WADS News - Issue 21 - Spring 2014

ISSUE TWENTY ONE Spring 2014 Passover 5774 www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADSNews

CHIEF RABBI IS WATFORD’S GUEST OF HONOUR see page 22 for the report

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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Richard Harrington Member of Parliament for Watford

HEAR FROM ME

Every fortnight I send an e-newsletter describing the work I am doing in Watford and Westminster. I feel it is important to let my constituents know what I am doing on a regular basis, to be as open and accessible as possible.

If you would like to receive this e-newsletter you can sign up by emailing: richard@richardharrington.org.uk or by visiting my website.

MEET ME

I always aim to give people the chance to question me faceto-face about local or national issues. Whether at public meetings, surgeries or out and about in Watford. Knowing the issues which residents care about most helps me enormously in Parliament.

Details of forthcoming meetings and surgeries are on my website.

TELL ME

I always want to hear from people about their ideas and priorities for Watford.

If you have an idea you want to share or an issue in your local area that you want me to take action on let me know.

My job is to represent your views and listen to what you want for your town.

HOW TO CONTACT RICHARD 30 The Avenue, Watford, WD17 4NS

01923 296 790

richard@richardharrington.org.uk

@richard4watford

www.richardharrington.org.uk

/RichardHarringtonMP

If you would like my help or would like to discuss a matter of concern, please get in touch.

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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Welcome from the Editor In this issue: Rabbi Ephraim Levine

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From the office of Chief Rabbi Mirvis

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Message from the US

6 8

Your Chairman

10

Youth

14

Community News

18

For King and Country?

20

Guide to Pesach Recipes from Denise Phillips

22

The year in Review

26 28

Social Plans Remembering Alfred Tropp Allan Solomon Film Society Auschwitz to Ambleside

29 30 32 34

Jewish Life on Rhodes

36

Marche de la Memoire Holocaust Memorial Day

38

What a fantastic experience it has been putting this edition of WADS News together.

It is very apt that so many of the articles that were contributed run along the same theme, remembering Jews during wartime. As we commemorate the centenary of World War One, I have thouroughly enjoyed learning about British Jewery during WW1 (p18), and the experience of some of those captured in Hong Kong by the Japanese (p29). We also are taken on a journey through Europe during WW2, with the rescue of 300 Jewish children as they were trasnported from the camps to the Lake District (p32), a lesson in the tragic history of Jews on Rhodes (p34), and a walk up a mountain in the South of France retracing the steps of 1000 Jews as the tried to escape into Italy (p36). How appropriate that we should remember our history, full of challenges and hardships, and celebrate our freedom as we begin our Seders this year.

You will also find within these pages lots of tips to help you prepare for Pesach, whether it be how to kosher your home (p20) or great recipes that are sure to be family favourites (p22).

As a community, we have had a lot to celebrate since the New Year, and you can find a round up of all the fantastic press releases

by Melanie Silver (p26) as well as dates for your diary from the social committe (p28).

WADS Youth have also had a busy few months, and you can find out all about their recent activities as well as the big changes that are being made to help include our youngest members (p10).

I hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as I enjoyed putting it together. It takes a whole community to pull this off, so thank you all for your time, effort and contributions.

Emma Sosner

D. Glass & Co. Ltd Kosher Butchers and Poulterers

100 High Road, Bushey Heath, Herts. WD23 1GE Telephone: 020 8420 4443/4151 Licensed by the London Board for Shechita

The Customer Is Always Right The very finest top quality meat, lamb and poultry We are delighted to announce that every customer who buys cash and carry in our shop will get a discount

We are very proud of the fact that four generations of the Glass family have served the Jewish community for 104 years We wish Rabbi Levine, his family, the wonderful Watford community including Gary, Danielle, Scott and Samantha Michaels a Pesach Sameach.

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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Rabbi Ephraim Levine Pesach 5774

E

very year I am asked to write a message about Pesach and every year I think what more could I possibly say about the festival that celebrates our freedom. You would think that there is only a certain number of ways to write about the same subject.

But year on year we are challenged in ways that force us to reconsider our definition of freedom and indeed slavery.

This year is no different.

As I write these words the situation in eastern Europe is still uncertain and at this point anything could happen.

I would hope that by the time you read these words the situation will have been resolved for good. But let us look at what has transpired and see how it gives us a greater understanding of freedom and how it shapes us as individuals.

In November of last year, Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych chose to abandon closer ties with the EU, and instead sought closer cooperation with Russia. Let us not forget that back in 1991, over

90% of Ukraine voted for independence from the USSR. So it goes without saying that Yanukovych’s move angered many people in his country. Indeed, not even a few weeks later there were demonstrations on the streets of Kiev in the hundreds of thousands and it wasn’t long before people were killed.

To make matters worse, Russia decided to step in to protect its interests in Ukraine and before we knew it, a very tense stand-off developed that still has everyone on tender hooks.

The first question that everyone asks is, who is at fault here? I don’t want to enter into the debate itself and certainly not to pick sides, but it appears that everyone involved, from Yanukovych down, had their own interests ahead of everything else. If we take the story apart and look at the individuals, we can almost entirely understand where each one is coming from. Yet, each ones lack of foresight and understanding of the greater picture lead to chaos and unfortunately death.

When the Jewish people left Egypt and made their way to Mt Sinai, they became one people. As the Torah says, they were of ‘one heart’, and the Torah refers to them as a group in singular. Their act of receiving the Torah, which effectively turned

them into free people, could only have been achieved at the point of complete unity. This doesn’t mean to say that they became one homogenous group – far from it. The Jewish people then, as now, still had its characters, yet it was the character of the group as a whole that determined its free status.

As we approach Pesach, we are called upon once more to consider freedom and how we achieve it, especially at times when we are so busy with other things. Freedom doesn’t mean that we have no work to do or we can spend the rest of our lives with our feet up. It is an appreciation of what our true goals and objectives in life are and having the clear mind set to achieve them. At Mt Sinai, true freedom was achieved by the Jewish people as we had been chosen as a collective to carry out G-d’s will, empowering us to face life’s challenges.

This is what the peoples of Russia and Ukraine are called upon today and what we as the Jewish people are to consider as we approach Pesach this year: collectively, we can achieve true freedom and reach great heights.

Rochel and the boys (Tzviki, Mendy, Dovie and Aryeh) join me in wishing each and every one of you and your families an enjoyable, happy and kosher Pesach.

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

‫בס ד‬

chiefrabbi chiefrabbimirvis chiefrabbimirvis chiefrabbi.org

Chief Rabbi’s Pesach message 5774 Pesach is celebrated during the month of Nissan.

A notable feature of our liturgy during this month is the omission of tachanun, the prayers of confession and supplication in our weekday services. In these prayers, we focus on our shortcomings and ask God to forgive us. Tachanun is omitted during Nissan on account of the joyous nature of the month.

Should this not be the case (the halacha) for the preceding month of Adar? After all, is it not concerning Adar alone that our Sages teach “With the commencement of Adar, our joy increases”?

‘one day wonder’, with no added commitment by the participants, it is likely to be a wasted opportunity.

In our tradition, nothing is reserved exclusively for one day alone. Even a festival that lasts a day is a catalyst for further engagement. Shavuot, for example, inspires us to have a Season of the Giving of the Torah on every day of the year. Similarly, following Yom Kippur, our Day of Atonement, we have an opportunity to repent throughout the year.

So too with regard to happiness (simcha). The simcha of Adar is only of true value if it enables us to find the Our Sages explain that when the Mishkan (Sanctuary) key to ongoing joy and fulfilment. How apt, therefore, was erected in the wilderness, it was dedicated on that the month of Nissan which follows Adar is one of Rosh Chodesh, the first day of Nissan. During the continuous simcha. first twelve days of the month, the princes of the During my first six months as Chief Rabbi I have tribes brought sacrifices and each of these days was had the privilege to witness, at close hand, the celebrated as a Yom Tov by the tribes. As a result, to impressive vitality of our communities throughout this day, these twelve days have a festive flavour to the UK; in Synagogues, in schools, in our communal them. Just a few days later Pesach commences. For organisations and on campuses. Let us ensure that we the majority of the month we enjoy a festive spirit continually seek maximum impact and lasting effect and so we do not recite tachanun throughout the in all that we do across our communities. We must set month of Nissan. our expectations high and settle for nothing less. It is In his commentary on the Talmud (Ta’anit 28a) only through our collective efforts as individuals and which deals with the joyous nature of the month of as communities that we can be inspired and inspire Adar, Rashi states that with the commencement of others, that we can be engaged and engage others.

Adar our happiness increases through our celebration As we celebrate Pesach this year, may we be blessed of Purim and Pesach. with increased happiness, fulfilment and success.

Rashi understands that Adar begins a process which Valerie and our family join me in wishing continues beyond the month itself. Our happiness you all a Chag kasher vesameach. gathers momentum and therefore the joy of Nissan supercedes that of Adar.

Organisers of moving and inspiring events are always concerned with follow-up and impact. A spectacular occasion may be great on the day, but if it is only a

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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Pesach Message from the President Be Involved in Shaping Our Future

P

esach is a time to remember our heritage. We know that we should regard the Exodus from Egypt as if we ourselves had experienced this miracle, not just our ancestors. It is also a time for family and friends - the vast majority of us attend a Seder meal. It is one of the most significant festivals in our calendar. Learning about our past is important in shaping our future and this is an ideal time to reflect on what each of us can do to help our communities to prosper and to pass on our heritage to future generations.

The coming weeks are a busy time for our Shuls. Just after Pesach we will have elections for Honorary Officers and Boards of Management and make new appointments for the US Council. Two months later we will have the US Trustee elections when for the first time we will be electing Women Trustees.

This is an exciting time for the US. We have a new Chief Rabbi who is focussing on building communities, we are recruiting a new Chief Executive to lead the US and we are working on a

Strategic Plan which will set out a clear vision of where the organisation should be in 15 years time when the US will be 150 years old. We are fortunate to be able to make choices about new initiatives and investments that will strengthen the US for years to come.

