Hashalom June 2020 by Hashalom

June 2020

Our Community . Our People . Our Magazine

Volume 96. No 9

June 2020

Our Community . Our People . Our Magazine

Volume 96. No 9

March 2014

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HASHALOM 1

March 2014

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HASHALOM 1

Editorial EDITORIAL Letters to the Editor Special Feature Current Affairs Through my Eyes June in History Environmental Obituary Bubkes Above Board

04I

06 To 08 10 12 13 14 15

Community News

SAJBD

Young Israel Centre

Talmud Torah

Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre

Beth Shalom

Union of Jewish Women

DIVOTE

Beit David

Akiva College

Umhlanga Jewish Centre

Eden School

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

KNZC

Masada

Wizo

Cooking with Judy and Linda

Diary of Events

Social & Personal

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 JULY EDTION: 9 June 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

JUNE 2020

EDITORIAL

HAYLEY LIEBERTHAL

Where to now? It is now two months into South Africa’s national lockdown. I’m sitting outside feeling the cool night breeze dance around me, my gaze fixed on the small flickering lights of the ships anchored kilometres away, and the sound of unseen crickets chirping over sporadic cars that drive by. I find myself trying to wrap my head around how quickly our lives have changed. This time last year I was finalising my daughter’s 2nd birthday party - at the time my biggest concern was deciding if the Frozen-themed cake should be two large tiers or three smaller ones - but tonight is different in so many ways and my thoughts wander to what the future holds for us after lockdown. At the sound of my daughter’s laughter, I am brought back to the present and I hear her say: “more daddy, dance more”, her little voice resonating in me what truly matters and what I hold near and dear to my heart. We have been thrust into a world that is surrounded by so much uncertainty and sudden change that at the mere mention of an unscheduled presidential speech our hearts skip a beat, and I know that I must allow myself to exhale a little bit of the built up tension and I count my blessings. As irony would have it, these blessings that I am taking stock of were mentioned a year ago in the June 2019 edition of Hashalom. My editorial was about writing down our small wins and then placing them into a gratitude jar to be opened at a time when we needed a little self-motivation. Fast forward to today and I find myself pondering the notion that perhaps we are living in a parallel universe - a sci-fi thriller where interactions with friends and family is ill-advised. I know it’s not plausible and the idea of all of this being a dream is far from the reality we are living in, yet I am sure of one thing... This too shall pass - we will not be in isolation forever, and whilst we wait for an invisible enemy to be eradicated we will continue to grow together even when we are apart. Keep living for today, cherish the past and be hopeful and excited about the future.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Hayley, I don’t know whether I was one of those who had difficulty accessing (is there such a word in 2020 - when did it become a verb?) the May issue of Hashalom. It’s possible but it’s equally possible that the technology was simply above me. But the fact is that I’ve just read it, and all i have to say is Kol Hakavod! I think it’s fairly well-known that I wrote the column “PAST TENSE” in Hashalom for some years and I just want to say that, if anything, it’s better on line than it was in what I gather is called “hard copy”. It is helpful that you have given full publicity to the very moderate cost, it is of particular interest to me because I’ve been waiting to hear from about two editors and, if I mistake not, three business managers of the magazine how much it would cost to send a monthly issue to my daughter in Los Angeles. I hate to think how much Hashalom has lost by continuing to send it to her without fixing the amount for me to pay. Just think of all the postage that could never have been recovered. I am sure the Hashalom was sent, because I’ve had no complaints. And there would certainly have been complaints because Los Angeles and its environs is riddled with mad old Carmelites of my daughter’s year who all read it. I assume there will be no extra cost to deliver an on-line Hashalom to L.A. Acting on that assumption, as soon as I manage to complete this, I intend forthwith to pay two subs into the Hashalom account and to ask you to add my daughter’s name to your list of addresses. I found the issue most interesting. I did not, for some reason, hear about John M.’s 80th birthday until I read Jacqi’s excellent biography. I heartily enjoyed it especially some of the stuff about DHS. I can confirm that Mr. Goldwater’s nickname was indeed what Jacqi has said it was. Incidentally, does anybody know what Mrs Goldwater’s nickname was when she joined the teaching staff? It was not “Mrs. Pissy” (there I’ve done it, too), but “Mississippi”. To call what Goldwater did “spluttering” is to pay him a compliment. There are others who regarded it as spitting, like Jack Hagglund of Form Via of 1945 who, sitting in the front row put up a little paper umbrella as Goldwater entered the Class. There are, i believe, only four members of that Class still alive, Mevyn Millar and I still living In Durban, Aubrey Schaffer in Sydney, and David Goldberg in Los Angeles. I think it’s quite remarkable that three-quarters of a DHS Class should be its sole survivors after 75 years.

the way, of Queen Victoria of Britain. Moreover, in honor of Queen Victoria, the day was a public holiday, in SA called Empire Day until it was abolished in 1951 or 1952 by the Government of that same Dr. D.F. Malan, whose election victory we recorded in this issue of Hashalom. I feel obliged to tell you that this is the first letter I have ever written to a newspaper, magazine or other publication and my intention is that it shall be the last. In that I am very different from my maternal grandparents, Abraham and Tybil Alper, of whom I’m inclined to think few of your readers will have heard. They were pillars of the late, and very much lamented, Culture Section of the DJC and they were both avid participants in the correspondence columns of the Daily Press. They did not always agree on topics in which they were both interested. It was, in fact, not unheard of that Abraham Alper wrote a letter to the Natal Mercury on Monday and Tybil Alper replied, politely shooting his arguments down in flames, on Wednesday. In hope that you manage to retain the level of interest in Hashalom, Yours very sincerely, Alan Magid Dear Judge, Thank you kindly for your letter. All of us at Hashalom - I have no doubt our readers - miss your Past Tense column and to say that we are honoured by your first letter to the editor is an understatement. Thank you for your compliments on the community’s magazine. During this time of uncertainty we at Hashalom found it crucial to ensure that our community is still enriched with the general goings-on and the importance of keeping some things as “normal” as they can be during this lockdown with an eMagazine. We are truly appreciative and we are grateful that you have paid a subscription not only for yourself, but for your daughter as well. I can only hope that other community members heed your example and do the same. While we do our utmost to ensure that all information given to us is correct – such is the case with names - sometimes we are given the incorrect spelling and I wish to convey my apologies to Mr Bill Payn on the addition of the “e”.

I regret, Madam Editor, that I find it necessary to criticize Jacqi for a misspelling in her otherwise excellent article. I do so only because I am certain that no proud DHS Old Boy, as I know Brian is, could ever spell Bill Payn’s name with an e!

In History, is as you have so aptly put it “a mammoth task” compiled by myself. In this monthly feature I have chosen one day in a month throughout history to highlight a significant event that pertains to our South African Jewish community.

I enjoyed the so-called Israel feature very much. I wonder who undertook that mammoth task, although I notice it does not relate solely to Israel. Otherwise, how did Dr. D.F. Malan becoming Prime Minister of SA qualify? It was terrible news for SA but Israel was hardly affected. If we’re looking at important dates for SA, what about 24th May, the date of birth of Jan Christiaan Smuts? And, by

Although you have mentioned that this is your last letter, I do hope to keep in touch with you in the future.

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Kind regards, Hayley Lieberthal Editor

JUNE 2020

SPECIAL FEATURE

BY LAUREN SHAPIRO

Home school for homebodies Home school is a pleasure for Esther Kafel, in Grade 9 at Crawford. “She loves to study and does all her homework with great enthusiasm!” says Mom Natalie. “While online live lessons start at 8 am, she will be up at 7:30 to prepare herself and is ready at 8 am with sandwiches and drinks and wrapped in blankets, waiting for her classmates.” Agreeable as this arrangement is, it has its disadvantages. “She’s always been a homebody, but even she now says how much she appreciates live communication and how she really misses it,” confides Natalie.

Lessons beyond tech Leah Droyman, in Grade 8 at Durban Girls College, has continued all her schooling online – even doing piano lessons via her iPad and ballet lessons on Zoom – but she misses contact with people. “Hopefully a lesson for all children during this time is that technology can’t replace human interaction,” observes her mom Tracy. It’s particularly tough for Leah as an only child, but she has never complained. “She feels fortunate for what she has, especially after having visited the Holocaust Centre and seen the space that Anne Frank was locked in, in fear” – another important lesson for us all.

Mom to the rescue! Robyn Dogan has been overseeing three different syllabi, with Netanya in Grade 8, Gil in Grade 6 and Michal in Grade 2, all at Eden College. “On the first day, I thought I was organised, only for there to be chaos, not realising that each child needed their own device and no – a cell phone does not count!” Robyn reflects. By juggling laptops and iPads, they crossed that hurdle, but Day 2 came with its own challenges. “Wi-Fi kept dropping, so it was Mom to the rescue. I managed to print out pages so work could carry on. Fortunately ink cartridges are classified as essential items!” As the days went by, the family began to fall into a routine. “We all stop for lunch together, but the kids take different breaks throughout

JUNE 2020

the day and finish at different times, depending on their workload,” Robyn explains. “My advice would be to have everything prepared the night before and not to take the kids’ word for work being done. Actually, check!”

