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ISRAEL HOPES TO WELCOME TOURISTS BACK

BY DAVID SAFFER

the UAE. The trio discussed the Israel Minister of Tourism impact COVID-19 had on Orit Farkash-Hacohen is international tourism and hopeful tourists can reprospects for reopening. turn in a “month or so”.

Farkash-Hacohen sumIsrael’s successful vaccimarised how the pannation drive and reopendemic had affected Israeli ing of hotels and hospitaltourism as “a big blow”. ity sectors has given hope The Ministry though that sooner rather than has helped industries by later visitors can return compensating hotels with but strict measures for NIS millions, subsidistravel will be in place. ing tours and supporting “As Israel vaccinates its Tel Aviv beach PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK tour guides among other population, the tourism measures. and hospitality sectors are reopen- Farkash-Hacohen added.

“None of this of course is full coming, allowing us to plan for the reThe Tourism Minister was speak- pensation, but it helped during this turn of tourists soon,” she explained ing at an ITB Berlin online confer- difficult year,” Farkash-Hacohen this week. With around 80 percent ence with Minister Gustavo Segura explained. “Now we are hopeful of Israelis vaccinated the country Sancho of Costa Rica and Raki CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 is “not only an attractive destina- Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah tion but a healthy destination,” Tourism Development Authority in

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Jews mourn death of Karlsburger Rov Jews around the world are mourning the loss of a leading expert on Jewish law following the death of HaGaon HaRav Yechezkel Roth of Borough Park, Brooklyn, New York.

The Karlsburger Rov, 85, had a heart attack last Sunday.

Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral at his synagogue. Rabbi Roth was laid to rest near Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai who wrote the Zohar and next to his late wife, Rochel Roth, in Meron.

Renowned for outstanding sensitivity and dedication, the Karlsburger Rov led an acclaimed Beth Din, answering complex Halachic questions on family matters from the Shulchan Aruch, responding in clear logical terms. A leading rabbinical light of his generation, Dayanim around the world studied his halachic interpretations on sensitive personal and family issues. Splitting his time between New York and Israel, rabbis sought his advice including the Vishnitzer and Skulener Rebbes.

A renowned author, his specialist halachic knowledge was published in nine volumes of Sheilos U’teshuvos Emek HaTeshuvah.

Born in Rumania, 1935, to a Satmar family, Rabbi Roth studied at the Arad Yeshiva prior to escaping the communist country with his parents at the age of 17 to Israel where he continued his studies at the Satmar yeshivah of HaGaon Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Freind, head of the Charedi Council in Jerusalem. The yeshiva was founded by the Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum.

HaGaon HaRav Yechezkel Roth

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Following his marriage to Rochel, the daughter of Rabbi Chaim Mendel Cohen of Jerusalem, he served the Satmar community in Katamon, becoming its Dayan, prior to a move to Borough Park, at the request of the Satmar Rebbe in 1972.

A Yerushalmi throughout his life, the Karlsburger Rov, who founded a synagogue in Meron, which he visited annually, dressed in traditional clothing.

He is survived by seven sons, Rabbi Moshe, Rabbi Amram, Rabbi Baruch Duvid, Rabbi Ezriel Yehudah, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai, Rabbi Shalom and Rabbi Yitzchak Eizik, who serve communities around the world.

His daughter is married to Rabbi Moshe Friedman, Dayan in the Satmar community of Borough Park. DS

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tourists can soon return, allowing the various tourism-oriented businesses to get back on their feet.”

Speaking about the impact of vaccinations on travel, Farkash-Hacohen noted five million people had been vaccinated of Israel’s nine-million population. But protocols would be needed for international carriers and visitors to fly in and out of Israel.

“This is my greatest challenge at the moment” she explained.

“I am working with the health and transportation ministers to grad- Orit Farkash-Hacohen ually open Israel’s skies and allow more tourists in.”

As for a date to open, the Minister noted, “It will take some time, possibly a month or so” but she was “optimistic”.

A need to open the skies for international tourism was agreed by all speakers.

“We need to find ways to open up travel,” Phillips said, adding vaccinations were essential from a “safety and security” perspective. “Travel has to be enjoyable,” he noted.

Minister Sancho said protocols regarding health and wellbeing of employees and travellers were vital. “We need to continue the important steps taken, and not forget them because of vaccinations,” he said.

Farkash-Hacohen concluded, “I would like to see more people entering with vaccinations or negative PCR tests so we have more tourists, but it is a gradual process. At the policy level, we need to balance opening the skies with protecting the public’s health.”

In Israel, a range of new hotels, projects, attractions and updates to historical sites are in place.

New hotels include the Six Senses Shaharut in Arava Valley in the Negev, Soho House in the historic Jaffa neighbourhood and Brown Boutique Hotel Group’s third hotel in the heart of Jerusalem.

