Hashalom JULY 2018
Our Community. Our People. Our Magazine
Volume 22. No 10
Marc Chagall 1911, “I and the Village” March 2014
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Special Feature
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Israel Israeli Foreign Ministry Said To Send Out Very Skeptical Paper On Trump-Kim Meet Special Feature Israel’s Population Nears 9 Million Eurovision 2018: Don’t ‘Toy’ Around With Our ‘Kapara’ In Operational First, IDF Destroys Hamas Underwater Terror Tunnel
Full speed ahead
Hayley Lieberthal
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Jewish World
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Snippets
EDITORIAL
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Editorial
US Embassy move to Jerusalem New Cyprus Jewish museum aims to build bridges with Arab world
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Past Tense
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Bubkes Community News
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Naches News 13 Beth Shalom 14 DIVOTE 15 CSO 16 DHC 17 Durban Jewish Social Services 18 Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation 19 Durban United Hebrew Congregation 20 Young Israel Centre 20 Eden College 21 Limmud 22 KwaZulu Natal Zionist Council 23 SAJBD 24 Talmud Torah 25 Umhlanga Jewish Centre 26 Union of Jewish Women 27 Wotsup Wizo 28 Akiva College 29 Temple David Hebrew School 30 Diary of Events 30 Cooking with Judy and Linda 30 Sports 31 Social and Personal 32 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.
Hashalom Editorial Board: Editor: Hayley Lieberthal Sub Editor: Colin Plen Editorial Board: Diane McColl, 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 AUGUST ISSUE: 10 JULY
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.
Standing at the Editor helm, I look at the journey to this point and find myself unable to remove the smile plastered on my face. I have truly loved every minute of overseeing the July edition. Sure, there is a lot of work that goes into getting a magazine out from choosing content to the design and layout, yet I know that anything worthwhile is worthy of the time that is put into it and if you love what you do, does it really count as work? The same can be said about a gap year (see page 4 for this month’s feature article) yes, you are abroad working, travelling or studying but it’s enjoyable and enriched with endless growth and possibilities. Speaking about enrichment and possibilities turn to page 14 for this month’s ‘Naches News’ and read about how a dog has inspired many and even was named UMhlanga’s tourist ambassador. From ambassadors to coaches, check out the Pillemer’s love for all things soccer and how a Maccabi athletic father keeps the love of the game going within his family and community in ‘Chasing the Dream’ (page 31) For those that didn’t notice yet, Hashalom has a new slogan. One that is apt to who we are, be it local or abroad. Our community. Our people. Our magazine. Seeing it is Our community, for Our people and in Our community we value your opinions. Please feel free to contact us with your thoughts and perhaps some compliments to hashalom@djc.co.za As a community magazine we want to feature you in our ‘Naches News’ and our sports section ‘Chasing the Dream’. If you, or if you know of anyone who striving for glory in athletics; know of someone who inspires and gives Naches please contact us Hayls.diamond@icloud.com or hashalom@djc.co.za Don’t forget to subscribe and ensure you don’t miss an edition. You can also donate a subscription for family and friends. No time for diddle-dadling - get “ZAP”ping!
Typesetting Supplied. Designed by RBG Studios, email: rowan@rbgstudios.co.za Printed by Fishwick Printers
Hope you love this months edition as much as we have loved putting it together.
Visit our website: www.hashalom.co.za
See you in the next edition
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SPECIAL FEATURE
TAKING THE GAP Hashalom speaks to Durbanites who’ve done it By Lauren Shapiro A “gap year” has become a rite of passage, especially for South African kids who are often quite sheltered while growing up. Through exposure to new cultures and global networking, “gappers” learn independence and life skills which equip them for the real world. There are many reasons to take a gap year after school, says Tanya Izaki, Israel Programmes Coordinator at the Israel Centre in Johannesburg, who specializes in this age group. “You’ll get to adventure at your prime, you’ll experience personal growth, and so you’ll perform better in university,” she explains. Everybody is different and there are many options out there, so it’s best to consider them carefully. To get you started, here are some inspiring first-hand stories: Movement-Minded As a stalwart of Netzer, Nigel Budlender decided to do Shnat Nezter – the movement’s yearlong leadership programme in Israel – after he matriculated from Glenwood High School in 2006. The programme included study in Jerusalem, community upliftment work in Beer Sheva, and time on a kibbutz in the Negev. “It was my first time in Israel,” recalls Nigel, now 29. “I was only 18, so communal living with people from around the world was a big change for me. It was also a big change adapting to the culture and way of life in Israel. Nigel wanted to experience as much as possible and to make great memories. “I certainly got that!” he enthuses. “These experiences will last with me forever. It was really great to do it in a unique and cultural place like Israel.” After returning home in November 2007, Nigel remained involved with Netzer until 2010. He then went on to study Computer Science and works in the industry. Spiritual Sojourn “I‘d heard many enlightening shiurim by Rabbi David Aaron. I enjoyed the way he taught and gave across the ideas of the Torah,” shares Moshe Unterslak, 23. After matriculating from Eden College in 2012, Moshe chose to spend a year at Rabbi Aaron’s yeshiva, Orayta in Jerusalem. “I felt that it would give me a year to grow and learn more about myself and life,” Moshe maintains. When he wasn’t in yeshiva, Moshe traveled around Israel, from the Golan Heights all the way
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down to the Negev. “I’m so glad I took a gap year. It gave me time away from academic studies to focus on my Judaism, make wonderful new friends and give me life-long memories. It also gave me time to figure out what I wanted to study.” Moshe returned home in November 2013 and moved to Johannesburg to study Bcom Law and Finance at WITS University. Soldiering on Oren Cohen, 19, always wanted to join the army. “It was my calling,” he affirms. So after matriculating from Eden College in 2016 he flew to Israel to join the Israeli Defense Forces. He was drafted into the Golani Infantry Brigade. “During the time I’ve spent in the army I’ve grown as a person,” reveals Oren. “I’ve matured. The army really opens your eyes to the real world.” In addition to discipline (Oren points out that if he’s not up and back at base on time “there are consequences! It’s not like rocking up late to a lecture”), he says he’s learned people skills and street smarts. “And I’ve made new friends – I’ve met people from all different walks of life and experienced their cultures.” Oren completes his military service this October and plans to return home to attend Bnei Akiva year-end camp as a madrich (leader) and spend some time with his family before studying towards a degree in Government, with a post graduate degree in Counter Terrorism, at Israel’s Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya. A Bit of Both Sarah Morgan, 19, took a gap year last year after matriculating from Westville Girls’ High School. “I was unsure what I wanted to study, so before impulsively deciding and then regretting it, I thought it best to take a year to think about what I was passionate about,” she explains. Sarah spent seven months at home in Durban volunteering at Pathways, a school for disabled children. “I fell in love with the children and staff members,” she beams. “They taught me as much as I taught them – maybe more.” She then spent four months traveling around the UK. “I’m passionate about film and as I have a British passport I thought it would be a good idea to scout out some schools over there – well, that was my excuse at least!” She was lucky to have family willing to feed and house her, but she got a job to earn spending money.
SPECIAL FEATURE The responsibility working, and having to organise trains, hotels, flights and busses was a learning curve,” she admits. “I learnt more in my gap year than any textbook could teach me, not only about myself but about the world I live in.”
almost impossible to get enough time off to have an experience like this.”
In 2018 Sarah enrolled at AFDA in Durban “I couldn’t be happier with my decision,” she affirms.
“We were concerned about Shannon travelling alone but we’ve managed to stay in contact through WhatsApp. We also have a Find a Friend app so we can track her phone’s location 24/7, which gives us peace of mind” – Karen Krausey
What the parents say
“We are very proud of Oren and admire his sense of duty and active responsibility. We daven for his safety and the safety of all Tzahal soldiers and Israelis every day” – Bev Cohen “Moshe came back more mature and confident, with increased knowledge of Israel and Judaism. He made wonderful friends and they still are good friends today” – Cheryl Unterslak
Israel programmes Kibbutz Ulpan Live and work on a kibbutz whilst learning Hebrew and experiencing Israeli communal culture. Eco-Israel Learn about permaculture and sustainable living through first-hand experience, coupled with Hebrew lessons, tours, hikes and more.
