Hashalom October 2018 by Hashalom

Hashalom October 2018

Our Community. Our People. Our Magazine

Volume 95. No 2

Editorial Special Feature

Israel

Eilat coral reef defies expectations and regenerates after fish farming damage Hoping to save his own life, man designs new surgical tool

A little goes a long way Hayley Lieberthal

Politics

Why are Palestinian refugees different?

EDITORIAL

Bubkes

Past Tense

Naches News Community News

DUHC 12 Eden School 13 Divote 14 Limmud 15 SAJBD 16 Union of Jewish Women 17 Wotsup Wizo 18 Beit David 19 Brain Teasers 19 KNZC 20 UJC 21 Young Israel Centre 22 CSO 22 Beth Shalom 23 Akiva College 24 Talmud Torah 25 Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre 26 Circle Cafe 27 Durban Jewish Social Services 28 Above Board 29 Diary of Events 29 Cooking with Judy and Linda 30 Chasing the Dream 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: 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 NOVEMBER: 8 OCTOBER

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 Fishwick Printers Visit our website: www.hashalom.co.za

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With New Year celebrations under our extended belts, we find ourselves looking forward to the much needed December holidays. Time off and away is crucial to our well-being and the benefits that the break affords us are not only rewarding but essential. Our special feature (page 4 and 5) gets down to the nitty gritty of the importance that a vacation brings. To help the days pass by and especially for those that find cooking to be worthy of a leisure activity, help release stress and get your creative “juices” flowing with Judy and Linda’s delicious recipes on page 30 ; I’m salivating at the healthy chocolate truffles. And what is a holiday without a good book? Turn to page 31 for this month’s Naches News which features former Durbanite Larry Butchins’s new book: Train in the Distance. The Hashalom team is passionate people. We love what we do and do what we love; we want to continue giving our people the best magazine, which is filled with not only entertaining but also newsworthy stories, special features, community news and events. Yet we need your subscriptions in order for this to happen. Michael Bloomberg once said that taxes are necessary for people to enjoy services from them. The same applies to our community magazine. For as little as R29 per month, you can reap all the benefits we have to offer. I implore those that have not as of yet paid, to please pay your subscriptions via our easy payment options. We really have made it trouble-free with Zapper (page 3) or you can pay via EFT. There is also an option to buy an extra subscription, be it an anonymous donation or a present for a friend or family member. Lastly, Mazel tov to Brenda Liansky on completing the September QR Code question. We will be in touch to give you your delicious cake and coffee voucher.

Scan this to find out how you can get a FREE slice of CAKE

October 2018

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SPECIAL FEATURE

AS GOOD AS A HOLIDAY

STATISTICS SHOW THAT A VACATION IS NOT ONLY BENEFICIAL FOR THE BODY, SOUL AND RELATIONSHIPS AS A WHOLE, IT ALSO BOOSTS BRAIN POWER. By Hayley Lieberthal Across the border in Canada, a 2009 study of 900 lawyers conducted by researchers Joudrey and Wallace found that leisure pursuits which included active engagement such as golf and taking vacations reduced job stress. Israel

Research has proven that vacations are as important as eating healthy and keeping fit. When we maintain a healthy lifestyle coupled with regular breaks or longer vacations from the ‘grindstone’ we inevitably increase our longevity, improve current relationships and boost our brain power. Vacations give us the opportunity to shatter the stress cycle before it breaks us. We return from our holiday feeling relaxed and ready to take on the world again. We dared ourselves to fulfil our own personal goals; be it sitting on the beach, finishing that book we started back in February or discovering a new culture. Just a few days off from the hustle and bustle allows us to gain perspective of the multiple thoughts that have been dancing through our minds. We get to spend time with family and friends and through our routines out the window. However with the benefits that a holiday brings many people may feel reluctant to take up the opportunity to travel locally or abroad for various reasons. Yet research has now proved the importance of a holiday. What The Research Revealed The United States The Framingham Heart study (a long-term, on-going cardiovascular cohort study on residents of the city of Framingham, Massachusetts) has followed women in the Massachusetts town for over 20-years. The study has found that the risk of heart attacks in women who take infrequent vacations were greater than those who took vacations regularly. A further study (lasting nine years) tracked 12 000 men who were at a high risk of coronary heart disease. The study showed that the men who took annual vacations had fewer heart attacks and lower overall mortality rates. The findings all showed that employees who didn’t take vacations had a greater risk of burnout as well as feeling emotionally exhausted. These workers also reported that there were unable to handle professional demands that are placed on them. The risk of not taking a vacation and the build-up of stress created personal problems such as marriage and family difficulties, depression, overall poor health and higher rates of suicide.

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Israel sociologist Dalia Etzion, Dov Eden and Yael Lapidot observed workers before and after their annual service in the Israeli army as well as reservists who serve a few weeks each year. The study revealed that the returning reservists had significant lower levels of job stress and burnout after their deployments than before they deployed. What was more surprising is that the results revealed similarity to those people who had been on vacation. Although this may seem contrary, researchers in other countries observed the same phenomenon. Military service is physically and mentally challenging and the deployment provided a breathing space from the day-to-day stresses of civilian jobs. After a month of the reservists return from service Etzion, Eden and Lapidot observed that the effects that the break had provided them had in fact faded and they were as happy or as miserable as they had been before they left. Although Israel has one of the lowest numbers of paid leave days in a year it was reported by Haáretz (July 2013) that a whopping 831,000 Israeli’s flew out of Ben-Gurion airport on International flights. In 2017 ‘Ynetnews’ reported that the number had skyrocketed to more than 2.2 million Israelis travelling abroad. The United Kingdom Scott McCabe – a British researcher - believes that the positive benefits of a vacation are so rewarding and strong that families in the United Kingdom should be given some form of financial assistance should they be unable to afford a holiday of their own. McCabe also says that a vacation brings about a multitude of positivity into one’s life: “personal benefits have been found to include: rest and recuperation from work; provision of new experiences leading to a broadening of horizons and the opportunity for learning and intercultural communication; promotion of peace and understanding; personal and social development; visiting friends and relatives; religious pilgrimage and health; and, subjective wellbeing”. Make or Break The benefits of a holiday are the same for you or I as they are for the returning Israeli reservists. But the breaks must be regular if we wish to reap the full effects. It doesn’t take long for the memory – and the advantages – of a vacation to fade away amongst the stresses of our daily lives. Psychologists have found that the emotional boost a vacation offers only lasts about three or four weeks. For perfectionists or workaholics, however, the fadeout may happen faster. Jessica de Bloom, a psychologist and vacation researcher at Finland’s university of Tampere, puts it plainly: “breaks are like sleep; you need to take them regularly to benefit”.

SPECIAL FEATURE

What’s In It For You? •

Stress Reduction – stress creates a physiological response within the body by producing cortisol and other undesirable hormones which, in excess, can lead to anxiety, depression, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and even weight problems in individuals who consume additional calories whilst under stress. According to the Framingham Heart Study, a vacation taken every two years – rather than every six years – lessens the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks.

•

Increased mental power - Chronic stress inhibits goaldirected activities and causes problems with memory. The brain is able to focus and be more productive after a holiday.

•

Happiness – vacations create happy people. Just the idea of planning a vacation creates high levels of happiness. An individual who has planned their holiday can feel the effects up to eight weeks before the trip, according to researchers from the Netherlands who set out to measure the effect that vacations have on overall happiness and how long it lasts.

•

Less illness - Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of how stress and its associative adrenal dysfunction can alter one’s immune system, making one susceptible to numerous illnesses from colds, flu and irritable bowel syndrome to an array of more serious conditions. The more regular breaks you take from the stresses of daily life, the less likely you are to experience burnout and its related diseases.

Affordable Travel If you think travelling is a strain on your finances, consider holidaying domestically or even within your own city. Choosing a holiday that is a hyper-local reduces your fuel spend and allows you to also discover the gems on your doorstep. KwaZulu-Natal has everything from beaches to Berg to the bush. If you are able to book in advance do so and keep an eye out for specials offered by airlines, travel agents and reputable social buying websites. International travel doesn’t have to mean raiding your life savings; it can be done on a reasonable budget by choosing countries where the Rand is stronger than the country’s local currency.