The Tower of David is an iconic symbol of Jerusalem and has been one of many sites renovated while tourists have been away. The complex is undergoing a multi-million-dollar conservation project for the first time in fifty years. Lifts and ramps will be accessible.

A permanent exhibition of Jerusalem’s history will offer an interactive exploration of the city’s rich history.

The Old City is also more accessible to

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wheelchair users and emergency vehicles.

The project will take a number of years to complete but lockdown restrictions have aided work. Other features include a renovation of public services, signs to main sights, replacement of stone cladding and highlighting archaeological owners in public spaces.

Meantime, Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated brand-new ship Odyssey of the Seas, is expected to begin sailing from Haifa in May. The global cruise line will offer travellers a roundtrip to Mediterranean destinations including Rhodes, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus.

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA Royal Caribbean in conjunction with Israel’s health and tourism authorities offer fully vaccinated sailings.

Crew and guests above the age of 16 will be vaccinated against COVID-19.

New developments come as domestic tourism is re-opening with coronavirus restrictions and guidelines. An exit plan is based on Purple and Green Badge outlines.

Entry to hotels, cultural and sports events, gyms and studios, swimming pools and places of worship is allowed to Green Badge holders. Holders must present in digital or print form with ID to establishments details of both vaccines or confirmation they have recovered from Covid.

Purple Badge standards require social distancing and mask wearing (mandatory in Israel).

Shopping centres, markets, shops, museums, libraries, zoos, outdoor tourist attractions and safaris are open according to strict measures of the badge. Nature reserves and parks are open with advance registration and limited numbers.

“Like all countries around the world, not being able to welcome tourists to our beautiful country has been a challenging aspect of the pandemic,” commented Sharon E. Bershadsky, Director of The Israel Government Tourist Office UK. “However, we have used this time to take advantage of the quieter streets and put plans in motion that will improve the ‘Israel experience’ for tourists as soon as they can return. From the newly accessible Old City to the impressive hotel openings across the country, we can’t wait to welcome visitors to Israel as soon as possible, so they can enjoy everything that Israel has to offer.”

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 20 Opinion 22 Letters 24 Community 25 Supplement 54 Feature

56 Cookery 58 Features 60 Judaism 66 Kids 68 Youth 70 Sport

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CAA slam City University Student Union

BY ADAM MOSES City University’s Students’ Union is holding a referendum calling on the university to reject the International Definition of Antisemitism this month.

CAA have slammed the union for bringing shame on the university and abandoning Jewish students.

A similar motion by a faction of students at the Union’s Annual General Meeting last November failed when 66% threw the

resolution out.

Despite the failure, Student Union trustees have called for a university-wide referendum calling to “reject” the IHRA definition before it has adopted it.

Asked about the wording change, the union reportedly said the question was aimed to “maximise clarity”. The union added, “The Board recognised that this issue had been discussed at various student forums but felt the concerns raised from both sides of the argument warranted a full

and transparent response from the student voice.”

Bristol’s J-Soc denounced the union’s stance, “Jewish students were not consulted about this motion going ahead and we are left frustrated that the Students’ Union believes it’s okay for the topic of antisemitism to be debated in a public forum. Having a referendum on such an issue reinforces the idea that Jewish student safety has to be fought for rather than a right.” They added, “The Jewish community should be allowed

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to define for themselves what antisemitism is, same as with any other ethnic minority.

All of this makes us feel that the Students’ Union is neglecting its Jewish students and failing in its responsibility to support all students.”

CAA is in contact with Bristol J-Soc and has been approached by concerned students on campus.

“City University’s Students’ Union has brought shame on the University,” commented Binyomin Gilbert, CAA Programme Manager. “This referendum, apparently called after the failure of a similar attempt and without consultation with the Jewish Society, represents an abandonment of Jewish students by their own union. The goal of the campaign, to encourage the University not to adopt the International Definition of Antisemitism, is tantamount to reserving the right to be anti-Semitic.

This referendum has no place on a distinguished campus. If it does proceed, City students are urged to show solidarity with their Jewish peers once more and reject this intimidatary motion.”

A Board of Deputies spokesman noted, “It is for Jewish students and the Jewish community to decide what constitutes antisemitism, and it is completely inappropriate for others to decide what is or isn’t anti-Semitic. We support the Union of Jewish Students in their call for universities to adopt the IHRA definition.”

Over 70 universities in Britain have adopted the IHRA definition. City University has not yet adopted the definition.

UJS noted, “We are disappointed that City Students’ Union has ignored numerous concerns raised by Jewish students when deciding to hold the referendum “Should the University reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism?’’. The Students’ Union failed to consult Jewish students until after the decision was made, and when the concerns were raised, the Students’ Union were adamant about the referendum going ahead.”

