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DMITRI WAS BRUTALLY ABUSED BY HIS FATHER
However, thanks to one of the orphanages World Jewish Relief funds __ in Ukraine, this Chanukah he’ll receive gifts instead of a black eye. World Jewish Relief is dedicated to saving the lives of individuals and the H p jV tflS ti life of communities wherever the need is greatest. To help more children |C B like Dmitri, please complete and return the coupon, or call 020 7691 177 1. TO INDIVIDUALS, TO COMMUNITIES, TO WHEREVER THE NEED IS GREATEST,
I enclose a donation of £
TO L I F E
Name
Address_____________ Postcode
Please make cheques payable to: World Jewish Relief
Send this coupon to: World Jewish Relief, The Forum, 74/80 Camden Street, London NW1 OEG. Email: info@wjr.org.uk This story is undramatised and unaltered. Image and personal details have been changed to protect confidentiality. Registered Charity Number 290767 Produced by Creative & Commercial 020 7267 1415
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SYNAGOZ^
J O U R N A L
OF
THE
F E D E R A T I O N
OF
S Y N A G O G U E S
EDITORIAL By the time you read this, the summer will be nearly over and it will be time to settle in for the
C O
Yom Tov season. I hope all our readers had a restful and relaxing summer and have returned refreshed to face the winter. It is difficult to think about Rosh Hashanah before the summer holidays have even begun, but / hope we have managed to provide you with some interesting reading for the High Holyday period, as well as
T
E
N
T
S
Federation News Hamaor looks at Croydon Gourmet Delicatessen Holocaust Memorial Consecration
a news roundup of events in the Federation as a whole together with news from the individual shuls. If your shut is running an event, please let
Israel Solidarity Rally Sinai Shul
us know, as we would love to tell our readers about it. Please send details to me by email: vicki@rabbibelovski.com or by post to the Federation Head office.
Alan Finlay, President's Column Agunah Legislation Kol Nidrei
We have tried not just to focus on Rosh Hashonoh, but to include the whole Yom Tov season. Rabbi Pearlman o f M achzikei Hadass considers Kol N idrei, w hile in the M inhag Corner, Rabbi Tugendhaft o f Elstree looks at Sukkos and Shemini
Minhag column Shabbos at the Belovskis Cookery
Atzeres. We have even looked back to Pesach and have a report o f the Federation-supervised holiday
World Jewish Relief
in M ajorca from three very different perspectives.
Majorca 2002
The Federation
Personal
was involved in
the spring
"Solidarity with Israel" events, with many members joining in the Trafalgar Square rally and our own event taking place at the Yeshurun in Edgware. We
Federation of Synagogues Constituent & Affiliated Synagogues
have included reports o f both events in the magazine. At this time o f the year, when so many o f us will be in shul, I am sure you w ill agree that it is appropriate to pray not just for ourselves and our
Published by the Federation of Synagogues, 65 Watford Way, London NW4 3AQ
families, but for all Jew s everywhere, particularly Tel: 020 8202 2263 Fax: 020 8203 0610
in Israel . M a y the coming yea r be one o f peace and good health for all o f us and may we all be , inscribed and sealed in the Book o f Life. '
Vicki Belovski
Front Cover shows window from Greenford Synagogue. Photo by G. Coleman
Editor: Vicki Belovski Advertising: Roberta Rubenstein
H A M A O R
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 0 2
■1
i
NEWS
NEWS
NEWS
NEWS
Federation News
Clapton Federation Synagogue Recently, a past member of the Synagogue, Mr Leiberman, attended a Shabbat Service with members of his family and friends and recited the Haftorah in celebration of the 50th
Hampstead Shtiebel, formerly of the Western
For the fourth time the Shul has made a
Synagogue and Cantor Avraham Levin of the
Communal Tea for members and three Jewish
Ilford United Synagogue, accompanied by the
Care residential homes. Guests came from
London Jewish Male Choir. The Guest Speakers
Ruben House, N3; Clore Manor, NW4; and Vi
were Dayan Yisroel Lichtenstein, Rosh Beth Din of the Federation of Synagogues and Monty Richardson
of
the
South
Hampstead
Synagogue. At an evening dedicated to the memory of Rev Louis Shaposnick, former Rav of the Great Garden Street Synagogue, a lecture was given
pleasant Shabbat for all concerned. The
by Rabbi Dovid Roberts of Project SEED.
our older members doing the same - all are welcome. The Honorary Officers and, indeed, all our
The East London Central Synagogue was presented with a cup, as winners of the Inter Synagogue
Rubens
entertainment
was
House
in
provided
Ilford. by
The Beis
Ronny
Quiz
held
at
the
Hackney
Hamikdos
said to him tv
Goldberg and the food was prepared under the supervision of the Rebbetzin, Mrs M
anniversary of his Barmitzvah. It made a
Honorary Officers would like to see more of
&■ John
in ref€
us'. This was
was talc
Telsner. Over sixty people attended, including
of the Three \
young children who danced with some spritely residents. The David HaMelech Seudah on the 2nd Day of Shavuoth was followed two weeks later by a special Kiddush to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee on Shabbat Beha'alotecha.
Synagogue.
members would like to wish our Warden and Elder, Harry Bodlander and his dear wife Bella a hearty Mazal Tov on the occasion of their forthcoming Diamond Wedding this coming November. We wish them many more healthy and happy years together.
Finchley Central Synagogue
Shomrei Hadath
Leytonstone i
On Shabbos Mattos Massei the Shomrei Hadath Synagogue celebrated a Shalosh Seudos
Finchley by the Curator of the British Library Hebrew Department, Mrs liana Tahan a small friends
greatly
enjoyed a private visit to the British Library in
Fachler.
At
the Seudah
that members, is
followed, the President of the community, Mr
M otion. Tht
Jonathan Winegarten, said that it was a matter o woman - o
of great happiness that this was another siyum
celebrated over the years. He thanked in
iq n
particular the Rav, but also others who had
W ee.
stock. We saw a manuscript from the 13th
the Rabbi drew on the week's sidra and on the
Century and another from the 14th. The
gemorah, which both dealt with the cities of
illustrations, considering their age, were sharp
refuge, and contrasted the law there, which
and clear. Likewise, a facsimile of the Golden
required signposts to be erected showing the
Haggadah was quite staggering. Another item,
way to those cities, with the laws concerning
printed in 1484 was, I imagine, one of the first
the three Foot Festivals, when no similar
On 14th April, a Choral Sefirat HaOmer Service
Hebrew books - Solomon ibn Gabirol - Mivhar
requirement was to be found with regard to
was held at the Synagogue. The officiating
ha Penimi. The Shul has now adopted this book
signposts to Jerusalem. Jerusalem being a
Chazanim were Cantor Moishe Dubiner of the
for preservation.
walled city made a link between gemorah
held at the East London Central Synagogue on Motzei Shabbat, 19th January, when the Sassover Rebbe addressed a well attended gathering.
o
Euston Road. from time to time given the shiur. In his address
Synagogue Association, a Melava Malka was
^ the Cour
in a series of siyumim that the shul had
Mrs Tahan showed us five items from reserve
Under the auspices of the East London
omalgamati
Wolthamstov
Following the March Sunday evening talk in
of members and
Forest Cou
combined with a Siyum for gemorah Maccos.
Mordechai
group
elected to th
The Hadran was given by the Rav, Rabbi
by B. BERNSTEIN
East London Central Synagogue
Loune Braht
presentQfrv
—
.r- y.
IN
NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWS Federation News 'h fin,e
Shul * ™ad
Maccos which the shul had just ended and
Federation Synagogue's AGM. Leon Newmark
gemorah Megillah which the shul was just
stepped down after four years in the chair.
m e from
beginning. Rabbi Dr Michael Harris gave an
Leon expressed his thanks to all those who had
'* • " * * * . « ,
insight into the last words of gemorah Maccos
contributed towards the running of the Shul
where, in reference to the destruction of the
and towards the well being of the kehilla. He
Beis Hamikdosh, the colleagues of Rabbi Akiva
was presented with an inscribed kiddush plate
said to him twice "Akiva, you have comforted
by the community in appreciation of all the
us". This was particularly appropriate as the
sterling work that he had done whilst in office.
siyum was taking place on the middle Shabbos
The new Chairman is David Hiller who has
of the Three Weeks.
served the community in various capacities
Members and three K *
m. n .
■" "*• ‘
„
“ ,w,» » s *"w
° f * • R eb b etzin . m , „
people tended, in * * , who danced whh some spn^
over the years. These include: Chairman of the Parents' Association, Education Officer on the
Leytonstone & Wanstead Synagogue
Board, Financial Representative, as well as holding the position of warden for several
75th Anniversary Celebrations To stimulate the mind, a weekly newsletter is now produced and is available in the Shul on Shabbos. It contains an article relating to the week's
Sidra;
an
explanation
of
the
connection between the Torah reading and the Haftorah of the week; a Halachic Corner which explains a point of Halacha and a Question and Answer section. It also contains details of the times of services, notices of events taking place in the forthcoming week plus birthday greetings and notification of stone settings.
years. David is supported by Andrew Garfield -
To feed the body as well as the soul, in
Financial Representative and the new board of
addition to the regular Kiddush following the
Stanley Bookatz, Jack Bond, Martin Calder,
service each Shabbos morning, the Ladies
Stuart Crader, Freddie Jacobs, David Levy,
Guild
Laurie Braham, the Hon Secretary o f the
Andrew Montlake, Mel Myers, Tony Rones,
Kiddushim,
Leytonstone Sr Wanstead Synagogue, was re
Alan Rubenstein, Brian Shane and Alan
coincide with the "Ask the Rabbi" sessions in
elected to the London Borough o f Waltham
Truman.
Shul.
Forest
Council.
The
Borough
is
are
laying
on
special
approximately
Cholent
monthly
to
the
am algam ation o f Chingford, Leyton and Walthamstow. The Council, consisting o f 60 members, is now in a no overall control situation. There are three Jew s - two men and
The new wardens are Leslie Wajchendler and Melvyn Weinberg. Jeffrey Gitlin has been made an Honorary Life Warden.
75th Anniversary Celebrations
a woman - on the Council.
Elstree Beis HaMedrash
The Shul is celebrating its 75th anniversary this At the Council's AGM, Laurie was elected Chairman o f the Borough's Social Services
year and numerous activities have been
by EMMA PHILLIPS
organised to mark the occasion. The year
The Elstree Beis Hamedrash has recently
started with the dedication of a new Sefer
celebrated some important "firsts". The first
Torah and was followed by a whole series of
Bar Mitzvah celebration was that of Aaron
events organised by the Social Sr Cultural
Landau, second son of Martin and Dr. Roz
Committee and the Ladies Guild. These have
Landau. It was marked with a service in Allum
included a Shabbaton, a Melava Malka, a
Hall - a larger premises than that usually used
Murder Mystery Evening, an Entertainments
by the shul - in order to accommodate the
Quiz, a Strawberries Sr Cream Quiz, and a
150+ congregation. The Landau's older son
Brains Trust. A special 75th Anniversary Service
celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Israel last year,
will be held in the Shul in October and will be
but this time the family decided on a local
May 1st saw the installation of a new chairman,
followed by a Commemorative Dinner in
celebration. The event was entered into the
Board of Management, and wardens at Ilford
November.
shul's Book of Records.
Committee.
He
is
also
the
Council's
representative on the Adoption Panel.
News from Coventry Road by BRIAN SHANE
H A M A O R
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 0 2
i r r
k /S NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEW NEWS
Federation News Danielle Kamarra, daughter of Uri and Nimi Kamarra, became the shul's first Bas Mitzvah celebrant. The occasion was marked with a presentation in shul. A Yom HaZikaron service was organised by members of the community, particularly Jeremy Tuarek. The service included candle lighting by the children of serving and past members of the IDF, together with evocative readings and tefillos. Elstree Beis Hamedrash had such a high turn out for the Solidarity with Israel rally that the shul was able to lay on its own coach to Trafalgar Square. In a much welcomed display of communal unity. Rabbi Tugendhaft was invited to speak at a special seuda shelishis at the neighbouring Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. A
large
party
from
the
Beis
Medrash
for lunch and entertainment. So far we have
Croydon Synagogue
We had a Musical Concert with Chazan Stephen
by VIVIEN HARRIS
Robins and this was very successful. We have
Over 60
people
attended
hosted approximately 50 people. We held our usual BBQ and fete on Sunday 7th July.
the
Croydon
Communal Seder led by our inspirational Minister, Rev. Mark Daniels, who was assisted prior to the evening by Rev. Lee Sunderland
started a Mother ÂŁr Toddler Group which meets on Mondays. We have a Talmud class on Wednesday evenings and will soon be starting a course for Hebrew reading.
who, together with the Ladies Guild, prepared
BBYO Croydon Bungees started up on 14th July
and provided the Seder meal.
for 13 to 16 year-olds. A Singles Group in South London will be organised very shortly and this
Both before and after Pesach, Croydon has been
will also be using the shul building.
buzzing with activities. Purim was an extremely joyful and colourful event. Our programme of
We celebrated Micky Butler's retirement and
events to date has been varied, interesting,
held a special Kiddush on 29th June to mark
informative and fun. Croydon Shul now has a lot
this, the 44th anniversary of his marriage to
to offer to members and this is largely due to the
Valerie. Congratulations to both.
efforts of our new Minister, Mark Daniels and
A wedding will be held on 25th August and
the new Board of Management.
Rabbi Hershi Vogel, together with our Rev. Mark Daniels, will be officiating.
accompanied the rabbi and the event was
The Shul hall is now being used on Sundays not
deemed to be very successful by both
only for cheder, but once a month we have
Members from other communities have come
communities. The leadership of both shuls
started lunches for the senior members of our
along to admire our beautiful Shul building
expressed their hope that this would be the
community. This is open to anyone in South
with its superb acoustics and our enjoyable
start of a range of intercommunal activities.
London who wishes to come along and join us
Shabbat Services.
The community has recently run a variety of
participant described the event as the best
shabbatonim including services in the style of
communal seder he had ever attended.
HaMaor looks at Croydon
Carlebach, Breslov Chassidic and a Sephardi style service featuring Eli LeJeune from Reading Synagogue, followed by a baklava kidddush,
Croydon Shul under the leadership of its new minister. Rev. Mark Daniels, has embarked upon a new range of activities. Rev. Daniels was educated at Carmel College and is currently studying at London School of Jewish Studies (formerly Jews' College). He has worked
courtesy of the Ladies'Guild. The purpose built hall has excellent acoustics and Revd Daniels, whose particular field of interest is chazzonus
The shul is catering for all age ranges with a Mothers and Toddlers group as well as a revamped Seniors club. A new branch of BBYO has opened up for teenagers, whilst the Wednesday shiur and Jewish Book Club are open to all ages.
and traditional nusach (prayer tunes/ "lyrics") is community's
Rev Daniels described the community as
response to a range of davenning experiences.
extremely helpful and positive in attitude. He
very
enthusiastic
about
his
in a variety of fields including
said he has never worked with such an easy
publishing and has gained previous ministerial
This year for the first time, Croydon had a
committee and he hopes that the relationship
experience in Coventry and Norwich.
