The Jewish Weekly Issue 138

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23/03/2020 16:39:58

BY DAVID SAFFER

Likud and the Blue and White Party formed an “emergency” national unity government on Monday night following months of political acrimony and deadlock.

In a first for Israel’s political history, the leaders will rotate posts in a three-year Knesset term.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will lead the country until October 2021. Blue and White leader Benny Gantz will initially serve as Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

The government replaces a caretaker government in place since the December 2018 election.

Blue and White MK Gabi Ashkenazi will serve as Foreign Minister for 18 months followed by a Likud MK. The new government will focus on the Covid-19 pandemic for the first six months while negotiating a

Benjamin Netanyahu & Benny Gantz

legislative agenda.

Netanyahu said, “I promised the State of Israel a national emergency government that will work to save the lives and livelihoods of the citizens of Israel.”

Gantz vowed not to sit in a government led by a Prime Minister

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

facing criminal charges but relented to prevent a fourth election amidst the coronavirus crisis. “We will protect democracy. We will fight coronavirus and care for all of Israel’s citizens,” he said on Twitter.

Twenty-four hours on from the agreement, Gantz gave a televised

address after political partner Yair Lapid criticised him for going back on election promises and backing Netanyahu. “We are faced with the greatest crises to health, economy, and society in recent decades,” said the former IDF chief. “We chose to safeguard democracy and fight coronavirus and its consequences.”

Gantz added, “We had to pull up our sleeves, leave our comfort zone of statements. Immediately after the government is sworn in, we will establish a coronavirus cabinet with the relevant ministers and professional experts.”

Gantz noted the cabinet would meet the needs of the economy with full transparency. “Along with our long-lasting security concerns, we must deal with the challenges to our health system, the education system, our agriculture and CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

23/03/2020 16:40:04

SURVIVES!

CEO of United Hatzalah, Eli Beer, returned to Israel after spending more than six weeks in a Miami hospital battling coronavirus. Three of those weeks were spent on a ventilator.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 many other aspects of our society,” he said.

“We must rebuild trust in government.

Jews, Arabs, Druze, the secular and the religious, men and women, all want us to work together in their service.”

Gantz, who like Netanyahu hoped for less ministerial posts, continued, “I have made great sacrifices and I know the Prime Minister has as well. We have managed to overcome our differences.”

The largest government in Israel’s history will have 72 MKs including 32 ministers divided equally between Netanyahu and Gantz’s respective blocs, rising to 36 after six months.

Likud posts include Finance, Health, Public Security, Construction, Transportation and Education, Housing, Environmental Protection, Energy and Jerusalem affairs.

Blue and White posts include Justice, Economy, Communications, Immigration, agriculture, Strategic issues, Tourism, Social Equality, Diaspora Affairs and Culture.

The Knesset speaker will be a Likud member throughout the government.

Netanyahu has a veto over the Attorney General and State Prosecutor appointments.

Ultra-Orthodox parties will keep current posts, and in a victory for the ultra-Orthodox, the government (not Knesset) control quotas for IDF conscription among ultra-Orthodox males. This is a key point that led to the breakup of the government back in 2018.

The new government is expected to be sworn in after Independence Day next week.

However, it is debatable if the government will last as negotiations have been extensive on specific issues.

If the High Court of Justice rules before the swearing in ceremony that Netanyahu cannot form a coalition due to his corruption indictments the Knesset will be dissolved.

Similarly, if the Court disqualifies Netanyahu from serving within the first six months, new elections will be held.

Netanyahu would remain as Prime Minister until the said elections.

Legislative procedures also ensure if either side dissolves the Knesset or fails to vote in favour of the state budget, the Prime Minister from the other party will assume office in a transitional government. After six months elections would take place.

Assuming that the swearing in ceremony occurs as planned, Israel will take sovereignty over the West Bank on July 1 as part of the deal.

Blue & White noted in a statement, “The Trump plan will be moved forward responsibly, with protection of the strategic assets of the State of Israel and of regional stability.”

Joint List leader Ayman Odeh described this move as a “slap in the face” for Israelis.

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman has welcomed the deal but questioned whether there was a ‘unity’ government.

“This is another government of Netanyahu and the Charedi-messianic bloc with a fig leaf from two senior (IDF officers),” referring to Gantz and Ashkenazi.

Liberman said his party would be part of a “substantive” opposition.

SING FOR JEWISH CONTINUITY

Music makes our prayers even more beautiful THERE ARE 64 – CHOOSE YOURS!

JLC and Work Avenue launch £285,000 Covid-19 fund The JLC and Work Avenue have established a fund to support people in the community whose earnings are affected by COVID-19.

The fund assists those ineligible for government support or who face delays accessing funds.

Throughout the response to the pandemic the community has been working to provide assistance.

The JLC as a coalition of the largest Jewish charities in the UK with regional managers working alongside the representative councils in Leeds, Manchester and Scotland, and divisions responsible for schools, leadership and youth provision, is placed to connect, coordinate and add capacity to efforts across many sectors and parts of the UK. Work Avenue is the community’s leading employment and business charity.

They have the experience to administer the fund provided by philanthropists.

Jonathan Goldstein, JLC chair, commented, “The world as we know it has changed. What has not changed are the acts of chesed that we so often see amongst our wonderful community. Small acts of kindness, often between strangers, have transformational power. Whether it being phoning someone just to check in, helping with shopping or countless other examples. In a time of great uncertainty and discomfort, I am proud the JLC is coordinating and contributing to the many ways our community is striving to alleviate some of the challenges all across our community are facing.”

Debbie Sheldon, Work Avenue CEO, said, “My team have been working tirelessly to ensure that immediately after Pesach this fund is open to everyone within the community.

“Our staff and volunteers have the compassion, expertise and experience to support people and review financial applications sensitively, confidentially and swiftly to get funds to those who need them most.

Beyond this initial period of immediate assistance, Work Avenue is here to support people restart and grow their businesses or re-enter employment.”

Mark Morris, Work Avenue chair and

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Debbie Sheldon, CEO of Work Avenue

JLC trustee noted, “Through no fault of their own many people are facing financial difficulties during this crisis. Whilst the Government has announced measures and packages of support, some will fall through the gaps or face delays in accessing those funds. Work Avenue is working with the JLC to provide immediate assistance so that these individuals and their families can cover essential expenses in the coming months.”

David Davidi-Brown, JLC Director of Community Strategy, added, “The cooperation and collective responsibility within communities and across our communal leadership is a much-needed uplifting response to this terrible virus. It is ensuring we can deliver quicker and increased support.

“We have seen this with the Jewish Homes Emergency Appeal, in our ongoing work to support the wider Jewish Social Care sector continue delivering vital services and with this fund coming together to offer immediate assistance to families.”

Contributors to the fund are The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust, Gerald and Gail Ronson Family Foundation, Max Barney Foundation, Wohl Legacy, Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe, Genesis Philanthropy Group, Bloom Foundation, Goldstein Family and Investream Charitable Trust.

Details: theworkavenue.org.uk/covid19

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 11 Opinion 11 Letters 12 Community 18 Features

19 Motoring 20 Judaism 24 Kids 26 Youth

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EMERGENCY COMMUNITY FUND

The JLC in partnership with Work Avenue, has established a fund to support those across the community whose earnings have been directly affected by COVID-19. The fund specifically assists those who are ineligible for Government support or who face delays accessing Government funds.

This fund is designed to help you with essential expenses up until the end of June

WWW.THEWORKAVENUE.ORG.UK/COVID19 This emergency fund will close on 30th June 2020, terms and conditions apply

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WJC marks Israelis remember Holocaust victims Yom Hashoah

BY DAVID SAFFER

World Jewish Congress marked Yom Hashoah with an online commemoration service on Monday.

All public Holocaust commemorations have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, WJC Commissioner for Holocaust Memory Dr. Charlotte Knobloch and WJC Executive Committee Member Amb. Colette Avital, participated.

Lauder told the global audience that Yom Hashoah mourns the six million Jewish lives destroyed in the Holocaust, honours the bravery and resilience of those who survived and ensure terrors of the past do not become the future.

He added, “In this time of isolation, it is especially imperative that we come together to share the stories of Holocaust survivors and to further disseminate Holocaust education to ensure that never again really means never again.”

In light of the postponement of international events WJC produced numerous educational videos to enable people across the globe to observe Yom Hashoah.

AboutHolocaust.org provides young people with facts about the Holocaust.

Sirens wailed across Israel to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust on Tuesday.

Public transport, traffic and pedestrians on streets operating under Health Ministry lockdown restrictions for COVID-19 came to a standstill for a two-minute silence to observe Yom Hashoah.

Blue & White Chairman Benny Gantz made a speech at a Knesset session after the sirens.

“The State of Israel wasn’t established because of the Holocaust, but it in the country’s DNA to learn the lesson of the Holocaust,” he said. “In these trying times, the responsibility of us as elected representatives of the public is sevenfold. We must preserve this country and its two main strengths, its military power and the promise of ‘Never again. Last but not least, we must preserve our moral strength.

To demand from ourselves more than we expect from others.”

Due to the pandemic, annual State ceremonies were held digitally.

The annual wreath laying Yad Vashem ceremony for Holocaust Remembrance Day took place without an audience. President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and elected officials also did not attend due to restrictions.

Netanyahu referred to the global fight against the virus in a pre-recorded address.

“Unlike the Holocaust, this time we saw the danger in time,” he said. “I heard (late Israeli

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau lighitng the memorial candle at Yad Vashem

writer Yehiel De-Nur) and other Holocaust survivors say, ‘You will never understand what we went through.’ They were right, we can never understand, because there is nothing like the Holocaust.

“The same is true of the global coronavirus crisis, which some consider to be humanity’s greatest challenge since World War II. During these times the hardships are many, but it cannot compare in any way to the systematic, diabolical annihilation of six million people.

“Today we are dealing with one deadly epidemic, in the ghettos they dealt with an innumerable number of epidemics, due to pushing tens of thousands of Jews in small spaces, causing countless to die from dysentery.”

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Netanyahu added, “Unlike during the Holocaust, we identified the danger in time, made important decisions such as closing the country’s borders, while harnessing the entirety of the country’s systems to the cause.”

Cities throughout Israel commemorated by technology or in small ceremonies dedicated to survivors.

Local students in Ashdod held a ceremony outside windows of a care home for survivors, while in Tel Aviv youngsters distributed flowers to 10,500 Holocaust survivors.

Defence Minister Naftali Bennett called on families of fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism to not visit cemeteries as they would normally do.

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Prince Charles pays tribute to “living heroes” Over 160,000 people viewed a poignant ceremony which marked the 75th anniversary of the Shoah and liberation of Bergen Belsen

BY DAVID SAFFER Prince Charles has described Holocaust survivors and refugees as “living heroes” during a live-streamed national Yom Hashoah commemoration service on Monday night.

Over 160,000 people viewed a poignant ceremony which marked the 75th anniversary of the Shoah and liberation of Bergen Belsen on various platforms due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking from Clarence House, The Prince of Wales, patron of HMD and World Jewish Relief, paid tribute to survivors and refugees who became “dedicated contributors” to British society after the Shoah.

“They have been and continue to be shining examples to the world of how it is possible to triumph over adversity,” he said.

“Whilst they may consider themselves the lucky ones, when so many did not survive, to us they are simply nothing short of living heroes, who were determined not just to survive but to thrive as they built new lives, new homes and new families here in the United Kingdom.”

He added, “I am aware from the privilege of meeting many of the survivors during my lifetime that their greatest concern has always been that succeeding generations should never forget the lessons of the unimaginable horror which engulfed so many ancient Jewish communities throughout Europe and robbed us in one fell swoop of so much talent, genius and unrealised intellectual promise.

“For 75 years survivors, refugees and

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales giving his message of support

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis giving his message

President Rivlin spoke about the ‘March Of The Living’

liberators have inspired us with their positive messages of hope which now at such an unprecedented, anxious and strange time in our lives can perhaps remind us that through faith, resolve and determination the day will soon come when we can all be safe again.”

Neil Martin, Yom Hashoah UK chairman said the event had lifted people’s spirits at a difficult time.

“We have had many messages from people affected by the ceremony in an emotional way,” “It’s lifted spirits and there is a sense of togetherness. It’s humbling that we have been

able to do it.”

Neil added, “We’ve managed to reach out to many people, given access to survivors, refugees and care homes to watch it, which was important to do. Many people though we were not going to be able to do this because of the circumstance but we have and its had a real effect on people.”

Facilitated by the Board of Deputies, President, Marie van de Zyl, said over 120 charities had been brought together for the ceremony.

Participants included Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Ambassador Mark Regev,

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Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.

President Rivlin said the coronavirus had prevented March of the Living participants walking from Auschwitz to Birkenau but nothing could prevent passing on the memory of the Shoah to the next generation.

He noted, “As we fight the spread of the coronavirus, we must never forget the survivors among us. Not only must we make sure that all the needs are met, but we must also continue to listen to their story if not,

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Six survivors and refugees lit memorial candles, one for each million victims

in person, then through technology, as we are doing just now.”

UK Ambassador Mark Regev told viewers the Jewish people are no longer stateless and can defend themselves.

“Each year Yom Hashoah is a time to reflect on the past and seek comfort in our communities,” said the Communities Secretary on behalf of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“It’s never been more important to fight against the world’s oldest form of hatred. Anti-Semitism cannot be ignored and must not be tolerated here in the UK and around the world.

“There are no bystanders in this battle.

Each of us has a part to play and must all do that.”

The Labour leader commented, “In the Shoah we see the worst of humanity but we also see the best in the hope and resilience of those that survived and rebuilt their lives, allowing the Jewish culture to make a significant contribution, not just here in Britain and across the world.”

