February 2020
Our Community . Our People . Our Magazine
Volume 96. No 5
February 2020
Our Community . Our People . Our Magazine
Volume 96. No 5
March 2014
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HASHALOM 1
March 2014
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HASHALOM 1
ADVERT
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FEBRUARY 2020
Our Community, Our People, Our Magazine
Editorial EDITORIAL Special Feature In Conversation Tradition Back To Basics Bubkes Above Board
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06I
07 To 08 09 10
Community News
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Akiva College
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Eden School
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Beit David
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Wotsup WIZO
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Young Israel Centre
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Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre
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KZNC
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DUHC
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Divote
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Talmud Torah
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Beth Shalom
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UJW
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Cooking with Judy and Linda
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Diary of Events
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The views expressed in the pages of Hashalom are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board or any other organisation or religious body unless otherwise Hashalom merely reflects views of particular organisation or individual.
Editor: Hayley Lieberthal Sub Editors: Colin Plen, Cookie Isaacs, Maureen Caminsky Editorial Board: Hayley Lieberthal, Michelle Campbell Lauren Shapiro, Mikki Norton Production Manager: Jacqui Herbst Notice to Organisations/Contributors: All material to be submitted by email to hashalom@djc.co.za DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH EDTION: 7 February Get in touch with the editor: editor@djc.co.za
Advertisements Contact: Jacqui Herbst P.O. Box 10797 Marine Parade 4056 Tel: (031) 335 4451Email: hashalom@djc.co.za Hashalom is issued under the auspices of the SAJBD KZN Council, KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council and the Durban Jewish Club. Typesetting Supplied. Designed by RBG Studios, email: rowan@rbgstudios.co.za Printed by RBG Studios Visit our website: www.hashalom.co.za
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EDITORIAL
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How do you measure a year?
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HAYLEY LIEBERTHAL
ith the secular year of 2020 in full swing there is a lot of hype about this new decade being better than the last. This inevitably brought up a question that has long plagued me... how is that the strike of midnight can change a bad year into a good one, and if the date on a calendar made such a difference why don’t we feel this excited at the end of every day? You can imagine my surprise when the answer came to me the other day - thanks to my love of music and a life-threatening allergy attack that my husband and fellow community members helped me through. In Donny Osmond’s Seasons of love song he writes: Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes, five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear, five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes, how do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets In midnights, in cups of coffee In inches, in miles In laughter, in strife five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure a year in the life? How about love?... When I look back at the years past, I find myself grateful for many things, but most of all for our community and the love we have for each other. We are a unique and wonderful community, we look after each other and perhaps it is because we are a small community – we open our hearts and homes to one another. I am grateful that a member of our community insisted that seven women (complete strangers to me at the time) would deliver mitzvah meals after my daughter was born, and how every meal brought to us was not just food put together, but rather a symbol of heart and warmth. I see that love in every community member I meet, whether it’s a compliment on Hashalom (one never gets tired of hearing these), or over a cup of coffee. I see it in the ‘community news’ that we publish and I marvel at how we get things done and stand together as one. I may not know what 2020 has in store for us, yet I do know that we can measure our success through the love we have for each other.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
MY 2 CENTS
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hat? Prices went up again? We find ourselves stocking up on toilet paper when it’s on special and redeeming loyalty points, but what else can we do to stretch our budget? Hashalom asked around and everyone has added their 2 cents. (With the current rate of inflation, hopefully it will be worth more by the time you’re finished reading the article.) SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE Pass on books and DVDs you’ve enjoyed. Dust off your municipal library card, and pay a visit to the excellent libraries at the Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre and the Beit Midrash at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre. “Invest in quality toys that will last,” advises Nadine Gering, owner of Melissa and Doug Toys, South Africa. “Your children will get more joy from them, and you will save time, money and effort on finding appropriate toys to stimulate their bodies, minds and imaginations.” Nadine explains. She also suggests starting a toy-swap system with friends whose children are a similar age to yours. When your children have outgrown toys and games, pass them on to younger children or donate them to an organisation that will distribute them to kids who will love them. DON’T FUEL THE FIRE Carpooling is back, people! With the soaring cost of petrol and the
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BY LAUREN SHAPIRO
threat of global warming hanging over us, it’s no wonder people are more hesitant to hit the roads alone. “Lift-sharing is certainly one way to save money, as well as limit carbon emissions,” says Debbie Findlay of Hillcrest. “With the crime in our country, travelling together also makes one feel safer, especially at night,” she adds. Start a WhatsApp group with friends in your area to arrange rides to work, school, shops or events. It can make the journeys more pleasant and social, too. RECYCLED FASHION “Every girl loves a shopping spree, but there are ways to do it without the huge price tag,” declares co-chair of WIZO Durban, Michelle Nathan. Gather your friends together and ask each person to bring a couple of things they no longer fit, want or need, she advises. “Everyone can select ‘new’ items to take home with the added benefit of a social schmooze with your favourite people.” Or, you can take it to the next level by adding a small price to each item, and donating the takings to charity. For example, WIZO held a ‘Bring and Bling’ evening that generated immediate gratification for members of our community, plus funds for improving the lives of communities in Israel. Also be sure to visit the Vintage Shop at Durban Jewish Social Services office for pre-loved clothes and one-of-a-kind fashion.