Perhaps this is the year when you will decide to get involved - to stand as an Honorary Officer or a Member of the Shul Board or as a Trustee. The US succeeds because of the huge number of volunteers who care passionately about their religion and their community, and who work so hard for an organisation that they want to strengthen for the next generation. If you choose to get involved I believe it will enrich your life as well as your community and you will be conscious of the enormous difference you can make to so many people.

A key component of our strategy is to involve the younger generation with activities in the US. You may be surprised to learn that the average age of our members is reducing each year. This is partly because of the work of Tribe and Young US which engages with thousands of our younger members to help them strengthen and develop their Jewish identity.

The events and heritage trips that they organise are excellent - just speak to someone who has been

involved with an event or a tour and they will tell you themselves.

We have recently undertaken a survey of US members who are on their own (single, divorced or widowed) and I would like to thank all those who agreed to respond to it. We asked people which aspects of their community were important to them and how well we met their expectations. The results were fascinating. For example, we learned that we should be encouraging communities to put on more events that are aimed specifically at this group. As part of the Strategic Review we are surveying the views of the whole membership.

Your input into this is of real importance as the results will help shape the future of the US. There is a huge amount going on in our family of communities and as we celebrate Pesach I hope that you will join me in getting involved with shaping our future.

Cheryl joins me in wishing you and your families Chag Semeach and a Kosher L’Pesach.

Stephen Pack President of the United Synagogue

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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From Your Chairman Ronnie Jacob

T

he last few months have been a resounding success for the Shul. Seb Coe spoke at the end of the Olympics about the contribution to the Games made by the volunteers. I think we can all see exactly what he meant by that when we look at recent events here at WADS. Without our volunteers we achieve very little, but thanks to the work so many of you have put in we are constantly taking the Synagogue to new heights.

The first person I must thank is Ellard Roberts, who has been one of our Wardens for the best part of the last twenty years. As I am sure you all know Di and Ellard have decided to move to Bournemouth. They are however remaining members of the Shul and will be joining us from time to time on their visits. The amount of work the Wardens undertake on our behalf is enormous.

Steve Newman calculated that over the 20 years that Ellard was Warden he has spent about 3 years in Shul, at meetings or organising events! That takes some serious commitment.

I know that I speak for

you all in thanking Ellard for all his hard work. We must not forget Di and the contribution she has made.

The interfaith day is very much her baby and she will continue to run it with help from Laura. My own lasting memory will be the evening four of us got together to plan the memorial wall. Di handed out some designs and there before our eyes was the WADS logo that we have today, which will now and forever be part of the Shul.

Looking forward, many of you will know that we now have three Wardens. Mike Gordon is the Senior Warden and Henry Hantman has become the Junior Warden. I am also delighted to welcome back Steve Newman as the third Warden.

We have had some great events over the last few months. Going back to the work done by the volunteers, I started talking about at the beginning of this article, I would like to thank all those involved with the inaugural Film evening, the Anne Widdecombe evening, the Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) and the Melava Malka.

If we look at the HMD, this started off as an idea which Lindsay Gordon brought to us and which other Shuls had been participating in for a number of years. It grew to become an event whereby a group of 20 volunteers gave their time to be trained as

facilitators for the day. All the volunteers then gave up a day’s work to run sessions for 120 students. It was a very moving day for us all and for the students. We have already decided that this will become an annual event. Overall the HMD now teaches 3000 students a year about the Holocaust.

If you have a look at the website, there are lots of pictures of this and other events in the Gallery section.

That takes me nicely on to the website and an enormous thank you to Emma Sosner for all the development work she has done in putting all our ideas into the great site that we now have. Emma is also producing this issue of the magazine.

The recent Melava Malka saw Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis come and talk to over 90 members of the Shul over dinner. The work that Clive, Barry, Daniel, Frankie and the rest of the social committee undertook was enormous and showed what a fantastic evening we can put on. I think it is right to say that the Chief Rabbi really enjoyed himself and we enjoyed having him. His speech contained a strong message; the humour had us rolling in our seats and I hope we are able to welcome him back in future years. He is a very community driven man, having visited about half of the US Shuls already and likes nothing more than meeting and chatting with members in a very informal way. In connection with that evening, I must also thank Helen Gordon, Scott

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Michaels and the children of the choir for the hard work that led to their triumphant performance on the night.

We have decided to join with four other Shuls from Hertfordshire and one from Bedfordshire in an effort to promote some joint events.

The Shuls concerned are Luton, Welwyn Garden City, St. Albans, Potters Bar and Shenley. We regularly meet to plan things and the first event is going to be a phenomenal learning day with a variety of speakers lead by the Chief Rabbi. We will let you know more once we have all the details.

It has become clear to us that we have not been doing enough for the children of the community. As a result we asked Rochel and Tim Bannon to put together a programme of children’s services. Thanks to them I am pleased to say we now have a programme of services for two age groups every Shabbat.

I hope that this little article illustrates the amazing amount that has and can be achieved by volunteering to do that little bit for others. I know that the volunteers get a lot from it themselves as do the beneficiaries of their work. We always need more volunteers, so please do not be shy in coming forward.

The more the better so that we can expand the services we offer and lighten the load on the great volunteers we already have.

WADS News | Pesach 2014

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Ask Not What Your Shul Can Do For You....

Mike Gordon - Senior Warden ... ask what you can do for your Shul – to misquote from John F Kennedy’s famous inauguration speech on being elected to the Presidency of the USA in January 1961.

There are life cycle occasions in all our lives when we wish to avail ourselves of the services that our shul can provide for us – many smachot to celebrate – a baby naming, a bar or bat mitzvah, an engagement, a wedding, an anniversary or a special birthday to name the obvious ones – and of course not so happy events when probably even more so we turn to the shul for help and guidance.

As members we assume the shul will be there to meet our requirements - and that is not an unfair expectation.

Afterwards, however, do we truly appreciate what has been provided for us or do we take it for granted and put the shul once again to the back of our minds?

The shul and those who work actively for it dedicate themselves to meeting the needs of the members and are delighted to be able to assist in the coming to fruition of your celebrations and to be of help and support in your hour of need. However ask yourself, “ How can I give back to the shul?” (other than financially – although such is always much appreciated by our FR!).

The answer is... in any number of ways. As well as Friday night, Shabbat morning and Yomim Tovim morning services we also have a shacharit service on the first Sunday of every

month (after which a bagel breakfast is provided) and we have recently instigated a shacharit service every Rosh Chodesh. Why not help with making up a minyan for these extra services? It doesn’t have to be every service – just once in a while will help ease the pressure on those who attend these services more regularly.

Can you take an active part however small – in the services themselves? Are you hiding your talents or do you feel that you could take a more active role with a little help and/or guidance or perhaps you are simply lacking a little confidence? If so we and the Rabbi are more than happy to discuss this with you.

We have elections coming up in May. Why not put your name forward to take on a role in an area where you have a particular interest, penchant or ability? If you feel you don’t have the time or inclination to make a formal commitment but would like to help in some smaller way please let us know – there are many areas in the running of the shul and its various committees where your help could be utilised.

Remember it is your shul.

Without you there would be no shul and without your help and the continued help of those who give of their time there would be no shul in which to celebrate your smachot.

We wish you all a Chag Kasher Sameach, Michael Gordon, Henry Hantman & Stephen Newman

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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WADS Youth launches exciting

Cheder Club

Children’s services are back every week at 11am!

first Shabbat of the month

We are pleased to announce that children’s services will now be taking place every Shabbat at 11am.

There will be two services running each week: a toddler service suitable for up to five years old and an older children’s service from six to bar/batmitzvah.

Both services will follow a similar structure each week in a friendly environment featuring Shabbat songs for the toddlers, games, prizes and a small kiddush at the end of the service. If any parents would like to help out please email Tim Bannon (tim_bannon@hotmail.com) for further details. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

participate. The team session

O

new Children’s programme

we run a team session where the Aliya’s are split between all those who would like to

is perfect for those children still learning and they are

allocated some of the lines

they know with the rest being shared between all those

If your children would like

to participate please email

Tim Bannon (tim_bannon@ hotmail.com) for further details.

Prutahs for the kids Several weeks ago we

started a new programme

for the children at shul. For

good behaviour children will

receive a Prutah token. Over time they can be exchanged for higher values, which will

The Rabbi will be presenting all children who celebrate a birthday during the month with certificates on the first Shabbat of the following month. Please make sure that the Rabbi has your kids birthdays so that this can be enjoyed by all.

shul have already started to

WADS now runs a popular Anim Zemirot and Adon Olam Shabbat children’s rota for under Barmitzvah. On the

ur cheder is going from strength to strength.

It continues to grow in size, and we now have 19 children aged from 6 to 11 years currently enrolled, as well as 2 teachers and 2 assistants and we expect there will be more children joining in future.

who want to participate.

Children’s Birthday Club

Anim Zemirot and Adon Olam

Bonnie Newman & Rochel Levine

encourage them to do the

Making challah dough

Since Rosh Hashanah, the children have been really engaged on different projects within the cheder. We all know that the way to a child’s heart is through its stomach, so the first project after the High Holy days revolved around food, and the different brachot associated with it.

best they can. Children in

earn Prutahs. At the end of

each term children will have

the opportunity to exchange their Prutahs for prizes so

there is every incentive to

collect as many Prutahs as

possible. Good behaviour will include attending children’s

services, being well behaved in shul, opening the Aron Kodesh, singing anim

zemiros, and many other

projects that will be included over the year.

Celebrating Tu B’Shevat

Chanukah saw Tzivos Hashem bring in their olive press in for us to have a go at pressing our own olive oil. This proved a very popular activity not just with our children but with their parents and friends too. We also had a Chanukah music session with Bonny Newman

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

and the children enjoyed singing and dancing along to Chanukah songs.

Decorating kiddush cups

The spring term started with a Shabbat project. The children learnt about Shabbat, they decorated Kiddush cups, they made challah dough and learnt how to plait it, and they even made candle sticks from clay.

Everyone was really busy and totally engaged with it. Tu B’Shevat was also celebrated with each child taking home his/her own plate with seven kinds of fruit to be enjoyed with their families. We celebrated Purim by baking hamantashen, and we were pleased to welcome back the Matzo bakery once more.

