Yad Sarah branch and they have asked us to dramatically increase availability of medical and mobility equipment.

Thank you for standing with Yad Sarah in our commitment to providing essential services during emergencies and times of conflict. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the safety and well-being of those who depend on us.

Please help us to help those in the most desperate need by being as generous as you are able.

Beis Yisroel Shul Parlour meeting for Bonei Olam

The Beis Yisroel shul, Manchester, held a parlour meeting in aid of Bonei Olam this past Motzai Shabbos. Many members of the shul first gathered at the kever of the Manchester Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Segal zt’’l where his grandson R’ Avrumle Kupetz and the Rov of Beis Yisroel Rav Yehoshua Ahron Sofer shlita spoke before saying Tehillim on behalf of those wait ing to have children.

Tehillim was led by Rabbi Sofer and af ter Tehillim there was singing led by Aron Zvi Grossberger. Following the davening at the Kever,

there was a Melava Malka reception at State Fayre coffee shop in Whitefield kindly hosted by Mr Yehuda Fagleman. Mr Pinchos Brandeis spoke about the importance of Bonei Olam and how parents struggled in many aspects before this amazing organization of Bonei Olam was started. The guest speaker was Bonei Olam trustee Mr Chagai Kahn who told some moving stories and explained the financial structure of Bonei Olam. The participants were very moved and responded generously to the Bonei Olam campaign.

MDA UK in Conversation with John Humphrys

Last Thursday, Magen David Adom UK‘s Impromptu Committee hosted a lunch with renowned broadcaster John Humphrys. The event was held in the Radlett home of MDA UK supporters Ally & Daniel Rubin, and organised by Sue Rubin, the chair of the Impromptu Committee.

Humphrys was interviewed by Impromptu committee member Brenda Elton, on a variety of topics, ranging from his career in broadcasting to the way the current war in Gaza is being covered by the UK media. In a comment that could well have been directed at his previous employer, Humphrys was unequivocal that Hamas should be termed as terrorists. Over the course of the interview, Humphrys also shared anecdotes about visiting

Palace and his interaction with the former Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks.

Closing the event, Magen David Adom Chief Executive Daniel Burger said, “the unfathomable acts of October 7th have changed the world as we know it,” whilst also acknowledging the remarkable heroism of MDA teams across its many lifesaving services. “From the blood bank and dispatch centres to the ambulance drivers, medics and paramedics on the frontline - MDA has been there throughout. Tragically, 22 of our colleagues have been killed in action.” In a call to action, Daniel Burger said, “It is in their memory that we must raise the funds to not only save more lives in Israel but to protect those tasked with doing the lifesaving. We need more armoured ambulances, more helmets and more vests.”

Aish Manchester Schools Shabbaton in the Lakes

More than 50 Year 11 students from schools across Manchester joined Aish Manchester for a special Shabbaton in the Lake District. With a dynamic team of madrichim, including Rebbetzen Adina Strom, Rabbi Zvi Gefen, and Chani and Saul Bishop who put together a great programme of activities. On the way to the shabbaton the group stopped for an energetic laser quest activity before arriving at a beautiful house in Cumbria for the weekend.

The group brought shabbat in as the snow started falling, with a spirited kabbalat shabbat service, where the students sang and danced before a delicious Friday night dinner. Student leaders from Aish Manchester’s existing leadership programme, who work throughout the year coming up with ideas and events for their peers, spoke inspirationally to the other students. A group of year 12 students also joined the Shabbaton as ambassadors from the Aish Poland trip, offering an insight into their own Jewish journeys with Aish.

joyous Havdallah filled with singing and dancing before an incredible evening of interactive games and a pizza making competition made the perfect end to an unforgettable weekend.

Reflecting on the weekend, Rebbetzen Adina Strom said “So many friendships, great memories and connections were

made on this inspiring weekend, the students really bonded with one another and connected deeply to ideas that were shared. After our first Shabbaton was such a great success the students were keen for a second one with many saying the group felt like family. We love having the opportunity to create weekends like this that provide so much meaning to students whilst also being a lot of fun.”

Shabbat morning featured an explanatory Shacharit and beautiful davening service using a Sefer Torah brought up from London, followed by Kiddish leading onto lengthy breakout discussion groups discussing the concept of Jewish heroes. After lunch the students spent the afternoon enjoying walks in the beautiful Lake District, making friendships and enjoying games and activities with the Aish team. The students had a buffet seuda in the afternoon with a Year 12 Leaders panel, offering the students an opportunity to pose their thought-provoking questions. The students also heard from Rabbi Zvi Gefen who shared his experience on a mission trip in the South of Israel in January and the impact of witnessing the destruction of October 7th first hand, hearing from hostages who had been brought back to Israel as well as survivors from that terrible day. Rabbi Gefen also emphasised the spirit of the Jewish people especially in the face of advertisty and the importance of unity.

The group brought Shabbat out with a

Rabbi Zvi Gefen, Director of Aish Manchester said: “With the significant rise in anti-Semitism, an increasing number of young Jews in schools and on campuses are hiding their identity because they are scared to be openly Jewish. Events like these Aish Shabbatons, provide young Jews with a safe and positive environment to connect with other Jews and be inspired by the beauty of our heritage, empowering them to be proudly Jewish.”

One of the students said, “I think the Aish shabbatons are such an important and special event that I have looked forward to and enjoyed each time. Not only do I always leave feeling closer to my Jewish identity and the deeper meanings of such simple every day concepts, but I also absolutely love how close I feel to absolutely all of my friends and how much like a family it feels by the end. Everyone was so incredible and it’s safe to say I had a great time!”

Another student said: “Aish gives Jewish children opportunities to experience their faith in a way like no other.”

Buckingham

Broadcaster John Humphrys

Sue Rubin, Chair - MDA UK Impromptu Committee with Broadcaster John Humphrys

Fun had by all on the Shabbaton

Parlour meeting in full swing

NJA condemns Peter Ford’s disrespectful Holocaust remarks

The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) is profoundly concerned by Peter Ford’s disgraceful conduct during his recent interview on LBC Radio with Nick Ferrari. As Deputy Leader of the Workers Party of Britain, Mr. Ford’s flippant remarks and callous language regarding George Galloway’s comparisons of Israel’s actions in Gaza to the Holocaust, and separately, calling into doubt the atrocities committed against Israel on October 7, are utterly unacceptable and offensive to the Jewish community and all those who stand against hatred and bigotry.

During the interview, Mr. Ford laughed off Mr. Ferrari’s question regarding Galloway’s likening of Israel’s actions in Gaza to the Holocaust, showing a shocking lack of sensitivity and respect for the millions of innocent lives lost during one of humanity’s darkest chapters.

Furthermore, Mr. Ford’s insistence on referring to the Israeli victims of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks as “alleged victims” is deeply disturbing and implies doubt about the horrifying reality of their murders, torture, rape, and kidnappings at the hands of Hamas terrorists.

Gary Mond, Chairman of the NJA, issued a scathing rebuke of Mr. Ford’s behaviour,

stating: “Peter Ford’s flippant attitude and dismissive language towards Galloway’s callous between the Israel-Hamas war and the Holocaust, and sewing doubts about the suffering of Israeli victims of the October 7 massacre, are reprehensible and deeply offensive. His refusal to acknowledge the undeniable truth of these atrocities is a shameful display of moral bankruptcy. We stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors, and we call on Mr. Ford and Mr. Galloway to issue immediate apologies for these insensitive remarks.”

The NJA demands accountability and responsibility from public figures like Mr. Ford, who hold positions of influence and authority. Denying or trivialising the suffering of Holocaust victims and Israeli victims of terrorism only serves to perpetuate antisemitism. The NJA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of hatred, and we call on individuals and organisations to join us in condemning Mr. Ford’s reprehensible behaviour.