Improved relationships – a relaxed mind and body promotes better communication and understanding between people. Holidays create closer bonds with family and friends. Vacations promote positive ties and create special memories amongst the humdrum of everyday life.

Some of the countries where the Rand is stronger *

Carlson Wagonlit Travel South Africa

Argentina

1 Rand Equals 2.50 Argentine Peso

Indonesia

1 Rand Equals 968.94 Indonesian Rupiah

Leaders in Corporate & Leisure travel

Japan

1 Rand Equals 7.23 Japanese Yen

Contact Sue Knoetze on 087 352 9097

Mauritius

1 Rand Equals 2.23 Mauritian Rupee

Nepal

1 Rand Equals 7.44 Nepalese Rupee

Philippines

1 Rand Equals 3.48 Philippine Piso

Russia

1 Rand Equals 4.42 Russian Ruble

Thailand

1 Rand Equals 2,12 Thai Baht

*The exchange rates listed in this article are based on rates researched at the time of print. Hashalom does not guarantee the above Rand exchange rates. Please ensure special attention is given to the ever changing exchange rate of the country you wish to visit.

October 2018

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ISRAEL

EILAT CORAL REEF DEFIES EXPECTATIONS AND REGENERATES AFTER FISH FARMING DAMAGE The resilience of Red Sea coral fascinates scientists, who try to understand why the marine life fares well in heat and seems immune to the bleaching which plagues other reefs.

BY TOI STAFF AND AFP

hile coral reefs around the world are getting sicker as a result of global warming, the reef in the southern Israeli port city of Eilat is thriving despite years of damage caused by intensive fish farming in the waters and global warming. According to a Hadashot TV news report on Friday, the healthy coral marks a victory against the damage caused by humans to underwater marine life.

Their rich chemical interactions have provided components for medications, including those for cancer and HIV patients. But while the coral reefs off Eilat and Aqaba may be able to survive global warming for now, they also face other risks. Fertilizers, pesticides, and oil pollution “harm the corals and lower their resilience to high temperatures,” Fine told the AFP last year.

From 1995-2008, waste from multiple “cages” for fish farming caused massive damage to the Red Sea coral, but after environmental and diving groups petitioned the government and appropriate authorities, the cages were removed and the coral has now bounced back. “The government thinks that we and the other ecological groups are against progress and development, but it’s not true — we just want it to be done with supervision for the sustainability of the environment,” Maya Yakbis of the Zalul environmental NGO told Hadashot. But fighting back after the pollution from the fish farming is not the only remarkable victory for the coral. Global warming has in recent years caused colorful coral reefs to bleach and die around the world — but not in the Gulf of Eilat, or Aqaba, part of the northern Red Sea.

Researchers from the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat monitor coral growth while scuba diving on June 12, 2017 in the Red Sea off Eilat. (AFP Photo / Menahem Kahana)

At the forefront of research into why the Red Sea coral seems to be so resilient, is Maoz Fine of the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, whose laboratory of water tanks and robots simulate the effects of climate change on temperature and oxygen levels in the water. Fine’s team also grows coral on tables some eight meters (26 feet) underwater in the Red Sea, in an area closed to public and dubbed “the nursery.” According to Fine, the Gulf of Eilat corals fare well in heat thanks to their slow journey from the Indian Ocean through the Bab al-Mandab strait, between Djibouti and Yemen, where water temperatures are much higher.

The Gulf of Eilat, in the Red Sea, on May 19, 2018. (Maor Kinsburksy/Flash90)

Oceans also absorb about one-third of the carbon dioxide released by human activities, resulting in increasing acidification that is harmful to corals. Coral reefs, most famously Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, are experiencing in recent years unabated mass bleaching and die-offs. Losing coral reefs is not only bad news for tourists diving to see their beauty and marine life swimming among them. Corals are important to “the whole balance of the ecosystem,” offering structure, food, and protection to a variety of marine animals, Jessica Bellworthy, a PhD student under Fine’s supervision taking part in the Eilat research said last year. The fish farming cages in the Red Sea. (Screenshot from Hadashot via Zalul)

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ISRAEL

HOPING TO SAVE HIS OWN LIFE, MAN DESIGNS NEW SURGICAL TOOL Israeli entrepreneur with life-threatening brain tumor invents novel visualization solution for brain surgeons. His company was sold for $75 million.

BY BRIAN BLUM

f you’re an Israeli entrepreneur and you’re facing a lifethreatening disease with no cure, what do you do? For Avi Yaron, the choice was clear: he’d invent one.

Now, 20 years after he was diagnosed with what his doctors told him was an inoperable brain tumor, Visionsense, the company Yaron founded to make possible the kind of surgery he needed, was sold this year to US medical equipment company Medtronic for $75 million. That’s a tidy premium over the $20 million invested in the company over the past two decades. It almost didn’t happen, Yaron tells ISRAEL21c. “Investors would say to me, politely and with all due respect, you have a ticking time bomb in your brain. Even the best surgeons can’t remove it. And you want us to invest in you?” Yaron was 26 years old when in 1993 his motorcycle crashed and he was rushed to the hospital. While in the MRI machine to check for damage, the doctors discovered something far worse: a tumor smack dab in the middle of his brain. “Avi, you’ll survive,” the doctors told Yaron. “But you need immediate surgery, after which you’ll probably end up handicapped, paralyzed on one side, you’ll suffer from cognitive dysfunction and you might have epilepsy, too.” Yaron, then an electrical engineering student, was floored. “Before that, I had been healthy, active, high on life,” he says. “I refused the surgery. I don’t know if it was amazing intuition or pure denial, but that decision saved my life.” Yaron began learning as much as he could about his condition. He studied chemistry and anatomy. He researched what technologies were available and interviewed doctors around the world – in Israel, Europe and the United States.

He eventually found a physician in New York who was able to remove the tumor. “I felt an amazing sense of victory,” he says. “I defeated the tumor!” But the doctor wasn’t able to get it all, and gradually the tumor started to grow again. There was nothing else his doctor could do – existing endoscopes (the surgical tool used to guide doctors in minimally invasive surgeries) lacked the 3D depth perception required. “Maybe someone will invent a tiny stereoscopic camera in the next five years,” Yaron’s doctor told him. “For now, it’s fortunate that your tumor is growing slowly.” It was small consolation. Yaron didn’t want to become what he dubbed “a zipper where every few years my brain would be opened, cleaned and closed.” So he set out to concoct the very technology he needed. His big idea: instead of the kind of optomechanics used in traditional endoscopes, he’d base his invention on a small silicon chip and software algorithms. His design mimicked an insect’s eyes, with each side operating independently to create the 3D vision. Yaron launched Visionsense in 1998. It took another two years to get to a prototype and another 10 to create a commercial product. But the product has now been adopted by surgeons around the world and the company has been growing steadily. So why sell to Medtronic? “My dream as a Zionist was to grow Visionsense into a multinational global company like Nokia or Phillips,” Yaron tells ISRAEL21c. Yet, the $20 million raised from investors including Lewis Pell, Star Ventures, Peregrine Ventures and the Glenrock Fund was just not enough. At the time of the acquisition, Visionsense had a staff of about 20, with research and development in Israel and headquarters in the US. As part of Medtronic, though, “Visionsense will be able to leverage Medtronic’s global sales and marketing capability,” Yaron

says. “It’s phenomenal.” Medtronic is no stranger to Israel. The company, which employs 85,000 people worldwide and has a market capitalization of $100 billion, has made nine investments in Israeli medical tech over the past 13 years. Yaron left Visionsense in 2013 after hiring Alex Chanin as the company’s US-based CEO. The decision was both professional and personal. Yaron says he knew a seasoned executive like Chanin would help ensure that Visionsense could execute its mission of saving lives. At the same time, Yaron, who had relocated along with his family to the US when he served as the company’s CEO, was itching to go home to Israel. Plus, he had a new dream – to take a leap into the burgeoning business of “neurowellness.” During the course of his own illness, Yaron became convinced that Western medicine “disregards the emotional aspect” and that patients “who manage their anxiety and stress live longer with improved health.” The future of medicine, he says, is in “developing predictive, preventative systems based on emotional factors. That’s my challenge now.” Yaron today is 51 and healthy. In the end, it was not his company’s technology that removed the final bits of resistant tumors in his brain, but an additional three surgeries in three different countries: Germany, Israel and New York. If Visionsense had developed its VSiii 3D camera system before then, those surgeries would undoubtedly have been more straightforward, safer and with a greatly reduced recovery time. While Yaron hasn’t stopped innovating, he has found time to volunteer, coaching other patients with brain tumors. While he doesn’t give medical advice, his condition taught him “a lot about humility,” he says. “I’m here to serve.”

