The Jewish Weekly Issue 188

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IDF WILL STRIKE HAMAS TARGETS IF ROCKET ATTACKS CONTINUE

BY DAVID SAFFER

allowing Islamic Jihad to target southern Israel in Israel Defence Forces will cross-border violence. not hesitate to strike Hamas Earlier this week, five targets in the Gaza Strip if rockets were fired from the rocket attacks at border comGaza Strip towards Israel munities don’t stop. whilst rioting has continOver the past week over ued for days in Jerusalem.

45 rockets have been fired In the south, the Iron across the border where tenDome anti-missile desions have escalated. fence system intercepted No serious injuries have two rockets. And in Sderot, been reported but IDF offour people sustained light ficers presented various opinjuries. tions to the Security Cabinet In response, Israel this week should Prime Minclosed the fishing zone ister Benjamin Netanyahu around the Gaza Strip unand Defense Minister Benny til further notice.

Gantz decide on a response.

Hundreds of people have Analysts believe Palestindemonstrated at Damasian Islamic Jihad militants cus Gate and elsewhere are behind the recent rocket in the city. Police arrested attacks, and both Israel and Rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK over 20 people for public Hamas have intimated they disturbances including do not wish to escalate violence for having violence escalate, but attacking police officers, hurling to UN and Egyptian negotiators. we are prepared in case the rock- stones and firebombs and other But the present spike in attacks et fire continues,” media reports violent activity. noted. will not be tolerated by Israel.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 “The ball is in Hamas’ hands.

Israel has consistently stated There is no desire on Israel’s part that Hamas is responsible for

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Antisemitic graffiti in Tottenham Boarding school teen expelled

over antisemitic post

BY SIMCHA ABIR

Antisemitic graffiti in Tottenham Hale

Antisemitic graffiti promoting Holocaust denial and Nazi symbols has been found in Tottenham.

Written against a property billboard, one section of graffiti read, “COVIDHOAX + HOLOHOAX = JEW WORLD ORDER” In a similar message, “COVID IS A LIE HOLOCAUST IS A LIE **** THE JEWS” was found nearby with graffiti of a swastika beside it. “**** THE JEWS HITLER WAS RIGHT” was also spotted.

The advertising billboard is situated close to the Jewish community in Stamford Hill and near Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium.

The football club has recently been the target of antisemitic abuse following the European Super League proposal.

PHOTO: CAA

A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said, “This series of incidents of antisemitic graffiti are abhorrent and have no place on British streets, let alone so near a Jewish community. The graffiti must be removed and the perpetrators must be found. All citizens have a right to walk our streets without being confronted with racist graffiti and incitement.”

We are grateful to a member of the public who brought these images to our attention.

Graffiti was reported by Stamford Hill Shomrim.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim on 0300 9990123 quoting reference number, CAD 3737 20/04/21.

A schoolboy from a prestigious Oxfordshire boarding school has been expelled after allegedly sending an antisemitic image to a Jewish student from the same school.

The image, sent through Snapchat, was said to have depicted three people dressed as Nazis soldiers. The fifteen-year-old also allegedly created a video on TikTok, another social media app, in which he was said to have joked about raping a woman from a different TikTok video.

The Headmaster of Abingdon School, Michael Windsor, described the videos as “grossly racist and sexist”. He added, “These incidents do not just contravene our Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions Policy but they go completely against the ethos and culture of the school based on courtesy, kindness and respect.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the school demonstrating that it took antisemitism seriously. But a spokesperson was disappointed the boy’s parents dismissed the incident as “just jokes”.

Regarding the stance by the school, they noted, it had shown that it is not treating the matter as a joke at all.

“Abingdon should be applauded for its

decision, showing its commitment to the welfare of its Jewish pupils,” they said.

The schoolboy issued a response regretting his “stupid” actions.

“I deeply regret my actions and I understand that people could get offended by them very easily but I had no intention of offending or hurting someone’s feelings,” he said. “In the small amount of time I have had to think about my disgraceful actions, I can certainly confirm that not a single thing I said was intended with harm or to offend anyone. I understand now that it would and I regret posting those things, it was a lack of judgment before when posting, and I did not think about all the people that would see my profile. I am deeply sorry and I promise that this will not happen again.”

The boy’s parents defended their son, arguing social media is not real life so the punishment should not be severe.

CAA has called for tougher regulations for many years on social media. They backed a petition for The #NoSafeSpaceForJewHate due to social media companies’ failure to remove hatred.

Over 3,000 people supported the petition for the Government to bring an Online Harms Bill before Parliament last year and make it law by July 2021.

Rav Yosef warning for Lag B’Omer

BY SIMCHA ABIR Israel’s government has voted to lift all COVID-19 restrictions on public transport for Lag B’Omer which falls Thursday night into Friday.

Around 200,000 people are expected to celebrate Lag B’Omer at the gravesite of 2nd-century sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron. Police are expecting disruptions to public transportation services throughout Israel. Hundreds of buses and dozens of trains will transport visitors to the annual pilgrimage.

In related news, bonfires are banned due to an expected heatwave whilst HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef has warned visitors to Meron not to cause policemen securing the area to be mechallel Shabbos. “There are police officers there, they need to direct traffic and preserve order, and they’re required to work

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there,” he reportedly explained. “If people remain at Meron until the afternoon, the policemen will be forced to remain there also.

And then they’ll return to their homes, it will already be close to evening or already night time and they’ll be mechallel Shabbos. That means that someone who made the effort to come to daven at the kever of Rashbi caused police officers to be mechallel Shabbos.”

Rav Yosef added, “Everyone should leave early and return early and be home already by the afternoon. That way, by the afternoon there will be less people at Meron and the policemen won’t be needed.” Rav Yosef also called on visitors not to throw out papers with pessukim and brachos. “The Va’ad HaGeniza requested that I warn people about this,” he noted. “Ultimately, these papers have pessukim and other divrei kedushah, and people should be careful about this.”

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 20 Opinion 26 Community 32 Features 37 Travel 38 3Cokkery

40 Judaism 46 Kids 48 Youth 50 Sport

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 In a bid to end protests, police removed barricades outside Damascus Gate.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, relating to Jerusalem riots, reportedly commented, “We guarantee religious freedom like we do every year, for all residents and for all visitors to Jerusalem. Right now, we demand that the law be followed. I call on all sides to display calm.”

A police spokesperson reportedly said, “Following a special assessment of the situation, in addition to dialogue with the local and religious leadership it was decided to try and remove the barricades in order to lower the level of violence and incitement.” They added, “Our forces are still deployed on the ground and we will not allow violence to resurge.” .

In related news, Israel closed Israelis and Palestinians clash following a week of street terror attacks the fishing zone of the Gaza Strip coast in response to continued rocket fire “blatant violation of their rights”. pose an actual danger to life. Hashem Yisannounced on Monday.

Rosh Yeshivas Mir HaGaon HaRav barach should send a refuah sheleimah to Maj.-Gen. Ghassan Alian, Coordinator Eliezer Yehudah Finkel responded to riots all those injured.” of Government Activities in the Territories and attacks on Charedi Jews in Jerusalem HaRav Finkel clarified the magnitude of (COGAT), reportedly commentated, “Ha- by warning students to be wary on Motzei the danger involved in approaching spemas bears responsibility for everything Shabbat. cific areas. that is done in and out of the Gaza Strip He noted in a letter, “Haters of Israel are “These are not innocent demonstraand it will bear the consequences of the perpetrating attacks against Jews on our tions, they are dangerous riots with the violence perpetrated against the citizens streets, and the violent and dangerous ri- participation of murderous terrorists,” of Israel.” ots have encroached on the area near the he explained. “No one has control over Hamas responded that the closure was a yeshivah and has become deadly riots that them and it’s likely that they can quickly Est. 1983

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deteriorate into murder, rachmana latzlan (G-d forbid). Apart from this, a terrible chillul Hashem can ensue from the very presence of Bnei HaYeshivah near these places and even cause great damage to the yeshivah in Israel and abroad.

We hereby warn with the greatest severity that none of the Bnei Yeshivah should risk their lives and go near these places and events.”

Last weekend, 36 rockets were launched on Israeli communities in the south as a response to clashes between Jerusalem police and Palestinians near Damascus Gate in the Old City.

The IDF has reinforced its defense system in southern Israel due to thae worrying trend of violence.

Netanyahu last week ordered “preparations for any scenario” following rocket sirens that saw residents rush to bomb shelters in Eshkol, Sha’ar Hanegev, Sdot Negev, Hof Ashkelon regional counPHOTO: YWN cils and Ashkelon.

Ofir Libstein, Shaar HaNegev Regional Council, following rocket fire, told reporters that peace was “temporary and fragile” while Gadi Yarkoni, Eshkol Regional Council, said there was an “unbearable ease” that Gaza organisations fire at Israeli localities.

Due to the escalation in violence, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi cancelled a diplomatic trip to the United States this week to discuss the Iran nuclear deal.

Israel to aid India and Ethiopia

BY SIMCHA ABIR

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Israel is set to join the international effort to aid India in the battle against COVID-19.

It has also been reported that Israel will send a medical aid team to Ethiopia in the fight against deadly virus next month.

A second wave in India has resulted in over 200,000 fatalities since the onset of the pandemic.

India’s population of 1.4 billion people has experienced a huge spike in cases and is now the fastest growing in the world. India’s total of around 18 million is surpassed by the United States, 33 million (587,000 deaths).

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noted this week, “I hope that there will be an international effort, in which Israel is ready to be a full partner, to stop this tragedy.”

Israel’s coronavirus czar Prof. Nachman Ash confirmed that Israel was considering sending medical aid to India on Monday. An unofficial request for medical assistance was received by the Israeli Embassy in India.

“When you see the high infection rates

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abroad you understand that the pandemic has not ended yet,” Ash reportedly said.

Former czar Prof. Ronni Gamzu has requested support from the Health and Foreign Ministries for a medical delegation and supplies.

“In my opinion, this is the correct and moral thing to do at this time,” Gamzu reportedly said. “We can’t celebrate life (in Israel), while corpses are being cremated on the other side of the world.”

Dr Assaf Peretz who has run Samson Assuta University Hospital’s coronavirus ward in Ashdod will lead the delegation on a 14-day mission to the African nation.

“The possibility (that Israel) would be sending out aid missions (abroad) to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic was, up until recently, no more than a dream,” Dr. Peretz reportedly said.

He added, “Israel has a moral and ethical duty to act wherever it can to share its knowledge and experience in dealing with the virus. Taking part in such a delegation is a great privilege and enormous source of pride for Israel.”

Israel has issued a travel warning to Ethiopia which has registered over 3,400 deaths.

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Board and AAD join social media walkout

BY ADAM MOSES Action Against Discrimination and the Board of Deputies have welcomed an announcement that the Premier League, English Football League and FA Women’s Super League will switch off their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts tomorrow (3pm) until May 3 (11.59pm).

The boycott takes place “across a full fixture programme” and is a response to discriminatory and racial online abuse directed at footballers, pundits and mem-

strong legislation to make social media companies more accountable for what happens on their platforms, as discussed at the DCMS Online Abuse round table earlier this week.”

The Football Supporters’ Association, League Managers’ Association, Women in Football, Women’s Championship and Professional Game Match Officials Limited also committed to the boycott.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said, “Racist abuse online is never acceptable.

Our new online safety laws hold social

“Not nearly enough is being done by social media companies to combat such abuse, whether it involves anti-black racism, misogyny, homophobia or antisemitism.” bers of the footballing community that has become the norm in recent months.

The professional leagues joined the Football Association, Professional Footballers’ Association and Kick It Out in a joint statement calling on social media companies to eradicate online hate whilst highlighting the importance of educating people in the fight against discrimination.

The group noted, “While football takes a stand, we urge the UK government to ensure its Online Safety Bill will bring in

media companies to account for tackling it, with large fines if they don’t. I’ve met footballers to help shape these laws. By working together we will stop this.”

“We are willing to take the harder, legislative measures,” he added.

A BoD spokesman said, “Not nearly enough is being done by social media companies to combat such abuse, whether it involves anti-black racism, misogyny, homophobia or antisemitism. With regard to the latter, we note recent examples such

as the antisemitic abuse aimed at Celtic’s Nir Bitton after the Old Firm Derby in January, the vile responses in March to Aston Villa wishing Jewish fans a ‘Happy Passover’ and antisemitic abuse thrown at Jews perceived to have involvement with the failed Super League”. They added, “Such abuse, whether it comes from the stands at a game or the replies to an social media post, is unacceptable.”

AAD pointed out that following the announcement of the European Super League, Jewish owners of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were subjected to online abuse including standard antiSemitic stereotypes.

AAD have been consistent in its insistence that clubs, football authorities, police and social media platforms have to do much more to prevent and eradicate this behaviour.

Jonathan Metliss, AAD Chairman, commented, “We hope this weekend’s planned boycott makes social media platforms stand up and take notice, prompting those responsible into taking serious and

29 APRIL 2021 appropriate action and eradicating this behaviour and identifying the culprits.”

Premier League’s Richard Masters commented, “Football is a diverse sport, which brings together communities and cultures from all backgrounds and this diversity makes the competition stronger. No Room For Racism represents all the work we do to promote equality, diversity and inclusion and tackling discrimination.”

Edleen John, The FA’s Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, noted, “It’s simply unacceptable that people across English football and society more broadly continue to be subjected to discriminatory abuse online on a daily basis, with no real-world consequences for perpetrators.”

She added, “We have recently seen how powerful it can be when everybody is united for the good of the English game.”

Trevor Birch, EFL, said: “While we recognise the value and role social media plays in our game, online abuse will not be tolerated and we will continue to strongly pursue all avenues open to us to affect change.”

Sanjay Bhandari, Kick It Out, added, “This boycott signifies our collective anger at the damage this causes to the people who play, watch and work in the game. By removing ourselves from the platforms, we are making a symbolic gesture to those with power.”

Richard Bevan, LMA, said, “A unified silence will send a loud and powerful message to those that perpetrate online abuse that their actions will no longer be tolerated.”

Kevin Miles, Football Supporters’ Association, noted, “Many of our most active fan groups tell us that they have received disgusting abuse when they are doing nothing more than trying to represent their supporter base. It’s a threat to the very existence of supporter organisations who are run by volunteers in their spare time.”

Florida students to follow Rebbe’s concept of daily reflection

BY SIMCHA ABIR Florida’s legislature has passed a bill requiring public school students be given a brief period to reflect each school day.

The law comes almost four decades after the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, spoke about the concept of a Moment of Silence in America’s schools.

The State Senate’s approval of the Moment of Silence in Public Schools bill follows its passage in Florida’s House of Representatives last month. It takes effect on July 1.

The bill was sponsored in the State Representatives Randy Fine and Senator Dennis Baxley. It passed both Houses with bipartisan support.

Baxley met Rabbi Shneur Zalman Oirechman of Chabad-Lubavitch Panhandle,

Tallahassee in 2019.

After the meeting, Baxley discussed the proposal with Rabbi Yossi Hecht, ChabadLubavitch Ocala, which he represents, and vowed to sponsor a bill regarding a Moment of Silence. Baxley reportedly told Chabad, “It’s important for students to observe a moment of silence as they reflect and begin their day. In fact, this would be a good practice for all of us.”

Fine sees the bill as non-denominational regardless of faith or background. “Every child will benefit,” he noted.

Oirechman’s work on the bill was inspired by the Rebbe who was a champion of moral education in schools.

The Rebbe in 1983 spoke about the concept of a Moment of Silence in America’s schools in the face of rising crime rates and

societal dysfunction across the nation.

“The Rebbe passionately encouraged a Moment of Silence in all public schools,” observed Oirechman. “He spoke of how it will put society on a better path, by giving children the awareness of something greater than themselves.”

“Knowing that school time is devoted to education the child realises that the moment of silence must be dedicated to the most important things in his life,” the Rebbe explained in a 1986 address.

The Florida Moment of Silence bill notes, ‘Legislature finds that our youth, and society as a whole, would be well served if students in the public schools were afforded a moment of silence at the beginning of each school day.’

Chabad-Lubavitch Florida attempted

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to bring a Moment of Silence to schools in 2018 after the Parkland mass school shooting. Chabad rabbis held talks about security plans for Florida Jewish centers and underlined a need for a Moment of Silence to benefit society.

After the 2019 shooting attack at Chabad Poway, California, Oirechman acted.

“Poway was an attack of darkness,” he told Chabad. “I felt a need to respond to this attack. To fight darkness, you must increase light.” He added, “This is the best way to respond to the recent attacks on the synagogues and houses of worship, shootings in schools. We need to bring more light into schools.”

Oirechman anticipates if children think about others they will have a better day that will better the world around them.

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CAA & Baddiel disgusted at protesters wearing ‘yellow star’ Campaign Against Antisemitism has backed comedian David Baddiel in expressing their disgust in protesters wearing a ‘yellow star’ at an anti-vaccination rally in London last weekend.

Comedian David Baddiel took to Twitter to share a photo of a woman wearing the yellow star with a caption “Take. That.

Off.” A CAA spokesperson noted, “Jews were forced to wear a yellow Star of David so that the David Baddiel Nazis could easily identify them and massacre them in a systematic genocide that saw six million Jewish men, women and children slaughtered simply for being Jewish.

“Comparisons between the Holocaust and COVID-19 regulations and vaccinations are grossly ignorant and utterly despicable, because to compare vaccination passports, restrictions on who can enter a football area or rules about wearing masks on public transport with the genocide of over a third of the world’s Jewish population in the Holocaust is essentially a form of Holocaust denial.”

The Auschwitz Memorial tweeted, “Instrumentalisation of the tragedy of Jews who suffered, were humiliated, marked with a yellow star, and finally isolated in ghettos

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and murdered during the Holocaust, in order to argue against vaccination that saves human lives is a sad symptom of moral and intellectual decline.”

This is not the first time that anti-vaccination protesters have used yellow star during rallies.

Recently, French protesters wore them at a demonstration in Avignon. They have also been seen elsewhere in Europe and North America.

In other incidents, reports PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA emerged of two hate attacks in Clapton Common.

A man yelled “Heil Hitler” as he drove past a Jewish pedestrian and a rabbi was assaulted by another man yelling “Dirty Jew, I am going to kill you!”

The suspect allegedly also took the rabbi’s hat off his head and threw it to the ground.

Following this, the suspect stripped down to his underwear and “made explicit gestures outside a synagogue”.

The suspect is believed to have been arrested by Hackney Police.

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Litzman faces prosecution over Leifer extradition

Yaakov Litzman

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

BY SIMCHA ABIR Israel’s former Health Minister and United Torah Judaism co-leader Yaakov Litzman will reportedly be prosecuted for attempting to prevent alleged sex abuser Malka Leifer’s extradition to Australia.

The former Israeli-born teacher, 54, faced 74 child sex charges against three sisters whilst headmistress of Adass Israel School in Elsternwick (2001-08) at Melbourne Magistrates Court earlier this month.

Litzman faces bearing false witness, fraud and breach of trust charges.

The Police fraud unit investigated Litzman for several months after he allegedly pressured psychiatrists to state Leifer was unfit to stand trial in Australia.

Manny Waks, VoiCSA, noted his organisation had concerns over Litzman in the case.

“Having sat through most of the 70 plus court hearings in Israel, it was clear to me, and to many others, that something was amiss,” Waks reportedly said.

Leifer is in custody, she appeared via video link in court. Sisters Dassi Erlich, Nicole Meyer and Elly Sapper are among 10 witnesses due to give evidence in a September committal hearing.

The sisters gained a court order to speak publicly about the case under their real names last year. They have requested to give evidence in person, not remotely, in the hearing later this year.

Israel’s Supreme Court rejected an extradition appeal by Leifer last December.

Protracted court hearings strained relations with Australia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowed to raise the case with Israel’s government to expediate a resolution.

When charges materialised 13 years ago,

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Malka Leifer

PHOTO: TWITTER

Leifer, who holds Israeli and Australian dual citizenship, and maintains her innocence, fled to Israel.

After Australia filed extradition papers, Leifer was put under house arrest in 2014.

Abuse is alleged to have occurred in Melbourne suburbs of Elsternwick, Elwood, Emerald and Frankston, West Gippsland region and Blampied in the Central Highlands.

In related news, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is expected to indict Litzman, again on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, in trying to influence Health Ministry officials over breaches of public health for a restaurant near his Jerusalem home. A number of products are named Litzman.

Officials reportedly found traces of salmonella and listeria in food following reports that a pregnant woman miscarried after eating at the venue. Officials linked three hospitalisations to the business.

The ministry issued an order to shut down the business in 2015. Litzman allegedly requested to freeze the order and visited the restaurant with ministry officials.

A police investigation revealed Litzman explained methods of avoiding closure to officials and admitted he was a regular customer. After being informed the business was a threat to public health, Litzman allegedly offered the officials enhanced employment conditions. They declined.

Litzman, was born in Germany in 1948, he is married and a father of three children.