The Gap that Keeps on Giving “I had (and still have) a long list of places that I really wanted to travel to, and I thought that if I was committed to a job, I might never find the time,” confesses Shannon Krausey, 23. So after completing her Honours degree at UCT in 2016, Shannon spent the northern winter ski season in Aspen, Colorado, working as a waitress at a Jewish deli and as a barista at a bakery. This funded her travel through Europe, plus a ticket to spend a month with family in New Zealand. She then headed back for another winter in Aspen before backpacking through South America. “I’ve hiked up a volcano. I’ve been canoeing, white water rafting and tubing. I’ve snorkelled with sharks, rays and turtles. I’ve scuba-dived in underwater caverns. I’ve visited fascinating ruins like Machu Picchu,” Shannon recounts. “I’ve become a lot more independent, especially spending so much time traveling alone,” confides Shannon. “In America, I had to find a place to live, open a bank account and file my tax returns all by myself. When I got sick I had to take myself to hospital and stay there alone. That kind of thing really teaches you to be self-sufficient. But those experiences made me aware of how capable I am – I feel like I can do anything!” “I’ve gotten more than I could have wanted out of my gap year – which is why it keeps getting longer!” Shannon returns to Durban in July to study TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) which will allow her to teach English in Vietnam in 2019. “Don’t give into the pressure to get a ‘real’ job straight out of university,” Shannon cautions. “Most of my friends are pretty miserable in their first jobs, and once you start your career it’s
Magen David Adom Become a qualified medic and serve Israel’s community whilst learning Hebrew and touring the country. Academic gap year Do mechina (prep year) or a short or long term course at one of Israel’s nine universities, 32 colleges or 21 teacher training colleges. BIG IDEA Gap Year Earn a certificate in app development, web or graphic design in between field trips, Hebrew classes and internships at leading startups. Maslul Ishi – I-Track Design your own programme to make your gap year the most memorable of your life. MASA offers funding and assistance for all these programmes and more. For more information, contact The Israel Centre on 011 645 2561 or email israelprog@israelcentre.co.za
Around the world Nearly 8000 people work abroad each year through programmes on www.statravel.co.za/gap-year.htm (think: au pairing, teaching, working on yachts, in hospitality, agriculture and more). With more than 30 000 hosts in 170 countries, www. workaway.info offers volunteers opportunities to live and work all over the world. Whether you’re into touring, working, studying or volunteering, find advice and inspiration on www.gapyear.com
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SNIPPETS ISRAEL NEW YORK – SAYING “MAZEL TOV” ON FACEBOOK NOW ACTIVATES A COLOURFUL CONFETTI ANIMATION BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN - TIMES OF ISRAEL
HEAD OF CHICAGO’S JEWISH COMMUNITY TO STEP DOWN AFTER ALMOST 40 YEARS BY BEN SALES - TIMES OF ISRAEL
New York – The use of certain positive key words and phrases on Facebook activates quick animations. “Best wishes,” for instance, triggers a stream of colorful shapes. “You can do this” activates a trail of thumbs up emojis. Now Facebook users who want to wish someone “mazel tov” get a colorful surprise too. When a user types in the congratulatory Hebrew phrase, balloons and confetti pop up on screen. Facebook has been adding to and tinkering with this “Text Delight Animations” feature for a while. The animation used to appear only when “mazel tov” was written out in Hebrew letters and not in English letters. The newest update, reported by Chabad.org, makes sure that English speakers who want to wish each other “mazel tov” don’t miss out on the fun. Facebook is currently mired in a scandal over user privacy, involving a data firm that the site says may have improperly gained access to information about as many as 87 million users. The firm, Cambridge Analytica, said it was shutting down on Wednesday.
ISRAEL WITHDRAWS FROM RACE FOR UN SECURITY COUNCIL SEAT
BY DANIEL J. ROTH, REUTERS- JERUSALEM POST
A source at the UN told Reuters that the decision to withdraw from contention was made after Israel realized it had a very low chance of winning. NEW YORK – Israel withdrew on Friday from the election for one of two seats on the United Nations Security Council in 2019 and 2020. “After consulting with our partners, including our good friends, the State of Israel has decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the Security Council,” a statement from the Israeli mission said. “It was decided that we will continue to act with our allies to allow for Israel to realize its right for full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at the UN.” The statement added: “This includes the Security Council as well as an emphasis on areas related to development and innovation.” A source at the UN told Reuters the decision to withdraw was made after Israel realized it had a very low chance of winning. Israel, Germany and Belgium were competing for two seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group. The 193-member UN General Assembly is due to vote next month on two new members of the five-member Security Council for a two-year term starting January 1, 2019.
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Steven Nasatir, the outgoing CEO of Chicago’s Jewish federation, pictured in 2017. (YouTube screenshot).
Since taking helm in 1979, Steven Nasatir’s Jewish United Fund has distributed nearly $7 billion to charitable causes, serving around 300,000 Jews in Chicago area
JTA — Steven Nasatir, the longtime CEO of Chicago’s Jewish federation, will be moving into another role next year, after four decades on the job. Nasatir, 73, is the longest-serving CEO of any Jewish federation. His organization, called the Jewish United Fund, has distributed nearly $7 billion to charitable causes since he took the job in 1979. According to Bloomberg, it is the largest social service agency in Illinois. It serves some 300,000 Jews in the Chicago area. JUF also reports that its fundraising has increased in recent years, even as other federations have seen declining numbers. Last year, it raised a total of $300 million that it, like other Jewish federations, then distributed to charitable causes locally, nationally, and internationally, in Israel and elsewhere. “We, who have dedicated ourselves to JUF/Jewish Federation and who continue to devote our lives to serving our community, are privileged,” Nasatir wrote in a letter Monday announcing the move. “We helped create a Jewish community whose strength and impact are unprecedented.” Nasatir wrote that he was most proud of the federation’s resettling Jewish refugees from the Soviet Union and elsewhere, as well as its work funding institutions locally and financial support of Israel. In 2004, during the second Palestinian uprising, or intifada, JUF raised more money for Israel per capita than any other Jewish federation. JUF will convene a yearlong search for its new CEO, with the aim of replacing Nasatir in June 2019. He began working for the organization in 1971, and will continue to work there as executive vice chairman, with a reduced portfolio. According to Haaretz, as of 2015, he was one of the highest-paid federation executives in the country. “He’s really unparalleled in his accomplishments and his leadership, and we’re just very happy he’ll continue with us in a new role,” JUF Chairman Michael Zaransky said. “He is an extraordinarily rare individual who’s had an extraordinary career, and he’s affected not just the Chicago Jewish community, but the broader philanthropic world.”
ISRAEL
ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTRY SAID TO SEND OUT VERY SKEPTICAL PAPER ON TRUMP-KIM MEET Document reportedly distributed to diplomatic missions and PMO warns of ‘significant’ concessions made by US president, says ‘many’ in Japan, South Korea, US Congress are doubtful MICHAEL BACHNER -TIMES OF ISRAEL
Netanyahu on Tuesday hailed the summit, linking it to the US leader’s “tough stance” on Iran. “I congratulate US President Donald Trump for the historic summit in Singapore,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “It is an important step in the effort to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.” “President Trump also takes a tough stance against Iran’s attempt to arm itself with nuclear weapons, as well as against its aggression in the Middle East. This is leaving its mark on the Iranian economy,” he continued, referring to Trump’s withdrawal from the landmark 2015 pact last month. “Trump’s policy is an important development for Israel, the region and the entire world,” Netanyahu added. A classified document written and distributed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after the historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore reportedly raises skepticism about the result of the talks and concern over several concessions made by the US president. “Regardless of the smiles in the summit, many in Japan, South Korea and the US Congress doubt that North Korea is sincere in its intentions,” the document said, Channel 10 reported Thursday.
Trump and Kim held the unprecedented meeting in Singapore, after which they signed a joint document praised by both leaders. The summit — unthinkable only months ago — comes after the two nuclear-armed foes appeared on the verge of conflict late last year as their leaders slung personal insults at each other and North Korea conducted nuclear and missile tests.
Despite Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praising the summit as an “important step” in denuclearizing North Korea, the reported document said there were “significant gaps” between the United States’ tough stances before the meeting and parts of the agreement signed Tuesday by Trump and Kim. Get The Times of Israel’s Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up The document was said to have been sent Wednesday to Israeli diplomatic missions around the world, as well as to senior Foreign Ministry officials and the Prime Minister’s Office. “Our assessment is that regardless of President Trump’s statements about quick changes that are expected in North Korean policy, the road to real and substantive change, if it ever happens, will be long and slow,” the ministry’s researchers wrote, according to Axios. “There are significant gaps between the American declarations before the summit regarding the need for a ‘complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization,’ and the joint statement’s language which only included a ‘complete denuclearization’ of North Korea,” the document continued. Another Trump concession pointed out in the reported document was his commitment to halt joint military drills with South Korea, in exchange for China stopping joint exercises with North Korea — an arrangement said to have been opposed by the US before the summit.
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ISRAEL
ISRAEL’S POPULATION NEARS 9 MILLION
Israel’s population stands at 8.84 million on the eve of its 70th birthday, and there are 8,000 active high-tech companies.
EUROVISION 2018: DON’T ‘TOY’ AROUND WITH OUR ‘KAPARA’
BY ILANIT CHERNICK - JERUSALEM POST
BY ANNA AHRONHEIM - ISRAEL21C
Israel’s Netta performs “Toy” during the Grand Final of
In Israel, Kapara Alayich is slang for “We love you,” or “What a sweetheart” but etymologically Kapara is a word that comes from the holiest day in the Jewish calendar - Yom Kippur.
Song Contest 2018 at the Altice Arena hall in Eurovision credit: REUTERS/ Netta, kapara alayich! Lisbon, Portugal, May 12, 2018 (photo PEDRO NUNES)
Crowds of Israelis celebrate Independence Day at the Dolphinarium in Tel Aviv. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash 90
Israel’s population on the eve of the country’s 70th birthday stands at 8.84 million according to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 10 times more than it was in May 1948, when the population was just 806,000. The Jewish population now stands at 6.59 million (74.5% of the total), the Arab population is 1.85 million (20.9%), and others (Christians or members of other religions) make up 404,000 (4.6%) of the population. Over the last year, Israel’s population grew by 163,000 people, some 28,000 of them new immigrants to the country. Since Israel was founded, more than 3.2 million people have immigrated to the country – most arriving in the 1950s, when the population doubled within four years, and then again in the 1990s, as nearly one million immigrants from the former Soviet Union made their way to Israel. Over the last 70 years, Israel has undergone massive societal changes. In 1948, the average life expectancy in Israel was 64 years for men and 67 for women. Today that figure has risen to 80.7 years for men and 84.2 years for women. In the UN World Happiness Report earlier this year, Israel was ranked fifth on the longevity scale, after Japan, Korea, Switzerland and Italy. In the same report, Israel came in at 11th place in overall happiness. In 1948, 43% of the population owned their own homes, and just 3% owned a car. Today, 68% of Israelis own their own homes, and 70% own at least one vehicle. Tourism has also seen 10-fold growth, rising from 33,100 tourists in 1948 to Israel’s highest-ever figure of 3,863,400 tourists in 2017. Israelis also love to travel out of the country. In 1948, the population made some 30,000 trips abroad. In 2017, they made a staggering 7,597,400 trips overseas. Today, 44% of Israelis live in the country’s 15 largest cities, and Jerusalem is the largest of them all with some 882,000 residents. By 2048, Israel’s population is predicted to reach 15.2 million. In the high tech industry, there are now 8,000 active high-tech companies operating in Israel, according to Israel Venture Capital Research Center. The center also reported there are 1,487 life science companies, 505 cyber security companies, 356 Israel accelerators and incubators, and 365 active foreign R&D centers.