Desk job Maria Bronzin is mother to Max in Grade 5 at Northlands Primary and Jack in Grade 2 at Eden College. “It’s been tricky,” Maria confesses (of) keeping on track with school at home. “With two kids, four years apart, it’s hard to give them the attention they need throughout the day and still clean and do my own work.” The two things that have helped are work stations and schedules. She’s set up a desk for each son with all the supplies they need. A “Suggested Daily Schedule” broken into (an) hour and half-hour blocks serves as a rough guide for the boys to follow. The schedule includes reading time, school work sessions, snack breaks and play time.

Family time For the Pozniak family, lockdown means special family time. Shaun Grade 8 and Jamie Grade 6 are at Crawford Preparatory. Parents Simone and Marc attend daily online school meetings with the kids, depending on their work meetings that day. “I’m sometimes in a work meeting and school class at the same time if it can’t be avoided!” Simone quips. During breaks, the kids have snack-time, help with chores or play. Marc does PE with them after lunch: cricket in the garage or soccer in the backyard, or a swim if it’s warm. “The kids are enjoying spending time with family,” Simone says. “They love movie nights, sports with dad, and baking with mom.”

Saved by the bell School in the Read household is happening right on schedule. “We really try to have a proper structure here,” says Mom Chen. “I even ring the bell [a souvenir from Amsterdam] at 8 am!” There are set times for school – including breaks – and a whiteboard displays the

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Digital Judaism Cultural consciousness is as important as secular education. How have Durban’s students been keeping up with the Joneses in terms of Jewish Studies? Akiva College At Akiva College, it’s been business as usual with all classes continuing digitally, including daily engagement with davening, Hebrew, Chumash, Parsha and Zionism. “We’re conscious that during lockdown many children are spending more time on screens,” observes Head of Kodesh Rev Gilad Friedman. “We’ve tried to give them a more meaningful, content-driven online experience.” The school uses a variety of interactive platforms for live lessons, assignments and assessments, and projects for learners to extend themselves at leisure. “We’ve had a tremendous response from the parents because – through monitoring their children’s lessons – they’ve started learning more about their own heritage themselves,” says Rev Friedman. Talmud Torah

tasks that need to be completed each day. Noya (Grade 5) and Yotam (Grade 3), both at Umhlali Prep, take turns using the computer. They even run a “tuck shop”. The kids are rewarded for chores around the house and can use the Monopoly money they earn to buy treats. Both Chen and her husband Danial have been able to work from home, but it’s been tough to juggle everything. Morning exercises as a family help to motivate everyone for the day, and also aids in stress management, asserts Chen. “It’s been very challenging, but we’re all keeping a positive spirit,” she maintains. “The kids miss their friends. Noya even says she misses her teachers!”

Overcoming obstacles

Rabbi Michael Vegoda, a former Durban resident, has for many years been producing educational material for the Jewish children of Durban under the auspices of Talmud Torah, and visiting the city once a month to teach. “Due to the fact that no Talmud Torah classes are presently being taught at schools due to lockdown, Talmud Torah has been providing live sessions for individuals or groups using online platforms such as Zoom and WhatsApp,” says Rabbi Vegoda. Classes are tailored to the individual or group, ensuring age-appropriate content on exciting Jewish topics as well as Hebrew reading.

Lockdown has been a challenge for Aaron* (Grade 6). “Keeping him motivated at home – without the school environment and its rules and structures – has been extremely difficult,” reveals his mom, Sandy*. She set up a quiet workspace in his room because Aaron found their open-plan home too chaotic. They’ve also had to make some concessions. For example Aaron listens to YouTube videos with headphones while doing his schoolwork. “The quality of his work seems fine, so basically that’s how he’s getting through the days, and it’s definitely been a bit calmer in the household,” Sandy notes. Aside from friends, sport is what Aaron misses most during lockdown. Weekly rugby, hockey, swimming and water-polo were a channel for his energy. “When we can see that Aaron needs a break, he goes outside and shoots basketball hoops or swims,” she says.

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JUNE 2020

CURRENT AFFIARS

Could Coronavirus Squash Plastic Recycling? By Jacqueline Herbst

il prices tanking to record lows, a spike in demand for

oil price has dropped so much, virgin plastic is so cheap that

personal protective equipment (PPE) and the prohibition

plastic companies are just taking advantage of that. The market

of waste recycling set in motion by the Covid-19 crisis,

for recycling of all types has dropped dramatically. Prices have

created the perfect storm to turn back the tide on the gains made

dropped significantly, even for alluminium, glass and cardboard,â&#x20AC;?

against single-use plastic pollution.

said Durban-based endurance swimmer Sarah Ferguson who is the founder of Breathe Conservation and a global ambassador for

A reduced demand for oil across the globe caused an oversupply

Plastic Oceans.

which led to US crude falling to a negative value for the first time in history. On 20 April, the price of US crude spectacularly fell from

Virgin plastic is made from oil and oil is cheap, therefore it is

$18 per barrel to -$38 within a few hours before recovering slightly.

cheaper to manufacture plastic than to recycle it. This has been a

As buyers ran out of storage space, oil producers were forced to

global problem since crude oil prices first dropped dramatically in

pay buyers to take barrels they had no space for and excesses oil

2014 and has remained low since. The financial strain on recycling

was burnt off.

received another massive blow when China, after importing half of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plastic waste for three decades, banned these

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a huge problem with recycling globally because the

JUNE 2020

imports in 2017. Although waste companies can still sell things like

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once and then discarded, the importance of continuous recycling and creating a strong circular plastic economy is clear. The WWF recently underscored the urgency of prioritising an appropriate waste management response to Covid-19 but based on the South African governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lacklustre track record in advancing waste management, this might be too much to ask. In December 2019, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) Minister, Barbara Creecy scrapped the existing Section 28 plan to develop an industry waste management plan for the paper and packaging industry. The plan got under way in 2016 under then DAFF minister Edna Molewa but, siting a lack of appropriate plans submitted that meet the criteria for a government managed model, Creecy decided it would be better to start an entirely new process under Section 18 which would allow for an industry-managed plan as opposed to a government-managed plan. Essentially, the industry would be policing itself and with recycling now being more expensive than manufacturing from scratch, the prospect of a circular plastic economy looks grim.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and aluminium in their local markets, they are no longer able to sell a lot of the other plastics. The global recycling industry may have been in distress for several years but the Covid-19 crisis expedited the looming catastrophe. Secondly, plastic production escalated dramatically to meet the urgent need for for PPE and general hygiene requirements while recycling companies were banned from operating in a number of countries, including South Africa under lockdown levels four and five (recycling was permitted again in South Africa under level three from 1 June). Prior to lockdown, Plastics SA Plastics SAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Director, Anton Hanekom vehemently lobbied for the plastic sector to remain open in order to meet the increased demand. However, plastic recycling was left out of the loop. With

the Broll report stating in August 2019 that nearly 40% of plastic produced worldwide is for packaging purposes, to be used just

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JUNE 2020

e have all felt the effects of lockdown in one way

helped him through these uncertain times. “Lockdown presented

overcoming obstacles Hashalom got in touch with some

to the gym and that brought on some difficulty in maintaining my

or another, and seeing as we aren’t strangers to

of our beloved community members to see how they are holding up during this time.

Big Challenges and New Routines Cameron Wulfsohn’s furniture and restoration business may be

closed for now, yet he chooses to adopt a positive outlook which has

JUNE 2020

me with two big personal challenges. Firstly, I wasn’t able to go

healthy lifestyle regimen - working out at home is not the same. The second challenge was not being able to go out and see people, and

as an extrovert who is not able to see people in a social setting, this has been a big adjustment.” Cameron said.

Fellow community member Jacqui Burne struggled at first to get her

head around the new laws and rules that were enforced overnight, “I am a law-abiding citizen and I follow the rules, yet at times I

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felt as if I was living in a real-life version of The Hunger Games.” A beauty therapist by trade, Jacqui hasn’t been able to work during lockdown, however she did not let that stand in her way and decided to advertise her culinary skills on one of our community WhatsApp groups, “I make homemade old-fashioned boiled bagels, soft pretzels and pitot and have been inundated with orders which have not only kept me very busy, but also intouch with community members I hadn’t seen around shul,” Jacqui said.

Keeping up with the Connectivity and our Judaism At present, Jewel House does not have the means to access the various Zoom talks and Shabbat services, yet this does not stop some of them from being in contact with their loved ones, such is the case with Michelle who thoroughly enjoys her family catch-ups. With no work to do during the day, some of the residents have taken to reading more religious based books which have enlightened them on many levels. Although Philip misses his daily shul visits, Shabbat is still as special as it has always been for them with their usual singing, dining and praying together, and coupled with the stunning decorations that Pinky loves to do for public holidays and Jewish festivals, Jewel House residents are stronger than ever.