A Knesset MK since 1999, Litzman stepped down as UTJ chair in February after 18 years in post.

Following numerous Knesset posts, Litzman was appointed Deputy Minister of Health in April 2009, becoming Minister of Health in 2015 and again in 2019.

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Aussie ADC slam Nazi auction

BY ADAM MOSES

Australia,” ADC chair Dvir Abramovich told The Australian Jewish News (AJN) in a The Anti-Defamation Commission in Aus- statement last Friday. tralia has condemned an auction “The extermination and deselling Nazi memorabilia in humanisation of millions Perth, Australia as “pershould not have a tag verse and twisted.” price and be offered Among items aucto the highest bidtioned last week der. The perverse

by JB Military and twisted sale Antiques were of these blooda cigarette box, stained items decanter, gravy that belonged boat and hairto a monster brush purporttramples on edly belonging the memory of to Adolf Hitler. the victims of The Nazi leadthe Holocaust er’s cigarette box and is a spit on sold for A$29,000, tathe graves of the valbleware A$25,000 and iant diggers who sacrihairbrush A$19,000. ficed their lives to defeat “If Hitler was alive today, this evil tyrant.” he would be thanking JB Mil- Silver table salver plate AJN reported that a Jewish itary Antiques and applauding father and 23-year-old son of their lurid trade, delighted that his legacy a Holocaust survivor were escorted from is being mainstreamed and promoted in the controversial auction after being told

police may be called if they didn’t leave the building.

The son AJN he had attended the auction to “understand what type of people would bid on an item like that”.

“The fact that a cigar box sold for $29,000 purely because it belonged to a man that tried to wipe out an entire race is an absolutely disgusting idea,” he explained.

JB Military Antiquities owner Jamey Blewitt reportedly told AJN he will continue to sell Nazi items as it is “a legitimate business”.

“I totally understand the views held by the Jewish community and other members of society in relation to the sale of such items,’ he explained. “However, let us not forget that history, right or wrong, is history.”

Blewitt added, “Whilst this is a period of history which has caused and continues to cause pain and discomfort for a great number of people these items are sold as historical artefacts in their nature and speak more about the educational legacy as opposed to me or my auction house wanting to glorify or promote Nazism or the ideals and beliefs of Adolf Hitler.”

ZAKA’s Meshi-Zahav in hospital

BY ADAM MOSES Disgraced ZAKA co-founder Yehuda Meshi-Zahav is in stable condition after attempting to commit suicide.

Israel Police reportedly discovered a note belonging to Meshi-Zahav, who faces sexual allegations charges against women and children dating back to the 1980s, last Thursday.

The former Zaka head was found by his son who called Magen David Adam emergency services.

Paramedics attended the scene before transporting Meshi-Zahav in critical condition to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

Responders described the incident as “shocking” after resuscitating Meshi-Zahav.

A suicide note, allegedly written by Meshi-Zahav, appeared in the media, family lawyers declared it a fake. Lawyers stated they would file a defamation suit, adding they had seen Meshi-Zahav the day before the incident and did not think he was planning to take his life.

Hospital chief Dr. Ofer Merin reportedly told media that Meshi-Zahav may have brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Tests have been undertaken in recent days to establish his medical condition.

Allegations dating back to the 1980s were reported by Haaretz newspaper leading to a police investigation. The statute of limitations has run out on five of six cases. Investigations surround a sixth case.

According to media, police investigated Meshi-Zahav over sexual assault allegations in 2011. The case was closed due to lack of evidence.

Yehuda Meshi-Zahav

Meshi-Zahav had been awarded a prestigious Israel Prize life achievement award before sexual assault allegations emerged this month.

Alleged crimes have reportedly been known to the community in Jerusalem.

A Zaka official reportedly told the media, “Volunteers especially feel very hurt. They are the ones doing the work, but now they feel ashamed to be associated with ZAKA.” Following the expose, Meshi-Zahav sent a letter to ZAKA volunteers confirming he was stepping aside and would hand back his award.

“He noted, “The situation in which I find myself, requires me to take time out from my responsibilities as chairman until the cloud has been removed.”

ZAKA issued a statement to calm those using their voluntary services for over 30 years identifying victims of terror, road accidents and disasters in Israel and around the world.

“ZAKA’s mission extends beyond any one individual or consideration, and the organisation will continue to carry out its work for the benefit of the citizens of Israel, the Jewish people and anyone in need with dedication and loyalty,” they noted.

Following the prize award, the committee noted Meshi-Zahav’s “outstanding contribution” in advancing assistance at disaster events and for creating unity in Israeli society.

Meshi-Zahav lost his brother and parents a month prior to the award.

He noted at the time, “The award is not only mine but belongs to the thousands of ZAKA volunteers in Israel and around the world who dedicate their lives to helping others, saving lives and honouring the dead. Meshi-Zahav added, “I see the award as a commitment to increase our activities for Kiddush Hashem, sanctification of the Name, for bringing people together, selfless love and unity within Israel, concern for others and mutual guarantee.”

The Jewish Weekly follows halachic guidance on the laws of Lashan Harah. Articles like the one above are published to warn the Kehilla of the dangers that exist in society, in particular to protect vulnerable adults and children.

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Brunel and Bath adopt IHRA Brunel University and University of Bath has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.

The dual adoption increases the number of universities backing the IHRA working definition.

Campaign Against Antisemitism applauded both universities showing commitment to fighting antisemitism on campus but called for more establishments to follow.

“It is increasingly noticeable that some universities are failing to adopt the Definition and signal their opposition to antisemitism, they must adopt it immediately,” a spokesman said.

In a statement Brunel supports initiatives that seek to tackle prejudice and discrimination.

The university’s existing policies on equality, diversity and inclusion reinforces the message that antisemitism “will not be tolerated” and will have due regard to the Definition when considering any allegation raised.

“Council upholds Brunel’s commitment to freedom of speech,” Brunel added.

Bath noted, “Our University is committed to being an inclusive community, which cherishes diversity. We seek to create a community where hate, harassment and discrimination are never tolerated. Condemning antisemitism and tackling any antisemitic incidents is very much part of this commitment.”

CAA has consistently backed Government efforts to encourage widespread adoption of the Definition by local authorities, universities and public bodies.

The UK was the first country in the world to adopt the Definition.

Students concerned about antisemitism on campus should telephone CAA 0330 822 0321 or e-mail campus@antisemitism.org

Bailey will lead trade delegation to Israel if elected Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, Shaun Bailey, will lead a trade delegation to Israel in his first year of office if elected next week (May 6th).

In the wide-ranging Jewish community hustings, Bailey recalled a visit to Auschwitz two years ago with March of the Living and trip to Israel with the Conservative Friends of Israel in 2012.

Bailey spoke with Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, about increasing bilateral trade, innovation and tourism, and building on links between the two nations.

Bailey also backed the 10 commitments of the Jewish Manifesto for London, including the implementation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, supporting the security of the Jewish community, strengthening links with Israel and opposing boycotts of Israel.

The Board of Deputies and JLC, meantime, jointly hosted hustings for candidates in the Welsh and Scottish government elections last week.

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AI tool may aid cancer treatment Chai Cancer Care has welcomed news this week that an artificial intelligence tool that can decipher the DNA of tumours could transform cancer treatments for patients.

Scientists announced the groundbreaking news that each cancer has its own genetic identify, similar to a fingerprint, created by mutations and distort the DNA in its cells.

It is hoped the new diagnostic technique could be used to tailor treatment to individuals far quicker than is possible at present.

Lisa Steele, Chai’s Chief Executive, described the update as a “very encouraging development and breakthrough” in cancer treatment.

“Personalised care has been Chai’s hallmark for over 30 years and we understand that each diagnosis brings with it its own set of individual challenges for both the patient and their loved ones,” she said.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK, Chief Executive, added, “Immunotherapy in particular can be powerful, but it doesn’t work on everyone, so figuring out how to tell when it will work is vital to making it the most useful treatment it can be.”

Operating from 11 centres across the

UK, through its range of 66 specialised services, Chai provides support and care for each person who turns to us in the community impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Chai has now reopened its doors after the easing of lockdown restrictions so have resumed face-to-face complementary therapies at its Flagship centre in north west London.

Care through counselling and groups has been provided for the past 14 months via telephone, Skype and Zoom.

Ms Steele, noted, “The energy and excitement in the building was palpable and It was so heart-warming to see our clients benefitting from the treatments they haven’t been able to have in so long!”

Fundraising continues, earlier this month, over 70 households from across the UK, Europe and Israel participated in Chai’s virtual shlissel challah braiding workshop.

Louise Hager, Chai Chairman, commented, “The whole centre is infused with the most incredible smell of fresh challah.”

It is customary to bake shlissel challah the first Shabbat after Pesach. Chai began the tradition a few years ago.

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Israel slams international watchdog “The biased court in The Hague has made a decision that is the essence of antisemitism and hypocrisy. It has ruled that our heroic and moral soldiers, who fight against the cruellest terrorists on Earth, are actually war criminals.”

BY ADAM MOSES New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of pursuing apartheid policies against Palestinians in a 213-page report.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected HRW’s claims as “preposterous and false” and accused the watchdog of embracing an “anti-Israeli agenda” for years.

“The purpose of this spurious report is in no way related to human rights, but to an ongoing attempt by HRW to undermine the State of Israel’s right to exist as the nation state of the Jewish people,” Strategic Affairs Minister Michael Biton reportedly said.

The report’s author, Omar Shakir, was expelled from Israel over accusations he backed the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in 2019.

The Foreign Ministry accused HRW’s program leader of having “no connection to facts or reality on the ground.”

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl condemned the report perpetuating an ‘apartheid’ slur against Israel, describing it is as a “sham” that puts “rhetoric above fact”.

She noted, “They consistently ignore or downplay the fact that Israel’s security measures in the West Bank and around

Gaza are the response to well-documented terror activities. The ridiculous ‘apartheid’ slur in this report is belied by the fact that, as it stands, Israel’s next government may well rely on the support of Arab parties, voted for by the country’s fully-enfranchised Arab citizens.”

Ms van de Zyl added, “Israel’s Arab citizens have been appointed as ambassadors, professors, Supreme Court judges, hospital directors, and other key roles throughout Israel’s socio-economic landscape. Civil society organisations should be directing their efforts towards reinvigorating the peace process, not trading in false hyperbole that extends the cycle of conflict.”

HRW pointed to Israeli restrictions on Palestinian movement and land seizure for Jewish settlements.

The report follows a decision by the International Criminal Court to investigate Israeli military war crimes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip last month.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed ICC’s ruling at the time. Allies

backed Israel’s position including the United States, United Kingdom and Brazil.

Netanyahu described the ICC ruling as “outrageous and anti-Semitic” in a stinging rebuke.

“The State of Israel is under attack,” he reportedly said. “The biased court in The Hague has made a decision that is the essence of antisemitism and hypocrisy. It has ruled that our heroic and moral soldiers, who fight against the cruellest terrorists on Earth, are actually war criminals.”

Netanyahu added, “The tribunal set up to prevent the recurrence of the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis against the Jewish people is now turning against the state of the Jewish people.

Of course, it is not saying a word against Iran, Syria and other dictatorships that are committing true war crimes.”

Netanyahu continued, “The court is already biased against the State of Israel.

There is only one thing we can do and that is fight for the truth in every nation, on every stage and in every forum.”

Kerry denies “tipping off” Iran

BY SIMCHA ABIR John Kerry, US President Joe Biden’s Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, has denied leaking information about Israeli attacks in Syria to Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made the claim in a recording revealed by satellite news channel Iran International last Sunday.

Zarif, among a number of claims, is reportedly heard expressing “astonishment” at being informed

by Kerry about Israeli attacks on Iranian interests in Syria on some 200 occasions whilst Secretary of State to Barack Obama.

The State Department has reportedly not directly addressed the claim but it has been reported in the John Kerry PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK media the

comment referred to a speech by Finance Minister Israel Katz in 2018, in which he claimed that Israel had been attacked “more than 200 times within Syria itself” during the previous two years.

Kerry dismissed Zarif’s claims in a statement on Monday.

“I can tell you that this story and these allegations are unequivocally false,” he noted on Twitter.

“This never happened, e i t h e r

“It’s very troubling, and there needs to be full transparency to understand exactly what was done, by whom, for what purpose, and an accounting of what occurred.” when I was Secretary of State or since.”

There has been outrage from US political allies of Israel and calls for Biden to sack Kerry if accusations prove to be true.

Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley noted on Twitter, “This is disgusting on many levels. Biden and Kerry have to answer for why Kerry would be tipping off Iran, the number one sponsor of terror, while stabbing one of our greatest partners, Israel, in the back.”

“People are talking about treason and I don’t throw that word around a lot,” reportedly commented Alaska’s Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in a speech to the Senate. “John Kerry does all kinds of things that I can’t stand. But this is the one that broke the camel’s back.”

He added, “It’s unclear why (John) Kerry would relay such information to the leaders of the largest sponsored terrorism in the world. The secret information was

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given to one of America’s most sworn enemies, undermining the interests of one of our most important allies, the State of Israel. If this is true, (John) Kerry needs to go.”

Sen. Mitt Romney, of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was reportedly quoted by Politico, noting, “It’s very troubling, and there needs to be full transparency to understand exactly what was done, by whom, for what purpose, and an accounting of what occurred.”

Kerry has been linked with Iran before. He admitted meeting Zarif during the Donald Trump’s tenure at the White House.

Trump noted that Kerry should be prosecuted for the meetings under the Logan Act. The taped recording was reportedly from last March in a conversation between Zarif and Iranian economist Saeed Leylaz as part of an oral history project.

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UK Jews join global protests over Halimi murderer

BY DAVID SAFFER The UK Jewish community joined global protests in solidarity with French Jews on Sunday following a Court of Cassation’s (Supreme Court) ruling last week that the killer of Sarah Halimi could not stand trial due to being in a “delirious state” at the time of the crime in April 2017.

Kobili Traore, a heavy user of cannabis, has been in a psychiatric hospital since Halimi’s death.

People are not criminally responsible if fully losing their judgment under French law.

“According to unanimous opinions of different psychiatry experts, that man was presenting at the time of the facts a severe delirious state,” the court said in a statement.

Some 100 protesters attended a rally outside the French Embassy in central London.

The size of the crowd, limited by COVID-19 restrictions, displayed placards bearing the words ‘J’accuse! Solidarity with French Jews’ and ‘Je Suis Sarah Halimi’.

In France, thousands packed the Trocadero Plaza in front of the Eiffel Tower, demonstrations also took place in Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg and Bordeaux. Rallies occurred in Israel and the United States. A further 10,000 outraged supporters demanded justice for Halimi on social media platforms.

Dame Maureen Lipman, Campaign Against Antisemitism Chief Executive Gideon Falter, Hexagon Society founder Sophie Weisenfeld, YouTuber Raphael Landau and Muslims Against Antisemitism activist Liz Arif-Fear addressed crowds in Knightsbridge.

The rally criticised the court’s ruling in the murder case and general treatment of French Jews.

France’s highest court has been lambasted for backing Halimi’s killer, Traore, who claimed not to be responsible for his actions as he felt “possessed” due to being high on cannabis.

President Emmanuel Macron has called for reforms in French law.

He reportedly told Le Figaro magazine, “Deciding to take drugs and then ‘becoming mad’ should not in my eyes remove your criminal responsibility.”

Macron added, “I would like to tell the family, relatives of the victim and all fellow citizens of the Jewish faith who were awaiting this trial of my warm support and the determination of the Republic to protect them.”

Macron also called on the Minister of Justice Eric Dupond-Moretti to submit a change to the law.

Dupond-Moretti is set to present legislation next month.

Traore subjected the retired schoolteacher,

65, to years of antisemitic abuse. He brutally beat Halimi in her Paris apartment and threw her over a third floor balcony to her death shouting “Allahu akhbar”. Police were at the front door of the apartments awaiting reinforcements.

Dame Maureen told demonstrators that “a Gallic knee” was on the necks of French Jews who cannot breathe. She added, “The French Government are more fearful of Jihadist retribution than they are of justice for their Jewish community. They are paralysed by fear of race hate.”

Falter said, “It’s shameful that today in the European Union, in Europe, in the world, we have a leading country, like France, where Jews are in fear.” He added, “During the Holocaust, French authorities were too often complicit in the genocide of French Jews. After the war, the nation vowed to defend what

Dame Maureen Lipman speaking at the demonstation

British Jews demonstrating outside the French Embassy in London

PHOTO: CAA

PHOTO: CAA

“It’s shameful that today in the European Union, in Europe, in the world, we have a leading country, like France, where Jews are in fear.” remained of its Jewish population. The decision of France’s highest court that torturing and throwing an elderly Jewish woman out of a window cannot be ascribed to antisemitic motivations if the attacker is high, is a betrayal of that pledge. For decades, French Jews have suffered antisemitic abuse, violence and terrorism.”

Antisemitism in France has seen incidents rise 121% since 2017, Jews, who comprise

1% of France’s population, bear the brunt of 41% of hate crimes.

“It is intolerable that a leading European nation is so abjectly failing to stop the persecution of its Jewish population,” concluded Falter.

Arif-Fear called for justice for Halimi’s family.

“The murderer must face justice, I, and my colleagues at MAAS, will always stand with

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our Jewish brothers and sisters,” she said.

“We believe that we’re stronger together, and we want Jews across Britain, France, wider Europe, and the world to know that you do have allies.”

Lawyers for the sister of Halimi are bringing a lawsuit under Israeli law to convict Traore.

Robert Ejnes of French Jewish umbrella group CRIF attended the Paris rally.

“The killer is recognised as a killer, is recognised as being antisemitic but he won’t be tried. It’s simply unacceptable and it’s very hard for these people to even grieve,” he reportedly said.

French authorities refused to admit the antisemitic crime for months.

CAA on hearing the ruling noted that in France a person can be sentenced to a year in prison for throwing a dog from a window, but you can walk free from court if you kill a Jew whilst on drugs.

“France has gradually betrayed its Jews by allowing antisemitism to run rampant, putting French Jews in fear,” said a CAA spokesman.

Thousands of French Jews and supporters protested in Paris last year after the French Court of Appeal ruled Traore was “not criminally responsible”. Traore conceded that seeing a Jewish menorah and prayer book in Hamili’s flat intensified his mental state.

Francis Kalifat, President of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, reportedly said, “From now on in our country, we can torture and kill Jews with complete impunity.”

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre was also distressed by the Supreme Court.

Dr. Shimon Samuels, Director for International Relations, stated, “After a harrowing three years of courtroom debate on the criminal responsibility of a murderer, presumably ‘under the influence’ of cannabis, which basically resulted in him being interned in a psychiatric hospital instead of being judged and condemned to prison, the family has been on edge until now. This is a devastating blow.”

Samuels added, “The Supreme Court’s decision now closes the case definitively and instead of allowing it to be re-examined by the Appeals Court on the basis of a more solid legal standpoint, it confirms that it is possible to deny justice for a murder aggravated by its antisemitic character. Furthermore, this decision denies closure for the family and potentially creates a precedent for all hate criminals to simply claim insanity or decide to smoke, snort or inject drugs or even get drunk before committing their crimes.”

Samuels noted the memory of Halimi and other victims of antisemitic hatred would live on.

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Israel and US hold Iranian talks in Washington

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel and the United States have agreed to establish a joint committee to study the threat from Iran and its proxies during meetings in Washington this week.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat will head the committee.

Israel’s delegation, Ben-Shabbat, Mossad director Yossi Cohen together with Maj. Gen. Tamir Heyman and Maj. Gen. Tal Kalman, held talks with Sullivan, CIA director William Burns and US Army deputy chief of staff for intelligence, Lt. Gen. Laura Potter.

“US and Israeli officials discussed their serious concerns about advancements in Iran’s nuclear programme in recent years,” noted a White House statement.

The US will consult with Israel on nuclear issues going forward. And the allies agreed on the “significant threat” posed by Iran’s aggressive behaviour in the region.

US officials stressed President Biden’s “unwavering support” for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Bicom noted the Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington is the first time both sides have met directly to discuss Iran and the US-Israeli military/intelligence relationship under Biden’s administration.

Ben-Shabbat and Sullivan have held virtual meetings regarding an intelligence map on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Bicom added that Israeli political and security officials are concerned the Biden administration will forgo most of the leverage set up by former US President, Donald Trump, to force Iran to renegotiate a better accord if they return to the JCPOA deal.

Bicom also acknowledged Biden’s administration is edging closer to returning to the JCPOA in indirect talks in Vienna between Iran and the US. In related news, according to the Washington Post, Biden is expected to appoint Thomas Nides as the next US ambassador to Israel. Nides succeeds David Friedman who left in January.

IDF troops, meantime, downed a drone on the Lebanese border belonging to Hezbollah that crossed into Israeli airspace on Tuesday. It is thought the drones are used for intelligence gathering.

The drone was reportedly under surveillance during the incident.