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These are the words used to describe Israel’s newly crowned musical hero and Eurovision champion Netta Barzilai. Her name and that phrase is on everyone’s lips – from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reporters, startups like Made in Jerusalem and her massive fan base have taken to using the phrase. But what does it mean? In modern-day Israel, “kapara alayich” is slang for “We love you” or “What a sweetheart,” but etymology-wise, “kapara” is a word that comes from the holiest day in the Jewish calendar: Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. “Kapara” literally means “atonement,” and is the root behind the name of the Jewish ritual of using a chicken (or its monetary value) on the morning before the Day of Atonement to atone for your sins. People “swing” the chicken in circles around their head while saying a symbolic phrase asking God to transfer all their sins committed over the past year to the chicken, which is then ritually slaughtered and donated to charity. (Well, isn’t that ironic: Netta’s song – “Toy” – famously has chickenclucking noises as part of its pre-chorus.) Another time the word has historically been used is when something good doesn’t work out despite hoping it will, or when losing or breaking an expensive item: “A kapara on it,” people will say, which similarly means that your sins should be transferred to that item or bad experience. For the last 24-hours, the No. 1 auto-complete on Google when typing “What is” into the search bar is (yes, you guessed it): “What is kapara?” If you type “Netta, kapara alayich,” in Hebrew into Google Translate – it translates into “Netta, you’re a cow,” which, like the chicken, also has the animal connotations. This is because “para” means cow. However, while the word has had a long list of meaning, it is mostly used as a term of endearment similar to “motek” (sweetie) or “hamud” (cutie). Over the last few years, it has become an integral part of Israeli slang when referring to someone endearing, for Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews alike. Some Twitter users were assuring their fellow users who did not understand the meaning of the word (and were Google Translating) that the word was not in any way an insult to Netta or her talents. In fact, the contrary. “It means my beloved,” one user told another who was confused about whether or not Netanyahu had insulted the superstar. So perhaps with the bad wrap Israel gets in the international media, Netta and her miraculous win has become our Kapara – our atonement, or a symbol for our redemption.
ISRAEL
IN OPERATIONAL FIRST, IDF DESTROYS HAMAS UNDERWATER TERROR TUNNEL BY ANNA AHRONHEIM - JERUSALEM POST has civilian, underwater motorized scooters which can bring the frogmen out several kilometers to sea. “The IDF will not allow harm to the security of the State of Israel, and will continue to act resolutely against terrorism of all kinds,” read the IDF statement, adding that the military “is determined to continue its mission of protecting the citizens and sovereignty of the State of Israel.” In February, a senior Naval officer warned that Hamas was increasingly turning to the sea to carry out attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians, saying that “Hamas sees potential in the sea like they saw potential in their tunnels.” The IDF has for the first time neutralized a naval terror tunnel belonging to Hamas, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit cleared for release on Sunday. The tunnel, which was operational but did not actually extend into Israeli waters, would have enabled terrorists who would enter from a Hamas military post in the northern Gaza Strip to exit into the sea unnoticed, making it possible to carry out terrorist acts from the water. The route of the tunnel, which reached a depth of two to three meters and was three kilometers from the border with Israel, was identified by the IDF as part of a campaign against Hamas’s naval force in the past year. The tunnel was destroyed on June 3 by an air strike, which was part of the IDF’s retaliation to a barrage of mortars and rockets from the Gaza Strip by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. According to a senior naval officer, the navy knew about the tunnel for several months and it was decided it was the “right time” to destroy it. “The bottom line is that it was a tunnel that would allow for the departure of Hamas naval commando forces,” the officer said, adding that Hamas invested a great deal of money in it and trained forces in the tunnel. “We estimate that there may be more such naval tunnels,” the senior officer said, and that Hamas’ naval commando unit has dozens and dozens of fighters with “civilian diving equipment that allows undetected movement underwater without creating bubbles. Such measures are effective in the three kilometers between the tunnel and the border.” According to the senior officer the navy estimates that Hamas also
The navy has placed more emphasis on training for underwater water infiltrations, and in late May Israel’s Defense Ministry started construction on an underwater barrier which will stretch from the southern Israeli community of Zikim into the Mediterranean to stave off Hamas infiltration by sea. The barrier, which is expected to be completed by 2019, is made up of three layers, including one below the sea level, a layer of armored stone and a third layer with barbed wire. In addition to the three layers, a fence will surround the breakwater in order to provide a final security measure. The decision to build the naval barrier was decided upon after five Hamas frogmen (naval commandos) tried to infiltrate Zikim during Operation Protective Edge in 2014 armed with automatic weapons, fragmentation grenades and several types of explosives devices. They were engaged and killed by the IDF in a combined attack from the sea, ground and air. Hamas has significantly expanded their naval commando unit in the four years since the last conflict, with a reported 1,500 frogmen. The new barrier, which has been designed to withstand severe sea conditions and serve the defense establishment for many years, is aimed at preventing similar incidents. “This is the only obstacle of its kind in the world, which will effectively block the possibility of infiltrating into Israel via the sea, and this will further thwart Hamas’s strategic capabilities,” said Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman. The border with Gaza is Israel’s most explosive, and thousands of Palestinians have demonstrated along the Gaza-Israel security fence since March 30. At least 119 have been killed by IDF fire and over 14,000 wounded since the “Great March of Return” began.
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JEWISH WORLD
US Embassy move to Jerusalem BY ISRAEL21C STAFF Among the officials in Israel for the momentous occasion are US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Israel adviser to President Trump Jason Greenblatt, and Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner. About 170 journalists from the United States, United Kingdom and European Union been arriving over the past week alone to cover the ceremony, according to Israel’s Government Press Office. A statement from US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert explained that the May date was chosen to coincide with Israel’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
Declaring “a historic day for our people and for our state,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed a US delegation to the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem on Sunday, ahead of this afternoon’s ceremonial move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. “President Trump’s decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem affirms a great and simple truth: Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for the past 3,000 years. It’s been the capital of our state for the past 70 years. It will remain our capital for all time,” said Netanyahu, acknowledging US Ambassador to Israel. David Friedman’s role in the process of moving the embassy to Jerusalem.
“The Embassy will initially be located in the Arnona neighborhood, in a modern building that now houses consular operations of US Consulate General Jerusalem,” she said. “Consulate General Jerusalem will continue to operate as an independent mission with an unchanged mandate, from its historic Agron Road location. Initially, the interim Embassy in Arnona will contain office space for the Ambassador and a small staff. By the end of next year, we intend to open a new Embassy Jerusalem annex on the Arnona compound that will provide the Ambassador and his team with expanded interim office space. “We are excited about taking this historic step,” Nauert concluded.
New Cyprus Jewish museum aims to build bridges with Arab world Abu Dhabi to learn about Jerusalem,’ says local rabbi BY MENELAOS HADJICOTIS - TIMES OF ISRAEL In this May 30, 2018 photo, Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, the leader of Cyprus’ 3,500-strong Jewish community, holds a rare 200 year-old Torah scroll that comes from Germany at a Synagogue inside Cyprus’ Jewish Community Center in the town of Larnaca. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) LARNACA, Cyprus (AP) - A new Jewish museum in Cyprus aims to be a bridge-builder to the Arab world and beyond, a place where visitors who may never set foot in Israel can learn about the Jewish faith, the Holocaust and the tumultuous beginnings of the Jewish state. Items going on display in the seven-story structure in Larnaca will include some of more than 100 Torah scrolls - Judaism’s holiest book - that Russian authorities discovered in the Nazis’ possession and which for decades were kept at a military installation 450 kilometers (280 miles) east of Moscow. A key selling point for the eastern Mediterranean island nation as the venue for the museum is its proximity to the Middle East. It plans to open in May 2019. Through a number of state-of-the-art virtual reality exhibits at the new museum, visitors donning head-mounted gear will get a sense of the internment camps of Cyprus, where the island’s then-British rulers held more than 51,000 Jews fleeing post-World War II Europe. Another floor will give visitors a sense of the Nazi concentration camps where millions of Jews and others were exterminated in the Holocaust, while a third floor will exhibit the sights and sounds of Jerusalem. “Through education, we can make a big difference and a big change,” says Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, the leader of Cyprus’ 3,500-strong Jewish community. “It’s an opportunity for a prince from Abu Dhabi to learn about Jerusalem, to open the door to these people and learn about the Holocaust.” The museum is the brainchild of the Israeli-born Raskin and Sibyl Silver, director of the US-based Jewish Heritage Foundation. Silver will also provide the museum with objects the Nazis stole from Eastern European countries and that were recovered by the Soviet Red Army.
