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November 2019 • Volume 14 • Issue 7 • Cheshvan / Kislev 5780
TOKYO’S LARGEST ART DESIGN FESTIVAL SHOWCASES ISRAELI TALENT By Staff Writer and Agencies
The event attracts roughly 200,000 visitors annually, being one of the largest art design festivals in the country. The festival also attracts many participating countries that showcase their own art, fashion, and food.
From left: Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin, Israel’s Ambassador to Japan Yaffa Ben-Ari and Israeli artist Dikla at the Garden of Eden platform
and designers were chosen to showcase their works under the title Garden of Eden. Israel was also granted the honour of being an official partner. These artists were also guest exhibitors at the Jerusalem De-
www.instazu.com
This year, 20 Israeli artists
Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Ministry
An exhibition focussing on Israeli art was part of the DesignArtTokyo 2019 festival, which was recently held in Japan. The 10-day festival ran from 19-27 October and centred around the concept of “Emotions” and displays interiors, art, fashion and food from throughout the world in exhibitions across Tokyo.
Some of the Israeli artists with other participants at the DesignArtTokyo Festival
sign Week festival that took place earlier this year. The launching of the Israeli exhibition was attended by Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin, and Israel’s Ambassador to Japan Yaffa Ben-Ari, the latter of whom said she was “thrilled to share with the Japanese people Israel’s creativity and innovative spirit.” Elkin, who also spoke at the event, commented that “Japan is viewed as one of the most technologically advanced countries, affecting everyone. […] Israel is not just about the Bible, it is a high-tech powerhouse and
Alibaba’s Singles Day gearing up in Israel Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding is setting up a direct shipping route to Israel to speed up delivery times from AliExpress ahead of November’s Singles Day.
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markets, and Israeli shoppers came in fourth in the site’s list of global transactions during last year’s Singles Day sales.
Alibaba’s Singles Day, akin to Black Friday in the western world, last year recorded a whopping US$31 billion in sales worldwide – a 27% increase from the previous year.
Alibaba subsidiary Cainiao Smart Logistics Network will be responsible for directly shipping orders from China to Israel, where state-owned Israel Postal Company will deliver the packages to customers within two days after receiving them.
Despite Israel’s relatively small population, Alibaba lists it among AliExpress’ ten hottest
The entire shipping process, which now takes over a month, will take up to 14 working days
according to local reports. The new shipping method will be more expensive than the standard free shipping usually offered through China’s postal service, but significantly cheaper than other express shipping methods. Though AliExpress cannot impose the new shipping method on its mostly independent sellers, the company intends to heavily encourage sellers who are shipping products to Israel to begin using it within the next few months.
proudly calls itself a startup nation.” Mordechai Benita, CEO of the Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry (which runs Jerusalem Design Week), said “we are proud to be hosted in Tokyo for the first time, and are grateful for the extraordinary opportunity to unveil innovative local work to an international audience.” “The inclusion of Jerusalem Design Week in Tokyo proves that Jerusalem is positioned precisely in this place,” he added. “We are proud of the positive exposure the city receives and continue to strive to promote further collaborations.”
IN THIS ISSUE Regional News More tourism promotions held in India
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Business News Business efficacy in Israel continues to attract international acclaim 9-13
Art • Culture • Music Zubin Mehta takes his final bow with Israel Philharmonic Orchestra 15-17
Feature Archeologists discover a new Bronze Age city
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Jewish communities in Asia Candle-lighting and the month’s Parshas
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Jewish Times Asia November 2019
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Jerusalem March attracting thousands from around the world
Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) conducted a roadshow in Hyderabad on 26 September to enhance commercial ties with the Indian travel trade fraternity.
“I am delighted with this new position and foresee ample opportunities for us to push boundaries and reinvent the ever-evolving, dynamic Indian traveller,” he added.
To retain the growth momentum of Indian arrivals to Israel, the team circulated amongst over 50 key travel and tour operators, MICE providers, and upmarket leisure operators. Commencing with a presentation from IMOT, the roadshow included interactive B2B sessions, education programmes, and workshops to aid trade members in planning itineraries and responding to customer queries.
The IMOT has participated in various trade fairs and exhibitions this year to showcase the nation’s offerings to the traveltrade community with the foresight to bolster Israel’s claim as a tourist destination as well as one for business travel.
Commenting on the roadshow, Sammy Yahia, IMOT Director of Tourism for India & Philippines markets said that “the arrivals from India have exceeded expectations in the last few years, and we have seen the same trend in 2019. India currently stands third in Asia among the top source markets for Israel.”
Avital Pinnick, via Flickr
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More tourism promotions held in India
Chinese participants at the March
Christian pilgrims from all corners of the world visit Israel to participate in an annual parade.
Indian tourists in israel
Sukkot, and to express solidarity with Israel.
A strong contingent from many Asian countries joined the procession, especially from the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Korea and Vietnam.
Many thousands of Christians marched through the streets of Jerusalem alongside Israeli soldiers and workers in a display of camaraderie with the Jewish state.
This year participants joined 64th annual Jerusalem Parade on 17 October to mark the Jewish holiday of
The March runs from three starting points to the Sacher Park, and attracts an estimated 10,000 annual participants.
Jewish boy forced to kiss the shoes of his Muslim classmate A teenage boy in Melbourne, Australia, allegedly sent threatening messages to a Jewish boy who had been forced to kiss the shoe of a Muslim classmate, has been charged for the threats. The boy, 16, was arrested by Victoria police and charged with stalking, harassing, and threatening to kill the Jewish boy and his mother, The Age reported, and he is expected to appear in the Children’s Court this month.
The threatening messages told the preteen boy that he would be “slaughtered”, and asked if he wanted to “talk about suicide,” according to the report.
The incident did not take place on the school’s campus, and reports said a group of older students threatened the boy with violence if he did not comply
Jewish Times Asia
The image of the student kissing his classmate’s shoe went viral
with cruel demands. Dvir Abramovich, chairman of B’nai B’rith’s Anti-Defamation Commission, called the threats “vile and deplorable.” He said the victim’s parents now want a broader inquiry into antiSemitism in schools. Abramovich has helped the family to relocate the boy from Cheltenham Secondary College to a Jewish school.
Israel’s population tops 9 million Israel’s population reached 9,092,000 people on the eve of the Jewish new year of 5780, reported the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
Since Rosh Hashanah last year, the population has grown by 184,000. Population growth in 5779 was 2.1%, similar to that of recent years.
According to the CBS, the population of Israel is forecasted to reach 10 million at the end of 2024, 15 million at the end of 2048, and 20 million in 2065.
Presently, Israel is home to around 6.7 million Jews (74.2% of the population) and 1.9 million Arabs (21%). The remainder, 441,000 people (4.8%), are non-Arab Christians belong to other religions.
Data pertaining to the number of Jews globally was also released, with the global population soaring to 14.8 from 14.7 million a year ago. Israel is the country with the largest number of Jews, 6.7 million, with 8.1 million others living outside of the Jewish state. Some 5.7 million live in the US. Other significant country breakdowns for popula-
tions; France: 450,000; Canada: 392,000; UK: 292,000; Argentina: 180,000; Russia: 165,000; Germany: 118,000; Australia: 118,000; Brazil: 93,000; South Africa: 67,000. Some 26,000 Jews live in Arab and Muslim countries, including 15,000 in Turkey, 8,500 in Iran, 2,000 in Morocco and 1,000 in Tunisia.