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SPECIAL FEATURE THE GREATEST GIFT Make homemade gifts, or give the gift of your time. These presents are unique, personal, and so much more meaningful than something picked off a shelf. That said, when you do buy gifts, be sure to support the Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre or Masada Gift Shop, so your cash does double duty as a donation to an important cause. SPOILT FOR CHOICE – FOR FREE There is so much on offer in our own community, and none of it costs a cent! A range of shiurim is on offer literally every day, from Torah to Talmud to Jewish ethics. For culture vultures there’s the KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council’s Israeli Film Club and Is-Lit book club, or train your brain with the new Hebrew Ulpan. History buffs can enjoy lectures and screenings at the DHGC. And for the kids, Chabad House, the Durban United Hebrew Congregation, Umhlanga Jewish Centre and Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation offer regular activities. Youth movements like Bnei Akiva, Habonim Dror and Netzer frequently host events.
“Geysers use a lot of electricity,” Tubby points out. “Fit a timer so your geyser is only on when needed, and a geyser blanket (and pipe lagging) to keep in the heat. By dropping the water temperature just to 50 or 55 degrees, you’ll also save very quickly.” You could install day-night switches so you can’t forget to turn outdoor lights on and off at the correct times. Is there ANYTHING more infuriating than seeing lights on in the middle of the day? BE TAX-SAVVY Death and taxes, right? But don’t let taxes be the death of you. Speak to your financial advisor about tax-efficient practices and investments. Remember that many of our community organisations are registered in terms of Section 18A of the tax act, meaning that you can claim back tax on your donations. POST SCRIPT Once you’ve relieved your budget using these great tips, don’t forget to pay your Hashalom subscription for 2020!
For details of these events and more, contact the various organisations and ask to be put their mailing lists. GET OUT THERE Forgo expensive gym fees and get your tekkies on. Durban’s weather is almost always perfect for outdoor exercise. There are several free outdoor gyms, plus both the Durban and Umhlanga promenades for walking, running or cycling. “Some days we can almost make a minyan,” jokes Rabbi Pinchas Zekry. “It’s a halachic imperative to take care of one’s body, and what better place to do so than in Durban’s beautiful surroundings?” There’s no reason it should cost money to entertain your kids with the city’s many picturesque parks and gardens, excellent playgrounds, nature reserves and the beach right on our doorstep. Take scooters, rollerblades and skateboards down to the prom. Explore the Butterfly Habitat at Durban Botanic Gardens. Let the kids go wild on the jumping castle at the Sunday morning Golden Hours Family Market while you pick out fresh fruit and veggies for the coming week. Kids also love the Natural History Museum and can learn a lot from the permanent and temporary exhibits at the Kwa Muhle Apartheid Museum. And all this is free! (Except the fruit and veggies.) CUT YOUR ELECTRIC BILL With load shedding mounting and Eskom hikes on the horizon, naturally electricity is an area where we want to save. Tubby Bloch, owner of Tubby’s Electrical, recommends switching to LED lights; they save electricity (and therefore money), and good quality ones have a two-year guarantee. “Teach your children to turn lights off when they leave the room,” he advises, and unplug all chargers when not in use. “Chargers still draw electricity, even when not connected to appliances,” he explains.
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IN CONVERSATION
SEA, SUN AND BEAUTIFUL FOOD
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ave Jacobsohn and Russell Wolman are living their laid back dream - bringing friends and family together and sharing love through their mouth-watering food in Durbs.
These two bouncy balls, both full of energy and mischief have a unique friendship that started when they were only 10 years old. Although life took them on different journeys, time and again they were reunited and eventually found themselves in Durban fusing their love for food and people, ultimately becoming Chefs by the Ocean. Donning full uniform (board shorts, tee-shirts and slops), Chefs Dave and Russell sat down with Hashalom in the Annexure room at the newly renovated Durban Jewish Centre to spill the beans about their adventures and hobbies throughout their lives. “Our goal is to eventually be able to only do kosher catering, but for now we do non-Kosher as well. We basically do everything from corporates to privates and family events, barmitzvahs, Shabbos dinners, Sunday lunches or even family reunions,” explains Dave with boundless enthusiasm.
No job is too big or too small for Chefs by the Ocean. Bringing their own service staff, crockery, cutlery, groceries, condiments and anything else the job requires, Dave and Russell describe themselves as a one-stop shop for functions and catering. Dave adds that they also cater for road trips, travelling cross country with tour groups and provide all their meals. He recalls being hired for a bachelor’s party from Johannesburg who travelled down to the coast for a bachelor’s weekend where Dave and Russell fed the 12 men tailor-made breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Dave and Russell each bring a healthy portion of culinary experience to the table. Dave has been in the food industry for 28 years, having started off planning special diets for patients in hospitals where he worked with various dietary requirements like diabetes or high cholesterol. He has also worked with quite a few restaurant franchises in terms of management before travelling abroad to Turkey, Israel, Greece, Switzerland and Austria to work in different hotels, cafes, taverns and restaurants all while broadening his experience and developing his now finely tuned pallet. Bringing his international experience home, Dave is today involved in training staff at a number of venues in customer service, food quality while also consulting to them. A group of restaurants in the Upper Highway area is fortunate to have Dave on board as executive chef on a freelance basis. Dave and Russell are currently working with a lodge down on the Wild Coast that specializes in weddings and functions where they cater as well as consult on training and placements.
BY JACQUI HERBST
Kosher ration clark. Outside the kitchen Dave and Russell indulge in the privilege of living by the sea. Dave is a keen surfer and can often be seen ripping between the piers. He also enjoys wake boarding something he and Russell have in common - and can hold a beat as a drummer. Besides wake boarding and paddle skiing, Russell prides himself in his ability to hold his breath longer than most of us – all thanks to spearfishing. Back in the kitchen, Dave and Russell know each other’s flaws and work in synergy to complement one another. Dave has an amazingly refined pallet and understanding of flavour and taste while Russell is the tech savvy one. Together they have gifted the Durban Jewish community with no less than six signature dishes including slow roasted Greek lamb, Bobba’s chicken noodle soup, Thai green chicken curry, Asian fish cakes, Durban curry and a Moroccan chicken hot pot; all created wearing the Durban uniform: baggies and slops.