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The rare scrolls dating back to the 19th century tell the stories of once-thriving Jewish communities in Europe that were wiped out, says Silver. She said Russian authorities have agreed that the scrolls — which remain under their legal jurisdiction — could be put on exhibit in Cyprus because of Moscow’s traditional bonds with the island. Raskin also keeps two Torah scrolls at the Cyprus Jewish Community Center in the southern coastal town of Larnaca that will eventually be put on display at the museum, which will be built adjacent to the center. The oldest of those scrolls is over two centuries old, hails from Germany and is written in a very rare handwriting style. In this May 30, 2018 photo, Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, the leader of Cyprus’ 3,500-strong Jewish community, holds a Yad or traditional Jewish pointer used to read the Torah, Judaism’s holiest book, at a synagogue inside Cyprus’ Jewish Community Center in the town of Larnaca. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) With Cyprus experiencing record numbers of tourists, Raskin aims to attract vacationers and businesspeople from Arab countries, Russia and Israel. He estimates the overall cost of the museum will reach around 9 million euros ($10.47 million). The rabbi, who moved to the island in 2002, also wants to shine a light on Cyprus’ link to post-World War II Jewish history. He says a dedicated exhibit would honor those Cypriots, like the late Prodromos Papavasiliou, who helped thousands of Jews during their time in British-run internment camps in the late 1940s. “One of the most important things for me to complete my mission is to show these righteous people,” says Raskin. Silver says the project has the backing of Holocaust educators including Rabbi Michael Berenbaum, the former project director of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the head of Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation. Jewish and Israeli celebrities will be on hand to promote the museum at its opening next spring.
PAST TENSE
PAST TENSE
HASHOLOM – June 1943 extracts EDITORIAL Under the heading THE GENERAL ELECTION, the writer, one N.E. Abahams, who identified himself at the foot of the article in accordance with the Electoral laws then in force as “c/o Durban Jewish Club, Old Fort Road Durban, to represent the views of Hasholom,” made an impassioned plea for members to support the coalition government led by General Smuts and thus challenge all those who expressed support for harshly anti-Sematic policies. The article contained one sentence, which I had to read out loud three times because it seemed at first blush to express an opinion directly contrary to anything the Mr. N.E. Abrahams I know could ever have expressed:
By Pundit
Dave Cohen and his orders opened up the first half of the show with an overture and played again before the second half. After the interval, a breath of Tonic Honolulu climate “featuring the “hula lovelies”, including Susan van Os, Karmah the magician, the Lailvaux Trio, and Elsie Havenga the acrobat, and Doreen Tomson, the tap dancer. Then came Tex and Peggy Shamyu, a pair of comics from London – in transit it says here - and Marjorie Smith, whose impersonations “were Perfect”. After the show Mr. Sol Moshal congratulated Mr. and Mrs Kentridge for having produced Tonic Night Shows in the Canteen every Sunday night for a year. This evening’s show had been in aid of Canteen funds and would be repeated on July 12th at the City Hall, with the proceeds being directed towards medical aid to China. HASHALOM – June 1968 – Extracts
EDITORIAL - THE UNITED COMMUNAL FUND The readers of the editorial were reminded, as I am reminding my readers (if any) 50 years later, that the Emergency Israeli United Appeal the previous year (1967, you will remember, involved the Six Day War) had broken all “It matters not whether the malevolent virus of anti-Semitism manifests itself molds, which had caused the 1968 UCF to become under some pressure. overtly or covertly, whether in one party or another, whether it is personal or Members were therefore asked to volunteer as canvassers but in any event abstract: we shall fight for it.” to respond generously when approached. Doesn’t that last little word “it” means that the author is saying that “we shall fight for anti-Semitism”? It certainly does, until on a re-reading to try to make sense of it, one concludes that “it” relates to something said two sentences earlier – “our right, nay, our duty, to fight with determination and humanity” any political use of the Jewish question to further the ends of unscrupulous individuals. In other words, we must fight for that right and certainly not for anti-Semitism. THE MAYOR OF THE WARSAW GHETTO This was a tribute, published with acknowledgements to “Jewish Frontier”, to the late Adam Czerniakow, who, having been appointed President of the Warsaw Ghetto Communal Council by the Nazis, had committed suicide rather than obey an order from the Gestapo to punish the list of 100 000 residents of the Ghetto who were to be “transported elsewhere”. Czerniakow was, by that time fully aware of what that order meant and refused to be responsible for carrying out that order. APOLOGIA TO 5 000 000 MARTYRED JEWS This was a poem, which rhymed appropriately and had a completely accurate metre written by NEAS, who, as everybody in 1943 knew, was the very same N.E. Abrahams who wrote the Editorial. Sorry it’s too long to repeat in full.
A wedding photograph of Michael, son of Claire and Lex Levine, who had been married to Marilyn, daughter of Mr. and Mr. Max Rosin of Bulawayo was superimposed on an article by Rose Magid on her tour to Israel. It appears that she had extended her stay in Israel from four to seven weeks and that extension had enabled her to attend the wedding at Kibbutz Tsorah. She gave what I suppose I should not describe as a blow-by-blow account of the wedding but like a good reporter she mentioned in the article the names of all the previous Durbanites she had seen at the wedding. In case the names are still remembered, here they are.” The grounds were beautifully illuminated for the occasion by the Kibbutz electrician, Theo Stone, son of Eve and the late Bill Stone.” “Faiwel Metzger sang truly beautifully, as became the occasion. Quite the old farewell.” Also mentioned were Eve Stone and Judy Kepsel, her daughter, May Bierman and her family, Sara and Philip Patz, Viv and Frankie Klaff, Anthony and Doreen Levy, Gilad and Naomi Hodes and Mr. and Mrs. H. Hadani. By the way, there were about 600 guests at the wedding. THE H.O.D TOUR TO ISRAEL Basil Ostilly described in some detail the 20th Anniversary Parade in Jerusalem on 2nd May 1968. Present were the Prime Minister (Levi Eshkol), Army Chief of Staff (Moshie Davan) and the President (Zalman Shazar). As Basil puts it, the “piece de resistance” was a flight by a lone Russian needle-nosed MIG21, streaking across the sky, which had been brought to Israel by an Iraqi defector two years earlier.
TRIBUTE TO THE CHIEF RABBI In commemoration of the 70th birthday of Dr. J.H. Hertz, Chief Rabbi of the British Empire, a forest was to be established in Palestine and donations were PROFILE – DULCIE JACOBS sought in support of the scheme. This was the third article by a named DJC member, namely Pam Levy, who described in some detail the lengthy and extensive work Dulcie had done in JEWISH DESIGNER OF THE LANCASTER BOMBER various executive positions she held in the Union of Jewish Women and more It was revealed that Charles Goldberg, who is the designer of England’s first recently as Regional Vice-President of the Union. bomber, “the Lancaster”, had relations in Johannesburg. DJC YOUTH SECTION – YOUTH PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH IN TOWN AND OUT This was Hymie Negin, who had been born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia Congratulated (Harare, Zimbabwe to you), where he had had an extremely active Mr. and Mrs. Z Goldblatt (nee Hilda Hertz) on the birth of a daughter. membership in Habonim. He came to Durban in 1964 and in short order Mr. and Mrs. S Richter of Johannesburg on the birth of a son. became Bakoach of Natal Habonim. In 1966 he registered as a student at Elisa (Lieut. W.A.A.S.), daughter of the Rev. S. and the late Mrs. Levy, of Port the University of Natal. The author of the biography (I.B., whose full name Elizabeth, to Capt. Isidore Kaplan S.A.M.C., son of Mrs. and the late Mr. was not disclosed) tells us, not surprisingly, that “He is held in high esteem by Herman Kaplan. (Hasholom didn’t say what the happy couple had done to those who know him”. deserve congratulations - I infer either a marriage or an engagement). Capt. and Mrs. Arthur Safir (Gertie Wesseik) and Sgt. Major Isel Krinsky and THE JEWISH DINING ROOM Mrs Maisie Isakow on their respective marriages. This was an article by Pat Lewis, the fourth in his issue written by a member of the DJC whose full name rather than anonymous initials was credited with LET’S CLUB TOGETHER ON SATURDAY NIGHT authorship. (Is this a word?). This appears to have been prepared as one of a This was a distinctly favourable review of a very well-attended Saturday Night series “How to run a Jewish Home” presented by the Women’s Organisations. show at the club. The following were critiques of some of the artists who Pundit has no recollection of anything called the Women’s Organisations, but appeared: assumes they represented a means of cooperation between the Union of Jewish Women and WIZO. The article itself is an interesting discussion of Avril Kentridge directed the show and herself appeared in a monologue and religion and practical issues relating to domestic culture. a spectacular ballet. Myra Patz put over the prologue “with dash and appeal” and appeared I have had to limit the excerpts from two very interesting issues of throughout the show in well-chosen sketches. HASHOLOM and HASHALOM, but I wanted to include everything which “When Rose Alper appeared before the footlights, we all settled down to might still be of interest 50 or 75 years later. If I have failed, the Editor knows listen to an exquisite voice.” what to do and there will be no hard feelings!