Mayor Khan added, “Even though we are physically separated we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were killed in the Holocaust alongside so many other innocent people.”

He continued, “It is so important that we ensure we never forget those who were killed and never forget where prejudice,

racism and hatred can lead if it’s allowed to fester unchecked and challenged. “This feels more important than ever before as we confront the depressing reality of hatred, anti-Semitism and nativist populism on the rise, once again around the world.

“We must defeat those who seek to divide us and stamp out anti-Semitism.”

Kindertransport refugee Sir Eric Reich, Theresienstadt survivor Joanna Milan, child refugee Isca Wittenberg, Auschwitz and Lieberstadt slave labour camp survivor Mindu Hornick, Auschwitz survivor Sam Laskier and Eva Clarke, born in Matthausen Concentration lit yellow candles in memory of those murdered during the Shoah.

Chazan Jonny Turgel recited Kel Malei Rachamim. TV presenter Rachel Riley, Game of Thrones actress Laura Pradelska and Judge Robert Rinder gave readings.

A plethora of events continued online throughout Tuesday including Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks launching a new educational programme and an interview with MOTL UK founder Scott Saunders.

Sessions also took place with JW3, Wiener Library, United Synagogue, Holocaust Education Trust Jewish Museum, Union of Jewish Students, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, AJEX, National Holocaust Centre and Mizrachi UK.

“I am aware from the privilege of meeting many of the survivors during my lifetime that their greatest concern has always been that succeeding generations should never forget…”

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From the editor’s desk TELL US THE EXACT TRUTH!

The Jewish Chronicle (JC) and Jewish News (JN) need to explain to the public the exact truth of what is happening at the present time.

On erev Pesach an announcement was made that they had both gone into liquidation. According to The Financial Times, 54 staff members were made redundant at that time.

Thereafter, both The JC and JN websites stated that the original owners of the JC, the Kessler Foundation was planning to buy the JC name back, in addition to the acquisition of ‘JN,’ making one joint newspaper together. The editor of the JN was going to be the new JC editor.

Then on Chol Hamoed, a new bid was made from a rival consortium, with the current owners of The JC crying foul, telling The Financial Times that it was ‘a shameful attempt to hijack the world’s oldest Jewish Newspaper.’

Next in the saga was the ‘final edition’ of the JN, on Friday 17 April, complete with a host of tributes from across the community and a goodbye editorial.

After this goodbye edition, the announcement came that owing to the new bid for the JC from the rival consortium, JN are carrying on independently printing every week as if nothing had happened.

Last week’s ‘final issue’ would now appear

to be forgotten as they return ‘more energised and ambitious than ever.’

Surely the public are entitled to know the truth and both the JC and JN should disclose all the facts of this peculiar situation.

This newspaper wants to make absolutely clear to our loyal readers and advertisers that we are here to stay. We will keep printing each week throughout the lockdown, providing a vital and much loved service to many across the community.

STARMER

Sir Keir Starmer has much work to do if he is to eradicate the deep roots of anti-Semitism within the Labour Party.

Whilst that will only be seen over time, at least he has given encouraging words.

Let’s hope they are not empty words like Corbyn’s words were.

most respected souls in the world above.

What has been fascinating to observe these last few weeks is how this has happened in our times. Who cares about footballers or celebrities now! It’s the often underrated and underpaid staff at the NHS who are rightly being applauded each week not famous people on 300k a week for kicking a ball around.

Other heroes deserve special mention too, from the shop-workers who risk their lives to keep our country moving to the brave volunteers who do the same thing.

Finally people are opening their eyes as to who the real ‘stars’ are!

We wish a huge Mazel Tov to Captain Tom Moore on raising such a phenomenal sum (28 million at the time of going to press) for the NHS. This man is a real hero and richly deserves a knighthood!

REAL ‘STARS’

There is a story in the Talmud of a Rabbi who was shown a glimpse of Heaven.

When asked what he saw, he replied he had seen an upside down world. Certain important people down here were insignificant in Gan Eden and the insignificant people in this world were amongst the

Captain Tom Moore

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Board updates community on fatalities ADVOCACY FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Board of Deputies continues to keep the community up to date on the number of fatalities due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Working with the Jewish community’s burial boards there have been 300 Jewish funerals carried out as of and including 20th April.

The board is supporting the community members by a number of initiatives.

They have worked with the Government to amend emergency legislation to protect the final wishes and religious freedoms of those passing away covid-19. The Board has also collaborated with community organisations to ensure UK Jews are receiving information in the present emergency.

Aside from Passover food guidelines they update a coronavirus advice page.

Further initiatives include a ‘Can I help card’ to help neighbours, social media updates and volunteering opportunities with JVN and other charities in the community.

A number of Board of Deputies staff have signed up as volunteers with Jewish Care and the NHS.

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Labour vows to heal Jewish community rift

BY DAVID SAFFER The Labour Party continues to make efforts to heal the rift with the UK’s Jewish community.

Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed and Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds held online meetings with the Board of Deputies and the Community Security Trust this week. Both were seen as positive moves.

Reed vowed to do “everything in his power” to make Jewish community feel safe and secure.

“We look forward to working with Steve to put his positive words into action,” commented Amanda Bowman, BoD Vice President.

Reed repeated Keir Starmer’s apology to the Jewish community for Labour’s failure to tackle anti-Semitism and stressed his determination to see “swift action” against those responsible in the Party.

“I gave my assurance that I will do whatever I can to combat those who seek to promote or excuse anti-Semitism anywhere in our society and will be writing to all Labour’s local government leaders to ask those who have not yet done so to

the Labour Party and the UK’s Jewish community is mended.”

Discussions included the importance of local councils promoting community cohesion, the importance of interfaith and inter-communal initiatives and keeping communities safe.

Ms Bowman appreciated Labour’s shadow minister meeting the Jewish delegation.

“His commitment to encouraging Labour’s local government leaders to adopt the IHRA definition and stressing the importance of dialogue rather than boycott from local councils is an important first step in rebuilding Labour’s relationship with the Jewish community.”: She added, “Steve’s recognition that words alone are not enough and that there is a long way to go in order to restore Labour’s relationship with the Jewish PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA community is encouraging.

Steve Reed “This meeting was a valuable opportuadopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism nity to explain our community’s ongoing in full and with all its examples including security concerns, and we were heartened reminding them not to support actions by the support we received,” commented that seek to delegitimise the State of Israel,” Dave Rich, CST. he said.

“CST will continue to stress the need for Reed added, “I am totally committed to the Labour Party to deal with the anti-Seplaying my part to ensure the rift between mitic political culture left behind by its

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NEWS 9 previous leadership. We hope the welcome words from Keir Starmer and his team will be followed by strong action.”

Thomas-Symonds meantime committed to maintaining a ban on terrorist organisation Hezbollah.

He also gave “unequivocal support” to the International definition of anti-Semitism.

Acknowledging anti-Semitism had been a stain on his party, Thomas-Symonds praised the work of the CST. Noting CST’s “vital work” would be properly funded, he confirmed that he undertake to visit projects in person.

“We know the threat that hatred and division still play in our world, which is why I affirmed my commitment to standing firm against terrorism and made clear my support for the total proscription of Hizballah,” Thomas-Symonds said.

He added that “unequivocal support” to the IHRA definition should have been adopted by the Labour Party in full sooner.

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said, “After four and a half awful years of anti-Semitism being allowed to run amok in the Labour Party, we stressed the importance of Labour emphasising its support for the adoption of the IHRA definition and full proscription of Hezbollah and similar groups.” Ms van de Zyl outlined security challenges faced by our community and need for governments to help provide protection.

“We hope to work constructively with Mr Thomas-Symonds to tackle racism and bigotry in all its guises.”

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Israel eases lockdown measures

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel has passed the peak of the coronavirus pandemic but a new wave is possible if the economy and education system restarts too soon.

As the battle against the deadly coronavirus intensifies, Health Ministry’s Deputy Director General Prof. Itamar Grotto offered the assessment in a media interview yesterday.

“We have stopped the current wave of the outbreak,” he explained.

Noting initial cases came mostly from abroad so were quarantined, Grotto is aware of a rise in infections recently, but explained that while 200 new patients a day could spark a new epidemic, new techniques could quickly treat cases.

“We can decide if we can move forward with the easing of restrictions or if we have to roll them back,” he said.

Grotto backs a government ruling for a lockdown on Israel’s Independence Day celebrations and memorial services.

“We must refrain from public celebrations completely,” he said.

Grotto added, “Families will still be allowed to arrive at the cemeteries a day before Memorial Day. “We must also take into account that the majority of those who will visit are in risk groups due to their age and we must make sure there will be no risk involved.”

The Health Ministry is observing Denmark and Singapore who are reopening education systems. Israel has “several plans”,” noted Grotto.

“The State has to decide how much risk it is willing to take,” he explained.

“We are always trying to walk the tight rope between opening up the economy and infection rate, therefore we must take do

everything slowly and gradually.”

Israel have begun lifting restrictions on businesses but social distancing and regulations must be maintained. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced steps last Saturday.

Netanyahu however warned the ruling would be reversed if infection rates increase by the end of next week.

Shin Bet security service is expected to increase its role in civilian surveillance measures.

A Knesset subcommittee will monitor operations.

Health officials released latest coronavirus figures yesterday morning, confirming 187 COVID-19 fatalities and 14,326 cases.

The figures included 100-year-old Rehovot resident Asyas Argo as the oldest victim.

There been 4,961 Israelis who have recovered from the virus. Recoveries had now exceeded new diagnoses for a seventh successive day.

The Health Ministry meantime purchased 2.4 million tests for coronavirus last week for widespread testing initially in Bnei Brak which has been badly affected.

Communities with high rates of infection or potential for another outbreak will also be targeted.

Testing will take place in factories as the government look to get Israelis back to work.

Results will be monitored closely as tests

23 APRIL 2020 are not 100% accurate.

As the lockdown continued tensions have risen in some sectors of Israel.

A number of Charedi community members in the Mea She’arim neighbourhood of Jerusalem threw rocks at IDF soldiers distributing food on Tuesday night.

No troops were injured. Police are investigating the incident.

“This was a violent, criminal act, which deserves total condemnation,” said IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. “The fact that IDF soldiers who were assisting the local government and citizens to distribute food were violently attacked by residents of Mea Shearim is very serious and demands denunciation, thorough handling and soul-searching.”

“The IDF will continue to assist in the national effort as much as is asked,” he added.

The incident followed ultra-Orthodox residents in the same area throwing objects at forces who responded with grenades last Thursday.

Some 100 people demonstrated against a ban on communal prayers and mikveh restrictions.

Twelve people were arrested. Three officers were injured, one needed hospital treatment.

The Internal Investigations Department is to investigate police officers involved.

Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who heads the United Torah Judaism Party, condemned the attack as “contrary to the law and to Halachah”.

Litzman however criticised “wild” police behaviour, excessive force and stun grenade use in a densely populated neighbourhood full of small children.

“Such actions endanger human lives, create hate and contribute to the erosion of public order,” he said.

Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut lockdown measures The Israeli government has approved emergency lockdown measures ahead of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut next week.

As Israel battles the coronavirus pandemic the actions replicate government decisions over Pesach.

Measures include a ban on families of fallen soldiers and terror victims visiting memorial sites. Intercity traffic will also not be allowed from sundown on Monday to nightfall on Tuesday.

It is however anticipated Israelis will find a way of safely celebrating Independence Day via technology or safe distancing measures.

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett confirmed families can visit cemeteries before Yom Hazikaron memorial day to avoid mass gatherings on the day.

“The nuclear families alone can visit the cemetery from this morning until Sunday night, whenever they wish, while observing the accepted distancing rules,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“It’s a painful decision, but it’s necessary.

The decision was made after consulting

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with the head of Yad Labanim.

Yad Labanim is the largest bereaved family organisation in Israel.

Lockdown measures begin tomorrow during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan (6pm to 3am daily) on Arab communities. Businesses can make deliveries within the town’s limits.

Muslim leaders worldwide have updated guidelines for Ramadan due to the pandemic.

23 APRIL 2020

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Op-ed: A golden opportunity for mankind

BY DAVID HERMAN In these corona-dark days of doom and gloom, of despair, bereavement and loss, of locked-in loneliness, throughout the world without exception, when humanity sees itself for what it really is, frail, insignificant, powerless, patently unequipped to meet the nigh-invincible foe, I for one, alone, impoverished, only too aware of my mortal frailty, and yet also aware that there exists, over and above all the distress and woe, a golden opportunity to transform the world from a world riven by seemingly insoluble and unceasing conflicts into a new world order, a world that at last will answer the prayers and aspirations of billions of ordinary people, a world of total peace, reconciliation and cooperation to a degree never seen before and previously unattainable.

So what does this vision of the future have to do with the corona pandemic and why do I bring it up just when we are blindly searching for ways and means to combat and overcome this invisible and seemingly invincible enemy of mankind? I do so because, as an observant Jew living in the Holy City of Jerusalem, I feel that via the virus Hashem, the L-rd, is sending us humans a message which says basically that “Enough is enough! Enough of centuries of wars and conflict and oppression! I didn’t put you on earth and gift you with life so that you can spend your days and nights dropping bombs and firing rockets at one another with the cursed aim of ridding my world of as many lives as possible and even to the extent of being prepared to run the risk of totally erasing all human life just to satisfy a few leaders’ lust for power or conquest.”

