The Jewish Weekly Issue 329

UK-Israel arms sales crash

BY DAVID SAFFER

UK

Israel plummeted 95%. Between October 7 and December 31 2023, British-approved licences were reportedly £859k, the lowest figure since 2010. Many licences were for ‘commercial use’ or ‘non-lethal’ items. Reuters have reportedly been unable to establish if the reduction was down to Britain restricting sales of certain items or a drop in Continued

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In 2022, the same period saw £20m sales to Israel, 2017 had £185m, the highest figure back to 2008.

The Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign Office declined to comment to Reuters.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and British government have continually stressed Israel’s ‘right to self-defence’ but has not published its legal advice.

Sunak has said the government follows a ‘very careful’ licensing regime.

Recent weeks have seen a number of MPs raise concern over UK arms exports to Israel over international humanitarian law.

Sunak’s government has not suspended existing licences or stopped granting licences.

Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps noted UK defence exports to Israel were “relatively small” in 2022. Arms export licences are under review.

According to a House of Commons research briefing report in May, 2023 stats were due to be published last week and export licences to Israel (October 7 2023 to May 31 2024) earlier this month.

The British government does not give arms directly to Israel unlike the United States, who increased arms sales after the IDF began its retaliatory strike against Hamas.

However, tensions have increased in recent months between the Biden administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over US concerns with the IDF-Rafah operation.

Matters worsened after Netanyahu published a video on Tuesday night criticising the Biden administration, a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged the US would imminently lift restrictions on arms to Israel.

Netanyahu said: “When Secretary Blinken was recently here in Israel, we had a candid conversation.

I said I deeply appreciated the support the U.S. has given Israel from the beginning of the war… But I said it’s inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel.

“Israel, America’s closest ally, is fighting for its life, fighting against Iran and other common enemies.

Secretary Blinken assured me that the administration is working day and night to remove these bottlenecks. I certainly hope that’s the case. It should be the case.”

Netanyahu added: “During World War II, Churchill told the United States, ‘Give us the tools, we’ll do the job.’ And I say, give us the tools and we’ll finish the job a lot faster.”

Responding to Netanyahu’s comments the White House stated they “genuinely” did not know what he’s talking about.

“There was one particular shipment of munitions that was paused,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reportedly said regarding 2000-pound bombs over concerns of use in highly densely populated areas of Rafah.

“We continue to have constructive conversations with the Israelis for the release of that particular shipment and don’t have

any updates on that. There are no other pauses or holds in place… Everything else is moving in due process.”

It has been reported the White House may cancel an American-Israeli strategic dialogue meeting on Iran as a result of Netanyahu’s comments.

Churchill speaking in Congress

IDF ready for Hezbollah escalation

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel has warned allies of a potential escalation of hostility with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hezbollah launched a number of drones at Metula yesterday after a 60hour cessation during the Muslim Eid alAdha festival. Metula Mayor David Azulay reported damaged cars but no injuries.

The terror group has fired over 5,000 rockets, anti-tank missiles and UAVs into Israeli communities since the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. The IDF continues to strike targets in the region.

White House Middle East special envoy Amos Hochstein met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, President Isaac Herzog, Benny Gantz and opposition leader Yair

Lapid this week.

Herzog and Hochstein discussed an urgent need to restore security to the northern border and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza as an essential first step. It has been reported Hochstein was told fighting in Rafah is nearing an end. Israel is open to a negotiated deal but time is critical. Should Hezbollah continue its bombardment, Israel will respond with force.

Over 550 terrorists have been eliminated aside from a halt to smuggling along the Egyptian border. Two of four Hamas battalions in Rafah have almost collapsed.

Hochstein also met Lebanese officials during the Middle East visit.

IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagar delivered a stark warning

regarding Hezbollah before the envoy’s arrival.

“Hezbollah’s increasing aggression is bringing us to the brink of a wider escalation, which could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region,” he said Sunday.

“Israel has a duty to defend its people. We will fulfil that duty at all costs… When we say that we will not let October 7 happen again on any of our borders, we mean it. Due to Hezbollah’s refusal to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, its military infrastructure, weapons and attacks from southern Lebanon, and Lebanon’s failure to enforce 1701 on Hezbollah, Israel will take necessary measures to protect its civilians until security along our border with Lebanon is restored. We will ensure the safe and secure return of Israelis to their homes in northern Israel. This is not negotiable.”

is suffering a heavy price.

Last weekend, the IDF announced the death of 12 soldiers in four incidents.

Hezbollah acknowledged the death of senior commander Muhammad Mustafa Ayoub in an Israeli air strike on Monday. The IDF said Ayoub, a “key operative” in the Rocket and Missile Department of Hezbollah’s Nasser Unit, planned attacks against Israeli communities.

“His elimination is part of the IDF and Israeli security forces’ activity to impede Hezbollah’s military build-up in terms of weaponry and its stockpiling of weapons designated for use in terror attacks against Israeli civilians and communities,” an IDF statement noted.

Speaking about the recent elimination of Sami Taleb Abdullah, a central commander in southern Lebanon, who led dozens of terrorism acts against Israel, including before Shavuot,” Hagari noted: “This precise targeting is an expression of our determination to create a different security reality in the north, to change it so that the residents of the north can return to their homes safely.”

The IDF, Shin Bet and IAF continue to eliminate Hamas terrorists and uncover tunnel shafts but Israel

Eight Engineering Corps soldiers commanded by Capt. Wassim Mahmoud, 23, from Beit Jann, were killed when an anti-tank missile was fired into their armoured personnel carrier in Rafah.

Sgt. Eliyahu Moshe Zimbalist, 21, from Beit Shemesh, Sgt. Itay Amar, 19, from Kochav Yair, Staff Sgt. Stanislav Kostarev, 21, from Ashdod, Staff Sgt. Orr Blumovitz, 20, from Pardes Hanna-Karkur, Staff Sgt. Oz Yeshaya Gruber, 20, from Tal Menashe, Sgt. Yakir Ya’akov Levi, from Hafetz Haim and Sgt. Shalom Menachem, 21, from Beit El also died in the tragic incident.

Other Gaza fatalities were Cpt. (res.) Eitan Koplowitz, 28, of Jerusalem, Warrant Officer (res.) Eilon Weiss, 49, of Psagot, Sgt. Yair Rothman, 19, of Karnei Shomron, and St.-Sgt Tzur Abraham, 22, from Modi’in.

Hagari said the APC explosion was “likely caused” by an explosive device planted in the area or as a result of an anti-tank missile being fired. He confirmed the IDF would examine the armoured vehicles.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke after Shabbat, stating: “The people of Israel embrace the families in their most difficult hour of grief. I stand by our brave fighters and commanders, who are imbued with the sacred mission to defeat our enemies and return our hostages… We are fighting to ensure our existence. We are fighting to return all of our hostages. This difficult war was forced upon us by an abhorrent and murderous enemy. This monstrous enemy (Hamas) has no intention of stopping.”

Netanyahu added: “We must cling to the goals of the war. The destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the return of all our hostages, making certain that Gaza will never again constitute a threat to Israel and the return of our residents in the north and south.”

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant noted: “The pain that comes with such loss is immense. I stand with the entire nation of Israel in remembering and honouring the heroes who fell while defending their people and their homeland.”

Foreign Minister Israel Katz added: “They bravely entered Gaza to complete the mission of destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages. They knew they might have to sacrifice their lives but did so that we could live in this land. I salute them and embrace their families.”

Amos Hochstein and Prime Minister Netanyahu PHOTO GPO

Golders Green knife attack ruling condemned

BY ADAM MOSES

Jewish organisations have condemned two concurrent suspended prison sentences handed to Gabriel Abdullah who threatened staff at a kosher supermarket with a knife last January.