UJS added, “This will now be the second time, this academic year, where Jewish students haven’t been consulted on this motion, with the first motion falling at the Student Member Meeting in November 2020. The Students’ Union has made clear that when discussing anti-Jewish racism, they will not prioritise Jewish student voices.”

The Board of Trustees called the referendum on whether the university should reject the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

Yes or no confirms the Union’s position.

Voting opens on March 22nd, voting closes on March 25th. Results will be published on March 26th.

Bristol Union President Saqlain Riaz, a past Friends of Palestine Society finance officer, last year was reportedly among 120 national student representatives signing a petition calling for universities to “terminate all ties with Israel’s Apartheid regime”.

The Union backed a pro-BDS policy to end support for Israel’s “oppression of Palestinians” in 2018.

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Complaints over Chakrabarti talk

BY SIMCHA ABIR Baroness Chakrabarti has spoken on gender equality for International Women’s at St Paul’s School in London Day but did not present questions submitted on Labour anti-Semitism or her relations with Jewish women.

Assurances were made in advance of the talk on Tuesday to an alumnus that those listening could challenge the peer as it was “part of the Pauline tradition to enter into debate but also to question”.

Questions ignored included, “Your eponymous report on antisemitism in the Labour Party opened with the words, ‘The Labour Party is not overrun with antisemitism’. The Equality and Human Rights Commission, in its damning verdict, found that the Party had become institutionally anti-Semitic, including in the period covered by your report.

How do you answer those who say that you accepted a peerage in return for whitewashing anti-Semitism in the Labour Party and that through that betrayal of British Jews, you prolonged and worsened a crisis that polling shows led half of British Jews to consider leaving the country?”

Prior to the event Campaign Against Antisemitism wrote to the school after a complaint that the disgraced peer was due to speak on ‘Gender Solidarity and Freedom’. CAA insisted Chakrabarti be challenged on her role in whitewashing anti-Semitism in the Party.

Chakrabarti launched an inquiry into anti-Semitism during former leader Jeremy Coybyn’s tenure.

CAA’s involvement followed an alumnus objecting to the High Master on the suitability of Chakrabarti speaking. Former students held the view that Chakrabarti had not offered enough support to Margaret Hodge, Ruth Smeeth, Luciana Berger and other women members subjected to anti-Semitism.

Alumni reportedly noted to CAA, “They quote freedom of speech, debate, open-mindedness to justify not cancelling her engagement.” A CAA spokesman said Chakrabarti’s report into anti-Semitism had set back the fight against racism in the Party by years and caused untold distress to the Jewish community. They added, “If the event does go ahead, there must be an opportunity for her shameful record to be challenged and appropriate arrangements put in place for Jewish and other pupils who do not wish to attend.”

CAA also offered to provide a presentation on anti-Semitism to illuminate the damage Chakrabarti did prior to receiving a peerage.

“This ‘whitewash for peerages’ is a scandal that surely raises serious questions about the integrity of Ms Chakrabarti, her inquiry and the Labour leadership,” CAA noted.

Chakrabarti was awarded a peerage by Corbyn in 2016. Four years after the whitewash report, Labour was found by EHRC to have engaged in unlawful discrimination and harassment of Jews.

Current leader Keir Starmer called the publication of the report a “day of shame” for the Party.

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Israel agrees vaccine research deal Israel have embarked on a research and development deal to produce Covid vaccines with Austria and Denmark.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed the accord with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Jerusalem last week.

“This is a special day when two dynamic European leaders come together to Jerusalem to discuss together how we continue the battle against COVID-19,” noted Netanyahu. He added, “What we’re talking about is establishing a joint R&D fund of Israel, Austria and Denmark, and beginning joint

efforts for common production of future vaccines.

I think this is something that we have to do, because we’re going to probably need, I can’t say with certitude, but with very high probability, we’ll probably need protection for the future, we have to make sure that we can protect our peoples, and also help other countries and humanity at large.”

Kurz praised Israel’s vaccination programme. “The world is looking at Israel with admiration,” he enthused. Frederiksen pointed out that Denmark and Austria were “inspired”

by Israel’s ability to administer vaccines.

Netanyahu illustrated Israel’s Green Pass system on a tour of Modi’in. Fully vaccinated or recovered individuals are able to take part in activities that they were previously unable to do.

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Tory outrage over Bristol University anti-Semitism

BY DAVID SAFFER Jewish organisations have backed Conservative parliamentarian Robert Halfon calling for an urgent statement in the House of Commons on anti-Semitism at Bristol University.

The Harlow MP was following up reported actions of Political Sociology lecturer Professor David Miller who described Zionism as ‘the enemy’ and referred to the Union of Jewish Students as an ‘Israel lobby group’ which makes Arab and Muslim students unsafe. It has also been alleged that Miller criticised Jewish students for manufacturing a ‘charade of false anti-Semitism allegations’”.