Of course, I have neither right nor ability to try and fathom Hashem’s thoughts and plans, but I think that the basic trend, as evidenced so tragically by the blooddrenched course of history with its blatant disregard for innocent G-d-given human life, is unmistakably clear, which is why the seemingly irresistible corona virus seems to me so clearly a final warning to humanity to change its history-charted ways, or else! Whereas we humans all over our corona-struck globe, despite all our scientific and technological advances, with our cars and jets and spacecraft and apparently limitless inventions, innovations and inclinations, appear powerless to oppose and repel the remorseless attack of the corona virus on every aspect of our daily lives, there is nonetheless the feeling that Hashem in His Goodness is offering mankind a Divine Golden Opportunity via the virus to at long last throw off the conflict-cursed flow of human history and

begin at last to see what Living and Life in His World is and should be all about. Now, if ever there was, is THE TIME to tell all the leaders and nations who have been at each other’s throats for decadent decades of human decay to put a full and final stop to their infantile and futile aggressions from which nothing can be gained except increasing suffering for their populations and worrying and disturbing contributions to the imperilled future and fate of mankind. And if they are unable to control and subdue their aggressive tendencies then they must be removed and replaced by leaders who understand the Divine Message to all humanity spelled out in the current implacable advance of the virus: ”I send you this plague to convince you and your leaders to once and forever change the world and save the world by following the

So all you leaders and nations, heed this message and understand the tragic folly of your ways and open the door to a new and peace path of peace and peaceful cooperation, for by failing to do so and by continuing to adhere to the path of war, conquest and conflict you are ensuring a tragic and horrific end to the saga of mankind. So all you leaders and nations, heed this message and understand the tragic folly of your ways and open the door to a new and peace-blessed world for all peoples to live in happily.”

If the corona virus onslaught has taught humanity and its leaders to help and cooperate with one another and not to hate and to forsake the cursed folly of conflict and war in order to create a much better and far healthier world, then all our current suffering and impotent distress will not have been in vain.

David Herman is a London-born Israeli living in Jerusalem since 1966, not long after graduating from Cambridge University. After a twenty-year career as a publisher of simplified English, French and Arabic teaching-newspapers for the Israeli school system. Today he is working as a freelance translator/editor.

OPINION 11

Letters to the Editor Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.

TRIBUTE TO RABBI AVROHOM PINTER, ZT”L Dear Editor, The huge volume of personal contacts Rabbi Pinter established over the years with senior Parliamentarians, Government officials, influential journalists, local authority leaders and representatives of other faiths and cultures was quite remarkable. Rabbi Pinter , through his own unique brand of askonus, demonstrated the importance he rightly attached to representatives of the orthodox community being actively involved in the wider political arena. It’s unfortunate we have so few other people like him in this respect.

Rabbi Pinter was a masterful spokesman for the charedi kehilla, especially in Stamford Hill. He kept himself well informed of the details of Government policies and emerging draft legislation affecting Jews, especially in the field of education and Rabbi Avrohom Pinter zt”l PHOTO: STEVEN DERBY, INTERFAITH MATTERS faith schools, on which he was widely respected as an expert. He readily shared this information in briefings to his colleagues, and I myself greatly benefited from this.

I had the privilege to work closely with Rabbi Pinter for a number of years within the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, most recently as Vice Chairman of its External Affairs Committee of which he was its long-standing Chairman. He was always ready to hear the views of others , to consult with colleagues and seek da’as Torah from the Rabbinate before decisions were taken. I also participated with him in a number of highly constructive delegations to Government Ministers.

Rabbi Pinter’s sudden passing has come as a massive shock and filled us all with deep sadness. It is a tremendous loss to Anglo-Jewry as a whole. His dedicated leadership, and his unwavering commitment to Klal Yisroel and the preservation and promotion of Torah values will be exceptionally difficult to replace.

May his memory be a source of blessing.

Yours faithfully Cllr Brian Gordon

TEHILLIM FOR CHOLIM Dear Editor, Recently I was told about someone, who had succumbed to the coronavirus, that they had been ill with something else for several months. When I replied that I had been completely unaware of their condition, I was told that a notice asking for people to say tehillim for them had been up on shul notice boards.

For a man, one might know his father’s name from when he gets an aliyah but almost certainly most people do not know his mother’s - and for a lady even that would not generally be known. So when people are asked to say tehillim for a choleh, they often have no idea for whom they are being asked to daven.

Might I, therefore, suggest that in future all such notices should include the choleh’s surname so that nobody should be put in the same embarrassing position as I found myself.

Yours faithfully Martin D. Stern

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12 COMMUNITY

GIFT provides thousands of cooked meals for those in desperate need

GIFT’s Founding Director Michelle Barnett with some of the 2700 freshly cooked meals & soups distributed to those in desperate need erev Pesach

In the run up to Pesach, Charity GIFT, with the incredible help of many hundreds of dedicated volunteers distributed over 2700 freshly cooked meals to the elderly, vulnerable and to those most in need across London, in addition to over 900 dry food packages consisting of all the Pesach essentials.

GIFT also collaborated with other charities, helping to deliver United Synagogue Pesach packages to congregants they were unable to reach and making seder packs for Kisharon residents.

One very grateful cancer patient said, “I just came out of hospital, I was anaemic

23 APRIL 2020

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from the chemo blood transfusion and feeling unbelievably weak; so to come home to a house full of freshly cooked meals and soup for me and my kids was beyond incredible!

“After G-d and the angels, comes GIFT!” Another hugely grateful recipient of the food was an NHS nurse, who had just come home for Pesach after a week of 12 hr shifts.

“I was so thankful for the cooked meals and was so so overwhelmed with the kindness people have shown. Please pass on all my thanks to yourself and everybody at GIFT, it means more than I could ever say!”

Irene celebrates 100 years Earlier this week, carers at Jewish Care’s Lady Sarah Cohen House celebrated Irene Bright’s 100th birthday with her and her relatives virtually, with birthday songs, cake and a card from Her Majesty the Queen.

Irene’s daughter’s, Gina, Linda and Myra say, “Our mother Irene Bright is 100 years old on the 19th April and of course none of us, her three daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were able to see her to let her know how much we all love her this year, but we talked to her and wished her a Happy Birthday from us all. We would like to say a big thank you to all the staff and carers at Lady Sarah Cohen House who are just amazing and have taken such good care of Mum over the years since she has been a resident. They are all our heroes, especially now and we would like to thank all the staff for making a wonderful party for all of us.”

Irene is a great-grandma, grandma and mother of three, including twins. She was born in Dalston, her mother was a homemaker who made all their clothes and her father, was a professional footballer, Albert Abraham Goodman, who played for Spurs

Irene Bright resident at Jewish Care’s Lady Sarah Cohen House, celebrating with her daughters on her 99th Birthday

and Charlton. She worked in fashion for many years in Pauline’s dress shop in Cockfosters. During World War II she was an ambulance dispatcher working at Hackney Town Hall and it was during that time that she met her husband, Cecil at a tea dance in Tottenham. Cecil and Irene were very sporty and both enjoyed being captains at their golf club.

On your marks, get set, bake!

Card to Irene from Her Majesty The Queen

CONSIDERING ALIYAH? Join hundreds of British Olim making their Aliyah dream a reality.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

DOV NEWMARK: dov@nbn.org.il www.nbn.org.il 0800-075-7200 Rabbi Yehoshua Ahron Sofer of the Manchester Beis Din switching on the ovens at State Fayre Bakery after pesach to allow the baking to commence

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WORKING IN COOPERATION TO BUILD A STRONGER ISRAEL THROUGH ALIYAH

Every one of us, together

at HOME

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Sunday - Thursday 4.30 - 9.30pm Sunday Lunch 12 - 2.30pm We hold a 5 star hygiene rating and have implemented additional strict procedures. All our drivers now wear gloves and will leave the delivery outside your door if requested. If you are collecting, we will bring the food to your car.

Glatt Kosher Le Mahadrin under the strict supervision of the London Beth Din and Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa

Hot Appetisers

Imperial Hors D’oeuvres (minimum 2 persons) pp £9.00 Oriental Hors D’oeuvres (minimum 2 persons) pp £9.00 Spare Ribs £11.50 Spicy Marinated Rib Pieces £11.50 Capital Spare Ribs £11.50 Chicken Spring Rolls £9.00 Vegetarian Spring Rolls £6.00 Rice Paper Spring Rolls with Chicken £9.00 Duck Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce £10.00 Seaweed £6.00 Crispy Fried Won Ton £6.50 Sesame Chicken Toast £9.00 Fried Beef Dumplings £10.00 Fried Chicken Dumplings £10.00 Steamed Chicken Dumplings £10.00 Saté Chicken £10.50 Saté Lamb £10.50 Vegetable Tempura £8.50 Barbequed Chicken Wings £10.00 Honey Glazed Chicken Wings £10.00 Toffee Chicken Drummers £10.00 Five Spices Bean Curd £8.50 Deep Fried Aubergine £8.50 Barbequed Beef with Pancakes £16.00 Fried Chicken Parcels £10.00

Cold Appetisers

Beef

With Straw Mushroom With Ginger and Spring Onion With Seasonal Vegetables With Chinese Leaves With Asparagus Braised Brisket With Cashew Nuts in Yellow Bean Sauce Sliced Mango Beef Deep Fried Shredded with Chilli Beef with Broccoli Capital Beef Ribs Slow Cooked Five Spice Ribs Sesame Saté Beef

£16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00

Spicy Lamb with Garlic & Chilli Bang Bang Chicken

Second Course

Hunan Chicken With Lettuce Vegetarian Lettuce Wrap Hunan Lamb with Lettuce Crispy Aromatic Duck (Quarter) - extra Pancakes (each)

Soups

Hot and Sour Soup Chicken and Sweetcorn Chicken and Asparagus Straw Mushroom and Bean Curd Sliced Lamb and Cucumber Spicy Fish Soup Chicken Noodle Soup Mixed Vegetable Soup Mixed Meat Soup Minced Chicken Ball Soup Chicken & Glass Noodle Soup Sweet Corn and Bean Curd Soup

Sizzling

r o f e c

a l eP

Th

Lamb

With Asparagus With Seasonal Greens Char Siu Lamb Sweet and Sour Quick Fried with Spring Onion Deep Fried Chops with Peppercorn Salt Sliced Lamb with Chinese Leaves Lamb & Cashew Nuts Lamb with Straw Mushrooms Lamb & Broccoli Shanghai Ribs

Duck

With Spring Onion With Pineapple With Bean Sprouts With Orange Roasted Braised and Sliced Duck In Black Bean Sauce Lo Hon Duck

£15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £22.00

Steak in Black Pepper Sauce Steak Cantonese Style Beef in Black Bean Sauce Beef with Ginger & Spring Onions Beef Rib Cantonese Style Lamb in Black Bean Sauce Lamb with Spring Onion Chicken with Ginger & Spring Onion Chicken in Black Pepper Sauce Three Meats with Spring Onion Duck in Black Pepper Sauce Mixed Vegetables in Black Bean Sauce

Chicken

With English Mushrooms With Straw Mushrooms With Chinese Mushrooms With Seasonal Greens With Asparagus With Lemon Smoked & Shredded With Baby Sweetcorn Sweet and Sour Kaifeng Style Sweet and Sour Hong Kong Style Special Fried With Cashew Nuts in Yellow Bean Sauce Sliced with Black Bean Sauce & Green Pepper Sliced Mango Chicken Sliced Chicken with Chinese Leaves Char Siu Chicken Pineapple Chicken Peking Style Honey Chicken Chicken & Almonds in Yellow Bean Sauce Chicken & Broccoli Kaifeng Chicken with Lemongrass Sweet Chilli Chicken Chicken with Aubergine

£15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £10.00 £15.50 £19.00 35p

£6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00 £6.00

£19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £19.00 £18.00 £18.00 £16.50 £16.50 £19.00 £20.50 £12.00

Special Fried Rice with Meats Chicken Fried Rice Egg Rice Duck Fried Rice Beef Fried Rice with Lettuce Boiled Rice Mushroom Fried Rice Mixed Vegetable Rice Beef Fried Noodles Noodles & Bean Sprouts Chicken Fried Noodles Singapore Rice Noodles Kaifeng Fried Noodles with Meats Mixed Vegetable Noodles (Noodles can be ordered soft, crispy or Ho Fun flat noodles)

£9.50 £9.50 £5.50 £9.50 £9.50 £5.00 £7.50 £7.50 £11.50 £7.00 £11.50 £11.50 £11.50 £8.50

a h c m i

S m

o o aZ

Rice and Noodles

Fish

£15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50

Steamed Fish (Whole)

Sea Bass, Sea Bream or Salmon almon

Fried Fish in Rich Soya Sauce (Whole) Sea Bass, Sea Bream or Salmon Sweet and Sour Fish Slices Fillet of Fish with Garlic and Spring Onion Stir Fried Fish Slices Drunken Fish

Hot & Spicy

Singapore Chicken Extra Spicy Peking Chicken Spicy Kung Po Chicken Curried Chicken Wings Double Cooked Spicy Lamb Tibetan Lamb Extra Spicy Lamb Ma Po Spicy Lamb Bean Curd Extra Spicy Peking Beef Spicy Bean Curd Family Style

Vegetarian

£26.00

£26.00 £25.00 £25.00 £25.00 £25.00 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £15.50 £16.00 £10.00

Mixed Vegetables £7.00 Mixed Vegetables in Coconut Cream £7.00 Asparagus & Straw Mushrooms £11.00 Stir Fried French Beans Peking Style £7.50 Lo Hon Vegetables £7.00 Four Braised Vegetables £7.00 Egg Plant in Garlic Sauce £8.00 Stir Fried Bean Sprouts £6.00 Braised Bean Curd £10.00 Braised Bean Curd in Black Bean Sauce £10.00 Sweet and Sour Bean Curd £10.00 Spiced Vegetables in Kaifeng’s Oriental Sauce £7.00 Sweet and Sour Mixed Vegetables £7.00 Broccoli Peking Style £8.00 Broccoli & Chinese Mushrooms £11.00 Pak Choi £10.50 Chinese Leaves with Chinese Mushrooms £10.50

Our Priority....... is to keep our staff, customers and the community as safe as is possible. In addition to our usual high hygiene standards we have implemented strict safety procedures. We are maintaining our full Take Away and delivery service with particular attention for the needs of the self isolated. Our ‘front line’ team will continue to serve you as long as we are allowed to. We all wish you safety and health through this crisis.