GB News reported Abdullah was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years at Harrow Crown Court.

Abdullah was also given a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement, after claiming he was intoxicated during the incident, and a 30-day rehabilitation requirement.

Campaign Against Antisemtism labelled the ruling a ‘travesty of justice’. Stephen Silverman, CAA Director of Investigations and Enforcement, said: “Once again the Jewish community has been let down by the justice system. Brave attendants at the kosher supermarket defended themselves from a clearly antisemitic knifeman and the Shomrim neighbourhood watch group apprehended him, with support from police. But then, once the justice system stepped in, everything seemed to go wrong. The racially-aggravated charge was apparently quietly dropped, the assailant pleaded guilty to minor charges and he walked away from court effectively a free man.

“This is by no means the first time that

this has happened. Why is it that every perpetrator who commits a violent act against religious Jews is let off? What do violent antisemites need to do to a Jew before a court agrees that they deserve to go to prison? We are in contact with one

Jewish community’s already fragile confidence in Britain’s justice system.”

Mond added, “Abdullah’s actions could have led to a tragic outcome. He should be serving a prison term, not walking free with suspended sentences. It is an insult

of the victims and are examining legal options to try to remedy this travesty of justice.”

Yosef Reitman, with whom CAA is in contact, reportedly expressed his shock at the lenient sentence.

Gary Mond, National Jewish Assembly chairman, said “This so-called sentence, which amounts to nothing more than a slap on the wrist, will further erode the

Bibi set for Congress

BY HARRY SIMONS

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address Congress on July 24.

With the ongoing Israel-Hamas war his speech is expected to be powerful as he will “present the truth” about the war according to Republican leaders.

“I am very moved to have the privilege of representing Israel before both Houses of Congress and to present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us to the representatives of the American people and the entire world,” Netanyahu said in the statement.

Congressional leaders formally invited Netanyahu to speak despite political divisions over Israel’s operation in Gaza among politicians. The invite displays US solidarity with Israel.

‘The existential challenges we face, including the growing partnership

between Iran, Russia and China, threaten the security, peace and prosperity of our countries and of free people around the world,’ House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries noted in the letter.

‘To build on our enduring relationship and to highlight America’s solidarity with Israel, we invite you to share the Israeli government’s vision for defending democracy, combatting terror and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region,’ they added.

Netanyahu’s appearance is controversial at the Capitol due to publicised tensions with President Joe Biden.

It is not known if Netanyahu and Biden will meet during the US visit.

There have been Republicans that have criticised Biden’s position on the war about Israel.

Schumer in a separate statement to Netanyahu noted: ‘I have clear and profound disagreements with the prime minister, which I have voiced both privately and publicly and will continue to do so but because America’s relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends one person or prime minister I joined the request for him to speak.’

towards Abdullah for such a serious offence. This sets an appalling precedent and, arguably, acts as an encouragement to would be antisemitic offenders. Sadly, this treatment is consistent with the lukewarm response by the Metropolitan Police towards antisemitic and anti-Israel chanting on the so called Palestinian peace marches, clearly an incitement to racial hatred . Putting it simply, it beggars belief.

“Established authorities including the Courts and police must clamp down harder on this antisemtic behaviour and strongly protect the Jewish community. This is an uncomfortable situation, coupled with Labour’s commitment to a Palestinian State. Yet again, the law has been shown to be a complete ass.”

to the victims and a grave disservice to public safety. Those who acted swiftly to prevent a potentially fatal attack deserve our highest praise and recognition. It is imperative that our justice system supports victims and holds perpetrators of such heinous acts accountable.”

Jonathan Metliss , Action Against Discrimination chairman, said: “AAD utterly condemns the leniency directed

Shomrim NW London responded to calls of an alleged assault involving an offensive weapon at a kosher supermarket on Hamilton Road. A first volunteer arrived within 45 seconds. Shomrim and supermarket staff followed Abdullah to a nearby residential address. When Metropolitan Police officers arrived, Shomrim assisted. Police charged Abdullah with possession of an offensive weapon and racially-aggravated affray.

At the time, Inspector Scott Barden-Marshall said: “This incident will cause concern in the community. Officers responded quickly and made an arrest within 10 minutes.”

Israel-US fighter jet deal

BY ADAM MOSES

The Israeli Ministry of Defence has signed a $3 billion agreement with the US government for a third squadron of the Adir (F-35) aircraft.

The agreement, signed by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Mishel Ben Baruch, includes 25 F-35 aircrafts manufactured by Lockheed Martin complete with support and maintenance services.

The Israeli Air Force will expand its fleet to 75 advanced stealth aircrafts. Delivery of three to five aircraft begins in 2028.The IMoD-IDF initiative is a response to future threats.

Aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin and the engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney will work with Israeli industry to produce F-35 aircrafts to US forces and other countries.

Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant said: “The procurement of the third F-35 squadron reflects the strength of the strategic alliance between Israel and the US. This capability has

a significant impact on arenas both near and far. At a time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance. This sends a powerful message to our enemies across the region.”

Gallant thanked partners and US government for ensuring Israel’s strategic capabilities.

MoD Director General Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Eyal Zamir: added: “The F-35 squadron agreement concludes a significant procurement process. The Adir program and other initiatives we are advancing will help ensure readiness of the IDF and the Air Force for multi-threat challenges in the coming years. We are grateful to the U.S. government for supporting Israel’s security needs and maintaining its qualitative and technological edge for years to come.”

Adir F-35 aircraft PHOTO: IDF

Dancing Through Tears

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

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

7th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your community registers on the website to join the project.

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

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

London

Manchester:

NJA Denounces Labour’s Reckless Pledge to Recognise Palestinian State

The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) vehemently condemns the Labour Party’s recent pledge to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state as part of their election manifesto. This irresponsible and misguided promise undermines the peace process and jeopardises Israel’s security by rewarding terrorism and setting a dangerous precedent for terrorist organisations worldwide.

NJA Chairman Gary Mond stated, “Labour’s commitment to recognising a Palestinian state without any guarantees of a genuine peace process is a reckless and dangerous move. It not only disregards Israel’s legitimate security concerns but also emboldens terrorist organisations like Hamas, which continue to pose a significant threat to peace and stability in the region. By legitimising a state that harbours and supports terrorism, Labour is effectively incentivising further violence.”

The Labour manifesto claims that Palestinian statehood is “essential” for Israel’s long-term security. However, this position overlooks the persistent refusal of Palestinian leadership to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist and their continued support for violent actions against Israeli civilians. Recognising a Palestinian state unilaterally would send a message that

the UK is willing to abandon its democratic ally in favour of appeasing those who perpetuate conflict.

“Keir Starmer’s Labour Party is making a grave mistake by prioritising political expediency over the principles of fairness and justice,” Mond continued. “The recognition of a Palestinian state should only occur, if it occurs at all, through a negotiated peace process that ensures the security and sovereignty of Israel. Anything less is a betrayal of the values we hold dear and a disservice to the cause of peace.”

Furthermore, Labour’s pledge creates a perverse incentive for other terrorist movements around the world. It signals that by committing acts of terror, these groups can increase their prospects of legitimacy through statehood recognition. This not only undermines international efforts to combat terrorism but also endangers global security.

The NJA remains committed to advocating for policies that support Israel’s right to self-defence and urges voters to carefully consider the implications of Labour’s proposed policies and stand against measures that would compromise the safety and stability of the UK’s democratic ally, Israel.