Dave and Russell doing what they love: serving fabulous food.
Dave heeding the call of the ocean on his surfboard.
Dave with one of his culinary creations.
Russell spear fishing in Umdloti.
Glenda Naicker www.djc.co.za
“When people go to a function or event, two things stand out: service and food and these are the focus of our training. I always say we are not in the food industry dealing with people, but in the people industry, dealing with food,” says Dave. Russell’s background in the food industry began early in his life when his family opened a butchery in Tzaneen. Later, while completing his national service in Pretoria, he served as the head
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TRADITION
WHERE HAS ALL THE YIDDISH GONE?
Yiddish is creeping back into contemporary vernacular and culture. Is Durban lagging behind this global trend? BY LAUREN SHAPIRO
DURBAN’S YIDDISHE MAVEN Rochelle Winer (nee Rothschild)’s mother arrived in South Africa from Lodz, Poland in 1932 as a young girl with her parents and brother. Rochelle’s father emigrated from Germany in 1936, tragically destined to lose his entire family in the Holocaust. They married in 1939 and in 1941, Rochelle was born. Growing up in Johannesburg, Rochelle’s maternal Bobba and Zayde spoke Yiddish, and she maintains that she learned the language so she could understand what they were saying about her! From thrice-weekly afterschool lessons at the Yiddishe Folkshul in Doornfontein, she went on to study Yiddish at matric level. “I just love languages,” professes Rochelle, who speaks English, Afrikaans, Yiddish and Zulu, plus a bit of German and Hebrew. Rochelle settled in Durban when she and her first husband, Nathan Ben Yishai, moved to the coast for his health. After he passed away, she married Monty Winer Z”L. In 1994, then-community director Jack Natelowitz asked Rochelle to start a Yiddish group. “We started with about ten people meeting in various private homes,” she recalls, “But we grew rapidly and soon moved to the Durban Jewish Club. That group ran for just over 20 years.” VOS MAKHSTU, DURBAN? While Yiddish has dwindled in Durban over the years, the language is enjoying a resurgence around the world. Around 130 000 people speak Yiddish in the New York metropolitan area. Fiddler on the Roof just ran for a year in New York City – in Yiddish. Israel boasts Yiddish theatre, a Yiddish magazine and academic courses in the language. Netflix’s international hit series Shtisel showcases both Hebrew and Yiddish. Closer to home, Yiddish is currently offered as a subject at Torah Academy in Johannesburg, and social Yiddish lessons are open to all ages. “Durban was always a bit more anglicized than Johannesburg or
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Cape Town,” Rochelle points out. “And now that the Bobbas and Zaydes are no longer around, there’s no one to speak it to the next generation.” Rochelle continues to run an informal Yiddish group, and commemorates the language every year at the Yom Hashoah ceremony by reciting Yiddish poetry in honour of the 1.5 million Jewish children who were killed in the Holocaust. WHAT’S THE KHAP? “Yiddish is not just a language,” asserts Rochelle. “It gives a feel of the people. The Jewish people have never lost a sense of humour.” That’s what’s captured in the language: we’ve been poor, we’ve been persecuted, but there has always been strength and laughter through the tears. On that note, Rochelle concludes: “Mir veln zikh vider trefen – zay gezunt” (We will meet again – be well). READ THIS: • The Joys of Yiddish – Leo Rosten • Tevye’s Daughters: Collected Short Stories of Sholom Aleichem – Sholom Aleichem • Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books – Aaron Lansky MIR LAKHN IN YIDDISH (WE LAUGH IN YIDDISH) Join in on one of the many entertaining informal Yiddish evenings, whether you speak a little, understand a little, or just want to hear the language being spoken. Contact Rochelle 082 789 4746.
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BACK TO BASICS
RECAPTURING THE LOST ART OF SELF-RELIANT LIVING
BY JACQUI HERBST
raising your own chickens or honing your skills as a naturalist camping in the great outdoors in a self-made natural shelter where you would build a fire and observe nature for weather forecasts? The past several decades have contorted “normal” to such an extent that it is scary to imagine replacing the “faster, better, easier” mentality with a slower, handmade way of living. Kosher is derived from Hebrew kasher which means “proper” and “fit”, thus ensuring fitness for consumption. I can’t think of a better way to honour kashrut than by going back to basics, the way Hashem intended. Many of our grandparents were gardeners and some of us learnt from them how to grow vegetables. We snacked on garden peas from the veggie patch and knew the butterflies, caterpillars, birds and other critters that called our gardens home. Back in self-reliant times people also knew how to use power tools to make and fix things around the house which translated in a smaller environmental footprint and less frivolous spending. Looking at how something as simple as food dyes influence children’s behaviour it is obvious that we are what we eat. What professionals call “behavioural issues” has been found to shrink to normal behaviour for a pre-schooler when avoiding food dye. This begs the question, what about all the other man-made ingredients in mass-produced foods? Suddenly the trading convenience for self-reliance seems worth the while. Simple changes like making your own salad dressing, switching from dyed and artificially sweetened store bought yoghurt to homemade and substituting toxic cleaners with vinegar are great starting points. Due to commercial farming relying to a large extent on herbicides to kill weeds or enable earlier harvesting, organic crops have had to be replaced with genetically modified crops that can withstand the onslaught of these poisons.