14 COMMUNITY

23 APRIL 2020

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Poem for carers

How a Manchester bakery delivers during lockdown!

Sarah Lindsay with her poem to carers

Sarah Lindsay who is a resident at Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff Care Home in Golders Green has written a lovely poem in appreciation of the carers at Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff Nursing Home After Sarah had finished the rainbow picture, one of the social coordinators at Otto Schiff Care Home, Vivi said that whilst talking to Sarah she could see that Sarah was thinking about how hard the staff are working, how diligent they are, that they are tired and working in circumstances where they are at risk, all whilst having their own families and loved ones at home.

So, Vivi, suggested that Sarah write a poem for the staff, as she often writes poems and this is how it came about.

Sarah’s Poem They tend to those who are in need People in distress.

No matter what the hour of day or night For them time matters less.

They offer help and comfort Try to ease their plight.

They carry on their work always Whether it be day or night.

Their own aches they will ignore Until their job is done And only then will they have rest Knowing they have won.

Three Bakers bakery delivery van distributing much-needed supplies

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#inittogether

VOLUNTEERING HEROES

GILA DAVIS -

FAMILY MENASHE & FRIENDS - CARDS

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

OF CARE

(Over 1000 volunteers have signed up with GIFT to help those in need in the community)

“Many of us made a conscious effort to come together in our respective communities with a singular mission to help anyone who would find themselves in need, particularly the elderly who were the highest risk category for this virus; but what I really wanted was for our teenagers to show some compassion and care for others and that did not seem to be happening as all they cared about was their Xbox games with their friends, or their mobiles!

“In response to the Coronavirus there are a group of us coordinating and quickly responding to the needs of the community through daily calls and WhatsApp groups.

Everyday we provide shopping, medical prescriptions and phone calls to those in need. This would not be possible without the hundreds of wonderful volunteers that we work with on a daily basis.

My favourite quotes from grateful recipients are: “Please can you tell the angel that I thank him from the bottom of my heart!”

“You at GIFT are all angels, heaven-sent!”

For me it feels humbling to be just a small part of a small organisation playing a huge part in providing urgent help at times of such need. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to help and give back to a community that I’ve grown up in and gained so much from.”

My prayers were answered in the form of Sandor Milun’s message to me, telling me that his incredible GIFT team were mobilising volunteers in our community to tackle the looming pandemic crisis ahead of us.

On that day, GIFT COVID-19 WhatsApp groups were set up and I immediately joined.

Shira Joseph from GIFT posted a request for someone to write letters to a sweet elderly lady and I immediately volunteered to help.

I felt that this was definitely going to get bigger and would need a caring team, so I messaged some of my friends. On that day ‘Cards of Care’ was born. Since then, this special team have written every single card personally for a different resident.

We have all written to more than 400 residents and counting and have made all these people feel a bit better during this crisis.

The best thing about it, is that our teenagers have written the most loving and heartwarming cards.

RAFI & TAMMY YELLON -

PACKING & DELIVERING ESSENTIAL FOOD & PRESCRIPTIONS TO THE ELDERLY & VULNERABLE. “My brother Rafi and I have been shopping, doing errands for the isolated and vulnerable and packing food parcels most days for the past month. Our busiest day started at 8 and literally didn’t stop for 10 hours. We were shopping, running errands, collecting prescriptions the whole day.

The day before Pesach we delivered a car-load full of just some of the 2,700 freshly cooked meals and soups that GIFT were distributing to hundreds of isolated people in need across London. Some days we do shopping for 5 or 6 families at a time. During Chol Hamoed, our whole family came to the warehouse and spent 5 hours packing Pesach food bags for hundreds of families.

My most memorable moments have been delivering meals to a Holocaust survivor who hadn’t eaten all day. I felt very sad - we need to look after our elderly better - especially Holocaust survivors who can’t be neglected.

We also delivered food to a homeless Jewish lady who was so grateful and also hadn’t eaten for a while.

I understand that GIFT have now helped her with permanent accommodation. I’m so glad we could help her in this way. It must be a really frightening time to be on the streets.

URI & YONI SHINE -

ENTERTAINING CARE HOME RESIDENTS & BEFRIENDING THE ELDERLY “Just before lockdown struck we were approached by GIFT to perform in the gardens of local care homes as the residents were not allowed any visitors inside.

As we approached, I felt quite nervous, but this soon abaited when I saw the look of joy on the residents’ faces. A highlight was when one elderly lady requested we sing and rap to Stormzy and Ed Sheeran! Tears actually welled up in my eyes when two of the residents started to dance to our songs. Giving our time took less than an hour but it made a huge impact on both us and on the residents.

I’ve also been phoning elderly people who have been isolated for weeks, unable to see their family & friends.

The joy one phone call makes is really incredible. I would strongly urge all teenagers to put down their phones or game consuls and phone someone who you know would really appreciate it. I have really connected with so many people I’m phoning during this time and I look forward continuing the calls after Corona.”

It feels really good volunteering every day and making such a difference!”

Without love, we will not get through this so thank you to GIFT and Families Menashe, Kornecka, Abadi, Kark, Ross, Kahn, Bornstein, Kurland, Kohn, Feldman, Lyons, Cuby, Zeitland, Kienwald, Better, Westbrook & Fine for helping to spread love across London quicker than the spread of Coronavirus!”

CLARE PATER -

TALIA GOLDSTEIN -

ANSWERING GIFT’S PHONE LINES (GIFT has responded to 1,800+ requests for help with shopping or picking up prescriptions for the elderly and vulnerable, or those in need of longer-term support.)

“For the past 4 weeks I have been answering GIFT’s phones. I get an average of 30-50 calls a day, listening to people’s needs and ensuring that we can work to the best of our ability to help them. Prior to Pesach, the phone literally did not stop and we were receiving 20 - 30 calls an hour. The requests are passed on to a WhatsApp group of volunteers who will very quickly jump to help. It is amazing to see how quickly people respond and how much the community is looking out for one another. The phone calls are not only people who need help, but also people who want to help or people who just simply want to say thank you, which is always nice to hear. Though it has been hard work answering the phone calls and sometimes emotionally difficult to speak to those who are really struggling.

One call stood out - an elderly lady who was alone and just so happy to hear someone’s voice on the other end of the line. She was so grateful just to be able to have someone to speak to. We make sure that we now have a number of volunteers calling her regularly. This has been literally life-changing for her.

I have really enjoyed helping and can see the amazing work GIFT does, not only in light of a pandemic, but throughout the whole year.”

MATTHEW GOLD & AMALYA GREENWOOD -

RUNNING GIFT’S ONLINE TUTORING INITIATIVE

REBECCA LYONS -

COORDINATING GIFT’S BEFRIENDING PHONE CALLS FOR THE ELDERLY “I’ve set-up a student based call service, intended to offer company and support to vulnerable people in our community. Through being regularly in contact with vulnerable individuals, we can ensure that GIFT is able to arrange food and care packages with increased efficiency.

The response and participation has been deeply humbling, particularly during a time of considerable hardship for many.”

www.jgift.org/covid19

“Shira Joseph, Amalya and I (Matthew) realised that many children and teenagers would be stuck at home without anything to keep them occupied. Parents would be worried about their children’s education and many young students would be fearful of forgetting the material that they need to know for their exams. We therefore set up a scheme to pair students with experienced tutors throughout the community.

The tutors, many of whom have been teaching in schools for years, cover a wide range of topics from the core subjects to humanities and languages, as well as Hebrew reading and Kodesh. We cater for year 3 up to A-level, and can provide a wide array of resources to supplement the learning experience.

We have been inundated with requests, and are overjoyed to see how grateful the families are knowing that their children’s educational needs are being taken care of.

Within the first week, we have made over 75 pairs and hope to make many more!”

MAKING ‘CARE FOR THE CARERS’ PACKS (GIFT has distributed over 3,000 ‘Care for the Carers’ gratitude packs filled with donated items, for NHS staff and care home workers. An additional 3,000 will be distributed within the next month).

“As soon as I became aware of the terrible implications that the Corona virus pandemic would have for the community I signed up to support GIFT’s efforts alongside my children in a variety of ways. I cannot believe how quickly the organisation has mobilized and how many different initiatives we have been able to contribute to.

We assembled care packs as a token of gratitude to NHS workers. We decorated mugs and filled them with lots of special treats that were donated to GIFT and my children wrote messages of thanks and coloured in gratitude cards. It has been such a welcome distraction from the horrible events elsewhere and I am so glad that my kids have been able to have an outlet in which they are able to support the local community and the NHS.”

To find out more about how you can get involved contact

volunteer@jgift.org

020 8457 4429 Registered charity 1153393

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Bayis Sheli makes Pesach possible for its service users Schools around the country have had to close because of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, but this is not possible for institutions like Bayis Sheli.

The specialist facility specialises in respite and long-term care for children with a range of severe disabilities and learning difficulties. The complex needs of these children simply cannot be met without the support of expert carers in an environment with cutting-edge technology and equipment. Shutting down Bayis Sheli was simply not an option.

Huge credit must therefore be given to the whole staff team at Bayis Sheli who have not only worked tirelessly to stay open during this terrible pandemic, but did everything possible to ensure that all residents and those designated for respite were able to celebrate Pesach.

The safety of residents must always

remain the number one priority. As Jacob Sorotzin, Head of Trustees explains, “Although no entry to visitors was allowed in order to maximise the safety of the children and young adults, our staff provided amazing support with the Pesach seder, and throughout the whole of Pesach. Not being able to see or have visitors was of course especially difficult over Pesach, but Boruch Hashem, our residents have been helped to keep in contact with their families via phone. This makes a world of difference”.

With the whole country united in thanking key workers, carers and NHS staff for their vital work at this time, please keep in mind the whole Bayis Sheli team. It is in their zechus that these children and young people are being looked after with the utmost care and attention, with both spiritual and physical needs cared for fully.

Camp Simcha trustees rise to marathon challenge

Camp Simcha’s board of trustees will be completing a 26-mile challenge on Sunday to help raise some of the funds lost due to the cancellation of the London Marathon and other challenge events.

With each trustee taking on a share of the total 26-mile marathon distance, the group are rising to the #TwoPointSixChallenge, which calls on the nation to find innovative ways to help charities recoup vital income which the annual event usually brings in.

The challenge can be anything based around the number 26, big or small scale, as long as it is within the Government guidelines. From running around the balcony or garden for 2.6 miles, doing 26 press ups with the dog on your back to flipping a pancake 26 times.

Camp Simcha chair of Trustees Julian Taylor is hoping the group’s ‘marathon’ team effort will inspire others to take part.

“With the cancellation of the marathon and other sponsored challenges, Camp Simcha stands to lose over £60,000,” says Mr Taylor. “The families the charity supports have children in extremely vulnerable situations.

Many of our parents are terrified and struggling to cope when so much of their support network has fallen away. They can rely on Camp Simcha to be there for them. As a charity, we need to make sure we keep raising the funds to support them not only now but well into the future.

“The world may have changed but sadly children are still being diagnosed with serious and life-threatening illnesses; Camp Simcha is receiving new referrals every week and demand for our hospital transport, safe night-time respite care, crisis meals and therapeutic services, among everything else we do, has risen dramatically in the last month.

“The 2.6 Challenge is a fantastic idea. It really captured our imagination and we hope others will feel the same. Every bit of support helps.”

For more information on how to take part go to https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/get-involved?charityId=99774 or if you need support with 2.6 Challenge ideas or setting up a fundraising page contact laurie@campsimcha.org.uk

NHS front line heroes receive their meals from ‘You Donate, We Deliver’

Four friends unite a community to help the NHS frontline Four friends are urgently seeking fundraising for their new initiative You Donate, We Deliver, which is providing meals and essential food items to NHS workers across the capital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After starting the venture from their homes on 26th March, in a matter of weeks Katie Icklow, Sarah Laster, Jackie Commissar and David Benveniste have gone from providing food for a handful of friends and family in the NHS to feeding thousands of staff on a daily basis.

The foursome, who include a Nail Technician, a Secretary, a Grandma and an Insurance Broker, have enlisted the help of 50 volunteer delivery drivers and 10 chefs and are now operating 10 regional hubs to serve NHS workers in hospitals across Hertfordshire and London.

Whilst they have managed to raise over £40,000 to date to create the meals, the rapid expansion of the service due to overwhelming demand has prompted a fundraising push – with the aim to be able to cater for all NHS staff in London during this time of crisis.

Sarah Laster, co-founder of You Donate, We Deliver, comments: “We both knew we wanted to help our frontline heroes in whatever way we could. Having a sister that works in the NHS myself, I knew that staff have little time to cook or go and get food in between shifts, and so our meal delivery service idea was born. Local communities have really come together and risen to the challenge, it’s fantastic to see.”