OPINION

Netanyahu and the issues facing him

BY GARY MOND

The National Jewish Assembly, which I chair, never takes any side regarding internal Israeli politics. We were silent on the issue of judicial reform prior to the current war. Furthermore, prior to Israel’s autumn 2022 election, we made no comment on the deal between Israel and Lebanon on drilling for oil and gas because we knew it was a contentious Israeli election issue. We think it is totally wrong for a diaspora Jewish organisation to ever take sides on issues which Israelis must decide on themselves, and wish that other diaspora organisations behaved likewise, rather than fanned the flames of internal Israeli discord, which tragically many of them do.

That said, when it comes to supporting the Israeli government of the day (of whatever political colour) in its arguments with the outside world, we support Israel to the hilt. Of course, among our advisory board there might privately be a variety of disparate views, yet we believe that supporting Israel means supporting its government, and of course praying that Hashem imbues it with the wisdom to make optimal decisions in the best interest of Israel.

This brings us to the central figure of Israel today, its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He does, of course, arouse considerable passion, both among his supporters and his enemies. Yet in defending Israel, and without championing his views and actions in our community, it is fair and reasonable to address some misconceptions.

First, he is certainly in a very difficult political position. The international media would have us believe that the vast majority of the country would agree to practically anything to bring the hostages home (alive or tragically deceased), even if it meant granting freedom to some 20,000 Hamas-affiliated terrorists currently in Israeli prisons, and allowing Hamas to survive and flourish. Much less, if any, publicity is given to the opposing viewpoint in Israel, which is that the prosecution of the war towards eliminating Hamas is actually more important, even if this drastically reduces the hostages chances of survival. It is difficult to say which of these two viewpoints is the majority Israeli view, although both are undeniably firmly held positions. The latter gets far less coverage than the former, but is just as prevalent, if not more so. Netanyahu is caught in the middle.

Second, the media often remark about Netanyahu’s perceived wish to keep the war going as long as possible. It comments that he has several potential criminal charges pending against him which can only be pursued once he is no longer in office. Might this be true? The way to analyse this is to ask whether his policies would be any different if he was not facing criminal charges. My view is that his policies would not be any different – his desire, as he has articulated many times, is to eviscerate Hamas as a military and governing force in Gaza. This is also the view, for the most part, of his support base, Likud voters. Hence this criticism should be rejected.

Third, little publicity is given outside Israel to the single biggest problem of all that dwarfs all of the others and which threatens Israel’s very fabric of society. This is the

dispute between the haredi community and most other Israelis about the failure of many of the former group to serve in the Israel Defence Forces. Most secular Israeli Jews resent the idea that a growing proportion of the population refuses to serve as they do. There is a pressing need for a solution. Without it the unhappiness of those who serve, in their resentment of those who do not serve, will become uncontainable. What, exactly, are Netanyahu’s plans for the solution to this issue? Some form of compromise is desperately needed.

Finally, and especially in connection with the war, Netanyahu is under constant pressures from international players, notably the United States. On this point one can be unequivocal. He must act, like every Israeli prime minister, past, present or future, in what he or she believes to be in Israel’s best interests – and those actions might well not be the same as outside governments, and even the Jewish diaspora, want.

In conclusion, for those who want to criticise Netanyahu, it is important to ascertain exactly what you might do in his place. There are no easy decisions.

Gary Mond is the Chairman of the National Jewish Assembly

OPINION PIECE

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20 years on... Rising from the Ashes

BY RABBI NAFTALI SCHIFF, CEO, JEWISH FUTURES

This was London June 18th 2004, not the Berlin my maternal grandparents had fled 70 years previous!

Twenty years ago this week, the then Aish Jewish Centre in London was targeted by that which was described to us as “the worst antisemitic arson attack in the UK since the Holocaust.” Our building was set alight in four places and Scrolls of the Law were removed from the Holy Ark, stripped of their ornate mantels, the parchment ripped and thrown to the floor in an act of wanton hatred.

Despite the extent of the fire, requiring three fire engines to quench the flames of mindless malice, neither the police nor fire brigade had informed us of the events taking place in the early hours of that fateful Saturday morning. As I approached the building at 9 o’clock for the usual Shabbat morning services, I remember the irony of my being distracted by rehearsing the Shabbat morning sermon. The subject matter was themed around the narrative of that week’s Torah portion, the attempt by the arch anti-Jewish villain Bilam who came to curse the Jewish People! When I arrived at the police cordon, the Met Superintendent informed me of the severity of the fire and the damage caused to the building. However, more poignantly, until today I can vividly recall the sensitivity with which he prepared me for the scene of sacred Scrolls of the Torah still lying on the floor where they had been strewn. The police had waited for a Rabbi to arrive before handling these. I was extremely moved by the contrast between the unexpected shock of scenes reminiscent of pogroms and the genuine respect shown by the British authorities throughout this traumatic period.

The Superintendent in charge of the crime scene took me straight upstairs

to the room where the Holy Ark still lay open and Sifrei Torah lay stripped naked and torn on the floor. Adrenaline rushing through my veins, I crouched down to gently lift up two sides of a ripped Torah in my arms. The exact words I had planned to speak about in my sermon jumped out of the torn parchment as if ready for this moment - “a People that dwells alone;”

“(The Jewish) People, like a crouching cub that rises up like a Lion.”

Split seconds in time seem to be filled with huge portent at moments like these. All at once a cascading torrent of scenes from my subconscious past seemed to fill my racing brain. I thought of my maternal grandparents forced to flee Berlin in 1933, my paternal aunts and uncles who met their end in Auschwitz and simultaneously the pride in being a Jew in a generation in which we have an Israel, in whose army I had fought; and now as a young Rabbi in London fighting a different battlefront, for the Jewish connection of our youth, one which nevertheless now needed to be waged with renewed vigour.

My resolve to rise up out of the tragic degradation and destruction wrought upon our HQ with ever greater pride and determination was emboldened by Rabbi Sacks, the then Chief Rabbi on his visit the next day. As we were walking through the shambles of the office he almost thundered to me a command: “Naftali, your response to such anti-Semitism must be akin to that which we learned at the dawn of our history in Egypt: the more they afflicted us, the greater we expanded! Naftali, rebuild all your activities- bigger, stronger, more diversified, more effective than ever before!”

Rabbi Sacks would always take great pleasure in learning of updates from Aish and the subsequent growth of Jewish Futures! The exponential growth was almost a response to that dastardly episode

“We are not Jewish because of anti-Semitism; we are Jewish despite the ugliness of anti-Semitism. Today too, we must fight anti-Semitism and extremism of all types but refuse to allow it to define us.”

and the blessing Rabbi Sacks bestowed upon us. We founded GIFT that year and JROOTS a couple of years later. These organisations, along with many more, are part of the family of Jewish Futures todayengaging and inspiring circa 20,000 young Jews each year across universities, sixth forms and communities nationwide.

There were those who advised us to exploit that which had befallen us as a way of opportunistic fundraising and harnessing of publicity. However, much as today, we felt very strongly that Jewish connection, affiliation and commitment of our younger generation cannot and must not be focussed primarily around victimhood! We are not Jewish because of anti-Semitism; we are Jewish despite the ugliness of anti-Semitism. Today too, we must fight anti-Semitism and extremism of all types but refuse to allow it to define us.

I was invited to the House of Lords by a Jewish peer OBM, who contacted me after the arson. He almost took glee in the rearing of the antisemitic demon and parted company from me with the encouraging words “Rabbi Schiff, it was a pleasure meeting you- please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you suffer any further antisemitic attacks or attempted bombings in the future!” It felt like a macabre rerun of life of Brian or Fawlty Towers rolled into one.