“Jewish students are clearly not welcome, they do not feel safe or valued at this university, and, sadly, history teaches us where this ends,” Halfon noted.

Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, responded, “It is appalling to hear that Jewish students have reported anti-Semitism at Bristol University. It seems to me that, of all prejudices, anti-Semitism is the most wicked, it has no place in our society and universities must be part of ensuring that antisemitism ceases to exist.”

Halfon appealed to Bristol University’s

Robert Halfon

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hugh Brady, to take concerns over Jewish students seriously during Business Questions last Thursday. And over 100 parliamentarians in an All-Party Parliamentary Group against anti-Semitism signed a letter to Brady the same day, as it had done in 2019, calling for action against anti-Semitism.

The APPG accused Miller of “inciting hatred against Jewish students on your campus”. By not acting, the university had precipitated “heartache and fear” for Jewish students.

Hundreds of academics, they added, disgraced their profession supporting a man who had undermined the “safety and security of Jewish students” under the pretence of free speech.

Miller’s work “makes it clear that he believes in an anti-Semitic conspiracy fantasy,” they noted. We “stand against hatred”, APPG concluded, adding that Miller had “brought your university into disrepute”.

“Today, more than 100 parliamentarians from across both Houses of Parliament, members of seven political parties, independent and crossbench peers have written to @BristolUni calling for action on antisemitism,” APPG tweeted.

Hundreds of students attended a virtual rally last month organised by UJS and Bristol’s J-Soc. Halfon was “extremely concerned” Jewish students felt unsupported by the university.

Campaign against Anti-Semitism have written to Bristol University regarding Miller.

Binyomin Gilbert, CAA Programme Manager, commented, “Miller is a conspiracy theorist who believes that Bristol’s Jewish Society and the entire nationwide Jewish student body ‘encourage Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism’. His teachings have been going on for years with no action taken despite deep ongoing concerns for the safety of Jewish students at Bristol University.

“The University’s silence on this subject is now so loud and clear that more than 100 political figures have had to publicly move in on this. You do not need to be a member of the Jewish community to understand that this crank conspiracy theorist has no place in academia. We commend all those that have shown support for Jewish students today by calling for action to be taken.”

The Board of Deputies have called on Bristol to get “hate and antisemitism” off campus.

A spokesman noted, “The level of support for Bristol University to take action makes clear that action should be taken.”

AJEX have also expressed outrage at the

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failure of Bristol to take swift action against Miller following conspiratorial and hateful comments.

“His derogatory remarks about Jewish students have created unrest amongst the cohort of Jewish students on campus and his statements are causing enormous offence to the wider Jewish community,” noted Mike Bluestone, AJEX national chairman. “Over 65,000 British Jews fought in HM Forces during the Second World War against the Nazi regime to ensure that such hatred could be removed from our society, and to enable young Jews to live and study in a peaceful and harmonious environment, however the feeble reaction by Bristol University to this incident is too little too late.

Like CAA, AJEX have written to the Bristol’s Vice Chancellor and hope he heeds their call to action.

Bluestone added, “We support this serious matter being raised in The House of Commons and we encourage that the University Vice Chancellor and Senior management take appropriate action.”

CAA note on its website that in an online event Miller accused Bristol J-Soc group of being “part of a worldwide Zionist conspiracy”. He also observed that the J-Soc and UJS are Zionist, implying Jewish students inherently “encourage Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism”.

Miller, CAA added, portrayed the International Definition of Antisemitism as an attack on “free speech” and accused the Israeli government of engaging in an “all-out attack” on the global Left as part of an attempt by Israelis to “impose their will all over the world”.

In comments reminiscent of the “darkest years of the United Nations”, CAA pointed out, Miller insisted that “Zionism is racism” and asked how “we defeat the ideology of Zionism in practice”, “how is Zionism ended” and about the way “to end Zionism as a functioning ideology of the world”.

CAA added that Miller was behind disgraced MP Chris Williamson’s Resistance Movement who had given a home to “politically homeless” politicians expelled from the Labour Party for anti-Semitism such as Jackie Walker, Tony Greenstein and Mark Wadsworth.

Miller also suggested the “Zionist movement” was one of “five pillars” of hatred of Muslims and bankrolled by “ultra Zionist funders”, had accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of taking “Zionist money” and talked about a “witch hunt” against Labour members accused of anti-Semitism.

His teachings have been going on for years with no action taken despite deep ongoing concerns for the safety of Jewish students at Bristol University.