Katie Icklow, co-founder of You Donate, We Deliver, adds: “Three weeks ago, we were cooking up a handful of meals for people we knew in the NHS, and now we’ve got an amazing, growing team of volunteers who are helping us deliver thousands of meals to staff every day. We want to keep providing and expanding the service, but to do that, we need to keep those all-important donations coming in.

Sadly we recently had a break-in where we caught someone stealing the fresh produce we need, but otherwise the local

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Preparing the food for NHS staff

community have been incredibly supportive of our efforts”.

Donations from families or organisations can also have a personal touch – one family paid for 100 meals at Watford General where a relative was cared for, and every meal had a personalised sticker saying “A big thank you from the Bloom family” on the lid. Previous donors have paid for a whole day’s worth of food for a hospital (costing around £2 per meal), and many have decided to give back to particular hospitals that have helped their families personally in the past.

The service is looking to raise £200,000 which would pay for ingredients for meals, food containers and other resources requested by hospitals such as pillows, and will ensure the initiative has longevity to support the NHS for many weeks to come.

The weekly cost of the project is currently £17,000.

To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nhs-start?utm_ source=whatsapp-visit&utm_medium=chat&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

23 APRIL 2020

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‘Meal Ticket’ programme Rabbi Ezra Bloch zt"l helps families in need As mankind worldwide finds itself enveloped in a pall of darkness, a ray of light of kindness has begun shining brighter in North West London.

Following the example of Avraham Avinu’s midda of Chesed The Meal Ticket programme, founded in 2013 by local askan Reb Yisroel Shelton, has found itself turning its focus to a different, albeit equally worthy, segment of Klal Yisroel.

Usually, the system provides visiting Shluchei Mitzvah with a fully-paid meal in Reich’s Caterers on Golders Green Road.

The Coronovirus has unfortunately meant that England has had a dearth of Shluchei Mitzvah. It has also meant, however, that local families have found themselves cocooned with a houseful of frequently food-seeking children, teenagers and all.

Not to mention the fact that the schools and Yeshivas shut only a couple of weeks before Pesach, at a time that many on a tighter budget are seeking to reduce use of their modest Chametz facilities. To exasperate matters, many hitherto financially stable breadwinners now find themselves laid off.

This has created an urgent need for quality meals for large quantities of people.

Enters Reb Yisroel, who, instead of suspending the programme whilst London awaits the return of Shluchei Mitzvah, has instead undertaken to provide sustenance to our local brethren in need.

The sense of relief this has brought to tens of families across the Kehilla cannot be overstated and those who wish to have

A fundraising campaign has been set up for the family of Rabbi Ezra Bloch in Manchester following his death on the second night of Pesach.

The 49-year-old was recovering in hospitak following a heart attack on Chanukah.

Sadly, he died from the deadly coronavirus.

The fund had been endorsed by The Satmar Dayan Rabbi Horowitz Shlita and Rabbi Yaackov Wreschner Shlita. To date, £175,000 has been donated towards a target of £250,000.

Rabbi Ezra is survived by his wife and seven children, the youngest is nine years old.

“Ezra was a man with exceptional good deeds who was never known to hurt a fly, he was full of pure fear of heaven, he would constantly openly lament his shortcomings in service of G-d and thus express his worthlessness,” said a tribute. “His quiet and feeling way of prayer was an inspiration to who ever heard. His endearing smile was such a pleasure to behold. He was altogether a wholesome individual who made a continuous sanctification of G-ds name. He worked as a Rabbi in an after-school group for boys and was loved by all his pupils.” https://charityextra.com/blochfamily/3933

The Novominsker Rebbe zt"l

Meals available from Reich’s (photo taken a couple of months ago)

a part in this gemillus chassodim par excellence, are welcome to contact Reb Yisroel for further details.

The call of, “May all who are needy come in and eat” has this year become part of reality.

Global tributes have been paid to Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, the Novominsker Rebbe, who died from the coronavirus at his home in Brooklyn earlier this month.

President of Agudath Israel of America since 1998, Rabbi Perlow, 89, headed Agudah’s rabbinic body, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America and was Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Novominsk-Kol Yehuda, which he founded.

A leading advocate of orthodox Jewry, he spoke out on topics affecting the orthodox community.

Only last month, Rabbi Perlow called on community members to take Covid-19 seriously.

“The loss to the Jewish people and Agudas Yisroel is incalculable,” Agudath Israel said in a statement.

Rabbi Perlow studied at Yeshiva Toras Chaim, Chaim Berlin and Beth Medrash Gavoha prior to graduating with honours at Brooklyn College. He taught at Hebrew Theological College, became Rosh Yeshiva at Breuer Yeshiva in Washington Heights and established a Novominsker Synagogue.

Named after his great-grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, the first Novominsker Rebbe, his maternal grandfather was Rabbi Yitzchak Zelig Morgenstern, the Sokolover Rebbe, a descendant of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk.

He is survived by Rebbetzin Yehudis Eichenstein, the daughter of the Grand Rebbe Avrohom Eichenstein of Ziditchover, Chicago, sons Yisroel and Shia, and a daughter, Faigie.

One hour after Pesach finishes… Rabbi Avrohom Pinter zt"l Let’s buy 18 boxes of matza!

Well, they were only 32p a box!

BY SIMCHA ABIR

Shopping at Tesco Prestwich store Motzei Pesach

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

The Jewish community and politicians have paid tribute to Rabbi Avrohom Pinter who died after contracting Covid-19 earlier last week.

A leading light of Chareidi community, Rabbi Pinter, 70, was head of Yesodey HaTorah Senior Girls School in Stamford Hill and the first Rabbi to be elected as a councillor to Hackney Council.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Rabbi Pinter helped community relations in London.

Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott described him as a “giant of community politics”, Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville praised his leadership in the Hackney and Charedi community.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said Rabbi Pinter was a “tireless representative” of the Jewish community, Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl noted how he built bridges between different groups of Jews, Government and wider UK society.

In a joint statement, the Jewish Leadership Council's Simon Johnson and Jonathan Goldstein echoed the thoughts of many.

Rabbi Pinter was an “undoubted leader

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of exceptional talent and a strong advocate for his community with a broad sympathy for, and understanding of, the needs of Jews from across religious observance,” they noted.

United Synagogue president Michael Goldstein said the resepcted Rabbi was a “unique figure who worked for the benefit of the whole Jewish people.”

Rabbi Pinter’s wife passed away in 2014, he is survived by a number of children.

“… a unique figure who worked for the benefit of the whole Jewish people.”

"He was respected by politicians and by all across our community. Baruch Dayan Emes. Rabbi Pinter's memory will endure and we pray that his family may be comforted among the mourners for Zion and Jerusalem."

18 FEATURE

23 APRIL 2020

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From the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON

Travelling has never been more difficult than since the outbreak of Covid-19, so it is interesting to see how things are going to change with the anticipated lifting of lockdown.

Buses have now waived fares for passengers, which is most welcome, but we eagerly await transport hubs fully reopening which will allow us to reconnect with friends and family, or to return to essential business.

It will be fascinating to see what measures are to be put in place to try and protect us from potential ongoing Covid contamination. In this regard easyJet has announced that they will no longer (for the foreseeable future) be filling the middle seat of rows of three on their planes. Well at an estimate that’s about 45 cm, so it is hardly going to be a failsafe protective measure when they’re recommending keeping a metre or two between you and the next person. In this week’s news we hear about a firm called Avio-Interiors which has come up with a brainwave - a clear shield which fits around the head and shoulders of seats, for passengers travelling on planes. This is possibly a safer measure than simply losing the centre seats and obviates the loss of revenue from 100s of unoccupied seats, in an already crippled industry.

However the risk will always be there that somebody with a latent exposure to the virus will get on public transport, on a tube, a train or a plane and think ‘well, I’m alright Jack, so I don’t represent a threat…. ‘ How wrong they’re going to be.

According to the scientists Britain should now have passed the peak of this pandemic, so it’s back to the headline question of when the government will end our lockdown. With Spain, France, Greece, Germany, and Italy now intending to reopen shops, schools and businesses within the next few weeks, the question is what are WE going to do here in the UK? Lockdown - the new bored game, no rules, no solution, no refunds. It was of course a necessary, lifesaving step, but we cannot remain imprisoned and impoverished endlessly, and I have seen the scientific reports which are working on a premise of a 5-month lockdown. 5 months!!! Let me live (some more), before my parking ticket expires!

Many more deaths have been recorded in the country, and across the NHS. Sadly, within the NHS there are substantial numbers of staff deaths, often consultants who either move sideways from their specialties to help in the current crisis or others who have come out of retirement, to step up to the plate.

We see again and again a higher, disproportionate number of deaths amongst black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.

I’ve mentioned before several outstanding medical professionals who have been struck down with this awful disease and, as we are also in a minority group of our own, we cannot rest contented on our laurels without anxiety. It is an absolute tragedy that some groups are evidently succumbing faster than other ethnicities, and for us with inherent rachmonus for all, this disparity is something that should not be ignored, still not being properly addressed by PHE. I wonder if they

ever will. I myself will never ever apologise for saluting these remarkable front line heroes, not because I may one day need such a doctor to step up and save my life, or yours, but because human life is equally valuable, irrespective of creed, colour or continent. We therefore take the incontrovertible position that the NHS must try harder in preventing contagion, and subsequently saving their lives.

Dr Amged el-Hawrani (55) is another consultant [ENT], one of the first doctors to die on March 28th when the intensive care staff in Leicester reluctantly turned his ventilator off. His funeral in Bristol was reportedly like being caught being an apocalyptic movie, where they had to travel in separate cars, stand 2 metres apart and they couldn’t even comfort each other. This resonates with all of us. Dr el-Hawrani took unwell back in February after visiting his mother who had pneumonia. As he deteriorated, he was admitted to hospital and put on a ventilator.

After one negative coronavirus test, he was re-tested and his family was then told he had the disease. The doctor expired without even knowing. This is devastating and leads swiftly into the matter of NHS testing kits.

Unfortunately, we are (still) lagging behind most of Europe in terms of testing and unbelievably we seem to have further been providing faulty testing kits, to boot.

I was appalled - but not surprised - to read that the testing kits given to thousands of NHS workers (so they could return to work) have been found to be faulty and should ‘not be relied upon.’ This is something worthy of a black comedy. A memo seen by the Daily Telegraph [report 22nd April] says that `discordant results have been identified in the tests run by PHE and NHS Laboratories,’ which of course means that thousands of NHS workers have since returned to work thinking that they were free from contagion, and this may not have been the case. We are constantly returning batches of imported testing kits, and more substantial medical equipment which was critical to deal with the crisis, Would anybody envy Matt Hancock the Health Secretary who is in the invidious position of peddling government info to us, their customers, possibly knowing that he’s got ‘fake news’ of his own? One wonders where the Comedy of (Cabinet) Errors is going to stop?! I’ve been shown in the past how one can manipulate and ‘lie with statistics.’ You had better believe it. So, next week I’m going to lift the veil on some anomalous data. Be prepared to be shocked.

Another recent report from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) said it’s been receiving calls from patients who have been told that their treatment is to be continued, but it’s their decision whether or not they choose to undergo further care. I think that’s a Step Too Far. Apparently NHS England have been told that essential and urgent cancer treatments must continue, advising specialists to discuss with the patients whether it’s riskier to undergo treatment (subtext - and risk contracting coronavirus) or to simply delay treatment. I think asking patients to make that calculation is quite emotive. On

the one hand you are a marked man…. The Big C will - probably or eventually - get you!

On the other hand, Covid MIGHT get you.

For me that’s just a no-brainer: you can, you must have treatment, unless you’re perhaps in a position where you feel that enduring a toxic, debilitating, aggressive regimen is actually more than you can tolerate. You may have suffered a-plenty and cannot withstand much more. You may have ticked off all the topics on your bucket list. You may want to potter around the garden or take up watercolours. Sure!! For most people, the fight to survive is innate, instinctive and we are often too emotionally invested to want to step back and permit a break. (As I said some time ago, carcinoma loves a treatment holiday!!) I think of somebody now within our own community who we sadly lost to cancer in the last few days of Yomtov. She was an amazing, strong woman who had been fighting resolutely with every ounce of her being. There was not a moment of her journey where she stood back and said, ‘nothing else to be done.’ With true remarkable Yiras Shamayim she was still thinking of others in the last days of her life - selfless and special to the end. Another heroine. How many more will we lose? It must stop. Cancer must not be regarded as unstoppable!

Now the dreaded cancer topic brings me foursquare to my own journey. JW readers will remember I’ve been ‘off treatment’ now for 4 months. I had a scan one month ago which showed worrying changes to my lungs, (possible mets) although the primary tumour has evidently gone to sleep. So, this week I had my repeat CT scan and gevalt, how scary that was! I must have had in excess of ten CTs to date and never, ever batted an eyelid. On this occasion I approached the scanning room like somebody heading to their execution, absolutely terrified. When the technician - sensing my visible stress (okay, let’s be honest, I was actually crying) asked me, “.. are you worried about having a CT?” I replied, “Not at all. I’m worried about the results of this CT.” Following this, I sat in my car uphill from the Royal Free for many hours, watching the world occasionally go past, until I was due to see the consultants.

Now the HPB team seemed to have forgotten that I would be appearing in their clinic, which led to a slightly comic interaction between the reception staff and myself when I arrived. “He’s left,” they said. I found that hard to believe. “Let me check for you.

Oh, your case has been concluded.” That was news to me, since I hadn’t had a phone call, or a cancellation of the appointment. I reminded myself that they may have seen the scan result at least 2 hours earlier, but they had indicated previously they were expecting me.