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Regional News
Balai Quezon House officially opens inside the Philippine Embassy The Philippine Embassy in Israel has officially inaugurated the Balai Quezon (Quezon House) inside its premises on 29 October. Members of the diplomatic corps and Israeli officials were also present at the launch of the centre, which was established to honor President Manuel L. Quezon’s policy creating a safe haven in the Philippines for Jewish refugees of the Holocaust. Philippines Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto C. Abella was the guest of honour for the official opening ceremony. Also present were Max Weissler and Ms. Margot Pins Kestenbaum, proud “Manilaners” who now reside in Israel. Mr. Weissler and Ms. Kestenbaum were among the almost 1,300 Jewish refugees who were able to find safety in Manila; the community referred to themselves as “Manilaners” in fond reference to the city that became their new home. In his keynote address, the Undersecretary noted that Quezon’s policy had been driven by principle and a sense of shared humanity: “... the idea that a people would shelter another for the simple reason that they believe in their basic right to ex-
From left: Philippine Ambassador Neal Imperial, Margot Kestenbaum, Max Weissler and Undersecretary Ernesto C. Abella
From Left to Right: Yaron Mayer, Director for Southeast Asia of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ernesto C. Abella, DFA Undersecretary; Ambassador Neal Imperial, Consul Shimon Weinbaum; and artist Celeste Lecaroz during the unveiling of “Manuel L. Quezon in Spontanrealismus” The ribbon cutting ceremony. Ernesto C. Abella, DFA Undersecretary (centered), with Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial (left), and Yaron Mayer, Director for Southeast Asia Department of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (right)
ist and pursue a life of freedom and fulfillment.” He expressed hope that the Balai Quezon would support efforts to build awareness of Quezon’s inspiring legacy, and lauded it for being “the first and only of its kind in the Philippine foreign service.” Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial underscored the significance of the centre to Philippine-Israel bilateral relations. “[The “Open Door Policy”] remains the cornerstone of the deep and lasting friendship between the Philippines and Israel,” the Ambassador said. “It has been our dream, for the past five years, to find a place that would honor this special moment in history between our peoples.” The Balai Quezon will serve three core functions. First, it will serve as a resource centre on Quezon’s “Open Door Policy”. Second, it will administer the Embassy’s Filipino Language and Culture Programme for Filipino children born in Israel. Finally, it will work with local institutions to build awareness of this historic event and of its impact on Philippine-
Israeli child dies on flight home from Thailand According to Israel media reports, a one-year old infant girl died on 19 October on an Aeroflot flight from Thailand to Moscow when she began experiencing health problems. The baby, who reportedly had a genetic condition, died whilst returning with her family to Israel from a vacation in Thailand. The pilot of the airplane made an emergency stop in the Russian city of Kazan, but doctors were unable to resuscitate the baby and declared her dead. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said it was aware of the inci-
dent, and that the Israeli embassy in Moscow asked the Jewish community in Kazan to assist the family. In another tragic incident in Thailand, a 22-year-old Israeli woman has been killed in a diving accident on Koh Phi Phi Island, the Foreign Ministry reported on 6 October. The woman was vacationing with her family. The family received assistance from the ministry and from Israeli Consul in Bangkok, who helped to arrange the body to be flown back to Israel for burial.
Israel relations. Prior to the inauguration, Undersecretary Abella witnessed the turnover and unveiling of Manuel Quezon in Spontanrealismus, a painting by Filipino artist Celeste Lecaroz. The Philippines’ Honourary Consul in Jerusalem, Shimon Weinbaum, who had commis-
sioned the painting, donated the artwork to the Balai Quezon in honor of its opening. After the inauguration ceremony the Embassy opened an exhibit entitled: “The Philippines and Israel: An Enduring Friendship, a Growing Partnership”, featuring photos of key milestones in the PhilippineIsrael bilateral relationship, as well as personal items of the Weissler family that tracked their journey from Poland to Manila that were temporarily
loaned from Max Weissler’s private collection. During the programme, Howie Danao, one of the youngest finalists in local competition Israel’s Next Rising Star, performed a stirring Hebrew version of classic Filipino rock song Balita, originally released by Asin. Danao had also previously performed for President Rodrigo Duterte during his historic visit to Israel in September 2018.
Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Regional News
“Study in Israel” initiative for higher education targeting more Asian candidates
With already 12,000 international students enrolled in higher education institutions, the programme aims to grow these numbers through dozens of short-term and longer study schemes at top Israeli schools. The programme’s tagline is “Engage in Excellence,” highlighting the country’s in-
Sarah Sheafer/Times of Israel
In October, the Council for Higher Education in Israel (CHE) launched the “Study in Israel” initiative in order to double the number of international students enrolled in Israeli colleges and universities, initially targeting students in North America but now seeing with greater emphasis on China and India.
novative academic and research landscape as part of the startup nation. “We have committed to making Israel a ‘brain gain’ country for students and researchers from around the world—North and South America, Europe, and Asia,” said Professor Yaffa Zilbershats, chair of the CHE’s Planning and Budgeting Committee.
The council has also ear-
Two young Iranians refused to play their games against fellow opponents from Israel at the World Junior Chess Championships, according to Iranian news agency Mehr.
judoka Saied Mollaei said he was coerced by the Iranian authorities to intentionally lose a bout in order to avoid fighting Israeli Sagi Muki at the Judo World Championships in Tokyo.
The tournaments took place in Mumbai and Delhi during October, wherein several hundred players from around 65 countries participated.
As a result, the International Judo Federation (IJF) suspended the Iranian Judo Federation until further notice, possibly risking their spot for the Tokyo Olympics next year.
However, Iranian players Grand Master Mohammad Amin Tabatabaei and International Master Aryan Gholami did not show up for the scheduled matches against their Israeli opponents.
Chinese students in Israel
“With this new campaign, Israel is now more attractive than ever; we’re looking forward to bringing many more students from around the globe in years to come.” Professor Yaffa Zilbershats
Chess players refuse to play in India
marked funding to its public higher-education institutions to bolster marketing and recruitment efforts, create new courses in English, and develop international-student services. It also finances and manages a number of fellowship programmes for international students and post-doctorate researchers.
Iranians are routinely barred by their government to face-off against Israelis in international competitions due to socio-geopolitical tensions; earlier this year, Iranian
Iranian chess player Mohammad Amin Tabatabaei
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Regional News
WJC to honour former US Ambassador to UN, Nikki Haley
Israeli contestant crowned Miss Congeniality at a beauty pageant
World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald S. Lauder will honour former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, on 6 November with the WJC’s annual Theodor Herzl Award.
As part of an annual beauty pageant held in the Philippines on 4 October at the Philippine International Convention Centre, an Israeli participant was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality. In all, around 50 beauties participated from all around the world- including Israel’s Noy Ben-Artzi- at the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant.