Before the days of Uber Eats, microwave meals and long-life milk, people used to do things themselves.
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hat couldn’t be found at the dry goods store was made at home from simple ingredients. People knew how to make food; they sewed, weaved and brewed and they understood the seasons and how it affected everything. Thirty years ago, if a seam split, zipper stripped or a toe peered through a hole in a sock we repaired it. Who remembers making and preserving jam at home, fabric dying, encouraging predators like frogs and lizards to eat household pests like ants and cockroaches rather than dousing with pesticides? What about the rewarding art of planting and harvesting homegrown herbs and vegetables, composting,
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Whilst there are the tons of plastic packaging that are making great progress in creating whole islands of plastic in the ocean and continuing to endanger marine life such as strangling turtles, infiltrating the guts of fish we eat and inevitably poisoning us. Tomatoes, bananas and potatoes sold in plastic packets, peaches, nectarines and avocados in plastic-foam trays, vacuum packed meat and plastic wrapped convenience lunches are but a few examples of single-use plastic applications that have become the norm. Making these lifestyle changes take time but you might notice that improving the quality of your food is not only good for your health but also for your budget as there is less wastage and fewer loads to be taken to landfill. Shifting to a more self-reliant lifestyle is not difficult; it just requires breaking habits and learning new ones. Over the next six months, Hashalom will bring our readers a series of articles on attainable self-reliant living that will offer a few basics on a variety of simple skills aimed at inspiring a more homemade way of living, one step at a time.
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BUBKES
A bissel Yiddish Lauren Shapiro Most people know what chutzpah is. Of a kugel they’ve heard (the human variety, at least). But really, who speaks Yiddish nowadays? Yiddish is an old language – around a thousand years old, by many counts. The communities of Eastern Europe where the vernacular originated were almost wiped out during the Holocaust, and those people who managed to escape largely integrated into their new societies within a few generations. And yet, Yiddish endures. I’m at that stage of life where I don’t think I qualify as “young people” anymore (although, employing strict technical accounting, I qualify as a Millennial and therefore share the designation with controversial teen idol Miley Cyrus, and Troye Sivan – the kid who played Spud in the eponymous films). What I can say is that my generation still uses Yiddish. Perhaps we wouldn’t be able to follow a three-act comedy or haggle with a shopkeeper, but it’s in our kishkes. Many of us grew up under its influence. Even if our parents and grandparents didn’t hold full conversations in the Mamaloshen, their patois was sprinkled with choice words and phrases like nuts in a good chocolate brownie. Yiddish permeates generations. For example: on my mother’s side, my immigrant great-grandparents spoke only Yiddish. My South Africanborn grandfather spoke fluent Yiddish. My mother uses plenty of Yiddish words and phrases. I know some Yiddish words and phrases. My kids use words they probably don’t even know are Yiddish. I remember my grandfather “Lili” (OBM) wishing me “trog gesundt” (“wear it in health”) when I wore a new outfit, consoling me “ess is nit gven bashert” (“it wasn’t destined”) when things didn’t go my way, and sealing a deal with a hearty “gemacht!” (“made”/“done”). It’s so mingled into our heritage that sometimes it’s hard to distinguish Yiddish from Hebrew. South African Jews are as likely – if not more likely – to pronounce mazel tov (not mazal tov) and refer to a tallis (not tallit), a chazen (not chazan) and a bris (not brit). On Paysach (not Pesach), many of us search for chometz (not chametz). We say Kiddush (not Kiddush), mitzvah (not mitzvah), and yontif (not yom tov). Culinarily, we are particularly Yiddisher, talking about milchik, fleishik and parev, rather than the Hebrew chalavi, basari and parve. So it seems Yiddish is definitely here to stay. Here’s a shortlist of terms that are still lebedik, at least in my medina: Bubkes: Spot the title, anyone? Gut Shabbos: At least as prevalent as its Hebraic cousin Shabbat Shalom. Khalish: Weak. Used in English as a verb: “I’m khalishing for a cup of tea”. Knaidlach (also kugel, latkes, perogen, rugelach, taiglach, tzimmes): Even those who don’t speak a word of Yiddish will probably recognize some of these delicacies. I learnt to make knaidlach and tzimmes from my mother and latkes and perogen from my grandmother. Apparently my great aunt once removed used to make taiglach but it was such a sticky business (in complexity and consistency) that no one in my family has attempted it since. I fear gehakte lieber, gribenes, lox and gefilte fish may die out in my vegetarian family.