Troops located another Hezbollah drone shot down at the border a few weeks ago.

“We will continue to act in order to prevent any attempt to violate Israeli sovereignty,” a statement noted.

Meanwhile, Iran expert Sima Shine explored the nuclear programme, Vienna talks and Middle East issues among a raft

Jake Sullivan

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Meir Ben-Shabbat

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

The US will consult with Israel on nuclear issues going forward. And the allies agreed on the “significant threat” posed by Iran’s aggressive behaviour in the region. of topics during a Fathom-BICOM webinar on Tuesday.

Regarding the JCPOA talks in Vienna, she noted, “The Americans are willing to take some initial steps once there is a roadmap. But the devil is in the detail. We are not there yet, even though it looks like both sides want a return to the JCPOA.” Shine was succinct about the threat of Iran.

“They are advancing their nuclear programme,” she told virtual delegates. “All the time, they say, everything we do we can ‘roll back’ (regarding enrichment).”

But, Shine warned, “Over the past two years Iran has improved its knowledge.”

She explained, “The Biden administration talks about going back to the JCPOA as a first stage. The second stage should be, as they define it, ‘longer and stronger’,

meaning an agreement that is longer in the ‘sunset’ of the agreement and stronger (in terms of ) inspections.”

Expanding on a potential ‘longer and stronger’ deal, Shine noted, “A lot of experts and politicians say that once Iran gets a lift of sanctions there is no motivation (for them) to go a second agreement.

And even if they do, there will be new demands. Iran will ask for things they are not allowed to do today. This is a big problem Israel is raising with the US administration (in Washington).”

Shine added, “Iran says it is willing (to discuss) regional issues with regional partners, but not Israel, not the US, not Europeans, not anyone else. For a long time, they have said the US should get out of the Middle East, and especially Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia”.

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Shine continued, “The ‘regional’ issue is not connected to the ‘nuclear’ issue. If someone thinks that if both sides go back to the JCPOA, Iran will act differently in Yemen, Syria or Lebanon, in Israel, we don’t think there is a chance. They (Iran) are not admitting what they are doing in Syria, I don’t think there is a chance they will get out of Syria, which is very important to Israel.”

Back to the Washington talks this week, Shine told delegates, “We know the Israeli position, Iran is the problem of the Middle East. This is a big question Israel will raise.

How does the Biden administration make sure there will be a second stage, a better, longer nuclear agreement? This is a main question but I’m not sure Washington has a good answer. If Iran doesn’t accept, we can go back to sanctions. As Trump showed, the US can put heavy sanctions on Iran.”

As for the historic Abraham Accords peace agreements with various Gulf states, Shine noted, “It’s a huge achievement for Israel. For years, Israel wanted to be accepted in the region. Relations are now in the open. One of the (main) reasons was the common Iranian threat to the Gulf states and Israel. And there are other issues both sides can benefit from,whether culture, water, high tech. But when it comes to the nuclear issue, both sides, see the missile and nuclear threat of Iran.”

Shine also commented on maritime issues with Iran, the recent Natanz explosion and enrichment thresholds before returning to the threat of Iran from Israel’s perspective.

“Iran is the only country today that is deploying its arms, soldiers and ideological beliefs all over the Middle East,” she said.

“They are trying to change the architecture of the region, everywhere you have instability you (will) find Iran fingers. Do we want to give this type of regime to have nuclear capability? I’m not talking about Israel’s point of view, I’m talking about any country in the region, in Europe, anywhere.”

Shine added, “Iran has 83 million people, Israel is 9 million. There is no comparison between the two states. Having nuclear capability is not only a question of whether you will use it against your enemies, it’s also a question of the flexibility it gives in the conventional area. That is something that must be understood.

Everything Iran is doing in the Middle East they are doing without nuclear capability, without a strong economy, with demonstrations from its people that dislikes the regime. And in spite of everything, we know what Iran is doing in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.”

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Coalition negotiations update

Fake headlines add to the tension

BY JAMES MARLOW Rumours were rife that Binyamin Netanyahu had offered a Prime Minister rotation-deal to Benny Gantz, Gideon Sa’ar and even Naftali Bennett, in order to finally break-through the political impasse that has destabilised the Israeli political infrastructure for the past two years.

Recent headlines even prompted Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid to say, “The only person who he has not offered a Prime Minister rotation-deal is with me”, as if it was staged.

But this commentator finds it extremely difficult to accept these press reports are genuine, accurate or authentic. The anti-Bibi bloc which include most of the media, is certainly increasing the pressure on the Prime Minister, with a strong warning, that “the end is near.”

But too many points about these so called “whispers” and “unnamed sources” simply don’t add up. Why would Netanyahu give the Prime Ministership to Sa’ar who only received 6 seats, when just last week, Bibi laughed at the thought of Bennett trying to secure the top post for himself with 7 seats. Cynics would say, because “Bibi will do anything to remain in office”.

It is true, Netanyahu does want to remain Prime Minister, just like Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair desperately tried to do did in their day. But the difference in Israel is that there has just been a general election and the Likud, under the leadership of Netanyahu, won 13 more seats than his nearest rival.

One of the major fights in the current government between Likud and Blue and White has been over the Justice Ministry. Benny Gantz would and has done everything possible to hold on to that portfolio, because he says, Netanyahu will use it to help protect himself against his

Whether any of the reports about Prime Ministerial offers to rivals are true or not, they certainly make good media, and give commentators something to talk about, whilst raising the pressure on Netanyahu. legal concerns. So Gantz is not going to give up on handing over that Ministry to Netanyahu after all this time.

There was even a report that said, Netanyahu offered Areyeh Deri of Shas a Prime Minister rotation-deal. But again, Deri is on the side of Netanyahu, so he wouldn’t need to offer Shas any such deal. Something doesn’t smell right here.

What we know for sure is that Likud members and MK’s who are still friendly with Gideon Sa’ar have called and texted him, urging the New Hope party leader to name his price and join Netanyahu in a stable right wing government.

But it seems that many of us underestimated Sa’ar’s true hatred for Netanyahu.

Gideon Sa’ar would rather see his party fall under the 3.25% minimum threshold, if there is another election, rather than allow Netanyahu remain as Prime Minister.

He believes a true political success is the ousting of Bibi even if it means that Sa’ar’s

ELECTION NEWS BRIEFS: • Members of the Knesset Arrangements Committee have approved the Likud proposal to 3 temporary Knesset committees being formed.

The Foreign and Defence Committee, the Finance Committee and a brand new Committee focusing solely on the Arab sector, which will be chaired by an MK from the Arab Ra’am party.

Ra’am also received a deputy Knesset speaker role.

• Likud’s Central Committee approved PM Netanyahu’s request to potentially join or merge

Likud with another smaller party, ahead of the next election. The decision gives Netanyahu in principle the power to form a roster of candidates which the Central Committee would then need to approve.

• Reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv (Labor) abstained in the vote which approved UTJ leader Moshe Gafni as Chairman of the temporary Knesset Finance Committee. Kariv’s spokesperson said he abstained instead of voting against, out of respect for Gafni and added, he hoped that

political career is finished. That’s how far the former Likud MK’s hatred goes against his former colleague.

With the exception of the very small Channel 20 News and the Yisrael Hayom newspaper, practically every other news desk in Israel have waged a vicious campaign against Netanyahu and would be delighted to see the back of him.

Whether any of the reports about Prime Ministerial offers to rivals are true or not, they certainly make good media, and give commentators something to talk about, whilst raising the pressure on Netanyahu.

COULD IT BE FIVE ELECTIONS IN 32 MONTHS?

In any case Netanyahu’s mandate to form a coalition is about to come to an end and it’s quite likely that Israel will head towards its fifth election in October. If Netanyahu with his 59 mandates (Likud, Shas, UTJ, Religious Zionists and Yamina) is unable Gafni would show him the same respect. Gafni indeed did offer Kariv a great deal of respect on becoming an MK. • Religious Zionists head, Betzalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that Israel is heading toward anarchy because “right wing leaders cannot rise to the needs of the hour and overcome difficulties and grudges and form a right wing government.”

He was referring to Gideon Sa’ar and his 6 seats which has prevented Netanyahu from getting past 59 mandates. Smotrich also blasted “irresponsible Benny Gantz, who is holding an entire nation hostage and attempting to rule it with 8 seats”.

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to form a coalition, it is highly unlikely any other candidate will reach 61 or more.

But Yair Lapid believes he will be given the opportunity to put together a stable, coherent, national and viable government next week – something that no leader has been able to accomplish since April 2015.

We shall see.

Netanyahu ran into major difficulties, initially with the Religious Zionists, who insisted they would not allow a right wing government be formed with help from the Arab Ra’am party.

Then Yamina head Naftali Bennett, who followed the Mansour Abbas game, decided to also play each side, in order to give the impression that he too was not in the pocket of either camp.

In anticipation of another election, Netanyahu has attempted to discredit Naftali Bennett by reminding the public, he told Channel 20 News, Bennett would never attempt to become Prime Minister if he only received 10 seats.

But in fact he received 7 seats and Bennett has confirmed he is now speaking with Yair Lapid about the formation of an alternative coalition, which would have to be a Left-Centre-Right-Arab bloc to reach 61. Netanyahu has also reminded his followers that Bennett said on Channel 20, he would not allow Lapid to become Prime Minister, as the majority of the country voted for the right bloc, but Lapid was left wing. However this deal would be a rotation of the PM with Bennett’s going first and Lapid taking over.

Defenders of Yamina would say that Bennett’s priority was to be part of a right wing religious government led by Netanyahu, but as he cannot form one, his next objection is to form a national unity government. Gill Hoffman reported that there were wide gaps between Bennett and Lapid on settlements and the legal system, something I wrote about last month.

We will likely discover next week which candidate the President has now appointed to “try” and form a government.

• A senior Likud official told Channel 12 News that Netanyahu made a mistake, when he pushed through a cabinet vote to elect a new Justice Minister, under pressure from the High Court. Likud MK Ofir Akunis was elected, but the Attorney General has said, the move was illegal.

The reasons: When the last government was formed in 2020 the coalition agreement signed between Blue and White and Likud said Benny Gantz’s party would have permanent control of the Justice Ministry and this was anchored into Israeli law. Gantz tried to block the vote on Tuesday but was unsuccessful. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit warned before the vote that it was in breach of the law.

29 APRIL 2021

NEWS 19

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From the editor’s desk This week there are some very important campaigns taking place. You will have seen the front page wrap to support the brilliant Kisharon in all the important work they do. World Jewish Relief are helping the terrible plight of the Uyghur’s who are in desperate need.

In addition to these wonderful campaigns I ask you to support and take a look at the Yesoiday HaTorah Jewish Day School advert on page 3 and the double page editorial spread on pages 32-33.

As a former pupil myself and now a parent of children in this wonderful school, I simply cannot praise enough the constant hard work and accomplishments of Headteacher Rabbi Yodaiken and all his staff.

Thousands of pupils have passed through their doors over the years and with demand for spaces higher than ever before, the current building is simply not big enough for the growing demand. I ask you to generously open your hearts to this cause and every pound really will go a long way.

If you would like to donate to my page visit www.thejewishweekly.com to find the link. Alternatively phone the office on 0203 906 8488 or email office@thejewishweekly.com.

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VOTE CONSERVATIVE Dear Kehillah member ‫עמו”ש‬, It has been an honour to represent the residents of Kersal over the past few years, speaking up on your behalf at Salford City Council on a wide range of matters. Aside from regular issues of bin collections, potholes and litter, we have had the privilege to have been able to assist on many other matters - both private and community - such as planning permission and disability funding etc. More recently, we’ve thankfully been able to help out and advise on lockdown-related queries inc. grants, business and shul reopenings etc.

During our respective terms, we’ve worked closely with the town’s rabbonim and askonim, as well as local emergency services and organisations. We’ve also had great support and worked in conjunction with Conservative counterparts in Parliament, working on various matters including, more recently, the restrictions at Places of Worship. Whilst we’re grateful for what we have been able to achieve thus far, there is plenty more work to be done!

We welcome Mr. Azmat Husain who is eager to join our team and work alongside us, giving Kersal & Broughton Park an even stronger voice. Due to boundary changes, all 3 seats in Kersal & Broughton Park (as the ward is to be renamed) are up for re-election.

We therefore ask that you vote for all 3 of us on 6 May - 24 Iyar, who will represent and campaign for you as a team.

Cllr Ari Leitner and Cllr Arnie Saunders

Remember to vote for your 3 Conservative candidates SAIN Azmat HUun cillor for your local Co

R Ari LEITNE uncillor for your local Co

NDERS Arnie SAUun cillor for your local Co

Promoted by Arnie Saunders on behalf of Azmat Husain, Ari Leitner and Arnie Saunders, all at 44 Tetlow Lane, Salford M7 4BR.

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

20 OPINION

29 APRIL 2021

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OPINION

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

What is International Law? - Part two

The ICC decision to prosecute OPINION PIECE

BY JAMES J MARLOW This decision by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to investigate Israel and its soldiers for possible war crimes, is nothing less than a shambolic abuse of international powers.

Motivated by the horrors of the Second World War, Jewish people were active in the creation of a framework of international law. When Israel was established in 1948, it was at the forefront of the establishment of today’s international legal bodies, including the Geneva Convention and ICC itself.

True war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity must never be allowed to go unpunished, because domestic legal systems are unwilling or unable to prosecute individuals.

But this attempt to politicise international law, violates the fundamental basic nature of international courts. It makes the credibility and the legitimacy of the ICC no longer trust worthy.

Israel is constantly confronted with cynical terrorist organizations, who hide their militants and weapons in the heart of civilian areas. In such cases, we need international law to stand up to these radical organisations and protect the lives its civilians.

If international law can be used like this against Israel, something is morally wrong

and has to change. International law must provide genuine, effective answers to the types of threats that Israel is faced with, on all its borders on a regular basis. How else can countries like Israel fight against this form of deadly terrorism?

Western diplomats sharply criticised the ICC decision into suspected war crimes and targeting Israel unfairly, citing the court’s growing politicisation. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, reminded the ICC that they have no jurisdiction, noting that Israel is not a party to the Court.

The State Department made it clear, when “Palestine” joined the Rome Statute in 2015, they did not believe the Palestinians qualified as a sovereign state.

Therefore the State Department said, they are not able to obtain membership as a sovereign state, or participate as a state in international organisations or conferences, including the ICC. Only 123 countries signed the Rome Statute, but Israel was not one of them. Still the Judges concluded that Palestine is not

independent, but “enough of a country” that has territory. And because Israel entered that territory, it is now subject to the jurisdiction of the ICC. But it should be reserved for countries who consent to the Rome Statue, or are referred to it by the UN Security Council.

It is really an outrage that arrest warrants could be issued against Israeli soldiers and politicians in the wake of this court decision, especially as many countries around the world, send their soldiers to Israel, to learn how to fight terror, while limiting harm to civilians.

This problem began with the Oslo Agreement, because if Israel had not signed the Accords, the Palestinian Authority would never have come into existence. Even today, the PA depends very much upon Israel for its very existence.

But the PA refuse to withdraw their complaint that has no basis in international law. They only have one objective, which is to seek to deprive Israel of its right to self-defence.

To conclude, Israel has established beyond any doubt, that it is able and willing to investigate all of its military activities when allegations are brought. It has proved this time and time again.

The international community still has not understood, that the road to peace, runs directly between Jerusalem and Ramallah. Detours via the ICC in The Hague and the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva are not just counterproductive, but they undermine the causes of peace.

This decision by the ICC will make it even harder for Israelis and Palestinians to find common ground. Until the Court concludes its investigation, which could take several years, it is hard to see the two sides engaging in any negotiations.

At a time when recent agreements between Israel and Arab countries make the prospect for a better future in the region more viable, it’s hard to understand this perverse logic.

To conclude, Israel has established beyond any doubt, that it is able and willing to investigate all of its military activities when allegations are brought. It has proved this time and time again.

The soldiers and civilians that the ICC is threatening to investigate, are our children and grandchildren. They are our neighbours and friends and Israel will do everything possible to protect them, just as they protected Israel, when asked to do so.

At the same time, Israel will always hold themselves to the highest standards of international law, even when that requires the most painful decisions.

PART 1 was printed last week and can also be found online. This is the final PART, for now.

The Israeli Ambassador OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN I have been reading a lot this week about the relatively new Israeli Ambassador to the UK – Mrs Tzipi Hotoveley. She has been criticised for holding views which some on the far left of the UK Jewish community find hard to accept.

Pausing for a moment, I am reminded that as President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester, I had the honour in June of last year to interview Mrs Hotoveley’s predecessor, HE Mark Regev.

In response to a question on negotiations with the Palestinians he said ‘Why is there no Palestinian state celebrating 72 years; 72 years of independence? Because Israel said no? On the contrary, Israel said yes.

It was the Palestinian leadership that said all or nothing, that rejected a compromise, that said we will embark on a violent war, a struggle to destroy the young Jewish state at birth. And they said all or nothing. And they got nothing in the end. And I think there are many Palestinians who understand that that sort of politics leads them only to a dead end.’

How are the remarks from last June relevant to the hostility shown by a small number towards the current ambassador?

It is because these people fail to grasp the reality that arguing with the ambassador (or in this case not) will make not a jot of difference. Boycotts, demonstrations and complaints make no difference at all to the reality that Hamas who are in control of Gaza – using Mr Regev’s words – have an extremist and hateful ideology to destroy Israel and kill the Jews. No amount of

whingeing about Israeli attitudes towards Gaza will suddenly make the leaders stop fighting and embrace peace.

On the West Bank the Palestinian Authority is run by Mahmoud Abbas whose PhD thesis was ‘The Other Side: the Secret Relationship Between Nazism and Zionism’, who has held office since 2005 and in 2010 was voted into permanent office by the PLO Central Council where he still remains. Somehow, I cannot see how a boycott of Mrs Hotovely is going to suddenly make Mr Abbas hold elections or more significantly bring to an end the notorious ‘pay to slay’ policy. This is the current policy of the Palestinian Authority to reward individuals who kill or maim Jews in Israel.

Despite the declared intentions of Hamas to kill Jews, and the Palestinian Authority to pay those who do, those on the Jewish left in the UK seek to blame Israel for the lack

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

of peace. This has the intellectual authority of blaming the hedgehog for not running fast enough across the motorway to avoid being mown down.

For those people who call themselves Zionist and claim they love Israel, their actions say the opposite. They are decrying Israel for not giving in to those who want to kill Jews and sadly refuse to accept the truth that if the Palestinians haven’t reached a peace accord with the Jews for over 72 years it is probably because they don’t want it.

Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.

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Remembering the Past Honouring the Memory Shaping the Future

22 OPINION

29 APRIL 2021

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OPINION

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International comment OPINION PIECE

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been sentenced to another year in prison in Iran, just weeks after completing a five-year sentence. Our government has called for her immediate release, calling the new sentence ‘inhumane.’ How is she supposed to survive the relentless physical and emotional torture of being separated from her husband and six year old daughter? Boris is now in the driver’s seat to try and win back the situation, although he actually made matters worse for her, back in 2016, when as foreign secretary he said she ‘was training journalists at the time of her arrest.’ This was then used against her as proof of her treachery against the regime. Her husband feels she is being held ‘as a bargaining chip.’ Truly this is a crime against humanity, and we should demand more from our leaders to rescue Nazanin and others held in similar situations.

In Siberia Alexei Navalny has finally ended his hunger strike, after he was

permitted to go to a civilian hospital for tests. All’s well, but not ends well. This week the prosecutor’s office issued an injunction ordering Navalny’s offices in 37 Russian regions to suspend their activities, after which they effectively shut down. Not content with simply locking him up as a political prisoner, Putin’s legal team’s next ploy is to ban Navalny’s regional network from further transactional and communications activity, including bank transactions and Internet use, as a preparatory step to outlawing his organisation altogether as an extremist group, to be on a par with Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. They have to be joking! That’s ‘pot and kettle’ calling.

Basically, anyone who fights for democracy will be silenced by the Russian Армата (tank), so that the status quo can continue. Their case against him states

Not content with simply locking him up as a political prisoner, Putin’s legal team’s next ploy is to ban Navalny’s regional network from further transactional and communications activity…

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.

PARENTAL ADVICE Dear Editor The teenager at the Oxfordshire school, sending his antisemitic video to a Jewish student in his own school, and whose parents regarding it as a harmless joke, no doubt formed his views at home, it’s where it always begins?

Yours Sidney Sands

BROKEN MATZAH NOT JUST FOR YACHATZ Dear Editor I wish to voice my concerns over shmurah matzah on Pesach. Many Jewish people spend extra money to buy these specially packed handmade shmurah matzahs, myself included. However, most of the time the majority of the matzahs are broken, and it is exceedingly difficult to find enough shalem (whole) matzahs for both Seder nights.

For the high price that they charge,(around £40 a box!) I urge these companies to find a way to package them in a more protective way, perhaps in bubble wrap or perhaps other readers have other suggestions.