One of our aims in the Cheder is to improve the children’s Hebrew reading, and I am pleased to say that there has been a real improvement in this area, thanks mainly to our teachers, reading assistants, and to the parents who support their children’s Hebrew reading at home.

Making clay candle sticks

WATFORD

S

Performing for Chief Rabbi Mirvis

o another term as Watford’s Youth Director has passed, and this term has been as big as ever. With a huge number of people attending our Chanukah Party, Watford Tribe is definitely growing.

We started the term off with our fun packed day out at Bricket Wood Paintball. This audacious challenge was both adrenaline pumping and great for teamwork.

Paintball in Bricket Wood

Chanukah was next and for this exciting time of year we had two events take place.

First was the Tribe ‘Chanukah on Ice’, outside the tower of London. Hundreds of people attended from lots of different Shul’s with everyone enjoying some free doughnuts after. A few days later Watford Tribe had their own Chanukah Party. With arts and crafts, doughnut decorating and an insightful talk from Rabbi Levine about Chanukah, this event was hugely successful. We had a highly impressive number of people attend.

The most recent event

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Scott Michaels reviews the most recent events was when six children from Watford Tribe sang in the Watford Youth Choir at the Melava Malka in front of the chief Rabbi. For three weeks Danielle Gordon, Adam Bannon, Ashlee Bannon, Ellie Garnelas, Robert Hobbs and Kayla Maze worked incredibly hard through many rehearsals to make sure we were all in tip top shape. The choir performed incredibly well on the night and with so many compliments, especially from the Chief Rabbi, everyone in the choir should be extremely proud of themselves.

We have many exciting events lined up for this coming term, including our annual Purim Party on Sunday 16th March, as well as many days out to places such as the snow centre, XC centre, and hopefully the theatre. We anticipate having more events that will be taking place within the Shul such as evening in’s and movie nights.

Celebrating Chanukah

If you have any suggestions or comments about any of the Watford Tribe events, please feel free to contact me at: scotty.michaels@hotmail.co.uk

Wishing everyone at Wads a happy Purim, best wishes from Helen, Elliott, James, Danielle Gordon and Millie Graham

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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28th Watford

Brown Owl, Lorraine Cohen, gives the Pesach report

I

have just received a

celebrated with a lot of fun

letter from “Jewish

and even more food. Most

Childs Day” thanking

of the Brownies go to Jewish

us for the money we

schools but the few who

recently donated to them.

don’t at least get a taste of

Not only has Britain got

the festivals with us.

talent but so have our Brownies! They put on an evening for their family and each one of the Brownies entertained us with songs, dance gymnastics and baked all the goodies that they served and made the posters. The girls were

evening at Hobbycraft trying a new craft which the Brownies hadn’t experienced before. Pets at evening showing us around their store, explaining the care of animals and letting the girls hold some of them.

all so enthusiastic about

Rabbi & Rochel Levine

We spent an enjoyable

home entertained us to an

magic shows. They also

Celebrating Aryeh’s Opsher

O

n Tuesday 4th February we joyfully celebrated with the community at our son Aryeh’s opsher. This is the fourth opsher we have celebrated here in Watford and most of you will know the significance of this lovely milestone.

They always enjoy going out

each part of the evening and we had a full house of parents grandparents etc.

On explaining about where their hard earned money was going to be spent they soon realised how important and worthwhile it was.

as a Brownie group and this was a particularly enjoyable evening.

A big thank you to Gina Collis and Laura Roberts who give so much to help make the unit run smoothly.

Many interest badges are achieved by the girls but this seems to be a bumper term with several Girls

For some reason, and this doesn’t just apply to our unit, we are low in numbers.

Please could you pass

managing to pass more than one at a time. They are all so keen on learning new

on my phone number to parents who have daughters aged 7 and over. We look

skills and this gives them

forward to welcoming more

the opportunity to try out

girls to our unit.

something new.

Loraine Cohen Brown Owl

Chanukah and Purim were

Mobile: 07989 029031

You will all remember Aryeh running around with his long brown curls all over the place!

The Opsher was his first haircut taking place on his third birthday. This celebration propels him from toddlerhood into childhood, ensuring that the transition is smooth and enjoyable. And there is certainly no doubt that he enjoyed himself, patiently waiting as each guests stepped up to take a snip of his lovely locks.

The Opsher formally marks the beginning of his Jewish education; he is now taught to wear his tzitzis and yarmulkah

This page has been sponsored by David Walters

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and is also encouraged to say the brachos before eating.

It must be said that although this is our fourth Opsher, and it’s ‘only a haircut’, there is something special about each one that takes place. There is that realisation that the little baby we have been nurturing for the last three years is now turning into a little boy. No two Opshers are the same and that is due to no two children being truly the same. This is quite emotional on the day and is cause for a good celebration to mark the occasion!

WADS News | Pesach 2014

Obviously, there are some things we won’t miss – like hairbrushing after the shower, and ‘isn’t she lovely – what’s her name?’ The days of battling with tangled hair are now a thing of the past. Getting to actually see his face is certainly a plus and something we haven’t really been able to do for about a year and a half!

The root of the Opsher is a verse in the Torah which compares man to a tree. Just as a tree emerges from a tiny seed to grow tall and bear fruit, so a small child grows in knowledge and bears the fruit of his good deeds. Just as the Torah requires that newly planted fruit trees grow unharvested for three years and then have their fruits offered to G d, the tradition calls for leaving a boy’s hair uncut.

Since the Opsher, we couldn’t help but look at Aryeh who now suddenly looked much older.

Aryeh the baby was no more. In his place there is a lovely little child waiting to grow into a big boy, with the help of his three older brothers. And with all this we couldn’t help but think of the wonderful metaphor of a tree that develops its roots and grows, becoming stronger in the process, eventually producing fruit of its own and continuing the cycle, from one generation to the next.

A big thank you to everyone who came and joined us in our simcha, and to those who were unable to join us on the day. We truly enjoyed celebrating with you.

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Ground Floor 24 Station Road Watford WD17 1JU t: 01923 230220 e: cann.polus@btconnect.com

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS Cares Philippa Jacob

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Watford & District United Synagogue 16 Nascot Road Watford WD17 4YE 01923 222755

Stuart Goldberg

Email:

secretary@watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Website: www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk Minister: Rabbi Ephraim Levine Administrator: Carolyn Silverman

Over the past year we have had Games Afternoons as well as a wide variety of interesting speakers. Just a few recent examples are: • Judy Faraday, the John Lewis Partnership Heritage Manager, who led us through the history of John Lewis;

Chairman: Ronnie Jacob Wardens: Michael Gordon Henry Hantman Steve Newman

2013/14 WADS 100 Club List of Winners Month

1st Prize

2nd Prize

2013

£50

£25

Apr

S Galitis

M Simpson

May

B Freed

E Levy

Jun

S Lewis

M Webber

Jul

G Marcus

B Moss

Aug

M Gordon

A Marco

Sep

R Woolf

G Marcus

Oct

S Galitis

J Woolf

Nov

M Apple

M Gordon

Dec

C Fisher

F Ayrton

Jan

A Marco

B Freed

Feb

R Jacob

M Apple

£100

£50

2014

Mar

Z

ahav, WADS’ club for the over-60s, is about to celebrate its first birthday.

C Silverman M Webber

• Rabbi Alan Plancey, who recounted his varied and colourful life; • Dennis Hart, who told us about his career as a photojournalist in Fleet Street.

Zahav is run by a Committee who work hard to ensure that there is an interesting programme and that all meetings run like clockwork.

We meet twice a month on a Thursday at 2pm, usually in the Shul Hall. A donation of £2 per meeting includes tea, coffee and cakes. Both WADS and members of other Jewish communities are welcome.

If you would like any further information, or you need a lift to a meeting, please ring Eileen or Stuart on 01442259028.

We look forward to meeting both old and new friends in the coming months.

atford is a small, caring community and many of us can, in our own way, play a part to enhance this. Each tiny assistance adds up to a bigger benefit to all of us.

Set backs such as poor health or bereavement can occur at any age, and some of us are too proud to admit we would benefit from a call or friendly visit from someone.

We already have our Befriending group organised

by Bernice Katz, and a number of our members regularly contact others who are unable to attend shul.

If any of you are willing, what we would like is to be able to ask you to occasionaly pick up the phone, maybe to chat to another shul member who would like a bit of company, or perhaps go and say hello to someone you know from the shul. This is not a regular commitment and does not have to take up a lot of time but it would be gratefully appreciated.

We don’t always know if a member would like to be contacted, so please also let Carolyn Silverman, Philippa or Esther know if you hear of a member who has been ill and/ or needs a friendly face to chat with.

If we can put a smile on someone’s face, even for a short while, then we have done a good deed.

A number of you have already contacted either Philippa Jacob on 07584 401757 or Esther Levy on 0208 954 0819, but some more helpers/responses would be absolutely wonderful.

I know that we all care about our WADS community which is why we call ourselves WADS CARES.

This page has been sponsored by Esther & Brian Levy

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

Community Greetings

New Members:

Glenda Marcus

Joe and Roslyn Banks

Paulette Solomon

David Specterman

Get well to Simone Beale

David Rumack Isabella Segal and Sharon Segal Andrew and Natalie Raperport Terri and Gary Philips

Birth: Peter and Denise Rodgers – grandson Amanda and Yoav Foxman – son Lesley and David Mail grandson Beatrice Moss – great grandson Andy and Linette Gale – granddaughter Peter and Annie Keen – grandchild

Engagement: David Stanton – son Jonny Barbara Stanton – grandson Jonny

Wedding: Simon and Simone Beale

Bereavement: David Finer – Father Judith Sherman – Brother David, Maxine and Jeremy Walters – Wife and Mother (Heather) Helen Levenson – Husband (Kenneth) Di Roberts - Father Jilly Black - Father And condolences to the family of Alfred Tropp

WADS Charitable Donations Jewish Children’s Holiday Fund British Friends of Zaka

Get Well:

British Friends of Israeli War Disabled

Beatrice Moss

Magen David Adom

Helen Gordon Millie Graham

Children with Cancer

Lesley Mail

Jewish Childs Day

Neil Rubin

Shaare Zedek

Margaret Mindell Loraine Cohen

Youth Aliyah

David Silverman

Chai

Jacky Stanley

Jewish Blind and Disabled

Peter Nathan Patricia Burleigh

Peace Hospice

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A Fond Farewell Di Roberts

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hen Ellard and I moved to Watford, I met a lovely young woman in the baby clinic, who told me about a delightful kindergarten she’d heard about. The lady was Sharon Stanton, and the nursery was in the basement here. We promptly joined the shul and the rest is history, a 25-year connection with the wonderful community of WADS. We feel as if we’ve all grown up together, our kids, our friends’ kids, the shul members, like an extended family. Like all families, we’ve had good times and bad, wonderful times and tragedies, celebrations and sorrows. But throughout it all, we’ve been there for each other, supporting in sad times, sharing the good times.