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Kayn ayin hora: A mystical catch-all phrase to ward off the evil eye. My grandmother ran the words together so fast that I heard kaynahora, and I find myself saying that to this day. Malpe: Monkey. Often to describe my sons. Alternatives: zhulik, vilde khaya. Naches: untranslatable varietal of gratification gained through the actions and achievements of one’s progeny (or one’s progeny’s progeny. Or for that matter anyone’s progeny). I always associate this term with fruit trees as, in a unique regional twist, some South Africans say that they “climb naartjies” (klibe naches). Nu: Usually delivered in the form of a question. For me, this could mean “What do you think?”, “will you hurry up?!”, “what do you want from me now?” or “I’m waiting for an answer and if you don’t decide soon I’m choosing for you” (usually for school lunches). Rachmones: Technically “mercy”, from the Hebrew rachamim. However the connotation is one of shame for the unfortunate creature. My mom used to invoke this word to describe my outfit (that old camp T-shirt is so tatty it deserves pity); I find myself launching the same accusation on my own kids. Oy, gevalt. Schlep: This is what mommies do. We schlep kids to school, from school, to activities and play dates and back again. Schloff: Kids don’t like to do this. Their parents desperately want to do this. Schloff has so much more mouthfeel than the paltry English “sleep”. Especially a Shabbos schloff. Schmaltz: Sentimentality (I am regularly accused of being schmaltzy, especially when I pull out the kids’ baby photos). Also that greasy stuff that comes in plastic tubs around Pesach-time. Schmutz: Light, innocuous dirt like dust, mud, dried ice cream and ketchup stains. My kids are usually covered in it. Shpilkes: Pins. Imagine sitting on them. I’m on shpilkes just thinking about it. My mother is on shpilkes until I text her that I got home safely. At 3 in the afternoon. Shul: For some reason, no South African Jews go to Beit Knesset. Shtum: Quiet (as in: keep). I often have to tell my children this at the cinema or during the Rabbi’s sermon. I remember my mom telling me to “take a shtum powder”. I have never found this mysterious powder at Clicks. Tsugezundt: I’m as likely to respond to your sneeze in Yiddish as I am in English. Tsuris: Boruch Hashem we don’t have pogroms, the war, and overt antisemitism, but my generation has its own tsuris. Untesteshure: The bottom line, or the point of the story. The untesteshure of this column is that we don’t just say some things in Yiddish; Yiddish says something about us. Our ancestors, our heritage, our culture, our history and our outlook on life are bound up in those vunderlikhe words. And now that my shtik is over, I’ll wish you zay gezundt, until next time.
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ABOVE BOARD
Above Board
Mary Kluk, National Chairman
A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies Always open for business While the Board’s work naturally slows down over the December break, it never stops altogether. There are always new issues that arise that cannot be put off but have to be dealt with there and then. These can range from renewed upsurges of violence in the Middle East, incidents of antisemitism and even natural disasters. Following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, for example, we became extensively involved in assisting members of our community along with other South Africans caught up in the tragedy. Less dramatic but likewise vital is to be there when communal organisations or even individual community members require our assistance. Over the holiday period the Board was much involved in addressing certain problems that had arisen with one of our end-of-year youth camps so as to ensure that its activities could continue as normal, and in the repatriation of the body of a community member who had sadly passed away while overseas. Neither of these issues were at all straight-forward, but working through the relevant official structures with which we have established effective working relationships over the years, we were fortunately able to resolve them. Whatever the matter at hand, our community can feel assured that we will always strive to be there for them 24/7 and 365 days a year. Class of 2019: Well done and best of luck Over the decades, Jewish matric candidates have consistently recorded outstanding results, and this time round was no exception. I congratulate our latest crop of successful matriculants and wish them all success as they embark on the next exciting phase of their life’s journey. Such successes, it goes without saying, do not happen without considerable hard work and dedication, both on the part of the students themselves but from the broader team of educationalists, lay leaders, caring parents and generous benefactors who together ensure the continued vigour and viability of our outstanding Jewish day school system. It is these institutions that have over the decades consistently produced young people who are both Jewishly literate and superbly prepared for the next stage of their careers as independent young adults, whether in going on to further education and training or in carving out their own particular niches in the greater workplace. When young community members leave their parents’ homes to strike out on their own, maintaining their Jewish affiliations becomes a matter of personal choice. Regardless of what path you have chosen, we urge that you also maintain your connections with the Jewish community, and indeed hope to see you becoming progressively more involved in Jewish communal affairs in years to come. For those who are going on to university, an excellent start would be to sign up with the SA Union of Jewish Students. Like the SAJBD itself, SAUJS provides a broad tent within which all Jewish students can feel they have a place. I encourage you all to get involved, and take full advantage of the wide range of social, educational, religious and outreach activities that it offers.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
WWW.AKIVACOLLEGE.CO.ZA
Akiva College finished the 2019 year with an amazing Channuka activity. The day ended with students filling doughnuts with their own choice of delicious toppings. Yum!
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FEBRUARY 2020
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COMMUNITY NEWS
BY NORMA BLOCH
Shalom, The annual Judaica Prize Giving was an appropriate way to end the academic year. We were delighted to welcome invited guests as well as parents to our special day. The function opened with the preschool pupils entertaining us with songs and rhyme. These delightful little children always bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. This was followed by the high school pupils delivering a report outlining the functions we had enjoyed and celebrated throughout the year. The highlight of the function was the presentation of “The history of Israel� ably performed through poems, songs and dances by our talented primary school pupils. The culmination of the function was the presentation of trophies and certificates to the deserving pupils. Lehitraot till next month.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Netzer Machaneh 2019 was one never to be forgotten. Durban flew approximately 10 kids down to Cape Town for an exciting and fun filled Machaneh themed haSollelim (the Pavers), guiding and inspiring kids to become ambitious pavers of their own future.
of us, especially the surprise silent disco on the last night! This Machaneh was a new experience for all of us as Netzer shortened the duration of camp, which made all the fun very close together but also made everyone sad when it was time to fly back home.
The Channichim were actively entertained with educational activities on Reform Zionism, Progressive Judaism and Tikkun Olam as well as occasional periods of art and sport to catch up and bond with their peers. Netzer traditions of colour wars, talent shows and frequent visits to the dam were highlights for many
We hope you enjoyed camp fellow Netzerniks, and we’d love to see you at our Netzer events throughout the year!