Sincerely Chalom London

that ‘the movement seeks to destabilise the social and political situation and undermine the foundations of the constitutional order.’ Put neatly, they are exposing corruption and Soviet oppression, and the Russian citizens have had enough of it.

Their protests have been largely peaceful, but police still used facial recognition software to identify and detain people afterwards. 13,000 of his supporters have been arrested since January, although some have now fled the country. Leonid Volkov, head of Navalny’s regional network, said ‘the Kremlin has become completely lawless, and does not even try to work within the framework of the law.’

Russia analyst Maria Lipman has commented that the Kremlin are determined to “destroy his organisation completely, destroy all the people who supported him, who worked for him, who sympathised

Alexei Navalny

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

strongly, and then let him rot in prison for as long as the government pleases.” This is as far from perestroika as we can get.

Putin is no Gorbachev or Yeltsin, and yet our politicians happily do business with him, either through political or economic fear, ignorance or out of sheer denial. We are in a tardis and going backwards. We should not be accepting of such oppressive regimes.

POIGNANT POEM Dear Editor Further to the excellent article in the MEDICAL SUPPLEMENT a previous week’s edition (THE JEWISH WEEKLY,8 April), “Chai to restart complimentary therapies as cancer surge expected,” please see below my apposite poem.

AN ODE TO MY FELLOW BEREAVED FRIENDS Whenever the time, wherever it happened and whatever the date: How are we, expected to cope with the loss of our soul mate?

How can we understand just why they were taken away from us?

How can we find in life, any thought of existing, or a new, purpose?

How can we fully grieve, then dry our eyes?

How can we eventually move on in our lives?

How can we face again family, friends and acquaintances?

How can we enjoy ourselves in such awful circumstances?

I don’t know, or know of anybody, who Can answer these questions, do you?

But I am positive that Hashem made most human beings In such a way that we can, in time, deal with these things I’m also positive that my late wife’s wish and that of all our partners Was that I/we should go on living and not end our lives with theirs

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I can’t, and wouldn’t, speak or write for another person But I feel that for me, life should and definitely will go on I sincerely hope and pray, for us all, that I will not be proven wrong In this group, we can keep in our loop, as to what we have undergone Since, we have all lost a partner Recently, to some form of Cancer I want to express my gratitude at this juncture, to Chai Cancer Care Since this Bereavement Counselling group enables us all to share Our experiences and lives going forward Which is something that none of us would Have been able to do, if it wasn’t for them For all involved, I say, “Baruch Hashem.”

I hope that the contents of this poem will provide some succour To those who have been bereaved and thank this newspaper For publishing it, and wish everyone Who reads it a Shabbat Shalom J D Milaric

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24 NEWS

29 APRIL 2021

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Mayoral hopeful Shaun Bailey visits Hendon

Photos by Avi Yodaiken

Jewish Weekly editor Yossi Saunders recently caught up with London Mayoral Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey to discover his plans if he wins the upcoming election.

YOSSI

Shaun, nice to meet you, you looked like you were enjoying yourself driving the Shomrim car!

SHAUN

A great picture for your paper I’m sure!

Shomrim are a truly wonderful organisation, and it is very important to the community’s peace of mind to recognise how they help and assist the police, from the most dangerous crimes down to the most basic ones. It’s no joke either, and Shomrim members have told me that they have had guns pointed at them and have been nearly stabbed on several occasions.

YOSSI

As Mayor of London, what elements would you copy from Shomrim to help London become a safer place?

SHAUN

We need to have more police on the streets. It’s as simple as that. More police walking around makes people feel safer by stopping crime. Because Shomrim are around it plants a seed of doubt in criminals minds and these dedicated volunteers are a well trained professional bunch of people who are not easily intimidated and can really stand up and protect the local community.

the Londoners on the street that you have their best interests in mind?

SHAUN

I will not expand the ULEZ at all. It’s not a good response to environmental issues, it’s not proven to help the climate much and there are much better ways to help the planet then making people’s lives a financial misery.

This hurts many people, not just your community on the way to synagogues or schools, but other Londoners too, on the way to church or the mosque. My own father is calling this a church tax and people in his local church have already said they will not come on Sunday anymore as these extra costs will simply make it unaffordable to pray with the community.

We are all reeling from the effects of the pandemic, we need to get the economy going again not halt it. London is a footfall city, it only works with people in it, on the streets. We need to get more people back into London to boost the economy and get people spending again, not turning them off.

A combination of stopping the ULEZ tax, reversing council tax and binning the outer London boundaries tax will put more money back into Londoner’s pockets, helping both them and the economy at the same time.

SHAUN

It’s truly fascinating to me that you guys not only pull this off but in such a professional way too.

It’s remarkable that an organisation that is essentially run by professionals always arrives much faster to serve your community than paid NHS workers. The rest of London can really learn from this model and be inspired that it works so well.

YOSSI

Now they have arrived, you have seen for yourself that Hatzolah volunteers are extremely dedicated, often dropping whatever they are doing to race to the scene if they are nearby. There are always enough volunteers around to ensure patients are looked after. Hatzolah used to joke that the NHS ambulances are trying to become a same day service! Whilst not strictly your remit, would you still aim to help improve London’s first response based on this model?

SHAUN

YOSSI

The main talking point on everybody’s lips is the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charge coming into force on the North Circular. People are very worried about the extra costs of day-to-day transport.

ULEZ will mean that local hard-working families will have to fork out yet more money during the worst economic time in living memory. How will you reassure

Whilst we are waiting, what are your thoughts on this unparalleled community medical response group unheard of outside the Jewish community?

YOSSI

The Hatzolah ambulances are all out on call at the moment even though no one is supposed to call them whilst you’re here!

As you say the NHS falls under local trusts, however as Mayor it would definitely be of huge interest to me to help improve our medical scene across London.

The way Hatzolah has been set up and run is phenomenal! How much do these ambulances cost! It’s amazing they raise this money!

I used to be in the cadets and we trained first aid, but this is a whole new

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

level. These guys put us to shame!

I could not do the level of first aid that these guys do on a daily basis.

In all seriousness I was once at the scene of a dangerous accident and I saw a doctor giving way to the paramedics who took initial control at the scene.

I asked a colleague how it was that a top doctor told the paramedics to take the lead when he was clearly way more experienced and knowledgeable then them. He told me that despite the doctor’s knowledge, paramedics are actually more important for the crucial stage of initial first aid treatment, and it cannot be underestimated just how important Hatzolah is to the community.

YOSSI

What would your final words of inspiration be to our 60,000 readers.

SHAUN

If I get in as Mayor, I will ensure a fairer and safer London for all residents, including of course the Jewish community. I have a better understanding of the unique stresses and strains of your community, including important issues such as antisemitism and Boycott Israel Week to name but a few.

I will make City Hall a crossroads for all Jews, all Londoners, and indeed the whole world! Jews will play a big part in making London a welcoming attraction internationally and people will come to London to do business, meet families and have fun.

YOSSI

Thanks for your time today Shaun, hope you get in!

SHAUN Amen!!

The London Mayoral election takes place on Thursday 6th May 2021.

26 COMMUNITY

29 APRIL 2021

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Games

Bridge

Ability at forefront of Kisharon appeal

With Harold Schogger

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Ability is at the forefront of Kisharon’s appeal this weekend

KQ52 AKJ6 AK5 J5

W

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Pass Pass

3c 4h

Pass end

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West led the dQ after a simple Stayman enquiry led to the game in hearts.

Declarer counted on losing a trick in each of the minors so that the only problem will occur when a defender holds four spades headed by the ace. As West might have led a singleton spade, declarer looked at how to overcome such a possibility, when West was the defender with four Spades.

After winning the king of diamonds, declarer drew three rounds of trumps, ending in dummy, and then led a low spade to the king and ace. West exited with the dJ to declarer’s ace. Some might play a second spade now but this declarer saw that there was no rush to do so. Instead, he cashed the ace of clubs and got off play with a third round of diamonds. West won the trick with the ten, cashed the king of clubs and exited with the six of spades.

Declarer had seen this coming and covered the six with dummy’s s7. He knew that either this would win or the spades would be 3-2, which would result in an easy ten tricks. As the cards lay, this was the winning play.

Of course it is no better if East wins the defence’s second minor suit trick.

Then, he would have to concede a ruff-and-discard. Notice that playing spades this way succeeds when East has a singleton spade that is not the six.

Kisharon is appealing to the Jewish community for support in a fundraising campaign to ensure the charity retains the ability to offer vital front-line services for people with learning disabilities during the ongoing pandemic (May 2-3).

The charity is aiming to raise £1.5 million in 36 hours with help of Charity Extra where donations are doubled through match funding.

Kisharon supports people of all ages with a range of learning disabilities. The organisation plays an essential and critical role within the Jewish community from nursery to school, college and independent living support as well as employment and vocational opportunities.

Like many charities, Kisharon faced an unprecedented year with front-line services challenged to stay operational throughout the pandemic. Children isolated at home, young adults losing employment overnight and an extraordinary increase in family demands, meant Kisharon were stretched beyond any levels witnessed in its 45-year history.

Richard Franklin, Chief Executive observed, “This past year our team has gone above and beyond to ensure anyone relying on Kisharon could always be supported. We were forced to radically change our mindset to ensure people assisted, could not only survive but thrive and develop the necessary skills as well as resilience required in such uncertain times.

“Funding over the next 12 months is of great concern to Kisharon particularly given continued restrictions around fundraising combined with social care being omitted in the Chancellors recent budget.

The consequences have impacted young

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parents struggling to support infants with often undiagnosed or unsupported developmental delay and in addition, risks reducing our ability to meet hard to reach young men and women leading increasingly isolated existences.”

He added, “Kisharon maintains frontline services in every sense, and our support teams have, in equal measure, surprised and inspired with their creativity, positivity, determination and can-do attitude. It is a precious positivity that sees abilities in the people we support and not their disabilities.”

Jane Pearl, regarding her son, noted, “Kisharon gives Chanochi the ability to learn and form meaningful relationships in extraordinary ways. He feels safe, happy and included no matter his mood, and Kisharon manages to capture his warmth in a true and unique fashion.”

The fundraising campaign, themed on ability, illustrates the value Kisharon places on each individual, as the father of Max, who lives in Kisharon’s supported living services recognises.

“The amazing support staff at Kisharon have worked tirelessly with Max to focus on improving his independent living skills, always ensuring that he has the ability to learn, to explore and to reach his potential,” he said. “With their constant support, Max shops for his weekly food, helps prepare his meals and as London begins to unlock, goes on daily trips. It is so encouraging to watch the progress Max is making.”

Kisharon’s ability to deliver front-line social care services depends on the communities ability to donate.

Details: charityextra.com/kisharon

29 APRIL 2021

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Brits take part in World Jnetics Bakes Babka Chidon HaTanach

Brilliant Babka baked with Jnetics

Hasmonean High girls who participated in the World Chidon HaTanach

BY SIMCHA ABIR Three British candidates participated in the World Chidon HaTanach for the first time.

The Hasmonean High School year 10 pupils made Britain proud in the Jewish Youth annual event, televised in Israel on its 73’rd Independence Day. This is the first time three British candidates have earned a place in the prestigious final. Fifty candidates from 20 countries participated in the programme. The event honoured the hard work of 16 teenagers, hailing from all over the globe, following years of intensive Tanach study.

With the success of the vaccination programme rollout in Israel, the event took place in Jerusalem. Due to restrictions on travel imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, all participants outside of Israel joined the ceremony virtually. Honoured attendees included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Chairman of the Knesset, Yariv Levin, and Minister of Education, Yoav Galant.

Chidon HaTanach celebrate Tanach study amongst Jewish youth to deepen Torah knowledge and strengthen Jewish identity.

The Israeli Ministry of Education and Jewish Agency, who provide Chidon HaTanach UK with informative educational materials, sponsor the international programme.

Samuel Maierovits, Chidon HaTanach UK, thanked Rabbi Silverman from Hasmonean High School and those who supported efforts to revive Chidon HaTanach in the UK. “Over the past year, it has been wonderful to see children involved in the UK programme become inspired to set up their own virtual learning initiatives, including the recent Tanach Quizathon, as a way to support and connect with one another through lockdown,” he said.

With the success of the UK’s junior stream programme offered to children in years 7-9 and senior stream programme offered to children in years 9 upwards, plans are afoot to expand the programme and reach a younger audience.

Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut

Year 5 pupils with Rabbi Ari Silbermann from Mizrachi UK

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Last week over 50 people joined us at our virtual “Babka Bake” event on zoom. Prior to the the event all participants were sent an ingredients and equipment list to prepare for their Baba Bake. They partnered with Tanya Ohana from “Garlic & Ganache” who demonstrated in a fun and lively way how to make chocolate and vanilla babka. Aish Young Professionals, Young US, Magen Avot and St Johns Wood Synagogue were also partners in the event The evening was introduced by Hannah Skolnick Young, US Events Executive. Following Hannah’s introduction, Tanya from Garlic & Ganache demonstrated how to prepare the Babka dough. Whilst the dough was left to rise, participants tuned into a short presentation from Jnetics Research. Development and Outreach Manager, Aviva Lewis who spoke about the wonderful work that Jnetics do and shared the science behind autosomal recessive inheritance and our screening programme.

Aviva then handed over to a “carrier

couple” identified by Jnetics who bravely shared their personal story to the audience which thanks to Jnetics had a positive outcome.

Participants then continued to make the filling and finish decorating their Babkas.

One participant shared that “the smell in her kitchen when the Babka baked was amazing but she couldn’t say the same about the mess of her kitchen!”

The evening concluded with a raffle, where 5 fabulous prizes that had kindly been donated were won by participants. Nicole Gordon CEO concluded the evening by asking participants to help Jnetics to spread the word about their screening programme and thanked all the partners, participants for coming and the Jnetics team, without who, the event would not have been possible.

This was a free event but so that we can continue to deliver our life-saving services, please visit jnetics.org/donate to make a donation.

The Manchester Jewish Museum has been under renovtion for over two years. With it’s rust design extension the new extended building will include a new gallery, cafe for fresh daily bagels, shop and studio.

The new rust extension at the Manchester Jewish Museum

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PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

29 APRIL 2021

Share your experiences and hear about others in a non-judgmental space

10 – 16 May 2021

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Nature.

During the pandemic many of us connected with nature and found a new love for the outdoors.

Bringing nature into our everyday lives can be vital for maintaining good mental health.

Join Jami for a series of FREE online events. To book these events or for more information please visit jamiuk.org/mhaw

Jami Registered Charity 1003345. A Company Limited by Guarantee 2618170.

Thursday 13th May 11am – 1pm Kind CoWorking – Gardening tips!

Monday 10th May 11am – 12pm Peer Support Group

Mental Health Awareness Week

#ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #Jami

COMMUNITY 29

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

Thursday 13th May 2pm – 3pm Nature Wellbeing Walk – North London

Monday 10th May 7pm – 8pm Inner Garden Workshop

area (IN PERSON)

Gain creative tools for reflecting and mapping out your skills, support systems, achievements, hopes, and more!

Thursday 13th May 6.30pm – 7.30pm Community Conversation – Nature

Tuesday 11th May 11am – 1pm Kind CoWorking – Gardening tips!

Thursday 13th May 7.30pm – 8.30pm Climate Change and Mental Health “Get Together” for 18-32 year olds

Tuesday 11th May 1.15pm – 1.45pm Bite-sized wellbeing

Friday 14th May 2pm – 3pm Peer Support Group

Tuesday 11th May 2pm – 3pm Nature Wellbeing Walk – North London

Pop to Head Room Café (Golders Green) to receive seeded paper, to plant and grow, with every purchase during MHAW

area (IN PERSON)

Tuesday 11th 7pm – 8pm Poetry Reading Group – Nature Edition Wednesday 12th May 2pm – 3pm Creativity4All - Exploring the intersections of Mental Health and Nature Wednesday 12th May 7pm – 8:30pm Yoga & Nature

All types of blinds English & Turkish rails

MEASUREMENT SEWING & FITTING ALL FOR FREE

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TEL: 020 3198 6698 07956 556664 07975 773023 341 GREEN LANES, HARINGEY, LONDON N4 1DZ (DIRECTLY OPPOSITE HOMEBASE) THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

30 COMMUNITY

29 APRIL 2021

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LSJS proud to announce the launch of the “Northern Jewish Schools Direct Primary Cluster” LSJS is delighted to announce that they are partnering with the newly created Northern Jewish School Direct Primary Cluster to offer the School Direct Primary course.

Brodetsky Primary school in Leeds formed the Northern Jewish Schools Primary Cluster to provide a much-needed teacher training route for the community based outside of London.

The London School of Jewish Studies is the premier provider of teacher training for the Jewish community and beyond, rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted. LSJS is passionate about achieving excellence in teaching to transform the UK Jewish community and this new partnership allows expert teaching and course material to reach more students than ever.

Joanne Greenaway, Chief Executive of LSJS says “It has long been a goal of LSJS to broaden our impact on Jewish schools

across the country, through training more outstanding teachers, and it is wonderful to be able to work with the talented team at Brodetsky to bring this to fruition across the whole northern region”.

Brodetsky Primary School’s Executive Headteacher, Susy Hardacre says, “We are thrilled to be able to offer the North of England this fantastic opportunity to train outstanding teachers who will shape the futures of Jewish Schools.”

Rebecca Skolnick,Year 2 Teacher and English Lead at Brodetsky Primary School explains “It has been a real privilege to be part of the steering committee driving this teacher training opportunity to the North.

Having previously trained as a teacher at the London School of Jewish Studies, I felt it was so important to create something just as fantastic here in the North. We are extremely proud to have this opportunity

to work with LSJS. Brodetsky is a wonderful school which will lead this programme in the North training candidates to become outstanding teachers. We are especially excited about working with a strong group of Northern Jewish Schools which will be hosting candidates in their area of the North. Brodetsky will be the lead school but within our cluster of schools we have King David Primary School, Broughton Jewish Primary School and Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School in Manchester, King David Primary School in Liverpool and King David Primary School in Birmingham. We look forward to working together on this exciting new project.”

Jillian Dunstan, LSJS Primary Programme Manager, says ““We are very excited to be involved in training even more excellent and innovative teacher training students across the country. We look

forward to working with the team to deliver an outstanding programme of training.”

The Primary School Direct route offers a chance to learn ‘on the job’ in Brodetsky or at other Northern Jewish schools, where students will work as part of the teaching team from day one – learning from experienced, practising colleagues and immediately putting their new skills into practice.

This course is perfect for those either already working in a school without QTS (e.g. Teaching Assistants), university graduates or a career changer looking to get into teaching by ‘learning on the job’.

For more information about the programme please contact Brodetsky Primary School by emailing Rebecca Skolnick on teachertraining@brodetsky.org or calling 0113 293 0578.

Juliet’s marathon mission A woman with an unfortunate incurable condition is aiming to raise money for charity by walking 100 metres a day - all without leaving her living room. Juliet Coffer has a rare disease called Sarcoidosis which affects her breathing meaning that she uses an oxygen machine 24/7.

Sarcoidosis is a relatively unknown condition which affects just 1 in 10,000 people. The disease causes lumps known as granulomas which develop in different areas within the body. If too many of these lumps form in an organ, it can prevent that organ functioning properly. For Juliet, it is her heart and lungs that are most affected meaning that she is constantly attached to an oxygen machine.

Unfortunately, the condition is often misdiagnosed meaning that many people may not get the correct help that they need early on. In Juliet’s case, the condition was only detected by chance when she was looking for indigestion medicine at her local supermarket. Having not taken the medication before, she spoke to the pharmacist, who asked where the pain was. When she told her that it was down her arms and across her shoulders, the pharmacist told her to go to the hospital immediately. “I assumed that she thought I might be having a heart attack.”

After undergoing lots of tests and x-rays at the hospital, they discovered that Juliet’s lungs were inflamed and after eliminating all other causes, they diagnosed her with Sarcoidosis. ”Looking back at it,” she adds, “that pharmacist probably saved my life!”

Since her diagnosis in 2004, Juliet’s lung capacity has progressively declined and is now only at 20% efficiency significantly affecting her everyday life. Even doing

Juliet Coffer

short distances and normal daily activities are difficult, but despite this, she is determined to complete her challenge of walking 3,000 metres in April, to coincide with Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.

“My condition is potentially fatal, and I don’t know how long I have left to live. I was told 15 months ago that 50% of people, like me, who reach the point where they can’t be treated actively anymore don’t

survive more than two years. Most days I struggle to walk more than 100 metres around the house, so attempting to walk the equivalent of 3km in 30 days is like a marathon for me, and very demanding.”

Her initial aim was to raise £300 for Sarcoidosis UK but she has exceeded these expectation, and so far raised nearly £7,700. She is now hoping to reach £10,000 by the end of the month. With no

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known cure or cause for the condition, the work that Sarcoidosis UK is vital to gaining a better understanding of this disease. Juliet hopes that by doing this challenge she will not only help raise much needed funds for this charity, but also raise awareness of the disease. Any funds raised will be match-funded by the British Lung Foundation meaning that further research can be done into finding a cure for the condition and providing support and information from those suffering from the condition.