The residents of Jewel House have settled easily into a new routine. Ruth admits that she does miss going out for coffee and seeing other people. Whilst fellow resident Zelyse, said that she has taken to walking in the garden for daily exercise and is enjoying reading more books.

Habits and Hobbies Cameron has also started doing hobbies again, ones that he didn’t have time for prior to the lockdown such as gardening and cooking. “I was reminded how much I enjoy these activities, and it highlighted that life is short and we need to enjoy every moment. It has also become clear to me that charity and being kind starts at home, and through this realisation I am working on implementing this,” Cameron said. Prior to lockdown Jacqui had pledged to knit 70 beanies for a needy farm school in Northern KwaZulu-Natal; “I had completed 27 beanies and then I ran out of burgundy wool. I was really enjoying knitting them and was disappointed that I wasn’t able to buy more wool.” Jewel House residents Collette, Pinky and Daryl have enjoyed hobbies such as colouring in, drawing and sticker by number activities, and Collette admits that the lockdown has helped keep her calm from the everyday goings on that happened before lockdown.

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Cameron has been utilising social media as well as phone calls to friends in order to keep in contact, “Although it has been extremely difficult not seeing my friends in person I have used the various social media platforms to stay in touch.” Cameron went on further to say that although some shul services are online, it’s nothing like the real thing of going to shul. “After the first Shabbat in lockdown we decided that every night my sister, mom and I would have dinner together at the table. The pandemic has taught me that life is too short and it can change in a split-second. I lost a good friend during lockdown - Brett Hummel, and not being able to be at his funeral and physically be able to say goodbye still upsets me every day. However, from that and everything going on in the world, it is important to keep a positive attitude and live every day to the fullest. A phrase we hear all too often, but I think now most of us understand the true meaning of it.” Jacqui misses shul dearly and has been attending the Shabbat service online, solidifying her thoughts and feelings about being Jewish, “I am grateful for my Judaism and for being part of the Jewish people. I do miss the physical aspect of going to shul though, and celebrating Pesach with just my daughter and I was very different, but also very special at the same time. The excitement of preparing for our first seders at home is something I will remember forever.”

JUNE 2020

COMMUNITY IN HISTORY NEWS

Cable News Network (CNN) begins broadcasting. Queen Elizabeth II coronation, crowning her Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and her other realms and territories and head of the commonwealth; attributing to the first major international event to be televised. Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shlomo Argov, is shot on a London street; her survives but is left paralysed. The Beatles first world tour is launched.

Start of the six day war.

The Great Seattle Fire destroys all of downtown Seattle.

The United Nations defines the Blue Line as the border between Israel and Lebanon.

Jews revolt against Rome, capturing fortress of Antonia in Jerusalem.

Six Day War: Israel captures the Golan Heights from Syria.

The Six-DAY War ends. Israel and Syria agree to a cease-fire. Benjamin Franklin invents his Franklin stove (metal â&#x20AC;&#x201C;lined fireplace), which is still used to this day.

Anne Frank is born. (34 years and 1 month after her fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthdate)

The US postal service says that children cannot be sent by parcel post (after various instances).

Anne Frank starts writing her diary.

Israel and Vatican City establish full diplomatic relations.

JUNE 2020

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Abraham Lincoln delivers his House Dived speech in Springfield, Illinois. The Statue of Liberty (a gift from the French people to America and to commemorate the abolition of slavery), arrives in New York City aboard French ship ‘Isere’. The AIDS epidemic is formally recognised by medical professionals in San Francisco, California. King Louis IX of France decrees all Jews must wear a yellow badge in public or be fined 10 livres of silver.

Nazis begin mass extermination of Jews at Auschwitz. South African Gary Player beats Australian Kel Nagle by 3 strokes in an 18-hole playoff to win his only US Open title at the age of 29. Galileo Galilei forced to recant his Copernican views that the Earth orbits the Sun by the Pope (Vatican only admits it was wrong on Oct 31, 1992).

Yitzhak Rabin elected as Israel’s 11th Prime Minister.

Residency tax on Jews of Hungary abolished.

South African President P.W. Botha issues a new proclamation again placing Ingwavuma under government control. US President John F. Kennedy gives his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” known as the most famous anti-communist speech in West Berlin The British Medical Research Council publishes a report suggesting a direct link between smoking and lung cancer.

Ghana imposes a total ban on exports to South Africa and South West Africa.

Beatles’ 1st song “From Me to You” hits UK charts.

Mahatma Gandhi’s 1st arrest after campaigning for Indian rights in South Africa.

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JUNE 2020

ENVIRONMENT

LOCKDOWN REVEALING THE WONDER OF NATURE

s one country after another implemented lockdown regulations and their citizens were asked to stay at home in an attempt to “flatten the curve”, animals started exploring new territories that were previously off limits due to the presence of humans. All across the world, social media lit up with footage of wildlife taking to the streets during lockdown. On Thursday, 14 May, a video emerged on a South African Facebook group called “The Garden Game Ranger Challenge” of a caracal taking a leisurely afternoon stroll through a private residential garden in Waterfall, with a confused little black domestic cat looking on from the safety of the backdoor. Down our magnificent coastline, a pod of dolphins were photographed surfing between the piers at Snake Park Beach - according to local surfers, this is the closest to shore the dolphins have been seen frolicking in the waves in many years. The national lockdown also brought about the shark nets being lifted allowing numerous marine animals such as turtles, rays, dolphins and sharks to move about freely, and paired with the absence of surfers, paddlers and fishermen in the water, these magnificent creatures are now experiencing limitless freedom. About 700 kilometers north of Durban in the Kruger National Park (KNP), footage recorded by Skukuza Golf Club green keeper, Jean Rossouw, of lions and hyenas interacting on the golf course was widely broadcast over international news channels. He also more recently came across a cackle of hyenas feasting on a kill on the fifth fairway. Rossouw said that the buck are often seen on the course, but not big game.

BY JACQUELINE HERBST

monkeys have been staging spectacular street battles in their hundreds, resembling scenes fit for a Hollywood sci-fi thriller in which monkeys take over the world. In the northern hemisphere, the Welsh woke to flocks of woolly mountain goats grazing in suburban streets while flocks of sheep were seen loitering in the McDonald’s drive thru! Dashing back to the southern hemisphere, Chileans received additional motivation to stay indoors when a puma was seen exploring the streets of Santiago. Durban based wildlife documentary producer, Kirsten Horne said that the reason for these wondrous sightings is most likely a combination of animals not being afraid to come out into the open, and a very big dose of people waking up and smelling the roses. Horne is excited about this renewed lockdown induced interest and fascination with nature and she hopes it will restore awareness of the impact our lifestyles have on nature along with a renewed respect for the environment. “When it clicks in the brain how wonderful and intricate nature is and we start looking at the small things, we recognize the purpose of every creature. Nature is a delicate web and when it is broken at any part, it has a knock-on effect,” Horne said.

Staying in KNP, a pride of lions that normally stay in the Kempania Contractual Park and are rarely seen by tourists, have been filmed spread across the main road outside Orpen Rest Camp with reporters on CNN describing the sighting as “lions roaming the streets in South Africa” – an interpretation that triggered some chuckles amongst the locals. Traveling roughly 400 kilometers west to the nation’s capital, Pretoria, a massive Kudu bull was photographed grazing on neatly manicured streets near the upmarket Silver Lakes Golf Estate on the eastern fringes of the city. While Cape Townians were getting arrested for surfing, free spirited penguins captured the attention of audiences around the globe as they casually waddled down the streets of Cape Town. Upstaging the penguins in the rarity stakes was a porcupine scratching up a residential street in Simon’s Town, repeatedly in broad daylight. These spiky creatures are nocturnal and usually extremely illusive. Not to be outshone by their South African mammalian counterparts, primates in other parts of the world have been razzling around the clock. In tropical Barbados, troops of monkeys are living their best lives at closed hotels, getting comfortable at empty resort swimming pools. In one online video they are seen swinging from balconies, and launching themselves into the water to swim a few laps in the pool. Halfway across the globe to the east in Thailand, where monkeys usually feed on humble scraps from tourists, vast gangs of rival

JUNE 2020

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OBITUARY

REST IN PEACE, BRETT

The Durban Jewish community mourns the passing of Brett Hummel

BY LAUREN SHAPIRO

disbelief came a torrent of emotions. Nobody could quite believe it at first. At just 37, Brett was in the prime of his life. He was a party animal and always up for an adventure. His presence at a simcha promised wholehearted dancing, laughing and cheering. His ready smile, his huge hugs, and his sense of humour endeared him to all. Just the day before he had chatted to many of us, taking our challah orders for the coming Shabbat. It felt as if a chill wind had swept across our community, taking Brett’s precious soul with it. Brett was laid to rest at West Park cemetery in Johannesburg on Sunday 3 May, surrounded by his immediate family. Although numbers were limited due to the national lockdown, over 300 families watched the funeral live-streamed online. “Brett was so sweet and kind and pure and loved by everyone. He was considered a true mensch by every single person he came into contact with,” extolled Rabbi Marc Friedman at the cemetery. “He was filled with the joy of life.” Rabbi Friedman continued: “There’s a Mishna that reads, ‘You must love people and bring them close to Torah. Love peace and pursue it.’ This is something that Brett did.” Tributes have been pouring out on social media and to his family. An online memorial service was held on 5 May for the Durban Jewish community, which generated more than 2500 views on Zoom and Facebook.