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Deni Abergel Rosh Netzer - Durban
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Dream-ability On Friday 22 November WIZO ladies, Colleen, Michelle, Viv and Debbie attended the Open Air School prize giving. Fueled by friendship, love and hope the inspirational message was clear . If you can dream it you can believe it. In the heartwarming, ‘Lion King’ themed ceremony our annual WIZO award was presented to a beautiful recipient, Simphiwe Ntuli. Simphiwe is a child living with Albinism who participated in the All Schools Spelling Bee at District level. In participating she made other schools aware of what it was to be a learner at the Open Air School, created awareness of living with Albinism and other disabilities, and bought credit to the school. We are very proud of her and all the courageous young learners, its not about disability it’s about dream ability. On 17 November WIZO staged a fundraiser, with Pieter Dirk Uys featuring Bambi Kellerman in her one woman show ‘Never too Naked’.
Shabbat Project - #Spreadingthelight with WIZO at the WIZO unity Candle lighting
Wizo year end meeting - Picture & caption ( picture included below WIZO Durban Executive 2019 year end meeting
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The Young Israel Centre had a fantastic end-of-year breakfast Shmooz. Along with waffles being served and a sponsored coffee station for the parents, children who were going to machaneh spray painted their trommels and a canvas bag that they received. Shabbat meals and hosting carried on throughout the December/January period and the Young Israel Centre is looking forward to 2020 being filled with laughter and activities.
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Have Zionism, Will Travel
S
outh African Friends of Israel (SAFI) is a flagship initiative of the South African Zionist Federation, established to engage with other faith, cultural and ethnic groups in the interests of building a broader grass roots support base for Israel in South Africa. SAFI provides credible and reliable information about issues affecting the Middle East, and moves to counter the loud voices who seek to destroy Israel in the eyes of the world. SAFI also brings Israel’s remarkable technological and intellectual innovations which provide benefit for us all, to the attention of ordinary South Africans. In July 2019, the KNZC assisted a young man in the employ of SAFI, Bafana Modise, to fulfil his dream of visiting Israel, on a tour organized by Bridges for Peace. Bafana, in his role as Education Officer for SAFI, works to bring informative and relevant content about Israel, to Christian communities all over South Africa. During May 2019, Bafana, with his SAFI colleague Clive Mashishi, held a number of events in KZN, reaching more than 300 churchgoers in the Durban area, and raising much interest and support for Israel. Subsequently, the KNZC received this lovely thank you letter, which we would like to share: To: The KwaZulu Natal Zionist Council
4 December 2019
I hope this letter finds you in good cheer and a festive mood. Earlier this year I made a plea to the KwaZulu Natal Zionist Council for a donation towards my Israel trip with Bridges for Peace. I was glad that my plea received favour from your office, hence I have taken this moment to relay my heartfelt appreciation before this year ends. I arrived in Israel on the 28th of July 2019, attending a 14-day tour with young Christian adults from all over the world, all of whom were passionate about Israel. Indeed it was truly amazing to share this time with like-minded individuals from different backgrounds, sharing our world views and unique cultures. Rest assured we learned a lot about the biblical history of the land and the connection of the church thereto. However we also held dialogues discussing current state of affairs in the country and searched for avenues to counter misinformation
when we return to our respective countries, particularly in universities and communities. During the tour I volunteered to educate on the apartheid narrative as a South African. Above it all my faith was reaffirmed and my Zionist cup refilled. The tour was perfectly coordinated by Lukas Wallace and other team leaders from Bridges for Peace. Indeed those 14 days of my life were life changing and I came back more zealous to expand our reach in South Africa. I extend my heartfelt appreciation once again for your support during my fundraising, you certainly contributed towards the advancement of Zionism and the greater growth of our movement in South Africa. Thank you so much. Kealeboga! May our G-d reward you abundantly for this noble act of love and friendship. With best regards, Bafana Modise Education manager (SAFI)
Bafana with young Christian Zionists from all over the world
Bafana and friends enjoying the springs at Ein Gedi
No visit to Israel is complete without a camel ride in the Nevgev
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Celebrating The Miracles of Chanukah
T
Michael Greenbaum
he DUHC celebrated Chanukah at a splendid communal function and candle-lighting ceremony on first night Chanukah at the Silverton Road Synagogue.
through salvation in the military victory and the re-dedication of the Temple including the kindling of lights in the Courtyards. However, it makes no mention of the oil which lasted 8 days.
The miracles of Chanukah originated in the second century BCE when the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Assyrian-Greeks), who conspired to destroy Judaism by forced assimilation of Jews ... into Greek Hellenist culture by imposing restrictions and bans on Jewish observances and rituals. The Greeks demanded that the Jews reject their religion for the Hellenist culture which emphasised a lifestyle of the physical characteristics of living as opposed to the spirituality of religion. Eventually, the Greeks passed laws that did not allow Jewish observances, worship or ritual practices; Torah scrolls were confiscated and burned; Shabbat was prohibited as were brit milah (circumcision) and the laws of Kashrut.
Rabbi Zekry said the two major schools of Hillel and Shammai differed on the order of lighting the candles on Chanukah. Hillel said that on every night of Chanukah we add another candle as we do today. Shammai, however, maintained that we begin with eight lights on the first night and light one less flame every night, ending Chanukah with a single flame. Shammai believed the decreasing light would turn evil away until the last night when evil will be gone and no light will be necessary. Hillel said we must rather add light each night to bring the light of Torah into our lives through study and by doing good deeds which bring light into other’s lives, out of the darkness of ignorance and sin. Indeed, the Chanukah candles must burn after night falls, since their purpose is to bring light into the darkness.