July 2018
HASHALOM 11
BUBKES
Paws for Thought By Lauren Shapiro My sister’s been out of the country for the last two weeks, so we’ve been looking after her dog. My husband and I are not really “dog people”, but my kids have very much enjoyed their time with their canine cousin. It was puppy love at first sight. Well, she’s not exactly a puppy but a (sorry, Sis!) episodically cantankerous middle-aged mutt. Nevertheless, the kids love her. For me, it was like having another child around the house – one more thing that needed feeding, cuddling, cleaning up after and taking care of. Sure, it wasn’t exactly the same as a human child… for one thing, I couldn’t expect her to clean up after herself. For another, I couldn’t expect her to help out around the house. And I couldn’t put her in the Thinking Corner or dock her star chart when she misbehaved. But, I continually reminded myself, she is one of Hashem’s very special little creatures, and she deserves our love and affection. Showing consideration for animals has always been a defining feature of tzadikim (righteous people) and a quality we have striven to emulate. The Torah records how our matriarch Rebecca watered Eliezer’s thirsty camels – thus scoring her a worthy shidduch with Isaac – and the way Moses cared for Jethro’s sheep. Speaking of Moseses, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto (known popularly as the Ramchal, though probably as Moishie to his wife) postulated that all living things have souls, but that humans have a higher level of soul than animals. This is probably derived from Hashem’s mandate in Genesis 1:26: “And Man shall rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky and the animals”. It’s hard to argue against the fact that humans are more evolved than animals. For example, we’ve developed clothing while animals feel no shame sporting their nakedness. If anything, I felt shame for poor Doggie when my five-year-old daughter tried to dress her up in her dolls’ clothes. Neither can animals enter into meaningful discourse with others. Any attempts of mine to philosophise with Doggie went right over her furry little head. Animals don’t pray. Although there’s no way to know for absolute certain, I really do doubt whether Doggie was praying on all those times I caught her staring meaningfully into the distance – there was usually an Indian Mynah or a Hadedah in her sights. Animals also can’t fulfill mitzvot. I mean, have you ever thought of a dog laying tefillin? (Don’t answer if you work for Hallmark’s Bar Mitzvah division.) Animals can’t give tzedakah – when last did you see a dog portioning off 10% of its biscuits for less fortunate pooches? Even if its paws could manage it, can you imagine a dog lighting
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Shabbat candles? Despite their sacerdotal shortcomings, however, animals still have worth in this world. As a parent, I’ve seen that looking after animals can teach kids many things about life: • It certainly teaches responsibility. Kids learn very quickly and very literally that, along with the fun, we also have to deal with the cr@# (but at least they now manufacture specialised scented bags for this purpose). • It teaches them that love is shown in many forms, even if it means being jumped on and licked on their faces with dog breath. • It teaches them to be accommodating (and to sleep at accommodating angles). • But most of all, it teaches that sometimes we need to put something else’s needs before our own. Our faith teaches us that we must feed our animals before ourselves – in fact (if I’m not straying too far into my husband’s Talmudic territory here), our Sages word it so strongly that it is “forbidden to eat anything” until we have first fed the animals that depend on us for sustenance (Brachot 40a). My kids may be a bit young to learn Daf Yomi (a page-a-day Talmud programme), but they can get this very clear message: there’s no macaroni cheese until Doggie has had her kibbles. Humans have been given power over animals. And, as a great Sage once pointed out: with great power comes great responsibility (okay, that might have been Spiderman, but the sentiment remains). Doggie went home this morning. Her adoptive mommy, freshly back from her trip, is overjoyed to be reunited with her baby. For my part, I can’t say I’m going to miss her shedding fur all over my couch (Doggie, that is, not my sister). I won’t miss her yapping at the neighbours, at the kids’ friends, at the doorbell, at the birds in the garden, and at basically anything that moves and doesn’t offer her food. I won’t miss her leaving her calling cards to decorate my lawn. But blow me down if I won’t miss that little mutt. In the end, we couldn’t teach her to do tricks, but we learned that the real trick is simply to enjoy the moment together. Funny how an old dog ended up teaching me a new trick. And how an animal can bring a human family closer together. These are lessons we will be taking forward. My family had to look after my sister’s dog for two weeks; we all have to look out for all of Hashem’s creatures forever. And just to sweeten the deal, the Ramchal posits that whoever is compassionate towards Hashem’s creatures is, in turn, treated compassionately by Heaven. Until next time.
NACHES NEWS
A DOG WITH A “FURRY” POSITIVE INFLUENCE Humphrey Immerman helping those who can’t speak for themselves Hayley Lieberthal Humphrey blossomed and soon enough he was thriving and tail wagging loving towards everyone he met. Alwyn, who openly admits to Humphrey being his best friend heard an announcement on the radio in 2012 calling South Africans to do their 67 minutes of charity for Mandela day. Alwyn thought that Humphrey could accompany him to work and for 67 minutes he would raise money to buy a few tins of dog food and donate them to the Durban and Coast SPCA. Alwyn had hoped that Humphrey would raise a few Rands, yet what happened that day sparked a wave of love and inspiration. “It felt absolutely great that my beautiful dog could do beautiful things for the SPCA especially when the SPCA’s funding from Lotto had been cut.” Alwyn spoke to the owner of the pharmacy and it was agreed that Humphrey would come to work on a weekly basis. A donation jar was placed on a table next to Humphrey and a new “tail” was in the making. Halachah stipulates that we must feed our animals before we feed ourselves. But what about animals that don’t have owners to feed in? Humphrey steps in! The money that Humphrey raises feeds an average of 30 dogs for the month at the Durban and Coast SPCA.
The Heart of a Child
With one quick glance into Humphrey Immerman’s soulful amber eyes, you know you are in the presence of something special. Humphrey may look like an ordinary dog but we all know that it’s what’s inside that counts the most. If you have made your way into Medisport Pharmacy Umhlanga in the village on a Thursday afternoon or Sunday morning, you would have probably met Humphrey whose primary job is fundraising and creating awareness for his lost and lonely friends at the Durban and Coast SPCA. To date Humphrey has raised a staggering R340 000 and in 2018 Humphrey was named the Umhlanga Tourism Ambassador.
Where it Began Found wondering the streets of Phoenix in 2011 Humphrey, looking like a Russian wired-hair terrier (exact breed unknown) was taken to the SPCA in hope of finding a loving home. It wasn’t until Humphrey’s sixth week at the SPCA that Alwyn Immerman showed up looking to adopt a puppy. “I looked into his eyes and I knew he was the one for me. He was very withdrawn lying in the back corner of his cage and nervous.” Humphrey’s transition with his new family was slow and Alwyn spent many hours trying to coax him out from under the table, “we thought he didn’t have a voice as he never uttered a sound for a couple of months. One day my late mother in law came running upstairs so excited as Humphrey was barking at her.”
Humphrey has also inspired others to raise money for his cause. Sophie Duke (now 13) was 6 years old at the time, her parents Ruth and Rowan proudly supported and encouraged her Tzedakah and thought that Sophie could manage a garage sale in their complex. Her mother gave her a few items to sell and was pleasantly surprised at the end of the day to see that not only had her 6-year-old worked hard, she also raised R700 through her efforts. “Sophie sold slime, cupcakes, lemonade, candy, even homemade cosmetics – almost anything saleable,” Ruth says. On the days that Humphrey is working he is taken for walks around the village by his myriad of friends. “Every year without fail I receive an email one month in advance for a UK couple to book Humphrey’s 3pm walk,” Alywn says. To help Humphrey become a dog in a million and raise one million rand please feel free to donate Bank: Absa Branch no. 632005 Account: A IMMERMAN Account no. 01003711133 Reference: “Paw”sitive All proceeds go towards the Durban and Coast SPCA
SEND US YOUR NACHES NEWS! Space is limited so although all submissions will be given consideration, we cannot guarantee that they will all be published. Contact: hashalom@djc.co.za or 031 335 4451
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HASHALOM 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
By Sylvia Collins
Our residents were treated to a lovely moving ceremony by Matron Wendy Robinson, Nursing Sisters, Staff Nurses and carers to celebrate International Nurses Day in honor of Florence Nightingale. All the nursing staff wore white, held lighted candles, sang and read the Nurses Pledge. Dr Elaine Goldberg said on behalf of the residents I should like to thank them and you for all that they do, always willingly and professionally. It is much appreciated and they deserve recognition. This was enjoyed with tea and cake for all staff to participate in this beautiful day of celebrations. The nursing staff takes their pledge and commitment seriously and was so happy to celebrate this special day with our residents.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
By Cheryl Unterslak
A
ll the donations for DIVOTE are sent to Durban to the DIVOTE offices and there they are unpacked, checked, sorted and then packed into the appropriate DIVOTE bag or box to go into the boxes to leave for Israel. The boxes go on ELAL to Israel and we have very stringent security rules that we adhere to to ensure that our cargo is safe and that that there are no security issues with the airline. DIVOTE has very few volunteers that are trained to pack each project and when asked to come they give their time and expertise. At the moment we don’t need any extra volunteers but the ones that we do have are as committed and as passionate about the project as I am. In one of the photos you can see Sarah holding the “wand” checking all the soft toys for any security risk. Sarah is studying at the moment and in-between has been a huge blessing to me as she comes in with so much energy and enthusiasm; a delight to work with. In another photo you can see Lara and her friend from Hillcrest who are dedicated DIVOTE supporters who collect new donations, motivate others to Support the children in Israel and here you can see them packing the baby bags that they bought the gifts for. The Project 10 volunteers working in Durban have also helped packing the boxes (which is physically exhausting and tough), and they come in an do an enormous amount as they come in with so much energy!!! The volunteers are terrific and I appreciate their involvement enormously. A huge thanks also goes to Robyn and a few others who give of their time. DIVOTE has dedicated volunteers in Durban and around the whole country that does so much to ensure that DIVOTE is the success that it is. Our dedicated DIVOTE volunteers Carol, Riki and others in Israel also help the whole year to make sure that contact is made throughout the year with the families which keep us up to date with the family’s needs, and makes sure that gifts are delivered around Israel to the families. This team has done so much for the families that have made a huge difference in the lives of so many. A huge thank you to our devoted DIVOTE volunteers; we appreciate you all!