I was additionally clutching under my arm a gift for one of the consultants, who I have always found to be empathetic and an inspiring model of human decency, this in a medical world where I have found, you are often just a statistic. It was no surprise to discover that this individual had been made a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy (a knighthood). Highly deserved without a doubt, and I am going to personally nominate him for a

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Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

Queen’s Award.

When I finally got to see the consultant with several of his colleagues, we sat around a table where he told me that my lung lesions are still there. This was a bit of a setback, but I consoled myself that with all the additional strategies and alternative treatments that I’m taking, if nothing else, at least the lesions hadn’t grown. Thank G-d for small mercies.

As I left, I pointed out the gift that I had brought with me, sitting discreetly in the room. It was a treasured moment when the CNS (nurse) remarked that it was the consultant’s birthday and I think he was touched by my personal gift. On that very note I would like to wish a wonderful Happy Birthday and a safe year ahead to Professor Giuseppe Fusai, Royal Free, and to Her Majesty the Queen, who share the same birthday!

I am scheduled now to begin a potentially gruelling 6 weeks of radio-chemotherapy, after which we will see if the lesions are still there. I must continue to work with my heart and soul to make these lesions disappear, to resolve, and not become the Trojan horse which brings down my city of Troy. Metastases are the malevolent icing on the cancer cake. 100%.

We have set up a GoFundMe page to assist in my continuing treatment journey, helping to cover the costs of alternative treatments, none of which are covered or provided by the NHS. If you might be able to help in some way, be it financially or through social media sharing, all at an appropriate safe distance of course :-), that would really appreciated.

Please don’t think that your contribution wouldn’t be worthwhile, for like grains of sand, we can fill a beach with little acts of chessed. To quote a popular phrase…. Every Little Helps. To appeal for oneself is unbelievably difficult, but I hope readers will recall my journey has been herculean thus far, and I am determined to endure all hardships through treatments to (p”G) beat this killer disease. Again, I thank all those on the Jewish Weekly for their incredible support, both practical and emotional. We are all family in this community, and I find this team to be quite unique in their approach to Am Yisroel.

Until next week Take care Jacqueline x To support Jacqueline through the gofundme link, please follow the link below: https://www.gofundme.com/f/

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FEATURE 19

Motoring MALCOLM GINSBERG is best known as one of the country’s leading air travel experts and a distinguished travel writer. However, in the distant past he was Public Relations Manager for Lotus, the sports car manufacturer. He is also a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers and produces a monthly car test for Business Travel News. With no travel to write about in the immediate future he will be producing a series of automotive reviews for Jewish Weekly.

This week he reviews the Peugeot 5008.

The Peugeot 5008 dashboard

The Peugeot 5008

Looking for a comfortable seven-seater?

This might be the answer.

There is no better way of road testing a car than using it for the purpose it was designed, in this case a large family transport intended for off-the-road manoeuvring too.

Our 10-day loan of the Peugeot 5008 included a six-person-plus-luggage journey to Southampton from north London to join a cruise ship, followed by another trip to the same port with just a solo passenger but this time packed out with the specialist gear required by a university sound production and music student. More on water, but this time it included the car. My destination the Isle of Wight.

The 5008 coped admirably, the 1.5ltr diesel covering more than 600mi on a tankful and returning nearly 60 miles to the gallon.

With the first trip, the car did feel heavy.

Two up, she seemed simply to fly along. It was quiet at all times.

The Peugeot 5008 SUV is a bulky domestic experience, with accommodation for up to seven, lots of real plus points and some daft mistakes. Why does it have a cigarette lighter in the mid-row seats and no USB? With plenty of room, it is the ideal place to sit a youngster for a long ride and plug in an iPad with earphones. You will not hear a murmur until the end of the journey. An individual tray table is supplied to occupants, and window blinds.

Our car was a GT Line Premium retailing at £36,020 in Pearlescent White (£725) with a Black Diamond roof fitted with

aluminium longitudinal bars and offering an electrically-opening glass roof and powered blind. One assumes items can be loaded on to the roof, but our student found it easy to place his bicycle over the back door using his own travel fitting. The car sat on 19in two-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels and looked very smart. Prices start at £27,230 for the 1.2ltr six-speed petrol-powered manual model.

For all its many virtues, the 5008 is not a true SUV but a front-wheel-drive upstretched motor car that pretends to be an off-roader but is not really. Something called Advanced Grip Control is available if needed and there are settings for normal, snow, sand and mud and a hill descent system. Various driving modes are available, including sports. One sits up as high as in a Range Rover Discovery and there is a feeling of quality about the product.

The Peugeot finish has improved significantly in recent years and the list of what it termed “comfort and convenience” items is too long to itemise here. Outstanding is a driver multi-point massage function and heated seating for both of those in the front, plus electric seat setting with its-two place memory.

The test model came with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission system, beautifully smooth, giving 0-60 is a leisurely 11.6sec but that did reduce the pleasure of what is a fine people carrier.

Adaptive Cruise Control took away the thinking somewhat on motorways and the

Middle-row seats

Third-row seats

STAR RATINGS

(out of 10) Performance.......................6 Handling..............................7 Transmission................... 10 Noise...................................8 Economy.............................9 Ride and Comfort...............8 Accommodation..................9 Styling..................................8 Brakes.................................7 Finish...................................8 TOTAL............................... 80%

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lane departure warning system was ready to shout if you deviated. The interior looked and felt quality and Peugeot’s squared-off steering wheel, with its control paddles, was missed when the car was returned.

As BTN has said previously, at the handover point the delivery driver has showed the reviewer where the seat adjustment was and how to get into reverse gear, and that was it plus a reminder to fix the rear-view mirror. Now it is a complex issue, firstly with the hands-free telephone, easy in this case, followed by setting ‘home’ with the sat nav. When that has been done, you can track down the car with your iPhone, quite useful in a large car park. Once ready to take command, you have the business of finding all the various control switches and where they are, particularly in the dark.

Set the reverse dipping power wing mirror as soon as you are happy with the seat and try to remember where the switch is for that narrow street restriction in the dark.

No worries when you get out and use the remote lock. The mirrors fold themselves.

On what we still call the key fob is a control for the rear entry, where there is a button on the door itself when you want to close. Or you can use the foot control. Also underneath is the emergency tyre.

The Peugeot i-Cockpit offers a 12.3in instrument panel with navigation repeater, a multi-function steering wheel which does take some getting to learn, and a bright 8in touch screen which includes a very easy-touse radio station selection. Tom Tom supplies the navigation aid and offered a route selection for the most part that made really good sense. One very narrow lane it chose did require some backing up and here the fine rear-view camera came into its own.

The three mid-seats can be laid flat individually and all have ample legroom but there is no cup storage facility. Underfloor storage does provide even more capacity.

Further back are two more collapsible seats, and very comfortable according to passenger number six, who had the pleasure of two large suitcases next to him, and the use of a cup holder. The area behind this pair offers luggage room, about 12in in depth and further underfloor storage.

When it comes to driving, the 5008 will never be anything but a modest player in terms of performance, ride and handling.

It does this more than adequately, delivering plenty of comfort and with its long wheelbase and fairly soft suspension taking everything into its stride. It feels safe in the wet where Peugeot’s “Magic Wash System”, using nozzles mounted above the wiper blades, come into their own.

If you are needing a large domestic transport suitable for the school and holiday travel but fine for business trips, the Peugeot 5008 fits the bill nicely. That is why it is award winning. Nice car.

www.peugeot.co.uk/showroom/ new-2008-SUV/

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ASK THE RABBI

23 APRIL 2020

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com HOW IMPORTANT ARE OUR STORIES? Dear Rabbi I note you had a special virtual Yom Hashoa event for your community. I personally joined in on zoom and appreciated the gracefulness of the event and the insights of the speakers. Thank you for organising that. I was especially intrigued about the story you shared about your own mother and the recent information she shared with you about her war experience. I wonder, why do you suppose it is that she chose not to share that information for all these years? Isn’t it important to share the past so that we can learn from it for the future?

Malcolm Dear Malcolm Several months back we took an ever so meaningful community trip to Poland. There we stood in the valley of the shadow of death and saw first-hand how literally millions were enslaved, before meeting with their ineffable end. It was, and remains the most horrific persecution in the history of the Jewish nation.

Apart from the absolutely overwhelming experience that forty of us shared in Poland – seeing for our own eyes direct evidence of the enormity of the loss endured, there was something in particular that kept jumping out at us which struck me in a most compelling way.

The survivors. And there is, to my mind, one common theme

that these survivors share in common.

Namely, how long it took for many of them to tell their story.

As I shared with the Yom Hashoa gathering, how two weeks before the Poland trip I was in Toronto and I got my mother to open up more about her own story, filling in so many blanks I never knew about. On our Poland trip, we got to hear from a ninety-year-old survivor, Leslie, who only started to talk about his Auschwitz experience twenty or so years ago. And yet another, Angela from Toronto, who was actually born in the camp. I said, “Angela, you’ve known me since I was a little boy. But I never knew you were born in Auschwitz?” And she said, “Most people didn’t know. I never spoke about it.”

Why didn’t they talk about it? Because inasmuch as it will have inevitably impacted their lives – how could it not have they didn’t wallow in self-pity; they didn’t get stuck in the past.

They “parked it,” to use modern jargon. They didn’t let it negatively define them or their Jewish identity. For reasons that will remain eminently incomprehensible, they endured the trials and tribulations. But they built from the ashes once more.

It is told that a reporter made her way to a DP camp after the war. In one part of the camp she observed a man and woman standing under a makeshift Chupah with a Rabbi marrying them.

In another part of the camp she took in the scene of a baby being circumcised. As she later wrote: “I came to report on destruction

Tehillim Psalm 138 During this difficult time of lockdown against a vicious invisible enemy, it can be hard to keep our faith strong and remain strong in our awareness of Hashem. This week’s psalm urges us to always remain aware of His presence, and to remember that the closer we wish to be to Him, the closer He will be to us.

‘Ki higdalta al kol shimcha imratecha - for You have exalted even beyond Your Name Your Promise.’

The Sforno tells us that by fulfilling His promise to King David and Jews in general, we can clearly see that Hashem goes above and beyond his mere word.

Think of the countless terror attacks that we don’t even know about that are stopped on a daily basis. These words are not just empty words from the past, they still ring loud and true to this very day!

Some people have a custom just before the end of The Amida to say verses that start and end with the same letters as their Hebrew names. My Name is Yosef Yitzchak Isaac. So the verse I say for Yosef which starts with a yud and ends with a final fey everyday is located

and desolation but I find myself reporting on conviction and rebirth.”

Sometimes we feel trapped in life, we feel shackled and we submit despairingly. We don’t see a way out. Have you ever stopped to think how despondent you might feel if one day you look back at the road travelled and you see how next to your footprints in the sand of your life’s journey there’s this indentation from the ball you’ve been chained to every step of the way.

When you become imprisoned in your own predicaments and just accept them as your given reality you’ll never be able to breathe the fresh air of brighter prospects.

It is vital to chronicle all the stories, all the details, to learn from the past, as you note, for the sake of the future. But everything in its right time.

These survivors teach us in a most incredible way how not to let the negative of one’s past define oneself; how not to get too consumed in the adversities of life, and to remember that ultimately what doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger.

WHY IS JEWISH LIFE SO DIFFICULT? Dear Rabbi Having just finished the festival of Pesach I had a lot of extra time to think about how burdensome Jewish life can be. Granted I am privileged to normally be able to go away each year but having been at home, doing all the

Pesach rituals made me wonder why so much of our faith can, at times, be so taxing? Is that really what G-d wants from us?

Patricia Dear Patricia According to Jewish legend the first birds created complained before G-d that they were smaller than all the other creatures and were at their mercy. So G-d gave them wings. Some were unhappy. They felt the extra burdens on their backs weighed them down even more. One little bird got herself pretty dirty and started flapping those wings to get the dirt off. Suddenly she found herself flying, higher and higher, and soon, word spread about the fantastic ability that wings conferred. To this day, the birds continue to chirp songs of thanks to the Creator for the wings He gave them, for the

Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.

This Tehillim is a refuah sheleima for Shmuel Yosef ben Faiga Chaya at the end of this week’s Psalm! ‘Hashem yigmar baadi, Hashem chasdecha leolam, maasei yadecha al teref - Hashem complete on my behalf, Hashem Your kindness lasts forever, do not forsake the work of my hands.’

The Radak explains this to mean that we pray to G-D that He completes the kindness that He has begun to show for David.

Rashi takes it a step further to mean in regard to building the Temple. May Rashi’s words be answered speedily in our days, Amen.

To sponsor a Tehillim for £36 call 0203 906 8488 or email office@thejewishweekly.com

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ability to soar.

We are all endowed with metaphorical wings. They’re in our minds, in our hearts, in our souls. You may look at Jewish life and ask aloud, “why do I need these wings? Why do I need the extra burden?” But keeping Jewish traditions alive in our families and living on a spiritual plane gives us the ability to soar, to connect to heaven every single day. It gives us wings, which sets us free, from futility, from fear, from emptiness. It adds more joy and meaning to everything we do. These perceived burdens we experience need not be stumbling blocks, impeding our ability to grow. They can be the building blocks upon which we can construct a more rewarding future. Indeed with the right frame of mind, rather than dreading spiritual endeavours, they can enable you to soar to infinity and beyond.

THE

CTHEO M M U N I T Y TAZRIA - METZORA

23 APRIL 2020

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(Bava Batra 165a). It is like a plague and nobody is immune.

It is powerful and thus needs a powerful antidote.