A special Shabbat in Southend and Westcliff

Last Shabbos, Parasha Ki Tissa, the Southend and Westcliff`s Hebrew Congregation (SWHC) held a “One Southend Shabboson”. It was Shabbos dedicated to Unity and Solidarity: Unity in the local Jewish community and Solidarity with Israel. The Travelling Chassidim were invited as special guests to promote Unity and Steven Winston, Managing Director of the National Jewish Assembly - SWHC member promoted Solidarity.

A group of local Chassidic families, plus one from London and one from Canvey Island arrived at the synagogue on Friday for a packed programme, to celebrate the “One Shabbat Project Shabbaton”. Most of these families are already known to members of the congregation, but it was an opportunity for the Chassidishe families to meet new people, make friends and – with their hallmark enthusiasm - bring warmth and joy to the community.

This One Shabbat Project Shabbaton really started well before Friday night. On Tuesday a presentation led by Rabbi Hyman on the theme of “Shabbat – Food for the Soul”. This was followed by the Southend Bake Off - a well-attended Challah Bake, which was held on Thursday evening, led by Mirelle & Mindy. These local Travelling Chassidot infused the ad-hoc bakers with a taste of Shabbos, just by mixing, kneading and pleating the Challos!

Shabbos started early; in addition to the Shabbos candles that were lit by the women in the Synagogue foyer, 130 additional

candles were lit - representing the hostages still in captivity. An exceptionally large crowd gathered in the main Shul for a rousing Carlebach-style Kabbalat Shabbos, which was led by Chazan Yossi Deutsch, himself a Travelling Chossid from Westcliff and the choir by the best voices of the Travelling Chassidim. There was lively singing, the davening was interspersed by lots of dancing by all the Chassidim and members of the congregation.

Davening was followed by a three course meal by Reich’s Catering, featuring gefilte fish, heimishe chicken soup and roast chicken, topped off by desert. The logistics and other arrangements were ably organised by longtime SWHC functions chair Marilyn Salt and by SWHC Board member Chloe Baum-Walters, who also addressed the audience about togetherness - Achdut.

Community Rabbi Geoffrey Hyman spoke about how the Chassidic movement was founded. The evening was replete with surprises: a question-and-answer session was followed by an imitation of Fiddler on the Roof, storytelling: Benny’s Escapades in Namibia and Beyond - interspersed by singing with some light moments, such as when some of the Travelling Chasidim tried to keep their balance standing on the dining hall’s chairs...

On Shabbos morning, Reb Menasche Scharf, an in-demand Ba’al Tefilla, davened Shacharit and Musaf, topped off with a An’im Zemirot, sung by recently Bar Mitzvah’d Remi Jacques. The uplifting service

was followed by another three - course Cholent and salad Se’udah – with special mention to the chopped liver and egg dish, with the Chassidic families conversing with the members, forming new friendships and sharing memories about: Stamford Hill!

During the meal, National Jewish Assembly Managing Director and SWHC member Steven Winston spoke about his love for Israel, having spent some years there in his youth. He shared his reflections on the aftermath of 7th of October and the resilience of the People of Israel in the face of it all, which he observed first hand when on a solidarity trip to the holy land. There was singing and much fun, as everyone was invited to play a game, prepared by one of the Travelling Chassidim. Guests had to guess the meanings of Yiddish sayings, which resulted in some heated discussions and even more laughter, as the guesswork old and young alike wound up in sometimes hilarious results.

Later on in the afternoon there was Mincha, followed by Se’udah Shelishit with lots more singing and speeches. After the Se’udah, time was made for Ma’ariv, followed by a gala Musical Havdalah with refreshments, which attracted a record crowd. There was high octane singing and lively dancing with the Travelling Chassidim who graciously exchanged their shtreimals with members’ headgear. The room was abuzz with the sound of the keyboard, guitar and clarinet – equalised with singing well-known songs of yore and of the more

contemporary genre.

Everyone remarked about the amazing ruach, friendliness and warmth that pervaded this special One Shabbat Project Shabbaton. Indeed, as an historic first for the 118 year young Synagogue on Finchley Road, the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation enjoyed a beautiful and inspiring Shabbos that will live long in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to participate.

SWHC Community Rabbi Hyman, said: “The Travelling Chassidim created a lively atmosphere with their singing and dancing. Overall, everyone felt that they had experienced a truly inspirational Shabbos. Their presence at our Shabbaton certainly brought the communities together.”.

There were also several praiseworthy comments from members of SWHC:

“I just love it”, “these events are what makes a community.” “This is how it should be.” “May all those involved be blessed with many more events bringing the wider City of Southend Jewish Community together in celebration.” “There was a rainbow in Southend last Shabbat, how symbolic in the light of such a ground breaking event.”

The Travelling Chassidim is a purely voluntary organisation. They do not charge for their services - nor for their entertainment. They make dreams come true!

JNF UK hosts an exclusive evening with the Mayor of Sderot

JNF UK had the pleasure of hosting the Mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi, at the home of JNF UK Chairman Samuel Hayek. The event brought together special guests for an insightful and personal discussion about the attack on Sderot, the challenges faced

by the residents, and the plans to strengthen the city, in the aftermath of the events on 7th October.

For nearly 20 years, JNF UK has been deeply committed to supporting and strengthening Sderot, enhancing the city’s

infrastructure and the well-being of the community. JNF UK has funded the creation of parks and playgrounds, a state of the art rehabilitation centre, a daycare centre for the elderly, as well as several projects focused on enhancing the quality of life for

the residents of Sderot.

Mayor Alon Davidi shared a poignant account of the events that unfolded on 7th October and the subsequent days following the attack. He had the overwhelming responsibility of evacuating 38,000 citizens from Sderot to hotels in Israel, ensuring they had the necessary critical support in place. Davidi described the mental toll the rocket attacks from Gaza, for over two decades, has had on both his own family as well as a large proportion of the residents.

Attendees gained valuable insights into how the citizens of Sderot have displayed determination and resilience. Davidi outlined the ongoing efforts to assist evacuees to return to their homes, and more importantly, his vision for rebuilding and ensuring a brighter future for the city.

Samuel Hayek, Chairman of JNF UK, said of the mayor’s visit “JNF UK’s footprints can be found all over Sderot and we are proud of the tremendous change we have witnessed in the city. This is just one of many towns and cities we have formed a close relationship with. We continue to engage and support many communities in these difficult times and pray for a better future for all of Israel.”

Sderot Mayor with JNF UK Chairman Samuel Hayek, CEO Elan Gorji and trustees Murray Lee, Mandi Waisman and Cathya Djanogly PHOTO: SHARON GREEN PHOTOGRAPHIC

Top of the agenda for Kisharon Langdon is raising £2M this weekend towards its £4M funding gap

Kisharon Langdon reach out to the community for critical funds to fill the shortfall in adult social care for support this weekend in a vital fundraising campaign aimed at securing essential learning disability services for the children and adults they support.

Persistent underfunding in social care services for the learning-disabled community, compounded by global events, has intensified funding pressures. Kisharon Langdon is embarking on a mission to raise £2 million in just 36 hours where all donations will be doubled through generous match funders. These funds will contribute to the overall budget required to sustain and develop crucial services for individuals supported by Kisharon Langdon.

Kisharon Langdon’s ambition is to offer outstanding life opportunities, enabling people the charity support to live as independently as possible, reach their potential and contribute as equals in our community and beyond.

At the core of all their services lie Jewish values. The charity is deeply committed to meeting each person’s unique religious and cultural needs in enabling individuals to realise their ambitions.