Students concerned about anti-Semitism should telephone CAA 0330 822 0321 or e-mail campus@antisemitism.uk

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Paperweight Bibi welcomes Brazilian Covid delegation highlights shortcomings in the Budget

BY SIMCHA ABIR

Paperweight, the Jewish community’s citizens advice bureau, whilst welcoming the extension of furlough announced in the Budget, also believes the Chancellor missed a number of opportunities to enhance support for those severely impacted by the pandemic.

Although the provision of an extra £20 a week for Universal Credit has been extended to the end of September, ending it then will exacerbate the decline in to poverty for many more working families.

Indeed, some 4.5 million families will see their low income significantly drop by £80 a month.

Strangely, there was no recognition in the Budget that women have been disproportionately disadvantaged by the pandemic. More are in lower paid, insecure work and have lost jobs. More have needed to assume responsibility for home schooling and domestic duties. Women are also disproportionately affected by the crisis in social care: they are both more likely to be in receipt of care and to be providing care, either paid or unpaid. In the last year, the number of unpaid carers has increased from 4.5 million to 13.6 million, with the majority being women, which has significant consequences for those who are also in paid work.

Despite the crisis in childcare, the Budget was also silent on this front. Almost 60% of local authorities expect some childcare providers in their area to shut permanently. Childcare is a vital form of infrastructure, enabling parents to enter or stay in employment. Much like social care, it makes good economic sense at a time when unemployment is expected to rise.

Lastly, whilst many have heralded the new mortgage scheme to help first time buyers, its potential to push more people into debt has been overlooked. The scheme allows first-time buyers, home movers and previous homeowners with a 5% deposit to have access to 95% loanto-value mortgages (meaning the loan is for 95% of the property‘s value) on properties up to £600,000. Commentators have already pointed to the potential for situations of negative equity to arise – where the property is worth less than the outstanding mortgage. It is also likely that a significant number of those taking out these loans will end up be unable to repay them – some will no doubt be made redundant once furlough ends.

Benjamin Conway, Chair of Paperweight, says, “it’s a shame that the Chancellor chose not to address many of the longstanding social issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic and are set to continue to worsen. All of this will have an impact on the Jewish community and lead to more desperate families turning to Paperweight for vital support”.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed a Brazilian delegation to review a new COVID-19 treatment developed in Tel Aviv.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo headed the mission that included Eduardo Bolsonaro, Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee in Congress chair, alongside Health Ernesto Araújo Ministry, Science Ministry and Congress representatives.

Prof. Nadir Arber has led the innovative treatment at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital. To date, 29 of 30 patients in a serious or critical condition have recovered during the first phase of clinal trials.

President Jair Bolsonaro, speaking before the delegation departed, expressed hope the treatment would help Brazil control the pandemic. There have been 260,000 fatalities in Brazil. Two variants have been discovered.

One variant has spread to 25 countries. A second variant has seen an outbreak in Manaus sparking concerns of reinfection to recovering patients.

The delegation met Netanyahu and Foreign Affairs Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Araújo would hold a meeting PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA with Ashkenazi to sign a partnership agreement and meet health officials to discuss the pandemic.

“The entire visit is carried out according to the restrictions and in accordance with the guidelines of the Health Ministry,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Relations with Brazil have developed since Netanyahu attended Bolsonaro’s inauguration in 2018.

Brazil opened a new trade mission to Israel in Jerusalem in 2019. The Brazilian premier welcomed the two countries developing

a relationship religiously, culturally and democratically.

The same year Israel aided the search for survivors in the aftermath of the collapse of the Corrego de Feijao iron mine dam near the south eastern town of Brumadinho.

Tragically, 270 people died, 259 were officially confirmed dead. Eleven were reported missing. Brazil declared three days of mourning.

The 130-strong Israeli team comprised the Home Front Command’s Search and Rescue division, structural engineers, medical staff, fire specialists and underwater commandos.

Netanyahu backed the Israeli mission, a gesture welcomed by Bolsonaro. Colonel Golan Vach headed the mission, which included Zaka volunteers.

Brazil’s largest mining company, Vale, confirmed safety procedures were followed.

Workers were in the site’s cafeteria when the dam burst, flooding houses, vehicles and roads.

The disaster occurred three years after the Mariana dam disaster in 2015 when 19 people died.

Bibi confirms spy search

BY ADAM MOSES Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed on national TV that efforts to find the remains of Egyptian-born Israeli spy Eli Cohen are taking place in Syria.

Reports emerged on an Arabic website of Russian troops searching a cemetery at al-Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus last month.

Speaking on news channel i24NEWS, Israel’s leader was brief in his comments.

“It’s true,” he told i24NEWS. “I’m committed to returning every one of our fallen soldiers.”

Netanyahu added, “My relationship with Putin is an important strategic asset for Israel. He said on one occasion, that if we did not have this special relationship we could have well had a clash between our militaries.”