“This is my time to do this challenge and I have decided that dreams can still come true, and I am determined to complete this. I have so far managed to reach 2,050 metres – two thirds of the way through and 4 days ahead of schedule, so I am exceedingly proud of myself, and the support I have received so far has really helped me carry on.”

Juliet feels that reaching her goal would be an ‘amazing and overwhelming achievement’ both personally and for the charity, and she is very grateful for the generosity shown by friends and family so far who have sponsored her. To keep herself motivated to continue, Juliet has also been sponsoring herself for every 10 miles she completes but is beginning to realise that may have been a mistake! “The more I walk, the more it costs me”, she adds, “but at least the charity will benefit even more in the long run!”

If you would like to sponsor Juliet or find out more about Juliet’s story and her fundraising efforts go to her Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ julietcoffer

29 APRIL 2021

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More than 3000 kids ‘walk the distance’ for Ohel Sarah on Yom Ha’atzmaut

Shidduch initiative Suggest a Shidduch is an initiative facilitated by shadchanim in NW London & Manchester to make it easy, quick & simple for anyone to suggest shidduchim.

Since launching a week before Pesach, they have been inundated, with over 150 people messaging the free service suggesting more than 285 shidduchim.

The concept, supported by Rav of the Federation of Synagogues, Rabbi S.F. Zimmerman as well as local NW London Rabbonim, Rabbi Yaakov Hamer, Rabbi Dovid Tugendhaft and Rabbi Eliezer Zobin was designed after the realisation that everyone has their own unique network of friends and acquaintances and anyone can be a shaliach to help make a shidduch happen. By expanding and facilitating the work of shadchanim, Suggest a Shidduch is making it easier for shidduch ideas to be redt. A survey in the US found that over 85% of shidduchim were actually made by friends, family and mentors, as opposed to traditional Shadchanim.

Suggest a Shidduch is designed to be very quick to use - so that when people have an idea - they can suggest it without delay.

Independent Jewish Day School pupils who took part

On Yom Ha’atzmaut 15th April 2021, over 3000 children from 19 schools and nurseries across the UK: Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London, collectively walked the distance from the UK to Israel.

Each child walked a mile to raise funds for Ohel Sarah and in doing so took part in a nationwide sponsored walk aimed at bringing Israel closer. “We wanted to encourage children from all over the country to do something together on Israel’s birthday - to feel excited about Israel and to learn something about Ohel Sarah”, said Ohel Sarah’s CEO Debbie Cowen.

All money raised will go towards buying playground equipment and specially adapted bikes for the children in Ohel Sarah’s boys’ school in Israel.

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Ohel Sarah has been caring for the special needs population in Israel for over 40 years. It provides a home for life for over 600 adults and children with learning and physical disabilities. Students learn crucial life skills in Ohel Sarah’s schools, housing and employment centres, which increase their confidence, independence and well-being.

If you would like to learn more about Ohel Sarah UK, please visit our website www.ohelsarah.org.uk or email info@ ohel-sarah.org.uk Follow us on social media @ohelsarahuk #walktoisrael If you would like to donate £2, please text MILE2 to 70085

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Often, when someone has a shidduch idea, they don’t get around to suggesting it, either because they don’t have the time or don’t know the people well enough to call them directly - but with Suggest a Shidduch one can WhatsApp a suggestion in 15 seconds and have a shadchan look into it. Suggest a Shidduch also enables people to suggest shidduchim anonymously if they prefer their friend or relative not to know they have suggested a shidduch for them.

One person from Golders Green commented “Such a clever idea! So often people have an idea but don’t know where to start or don’t know the person well enough to approach them for their info etc…”

The key message of Suggest a Shidduch is that: Anyone can make a shidduch.

Encourage people to be more mindful of people in shidduchim.

To learn more about Suggest a Shidduch (ask for their explainer video) and to suggest your first shidduch in NW London or Manchester, WhatsApp + 44 7367 123 341 or go to bit.ly/gosuggestashidduch

32 FEATURE

29 APRIL 2021

Yesoiday HaTorah Je TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

In 1945 a new Jewish school was born in Manchester … Its beginnings were humble, a sprinkling of pupils in a small house with a playground set back in an area of woodland. Little did anyone imagine how this small institution would grow - and grow - and eventually become the moisad that thousands called and continue to call ‘my school’. Little did anyone imagine what an impact Yesoiday HaTorah would have on the kehillah and far, far beyond...

For more than seventy-five years, Yesoiday HaTorah Jewish Day School has earned a reputation as one of the premier schools in the U.K. Founded in 1945 by Rabbi D. Feldman, z”l, first Rav of the Machzikei Hadass Manchester; his vision was to provide full-time chinuch for children of primary school age.

Over the years, this vision was further developed by some exceptional menahalim, including Rabbi Yisroel Ehrentreu, z”l, Reb Chaim Schmal, z”l, ybcl”c, Reb Maurice Moher, Reb Faivish Kaye, and for a short time, acting menahel Rabbi Yehuda Brodie, z”l. Until today our outstanding rebbeim and teachers continue to provide exceptional Torah education coupled with a wholesome academic experience, linking the chain of mesorah from yesteryear and onward.

EARLY YEARS

“Rav Feldman, zt”l, would come to the school every rosh chodesh, he would go round to all the classes, talked to the children and gave out sweets. He taught us songs which had actually been sung by the yidden in the camps such as the well-known tune to the words ‘chasdei Hashem…’”

Excerpt from the school’s 70th anniversary booklet ‘Memories’ The school owes an eternal debt of gratitude to the founder governors and benefactor, the late Mr Moshe Grosskopf, z”l, Reb Yossel Halpern, z”l, Mr Pinchos Harris, z”l, Mr Hershel Reich, z”l, and Mr Yitzchok Wolf, z”l.

Rabbi Y. Eherentreu, z”l, was responsible for guiding the school through its formative years. He created the solid foundations for a successful mosad, which has seen thousands of children not just ‘passing through’ but imbibing for life its unique combination of kodesh and general studies.

Machzikei Hadass Calendar advertising the launch of the new Jewish Day School

“... Back in Germany there had been many Jewish institutions, day schools, yeshivos and more, my parents and many of their friends had a hard time accepting the fact that their children would have to attend a non-Jewish school. It was the vision and dream of the great balebatim who decided to create The Jewish Day School that really changed my life and so many thousands of children who have gone through the school … we had many fantastic teachers who taught us Chumash, Tanach and more, along with a solid general education.”

Excerpt from the school’s 70th anniversary booklet ‘Memories’ Since Rabbi Ehrentreu, the school has

been privileged to grow under the leadership of several talented menahalim and headteachers. Under the guidance of the present principal, Rabbi Y. Yodaiken, shlita, the school has achieved further growth ka”h with over 900 children in attendance, and a staff of over 250, making YHS one of the largest primary schools in the U.K. This includes children in the associated Yocheved Segal kindergarten (named after Rebbetzen Segal, a”h, the wife of the late Manchester Rosh Yeshivah, Rav Yehuda Zev Segal, zt”l).

Yesoiday HaTorah has a unique status among chareidi schools in Manchester and beyond. Not only is the school state-funded, but it has achieved academy status, thus enabling educational autonomy.

Rabbi Dr Y. Yodaiken assumed the post of principal in 1992 and was also appointed Headteacher, thus combining for the very first time the roles of Menahel of Kodesh studies and Headteacher of general studies.

Rabbi Yodaiken, who has also taken on the role of CEO of the school, is eminently qualified and experienced in both fields.

Indeed, this combination of roles is unique among chareidi schools. His passion for education is reflected in his leadership skills both within the school, and in helping others to succeed, be it other schools or local parents. Rabbi Yodaiken has been a member of the Primary Headteachers Reference Group for over eight years, which meets regularly with the Department for Education, to review and discuss legislation and issues pertaining to schools throughout the country.

Rabbi Yodaiken, the author of two books on parenting and a valued consultant, has said: “My philosophy for success can best be described by way of a metaphor of travelling on a journey. The very

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Aerial view of new site, Riverside Agecroft

HaRav Y. Ehrentreu ZT’’L with one of the school’s first talmidim

experience of travelling and overcoming challenges is formative. I remember well the comments of a pupil about the redrafting process within creative writing: ‘I learnt that mistaking is succeeding.’”

“My Year 6 teacher helped me see my potential and I worked hard during that final year; previously I had floated through and I didn’t take school seriously. At the end of the year the two best boys received a certificate of achievement and I was one of them! Rabbi Yodaiken presented it, I actually still have it – it did wonders for my confidence.”

Excerpt from the school’s 70th anniversary booklet ‘Memories’ Having achieved state aid 52 years ago, the school benefits from an excellent

29 APRIL 2021

ewish Day School TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

The current Menahel and Headteacher Rabbi Yonasan Yodaiken Shlita

The old school building

overall curriculum in limudei kodesh whilst achieving high standards in general studies. Pupils emerge from the school at the age of eleven, well-prepared for the next stage of their educational journey, with many past pupils having achieved distinction as Roshei Yeshivah, mechanchim, yoshvei kollel, askanim, and countless ladies who have made a positive impact on their communities in Manchester and beyond.

YESOIDAY HATORAH TODAY

The school campus has seen huge development over the past five years, with an extension to the girls’ building, a dedicated administration wing, refurbishment of the boys’ canteen and sports hall, renovation of the school’s industrial kitchen, the nursery and onsite crèche facilities.

We now have a state-of-the-art library

boasting nearly every children’s book ever published in the frum world.

Extracurricular activities include art and music clubs, the Shir V’Zemer performance programme, and school-wide exhibitions open to the public. Sports clubs that bring out teamwork, leadership and motivational skills are also encouraged.

Alongside the phenomenal growth over the last 20 years, the school’s academic results and its status have steadily improved. The Ofsted inspections of 2007, 2010, and 2014 reported “Good” with many “Outstanding” features including leadership & management.

The school takes great pride in its original middos programmes. One such programme, which focused on building hakaras hatov and chesed, won a prize from the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. Our pioneering Neima Penima

programme, piloted at our school, looks at the relationship between a person and himself; understanding the beauty within each child and how every person can utilize their skills and talents to achieve, and develop a relationship with themselves, others, and HaKadosh Baruch Hu. This popular programme involves both children and parents and has been eagerly embraced by the community.

Yesoiday HaTorah School aims to be all-inclusive. Many parents of children with special needs want their children to be in a frum environment within a mainstream school. The school is proud to provide the children with numerous focussed sessions whether in individual or small group settings. More recently the school have opened the Chavazelet programme to assist children with special needs, with a focus on developing their ability to become independent learners, enabling them to integrate into a regular classroom setting. The scope of the special-needs programme is all-encompassing. Everything is facilitated on campus, from evaluations to pull-out instruction, speech and occupational therapies, social-emotional therapy and even art therapy.

Everyone stands to gain: through integration the mainstream children learn vital lessons of respect and sensitivity, relevant to all children, by osmosis. This brings us full circle, back to the purpose upon which the school was founded and which, in all the ensuing decades, has remained a constant: To raise future generations of yerei Shamayim; one child at a time.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

We now have, b”H, a very large school with over 900 children and 250 hundred

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FEATURE 33

members of staff. The demand for places has outstripped the capacity of the already over-developed Sedgley Park Road campus.

This has made it necessary to look for an additional site.

B’siyatta Di’Shmaya, in 2018 the school acquired a property only a mile and a half away from the Sedgley Park campus.

The timing for this new chapter is ideal as the new legal status of the school has recently come into effect. The change from a Single Academy Trust to a Multi Academy Trust will enable the school to house the boys’ academy at the Sedgley Park campus and the girls’ academy at the new property in Agecroft.

The new site comprises an area of 6.5 acres and already benefits from a large two-storey building and car park.

The new campus will encompass twenty-eight thousand square feet and feature numerous classrooms to accommodate the parallel class structure, a spacious dining room/full size hall, computer labs, an expanded library, multiple age play areas, a special educational centre with numerous stations for individual learning and therapies.

This expansion will ensure that every child in the school continues to have access to spaces and resources that support the highest quality, 21st-century general studies and limudei kodesh programme.

But in order to expand, we need your help. Yesoiday HaTorah has produced some of the finest bnei Torah, askanim and who make an impact not only in Manchester but on kehillos all across the Jewish world.

One may ask, why does a state-aided school need to collect funds?

There have been extensive attempts to secure government funding - the school has spent nearly three years working with both local MPs and government officials.

However the priority of government allocations for school capital building projects is to address refurbishments of existing sites. Our application was declined as pupils are not yet occupying the site. The school appealed this decision but unfortunately were not successful.

The school is much more likely to be successful in receiving government funding, through repair and refurbishment grants, once pupils are located on-site.

Accordingly, the school has decided to embark on a crowdfunding project in order to complete phase 1, so that some classes can be moved on-site as quickly as possible, which will, iy’H, lead to securing government funding for the remaining phases.

Your support of our campaign will not only help us give the girls a modern, new building as well as a much more spacious learning environment for the boys, but will also help us lay the foundations to receive future funding to build Phase 2.

34 FEATURE

29 APRIL 2021

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From the front line…

The world must help those affected most by poverty

BY JACQUELINE CURZON So, how am I faring after my recent accident, some of you have asked. Well, the hospital gave me an LJS brace (Long John Silver), but I had to dispense with it after a few days, as a fixed leg permitted me no perambulation, in fact zero movement, which I suppose was the whole point of the exercise. An administrator then told me over the phone to keep moving my knee as much as possible, which is definitely more my thing. I am - after all a northerner!

Last week I mentioned NHS waiting lists in excess of one year. My daughter was one of these clients, due to have a repeat adenoidectomy in April 2020, so is now being offered it, 55 weeks later. The admin said she was one of their longest 'waiters.'

Why 'repeat' you might ask, surely once is enough? Aha! Well, having had her adenoids out at age 4, that was supposed to be it. However, she still had unpleasant symptoms and a look-see with the appropriate scope - prompted by yours truly - brought an exclamation of great surprise from the young surgeon, who said … "oh my, they're h u g e!" Anyway Messrs Ad & Oid will hopefully make only a limited appearance until the hospital removes the blighters one final time. Not sure everyone waiting for a replacement knee, hip or heart could handle a 55 week wait.

We have been madly busy clearing out grandma's home, which has been a sad exercise, especially when it's a person that you care about. All the possessions and personal effects that have been collected over her lifetime, now require instant decisions of keep-it, shop-it or skip-it. All happening whilst she is sequestered in a care home, oblivious to the goings on in her home. Of course I mentally fast forward and put myself in a similar position, which made for unpleasant thoughts.

I have suffered since my 30s with dispos-o-phobia, ie I struggle to throw things away, as most of it shouldn't be thrown in the bin. As an example, I couldn’t bear to think that my lifetime acquisition of classical LPs, CDs, piano and orchestral scores would end up in recycling, and sincerely hope my family will honour my request to donate the whole collection to the Royal College of Music. But what of the rest of my collectibles? I don’t just mean childhood books and toys (yup, still got some of those), school books (got some of those too), school photos (not just mine, but the annual ones of my own children). Boyoboy does it all add up! My opponents at home will probably order a skip.

Nonetheless, we've been having a big clear out at home, and in the process I

Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

discovered long lost pieces of school paraphernalia. [Warned you!] One of these discoveries is an English essay from 1978, in which we were asked to speculate on the future of Scotland, by the year 2000.

My thoughts, penned below, were very much those of a politically naive child, but nonetheless fairly insightful. There has of course been a significant political shift between the years 2000 to 2021, with the SNP holding power since 2007. Here we go!

WHERE NOW SCOTLAND?

《 In the year 2000 I expect Scotland will be a country still happily part of the UK. Hopefully it will have prospered through oil revenues and tourism. I don't expect it will be influenced by the Scottish National Party, who are only nice if they aren't in power; if they DID rise to power, probably they would become dictators and tyrants. In parliamentary affairs Scotland will have its own Assembly. The Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr. Denis Healey will probably have been given the sack, and someone with a little more common sense or who is more capable of controlling the economy, will replace him. 》I didn't get it all right, but it is close enough. SNP were until the 2000s a minority, token party in Scotland, and now they are in power, they control everything; they are indeed like dictators.

Unfortunately they’re not showing much of a track record of success in welfare, drug rehabilitation, health, education or the economy. What they can promise their voters with certainty, is a divorce from England. In January 2020, whilst we celebrated a democratically planned Brexit release from the EU, Aileen McLean (SNP) announced to European leaders that Scotland 'would be back,' asking them to 'leave a light on' for them.

Although Britons voted 52% to 48% in favour of leaving, in Scotland the vote was 62% to 38% to remain. Unsaid in this was

that apparently only a small percentage of Scots voted, so this may not be a genuine reflection of true voter intentions.

If IndyRef2 goes ahead as Ms Sturgeon expects, it is not so likely we will remain a United Kingdom, heading instead for an Untied Kingdom. What exactly she perceives the benefits of EU membership to be still remains unclear, although simply escaping the shackles of English linkage would appear to be a primary motivator.

Some of the technical and legal hurdles would be significant, such as splitting UK assets, determining the right to work and study for those south of the border, access to fishing, and redrawing legal policies.

Separate to this is the reviewing of immigration policies, electricity and gas usage, nuclear armaments and the positioning of armed forces personnel. Not a small order for a union created in 1707. There are of course upsides to belonging to the EU, eg funding for wind farms, bridges and motorways. One of the most significant and contentious areas will likely be currency.

The Brits like money which is uniquely their own, but losing sterling may be a price the Scots have to pay. Handy then, that they are already flying the EU flag, rather than the Union Jack, for if Scotland gets critical aspects of the separation agreements wrong, such as free trade and a hard border with England (who take 60% of their exports), it will be left in a woeful state. You can’t ‘have your cake and eat it,’ Nicola. Under British law, it is the exclusive prerogative of Westminster to permit a referendum. Or not...

Covid deaths in Rio de Janeiro have reached a record high, with 36,500 deaths just last month, outstripping the birth rate for the sixth month running. Ten other Brazilian cities have also reported similar trends. India is reporting even more devastating figures; for a country with a population of 1.3 billion, numbers of daily cases were around 8,000 and deaths of around 100 back in February. Now matters have escalated with 350,000 new cases a day, and around 3,000 deaths. Political in-fighting has exacerbated matters, with states governed by opposing parties wrestling control over supplies. The ruling party BJP is known, for example, to be blocking supplies to Delhi, which is run by the opposition AAP, and some hospitals are discharging patients as they simply have no oxygen. Anil Vij, Haryana‘s BJP health minister said, ‘we’ll complete our needs, before giving to others.’ Police have been ordered to escort oxygen supplies, and such is the desperate need, that families are looting supplies from hospitals and oxygen cylinders are being sold on the black market. The Indian Supreme Court has ordered authorities

to formulate a national emergency plan, with the pandemic being compared to Lombardy, but in a country with an already precarious health system.

Thanks to our vaccination drive, the UK reached an all time low this week with around 8 deaths, and low figures overall.

Hospital admissions are also showing great results; out of a total of more than 74,000 admissions, only 32 of these were people who had been vaccinated, equating to 1:2,300. Despite this evidence of success, based on folks having only one jab, Boris Johnson says he will not deviate from his earlier roadmap. The long and winding road is still ahead, especially if new variants bring us to a sudden halt.

We are tentatively starting to see an end to the tortuous restrictions of the past year, but what of those countries hampered by poverty, and consequently a lack of vaccines? Perhaps, if we’re now doing so well, we could send vaccines to countries like Brazil and India, and help bring their spiraling death rates down.

The British government has just this week sent supplies to New Delhi in support, but declined to send vaccines. Surely all countries should help those most under attack. We already have division across the world, created by financial poverty and corruption. Let’s not allow vaccine poverty to facilitate associated deaths.

Now on a royal theme, I have always been in love with the beautiful portrait of the Princes in the Tower, by Samuel Cousins. Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York, were locked up in the Tower of London in 1483, and - according to historians and later writers, such as Shakespeare - were then murdered by their uncle and protector, Richard (who following his nephew’s death, became King Richard III). However, a potential new villain has emerged, according to historian Mei Trow: the royal physician, Dr John Argentine. Three youngsters in his care died; King Edward V (12) who had reigned for only two months, and his brother Richard (9), and later Prince Arthur (15) heir apparent, who died of unexplained causes in 1502. Physicians had access to all kinds of poisons and potions, so it is not without some vestige of possibility that this could be true. Doctors have been known over the centuries to ‘relieve’ their patients suffering (often uninvited) or to have a perverse penchant for ‘using their craft’ to take lives, creating fiction as to the cause thereof - Harold Shipman being one such contemporary example.

We know the princes perished, but it’s possible the doctor dunnit.