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POLITICS

WHY ARE PALESTINIAN REFUGEES DIFFERENT? By Jacqueline Herbst and Hindus (India). The equivalent in Israel would be to give Palestinians Gaza and the West bank (as proposed on a number of occasions in the past). In 1936 when the British was still in charge of the region, the Arabs rebelled against the British and the Jews which led to the formation of the Peel commission, tasked with finding the cause of the rebellion. Upon establishing that the rebellion was underpinned by two peoples wanting to govern the same land, a two-state solution that favoured the Arabs, was accepted by the Jews but rejected by the Arabs.

ot only are Palestinian refugees the most celebrated and longest lasting group of refugees in the world, but they are also the most lavishly supported in history.

They even have their own United Nations agency, called the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), that exclusively caters for the needs of Palestinian refugees and currently has an annual budget of over one billion US Dollars, mainly funded by the United States and the European Union. The rest of the world’s refugees fall under the mandate of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization that seeks to protect and assist refugees with voluntary repatriation, integration, or resettlement into a third country. The biggest differences between the UNRWA and the UNHCR (and the reason why Palestinian refugees far outnumber all other refugees) is that the UNRWA does not seek to resettle Palestinian refugees and both original Palestinian refugees of the 1948 war in Israel as well as multiple generations of their descendants are regarded as refugees. This has seen the number of Palestinian refugees grow from 700 000 in 1948 to 5 000 000 today and keeps this population in a perennial state of limbo, living either in refugee camps or in Arab countries where they are governed by discriminatory laws in terms of healthcare, education and employment and are not given citizenship. It is a little known fact that at the same time as these 700 000 Palestinians left Israel, 850 000 Jews were expelled from or fled ten Arab countries in Northern Africa and the Middle East when these attacked Israel in 1948, leaving behind their businesses, property and possessions and arriving in Israel empty handed. Ninety nine percent of the Arab world’s Jews were ethnically cleansed in 1948 but were resettled in Israel. In contrast, for the last 70 years, Arab states (except Jordan) have been refusing to resettle Palestinians, keeping them in refugee camps. Rather than accepting the creation of a Palestinian state, Palestinian leaders demand the right of return for millions of refugee descendants. However, if refugees return to Israel, Israel will cease to exist. History proves that the Palestinian leaders’ and the Arab world’s goal is not peace but to destroy Israel. Not only have they rejected a two state solution five times throughout history, but they have also continuously launched attacks on Israel and on a number of occasions said outright that they have no intention of compromising with Israel. A partition of states was successfully implemented when India and Pakistan were separated in 1947, based on geographical concentration of Muslims (Pakistan)

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The United Nations in 1947 also proposed a two-state solution which the Jews accepted and the Arabs once again rejected. On May 15, 1948 the State of Israel was born and a day later Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Iraq launched an all-out offensive, seeking to destroy Israel. The third rejection of a two-state solution took place in 1967 after the Six Day War that Israel miraculously won. In this case the Egyptian dictator, Gamal Abdel Nasser announced his intention to destroy Israel. He proceeded to place troops on the Israel border and troops from surrounding Arab countries also mobilized. Israel preemptively attacked Egypt and Syria while begging the king of Jordan not to join in the war, which he did. Consequently Israel in their victory took not only the entire Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, but also the West Bank along with Gaza. After suffering a crushing defeat, the Arab world famously congregated in Khartoum, Sudan and declared that there will be no recognition of Israel, no negotiations with Israel and no peace with Israel. In spite of clear Arab hostility towards Israel, in 1978 Israel gave the oil rich Sinai Peninsula back to Egypt in return for peace. In 2000 Israel once again offered land in return for peace when then Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak met with Palestinian Liberation Organisation chairman, Yasser Arafat to conclude a two-state plan. The deal included Gaza, 94% of the West Bank and East Jerusalem as capital but Arafat rejected the offer. Then American president, Bill Clinton famously said: “Arafat was here 14 days and said ‘no’ to everything. Following the fourth rejection, Palestinians launched suicide bombings on Israel that killed 1 000 Israelis and wounded thousands more on busses, in wedding halls and restaurants. The fifth Arab rejection of a partition state came when the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert offered the same deal as Barak but with additional land to sweeten the deal and Mahmoud Abbas, then president of the Palestinian National Authority said no. The Palestinians squandered a golden opportunity to build a prosperous life for themselves in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza, leaving behind valuable infrastructure but instead of developing the region further, newly elected leaders, Hamas, turned Gaza into a terrorist base from which attacks on Israel are still launched today. Perhaps the world should be putting pressure on the Palestinians to accept the existence of a Jewish state rather than pressuring Israel to offer land. Why are Arab countries not taking ownership of a problem they created? Is it because they discriminate against Palestinians or perhaps to divert attention from their own problems? Is the perpetuation of the refugee crisis perhaps a strategy to de-legitimise Israel?

SERIOUSLY, WHAT IS SHMINI ATZERET ANYWAY? Lauren Shapiro

Come on, I know there are a few of you out there who’ve been wondering about this but are too shemzich to ask. I was. So after decades of casual speculating I decided finally to seek out an answer. It isn’t a simple answer, but then since when do Jews do simple answers? Why answer a question when you can ask another question? Why give one answer when you can quote 18 sages and a midrash? Jews do complicated better than most. And diaspora Jews specialize in our own unique brand of complication because our rabbis developed a few of their own rules – in addition to those laid down in the Torah – just to be sure. This is particularly relevant when it comes to observing chaggim (festivals). So, while Israel celebrates Pesach for seven days, we celebrate for eight (with an extra seder to boot). Shavuot also gets an additional day in the diaspora. Ditto with Sukkot. There’s a fairly logical reason why this tradition started. The Torah tells us, for example, that “In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month in the afternoon is the Pesach [offering] to Hashem” (Leviticus 23:5) and “On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the festival of Sukkot” (Leviticus 23:34). But without a notification from Google Calendar set to a tinny Chassidic niggun, how would the average fourth-century Jew know how to calculate these dates? Enter the Sanhedrin, the ancient rabbinic tribunal, who would proclaim the start of a month at the sighting of the new moon in Jerusalem. They would dispatch messengers to inform outlying communities of the ruling. However, because they had no WhatsApp or Twitter in those days and the journey to remote areas could take a while, these communities would add an extra day to the festivals to make sure that at least one of their celebrations would fall on the correct day. Despite improvements not only in communication technology but also in the science of calendar prediction, the practice of adding an extra day to many festivals persists in the diaspora today. But for the purposes of this column it gets even more complicated, because even in Biblical times Sukkot was a festival that lasted seven-well-technically-eight-(add-shrug-here)-it’s-complicated days. Here’s why: Leviticus 23:36 orders: “Seven days you shall bring a burnt offering to Hashem; on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation for you and you shall bring a burnt offering to Hashem; it is an assembly; laborious work you shall not do.” Hashem declares a seven-day festival, followed by an eighth day. Technically, Shmini Atzeret is the eighth day of a seven-day festival. And in the diaspora, we add that extra buffer-day, making Simchat Torah a festival in its own right, and technically making it the ninth