I’d like Jews of influence to embrace the positive approach we share with young Jews alienated and confused on campus. I beg Jews of resource to invest in proven

social and educational activities that will give young Jews reasons to want to be Jewish and live Jewishly, not just to fight the radicalised enemy. I invite entrepreneurial Jews to join with us to create ever more pathways of Jewish connection so that our younger generation become partners in writing their own chapters in the vibrant narrative that is our story! Our young are our future. They are our insurance policy to stand tall and proud. They need to be educated and imbued with positive, relevant reasons to engage with our past, that they will meet the challenges of the present and commit to ensuring the vitality of our shared future.

Our response to all forms of anti-Semitism must of course be robust and uncompromising. I believe that the UK has been an incredible home for the Jewish community for as long as I can remember and as far as we can see, so shall it remain. I don’t see the Jewish community upping and leaving any time soon. And for as long as we are here, I believe so strongly that our message to our younger generation must be a positive one full of vitality, freshness and energy.

The CST dinner that I attended recently struck the right chord in my mind. We are indebted to the CST that has made our schools, synagogues and institutions safe. The message that evening was a clear and unequivocal “Be Jewish!” Sir Gerald Ronson has led the fight against our enemies from without, but at the same time has

always messaged our young people in his own signature style: “Stand up! Be Jewish! Be proud!”

At this time of unprecedented animosity directed against Jews and Israel, it is clear from our finger on the pulse on campuses, sixth forms and young people starting out in the workplace that Jewish identity and affiliation is at threat. Faced with this challenge, our younger generation is already shifting in one of two directions. The

80 years ago a Survivor generation achieved the impossible. They rebuilt Jewish life and strong Jewish communities everywhere. 20 years ago in London, Rabbi Sacks charged us to rise out of the ashes of renewed hatred and rebuild stronger, prouder, more robust, more diverse than ever before. It is now post-October 7th and 2024. Vitriolic anti-Jewish sentiment abounds. Educated young Jews will be our vanguard. Energised and inspired young-

“ Naftali, your response must be the same as ours to the Egyptian anti-Semitism 3,000 years ago–as they afflict us, so we shall rebuild bigger, broader, stronger, more deeply, more diverse than before!”

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l on visit to scene of arson June 20th, 2004

default almost, is sadly in the direction of left-wing Hamas-sympathising lecturers, drinking and clubbing mates, social media influencers and the street. Can we blame them? The only other option I can see is that we as a community invest heavily in social and educational experiences and pathways that have a proven track record in fostering proud Jewish and Israel connection.

sters shall be our greatest proponents. A vibrant Jewish future for British Jews is dependent upon our kids embracing our story. This can only be achieved by giving them Jewish experiences, journeys and engagements that imbue them with genuine pride, connection and aspiration for who they are, where they come from and where they’re going! Let’s continue that incredible 3,500 year journey together!

Out of the ashes, the family of Jewish Futures was born

The anti-Semitic arson attack 20 years ago, propelled Aish UK leadership, guided by the vision of Chief Rabbi Sacks, to create Jewish Futures, a family of dynamic and innovative organisations aimed at engaging and inspiring young Jews across the entire communal spectrum.

Today, Jewish Futures organisations engage 20,000 individuals annually and in partnership with the community is successfully working to ensuring a vibrant and

proud Jewish future for British Jewry. Jewish Futures continues its mission to inspire, engage and innovate, exemplified by the creation of Our Story— a dynamic, 35,000 sq ft, 5-floor hub in the heart of the UK’s largest Jewish community. With planning permission granted, this modern space will offer young Jews a safe, vibrant and welcoming place to connect and engage in Jewish life. To support or learn more, contact Nschiff@jfutures.org.

LSJS conference

London School of Jewish Studies recently held its annual conference for secondary school Jewish studies teachers and informal educators across Europe. Over 100 participants included delegates from Gothenburg, Warsaw, Tallinn and Budapest.

Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum gave a keynote address, noting: “Learning to respond sensitively and meaningfully to each individual that stands before us is vital to good teaching. By being alive to the questions of our students wewill be able to better balance how and what we teach.”

Danny Baigel designed the conference, adding: “It was a great opportunity to

showcase the talented and dedicated professionals working in our schools and to spend time reflecting on priorities for our curriculum. The incredible buzz, networking and practical strategies shared, has given each educator food for thought and a renewed sense of purpose for their work in the classroom.”

Conference sessions covered inclusivity in the classroom, nurturing a love for learning as well as those on textual literacy and teaching Jewish texts. Participants had options to learn about wider community engagement, embedding Jewish values into pastoral support and embedding ethos throughout school life.

JVN volunteers’ week

The Jewish Volunteering Network held a week of events highlighting the essential role volunteers play in strengthening the community and fostering a spirit of compassion and support.

A resounding success, Volunteers’ Week 2024 saw a roadshow across London, Hertfordshire and Manchester at popular cafes, delis and bakeries. At each location, JVN organised a micro-volunteering opportunity enabling visitors to write cards to hospital patients. People learnt about volunteering and discussed ways to enhance their volunteering experiences.

Other significant events included a family gardening experience with Norwood Charity in Redbridge, discussion at Belmont Synagogue and family volunteering event at Bushey Synagogue.

JVN also participated in an interfaith event with Caritas Westminster at Our Lady of Fatima Parish’s community food hub alongside their regular volunteers.

A highlight of the week was visiting Just Baked Bakery where six volunteers

“It was so uplifting to spend time with fellow educators and hear their ideas and thoughts”, said Michael Lewis, Head of Jewish Studies, Immanuel College.

LSJS CEO Joanne Greenaway observed: “There was a great group at this year’s conference, they deserve as much investment as possible.”

The conference was sponsored by UnitEd and Pincus Fund for Jewish Education.

placed ‘Volunteering’ stickers on 3000 challot and breads, spreading awareness and celebrating the spirit of giving back.

JVN was honoured to welcome the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Tony Vourou, and Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Richard Butler.

Nicky Goldman, CEO of JVN, said: “We had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people and showing them that volunteering is not just about giving time; it’s about changing lives. Volunteering has a profound impact on the volunteer, the recipient, and the charity. There are countless ways to get involved, and we are here to help guide and inspire individuals on their volunteering journey.”

Rachelle Lazarus, Charity Engagement & Volunteer Manager, added “The highlight was meeting the many people who told us that they found their volunteering roles through JVN. They expressed how much they enjoy supporting their charities and still look forward to receiving regular emails from us with new opportunities.”

MBE honour for Head of Manchester’s Employment Charity, JEWEL

Included in this year’s HM The King’s Birthday Honours, was an MBE for Isaac (Yitzy) Ginsbury from Manchester. Isaac heads up The Jewel Foundation which is an employment, training and business support charity, assisting residents across Greater Manchester.

The honour was awarded in recognition of Isaac’s volunteering for a number of charities but mainly for his work at Jewel as well as supporting Local Authorities to ensure that their projects and services are accessible and culturally appropriate for the Charedi Community. Isaac has been involved in community projects for over 15 years and has built up successful partnerships and networks.

The Trustees of Jewel praised Isaac’s dedication and commented on how Jewel has developed and grown under Isaac’s leadership and how proud they are of his work and the receipt of this honour. They commented that one of Isaac’s key skills is his ability to reach out to all residents across the Community and the wider public which allows him to be a strong cross communal voice for the Kehilla, the wider Community and any resident who

needs support. Jewel assists over 550 residents every year and offers a wide range of services, ensuring that anyone looking for work, training or wanting to start a business are able to receive a high quality, professional service which provides them with all the tools and resources required to be successful. This is demonstrated by the number of people who have found jobs as a result of Jewel’s help as well as the people who are enrolled on their training courses and who receive business support from them.