He
service on each of the Yomtov days of Pesach as
and the community will continue to flourish
described the community as "coming to life -
well as a gourmet second Seder , the profits
and prove that there is active Jewish life in
like a flower unfolding".
from which went to the shul funds. One
South London.
rf
>
k i
:• •: '•
5 ^ •v
:
ente^ e nt. * . amatefv s0 f^ ^ people-^ h % fete
on Sunday 7th
%
01 Cor, cert with Chazan Stephen 5was % !UCC«W. We^
We have a Talmud das on nings and will soon be stem
nga
FED ER A TIO N O F SYN A G O G U ES KASH RU S BOARD
■w reading. bungees staned UP on 14thJuly
^
A
Group in South
organised very shortly and this
Chairman: Mr A. Finlay Director o f Kashrus: Dayan M. D. Elzas
) the shut building. Wcky Butler's retirement and
The following establishments are licensed by the Federation Kashrus Board and are under the Supervision o f the Beth Din o f the Federation o f Synagogues:
iddush on 29th June to mark miversary of his marriage to lations to both.
I
be held on 25th August and
f
gel, together with our Rev.
PARK LANE HOTEL Piccadilly, London W1Y 8BX
be officiating.
CASSIT, 225 Golders Green Rd.,London, NW 11 9PN 020 8455 8195
CATERERS:
per communities have come
020 7499 6321 Fax: 020 7290 7366 Mobile: 079 4115 3575
II
bed the event as the best had ever attended.
:rib e d th e
020 8203 2000
KINNERET 313 Hale Lane, Edgware, Middx. HA8 7AX
our beautiful Shul building scoustics and our enjoyable
ISOLA BELLA CAFfi 63 Brent Street, Hendon N W 4 2EA
HILTON CATERING 9 Woodland Way, London NW 7 2JP
020 8906 1208
SILBERHORN
020 8458 7708
020 8958 4955 020 8958 2229
SAMI’S, 157 Brent Street, London NW 4
020 8203 8088
THE W HITE HOUSE 10 Bell Lane, Hendon NW 4
020 8203 2427
DELICATESSENS AN D SHOPS: DELI O N THE LANE 13 Beehive Lane, Ilford, Essex
020 8554 5008
PELTER STORES 82 Edgware Way, Edgware, Middx
020 8958 6910
MANUFACTURERS: Restaurants:
comi
as
AVIV RESTAURANT 87 High Street, Edgware F
020 8952 2484
020 8844 4444 The Very Special Meal Company 020 8985 5791 J. Moldovan, Quality & Flavour (Fish) The Walnut Tree (with Kosher for Passover Seal) 020 8959 6626
He
■rive in a ^ 6 and PoSI° u an easy with wot that ^ h 0 P *u,° p t0 flourish
H A M A O R
p
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 0 2
" .4 -
. I .
1
11
n
d
n
New Federation Gourmet Delicatessen
goods includes Italian pasta, Buitoni pasta sauces with a hechsher, olive oil and French jams.
There is also a range of gifts such as
pottery tea canisters and mustard pots, plus delicious Belgian parev chocolates.
In case you cannot wait to reach home before you start eating, Alexandra provides filled rolls and bagels to take away or eat in at her window tables, or maybe you would prefer to sample
the
fine
patisserie
and
a fruit
Smoothie.
Prior to this enterprise, Alexandra has worked as a gem dealer and a fine art consultant, living in Israel, the USA, Italy and Geneva. This wide ranging experience of the good things in life has definitely been carried over into her new venture and we are sure that her knowledge of good food together with the Federation's reputation for a high standard of kashrus will enable the shop to enjoy the success it deserves.
Alexandra Stuart, wife of Alex Stuart, Life vice
London, and even some imports as yet unseen
president of Ilford Federation (Coventry Road)
in North West London! Alexandra has aimed
Synagogue, has recently opened a kosher
for a shop that is both kosher and pleasing to
gourmet delicatessen in Beehive Lane, Ilford,
the eye. It is tastefully decorated and the food
under the supervision of the Beth Din of the
is displayed in china and glass containers.
Federation of Synagogues.
Alexandra feels that food that looks good,
Aptly named
"Deli on the Lane", the shop is not, as one
tastes good.
passer-by thought, a new Indian takeaway, but rather a haven for food lovers in the heart
As well as deli staples such as fish balls,
of Gants Hill. Alexandra said that she was fed
chopped herring and smoked salmon, Deli on
up with having to visit Selfridges' Food Hall in
the Lane stocks a wide range of continental
order to be able to buy the kind of quality
Cholov Yisroel cheeses including Camembert,
kosher food her family enjoy.
She decided
Mozzarella and Emmenthal, together with
the solution was to open her own shop,
three varieties of tapenade (olive spread),
stocking the kind of goodies which had
Alexandra's own marinated black and green
previously been unavailable in North East
olives and Teriyaki salmon. The range of dry
r-
f i
i
w
* * JPVl 1 - 3
talian Pasta. Buito ni Pasta I hecl% . nli olive oil and french 15 also a range of gifts such as listers and bustard P°ts, plus Han Parev ch0 elates.
nno>
Left to right - D a ya n Y. Y. Lichtenstein, Rosh Bet Din. M r A lan Finlay, President.
to reach home before
" 9' * * * provides * 10 Uke * 1 or eat i„ at her or maybe you would prefer to flne Palisser'e and a (mi,
HOLOCAUST I MEMORIAL CONSECRATION
erprise, Alexandra has worked
latter who undertook the initial planning and
destroyers of the Jewish people in the Middle
work.
When Ralph Joseph stood down as
East and thereby stressed the relevance of the
treasurer, Henry Dony and the writer took up
Memorial for all time. He then called upon
the challenge and the original concept was
Dayan Lichtenstein to give the opening address,
considerably modified.
We had discussions
the theme of which was: "The Religious
with various sculptors and sifted through many
Significance of the Holocaust Memorial". The
proposed designs. Eventually we selected the
Dayan and all the people gathered there then
sculptress Jackie King-Cline and decided upon
recited a selection of Tehillim after which the
one of her proposals, which, however, required
writer said the Mourners' Kaddish.
some modification in order to meet halachic requirements.
There followed consultations,
visits to, and discussions with, two foundries, selection of a final location, construction of foundations and a plinth and the eventual
BY NATHAN BRUCKHEIMER
er and a fine an consultant,
erection of the finished memorial at Rainham. Several years ago the Federation of Synagogues
the USA, Italy and Geneva,
expressed the wish to erect a Holocaust
ing experience of the good
Memorial to honour the six million of our fellow
s definitely been carried over
Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis
mire and we are sure that her
during
jood food together with the
the
Second
World
War.
This
undertaking finally came to fruition on 23 June
utation for a high standard of
2002 at our Rainham Cemetery in the presence
able the shop to enjoy the
of the Mayor and the Mayoress of Havering,
i
Dayan Y.Y. Lichtenstein and Dayan M.D. Elzas, Federation president Alan Finlay, Federation
"In creating the Holocaust Memorial for Rainham Cemetery I had in mind the destruction
United Synagogue who was the Jewish
They gradually rise and are almost extinguished
chaplain attached to the 8th Company of the
without trace, like the smoke from the ovens.
British 2nd Army which entered Bergen-Belsen shortly after its liberation. His description of
who were brutally cast into oblivion. Out of this oblivion the Sefer Torah rises and
strength to us in the past and which guides our way forward from the ashes of despair."
i w
some of his horrific experiences at that time and during his revisit to the camp many years later had a profound effect on the assembly. After the
conclusion
of
his speech
Reverend
Hardman formally unveiled the Memorial. Reverend Michael Simon of Edgware Yeshurun Synagogue
then
recited
the Kel
Moleh
Rachamim prayer, followed by a special Kinah written in memory of the martyrs of Churban
At the consecration at Rainham on 23 June,
Europe composed by the late Bobover Rebbe,
Henry Dony in his introductory remarks
Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam.
highlighted the Torah's call in the context of
the audience who were concentration camp
Amalek that we must always "remember and
survivors then said the Mourners' Kaddish
not forget".
which brought the dignified and moving
He drew an analogy between
Amalek, Hitler and the present-day would-be H A M A O R
If ' «• ' m !■
Heroes of the Holocaust" - the survivors.
swirl and flow as if they have lives of their own.
our rock and sustainer, which has given
.VI
experiences, his theme being: "The Real
The torn Sifrei Torah at the base of the Memorial
lives. It is not desecrated. It is our Tree of Life,
Left to right - M r N athan Bruckheim er, Burial Society Treasurer, M a y o r, M a yo ress, C apt. B irn bau m , Rev. Leslie H ardm an, M r H en ry D ony, B urial Society Treasurer, M r A la n Finlay, President.
War and was posted to
Hardman MBE, emeritus minister of the Hendon
assembly of some 120 men and women.
I
World
Our second guest was the Reverend Leslie
human beings. These are the very people
Mi*
Second
- and the survival of the Jewish people.
Henry Dony and Ralph Joseph were joint
4£t U:
served in the United States army during the
after their liberation. He spoke movingly of his
My purpose is that these Torah Scrolls represent
1
especially for the occasion. Captain Birnbaum
Memorial as follows:
administrator Moshe Leib Stuart and an
honorary Burial Society treasurers and it was the
whom we had brought over from Israel
Buchenwald and its annex Ohrdruff shortly
whose hopes and lives were torn apart and I
guest speakers - Captain Meyer Birnbaum
Jackie King-Cline described her ideas about the
chief executive Gordon Coleman, Burial Society
The project was started during the time when
Henry Dony then introduced the first of our two
Four members of
ceremony to a fitting conclusion. S E P T E M B E R
2 0 0 2
FEDEM77
SYNAGO^*0
Israel Solidarity Rally
The Federation and the Israel Solidarity Rally
2,500 TERRORIST A TTA C K S ON IS R A E L
BY GORDON D. COLEMAN Bank Holiday Monday, 6 May 2002, was a day on which British Jews turned out in almost unprecedented numbers - estimated at some
demonstrate solidarity with the people of Israel at a time of crisis. The message of the rally was that Britain's Jewish community is united in solidarity with Israel, in its support for peace and its condemnation and rejection of terror.
This
message was portrayed on many of the banners - YES TO PEACE - NO TO TERROR. The Federation of Synagogues played its part, in no small way, by the attendance of many members, both as part of organised coach groups,
as
well
as
by
the
individual
attendance of members and their family groups. The Federation also played its part by contributing to the funds that were needed to organise the event. For all those who did attend this historic event, the day will forever remain in our memories for the outstanding display of solidarity, for the good-natured camaraderie of all sections of the community and for transformed blue and white Trafalgar Square. Apart from those of us who were involved in the Soviet Jew ry demos of the 60's & 70's, very few of the people who attended would have ever previously been involved in such an
NDMtehiu
inspiring and moving event. Photos b y G ordon C olem an
Israel So
Federation "Solidarity with Israel" event Former Israeli diplomat Abbie Ben Ari gave a guardedly optimistic view o f the prospects for
The diplomat said in his view the Saudi-
along
until we see a change
in
the
sponsored meeting must be prefaced by
Palestinian Authority. The road ahead is hard
reforms in the Palestinian Authority. He felt
and is filled with pits and all kinds o f
there were growing signs o f dissatisfaction
dangers. We will have to traverse that road,
with Arafat's leadership o f the Palestinian
but we can't traverse it alone.
Authority from ordinary Palestinians, which
Ben Ari said the Jewish community in the UK
might bring about the reforms Israel was
had to be part o f the struggle.
rr
seeking before attending such a meeting. "Why is it that we can live and go about our
Islamic Jihad State
business in Israel, while the Jew s in the rest of
Yeshurun on the last Sunday in M ay at a
"One thing is sure: we have made up our
the world only sit back and wonder what is
service organised by the Federation o f
minds that before we go to any negotiations
going on?"
Synagogues, and held in its flagship shut, in
we must see a reform in the Palestinian
He said that UK Jew s could help on two fronts
front o f 150 people.
Authority." The majority o f Palestinians don't
- com bating biased m edia coverage by
want to see an Islamic Jih a d fundamentalist
writing letters, emails and making phone
state, they want to see a westernised one. If
calls, a n d by visiting Israel as often as
there is enough pressure from within then
possible.
peace in the M iddle East when he spoke at
"For the first time I think perhaps we are seeing a light and that light is the Saudi proposal - plus the fact that Yasser Arafat could respond to pressure from other Arab
maybe Arafat will begin to shift.
Prayers for Israel were said at the service,
countries," said Ben Ari, who is a former
"The dream that I have o f peace is a dream
which was led by Dayan Yisroel Lichtenstein,
member o f Israel's delegation to the United
that says I want peace, but l will not commit
head o f the Federation Beth Din, who also
Nations. He was also badly hurt in the bomb
national suicide at the altar o f p e a ce ," he
spoke. Also taking part were Rabbi Dovid
attack on the Israel Embassy in London in
continued. "There is m ounting European
Tugendhaft, o f the Elstree Beis Hamedrosh
1994.
pressure on Israel, but Israel will not move
and Rev M ichael Simon.
H A M A O R
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S Y N A G O G U E S
Szncri Shul
10
shuls around the world that will be brought to
Chanukas Habayis Dedication of the refurbished Sinai Shul
Jerusalem. Rabbi Knopfler then described the importance of hakoras hatov- gratitude, which means not just saying thank you, but recognising that a favour has been done. He said that this must come from inside a person and proved this
BY JOHN SIMMONDS
from an event in the book of Shemos- Exodus. Moses was originally commanded to bring
Following its refurbishment, Beis Hamedrash
building, and on that occasion even though it
about the plagues of blood and frogs, but felt
Sinai in Golders Green held a Chanukas
was in the Nine Days he made the brocho
unable to do so because the water and the dust
Habayis - dedication of its new premises on
shehechiyonu (without the use of G-d's name).
from which these plagues would come
Sunday 14th July. As well as being well
He noted that although the rabbis say that this
done favours for him. Aharon therefore
attended by the members, it was also attended
blessing should not be recited during this
brought these plagues although he had not
by all the Federation
period, this only applied for a personal or
originally been commanded to - it first needed
communal simcha that is not related to the
Moses' recognition that he had received
rebuilding of the Temple, but since the move
favours. This, the Rov said, is the remedy for
into this building was a positive step toward
baseless hatred, the cause of the destruction of
this, a blessing could be recited.
the 2nd Temple.
Gerald Palmer suggested the "shidduch"
He continued by citing the Maharsho who
A first class choir comprising members of the
between the minyan in its previous premises,
quotes from King David in the book of Psalms
Beis Hamedrash led by Mr Yitzi Scharfer and Mr
and Sinai Shul. He said that when we moved
that he rejoices whenever he goes into a shul
Ralph Klajn sang some compostions suitable for
in, although the building was far more
because the rebuilt Temple will be as big as the
this sad time period - "A1 zeh hoyoh doveh
spacious than the previous 2 rooms that the
whole of Jerusalem. The Maharsho says that
libeinu" and " Al naharos Bovel."
minyan had occupied, its condition was drab,
this extension in size will be made from the
work in preparation clearly paid off, and they
Dayonim, with Dayan
Lichtenstein as the guest speaker. The event was introduced by Mr B. Fagil who described
the development of the
Beis
Hamedrash over the past 13 years since Mr
had
Their hard
dismal and dangerous, with no fire exit from > sV
the ladies' gallery. There was no way that the membership could afford the expenditure
’ *
. *
involved to improve it. He gave warm thanks to the Federation &
officers, in particular the Life President Mr
V
■
Arnold Cohen, President Alan Finlay and Vice
«•
President (property manager) Ben Mire, for the
*
grant that the Beis Hamedrash received to enable it to carry out such extensive and
^
• -- > v ■
I4
necessary works. The Rov of the Beis Hamedrash, Rabbi Berel Knopfler, recalled that it was almost 13 years to
! ■ $ i ■:
the day when the minyan moved into this
Choir
mt %
V - .L
0
r-
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*
Sinai Shul
11
worldth at will b«
tr then dc II IHtl *W_ ln)P°nance <
' *
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« .