The prestigious Award recognises outstanding individuals who work to promote Herzl’s ideals for a safer, more tolerant world for the Jewish people. Joel Grey, the legendary actor, singer, director, and photographer, will be presented with the WJC’s fourth Teddy Kollek Award for the Advancement of Jewish Culture. Of Haley’s nomination, Lauder said: “Throughout her tenure, US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, proved to be a giant in this realm [of championing tolerance], exemplifying [the USA’s] unwavering friendship for Israel and commitment to world Jewry, relentlessly calling out the biases and double standards that pervade in the United Nations
The Tel-Aviv native, 22, was chosen by her fellow 53 competitors to receive the title at the Manila event. Nikki Haley
and its bodies and demanding action. “As Ambassador Haley proclaimed in her first days in the position, a new day has dawned indeed at the UN. Thanks to Ambassador Haley, and her allies, the international community is waking up.” Previous recipients of the Theodor Herzl Award include the Rothschild family, former US Secretary of State General Colin L. Powell, former
US Vice President Joseph R. Biden, former Israeli President Shimon Peres, Elie and Marion Wiesel, former secretaries of state Henry A. Kissinger and George P. Shultz, and, posthumously, Ronald Reagan and Axel Springer. Kirk Douglas was honored with the inaugural Teddy Kollek Award in 2016, followed by film director George Stevens in 2017, and philanthropist Robert Kraft in 2018.
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According to an Israeli publication, in one segment of the pageant Ben-Artzi requested to walk hand-in-hand with a pageant contestant from Lebanon,
but the latter refused to cooperate and the joint walk was cancelled. She said about receiving the honour, “In my eyes, this is the most significant award, because I won it by the vote of the other contestants, and to me that means I also have character, and not just beauty.” Following the competition, Ben-Artzi described on Instagram how “grateful” she was to represent Israel in the pageant. Other winners included Best in National Costume which was won by Carolina Shuler, Brazil and Continental Queens winnners Klyza Castro, Philippines ( Asia) and Chelsea Martin, New Zealand ( Oceania).
www.philstar.com
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Israel’s winner Noy Ben-Artzi with reigning queen Sharifa Akeel
Jewish Times Asia November 2019
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Regional News
Bar-Ilan University offering free online Bible studies
Rabbi in life-saving rescue missions in India
Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan has recently opened its free nine-week online course on Bible studies.
Since first being offered in 2017, some 10,000 students from around the world have taken the course, amongst them residents of many African, Asian, and South American countries. There have also been participants from many countries in the Middle East, including Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia,
Bar-Ilan University campus Rabbi Menachem Bakush rescues a10-year-old who fell into a river in India
Egypt, and Iran.
online activities.
Offered by the Zalman Shamir Department of Bible at Bar-Ilan, the course offers introduction to the Bible set against the background of the rich archaeological findings from the Ancient Near East.
Students hope to obtain a new understanding of the ancient Near Eastern contexts pertaining to central biblical themes and genres such as creation traditions, flood stories, the Tower of Babel story, as well as law literature, prophecy, and wisdom.
The goal of the course is to introduce students to the fascinating world of Israel’s neighbouring civilisations in biblical times, and offer a comparative study that examines the relationship between the Bible and these civilisations.
Professor Nili Samet
United Hatzalah
Each student is expected to devote two to four hours per week to the course.
The professionally-produced course combines videos filmed at the British Museum, images of many relevant findings, and a variety of
“Students engage in discussions of the course material in the course forums. This is also where students tell other learners about themselves and what sparked their interest in this topic. The variety of backgrounds and approaches is fascinating,” explained Prof. Nili Samet, the highly esteemed lecturer who teaches the course.
As a trained paramedic for emergency services group United Hatzalah in India, Chabad envoy Rabbi Menachem Bakush continues to save lives. “It’s our job to help people wherever they are and to save their lives. I consider this a great mission,” the rabbi explained to the local newspaper Mako News. A few days later, he had treated an Israeli traveller who had altitude sickness, and even volunteered to fly with her to a New Delhi hospital for further medical treatment. During his volunteering ex-
pedition, the rabbi has saved the life of another Israeli hiker, who fell from a 40-foot waterfall in the Manali area. He was the first responder on the scene, and was able to administer medical treatment. As thanks, large group of hikers created a Facebook post to praise the rabbi for his important work in saving human lives. United Hatzalah, a nongovernmental organisation, was set up in 2006, and is headquartered in Jerusalem. Presently it has around 4500 volunteers and has trained several first responders teams in many countries, including India and Sri Lanka.
Sheridan will be visiting Singapore 1st November – 10th November and then will be in Hong Kong 10th November – 17th November
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Regional News
Deceased IDF soldier recognised as a military casualty During the war in the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2014 she flew the greatest number of combat missions in her squadron, her commander said.
Having perished in a freak snowstorm while on vacation in Nepal in 2014, the ministry said the decision was made in light of new evidence indicating that Ariel was killed as she tried to save others caught in the blizzard.
“The recognition of Cpt. Ariel, of blessed memory… was made following a deep investigation by relevant professionals at the Defense Ministry and after new evidence was presented to the ministry that Tamar was killed while trying to save the lives of others,” the ministry said in a statement.
In October of that year, she went, along with another pilot, to vacation in Nepal and walk the Around Annapurna circuit at what is considered the optimal time of the year.
Customarily, only the fami-
As a result of the decision,
Edi Israel/Flash90
lies of soldiers who fall in battle or in terror attacks receive this distinction, but exceptions are made for troops killed while trying to save lives.
In September, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced it had recognised the late Captain Tamar Ariel, the Israeli Air Force’s first religious female navigator, as an official military casualty.
Tamar Ariel during the 2012 IAF Flight School graduation ceremony
Ariel’s family will be recognised as a bereaved family of a fallen IDF soldier, which grants them certain economic benefits from the state and non-governmental organisations. Captain Ariel, one of six children, made headlines when she completed flight school as a fighter jet navigator in December 2012- the first Orthodox woman to do so. Thorong La Pass, in Nepal
At her graduation ceremony,
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she stood out from her peers by wearing an ankle-length skirt in keeping with religious modesty norms. “I don’t think that women need to go to flight school — I think that they can,” she told The Times of Israel at the time. “I recommend that any woman, religious or not, give it a shot. If they call you in, if you pass the tests, it means that the army thinks you can do it. So go ahead — try.”
But a highly unusual storm blew through region, pelting the high mountain passes with snow. Ariel and dozens of other trekkers encountered the brunt of the storm on the Thorong La Pass, the highest point on the circuit. Sapped of strength by the altitude, the cold and the fastaccumulating snow, Ariel could no longer walk as afternoon turned to evening and the clusters of trekkers tried to make their way down from the pass to safety. She died in the snow along with Agam Luria, Nadav Shoham, Michal Charkesky, and 36 other people, half of whom were Nepali.
Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Business Regional News News
Business efficacy in Israel continues to attract international acclaim
More oil and gas exploration licenses granted
Israel jumped 14 places to be ranked 35th among 190 countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report, published by the Washington financial institution in October.
by the Finance Ministry, the accountant-general, the Justice Ministry, and our office is changing the face of the Israeli economy. This is an important achievement. It needs to be continued.”
Israel’s Ministry of Energy announced it has granted two new oil and natural gas exploration licenses to LSElisted British energy companies Cairn and Pharos Energy.
The annual report, which also saw Israel rise from 54th to 49th place worldwide last year, evaluates regulations enhancing or constraining domestic business activity for small and medium-size enterprises over a 12-month period.
During the past year, the report said, Israel had made starting a business easier by allowing joint registration of corporate tax and value added tax. Access to credit information had also been improved by reporting both positive and negative data on individual borrowers.