The Durban Jewish community has lost a jewel with the sudden and tragic passing of our dear friend Brett Hummel. Brett moved to Durban from Johannesburg to take up a position as Mashgiach, overseeing the kosher butchery and bakery at Pick n Pay Musgrave from February 2016. A convivial and lovable guy, Brett immediately began to adopt brothers, sisters, parents, kids and grandparents. You had to book early to have him at your Shabbat table! Brett was a regular fixture at both the Silverton Road shul and the Umhlanga Jewish Centre, and participated in daily services. He attended numerous shiurim both in person and online. He was involved in CSO. He frequently visited Beth Shalom and became close friends with many of the residents there. At the same time, Brett was devoted to his own family, taking every opportunity to return to Johannesburg to visit them, and supporting them through difficult times including the passing of his father Basil Hummel OBM in August 2018. On the morning of Thursday 30 April, Brett went to work as usual. Not long after arriving, he collapsed and shortly thereafter passed away, sending shockwaves through the community. Amid the

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“He went as a tzadik – a righteous person – by the kiss of Hashem,” said Rabbi Zekry at the memorial. “He died fulfilling a great mitzvah, ensuring that the community could keep the mitzvah of kashrut.” Rabbi Zekry told viewers that Brett was a wonderful, kind and helpful person with a strong character and a thirst for spiritual growth. “We will miss him in Durban,” Rabbi Zekry concluded. “We will miss the energy and ruach that he brought with him.” “Brett was an incredible human being,” reflected Rev Gilad Friedman. “He was true to himself, he was true to others, and he was true to HaKadosh Baruch Hu.” Rev Friedman recalled Brett’s passionate participation in shul services and alluded to his enthusiastic – although not always harmonious – singing of Anim Zmirot, which pulled a bittersweet smile from the virtual attendees. How could he be gone? What will our community be like without Brett? Why did this happen? “We can’t understand why,” Rev Friedman answered our unspoken questions. “We can say that in Brett’s short life he achieved far more than could be imagined. He became a member of our family, and we mourn every day.” Brett OBM is remembered by his mother Edith, brother Marc, sister Kerryn, his nephews, extended family, and friends around the world. There is a Brett-sized hole in the Durban Jewish community which will never be filled.

JUNE 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS BUBKES

Lauren Shapiro As I write this, it’s Day 53 of the national COVID-19 lockdown. Schools have been closed for two full months. Chez Piro (“at the home of Sha-piro”, for those of you whose brains have atrophied during lockdown) has been close and cozy. It’s lovely having everyone together all day, even if some of them do spend more time at the fridge than at their desks. But it’s been tough at times trying to find the balance between working, cooking, cleaning, parenting, and supervising schoolwork for three different grades. As a habitually harried parent, one of the things I find myself saying most often is, “In a minute”. It comes in variations on the theme – “Just a minute”, “Wait one minute”, “Hang on a minute”, etc. – but it’s right up there with “Put that down”, “Give it back to your brother” and “Sure. Go ahead and touch it and see what happens”. Never has this been more true than during lockdown. For the past several years I’ve worked from home, but I’ve relied on those precious quiet hours when the kids are at school to get any decent work done. Now I have them under my feet all day, every day, constantly asking me to do things while I’m trying to do something else. And when I can’t give them immediate attention, their requests deteriorate very quickly into nagging. Then it becomes a battle of wills: can I finish writing the article/chopping the veggies/ sending the email/offloading the groceries/getting dressed/going to the loo before the child gets sent into orbit, or do I succumb to the nags and let them “win”? I’ve learnt to let them win. Case in point: my middle child was tugging on my skirt as I was trying to make dinner (for him, I may as well point out). “Mommy, can you make me a paper airplane?” “In a minute, darling. I just need to get this on the stove.” “How about now?” “Wait, my love. I need to peel these carrots.” “Okay. Now?” “Let me stir this quickly, it’ll only take a minute…” “Now?” “In a second, I–” “Mom, when can you make me a paper plane??” “If you could just wait ONE MINUTE–” Then I caught myself. We’d spent well over a minute arguing about this, and I wasn’t getting dinner done any faster. It’s not like the kid couldn’t fold his own damn plane, part of me riled; yet another part realised that this was as much about connecting with Mom as it was about the plane. Plus I fold them better. Because, you know, we didn’t have real toys in the olden days so I have more practice. “Sure, sweetheart,” I said. I took the piece of paper he was tendering to me, and folded it into a plane. It took less than a minute. Predictably, his brother and sister followed in quick succession with requests for equal opportunity representation in the aeronautical department. Instead of putting them off for one excruciating minute

JUNE 2020

at a time, I complied. With those couple of minutes spent folding paper planes, I bought 30 minutes of peace while the kids played beautifully in the garden. Meanwhile, I managed to finish cooking dinner, plus type up most of this column. Paper planes, of course, are a metaphor for a greater approach to parenting. Children are ravenous for knowledge, and impatient to boot. They have an innate need to learn, to explore, to find out, to experiment, to discover. It’s our primary job as parents to guide and to coach them, and their education should come before anything else (even dinner). There’s precedent for this in our scriptures: “We do not divert schoolchildren from their Torah studies even for the sake of building the Holy Temple” (Shabbat 119b). The same page of Talmud cautions that “Jerusalem was destroyed only because the schoolchildren were diverted from their Torah studies”. (Well, that was Rav Hamnuna’s opinion. Others argue diverging interpretations. As they would) The point is: teaching is important to us. With schools not set to go back for weeks (in some cases, perhaps months), education is taking on a new meaning. Or rather, a very old one. Before we outsourced pedagogy to preparatory colleges and scholarly academies, we taught our children what they needed to know about life. I’m not knocking formal schools – they’re vital for teaching our kids things we might not be able to, like algebra and frog dissection and stuff that involves Bunsen burners and centrifuges. Schools also save many a parent’s sanity. But schools alone are seldom enough. Jewish education has always begun at home. Home is where children learn without the pressure of deadlines and outcomes and exams and reports. Home is where they imbibe values. Home is where they learn how to truly live. It’s easy for a busy parent to forget this (guilty as charged). Lockdown has reminded me how children learn through play. To me, that paper plane was just a paper plane; not as important as the task of getting dinner on the table. In fact, it was far more important than dinner. It was about feeding my children’s appetite for knowledge. Experimenting in the garden is learning about Hashem’s wide and wondrous world; playing together teaches manners, mutual respect, and derech eretz (how we conduct ourselves in the world). Adults need to learn lessons too sometimes. I’ve learned that the best approach to parenting is to give our children what they need first, even if it will put our schedule out by a couple of minutes. It’s not about winning a battle of wills; it’s about being willing to share a victory. They’ll feel loved, you’ll feel like Supermom, and everyone can get on with their day with a warm fuzzy feeling and a sense of wonder. This way, we’re all winners. Now that’s good parenting, plane and simple. Until next time!

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COMMUNITY ABOVE BOARDNEWS ABOVE BOARD

Above Board

Mary Kluk, National Chairman

A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies

Regards all!