day of a seven-day festival (in Israel, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day). But, some of you will be grumbling, I haven’t yet told you what Shmini Atzeret is actually about. Fair enough. Let’s break it down: “Shmini” comes from the word shmoneh (meaning “eight”), and “Atzeret” takes its root from atzor, meaning “stop”. In Israel today, if you should be so unfortunate as to be chased by a policeman or a very angry mother-in-law, s/he is likely to yell after you, “Atzor!” A stopwatch in Hebrew is a shaon atzer; a doorstop is a maatzor delet. So from that point of view, Shmini Atzeret is the eighth day of the festival, where we have a chance to stop and spend a little extra time with Hashem before the festival ends and we return to the humdrum of daily life. Rashi likens this to a King beseeching his visiting sons to stay an extra day because it is hard for them to part. Hang on a minute, I hear some of you interjecting. My machzor translates Shmini Atzeret as the “Eighth day of assembly”. This, too, dear reader, is correct (I told you there were no simple answers, didn’t I?). “Atzeret” can also mean “gathering” or “assembly” (although most contemporary Israelis are likely to use modern synonyms like hitkahalut or kinus, the root of the Israeli parliament: the Knesset). In this sense, Shmini Atzeret is our chance to assemble together to savour the last little bit of holiness because it’s easier to appreciate it as a community. It’s the same reason behind praying with a minyan. Now this is all very symbolic, which may well be hitting the spot for the more philosophical reader, but what of the practical bods out there? What does Shmini Atzeret mean for you? Here are the functional rules of Shmini Atzeret: as previously explained, it is no longer Sukkot, so there’s no more shaking of the lulav or blessing the sukkah (though many still choose to hang out and eat in there even if it’s no longer a mitzvah). We sing Hallel; we read from the Torah; we say Yizkor. Most uniquely, we begin to pray for rain – a daily ritual that will last until Pesach. (Technically the rainshtick began the day before, on Hoshanah Rabbah – but I’m running out of space, so that’s for another column.) Like many matters in Judaism, these rituals are there to enhance our ability to reach spiritual heights. This time of year is particularly spiritual, being the climax of a month of festivals including Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hoshanah Rabbah, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. “From the yearning of repentance to the purity of atonement, we have gained the joy of Sukkot and finally the ecstasy of Torah and revelation,” as Rabbi Avie Gold puts it in his overview to the Artscroll Machzor for Sukkot. I hope that this not-very-simple answer clarifies the purpose of a sometimes misunderstood festival. Wishing you all chag sameach – until next time.

October 2018

HASHALOM 9

PAST TENSE SPECIAL FEATURE

PAST TENSE

By Pundit

photographs of the members of virtually all the Club’s committees, from the Council & Executive and the Canteen Committee to the Tennis Section. And then we come to the committees of all the Communal Activities, from the Council of Natal Jewry to the last one in this volume – Durban Young Wizo, HASHOLOM - ROSH HASHANAH ANNUAL 5704 – Extracts of which we are told that in April “a strong committee was formed, under the chairmanship of Miss R. Blumenfeld, and fifty members have pledged EDITORIAL – THE CRY OF OUR PEOPLE themselves to provide 30 pounds a year for the maintenance of one child in This was the unhappy criticism of the extent of fragmentation of Jewry and an the Trade School in Haifa for that period.” Now wasn’t that a useful pledge! impassioned appeal for unity. “That is our appeal at this sacred season of our calendar. That is the cry HASHALOM – September 1968 – ROSH HASHANAH ANNUAL – Extracts with which we would rally our people. JEWRY, THINK, UNITE, ACT!” Unlike its Hasholom colleague 25 years earlier, this one started with messages in the following order – Mr. S. H. Brivik, Chairman D.J. C., Rabbi D.N. Fine, THE CHALLENGE OF JUDAISM TO THE JEW OF TODAY the Hon. Mr. Justice I.A. Maisels, (Chairman S.A. Zionist Federation) and Rabbi In a learned, four- and- a- half page article, the then Rabbi to the DUHC, Dr. M. Miller. You know what the messages contained, so there is no need to Rabbi A.H. Freedman gave a brief history of the course of Judaism from the repeat them here. earliest days and potted biographies of the great religious philosophers like A nice surprise (to me at any rate) was to read the words of a telegram sent Gersonides, Maimonides and Judah Halevy and their writings and concludes: from Jerusalem by our former well-loved Chazan, Feiwel Metzger, reading: “Let us hope that the shattering impact of the present upheaval in our world will not be without some blessing... In order to find his rightful and KINDLY INSERT HASHOLOM UNABLE TO WRITE INDIVIDUALLY his place on earth, the Jew will have to think out and think through his true I EXTEND SINCEREST WISHES TO MY BELOVED FRIENDS relationship to his religion and its meaning to him.” OF DURBAN JEWISH COMMUNITY FOR HAPPINESS HEALTH PROSPERITY AND TRANQUILITY IN THE NEW YEAR MAY PEACE IS PESSIMISM JUSTIFIED? RETURN TO ISRAEL AND HUMANITY AFFECTIONATE GREETINGS Asked Gustav Saron, the secretary of the Board of Deputies in a closely-reasoned FROM JERUSALEM TO YOU ALL article dealing with the question as to whether anti-Semitism was likely or not to FEIWEL METZGER revive after the contemplated defeat of Hitlerism. After drawing a clear distinction between “social” anti-Semitism (e.g. being black-balled from membership of CHALLENGE OF OUR TIMES “posh” Clubs) and what the author regarded as the infinitely more serious This Guest Editorial was written by Leon Lewis, the President of the Council “political” anti-Semitism, “which ascribes to Jews responsibility for the major ills of of Natal Jewry (C.N.J.) society,” after careful analysis the writer concludes: I had wondered as I went through the messages why there was none from the “It is now for the democratic States, jealous of their own institutions and President of the C.N.J. way of life, to show that the same can be achieved within the framework Now I and you know why. In the course of his editorial he reminds us of the of a democratic society. That is the objective for which all who are anxious stimulus of the Six Day War in June 1962, “when Israel stood threatened and to rid the world of the hatreds and intolerances of the past must work.” when the whole fabric of the Jewish people everywhere responded.” But, says he, “Crisis Judaism” is not enough. “It has been the privilege of this generation Pundit wonders if Mr. Saron would have concluded his article in this fashion if to witness the realization of ancient dreams and the fulfilment of ancient he had written after the decline and fall of Soviet Russia. prayers. The challenge of our generation is to be worthy of this privilege.” DESERT MUSINGS – OF BEAUTY AND WAR These are several poems of, in this writer’s modest estimation, considerable quality, written by the late Pte. Philip Freedman of Durban, killed in action at Tobruk on 20 June, 1942, whose death was told in this column some months ago. What a loss this must have been to his family and the whole Durban Jewish community!

THE MIRACLE OF OUR TIME HAS BEEN THE CHANGE THAT HAS OCCURRED This was an article by Jack Usdin, a learned historical and literary review of Judaism, which concluded that the great change in the title was that Jews were no longer passive and so, concluded the author, “A martyrdom in the Galut will not occur again because we will not let it occur again.”

Then comes TWO WARRIORS, a parable by D. Frishman (translated by Y. Marshak) which the Editor allowed to take up a whole page to tell us that “the pen is mightier than the sword”. Then, upholding the literary quality of this issue, follow two more poems, this time by Pearl Katz, which rhyme appropriately and have a consistent meter.

THE CHANGING TIMES – By Brian Berman (Student- Natal University) The writer first analyses the amount of assimilation amongst the Jews of North America and Russia, and concludes that what is needed is a huge Aliyah of at least two million in the next 10 years.

AND THEN WAS PEACE – Peace that passes all understanding Under this title Mr. H. Moss-Morris analysed some of the faults in the Treaty of Versailles which purported to settle the disputes of the First World War, and set forth (too long to be quoted here) his suggestions as to the matters the United Nations had to attend to to achieve a lasting peace after the conclusion of the then current War. Suffice it to say that this reviewer doubts that all those matters have been achieved, even now, 73 years after the end of the War.

MICHAEL ROSENAK, a lecturer for Youth Leaders from abroad in Jerusalem had paid a fleeting visit to Durban in 1968 and had made a huge impression on all those who had heard him. He had allowed HASHALOM to publish his very thoughtful article, MOMENTS OF THE HEART, and his short story, (equally thoughtful) PICTURES AND FRAMES, in this Rosh Hashanah issue. Unfortunately they are both too long for me to deal with in the space available to me.