Isaac praised Manchester’s Askan, Norman Younger who gave him his first opportunity and provided him with all the skills and support to be able to undertake communal work. Isaac also dedicated his award to the Haematology department at The Christie Hospital which provided him with such compassionate and expert care for many years.

Isaac stated how humbled he was to receive this honour which came as a huge surprise to him. “It has always been a tremendous privilege to be able to support the Community and this has only been possible because of the incredible support I get from colleagues and Trustees. Really, they deserve all the credit but I hope to use this award to champion the incredible charities and community projects I am involved in, to continue enhancing people’s lives and ensuring local communities can live together in peace, prosperity and in good health.”

Shavuot traditions brought to life

Shavuot was celebrated at KisharonLangdon Noé School with creative activities.

Pupils created models of Mount Sinai using flower stickers and decorated Besamim pots to add aroma to art flowers. The models represented the mountain where the Torah was given. Activities

allowed the children to express their creativity and deepen their connection to

Meanwhile, people supported by the KisharonLangdon Good Days programme, which now includes the Social Enterprise team, took part in cheesecake bakes and creating Omer charts. At the Kisharon Langdon hub, a daily Omer chart was created. This activity followed learning about the Omer emphasising the importance of doing kind acts and personal growth.

Through diverse activities, Shavuot was brought to life in engaging and meaningful ways.

Sari Mayer, Tova Peretz, Joanne Greenaway, Rabbi Craig Kacev, Rabbi Dr Zarum and Danny Baigel

Mayor of Barnet with Jami JVN at Headroom Cafe

Shavuot.

Evie enjoying Shavuot art

Jack decorating Besamim pot

Yitzy Ginsbury from Manchester PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

The Age of Discontent

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

The past eight months have felt absurdly Kafkaesque. Our bizarre and disorienting reality defies any logical explanation. We feel utterly powerless in facing an angry mob which shrieks “death to the Jews”. The world has gone mad. That these malicious threats come from our Arab enemies is tragic, but understandable. Our enemies in the Arab world have consistently opposed any Jewish presence in Israel. The issue for them isn’t borders, refugees, or the suffering of innocent Palestinians, but rather their outright denial of the right of any Jew to breathe air in a sovereign Jewish Israel. However, what is illogical and even dystopian is the odd coalition forged to support rapists and serial murderers. It is surreal to watch crowds of Asian college students blindly back mass murderers while vilifying the victims of savage brutality. It is appalling to witness African-Americans, whose legitimate rights Jews have heroically defended, turn their backs on us while spewing venomous antisemitism. And amidst this theater of the absurd, the most farcical scene is that of the LGBTQ community, known for its policy of unconditional embrace and tolerance, suddenly turn into a hate-filled assembly of bigots. Why has generation “Z” lost their minds and their senses? What is causing this wholesale insanity and what does this say about our own culture?

THE AGE OF BEWILDERMENT

Often, when humanity experiences sudden and dramatic change, confusion sets in. When the old system is unceremoniously and swiftly swept aside, humanity is plunged into an identity crisis. Sometimes this leads to healthy progress. The Renaissance period emerged in the aftermath of the Black plague of the 14th century which wiped out up to half of the European population. Further cultural disruptions such as the invention of the printing press and the discovery of the New World prompted humanity to rethink its basic assumptions. The ensuing cultural reboot led to the empowerment of Man, the unleashing of his human potential and the dramatic modernization of the human condition. However, rapid and unpredictable change can also cause cultural anxiety and societal vertigo. Prolonged cultural dizziness doesn’t often end well. WWI completely washed away the existing world order, obliterating empires and redrawing the maps of Europe. Additionally, the transportation revolution shrunk the world, while industrialization relocated populations into crowded cities. Newly discovered scientific theories altered the way we viewed ourselves. Instead of inhabiting a space cut to human size we were now just an infinitesimally small part of “billion years and a billion spheres”. Humanity felt

incomprehensibly displaced from itself.

As Kafka wrote in The Hunter Gracchus: “My ship has no rudder, and no compass, and no steering wheel; I am driven forward by the wind, which gives me no time to look around, not even a chance to consider where I am going”. Interwar Europe didn’t know what to do with itself. Its inner angst metastasized into incoherent rage directed at the perceived cause of this cultural displacement. Jews are always easy targets.

Generation Z is experiencing a similar maelstrom of confusion and anxiety. Like the printing press 700 years ago, the internet revolution has radically transformed our lives, our communication, and both our communal and personal identity. The development of AI is just as revolutionary as the discovery of the New World and will be just as transformative. The world feels both larger than ever and smaller than ever. Once again, as a century ago, confusion and bewilderment are fueling rage and discontent.

THE AGE OF BOREDOM

In addition to bewilderment, generation Z is just plain bored. Ironically, a society can become too successful by eliminating all tyrannies and adversities. Under these circumstances, as Francis Fukayama wrote in “The End of History and the Last Man”: “… ironically the success of a society breeds the desire to rebel against it. If men cannot struggle on behalf of a just cause because that just cause was victorious in an earlier generation, then they will struggle against the just cause. They will struggle for the sake of struggle. They will struggle, in other words, out of a certain boredom.” Looking for purpose and for meaning in a world which doesn’t offer obvious “causes” to rally for, society turns in on itself and rebels against the established order and its hierarchies.

and demoralized our national spirit. Too much success, too much comfort, and no obvious cause to rally around. Toxic speech is contagious, and soon afterward, Miriam and Aharon spoke slanderously about Moshe, destabilizing his authority. Turning in on ourselves we imploded.

FIRST THE JEWS, THEN SOCIETY

Our generation which is both con fused and bored has identified the cause of its cultural dissatisfaction: as always, the Jewish people and their state serve as the lighting rod for social anxieties and fears. In the past we were hated because we were outsiders who infected society with foreign ideas. Ironically, Israel has now become the symbol of the West and the embodi ment of modernity’s perceived evils. Tragically, this toxic mixture of bewilderment and existential boredom threatens the broader population. Humanity still hasn’t learned the hard lesson that antisemitic hatred ultimately devours general society. It always starts, but never ends, with the Jews. Angry mobs have already begun turning against the system, burning American flags and chanting “death to America”. This is the current sorry state of generation Z. Confused by modernity and bored by success they have targeted an easy scapegoat for their existential angst. Just show up at a rally without any clue about the facts and blame Israel for all alleged crimes of the white Western male over the past 200 years. Castigating Jews is cathartic and purgative. Violence is aggrandized and rape is glorified as part of the larger battle to restore a lost past of meaning and identity. The inability to believe in anything and the desire to rebel against everything. Darkness. Alienation. Rage. Insanity.

it is called cynicism. Though we aren’t rebelling against modernity or the establishment, we have become excessively cynical and skeptical. We are too unwilling to accept delivered truths from others without performing self-mediation. Religion and belief are founded upon the ability to believe in truths which can’t be personally arbitrated and upon the ability to passionate commit to articles of faith and to immutable values. Religion and faith demand piety and sincerity not cynicism and skepticism. The Talmud (Sotah 42) warns that cynics cannot stand in the presence of G-d. Though we are not disenchanted and not discontent, it is fair to ask how deeply we allow ourselves to believe and to sincerely commit.

This issue is especially acute in Israel where a powerful strain of cynicism simmers beneath the surface of our culture. As an immigrant (of 40 years) I wonder why Israeli culture can’t be more accepting and believing. Of course, a healthy degree of skepticism and intellectual autonomy is vital, especially as we buck the odds and build our state under such duress. However, Israelis often display too much intellectual and personal swagger and suffer from an inability to embrace and accept convention.