According to the ministry’s announcement, 12 licenses for offshore blocs were distributed in the latest round of tenders.
Focusing on the largest business cities of each economy, the report evaluated ease of business in Tel-Aviv, and is based on regulations affecting ten key aspects in the life of a business. Israel’s significant rise in the rankings, the report stated, was due to regulatory improvements in starting a business, credit acquisition, timely tax payments, and cross-border trading ability. New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong were ranked as the three leading economies for ease of business. At the other end of the spec-
trum, Somalia, Eritrea, and Venezuela were found to be the most difficult locations for business activity. The West Bank and Gaza, based on the evaluation of business in Ramallah, were ranked in 117th place worldwide, slipping one place since last year’s report. Commenting on the report, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Israel’s improved ranking.
In addition, Israel made paying taxes easier by introducing an electronic system for filing and paying value added tax and social security contributions. Decreased corporate income tax rates had also made paying taxes less costly.
“There are approximately 200 countries, and we rose last year from 54th place to 49th place, and this year we jumped to 35th place – a very large jump,” Netanyahu said. “There is still some way to go, but the praiseworthy work carried out
Finally, the report cited an improvement in cross-border trade. Exporting had been made easier through the elimination of the certificate of origin requirement, subsequently decreasing the time and cost of export documentary compliance.
Asian consortiums were heavily involved with previous tenders awarded to Indian companies. Of the new licenses, eight of them have been awarded a partnership that includes the two British companies and the Israeli partnership Ratio, which already has exploration licenses in other Mediterranean areas.
were granted to the Greecebased Energean, in partnership with the local company Israel Opportunity. The licenses were approved by the ministry’s advisory Petroleum Council after examining the threshold conditions and work plans submitted by the companies. Israel’s Minister of Energy Yuval Steinitz said of the permits that “the new licenses allow new players to enter the natural gas economy in Israel, leading to increased competition and continued dismantling of the monopoly.” In the previous procedure ended in November 2017, six exploring licenses were granted. Another competitive procedure is expected to take place in 2021.
Cairn, headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, explores and produces oil and gas in a variety of locations worldwide. Pharos Energy, based in London, operates in oil and gas exploration off the coasts of Vietnam and Egypt. Four additional licenses
Yuval Steinitz
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Business Regional News News
Singapore’s Temasek Holdings looking for Chinese company completes acquisition of ADT more Israeli investment opportunities Singaporean company Temasek Holdings is looking into Israel’s agri-tech and food tech sector for investment opportunities, according to their managing director of agricultural business and Middle East and Africa.
tion about the deals in question, but that he expects that some of the deals will come to fruition in 2020, following the establishment of a local presence in Singapore wherein Tamasek will work to promote Israeli companies seeking Asian investors.
Advance Dicing Technologies (ADT), which supplies products for the semiconductor and electronic components industries, has been acquired by a Chinese conglomerate Zhengzhou Guangli Technology Ltd based in Shanghai.
Managing Director Anuj Maheshwari was part of a seven-person Temasek delegation that arrived in Israel last month to scout for potential investments. Previous statements value the company’s net portfolio at US$231 billion.
While Temasek is no stranger to investments in the Israeli market, its focus has traditionally been on cybersecurity and IoT companies.
Founded in Israel in 2003, ADT’s headquarter location will move from Yokneam, Israel, to Shanghai, and plans to significantly expand its sales and manufacturing presence in China in order to further penetrate the world’s largest semiconductor market.
Temasek is primarily interested in companies operating in sectors such as farming innova-
Anuj Maheshwari
tion and sustainable protein, as well as new technologies for producing safer, more nutritious foods. Maheshwari added that it is too early to reveal any informa-
Temasek has backed Israeli cybersecurity startup foundry Team8, and last year acquired Tel-Aviv-based cyber consulting company Sygnia for an undisclosed amount. Temasek also announced it had made a commitment to the Trendlines Group, a Singaporetraded Israeli tech commercialisation firm focused on startups in the fields of medtech and agtech.
Taiwan looking to adopt Israeliinfluenced drone technology According to local reports, Taiwan is building a fleet of suicide drones to strike targets in China in the event of an attack by the People’s Liberation Army, with specifications and designs similar to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) drones. At the recent Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition held in August, Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) unveiled the Chien Hsiang: an anti-radiation loitering munition. “Loitering munition” refers to a drone that can hover above
IAI Harop drone
the battlefield until it identifies a target, which it will then obliterate by smashing into it and detonating, sacrificing itself in the process. The term “anti-radiation” refers to the drone’s planned use as a weapon to attack earlywarning radar and air-defence systems. The drone has been compared by industry analysts to the IAI Harop or IAI Harpy 2 loitering system developed by the IAI. Some countries that currently operate the IAI Harpy include Singapore, Turkey, India, and Azerbaijan.
“This is a strategic measure of supreme importance for the
company’s future,” ADT CEO Yaron Barkan said. “The global market of the semiconductor and microelectronic industries is continuing its rapid development and growth, and is posing new challenges to us. In addition, the current global business environment and the volatility in the market are also confronting us with difficult challenges.” “Our combining with strategic Chinese partners will enable us to substantially increase our market share in China, to become a leading player in this market, and be far more important in the global market,” added Barkan.
Jewish Times Asia November 2019
11
Business Regional News News Israel diamond firms exhibit at the Hong Kong Jewelry & Gem Fair
South Korea’s biggest automaker Hyundai Motor are rumoured to be performing a large-scale experiment on hydrogen-powered trucks in 2020, with Israel potentially playing host to said tests.
An Israeli diamond pavilion booth was featured this September at the Jewelry & Gem Fair in Hong Kong.
Israel provides ideal testing conditions, given the extreme heat of the Dead Sea region, the steep roads of the northern Galilee region, and cargo transfer durability testing on the Arava road in southeastern Israel. According to the report, a senior delegation of Hyundai Motor recently visited Israel, meeting with officials at the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office to advance the experiment. The tests will be conducted by Taavura Group- Israel’s largest road haulage and logistics company- in collaboration with
Digitally-rendered image of Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen truck
Colmobil Group, the latter of which representing Hyundai Motors’s leg in Israel. Hyundai has already intro-
duced a hydrogen truck that started operating this year in Europe, with a 400-km driving range and 7-minute hydrogen refueling.
Elbit Systems receives new defense contract Defense electronics company Elbit Systems Ltd announced in October that it has been contracted for US$153 million to supply Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to a Southeast Asian army over a 22-month period. Under the terms of the contract, Elbit Systems will supply a network of multi-
The pavilion hosted a total of 59 Israeli diamond companies, and even provided state of the art terminals which enabled buyers to scour the database. President of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), Yoram Dvash, commented that “the Israeli companies enjoyed interest from many buyers”. He added that the show exceeded expectations, given the political unrest and the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. Throughout the show, the
new media team of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) posted live updates on the activities underway at the pavilion on different social media platforms garnering thousands of hits. IDE President Yoram Dvash commented: “The Israel Diamond Exchange stands at the forefront of reform and technological advances in the global diamond industry. In the last few years, we have pioneered technology which has revolutionised the field, and during the Dubai conference, we have talked about the importance of differentiating between natural and made-man diamonds through a viral global campaign”.
layered drone solutions. Elbit Systems president and CEO Bezhalel Machlis said, “This contract award underlines our competitive edge, as armies increasingly view multi-layered UAS solutions as key to providing superior intelligence while maintaining a high level of operational flexibility.”