We so appreciate everything you’ve done for us through the years and although we’ll be living about 100 miles away, a big part of us will still be in WADS. The part with long dark curly hair, usually seen with a little Levine clinging to her. And we’ll be back from time to time, to share even more good times with you all.

Thankyou for your friendship and love. Give us a chance to unpack and sort ourselves out, then you’re all welcome to come for a l’chaim.

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Pesach 2014

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WADS Community Caught on Camera!

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

For King and Country?

The Jewish Experience of the First World War

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o commemorate the centenary of the First World War, the Jewish Museum London and Jewish Military Museum are jointly curating For King and Country? an exhibition exploring the Jewish experience of the First World War, opening 19 March 2014.

The exhibition will investigate the war’s impact on the British Jewish community and raise questions around immigration, divided loyalties and integration at that time.

The Jewish experience of war will be explored through the objects and voices of individuals and give an extraordinary insight into the difficulties and hardships of life on the front-line.

Stories of Jews at War On display together for the first time will be the uniform and Victoria Cross belonging to Frank de Pass, the first Jewish soldier to win the highest military decoration.

Frank de Pass was awarded the VC posthumously for his extraordinary bravery on the front-line after leading an attack on a German trench and carrying one of his wounded comrades over nomans-land to safety. He died the next day trying to take the same trench.

A highlight of the Jewish Military Museum collection is the newly acquired diary of Florence Oppenheimer, a military nurse who served

on a hospital ship during the First World War. She worked throughout the Mediterranean, in Egypt and Palestine and later went on to become the best-selling cookery writer, Florence Greenberg. Her diary records her experiences caring for casualties amongst the turmoil of war. She writes in 1915, in the midst of the Gallipoli campaign, ‘I got landed right in the very depths of the boat, a dreadful hole with not really hardly any air… Stretcher cases were simply pouring in… down I flew but oh what a shame - it was just agony to get these poor fellows into the bunks. I went to lie down for 2 hours then up again to hear that we were going to take on another 800 stretcher cases and by breakfast time we had 1980 cases on board.

At last I realised what war really meant. All these cases straight from the battlefield...

All the decks, every hole and corner of the place was utilised.’

Keeping faith while in the trenches was a great challenge for Jewish soldiers.

Jewish Chaplains were finally allowed on the front-line in 1915, - the Reverend Adler held a Yom Kippur service for two hundred during the Battle of Loos, but their tiny numbers made ministering to the troops a great challenge.

The exhibition will feature hand written notices made by Adler and letters he sent to

the families of soldiers who had been injured or killed.

The letters of 2nd Lieutenant Marcus Segal tell the story of life in the trenches for a Jewish soldier. All the letters have recently been digitized and visitors will be able to read his heart-felt words as he wrote to his parents from the front-line. Segal arranged Jewish Services in the trenches with Chaplains Reverend Jacob Phillips and Reverend Adler and to participate in Jewish festivals, such as Succot, ‘I had my last dug-out full of leaves on top in honour of Succot but I dare not put any fruit hanging as fruit would not hang long here… life out here makes one very religious and it makes one think what the Almighty can do… we get issued with biscuits just like Matza...’

At Home War impacted everyone, not just those on the front-line.

The exhibition will explore life for Jews on the home front, including the textile boom which took place in the largely Jewish East End of London, where the majority of soldiers’ uniforms were made.

Jewish schools and boys clubs including the Jewish Lads Brigade played an active role in the war, providing soldiers for battle and recording the achievements and casualties among old boys.

This page has been sponsored by Michael & Lindsay Gordon

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A Jewish Fighting Force An in-depth look at the presiding politics will examine the rise of Zionism, and the debate between leading figures in the Jewish community who believed that Jewish soldiers should be integrated across the armed forces, versus the promotion of military segregation and all-Jewish fighting forces.

In 1917, the Judeans, four battalions of the Royal Fusiliers was formed, in part to encourage enlistment by the Orthodox community. The 38th Battalion was raised in the East End of London and fought during 1918 in Palestine.

Jews on both sides A lasting legacy of centuriesold anti-Semitism and the turbulent history of the Jews has been a great sense of unity. This was broken by the First World War as Jews served on both sides. More than 100,000 out of a total German Jewish population of 550,000 served Germany during World War I, 12,000 dying for their country. Their service has many parallels with the British story but the organised anti-Semitism in the German army should also be considered.

The Legacy of War The final section of the exhibition will explore the legacy of the war in the Jewish community. A need for public remembrance and commemoration led to public memorials and ultimately the Association of Jewish

WADS News | Pesach 2014

Ex-Servicemen and Women (AJEX) including their Annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Cenotaph. Also on display the British Jewry Book of Honour which lists names of Jews who served and was compiled in part to counter the claims of anti-Semites who railed against Jews as ‘shirkers’ who had not played their part in the war.

The First World War was a pivotal time of change for the Jewish community in Britain and indeed throughout Europe and the Middle East as they fought to find their place in society and in the world.

By exploring the stories of individuals who served on the battlefields or back in Britain the exhibition will allow the visitor to understand the experience of ordinary Jews in the face of war.

This year marks 100 years since the start of the First World War. At the Jewish Museum, they will be exploring how war threw into question what it meant to be a British Jew, from those who served in the trenches to those who experienced war away from the battlefield. The exhibition, will run from 19 March to 10 August 2014 and has been curated in partnership with the Jewish Military Museum.

This article, written by the exhibition’s curator Roz Currie, gives a taste of the fascinating stories For King and Country? will tell.

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What is Chametz?

C

hametz is any food product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, or their derivatives, which has leavened (risen) or fermented. Our Sages have determined that flour from any of these five grains that comes in contact with water or moisture will leaven unless fully baked within eighteen minutes. As we are commanded by the Torah, if a food contains even a trace of chametz, we don’t eat it, we don’t derive benefit from it, and we make sure not to have any of it in our possession for all the days of Pesach To be certain that a product is kosher for Pesach, it must have rabbinical certification.

Otherwise it is possible that it contains chametz ingredients, or traces of chametz if it was processed on the same equipment as chametz products. Thus, unless a product is certified ‘Kosher for Pesach,’ we consider it chametz, and make sure not to have it in our possession on Pesach.

FOXMAN ELECTRICS Local Electrician and Handyman

Tel: 07827 277 853 Email: foxmanelectric@gmail.com Call now for a free quote!

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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Going chametz-free in the kitchen for eight days could mean a major overhaul. If you’ve never done it before, call Rabbi Levine. Below is a brief DIY (Don’t Injure Yourself) Guide!

E

very part of our homes is cleaned for Pesach, but we pay special attention to the kitchen, because that’s where most of our chametz hangs out during the year, and also because we will be using our kitchens to prepare our Pesach food.

Dishes and Utensils Today, most Pesach-savvy homes have a special set of dishes, silverware, pots, pans, and other utensils for Pesach use only. If necessary, certain year-round utensils can be used, provided they are koshered for Pesach.

Oven Thoroughly clean and scour every part of the oven and the racks with a caustic cleaner.

Then heat it to the highest temperature possible for at least an hour.

Microwave Ovens Clean the microwave thoroughly. Fill a completely

clean container, that was not used for 24 hours, with water. Turn on the microwave and let it steam heavily.

Turn it off and wipe out the inside. Afterwards, fill the turntable with water and turn the microwave on to boil the water. Even if the water does not boil, it probably reached a temperature at least as high as that at the time of round year use and may therefore be considered koshered.

Refrigerators, Freezers, Cupboards, Tables, and Counters

Sink

Vacuum your car or van.

Thoroughly clean your cellar, garage, or any property you own. Special care should be taken with items you will be using, or rooms you will be accessing during Pesach.

24 hours before koshering, meticulously clean the sink and avoid pouring hot water from any chametz pots into it. Afterwards, boil water in a clean kettle and pour it while still boiling onto every part of the sink. Remember to include the taps in the koshering process. Since anything below the plughole cannot be properly koshered, one should pour bleach or something similar down the drain.

Thoroughly clean and scrub them to remove any crumbs and residue. Afterwards, place a heavy covering over those surfaces that come into contact with hot food or utensils.

Tablecloths and Napkins Launder without starch.

Cars, Garages, etc

Dishwasher A dishwasher can be problematic to kosher and should therefore not be used over Pesach.

Please contact me for any further advice on koshering.

Blessing 1

Blessing 2

Blessing 3

Baruch atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu

Baruch atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu

Baruch atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu

Melech ha-olam,

Melech ha-olam,

Melech ha-olam,

asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav

asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav

shehehchiyanu

v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel

v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel

v’kiyemanu v’higiahnu

Shabbat Kodesh

Yom Tov

lazman hazeh

This page has been sponsored by Esther & Brian Levy

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Pesach 2014

e r f e ct S P e h t g n e de i k a r M Follow these simple steps and you wont go wrong

Kadesh - Kidush!

The Seder service begins with the recitation of Kiddush, proclaiming the holiness of the holiday. This is done over a cup of wine, the first of the four cups we will drink while reclining at the Seder.

Urchatz - Purification

We wash our hands in the usual, ritually-prescribed manner before a meal, but without the customary blessing.