Against all odds, after a 3-year long uprising, a small band of faithful, but poorly armed Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the strongest armies on earth; drove the Greeks from the land; reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem which had been defiled with pagan images and practices; and rededicated it to the service of G d. When they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah, they found only a single vial of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. They lit the Menorah and the one-day supply of oil miraculously lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. On Chanukah, we commemorate and give thanks to Hashem for the miracle of the historic heroic military victory of the Maccabeans (The Hasmoneans) over the Greek empire and the re-dedication of the Temple. To commemorate these events, the Sages instituted the festival of Chanukah. Rabbi Zekry said that although we tend to celebrate the miracle of the oil, the most important aspect of Chanukah celebrations is above all the miracle of the military victory over the Greeks. This is most evident in the “al hanisim” prayer added during Chanukah Shul services in the Modim (Thanksgiving) section of the Amidah. This addition mentions the gratitude due to Hashem for saving the Jews
Rabbi Zekry lights the 1st night candle
Laraine Cohen¸René Strous and Orah Gerber
Rabbi Ithamar and Rebbitzin Tegel Greenblum prepare “fill-your-own” doughnuts
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To commemorate the miracles of Chanukah at the Silverton Road Shul, congregants attended a delightful communal candle-lighting evening. After Maariv, Rabbi Zekry lit the 1st-night candle and led the guests in the appropriate Chanukah blessings and songs. After the candle-lighting, guests were treated to the traditional oilrich foods we eat on Chanukah such as delicious potato latkes, the Eastern-European classic food for Chanukah, and sweet doughnuts. Rabbi Greenblum and his wife, Tegel, organized “fillyour-own” doughnuts with delicious fruits, chocolate and jams. The DUHC and all who attended the evening thank the very generous sponsors and organizers who made this memorable evening possible. Although the festival is always celebrated in a joyous atmosphere, Chanukah recalls serious and significant events in Jewish history where the very existence of Judaism was endangered and so we remember the miracles of the past, the triumph of good over evil and remind ourselves to be thankful for the present miracles and religious freedoms we experience every day.
Danielle De Gaye visiting from Israel
Guy Airey, Bernard Rosen, Mervyn Daitz and Ron Spector
Elisha Puterman, his caregiver and Clem De Gaye
Doreen Abelman, Charlotte and Susan Abro
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D
IVOTE partners with young South African adults who will be celebrating their bar or batmitzvah during the year. They write beautiful letters and cards for recipients in Israel and they buy them bar and batmitzvah gifts. It is a very special idea that the children in SA have the opportunity to show their support for their peers in Israel and to share their simcha with them. When the gifts are delivered there is always huge excitement as they are so unexpected, and so appreciated. The gifts are delivered to them in their homes around the country, and I have even had the opportunity to attend some of the smachot. Included with this article is a photo of a young man with his barmitzvah gift which was taken just before his celebration at the Kottel. He is such a wonderful young man from a wonderful family and it was so special to see everyone so happy and to be able to throw sweets at him which is the tradition.
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Since returning to SA, I have had a couple of the South African children tell me that they are now corresponding with their counterparts in Israel which is so wonderful to hear, and I’m glad that a connection has been formed. These are just a few photos of some of the recipients of the Bar and Batmitzvah gifts in Israel. The opportunity to purchase a bar or batmtizvah gift for a child in Israel or wedding gifts for marrying couples, is available to anyone who may like to contribute. Many people send a wedding gift to victims of acts of terrorism in lieu of a wedding gift to couples they might know, getting married overseas. If you would like to get involved in any of the numerous DIVOTE projects please contact me on: cheryl@divote.co.za
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COMMUNITY NEWS
A HUGE MAZELTOV TO ALL OF OUR 2019 TALMUD TORAH WINNERS!!! Talmud Torah ran a very successful prize-giving at the end of 2019 at the Jewish club and our dedicated students were given their much deserved prizes. Jeremy Droyman, head of the DBN Jewish community, addressed everyone. It is wonderful having his support of Talmud Torah. Solly Berkowitz, head of the Durban Hebrew Schools Association also addressed the crowd and spoke about the work of the DHSA with respect to Jewish education. Rabbi Vegoda, one of the Talmud Torah Rabbis, came to Durban for the day and addressed the students and parents and gave a shiur about education and the choices we make. Everyone enjoyed having him with us as he is very loved by all the students and
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everyone learns a great deal from this truly humble and learned mentch. After the prizegiving, he gave one of his excellent adult shiurim and all the regulars were so happy to have the opportunity of one last shiur for the year. The shiurim will start again in January. At the end the name of the winners of the two tickets to Israel were drawn - and the winner for 2019 is - the Hermelins!!! MAZELTOV!!!!! The whole Talmud Torah team is excited for you!! We look forward to hearing all about your trip when you return from Israel. Talmud Torah lessons start again in January and we look forward to an exciting year ahead!!! Anyone who would like to join please contact me (I assume everyone know who me is?) on 083 799 6440.
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Chanukah Celebration Beth Shalom had a most wonderful Chanukah Party on the 23rd December 2019. This was celebrated with Rabbi Itmar and Rebetzin Greenblum. This was followed by a delicious finger supper which the residents who attended, thoroughly enjoyed. On behalf of our Executive Committee and President, Mr Sidney Lazarus and our Residents and Staff we would like to wish Rabbi Itmar and Rebetzin Greenblum a very happy stay in Durban and we look forward to seeing them regularly at the Home.
Alice in Wonderland
Jenifer Kaplan, Michelle Hummel and Jill Lawson
Sylvia Collins and Mavis Jones
Carer Stacey with Ivor Kissin
Some of our residents were treated to a wonderful afternoon of entertainment, watching Alice in Wonderland at the Elizabeth Snedden Theatre. All who attended had an enjoyable time and laughed until their bellies were sore - great therapy for our residents. Thank you to our sponsors who made this possible.