IDI
Due to the significant worsening in recent years in global environmental regulations, several manufacturers, including Honda and Toyota, started producing hydrogen-powered cars- using technology which has been available for 50 years.
Hyundai Motor
Hyundai looking to test hydrogenpowered vehicles in Israel
Visitors to the Israel pavilion
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Business News
Further strategic partnerships for OurCrowd in Asia Israel venture capital crowdfunding platform OurCrowd has announced a strategic business and technology scouting partnership with Toyota Tsusho Corporation. OurCrowd is an innovation and investment platform that connects investors and startups around the world, and has already raised over US$1.28 billion in funding commitments. The partnership combines the strength of Jerusalem-based OurCrowd’s Israeli and global network, robust deal-flow pipeline, and their growing portfolio of 200 promising startups along with the broad reach and core
Jon Medved
values of Toyota Tsusho. The scouting agreement will seek out startup leaders in autonomous driving with a focus on sensors, image recognition, data compression, and security. The partnership will also seek out disruptive technologies in a diverse group of other sectors such as smart cities, medtech, including cancer examination, digital health, environmental technologies, and big data in agriculture. Toyota Tsusho EVP Regional CEO & CTO Minoru Murata said, “The future belongs to the bold who are implementing game-changing technologies. Toyota Tsusho and its 58,000 employees all over the world are proud to be leaders in our focus industries- but to ensure future leadership, we must identify, invest, and work with startups who are changing the world we live in. Our partnership with OurCrowd will bring us key technologies and leaders to work together on the next generation of global challenges.”
OurCrowd founder and CEO Jon Medved says he is “proud to be partnering with a general trading company such as Toyota Tsu-
sho. Together we can help startups turn into “scaleups” by providing access to Toyota Tsusho’s unrivaled platform that can deploy new technolo-
gies and products quickly and effectively in over 120 markets around the world. This is good news for startups and good news for the world.”
Hutchison Telecom sorting out share buy back in Israel Hong Kong.
Hong Kong-based Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd sent delegates for meetings with the Israeli Ministry of Communications in preparation for reacquiring Partner Communications Ltd, according to Globes. The shares reverted to Hutchison after US-Israeli billionaire Haim Saban announced that he was giving up the controlling interest in the mobile phone company. Hutchison must now prepare for the possibility of receiving the shares, and therefore needs a control permit from the Ministry of Communications in Israel. Hutchison operates in Israel in water desalination, an activity that is managed by
Hutchison was already the controlling shareholder in Partner in the past, but the decline in trade relations between China and the US – especially given pressure from the US administration to restrict its relations with China – are arousing concerns that Hutchison will have difficulty in obtaining a permit to control the company.
Haim Saban
Amikam Cohen and Dan Eldar, who worked with Cohen in Partner as VP operators connections and international connections.
Saban announced that he was returning the 30% controlling interest in Partner to Hutchison, in view of the losses it accumulated since he acquired Partner in 2013.
As reported by Globes, the return to Israel by Hutchison, which had founded Partner Communications, is problematised due to its roots in
The market value of the shares that Saban holds, attached to ensure payment of the debt, tallies up to NIS 730 million.
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
13
Business Regional News News
Thai seafood exporter invests in Israeli protein startup Expanding its hunt for breakthrough food technologies, Thailand-based seafood giant Thai Union Group has invested an undisclosed sum into Israeli alternative protein startup Flying SpArk. The investment in the Ashdod- based startup, which produces protein from fruit fly larvae, represents the first deal announced by Thai Union after launching a venture fund to secure access to and accelerate innovative food-tech solutions and protein sources. Cultivating fruit fly larvae in a sustainable manner with minimal waste, Flying SpArk is the maker of a 70% protein powder
Thiraphong Chansiri
Barneys department store finds a buyer US based iconic department store Barneys New York, which was launched by a Jewish clothier, will be sold off in pieces after declaring bankruptcy in August.
Fruit fly larvae
and oil which can be incorporated into a range of food and feed products. With promises of low water utilisation, no greenhouse gas emissions, and negligible land use, Flying SpArk says its larvae-based proteins have an advantage over proteins sourced from meat, plants and other insects, including crickets and grasshoppers; for every 1,000 tons of protein powder produced, Flying SpArk says, its technology will save 110 million square metres of fresh water, 50,000 hectares of land, and 55,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. “Over the last years, Thai
Union has made significant investments to become a leader in seafood innovation and sustainability,” said Thai Union CEO Thiraphong Chansiri. “As we move into the coming decade, we will increasingly cooperate with innovative startups in strategically interesting areas. This will complement our own activities as we are broadening our business beyond our traditional core.” In 2018, Israeli agri-food firms secured US$103 million in equity investment, putting Israel on par with- and even surpassing- investments made far larger countries, including Australia and India.
The century-old chain was sold to the fashion licensing company Authentic Brands Group and financial firm B. Riley for US$271.4 million, a day after the sale was approved by a bankruptcy court. Barney Pressman, whose father owned a clothing store, opened his first department store in Manhattan in 1923. B. Riley said it will hold liquidation sales at Barneys
Barneys New York department store
DEC 04-06, 2019 HONG KONG Convention & Exhibition Centre
remaining seven US stores, starting this month with private events for its most loyal customers, The Associated Press reported. Authentic Brands said it will turn the iconic Madison Avenue store into a centre for pop-up businesses, including boutiques as well as art and cultural installations. It also plans to license the Barneys New York name to Saks Fifth Avenue, which will open a Barneys New York reboot on Saks’ fifth floor. Saks also will launch Barneys New York shops in some of its other stores in the US and Canada.
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Education Planning
Mentoring for Success Supplied by
Jerome Barty-Taylor Barty Education and Development
This month, we talk to Jenny Selevan about her experience of taking on a tutor. Her son is in Grade 11 at Elsa High School, Hong Kong, and the family has lived in Hong Kong for the past 13 years. Q. What prompted you to call the BartyED team? I saw an article in ExpatLiving about a friend’s son who BartyED had helped, and I knew that that’s what my son needed. It’s really hard to distinguish between different education providers— all tutors seem to promise everything. I think the personal referral is really powerful in prompting you to stop and look at the article. I knew that the child had some issues in school,
and I knew my friend was a very smart mom, so I knew I could trust BartyED. Q. Since that call, how has the BartyED team helped your child with his learning? Well, it’s been amazing. I mean, his writing has improved, and I know his confidence has definitely improved. For some students, it’s so important for there to be extra one-on-one support that helps them review and consolidate more advanced content that might have been missed in class. And in turn, when he comes into class and is proud of his work, he has more confidence and a stronger desire to improve on his own. I would say we saw this change within a matter of weeks. His organisa-
tional skills immediately improved, and that meant he could hand assignments in on time and engage much more effectively with his teachers. Q. What type of feedback has the school shared about your child since you started working with BartyED? His writing has definitely improved, which I think is a challenge for schools to address once a student falls behind. His vocabulary has gotten better, and he’s generally more organised, more focussed, and more driven.
I spent too long hoping that he would develop his own independent study skills through the IB MYP.
I think my son responds to his tutor really well because there’s a relationship of mutual respect. I think that really helps. When a kid clicks with any teacher, it makes a huge difference. The highlight is he looks forward to the tutor coming and genuinely appreciates the help and guidance he receives. This creates a virtuous circle where he enjoys receiving more praise in the classroom and is motivated to engage in his studies further. For my part, getting positive feedback from teachers on his academics has been the highlight.