Karpas - the Appetizer

A small piece of onion or boiled potato is dipped into salt water and eaten after reciting the blessing over vegetables. Dipping the Karpas in salt water is an act of pleasure and freedom, which further arouses the child's curiosity.

Yachatz - Breaking the Matzah

The middle Matzah on the Seder plate is broken in two. The larger part is put aside for later use as the Afikoman. This unusual action not only attracts the child's attention once again, but also recalls G-d's splitting of the Sea of Reeds to allow the Children of Israel to cross on dry land. The smaller part of the middle Matzah is returned to the Seder plate. This broken middle Matzah symbolises humility and will be eaten later as the "bread of poverty."

Maggid - the Haggadah

At this point, the poor are invited to join the Seder. The Seder tray is moved aside, a second cup of wine is poured, and the child, who by now is bursting with curiosity, asks the time-honored question: Mah nish-tah-na hah-laila-ha-zeh me-kol hah leilot? Why is this night different from all other nights? Why only Matzah? Why the dipping? Why the bitter herbs? Why are we relaxing and leaning on cushions as if we were kings?

Rochtzah - Washing Before the Meal

After concluding the first part of the Haggadah by drinking,while reclining, the second cup of wine, the hands are washed again, this time with the customary blessings, as is usually done before eating bread.

Motzie Matzah

Taking hold of the three Matzos (with the broken one in between the two whole ones), recite the customary blessing before bread. Then, letting the bottom Matzah drop back onto the plate, and holding the top whole Matzah with the broken middle one, recite the special blessing Al achilat matzah. Then break at least one ounce from each Matzah and eat the two pieces together, while reclining.

Maror - the Bitter Herbs

Take at least 1 ounce of the bitter herbs. Dip it in the charoset, then shake the latter off and make the blessing Al achilat maror. Eat without reclining.

Korech - the Sandwich

In keeping with the custom instituted by Hillel, the great Talmudic Rabbi, a sandwich of Matzah and Maror is eaten. Break off two pieces of the bottom Matzah, which together should be at least one ounce. Again, take at least 1 ounce of bitter herbs and dip them in the charoset. Place this between the two pieces of Matzah, say "Kein asah Hillel..."and eat the sandwich while reclining.

Shulchan Orech - the Feast

The holiday meal is now served. We begin the meal with a hardboiled egg dipped into salt water.

Tzafun - Out of Hiding

After the meal, the half Matzah which had been "hidden," set aside for the Afikoman ("dessert"), is taken out and eaten. It symbolises the Paschal lamb, which was eaten at the end of the meal.

Barech - Blessings After the Meal

A third cup of wine is filled and Grace is recited. After the Grace we recite the blessing over wine and drink the third cup while reclining.

Now we fill the cup of Elijah and our own cups with wine. We open the door and recite the passage which symbolises an invitation to the Prophet Elijah, the harbinger of the coming of Moshiach, our righteous Messiah.

Hallel - Songs of Praise

At this point, having recognized the Al-mighty, and His unique guidance of the Jewish people, we go still further and sing His praises as L-rd of the entire universe.

After reciting the Hallel, we again recite the blessing over wine and drink the fourth cup, reclining

Nirtzah - Acceptance

Having carried out the Seder service properly, we are sure that it has been well received by the Al-mighty. We then say Leshanah haba'ah b’rushalayim, Next year in Jerusalem!

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Roasted Carrot and Caramelised Onion Soup A soup using family friendly ingredients is always useful and even more so during Passover when everyone is home for 3 meals a day! Roasting the carrots, onions and garlic together brings out a stronger natural flavour that all will enjoy!

Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Serves: 8 people

Ingredients 800g carrots, peeled and sliced 1 kg onions- peeled and sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 garlic cloves, skin on 2 tablespoons fresh thyme sprigs 1.2 litres vegetable stock, made up with 2 tablespoons vegetable stock powder Garnish: 8 sprigs fresh thyme

everything together.

3. Place in the oven and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender and beginning to turn golden.

4. Remove 3 tablespoons of caramelised onions retaining for the garnish.

Method

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

2. Put the carrots and sliced onions, oil, garlic and thyme in a roasting tin. Season and toss

5. When the carrots and onions are golden remove from the oven and transfer to a deep saucepan.

6. Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their

skins and pop in the saucepan. Add the thyme discarding any woody thyme stalks.

7. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.

8. Liquidize, taste and season to taste.

9. Return to the saucepan and reheat when ready to serve.

To serve the stylish way: Garnish with sprigs of thyme and the reserved onions.

This page has been sponsored by Julie & Richard Woolf

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

Chicken Roulade Stuffed With Apricots, Carrots and Lemon

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An exciting colourful chicken breast recipe! This recipe works well if prepared in advance and looks impressive on the plate.

Suitable for Pesach Serves: 6 people Freezing: Yes

Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients 6 large chicken breasts

Stuffing:

50g dried apricots 2- 3 carrots- 150g – peeled and roughly chopped Zest and juice 1 lemon 3 cloves garlic – peeled 50g toasted slivered almonds 100g baby spinach Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Roasting Vegetables: 2 x red and 2 x yellow peppers 2 x courgettes 2 x red onions 2 tablespoons olive oil, Salt and pepper

then roll up starting at the narrow end to enclose the filling securing with string. Cover with baking parchment and then foil.

5. Chop roasting vegetables into large chunks and place in roasting tin lined with baking parchment paper. Season and drizzle over olive oil.

6. Sit chicken parcels on top

of the vegetables and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Rest chicken roulades for 5 minutes before removing the foil and paper.

8. Slice diagonally into 1 cm pieces.

9. To serve: Arrange and garnish the chicken fanned on a plate with the roasted vegetables.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/ 400 F/ Gas mark 6.

2. Lay the chicken breasts, spaced apart on a work surface covered with cling film. Cover with more cling film, then using a rolling pin, gently flatten.

3. Place all the stuffing ingredients in the food processor and gently pulse together to form a chunky pate.

4. Spread this pate evenly over the chicken breasts,

DATE ON A PLATE This is a really successful format for meeting new people –six men & six women learn to cook a threecourse meal, and then eat it!

Sun 6 April Age:30-40 Theme: Pesach Special Sun 27 April Age: 40-55 Theme: Exciting Israeli Sun 11 May Age: 35-50 Theme: Fancy Fusion Sun 25 May Age:55-65 Theme: Turkish Delights Sun 8 June Age: 40-55 Theme: Sushi Special Sun 22 June Age: 35-50 Theme: Lebanese Feast Sun 29 June Age:30-40 Theme: Best of American Sun 6 July Age:45-60Theme Sensational Summer Sun 13 July Age: 35-45 Theme: Gourmet Greek Sun 27 July Age: 27-37 Theme: BBQ

LEARN TO COOK - THE STYLISH WAY Join Denise Phillips for a fun “hands-on” class, presented in my trademark simple but stylish manner. Enhance your love of food and add to your cooking repertoire: Tues 8 April Inspirational Pesach Chol Hamoed – JW3 Thur 10 April Sensational Pesach Desserts – JW3 Sun 4 May Exciting Israeli Thur 8 May Ready in 30 minutes Wed 14 May Jewish Baking (1 of 3) Wed 21 May Jewish Baking ( 2 of 3) Wed 28 May Jewish Baking ( 3 of 3) Wed 11 June Simple Entertaining Thur 12 June Italian Classics Sun 15 June Perfect Bread Making Wed 2 July Slimmer Summer Dining

Venue: Northwood. Times: Weekdays 9.30am –1.30pm.

Sunday : 5.00pm -8.30pm Cost : £65 including three course meal and all ingredients More info : www.jewishcookery.com or denise@jewishcookery.com

Or phone Denise on 01923 836 456

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

Chocolate Hazelnut Pear Cake

Passover is probably the only time I buy chocolate spread as a treat. Before the family finishes spreading it on their

matzah, reserve 2 tablespoons for this amazing chocolate cake! The beauty of this cake is that it does not taste of matzah meal and ground almonds!

Method

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

1. Cut a circle of baking parchment to fit the base of a 25cm loose-bottomed tin.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes Serves: 8 people

Ingredients 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – to grease the cake tin 85g butter/ margarine 55g caster sugar, plus extra for tin 85g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 2 tablespoons Passover chocolate spread 3 eggs, separated 85g hazelnuts, toasted and ground in a food processor 2 very ripe pears, peeled, quartered and cored To serve: Icing sugar, for dusting

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2. Brush the inside of the tin with oil, then line the base with the parchment and brush again with more oil.

3. Spoon in 2 tablespoons caster sugar, swirl it around to coat the base and sides, then tip out any excess.

4. Preheat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.

5. Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of hot water, remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate spread.

6. Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar in a large bowl until pale and thick; fold into the chocolate mixture; and then the ground hazelnuts.

7. In a separate bowl, with

a clean whisk, beat the whites until they reach a soft peak (try not to whisk them too stiffly or you’ll have trouble folding them in).

8. Stir a spoonful of the whites into the chocolate mix, then carefully fold in the rest of them in 2 additions. Spoon and level the mixture into the prepared tin.

9. Cut 4 slits through the thick part of each pear quarter, then arrange the pears over the top of the mixture, making a fanned shape.

10. Bake for 40 minutes until the pears are soft and the cake is cooked all the way through.

11. Leave to cool in the tin slightly before releasing it, then place on a rack to cool completely.

To serve the stylish way: Dust with icing sugar.

This page has been sponsored by Gill & Barry Freed

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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A Year in Review!

WADS press releases from the pen of Melanie Silver ‘WIDDY’ WOWS WATFORD CROWD With characteristic wit, verve and integrity, the former home office minister Ann Widdecombe recalled her life and highlighted the people and events that most influenced her along the way in an interview conducted by Watford member and retired senior civil servant Sir Leigh Lewis.

Sir Leigh probed Ann’s famous description of Michael Howard, under whom she had served when he was home secretary, pressing her to clarify what she meant by “There is something of the night about him”. But, ever the politician, Ann would not be pressurised into answering.