Richard Franklin, Chief Executive, said: “This is the hardest I have known it, in my 20 years in social care” The latest budget tax cuts further cemented the chronic lack of social care funding, making Kisharon Langdon’s mission harder and yet still more vital. “We

offer incredible support for our learning disability and autism community, but we can’t do it alone. This weekend, we urgently need our community to raise £2 million, to help fill our now annual £4 million funding gap. Together, we want donors alongside those they support to feel ‘on top of the world’. It is not just a standard ask for a broad range of quality services; it’s about going above and beyond for heroic staff battling all the odds to offer the highest of standards we demand for those who need it most”.

The fundraising campaign, themed ‘on top of the world’, highlights how Kisharon Langdon enables people with learning disabilities and autistic people to lead fulfilled and Jewish lives.

Richard Franklin adds: “We know the merged charity offers increased standards, efficiency and professionalism and yet can realise the increased diversity of needs with a step change in communal priorities”.

Donate this weekend at www.charityextra.com/kisharonlangdon to help raise £2 million in just 36 hours – every donation will support individuals supported by Kisharon Langdon to thrive and feel ‘on top of the world’

News in brief Estate agency sacks manager

Barkers Estate Agent in Borehamwood has terminated the employment of branch manager Amanda Hardy who appeared to celebrate the death of Lord Rothschild in an anti-Israel post.

She reportedly posted last month: “The world is a better place with this Zionist dead. Just got to hope all the others follow.’

The company reportedly confirmed Hardy had been suspended (27th February) after it was discovered she published on Facebook a ‘deeply offensive post” appearing to celebrate the death of Lord Rothschild.

Barkers confirmed Hardy was ‘no longer employed or associated with the business’.

A statement by Barkers reportedly noted: ‘The personal opinions, expressed in the offending and implied anti-Semitic post, which has since been removed, were not only offensive to Jewish staff members, but the whole team including the directors, none of whom share these views and who were all shocked with disbelief at the hateful and inflammatory post. ‘Barkers has worked hard to build a coveted reputation for integrity and professionalism in the area for nearly 30 years, serving clients of all faiths and religions. It is with deep regret that this reputation has been

sullied by one employee’s shameful and unacceptable breach of the company’s well established, Code of Conduct and Social Media policy.

‘Understandably Barkers has received a number of complaints about the now, ex-employee’s personal Facebook post. These are acknowledged and, in the short time since she was suspended, Barkers have attempted to reassure most of these, that firm and decisive action would ensue; taking account of employment laws for dismissal.

‘Despite the furore and distraction this incident has caused, the team at Barkers have been heartened and encouraged at the messages of support from mostly, the local Jewish community, others in Israel; including clients, past and present, neighbours, businesses and even some competitors, who know us and despite their dismay at the message content, recognise the strengths and enduring values of the Barkers’ brand, that will overcome this regrettable episode.’

Artist Jack a pupil at Kisharon Wohl campus, Kisharon Noé School

The ultimate way to save money on Kosher food

Food is expensive. Visit a grocery store and walk up and down the aisles and you’ll be shocked to see how the prices have increased over the years. However, kosher food is insanely expensive. You know that. I know that. We all know that. Go into any Jewish restaurant and peek at the menu. Make sure your eyeballs don’t pop out. Not to mention the gratuity and mandatory tips. We understand though. People need to pay rent, pay their workers, feed their families, and survive. At the end of the day, we are all trying to survive. We are aware that the price of kosher food in restaurants has spiked recently. The pricing of kosher food in comparison to non-kosher food is ridiculous. People can go to McDonald’s and order a meal for their family of four for $20. A Jew cannot do that anywhere, unless they want to starve with the small portions. Purchasing a kosher meal for a Jewish family range anywhere from $60100. Not to mention the price difference of fast-food restaurants versus steakhouses and fancy restaurants. If only there was a way to get kosher food for a cheaper price, where both restaurant owner and customer can benefit.

Luckily, there is. I don’t know if you’ve heard about Kosher GPS, the “smartphone app containing over 3,000 locations. Consisting of places to find kosher food and orthodox minyans and mikvahs…” The Kosher GPS app is perfect if you’re looking for a good deal in our neighborhood restaurants, traveling for any Jewish holiday, going on vacation, or just visiting out of town. Now, you can easily search hundreds of kosher restaurants closest to your GPS location and find the perfect fit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pretty convenient right?

Locations include anywhere in the USA from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Florida, New Jersey, Monsey, Brooklyn, Queens, Arizona, and Ohio. We are currently working on enlisting more locations so that more Jews can be accommodated for. That means if you’re visiting Panama, Mexico, France for winter break or Miami for summer break and you don’t know where to eat, just pull up the Kosher GPS app. Not only will all the restaurants be listed for you, but there is a promos section. A way to save money, everyone’s favorite.

Once you click on the promos sections, loads of promotions for each restaurant

will appear enabling you and your family to save money on your next meal. Each promotion that is listed on the Kosher GPS app is exclusive and unique to Kosher GPS. Meaning you will not find that promotion anywhere else. So, use it and take advantage of it! Luckily, there is no expiration date, so you can use that promotion at any time with whoever! Additionally, each promotion is at no extra charge to the consumer. Although some promotions are eligible through spending a certain amount of money at a restaurant or some percentage off your overall order. Some examples include a free fountain drink with any order, 20% off on your order, free bottle of wine for a table of four or more, free fries with any purchase, and so on. Keep in mind that each promotion is ONLY eligible once you show the installed Kosher GPS app on your phone. We want to make sure that you are completely benefitting from this wonderful promotion. We are currently working on bringing on more promotions for more restaurants, so even more money can be saved!

Now you may be wondering, why would restaurant owners give free promotions

if the food that they are serving in their restaurant is super expensive? For many reasons. First off, we all love a good deal. If you can get some percentage off, a free appetizer, or a free dessert- you would take it, wouldn’t you? So, restaurant owners know that they want you to come visit their store and indulge in their mouthwatering dishes while keeping your wallet happy. Additionally, these promotions are at no cost to the restaurant owners. Because it counts as a marketing expense, so they aren’t losing any money! It’s a win-win situation for both restaurant owner and employee.

In addition, you can now leave reviews directly on the app so people won’t have to search for opinions it will be right at your fingertips.

So, the next time you hear your stomach grumble, or you want to grab a quick bite with friends, download the Kosher GPS app and save money today. Your wallet will thank you! Kosher GPS is a My Jewish Listings partner, your source for everything Kosher Travel, Kosher Vacations, Pesach Programmes, Shavuot Programmes, Sukkot Programmes and all Jewish Travel.

THE RABBI

STOP THE WAR? HAVE A COFFEE!

Dear Rabbi

It’s been so many months and still the war carries on. Don’t you think it is time Israel says, “enough,” and makes peace with its neighbours. Just give them back their land, let everyone live in peace and the rest of the world can get on with their lives as well.

Gary

Dear Gary

When a fly falls into a cup of coffee: The Italian throws the cup, breaks it, and walks away in a fit of rage. The German carefully washes the cup, sterilizes it, and makes a new cup of coffee. The Frenchman takes out the fly and drinks the coffee. The Chinese eats the fly and throws away the coffee. The Israeli sells the coffee to the Frenchman, sells the fly to the Chinese, sells the cup to the Italian, drinks a cup of tea, and uses the extra money to invent a device that prevents flies from falling into coffee.

Hamas blames the Israeli for the fly falling into his coffee, protests the act to the UN as an act of aggression, takes a loan from the European Union to buy a new cup of coffee, uses the money to purchase

explosives, and then blows up the coffee house where the Italian, Frenchman, Chinese and German are all trying to explain to the Israeli that he should give his cup of tea to Hamas. Enough said.

DO TORAH & PSYCHOLOGY GET ALONG?

Dear Rabbi

As a student of psychology, I find psychology and Judaism in conflict with one another. Psychology encourages me to identify and explore my emotions. Judaism on the other hand advocates for supressing my emotions. For example, Judaism says, “don’t be angry; don’t be jealous, don’t harbour resentment!” It seems to be that the two cannot real work in tandem.