Elsa is also a very nurturing school and couldn’t have been more supportive in terms of collaborating with Jerome and his tutors to ensure my son succeeds.
Q. Had you sought help from other sources or is BartyED the first learning service your family has used?
Q. What’s been the highlight for your child?
No, and I wish I had found out about BartyED sooner.
My son needed someone who could help him tackle the root causes of motivation, give him a strong foundation in writing and study skills and get him ready for the step up into the IB Diploma. Q. Why would you recommend the BartyED team to other parents? The team matches you with somebody that your kid is going to respond to. Jerome really understands teenagers and even from our first conversation, I sensed he had an idea who would work best with my son. I think he has a very good sense after meeting your child, what educational approach to take to achieve the greatest impact. BartyED’s service is excellent, flexible and their mentoring is highly effective. BartyED’s qualified staff provide admissions consulting and SAT/ACT prep as well as expert tuition in IB and other international curricula. For more information contact enquiries@bartyed.com
Jewish Times Asia November 2019
15
Art • Culture • Music
Indian–born conductor Zubin Mehta takes his Prolific Israeli play to be final bow with Israel Philharmonic Orchestra translated for the Chinese stage Maestro conductor Zubin Mehta, Musical Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), gave his orchestral swan song last month.
Following on from last year’s successful tour, a Chinese version of the Joshua Sobol’s Ghetto will embark on a fivemonth performance tour across China.
Walking with the support of a cane following a medical surgery, Mehta gave a touching speech: “From my heart, what this orchestra has given me, not only this one but all the generations before them-- I cannot begin to even describe what I have learned with these musicians.” His final performance included Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (known as Resurrection), at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium. He was joined by pianist Yefim Bronfman, soprano Chen Reiss, mezzo-soprano Okka von der Damerau, the Gary Bertini Choir, and the Jerusalem Academy Chamber Choir. Fans took to Twitter to voice their emotion after the maestro said his last goodbye: “During 50 years Maestro Mehta accompanied with sublime music our days of joy and sorrow, of war and peace. Todah Rabah Maestro!”, writes one touched aficionado. India’s BJP political party
Twitter/@AmbDaniDayan
The 83-year old musical legend, who has conducted over 3,000 concerts, is retiring after 50 years with the orchestra.
Zubin Mehta
leader Sharadindu Trivedi, wrote, “Zubin Mehta is a legend in his own time.” Another Twitter user, @ ShlomitSufa wrote, “You can’t overestimate Zubin Mehta’s enormous influence on Israeli culture, and his contribution to #ClassicalMusic in Israel. Moreover, Mehta embodies the true meaning of ‘living bridge’ between #Israel and #India.” Born and raised in Mumbai in a Gujarati family, Zubin Mehta always wanted to be a musician. Mehta’s father was the founder of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra, and Mehta received his early musical education from him. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra appointed Mehta as music adviser in 1969 and music director for life in 1981.
39th Annual Akko Theatre Festival
Humour with music at the festival
Held on Israel’s northern coast, the annual Akko Theatre Festival took place from 14-17 October.
of Sukkot and features performances of original, avant-garde fringe theatre from Israel and around the world.
The festival is set among the crusader ruins and beachfront promenades of the Old City of Akko, and customarily run for four days during the festival
In all, around 500 artists performed in over 60 shows, including special premieres, guest performances, street theatre, and outdoor events.
Street Performers entertaining children
Ghetto, both written and directed by Israeli playwright Joshua Sobol, depicts life and death in the Vilna ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Lithuania in WWII. Using diaries and other historical documents to shape the story, Sobel enlists the play as a meta tool with which to comment upon Jewish theatre
He was music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1962 to 1978 and of the New York Philharmonic from 1978 to 1991. Mehta, will be succeeded by 30-year-old Lahav Shani, who was also named the orchestra’s musical director emeritus.
Ghetto
in Vilna- specifically, upon its cathartic power during the most dismal days of Europe’s recent history. First debuting in Haifa, Israel, in 1984, the drama has been staged in 25 countries and regions- including the US, Germany and the UK- and has been translated into more than 20 languages. The new play will be performed in Chinese cities such as Suzhou, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Beijing.
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Art • Culture • Music
Award-winning photographer presents Women on the Front Lines book
18th Annual Oud Festival
Debbie Zimelman, photo journalist and creater of the book Women on the Front Lines book, gave a special talk and presentation about her inspiration and work to Jewish communities in Hong Kong and Tokyo last month.
The Jerusalem International Oud Festival will open later this month from 21-30 November. Founded in 2000, the Oud Festival promotes cultural diversity while strengthening ties familiar sounds and protecting endangered ones.
Her photography work began nearly 25 years ago. During her talk she explained one of her very first projects was a series of documentaries on women in prison in Israel. Her more recent project has been on women in combat units in the IDF which has become her recently released book. Her motivation to create the book was through her friends daughters. “I made aliyah to Israel at the age of 22, and was considered “too old” to serve in the IDF. Having lived in Israel for over
It is an annual celebration of the Middle East’s “king of instruments”, a pear-shaped string instrument that is very popular in North African Middle Eastern music.
Book Cover: Women on the Front Lines
Debbie Zimelman giving a talk at the Hong Kong Jewish Community Centre
30 years, I have always felt this is one experience that I have missed out on. Thus when my friends daughters began to be drafted, and they also chose to volunteer for combat units, I thought it would be interesting to photograph them.” The IDF granted permission to photograph and create the first book on this topic. Debbie then spent several years shooting, and then several more years trying to figure out how to turn 3000 images and 30 interviews into a book. The format of the book provides full page images mixed with quotes from the women soldiers. It includes a scholarly article by an academic on the topic, as well as an intro-
duction by me. Her portfolio of photographs have been exhibited and published in newspapers and magazines worldwide receiving several international awards. Her photo essay Suited for Action: Israel’s Women Ready for Combat, received First Place in the Simon Rockower Awards for Excellence in Photography in the US. An active photographer since the age of 16, Debbie thrives on photographing people, using the camera to gain access to new places and experience new worlds and her life mission is to use the camera to share her vision of the world with others. Women in the Front Lines is available through her own site www.debzim.com
Every year the festival presents programming of original productions and special performances that offer unique interpretations of ancient and modern works, illustrating the connection between Arab and Per-
Ensemble of musicians
Oud Musician
sian classical music and Jewish liturgical music. Hosted by the Confederation House, the festival features international and local artists, all inspired by their love and passion for the unique Oud instrument, its techniques, melodies, and songs that are etched into the musical memory of the entire world. The festival performances present various, eclectic musical traditions from throughout the Middle Eastern world and the Mediterranean Basin, all whose mutual influences have produced fascinating interactions.
Thank you to all the generous donors, supporters, board members and attendees who supported the 20th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival from Jewish Times Asia
| www.hkjff.org
Jewish Times Asia November 2019
17
Art • Culture • Music
Eurovision superstar Netta performs to a live crowd in China
Israeli film awarded a prize in Iraq
Israeli singer and artist Netta Barzilai, who shot to instant fame after winning Eurovision 2018, performed live on Chinese television as part of annual festival.