Love Jacqueline x

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Love, Communication and Marriage Part 2

29 APRIL 2021

This article is part of a serialisation of the book ‘Go to Yourself’ transformation through Jewish wisdom and Psychology’. The author Aryeh Sampson is a psychotherapist based in North London and counsels online. It combines approaches from psychotherapy and Jewish wisdom to address many psychological issues that modern man is faced with. This includes overcoming anxiety, low self esteem, improving relationships and creating a greater sense of meaning and spirituality.

BY ARYEH SAMPSON

STAGE 2: CONTROL

2(b): Speech The Talmud records numerous arguments between students of the respective schools of Hillel and Shammai. It says that a Heavenly voice declared that decisions should follow the opinions of the school of Hillel. What is the reasoning behind this? Surely the school of Shammai had great Sages as well?! The difference lay in how they related to each other. The students of the school of Hillel were deemed to be superior because they chose to speak patiently and consider and restate the opinions of the school of Shammai before explaining their own.

A similar approach, used in Imago relationship therapy, is known as “mirroring,” in which each person paraphrases the other’s opinion before expressing his own.

Opinions also are expressed by using “I” statements reflecting how one feels, rather than with accusatory statements that begin with “you.” For example, instead of saying “You’re so selfish — you always leave a mess for me to clean up,” one says, “I feel upset when I have to clean up after you.” This places the focus on the way the speaker feels about the other’s behavior, rather than identifying the other with his mistake, which can cause the person to feel attacked and to become defensive.

In therapy, David and Ruth used mirroring to help them speak about their issues. Ruth: I feel quite hurt when you come home and spend the whole evening reading or looking at your computer rather than spending time together with me. David: It hurts you when I come home and spend the evening reading or on my computer and we don’t spend time together. Did I understand you correctly? Ruth: Yes. David: Is there anything else you would like to say?

Ruth (starting to cry): Yes, it reminds me of my Dad, who never wanted to spend time with me.

David: It’s hurtful when I come home and don’t spend time with you because it reminds you of your father not wanting to spend time with you. Ruth: Yes.

Through the mirroring, instead of becoming reactive and defensive, David began to understand Ruth’s feelings more deeply. When Ruth mirrored David’s concerns, he also felt understood. They then felt for the first time that they could begin to communicate about these issues in an open and safe way.

3. Employing validation, empathy, and behavior change Requests Carl Rogers, the originator of person-centered therapy, explained that listenIng requires that we enter another person’s world and experience his feelings sensitively and accurately, as if they were our own. When this takes place, the listener goes beyond the words being expressed, and empathy and understanding begin.

Imago relationship therapy emphasizes the importance of the listener validating the speaker by explaining that he understands what was said and that it makes sense from the speaker’s perspective. It also encourages him to empathize with the speaker by expressing how he imagines the speaker must be feeling.96 In the case of David and Ruth: David: It makes sense to me that you get upset when I come home and don’t spend time with you, and that is compounded by the fact that it reminds you of what your father used to do. Ruth: Yes. David: It must make you feel rejected and undervalued. Ruth: That’s exactly how I feel.

When we feel understood, it has a calming effect and creates an empathetic environment in which people can work together to resolve their differences. We can also make requests for a change in the other person’s behavior to help resolve conflicts. For example: Ruth: Maybe I can suggest we spend twenty minutes at the end of an evening to connect? David: Okay, that’s fine with me.

2(c): Action Taking action is another powerful way to improve relationships. Couple therapists often suggest increasing acts of care and giving, either in small steps, such as giving a little gift or having a weekly “date” night, or larger ones such as taking short trips away to spend quality time

together and reconnect. Rabbi Dessler explained how this works. The Hebrew word for love, ahavah, is derived from the word hav, to give, since we develop loving relationships by giving. This is because a person loves a person to whom he gives or provides nurturing.

The Talmud illustrates this concept when discussing the case of a person who sees two donkeys, each carrying a heavy load.

One donkey is owned by a friend and the other by someone toward whom he has bad feelings. The Talmud asks, “Who should the person help first?” The answer is that it should be the donkey belonging to the person he does not like. This is because by giving to that person he will not only help him with his donkey, but also improve their relationship by giving to him.

Giving is most effective when it comes from a place of care and is a response to another person’s true needs. I am certain that almost everyone has experienced the difference; think about how you feel when you receive a present which you felt the giver really thought you would appreciate, as opposed to one which you are sure was purchased in haste and merely out of convenience. This is especially important as many conflicts arise from struggles to have unmet needs fulfilled.

David and Ruth improved their relationship by trying to meet each other’s needs.

David spent more quality time with Ruth, and Ruth gave David plenty of time to be alone. They stopped fighting and began to appreciate each other more.

King Solomon stated, “Just as water reflects the face of man, so too the heart reflects the heart of another.” This means that the way a person acts toward another is reflected back to him in the way the other person acts toward him.

When one person starts acting in a more caring way, the other reciprocates, which creates an upward spiral of affection and love.

This, in turn, builds a fulfilling bond of love as well as sanctity in the relationship. The Talmud says, “When a man and wife act fittingly toward each other, God’s presence dwells betweenthem.”

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STAGE 3: TRANSFORMATION

The goal of a married couple is to “become one flesh,” to create a oneness in which each loves and cares so deeply for the other that it is as if they were one person.

Rabbi Aryeh Levin, who lived in Jerusalem in the mid-twentieth century, was known as the Tzaddik (Saint) of Jerusalem for the work he did on behalf of the sick and poor. One time, he accompanied his wife to the doctor as she was experiencing pain in her leg. When the doctor asked what the problem was, Rabbi Levin answered, “My wife’s leg is hurting us.”

This type of loving bond develops through repeated acts of giving and caring. To achieve this, a person may have to go beyond character traits that could otherwise hold him back, such as being controlling, self-centered, or overly needy.

David and Ruth created a deep and loving bond by repeatedly meeting each other’s needs. David spent more time with Ruth and became less of a loner. Ruth gave David time to be alone, and in doing so conquered her fear of abandonment. By making these changes, not only did they transform their relationship, but they changed their own personalities, resolving their unhealthy coping behaviors from their respective pasts.

Difficulties in relationships, especially in marriage, can therefore have a hidden purpose. Relationships are a place of healing, as they bring both an awareness of our shortcomings and the motivation to transform them in order to create truly loving bonds with others.

If you are interested in viewing a webinar on Love, Communication and Marriage, or receiving a free download copy of Go to Yourself, email aryeh.sampson@gmail. com. He also has a YouTube channel, ‘Aryeh Sampson’ where he shares insights on a range of psychological issues. For more information about counseling view www.ascounsellinginnorthlondon.co.uk

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Travel

TRAVEL 37

Israel is reopening its gates to vaccinated tourists

Malcolm Ginsberg, Jewish Weekly Travel Editor, is the Editor-in-Chief of Business Travel News, a member of the International Travel Writers Alliance, a noted analyst on aviation matters. Over the years he has been hosted by Jewish communities as varied as Hong Kong; Hobart, Australia; Quito, Ecuador and Cape Town, a very Jewish city at the tip of South Africa. Travel organisers please contact malcolm. ginsberg@btnews.co.uk www.btnews.co.uk Launching a strategic campaign to ensure as many tourists as possible arrive in 2021, Minister of Tourism Orit Farkash-Hacohen announced Tuesday at a press conference in Tel Aviv, seen in London on a webinar.

All visitors will be required to undergo a PCR test before boarding a flight to Israel, and a serological test to prove their vaccination upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.

“Israel today is a world leader in safety and health, and we will make sure every potential tourist knows this when planning their summer or winter vacation,” Farkash-Hacohen stated. “We cannot

Tel Aviv beach

Mamilla Mall

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

miss this opportunity – and, as Minister of Tourism I won’t.”

As part of its global campaign, Israel Ministry of Tourism will launch large signs in three major cities, all of which combine the potential for inbound tourism and a high vaccination rate. The opening advertisement will be revealed in Dubai, in both English and Arabic, marking a historical step as it is the first time the Israeli Government launches such a campaign in the United Arab Emirates.

Additional billboards will air in London’s

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Piccadilly Circus, and New York’s Times Square. Each has a different design, but the message is the same – Fly to Israel.

“Dubai has great tourism potential for Israel,” the Minister said, adding: “The UK and US have always been large markets for inbound tourism. I have no doubt, we will see many tourists from all three countries within a short period of time.”

In addition to the launch of the campaign, the Minister revealed additional steps taken by the Ministry of Tourism in preparation for the resumption of tourism in 2021. This includes creating and promoting a number of large international events, each geared at keeping Israel in the hearts and minds. The full programme will be revealed shortly.

Farkash-Hacohen also announced the Ministry would reinstate a directive incentivising foreign airlines to operate flights to the new ultra-modern Ramon International Airport located just 10 miles outside of Eilat. The financial incentive, which was in place before the Covid pandemic, has been reinstated and will enable foreign carriers to bring holidaymakers direct to the country’s popular Red Sea resort. Monarch in its time flew to the military airport at Ovda 60 miles from Eilat and was replaced by Wizz who stopped their flights when the civil part of that airport closed.

“Ensuring inbound tourism to Eilat is my obligation to the city’s residents, but this is also a clear statement to the entire tourism industry: we are preparing for the resumption of tourism on a large scale as soon as possible,” the Minister said.

Speaking about the technical details, the Minister explained that Israel would

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open to a limited number of vaccinated groups at the end of May, before allowing an unlimited number of parties to enter a month later. The plan, she explained, was that during July the skies would open to independent vaccinated travellers, without the need to come as part of a group.

“I know there is some criticism, and I can even agree with some of it,” Farkash-Hacohen said, stressing the plan wasn’t perfect but it was needed to ensure Israel maintained its position as a healthy country and not risk its citizens. “We are gradually reopening tourism to Israel, to ensure we protect the health and wellbeing of all Israelis, while enabling those in the tourism sector to return to work and rebuild – and welcoming back the many people yearning to return.”

Sharon Bershadsky, director of the Israel Tourist Office UK, said: “After a long, forced break, we are delighted to take the first step in opening our borders to international visitors.”

During the summer school holidays Ben Gurion Airport Tel Aviv will be served twice daily by British Airways from Heathrow Terminal 5, and El Al and Virgin Atlantic, also twice daily from Terminal 4. At Luton travellers have a choice of El Al, easyJet and Wizz. From Manchester Airport both easyJet and El Al offer flights, the Israeli airline fully kosher and offering a Business Class. British Airways customers must pre-book kosher meals, at no extra cost, and easyJet carries very limited kosher snacks. With Virgin Atlantic kosher is normally available but once again customers are advised to make sure this is on their actual booking.

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29 APRIL 2021

Sesame Salmon Burgers Lag B’Omer is often celebrated with BBQs ~ should the weather turn for the worse, this salmon can be cooked on the hob or grilled in the oven.

Burgers of all description never fail to satisfy a hungry family. Using fresh salmon, this recipe might encourage the most fussiest of eaters to eat fish!

Make for mid-week supper, picnic or enjoy al fresco as they are delicious hot, cold or warm! I like to make a double batch and freeze one for another occasion when time is of the essence…!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes Makes: 4-5 burgers

Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com

Ingredients For the burger 600g pieces fresh salmon – skinned – roughly chopped Juice of 1 lemon juice 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 3 tablespoons fresh dill 1 tablespoon wholemeal plain flour Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil To Serve: 4 sesame bagels – cut in half 4 tablespoons coleslaw 5 baby cherry tomatoes- sliced 4 pickled dill cucumbers – sliced Sprigs of dill

Celebrating Lag B’Omer

BY DENISE PHILLIPS In the Jewish calendar it is never long before we have another Jewish festival to look forward to. Lag B’Omer is Friday 30 April this year, literally meaning the 33rd day of the Omer. It is a festive day commemorating the anniversary of the death of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the author of the Zohar and also the break in the plague of the dying disciples of Rabbi Akiva.

Bonfires, picnics and BBQs have become a great tradition especially all over Israel. The fires reference the immense light that Rabbi Shimon introduced during the world via his mystical teachings.

The other culinary connection at this time was the miracle of carob. For a period of 13 years Rabbi Shimon and his sons were fugitives from the Roman regime and hid in a cave. The growing carob tree at the entrance of the cave miraculously provided nourishment to keep them alive.

BBQ cooking transforms the flavour of food as it cooks over the coals and the smell creates a distinct aroma that enhances the taste buds.

I would like to share a few tips for the perfect BBQ: • Personally, I keep the BBQ either meat/ fish or vegetarian unless of course you have two BBQs. • Keep all your perishable ingredients in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them. Often with a barbecue people are grazing over a period of time so you want to avoid taking food out

before it’s necessary.

• All frozen meat should be thoroughly thawed out before you put it on the barbecue, otherwise it may appear to be cooked on the outside but will be raw on the inside. Wash your hands before handling food to avoid any cross-contamination. If you touch raw meat or fish, wash your hands before touching ready-to-eat foods and do not put ready-to-eat foods on plates that have been used to carry raw meat or fish. You also want to avoid using any utensils for both raw and ready-toeat foods.

• Make sure your barbecue is hot enough before you start and turn your meat during cooking time so that it cooks evenly throughout.

• For extra safety, ensure all meat, particularly chicken, sausages and burgers is cooked throughout – starting them off in the oven helps. You can be less concerned with steaks and lamb chops.

• Don’t leave food out in direct sunlight, pick a shady spot or indoors for your buffet table. Don’t leave food out for more than two hours. The safest option is often to throw away leftovers.

• If you are planning to be serving food over the course of an afternoon, put salads, meats and other perishable foods out in batches in fresh bowls.

• Keep desserts in the fridge until the main course is over, again avoiding unnecessary time standing around.

Recipe: Sesame Salmon Burgers

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Method 1) Place all the burger ingredients into a food processor and whizz together to combine.

2) Tip out and divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Using wet hands mould into burger shapes.

3) Place on a hot BBQ or heat the oil in a frying pan. Sauté with the lid on for about 5 minutes on each side or until cooked and golden or grill in the oven.

4) Toast the sesame bagels.

5) Spread some coleslaw on the bagels; add some cucumber, dill and sliced tomatoes. Insert the cooked salmon burgers and serve.

s i h

T

k e

e w

Jteen parent event

'Navigating teen challenges'

Not to be missed Main speaker: Rabbi Paysach Krohn

Q & A with John Cameron OBE (Jteen consultant - Former head of childline)

Sunday 2nd of May

Jteen support is a completely confidential and anonymous text-based helpline aimed at supporting the emotional wellbeing of our community teens from the ages of 13-20. Jteen support is made up of trained volunteer counsellors, and qualified therapists. It is endorsed and guided by leading northwest London Rabbonim, educators and mental health experts.

9pm-10pm Zoom details Meeting ID: 844 3542 3262 Passcode: 565572 Dial in 01314601196 Meeting ID: 844 3542 3262 passcode 565572

OUR RABBINICAL ADVISORY BOARd INCLUDES: Rabbi F. Zimmerman (Federation Beis Din), Rabbi S Weingarten, Rebbetzin J Dove (SEED), Rebbetzin S Tugentaft.

Www.jteensupport.org

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com THE OMER RELEVANCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Dear Rabbi This weekend is Lag B’Omer when the students of Rabbi Akiva are said to have stopped dying. I have three questions about this story. 1) Doesn’t it say that they died between Pesach and Shavuos – so why do we say they stopped dying more than two weeks beforehand (on Lag B’Omer). Second, we are told that they died because they didn’t act appropriately towards one another. It seems to me, as the students of Rabbi Akiva who always taught about loving your fellow Jew, this is highly unlikely.

Finally, why does this become a sad period on the Jewish calendar with so many restrictions when in fact there are other instances of mass death in Jewish history?

Simon Dear Simon 1) There are numerous explanations to this. One suggestion is that they did not die on any auspicious day – namely the days of Pesach, Rosh Chodesh, and the six Shabbatot between Pesach and Shavuos. Thus leaving thirty-three days during which they sadly died. Hence we celebrate on the 33rd day of the Omer. To be sure, it is also the yartzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. He instructed that it be a day of celebration because it was on this day that he had his students transcribe the teachings of the Zohar. That in turn paved the way for the rest of us to have access to the esoteric dimension of Torah. Zohar in fact means

“shine” and it is for this reason that many light bonfires as part of the Lag B’Omer celebrations.

2) Do you know the difference between love and respect? We love of our family – after all, they are our family. We feel an intuitive connection with them.

But do we necessarily respect them? People “fall in love” and then marry. But if they are lacking in respect for each other, then, when they stop flying high as life’s realities kick in, they will come crashing down to earth.

Rabbi Akiva was the one who advocated the Torah principle of “loving your fellow as yourself.”

“This,” he taught, “if a foremost fundamental principle of the Torah.” His students will have certainly embraced this dictum.

But inasmuch as these 24,000 students loved each other, they didn’t necessarily respect each other. There are many ways to serve G-d. Whether out of love, awe, fear, joy, etc. Each of these students will have taken a different life lesson from their teacher in respect to their Divine service.

So if I believe I should serve G-d through joy and you believe you should serve G-d through fear, then, sometimes because I love you, I want the best for you. And because I believe G-d should be served through joy I need you to change your ways, and instead of you serving G-d through fear, get you to serve G-d the way I believe it should be done, through joy. In other words, they loved each other but they didn’t necessarily respect their differences.

And precisely because they were the students of Rabbi Akiva they were held to a higher standard

Pirkei Avot Rabbi Chanina the deputy Kohen taught: ‘Pray for the welfare of the kingdom, for were it not for its fear, a man would swallow his friend alive’.

Simply put, as Rav Barternura explains, in the same way that large fish swallow smaller fish alive, stronger people would easily overpower weaker people were it not for the fear they have of the rule of law (especially where a country is not religious; it is a fear of human beings (i.e. the police and ultimately the monarch), that keeps many people behaving appropriately to-

and suffered the consequences.

The lesson to you and me is quite obvious: Difference of opinion need not lead to difference of heart.

3) You have to appreciate that these students were the bastions of Jewish learning in their time.

Their death left a gaping void in the Jewish world back then and were it not for the perseverance of Rabbi Akiva to seek out new students, much of the Jewish teachings and values as we know them today, would have been lost. To that end it is a “low level” type of mourning – the primary restrictions being anything that generates extra joy e.g. a simcha, live music etc. and scope for leniencies as well. Here too there is an important lesson. Inasmuch as Rabbi Akiva endured so much loss; the loss of life, and all his teachings gone with them – he would have been forgiven for saying, “well I gave it my all.

Now it is gone,” and walked off into the sunset. But he didn’t. He looked to build again and he did so, ever so successfully. We can all learn from that in all aspects of our lives. Whatever the loss endured, there is always the potential for rehabilitation and rebuilding.

A VACCINE PLEA Dear Rabbi Your column in The Jewish Weekly is always the first thing I read. I feel I am doing all I can to save as many as possible from the risks of being injected with an untested product. I hear so many reports of serious side-effects on adults

in Israel after having taken the Pfizer vaccine. These are broadcast by many Rabbis & medical professionals. I am aware that a lot of this information is being censored or at least ignored by the authorities & that most are unaware of these reports or consider them false and prefer to ignore them for their peace of mind. I hope you would be willing to publicise this dangerous, unnecessary & irrevocable risk to the youngest generation in Israel before it is too late - either in your

Perek 3: Mishna 2

obvious Monarch and their advisers, but we also pray for each local leader and decision maker. Likewise, we pray for the welfare of our Rabbis and teachers of Torah, as we are accustomed to doing each Monday and Thursday in shul.

Not only does the rule of law (most of the time) help ensure that people act appropriately, our rabbis and teachers who educate people how to live a moral life also have a pivotal role in helping to make our society a safe place to live in. They too, deserve our prayers.

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Dear Elana I am flattered that I am the first thing you read when opening this paper. I suspect that is all about to change. My only response to your plea is simply to tell everyone out there: Get vaccinated; save lives; end the pandemic. And please, please, don’t listen to conspiracy theorists like Elana.

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

For Refuah Shalema for Mordechai Ben Chaya Sara wards their fellow human being).

Indeed, in our shuls, we have been praying for the Royal Family for hundreds of years. We also do so with a sense of gratitude to Her Majesty and Her Government for allowing us to thrive in this country.

The Jewish people have been encouraged to so do since the time the Mishnah was taught, shortly after the destruction of the Second Temple, which means that the Mishnah was referring not only to a Jewish kingdom, but also to a non-Jewish one.

However, not only do we pray for the

column or through your Shul channels or any other means.

Elana

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Corona Diary #29:

29 APRIL 2021

Lessons from Lag Ba’omer Legends

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The festival of Lag Ba’omer revolves around two celebrated personalities – Rebbi Akiva and his talmid, Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai. These two legends lived through the dark period of Roman conquest and oppression. Living through this crucial seam of Jewish history, they each steadied Judaism for the long, two thousand-year journey through the wilderness of Exile. Their lives provide critical messages for our gradual emergence from the Corona pandemic.