Esther

Dear Esther

Contrary to what you suggest, Judaism does not advocate for the denial or suppression of emotions. In fact, such an approach can be counterproductive, as it merely buries emotions without addressing their root causes. Consequently, these buried emotions may resurface unpredictably, leading to ongoing internal turmoil.

Instead, Judaism encourages

individuals to confront their emotions directly, acknowledging and understanding them without allowing them to define one’s identity or hold them captive. This process involves a deep introspection, where individuals explore the origins and implications of their feelings.

Moreover, Judaism teaches that individuals possess a multifaceted inner self, represented by the soul. By fostering a relationship with one’s soul, individuals can gain perspective on their emotions and experiences. This relationship allows for a meaningful dialogue with oneself, enabling individuals to navigate emotional challenges with clarity and resilience.

Ultimately, Judaism emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and inner harmony. While it is essential to recognize and work through emotions, individuals can transcend their emotional experiences by embracing the complexity of their inner selves. In doing so, they can prevent emotions from exerting undue control over their lives, maintaining equilibrium in the face of whatever challenges.

“L’chaim!” remember, it’s not just a toast; it’s a celebration of the absurdity and beauty of being alive. Cheers to that!

A QUESTION ABOUT QUESTIONS

L’CHAIM! TO LIFE – LITERALLY!

Dear Rabbi

Why do we say ‘L’chaim!’ when we toast in Judaism? Is it just about the alcohol, or is there a deeper meaning and significance to this?

Liora

Dear Liora

Ah, the classic Jewish toast! Saying “L’chaim!” isn’t just about the alcohol; it’s like hitting the spiritual refresh button. Picture this: You’re at a celebration, a kiddush club or Shabbat lunch surrounded by family and friends, everyone raising their glasses. It’s not just a nod to the fine wine or smooth single malt in your cup; it’s a reminder to embrace life’s moments, the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious.

Think of it as our way of saying, “Here’s to you, here’s to me, here’s to us, and here’s to making it through another week without losing our sanity!” It’s a little nudge to appreciate the sweetness in life, even when things get a bit sour. So, next time you raise your glass and exclaim

Dear Rabbi

I don’t know if this is stereotyping, but I have often heard it said that Jews always answer a question with another question. I decided to put this to the test with some of my friends and three out of the four did exactly that. Why do you do that?

Samdar

Dear Samdar

Why not?

A little more seriously, there’s a bit of a cultural quirk behind this. You see, we Jews love to engage in lively debates and discussions, and often enough enjoy a good argument. By responding to a question with a question, we’re not just deflecting; we’re inviting you into a dialogue, a back-and-forth exchange of ideas that can lead to deeper understanding (and maybe a few laughs along the way). So next time you ask a Jew a question and get another question in return, just know we’re not trying to be difficult – we’re just keeping the conversation going in true Jewish fashion!

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:

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London

NW4 2SG

Charity No. 1099659

Phone: 020 8187 9881

Email: office@yadvashem.org.uk

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@yadvashemukfoundation

Beyond the headlines

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

A Lesson Learned from US Students

BY SIVAN RAHAV MEIR - TRANSLATED BY YEHOSHUA SISKIN

I’d like to share a few insights following a lecture that I delivered to a contingent of university students that came to Israel last week from the US. One student, from NYU, remarked, “Ever since October 7th, I felt like I was gasping for air. The last several months on campus have been one huge anti-Semitic nightmare. But now I feel that I can breathe again!

“We came here to help and to contribute; each of us donated a lot of money that we collected to grieving families and to evacuees in hotels. On the other hand, we gained from our visit a lot more than we expected. We received an identity, a sense of belonging and meaning. I will never forget Shabbat in Jerusalem. I will never forget our visit to the rehabilitation department in Tel Hashomer hospital or meeting the farmers in the south. There is no spirit like this anywhere else in the world. I return to campus tomorrow completely transformed.”

A young woman then related how one of her university lecturers took her aside and whispered, “I envy you traveling to Israel, you are on the right side of history.” Despite his admission, he wasn’t willing to say it aloud in front of the class.

“The world is completely confused,” she continued. “Students in my class who consider themselves liberal and progressive support Hamas without shame. During our week here we gained moral clarity: the ability to understand that there is good and there is evil, and that we can choose to stand by the side of those who are good. I truly feel the fulfillment of the famous verse from the Book of Yeshayahu: ‘From Zion the Torah will go forth, and the word of God from Jerusalem’.”

After meeting these students, I realized: They didn’t only come here to support us, but for us to support them.

FIGHTING ANTI-SEMITISM IS NOT OUR ONLY MISSION

In his cover story in Time Magazine, called “The New Antisemitism,” Noah Feldman, a professor at Harvard Law School, underlines the crucial difference between Israel and Hamas. “During the Hamas attack, terrorists intentionally murdered children and raped women. Its charter calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. Yet the accusation of genocide is being made against Israel.”

Shining the spotlight on anti-Semitic lies about Israel is important, but according to Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, when speaking at the Jerusalem Post Conference in London, this is not our core mission. “To protect is essential, but our mission is to project.

… Too often our collective global efforts are focused exclusively on protection, calling out anti-Semi tism. But to paraphrase

Harav Avra ham Yitzchak

Hakohen Kook,

‘The best way to fight against darkness is by spreading more light.’ Part of our response to anti-Semitism is to produce more light, to respond to evil, by increasing our collective holiness.”

everything that was familiar to him and, together with his older brother, he survived a slave labor camp, a concentration camp, a death march, hunger,

A SOLDIER’S SWEET MEMORIAL

I received a letter from Yisrael Zisk, the father of IDF soldier Neriya, who fell in battle two months ago. Together with the letter, he sent photos that captured two poignant moments. The first shows the chuppah of Zisk’s son, Dvir (Neriya’s brother), with his bride, Nofech. In the second photo, you see a heartfelt tribute to Neriya: a table laden with candies and treats alongside pictures of Neriya, and which they called “Neriya’s Happiness Corner.” Yisrael Zisk wrote: “It made us feel that he was right there with us throughout the night. Am Yisrael Chai!”

LIVING PROOF OF THE RESILIENT JEWISH SPIRIT

Greetings from New York.

“How do we emerge from darkness into light?” A tough question at any time, but especially pertinent nowadays. It was the opening line given by Rabbi Chaim Sampson, the host of the annual Project Inspire Shabbat event, attended by more than a 1,000 people from all across the globe.

“We hear about so much sadness and grieving,” Rabbi Sampson continued. “I want to tell you about a 5-year-old child who lost his parents in the Holocaust. He was forced to leave his home and

– unable to read or write; instead of going to school he’d been occupied with moving dead bodies at Buchenwald. At the first opportunity, he took a boat to the Land of Israel, but as soon as he arrived, he was sent to a detention

“What kind of future would you envision for this child? Orphaned, abandoned, poor, uneducated, plagued by fear and trauma. I want to invite him to the stage. Today he’s 87 years old, and his name is Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau. He built himself up, studied and advanced, and then married and raised a wonderful family. He became the Chief Rabbi of Israel. He serves as chairman of the Yad Vashem Council and is one of the most famous, eloquent spokesmen on behalf of Israel and of the Jewish people throughout the world.

“The children of Be’eri, Sderot, Kfar Aza… they can all gain strength from his story. It’s not only the story of Yisrael, the orphaned child; it’s the story of Am Yisrael. We have living proof in our generation of the ability to emerge from disaster to rebirth. It is a tremendous privilege to hear Rabbi Lau tell his story, our story, particularly at this time.”

A MESSAGE FROM A SOLDIER WHO LOST HIS LEG

IDF soldier Shalom Shetreet walked onto the Project Inspire stage on crutch es, his presence commanding the attention of the 1000-strong crowd as he delivered a message that rever berated powerfully.