Ashmina, a film by Israeli director Dekel Berenson, won the International Short Film Jury Prize at the fourth Slemani International Film Festival in Slemani, Iraq.
An estimated 500 million viewers last month were introduced to her brand of pop music as part of the Zhejiang Satellite TV Autumn Festival. She performed her hit single Nana Banana alongside Naomi Wang Ju, a singer who- after winng her own stint on music television last year on Produce 101- has been dubbed China’s Beyoncé. “I just can’t believe how
Netta (right) performing alongside Naomi Wang Ju
fortunate I am. I got a CRAZY opportunity to sing my song in front of 500 million people that know nothing about me — live on Chinese television. It felt so surreal,” Barzilai
posted on Instagram. Netta, who triumphed at Eurovision with Toy, a defiant anthem of female empowerment, also performed at the 2019 contest and has had a successful career in Israel and abroad since her victory.
The annual festival event runs from the 1-7 October in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The festival showcased around 150 films from 78 countries and has attracted filmmakers, actors, journalists, and programmers from many other international film festivals Ashmina tells the story of a 13-year-old girl who lives with her family on the outskirts of Pokhara, Nepal, the paragliding capital of the world, and was inspired by the director’s own ex-
Her video for Toy had collected more than 20 million views even before she performed it at the 63rd Eurovision song contest final on 12 May in Lisbon, Portugal.
Netta Barzilai winning Eurovision
Her victory was the fourth for Israel, following its wins in 1978, 1979 and 1998.
Ashmina
Dekel Berenson
periences visiting Pokhara and seeing children working there. The film has already won several awards around the world, including the Best Short Film at the 36th Jerusalem Film Festival, which ensures it will be eligible for Oscar consideration.
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
Archeologists discover a new Bronze Age city
I
Calling it a “cosmopolitan and planned city,” the authority said the early Bronze Age settlement covered 65 hectares (160 acres) and was home to about 6,000 people. Young volunteers at the excavation site
“In this city, we have a planned settlement with a whole net of streets and alleys and Clara Amit/Israel Antiquities Authority
The city was discovered during preparations for a highway interchange project near Harish, a town some 50 km (30 miles) north of Tel-Aviv.
Figurines found at the site
Aerial photograph of the excavation site
squares, and drainage installations, [and] storage installation,” said Yitzhak Paz, a director of excavation at IAA. Researchers said the discovery “dramatically changes” their understanding of the period — a time in which a rural, agrarian society was beginning to establish urban sites. “This is a huge city – a megalopolis in relation to the Early Bronze Age, where thousands
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Assaf Peretz/Israel Antiquities Authority
Yaakov Shmidov/Israel Antiquities Authority
s r a e l ’s A n t i q u i t i e s Authority (IAA) has announced that researchers have discovered the remains of a large, 5,000-year-old city that sheds new light on experts’ understanding of the period.
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of inhabitants, who made their living from agriculture, lived and traded with different regions, and even with different cultures and kingdoms in the area,” added Paz. Among the discoveries was an unusual ritual temple, burnt animal bones — evidence of sacrificial offerings — and a figurine of a human head. There also were millions of pottery fragments, flint tools, and stone vessels.
“The remains of residential buildings, diverse facilities and the public buildings are an indication of the organised society and the social hierarchy that existed at the time,” the researchers said. IAA said that during the dig, archaeologists also found evidence of an earlier settlement dating back 7,000 years underneath the city’s houses. It said that two nearby springs likely drew people to the area.
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Jewish Times Asia November 2019
19
November Parashas 2 November 2019 / 4 Cheshvan 5780: NOACH Noah is told to build an Ark. Only his family seven pairs of kosher species/animals, came into the Ark to be saved from the Flood. G-d promises with the rainbow never to destroy the world. G-d gives the seven Noahide Laws: Prohibition of Idolatry, Prohibition of Murder, Prohibition of Theft, Prohibition of Sexual Promiscuity, Prohibition of Blasphemy, Permission to eat flesh but not from a live animal, Having an effective judiciary. Ham, Noach’s son is condemned for not covering his father’s nakedness. The seventy nations descended from Noah’s three sons – Shem, Ham and Japhet. The building of the Tower of Babel; the confusion of languages and the dispersing of the peoples. The birth of Abraham.
9 November 2019 / 11 Cheshvan 5780: LECH LECHA Abram is told to leave his land, his birth-place and his family home to a land called Canaan the Promised Land, which G-d will show him. Abraham descends to Egypt and hides Sarai, his wife in a box – fearing that the Egyptians would kill him and take her. He returns to the Promised Land and he and Lot go their separate ways. The wars of the kings is described. Abraham saves Lot. G-d makes the Covenant of different parts with Abram. Abram sires a son – Ishmael from Sarai’s handmaid – Hagar. G-d makes another Covenant with Abram and changes his name to Abraham and promises that he will sire a son with Sarai, whose name is also changed – to Sarah. The institution of the Brit Milah.
16 November 2019 / 18 Cheshvan 5780: VAYERA
G-d appears to Abraham while Abraham is recovering from his Brit Milah, the first instance of the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim, visiting the sick. Three men visit Abraham who offers them hospitality, the Mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming guests. G-d repeats the promise
HOLIDAYS/ FASTS/ ROSH CHODESH/ SPECIAL DAYS Rosh Chodesh:
28 November 2019 (30 Cheshvan 5780) 29 November 2019 (1 Kislev 5780)
that Sarah will bear a son for Abraham and he will be called Isaac. Abraham is told of the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and he tries to intercede, but they are still destroyed. The angels save Lot from the destruction, but his wife turns to look back and is turned into a pillar of salt. Sarah is abducted by Abimelech, but G-d causes her to be returned unharmed. Isaac is born and is the first to be circumcised on the eighth day. Sarah insists that Ishmael and his mother Hagar are sent away. Abraham offers Isaac as a sacrifice on Mt Moriah. When G-d sees that Abraham unquestionably obeys, He sends a ram to be sacrificed instead. Mt Moriah is where the Temple in Jerusalem stood.
23 November 2019 / 25 Cheshvan 5780: CHAYEI SARAH SHABBAT MEVARECCHIM Sarah dies at the age of 127 years and Abraham buries her in the Cave of Machpelah (in Hebron), having bought the cave and surrounding land from Ephron. Abraham sends his servant Eliezer to find a wife for his son Isaac in Aram Naharaim. Eliezer sets a test of who would be suitable for his master’s son at the well, who would offer also to give water to the camels. Rebecca passes the test. Eliezer asks her mother and brother Laban for permission to take Rebecca. Laban is reluctant, but relents when Rebecca shows her willingness to go. She is blessed with the words that are used today at a Jewish marriage during the bedeking. Isaac brings Rebecca into his late mother’s tent and the loss he felt at the loss of his mother is relieved.
30 November 2019 / 2 Kislev 5780: TOLDOT The birth of Esau and Jacob. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob. Like his father Isaac leaves the land because of famine and goes to Abimelech. G-d tells Isaac not to go down to Egypt. Isaac, again like his father tries to hide the true identity of his wife Rebecca. Esau takes two wives Judith and Basemath, about whom Isaac and Rebecca were not happy. Isaac wishes to give the blessing of the firstborn to Esau. With the urging and help of his mother Rebecca, Jacob deceives his father into thinking he is the firstborn Esau. When Esau hears of this he his angry and resolves to kill his brother. When Isaac realised the deception, he nevertheless confirms the blessing on Jacob.