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,
ft* , •....
d° ne' He Mid that thisusmust
r » # t
iide 3 P e w " and proved ft, the book of Shemos- Exodus. '9mally “ "“ a x le d to bring of blood and frogs, but fel,
, 'y *
V * .
because the water and the dust
t o • » * T. ,
* P|a9 « would tome had
■V V
>. ' . SV
r • ‘
L«T* .
* • • » -* _ -■ • '.‘J Q ' * / > '• • • i n
i __ S r **
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for him. Aharon therefore I
w * & !• *
••j. j .
f iv
r, , <
•V-* v, v
plagues although he had not
.
ft •
*.
Mr B Fagil
:ommanded to - it first needed ition that he had received
are currently dealing with requests for further
At a reception after the ceremony, the
le Rov said, is the remedy for
performances.
president of Sinai, Mr Jacky Weg, introduced
the Guse of the destruction of
Dayan Lichtenstein told a story illustrating how a refurbished shul enables one to daven better and he complimented the beauty of the shul
r comprising members of the
which would undoubtedly enable its members
ed by Mr Yitzi Scharfer and Mr some compostions suitable for
to do this. He quoted from the Ksav Sofer who,
nod - 'Al zeh hoyoh doveh
at the dedication of a new Shul in 1840,
naharos Bovel.' Tbeir hard
quoted a medrash that one should not stay at the outside door, but go to the inside door.
ion dearly H off' and ^
The Ksav Sofer's explanation of this medrash was that it is based on the teaching that 'olom hazeh domeh leprozdor'- this world is like a corridor - its purpose is to enable us to get
Mr Arnold Cohen and Mr Alan Finlay.
Mr
Cohen described how the shul was previously empty, and how delighted he was to see that it is full; it also hosted a new yeshiva which moved into Chaye Olam several years ago. Mr Finlay said that a shul is the focal point of the congregation, and the place not just where we daven, but which we associate with life-cycle events. He paid tribute to the shul's honorary officers for leading the project on the shul's behalf and to Ben Mirl, Vice President of the Federation, and Chief Executive, Gordon
further into olom habo - the World to Come. Coleman, who have together had responsibility When one goes through the door into shul one
for all the shul grants.
He said that the
has to recognise the purpose of the shul - to reputation of this shul is based on the learning enter into a higher degree of holiness. of the Rov and his congregation, which is well Dayan Lichtenstein said that he believed the t
known throughout the Jewish community. He
uniqueness of Sinai was the consistency of the
also paid tribute to his fellow former co
Torah learning and quality of the davenning
treasurer Gerald Halibard with whom he said he
that exists whatever day of the week it is, which
enjoyed
is so attractive to people seeking a spiritual
expressed his hope that the community will go
uplift in their lives.
from strength to strength.
an
excellent
relationship.
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EVERY DAY IS JUDGMENT DAY
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THE PRESIDENT'S COLUMN A- ' V.
.
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BY ALAN FINLAY. •
....................
.
.
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION "It is disgraceful!" "How could they do such a
offence and they wanted to know what
th in g !"
disciplinary action could be taken against the
"They
should
be
ashamed
of
themselves!" These are familiar everyday
Minister.
comments about leaders of the Community
immediately to the Minister in order to see
whether at Shul level or at Head Office level.
what had happened. A little while later, they
wrong. Organising services on Shabbos or
came back, thanking me for my advice.
Yomtov is even more problematic as modern
When they had gone to the Minister, he had
tools of communication cannot be used. An
shown them the article that he had actually
experienced warden is one who keeps calm
submitted
the
when the Ark is being opened and the
newspaper had changed the article without
person expected to do the leyning has not
"They should have asked the visiting Rov to
his consent. Any offence had not been his
yet arrived. He might be delayed, he might
speak" Answer - they did but he declined
fault.
not be well, he might have forgotten, but
u
How could they not give the Barmitzvah
boy's grandfather an aliyah?"
Answer - he
had just had a stroke and had declined the honour.
I advised them to go and speak
and
it
was
clear
that
because of other commitments.
one thing is for sure, he can't telephone or What is it in our psyche that we immediately
u
ri
How could they allow the Shul not to be
cleaned?" ft
■*
.
Answer - the Caretaker was on
holiday and his replacement had had an accident.
should be grateful that someone is prepared to stand for office since it invariably involves a time commitment and responsibility that
* u
think the worst of people in authority? We
It was so embarrassing that the Rov did not
mention the groom's late grandm other under the Chupah." Answer - the family had asked the Rov not to do so because it would prove too emotional.
most others are not prepared to accept. After
happened, but in a people business, these things do happen and instead of being critical,
one
would
hope
that
the
congregation
would
understand
the
organisational difficulties.
we can as an extra responsibility in our spare
Therefore, as we
time. "I am sorry," I once heard a warden say
Norayim and, in particular, Yom Hadin, I
to a congregant, "but this is not my day job."
would ask all Federation members to be
It may be that the actual explanation is that a
seeing something either happen or not
mistake was made. With the best will in the
happen and immediately jumping to the one
world, people do make mistakes. Sometimes,
conclusion that is critical of those in charge.
the mistakes could have been avoided. Other
Yet there
established Jewish
times, it is only with the benefit of hindsight
principle of "don I'kaf zechus" - giving
that one can see what should have been
someone the benefit of the doubt.
done. In either event, congregants should be supportive of those in charge and give them
Many years ago, I was approached by two
Maybe it should not have
all, we are all volunteers trying to do the best
There are endless examples of congregants
is a well
send an e-mail.
the benefit of the doubt.
approach
the Yomim
tolerant, understanding and supportive of those in authority. Sometimes, the true circumstances may never come out.
In
organising the midweek aliyahs in our Shul, somebody once
told
me something
in
confidence which meant that he was not able to receive an aliyah.
I was criticised by
another congregant afterwards for not having called up the gentleman. I could obviously not say the true reason. It would have been
senior members of a Shul who were incensed about an article written by their Minister for a
Communal organisations and shuls are in the
nice if the congregant had said to himself, "1
Jewish newspaper.
people business. Sometimes, things do go
wonder why Alan has not called up X. There
The article had caused
co n tin u e d on p a g e 19
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o n
Aguncih Legislation
14
in other words, recognises halachic marriages,
The Federation of Synagogues ÂŁr Agunah Legislation
whilst providing that they can only be dissolved by means of a civil procedure. It is English law, therefore, which indirectly enables people to act unethically, and leave their spouses without a get, and it is therefore perfectly right and proper for English law to remedy the anomaly.
By DAYAN BEREL BERKOVITS LL.B
Civil law vs halachah On
Ju ly
22nd
the
Divorce
(Religious
Policy issues
More fundamentally, there is an ideological
Marriages) Bill received its Third Reading in the House of Lords, and it is anticipated that it will receive the Royal Assent before the end
It is sometimes argued, especially by those who are
not
sympathetic
to
halachah,
that
Parliament should not have been involved in
of the summer sitting of Parliament.
this issue. "The rabbis should be able to take The Bill provides, in essence, that if a husband (or wife) petitions for a civil divorce, but does not free their partner halachically by means of a valid get, the other party can prevent the petitioner from receiving a civil divorce. The reasoning is simple: it is unfair, and morally objectionable, for one party to a marriage to be seeking their freedom to remarry, whilst denying similar freedom to the other party.
care of it themselves". This
argument,
however,
is
totally
entered into under Jewish law. It is obvious, therefore, that it can only be dissolved under the same system of law that created it. Imagine, for example, that two people entered into a contract
under
English
law.
Obviously, that contract would have to be dissolved under the terms of English law, and
The Bill is, without doubt, the most significant
plight
of
agunot
and
marks
a
considerable achievement on the part of the Federation of Synagogues. Apart from its practical impact - it may not solve every case, but will certainly help in the vast majority of cases - it will also have a profound educative value. It sends a message, loud and clear, to all recalcitrant spouses that henceforth their behaviour will not be tolerated. This message,
for divorce, and whether it should be easy or difficult to obtain.
easy: effectively, anybody who wants to get out of a marriage can do so. The underlining philosophy is that people should be free to determine their own lives, and to achieve happiness for themselves as they wish. This is all very well for the individual concerned, but there is a price to be paid, in terms of the unhappiness that may be caused to the other spouse, and especially to the children. Easy divorce also contributes to destabilising society
not under some other system.
in general, although this may be a long-term
measure taken in this country to ameliorate the
gittin. Every society has to determine its rules
Most Western societies have made divorce very
misconceived. A Jewish marriage is a contract
commercial
clash between civil divorce law and laws of
Before the emancipation, there was no such
effect, which is not immediately apparent.
thing as civil divorce. Jewish husbands who wanted to divorce therefore, had to do so by
The opponents of halachah often portray it as a harsh system, which does not do enough to
means of a get, and by and large, cases of protect vulnerable wives. Nothing could be refusal to give a get were extremely rare. further from the truth: in point of fact, Jewish English
law,
however,
has
created
an law is the most liberal of all religious systems.
alternative for those who are not concerned Under Catholic law, nobody can ever obtain a about halachah, since it allows couples to divorce. Under Islam, a wife can be divorced divorce civilly, rather than by means of a get. against her w ill, and has absolutely no
of course, has consistently been enunciated
This is, of course, a logical absurdity. Under
protection. Even in the Church of England, a
by all responsible Dayanim and Rabbonim,
Section 26 of the Marriage Act 1949, a chupah
divorcee is not allowed to remarry during the
but now receives added reinforcement in the
is effectively recognised in civil law (assuming
lifetime of their former spouse. By contrast,
form of Parliamentary approval.
compliance with various procedures). Civil law,
halachah allows any couple to get divorced,
.
Aguncih Legislation ;^
Nachic
'"9 thal *ey „„ "eans °f a civil
ma|TiageSf
provided that they both agree (no "grounds
0nly be
Procedure. |t
-refore which ii ,ndir«tty enables
'
a"d
invalidating any get given as a result. The
expertise
are needed, as they are in English law) and to
essential principle of Jewish divorce law is that
legislation
remarry to anyone they wish (except for a
a get must be given, and accepted, freely by
requirements; and it requires legal expertise to
Cohen to a divorcee).
both parties.
ensure that it is professionally drafted in a
n
te r
a 9H, and it i ^therefor and
Prop* * » Engfcft ,aw „
)maly.
does
not
proposed
breach
halachic
manner that fits with civil legislation, and is Halachah does not accept unilateral divorce, however. A wife cannot simply decide that she is fed up with her husband, for example, and demand a divorce. Likewise, a husband cannot
halachah
to ensure that any
simply run off with a younger and more
A detailed analysis of the halachic principles acceptable to the civil authorities. It also defining "freedom" and "coercion" is beyond requires a degree of political power or the scope of this article. Suffice it to say that improper coercion arises halachically, where a
influence, and finally, skilled advocacy and lobbying to ensure that it passes through the
person loses (or is threatened with the loss of) legislative process.
oally, there is an ideological
attractive woman, and demand the right to
something to which he is halachically entitled,
dvU divo' « law and laws oi
divorce his wife.
such as his health, freedom, or property. If,
My involvement in get legislation began in
however, I deprive him of something to which
March 1984, when an attempt was made to
he is not halachically entitled, I have not really
deal with the agunah issue in a Matrimonial Bill
taken anything away from him.
which was then passing through Parliament.
•ietY has to determine its rules I whether it should be easy or
n.
The advantage of the halachic system is that it promotes stability of marriages, whilst allowing both parties a way out, if the marriage
This early attempt, however, was not successful.
cieties have made divorce very
becomes impossible. The drawback is that it
If I say to a man, for example, that unless he
anybody who wants to get
does not permit divorce at the request of one
gives his wife a get, I will not smile at him in the
party only.
morning, or buy him a cup of coffee, that is not
e can do so. The underlining at people should be free to own lives, and to achieve mselves as they wish. This is all e individual concerned, but ,0 be paid, in H ® °f " *
the other to may be caused ecially to the children. Easy ibutes to destabilising society
Those who call for reform of halachah, so as to permit divorce at w ill, are ignoring this essential distinction between the philosophy of the Torah and that of Western society. They assume, without any evidence, that the Western pattern is "superior" to that of halachah, and that the halachic framework can be forced into that of civil law. This is like trying
igh to may be a
to fit a square peg into a round hole - it simply
>t immediately appa*"1
will not go.
halachah often ich does
portray it a53
to nough not do e
can ever
be divo'
am, a wife can no absolute'!' and has land- a
In order to properly help agunot (wives whose
complying with civil law, does not violate halachic norms. One cannot simply ask the civil courts, for example, to order a husband to give
him that if he gives his wife a get, I will confer a benefit upon him (in the form of a smile, or a cup of coffee). He will receive the benefit if he gives his wife a get: if he does not give her the get, he will not receive the benefit. That is not improper
coercion:
it
is
offering
an
last stage, and the draft proposals which had been prepared at the time would have granted judges the power to order a husband to give his wife a get. Obviously, such a proposal (however well-intentioned) would have been halachically unacceptable. I arranged for the issue to be raised, however, in Parliament by a number of sympathetic MPs (Mr Leo Abse, Mr Peter Thurnham and Mr David Sumberg) and the Attorney-General, in response, stated that he would be prepared to consider "suitable proposals" in the future (see Hansard, June 13th 1983).
The next steps
civil divorce. Consequently, if we prevent him from obtaining a civil divorce unless he gives his wife a get, we are not depriving him of anything to which he is halachically entitled. We are simply offering to give him the "gift" of a civil divorce if he grants his wife a get.