While the core mandate of the SAJBD is to safeguard the rights

we have partnered with the Angel Network, an NGO founded

and promote the welfare of South African Jewry, there are times by a group of Jewish women in Johannesburg that even before At the time of writing, we are approximately half-way through the three week lockdown period imposed to counter the spread of where, as the representative body, the lockdown doing outstanding in terms of helping COVID-19. Thiscommunity’s is very much uncharted territory, notwe justinvolve for South Africa but for the was entire world. No-one canwork declare with any degree ourselves matters of wider past, severely disadvantaged communities. working of certaintyinhow things will allnational play out,concern. whetherIninthe terms of this fighting the disease itself or how our society will We copehave with been the inevitable stresses and assisting strains that this unprecedented crisis has(including placed upon it.with We them can only and pray that(Community the radical measures adopted has included victims of xenophobic violence on hope numerous CAN Action Network) will be the successful in safeguarding us from silent in our midst. during unrest that erupted in Durban in the 2015) andenemy flood and initiatives in Gauteng and with these substantial additional

fire relief initiatives. At the time of writing, the overriding challenge funds are now in the process of rolling out an assortment of Ours is a time of unprecedented stress and anxiety, yet the picture is not altogether bleak. While history has shown how frustratingly facing the country is to provide those unable to generate any projects in both the rural and urban areas of Gauteng, Eastern self-destructive humanity can be when pursuing their own selfish interests, it has also demonstrated that when there is a unity of kind of income due to lockdown conditions with sufficient food to Cape, Western Cape, KZN, Limpopo and North West Province. purpose, people are capable of showing tremendous resilience, creativity, adaptability and, most importantly, altruism. If there is one sustain themselves and their dependents. Even after lockdown For more details, I recommend listening to the messages from thing that should encourage us right now it is that we are all, quite literally, “in it together”. As a result, we are seeing people from restrictions been lifted, many people will still require andgood. the Angel Network’s Glynn Wolman, which right across have the political, racial and social spectrum working togetherWendy for the Kahn common assistance while they try to re-establish themselves in what will

can be found, along with information on some of the other

inevitably be of a purpose very harsh economic climate. The Boardinhas inspiring that is at being on our Facebook and website Such a unity is evident in the inspiring manner which the Jewish work community, bothdone the individual and communal level, are combining theirdevoting efforts inmuch getting these very difficult The immediate challenge is to ensure that the basic material accordingly been of us itsthrough time and resources to times. (http://sajbd.org/). needs ofa all community members this exceptionally making meaningful difference in are this met area,ineither through its tough economic climate, during the lock-down and in the difficult months that are sure to follow. Here, numerous funding initiatives have beenwill launched to provide aninelement of financial support. own projects or by working with and supporting other Jewish-led The day come when we, and time future generations, will Another critical area that must be addressed is that of mental and emotional health, particularly for those living alone. As I write, upliftment initiatives. look back on this very difficult period in our country’s history outstanding work is being done by Jewish welfare organisations throughout the country, which are providing outstanding professional and evaluate the extent to which our community responded to and volunteer services and hotlines to reassure, advise and generally comfort those members of our community who need it most. Thanks to an extremely generous from an possible the complex moral logistical challenges of the day. We cana Recognising the need for people to feel contribution connected and where contribute, the and SAJBD has launched #LockdownMensch, anonymous donor and further contributions from other be justifiably proud of what has been and is being doneways in that forum for community members to share experiences, describe what they are doing to assist one another and identify further in community members, have now been able to take the regard. However, right now our focus has to be on continuing which they can make a we meaningful difference. outreach we are already involved in and elevate it to another this essential, indeed life-saving humanitarian work. Every Both our National Director Wendy Kahn and I have spoken on several international briefing Jewry our level. Last month, the Board launched its R9 million aid fund contribution helps, noplatforms matter how small,global and I urge all about members community’s response to the pandemic. It is gratifying to see that our community leadership’s decisive action has been widely to provide food to communities in need during the lockdown. of our community who are in a position to do so to come on recognised and praised. Likewise, we believe that government’s firm and decisive leadership at this difficult time has been exemplary. To ensure that these funds are put to the best use possible, board in whatever way they can. We encourage our community wherever possible to contribute to the Solidarity Fund launched by President Ramaphosa to assist those worst hit by the COVID-19 crisis, irrespective of whether it is a large or a small donation so that we can be part of helping alleviate the hardship in our country. For details, see our Facebook page.

14 APRIL 2020 Our Community, Our People, Our Magazine

Our Community, Our People, Our Magazine JUNE 2020 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Expanded crisis management efforts amid lockdown extension

hile the majority of us muddle through the extended Covid-19 lockdown, the SAJBD KZN Covid-19 Crisis Management Team (CMT) stepped up a gear, intensifying its crisis management strategy with vigor and flair. Thank you to the heroes of our noble Jewish community who have continued to go above and beyond in their selfless investment of long hours to ensure that the safety and protection of our community is upheld. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies KwaZulu-Natal (SAJBD KZN) Council acknowledges and would like to give thanks in particular to David Unterslak, Liezel Patterson, Mike Alper and the CSO who have camped out in their respective operations centres to efficiently deal with organisational and community issues, as well as all other members of the community without whom this would not be possible. Mike Alper has been exceptionally benevolent and taken it upon himself to cater to personal requests of both residents and staff who are not permitted to leave their places of residence during lockdown. Besides being in charge of issuing food and running both remote quarantine houses, Mike has sourced special requests such as flavoured coffees, specific honey brands, Easter eggs, cat food to feed the stray cats at the club, ice-cream and even a chocolate cake for one of the Beth Shalom staff member’s birthday. As if this was not enough, Mike along with David, still finds time to hand out sporting equipment, games, toiletries and food parcels to the homeless shelters, as well as over 300 loaves of bread weekly to hungry people on street corners, and facilitated the purchase and personal delivery of flowers on behalf of a family to a Beth Shalom resident on Mother’s Day.

BY JACQUELINE HERBST

of two off-site quarantine houses. Ten days into self-quarantine, the staff members are tested for a second time. Should the results of the second test also come back negative, staff returns to caring for residents after day 14 of self-quarantine where they work for three weeks before going on a week’s leave, starting the cycle all over again. During the three weeks of working with Beth Shalom and Jewel House residents, staff members stay in the quarantine living area at the DJC where they are not permitted to leave the premises for any reason - aside for going to work. They are transported to work and back by the Beth Shalom bus and to their homes and back to the quarantine houses when they go on leave and return from leave, by private taxi service, so that they never use public transport and risk getting infected in that way. All taxi drivers are screened before every trip to further protect staff and residents. The SAJBD KZN CMT is able to house 30 – 40 rotating workers at a time, thanks to the KNZC and Beit David making their properties available and we would like to thank them both for their generous cooperation in this regard.

The SAJBD KZN Council also commends the Beth Shalom team General Manager, Sylvia Collins, Matron, Wendy Robinson and Kitchen Manager, Nola Robin as well as the staff, care workers and DJC staff who continue to live in quarantine at the Durban Jewish Club (DJC). The DJC continues to operate as a quarantine living area for Beth Shalom staff while the Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre has at the time of going to press been used more than 2 000 times as a refreshment station for members of the SAPS, Durban Metro Police, municipal workers and volunteers who help with the homeless in temporary shelters on the vacant land next to the club. Due to the lockdown extension and the continued need to protect Beth Shalom and Jewel House residents, the SAJBD KZN CMT has engaged with a company called Health Equity who assist with Covid-19 testing of all staff returning from leave on rotation cycles, as well as other community-related Covid-19 cases. The Beth Shalom staff rotate on a meticulously implemented six week roster that to date has yielded a zero infection rate – a truly remarkable feat, especially for an organisation that operates from the heart of one of the country’s “big four” infection hotspots. Upon returning from a week’s leave, staff are tested for Covid-19 (not only screened) and put under 14 days self-quarantine in one

JUNE 2020

Personal experience at ground zero From what I’ve seen, this is probably the best run Covid-19 disaster management venue in the country and I am not surprised that at the time of going to press, not a single staff member had been infected. Arriving at the club on Monday, 11 May, armed with my media permit, medical mask, bottle of 70% alcohol sanitiser as well as a confirmed appointment to interview the CMT - Covid-19 armour that usually guarantees entry anywhere else in the country - I was taken aback by the level of scrutiny to which I was subjected to gain access to the club. None of the above tools of the trade meant anything; before the security guard would even consider taking my temperature I had to reverse out of the driveway and wait on the road for the guard to obtain permission from CSO to screen me.

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COMMUNITY NEWS The MP registration number of my car just added to the suspicion; it was like I was a complete stranger from a dodgy area. Once sanitized, screened, questioned at length about my movements in the last two weeks, I was allowed onto the property. At the front door, I had to complete a form, sanitize again and was told to wait outside in the parking area until the CMT was ready to see me. The operations centre in the board room, where the interview took place with appropriate social distancing and more sanitiser, is a state of the art nerve centre with sophisticated video conferencing equipment, comfortable chairs around a very large table, a refreshment station and air-conditioning. All doors leading to the rest of the club’s facilities are clearly marked with signs announcing that those specific areas are restricted as Covid-19 quarantine areas. At this point in time I learnt that during level five lockdown, the CMT were called out to deal with the unfortunate death of a close friend and member of the community and they would like to pay special tribute to Drs. Kams Govender and Saxony Olivier for their total commitment and heroism in the handling of the matter. Below is a letter that Dr. Govender wrote as a special tribute to Dr. Olivier, following the event:

Appeal for funding The unprecedented challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic have put a hefty additional financial burden on the UCF. Countless Covid-19 tests performed on staff to protect our community’s most vulnerable and the hiring of extra staff and security mean the UCF has had to fork out hundreds of thousands of Rand per month in addition to the normal financial assistance offered to the community. The economic fallout from the pandemic has caused regular donations to dwindle and investments to produce a lower yield, which is why we appeal for any donations to the UCF to help us help the community. Donors can be issued with a Section 18 certificate and donations can be specifically tagged for Covdid-19 relief. Banking details: Standard Bank IUA-UCF Campaign Acc. 050779036