Questions were then taken from the audience and Ann revealed her favourite prime minister, talked about the need for fundamental NHS reform and shared her views on immigration. The conversation was not restricted to politics though and Ann happily answered questions about the “lifeenhancing” experience of competing in the BBC show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ with partner Anton du Beke.

Sir Leigh and Ann Widdecombe in conversation

GUEST OF HONOUR

SHOFAR SO GOOD Thirteen-year old Harry Burke put his trumpet playing skills to good use by ably blowing the shofar for Watford shul’s children’s services over Rosh Hashanah.

Harry received the Yeminite shofar as an unusual barmitzvah present from a friend of the family who suspected that Harry could prove to be a talented shofar blower. Her hunch was correct as Harry says, “I was able to make a sound quite easily, getting several loud notes on it. I didn’t have lessons but I did some practice beforehand and had some advice on getting the note lengths right.”

Harry Burke in action

He reveals, “My main worry was getting sore lips or running out of breath and I was a little bit nervous.” Harry’s fears turned out to be unfounded as, he reports, “it went very well and, in fact, I have been booked for next year! I would love to play the shofar in the main service too if I get the chance.”

Proud mum Ruth Burke remarks, “He did well and received a lot of compliments from the adults attending as well as the children. We were able to hear him from the main service on the second day. He certainly blows a mean shofar!”

New Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was guest of honour at Watford Synagogue’s fifth annual melave malke held on 8 February 2014. Richard Harrington, MP for Watford and member of the shul, also attended. The sellout event kicked off with a heartwarming performance by the WADS Children’s Choir, ably conducted by youth leader Scott Michaels. Following a convivial meal, the chief made a speech in which he emphasised the importance of unity between the different strands of Judaism.

WADS Youth Choir with Scott Michaels, Ronnie Jacob and Chief Rabbi Mirvis

This page has been sponsored by Philippa & Ronnie Jacob

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

MITZVAH DAY

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY

Mitzvah Day volunteers at Watford and District Synagogue

Over 100 people visited WADS as we hosted the annual interfaith pilgrimage to 5 faith centres around town.

Volunteers wore Mitzvah Day t-shirts and decorated the shul with balloons and bunting and served refreshments. Di Roberts welcomed the pilgrims then introduced Jeff Bateman, chair of WIFA (Watford InterFaith Associaton) who spoke for a couple of minutes, followed

by Steve Rackett, Chair of Watford Borough Council.

Rabbi Levine and Tzviki shared the next speaker's slot, with the Rabbi commenting on the size of the audience compared to the usual Shabbat numbers!

To gasps of wonderment from the pilgrims, he then opened the Ark doors to reveal the Sifrei Torah. After a short Q&A session, the pilgrimage began with everyone lining the street with the fire brigade's Red Watch, members of the Sikh community celebrating Guru Nanak's birthday, the Imam from the Central mosque, Quakers, members of the Unification Church, Catholics, and even the odd member of WADS brave enough to battle the cold.

All agreed it was a super day's work, to 'bring light unto the nations'.

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Pupils from Hertfordshire participated in Watford Synagogue’s first event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day within the wider non-Jewish community.

The students, along with Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and firefighters from Watford’s Green Watch, attended an educational workshop and had the rare opportunity to listen to Holocaust survivors Harry Olmer and Susan Pollock recount their personal stories firsthand.

The students were clearly moved by what they heard.

Each session concluded with closing reflections from Watford Synagogue’s Rabbi Ephraim Levine and the lighting of a memorial candle.

This event was part of a bigger programme of Northwood HMD activities involving over 54 schools from Hertfordshire.

Harry Olmer & some students

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS Social & Fundraising Committee Interim Report

T

Barry Freed & Clive Walters

he busy programme planned by the Committee for 2013/14 got off to a tremendous start in October last year with the highly successful Evening with Ann Widdecombe hosted brilliantly as usual by our own Sir Leigh Lewis and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Many thanks to Leigh for providing us all yet again with his unique interviewing and presentation skills.

Watch out David Dimbleby!

In the following December we held the screening of the the Moriah Films production It is no Dream which marked the inaugural meeting of the recently launched Allan Solomon Jewish Film Society. Paulette Solomon and other family members attended what proved to be a wonderfully inspiring and successful event.

February 2014 saw the staging of what surely was one of the great landmark events in the history of Watford Synagogue with the visit of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis to our Melava Malka held in his honour. This hugely enjoyable event in the Shul Hall saw the near

100 people in attendance thrilled by a wonderful opening performance from the WADS Childrens Choir led by Scott Michaels and delighted by spirited addresses from Ronnie Jacob, Richard Harrington MP, Rabbi Levine and of course the Chief Rabbi himself whose warm and friendly personality radiated throughout the evening.

Guests were treated to an amazing Chinese meal brilliantly catered by Frankie and Daniel Raphael whose culinary skills on behalf of the Shul reached new heights. Barry Freed’s usual high standard of organisation and Simon Grant and his Security Team’s well drilled support ensured that the evening was a stand-out success.

FUTURE EVENTS

9th March 2014 Wads Annual Quiz Supper at The Park Inn Hotel – Tickets are £20 each – Please book tables or individual tickets ASAP by contacting Julie Woolf or Carolyn Silverman who can also assist you in paying via our new on-line service.

24th March 2014 Wads Golf Society Charity Golf - Classic At The Grove Chandler’s Cross – 22 Teams of 4 have already been secured for this prestigious event but if any WADS member is interested in participating please contact either myself or Barry Freed.

27th April 2014 Wads Holocaust Evening Toria Maze will be organising this event as in previous years in the Shul Hall.

Cost £5 pp to include light refreshments.

15th June 2014 Wine Tasting Evening A unique opportunity to taste some of the great new high quality Kosher wines now available combined with accompanying cheeses from Chevington, nibbles, olives, cucumbers etc. Live music will be played during this not to be missed evening which is to be held at the home of Coll and Andy Michaels. Cost is £12.50 pp.

As indicated above, a new on-line service for paying for events has been introduced and details are available from Barry Freed, Robert Keane and Carolyn Silverman. Payment by cheque can of course continue to be made if preferred.

Information and details on all these events can always be obtained from myself at cawaltersuk@yahoo.co.uk or 07836 558637 and Barry Freed at barry.freed@sky.com or 07778 305996 Best Wishes Clive Walters Chairman –WADS Social & Fundraising Committee

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

Remembering Alfred Tropp

3/13/2014

The Jewish Chronicle ePaper - The Jewish Chronicle - 7 Mar 2014 - Page #45

rife, with some five to ten deaths each day, something which continued throughout his threeand-a-half years of captivity.

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On December 25, 1941, the British surrendered to the Japanese. During his initial captivity in Samship camp, he endured slave labour for the Japanese in extension of the Kai Tak airport runway. He worked continuously for 12 hours in the heat with little water, a handful of rice, and no rest. Disease was

http://thejc.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/services/OnlinePrintHandler.ashx?issue=13072014030700000000001001&page=45&paper=A3&top=589&left=298…

Alfred Tropp was the ninth of 10 children born to Sarah and Samuel Tropp. He described his childhood as idyllic despite the very basic conditions. He attended JFS School and started out as a trainee architect, but was thwarted by his colour-blindness.

He became a surveyor instead.

In 1939, he joined the Royal Engineers as a sapper and served in Hong Kong.

But, on August 15, he and his fellow surviving prisoners were amazed to see the guards assemble to listen to a broadcast, and then disappear. The prisoners realised that the war was over and the Japanese were beaten.

1/1

Michael Tropp

Mary in December, 1945. Sadly his father had died during his captivity, but he was greeted with imaginable joy and relief by his mother, nine siblings, their partners and relatives.

After this, Alfred was transferred to Japan by sea, deep in the hold of a filthy boat. He arrived on September 15, 1942 at the Omori camp in Tokyo. In May, 1945, he was sent north to Sendai where he worked in a smelting factory, enduring continuous beatings with bamoo poles.

aptured by the Japanese during the Second World War, Alfred Tropp went through 16 days of lifethreatening experiences as the Japanese attacked Hong Kong on December 8, 1941, just eight hours after Pearl Harbour.

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After the war, he began work as a representative for a leathergoods company, eventually taking over the firm. He retired at 65 and enjoyed 30 years of reasonably good health. He is survived by his stepson, three step-grandchildren, and a large extended family. His wife, Sylvia Fenton, predeceased him.

Alfred had to wait three weeks to start his journey home, which involved an Australian boat to Tokyo, a flight to Manila, a sea voyage over the Pacific to San Francisco, and a train across Canada before reaching Southampton on the Queen

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Happy Pesach to all

This page has been sponsored by Carolyn and David Silverman

30

WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

The Allan Solomon Jewish Film Society Clive Walters, Chairman WADS Social Committee

D

uring Allan Solomon’s wonderful, community enriching tenure as President of Watford & District Synagogue, one of his inspiring ideas for the future was to show films to the community from time to time that had some significance to Israel and Jewish identity in general.

Last year, soon after Allan’s sad passing, when the Social Committee decided to launch the WADS Jewish Film

Society, it seemed poignantly appropriate to ask Paulette Solomon to allow us to rename this new Society in memory of Allan. She kindly agreed, and it was with a sense of pride that on 11th December last year, nearly 60 people watched the very first screening by The Allan Solomon Jewish Film Society, a very fine documentary from Moriah Films in America called ‘It is no Dream‘ describing the life and times of Theodor Herzl. This first screening was particularly relevant bearing in mind Allan’s fierce and unswerving support for the State of Israel, his deep knowledge of Israel’s biblical and modern history and his charismatic and well reasoned

debating stance on Israel’s political positions. Paulette attested to the fact that Allan would have found great favour with this film which was narrated by Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley and featured fellow Academy winner Christopher Walt as the voice of Theodor Herzl.

Following such an enthusiastic start, the Society intends to carefully select films for future screenings in the Synagogue Hall and where it is considered that a particularly large audience will attend, the society may occasionally offer screenings to an invited audience in specially hired local cinema auditoriums in order to provide ‘big screen’ visual and sound effect.

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Pesach 2014

31

CST, here for you.

CST, here for you.