Living amidst this cultural chaos we must look into our own mirror and ask ourselves: Do we believe enough? Do we believe enough in human potential? Do we believe deeply enough in historical destiny? Have we become too hard-nosed and too cynical for our own good?

As the world goes mad don’t forget to peer into your own soul and check its health.

Parshat Beha’alotecha portrays our nation as we were primed to enter Eretz Yisrael and launch Jewish monarchy. Sadly, the process was derailed, by discontent and complaining. This malevolent discourse poisoned the environment

OUR OWN CYNICISM

Thankfully most Jews haven’t fallen victim to this cultural nihilism. Yet we suffer a lighter case of this cultural malaise, and

The writer is a rabbi at the hesder Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, with ordination from Yeshiva University and a master’s in English literature from CUNY. He is the author of Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below (Kodesh Press), providing religious responses to Oct. 7.

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Daf Topics

Bal Tolin - Punctual

Bava Metzia 112a

BY RABBI YAKOV SCHONBERG

Paying wages punctually is probably the most common Choshen Mishpat issue that affects most people regularly, yet few are familiar with the halachos. Its scope is not restricted just to employee’s wages, but it encompasses any payment commitment for services or rental. That includes service providers such as barbers, musicians, waiters, taxi drivers and babysitters, and charges of craftsmen such as an electrician, painter, plumber, tailor or appliance repairman. Furthermore, it extends to rentals of metaltelim, moveable items such as chair or car hire. Although some exclude rental of karka, poskim hold that limitation only concerns actual land, but it would apply to rental of buildings constructed on the land. With such a broad spectrum of situations, one will inevitably be faced with issues without realising the significance of this mitzva.

MULTIPLE TRANSGRESSIONS

On might consider delaying payment of an employee by a short period to be considered a minor infraction, yet Bava Metzia 111a teaches that one transgresses five negative commands and one positive one. Why does the Torah treat this laxity with such strictness? This severity is already apparent in the pasuk in Parshas Kedoshim (Vayikra 19:13) which contains three instructions:

1) Do not withhold that what is due to your neighbour, 2) do not rob him, and 3) do not leave the wages earned by a day labourer overnight until morning. Sandwiched between two admonitions regarding payment of wages is the general injunction against robbery, illegally taking another person’s money. This seems out of place in Kedoshim which is devoted to the Torah’s recipe for a life of holiness. Indeed, the gemora points out that the prohibition of stealing has already been established and therefore explains that deprivation of wages is a form of robbery, and the Torah addresses it with a separate expression that one would thus violate two laavim. As the employer has every intention of paying the wages, but in his own time, why is this treated more strictly than regular stealing by imposing multiple transgressions?

HE SETS HIS SOUD ON IT

Wages

These laws are repeated in Devarim 24:15-

:. You shall give his wage on his day and not let the sun set on it, for he is poor and he sets his soul on it, lest he cry out to Hashem against you and you incur a sin. The context here is a series of laws for society organisation in anticipation of their entry into the Land of Israel. Rabbi SR Hirsch explains that the duties of paying wages punctually were split between Kedoshim, dealing with sanctifying our lives, and Ki Seitzei where their practical importance arises with the settling down of the people. Each reflects different aspects of the special relationship between employer and employee. The Chafetz Chaim dedicated an entire section in Ahavas Chassed to the mitzva of timely payment of workers, which has become the Mishnah Berurah for these laws. In an introduction to that section, he mentions the severity of these laws as discussed above and then quotes from the Zohar which connects the Kedoshim pasuk forbidding an employer to keep wages “with you all night until morning” with Ki Seitzei’s, “do not let the sun set on it”. He comments that one should be careful to follow these mitzvos so as not to “die ahead of time”. To withhold the wages of a poor man is like taking his life. As the employer is responsible for that, even if lengthy days and many blessings were decreed for the employer, they are all withdrawn, nor does his soul mount aloft. The Zohar views payment of wages as restoring his soul; withholding them is akin to murder. This allows us an insight into the Torah outlook on employment relationships.

RELATIONSHIP WITH EMPLOYEE

The Torah’s outlook on the relationship between employers and employees is much deeper than that found in the secular world, which focuses on worker’s rights. The Torah approach is based on a system of responsibilities. The employer is providing the employee with the opportunity for earning a livelihood, and the employee is dedicating a major slice of his daily life for the employer’s benefit. The employee is obligated to conscientiously perform the work for which he is hired, and the employer must show his gratitude for the work done by paying him on time. Delay in paying his wages indicates a lack of appreciation for the efforts of the employee who puts his soul into his work – “and he sets his soul on it” and suffers an emotional insult. These concepts truly belong to Parshas Kedoshim, as they relate to the sensitivities an employer must have for his staff, and that their relationship should reflect a

mutual appreciation of each one’s contribution to their lives. These laws must be balanced with the commercial viewpoint of Ki Seitzei, so the Torah used a system of multiple instructions to reflect the different aspects of the law.

UNUSUAL EXEMPTIONS

In light of this understanding of the issur of bal tolin we can comprehend the basis for some unusual halachic exemptions from the issur. For example, where the hiring of the employee was carried out by an agent, bal tolin does not apply, even though halacha generally regards

. Since the sensitivities of an employee relationship which give rise to bal tolin strictures are very personal, the Torah is not concerned where that relationship is less direct anyway. In situations where payment is delayed because the employer has no available funds, there is no transgression because the employee understands that the delay is not coming from a lack of appreciation of his work. However, if the employer has a bank overdraft facility but does not wish to utilise it or he has foreign currency and does not want to suffer the exchange charge, there would be transgression because the employee will be slighted by the employer for not regarding his remuneration as an urgent need whilst the employer has access to funds. There would be a similar violation if monies are drawn by the employer for his own personal needs or business purchases are made without budgeting to ensure sufficient funds for wages payment, as it is indicative that the employer does not have the required respect for his employees and regards them of secondary importance. There is also no violation where the employee does not request payment, because that is taken as an indication that he would not be upset if payment is delayed. However, in practice, this exemption rarely applies. Regular employees have a contractual agreement which stipulates the payday, so that is considered as if there is an automatic demand on that date even if no formal request is made. The fact that the employer is not present when the payment is due so that the employee cannot ask him for money, does not allow us to assume that the employee is not fussed about being paid later. Similarly, if a babysitter does not request settlement when finishing her job, it may be that she is too ashamed to make the demand and there would be a Torah violation if she is not paid that day.

ADVANCE AGREEMENT

Chofetz Chaim wrote this section

because he was convinced that people were transgressing out of ignorance and offered important advice. For example, violation may arise where a painter finishes a job and when the householder comes to pay, he deducts a retention for possible snagging, or he tries to knock down the price, forcing the desperate painter to give a discount. As the painter reluctantly agrees because he has little choice and is not paid in full, there would be multiple Torah violations. Chofetz Chaim advises never to commission any services without exact stipulation of terms at the outset, as any predetermined condition about payment will eliminate concerns about bal tolin. Pricing and proposed retentions should be agreed in advance so that there is no haggling at the end. Whenever terms are agreed to at the outset, that avoids any transgression, as the service provider cannot be upset with something he agreed to in advance. There would be no transgression when taking employment at an institution that has chronic cashflow problems and consistently pays late, because he is aware of that situation before he took the job, so there is implied agreement to accept late payment.