This is what the peddler taught Rabi Yannai. It is not sufficient to deal with Lashon Hara on a one-toone basis. Not only must one try daily not to speak it, but more than that, he must encourage others not to speak. By publicising its potency and power to take and give life, one helps fix any wrong doing he might LONDON’S LEADING PLATFORM FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS have caused in the past, and earns himself eternal life. However, believe it or not, to merit real life, it is Parsha sheet is sponsored Lirfuat Rav Yona Ben Chava Betoch Shaar Cholei Yisrael not sufficient merely to guard one’s tongue. There is one additional, vital ingredient, without which the recipe is seriously th lacking. “Perhaps a person might RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL th say, ‘I guarded my tongue from evil and my lips from Nissan 5780 day, only sitonly and learn the30entire for example, sit andfor learnexample, the entire day, speaking deceit. Now let me spend the rest of my SHABBAT BEGINS: 7:58 PMand to leave the Beit Midrash during the his break to leave BeitandMidrash during his break from his learning and9:06 performance of Mitsvot were time sleeping!’ Thus the next verse says, ‘Turn from speak Lashon Hara.

SHABBAT ENDS: PM given to the other person, thereby forfeiting his share evil and do good (Tehilim 34:15)!’ ‘Good’ refers to Hara.

DIRECTOR wrong doinginhe might have caused in the This Midrash seems hard to understand. speak What Lashon Harah.

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Most withthe thousands in yourofcommunity, conversation was heading towards Lashon Harah. the peddler, ‘Come upme herespend and sell me what you of speaking Now let the rest performance of Mitsvot were given to the other deceit. camp because of the sin of slander. witha telegram your ontelegram.” that co Lashon Hara.

By spending his time Torah, call Said 07759 550learning 102 or email‘Neither info@torahactionlife.com sins can be dealt with on an individual basis. the man’s desk.After “It seems have!’. the peddler: you nor those like He noticed in the next The Midrash explains that the word Metzora can person, thereby forfeiting his share my time sleeping!'

Thus the next verse says, rewritten telegram few times” he you world need what I amtoselling.’

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How does onelike acquire Gehinom twice?

By you PARASHAto INSIGHTS death.

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It is a you are with your telegram.”

After that comment, you The Midrash on our Parasha reveals the secret: tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit... camp because of the sin of slander.

RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL The Midrash up life in the (Mishlei 4:2)' cause life.explains that the word Metzora can foregoing life in this world and givingmy Torah (Avoda Zara 19b).

Wecallcould Our make usabout human.

Su 07759 550mouths 102 email info@torahactionlife.com be sure the manorthought carefully what (Tehilim 34:13-14).’

Exclaimed Rabi Yannai, ‘All my "A certain peddler once peddled his wares in the plague nobody is word immune. person, thereby forfeiting his share in the next beThe readMidrash Motsi Shem explains Raand – referring to a person who Metzora next world. can that the he was going to say. days I have read this verse, but I did not know what villages around Tzippori. He called out,can 'Who wants thus understand whythe peddler told Rabi gift! Yet, astoundingly, though mo has ‘brought out a bad name’ or What slandered others.

Rashi explains that this can happen when thereby one toils inherited Our mouths make us human. Such a special gift! world - he has two Gehinoms!!

Who It doesn't want life? and would you give to it meant untilDVAR this peddler came and explained it to topowerful buy an elixirantidote. of life?!'

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How much would you be willing to spend?

What relates that, when one speaks Lashon Hara about How much would you be inclined to invest?

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Rabi Yannai entreated him, andsame the RABBI MEIR HOROWITZ PARASHA death.

Yet there a Not secret antidote that can that tongue to speak and do good.

Not just for one hundred andistwenty years, of course. ferred to him, and his own Mitsvot being transferred will be -for now and forever more! to-one basis. only must one try daily not to that Lashon Hara is not like all other sins.

Most The Midrash on our Parasha reveals the secret: Before we get there, did you know that it is peddler went up to him. The peddler took out a JONATHAN TAWIL (holines theRABBI direction of Kedusha I’m talking eternal life! How(Chas muchVeShalom) would youGehinom be in- to Tehilim the oneand whoshowed was the object of his'Who Lashon Hara. sins can be dealt with on an individual basis. This is cause life. possible to acquire him the verse, The is Chafetz the speak it, but more than that, he must encourage Chaim once visited a potential "A certain peddler once peddled his wares in the clined to invest?

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Hethe called out, 'Who The Gemara (Yuma 72b) cites Rava’s warning to good?' What is written subsequently? 'Guard May One Wear a Surgical Mask on Shabbat Shalom. sible to acquire (Chas VeShalom) Gehinom twice?!

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students: "I beg you,to do not acquire and power take andGehinom give life,you onegive helps fito x any ■ Shabbat Shalom the conversation heading towards Whohisdoesn't want life?

What would buy an sensed elixir of life?!'

Many peoplewas crowded DVAR TORAH P twice". How does one acquire Gehinom twice? deceit...(Tehilim 34:13-14).' Exclaimed Rabi for By life?

How willing'All to to purchase his merchandise. Rabi foregoing life inmuch this worldwould and givingyou up life be in Yannai, my daysaround I have readhim this verse, but A Burst Of Life the nextWhat world. if I was to reveal a secretI did not can know what it meant until this peddler spend? that AHARON GABBAY ’s Yannai was sitting and Klearning Torah in his id Q&A & STORY P4 Rashi explains that this can happen when one came and explained it to me!' (Vayikra Rabba e im T RABBI AHARON GABBAY - KOLLEL OHRhundred HATORAH, guarantee you life?

Not just for one andJERUSALEM house. He called to the peddler, 'Come up here toils in Torah yet does not observe it. One can, 16:2)."  twenty years, of course. I'mThistalking eternal life! and sellSheimot me what youof accordingly have!'.

SaidLevovitz the peddler: newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Please theopportunity pasuk toisre-not re to ourdispose creator. these our apsouland it life”. desire to have pleasure from Hashem, its- creator.

The Rav Through Yerucham has aMitzvot slightly different is in ourEvidently, power to grab the How much would you be inclined to invest? soul, however, is completely spiritual and has a drive proach.

During life we are constantly presented with ceive life.

'Neither you those the like pleasure you need itwhat I am cannorreceive longs for. This is the Thisand OUR P death we Mishnah know itin Avot because for spiritual pleasures. It enters a physical body which opportunities to fulfill Hashem’s will. If we seize an sheds lightCHACHAMIM ontoas another selling.'

Rabi Yannai entreated him, and the RABBI MEIR HOROWITZ eternal speakwhether of. Our and(Chapter 6, Mishnah 9) “...Rabbi Yossi Ben Kisma only understands the pleasure as physical.

Lostlife in we opportunity, we aresoul asked is to oreternal not, by doing choose liveonorthedie. translation, the body lives a life of desire for physical a mitzvah kindness, tefillah, tsedaka etc. that mosays: “once I was to walking street Rather and I met athe pa peddler went up to him.

The peddler took out a Before we get there, did you know that it is needs sustenance, the only thing that can give it pleasure, but the soul will never be placated by that ment is considered as if we have lived and so to speak man...he said to me, “Rebbe, would you like to come usus (decreasing that we Torah have two of livin possible to acquire (Chas VeShalom)pleasure.

Gehinom andlife showed theThe verse, 'Whothat is the is our Torah. reason abundance The Chafets Tehilim chaim expands: ‫נטע‬ ‫עולם‬ ‫ ״חיי‬him we have banked a moment of ‘life’ for our arsenal. oflive with study) andmodes I will give you 1 ‫ בתוכנו״‬- “Hashem planted us an eternal leads life”. thousands upon thousands of gold coins and preHowever, ifabundance we take thatof moment and doisa mundane twice?! maninto who desires life, who loves days seeing Torah to an of life because ourHALACHOT power to grab the opportunity Pto Hashem, in his kindness, gave us the Torah, which action that has no relation to Hashems will whatsoev- cious stones and gems.” So I told him. My son, if you isopporwritten subsequently?

'Guard the Torah is the only source of life that can satiate an abundance of mitzvot,What and many er and has no ramifications to spiritual growth, that gave me allMay the silver, gold and precious stones The Gemara (YumaOF72b) warning to good?'

One Wear a Surgical Maskand on A BURST LIFE cites Rava’scontains tunities to come closer to our creator.the Through these moment is considered dead and there will never gems in the entire world, I would still remain only in a soul for what it needs.

Ultimately, when we your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking Shabbat...? / RABBI ELI MANSOUR his students: "I beg you, do not acquire Gehinom During the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot, we Mitzvot our soul can receive the pleasure it longs for. again be an opportunity to resuscitate that moment place of Torah. Because at the time that a man leaves the next world where soulwithreturns deceit...(Tehilim 34:13-14).'

Exclaimed Rabi of time.

Our task is to buildour ourselves an abun- tothis world, not led outlight with any silver, gold or pre- Mis This is the eternal life we speak of. Ourreach soul is eternal twice". does acquire Gehinom twice?

Thishe issheds onto another have adoptedHow a tradition thatone every Shabbat we read and needs sustenance, the only thing that can give it dance of Torah and mitzvot because that will accucious stones and gems, rather they lead you out only a By chapter from Pirkei this is, the creator, the only ‘currency’ that they will bewith your foregoing lifeAvot. in One thisreason worldforand giving upourlife in The reason Yannai, 'All my days I have read this verse, but (Chapter 6, Mishnah 9) “...Rabb life is Torah. that abundance of Torah mulate all our moments of life together giving us an Torah and good deeds.” since the Pirkei Avot brings fundamental advice on dealing with is spiritual eternal life.

Only one who, theto work nextonDuring world. leads to an abundance of life is because the Torah is abundance of life.

Life throws at us countless challenges.

We are inI did not know what it meant until this peddler how characterthe growth and serving Hashem, weeks between Pesach and Shavuot, s Kisma ’ d says: “once I was walking onP i K the soul for In Parashat Nitsavim Hashem says ‫והמות‬ ‫״החיים‬ stalled with a drive to chase mundane matters.

Howit is only appropriate that we recite these words of the only source of life that can satiate Q&A & STORY some way or another, has acquired Torah and came and explained it to me!'

(Vayikra Rabba we have adopted a tradition that every Shabbat Rashi explains that this can happen when one e ever that very same drive is only seeking one thing, wisdom before reliving the receiving of the Torah at what it needs. Ultimately, when we reach the next ‫ובחרת בחיים״‬...‫ נתתי לפניך‬- “life and death I have Tim I met a use man...he said to me,us“Rebb Mitzvot is privy tobefore thisyou...choose eternal life. placed life”. Evidently, the pasuk the Torah. where ourreason soul returns the only May we these lessons to strengthen Har Sinai.inThis week, wearead the not second chapter we read chapter from Pirkeiit.world avot.

One forto thecreator, toils Torah yet does observe One can, 16:2)."

RABBI AHARON GABBAY - KOLLEL OHR HATORAH, JERUSALEM

A BURST OF LIFE

which brings Raban Gamliel who says “An abundance ‘currency’ that they will be dealing with is spiritual is not referring to life and death as we know it be- in these areas and receive eternal life. like to come live with this is,abundance since the brings fundamental eternal life. Only one who, some way or another, has cause one cannot choose to live or die. Rather the of Torah, (leads to) an of life”.Pirkei avot This newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot Please dispose of accordingly acquired Torahgrowth and Mitzvotand is privy to this eternal life. pasuk is telling us that we have two modes of living Shabbat Shalom!

When we are born, our enterstoa body advice onsoulhow workwithona character

Rav Yerucham Levovitz has a slightly different serving Hashem, it is only appropriate that we approach. During life we are constantly presented THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM recite these words of wisdom before reliving the with opportunities to fulfill Hashems will. If we receiving of the Torah at Har Sinai. This week,

us (decreasing

and I will give you thousands upon

gold coins and precious stones an I told him. My son, if you gave me

22 JUDAISM

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Corona Diary #5

23 APRIL 2020

The Holocaust and its lessons for 2020

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The Holocaust was a historical rupturean unprecedented horror so revolting that it doesn’t fit “neatly” into the stream or flow of history. This nightmare must continue to shape our overall thinking- about our lives, our culture and our Jewish historical mission. The lessons of the Holocaust are timeless but each generation and each setting invites new meaning and new considerations. Our current global pandemic isn’t merely a medical challenge but an existential one– forcing us to assess our identity as individuals and as communities. What lessons can the Holocaust provide for life in 2020?

1. LIMITS OF HUMAN CONVENTIONS

In the two and half centuries prior to the Holocaust, humanity had achieved a string of extraordinary successes. Man was liberated from ancient tyrannical political systems and this liberation heralded a new age of reason, discovery and, of course, freedom. Armed with science , industry, and unbridled optimism in human potential, Man erected societies of equality and morality in an effort to protect against past abuses which humanity had suffered for over a milennia. Democracy isn’t merely a political concept, but a moral experiment. Democracy invites Man to construct a society of reason, culture and ethics immune to the crimes of past totalitarian regimes.

Twentieth century Germany represented the pinnacle of this 250- year period of dazzling success. Germany was both a cultural center, an industrial superpower and a hotbed of scientific discovery. Its culture was the climax of hundreds of years of human investment and advancement. The Holocaust reminded us of the frailty of any human achievement. The Nazis marshalled many emergent technologies such as communication, transportation, statistics and chemistry to fashion an unimaginable killing machine. Their culture and enlightenment didn’t prevent them from perpetrating a historical crime against humanity and, of course, against our nation. Modern Man, progressive as he was, proved fully capable of mass extermination. The Holocaust provided a harsh reminder of the limits of human conventions – as impressive as they may seem.

Many are processing similar messages during the coronavirus. We had assumed that modern technology allowed us to form both indestructible modern cities

nestled within a bustling global village.