Without a Parliamentary Bill, however, our efforts were of course gravely hampered. I suggested to the then Chief Rabbi, however, that a conference be held to consider our options, with a view to drafting a proposed amendment, and seeking the support of the
his wife a get, or the wife to accept it. Such an
The legislative process
Lord Chancellor and Law Commission.
to prison). But it would also have the
Successful legislation in this area, therefore,
The Chief Rabbi duly convened a conference
paradoxical, and totally unwanted, effect of
requires four things. It requires halachic
in February 1985, and it was agreed to prepare
By contra11'
rr»er sp0llS divorced. to 9eI COliPle
everyone). Effectively, therefore, I am saying to
By definition, nobody has a halachic right to a
order would be effective (on pain of committal */ed'0'0
coffee (although 1 do have to be civil to
Reconciling the two systems
ensure that any proposed measure, whilst obtain a
obligation to smile at him or buy him a cup of
inducement.
husbands refuse them a get) it is essential to
ieral
improper coercion, since there is no halachic
I was only brought into the picture at the very
ny
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Aguncih Legislation
16
a Paper, setting out the arguments for
"Al tivtechu binedivim. Do not place your trust
with me. Once again, I had high hopes that we
legislation, and to prepare a draft of the
in princes". Just as we thought we were
would make headway. I replied to her in
suggested legislation. As invariably happens
making real headway, Mrs Thatcher decided to
August, at the request of the Board of Deputies,
This time the
once committees are set up, however, progress
reshuffle her government, and Lord Hailsham
sending her a detailed Paper with new
iic our n
was infuriatingly slow (the Paper was only
was replaced as Lord Chancellor. This meant
proposals.
finalised
that we had to start all over again.
and
approved
in June
1986).
of various
Once again, however, our hopes were to be
countries
Towards the end of 1987, a meeting took place
dashed. When the Law Commission Report was
through rap
with the new Lord Chancellor, Lord Mackay. As
eventually published in October 1990, they
Subsequent!'
is well-known, Lord Mackay is a deeply
simply ignored the get issue. It is true that there
written subr
religious man (it is said that when Mrs Thatcher
was no negative reference (ie. they did not say
own details
Lord Hailsham was most interested to learn
rang him one Sunday to offer him his job, he
that they had been approached, and had
for legislatio
about Jewish law. "I know quite a bit," he said, u about the New Testament, but I am afraid my
asked her to call back on Monday, as he did not
rejected the idea), but on the other hand, they
Eventually, however, on October 8th 1986, a meeting took place between the then Lord Chancellor, Lord Hailsham, and representatives of the Jewish community.
knowledge of the Old Testament [lehavdil] is somewhat patchy." Nevertheless, once the issues had been explained to him, he grasped them very quickly and expressed considerable personal interest and support. On October 10th his secretary, Mr M Collon, wrote to me saying that he "was glad that the meeting led to such a successful conclusion. Plainly the Lord
take calls on his Sabbath!) There were high hopes, therefore, that he would prove as
After a whil<
did not take it up either. They simply did not
He was not
consider it a relevant issue.
any specific
sympathetic as his predecessor. Meanwhile, however,
there
development:
was
the
yet
Lord
another Chancellor
new had
decided to review the whole basis of English divorce law, and was referring the matter - as is usual - for the attention of the Law Commission. He suggested, therefore, that we approach
One can only speculate as to the reasons for
problem coi
their unhelpful attitude.
under the s<
in the Matr Whatever the reason, however, we were back
provides th to square one. The Lord Chancellor advised us
divorced w
that as the Law Commission was not in favour.
result, they
he could not promote the legislation. Although I
of the divor
Chancellor feels that the issue is one which
them directly with our proposals. If they
I approached numerous MPs in an attempt to
should, as a matter of public policy, be
recommended legislation, it was very likely
have a Private Member's Bill put forward, these
Although o
remedied by legislation, and that there are no
that he would view it with approval, but he
efforts proved unsuccessful (Private Bills are
the probler
conflicting issues of public policy militating
would not take any initiative of his own.
always notoriously difficult). Similar efforts on
unsatisfaaoi
Referral to the Law Commission
my part to have the matter raised in the House
top! reasor
of Lords (of which the then Chief Rabbi had
Moreover
meanwhile become a member) were also
“ used is th
against this". Indeed, he even suggested that a Private
Member's
Bill
be
presented
to
Parliament, and that he would provide a
I knew Brenda Hoggett (the Law Commissioner
Parliamentary draftsman to help formulate the
responsible for family law), as she was the
Bill. This was, of course, a most encouraging
editor of a legal journal to which I had once
development.
contributed an article during my days as a
I also wrote around that time to Lord Denning,
university lecturer in English law. I also had a u
the former Master of the Rolls, and one of the greatest English judges of all time, in the hope that his influence would help to move things forward. He wrote me a very charming letter,
mole" within the Commission, in the person
of an Orthodox Jewish lecturer who worked for them, who had become interested in our proposals.
unsuccessful, to my great disappointment.
a v
unlikely tha
The Family Law Act
of a womai Although the Law Commission did not take on board our proposals, they did recommend a total overhaul of English divorce law, which the
«ntr
Lord Chancellor eventually adopted in April
el
1995. I determined, therefore, to make every
in which he said whilst he supported the aims
In May 1988 Mrs Hoggett sent me a copy of her
effort to use this opportunity. Reforms of
of the proposed legislation, he was old, blind
"Discussion Paper" on the Grounds for Divorce,
divorce law take a long time to materialise - if
and incapacitated, and was not able to
which had just been published, asking for my
we missed it this time, we would have to wait
personally sponsor any moves.
comments, and offering to set up a meeting
another 25 or 30 years. I urged the Board of
-
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Agunah Legislation y> 1 replied
10 her in
reqU estofthe Board ofDeputies a i " i» * » . . „
Deputies, therefore, to seek another meeting
the thinking
with the Lord Chancellor.
legislation, and its halachic implications.
This time the Lord Chancellor did not totally dismiss our representations. I gave him a copy
owever,
of ° “r h°P « were t0 be
Law Commission Repon was 'lished i ln October 1990, they get issue. It is true fhaf there ! reference (ie. they did not say been approached, and had
various
decisions
of
Commonwealth
countries relating to gittin, which he skimmed through rapidly, and mastered very quickly. Subsequently the Board of Deputies sent him
;vant issue. peculate as to the reasons for ttitude.
own detailed Paper, setting out the arguments
ie Lord Chancellor advised us Commission was not in favour, note the legislation. Although
nsuccessful (Private Bills are y difficult). Similar efforts
on
appointmenty great disai
prefer to call it siyato dishmaya (heavenly assistance). Early in 1995 I spent three days in the High Court arguing that English law should
The meeting decided unanimously to endorse the proposals, provided it was clear that they would not enable judges to impose financial penalties upon husbands who failed to give a get. So we had clear halachic backing. But how were we going to move matters forward?
The passing of the legislation
recognise the validity of a "transnational" get, ie. one which is written in England, but handed over to the wife in Israel. I was opposed at the time by two QCs representing the Attorney General, one of whom was none other than the selfsame Lord James Meston 1 My main interest at the time was to establish, in the eyes of the English judiciary, that halachah
After a while, the Lord Chancellor responded.
the long-awaited Divorce Bill was eventually
in general, and hilchot gittin in particular, were
He was not prepared, he wrote, to consider
going to be presented to Parliament. I
highly developed legal systems worthy of
any specific amendment, since he felt that the
immediately contracted the Chief Rabbi and
proper respect. Although I lost the case on the
problem could be dealt with quite adequately
the Board of Deputies, asking them to take up
technical issue of transnational divorces, I felt
under the so-called "hardship bar", contained
the issue as a matter of urgency.
that I had nonetheless "won" the more
provides that where a party who is being divorced would suffer grave hardship as a result, they are entitled to oppose the granting of the divorce to their spouse.
important wider issue. And although no one The early signs were not encouraging. I was told that "highly-placed" and "well-informed" sources believed that the Bill had no chance of getting through Parliament, or that - even if it
knows the precise ways of Divine Providence, I venture to suggest that the real "victory" of the case was that it helped incline Lord Meston in favour of halachah.
did - the get amendment had no chance of
Although on paper this seemed to deal with
succeeding. I was encouraged, however, by
At any rate, one thing is clear: Lord Meston
the problem, the reality is that it was totally
meetings I had with Mr Eldred Tabachnik QC,
became an enthusiastic supporter of the get
unsatisfactory. The hardship bar, for various
the then President of the Board of Deputies,
amendment, and his support - as a leading
legal reasons, has never succeeded in practice.
who understood the importance of the issue,
non-Jewish expert in the field - was crucial to
Moreover, the bar only works if the hardship
and who - to his credit - actively and personally
the successful passage of the amendment.
caused is the result of the civil divorce (eg. the
supported my efforts to draft an effective
loss of a widow's pension). It is extremely
amendment.
ie matter raised in the House h the then Chief Rabbi had also were ,me a memberl
get
In August 1994 I read a newspaper report that
merous MPs in an attempt to ruber's B ill put forward, these
proposed
for legislation, together with a proposed draft.
in the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. This bar ason, however, we were back
the
written submissions, and I also sent him my
a), but on the other hand, they jp either. They simply did not
behind
17
At this stage matters began very rapidly to "hot up". The Lord Chancellor was anxious to push
unlikely that one could argue that the inability Meanwhile, a meeting of peers was called by
his Family Law Bill - which was considered
the late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jakobovits (whom I
highly controversial in many ways - through
had again contacted) to try and muster support
Parliament as rapidly as possible. In one sense
for the amendment (the Bill, somewhat
this caused us considerable problems, since we
unusually, was to be presented in the House of
had had very little time to formulate our
Lords
Commons).
proposals and work on mustering support. In
Meanwhile, however, efforts were being
Significantly, this meeting was attended by a
another sense, however, this too turned out to
continued on other fronts. The late Rav Padwa,
young hereditary peer, Lord James Meston,
be hashgacha-providential, since the Lord
Av Beis Din of the Union of Orthodox Hebrew
who is a lawyer by profession, and a leading
Chancellor had other battles to fight, and
Congregations, called a meeting of Dayonim
expert in family law. And here we had our first
could not spend all his time debating get
throughout the country, at which I explained
real breakthrough. Some may call it luck; I
legislation with us. Indeed, in the gentlemanly
of a woman to remarry without a get is the (direct) result of her husband obtaining a civil did not take on
Commit*00 did recomi als, «
divorce. So once again, we had a major
t div°rce m adopts if .ventuaHy
effectively telling us to leave him alone.
disappointment. The Lord Chancellor was
mre » f 3ke ^ d, W e'°' . of nilV Re,0,n,i , 0PP ^ nltymatena^e long 10 t0 wait would we me.
before
going
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A gunah Legislation
18
fashion so typical of the English, he assured us
totally new proposals. Although it was difficult
5 o'clock on a Wednesday afternoon. He
that although he saw numerous problems with
- because of the December holiday recess - to
pointed out that if any amendment was to be
the idea of specific get legislation, he did
know
at
presented at all, it had to be officially tabled by
support the idea in general, if only the
Westminster, I was told that the Lord Chancellor
a member of the Lords no later than 6 o'clock
"technical" difficulties could be overcome.
was becoming more favourable, and that we
that evening! It was apparent to me that there
now stood a fair chance of getting his
was no hope of reformulating the hardship bar
approval.
in a way which would prove acceptable to the
M eanwhile,
however,
the
tension
was
what
was
really
happening
mounting. The Bill was already in its second reading in the Lords in November, and urgent meetings and consultations were taking place all the time, with all kinds of suggestions as to
All of a sudden, the picture changed quite dramatically.
Early in January, the Lord
Chancellor wrote to Lord Meston, setting out his thinking and conclusions on the subject. He
the best way forward.
was still supportive of the general idea, he I began to be afraid that what with the Lord Chancellor's distinctly cool approach, the various different views being suggested, the argument that we should simply stick to the hardship bar, and the speed with which things were moving, we would end up without any progress at all. My anxieties were shared by the lay leaders of the Federation, and two of our Honorary Officers used their influence with the Board, and their personal contacts with MPs, to
wrote, but he saw "insuperable" practical problems. He had been informed, he wrote, that a get can only be done after a civil divorce, so that it was impossible to pass a law as we were seeking to do - which would mean that the get should be given before the civil divorce (this information is of course quite
Lord Chancellor. But with a bit of lateral thinking, we could turn the Lord Chancellor's opposition to our advantage. He had, after all, repeated his general support of our aims - even at this late stage, and even whilst effectively closing the door in our face. If, therefore, we could find a new approach, which would deal with the technical points raised by the Lord Chancellor, he would have no option but to agree to such an amendment. His letter, in other
words,
could
be
turned
to our
advantage.
wrong, and seems to have been given to the
I suggested, therefore, that we write to the
Lord Chancellor by Jewish sources who were
Lord Chancellor, respectfully pointing out that
hostile to the idea of get legislation).
he had been wrongly advised about the issue
emphasise the crucial importance of this
of doing a get before a civil divorce. This
legislation to the Jewish community. At the
In any event, the Lord Chancellor did not want
same time, even though we did not have an
any reference to Jewish marriages, or Jewish
agreed amendment which the Lord Chancellor
divorces, as this was too specific; but on the
was prepared to accept, Lord Meston and Lord
other hand, he would not accept any general
Jakobovits were actively arguing the case for
references to hardship caused by "barriers to
legislation in articulate speeches to the House
remarriage", as this would be too wide.
of Lords.
We could not have a measure dealing with
had previously recommended, based not on
gittin only, in other words, nor could we have
the hardship bar idea - which "blocks" a
a provision which was not limited to gittinl
divorce at the point when it is about to be
Plainly, we were in deep trouble. The Bill had
issued - but on a section of the Bill dealing with
in any event already passed its Committee
procedural "arrangements for the future".
By the end of December, things were looking a little
more
hopeful.
I had
prepared
a
Memorandum for the Lord Chancellor, at the request of the Board of Deputies, and with the approval of the Chief Rabbi, setting out three alternative drafts for the legislation. One - to placate the Lord Chancellor - was based on the old "hardship bar" idea (although for the
would immediately put him on the defensive, as it w ere, so that the very attempt to undermine our position would be turned to our advantage (once again, a clear example of hashgachah, divine providence). Secondly, I proposed taking up one of the other options I
stage in the Lords, and was - within a matter of days - approaching its third, and final, reading. If we could not win over the Lord Chancellor now, everything would be lost.
This section sets out a number of matters that have to be dealt with before the court can issue a divorce. They are, of course, the issues one would expect - finances, children, and so forth.
reasons explained above, I was convinced that
The Board of Deputies called an emergency
It would be a relatively easy matter, I
this would not succeed); the other two were
meeting, attended by Lord Meston. It was now
suggested, to add a paragraph which would
t I
JQ
Aguncih Legislation ' 3 Wedn«day aft
later th an 6 o'clock It was aPParent to me that there frefo P bar Would prove a«eptable to the “ • ta * 3Uld
say, in effect, that where parties were married
was necessary, therefore, to start the whole
kedas u'chedin, according to Jewish Law their
Parliamentary process over again, by way of a
"arrangements for the future" should include
Private Member's Bill.
confirmation that a get has been granted (although this would still have to be drafted - to satisfy the Lord Chancellor - without explicitly mentioning the word
* »i, of late^
"get" or "Jewish
divorce").
lord Chancellor's
or advantage. He had, after an neral support of our aimj. even
,e’ and even whilst effectively ir In our foe. If, therefore, we NaPProach( which would deal
respectfully pointing out that ongly advised about the issue before a civil divorce. This
I
THE PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
accepted, and the Private Bill simply followed
liked the idea, and I suggested a wording
proposed to Lord Meston. The Federation of
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION
which he adapted somewhat, and immediately
Synagogues can therefore justly be proud of its
phoned through to be tabled in the Lords (by
vital contribution to the enactment of the
must be a good reason for it and it may
this time it was past the six o-clock deadline,
legislation.
therefore be diplomatic not to say anything." without
Finally, and somewhat chillingly, there is a
expressing especial thanks to our local MP, Mr
story of an elderly man who came into Shul
Andrew Dismore, who fought tirelessly and
one day and asked to daven as he had
After an anxious period waiting for the Lord
indefatigably to have the Bill passed through
yahrzeit. He davenned very quickly to the
Chancellor's response, we finally received the
Parliament, after it faced opposition from a
immense annoyance of some members of the
confirmation for which we had hoped. The
number of maverick MP's.
his
congregation, so much so that one of them
Lord Chancellor - who by this time was facing
enormous help, it would not have been
went up at the end to remonstrate about the
major problems over the Bill as a whole - wrote
possible to achieve this great result. We are
speed of his davenning. "I am sorry," said the
back to Lord Meston dropping the revised
truly grateful to have such a good friend, and
elderly man, "but you see, I learnt my
amendment, but actually redrafting it in such a
we are sure that he will feel rewarded at the
davenning from my Father when we were
way that it makes explicit reference to
thought of the many women (and men) who
both in a concentration camp. We had to get
marriages celebrated under s.26 of the
will be helped by his efforts.
up very early in order to daven and in order
an amendment. His letter, in
jrefore, that we write to the
Parliamentary politics: the principle had been
by ALAN FINLAY,
nonetheless accepted for tabling).
could be turned to our
essence the battle was now simply one of
(with minor changes) the wording I had
particular, because the amendment was would have no option but to
result would require another article! But in
EVERY DAY IS JUDGMENT DAY
The rest, as they say, is history. Lord Meston
but it seems that the Lords are not too
cal points raised by the Lord
To describe the hurdles faced in achieving this
...c o n tin u e d from p a g e 12
I
cannot
conclude
this
article
Without
Marriage Act 1949 (ie. Jewish marriages). A few days later, the new amendment, tabled by Lord Meston during the last stage of the Bill in the
not to be punished for being late for the DAYAN BERKOVITS is a former law lecturer and currently a dayan on the Federation Beth Din.
work detail, we had to daven very quickly. I know that it is wrong but I have never been
Lords, was accepted by the House without any
able to get out of the habit ever since." I
opposition, following which it was similarly
would
approved without dissent when it went to the
congregant felt suitably abashed.
like to think that the annoyed
Commons. I would like to pay public tribute to all those That was not quite the end of the matter.
serving in a voluntary capacity in the
Owing to the controversial nature of the
Federation and trust that the occasional
f
general reforms contained in the Family Law
criticism does not spoil the satisfaction of
Act, the Lord Chancellor eventually decided
communal w ork.
not to bring any of the legislation into force.
members and
This meant that the agunah section could also
v'chasima
not be enacted into law as part of the Bill. It
tolerant) New Year.