IUA-UCF

Special tribute to forensic pathologist on duty Dr. Saxony Olivier “Being a doctor for the past 25 years, it’s been my greatest passion to drive love and compassion in healthcare. It gave me such joy last week when I got to see it in action by a fellow colleague during a case we attended to. I was called to assist the Jewish community in Durban after a community member suddenly collapsed and died in a public space. Under the new Covid-19 regulations, a state post mortem and an urgent Covid-19 test were mandatory for release of the body. This happened a day before the long weekend (Workers Day) and the deceased was transferred to the state mortuary. Due to the sensitivity, the community requested an urgent post mortem as the deceased had to be transported to Johannesburg. After several enquiries I managed to reach the forensic pathologist on duty Dr Saxony Olivier. Considering the public holiday, I expected the task to be a challenge, but I was taken aback by the compassion and care by Dr Olivier. She responded immediately and her willingness to assist the community and the deceased family exceeded my expectations. Her professionalism, kindness and support was hugely refreshing. She agreed to avail herself early on a public holiday to perform a post mortem and to assist with the Covid-19 testing so that the body could be released. The community was overwhelmed by her support. She made time to chat and comfort representatives of the community and assist them with any other concerns they had. I salute my amazing colleague for her outstanding efforts and would love to see other colleagues follow suit during these trying times.

Jewel House Staff

Nurse with flowers

Let us all extend our hearts in healthcare.” - Dr. Kams Govender #HeartsInHealthcare #RehumanisingHealthcare #love #compassion

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Quarantine House Staff

JUNE 2020

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Talmud Torah by Cheryl Unterslak

Talmud Torah continues during lockdown. We sent out a WhatsApp to all parents/students offering them the opportunity to learn with Rabbi Vegoda on Zoom. I’m happy that some students have taken up this offer. WhatsApp messages with connections to museums in Israel have been sent enabling the students to have virtual tours and learn in the process. Rabbi Vegoda’s ladies shiur was cancelled because he couldn’t travel to DBN. Instead a link was sent to all who normally attend this shiur so that they could learn from the excellent shiur he had given on the Pesach idea of finding true freedom.

All the teaching material for second term, and the next PJ Library books have been delivered to me and prepared for all of the different schools. We are going to try our best to get them delivered to as many students as possible. The Talmud Torah team wishes all parents and students a happy, healthy and good Kasher le Pesach, and we look forward to teaching you all again. May this COVID 19 virus soon be eradicated.

This year the chaggim have worked out a bit differently from what we at the Young Israel Centre had planned. Lag B’Omer is normally one of the highlights of our calendar, with the house filled with people all singing and roasting marshmallows around the bonfire. Even though we could not host a big function this year, we decided that Lag BaOmer is not Lag B’Omer without a bonfire and marshmallows. While we carry on with the traditions, it is most definitely not the same without the whole community celebrating with us, and we look forward to Bezrat Hashem being able to share a busy house with you all again soon.

Talmud Torah by Cheryl Unterslak Talmud Torah has continued to provide as many children as possible with a Jewish education during lockdown. Granted there were a few changes that had to be made in order to fulfil this, yet with the new ideas implemented, we are - BH - working well and in full force.

The Talmud Torah teachers are hard at work with Norma Bloch at Eden. Together they are utilising Zoom and Google classroom to ensure that all the respective children are receiving a Jewish education – this included distributing printed booklets to the junior and senior primary school students prior to lockdown.

I was thrilled to receive the PJ Library books before lockdown and decided to hand deliver the books for April and May. This couldn’t have been done without the help of Sue Jacobson who assisted with deliveries on the Berea and the Bluff areas. I have no doubt that the children were as happy to receive the books as their parents were.

Rabbi Vegoda is doing the lion’s share of the teaching, the students absolutely adore him and just love the way that he teaches! Rabbi Vegoda has been such a brocha to the Durban Jewish community over the years.

As with all of the PJ Library books, they are beautifully illustrated and hold special Jewish lessons within each story.

JUNE 2020

Rabbi Vegoda’s adult shiur is still taking place and is sent to all those normally attending as well as to those who have requested the recording. If anyone would like to be added to the distribution list please contact me on Whatsapp 083 799 6440.

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May 2020 is the year of the Nurse. What a way under lockdown to commemorate the Nursing Fraternity. Without these brave souls where would we all be today? I would like to give thanks and praise to all the nurses who are diligently going about their work no matter what - thinking about the safety of all residents. It is truly admirable and we salute each and every one of you. In addition to acknowledging the nurses, I must also not forget the excellent work being done at Beth Shalom in all our Departments namely our kitchen staff who are ensuring that delicious and nutritional meals are being given to our residents, carers are giving adequate care to our elderly and infirm, our housekeeping department is working hard to ensure that laundry services and rooms are being attended to timeously. Thanks too must also go to our Maintenance Department who have been working in the kitchen and to our security who are doing a great job ensuring our safety whilst in lockdown. In addition, we appreciate our coordinator Mavis Jones whose efforts have not gone unnoticed at Beth Shalom as well as being Housemother to the staff who are residing at the Jewish Club whilst in lockdown. A special note to the carers who are taking turns in cooking their meals on their days off at the Club.

Being Jewish we have faced hardships that threaten our lives Yet as a nation we continue to thrive. When will this catastrophe come right There is no cure in sight. Life will be different when we emerge from this crisis All caused by a dreaded virus. Residents of Beth Shalom need a positive attitude And for such protection and caring Show heartfelt gratitude.

A huge vote of thanks to Patrick our driver who has been working every single day since our lockdown commenced without a single day off. At this time I would like to thank our residents Gerselle Epstein and Lynette Sterling who have been assisting at our Reception. I would like to end this by sharing the Serenity Prayer: G-D grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know The difference. Beth Shalom Home of Caring by Joan Truscott: Beth Shalom has been in lockdown because of the corona virus it has caused an awful fuss And awoken a fear in all of us. Covid 19 came like a thief in the night It is a war we all have to fight. Many staff have sacrificed family life And stayed on the premises to help us through Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful thing they have chosen to do. The staff of Beth Shalom are too numerous to name one by one. It is amazing what each has done. For five days we were kept in our rooms Not allowed to leave. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a situation of which in our lifetime we never did conceive. Meals and teas were delivered to each door. No home could possibly do more. This happened around Passover a busy time of year Those in charge showed they really care. Beth Shalom residents are treated with dignity and respect We know we will receive kindness and help we can expect.

JUNE 2020

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Women of Actiom THE UJW DURBAN HAS BEEN BUSY HELPING DURING ‘LOCKDOWN’ The Union in Durban has been involved in the following: 1. A meal of lamb chops - a special treat - was sponsored for the Beth Shalom Residents. 2. Each member of the UJW Exec wrote a personal “how are you” note to all the Beth Shalom Residents who were absolutely delighted to receive the letters. 3. Beth Shalom residents were each given a magazine and an aerosol moisture cream for Mothers’ Day. 4. LOTS of wool was purchased and delivered to Beth Shalom to help keep the residents busy. 5. Helping set up a dormitory at the Durban Jewish Centre for the Beth Shalom care givers. Bedding, mattresses, towels, containers and a number of other essential items were collected to make the caregivers as comfortable as possible. They were also given copies of two magazines. 6. Sports equipment, such as balls and bats and playing cards, magazines and books were collected & given to the shelters housing the homeless to help keep them occupied. 7. donation of plastic chairs was delivered for the use of clinic staff assessing the health of the homeless. 8. The Union and a few individual members purchased 224 fabric

10.

11. 12.

masks for the Neonatal Department at King Edward hospital. They were distributed to the mothers’ needing to stay with their little ones. This alleviated use of medical masks, thus freeing those for medical procedures. It was noted that the department had a genuine shortage of masks of any kind. A generous donation from the Margaret Ballinger Welfare fund allowed the Union to purchase some much needed diapers and baby formula for the Cato Crest community. With the magnanimous help of a member of our community, the donation was stretched beyond all expectations. Packs of baby blankets, creams, beanies and soaps were added. With the help of Tracey Friedman and Kendyll Jacobson the Union put together educational packs for 100 children grades 000 to 3. These were distributed to the Tumaini refugee community to help keep their children busy and learning. Goods were collected and distributed to Zimbabwean women who have no access to any Government aid. Magazines were delivered to the Moses Mabida Stadium for the shelter established there for drug addicts.

All the above confirming that the UJW is a group of “Women of Action”.