We are extremely fortunate that this partnership

CST is the Community Security Trust, a charity that provides security for Jewish communities

is in place and has been for many years now.

CST is the Community Security Trust, a charity

We are extremely fortunate that this partnership

that provides security for Jewish communities

is in place and has been for many years now.

antisemitism.

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the community has the protection that it needs.

the community has the protection that it needs.

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simply cooperating with our local security teams, by helping to representatives. fund our work and by

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protected from such hatred and extremism, but

antisemitic, please ensure that you report it

this requires a real partnership between CST,

immediately to CST and Police. We are both

local communities and synagogues, and Police.

there for you.

It is CST’s job to ensure that British Jews are

protected from such hatred and extremism, but this requires a real partnership between CST,

Finally, if you do see something suspicious or

local communities and synagogues, and Police.

antisemitic, please ensure that you report it immediately to CST and Police. We are both there for you.

Contact CST:

London (Head Office) 020 8457 9999

Contact CST:

Emergency 24-hour pager 07659 101 668

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London (Head Office) 020 8457 9999 www.thecst.org.uk

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Emergency 24-hour pager 07659 101 668

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IN AN EMERGENCY

To follow us search:

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Community Security Trust

www.thecst.org.uk

Community Security Trust . Registered charity in England and Wales (1042391) and Scotland (SC042391).

ALWAYS DIAL 999 Non-emergency number 101

To follow us search:

CST_UK

Community Security Trust

This page has been sponsored anonymously Community Security Trust . Registered charity in England and Wales (1042391) and Scotland (SC042391).

32

WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

From Auschwitz to Ambleside to Watford Ronnie Jacob tells the story of a holiday he took late last year and the unexpected

see an exhibition about this in the library. We were of course intrigued, so toddled off up the path to the Library which was closed as it was the weekend. We then spent the rest of the afternoon seeing the sights of Windermere, having decided to return to see the exhibition the following day, which we duly did.

P

The Windemere Boys exhibition

hilippa and I decided to spend ten days in the Lake District. By the fourth or fifth day we had enough of looking at the rain and thought that if we could not beat it we might as well join it! So donning the wet weather gear we headed off to Windermere for the afternoon. Once there one has to play the parking game. We followed the “P” signs and there began our story.

We parked up on the street just outside the car park. To my joy the parking there was free and unlimited, but six feet away in the car park you had to pay. It was obviously going to be a good, but wet day! I unpacked the camera and Philippa wandered off.

Walking down the road I saw something I had never seen before. There were a load of bushes outside a communal building (ok it was the public

loos) that were covered from head to toe in spiders webs.

Hundreds of them. So I start taking pictures. I hasten to add that other camera buffs were doing so too. Philippa is at the end of the street by now and starts calling me.

I go and join her and she is pointing at a sign at the entrance to the park. The permanent sign says “From Auschwitz to Ambleside” and invites one to go and

On arrival the next day, we found the same free parking space and went straight to the exhibition. The exhibition is about the Holocaust, but specifically about what happened to some 300 children rescued from the concentration camps who were subsequently airlifted to the UK and brought to stay in a converted factory in Ambleside. During the war, the factory built the Sunderland flying boat, famous for its ability to take off and land on water and bomb U boats. At the

The children in Prague

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end of the war, the factory was no longer needed. The government at the time had decided to permit up to 1000 Jewish children to build a new life here. An estimated 1.4 million Jewish children were killed in the holocaust. Of the survivors only 729 could be found to send to Britain.

300 of those ended up in this converted factory near Windermere. Having been utterly flabbergasted by the discovery of this exhibition, we were lucky to find the director of the project, Trevor Avery, was at the exhibition that day and of course we started talking to him.

The 300 “Windermere Boys”, as they became known, began the process of recovery from having been orphaned and detained in the camps. One went on record describing the luxury of sleeping in a bed on their own and with clean linen. One described it as “I was reborn in Windermere in 1945. The promise of England was a dream to a teenage boy who no longer believed he could believe in dreams, but it happened”.

Talking to Trevor we discovered that the Lake District Holocaust Project is a Lottery funded project, run by non-Jewish people, to educate people and especially children about the Holocaust and its implications through to the modern day. It started with one room in the Library and they now have three and there is a constant stream of public visitors to the exhibition from all

WADS News | Pesach 2014

over the world, as we saw when we signed the visitor’s book. That this is all done voluntarily by non-Jewish people, we found very moving and then began the most remarkable part of the story.

In talking to Trevor, we discovered that part of the work they do is getting school groups to come to the library to be educated in the Holocaust with due reference being made to the more modern day genocides in Rwanda, Cambodia and Bosnia. By then I knew that we in Watford were planning to launch our own Holocaust Memorial Day event by which we would be welcoming schools for the same purpose to our synagogue.

By the time we got back from our holiday, it was too late to put an article in the last magazine, so I always knew that I would write it for this time. So there Philippa and I are, sitting in the Shul hall helping out on the day of our own Holocaust Memorial Day, listening

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to Harry Olmer, talking to the students about his horrific experiences during the war and being in the camps. He then explained that once Theresienstat was liberated, he was flown to England and was taken to stay in the converted factory in Ambleside! At that point, Philippa and I turned to each other in absolute amazement. I am still emotional about that particular moment right now.

The story continues from there because we then had a debriefing meeting on the HMD event we ran at the Shul and I was sitting next to Helen Gordon, who is related to Harry Olmer, and she then tells me that her father was another one of the 300 Windermere boys!

Had we not parked where we did on that rainy day in Windermere we would never have been able to tell this story!

Ronnie with Harry Olmer, one of the Windemere Boys.

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Death of a Community Melanie Silver tells the hidden story of Rhodes’ lost Jews

I

n August 2013, I visited the Kahal Shalom Synagogue in Rhodes’ Old Town, the last remaining shul on the Greek island.

There, I had the good fortune to meet Isaac Habib, the son of Holocaust survivor Lucia Capelluto, who for five months each year travels to Rhodes from his home in South Africa to ensure the little-known story of its once flourishing Jewish community lives on.

On 23 July 1944, 1,673 members of the Jewish community were deported to Auschwitz after centuries of life on Rhodes. There had been no warning. Although war raged throughout mainland Europe, the Italian regime governing Rhodes at the time was relatively benign. The infamous race laws instituted by Mussolini’s Nazi allies were only halfheartedly enforced – Jews did not have to wear the yellow star, for instance –

My daughter Jemima outside the shul

and relationships between all of Rhodes’ many ethnic communities were strong.

command. The notorious SS was ordered to “resolve the Jewish problem.”

The beautiful Kahal Shalom shul is at the junction of Dossiadou and Simiou Streets in the Jewish quarter (‘La Juderia’), which being close to the medieval town’s port, was at risk from Allied bombing raids. Demonstrating the close ties between Muslims and Jews, when leaders of the Jewish community became concerned for the safety of their precious Sefer Torahs – one almost 800 years old – they turned to the Turkish Muslim leader for help.

Grand Mufti Seyh Suleyman Kasioglu offered to hide the Torah scrolls for safekeeping, explaining, “If the Rabbi was a Nazi looking for a Jewish Torah, would he ever think of looking for it in a Muslim mosque?”

Ironically, the Nazis had badly miscalculated the number of Jews on the small island.

While there had been a Jewish presence in Rhodes for two thousand years, many of the younger generation had emigrated, and theactual number was less than 2,000.

In 1941, the Germans established a base on Rhodes alongside their Italian allies. Two years later, they executed the Italian commander with his soldiers and occupied the island. The new German commanders were quick to impose their authority on the islanders. Food rations were immediately halved and identity cards issued identifying the Jewish population.

Word somehow reached Gestapo headquarters in Berlin that a Jewish community of some five thousand was ‘flourishing’ on Rhodes causing outrage among the Nazi high

Knowing the long-established Jewish community was well integrated and wanting little resistance, the Germans used guile to extricate the island’s Jews from their neighbours. On the evening of 17 July 1944, Gestapo units ordered all Jewish males between 14 and 60 to report the following day at the Air Force Command Centre, bringing their ID cards and work permits. They were told they would work in the fields planting crops and warned failure to comply would result in reprisals against the entire community.

Not wanting to endanger family and friends, all turned up as ordered, only to be imprisoned and held under guard in the barracks.

The next morning, the Nazis ordered all the remaining Jewish inhabitants to report to Nazi headquarters where, they were told, they would rejoin their menfolk. They were told to leave behind all possessions except money and jewellery and bring food as none would be provided.

Slyly, the Germans sounded the air raid siren and ordered all islanders to stay indoors

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‘for safety’ so none would protest against what was about to happen to their Jewish neighbours.

Carrying provisions and their life savings, the frightened elderly, women and children were marched to the air force base and reunited with the men. Rhodes’ Jewish community, dating back to the 1st century AD, was under heavy armed guard.

Turkey’s Consul-General of Rhodes, Selahattin Ulkümen, had watched what was happening from his neutral offices with grave concern.

Recognising the Jews were about to be deported to concentration camps, he raced to the assembly point outside Nazi HQ to warn the waiting women and children not to enter the building.

He was marched away by the security guards but Immediately started working with his staff to secure the release of as many Jews as he could. They trawled through documents to establish whether any of the Jews had a link to Turkish nationality, however tenuous, and were able to draw up a list of 42 people among the detainees.

Armed with this information, the brave diplomat proceeded to the office of the Nazi commanders to protest. He informed them that those on the list were Turkish nationals under his country’s protection and demanded their release.

He was turned down by the German commander but persisted, citing various treaties between Turkey and Germany. But the Nazi official still refused to free the detainees.

Finally, determined to secure

WADS News | Pesach 2014

their release, Ulkümen played his trump card, warning the Germans that imprisoning Turkish nationals could cause an international incident and put Turkish neutrality on the line. With Turkey in such close proximity, the Nazi commander reluctantly ordered the release of the 42 individuals.