“As you can see, I lost a leg,” he began. “It happened on Oct. 7, and since then I’ve undergone several operations and rehabilitation. My experience has taken me on a journey, one that has led me into unfamiliar territory within the Jewish world. Suddenly, my hospital room at Tel Hashomer was filled with so many people — not just from Israel, but also, support delegations from the US. In that room, a profound truth revealed itself to me, as Jews of all kinds came together, and it touched me to the core. That’s why, despite the challenge due to my condition, I boarded a 12-hour flight to New York, in order to say thank-you, and to ask you to continue.

“During this Shabbat together, I learned of your efforts to empower and connect with young Jews across the US. This spirit of unity is the most meaningful gift you could offer me. Let’s not look at one another as strangers; let’s resolve our differences with wisdom and love. History has sounded an urgent alarm; we mustn’t ignore this opportunity.

“The war isn’t over yet. I am fighting together with you on behalf of millions of our brothers and sisters here in the US, who are at risk of disappearing. Bring them into our story.

“In every generation, we have argued among ourselves, and in every generation, we are reminded to draw closer. Today, I sense a renewed familial bond, a renewed love. And for that, losing my right leg was a sacrifice worth making.”

As Shalom stood tall on one leg, the audience rose as one, their applause echoing their solidarity and admiration for his resilience.

What is the worst part of Pesach?

The Cleaning Pesach “Ketchup”

Bubby’s Cinnamon Balls

No Whisky!

The Birth of Torah She’baal Peh: (Part 3)

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

In our previous article, we continued exploring the deep and inspiring ideas relating to the birth of Torah She’baal Peh. To briefly review, the initial stage of Torah was that of Torah She’bichsav. Torah was transmitted through nevuah, reflecting the open revelation of Hashem and truth in the world. There was little to no machlokes (argument) and virtually no human creativity, opinion, or input. If you had a question, you went to a Navi. The Navi made himself a receptacle to receive and transmit Hashem’s message. Once nevuah ended, however, the canon of Tanach was closed and a new age began: the age of Torah She’baal Peh.

The light faded, the darkness thickened, but something wondrous happened: The makom of Torah transitioned from Shamayim (the Heavens) to the hearts and minds of Klal Yisrael. “Lo baShamayim hi — the clarity and authority of Torah’s revelation is no longer in the Heavens, given clearly and freely from Hashem (Devarim 30:12; Bava Metzia 59a). It rests in the hearts and minds of the Jewish sages, who become the walking, living embodiments of Torah, radiating light in a darkened world. The gift of Torah clarity was lost; we now have to rebuild it ourselves, poring over the pages of Gemara and exerting every ounce of our strength to absorb its meaning.

The transition from Torah She’bichsav to Torah She’baal Peh introduced a number of fundamental shifts in our relationship with Torah. These include the introduction of machlokes and a mode of “hearing” as opposed to “seeing.” Let us continue to delve into these topics in order to develop a deeper understanding of the evolution of Torah.

THE ART OF LEARNING GEMARA

There is a puzzling characteristic about Torah She’baal Peh and the organization of the Talmud. If you open up any Gemara, you will notice that every masechta (tractate) begins on daf beis (page two). Even the very first masechta, Berachos (Blessings), begins on the second page. Why does a new topic not begin on the first page?

The meaning behind this is connected to the deep nature of wisdom itself. Wisdom is complete, interconnected, and static, like a circle. In this state, there is no beginning or end, only oneness. When one wants to attain wisdom, there is no “real” beginning and no objective starting point, just like there is no starting point on a circle. In essence, you are always entering the world of wisdom from the middle.

Whenever you enter the circle to learn and understand one topic, you have actually begun your journey of learning all of wisdom. You begin learning this

one topic and then start building, putting the pieces together, creating a conceptual structure. You begin page by page, principle by principle, application by application, collecting and organizing all the data. Because everything is interconnected, every new piece of information you learn must both qualify and be qualified by everything else you have learned. Eventually, after seeing all the different qualifying parts and perspectives, you begin to see how everything fits perfectly into place. Only once you have learned everything and put all the pieces together can you look back and see, in retrospect, how everything fits together. It is only once you have learned everything that you can truly know anything. This is why every masechta begins on daf beis: to teach us that we are always in the middle of learning. The first daf is not the beginning, and the last is not the end, but rather we are always in the middle of the learning process. (While this might be startling to contemplate, it is important to note that a single stance on any one thing is, essentially, a statement on everything.

you must connect what you are currently learning to every other idea you know, and in doing so, you will begin to possess true wisdom and connect to the spiritual oneness of all truth.

GENUINE CHAZARAH

The first time you learn something, it is impossible to fully comprehend it, because you need to know everything else in order to fully grasp its true meaning. This is the purpose of chazarah.

Chazarah is usually defined as “review.” As such, when people review what they learned, many simply read it over, mindlessly repeating what they already know and already understood. But true chazarah, true repetition, is the process of learning old material on a completely new level, achieving elevated levels of clarity and gaining new insights. True chazarah requires bringing everything you’ve learned since last studying this material into your experience of reviewing it. Each time you repeat this process, you are able to elevate your learning to

This is because all of wisdom and truth is interconnected. If one takes a stance on a single topic or issue, then that stance will ripple through every other idea and topic as well, as all of wisdom is an interconnected circuit, a multifaceted web of oneness. That is why everything requires nuance and qualification.)

This is true of all wisdom. Any individual idea or argument in the Gemara, or in all of Judaism, can only be understood in light of every other idea and concept. (Which is why context is so important. It is also why taking something out of context is equally inappropriate.) Every point presupposes that you know everything else. Therefore, until you know everything, you will not fully understand anything. This is what the Gemara (Rosh Hashanah, Yerushalmi 3:5) means when it says: “The words of Torah are meager in their specific setting, but are rich in another.” When isolated, ideas may appear simple, but when seen in context and connected to all other cases, you begin to see more and more of their true profundity and sophistication. As you learn,

spiritual elevation, as expressed in many words that have the word “aleph” (aleph, lamed, peh) as their root. “Le’aleph” means to teach, elevate, or lift to a higher spiritual dimension; “aluph” refers to the highest-ranking military position; and “eleph” (one thousand) is the highest number in the Hebrew decimal system. This is why the Torah begins with the letter beis. Torah is a physical array of finite words, all of which are a loyal reflection and emanation of Hashem’s wisdom and absolute oneness. Furthermore, the Torah begins by describing Hashem’s creation of the physical world, a process most appropriately encapsulated by the letter beis — the letter of twoness that stems from oneness. The letter beis reflects the process of Hashem’s oneness becoming expressed into our physical world. Just as we must connect the twoness of the physical world back to the oneness of its spiritual root, we must do the same for Torah itself by connecting the twoness of Torah She’baal Peh back to the oneness of its spiritual wisdom, contained in its original root, Torah She’bichsav.

CHACHAM ADIF MINAVI

We can now understand the third shift that occurred with the transition from Torah She’bichsav to Torah She’baal Peh. The Gemara states that while nevuah was taken from Neviim, it was not removed from the Chachamim (sages) of the Talmud. The Gemara (Bava Basra 12a) then states: “Chacham adif miNavi — A sage is greater than a prophet.” What does this mean?

completely new heights, transforming your circle into a spiral. This is why the Gemara (Chagigah 9b) says that learning something one hundred times cannot be compared to learning it one hundred and one times. Every time you review something, it should be a revolutionary experience of discovery and innovation. We don’t repeat, we expand; we don’t circle, we spiral.