Rebbi Akiva’s story contained many riveting chapters. Until the age of forty he was a complete ignoramus, unable to read even basic Jewish letters. Roused by watching the impact of water upon stone and unconditionally supported by his dedicated wife, he studied Torah for twenty-four uninterrupted years, becoming one of the most eminent Torah scholars in history. His wife was initially disowned by her father who fumed at her marrying an ignorant shepherd. Upon realizing the eminence of Rebbi Akiva, this unwilling father-in-law ultimately showered great wealth upon his remarkable son-in-law.

Rebbi Akiva’s gripping life was full of drama, iconic moments and extraordinary transformations.

But for Rebbi Akiva these remarkable transformations were just the beginning.

His triumph quickly transformed into tragedy. Having raised an entire generation of Torah students, he witnessed their catastrophic death – during the thirty days between Pesach and Shavuot; the gruesome death rate only abated on La’g Ba’omer. Imagine the anguish of witnessing this horror and watching your life’s accomplishments vanish before your eyes!

Indescribably, Rebbi Akiva’s personal suffering was soon surpassed by a devastating national disaster. No nation had dared to oppose the indomitable Roman empire- no nation except for the Jews.

Bristling at the destruction of the Tempe, followed by Roman attempts to illegalize several core mitzvoth, the scattered Jews launched a ferocious rebellion.

Jews always stand up to the wicked and to the cruel and soon our insurrection sent shock waves throughout the Roman empire. Witnessing the initial success of the Jewish uprising, and the temporary liberation of Jerusalem, Rebbi Akiva knighted its leader Bar Kochba as the Jewish Messiah. Sadly, around 133 BCE, the Jewish rebellion was violently suppressed and the last bastion city of Beitar was mercilessly butchered. Rebbi Akiva’s hope for a Messianic rebirth was crushed under the boots of the Roman legions.

Everything Rebbi Akiva had crafted during

his heroic lifetime was disassembled.

His precious students perished and his Messianic vision dissolved. This elderly man- nearing 120 years of age- had every reason to “give up” in frustration. No one could blame him for surrendering to the harshness of this dark world.

Yet, he began a new chapter of his life.

He taught five new Rabbis who would radically change the world of Torah. Most of the soon-to-be-codified Oral Torah would be based upon the teachings of Rebbi Meir, Rebbi Shimon, Rebbi Yosi and Rebbi Yehuda- four out these five “super students”. Soon imprisoned for teaching Torah, Rebbi Akiva defiantly continued his educational mission during his incarceration. Despite the frustration and the trauma of losing 24,000 students and the sadness of dashed Messianic expectations, Rebbi Akiva, at an advanced age, changed the world of Torah for eternity.

Rebbi Akiva displayed great courage but also uncanny resilience. Life often shatters our greatest accomplishments and grinds our dreams to dust. Lying amidst the rubble we face a fateful decision: either we surrender to the mercilessness and unjustness of our world, or we rebuild our dreams. Rebuilding takes great patience, resilience and careful deliberation; some parts of a broken past should be replicated whereas other aspects must be updated or reformulated. Rebuilding requires courage and defiance but also wisdom and vision.

Post-Corona we have all lost part of our previous world. The frustration and disappointment can be overwhelming and it can also become paralyzing. Can we summon the courage of Rebbi Akiva and rebound and rebuild? Are we wise enough to identify which parts of our lost worlds are to be recycled and which parts reimagined?

The second icon of Lag Ba’omer was Rebbi Shimon- one of five post- pandemic students of Rebbi Akiva, who passed on this day. While Rebbi Akiva was facing off against the Romans, Rebbi Shimon was in hiding. He had vocalized derogatory views about Roman policies, and had a bounty placed upon him. He and his son bolted to a cave, living for twelve years in hiding from their Roman trackers. Secure in his cave, Rebbi Shimon was actually spared the martyrdom which Rebbi Akiva and his contemporaries faced.

Upon hearing of the death of the Ceasar and the commuting of his sentence, Rebbi Shimon and his son, exited their hideaway looking to rejoin society. What they saw shocked them! People were immersed in their daily work routine forfeiting potential Torah study for common occupation.

The newly liberated Rebbi Shimon and his son couldn’t fathom tepid dedication

Our year of suffering and our year of vulnerability should make us more tolerant and more accepting others. to Torah study, and they couldn’t imagine abandoning eternity for the sake of transience. After all they had sacrificed for Torah, this behavior was incomprehensible and maddening. Furious at this affront to the ideal of Torah study, Rebbi Shimon and his son incinerated everyone they gazed upon. A Heavenly voice announced in disbelief “Have you emerged to annihilate my world? Return to your cave”. Ironically, a year later, they remerged and though Rebbi Shimon was more temperate, his son was still enraged by this wayward behavior. His anger was only placated upon meeting a commoner hustling home for Shabbat grasping two branches of a hadasim bush. This man explained that he had gathered these aromatic branches to enhance his Shabbat table. This simple love for Shabbat by an ordinary villager pacified the son’s wrath.

At this stage, though Rebbi Shimon and his son expected more from the common people, they were able to accept less.

Though the father and his son dreamed of an ideal world, they acknowledged that life doesn’t always accommodate all our lofty ideals. They became more gracious to human frailty.

We are emerging from our own caves.

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After a year of social distancing and endless quarantining we are restarting our social lives- shuls, schools, communal gatherings. Having lived more “alone” or more separate from society, we are now once again confronting differences- different views, ideologies, lifestyles, levels of commitment. Our year of suffering and our year of vulnerability should make us more tolerant and more accepting others.

Living with our own frailties should make us more gracious even to the inadequacies or frailties of other people. If we become more antagonistic and more judgmental we are still stuck in our caves of intolerance and antagonism. We may have walked out of our homes, but our hearts and imaginations are still incarcerated.

Rebbi Akiva’s life lessons us in the resiliency necessary to succeed in rebuilding our own world. Rebbi Shimon’s story of exiting the cave reminds us to be gracious to everyone else, as they build theirs.

Rabbi Moshe Taragin is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.

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Emor

Sidra Summary

“These are the appointed festivals of God, the holy seasons which you shall fix in their appropriate time.”

(Vayikra 22:4)

still eat from the offerings. A Kohen who is ritually impure (tamei) can neither bring nor eat an offering until he is pure (tahor). The laws of terumah, the first crop tithe given to the Kohanim, are stated.

Whilst this tithe should not be eaten by a non-Kohen, a Kohen’s wife and his Cana’anite servant are permitted to eat it.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 22:17-33

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – VAYIKRA 21:1-15

G-d instructs Moshe to tell the Kohanim not to come into contact with a corpse, with the exception of when burying specific close relatives. They are not allowed to shave their heads or wound themselves during a mourning period (Rashi). There are restrictions on whom Kohanim can marry. There is a mitzvah to show Kohanim specific forms of respect (Rashi).

A Kohen Gadol is not allowed to bury a close relative, nor marry a widow.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 21:16-22:16

Specific types of physical blemishes on a Kohen disqualify him from bringing offerings in the Temple; however, he may

Offerings brought to the Temple must be free of certain blemishes which disqualify them. An animal cannot be brought as an offering until it is at least eight days old.

Offerings have to be eaten within a certain time. There is a mitzvah to sanctify G-d’s Name.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 23:1-23:22

Laws of Shabbat and the festivals are listed. On Pesach, which lasts seven days, we eat matzot. The first and last days are Yom Tov, on which we refrain from specific prohibited activity (melacha). On the second day of Pesach, the barley Omer offering is brought. There is a mitzvah to count 49 days from 16 Nissan (the second night of Pesach) until the night before Shavuot. On Shavuot itself, the double bread wheat offering (shtei ha’lechem) is brought and melacha is forbidden.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 23:23-32

Rosh Hashanah is called ‘a day of shofar blasts’. Yom Kippur is a day of fasting. On these days, melacha is also forbidden, but the punishment for doing melacha on Yom Kippur is more severe.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 23:33-44

On Succot we bring the four species (arba’a minim) and dwell in temporary booths (succot). The seven days of Succot are followed by Shemini Atzeret. On the first day of Succot and on Shemini Atzeret, we refrain from melacha.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 24:1-23

Moshe is told by G-d to instruct the

people to bring pure olive oil for the daily Menorah lighting in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Moshe is commanded to provide flour for the showbread (lechem hapanim) that is placed on the table (shulchan) and remains there for an entire week. A man is caught blaspheming and is sentenced and put to death.

Point to Consider: Who was the father of the blasphemer? (see Rashi to 24:10)

HAFTARAH

The prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel) details the halachot which will pertain to Kohanim in Messianic times. Some of these laws are more stringent than those listed in the sidrah.

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat

In the same manner in which the author has explained that one must protect their life and not act irresponsibly with the excuse that they “trust in Hashem” so too a regular person must make an effort to obtain food, clothes and a place to live and appropriately remove the obstacles which prevent obtaining these.

Similar to how a field owner must get

up in the morning and plough his field and to sow it, water it and remove its weeds. This doesn’t contradict the fact that the farmer then prays and trusts in Hashem to make the grain grow well and to protect it from all harm and that Hashem should bring His blessing to the endeavour. Leaving the field to lie fallow in the name of trusting G-d is simply incorrect (besides for in Shemitta of course!). Similarly, a doctor, an accountant or a plumber (or whatever clean profession one is suited for), must do their part to earn a living but can and should nevertheless trust G-d to bring about success to the business.

If a person does engage in a profession or business they should not focus their mind on it as if it were the “be all that ends all” and to trust in human beings (or computers etc) rather they should recognise that these are only means, and it is actually Hashem who provides for the person. A person shouldn’t love their printer or their sewing kit, rather they should be grateful to Hashem that their efforts to earn a living meet with success.

Tefillin are a good example of a Keli whose primary function is forbidden on Shabbat and therefore it is usually forbidden to move them on Shabbat.

Ideally, therefore, one should remove their Talit from the bag (that holds the Tefillin bag too) prior to the onset of Shabbat. If one forgot to remove their Talit one should try to draw it out of the bag without directly moving the Tefillin bag.

If however one needs the Talit bag they can move the Tefillin bag and then use the Talit bag. Nonetheless if Tefillin are have fallen to the ground or would be left in a place not befitting, they may be lifted up and moved. A cooking utensil which is not generally used as well for storage of cooked food, such as a frying pan or a cheque pole used for roasting liver, may not be moved on Shabbat unless there is food in it or one needs to use the place where the utensil is or if it is the type of utensil which is used both for cooking and for storage.

The lid of a utensil has the same laws as the utensil itself.An electronic item such as an electronic radiator or a fan also has

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the laws of a Keli whose primary function is forbidden. (If they have a designated spot and are generally not moved such an air conditioning wall unit then they come under a more severe category of Muktzah.)

One can go through the 39 Melachot of Shabbat (as did Rav Falk zt”l) and find examples of a “Keli She’melachto L’issur” for many of them. One can also consider the “smaller” prohibitions and find examples of a Keli Sh’melachto L’issur, such as a telephone directory or a DIY manual.

In fact one could walk around their home naming those items that appear to come under this category and will find quite a long list.

Some items, however, will come under more stringent categories of Muktzah which shall be the topic of future columns iyH.

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A Torah bite for the Shabbat table

Maximum effort RABBI GOODMAN Brute strength and old age do not usually complement one another (Super Gran, for those who remember, was a fictional character and special effects were used to display her superpower. If you are wondering about Hulk Hogan, although he looked old enough to be a grandfather, he became a WWF wrestler when he was 30 years old.) Yet, the Midrash in this week’s Parsha, details physical strength as one of the Kohen Gadol’s five unique characteristics, citing as a prime example, Aharon HaKohen’s successful lifting of 22,000 Levi’im in a single day. At the ripe old age of 85 (a conservative estimate), Aharon spent the entire day lifting thousands of grown men at a rate of 1 man every 3.927 seconds. (Aharon HaKohen did not merely lift each Levi up and put him back down, rather, he ‘waived’ him upwards, downwards forwards and backwards - a type of “Agadoo” style of 1984 fame.)

Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz (19021979), a member of the faculty of the renowned Mirrer Yeshiva for more than 40 years, challenges this Midrash with two powerful questions. Firstly, why does the Midrash list physical strength as one of the Kohen Gadol’s five traits?

Although we are a People renowned for winning countless Nobel prizes, we are not renowned for producing world-class bodybuilders; the Torah does not require from us physical might.

Furthermore, although Aharon was strong, lifting 22,000 people, “Agadoo” style, in one day is not humanly possible.

Why, then, does the Midrash cite an instance that required miraculous intervention to demonstrate Aharon’s strength?

To understand the Midrash, Reb Chaim, in his inimitable way, expertly weaves together elementary principles of Divine providence and human nature. He explains that Hashem created a world in which there exists no relationship between cause and effect. Although our actions appear to produce results, the outcome of all our actions are Divinely engineered. In other words, it is Hashem who brings about the effects of our deeds.

However, that is not to say our deeds are meaningless. Rather, Hashem’s engineered result is commensurate with the degree of effort we put in. The more we devote ourselves to a desired end, the more Divine assistance we receive in achieving our goal. Our success is directly proportional to the amount of effort we invest, albeit our efforts are not causing

the effect.

The difficulty, though, is making the effort. Laziness is an innate human characteristic that mercilessly robs us of our success. It makes effort our greatest enemy and provides us with plenty of justification not to exert ourselves. Sadly, and unbeknown to most, laziness lies at the root of many of today’s so called “issues.”

Reb Chaim explains that Aharon’s strength was his ability to overcome his natural inertia and invest his maximum effort into everything he did. The Midrash does not pinpoint the lifting of the Levi’im as a display of Aharon’s physical strength, rather as an indication of the herculean effort he invested into the job. Only because Aharon threw himself wholeheartedly into lifting the Levi’im were 22,000 Levi’im lifted that day; Hashem responded in kind to the effort that Aharon displayed.

Aharon’s ability to overcome natural laziness and maximize his effort was one of the five attributes that made him worthy of being the Kohen Gadol. To achieve the best for his people, a leader must push his abilities to their limit. Similarly, all that stands between us and the realization of our ambitions is the effort we are

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prepared to exert. May Hashem grant us the strength to persevere, even when the going gets tough, and may He bless all our efforts with tremendous success.

A project of My Dvar Torah, Torah Bite is your resource for a short, dynamic, and meaningful Dvar Torah to share at the Shabbos table. Originally from London, Rabbi Ben Goodman has spent 20 years in Jerusalem, teaching and inspiring students from all backgrounds and from all over the world. He is the director of My Dvar Torah, providing tailor-made Divrei Torah for all occasions. www.mydvartorah.com.

He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com

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JUDAISM 45

Weekly Dvar Torah F RO M ERETZ Y I S RAEL

Striving for perfection

BY RABBI ZEV LEFF Throughout the Torah we find completion and wholeness taking precedence over quantity. Thus a whole roll takes precedence over a much larger portion of a loaf of bread, in the recitation of hamotzi.

From this we learn that our avodah is measured not by quantity, but by how close it comes to perfection. Since Hashem is the ultimate perfection, our goal must be to also achieve the greatest measure of perfection possible for a human being, for we are exhorted to emulate Him and “to be complete with Hashem.”

Chazal tell us (Berachot 5b) that whether one does more or less is insignificant. What one actually accomplishes in this world is in the hands of Hashem. The main consideration is that one direct and concentrate his heart towards heaven. What we can control is the intensity of our desire and purity of our effort in the quest for perfection.

R’ Yitzchak said: “The Torah teaches us that

when a person does a mitzvah, he should do so with a complete and happy heart.

Had Reuven known that the Torah would record that he attempted to save Yosef from his brothers, he would have put him on his shoulders and run with him home. If Aharon had known that the Torah would record that he would be happy when he met Moshe Rabbeinu after (Moshe) was chosen to be the Redeemer, he would have come with drums and cymbals. If Boaz had known that the Megillah would record that he gave Ruth some parched grain to eat, he would have given her a royal banquet.” (Yalkut Shimoni Ruth 604) In each instance cited by the Midrash, there was doubt as to what the proper conduct really was. Reuven was unsure if saving Yosef was proper after the brothers judged him a threat to their existence. If Moshe questioned his own suitability to be the Redeemer, Aharon likewise had the right to have reservations concerning his brother’s appointment. And similarly, Boaz had grounds for doubts about the convert Ruth,

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not knowing her sincerity and character.

Hence, they acted without the complete and happy heart that could have made their mitzvot perfect, and this blemish was reflected in the outcome of their actions. Yosef was sold into slavery; the mission to Pharoah met with initial failure; and David’s lineage was impugned.

After Bnei Yisrael were freed from subjugation in Egypt to serve Hashem, the first step in that service was to strive for perfection.

That striving took the form of counting seven complete weeks, forty-nine complete days, until the giving of the Torah on the fiftieth day.

Fifty represents perfection. Our task is to count forty-nine. We are not capable of creating perfection, only Hashem can make something perfect. All we can do is strive towards it. But by counting for forty-nine days, it is as if we counted the fiftieth also, for the fiftieth level is the automatic result of our efforts in securing the first forty-nine.

This is the significance of Lag BaOmer as

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explained by the Maharsha (Moed Kattan 28a). The majority of the Omer count is reached when two-thirds of the time passes.

That occurs on the thirty-third day. Once most of the period has passed successfully, one can be confident he will be successful in likewise fulfilling the remainder. Lag BaOmer is a day to rejoice in one’s successful quest for perfection. The traditional bonfires symbolize the pure, intense fire of the heart that is the basis of our quest for perfection.

“When are the days of the Omer perfect and complete? When we fulfill G-d’s will” (Vayikra Rabbah 28:3). It is the intensity of our quest for perfection in performing G-d’s will that infuses our counting of the Omer with added meaning and effectiveness.

May we strive for perfection in all that we do, so that our efforts will be crowned by success by Hashem, Who will bring us to the ultimate perfection, “granting His nation strength and blessing it with peace.”

Rabbi Zev Leff is the rabbi of Moshav Matityahu, and a renowned author, lecturer and educator. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/ speakers).

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Emor At the beginning of Parshat Emor, we learn of the special respect and laws given to the Kohanim. As they have a special position in the Jewish people, they must act differently and be treated with great respect.

In fact, if you are in a queue and a Mr Cohen turns up, you might even consider allowing him to go first (assuming he lives up to his name and is indeed a Kohen!).

The Torah also takes us through the Yomim Tovim - the festivals we all love and look forward to. Pesach, Sefirat Ha’Omer, Shavuot, Rosh

Emor Word Search

Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret.

Immediately following this, we learn of the Mitzvah of lighting candles in the Beit Hamikdash and you may even think that this somehow reminds you of Chanukah (although, strictly speaking, Chanukah is not a “Torah Yom Tov” like the other ones).

The Jewish year is filled with different occasions, mostly happy, some sad, some serious and some fun.

Happy Lag Ba’Omer!

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BLEMISH • FESTIVALS • MENORAH • OMER • SHAVE • SHOWBREAD • TEMPLE • WEEKS

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes on the left can you make the horse shape on the right?

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Emor

In a nutshell Parshat Emor opens with the laws affecting Kohanim. As the privileged members of the Jewish nation, higher levels of purity are expected of them.

They may only attend to their deceased relatives if they were of the closest 7, which the Torah lists as a father, mother, unmarried sister, brother, son, daughter, or wife.

The Kohen could not marry a divorcee or one who has had a forbidden marriage in the past.

The Kohen Gadol could not marry anyone who had been married before. There is a special Mitzvah of “Vekidashto” which means that Kohanim must be accorded special levels of honour and respect. For example, you may have noticed that in shul, the first Aliya is given to the Kohen.

Only unblemished Kohanim may serve as representatives of the Jewish people.

The Torah then discusses the fact that a new-born animal must remain with its mother for seven days

before it can be brought as an offering. A further law is that one may not slaughter the mother and kid animal on the same day.

The Parsha continues with the laws of the festivals but opens with a reminder that Shabbat falls every week.

First, we learn about Pesach, beginning on 15th Nissan following which we count 7 weeks until Shavuot which is the 50th day from Pesach. On Pesach we bring the Korban Omer and therefore the period of counting is called the counting of the period following the Omer offering.

Shavuot obviously is also the day we commemorate receiving the Torah on Har Sinai.

We learn about Rosh Hashana, the first of Tishrei, being a day of remembrance of the sound of the Shofar. We know all about Rosh Hashana being a day of sounding the Shofar, besides for when it falls on Shabbat. Ten days later we have Yom Kippur

Word Wheel 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.

on which adults fast, then we have Sukkot on the 15th Tishrei. Immediately after the 7th day Sukkot we have the festival called “Sheminu Atzeret” on which Gd requests of us to “stay an extra day” and engage in being close with Him as it were.

The Torah then talks about the lighting of the Menorah and describes the Lechem Hapanim, the bread placed on the Shulchan each week.

The end of the Sidra describes the sad story of the man who used Hashem’s name in a negative way. He was put to death.