CORPORATIONS AND KOLLELIM

It may be difficult to establish who is the effective employer where the company or institution is not controlled by its owners, or in the case of a charity, has no owners. There is discussion in the poskim whether a manager is considered an agent where no bal tolin applies, but if he controls employment, then he has responsibility to ensure timely payment. Chazon Ish (BK-23:8) held that although payments to kollel avreichim may be considered ‘schar batala’, compensation for loss of earnings, bal tolin would still apply, but Rav Elyashev held that was not salary for work done. R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhogos-3:470) only recognises kollel employers who have full control: raising funds, deciding on staff and avreichim and managing all payments, without external decisions, otherwise it would be considered payment by a manager.

Rabbi Schonberg was born in London in 1948 and attended Hasmonean School. He attended Manchester, Chaye Olam and Gateshead Yeshivos. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1972 becoming a partner at Cohen Arnold.

To contact Rabbi Schonberg, please email, yschonberg@gmail.com

To find out more, you can sign up at mercazdafyomi.com and receive a free gemoroh.

ASK THE RABBI

STEALING INNOCENCE

Dear Rabbi

My child attends a non-Jewish school. They are now keen to teach the children all about LGBTQ, transgenderism etc. My son is only eleven years old. Is it really necessary to expose them to this at such a young age? What do they do in Jewish schools?

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer

I feel bad for parents nowadays. You have to be able to explain the birds and the bees, the bees and the bees, the birds and the birds, the birds that used to be bees, the bees that used to be birds, the birds that look like bees etc.

It’s a politically correct world gone mad. The mere fact that any form of sex education is already mandatory in primary schools is an absolute absurdity and a sad reflection of the times we live in. I don’t know what the policy is in all Jewish schools but the school at which I am principal is government aided hence bound by state education curriculum. They consulted with me about how to teach certain subject matters that would

be in keeping with government guidelines while also remaining sensitive to the principles of traditional Judaism. This is not intended as an indictment against alternative lifestyles. It’s an indictment against a system that is depriving young minds of their innocence, all in the name of bleeding heart liberalism.

LIVING IN THE PAST; STRUGGLING IN THE PRESENT

Dear Rabbi

I have been wronged too many times in my life. I find that as much as I try to move past it, I keep dwelling on it and it makes me very bitter. I know you’re not an agony aunt but you give sensible advice sometimes and I wonder whether you can guide me with some inspiration.

Gershon

Dear Gershon

What do you mean, “sometimes!” Here’s some food for thought for you and I urge you to think very carefully about this: Hate has four letters. So does love. Enemies has seven letters. So does friends. Lying has five letters. So does truth. Negative has eight letters. So does

positive. Anger has five letters. So does happy. Cry has three letters. So does joy. Right has five letters. So does wrong. Hurt has four letters. So does heal. In short, life is a double-edged sword. You have the option of transforming all negative instincts into something positive. That choice rests with you. Choose the better side of life.

RIGHT GUY, WRONG DATE

Dear Rabbi

I found Mr. Right and I am due to get married next summer. A friend pointed out that it was the ninth of Av and that my marriage would be invalid. But there is no other Sunday in the summer available for the hall. Would the marriage really be void?

Carol

Dear Carol

For a start I have to safely assume it is not an orthodox wedding. In addition, we are told about various dates in the Jewish calendar that are more auspicious times than others to get married. Then there are some dates that are outright prohibited. Why would you want to get married on what has always been known as the saddest and most tragic day on the Jewish calendar when many calamities happened in the past? I can state unequivocally, it won’t bode well for your union. Changing the date might mean you won’t get the hall you want, but you’ll more likely get the relationship that you want, underpinned by happiness and joy. Surely that’s of primary importance. I look forward to the invite with the new date.

WHEN IS A RABBI NOT A RABBI?

Dear Rabbi

What are your thoughts about a rabbi calling Israeli politicians, war criminals? On the one hand it’s a shocking thing for

a rabbi to say. On the other hand a rabbi should have integrity and if that’s what they believe then surely they should be honest and upfront about it.

Nathan

Dear Nathan

On the third hand, regardless of one’s views there’s something called common sense and if you lack that you probably shouldn’t be in any leadership position. For a so-called rabbi to use language that is fodder for anti-Semites, arguably should make their job untenable. The very idea that some members have resigned on the back of the statement, speaks volumes and reflects the gravity of the situation. That they remain in their position after making such a statement reflects on the movement as a whole. It is unsurprising. A lack of clarity or consistency in religious and political positions leads to confusion and weakens the movement’s overall integrity.

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BEHA’ALOTECHA

1st Aliya (Kohen) – BAMIDBAR 8:1-14

G-d tells Moshe to instruct Aharon, the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), to light the Menorah every day in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). G-d tells Moshe to appoint the Levi’im to their service in the Mishkan. This involves bringing two animal offerings, the people placing their hands upon the heads of the Levi’im and each Levi being physically lifted in the air and waved by Moshe and Aharon.

2nd Aliya (Levi) – 8:15-26

The tribe of Levi is to take over the role that had been designated for the firstborn, who were sanctified on the night of the Exodus from Egypt, when the Egyptian firstborn were slain and the Israelite

firstborn survived.

Point to Consider: Why were the firstborn dismissed from their role? (see Rashi to 8:17)

3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 9:1-14

In the second year after the Exodus, on 14 Nisan, G-d commands the people to bring their Pesach offerings. There are people who are ritually impure, having recently come into contact with a dead person. Unable to bring an offering, they come to Moshe and Aharon and express their desire not to miss out. G-d tells Moshe that they can have a second chance, a month later, on what becomes known as Pesach Sheni (‘the second Pesach’).

4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 9:15-10:10

A cloud covers the Mishkan by day, with a fiery appearance at night. The Israelites remain encamped until the cloud lifts, which is the signal to journey on. The duration of time during which the cloud covers the Mishkan varies. G-d tells Moshe to make two silver trumpets to summon the people before travelling in the desert. The trumpets are also to be blown when the nation is at war, in

order to evoke Divine mercy, as well as to accompany communal offerings on Shabbat and festival days.

5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 10:11-34

In the second year after the Exodus, on 20 Iyar, the cloud lifts and the nation journeys from the Sinai desert to the Paran desert. The Torah describes the order of the tribes’ journeying and the different stages of dismantling and erecting the Mishkan. Moshe asks his father-in-law Yitro, referred to here as Chovav, to join the nation on their journey.

6th Aliya (Shishi) – 10:35-11:29

When the Aron (Ark) would start its miraculous journey in front of the nation, Moshe would appeal to G-d to scatter His enemies. The people complain. G-d sends a fatal fire against them, until Moshe pleads for mercy on their behalf. The ‘rabble’ then complain about the manna, which does not taste as good as the food in Egypt. G-d is angered. Moshe says he is helpless to deal with the nation’s complaints. G-d tells him to appoint 70 elders to assist in leading the nation. G-d tells Moshe that, in response to their complaints, the nation will be given meat for a whole month, until they

are sick of it. The 70 elders are appointed and are given prophetic powers.

Point to Consider: Why are there inverted letter ‘nuns’ placed before and after the first verse of this Aliyah? (see Rashi to 10:35)

7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 11:30-12:16

A wind blows quails into the camp. The people gather the quails and start eating them, but G-d sends ‘a mighty blow’ against the people for their original complaints. Miriam and Aharon speak negatively about Moshe. G-d rebukes them and Miriam develops a tzara’at skin affliction. Moshe prays for her recovery. Miriam is quarantined outside the camp for seven days, during which the people do not journey.

Haftarah (Zecharia 2:14-4:7)

The prophet Zecharia relates a vision in which an angel visits Yehoshua the Kohen Gadol and chastises him, as symbolised by Yehoshua’s soiled garments. The angel also shows Zecharia a Menorah and two olives trees to provide oil for lighting it, indicating that the Second Temple will not be built by use of force, but by G-d’s spirit.