ONENESS AND TWONESS

The concept of twoness is at the root of Torah She’baal Peh, which contains a multiplicity of opinions on every issue. The Maharal describes the letter beis as the letter of twoness — multiplicity and physicality — the characteristics of our physical world. Aleph, on the other hand, is the letter of oneness — transcendence and spirituality — reflecting Hashem and the spiritual dimension. Aleph is the very first letter in the Hebrew aleph-beis and has the numerical value of one. It is a silent letter, reflecting its spiritual, transcendent nature. It also reflects

In terms of content and clarity, a Navi sees far more than a Chacham. However, the Navi receives this as a gift. He is only a receptacle, receiving the word of Hashem. His insight is wholly min haShamayim (from heaven), lacking any creativity and human input. Once the light of nevuah went out, the Chachamim now shine a new, unique light in the darkness. By tapping into the inner consciousness of Torah, they bring down Torah truth themselves in a unique, personally creative manner — a fundamentally different form of Torah wisdom. This Torah stems from human effort and creativity, and in a very deep way, it is a greater form of Torah, for it is a Torah built through effort, choice, and human input. Once the light has faded, this is the Torah we build in the darkness.

However, once we accept this unique role and ability of the Chachamim, we still must ask: How are they entrusted with this unique power? How can humans create Torah? Where do we find such a precedent?

Continued from page 32

DEVARIM: THE ROOT OF TORAH SHE’BAAL PEH

The answer lies in the sefer of Devarim, Moshe’s sefer. As the Maharal and Vilna Gaon explain, Sefer Devarim is an expression of the first four sefarim of the Torah. The first four sefarim were written by Hashem, the giver, while Moshe served purely as a channel of transmission. As Chazal put it: “Shechinah medaberes mi’toch grono shel Moshe — [Hashem] spoke through the throat of Moshe,” placing the words in his mouth (See Ramban, Devarim 5:12). Moshe became a pure vessel for Torah, a perfect receptacle. Devarim, however, was Moshe’s creation. He took everything that came before and expressed it through his unique lens. The Maharal and Ohr Hachaim describe this process as Moshe’s transformation into a normal Navi, one who expresses Hashem’s nevuah through their own unique, personal lens. Instead of Hashem speaking through Moshe’s throat, Hashem spoke to Moshe and then, at a later point, Moshe expressed this to Klal Yisrael in his own words. As a result, Sefer Devarim possesses the “style” of Moshe. The Malbim elaborates on this point, explaining that once Moshe uttered his own words, Hashem then ratified them as part of Torah. In other words, Hashem commanded Moshe to write Sefer Devarim as a documentation of what Moshe himself had already said of his own accord. This is the root of our ability to engage in Torah She’baal Peh, to become part of

the creative process of Torah. At root, Torah She’baal Peh is the process of taking the seed of Torah She’bichsav and fully expressing it, developing it, without losing or betraying any of its inner meaning. It’s a beautiful and elegant balance of being completely loyal to the written text of the Torah itself while still finding room for personal creativity and innovation. Of course, there are rules and limitations and very clear guidelines to this process. Only Jews who are an Aron or Mishkan for Torah, i.e., who have first connected themselves completely to the vast mesorah of Torah, can contain the Shechinah of Torah She’baal Peh. Only those who completely give themselves over to Torah, like the gedolim in every generation, can become the true pillars of Torah She’baal Peh and halachic reality. However, in a deep way, each and every one of us can tap into that mesorah and become a part of this magical process as well.

The root of our ability to become partners in the creative process of Torah comes from Sefer Devarim and from Moshe Rabbeinu’s unique input. Moshe connected himself to the first four sefarim of the Torah, embraced and embodied it, and then expressed something unique from within himself. This was the first example of Torah She’baal Peh in Jewish history.

SEFER DEVARIM AS A UNIQUE SEFER

We can now explain Tosafos’ description of Sefer Devarim in regards to the twelve lines of a get. In a way, Sefer Devarim is unique and distinct from the

Games Bridge

With Harold Schogger

other four sefarim of Chumash. It is the only one written by Moshe himself, and in a sense is a completely separate sefer. Viewed from this angle, it is possible to suggest that the four lines between Sefer Bamidbar and Sefer Devarim do not count as a form of separation, because Sefer Devarim holds its own status as a completely separate sefer. Therefore, only the lines that separate between the first four books of the Torah are counted when determining the format of a get.

However, there is an even deeper explanation: Sefer Devarim is not counted as a separate volume of the Chamishah Chumshei Torah — not because it is a completely separate sefer, but for the exact opposite reason: It is subsumed within the first four books. This mirrors the deep relationship between Torah She’baal Peh and Torah She’bichsav. Torah She’baal Peh is not a distinct entity from Torah She’bichsav; it is a genuine expression of it. All the details and elements of Torah She’baal Peh are revealed aspects of truth that are buried within Torah She’bichsav. Therefore, Torah She’baal Peh is one with Torah She’bichsav. Devarim is not a new sefer; it is an actualization and expression of everything that is in seed, root form within the first four books of Torah. Therefore, there is no separation or gap between Bamidbar and Devarim because everything within Sefer Devarim stems from the previous four books of Torah.

OUR ROLE IN TORAH

This is our unique role in the world.

When the light fades and when translucence becomes opaque, we must shine a light in the darkness; we must reveal the truth of Torah in a post-prophetic age. As Chazal explain, only when the light goes out and darkness reigns can a candle serve as a source of illumination. When the world is incandescent with spiritual clarity, humanity serves as a loyal channel and receptor of truth. When that light fades, we can become part of the creative process itself, not just shining the light, but creating it as well. May we be inspired to strive for Torah truth, listen closely in a world of darkness, and gather the shards of multiplicity into a singular oneness of higher truth.

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. His bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self, serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is also a business, executive, and leadership coach, with a unique approach based on Torah values. After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. To enjoy more of Rabbi Reichman’s content, to contact him, or to learn more about his services, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com

www.haroldschogger.com

0208 905 3877

1.

2.

The jump to 2NT was Truscott, promising a limit raise or better in spades. South described his extra values by leaping to game. West led the king of hearts. Declarer counted nine sure winners (6 trumps 1 Heart and 2 clubs) and saw that his major problem was to avoid losing three tricks in the minors. Unfortunately that was a very real possibility as, on the bidding, West would hold the ace of diamonds. If he also held the queen of clubs then the prospects were not bright for making three club tricks. So, instead of relying on the club suit for an extra trick, declarer formed a plan to take advantage of the ace of diamonds being on his left. Since he wanted to avoid East gaining the lead twice, declarer let the king of hearts hold the first trick. After winning the heart continuation with his ace, declarer led a trump to dummy’s king and ruffed dummy’s remaining eight of hearts with his queen of trumps.

Then, after drawing the remaining trump with his jack, declarer found a clever play: he led the four of diamonds from hand. East overtook West’s eight of diamonds with the ten and shifted to the nine of clubs. Declarer ran this to dummy’s king and then called for the seven of diamonds from dummy. When West took declarer’s king of diamonds with his ace he was endplayed. Any exit in a red suit would see declarer ruff in dummy and throw the jack of clubs from hand. So, West returned a low club and declarer claimed his ace-jack of clubs and now his total was ten tricks: 6 trumps, 1 heart and 3 clubs. (NB, if the three and eight of clubs are swapped then another elimination position is possible - after hearts are eliminated, declarer can lead a low club toward his hand and just cover East’s card to endplay West)

Vayakhel: The Bigger Jewish Community

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.

John Donne

The epic project of constructing a house of God is introduced by an iconic expression. The phrase “Vayakhel Moshe” portrays Moshe Rabeinu gathering the entire population to launch the most ambitious project in history. Miraculously, over three million people who previously had been scattered across desert dunes gathered, to celebrate the launch of the Mishkan. A project of this magnitude and of this historical resonance was inaugurated by a community, and not by a group of individuals. Sefer Shemot began with a list of twelve shevatim and their families but by the time the sefer ends and the mishkan is crafted, those twelve families had morphed into a community, or a kahal. Vayakhel.