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HASHALOM 15
COMMUNITY NEWS
CSO aims to keep the community safe and offers extensive training to our volunteers from beginner to advanced levels. We welcome all community members to take part in our training courses to gain experience, skills and knowledge to equip you for everyday life. This editions’ security tips are on your home • • • • •
SHOTLANDS PACKAGING FOR ALL YOUR CORRUGATED BOX AND BOARD REQUIREMENTS
• • • • •
Know your neighbours - they are your eyes and ears and able to assist in case of an emergency Know your area- ensure that you are aware of the trends in your area by being part of community or crime watch groups Check your alarm and security systems regularly to ensure that they are in working order Always have your emergency contact numbers readily available Lighting is important- at night external lights should be on and internal lights off. Sensor lights are also a good tool to pick up movement and alert you Ensure that you perimeter and doors and windows are safe Your home should always seem occupied even when no one is home Limit access to your home by unknown or unvetted service providers Try to reduce foliage and bushes in the vicinity of your driveway and leading from your car to the front door as these act as good hiding places Create a “safe area” in your home into which the family can retreat in an emergency whilst help is on the way.
These are just a few tips but for a proper evaluation we recommend you use a reputable service provider. Please do not hesitate to report anything suspicious to the CSO no matter how trivial you may think it is. Please keep the following emergency numbers available:
TRADE ENQUIRIES:
Tel: (031) 700 4711 • Fax: (031) 700 4723 P.O Box 801, PINETOWN, 3600 E-mail: admin@shotlands.co.za Website: www.shotlands.co.za
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CSO 086 18 000 18 SAPS emergency 10111 Berea Police station 031 277 1066 Umhlanga Police station 031 566 8508
COMMUNITY NEWS
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On the 19th March I began my tour of Sydney, Australia. Having never been overseas before, what an amazing experience I had.
Jewel House prepare lunch for their work day
My brother Brett met us at the Airport and it was lovely to have the whole Levy family together again. We caught trains and buses and saw the magnificent sites of Sydney and surrounding areas. What a clean and safe environment. Two highlights were, going to the Blue Mountains and ferry rides to Manley and other beaches/bays. We saw the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Bridge and different museums. Bondi and Manly beaches were incredible! As for the little resort, Cronulla, this beautiful place reminded us of Umhlanga or Margate, 25 years ago, before all the highrise development. On Pesach we went to The Great Synagogue in town. What an awesome building! We went to Darling Harbour, did a bus tour of surrounding areas and a walking tour of the city centre. We walked an average of 10kms a day. I will never forget this amazing experience.
SAVE THE DATE
- SUNDAY 12 AU
GUST
Our Adopt-A-Grandparent/Befriender/Golden Oldies programme will kick off with a function at lunch time on Sunday 12 August at 12h00 at Beth Shalom. If you know of anyone who would like to become a Befriender or anyone who is in need of companionship, please let us know at djss@idialup.co.za or call 031-202-6409
COMMUNITY NEWS
SAUPJ Biennial Conference held in Johannesburg 10 – 13 May
85 years of Progressive Judaism in South Africa – “A great heritage – a proud future”
By Gary Budlender
The South African Union of Progressive Judaism held its Biennial Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg from 10 to 13 May. Rabbi and Ruth Avidan, Michelle Campbell and myself represented the Durban Progressive Congregation at the conference. Reeva Forman and the Temple Israel Heritage Centre secured Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng as the keynote speaker as Temple Israel, Hillbrow hosted the opening event of the SAUPJ Biennial Conference on the evening of Thursday, 10 May 2018. The event at the “Mother Synagogue” was most successful, and highlighted the role that Temple Israel and Progressive Judaism in general have played within the SA Jewish and wider communities. On early Friday morning, 11 May a Netzer Kallah (highlighting the goals and challenges facing our youth movement) and the Women of Progressive Judaism-SA AGM were held simultaneously at the new Middleton Centre at Bet David, Morningside. The synagogue has recently undergone building renovations. The Arzenu AGM followed, where Reeva Forman (current chair) introduced our very own Michelle Campbell as vice-chair. Mazaltov, Michelle – we know that you will do us proud in this position. Rabbi Greg Alexander from Cape Town gave a report back on the Kallah held by our Progressive Rabbis. He advised that the new Mishkan Hanefesh, High Holy Day prayer books ordered by some congregations would soon be available, and that amendments were currently being made to Minhag South Africa. On Friday evening, delegates attended a Kabbalat Shabbat service led by the charismatic Rabbi Sa’ar Shaked at Beit Emanuel, Parktown, followed by a very well attended Oneg Shabbat dinner at the synagogue. On Saturday morning there was a choice of Shiur at Bet David given by Rabbi Avidan or Student Rabbi David Benjamin. The Shabbat service at Bet David was led by Rabbi Schell. In the afternoon Rabbi Gilad Kariv, a prominent Reform leader and attorney in Israel, serving as Executive Director of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, gave a talk on the
vital connection between Israel and the Diaspora. Rabbi Kariv brought a strong message that we need to stand proud as Progressive Jews, and that the Progressive movement has a large part to play in the future. He also warned that as South African Progressive Jews, we should not align ourselves with radical elements committed to the destruction of Israel, as this would alienate ourselves from the Jewish State. Irwin Manoim gave an interesting presentation on Rabbi M C Weiler, and showed how Rabbi Weiler’s charismatic, energetic and autocratic personality shaped the national Reform movement in ways that continued long after his departure. A gala dinner at Bet David was held on the Saturday evening. An entertainer put on an amusing show, and demonstrated some impressive work being done for Mandela charities. On the Sunday morning Rabbi Gilad Kariv spoke on Progressive Judaism in Israel today. Eyal Ronder, Vice President of Operations for the World Union, then spoke on WUPJ successes around the world. Miriam Kramer, recently retired Vice Chair of the European Union of Progressive Judaism, addressed all on “Regeneration and building the future”. She also reminded us that Rabbi Avidan had officiated at her wedding many years ago. Addresses from other Jewish organisations included Wendy Kahn (SAJBD), Ben Swartz (SAZF), Jevon Greenblatt (CSO) and Marlene Bethlehem, who spoke passionately on “German – Jewish relationships 75 years on”. Finally, an interfaith discussion group comprising a representative from each of the following faiths - Jewish, Islamic and Catholic - then discussed various life cycle issues as viewed by their own faiths. This was moderated by Rabbi Julia Margolis. The conference was full of interesting content, and reminded us that we have an important part to play in the wider Jewish community.
SISTERHOOD OF TEMPLE DAVID HOLD 67TH AGM The Sisterhood of Temple David held its 67th AGM on 5 June in the new Durban Progressive Jewish Centre. Rabbi Avidan and DPJC chair, Rob Sinclair both commended the Sisterhood for their continued dedication and hard work both for the DPJC and the community at large under challenging circumstances. Several charities, including Beth Shalom who was represented at the AGM by Sylvia Collins, received donations from Sisterhood. The DPJC is proud of the work that is carried out by Sisterhood for the benefit of Durban Jewish community and the wider Durban community.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Shavuot Celebrations: The Time of Giving the Torah Michael Greenbaum
S
havuot celebrations began with the traditional first night Tikkun Le’il dinner in the Sacher Family Hall at the Silverton Road Synagogue which had been beautifully decorated with drawings by the pupils of the Umhlanga Day School. With great communal spirit, families and friends enjoyed the superb dinner with all the rich, traditional Shavuot food catered by Selma Lurie and her team. During the dinner, Rabbi Lebowitz presented a series of questions based on Judaism’s beliefs and practices relating to these questions. After the dinner, Rabbi Lebowitz held an educational and informative session on the answers to these questions by referring to the Rambam’s (Maimonides) Thirteen Principles of Faith that every Jew is required to believe in. Rabbi Lebowitz’s provided new insights and inspiration on the importance of the Thirteen Principles of Faith as the basic elements of the foundational beliefs of our unique religion. On first day Shavuot, the children presented the Bikkurim (First Fruits of Harvest) to the congregation and the youth quiz was held. On this Shavuot, Rabbi Lebowitz
YOUNG ISRAEL CENTRE
read the inspirational and emotional Megillat Ruth. While there is no specific religious obligation to read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot, it may be that it connects us to Ruth’s descendant, King David, who passed away on Shavuot. Ruth was the exemplary convert who dedicated her life to accepting the Torah. Like Avraham, the first Jew, Ruth, the first convert, left her home and family going into unknown lands and circumstances. The Megillah shows Ruth’s devotion to Judaism and kindness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, as Ruth chose to follow Naomi and Judaism rather than returning to her home. Even though they were poverty-stricken, Ruth and Naomi journeyed into Eretz Yisrael armed only with faith in Hashem that he would to guide them. In His kindness, Hashem gave us the Torah and so we read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot because it contains many examples of acts of kindness and compassion, teaching us a lesson of the importance of loyalty and love of family and faith.
PEARL OF WISDOM
Over Shavuot the Young Israel Centre hosted a Shavuot braai. We welcomed in many young families from the community for a relaxed and social afternoon. It was wonderful watching so many young children playing outside together. We look forward to hosting another lunch for the young families in our community soon. Cheder lessons continue to go well. Our new students have started reading in Hebrew, and our more “advanced” group is focusing on the Amida. Contact Jess on jess.johnstone@gmail. com if you are interested in sending your children to Cheder.
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Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. -Albert Einstein
COMMUNITY NEWS
By Norma Bloch
ng ceremony
Shavuot - weddi
Shalom,
The annual Lag B’Omer Braai and Archery competition, and the Rosh Chodesh breakfast were 2 of the activities enjoyed this part month. However, the highlight of the month was definitely our Shavuot celebration. Once again Shlomo was spot on with his suggested activity. The Sages speak of the revelation at Mt Sinai as a marriage between G-d and the Jewish people and so in keeping with this theme; the pupils enacted a marriage ceremony. Our beautiful “Kallah” was Emma Van de Weg and Jack Bronsin was the handsome “ Chatan. From the Bedeken, to the Chupah, to the Breaking of the glass .... we did it all. Mazeltov!! Everyone agreed that it was a most successful and enjoyable celebration. As our pupils settle down to studying and preparing for the mid years exams, we wish them all the best of luck.