Family Fun BEHA’ALOTCHA

Our parsha is jam packed this week!

At first, Aharon is upset that the nesiim get to offer korbonos not him, during the opening of the mishkan. He’s worried Hashem is still angry over the eigel/golden calf. But Hashem speaks to him and reassures him that Aharon has a much greater job, he gets to light the menorah every single day.

Over the last few parshiot, we saw that the Leviim have been chosen to do holy work for the Mishkan, now they swap places with the firstborns and are ready to get down to work.

It’s the first Pesach in the Midbar!! Moshe and Aharon teach the people on the laws, the korbon pesach is offered up and everyone is munching on it at their seder.Suddenly, a group of men come to Moshe and Aharon, very upset. Do you remember that Yosef’s dying wish was to be taken with and buried in

Israel? These are the men that carry his coffin but that makes them tamaai, impure. A tammai person cannot join in the korban pesach. It’s not fair! They also want to join! Moshe goes to ask Hashem and Hashem gives us a new mitzvah, every year, one month after Pesach we have Pesach Sheini. If a person was tamaai he can bring the korban then.

Now we set off for the Holy Land with the clouds of glory protecting us. No car can boast the comfort, air-conditioning and plush, carpeted feel of the holy clouds! It’s also like being wrapped in a giant hug from Hashem!

But not everyone wants to come. Yisro, Moshe’s father in law wants to leave, he is a ger/convert and won’t inherit the land. Moshe convinces him to stay because Klal Yisrael will look after him.

When they leave, after all the love Hashem Has

Parasha

Stats

D

B

R

P B I M R B J E Y M C I

E L V R J A N W L F Y E

S E E R I F P I T M M C

A V L P D A E T O P E R

C L O U D F M I Z T X X

H A R O N E M Q N L Z O

Dingbats

showered them with – they leave so quickly it’s like running away!But Hashem ignores it, so to speak, for now. Then the Eruv Rav push too far, whining, complaining and begging to stop or slow down. Hashem sends a fire to take care of them and Klal Yisrael are terrified it will burn them too! Moshe gets the people to do teshuvah for their hasty departure and it sinks into the ground.

Peace at last, but not for long! The eruv rav are at it again, making people feel bad about the special, yummy maan, we want real meat!, We want meat! Moshe doesn’t know what to do, how will I find meat to feed the whole Klal Yisrael?! Hashem sort of tells him off. It’s My problem because they are My children and nothing is too hard for Me. He tells Moshe that meat will fall from the sky, lots of it, lots and lots. The people will not be able to resist eating

but it will poison the people who made everyone else complain! Moshe warns the people not to ask for meat because Hashem will give it but it will kill them. The eruv rav don’t listen to Moshe’s warning and demand to see this meat and sure enough it kills them.

Then we pick new zekeinim. Miriam then tells Aharon that she is worried about their brother Moshe and something he is doing. Hashem suddenly appears to defend Moshe, saying that he is the most humble man who ever lived and so won’t tell you that he is also the greatest prophet who will ever live .He punishes Miriam with Tzaraas for her lashon harah. Out of gratitude to her, Klal Yisrael wait for her until she can rejoin the camp before moving on.

Facts about Parashat Beha’alotcha

Number of Verses - 136

Number of Words - 1,840

Number of Letters - 7,055

Jewish Riddle

This week’s Question:

The name of which Parasha has the same gematrianumerical value - as the number of its verses?

IF YOU KNOW IT, EMAIL US THE ANSWER

Last week’s Answer: “On one historic Yom Kippur, the entire Jewish people ate and drank and were praised for it by Hashem.” When did this occur?

When King Solomon built the Temple, Yom Kippur occurred during its seven Inauguration Days. The Sanhedrin decided that not only must the Inauguration Sacrifices for the Temple be offered but, moreover, the people must cook, eat, and drink on Yom Kippur or else the happiness of the Inauguration would be incomplete. (See Tractate Mo’ed Katan 9a.)

*WELL DONE TO KEREN LEVINE!!!*

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!

R W O U O B E S F

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

afoot afore after atone oaten orate

Jokes

Q: What did the hat say to the scarf?

A: You hang around, and I’ll go on ahead!

Q: What do you call two guys hanging on a window

A: Kurt and Rod

Q: What do you call a man lying on your doorstep?

A: Matt!

Riddles

1. It has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs? What is it?

2. Each morning I appear to lie at your feet, All day I will follow no matter how fast you run, Yet I nearly perish in the midday sun. What am I?

3. All about, but cannot be seen, can be captured, cannot be held, no throat, but can be heard. What am I?

EXPERT ADVICE

Hi Jacob,

My firm is seeking direct authorisation from the FCA, but I heard that 1 out of 5 firms get rejected! Can you tell me why so many firms get declined so I can better prepare?

– Michelle

Hi Michelle,

The FCA authorisation process has become much more stringent recently, primarily to prevent harm and improve conduct standards and culture in firms. There are several key factors why firms might be declined (or have the FCA suggest that they “withdraw”):

1. Incomplete or poor-quality applications. The FCA expects applications to be comprehensive, bespoke and complete. Firms need to show they are “ready, willing and organised” to operate from the day they become authorised.

2. Failure to meet threshold conditions. Often, firms apply for authorisation too early, before they are ready to satisfy the minimum FCA threshold conditions outlined in Part 4A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. These include having appropriate financial and non-financial resources and having appropriate systems and controls in place.

3. Failing to meet Fit and Proper criteria. The FCA assesses the firm’s senior management and key personnel to ensure they are of good repute and demonstrate honesty and integrity. This involves reviewing any previous criminal convictions, regulatory breaches, business & employment history, and involvement in civil or disciplinary proceedings. The firm must also demonstrate that its management and staff have the required skills, experience, qualifications and training to effectively perform their roles.

4. Business model or Conduct concerns. If the FCA believes a firm’s business model may lead to poor consumer outcomes or has concerns about the conduct and culture within the firm, the application might be denied.

5. Non-disclosure. Firms or their connected individuals, sometimes provide incorrect or incomplete information as part of the application. The FCA takes non-disclosure or providing false information very seriously, and such actions often result in application refusal.

Please note that these are general reasons only, and depending on the type of firm, the FCA may have additional requirements and/or seek clarification throughout the application process.

BUTCHERS

KOSHER DELI

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ESTATE AGENT

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FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

JACOB BERNSTEIN LLB (Hons) CeMAP

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

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

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

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

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JEWISH CARE

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

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

CHARITY

ALIYAH ADVISORS

ALIYAH ADVISORS - GARY BROWN - PRACTICAL ALIYAH ADVICE

WEALTH MANAGMENT

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

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

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

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

Alpha Wealth Management

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BUILDING AND PARTY WALL SURVEYING

MATRIX SURVEYORS LIMITED

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

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Contact:

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SHIPPING

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET

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

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

MANAGED I.T. SERVICES PROVIDER (MSP)

SIMON MOSCOVITZ BSC (HONS) – EUROTEK UK LIMITED

• Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules

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• Licence for Alterations

• Insurance claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrants will receive a comprehensive Twinning Pack which contains:

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

• A Study Guide

• A Certificate

• Letter from a Holocaust survivor

• A Yad Vashem pin

• Memorial and Shabbat Candles

• An invitation to become a Guardian of the Memory

46 Albert Road London NW4 2SG

Charity No. 1099659

Phone: 020 8187 9881

Email: office@yadvashem.org.uk

www.yadvashem.org.uk

www.guardianofthememory.org

@yadvashemukfoundation