THE BIBLE AS SOURCE BOOK FOR THE ECONOMIST Professor Marcus Arkin analyses many Biblical references and concludes that “the CALL TO CHALUTZIUT ancient Israelites were by no means concerned exclusively with self-sufficient In this article Sadie Levine tells the story of the 12 young people working to farming activities.” create Balfouria Village as a Hachshara Centre for South African Jewish Youth. The article tells of their trials and tribulations, illustrated with photographs, in THUS SPOKE SOLOMON SCHECHTER establishing the Village, “northwards of Johannesburg.” Whatever became of (Second Series by Rabbi I. Goss) the Village or does it still exist? This is a short collection of various sayings by the famous American Rabbi. I liked this one, perhaps because it has the merit of brevity: THE YEAR IN REVIEW “There is something higher than modesty and that is eternity”. This article, whose author was not identified, summarised the functions that And then this Rosh Hashanah Annual concludes, as usual, with Section and had been held at the Club in the past year, but I refrain from reporting upon Communal reports, too numerous to mention. them now because the details have appeared in previous issues of this column. And so, another year having passed, it is time once again to wish you all a Happy Which brings us to the Sectional reports of the year, accompanied by New Year and well over the Fast.

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October 2018

NACHES NEWS

Hashalom speaks to former Durbanite Larry Butchins about his new book By Lauren Shapiro

South Africa, early 1970s: A young journalist campaigns against Apartheid, its symbols and ramifications; searching for truth and freedom... His quest brings him to Israel, where his hopes seem to be on the verge of realization, only to be dashed by personal loss in a terrorist attack. The truth behind the attack sends him on a further mission – for revenge.

he blurb of his new novel, Train in the Distance, offers insight into author Larry Butchins’s own life in both SA and his new home, Israel. ‘Durban in the 1970s was probably very different from what it is today,’ admits the author. ‘There was strict segregation and government surveillance everywhere. However, under the surface, there was a lot of dissent, and there were a number of members of the Jewish community who were banned, under “observation” and very anti what was going on.’ Butchins was one of those discreet dissenters.

The book traverses Apartheid South Africa and then the first Intifada in Israel. ‘There’s a primal connection for anybody coming from South Africa to Israel, especially at that time,’ Butchins explains. Much of the novel is autobiographical, he admits. ‘The chapter “Execution in the Morning” is based on my coverage of the Frans Vontsteen trial and his execution for murdering his lover’s husband. I also drew on the deaths of anti-apartheid activists at the hands of the Security Police. The characters’ experiences of the Gulf War, political events, and the Tel Aviv suicide bombing are based on actual events. Many relationships depicted are based on actual people and events.’

‘I was raised in a very open Reform home,’ Butchins recollects. ‘A sense of justice and dismay at Apartheid was always present, although not often voiced. As a journalist, I always tried to base my approach on Jewish ethics and justice.’ Butchins cut his journalistic teeth as a cub reporter on the East Coast morning daily the Natal Mercury before moving on to the Sunday Tribune’s Johannesburg branch office and then moving into PR. He returned to Durban and ran his own PR company, Promedia, until making Aliyah with his wife and three young children in 1987. Butchins used his writing talent to carve out a career for himself in Israel, creating English-language content for Israeli firms to promote themselves overseas. Only after a tragic attack did he turn his pen to a novel.

Stranger than fiction ‘The Dizengoff Street bombing on Erev Purim in March 1996 was intensely personal,’ Butchins discloses. ‘My wife’s mother, Sylvia Bernstein, and her sister Gail Belkin (nee Geshen) were killed in that bombing.’ Butchins helped Marlyn create The Dizengoff Memorial Quilt Project at http://dizengoffquilt.wix.com/-dizengoffquilt and wrote articles for local publications. ‘Then I realized that the story could be developed into something more,’ he affirms. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but when the connection is revealed, it’s somewhat surprising, setting up a major relationship challenge for the protagonist.’

End of the line It took Butchins 15 years to write the book. ‘Sometimes it flowed; other times it remained stagnant for months…even years,’ he reveals. In 2016 he returned to it, devoting weekends and late nights to completing the manuscript.’ It was a difficult process. ‘There were sections which reduced me to tears,’ he confides. His advice to aspiring writers? ‘Make your work relevant and believable – research your facts, even if you are writing fiction.’ Larry and Marlyn live in Israel with their children. Camilla (42) is married to Amit and has two sons, Omri (6½) and Tsuf (2½). Craig (39) is married to Maayan has a son, Sela (five months). Aliza (35) lives in Tel Aviv.

October 2018

HASHALOM 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

DURBAN CHEVRA KADISHA : 125 YEARS OF SERVICE By Aubrey Nathan always volunteered for the noble and holy work of the Chevra Kadisha. Unlike Chevra Kadisha organizations in other South African centres, the Chevra is composed entirely of dedicated unpaid volunteers who function to meet this obligation on behalf of the community, ensuring that each and every member of the community will be cared for at the appropriate time when all are afforded equal consideration and dignity in death. Chevra members assist and advise the bereaved in all aspects of death, burial and tombstone consecration as well as caring and comforting mourners while also processing all the necessary government forms and documentation. A special mention of merit must be made of the women of the Chevra Kadisha who perform their work with quiet dignity and low-profile discretion.

This year marks the memorable 125th anniversary of the DUHC Chevra Kadisha. Among the many life-cycle community services, the Chevra Kadisha is justifiably proud of its standards which are highly regarded as one the best in South Africa.

The DUHC is most grateful to Honorary President Max Nathan for his many years of leadership and to the Chevra Executive Committee currently led by Chairman Marcel Nathan and Frances Herr of the Women’s Section. We also thank Gary Plen for managing the daily activities of the Chevra, arranging funerals and unveilings and the maintenance of our Redhill and Stellawood cemeteries which are always admired by both the local community and visitors. These holy cemeteries are constantly and carefully maintained as a sign of respect to passed loved ones.

The Chevra Kadisha has devotedly served the Jewish community of Durban 125 years of performing Judaism’s important mitzvah of “Chesed v’Emet” (kindness and truth, a true act of kindness). The attribute of “Chesed v’Emet” is learned from the Torah where Jacob asks his son Joseph to “do kindness and truth with me” on his death by not burying him in Egypt. This then became the term for the mitzvah of ensuring the proper burial of the dead. Of all the benevolent acts that a person can perform for another, this duty has often been described as the only truly selfless act of giving in Judaism as there is no possibility of the recipient repaying the deed. The mitzvah of accompanying the dead to their final resting place is so great it supersedes all other mitzvot, including Torah study.

The Chevra has recently repaired and restored both the Stellawood and Redhill Cemeteries to the highest standards while the costs of maintaining the graves at both the Redhill and Stellawood cemeteries are substantial with a full time maintenance staff at both locations. Funds to maintain the cemeteries are provided by community members and the various Foundations who contribute to the continuity and maintenance of the cemeteries. Donors are therefore always urged to voluntarily give their generous financial and personal support to the Chevra Kadisha to ensure that it has the continued necessary financial resources to perform its work in the maintenance and upkeep of our immaculately groomed cemeteries and to continue the admirably high standards achieved by the Chevra Kadisha in Durban.

The first Chevra Kadisha Committee was formed in 1893 in conjunction with the Durban Hebrew Congregation which was founded by its first President Mr. Bernard Lipinski. The first President of the Chevra Kadisha was Mr. Phineas Lazarus and the first cemetery established was at the corner of Brooke and Queen streets in the city center. While the Brooke Street cemetery closed in 1905, the Chevra still maintains the historic cemetery in central Durban where 90 adults and 30 children are buried, many who were laid to rest in 1899, victims of the Ladysmith Train Disaster. In 1902 application was made for a new site and the Stellawood Cemetery was opened in 1905 by Mr. Phillip Wartski and Mr. Lazarus. In 1930, the Tahara House was erected. When Stellawood Cemetery reached full capacity, a new cemetery at a peaceful and green location in Redhill was consecrated in 1979 and serves the community to this day.

In addition, for those congregants whose loved ones’ graves are situated elsewhere, the Redhill cemetery has provided the opportunity to set up permanent memorial stone plaques placed along its beautiful central palm-lined path, a way to perform the mitzvah of remembering and honouring one’s closest in buried in another cemetery.