Poker Tournament
Beth Shalom held a terrific Poker Tournament for much needed funds which was a huge success. 1st place was shared by Brett Lazarus and Big Solly Berchowitz and in 3rd place, Rick Jordan. Thank you to everyone involved who made this such a successful function.
Long Service Awards
Beth Shalom staff held their Long Service Awards in November 2019, a delightful afternoon of celebrations. Congratulations go to the following staff who received awards: 5 Year Awards: Primrose Maphumulo from Laundry and David Makhanya from Kitchen. Sr Rene Stewart, Sr Theresa Rodger, Carer Promise Ngcobo and Carer Norah Maphumulo. 10 Year Awards: Carer Nomusa Silkakhane and Carer Happiness Ngcobo.
We are saying farewell to ENA Fostinah Ngema who has given Beth Shalom 29 years of loyal service. We wish her happiness in her retirement.
Nursing Assistant Fostinah Ngema receiving her service certificate and award. She has given 29 years of service to the Home.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Union of Jewish Women
ANOTHER SUCCESS!
Well done to Tanya Altshuler and her team of UJW Jewish Community Fund volunteers for “kneading” together another enjoyable Challah Bake. The event began with an inspiring talk by Aviva Glassman (nee Lazarus), ‘The Power of Prayer’. Everyone then moved into the Umhlanga Jewish Centre hall, transformed by “street market” fairy lights, for the challah bake. Attendees were asked to bring treats to be donated to those in need, dough not taken by participants was given to Beth Shalom to make Challot and unused ingredients were donated to various UJW projects. Sincere thanks to a magnanimous donor for sponsorship and to everyone for their generosity and for attending. We look forward to having you all with us again this year!
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Cooking with Judy and Linda
MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS MY MOTHER’S ORANGE CAKE 125g Butter 4 Tablespoons fresh orange juice Grated rind of 1 large orange 1 Teaspoon vanilla Pinch salt
3 Eggs ¾ Cup sugar 1 Heaped cup flour 2 Teaspoons baking powder
Preheat oven to 200degC - Grease and flour a 21cm tube cake tin. Melt together the butter, orange juice, orange rind and vanilla. Beat the eggs until creamy then gradually beat in the sugar until mixture thickens. Add the flour, then the hot butter mixture. Lastly fold in the baking powder and salt. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
AUNT BEE’S FRUIT CAKE 250g Butter
3 Cups flour
1 Teaspoon vanilla
60g Glace cherries, halved
250g Sugar
Wineglass brandy or sherry
6 Eggs, beaten
2 Teaspoons baking powder
500g Mixed fruit [raisins, sultanas, currants etc.]
Preheat oven to 180degC - Line and grease a loaf tin or a round or square cake tin. Cream the butter and sugar then add the beaten eggs, vanilla and brandy. Lightly flour the fruit. Fold in the 3 cups flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt then the floured fruit. Bake for 30 minutes 180degC, then reduce the heat to 170degC and bake for 1 – 1 ½ hours.
AUNT ROSE’S CINNAMON STREUSSEL CAKE 180g Soft butter 500g Castor sugar 1 Teaspoon cream of tartar ½ Teaspoon bicarb
4 Eggs 4 Cups flour 1 Cup milk 1 Teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 180degC - Line and grease a deep square or oblong cake tin. Cream the butter and sugar very well. Add the eggs one at a time then the vanilla. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with the milk. Pour this batter into the prepared tin Topping: 60g butter, melted 1 Tablespoon flour ½ Cup sugar 1 Level teaspoon cinnamon ½ Cup chopped pecans or walnuts Place the melted butter in a small bowl. Add the flour, sugar, cinnamon and nuts Sprinkle evenly this mixture over the top of the cake and bake for 50 – 60 mins.
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BIRTHS Mazeltov to: Dr Jeff and Shirely Chanoch on a double mazeltov... the Barmitzvah of their grandson Ryan in London, son of Debbie and Grant Kurland and the birth of a great granddaughter born to Lisa and David Talpert in Johannesburg.
BIRTHDAYS Mazeltov to: Stuart Freedman on his 70th birthday. Pinky Kahnon her 70th birthday. Mij Essers on his 70th birthday. Philip Raisun on his 70th birthday. Judy Druck on her 85th birthday. Ronnie Bryer celebrated his 85th birthday. Jack Puterman on his 90th birthday.
the 11 January. Jeanette and Ronnie Bank who celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Julian and Marion Lurie on the celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary Barry and Rosemary Rebeck who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on 1 December, 2019
DEATHS Condolences to: Helene Epstein on the passing of her mother Ida. The family of the late Ivan Wilensky. Charlie Hotz on the passing of his sister Avril. The family of the Late Patricia Driman. Ronnie Herr on the passing of his mother. Clifford and Lee Anne on the passing of their father Alan Benn. Julie Levy on the passing of her brother Jeffrey in Bloemfontein.
ENGAGEMENTS Mazeltov to: Aron Duke, grandson of Basil and Cecily Duke, son of Steven and Fiona Duke, on his engagement to Tahila Leiter in Israel.
Date
Event
Venue
ANNIVERSARIES
17 Feb
H.O.D meeting
DJC
Mazeltov to: Rhoda & Maurice Sacher celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on
19 Feb
Bingo
Beth Shalom
FEBRUARY 2020
Hashalom is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please submit your information in writing to The Editor, PO Box 10797, Marine Parade 4056 or fax to (031) 3379600 or email hashalom@djc.co.za.