Ulkümen paid a high price for his courage. Two weeks later, bombers destroyed the Turkish consulate in retaliation, killing two staff and critically injuring Ulkümen’s heavily pregnant wife Mihrinissa. She was able to give birth to the couple’s son before dying from her injuries. When researching this article I was pleased to see this heroic man has been recognised by Israel and included in the Righteous Among The Nations at Yad Vashem.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Rhodian Jews were forced to board overcrowded freighters to Athens with no food, water or toilets. The ship stayed in port for three days in temperatures of over 100 degrees. With no water and food running low, the passengers quickly became ill. The old, slow freighters took ten days, instead of the normal day and a half, to reach their destination and six passengers died on the journey.

On arrival in Piraeus, the prisoners’ suffering was not over. They were taken by truck to a field in Haidari outside the city to wait, still without food or water, for three days. On the fourth day, they were forced to board cattle trucks for the gruelling journey to what, for the

35

majority, was to be their final destination – Auschwitz.

Of the nearly 2,000 Jews deported from Rhodes, a mere 151 survived. None returned to live in their former homeland, finding their houses occupied by others and memories of their former lives too painful. Those who died are commemorated on a memorial in the shul’s sunlit courtyard.

Isaac Habib, son of survivor Lucia Capelluto, who told me the story of Rhodes’ Jews

Today, it falls on the shoulders of a handful of ‘Rhodeslis’ to ensure Rhodes’ Jewish history is not forgotten. Men like the Holocaust survivor Sammy Modiano, who I had the honour of meeting, and Isaac Habib who conducts guided tours of La Juderia.

With only five Jewish families remaining, the beautiful Shalom shul, built in 1577, struggles to survive. It is assured of a minyan only in the summer months and desperately needs to be put on a more secure financial footing. If you have contacts with a company or charitable foundation willing to help secure the future of the shul and its Jewish museum, please call 00 30 22410 22364 or 00 30 22410 70964. Alternatively, email jcrhodes@otenet.gr

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Marche de la Memoire September 2013 Michael and Marilyn Apple

the sovereignty of the Vichy government. Many thousand of Jews were rounded up and sent to their deaths. From 11 November 1942, the South of France came under the control of the Italians who at that time were allies of Germany.

L

Michael and Marilyn en route

ast year was the 70th anniversary of an extraordinary yet little known evacuation of Jews from the South of France across the mountains into Italy. The focus was the small mountain town of St MartinVésubie which is about 50km from Nice and at 1000m altitude in the splendid Mercantour Mountain Park.

On the 1st September 2013 we joined a large group of walkers to retrace the steps of the 1000 men, women and children who in 1943 trudged from St Martin up into the hills towards what they hoped would be the safety of Italy.

What were 1000 Jews doing in this mountainous region of France at that time? It all revolved around the consequences for Jews in France when Italy changed allegiance in 1943 from Germany to the Allies. In July 1940 Germany occupied northern France, leaving the unoccupied zone under

The Italians were far more benign in their attitudes so that the South of France, especially Nice, became something of a haven for Jews of many nationalities.

Thanks to the intervention of an Italian Jewish banker, the Italians were persuaded to protect the Jews from French and German persecution and the Italians together with the Nice Jewish community thought it would be safer for some Jews to go further inland into the relatively remote, and therefore safer, Mercantour area.

weather was appalling), ill-equipped and fearful, into an unknown future.

Remarkably most made it up to the Col de Fenêstre at nearly 2500 metres altitude (a col is a ridge between two mountains). From the Col they descended into an Italian village and eagerly anticipated safety. But they had been betrayed.

A German contingent was there to meet them. They were told to register in order to have food and lodging; otherwise they would be shot.

345 registered; they were subsequently transported to Drancy in Paris and from there to their eventual deaths. Remarkably over 600 others melted away into a variety of refuges and were given shelter, some in monasteries, nunneries or ordinary homes.

So it was that more than 1000 people were welcomed into the commune of St MartinVésubie, given shelter and security and by all accounts led a normal life until on 8 September 1943 the Italians signed an armistice with the Allies, effectively swapping allegiance. With no time to lose, the Jews in St Martin, assisted by the community in Nice and the commune of St Martin, realized that their only hope of avoiding the Germans lay in following the retreating Italian army over the mountains.

For the past 20 years this evacuation has been marked by an annual walk that follows part of the route and organised by the Yad Vashem Committee of Nice.

We ourselves walk with a rambling group from the New North London Synagogue who have connections with the town of St Martin. Hence the invitation to join them on this special 70th anniversary.

In addition to the walk, commemorative events were organised both in St Martin and in Saluzzo and Valdieri in Italy .

Thus on 8 September 1943 approximately 1000 Jews set off under cover of night, cold, wet (the

Whereas the evacuees had to ascend from St Martin at 1000 metres of altitude up to the Col at 2500 metres, our

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walk began from the Refuge de la Madone de Fenêstre at 1900 metres. There were representatives of the Jewish community in Nice, Italians, villagers and people from the UK and America, some 250 in all. It took two hours to make the 600 metres of ascent, a convivial climb through lovely scenery and in sunshine, with the reassurance of having comfortable boots and walking poles and, in our rucksacks, windproof jackets. We stopped wherever we chose, not through exhaustion or fear, but merely to take another photo or a sip of water.

The Chamois

At one point we passed an old gun emplacement, overgrown and derelict where a chamois watched with wary yet indifferent eyes. We fell into conversation with a smartly kitted-out woman from Hampstead, the sort who might irritate if she took your parking space in Brent Cross.

We learned that her mother had made the walk at the age of 15 and had escaped to shelter with Nuns in Rome.

With every single step she was imagining her mother’s experiences. A lesson not to judge by appearances; there were other walkers with similar family stories.

At last we all reached the narrow, bleak Col de Fenêstre and could gaze over onto

WADS News | Pesach 2014

37

of food. It was cheerful and friendly. But everyone’s eyes kept returning to the photos.

At the Col de Fenestre

the drier and more barren scenery of the Italian side.

Earlier and hardier walkers than the main group had set up photos of some of the children who survived the ascent but who were betrayed to their deaths. A snapshot such as any of us might take of a smart 10 year old son, a cute 4 year old daughter, a charming grandchild sleeping the innocent sleep of 6 months of age. All doomed. It was heartbreaking. There followed a recitation of the names of all the children given by students from a Jewish school in Nice; then some moving guitar music, more commemorative speeches and concluding with Kaddish.

The wind had risen, the temperatures fallen. At this point many were in tears, yet there was also a kind of quiet satisfaction in knowing that ultimately humane values won.

The ceremonials over, this being France and this being a Jewish gathering, people opened their rucksacks to reveal an impressive array

Photos of the doomed children

In due course people began the descent, nodding at by now familiar faces and hearing more tales of survival. The weather had become cloudier and colder; we were grateful for our allweather gear while thinking of the 1000 who had made do with whatever they could find as they had climbed nearly three times as high, in darkness and in complete uncertainty.

The Memorial in St Martin Vesubie

The chamois that had watched us ascending was again there to watch us descending with its still indifferent eyes. Had perhaps its grandmother, many times removed, watched a straggling, desperate group 70 years earlier?

That afternoon in the village there would be a more formal memorial service that many co-walkers would attend.

We had other commitments and so little more than an hour later were driving along the elegant Promenade des Anglais in Nice, the azure sea on one side, in dazzling and warm sunshine. It felt a bizarre contrast.

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Holocaust Memorial Day for Non-Jewish Adolescents

Lindsay Gordon talks about WADS at its very best!

W

ith anti-semitism so widely spread in Europe and with the knowledge of Jewish history, the protection of our children and grandchildren must be considered. The freedom for them to grow up in safety, and to choose live a Jewish life, is fundamental to what I understand as a human right.

Being so aware of the news these days, I am sickened to see genocides in so many countries across the world, the catalyst of which is hatred and persecution of one group of people against a vulnerable other. In such a world, the question has to be asked as to what we can do to try and prevent the worst happening to Jewish people again.

Considerable thought has gone into how we get across the message of tolerance, understanding and acceptance of diversity to non-Jewish adolescents; they, after all, will be the future generation of teachers and leaders. How do we get them to view Jews in a positive light and not be influenced by negative stereotyping both of Jews and of Israel, the two which are inevitably linked? How do we get them to see that the Holocaust subject they learn at school is not just a series of stories in a history book, but life changing suffering which happened to very real people, people which could at another time and in another place have been them and their families?

Following conversations with a psychologist colleague and friend of mine, Dr Susan Krasner, WADS joined the

Holocaust Memorial Day group of shuls, initially set up by Northwood, in carrying out an innovative two half day event which took place in January this year. Further to my mention of this intention in my Yom Kippur Appeal, I was delighted to be approached by a number of people from our shul to work with me to bring this vision to fruition. Our team ultimately became 25 highly skilled and motivated people who fulfilled roles such as workshop facilitation, helpers, security, catering, website, media and photography. With the support of Mrs Sherman Berwald, from Northwood shul, friendly, enthusiastic and dynamic meetings took place at our home. What a tremendous team with which to work!

This year, a total of over 3,000 non-Jewish young people had the benefit of this programme – nearly 140 of them at our shul. In workshops run by our skilled facilitators, they were encouraged to learn from history and be aware of the world around them.

We want them to recognise that sitting on the fence is so often insufficient and that we all have a role to play for the good of humanity. Listening to a primary source, a Holocaust survivor talk about their experiences, clearly made a great impact on the young people. They were asked to write to them afterwards.

On the day, outside attendees were the Mayor, the Vicar of St Andrew’s Church, four members of the Fire Brigade and the

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Press. All were very moved by the day’s events, as were the young people and our own team. The students left wearing a purple wrist band and were given details of where they can find out further information about the Holocaust should they wish to do so. They were asked to share that which they had learned; hopefully they will.

If the day has done no more than plant seeds of awareness in their minds, it was a success; if it has done more, so much the better.

I would like to thank the Chairman, Mr Ronnie Jacob and the Executive committee for their ongoing support, trusting in my judgement when only a description of an idea was initially shared with them. I would also like to thank the great committee of people who worked so tirelessly with me as well as those members of the community who kindly and anonymously donated funds towards the running of this voluntary day.

It is a very important initiative which we hope will have positive long term effects for the Jewish community in general and for Watford in particular.

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

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WADS News | Pesach 2014

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