Durban has been most fortunate in that DUHC members have

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After 125 years of service, the Chevra Kadisha continues to provide “chesed v’emet” to those who have passed on and ensures that their funeral and final resting place will be according to “halacha”. This achievement is due to the commitment and dedication of the members of the Chevra Kadisha and all those involved in the duties of the Chevra including Rabbi Zekry, Rabbi Lebowitz, Rev. Lurie, Rev. Gilad Friedman and administrator, Marge Shantall. On this milestone occasion of 125 years of service, may Hashem bless the Chevra Kadisha for their holy work and give them the strength to continue this sacred service to the community.

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Norma Bloch

Shalom, As the month of Elul is a month of repentance and introspection, we utilised this month to enhance our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Veahavta Lerayacha â&#x20AC;&#x153; programme. As is the custom the shofar was sounded each morning as a reminder to the pupils to fulfill this mitzvah. The pupils were encouraged to show love and kindness to each other.A sandwich making morning was enjoyed and Sue kindly distributed our labours of love to the needy. Each pupil decorated their own challah cover to present to their parents as a gift for the upcoming chag. We thank Gabriel Marks for his dedication and commitment to our department and wish him much success with his matric trials. We are honoured to have Deni Abergel take over from Gabriel as head pupil of our department and know that she will continue to do an excellent job. Lehitratot until next month.

October 2018

HASHALOM 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Cheryl Unterslak

“How wonderful to be able to go to Israel and to see so many happy children!” I told myself everyday while travelling the length and breadth of Israel delivering the Yom Tov clothing gift packs, backpacks and the bar and batmitzvah gifts.

t is remarkable to witness, the children and families when they receive the gifts. All the children are happy and excited to receive new toys and clothing. What makes it even more special is what they tell me about these gifts; “we can feel the love that comes with these gifts” and “it warms our hearts to know that someone cares about us” or “it’s so nice to know that our suffering is acknowledged and that you don’t forget about us” or “ I feel like we have family in South Africa who love us” or “My children tell their friends in the neighborhood that they have aunts in South Africa who knit them cardigans and scarves for winter”. The families also say thank you over and over again and give the donors and the South African community numerous brochas. Below are some photos of a few of the children who received Yom Tov clothing to enable them to feel the love and support from the South African community and to be able to have new clothing to wear for the Chagim. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this special project which gave the children dignity and happiness and so much more! They feel connected to the Jewish community in Goetz L’Aretz and they know that they are not alone. Driving around the whole of Israel I also get to see numerous cities, towns and yishuvim and I’m in awe at how the country is booming. Wherever you go there are buildings going up and all sorts of construction. It is amazing that in such a small country there is so much scenery. I really enjoy seeing the Judean desert and the forests around the country, the history in every part, and the huge buildings and business districts around Israel. Around the whole country there are families that have had their lives shattered by acts of terrorism. Sadly many of the recent families who have been injured or have had family members killed live in Judea and Samaria. During this trip I saw how many of the families live in poverty and harsh conditions, staying in battered old caravans while others live in mansions and have tremendous

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October 2018

wealth. All of these families no matter what their financial situation are given DIVOTE packages of love while only the families with huge financial challenges receive Yom Tov clothing. They have all suffered from terrorism and need the “hug” that comes with the gifts and the visit. I spent one day in the South and witnessed some of the destruction caused from the fire kites. It was terribly upsetting. When I was in Sderot visiting one of the families whose daughter had been injured, a kite came into Sderot but fortunately the fire had gone out before it landed. When you are in these Southern communities you constantly hear about the children and adults who are suffering from anxiety and PTSD. The week before I was there, the residents of some of the communities had to go to the bomb shelters six times in one evening! I am often asked why these families don’t move. The answer is that they cannot sell their homes because there are not many people who are willing to go and live there. Sadly they also have jobs there and cannot find work elsewhere. I am currently collecting small toys, arts and crafts and games (nothing bigger than A4 size) which will be packed and distributed to children in the South who are suffering from the trauma. During a summer activity; five hundred children were in the process of enjoying their day out in Sderot, a rocket landed in the road next to the park in Sderot. Miraculously none of the children were hurt although the sign next to the park is full of holes from the shrapnel. In the pictures below one can see where the rocket landed in the road and the holes in the sign by the fence around the park. These gift packages will be distributed by Rav Kuttner and his team whom I work closely with on some of the DIVOTE projects.

DURBAN 2018

Limmud Durban 9 August 2018 Ending our 11th year of LIMMUD DURBAN WHAT A SUCCESS STORY MORE PEOPLE MORE SPEAKERS MORE LEARNING MORE FUN

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN 2019 October 2018

HASHALOM 15

Invitation to attend the 87th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies KZN Council Date: Time: Venue:

Tuesday 16 October 2018 18h00 Durban Jewish Centre

RSVP by 4 October 2018 cknj@djc.co.za Guest Speaker: Mike Abel Founding Partner & Chief Executive M&C Saatchi Abel Group of Companies, who recently successfully spoke at the SAJBD Cape Conference on “Words Matter – No place for hate”

Mike Abel is recognized as one of Africa’s leading advertising and communications leaders.

Mike Abel has co-led the largest communications group on the African continent, Ogilvy South Africa. He ran the giant M&C SAATCHI Group, Australia. In February 2010, founded M&C SAATCHI ABEL, which to date, is credited with being the fastest growing advertising agency in the history of South Africa. Active within the Jewish community: Mike has sat on the board of the UJC. He frequently consults to them pro bono. He holds numerous masterclasses for upcoming Jewish entrepreneurs under the auspices of YAD, LaunchPad and the UJC. He has taken an active interest in helping Highlands House, ORT JET and other key community responsibilities and initiatives. Activism, citizenry & thought leadership: Mike consults to and supports many political parties and NGO’s in SA to help build the economy and take on the scourge of corruption. Be it SaveSA , #DefeatDayZero (water crisis), writing thought leadership pieces for Daily Maverick, or sharing a platform at The Gathering with Sipho Pityana & Wendy Appelbaum. Contribution to the community: Under Mike’s leadership, M&C SAATCHI ABEL has an extensive range of social impact initiatives ranging from supporting homeless children to creating the Street Store – the world’s first rent and premises free, free “pop-up-clothing store” for the homeless. More than 700 stores have popped up in more than 200 cities globally. M&C SAATCHI ABEL invests more than R4,5m in financial and other resources to good causes annually.

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October 2018

THE GREAT BIG CHALLAH BAKE how it rises, takes a form, takes a shape (of sorts). Hearing the blessing spoken, so loud and so clear. Smelling the scent that beckons in Shabbat and embraces us whole. Tasting the bread of our people, our nation, our day. And smiling because you know the whole world is in it together. Stop doing and start being.

Wednesday, 24 October 2018 Join the world in celebrating one complete Shabbat, together. theshabbatproject.org

Umhlanga Jewish Centre, 81 Campbell Drive, Izinga Time

Shiur with the incredible Lana Meltzer from 16h00 - 17h00 Challah Bake with the very special Robyn Smookler 17h00 onwards

JOIN IN theshabbosproject.org

Donations appreciated RSVP - jcfdbn@gmail.com or 0834486474 ... Book early as space is limited.

Union of Jewish Women

October 2018

HASHALOM 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

At the AGM of the DPJC on Wednesday 5 September the congregation voted in favour of a name change. In addition to the official name “Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation” (DPJC) we would also be known as BEIT DAVID. The name TEMPLE DAVID will no longer apply. At the AGM Robin Sinclair, president of the Congregation awarded the annual President’s Award to Terrence Bray and John Bleach who have designed and project managed the refurbishment of the Reform Synagogue. Rob acknowledged their tireless efforts on behalf of the congregation Pictured here at the 71st AGM of the Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation.