Candle Lighting Times for November Cities
1-November
Bangkok Beijing Guangzhou Hong Kong Kathmandu Kobe Manila Mumbai Perth Shanghai Singapore Seoul Taipei Tokyo
5:33 5:31 5:29 5:29 5:30 4:55 4:47 4:41 4:36 4:33 5:31 5:27 5:25 5:23 5:22 5:28 5:25 5:22 5:21 5:20 5:02 4:57 4:54 4:51 4:50 4:49 4:42 4:37 4:34 4:31 5:10 5:08 5:06 5:06 5:06 5:47 5:44 5:42 5:41 5:41 6:23 6:29 6:35 6:42 6:48 4:48 4:42 4:38 4:35 4:33 6:32 6:32 6:33 6:34 6:36 5:17 5:10 5:04 4:59 4:57 4:56 4:51 4:48 4:46 4:46 4:28 4:22 4:17 4:13 4:10
8-November
15-November
22-November
29-November
Candlelighting times are taken from Chabad.org.
JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN ASIA CAMBODIA
Chabad Jewish Center House # 32, Street 228, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: (855) 85 807 205 www.jewishcambodia.com
CHINA
HONG KONG
PHILIPPINES
Chabad of Hong Kong: 1/F Hoover Court, 7-9 Macdonell Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2523 9770 www.chabadhk.org
SINGAPORE
Jewish Community Centre: One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2801 5440 www.jcc.org.hk
Beijing Chabad House and Community centre: Fang Yuan Xi Lu, next to the south gate of Si De Park, Beijing, PR China Tel: (8610) 8470 8238 ext. 210, (86) 13910740109 www.chabadbeijing.com
Ohel Leah Synagogue: 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2589 2621 www.ohelleah.org
Chabad of Ya Bao Lu: Jian Guo Men Diplomatic Bldg, Building 3, 2/F, 223 Chaoyangmennei Street, Beijing, PR China TeL: (86) 1352 2016 427 Email: rabbaimendy08@gmail.com
The Israeli Chamber Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong: c/o The Jewish Community Centre, One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2312 1111 email: icochk@biznetvigator.com
United Jewish Congregation (Reform): Jewish Community Centre, One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2523 2985 www.ujc.org.hk
Kehillat Beijing (Reform): Capital Club Athletic Center, 3/F., Ballroom, Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nanlu Chaoyang District, Beijing, PR China Tel: (86) 10 6467 2225 www.sinogogue.org
Kowloon Kehilat Zion (Orthodox): Unit 105, 1/F, Wing on Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2368 0061 www.kehilat-zion.org
Guangzhou Guangzhou Chabad: 31 He Ping Lu, Overseas Village, Guangzhou, China Tel: (86) 137 1050 5049 www.chabadgz.org
Chabad of Kowloon: Oriental Centre 1/F Unit D, 67-71 Chatham Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2366 5770 Email: kowloon@chabadhk.org
Shanghai Shanghai Chabad (Shanghai Jewish Center): Shang-Mira Garden Villa #1, 1720 Hong Qiao Road, Shanghai, 200336, PR China Tel: (86) 21 6278 0225 www.chinajewish.org
Magen David Synagogue: 340 Sir J.J. Rd, Byculla, Mumbai Tel: (91) 22 23006675
Chabad of Pudong: Vila # 69, 2255 Luoshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, PR China Tel: (86) 21 5878 2008 www.chinajewish.org Sephardi Shanghai Center: Building B. Apt. 3 (Room 103), 1000 Gubei Road, Shanghai, PR China 201103 Tel: (86) 21 6208 8327 Mobile: (86) 15900808733 Email: sscshanghai10@gmail.com, ssc_shanghai@walla.com Kehilat Shanghai (Reform): XinTianDi – Lakeville 2 Regency Club, 168 ShunChang Lu, Shanghai, China Tel: (86) 13817825201 www.kehilatshanghai.org Email: info@kehilatshanghai.org, Facebook: facebook.com/KehilatShanghai Shenzhen Shenzhen Chabad: No.4, Block A, Guishan Xiaozhu Yanshan Road, Industrial Area, Shekou Nanshan District, Shenzhen, PR China Tel: (86) 755 8207 0712 www.chabadshenzhen.org
INDIA (MUMBAI)
Kenesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, 43 Dr V.B. Gandhi Marg, Fort, Mumbai Tel: (91) 22 22831502 / 22839617 Kurla Bene Israel: 275 C.S.T. Rd, Jewish Colony, Kurla (W) Mumbai, India Tel: (91) 22 511-2132
JAPAN
Kobe Ohel Shelomoh Synagogue and Community Center: 4-12-12, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650, Japan Tel: (81) 78 221 7236 www.jcckobe.org Tokyo Tokyo Chabad: 1-5-23 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan 108-0073 Tel: (813) 5789 2846 www.chabad.jp JCC Japan: Tokyo Jewish Community Centre, 8-8 Hiroo 3-Chome, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150 0012, Japan Tel: (813) 3400 2559 www.jccjapan.or.jp
NEPAL
Chabad House: GHA-2-516-4 Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: (977) 980 324 1294 chabadnepal@hotmail.com
Beth Yaacov Synagogue: 110 H.V. de la Costa cnr, Tordesillas West, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila 1227, The Philippines Tel: (632) 815 0265 www.jewishphilippines.org Chesed-El Synagogue: 2 Oxley Rise, Singapore 238693 Tel: (65) 6732 8862, (65) 9740 8109 Jacob Ballas Community Centre & Maghain Aboth Synagogue: 24-26 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187950 Tel: (65) 6337 2189 www.singaporejews.org United Hebrew Congregation (Reform): email: info@uhcsingapore.org
SOUTH KOREA Chabad: 744-18 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul 140-893, South Korea Tel: (82) 107 730 3770 www.jewishkorea.com
TAIWAN
Taipei Jewish Center: No. 12, Lane 46, Anju St, Daan District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan Tel: (886) 9 2392 3770 email: Rabbi@jewish.tw Taipei Jewish Community: 16 Min Tsu East Road, Second Floor, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Tel: (886) 2 2591 3565 email:einhorn912@xuite.net Taipei Jewish Community Synagogue Services: 11F, 54 Minsheng East Road, Section 4, Taipei, Taiwan email: thetjc@yahoo.com
THAILAND
Bangkok Jewish Association of Thailand: 121 Soi Sai Nam Thip 2, Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (662) 663 0244 www.jewishthailand.com Chabad of Thailand: 96 Rambutttri St. Banglamphu, 102000 Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (662) 629 2770 www.chabadthailand.com Bet Sefer Chabad: 221 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand Tel: (662) 258 3434 Chabad of Phuket 52/32 Ratch U-thit Song Roy Pee Rd. (opposite Patong Post Office), Second row of town houses, Patong, Katu District, Phuket 83150 Chiang Mai 189/15 Chang-Clan Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, On street of Night Bazaar, 100 Meters before The Empress hotel Tel: (66) 81 870 2249
VIETNAM
Chabad: 5A (villa) Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dakao ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Tel: (84) 90 9166770 www.JewishVietnam.com
Boffi De Padova Studio – KI Design Limited Shop 301-310 Lee Garden Three, No.1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tel: 2868 1134 www.kih.com.hk
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