Rachael Van Rooyen Rosh Chodesh
Shahar Ben Hamoo and Sam Wolman
Lehitraot until next month.
Lag B’Omer Shahar Ben Hamoo
Lag B’Omer Archery competition
Emma Van De Weg Rosh Chodesh
July 2018
HASHALOM 21
9 AUGUST 2018 LIMMUD DURBAN LIC PUBLIDAY HO
DURBAN 2018
Celebrate Women's Day with these three women of worth (and you won't have to pay in rubies!) Paula Slier
the award-winning Middle East Bureau Chief of RT ("Russia Today" TV), an international broadcaster with a global reach of over 700 million people.
‘The Comeback of the Russian Bear: Implications for the Middle East and Israel'
Rachel Rose Reid
Nechama Goldman Barash
is a storyteller and the rst woman from beyond North America to be ordained by the Kohenet Hebrew Priestess Institute. ‘Spoken Word and Storytelling from the “Queen of the New Wave of storytellers"'
has a master's degree in Talmud and teaches classes in rabbinic text, women and Judaism and contemporary Jewish law at Machon Pardes and Matan in Jerusalem. ‘Rupture, Reconciliation and Falling off a Roof: Stories on Erev Yom Kippur'
If you missed the very successful TASTE OF LIMMUD (or were fortunate enough to be there) don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear presenters from all over the world, speaking on many many topics....... something of interest for everyone.
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ends 20 July: contact Rochelle Puterman at rachelputerman@gmail.com or call her on 031 205 5664 or 084 446 6364 for more information. * Registration Forms and the Provisional Programme are inserted in this issue of Hashalom
22 HASHALOM
July 2018
COMMUNITY NEWS
SOUTH AFRICAN FRIENDS OF ISRAEL ANNUAL DURBAN CONFERENCE
By Michelle Campbell
The evening of 6 June saw the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI), together with the Kwazulu Natal Zionist Council (KNZC), hold an extremely well supported conference at the Durban Jewish Centre. The conference kicked off with an extremely informative audio-visual presentation about the work of SAFI, followed by a welcome to the conference by the founder and Co-Chairman of SAFI (and also the current Chairman of the South African Zionist Federation), Mr Ben Swartz. Next up was Rabbi Carlos Tapiero, Deputy Director-General of Maccabi World Union, who very quickly had the over 200-strong audience on their feet and singing. His energetic style kept their rapt attention, all the while informing and educating on the issues of Israel advocacy. Rev Dr Cyril Pillay followed with a very thoughtful and sincere description of his personal experience of Israel as a modern democracy. Mr Yair Freiman, Senior Director of Public Affairs with the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs & Public Diplomacy, then emphasised the continued need for close communication between the State of Israel and supporters of Israel worldwide, in order to promote dialogue as a means of finding solutions, whether political or social, and to highlight Israel’s positive contribution to the world. Following a break for refreshments, which included delicious eats ably prepared by Circle Café and the Durban Jewish Centre, the keynote speaker of the evening, Ms Sivan Ya’ari had the delegates alternately laughing, blinking back tears and sitting open mouthed in awe of the work being done by this petite young lady. Ms Ya’ari is the founder and CEO of Innovation: Africa, a non-profit organisation that brings Israeli solar, agriculture and water technologies to impoverished communities in Africa. The delegates learned how over 1 million lives in Africa have been positively impacted over the past 10 years, through the installation of solar power for schools and clinics, borehole water pumped using solar energy, and additional agricultural benefits through drip irrigation and monitoring technology. Ms Ya’ari received a standing ovation from the delegates. Mr Grant Maserow, Chairman of the KNZC, thanked all the delegates for coming together to celebrate their shared connection and love for Israel, and closed with an appeal to all to continue to work with SAFI to support Israel in South Africa.
Chandhika Haripersad, Prem Haripersad and Pearl Arbeter
Deputy President of the ACDP Wayne Thring and Loenna Thring
Selby Xulu, the ACDP Provincial Leader Arch Bishop Eric Manqele and Siphiwe Ngidi
Deputy President of the ACDP Wayne Thring and Loenna Thring
July 2018
HASHALOM 23
COMMUNITY NEWS
67 Minutes 7KH 6$-%' .=1 &RXQFLO DQG WKH 8QLRQ RI -HZLVK :RPHQ ZLOO EH HPEUDFLQJ VLJQLILFDQFH RI 0DQGHOD 'D\ E\ GHGLFDWLQJ PLQXWHV LQ ORYLQJ PHPRU\ RI 0DGLED Please join us
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24 HASHALOM
July 2018
COMMUNITY NEWS
W
e are getting such wonderful feedback from parents and children about the PJ Library books that are given to the Jewish children in Durban aged 3 to 8, and everyone is enjoying them.
The students are enjoying their Talmud Torah lessons as well. The Talmud Torah teachers are fantastic and so dedicated and are often juggling the days and times of the weekly lessons to accommodate the needs to the children and to not clash with their sport commitments. Talmud Torah would like to thank all of the parents of the children who are so committed to giving their children Hebrew and Jewish studies lessons. It wonderful to hear from so many parents how it is a priority in their lives and how some of the children make sacrifices to be able to attend the lessons. At the moment the primary school children are learning some of the davening and brochas from their own siddurim and as you can see in some of the photos they are writing or drawing something in parts of their siddur about something that they learnt. Kol Hakavod to Rabbi Vegoda for the excellent material that he writes and designs for the children to use. If there are any Jewish children who are not receiving Hebrew and Jewish studies lessons at the moment from Talmud Torah. Please can you contact me so that we can arrange for the children to participate in the lessons which take during the week around Durban.
July 2018
HASHALOM 25
COMMUNITY NEWS
By Lauren Shapiro
ROSH BETH DIN REPORTS IN DURBAN Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag shared Shabbat at the UJC
ensuring that not only food is kosher, but also that records of birth, marriage, divorce and conversion meet internationally recognised halachic standards as well. In cases of Jewish divorces, the Beth Din works hard to ensure that the couples obtain a get (Jewish divorce document) in addition to civil divorce papers. Rabbi Kurtstag explained the dire halachic implications when couples fail to acquire a get: the woman becomes an agunah, chained to her religious husband, and unable to remarry within the faith. The Beth Din strives to protect women’s rights by ensuring that gets are delivered. The Beth Din also deals with brit milah (ritual circumcision) and advises the new Regulatory Board of Brit Milah in South Africa. South Africa is one of the only countries in the world with a single, centralised Beth Din, Rabbi Kurtstag noted. This Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag, head of the South African Beth Din, spent the Shabbat of 2 June in Durban at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre (UJC). Rabbi Kurtstag, who has worked with the Beth Din for 46 years and headed it for the past 20, addressed the congregation after the morning service, shedding light on the inner workings of the organisation. First and foremost, Rabbi Kurtstag defined the Beth Din as a court (literally a “house of law”) in which experienced dayanim (judges) resolve cases according to Jewish law. He spoke about the obligation for Jews to settle disputes through the Beth Din rather than resorting to civil courts. Of current concern following the recent Kashrut investigations in Johannesburg, Rabbi Kurtstag reviewed the Beth Din’s policies and procedures in monitoring kosher installations, from factories to restaurants and caterers. However, as Rabbi Kurtstag explained, the Beth Din is responsible for
26 HASHALOM
July 2018
unique setup simplifies the running of Jewish affairs. It also means that the Beth Din is easily recognisable internationally, for example for the verification of Jewish documents. The DUHC’s Rabbi Zekry is involved at a national level with various facets of the Beth Din, including specialist areas such as brit milah and conversions. As such, Rabbi Kurtstag jested, the community shouldn’t grumble too much when Rabbi Zekry is out of the city as he is often working on cases that will benefit the community as a whole. Rabbi Kurtstag commented on how impressed he is with the UJC. Having been present at the foundation stone laying ceremony in 2011, he has watched the centre grow and flourish into the thriving institution it is today. The talk was followed by a lunch generously sponsored by Graeme and Mary Kluk in celebration of the marriage of their son Jason to Gemma in London this month.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Women of Actiom
THE CHOPS WERE GREAT!!!
The UJW braai luncheon at Beth Shalom took place during Chol HaMoed and what a successful event it was. Our master chefs, Marcel, John, John and Martin again excelled and the meat was done to perfection. Our thanks to Nola, Freddie and their team for the delicious “extras” and to the Beth Shalom team for setting up. The assistance from everyone helps make for an enjoyable function and it is greatly appreciated.
BAGEL MAKERS! The Communal function to celebrate Israel’s 70th Yom Ha’atzmaut was a great success. A new format, a new menu and new entertainment. The Union ladies were delighted to be involved by preparing the salmon bagels and in the evening on duty selling tickets. Thanks to Tessa, Linda, Bev, Frances, Sharon, Rene, Sas, Debbie and Marion.
Sue and Evelyn selling food tickets
Ladies in the kitchen preparing the bagels
You are You invited to attend the the are invited to attend
KEEPING MORE THAN HOPE ALIVE!