Kendyll handing over the masks to Dr Hadebe of the Neonatal ward

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JUNE 2020

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by Cheryl Unterslak

his year Yom HaZikaron and Yom Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;atzmaut were different for Jews around the World and especially in Israel. Yom HaZikaron is such a sad day as we remember and mourn all those who lost their lives while in the IDF protecting Israel and the Jewish people. The state has also made it a commemorative day for those killed in Israel from hatred in terror attacks; men, women, children and babies, who died because they were Jews. I am usually in Israel on Yom Hazikaron and I go to mount Herzl (Har HaKikaron), and attend the two ceremonies that take place during the day; one for the soldiers and one for those that lost their lives from terrorism. I am able to talk to the families and give them support. I also go and visit as many of the families as I can on that day. It is heart-breaking to see the familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pain. The children remember their parents, grandparents and siblings and the parents remember children and siblings. Some of the families have lost a number of relatives in different wars or terror attacks. Last year when I was at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl, I saw three graves next to each other of three brothers who were all killed on different dates during the war of independence. What an enormous tragedy and I thought about the emotional pain that the parents had been through and the sacrifice that they made so that we can have a state of Israel today. Moving amongst the graves (which are all identical regardless of rank or unit), after the ceremonies you see family members crying at graves and Rabbis with their Yeshivah bochers going from grave to grave telling stories of the heroic deeds and legacies of these soldiers. I saw that someone had placed half of a surfboard in front of the tombstone of one soldier who must have been a surfer. I saw another grave of a young woman covered in bracelets, and there were stands holding even more bracelets. Some graves had many visitors and were covered in flowers and stones. Then there were people from seminaries, yeshivot, various organizations and

22 APRIL 2020

individuals placing stones and flowers and saying prayers at less visited graves of people who had sacrificed so much - for example the mass grave of 204 Bulgarian Jews who were drowned at sea and others. DIVOTE is connected to so many of the heroes families, and I spent the day phoning and messaging as many of the families as possible to tell them that the South African Jewish community was thinking of them during this difficult day and that we are with them in spirit. The families were deeply touched and they all said that the pain was so much worse this year, as they find that the many hugs that they normally receive at the ceremonies and from other bereaved families gives them chizuk and helps them with their pain. This year they all had none of that. I also contacted some of the injured soldiers who have lost friends killed fighting beside them. A number of the families thanked DIVOTE for remembering them on this hard day. They appreciated the love and support from the South African Jewish community. We owe these heroes and their families so much, and should never take Israel or their sacrifices for granted. May all of these heroes neshomas have an Aliyah, and may their friends and loved ones find peace. Because of their sacrifices we can all celebrate Yom Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;atzmaut with so much happiness, the very next day. I missed watching all the singing and dancing in the streets, parks and at the Kottel. BH as Jews we carry on with Emunah, positivity and now strength because we have the State of Israel and the IDF to protect us.

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Beit David Hebrew School Despite the fact that our children cannot physically attend Cheder, our dedicated teachers are still hard at work ensuring that Jewish studies and Hebrew classes continue. Worksheets are continually being uploaded to Google drive and last Saturday was the first Cheder lesson via Zoom.

Yom Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;atzmaut - celebrating from home

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APRIL 2020

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JUNE 2020

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homes. It has been heart-warming to see the incredible daily attendance by Durbanites at our online shul and shiurim.

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The lockdown has created an incredible opportunity for unity in that our united community can now attend a unity shul service each Friday night on Zoom. This is an example of how we can focus on the magic and not the tragic.

Zooming into Torah

We have launched Super Sunday Torah each Sunday at 7pm, 40 minutes of Super Torah with guest speakers such as Dayan Smith from the Beth Din in Jhb. Each night our Shuls at Silverton Rd and UJC meeta for a wonderful which Since theFriday lockdown we have called on the congregation to attend wonderful KabbalatKabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat, which includes a sermon and shul in their own homes.and It has been heart-warming see the davening, The Chief and Chazan have already been includes a sermon davening, The ChieftoRabbi and Chazan Yaron, haveRabbi already been aYaron, guest. a guest. incredible daily attendance by Durbanites at our online shul and shiurim. Not being able to attend shul in person is a struggle, especially when it comes to Yizkor, a pre Pesach Not being able to attend shul in person is a struggle, especially service onlineanwas held opportunity and very well attended. Although so much canabe online, appears TheYizkor lockdown has created incredible for unity in that when it comes to Yizkor, predone Pesach Yizkor it service online was ourthat united community can now attend a unity shul service each held and very well attended. Although so much can be done online, being on a live call adds an extra social aspect. it appears that being on a live call adds an extra social aspect. Friday night on Zoom. This is an example of how we can focus on theAmagic and not service the tragic.for Brett Hummel OBM was held online; over 2500 views had taken place since this memorial A memorial service for Brett Hummel OBM was held online; over was written, the service found the Jewish Centre Book page. Wearticle have launched Super Sunday Torah can eachbe Sunday at on 7pm, 40 uMhlanga 2500 views had taken placeFace since this article was written, the service minutes of Super Torah with guest speakers such as Dayan Smith can be found on the uMhlanga Jewish Centre Face Book page. Jewish community from the Beth Din in Jhb. life continues throughout this different time in our lives and we look forward to once Jewish community life continues throughout this different time in our again soon returning to our shul. Each Friday night our Shuls at Silverton Rd and UJC meet for lives and we look forward to once again soon returning to our shul.

Past events at online shul

APRIL 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Norma Bloch

Shalom

Emma showing her Hebrew task completed

The last few weeks have been a crazy and sometimes even scary time as teachers, pupils and parents alike have had to adjust to online learning. Poor connectivity, no data, and sharing computers with siblings and parents are just some of the difficulties and challenges we have faced. However, it must be said that it has been an excellent learning experience, and as each week passes our knowledge and skills with online education continues to become more competent and successful.

Giaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s map of Israel and the surronding countries

Below are some of the tasks that the pupils have completed during this time. Lehitraot.

Gilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art showing his connection to Israel

Michal is so proud of the beautiful map she made of Israel

JUNE 2020

Hannah holding her letter to an Israeli soldier

Zoom lesson with Rabbi Vegoda

Welcoming Eden pupils to online learning

Our Community, Our People, Our Magazine

COMMUNITY NEWS

Keeping it Together Apart at the DUHC by Michael Greenbaum Despite the continued Covid-19 pandemic lockdown which has seen our Shuls closed and physical contact prevented, the DUHC and the Umhlanga Jewish Centre have ensured that the Jewish community has been provided with “virtual” ongoing Jewish education. This has enabled mass participation in celebratory events through the Zoom meeting technology, which allows easy video accessibility on your phone or computer to shiurim, sermons, meetings and communal events while in the comfort and safety of your home. During these past months, Zoom has brought the congregations of both Silverton and Umhlanga Shuls together for many events. Our most regular event is our virtual Kabbalat Shabbat every Friday at 16:00 before Shabbat. Recently we had - as guest speaker Chief Rabbi Goldstein, who gave the Shabbat sermon. Another highlight was the participation from Israel of our much-admired former chazzan, Cantor Yaron Kalmonowitz, who led the Kabbalat Shabbat service with his exceptional voice and presence. “Yishar Koach” to Yaron for his excellent Kabbalat Shabbat, which he did without the usual choir to accompany him. Rabbi Zekry gave his sermon on the obligation of parents to personally educate their children in ethics, good values, religion and spirituality, and to be menschen. He said these life teachings are not emphasised or available in external academic institutions or outside the family home. Another well-attended ongoing Zoom event is Super Sunday Torah at 19:00 where Rabbis Zekry and Greenblum give shiurim on a variety of topics. Over Pesach, Rabbi Greenblum used the WhatsApp messaging service to send video shiurim teaching us about the meaning and performance of the various stages of the Seder as well as shiurim on Counting of the Omer and Shavuot.

be performed if no physical danger exists and protective measures are taken. In conclusion, Rabbi Zekry thanked Rabbi Smith for his excellent shiur and hoped that we will have the privilege of hearing him again in the future. On L’ag B’Omer, we will join the Great Park Shul in Johannesburg and other South African Shuls uniting around the country for an online Zoom event called the “Shmooza Zoom Unity Celebration”. Rabbi Zekry said that he has been delighted with the excellent response and the participation of our many congregants in this modern technology, which although apart keeps us together learning and progressing in our spirituality and Yiddishkeit. In addition we can participate in other national events such as virtual Yom Ha’Zikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaot through the Chief Rabbi’s office. The DUHC especially thanks Rev. Gilad Friedman of the Umhlanga Jewish Centre for coordinating and hosting the Zoom meetings. Obituary – Brett Hummel OBM A memorial service was recently held for Brett Hummel OBM. Brett came from Johannesburg to be our Mashgiach in Durban where he supervised Kashrut at Durban’s kosher food facilities including the butchery at Pick n Pay, Circle Café, Beth Shalom and the Jewish Club. The memorial service was held through Zoom where a large number of people participated and over 2,300 watched through our website. This was a wonderful tribute to Brett – a testimony to his popularity and how much he was loved by his family and the Durban community. We will miss his friendly manner and dedication to his important work. We offer our sincere and deep condolences to all the members of his family.