Cohen gained access to senior officers of the Syrian military and government officials, including President Amin al-Hafez, in the early 1960s.

Being multi-lingual enabled him to pass Syrian military plans secrets to the Israeli government.

Though talented in espionage, Syrian counterintelligence identified his radio signal resulting in his arrest and conviction in a military trial in 1965. Sentenced to death, Cohen was publicly hanged.

The i24NEWS report noted an “item” thought to belong to Cohen being in Israel’s possession. The item was reportedly transferred to Russia who passed it on to Israel.

Although it was reported Syria had provided maps of the area to Russia, Netanyahu’s Office denied having belongings of Cohen and stopped short of confirming an alliance with Russia on the search.

Eli Cohen

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Cohen gained access to senior officers of the Syrian military and government officials, including President Amin al-Hafez, in the early 1960s.

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“We have not stopped looking (for Cohen’s remains),” Netanyahu reportedly told Army Radio. “I am not saying that we are doing it through Russia, but are not giving up. The efforts are ongoing and I hope they will bear fruit.”

Cohen’s daughter, Sophie Ben-Dor, was guarded regarding the news.

“Until there is confirmed news and findings, I feel I have nothing to say on the subject,” she reportedly said. “There is a sense that they are playing with us, my family, and our feelings. If the prime minister knows something, he should inform us privately and not through the media.”

Eli Cohen’s widow, Nadia, is setting up a museum in Herzliya in her husband’s memory and appealed to Russia to recover her husband’s remains when news broke of a potential search.

“I want to believe that we’re not getting our hopes up for nothing,” she reportedly said. “I ask the Russians for help, use your capabilities to bring him back to be buried in Israel.”

Nadia added, “ It gives us hope and I’m hoping these are not just castles in the air and that there is real interest in bringing him to be buried in the Land of Israel. It was his last request, if not in life, surely in death.”

Russian news agency RT released images of a man, thought to be Cohen, walking down streets of Damascus in a new documentary series about Syria.

The film was discovered in an antique shop in Saint Petersburg.

Producers noted Boris Lukin, a specialist in communications for the Soviets, took the footage.

Mossad are aware Lukin and Cohen were in Damascus at the same time.

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Israel slams ICC “war crimes” decision

BY DAVID SAFFER Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has slammed a decision by the International Criminal Court to open a formal investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel in the Palestinian Territories.

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

Netanyahu described the ICC ruling as outrageous and anti-Semitic.

“The State of Israel is under attack,” he reportedly noted. “The biased court in The Hague has made a decision that is the essence of anti-Semitism 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. 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. (We will) protect every soldier, every commander and citizen. And I promise you this, we will fight for the truth until this scandalous decision is overturned.”

Israel’s leader discussed the issue with US President Joe Biden last month as did Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken.

Biden has not ended UN sanctions imposed by former President Doland Trump over plans to investigate Israeli and American military actions. “We will continue to uphold our strong commitment to Israel and its security, including by opposing actions that seek to target Israel unfairly, the ICC has no jurisdiction over this matter,” a State Department spokesman told a news conference.

Israel rejected all allegations stating military actions in Gaza are self-defence as the Judai and Samaria must be resolved through negotiations. Condemnation was swift.

Ashkenazi welcomed Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo’s stance at a meeting in Jerusalem last Sunday. “Israel is thankful for Brazil’s steadfast position against the ICC decision to launch a probe,” he reportedly noted. “It is a decision that violates international law and distances the possibility to advance negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.”

Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Chief of Staff during a 2014 war in Gaza, said hundreds of Israel citizens, including himself,

could be implicated by the ruling and he would defend them.

Israel will provide legal backing and give travel warnings if required. “I was never afraid to go across enemy lines, I will continue to stand wherever I have to,” he reportedly said.

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, suggested Israeli leaders liaise with ICC’s newly elected prosecutor, Karim Khan of Britain, who takes up the post on June 15.

Erdan told Army Radio that the investigation was not “logical or moral” and should not be a priority compared to the Syrian and Irianian regimes.

Yisrael Beytenu’s Avigdor Liberman and Yamina Party’s Naftali Bennett labelled the decision “anti-Semitic”. “The IDF is and will remain the most moral military in the world and no fake investigation will prevent the State of Israel from protecting its citizens,” Yamina said in a statement.

The Yesha Council, meantime, slated the ICC attempts to intimidate Israel and called on the government to extend authority over Area C where Israeli settlements equate to 61% of the region.

Israel rejected all allegations stating military actions in Gaza are self-defence as the Judai and Samaria must be resolved through negotiations.

“Israeli settlements in Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley are as legitimate as any other Israeli town or village and comply with all the requirements of the law,” the council said in a statement. “The anti-Semitism displayed by the ICC is just one more in a long line of tall tales that are removed from reality.”