1 wish all
their
Families
i
a kesivah
tova, a happy, healthy
S E P T E M B E R
I •
Federation
(and
2 0 0 2
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!i
OF
THE
F E D E R A T I O N
OF
S Y N A G O G U E S
Kol N idrei
20
The Significance of Kol Nidrei
'How does one obtain release? The one who
by RABBI CHAIM PEARLMAN, Rov of Machzikei Hadass.
(chacham)... and he says, I have sworn on such
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish
a matter and I regret, if I would have known
calendar, is ushered in by the Kol Nidrei service. This ceremony, with its special melody, evokes great feelings of awe, trepidation, and
it from his mind and to decide in his heart not to repeat his action ... and also to regret the past.' However, the problem is how does one change that which has already happened. In the words
has made an oath should come to the scholar
that I would suffer so much from this matter... I would not have sworn, and if my knowledge, at the time I made the oath were as it is now, I would not have sw o rn .'
repentance. Yet, at first glance, the text seems
of Koheles, Ecclesiastes, 'that which is crooked
inappropriate and somewhat inadequate to
cannot be straightened, and that which is
The logic behind this is that a vow made
capture the imagination and encapsulate the
wanting cannot be numbered.' The resolution
without intent (daas) is invalid. Intent is
holiness of the moment. The assembled
of this conundrum is to be found in the classic
essential to validate a vow.
congregation stands before the Almighty,
work Mesilas Yeshorim:
with great anticipation, and the service begins with a chant of the revocation of vows - a subject largely incomprehensible
to the
masses. No doubt, those who read the English translation of the text could be forgiven for
This is what the Mesilas Yeshorim means by
"In truth, how can man rectify that which he
comparing teshuva to hataras nedarim. The
has wrought ... is it possible to remove a deed
Talmud states that no man sins unless he
from existence .... but the fact that teshuva is
imbibes a foolish spirit (ruach shtus). In the text
given to sinners is a complete kindness, that
of Tefilas Zakah recited privately prior to Kol
the uprooting of the will is considered like the
Nidrei, we say we are stunned at ourselves, for
uprooting of the deed, that is that when the
how
repentant recognizes his sin, admits it and
abomination? True teshuva is when we reach
contemplates the evil, repents and regrets
that level of understanding that we cannot
completely like the regret of making a proper
comprehend what came over us to allow us to
vow, and is totally sorry, and sincerely desires
commit the sin in the first place. We reach a
that the action had never been committed,
higher level of daas and reflect that if we had
and grieves strongly that the deed was done
had this level of daas at
and decides to forsake it in the future and flee
committing the offence we could not possibly
from it, then the uprooting of his will is
have sinned.
thinking that whoever formulated the liturgy
could
we
have
committed
this
had missed a golden opportunity to provide an inspirational setting at the commencement of this holy day. Surely, it would have been more appropriate to begin with a more meaningful text. Those who attend services the day before Rosh Hashana recite after the morning service, a similar formula to annul vows - but the difference is striking. On Erev Rosh Hashana each individual recites the text rather quickly and with a minimum of fuss.
considered like the cancellation of a vow (hataras nedarim)".
There must be some greater significance in the
the time of
This reasoning elucidates the statement of Rambam (Ch. 2 Hilchos Teshuva) that as a
Kol Nidrei, which explains the enormous
It is apparent from the Mesilas Yeshorim that
result of the process of repentance the baal
importance of this service in our liturgy.
teshuva is based on the same fundamental
teshuva represents himself as 'I am as another,
principles which underpin the concept of
I am not that person who did those deeds'.
hataras nedarim . To understand teshuva we
The source of Rambam is the rabbinic dictum
must therefore try and understand the basis of
that four matters can tear up an evil decree
the annulment of vows. The Mishnah states
including a change of name and a change of
that the source for revoking vows is rather
deed.
The ceremony of the cancellation of vows is
obscure, literally floating in the air (heter
accomplish a total metamorphosis. Similarly,
linked with the fundamental concepts of teshuva
nedarim porchin beavir).
the purpose of adding or changing the name
The late Rabbi Knoblewitz pointed the way to elucidate this difficulty and the late Rabbi J B Soloveitchik articulates similar ideas in "Al Hateshuva".
- repentance. Rambam writes, 'what is teshuva ? It is for the sinner to forsake his iniquity, remove
Rambam (Hilchos Shevuos Ch. 6) explains the process of revoking an oath or vow:
The
purpose
of
teshuva
is
to
of a seriously sick person is to change identity. This is not the same person who
or aJ â&#x20AC;&#x2122;K la w
Âť
!
j
" e ol>tain „efease; n, 031(1^oU|dcome
eonewho
to the schola
r and he “ f t I have swornon such re9ret, if | Would haveknown uffer so much frc 0» thismane,
lahe the oath were as it is now,!
committed the sin. Teshuva is meant to
that
achieve a complete personality change.
keshegogos'.
The process of hataras nedarim requires the chacham to ask the question 'had you known or realised what you know presently would you have entertained this vow?' and on
empowers him to revoke the vow. Similarly, ,h“ » * « a vow made
the process of teshuva involves submitting
" |daasl i! “ valid. Intent is
ourselves to the question of whether at our
idate a vow.
present elevated level of understanding we
^
would have sinned. If the answer is no, then le Mesilas Yeshorim means by huva to hataras nedarim. The
our teshuva is acceptable. My revered teacher, the late Rabbi Ordman,
ih spirit (ruach shtus). In the text
Rosh Yeshiva of Eitz Chaim, explained with
1recited privately prior to Kol
the same principle, the talmudic dictum that
we have committed this rue teshuva is when we reach iderstanding that we cannot tat came over us to allow us to in the first place. We reach a
'zedonos
naasu
Middos - Attributes of Mercy that form the basis of the laws of repentance. This was the
The very first Yom Kippur after kabolas
after teshuva, sins committed intentionally become like sins committed unwittingly ('zedonos naasu keshegogos'). An essential condition for an obligation to bring a sin offering is that the offence be committed with a lack of knowledge (beshogeg) i.e.
Almighty after the revelation on Mt. Sinai.
hatorah, the acceptance of the Torah at Mount Sinai, was in direct response to the grievous sin of serving the Golden Calf. Moses interceded on behalf of his people. He boldly challenged and confronted the Almighty. 'The Torah uses the expression 'vayechal Moshe'. What does the keyword 'vayechal' mean? Of course the Hebrew language is so rich that a single word can have many diverse interpretations. It certainly refers to prayer. However, it is also an
that no man sins unless he
ve are stunned at ourselves, for
repentance
greatest revelation of the Glory of the
receipt of a negative response the Torah
/e sworn,'
after
expression which is used in connection with vows - 'lo yachel devoro' one must not break his word. Hence the Rabbis understood the meaning of 'vayechal Moshe' that Moses, as it were, revoked the word of the Almighty who had determined to destroy his people because of their unacceptable behaviour. Here we have the very first Yom Kippur and the very first revocation of vows coming together. The
Let us now return to the Kol Nidrei service and all its ceremony. We open the holy Ark, take out the Sifrei Torah, circle the bimah and then the Reader ascends the bimah. The act of the wardens taking out the Sifrei Torah and handing
them
over
to
the
honourees
symbolizes the great unique event of Mattan Torah when the Almighty handed over the Torah to Moses and his people at Sinai. The bimah in our liturgy represents Mount Sinai. In a symbolic act, the Torah scrolls encircle the bimah, the congregation stands and honours the Torah to show that we remain faithful to the holy Torah handed to us on that historic occasion. The Reader then chants the familiar ancient text, dealing with the revocation of vows, and concludes this part of the service with reference to the 13 Middos from the quotation from Bemidbar Ch. 14 :
unwillingly. In addition, it is required that
Sages tell us that no punishment befalls Israel
there
of the
that does not contain a part of the punishment
'Pardon, please, the sin of this people
transgression prior to the lapse of knowledge.
for the Golden Calf (Sanhedrin 102a). The
according to the greatness of Your mercy, as
After teshuva the level of understanding has
Sefas Ernes adds if we bear a portion of the sin
you have pardoned this people from Egypt
been so elevated that any sin previously
of the Golden Calf we also have a portion in
until now. And Hashem said, 1 have pardoned
of
committed from the viewpoint of the present
the teshuva that our ancestors did for that sin.
you according to your word ... And it shall be
Hilchos Teshuva) that as a
level of comprehension could not have been
Indeed, the Talmud (Avoda Zoro 4b) relates
forgiven them for it is unintentional (shegogo).
,ces5 of repentance the baa!
willingly committed. It is incomprehensible
that Israel only committed that terrible sin to
laas and reflect that if we had Of daas at the time of jffence we could not possibly
elucidates the statement
T am as another,
ts himself35 rson
deeds'.
did those who is the rabbinic
dictum
mbam
an e«l ^ up ran rear Vs' “r f p andachan9e° ^ ,na” a i s .»
be an awareness
(yedia)
to the post teshuva person how he could have sinned ab initio. After teshuva, the repentant gains the yedia, that level of knowledge of the nature of the sin together with-the incomprehension as to how he could
throughout history. On that very first Yom Kippur the repentance was accepted and pardon was granted. Then the Torah states that
the
Almighty
changed
His
mind
to whom the Almighty defers, and that on the very same day that was said 'I have pardoned you according to your word' a day of forgiveness and pardon was instituted for future generations.
concerning the evil that He said He would do
level Thus teshuva has created these two
to His people. He pardoned His people as if
The above analysis gives a deeper meaning to
elements of yediah and shogeg, which are
the sin had not been committed. However,
symbolic ceremony and text of the Kol Nidrei
chans6
the prerequisites for bringing a sin offering.
they were required
service and in some measure shows the inner
w h o erson same P
This is what the Rabbis meant in their axiom
Almighty, as it were, taught Moses the 13
rP°
, simila*'
Idingor . erson IS not the
how to repent
have committed the offence at his present
, e of
ick P
show their descendents
The Midrash expounds, "fortunate is the man
to repent and the
H A M A O R
depth that appertains to all our ritual.
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 0 2
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J O U R N A L
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THE
F E D E R A T I O N
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S Y N A G O G U E S
M in h a g Column
22
Eating in the Succah on Shemini Atzeres.
then be obvious that one is doing so for the purpose of the mitzvah of succah, since one would not sit in a succah in such circumstances for pleasure and this would be a slight to the festival of Shemini Atzeres (10). Furthermore, according to the Ravi'oh (11) if one does sit in
BY RABBI DOVID TUGENDHAFT the succah in such conditions one would appear to be violating the prohibition of "BalThere
are
various
minhagim
(customs)
(4) . There is a further advantage to this solution
regarding eating in the succah on Shemini
(5) : the fact that on this day, unlike the
Atzeres in the Diaspora. The purpose of this article is to examine the sources and rationale behind these customs.
preceding ones, no blessing is recited, serves as a clear sign that one does not intend to add an extra day to the mitzvah of succah and thus
TheTorah (1) tells us that one must dwell in the succah for seven days "Basuccos taishvu shivas
violate the prohibition of "Bal Tosif", of adding to mitzvos. This is the generally accepted ruling and is
right called Shemini Atzeres. However, in the
brought down as the Halacha in the Shulchan
Diaspora a doubt exists as to whether the
Oruch (6).
the seventh day of Succos. Thus, if we dwell in the succah to accommodate the possibility of it being the seventh day, this represents a slight to the festival of Shemini Atzeres. However, if we do not dwell in the sukkah then we are failing to perform the mitzvah of the succah on a day when it may possibly be obligatory.
enjoy sitting
in the cool shade of a succah
we
live,
in
northern
Europe,
this
is
unfortunately not the case, so in various communities the custom arose of not sitting in
diminish the honour of the festival.
NOT to eat meals in the Succah on Shemini Atzeres, but merely to make the daytime Kiddush there (7) and then to say "farewell" to the succah, having one's meal inside the house. This was also the practice of many great Rabbis, including the illustrious R' Tzadok
this minhag clearly seems to contradict the
should dwell in the succah, but without
conclusion of the above-mentioned Gemara as
reciting the usual blessing for this mitzvah.
well as the ruling of the Shulchan Oruch! How could such holy people have acted so?
commentators)
RTzadok also points out another relevant factor: in the time of the Shulchan Oruch many people ate their Shabbos meals outside in the courtyard for fresh air (12), whereas nowadays this is not the norm, so that if one eats outside the house, in the succah, one is obviously doing it for the sake of the mitzvah of succah which again would be a slight to Shemini Atzeres. The reason why, according to this custom, one makes kiddush in the sukkah is as a "zecher", a
explain that the blessing on dwelling in the
What is the source for this custom and how can
succah would constitute a slight to the festival
it be reconciled with the Gemara?
of Shemini Atzeres (3), but the act of dwelling
RTzadok dedicates an entire sefer, "Meishiv
in and of itself, does not necessarily constitute
Tzedek" to the defence of this custom. He,
such a slight. This is because a person may find
where the climate is hot and where one would
included - who have a variant custom which is
that in order to resolve this problem one
(Medieval
is referring specifically to places such as Bavel
the succah on Shemini Atzeres in order not to
HaCohen Rabinowitz of Lublin (8). However,
Rishonim
one does sit in a succah on Shemini Atzeres, it
However, there are many people -myself
The Gemara (2) discusses this and concludes
The
According to this when the Gemara rules that
independent of the mitzvah. Obviously where
yomim". The eighth day is a Yom Tov in its own
eighth day is indeed the eighth day, or if it is
Tosif"- not to add to mitzvos.
reminder of how our ancestors acted in bygone eras-when they lived in places where the sun
among others, brings the ruling of the Korban
shone! In this way, the above-mentioned custom can be understood (13).
his succah, with its shade, to be an attractive
Nesanel (9) who says that if the weather is even
environment in which to enjoy eating his Yom
slightly cold or windy then one should not eat
However, it goes without saying that this
Tov meal, irrespective of the mitzvah of succah
in the succah on Shemini Atzeres as it would
practice is only valid for people for whom it is
ÂŤ
10
r-
f .
i f -' a S
ill
*•
M inhag Column ,0US “'a t o n e , “ doi"g so ^itzvah w* aiirrtL 0f Recall
in a SUccah i. lnd[h.
already their family custom. Others though, ilnce one
'" ^ ^ n c e s
15Would be a3 fSal9ht, to the
* *10)- Furtheiinnore, one WMld
olat]ng the prohibition of *Bal-
one's obligation of kiddush since 'ein kiddush ela
FOOTNOTES
b'makom seudah'.
whose custom is to eat in the succah on Shemini
(1) Vayikro 23,42
Atzeres should obviously follow in their
(2) Succah 47a
(8) Chassidic leader and Kabbalist. Great thinker and
(3) Ran- Rabbeinu Nissim, lived circa. 1290 - 1380
prolific writer b.1823 d.1900
(4) Tosafos- "additional" explanations to Rashi's
(9) R'Nesanel Weil of Prague d.1769, in
commentary on the Gemara, authored by a number
commentary to the Rosh, Succah 4:7.
ancestors' footsteps and definitely not depart from their family minhag. u
1"* ^
23
Eilu v'eilu divrei Elokim Chaim"- these and
those are the words of the Living G-d.
of scholars including Rashi's grandchildren over a
his
(10) See also Aruch Hashulchan Orach Chaim 668:5
period of about 200 years, concluding circa 1290
dd to mitzvos.