Each of these human structures has been easily dismantled by a micro-organism.

Hopefully, as we recover and rebuild, our hubris will be replaced by humility.

2. DECODING HISTORICAL EVENTS

We are instructed to discover G-d through His Word and His Law but also through His Actions- both the world he created as well as the history He directs. The premise of prophecy is that human and historical events reflect Divine authorship. This tendency to identify Divine historical authorship has intensified in the modern era –as Jews have returned to their homeland.

Our triumphant return to our past and our homeland implies that events can, once again, be interpreted, and that the Divine hand in history can once again be uncovered. Those who see the State of Israel as a redemptive moment are inclined to view current events through prophetic lenses.

However, the Holocaust appears to rebuff this notion as it resists human interpretation. Evil of such magnitude is not easily deciphered and the reasons for this calamity seem elusive. Asserting that the Holocaust was a punishment is incompatible with our belief in a merciful G-d and the belief that he treats His world with proportions (midah k’neged midah); can any sinno matter how grave- “justify” the murder of six million people? Alternatively, some claimed that the death of millions was a painful but necessary surgery to sever Jews from Exile and enable their reparation back to their homeland of Israel. It is hard to imagine that the G-d who delivered us from Egypt couldn’t employ a less lethal strategy.

The Holocaust is too large a mystery for the limited human imagination and our inability to interpret the Holocaust should render us more cautious about interpreting historical events in general. It is appropriate to sense a “general” presence of G-d in historical events. Furthermore, it is important to employ prophecy as a general guideline for deciphering the unfolding of history. However, history cannot be decoded with logical or prophetic precision. The historical blurring effect of the Holocaust reaffirms the mystery of human history.

Many (including myself) have spent the past few weeks wondering about this pandemic and its long-term messages.

What does G-d expect from us and what messages does He send to us during this medical crisis. Though the process of questioning is vital, our answers must be offered with intellectual humility in the face of the

Our current global pandemic isn’t merely a medical challenge but an existential one– forcing us to assess our identity as individuals and as communities. mysteries of history which only G-d fully comprehends.

3. SENSING THE DIVINE PRESENCEEVEN WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WHY

Where was G-d During the Holocaust?

This painful question confused many and led many toward rejection of faith. My Rebbe – Rav Yehuda Amital -answered this question very clearly: “G-d was with us in Aushwitz”. Ironically, an event of this magnitude and disproportion reflects the presence of G-d in our world in a manner that the routine may obscure. Man isn’t capable of such large scale atrocities and of such sustained brutality. As Rav Amital himself once remarked “What took place there is so unfathomable so abnormal, incomprehensible to any logical thought, such that I could see in it only something metaphysical.. some sort of hand of G-d.

And I saw G-d’s hand clearly but I didn’t understand what the hand meant. I was confounded and I remain confounded.

I clearly experienced the hand of G-d during the Holocaust only I did not understand its meaning…I saw the hand

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of G-d in everything.”

My Rebbe taught us to seek the hand of G-d even when we don’t possess the “cheat sheet” toward explaining His decisions.

Sometimes we feel that G-d is overtly “present” directing a supernatural event but we cannot comprehend the message or the meaning. That should not prevent us from sensing the Divine presence. In many ways, it is our lack of comprehension, which augments the sense of G-d’s presence. When human cognition has been laid to rest, the presence of G-d is sensed in greater transparency.

During the past few weeks, we have sensed the presence of G-d– through our physical and medical fragility, and through the vulnerability of human experience in general. We may not possess the answer as to why G-d is allowing this epidemic but this should not bar us from deeply sensing His presence. The lack of answers should not blur the clarity of His presence.

Rabbi Moshe Taragin has taught at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion, for the past 22 years.

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Tazria Metzora RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

DISEASE IN ANCIENT JERUSALEM

Contagious disease is a central feature of the Torah readings this Shabbat.

Strangely the disease did not spread in Temple times when thousands of pilgrims went up to the sanctuary. The city was crowded but somehow the populace remained safe.

There must have been something unique about their pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and unfortunately that saving grace seems lacking in our age.

An explanation seems to be contained in the Midrashic interpretation of the disease.

Though we usually translate the word M’tzora as “leper”, the sages viewed it metaphorically as the tendency to indulge in slander. M’tzora in that sense is motzi shem ra, a person who speaks badly of a neighbour.

The great gathering in ancient Jerusalem saw so much human niceness between people.

The pilgrims were protected by an aura of mutual appreciation and affection.

THE BARREN WOMAN WHO BECAME HAPPY

Parashat Tazria begins with the woman who conceives and bears a child.

It recalls Psalm 113, in which verse 9 ostensibly refers to the akeret ha-bayit, the “barren woman”, who becomes em ha-banim s’mechah, “the happy mother of children”.

Why does the verse not say “unhappy” before the phrase akeret ha-bayit?

Possibly akeret ha-bayit is not a barren

woman at all; akeret could be connected with ikkar, which means “main thing”. In that sense, the main thing in a house is the em ha-banim, the mother who has a child or children.

Despite the moments of strain and worry, she feels not only happy but specially blessed by G-d.

PRIESTS & DOCTORS

There are sections of the Torah which some find rather irritating.

Only an architect or builder, so the argument runs, would be interested in the passages in Sh’mot that deal with the design and construction of the Tabernacle.

Only a doctor or nurse would be interested in today’s sidra with its medical detail about diagnosis and treatment.

So why not pass over this material and move to something more spiritual?

It is not difficult to suggest an answer.

For the Torah, everything is spiritual.

It has been said that G-d is interested in many things other than religion: that is, if you see religion as merely priests, pews and prayers.

Judaism sees life and religion as coextensive. How you build a house, wash plates, run a business, see the stars – all are part of the scope of religion.

Hence it should not surprise us that the leprosy law in today’s reading involves the kohen. He is not simply an officiant in the sanctuary but also a public health official, investigating suspected leprosy, imposing a period of quarantine, pronouncing the disease cured. (There are various kinds of leprosy in the Bible, some more curable than others.)

But how did a spiritual leader reconcile his “religious” and “secular” interests?

Presumably his medical activity required training. Did this not detract from his religious studies?

One might ask the same question of famous rabbinical figures throughout history.

After all, the Talmudic rabbis included scribes and astronomers, cobblers and gladiators.

Rashi had a vineyard. The Rambam was a doctor.

It is not just that the rabbinate was not then a salaried profession and therefore people had to make a living. To be a member of the Sanhedrin a person had to be versed in the range of human activity.

The Rambam says, “We only appoint to the Sanhedrin men of wisdom and understanding, outstandingly expert in the Torah and possessed of wide knowledge. They should know something of all branches of knowledge, such as medicine, mathematics and the seasons and even the nonsense of idol-worship and other such subjects, so that they will be able to judge in such matters” (Laws of Sanhedrin 2:1).

This is not simply a matter of history, applying to the Sanhedrin of ancient days.

In messianic days when the Sanhedrin is reconstituted, rabbis without secular knowledge will be at a disadvantage!

In truth, everything is part of religion.

The Bible says, “In all your ways know Him” (Prov. 3:6).

In science, I see the Divine hand designing and directing an amazingly intricate universe.

In the arts I see the creative spirit He

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has placed in the human heart and mind.

In medicine I see G-d-given healing protecting body and spirit.

In law I see Him enabling man to build a balanced society dedicated to peace, justice and truth.

Wherever I go I see G-d. So-called secular study helps to reveal the Master of the Universe.

The Talmud took this for granted: a significant area of its concern is analysis of precisely such matters!

The kohen who diagnosed leprosy was therefore doing G-d’s work in the broader sanctuary of the human community.

Rabbi Apple served for 32 years as the chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, Australia’s oldest congregation. He is now retired and lives in Jerusalem. Rabbi Apple blogs at http://www.oztorah.com

Mesillat Yesharim: Part 34 RABBI MORDECHAI ULLMAN We are grateful to be able to continue our study of the Mesillat Yesharim. As mentioned last time, we will be discussing the concept of beautifying Mitzvot in the context of the trait of “Chassidut” as defined

by Ramchal. Based on a verse recited in the daily prayer Shacharis “Zeh Keli Ve’anveihu” = our Rabbis deduced that one should make an effort to make Mitzvot beautiful. For example, one should have a nice pair of Tzitzit, Tefillin, a nicely written Sefer Torah, a nice Lulav etc. This is because Hashem is referred to as “Kel HaKavod” and it is thus incumbent upon us to honour Him notwithstanding the fact that He has no need for it at all. One of the first majors sins in history - murder

- resulted from the “smaller” sin of Kayin bringing a less expensive offering to Hashem.

Most certainly a person must treat items of Kedusha - such as a sefer,a siddur and a shul with respect. When praying a person must ensure to look presentable,

as we find that our great uncle Esau would dress in his special clothing when serving his parents - how much more so when we approach the G-d of the world, that we must ensure to dress and act in a respectful manner? Similarly, with regards to Shabbat and Yom Tov, it is not

…it is not sufficient to simply adhere to the laws of Shabbat; a person should go out of their way to show honour to Shabbat…

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sufficient to simply adhere to the laws of Shabbat; a person should go out of their way to show honour to Shabbat, as we found with the great sages of the Talmud that they would personally involve themselves in preparation for Shabbat.

They would consider - how would I show honour to an esteemed guest - and in that manner prepare for Shabbat. In fact some of our sages who would wear white on Shabbat, would make a point of wearing black on Friday, in order to distinguish between the holy and the mundane.

Use your creativity, urge the sages, to show honour to Hashem. This way, a person is displaying “Yirat Ha’romemus” - an awe and appreciation for G-d’s majesty, not merely a fear of retribution.

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Tazria Metzora Tazria Metzora Word Search

Parshat Tazria and Metzora are all about what happened to a person who unfortunately had Tzaraat. We are taught that it comes as a result of either being too arrogant or of speaking Loshon Hora. We are taught about how the Kohen guides the person who has got Tzaraat in initially staying apart from other people and then guiding him how to become pure once again. For example, he brings two birds and offers them to Hashem- noisy tweeting birds, and is thereby taught that sometimes its best to be silent.

Tzarat can also land on a person’s clothes or their house. We no longer have this in our times, but we still have the underlying message - which is to guard our tongue, spread peace and goodwill and to stay humble!

Tangram Challenge!

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BIRTH • BRIT • KOHEN • LEPROSY • SKIN • TAHOR • TAMEI • WOMEN

Using all the shapes on the left can you make the butterfly on the right?

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Tazria Metzora

In a nutshell We now return to Sefer Vayikra and this week we are in for a double dose on the importance of watching our mouths!

Our Rabbis taught us that in a similar way to the creation of man following that of the creation of animals, the laws surrounding impurity of man also follows that of animals to remind us that we have a superiority over animals, so long as we behave in a manner that befits a human being.

Parshat Tazria opens with the laws surrounding the sacrifice a woman brings after childbirth. We are taught that a boy’s Bris is done on the eighth day - even if it on Shabbat. Then, the Parsha gets into the detail of the fascinating laws of “Tzaraat” and the person who is afflicted with the disease, called the “Metzora” (hence the name of the second of this week’s Parshiyot).

Tzaraat was a type of growth that started on the house, then if the message is not received, it goes onto one’s clothes, and eventually, onto the body. When

one needed to know what action was necessary as a Metzora, they would call the Kohen, and he would advise whether one needed to isolate oneself for a week (eerily echoing some of the instructions we are hearing in our day and some have suggested that we keep the laws of pure speech even stronger in thee times so as to bring an end to our troubles).

Once one was a confirmed Metzora they had to warn people to stay away from them, decaring “Tamei!

Tamei”. Their clothes also needed to be torn like a mourner.

When it was time to begin the purification process, the Metzora would bring two birds as a sacrifice (to remind him not to “tweet” all day long) as well as ceder wood and a dyed thread along with a humble plant (to remind him not to be arrogant - humility being the greatest of all Middot as the Ramban taught us in his letter).

The blood of one of the birds is sprinkled on the

Word Wheel

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.

Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

Metzora 7 times, he is shaven and immerses himself in water - like he is born again and begins a life of watching his tongue anew. He then brings sheep as a sacrifice along with flour and oil, the oil being sprinkled on his large finger (thumb and toe) as well as his ear.

Interestingly, the Rabbis taught that at times, when Tzaraat would befall a person on their house, it was actually for their benefit. For, when the Cannanite nations heard that the Jews were on their way, they hid their gold in the walls of their homes. When a Jew noticed Tzaraat on their walls and eventually were told to demolish their home, they would find all of these valuables. (The process of purification for a home afflicted by Tzaraat also involved the blood of the birds being sprinkled on it.) Isn’t it fascinating that what appears to be a punishment or an inconvenience ends up being a gift? Didn’t a famous writer once write that behind every obstacle lies an opportunity? Well, now they have…

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! bat bet bit but

fab fib lab lib

tab tub abet able

abut bail bait bale

bate beat beau belt

beta bile bite blat

blue flab tuba tube

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beaut befit bleat built

butle fable albeit fibula

beautiful

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A: Why didn’t the skeleton go to the dance?

A: He had no body to dance with!

Q: Why was the picture sent to prison?

A: It was framed!

Q: Why can’t you trust atoms?

A: They makeup everything!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. What five letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

3.What’s is so fragile that saying its name breaks it?

Q: What did the hat say to the scarf?

A: You hang around, I will go on ahead!

2. Im tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I?

3) A piano 1. short (short+er)

2) Silence 1. Lemonade 2. Comfortable 3. Little white lie THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

4. First aid 5. Outnumbered 6. A cut above the rest