In the UK, the Conservative Friends of Israel called on the government to “challenge” the decision as it was a threat to UK interests. In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, CFI voiced concerns over ICC’s controversial ruling that it had “territorial jurisdiction in the territories”.

“This ruling was made contrary to settled international legal principles and was predicted upon non-binding United Nations General Assembly Resolutions,” CFI’s Parliamentary Chairmen, Stephen Crabb, The Lord Pickles and Lord Polak noted.

“It should worry us all that this decision now risks rewarding and emboldening

Benjamin Netanyahu

those that wish to harm the Middle East Peace Process, including Palestinian terror groups.” They added, “We should stand by our close ally and friend Israel and call out this investigation which sets both a dangerous precedent for non-state actors to pursue vexatious claims against this country and our brave armed forces but also to severely affect the UK’s own sovereign legal determinations.”

Marie van der Zyl, Board of Deputies President, noted the decision to open a formal investigation illustrated increasing moral bankruptcy of international courts.

“We note that despite the ICC’s claims to be investigating the actions of both Israel and Hamas, the timeline of their investigation begins on 13 June 2014, a day after Hamas kidnapped and murdered three Israeli teenagers, the action which led to the 2014 war. This shows that the investigation is utterly compromised from the beginning. We

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

also note Ms Bensouda’s apparent decision to ignore the highly critical dissenting opinion of the pre-trial’s Presiding Judge, who highlighted that the decision of his fellows ‘has no legal basis in the Rome Statute, and even less so, in international law’.

“Pursuing this investigation will only further polarise Israelis and Palestinians. It is our hope that Israelis and Palestinians can come together through direct negotiations, as it is only through this means that the conflict will be resolved and a lasting peace forged between peoples.”

Outgoing ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouta said in a statement the decision followed five years painstaking examinations and a central concern for the victims of crimes, both Palestinian and Israeli.

Benousta added that a long cycle of violence and insecurity had caused deep suffering and despair on all sides. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the decision.

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Modiin Illit woman charged over border offense

BY SIMCHA ABIR

diplomatic adviser.

Netanyahu reportedly spoke An Israeli woman from Modiin Iltwice with Putin to request assislit has been charged after crossing tance in finding a deal. the border into Syria illegally last “Israel has always, and will almonth. ways, do everything it can to bring Israel and Russian leaders broits citizens back home,” he noted. kered a deal for the 22-year-old’s The woman returned with an safe return via Moscow.

Israeli delegation led by Yaron Details are limited but it has Blum and Chief of Staff Asher been reported that Israel has paid Hayun.

Russia to deliver an unknown A deal saw two shepherds who quantity of its Sputnik V coronacrossed into the Golan Heights virus vaccine to Syria. released to Syria.

“Unlike in past cases where The Golan Heights A sentence was also commutPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK state security was actually comed by three months for a Druze promised yet no indictment was filed The woman has reportedly written on woman, Nihal al-Maqt from Majdal Sham, against those who crossed the border, in Facebook she is an “eternal nomad” and sentenced to three years for monitoring this case, it is clear to all that the young did not recognise borders. “I do not recog- IDF troop movements. woman did not harm and had no inten- nise your lines,” she noted. “Not green, not The shepherds were released after a deal tion of harming state security,” a defence blue, nor purple. Not even a red line will for Dhiyab Qahmuz fell through. lawyer reportedly noted. “It is puzzling to not stop me,” she previously wrote.

Qahmuz was arrested in 2017 and senfile an indictment against a young woman Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tenced to 14 years for planning terror atwithout a criminal record who comes from spoke with Russian President Vladimir tacks for Hezbollah. Qahumz refused to go a complex background.”

Putin, Defence Ministers Benny Gantz to Syria, preferring a return to his Golan The woman crossed into Syria through and Sergei Shoigu held talks as did Foreign village. He remains in prison. an unfenced area of the Golan Heights. Ministers Gabi Ashkenazi and Sergei LavFollowing questioning of the Modiin Illit Israel Defence Forces noted that she had rov when the issue made headline news. resident, the IDF investigated how obserpreciously attempted to cross into Syria, Israel’s National Security Advisor Meir vation and radar posts didn’t detect the Egypt and Jordan.

Ben-Shabbat spoke with President Putin’s border crossing.

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Metliss gives tips and career advice

Jonathan Metliss

The Jewish Weekly chairman and Axiom Stone Chairman Jonathan Metliss discussed his lengthy career in the law and other activities in a video lecture to sixthform students at St Paul’s Girls’ School, Hammersmith.

He also offered tips for success and took questions in the online event which was attended by some 200 girls and school staff.

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“Normal” Pesach possible in Israel says Health Ministry

BY DAVID SAFFER Israelis may be able to have a “normal” Pesach this year.