On L’ag B’Omer, our guest speaker was Dayan Rabbi Yoel Smith from Johannesburg. Rabbi Smith gave a shiur relevant to our times on the Halacha when we are faced with a life-threatening medical situation. He compared the Halacha of the Talmudic concept of the plague with the present virus and our individual obligations. In general, he said we must never put ourselves in danger even to perform a mitzvah. He said the Talmud defines a plague if 3 people or more, in a city of 500 able-bodied citizens, die each day over 3 consecutive days. Rabbi Smith said one should flee the city before the plague is confirmed, but once it is confirmed, one should stay home to prevent panic. He said the Talmud prescribes that one should close the windows because “the air is mouldy” or the air is dangerous because the plague was airborne. This would not necessarily apply to us because Covid-19 is spread person to person in droplet form. Rabbi Smith said the Talmud says one should not go to Shul unless there are 10 people present or if children are studying there. Rabbi Smith said that during a plague or pandemic, one should not go into danger outside so we must heed advice to wear masks. But he said that doctors and other professionals whose parnassah, work, is in essence dangerous, may go out to earn a living even if it is dangerous. In general, he said that it is prohibited to perform a mitzvah if it puts an individual in danger. He said a Tahara may

Our Community, Our People, Our Magazine

JUNE 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

With Israel, in sadness and in joy This past month saw Jews around the world commemorate Yom Hazikaron together and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut together as we do every year. But this year was very different from other years. Instead of large communal memorial observances and well-attended joyous festivities at the Durban Jewish Centre, we congregated in front of our laptops or on our smartphones, to participate in ceremonies and gatherings in cyberspace. We got to be present at live events taking place in Israel, something many of us would never have been privileged to attend in person ever. On Monday evening, 27 April, Jews around the world honoured the fallen of the IDF and the heroes of terror. Through the efforts of the South African Zionist Federation and Israel Centre, we were able to be part of an extremely moving online ceremony broadcast from Latrun, Israel, by Masa Israel Journey. Tuesday evening, 28 April saw a global Hallel service to usher in Yom Ha’atzmaut, facilitated by Mizrachi World Union. The lineup of Yom Ha’atzmaut activities on offer on Wednesday 29 May included an art workshop for children by Israeli artist Hanoch

JUNE 2020

Piven in the morning, and a panel discussion on different views of Zionism, organised by the Wits SAUJS team, in the afternoon. This was followed a global family Israel Quiz, under the auspices of Etgar, a Jewish educational initiative in Britain, which was, by all accounts, a great deal of fun. Thereafter we were treated to a cooking presentation with Israeli celebrity chef Haim Cohen, then a live musical performance by popular Jewish reggae star Matisyahu, and finally an online dance party hosted by Israeli radio station Galgalatz. Many of the above activities and events are still available to view on the Facebook page of the SAZF if you missed them. In addition, KwaZulu Natal Zionist Council sponsored a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration at Jewel House, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the residents (see photos). 2020 is likely to go down in history as a year which changed at least some of the ways we do things. We hope that you and your families have found some positives in the current situation and taken the opportunity to learn new skills, nurture relationships and widen your knowledge.

Our Community, Our People, Our Magazine

COMMUNITY NEWS

With the state of the economy as it is at present, it is no wonder that Masada, like other workshops are feeling the pinch. Our contract work has diminished from what is has been in the past. We would like to appeal to all Jewish business men and women to help us find suitable and meaningful work. This will keep our Masadaniks busy and we will be able to continue with this Holy project and to fulfill our mission statement:

“Work with Dignity”

We are capable, willing and meet our obligations...

a e k a M tion Dona

Please help us help ourselves. WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY FUNDING FROM THE UCF Should you wish to make a TAX DEDUCTABLE donation, please do so by EFT or depositing into our Bank Account:

DUHC – MASADA TRUST – STANDARD BANK – ACCOUNT 050768581 BRANCH CODE: 051001 TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT: 99 Bellevue Rd, Musgrave, Durban. Tel: 031-202-3419.

APRIL 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Please support our special initiative and a chance to win a beautiful painting by Angelika Miracles Are Seeds of Kindness (MASK) Hold onto the Highs (Chai’s) and let go of the Lockdown Lows, step out from behind your mask and make a difference! Your beauty routine is history, so donate what you would have spent instead to a worthy cause. WIZO Durban together with Angelika Anastasis Art are raising funds to secure face MASKs and food hampers for severely distressed households in the Valley of 1000 Hills. Hampers consist of maize meal, baby food, laundry and bath soap, sugar and other canned and dried food. Your donation of R180, R360 or R540 enters you into a draw to win this beautiful original piece of art called ‘Batya’ (Daughter of G-d) by Angelika Anastasis. BANKING DETAILS: WIZO Durban – FNB – 50880579741 Beach branch 220126 Reference: Full name & MASK The MASKs and hampers will be donated to The Valley Trust (TVT) Emergency Relief Drive. The campaign aims to provide relief to vulnerable households in the Valley of 1000 Hills.

JUNE 2020

Our Community, Our People, Our Magazine

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cooking with Judy and Linda

GLOBAL FLAVOURS – Part 1 MEXICAN CHICKEN FAJITAS

1kg Chicken stir fry 1 Red pepper de-seeded and thinly sliced

1 Onion, peeled, halved & thinly sliced 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Marinade: ½ Cup lemon juice ½ Teaspoon paprika ¼ Teaspoon cumin powder 1 Teaspoon salt 1 Teaspoon crushed garlic

1 Tablespoon soy sauce ¼ Teaspoon chilli powder ¼ Teaspoon oregano Freshly ground black pepper 1 Teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

Mix all the ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl. Add the chicken, onion and red pepper and marinate covered for a few hours. Heat a wok with a little oil – remove the chicken and vegetables from the marinade and stir fry on high (heat in batches) for a couple of minutes. Serve with warm tortilla or wraps and top with chopped tomato salsa, diced avocado pear and shredded lettuce and for a little heat some sliced pickled jalapenos (optional). Roll and gobble up!

GREEK ROAST LAMB 1 2kg lamb roast 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1½ Teaspoons dried oregano Freshly ground black pepper 1 Tablespoon olive oil

½ Cup fresh lemon juice 2 Cloves garlic, crushed 1 Teaspoon salt ½ Cup fresh lemon juice 6 Large potatoes, peeled & quartered

Mix the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Season the lamb roast well then place in a large Ziploc bag and add lemon marinade. Seal and refrigerate overnight or for a few hours, turning often. Place the potatoes in an oiled large roasting pan – season generously with salt and pepper. Place the lamb and marinade on top of the potatoes and roast 190degC for 2 hours. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and rest for about 15 minutes.

AMERICAN BEEF BURGERS Makes 4 patties

500g lean beef mince (at room temperature) 1 Onion, finely chopped 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 Clove garlic crushed 1 Tablespoon Balsamic vinegar 1 Tablespoon tomato sauce 1 Tablespoon Worchester sauce 2 Tablespoons finely chopped parsley In a small frying pan, sauté the onion in the olive oil until soft and glassy – add the garlic Remove from the heat and set aside until cool! Add the mince and all remaining ingredients. Shape into patties and shallow fry in hot Canola oil Serve on burger buns with an assortment of toppings and sauces. Let your imagination go free!

BIRTHS BIRTHS Mazeltov to: Mazeltov to: Des and Noelyne Levin on the birth of their first great grandchild; Michael and Debbie Joffe onSimcha the birth a granddaughter born to a daughter born to Raphael andofTali Levin in Johannesburg. Saul and Emma.

BIRTHDAYS BAT/BARMITZVAH Mazeltov to: Mazeltov to: Sidney Lazarus on his 60th birthday. Michael and Bev Selikow, grandmothers Frankie Selikow and Larry Sack on his 50th birthday. Sharon Maserow and great grandmother Leah Maserow on the Sheila Schumann on her 90th birthday. occasion of Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s barmitzvah. Elaine Goldberg on her 90th birthday.

DEATHS BAT/BARMITZVAH Condolences to: Mazeltov to:Jonathan Sacks on the passing of their father Michael Bradley and Itai Joanne Mizrachi andand to Anita Gresack on and the family passingon of the her barmitzvah brother. of their son Aylon in Israel. Susan Mabbett, on the passing of her mother Rona Alexio.

WEDDINGS

Steven, Jonathan and Karen-Bess Firer on the passing of their mother Marcia. Mazeltov to: Itzik and Yael Sapo and family on the wedding of their son Ben to StephanieinBudlender Carmella Israel. on the passing of her father.

DEATHS Condolences to: The family of Brett Hummel on his sudden MAY 2020and tragic passing. Rita and Bruce Jacobsohn on the passing of their son David. ToDate the family Event of Hettie May on her passing. Venue 18 May

H.O.D

DJC

20 May

Sisterhood Bingo

BETH SHALOM

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