80th
True to their motto the people working for and with CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation) do that on a daily basis. They enhance the quality of life, not only for the children, but the family as well. CHOC provides care for the children and, just as importantly, a “listening ear” and advice for the family. Assistance both in kindness and “kind” is given as and when required. CHOC was a beneficiary of the 2017 Golf of the Day. Agie Govender attended a meeting at which a donation of knitted items was handed to her. Sincere thanks to the Beth Shalom ladies - Joan Truscott, Mavis Jones, Durban Jeannette Landy, Marcia Firer, for their ongoing knitting, crocheting and sewing. th on Wednesday 11 July 2018 at 10a.m. in the The beanies, scarves, mittens, booties, blankets and toys are bringing warmth and joy to many children. We need wool to Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre maintain this project and would be most Victor Daitz Resource Centre grateful for any donations. Please either drop off at Beth Shalom or the Union office. For pcatering byor email For catering urposes purposes please Rplease SVP by RSVP email to 031 33544 Our very sincere thanks in anticipation. Agie Govender with Tessa Goldreich. or to 0313354457 .Haveaheartforchildrenwithcancer!
Annual General Meeting Union of Jewish Women
July 2018
HASHALOM 27
“Beautiful” News Nicole Reznikov aged 18 from Afula, the only daughter of Victoria and Ivgeny, and a student in WIZO Nir HaEmek is the new Miss Israel. She is studying Communications and took part in the Miss Israel Competition to take advantage of the media exposure to help the weak in Israel’s society. “Being Miss Israel gives much media power and I want to do good with that power.” The 18-year-old student, says she intends to use the media exposure that comes with the title to bring awareness to the weaker segments in Israeli society. Clearly, she echoes the values of ‘giving back to society’ that WIZO promotes in its educational framework. We know she will be an excellent ambassador for Israel - and for WIZO.
Newly-crowned "Miss Israel", WIZO Nir HaEmek's very own Nicole Reznikov, graces the cover of Israel's most popular women's magazine "La'isha" this week.
She volunteers at the oncologist children’s ward – “As a child I was in hospital, and I remember how lonely it can be”. Nicole is a beautiful and caring peson and adheres people to her. She will represent Israel in the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas later this year. Nicole follows in the footsteps of Past President Michal Modai z”l who was Miss Israel 1951. We are very proud of Nicole and wish her the very best in Las Vegas and in all her future endeavours.
Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebrations
Should you wish to make a contribution towards the ‘Wheelchairs of Hope Project’ or make a donation in lieu of a gift, please contact Viv (031) 337 7070.
WIZO ladies and DJC staff hard at work in the kitchen, preparing falafel and Israeli salad for the Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebrations.
WIZO Durban thank all our generous sponsors, members and friends for their unwavering support.
Visit us on facebook: Wizo Chaya AVIV Durban 28 HASHALOM
July 2018
COMMUNITY NEWS
By Juanita Katzer
AKIVA COLLEGE EXCEL AT CAMBRIDGE AWARDS In April, the British Council invited top achievers of 2017 from all over South Africa to take part in their awards evening. The event was held in Johannesburg and Cameron Wulfsohn and I flew up to Johannesburg to attend this auspicious occasion. We met with the High Commissioner of the British Embassy, the Head of the British Council for Sub-Sahara, and the Head of Cambridge University Press. Cameron received 2 awards for his outstanding achievements â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Top Achiever Award and a Certificate of Achievement. I received 2 awards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Certificate of Achievement and A Teacher Recognition Award. The High Commissioner spoke at the event and commented on the excellent international standards of the Cambridge exams taken in South Africa.
July 2018
HASHALOM 29
COMMUNITY NEWS
HEBREW SCHOOL LEARNERS AS SCRIBES
SOUP GLORIOUS SOUP
The major project this term for learners of Temple David Hebrew School, A Torah Scroll, has given rise to some very interesting lessons.The learners have been practising writing Hebrew letters with a quill and getting their clothes covered in ink. Thanks to Sue Jacobson for devising and supervising this fun activity.
GREEN PEA AND LETTUCE SOUP WITH GARLIC CROISSANT CROUTONS 60g butter 2 small onions ¼ teaspoon crushed garlic ¼ teaspoon crushed ginger 1 small iceberg lettuce
1 litre vegetable stock 1 cup fresh basil leaves 500g frozen peas 1 cup sliced fennel or celery salt and pepper
Chop onions and fry in the butter. Add the garlic and ginger. Tear the lettuce into pieces and add to the onions, stirring for a minute. Now add the peas, stock and basil and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Stir in the celery, salt and pepper and simmer for 30 minutes. Puree soup and return it to the pot, add seasoning. To serve, drizzle with some cream and top with the croissant croutons and a sprinkling of paprika. Croutons: Slice croissants into rounds and lightly fry in garlic oil or butter. RED LENTIL AND BUTTERNUT SOUP
JULY 2018 Date Time
Event
Venue
3
9.30am
Sisterhood of Temple David
TBC
4
9.30am
Friendship Club
Beth Shalom
11
10.00am UJW AGM
Akiva B’eni Camp Snoopy
12-15
18
DHGC
10.00am SAJBD/UJW Mandela Day
30 HASHALOM
July 2018
DJC
500g red lentils 1 cup chopped carrots 3 tablespoons oil 2 cups chopped celery 2 cloves garlic, chopped 3 cups cubed butternut 2 cups chopped onions 4 litres water 1 cup sliced leeks ¼ cup vegetable or chicken stock powder In a saucepan, combine the lentils with 1 litre of the water. Simmer for 20 minutes. In a large saucepan, sweat the garlic and onions in the oil until glazed but not browned. Add the remaining vegetables and stir until glazed. Add the remaining 3 litres water and when it starts to simmer, stir in the stock powder and the contents of the saucepan of lentils. Simmer stirring often for about 1 ½ hours. Puree the soup until smooth and season well with salt and pepper. Serve with croutons. French Bread Croutons: Combine some butter or parave margarine with some crushed garlic and finely chopped parsley. Spread this paste on slices of French bread and toast in the oven until they are crisp and lightly browned.
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON – AND DAUGHTER! By Lauren Shapiro They say things run in the family. Sometimes they soccer in the family too. Take, for example, Robbie Pillemer, who was featured in Hashalom in December 1983 for being chosen as Player of the Year in the Mandene Park Under-8A soccer side and one of two players selected for the Maccabi Inter-Provincial Tournament held in Durban that year (his team came in second, after Western province). Robbie was in Standard One (today Grade 3) at Sharona School. 35 years later, Robbie is a practicing advocate at the Durban bar, yet he still makes time for his sporting passion. “Soccer is the beautiful game, loved across creed, culture and race, by poor and rich alike” Robbie explains. Robbie now volunteers as a coach for the Durban Juventus Under-9 soccer squad, but what makes this story particularly special is that on that squad is his own son, Coby, now in Grade 3. “Coby has a ‘soccer’ brain and we talk soccer at all levels,” says Robbie. “We spend hours of quality time exercising, learning and playing together.” Coby also plays for the Crawford La Lucia Under-9 A-team. Robbie’s daughter Mikaela, who is in the Under-7 squad at Juventus, has also inherited her dad’s soccer genes. She has already won a number of medals and trophies, including one for scoring a hat-trick in the Sharks Soccer School soccer festival and another for being known as her team’s secret weapon. “Childhood sport is part of a balanced lifestyle,” affirms Robbie. “The benefits of exercise and coordination development are obvious. Sports also teach individual skills and team work. They strengthen players physically, emotionally, and – dare I say – spiritually.” Other parents agree. “Robbie is the most amazing individual I have ever seen coaching young kids,” attests Ruben Pillay, whose son Mayan is on Robbie’s team. “He has given my son tons of confidence.” Robbie concludes: “My dream for Coby and Mikaela is that they truly experience the beauty of the game, and that they have fun while doing it.” Every athlete knows that nothing comes without hard work and determination. They strive for personal greatness and with their precision and practice, rewards are achieved. Hashalom is proud to showcase our community’s sportsmen and -women. If you know of suitable candidates, contact Hashalom on 031 335 4451 or hashalom@djc.co.za
July 2018
HASHALOM 31
BIRTHS
Mazeltov to: Arnold and Trudy Leibowitz on the birth of a grandson, a son born to Melissa and Harvey Sallis in Jhb
BAT/BAR MITZVAHS
Mazeltov to: Stephen and Ingrid Levin on the Batmitzvah of their daughter Alexa, granddaughter of Sheldon and Lesley
ENGAGEMENTS
Mazeltov to: Frank Schneider on the engagement of his granddaughter Hadar to David Slinger in Israel Merrick and Shelley Wolman on the birth of a granddaughter, Isla, born to Michael and Lisa in the UK Mij, Orli-Shein, Michelle, Micha and Tracy Essers on the engagement of Natan to Avital Engelberg in Israel
WEDDINGS
Mazeltov to: Graham and Mary Kluk on the wedding of their son Jason to Gemma this Sunday in London
BIRTHDAYS
Mazeltov to: Michele Linkermann on her 76th birthday on July 8.ssss Ethel Stiller on her 86th birthday Judge Alan Magid on his 89th birthday Barbara Daniels on her 96th birthday Dr Bobby Kramer on his 98th birthday
DEATHS
Condolences to: Dina Simpson, beloved daughter of Jeff & Julie Simpson and treasured sister of Jemma, Hannah and Kaela Jeff & Julie Simpson and family on the passing of Dina Mikki Norton, Janice and David on the passing of her husband and their father Cecil Mikki Norton, her daughter Janice and son David, would like to express their sincere appreciation for all the love and support shown on the passing of their beloved husband and Dad, Cecil. He will live in our memory forever
OTHER
Brenda Gouws on obtaining her PhD (Education) on the topic of her thesis â&#x20AC;&#x153;Investigating Holocaust education through the personal story of history teachers.â&#x20AC;?
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Hashalom is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please submit your information in writing to The Editor, PO Box 10797, Marine Parade 4056 or email hashalom@djc.co.za. 32 HASHALOM
July 2018