"Minhag Yisroel Torah"- the customs of the
R'Eliezer
ben
Yoel
HaLevi,
medieval
(5) Mordechai ( ben Hillel Ashkenazi) b. 1240? d. 1298-
wtle" the Gemara rules that 3 succah on Shemini Atzeres, it Really to places such as Bavel 3te's botand where one would
Jewish people are themselves considered Torah. "Ubilvad sheyichaven libo I'Shomayim"as long as one's heart's intentions are for the sake of Heaven
commentator, lived in Germany circa 1217 killed with his wife and 5 children on 22 A v , together with 728 other Jews of Nuremberg (Germany) in the
(12) or to"avoid flies" which were prevalent inside the
Rindfleisch massacres
house- see Shulchan Oruch ibid. 273:7.
(6) Orach Chaim 668:1.
(13) As well as R' Tzadok in "Meishiv Tzedek", see
n the cool shade of a succah
RABBI TUGENDHAFT is the Rov o f the Elstree
(7) Obviously, as well as drinking wine one has to eat
Responsa Minchas Elozor vol. 4, 31 and Responsa
the mitzvah. Obviously where
Beis Hamedrosh
some cake or the like in the sukkah in order to fulfill
Maharshag vol. 1,35.
northern Europe, this is not the case, so in various ; custom arose of not sitting in nemini Atzeres in order not to tour of the festival. joints out another relevant a o f the Shulchan Oruch many Shabbos meals outside in the
•aV IIJ L
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* * * * * H A M A jQ R
. SEPT.
1 2 0 0 2
1 1 N D H
J O U R N A L
s yN A G O ^V
OF
THE
F
E D E R A T I O N
OF
S Y N A G O G U E S
Shabbos at the Belovskis
Unorthodox Shabbat
James is representative of the type of young people these evenings attract. While many
by HAYLEY WIGUL
come from homes in which the cultural tenets
After hearing rave reviews about Vicki Belovski's
people to learn about practical Judaism and
of Judaism have been carried out, some feel
cooking and the warm welcome received at
Jewish thought in a welcoming and fun
they have missed out on traditional religious
Rabbi Harvey Belovski's home on a Friday night,
environment and to feel comfortable in a Jewish
observance. The Belovskis' home provides the
Hayley Wigul had to experience it for herself.
home and with a rabbi." Speaking with pride,
ideal setting for them to cultivate greater
he adds: "And, of course, our guests also get to
awareness. Sam Cowan (30), who comes from
enjoy my wife's amazing cuisine."
Redbridge,
With succulent starters such as minced lamb and carrot cutlets, mouth-watering mains including chicken paprika, and delectable desserts like chocolate and tutti-frutti ice cream on offer, you
Enlightening talks on thought-provoking and sometimes controversial issues have been a welcome addition to some of these Friday night
might be mistaken for thinking you
evenb. Dayan Frank Lewis spoke about
were in a top London restaurant. However, such gourmet dishes are
I th in k it's
Dayan Y Y Lichtenstein, Head of the
merely examples of the type of cuisine served at Rabbi and Vicki Belovski's Ilford home during their Shabbat dinners for the 20-35 age group. Attracting up to 40 people a time,
w o n d erfu l t ^ia t a
engage in the true spirit of Shabbat through
prayer, song and
social
interaction. Rabbi Belovski is the rabbi
a re p re p a re d to o p en th eir
reduction to save the other foetuses in
in
America, says: "When I am in Redbridge, I come to the Belovskis' Shabbat dinners to maintain my link to the Jewish experience. After three years of living in Israel, I found it very comforting to find a place in my local area where
I
could
have
that
maybe-l'm-in
Jerusalem-feeling. I think it's wonderful that a family are prepared to open their home to so many people and to share the beauty of Shabbat and make us part of their family for
a multiple pregnancy.
the night. The fact that it's a formal sit-down In light of recent events, Rabbi Aubrey
dinner with fabulous food
Hersh's talk on the history of the Arab-
evenings that much more special. In my ideal
Israeli
particularly
life, I would have a Shabbat like this every
pertinent. Explaining how the whole
week, so to be able to do it once every few
th e b e au ty of
Palestine issue arose, he kept his
weeks is very satisfying for me on many levels."
Shabbat.
audience captivated as he discussed
hom e to so m an y p e o p le an d to share
of Ilford Federation synagogue and runs this programme for young people
Federation Beth Din, discussed the complex issues of abortion and foetal
these Friday night meals enable young people from Ilford and beyond to
the relevance of Chanukah, while
but is currently studying
in the Ilford area and beyond. Vicki Belovski manages very successfully to give the traditional Friday night meal an international
the
conflict
development
was
of
the
issues
involving the modern Palestinian problem today. His argument certainly provided a refreshing challenge to the British media.
makes these
The fact that Rabbi and Vicki Belovski find themselves having to turn people away from these dinners because simply too many people want to come, says much about the success of their outreach work. James agrees. "The
flavour, with themed-dinners ranging from
James Whiteley (32), who lived in Ilford before
Belovskis are doing great things for young
Italian to Indian, Moroccan to Mexican. Even the
recently moving to Radlett, is a regular attendee
Jewish people but not only within the
napkins and table decorations are appropriately
at the Belovskis Shabbat meals. He comes
Coventry
matched to suit the theme. Rabbi Belovski
because of the warm hospitality, the wonderful
Redbridge. Their influence has even reached
explains: "The themed dinners came about
cooking and because he enjoys bentching.
such far-flung places as Bushey and Radlett. I
because we wanted to provide a traditional
"Everyone needs some spirituality," he explains.
used to hear complaints that the Rabbonim did
atmosphere with an unusual and attractive spin
"I have met some interesting people by coming
nothing for young people. Some even used
and to bring young people together to
to these events and have also learnt a little
this as an explanation for the high rates of interÂ
experience a pleasant Shabbos dinner in a non-
Yiddishkeit. I observe the customs closely with a
marriage," he says. "Well, the Belovskis are
judgemental environment. I hope our Friday
view to being able to practise them myself when
redressing the balance and making up for lost
nights also provide an opportunity for young
I have a family of my own.
time. Long may their work continue!"
n
Road
Shul
membership
and
By Mrs. Avril Fine
M ethod:
In gredien ts:
Cream the sugar and eggs well.
6 ozs caster sugar
[ e d “ Ut on ^ o n a l
Add oil and golden syrup and
12 ozs plain flour fW
2 eggs
t0 c^ < e greater
^ C^ n P C . who comes from
,U1 fc C“rre"«y stud^ng in *When 1 ai» in Redbridge, I Bel° «
mix well.
Shabba, dinners to
mk <° the Jewish experience, " of livin9 in Israel, I found [to find a place in my local area
Id have that maybe-l'm-in ig. I think it's wonderful that
1 tspn baking powder
In a separate bowl sieve flour
/2 cup oil
with baking powder, ground
1 tspn ground ginger
ginger,
8 fl.ozs golden syrup
bicarbonate of soda.
1 tspn mixed spice
Add about a third of this dry
N.B. This cake should NOT be
1 cup warm water
mixture to the "honey" mixture
frozen.
1 tspn bicarbonate soda
with a third of the cup of warm
advance and if wrapped in tin
flaked or chopped almonds
water. Beat. Repeat this twice
foil it will keep fresh for a couple
(for decoration)
more until all the dry mixture
of weeks as it is so moist.
Bake in Regulo 4 oven for 1
mixed
hour.
It can
be
made
in
3red to open their home to so 3nd to share the beauty of 6 U
3ke us part of their family for
nm
act that it's a formal sit-down ibulous food makes these jch more special. In my ideal ve a Shabbat like this every 3ble to do it once every few jfying for me on many levels.
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World Jew ish R elief
26
"On the edge" a personal view of Jewish life in the Ukraine today. My roots are showing...
occurred. Men and women who live in
Usually, when a woman of a certain age says that, it means a visit to the hairdresser is overdue.
In
my
case
(although
the
hairdressing scenario is valid) it indicates that
poverty, often having to choose between food and medicine, are enhancing their lives
average being £15. Accommodation is usually free, but they have to pay for utilities. Heating is unreliable and inefficient, electricity may or may not work, without any pattern or reason. Most of the people I visit live in Soviet style blocks, all built to the same blue print, to the extent that I mix up blocks and even towns. The first thing you notice, having successfully navigated concrete steps in the dark and
through the Jewish community.
dank hallways, is a tiny shelf and
What they are expressing is a
and cultural heritage. It may or Today it is helpful to be Jewish in Ukraine. I, too, would "sign up" if I needed food parcels, aid,
month, but veterans receive more, with the
mirror just inside the door, with a
sense of "Jewishness", of identity
I am in Ukraine.
medical
The minimum state pension is £10 - £15 per
and
the
know ledge
that
someone cared whether I lived or died. Yet
may not be to do with Judaism in
I a cce p t that
dressing table and cosmetics of to d ay it is
the religious sense, but that is also helpful to be on offer for those who wish to
what has happened in the 500,000 strong Jewish community of the Ukraine in the last 12 years is nothing short of a miracle.Three years ago, I would have been hard pressed to find it on a map: now I visit on average eight times a year. Working for a welfare agency, I assess the viability of potential projects and the efficiency and impact of current ones. Those are the bare bones. The flesh and blood, literally, are the people - the very old, the young and the often-overlooked middle generation. There are approximately twoand-a-half million Jews in the Former Soviet Union, 500,000 of whom live in Ukraine. Estimating the number of Jews is a not an easy task. Under Communism, a large "J" was imprinted in the passport of each Jew. This is no longer mandatory. Assimilation, lack of
I accept that today it is helpful to be Jewish
in Ukraine. I, too,
U k rain e. I, too, w ould "sig n up "
knowledge that someone cared
if I n e e d e d food p arcels, m edical a id , a n d the
For the visitor, Ukraine is a country of contrasts. The translation of "Ukraine" is "on the edge". While may
be
a
its
k n o w le d g e that
economic
som eone cared
situation
w h e th e r I lived
Read
the
or d ie d .
a vast choice of goods. Bottles of vodka, tins and jars of caviar, Swiss
official
Ukrainians,
attractive,
heavily
coats,
accompanied
by tough
looking men, dressed all in black -
Bond
movie.
The
majority of
markets, or buy from solitary
wonder if the plane took a wrong turning. Official unemployment figures do not reflect
know ledge, opportunity and experience
reality. What is the point in registering as
have all taken their toll. In the past 12 years,
unemployed
however, nothing short of a miracle has
benefits available?
there are
The customers are the "new"
people, however, shop in outdoor
government website and then visit, and you
when
any street in London, Paris or New
like something out of an old James
teetering as it does on the brink of disaster.
perfumeries which would grace
made up girls in tiny skirts and fur
geographic
description, it is an apt description for
largest city in Ukraine) I noticed
chocolates and English biscuits.
whether I lived or died.
this
have nothing else. Yet in the main
York. The supermarkets, too, stock
would "sign up" if I needed food parcels, medical aid , and the
the woman of the house. She will
street of Dniepropetrovsk (second Jew ish in
explore more deeply.
hairbrush and a lipstick - the
no social
women standing patiently at the roadside, offering
a few
home-grown
apples or
potatoes. Most people are malnourished, overweight through a diet of bread and potatoes, with a
mstate Pension «fI0. £15
Per
Ve'eran5receive
fnore ^ the 9 £l5-AccomNation is usually
" " " ‘•MW., mayor
high incidence of diabetes. Health clubs are
"Jewishness"? I consider the column inches
do not want to go to Israel. Their roots, like
springing up, but they are for the privileged
that are expended here on the topic of
mine, are showing. They want to live as Jews
few.
whether one can be a secular Jew,
in their own country. If we are
the heart searching, and
the
honest, I doubt that Israel wants
divisions. In Ukraine, it is just one
them. It is far less costly to care
The older generation is tough. They are survivors in every sense. Many are in their 80s,
ie ° P le 1*
»ve in S o w style
lix UD h l r v U , i UP blocks and even
towns,
j
y0U n°tice. h a ™ g successfully
lcrete ■ * in the dark and
I
or just inside the door, with a : I
1
t of Dniepropetrovsk (second >st city in Ukraine) I noticed imeries which would grace treet in London, Paris or New The supermarkets, too, stock I choice of goods. Bottles of
or
Ukraine is 57 years. No work, poor housing,
any large town and you will find a
inadequate food and medication, cheap
congregation
alcohol all add up to an early death.
halves - the resident rabbonim
Yet in spite of everything, those I meet there are vibrant and intelligent - the literacy rate is 98% - with a terrific sense of humour. When I
only describe as a hovel, and asked her how
; j
to say), she replied "I'm young, I'm beautiful and I have a lovely apartment, what more could I want?
of
two
distinct
th ro u g h a d ie t o f b read and
been
no
revival)
and
their
or Ukrainian Israelis, returned to serve the community, and the new recruits.
Each
group
from the service, but they are together,
accepted
At
any
of diabetes. who cannot get over the fact that H ealth clubs a re sp rin g in g up.
and
communal event - concert, book
the p riv ileg ed
fair, lecture - it is standing room only.
poetry reading, much of it with a Jewish or
700 pupils. It is unlikely that these children
explained
and
celebrated
with
the
appropriate food, music and song. For many,
boasts
will be secular Jews. Many, but not all, will make aliyah. The rest will remain to become the future leaders of the community. And that community could still be the third largest in
childhood.
the world. it is an
exciting
discovery - a culture and heritage they had been denied and now want to explore. Igor, whom I met in Odessa, heads the student movement, Hillel. During our conversation, I asked if he went to synagogue. He replied
Are more people going to synagogue or is it more a case of attending klezmer concerts? Are they a community in the sense of socialising with and helping each other? How far is the renaissance coming from them or being encouraged from outside.
with disdain that he was not a believer, but what
did
that
have
to
do
with
his
We should all be
proud that we have started the job, but as it says in the Midrash
few.
"a community is too heavy for
the
it brings back distant memories of their
For younger people,
better life.
any one to carry alone".
largest Jewish day school in Europe, some
is
want to help other Jews, whom
Jewish
perhaps an accordion, a string trio or a
festival
Jews in the United Kingdom
they have never met, to live a
Dnieproprotrovsk
Each Jewish
flourishes without any help. I have been hugged by non-Jews
gets
something different and special
there
high in cid en ce
provides a nutritious meal, good company,
theme.
assured that someone in Ukraine
aid to cause anti-Semitism, as it
followers who are mainly Russian
accepting.
more than aid. Lunch in the soup kitchen
causes anti-Semitism. As I am
potatoes, w ith a
but they a re for
Welfare centres for elderly Jews provide far
am asked is whether supplying
said, you do not have to supply
n
Life is hard, but people want to live as Jews.
Yiddish
0verwei9ht
o verw eig ht
in Israel. The second question I
aid to the Jew ish community
(without whom there would have
she was (how inadequate for what I wanted
1nothing else. Yet in the main
m alnourished. Go to synagogue on Shabbat in
visited 84 year old Rosa, living in what I can
sing table and cosmetics of woman of the house. She will
for someone in Ukraine than it is
age. The average life expectancy for a man in
I
k hallways, is a tiny shelf and
brush and a lipstick - the
of the options.
but the next generation will not reach old
same blue prim, t0^
Most p eo p le are
In answer to your unasked question, no, they
Why not join me on my next trip?