Hundreds of years later, Shlomo Hamelech initiated his own Beit Hamikdash by assembling the entire population. The Tanach employs the identical term to describe his gathering: “Az Yakhel Shlomo. Both the original desert Mishkan and the majestic Mikdash in Yerushalayim were communal products. Alongside our personal relationship with Hashem, communal identity is integral to our religious consciousness.

COMMUNITY

Community both reinforces shared values and promotes social cohesion and cooperation. Additionally, by encouraging us to act more selflessly on behalf of a larger community, our moral behavior is dramatically improved. Communal life provides us with belonging, security, and connectedness. By stepping out of our small personal space and interacting with others we connect with life beyond our narrow internal world. Finally, Community improves our emotional well-being. Studies have indicated that middle age white males live in greater social isolation and often suffer greater levels of depression and suicide. In general, communal experience shapes character, and fosters psychological well-being.

During a crisis, however, we rely more intensely upon our communities for assitance and for emotional support. During the past four months we leaned heavily upon our “classic” communities, but we also realized the impact and value of newer Jewish communities.

FAMILY AND KEHILLA

Traditionally, Jews lived in two complimentary communities. Throughout history, family was always our foundational community. Prior to the modern era and to advances in communication and transportation, extended multi-generational families lived in close proximity. Family life wasn’t centered primarily upon the nuclear family but upon the larger family group which provided religious education, moral upbringing, financial and emotional support, friendship, advice, and medical care for the sick and elderly. Marriages were family arrangements and not primarily personal or romantic encounters. The Torah’s strong emphasis upon honoring elders reinforced the family as the foundation of communal life. Blood is thicker than water, and ideally families are meant to function and prosper without contracts or promises. Families are the most efficient communities.

The second tier of communal identity was the actual community or the kehilla, a word taken from the same root as Vayakhel. Kehilla life, which had profound impact upon Jewish identity was typically supervised by a council of select community members known as the kahal. Though numerous other cultures enjoyed various degrees of autonomy within their host countries, the Jewish kehilla was often granted sweeping authority to supervise everything from tax collection to ritual life, from administering judicial systems to collecting mandatory charity payments. Our community structure was so sturdy that even during periods in which the official kehilla was banned it still, de facto, administered Jewish life.

For the past 2000 years Jewish communal identity was built upon the twin foundations of family and of kehilla. During the past few months each of these pillars helped us navigate the darkness and struggle of this tragedy and the ensuing war. Families provided a primary support system for family members whose husbands and fathers were at war and also offered emotional relief for so many who lost relatives or who sustained serious injury. In addition to family, local communities in Israel also rallied to deliver food, provisions and services to families of soldiers, families of hostages, and evacuees.

NATIONAL IDENTITY

Having returned to Israel we uncovered a new communal identity which hadn’t been experienced for close to 2000 years. Israel is the epicenter of our entire nation and of the Jewish future. We all belong to one large people who have returned to lay historical claim to our ancient homeland. Life in Israel is dominated by an overarching national identity. Though we

live in separate communities, in Israel, powerful national identity overwhelms any “local community” identity.

Many olim to Israel are frustrated by the diminished role of local commu nities. Many olim are nostalgic for a communal life which is almost irrepro ducible in Israel. Many of the reasons for diminished communal identity in Israel are purely practical. Israelis, typically have larger families, and their married children live “closer to home”, in what is, a small country to begin with. Shabbat, Chagim, and national holidays are centered more upon family and less upon friends. The absence of Sunday in Israel leaves less time for lo cal communal activity and additionally, Israelis, typically, have less disposable income available for communal activity and projects. Communal infrastructure such as shuls are paid for by the government and are therefore less impressive. After all, in overseas communities, activity centers upon a central synagogue or, more recently, upon community schools. Additionally, in Israel, crucial services such as marriage, burial, and mikvah are provided by the government, eliminating the need for volunteerism. Many of the factors and ingredients which contribute to communal activity in overseas Jewish communities are absent in Israel.

Many overseas Jews who visited Israel, commented that they perceived this national energy the moment they landed in Ben Gurion and conducted their first conversation with a taxi driver. The war amplified national identity, and increased our appreciation of our national community, even though its sometimes swamps local communal identity. As the gemara in Horiyut (3a) comments ינה להק ירקיא אל ינה להק ירקיא - only in Israel do we achieve complete and sweeping communal identity.

Aside from these practical differences, in Israel, communal identity is smothered by national identity. Our profile as Israelis diminishes the significance of any secondary profile based on local community. We share too much in common with the entire nation to divide ourselves based upon community. Every Israeli resides in the same time zone, watches the same news programs and purchases the same food brands. There is little cultural difference between a Jew up North in Kiryat Shemonah and one down south in Sderot. In Israel the “national community” has overwhelmed classic kehilla.

During the past four months most of us processed the tragedy and the war through our national identity and through national lenses. We collectively lost our breath when fallen soldiers or seriously injured soldiers were announced, regardless of which local community they lived in. We volunteered alongside people we hardly knew. Our children served side-by-side, in makeshift IDF units with complete strangers who wore the same green fatigues and fought the same battle. We stood as one nation fighting for our survival.

This national identity, which is compelling during peaceful times, became overpowering over the past few months. It filled us with meaning and support, hope and grittiness. We felt unity with millions of Jews, not just with thousands.

AN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

The war also heightened our appreciation of the community of worldwide Jewry. During normal times Jews in Israel felt little solidarity with Jews abroad. Though we all shared love and concern for Israel, on a day-to day basis our agendas were different, and our thoughts were localized. Over the past few months, we rediscovered how deeply bound we are as one international community of Jews. The war reminded Israelis that even Jews who have not yet resettled in Israel are part of Jewish destiny and of the battle for Jewish history. Just the same, non-Israelis were reminded that those who reside in Israel are heroically and selflessly endangering themselves for the future homeland of every single Jew. As comfortable as life appears to be outside of Israel it is illusory. The state of Israel is absolutely crucial for any Jewish future. We have been drawn together into one large Jewish community separated by oceans and by miles but sharing prayers and dreams.

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

Inspired Hearts Weekly Dvar Torah FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

BY RABBI JUDAH MISCHEL

Reb Nosson, the beloved and indefatigable talmid muvhak of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov zy”a, dedicated his life to perpetuating and actualizing Rebbe Nachman’s teachings, expounding on “Rabbeinu’s” Torah and opening new pathways in avodas Hashem. A focus of Reb Nosson’s was encouraging the annual Kibbutz, the Rosh Hashanah gathering at Rebbe Nachman’s tziyon, ‘burial site’, in Uman.

After two decades of meniyos, or challenging setbacks and obstacles, and without a permanent structure for davening near the tziyon, a movement began to build a proper central synagogue, and Reb Nosson set out to raise the necessary funds for construction of the Kloyz. Arriving in the village of Ladizin, he was met by a simple Jew, a day laborer named Reb Mendel. When Reb Mendel heard about the plans to build a shul in Uman to house the Chassidim of Rebbe Nachman, he ran

home to fetch his entire life savings – two rubles – and brought them to Reb Nosson. Realizing how poor Reb Mendel was, Reb Nosson refused to take the money. Reb Mendel started crying, and pleaded with Reb Nosson to have pity on him and not deprive him of the great merit of being the first to contribute for such a worthy cause. Reb Nosson could not refuse.

Reb Mendel’s contribution laid the foundation for the Kloyz, and Reb Nosson would thereafter use this fact as part of his pitch to other Chassidim: “This poor Jew gave everything he could… shouldn’t you?”