John Bleach, Colleen Merivs & Viv Stiller

Lewis Kaplan & Harold Shapiro

Shelley, Lorna & Darryl Harris

Judi Rosen & Jeff Isaacson

Terrence Bray, Rob Sinclair & John Bleach

9/18/2018

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July 2018

HASHALOM 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

BNEI AKIVA DONT MISS OUT! Register for machaneh now! For more info, contact Amy at youthworker@djc.co.za or 071 686 8113

NETZER

HABONIM DROR

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October 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

uvia Levine celebrated his barmitzvah at the UJC, Mazal Tov to grandparents Les and Zelda Levine. Tuvia leined beautifully and a Kiddush was held for the community to celebrate with him and his family. Ethan Plen made a siyum on the occasion of the yahrzeit of his grandmother Evelyn Plen OBM. Lauren Shapiro recently published her book; Through the window how I beat PND. Lauren has held a number of book launches around the country and this month held a reading and book launch at the UJC. From the press release: It’s personal. This book takes readers on the complete journey through PND, from pre-pregnancy through to full recovery, immersing them vicariously in the process. It’s readable. Many women have experienced PND, but not all of them are able to share their story in a way that is accessible and meaningful to others. A writer by trade, I am able to do this. It’s atypical. Many people are aware of post-natal depression but not as many may know about pre-natal distress. This book will bring awareness to this issue, whilst still allowing readers to understand the issues surrounding perinatal distress in general. • •

The book is currently available through www.laurenshapiro.co.za/books R280 for hardcopy; R155 for e-book

October 2018

HASHALOM 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

YOUNG ISRAEL CENTRE By Jessica Stout This past month the Young Israel Centre has seen many guests through our doors. We have hosted visitors from out of town as well as visiting dignitaries in town for a Shabbat that lead the Shul services. Shabbat meals continue to bring many people into the Young Israel Centre, bringing both children and parents together on a weekly basis. Chagim meals and get-togethers have been planned, many young families have been invited and I look forward to reporting back on these in the next issue. As we enter the Yamim Noraim, I once again appeal to parents to consider sending your children to Cheder on Sunday mornings. The attending children are reading and davening beautifully in Hebrew and I encourage everyone to ensure your children don’t miss out on this important part of their Jewish education. Contact me on jess.johnstone@gmail.com for more information.

Keep the kids safe! There has been a spike in child kidnapping and abduction and it is vital that we educate our children of the dangers and how to avoid potential situations that may result in a kidnapping or abduction. Tips for parents Do not leave your children unattended and be aware of where they are at all times. Teach your children who to contact when plans change or if they need assistance. If your children have smart phones subscribe to your security company’s mobile app and geotag the expected locations and set a perimeter with alerts. You can also make use of time based locations and expected times of arrival and departures from designated areas that will send a panic to your service provider if not adhered to. Know your children’s friends and get to know your neighbours. Be vigilant and aware of any abnormal behaviour and unwarranted attention or observation by strangers. Alert local security if you are suspicious or uncomfortable in anyway. Tips for teens Be honest with your parents about your whereabouts and who you are out with. Do not wonder malls/public venues alone and ensure you travel in groups. Be aware of your surroundings. When glued to your phone screen and social media you are at risk as you are oblivious to what is going on around you and unable to assess potential threats. Tips to teach children Do not leave the safety of a school property or any safe area that you are attending. Wait for your lift inside a property. Never trust a stranger and don’t accept anything from them. We also are happy to do school educational talks to educate your children about safe areas and people within the community and what to do when confronted with a possible kidnapping or abduction scenario.

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October 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Cheryl Unterslak Beth Shalom was honoured to hold a get together with Rabbi Zekry, residents of the community and members associated with DJSS - the theme - “Adopt a Grandparent”. Beth Shalom held a braai for this initiative, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. “Adopt a Grandparent” aims to help members of the community who have no family to assist them. Something as small like a phone call, taking someone to the shops

or just spending time with someone is so beneficial to the physical and mental health of the elderly. I would like to advise that this has been instrumental for some of our residents at Beth Shalom. New community members, who also joined us in the “Adopt a Grandparent” campaign have done so much for our residents by bringing such joy to those who seldom have visitors. Mazeltov to all who made this happen.

October 2018

HASHALOM 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

his term the students at Akiva College have been very hard at work getting ready for the school play; Remembering Roald Dahl.

The play included snippets from many of this incredible writers works, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, the Twits, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, as well as a few of his poems. After many hours of rehearsals, the night of the play finally arrived. The children arrived early, got dressed into their costumes and had their hair and makeup done. The excitement in the air was palpable. The children were spectacular! They acted and sang in two sold out performances and had the audience laughing and clapping. Not to mention the pride that every parent felt watching their child on stage. A huge shkoach to Mrs Kathy Nugent for putting the whole thing together, as well everyone involved in this amazing performance.

Leah Elran in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Aylon Mizrachi as Augustus Gloop

Grade R and 1 in The Giraffe The Pelly and Me

Gia Taitz and Gabriel Farr in Matilda

Yael Meltz as Miss Wonka and her Oompa Lumpaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Eyal Klavansky and Elah Connor as Charlie and his grandmother

Grade 2 and 3 doing the Television Poem

SHOTLANDS PACKAGING Grade 6 in Goldilocks and the 3 Bears

Liora Plen as Ophelia Dahl

Ester Kafel, Gia Taitz, Demi Taitz, Brandon Taitz and Gabriel Farr in Matilda

FOR ALL YOUR CORRUGATED BOX AND BOARD REQUIREMENTS TRADE ENQUIRIES:

Tel: (031) 700 4711 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: (031) 700 4723 P.O Box 801, PINETOWN, 3600 E-mail: admin@shotlands.co.za Website: www.shotlands.co.za Entire Cast

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October 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Cheryl Unterslak

ur Talmud Torah lessons continue successfully and the students are loving learning about the many different character traits. Rabbi Vegoda who has a remarkable gift of creating interesting and excellent teaching material that have beautiful diagrams explaining everything. An example of a few of the character traits that they are learning about at the moment is; judging people favourably, honouring your parents, visiting the sick, returning lost objects, being positive and not negative and so many more... Every topic is explained and numerous examples are used to teach the children how to implement them in their lives. The children are taught by the teachers and the booklets are very practical and useful guide to help them to implement what they have learnt. Rabbi Vegodaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shiurim have become so successful that we have now opened the shiur to men as well, due to the many requests received. Please contact me if you are interested in attending. His shiurim are always so well thought out and planned and easy for everyone to understand. Everyone who attends them, enjoy them so much and find them very practical and interesting. We constantly hear positive feedback from the children and the parents about the PJ Library books that are given to the children every month. They are excellent and the children learn so much from their bedtime story as well as the parents who are reading the books to them! When I bump into the children they always come to me to ask me when the next book is arriving as well as tell me about the things that they learnt from the last book. If you or your child would like to be involved in any of the Talmud Torah learning programs please contact me on cheryl@divote.co.za

October 2018

HASHALOM 25

Anthropological calipers. Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin

DHGC IN NUMBERS 3723 learners 186 adult groups

Banking details: Durban Holocaust Centre Standard Bank Kingsmead 240265882 04 00 26

COMMUNITY NEWS

diverse group of ’foodies’ were recently invited to visit the fabulous Circle Cafe. In between tasting and raving about the food and surrounds Judy shared with them her long and happy association with the Circle Club and Cafe. Her commitment and passion for both food and the Durban community has brought her full ‘Circle’ to become an integral part of the success of this wonderful ‘best kept Durban’ secret. To quote Judy ”I feel so privileged to be able to continue my passion for cooking through the Circle Cafe” The response from the guests was overwhelming, as endorsed by one of the bloggers who claims that the cheese cake is the ‘best on the planet!’ An extensive refurbishment has just been completed in loving memory of Charise BernsteinHollander and if you haven’t already seen for yourself we do suggest you pop in for a cup of coffee, breakfast or lunch and take your time to browse through our lovely little gift shop for High Holidays, Shabbat or wedding gifts. Please remember that all profits from the Circle Cafe and Gift Shop are used to support the educational programmes, workshops and events of the Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre – it is a true mitzvah to support us!