VIVIENNE LEWIS is the Executive Director of W orld Jew ish
R e lie f,
the overseas a id
ch a rita b le arm o f the U nited Kingdom Jew ish community.
‘I £ IS
i—
!o>
11NDH ^jedemtvo. 'V A
°* SyNAGO<^h
J O U R N A L
OF
v,'
THE
\•.
.
'
F E D E R A T I O N
^
9
OF
m JJ• .
S Y N A G O G U E S
•. .
V
a«*«#J r • ^I
Pesach in M ajorca
28
Pesach
Majorca
€ n o w saw
well as a Rav, fled from there to Algiers. In his
,ared to
commentary to the above mishna he wrote that as he lost all his possessions in that
I
and wi-
pogrom; could not return to Europe because
was long esi
Like all our chagim, Pesach is a time for
the Beit Yosef. He was from Lonille, France,
of fear of the Inquisition, nor derive paid
5 and gave
personal as well as national remembrances.
and when expelled in 1306 went to Majorca.
employment as a doctor in North Africa he
own
As we sat down to celebrate the first Seder in
To him Majorca was not the holiday resort of
had no alternative but to ask the community
harmonious
Majorca
today as can
to pay him for his work as a rav.
lasted throi
this
year
two
thoughts
were
paramount in my mind - one from the past and one from that very evening.
be seen
from
his bleak
] and as me
description comparing his new surroundings Now after five centuries Jews return to a
unfavourably with his old home:
important <
different Majorca. This year Mrs Toni Heller That of the past took me back some five
I travelled from my home to a land of
hundred years to when Jews would have
darkness, a land of dryness. My
been celebrating the same Seder as we were
dwelling was in great darkness
on the same island (perhaps even on the
without a proper surrounding,
same site as our hotel), only theirs would have
sitting in bare room s... And
b e e n in secret places. They would have been
when I was required to know
celebrating whilst hiding from the fearful
the practical halacha or I was
search
asked for justice, the Kohen (ie
by the officers of the dreaded
Inquisition,
to
Pharaoh
Some guest
They
I f in family i
Federation
communal
leined and gave
Beth Din for supervision. In turn
catered (or
shiurim, each
Dayan Lichtenstein asked me to
Guests davened.
according to their
give the proper reply, no for the
especially, their persecutors eagerly pursued
negative or yes for the positive."
but yet together it
Spain as a centre of Jewish life
formed a
this
their evil task of trying to detect hidden Jews trying to keep their faith in secret. And now some five centuries later we came from Britain and other countries to celebrate that same chag openly and freely in the land of the Inquisition - a triumph of Jewish survival. The end of Spanish Jew ry was made more tragic by the fact that for the previous few centuries Spain, including M ajorca, as a whole
had
been
European Jewish life.
the
major centre
of
Perhaps amongst our
numbers were descendants of Jews who had
came to an end at the close of
own traditions.
alone in Europe it was devoid of
Ponsa,
harmonious
the
embarked upon this task with some uncertainty because the
Pesach for such a large group are daunting, but I was quickly reassured
the
detailed
entity. This sense
and Dayan Elzas as well as their
of community
several visits to the hotel in advance.
lasted throughout
the
An interesting sideline about
due to an event that happened
Majorca.
planning of Dayan Lichtenstein
Jewish life.
Majorca is that it was directly
in
requirements of Kashrus for
the fifteenth century and from then on until recently, almost
vacation
act as the Rav for this occasion. I
night
On
Pesach
approached
himself) was lost. I could not
persecutors.
and
Santa
a
the
Egyptian
heirs
and her team at Xclusively Kosher organised
our entire time
I was also reassured calibre
of
mashgichim-supervisors
the and
their meticulous attention to
together.
there that rabbonim first took salaries. O riginally, as is well
detail. Besides the kashrus I had an
known, rabbonim earned their livelihood
additional concern - most of the guests did
from other activities. There is the well known
not previously know each other, they came
It had even been a refuge for Jews driven out
mishna in Pirkei Avos Ethics of the Fathers 4,7
from different backgrounds and followed
from other countries. Amongst them was
ve'lo kardom I'chaper bo" - "do not use
their own minhogim, how would they come
Rabbi Aharon Hakohen, author of Orot
(the Torah) as a spade to dig w ith": After a
together as a unified kehilla for tefilla prayer
Chaim, a sefer quoted many times by the
pogrom in Majorca in 1435 Shimon ben
services? My uncertainty dissipated at the
early sages, including more than 300 times in
Zemach Duran, a doctor and philosopher as
Ma'ariv on the first night of Yom Tov when I
lived there during that golden period.
success.
w. —
Mi
/
NV
:ld W■I returnlnquisiti
' t0 Eur°Pe because
° n' n° r ^
Nd
d0CtM in Nonh
be
3 t,V e ta t-
^
h w°rk as a rav. re
saw how everyone came together and
communal sedarim, led with great gusto by
innocent Jews celebrating the same Seder as
prepared to be a homogeneous community,
Danny Shine, in another.
w e, and millions of others throughout the
and within a short time it appeared as if it
For the last Shabbos Dayan Lichtenstein,
world were doing. That murderer of Jews,
was long established. Guests davened, leined
together with his rebbetzin, came especially
and those who act like him, is heir to the
and gave shiurim, each according to their
to add to the elated spirit and gave a number
Inquisition, to Pharaoh and to all those who,
own traditions, but yet together it formed a
of shiurim and droshos as well as conducting
as we say on that night, "bechol dor v'dor
harmonious entity. This sense of community
a question and answer session.
omdim olenu lechalosanu" - "in every
lasted throughout our entire time together
Centunes Jews return
a
and as many guests suggested, was an
irca' ^ ‘5 year Mrs Toni
important and central factor in the overall
at l i v e l y Kosher organised
success.
Pesach vacation in Santa )nsa-
Majorca.
They
I wrote at the beginning of this article that I had two thoughts as we sat down for the Seder, one from the past and one from the present. That of the present was the news
Some guests wished to celebrate the sedarim in family units, whilst others preferred a
that reached us shortly before Yom Tov commenced
on
Majorca,
of
events
)proached the Federation
communal approach. Both options were
happening in Netanya, Israel where an Arab
!th Din for supervision. In turn
catered for: family sedarim in one hall and
terrorist launched
a bloody attack
on
generation they rise up to annihilate us". If that declaration would end there it would be all
bleakness
continues
with
"v'Hakodosh
and the
Boruch
darkness eternal Hu
hope matzilanu
miyadom" - "but the Holy One Blessed be He delivers us from their hand". R a b b i E Salasn ik
iyan Lichtenstein asked me to t as the Rav for this occasion. I ibarked upon this task with ne uncertainty because the luirements of Kashrus for ach for such a large group
Gary Green
daunting, but 1 was quickly ssured by the detailed
Monumental Stonemasons The specialist masons in creating granite & marble memorials for lewish Cemeteries
jes t»e rn
kashrus I had an
Of the 9uests -
m 0it
they
did
p
'
ied keh . at the •n tV ^ P 3ted , ertalf1^ Tov J 0 1 st
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11 N D n .^fEDEMr^. 0
A. ^ V fv JA G O ^
30
J O U R N A L
OF
THE
F E D E R A T I O N
A1. W ^
OF
S Y N A G O G U E S
The Guesf Valldemossa, La Colobra and Lluc, Arta, Caves
Majorca 2002
of Drach, Manacor (the local pearl factory) and
by AVRIL FINE
hired
u
Palma. Our children, along with other guests, cars
to drive
around
the
island
and Moses led the children of Israel out of
We were most fortunate in having the
themselves and do their own thing.
Egypt." This was quite the scene at Gate 17 as
distinguished Rabbi Salasnik (Senior) as our
David and I went on a catamaran boat trip
my husband David, with the Sefer Torah safely
spiritual leader. His Shiurim were a pleasure to
around the island which I must admit was a bit
in his arms, led our family of thirteen and other
listen to and he addressed us on various
choppy! After disembarking we spent some
guests who would be with us, out of Luton.
topical issues and we found him to be a very
time in Palma which we had both visited
On arrival at the Santa Ponsa Hotel in Majorca
approachable man. He made it his business to
before.
we were greeted by our hosts - Toni, Tanya,
talk to all the guests, whatever their level of
Sonia and John, and shown to our rooms
orthodoxy, and he is definitely a scholar of the u
where we found a few welcoming gifts which had been left for us. There was a disposable camera, a thermos lunch bag for "chol hamoed" trips, a poncho-style pac-a-mac .............are they expecting rain?........ and a small basket of fruit. After unpacking we went to meet the other guests. 400 people had come from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, the West Country and all parts of Britain and from Holland, Denmark and France.
Danny Shine and "Neshama" entertained us to delightful evenings of Klezmer and Sixties
old school".
music
and
at
other
times
there
were
A lot of thought had been put into the
interesting speakers and discussion groups to
catering side of our holiday and the food was
suit all tastes.
plentiful and excellent. There was a vast choice of meat, poultry and fish to suit all
After Pesach the Santa Ponsa Hotel turned into Golders Green Road as we were all treated to
tastes. The fruit and salad displays were made smoked salmon beigels.......... oh so delicious! up from
local produce and were most
colourful. It was like eating at a simcha every
Dayan & Mrs Lichtenstein joined us for our
day. Breakfasts were an Israeli-style buffet and
final Shabbos and Dayan Lichtenstein hosted
lunch was also buffet style with a choice of a
an informative Question & Answer session
hot or cold meal. Dinner was slightly more
after dinner on Friday evening.
formal as we were served at the table. On the first morning, before Yom Tov, David
Refreshments were served in the lounge and
and I went to visit Andratx where there was a
on the terrace throughout the day so nobody
very colourful market and I must admit that at
could ever claim to be hungry or thirsty.
Motzei Shabbos we all joined in a Gala Farewell Party and tried to finish off the leftover food ............ a fantastic end to a wonderful and memorable holiday!
one point I was wondering what I was doing browsing around a market in sunny Majorca instead of preparing for Pesach at home!
During Choi Hamoed various tiyulim were
With grateful thanks to our marvellous hosts -
organised,
Toni, Tanya, Sonia and John.
with
packed
lunches,
to
Maybe I could get used to this! Danny Shine from "Neshama" hosted two
1 he Rav, the Honorary Officers and the Board of Management o f the
communal Sedarim, to which I have to admit we were not particularly looking forward, but
YESH U R U N SYN A G O G U E
in fact we were pleasantly surprised because the Seder was very enjoyable and we could all join in. We decided to conduct our own private Seder the second night and other families did the same, so this turned out to be very lively as
EDGWARE extend their best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to the members o f the Beth Din and the Honorary Officers, Executive and all the members of the Federation o f Synagogues
everybody started at a different time!
v>HV
andHue ' ArlJ. Caves acorWel0cal P^rl fa, iidren " aoryland ' 3l0n9 W h othe, drive aro“"d the i
3 doth
■sland
eir °wnthjmg.
50 kilos matzah meal
The Caterer's View
2.400 bottles of coke
by TONI HELLER
150 lbs charoseth
2.400 bottles of lemonade
800 lbs gefilte fish
'ent on a
Utan,ara" boat uip nd which I
must admit was a bit disembarking we spen, ^ Which « bad both visited
d Neshama* entertained us to ln9s of KJezmer and Sixties
Sunday 7th April at 6.00pm ...... Walking
and Rabbi Salasnik, who ensured we had a
through the desolate lounge at the Hotel
standard of kashruth beyond reproach, the
Santa Ponsa Park no one could imagine the
management of the Hotel who succumbed to
scene eight hours earlier when 400 guests and
our every request without question, our
1200 pieces of baggage were departing to all
executive chef, Ivan Gilbert, and the Hotel's
corners of the Earth. Well Luton, Manchester,
head chef, Pepe, who without a common
Edinburgh, Belgium, Holland, the United
language treated us to a Simcha meal, 3 times
States, Israel, Denmark &- Argentina.
a day.
At this point I took a deep breath of relief and
Whilst we were in Majorca many guests were
In addition to the Pesach order we had to cater
reflected on the unqualified success of Pesach
over-awed by the quality, quantity and variety
for the last Shabbat and as there is no Kosher
in Majorca!
of food and asked us about the logistics,
bread available in Majorca we had to order
For the previous 12 days there had been no
consequently, we produced the following
and arrange storage in different premises for
information
2,000 baby challot, 1,000 bagels and 1,500
PESACH IN MAJORCA 2002
rolls!
other times there were kers and discussion groups to
Santa Ponsa Hotel turned into oad as we were all treated to jeigels...... oh so delicious! :htenstein joined us for our d Dayan Lichtenstein hosted
time to think about logistics and planning, only to follow the rigorous schedules and plans that had taken four months to put in place.
■morable holiday! eilous hosts 1(5 to our marv1
3,200 bottles of wine 3,500 herrings 1.000 lbs smoked salmon 1.000 bottles of Kiddush wine etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.
Over 100 products and every hechsher had to be checked by Dayan Elzas of the Federation
was not one person who did not take their
2,400 boxes of Matzah + Shemura + Egg
different suppliers.
responsibility seriously, which all went towards
1,200 lbs cheese
After the orders had been placed we had to
a smooth holiday. I cannot list all involved, but
8,000 yogurts
arrange
have to mention the Dayonim, the Shomerim
500 jars chrane
company in Reading to be sorted into the two
iday evening.
a fantastic end to a
24.000 tea bags
of Synagogues before placing orders with 15
Fortunately, we had a super team and there
nd tried to finish off the
5x12x440 biscuits
Where do I begin...?
Question b Answer session
we all joined in a Gala
To quote from the title song of 'Love Story'
1.000 lbs cake
for deliveries
to our transport
M J
/
J O U R N A L
SyN A G O tV
OF
THE
F E D E R A T I O N
OF
S Y N A G O G U E S
The Caterer's View
32
40 foot temperature controlled trucks for frozen, chilled &■ambient produce.
If m
V . -■
To load the trucks was an exercise of logistics, •
planning and brute force.
f
*
■- • r%w
Thursday 14 March - the trucks were loaded
r
.
A
and ready to set out on their journey. Monday 16 March - they arrived in Calais to start their journey through France and Spain
v
- *
£
arriving in Barcelona on Tuesday, followed by another ferry to Palma and the final leg of the journey to the Hotel Santa Ponsa Park.
•v
For the first time in a week, I was able to breathe a deep sigh of relief!
:W
■
The trucks had arrived and all the food was safe & sound!!!!
A
After 14 hours of hard work the trucks were unloaded, leaving two days of work to sort the
Knight
in
Shining
Armour!
Dayan
Lichtenstein was able to convene a meeting for the following night at 11.30pm with Sam Garcon from Gibraltar and at 2.30am on
goods into our storerooms.
Thursday morning shechita was arranged in MEAT !!!! Well that is another story!!!
Malaga.
Having had the export licenses and veterinary
Thanks to Dayan Lichtenstein, shechita was
certificates filed away for months, on Purim we
carried out (under his personal supervision) in
received a phone call
Malaga, the quarters of beef were brought to
'Exportation of beef from the UK has been
Majorca on 21 March and with grateful thanks to the butcher and our shomerim, who
banned.'
worked through the night, the meat was Unfortunately, it was not a Purim Spiel!
porged koshered and butchered in the hotel's
PANIC! - Panic over - we will replace all the
kitchens.
beef products with lamb!!!
The team of chefs led by XKs' chef Ivan Gilbert
7pm on Purim suspected cases of foot and
did a magnificent job preparing 16,000 meals
mouth in the UK!!!