In later years Reb Nosson would say, “I’m not sure what built the Kloyz more, the large dedications of the wealthy, or the retzonos of the simple yidden yearning to see the shul completed, poor yidden who opened their hearts… The truth is, with those two rubles I built the Kloyz!”

Vayavo’u kol ish asher nasa’o libo,

Vayakhel

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – SHEMOT 35:1-20

Moshe (Moses) gathers the nation. He instructs them to keep Shabbat, mentioning specifically the prohibition to kindle a fire.

He then asks them to volunteer the materials needed for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the priestly garments. These materials are gold, silver, copper; turquoise, purple and scarlet wool; linen, goat hair; dyed ram skins, tachash skins, acacia wood, oil, specific spices and particular precious stones (for placing in the Kohen Gadol’s garments).

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 35:21-29

The people respond positively to Moshe’s request and “every man and woman whose heart motivated them” brings the various materials requested.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 35:30-36:7

Moshe announces the appointment of the wise-hearted Betzalel and Aholiav to oversee the construction, assisted by able craftsmen. When they collect the materials volunteered, they find that there is a surplus.

Moshe asks that a message be sent throughout the camp not to bring any more materials.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 36:8-19

The work starts with the ten yeriyot (curtains) and the golden hooks joining them together. This is followed by the ohel (tent), draped over the Mishkan, with a further double michse (cover) on top.

“Every person whose heart inspired him came…” v’chol asher nadvah rucho... “and everyone whose generous spirit inspired him (brought their contribution for G-d, for the work of the Ohel Moed and the holy garments)” (35:21).

In our Sedra, the emphasis is on those contributions that were offered voluntarily, while in Parshas Terumah, the focus was on bringing donations to build the Mishkan as a compulsory obligation. Over and over again our Sedra emphasizes the essential element in the construction of a dwelling place for G-d: a “generous spirit.” Even more important than what we donated for the building of the Mishkan was that we brought the inspiration of our hearts.

The Gemara (Sotah 9a) points out that in contradistinction to the first and second Batei Mikdash that were destroyed, the Mishkan was never destroyed. It was merely nignaz, buried, as the Kohanim hid away the krashim and yerios in their entirety. Thus, the whole form of the structure was maintained.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe explained, based on a Midrash: the reason the Mishkan was never destroyed is that it was built with nedivas ha-lev, “heartfelt contributions” from a spirit of love and ratzon, desire. V’kasheh lifnei Hakadosh Baruch Hu l’hafsid kol mah she’asu b’nidvas libam, “And it is ‘emotionally’ difficult for Hashem to lose anything that the People made through generosity of the heart.”

May we always give with inspired hearts and a generous spirit, and merit building a permanent ‘Kloyz’ for Hashem and all of Am Yisrael, together, in the rebuilt Yerushalayim – soon and in our days!

Rabbi Judah Mischel is Executive Director of Camp HASC, and Mashpiah of OU-NCSY. He is a member of Mizrachi’s Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/ speakers).

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 36:20-37:16

Next the craftsmen make the parochet (partition) to cordon off the Holy of Holies area. Betzalel makes the Aron (ark) from acacia wood, plated with gold and with a gold zer (crown). The kaporet (cover) of the Aron is made from pure gold, with two keruvim (cherubs) moulded on top. The shulchan (table) is made from gold-plated acacia wood, with a gold zer (crown) on its misgeret (rim).

Point to Consider: Why is only Betzalel mentioned as constructing the ark if other craftsmen were also involved? (see Rashi to 37:1)

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 37:17-29

The menorah is hammered from one piece of pure gold, with seven lamps. The gold-plated small wooden mizbeach (altar) is constructed for the twice-daily incense offering.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 38:1-20

The special anointing oil and the incense spices are prepared. The workers then construct a copper kiyor (washstand) for the Kohanim, followed by the chatzer (courtyard) which surrounds the Mishkan, making its outer ‘fence’ of linen yeriyot (curtains), attached to wooden pillars.

MAFTIR (SHEMOT 30:11-16)

The special reading for Shekalim is from the beginning of parashat Ki Tisa, instructing the Israelites to bring a compulsory annual half-shekel contribution for the offerings brought in the Mishkan. This also acted as the means of conducting the national census in the desert.

HAFTARAH (II MELACHIM 12:1-17)

King Yehoash ascended the throne aged only seven. Guided by the Kohen Gadol Yehoyada, he successfully organised a national fundraising initiative to repair and maintain the Temple.

Family Fun

Vayakhel

Moses gathers the People of Israel and repeats to them all the things G-d has told him in the previous three Parshiot. So a lot of this Parshah repeats things we’ve read before.

First: the commandment to keep Shabbat.

Next: G-d’s command to donate materials for

the construction of the Mishkan.

As soon as Moses finished talking, the people went to bring things to donate to the Mishkan. The people were so happy to contribute that they brought everything they had: jewelry and material and skins and fabrics. They brought so much,

Word Search

that Moses had to tell them to stop, and still there were extra stuff.

Once again we hear about the master craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab, two very talented men who were in charge of the building of the Mishkan.

Now we read about the actual building of the

Mishkan. Again, all this was described at great length in the previous Parshiot, but here we talk about them actually doing it. We read how they made the:

curtains, coverings, walls, vessels, cherubim, the Menorah, the golden altar, the table and the copper washstand.

Parasha Stats

Facts about Parashat Vayakhel

Number of Lines - 211

Number of Verses - 122

Number of Words - 1,558

Number of Letters - 6,181

Jewish Riddle

Last week’s Answer: In Parashat Terumah, it speaks of the components and vessels of the Mishkan/Tabernacle. Three of the items are spelled with the same letters, just in different orders. What are these items?

Kapporet (25:17, the Ark's cover)

Kaphtor (25:33, the ornamental spheres of the Menorah)

Parochet (26:31, the curtain covering the innermost part of the Sanctuary).

Dingbats

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!

ceded creed creep

crepe crept crypt

Use the area below to write the words you have found. A V S E C D O I

L

decrypted

Jokes Riddles

A: It wasn’t peeling well

Q: Why shouldn’t you visit an expensive wig shop? A: It’s too high a price ‘toupee.’

2. What is easy to get into, but hard to get out of?

3. Because they’re still living!

creepy creped decrypt Lunch and dinner 2. Trouble

1. What two things wouldn’t you eat after waking up in the morning?

1.

cyder decry erect Answers

Dingbat Answers 1. In-between jobs 2. Repeat after me 3. Your guess is as good as mine 4. Repair 5. Put it in writing 6. Ambiguous

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5 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IN ISRAEL

They say that some problems are nice to have. Having a sum of cash in your bank account and not knowing what to do with it might definitely be classed as one of them! From the sale of a property, inheritance, to plain old prudent saving every month, there are plenty of ways that these balances are being generated.

With the banks cutting down on the number of Investment Advisers, and moving those that are left out of local branches and into regional hubs, having a bank advisory portfolio is becoming a less attractive solution for many customers with large cash balances in their bank account. For Olim, we have the additional hurdle of finding one who actually speaks English and is accessible when needed, meaning that these changes are only serving to exacerbate our challenges.

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1. Accessibility – The portfolio is managed through your bank account, meaning you can constantly track every movement in your portfolio at all times should you so wish. You sign a very limited Power of Attorney allowing the manager to buy and sell securities ONLY. To remove the manager, you can simply tell your bank to cancel the Power of Attorney.

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4. Managers – In Israel, Portfolio Management is offered by both the large institutional asset managers, as well as smaller boutique companies.

For Olim, we usually find that the boutiques are more appropriate because there are more companies that have fluent English speakers there, and the service level is more in line with what English-speakers are used to.

5. Minimums – One of the reasons that this type of portfolio management is not accessible to all is because of the minimum balances required. These tend to be around 350,000 Shekel for the large institutional managers, and more like 1m Shekel for the boutique managers.

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