October 2018

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28 HASHALOM

October 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

Above Board

Mary Kluk National Chairman

Mary Kluk, National Chairman

A Column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies

A column Board of Deputies Dateof the TimeSA Jewish Event

The busy Jewish festival season, commencing with Rosh Hashanah and ending three weeks later with Shemini Atzeret/ Simchat Torah, is almost upon us as I write. From the sober, solemn introspection of the Aseret Yemei Teshuva – the Ten Days of Repentance that culminate with Yom Kippur - through to the special joyousness that characterises Succot, it is a time of spiritual growth, celebration and mutual goodwill, a proverbial “wiping of the slate” preparatory to embarking on a new stage of life in a spirit of hope and positivity. I wish everyone a year of blessings, happines, peace and good health. May we all be inscribed and sealed with a year of success, health, happiness and peace. It is around this time that the Board is particular involved in resolving problems of university exams being set on the chaggim. Working closely with the universities concerned, we are able in most cases to address such difficulties, but in order to do so, we rely on the people affected to inform us about their situation in good time. Should anyone in our community have scheduling clashes in future, I urge them to inform the Board as soon as possible after becoming aware of them. The Rosh Hashanah issue of the Board’s prestigious journal Jewish Affairs is now out. It has a special focus on Israel, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Jewish state. Strong emphasis has been placed on the role played by South African Jews in Israel’s establishment, War of Independence and early years of growth and development, an aspect of our community’s history about which we can feel justly proud. Proportionately, few if any other Diaspora communities have matched the record of South African Jewry in terms of contributing to Israel, whether financially or as volunteers in times of war or peace. Thise who do not subscribe to Jewish Affairs can access the latest issue, along with all those published over the last decade, freely online at http://www.sajbd.org/pages/jewishaffairs. In closing, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on the recent celebration of his 90th birthday. Over many years, Prince Buthelezi has shown himself to be a warm and supportive friend of the Jewish community, especially in KwaZulu-Natal of course, but also on a national level. He is someone with whom we have always been able to work, whether in resolving issues specific to our own community or in initiatives aimed at the betterment of the wider society, and his door has always been open to us. The Board, along with other Jewish organisations, is in the process of organising a special tribute evening to Prince Buthelezi, and I look forward to reporting back on this in a future column. •

Oct/ Nov

N/A

7.00pm

6.30pm

6pm

OCTOBER 2018 Venue

Deadly Medicine Exhibition

DHCG

Friendship Club

Beth Shalom

Screening SKIN - a 2008 biographical film

DHGC

UJW Fundraiser

Official opening: Deadly Medicine

DHGC

SAJBD KZN Council AGM

DJC

WIZO Boys Night Out

DJSS AGM

DJC Lounge

4pm

UJW Chalah Bake

UJC

7pm

Nov

TBC

Public Event - “Spectres of Racial Science” - Prof Steven Robins Panel Discussion - Julie Parle Associate Prof History UKZN and two others

DHGC

Glenda Naicker www.djc.co.za

Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12h00-13h00.

October 2018

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Guest Cook: Kelly Nathan SPINACH, FETA AND MUSHROOM PIE 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, chopped ¼ teaspoon garlic salt ½ packet of frozen filo (4 sheets), thawed 1 heaped dessert spoon smooth cottage cheese taste olive oil

1 packet baby spinach 1 tray mushrooms, sliced 2 circles of feta, crumbled 2 eggs salt

and

black

pepper

Preheat oven to 200deg C. Fry onion in 1 Tablespoon olive oil until translucent. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden. Add spinach… sauté until just beginning to wilt. Season with garlic salt and some black pepper. Remove from heat. Take one sheet of filo and brush with a little olive oil. Cover with a second sheet and brush with a little more olive oil. Place the sheets in a medium-sized (20cm) baking dish as a lining. Place half the spinach mixture over the filo and sprinkle with ½ the crumbled feta. Cover with the remaining spinach mixture and finish with the feta. Beat the eggs then add the cottage cheese, salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. Pour over the spinach filling. Brush the remaining 2 sheets of filo with a little olive oil and lay them over the filling, in a ruffled manner. Fold the bottom sheets of filo over the top later, in a ruffled manner, to make a closed parcel. Brush with some olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden. BANANA DATE MUFFINS 4 medium bananas, ripe 1/3 cup plain yoghurt 1 teaspoon baking powder

½ cup dates 1 cup flour pinch salt

1 egg, slightly beaten ½ cup whole-wheat flour 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Place bananas and dates in a bowl and use an electric blender to blend them to a chunky pulp. Add the egg, yoghurt, flours, salt, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. Mix until it just comes together – it can still be a little lumpy. Spoon into greased muffin pans. You can sprinkle them with coconut shavings or leave them plain. Bake at 200degC for 20 minutes. QUICK AND HEALTHY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES These are so delicious straight out the freezer 1 cup dates 2 tablespoon almond or peanut butter 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut 1 tablespoon cocoa pinch salt squeeze of honey ½ teaspoon cinnamon 3 tablespoons water Place all ingredients in a Nutribullet or food processor. Blend until it forms a paste. Shape into small balls using a Tablespoon or small ice-cream scoop and put on a greased tray. Place in the freezer or fridge for 30 minutes. Take out the freezer and roll in more desiccated coconut or cocoa. Place in a container and keep in the freezer.

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October 2018

By Hayley Lieberthal Name: Shannon Dina Cohen Sport: Hockey Age: 24 Occupation: Occupational therapist Best movie: Schindler’s List Favourite book: Wuthering Heights Sporting hero: Alex Morgan Sporting achievements: Represented KwaZulu Natal for Outdoor Hockey: 2010 Represented KwaZulu Natal for Soccer: 2011 Hockey tour to China: 2011 UCT First Team Women’s Soccer: 2012-2015 and 2017 Represented UCT at USSA Soccer Tournament: 2012-2015 Gun Run Half Marathon: 2015 South African Country Districts’ Hockey Tournament: 2016 Two Oceans Half Marathon: 2018 Represented Western Province for Action Hockey: 2018 How did you get involved in sports? There was no girls’ soccer team at my primary school, so I joined the boys’ team. I received snide remarks from opposing teams when they saw this “little girl” in the field, yet they stopped when the “little girl” tackled or scored against them!

Do you have any nail-biting sporting incidents? This year in Action Hockey for Western Province, I broke my ring finger in the third-to-last match. I reassured my parents that I wouldn’t play again, yet in a qualifying match our team was losing by one goal at half-time. The captain asked if I could play in the second half and I ran on to the field (with a hockey glove on). We qualified for the finals (which I also couldn’t resist playing in) and won the tournament! What is your training schedule/routine? Two hockey/soccer practices a week and two matches a week, plus two weekly runs and a surf on the weekend. What advice would you give aspiring athletes? Do what you love. Sport should be the highlight of your day, not a chore you do to keep fit. What do you wish to accomplish? To represent Western Province for action hockey again (hopefully with no broken fingers).

What’s your best sporting memory? After winning the annual inter-schools’ hockey competition, our team travelled to China and played against schools from Shanghai and Beijing. How do you balance fitness and work? I can’t wait to run on to the hockey field or soccer pitch after work. It’s not only a great outlet after a hard day’s work but I also love spending time with the girls in my teams. What’s the best part of competing? The bond that’s created in a team: shared highs when you win, and driving to do better when you don’t. What other sports do you play? Squash, surfing, running

October 2018

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BIRTHDAYS

ENGAGEMENTS

Mazeltov to: Barry Dogan on his 70th birthday Claude Coen on his 80th birthday Ruby Kravat on his 80th birthday Ronnie Spector on his 80th birthday

Mazeltov to: ChoĂŤ, daughter of the late Stephen Perling and Johanna to Balint Deack.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Mazeltov to: Gerard and Yvonne Phillips on their 64th wedding anniversary.

BAT/BARMITZVAH Mazeltov to: Mervan Berzack, Aileen Berzack and Colin Plen on the Barmitzvah of their grandson Jesse, son of Jonathan and Caryn Berzack in Atlanta Kenny and Arline Foreman on the Batmitzvah of their granddaughter Zoe, daughter of Ivan and Karin Foreman in London Les and Zelda Levin on the Barmitzvah of their grandson Tuvya, son of Clifford and Natalie Levin.

DEATHS Condolences to: Brett Hummel and family on the passing of his father Basil in Jhb. Dr. Steve Addelson on the passing of his sister Jill. Neville Bernstein on the passing of his mother Ruth in Bulawayo. The family of Jean Kissin. The family of Laurence Saitowitz.

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October 2018