Finally, we learn of the laws of one who murders a fellow Jew or if one destroys their property. We must take care not only of ourselves, but of other people too. And not only do we do what is best for our own possessions, we must do the same for others’ too.

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! dug gad gal guy lag

lug rag rug agar alga

drag drug gala gall glad

gull raga ugly gaudy guard THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

gully gladly gradual gradually

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Q: What do you call a thieving alligator?

A: A Crookodile!

Q: What do you call a bee that can’t make up its mind?

A: A Maybe!

Parallel lines have so much in common.

It’s a shame they’ll never meet.

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. If there are four sheep, two dogs and one herds-men, how many feet are there?

3. I’m a four-letter word can be written forward, backward or upside down, and can still be read from left to right?

What am I?

Q: What kind of music are balloons afraid of?

A: Pop Music

2. I answer you, although you never ask questions. What are you?

3) NOON! 1. Two. Sheep have hooves; dogs have paws; only people have feet.

2) A telephone

1. Four wheel drive 2. Women’s Intuition 3. Deep pockets

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4. Odds on favourite 5. Caught in the act 6. Role reversal

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City lift EFL Cup Sixteen-goal Lions with Laporte winner rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

Manchester City won the EFL Cup with an 82nd minute header from Aymeric Laporte BY DAVID SAFFER against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

PepMogilner Guardiola’s side six dominated the first Reiss scored goals as Maccabi domesticLions final of the season and inAthe London thumped Scrabble in key the momentround of theof match Laporte headedCup. home second the Cyril Anekstein Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick.

Spurs up talisman The Premier League side racked a 16-0 Harry Kane had Green been an injury doubt with win with Daniel and Michael Kenley an ankle injury and struggled to makeDaan both bagging a hat-trick.

Ed Brafman, impact on the game. vid Dinkin, and Adam Hassanali complethave beenofdismissed in the edLaporte the routcould in a mismatch a tie. first half for twohave bookable offences Spurs Lions could scored in thebut opening caretakerofboss in charge of the his minute the Ryan clashMason, but soon opened second and game Jose Mourinho’s shock scoring ledafter 9-0 by half time. dismissal days before final,though could have The Division One the team, outfew complaints as histoside managed only classed, battled away the end. one shotboss on target.

Lions was lost for words at full time Guardiola, number of milesuch was the among display afrom his team who stones, moved alongside Brian Clough, Sir gave every respect to the opposition.

Alex Ferguson andsure Mourinho a quartet “I’m not really there’swith anything to of triumphs.

He told Sports, “We tried to say, we are happy toSky make it through to the win the game, created lotcommented. of chances. They next round of the cup,”ahe had some United chancesSports on the but in Hendon rancounter out 3-1 victors general we had aOne goodoutfi game. against League t ”North London City will clinch the Premier League this Raiders. weekend if theyside defeat Crystal and The Premier led early in Palace the second Manchester at homebut to struck Liverhalf only for United Raiderslose to equalise pool late on Sunday.

Olebook Gunnar Solskjaer’s side two goals to a place in round will seal thecompetition. first Champions League spot three of the available if they theirattentions archrivals.to the Hendon now defeat turn their The Reds shared withALeeds league as they travelthe to spoils Oakwood for a United in at Elland Road crucial topa dour of theencounter table clash on Sunday last Sunday where Marcus Rashford went (10am). closest toKristall’s scoring with first halfthe free-kick.

Daniel teamastunned league Leeds refrained fromwhen their normal attacking leaders last month they won 2-0, a philosophy to show steeliness withaCalvin victory would moveathem to within point Philips starring the hosts. of Hendon withfor a match in hand.

The Premier newcomers illustrated Elsewhere in the latest round of fixtures,a growing North confidence in recent 10-man London Galaxygames made after it a defeating title Champions-elect drawing three-way race in the onlyCity, Division One against anddefeating now shutting out their clash ofLiverpool the day after Oakwood B. Pennine rivals. saw red early on but Galaxy Jamie Murray Solskjaer Sports, areand disaprallied with told goalsSky from Josh “We Cohen Japointed nottotorecord win but boys have lot of cob Leigh anthe important 2-1a away respect for Leeds.” win.

United boss Bielsa told BBC Galaxy headMarcelo Redbridge Jewish CareSport A in his group of players evolving correctthe table by just onewere point after 10inmatches, ing past errors.

“I have there has third place Fairlop FCthe arefeeling five points bebeen with a growth in their maturity in how to hind two games in hand. manage thesescored games,”for heOakwood. said.

Rafi Bloom Leicester moved closer to Champions “It was aCity fantastic performance in a

League football with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace in the Monday night fixture.

In form striker Kelechi Iheanacho fired an 80th minute winner after setting up Timothy Castagne for an equaliser in the second half following Wilfred Zaha’s 12th minute opener for the Eagles.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers to BBC Sport, “I thought the players were outstanding. They kept the calmness and control and scored two very good goals.”

Regarding IIheanacho’s goal he added, “The skill to turn and finish quickly, a wonderful goal. It capped off a great night for him.”

The Foxes are seven points clear of fifth placed West Ham who went down to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Blues sit fourth following a 1-0 win courtesy of a Timo Werner goal for a three-point lead over the Hammers, who had Fabio Balbuena sent off.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel told BBC Match of the Day, “It was a six pointer. The win was well deserved. We played amazing in the first half. It’s a very important win.”

West Ham’s David Moyes told Sky Sports, “I don’t see how it’s a red card. He’s kicked 16-goal Maccabi London Lions think for one minute through the ball, I don’t there’s a bit of malice in that trying to catch him.” Moyes added, “There’s games play must-win game, ” commented Galaxytoplayand hopefully weLewis. are right in the mix for er-manager Luke some of European football right to the “Weform sat back and allowed Oakwood end and I’ll keep to push to make and that ball, given the trying one-man advantage the Champions League we can. ” looked to hit them onifthe counter attack Newcastle with pace. super sub Joe Willock struck for a third running earnthe a huge draw at “Bothgame goals came to down right-hand Liverpool. side.

Leigh crossed the first one into Cohen youngster’s 95th-minute equaliser toThe finish, before slotting home himself.

Up edged team nine points clear to first Steve we go.Bruce’s ” of Th third bottom Fulham to allrace but seal e Division Two title alsosafety. took drawwith however could end Jurgen Klopp aThetwist league leaders Herstwood side’sgoing aspirations strike Vale downafter to a Mo 2-1Salah’s defeat early at Temple had appeared to be enough for the points.

Fortune.

The Reds had beenplayed lucky to survivemore CalFaithfold B have a game lum Wilson’s last-minute than Vale but moved levelequaliser with a 5-3only win to at be disallowed VAR for handbal, but WilNorth Londonby Raiders Masters. lock wasKalms on thestruck spot for thefor Geordies the Jacob twice Fortunetowho delight of boss Steve Bruce. scored through leading scorer James MilHe told Sport, was devastated letwith hisBT 17th goal“Willock of the season. yesterday when I told wasremarkable not playing The result was all him the he more butTemple he has come in the three games as were on down to last 11 players with and scored. am delighted for him.

He add‘keeper BenIRebuck dislocating a ”shoulder ed,the “We rodeup. our luck a little time in the first in warm half but always we were a threat.

“Th is Iwas a felt fantastic win givenI was the

The Gunners had a second half penalty chalked off by VAR and Gabriel Martinelli almost grabbed a late equaliser but keeper Jordan Pickford secured Everton’s first win at Arsenal in 25 years.

Ancelotti told BBC Sport, “It was really important to stay attached to the top of the table.” He added, “We played solid, we were good defensively, we tried to play if it was possible and we were lucky in scoring a goal.”

Burnley moved alongside Newcastle to just about ensure safety with a first-half Chris Wood hat-trick in a memorable display against woeful Wolves at Molineux.

Ashley Westwood added a fourth goal.

Brighton are seven points clear of the bottom three after a calamitous 1-0 defeat at relegated Sheffield United.

David McGoldrick secured the Blades first win since manager Chris Wilder’s sacking last month.

The Seagulls went close through Neal Maupay and Jakub Moder had an effort disallowed by VAR. In spite of the defeat it would be a shock PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER if Brighton get caught by the bottom clubs but this was a clash manager Graham Potter would have expected to win.

He told BBC Sport, “It’s a frustrating result.

The performance wasn’t probably the level it has been recently. We didn’t have the quality we can have. When that happens in the Premier League it can be hard. We had some opportunities but it is up to us to do better. It was up to us to create more.”

West Brom, meantime, suffered a massive blow at Aston Villa who equalised through substitute Keinan Davis in the 92nd-minute in a 2-2 at” Villa Park. one willdraw enjoy.

Anwar El Ghazi Villa ahead from toa Vale boss Jacob put Emanuel was quick penalty only well for Matheus to level wish Rebuck following Pereira his injury. from theand spot.

Theimportantly, Baggies theneveryone hit the bar “First most at before Mbaye Diagne struck with a deflected Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper off recovery, Tyrone Mings for the But back Villa ashot quick we hope to lead. see him hit the back after a pitch defensive mix-up that leaves on football as soon as possible, ” he Sam Allardyce’s team nine points from safety said. and thedefeat, drop into the Championship.

Asfacing for the Emanuel commented, relegation story “ItThe doesn’t matter howwill bigbeaclearer squad after you this weekend’s with Brighton hosthave, you can fixtures never account for unavailing Leeds, Chelsea welcoming Fulhamteam in a ability or injury.

Only five of today’s west London takinga played in our derby recentand winWest overBrom FC Team, on Wolves. lack of togetherness and poor individual

“It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes and took our chances. Experience proved to be the winner.”

Pep Guardiola led City to a fourth EFL Cup

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

quietly confident when we got the big players back we would be ok.

Without them we circumstances, ” said delighted Fortune are not quiteLinden. the same threat.” boss Simon Klopphad told BT Sport,of “We could “We a number players out,have Reclosedgot theinjured, game early we didn’t, kept buck so Ibut couldn’t haveweasked themmore in thefrom game, kept them alive,Ben that’s any thewe players.

We wish a our problem, it’s our fault. If you are that speedy recovery. wasteful your chances, how are you go“It waswith a proper old school performance, ing battled to win aand football game?” we defended for the 90 minutes Everton defeated Arsenal with a proved Bernd and took our chances.

Experience Leno goal to It’s staya in hunt forwe Euroto be own the winner. bigthe win, one will pean places. enjoy and we hope to build on it in 2019.”

Richarlison passed across the50 six-yard boxa He added, “Th is win marks years as only for Leno to allow ball Nigel to slipKyte through football club and will the be one and his grasp. associated with the club from day everyone

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29 APRIL 2021

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HMH hit Maccabi for six in Premier title race

HMH opened up the Premier Division title race by thumping Maccabi London FC 6-3 at The Hive.

A second half hat-trick by sharpshooter Oscar Wagner proved the difference for Avi Goldberg’s side who are top on goal difference over Lions after subjecting them to a first defeat of the season.

Lions, who have a match in hand over HMH, led 2-0 after 20 minutes with goals from Benji Weinberger and Mikey Perkins.

HMH had two goalbound headers cleared off the line but kept up the pressure and drew level before halftime through Sammy Kingston and Dan Hardoon. Ethan Krell gave HMH the lead then Wagner found his shooting boots to seal a massive win.

“This was a great advert for the league,” noted Goldberg. “A Lions win would have given them a healthy lead and made them odds-on for the title. A superb performance by the boys in Sky Blue.”

“HMH individually and as team outperformed us,” commented Lions manager Max Kyte. “We started off strongly but

complacency set in, by half time the momentum was with HMH.” Fairlop stunned North London Raiders 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller but this was a game the hosts should have won comfortably as they led 5-0 after 60 minutes.

Fairlop scored through James Jaconelli, with a brace, Sam Sollosi, Brad Gayer and an own goal.

But the match was marred by a horrific

injury to Fairlop’s centre-back Ryan Cole who suffered a double arm break and fractured elbow.

Fairlop boss Jake Sanders noted, “The result is irrelevant in the grand scheme, best wishes to Ryan and a speedy recovery.”

Regarding the match, he said, “We should have won the game comfortably, but credit to Raiders for fighting back and giving us a scare.”

Oakwood overcame rivals Hendon with a 1-0 win with a Louie Basso strike. O’s Lewis Blitz commented, “It’s always tough coming up against Hendon. We had to dig in to get that result.”

Faithfold White defeated North London Galaxy 3-0.

London Bears top Division One after a walkover against Temple Fortune.

Club de Chigwell are a point back after a 6-0 triumph over Borussia Barnet.

Jacob Bennett struck a hat-trick including a 35-yard howitzer in a scintillating performance. Taylor Bedworth, Joe Klein and Lewis Rackham, with his first for the club, also hit the target.

CdC’s Joshua Dobias commented, “We didn’t let Borussia have a sniff and played some great football.”

Brook Farm Rovers took four points from a double header against Hertswood Vale.

Joe Gourgey and Adam Ellis struck for Rovers in the first encounter. Gourgey and Dan Shapiro scored the goals in the reverse fixture to move Rovers up the table.

Rovers boss Dan Cohen commented, “The boys showed unbelievable character to win the second game having gone behind early on. We’re building momentum.”

Faithfold Green and Paris Saint Jewmain shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

PSJ opened the scoring through Josh Cohen only for Faithfold’s Zalmy Cohen to notch a brace. The hosts hit a post in the second half. Both teams had chances before Dylan Levi scored PSJ’s equaliser.

Faithfold’s Ben Kfir said, “We should have

Mann’s strike keeps Maccabi top

Manchester Maccabi 3rd enjoyed a 1-0 win against Jewventus with a Simon Mann second half strike to remain five points clear of Broughton Park Rangers.

BPR shared the spoils with Liverpool Haroldeans in a 2-2 draw.

The Merseysiders opened the scoring on 15 minutes when Adam Barnett slid the ball home. BPR’s Jasper Van Veen equalised then a Barnett cross was nodded home by Marley Rubins for a half time interval lead.

Harry Landy delivered a perfect ball for Bobby Waxman to level on the hour despite offside appeals. Barring counter attacks, BPR defended in numbers to thwart third placed Haroldeans who have games in hand on the top two clubs.

Maccabi clears the ball

Alex Bourne (99) heads home for Scrabble against West Hendon

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

BY DAVID SAFFER

Action from an eight-goal thriller between Scrabble and West Hendon Wallabies

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

capitalised on our chances. We let in a couple of cheap goals but our keeper made three fantastic saves. It was a great performance and we will build on it.”

PSJ’s Elio Elio added, “It was a poor first half from us and we were lucky to still be in the game. Towards the end, we should have taken our chances but we are encouraged.”

FC Team eased to a 4-1 win against Mill Hill Dons in the league’s other fixture.

Stoke Salmon and NWL Azzurri extended unblemished records in Division Two. Stoke defeated Redbridge Jewish Care 5-3 thanks to a Nick Barnett hat-trick alongside strikes from Alex Bleetman and Harry Goldsmith.

“The score seems closer than the 90 minutes would portray, we dominated play, however conceded three set pieces,” said Stoke boss Jamie Weiner.

NWL Azzurri thumped Straw Hat Pirates 7-1. Zak Jackson hit a hat-trick, Oscar Green (2), Josh Saffer and Nathan Rosenthal also scored.

“We controlled the game and scored fantastic goals to wrap up the win,” commented Saffer.

Scrabble made a brilliant comeback in an eight-goal thriller against West Hendon Wallabies.

The visitors led 4-1 at the break with goals from Zak Gelbier (2), Isaac Segalov and Billy Segalov.

Scrabble’s Alex Bourne headed home and then his team showed character to draw 4-4 through Jon Isaacs, Neil Kochane and 17-year-old Oliver Ziff who smashed in an injury time equaliser.

Wallabies bass, Gad Harari, noted, “We dominated the first half, their back line couldn’t keep up with us but we failed to defend set pieces.”

FC East London Bees won 3-0 and 2-1 in a double header against SPEC. Zack Neiman scored SPEC’s consolation goal. Ricky Lawrence commented, “Bees were good value for their points.”

Jewventus ‘Keeper makes a great save

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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14th June 2016 Attention all Prospective

8 – 10 Shirehall Lane, London NW4 2PD Tel: 020 8202 7704 Fax: 020 8202 1605 Email: admin@hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk Web: www.hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk Pre-Nursery, Nursery & Reception Head Teacher: Dr Alan Shaw, BA (Hons), MA, EdD.

14th June 2016 Parents

Attention all Prospective

Virtual Open Evening on

Parents

Virtual Open Evening on

We are pleased to welcome Reception, Nursery & Pre-Nursery Parents to an Wednesday 18thProspective November 2020 from 8–9:30 pm There will be a Zoom presentation by the Headteacher followed by a virtual tour of the school. For security, please contact us with your details so that we may forward you the Zoom details closer to the time.

Open Morning Required for September 2021

on Tuesday November 2016 from 9.30 – 11.00 am. admin@hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk FULL-TIME TEACHER OF LIMMUDEI KODESH Email

8 – 10 Shirehall Lane, London NW4 2PD Tel: 020 8202 7704 Fax: 020 8202 1605 Email: admin@hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk Web: www.hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk Pre-Nursery, Nursery & Reception Head Teacher: Dr Alan Shaw, BA (Hons), MA, EdD.

8th

There will be a presentation by the Headteacher at 9.30 am and followed by a tour of the school.

We are pleased to welcome Reception, Nursery & Pre-Nursery Parents to an Wednesday 18thProspective November 2020 from 8–9:30 pm There will be a Zoom presentation by the Headteacher followed by a virtual tour of the school. For security, please contact us with your details so that we may forward you the Zoom details closer to the time.

Open Morning

Attention all Prospective Pre-Nursery, on Tuesday 8 November 2016 from 9.30 – 11.00 am. admin@hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk Nursery &be Reception Parents 2021-2022 There will a presentation by the Headteacher at 9.30 am and followed by a tour of the school.

Email

Applications for in September 2021 to Pre Nursery must Forentry security, please contact us with theNursery names of&attendees.

Email admin@hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk

Applications for in September 2021 to Pre Nursery must Forentry security, please contact us with theNursery names of&attendees.

Hasmonean a friendly, successful Orthodox Jewish be Primary received by is Wednesday 9 December 2020. _________________________________________________________________ Primary School in Hendon labelled

by OFSTED as a “high attaining -------------------------Applications for entry in September 2017 to Pre Nursery & Nursery must be received by school in which enjoy their learning.”

Applications for the pupils Reception Class in September 2021 must be Friday 2nd December 2016. receivedwhere by the School AND Barnet

by Tuesdayis 12 January 2021 for We are a school Limmudei Kodesh valued equally by which you will need to complete two separate forms: Applications for Reception September 2017 in must be received by the School AND school, pupils and parents and as Pikuach observed – it isBarnet a school  The Common Application Form to be returned to the London onenjoyment Sunday 15th January 2017. where pupils express their of Kodesh lessons.

Borough of Barnet (online)  The Hasmonean Primary Supplementary Information Form (on our Admissions Policy andteaching Application Forms are available from theteach School or our website So, if you areOur enthused by and want to Torah website) to be returned to the School to children who are equally www.hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk enthused by learning, then we are A copy of the Governors’ Admissions Policyfor andyou.

Application Forms are available on request looking

be received by Wednesday 9th December 2020. _________________________________________________________________ -------------------------Applications for entry in September 2017 to Pre Nursery & Nursery must be received by Applications for the Reception Class in September 2021 must be Friday 2nd December received by the School AND Barnet

by Tuesday 2016.

12th January 2021 for which you will need to complete two separate forms: Applications for Reception September 2017 in must be received by the School AND Barnet  The Common Application Form to be returned to the London on Sunday 15th January 2017.

Borough of Barnet (online)  OurThe Hasmonean Primary Supplementary Information (on our Admissions Policy and Application Forms are available fromForm the School or our website website) to be returned to the School www.hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk

th

th

from the School Office or on the school website. Our Privacy Policy is also on our website.

.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, inspiring LK teacher to join our friendly, supportive team. Our curriculum requires a teacher with a background in yeshivah/seminary.

Please apply by submitting a CV to admin@hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk Closing date for applications, midday 05/05/2021 Interviews will be held Week beginning 10/5/2019 This post is subject to safer recruitment procedures.

th

Due to ‘lockdown ending’ and most of our school opening up, we are pleased to announce that we now have a few spaces available in our Pre Nursery, Nursery & Reception groups for September 2021-2022.

Applications entry in September 2021 Forms to any of the above A copy offor the Governors’ Admissions Policy and Application are available on request from the School Office or on the school website. Our Privacy Policy is also on our website. should be sent in as soon as possible as we will operate on a . first come, first served basis.

Please email admin@hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk and request an application form which should be scanned back to us by return.

A copy of the Governors’ Admissions Policy and Application Forms are available on request from the School Office or on the school website. Our Privacy Policy is also on our website.

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