(excluding Kiddushim) over a period of 12 days.
Quick phone calls to all the butchers - "How much lamb have you got ready to be exported tomorrow before there is an export ban on
Everyone agreed that each meal was like attending a Simcha!
lamb?" After receiving only negative replies,
This is only a taste of the planning which
at
contributed
midnight
Lichtenstein.
we
telephoned
Dayan
to making
Pesach
2002 an
unqualified success.
'**•— \\
-
M azal Tov
Mazai Tov to the following
Marilyn and Kenneth Bieber on
Irene and Albert Alizade's son
the birth o f their first grandson
M ichael's w edding to Nadine
also to great-grandmother Olga Bieber.
Collings.
on the birth of a child: Dayan and Mrs Y. Y. Lichtenstein on the birth o f a grandson.
Elstree Rabbi
and
Mrs
Dovid
grand-daughter,
Tugendhaft on the birth o f a daughter, Devorah Rochel.
Lorraine and M ichael Spector on
Juliet and Danny Summerfield on the birth o f a son.
also to great-grandparents Irene and Joseph Kraft.
the birth o f their first grandson
Ilford
Marilyn and Kenneth Bieber on
Rabbi and Mrs Rodal on the birth o f a son.
the birth o f their first gran d
Leslie and Sandra Wajchendler
daughter
also
to
grandmother Olga Bieber. Valerie and David Stein on the
for Grant and M elanie Sackwild.
birth o f their grand-daughter.
M r and Mrs R. Bolchover and M r and Mrs Rosenfelder on the birth o f a son and grandson respectively.
Ilfo rd Andrew and Frances Garfield on their son Daniel's engagem ent to Carla Phillips.
Yeshurun Harry Shulman on the wedding o f his grandson, Scott Lesser, to Rosalyn Faiman.
Wedding Anniversaries
Yeshurun Toni and
Charles Green
on
Kenny's engagement to Jessica Weller. M r and Mrs Stanley Szapira on M artine's
engagem ent
to
Mazal Tov to the following:
Bradley Sherman.
Ruth and Moishe Leib Stuart on
Gisele and Ezra Schwarz on
their Pearl Wedding
Amanda's engagem ent to Adam
great
on the birth o f a grandson, a son
Sh om rei H a d o th
M rs H.D. W inegarten on her grandson's wedding.
Hayley and M ichael Simon on the birth o f their son.
Engagements Mazal Tov to the following:
Sh o m rei H a d a th Harry Shulman on the birth o f a
v.
m
m
Ja co b s
C la p to n
and
Katy
Ruth's
engagement to Tim Levene.
Bella and Harry Bodlander on Marilyn and M ichael Becker on the birth daughter.
of
their
Linda and Peter Hamilton on
their Diamond Wedding.
Yonni's
grand
Ea st L o n d o n C en tra l
engagem ent
to
Esti
Kimche.
M r Ex Airs Hymie Singer - Life Hannah and Louis Broomberg
President, East London Central
Ju d y and Laurence Raymond on
on the birth o f their gran d daughter.
Synagogue Anniversary.
Daniel's engagem ent to Chantal
M r and Mrs J. Greenwood and
Delia and Jeffrey Kwintner on
Elstree
M r and Mrs L. Grahame on the
the birth o f their first grand daughter.
Betty and Sam Chester on their 59th Wedding Anniversary.
Mazal Tov to the following:
Ruby Hilburn on the birth o f her
Ilfo rd
Elstree
great-grandson.
Adele and M elvyn Elliott on their
Ros and Martin Landau on their
Silver Wedding.
son Aaron's Barmitzvah.
M r and Mrs A. Schneider on the birth o f a son.
birth o f a grandson and great-
68th
W edding
Marcusfield.
Bar Mitzvah
grandson respectively.
Yeshurun Dayan and Mrs Gershon Lopian on the birth o f a grand-daughter.
Weddings
Rita and Wally Rose on their
Rohanna and Jeremy Newman on the birth o f a son, a grandson
Golden Wedding.
and Sybil and Mich Selnick. Monty Rynhold on the birth o f a grandson. t
Dayan and Mrs Y. Y. Lichtenstein on the marriage o f their son.
Emma
birth o f a grand-daughter.
Shoshana's w edding to Paul Greenberg. M artyn
Hilary and Laurence Corney on the birth o f a grandson.
Y eshurun
their son Scott's Barmitzvah.
Marilyn and M ichael Becker on their Ruby Wedding.
Ronnie Soraf on his Grandson Matthew's Barmitzvah.
Rosalind and Jason Gilmont on
Elstree
Joyce and Martin Ezro on the
Mordaunt and M yrella Cohen on the birth o f a grandson.
Diane and Raymond Shear on
Mazal Tov to the following:
for Marlene and Sydney Newman
Ilfo rd
M ay's
daughter
and D ebbie Slypet's
daughter Danielle's wedding to Jonny Tapnak.
Y eshuru n
their Ruby Wedding M anci and Arthur Vertes on their Emerald Wedding Yvonne and Leslie Epstein (Life Warden) Wedding.
on
their
Golden
Robert Taylor on his Barmitzvah Simon
Perlmutter
on
his
on
his
Barmitzvah. Nicholas Barmitzvah.
Swemer
34
M a za l Tov
Âťk'. > V.A..v V
k .
Joshua M ilan on his Barmitzvah. A lex Drucker on his Barmitzvah. Avichai Gavin Elliott Grossman on his Barmitzvah.
We offer our condolences to:-
Ifo rd
Simon Bentley on his Barmitzvah.
Doris Benjamin on the loss o f her
Gideon
Husband
G oldw ater
on
his
Barmitzvah.
Lawrence Gold on the loss o f his Wife
Bat Mitzvah
M arion Stone on the loss o f her
Mazal Tov to the following:
Father Sandra W ajchendler on the loss
E lstre e Nimi and Uri Kamara on their
o f her M other
ELFES LTD MONUMENTAL MASONS Creating designs to your specific requirements Supply and fixing service Free estimates on renovations and additional inscriptions
Martin Colder on the loss o f his Father.
Insurance cover for memorials
M ariene and M ichael Finegold
Y esh u ru n
Home appointments arranged
on
M ichael Becker on the loss o f his M other
Visit our extensive showrooms
daughter Daniella's Batmitzvah.
Ilfo rd their
d a u g h ter
Penie's
Batmitzvah. Nicole a n d Colin Franklin on their d a u gh ter Rachel's Batmitzvah.
Special Birthdays
Anne Coyne on the loss o f her Father Ruth Sheer on the loss o f her Sister Fam ily o f the late A braham
Mazal Tov to the following:
Knifeld
E a st L o n d o n C e n tra l
Family o f the late Rose Lewin
Leon
Gayer,
Secretary-
East
London Central Synagogue 80th Birthday
Brenda Cherkas on the loss o f her Husband Evelyn Schamroth on the loss o f
Elstree
her Husband
M argaret B lake on her 70th Birthday
Morris M ulberg on the loss o f his Wife
Cyril Blake on his 80th Birthday
Gail Blain on the loss o f her
Ilfo rd
Father Solly Schamroth.
Anita Elliott on her 18th Birthday
Rosina Abraham on the loss o f her M other
Y esh u ru n M artyn Zeidm an on his 50th Birthday
Russell Dunstan on the loss o f his Father
Dr Wilfrid Littlestone on his 80th
Kenny Leigh on the loss o f his
Birthday
M other
Rebecca Eidelstein on her 100th
The families o f the late Gilda
Birthday on 20th M ay.
Boris and Dinah Sherman
CALL FOR A FREE BROCHURE AND PRICE LIST 020 8518 3702 12 Beehive Lane, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex
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Please send in all your personal announcements to. Hamaor, 65 Watford Way, London NW4 3AQ
Rachel
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100th
The fam ily o f the late Shirley Baum.
Fax: 020 8203 0610
^ fB D E R A ry o n u n m
,
man w
j
m
65 Watford Way, London NW4 3AQ
>
*
Tel: 020 8202 2263 ^ N
A G O
Fax: 020 8203 0610
^
Federation of Synagogues Honorary Officers
Chief Executive
President: A Finlay
G D Coleman
9
Vice-President: B Mire
Burial Society
Treasurers (Federation): L Newmark & P Westbrook
Administrator: M L Stuart
Treasurers (Burial Society):
Sexton: N Kahler
H Dony & N Bruckheimer
Tel: 020 8202 3903 Fax: 020 8203 0610 %
Out of hours answerphone: 020 8202 3903
Beth Din Emeritus Rav Rashi: Dayan M Fisher
Cemeteries
Rosh Beth Din: Dayan Y Y Lichtenstein
Montague Road, Edmonton N18
Dayanim:
Tel: 020 8807 2268
Dayan M D Elzas, Dayan B Berkovits
Upminster Road North, Rainham, E sse x
Registrar: Rabbi Z Unsdorfer
Tel: 01708 552825
6
*
Âť
y99
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Enquiries to the Registrar
During the winter months both cemeteries
Tel: 020 8202 2263
are open daily, except Shabbos and Yom Tov, from 9am until dusk. During British Summer Time gates are open until 5pm and during the month of Ellul until 6pm.
IJ 11
36
Constituent Synagogues CLAPTON FEDERATION SYNAGOGUE.
BEIS NADVORNA BETH HAMEDRASH.
(Sha'are Shomayim). (Incorporating Yavneh Synagogue). 47 Lea Bridge Road. E5 9QB. Tel: 020 8806 4369. Secretary: W. Jacobs. Tel: 020 8989 5211.
45 Darenth Road N16. Tel: 020 8806 2030. Rav: Rabbi M Leifer. Treas: Mr S Tessler.
CROYDON & DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE. The Almonds, 5 Shirley Oaks Road. Croydon. Surrey CR0 8YX. Tel: 020 8662 0011. Minister: Rev Mark Daniels. All correspondence to The Secretaries: Mrs V Harris. Tel: 01883 348939. Mrs B Harris. Tel: 020 8689 7442.
EAST LONDON CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE. 30/40 Nelson Street. E1 2DE. Tel: 020 7790 9809. Secretary: L. Gayer. Tel: 020 8554 5267.
ELSTREE BETH HAMEDRASH.
%
6 Allum Lane. Elstree. Herts WD6 3PH. Rav: Rabbi D. Tugendhaft. Secretary: Mr M. Slyper. Tel: 020 8953 8444
3* Vr
FINCHLEY CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 2 Redbourne Avenue. N3 2BS. Tel. 020 8346 1892. R a v Rabbi Z. Telsner. Secretary M. Moller. Tel 020 8203 2822.
HENDON jy p /i' W *4 r kW * ?•ij .■f i*1 •iM 'f J Ui
I l f ::' Jg §F V ' I f -. V . •V,.?'/•/. i"-O' ‘•1 l^inyr- - ■ S p :
•/-•f •..•£> >V .
'A ,
A ffiliated Synagogues
Beis Hamedrash 65 Watford Way. Hendon NW4 3AQ. Tel: 020 8202 2263. Rav: Dayan Y.Y Lichtenstein. Hon Treasurer: J Craimer. Tel: 020 8202 3138.
ILFORD FEDERATION SYNAGOGUE 14/16 Coventry Road. Ilford. Essex. IG1 4CR. Tel: 020 8554 5289. Rav: Rabbi H. Belovski. Secretary: Mrs E Conway.
MACHZIKEI HADASS SYNAGOGUE 1-4 Highfield Road. NW11. Rav: Rabbi C. Pearlman. Hon. Secretary: R. Shaw. Tel: 020 8204 1887.
NETZACH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 281 Golders Green Road. NW11 9JJ. Rav: Rabbi Doron Ahiel. Secretary: Tova Cohen. Tel: 020 8455 0097
OHEL JACOB SYNAGOGUE (Ilford Beth Hamedrash), (Incorporating the Ilford Rabbinical College) 1st Floor, rear of 476/478 Cranbrook Road. Ilford. Essex IG2 2LE. Rav: Rabbi R. Godlewsky. Secretary: Mrs R. Pressman. Tel: 020 8550 4596.
SHOMREI HADATH SYNAGOGUE 64 Burrard Road. Hampstead, London NW6 1DD. Rav: Rabbi Mordechai Fachler. Secretary: Mrs P. Schotten. Tel: 020 7435 6906.
SINAI SYNAGOGUE 54 Woodstock Avenue, NW11 9RJ. Tel: 020 8455 6876. Rav: Rabbi B. Knopfler. Secretary: Mr E. Cohen.
YESHURUN SYNAGOGUE Fernhurst Gardens, Stonegrove, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7PH. Tel: 020 8952 5167. Rav: Dayan G. Lopian. Secretary: D. Cohen.
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CONGREGATION OF JACOB SYNAGOGUE. 351/355 Commercial Road. Treasurer: Mr O Frankfurt. Tel: 020 7481 1330. Contact: Mr David Behr.
FIELDGATE STREET GREAT SYNAGOGUE. 41 Fieldgate Street, E1. Tel: 020 7247 2644. Secretary: Mrs D Jacobson.
FINCHLEY ROAD SYNAGOGUE. (Sassover). 4 Helenslea Avenue. NW11. Tel: 020 8455 4305. Rav: Rabbi S. Rubin.
LEYTONSTONE & WANSTEAD SYNAGOGUE. 2 Fillebrook Road. E11. Secretary: Cllr. L Braham Tel: 020 8539 0088.
LOUGHTON, CHIGWELL & DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE. Borders Lane. Loughton. Essex. IG 10 3HT Tel: 020 8508 0303. Min: Rev. J.D. Lorraine. Secretary: Mrs M Lewis.
NEW WIMBLEDON & PUTNEY DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE. Secretary: Mrs R. Diamond Tel 020 8778 6669.
SPRINGFIELD SYNAGOGUE. 202 Upper Clapton Road. E5. Tel: 020 8806 2377. Rav. Dayan I. Gukovitski. Secretary: L. Blackman. Tel: 01702 340 762.
STAMFORD HILL BETH HAMEDRASH. 50 Clapton Common, E5 9AL. Rav: Dayan D. Grynhaus. Secretary: M. Chontow. Tel: 020 8800 7369.
TOTTENHAM HEBREW CONGREGATION. 366a High Road, N17 9HT. Tel: 020 8808 4698. Minister: Rabbi S Lewis. Secretary: Dr S.S. Cohen.
WALTHAM FOREST HEBREW CONGREGATION. (Queens Road) 140 Boundary Road. E17 Tel: 020 8509 0775. Secretary: A Wolpert.
WEST END GREAT SYNAGOGUE. (Beth Hasepher & Soho), 32 Great Cumberland Place, W1H 7DJ. Tel: 020 7724 8121. Secretary: S.B. Levy.
WEST HACKNEY SYNAGOGUE AND MONTAGUE ROAD BETH HAMEDRASH. 233 Amhurst Road. E8 2BS. Chairman: I. Leigh. Tel: 020 8550 9543.
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THE ONLY ALL-INCLUSIVE KOSHER HOLIDAY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE FEDERATION OF SYNAGOGUES
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RESIDENT RABBI E SALASNIK. ASHKENAZI MINYAN IN THE HOTEL CUSTOM BUILT SUCCAH TO THE SPECIFICATION & APPROVAL OF THE FEDERATION OF SYNAGOGUES synagogue .
OUR OWN EXCLUSIVE CHARTER FLIGHT FOR THE SOLE USE OF XK’S CLIENTS. BAGGAGE TRANSFER DIRECT FROM PLANE TO HOTEL - NO WAITING FOR LUGGAGE
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The Place for a Simcha 51 Church Road, Hendon, London NW4 020 8203 7888 Fax: 020 8203 8263 www.kaifeng.co.uk Under the strict Supervision of the London Beth Din