Health Ministry Head of Public Health Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis announced the news at a press conference this week. But everything is dependent on coronavirus restrictions being met to ensure a spike in cases is avoided as the economy and education system continue to open.

Alroy-Preis’ comments came as government leaders celebrated the country’s five millionth coronavirus vaccination. Over half of Israel’s population has received a dose.

“I do not think it is necessary at the moment to talk about restrictions on Passover, everything could change by then,” Alroy-Preis reportedly said. “If this continues, there will be no need for restrictions. If we keep wearing masks and keep our distance we will have a normal holiday.”

The Ministry’s Director General Prof. Hezi Levi backed Alroy-Preis’ comments.

“I hope that the trend we are seeing in recent days will continue,” he reportedly said.

“Undoubtedly there is a trend of stabilisation in the basic reproduction number, there is a trend of a decrease in the number of new verified cases and a decrease in seriously ill patients. These things are encouraging and are definitely worthy of professional discussions. We may be able to increase the number of participants in social events in open areas.”

Levi though ruled out a “sweeping removal of all restrictions”. He also noted that the Health Ministry was considering vaccinating Israel’s population, including children, twice a year with a total of four vaccine doses.

“There were and will be things that are not known today (about the virus),” he explained. “We will change some things or not buy some vaccine options.”

Israel has not seen a surge since Purim last month in spite of reported mass celebrations in some areas during the festival.

“We’re definitely seeing a drop in the number of patients in serious and critical conditions,” Alroy-Preis reportedly said. “In recent weeks, we’ve been actually seeing an upwards trend in serious morbidity among young people. “Most people connected to heart-lung machines are under the age of 60 and some are even under 40. All in all, every death is painful, but we’ve been seeing less and less of it. Looking at the whole picture, we conclude that we can continue opening up.”

The national Coronavirus Response Center released positive data about Purim.

Despite festival celebrations the R number denoting rate of infection of the virus had markedly dipped.

“Our R number currently stands at 0.95, exactly 10 days after Purim,” Tomer Lotan

Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis

PHOTO: YOU TUBE

reportedly explained. “We were afraid of a higher number at this point, (but) when I saw that number I calmed down a bit.”

Lotan praised Israel’s vaccination campaign and added that the R figure was significant as measures for economy and education had reduced.

“We would have expected, should any significant outbreak occur, to see some sort of upward trend in this 10-day period,” Lotan said. “And yet in the last two days in particular we have seen the R number begin to decline.” He added, “There is no doubt that the country’s number of seriously ill patients will dictate policy decisions going forward.

This includes restrictions, closures and so on. Currently though we are on a downward trend. Our overall direction is good. As for the R number, it serves as a great mirror to the disease. It gives us all the information we need to know, the effects of the mutations, the impact of the vaccines and public behaviour. Overall it provides us with a clear picture of if the pathogen is in an upward or downward trend.”

Lotan was however concerned that Ben-Gurion Airport had fully reopened, describing it as Israel’s “Achilles heel” in terms of the deadly virus despite protective layers at the airport.

“There is no doubt that the airport is our weak spot,” he said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a stage at a press conference in Tel Aviv with Janet Lavi-Azulay who became the landmark five millionth person in Israel to be vaccinated.

Israel has not seen a surge since Purim last month in spite of reported mass celebrations in some areas during the festival.

Netanyahu vowed to vaccinate the adult population by the end of next month which would signal that Israel was “out of the coronavirus crisis.”

Israel has gained global recognition for its vaccination program. To date over 8.7 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been given to its 9.3 million. Some 3.5 million Israelis, over 40%, have received both doses giving full immunity. Latest Health Ministry shows that 708 patients are in serious condition and 223 ventilated. There have been 5,899 fatalities.

A positive atmosphere has begun to return across the country but Coronavirus czar Prof. Nachman Ash warned last weekend that Israelis must stay observant regarding health regulations in order to avoid a fourth lockdown.

“This is not over,” he reportedly said. We must continue to be careful, use masks and maintain social distancing. We have a way to go until the pandemic is behind us.”

Ash added, “We will have to track the numbers and as long as the increase in cases is under control and there is no surge in

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serious cases, we will be able to keep the economy open.”

Last Sunday, data showed Israel had 724 hospitalised. “This is not a small number, but the health system is able to cope with it,” Ash noted. “If the number continues to rise, we may have to renew some restrictions.”

Students in grades 7-10 in areas with low morbidity and high vaccination rates have returned to school two days a week joining pupils already back in classes.

“I am unconcerned about more in-school learning because that is happening in areas with low morbidity,” Ash said. “We will monitor the situation and will act accordingly.”

Israel, meantime, has reopened its economy and secondary schools.

The coronavirus cabinet have also given a green light to restaurants, coffee shops and conferences to open for Green Pass holders (citizens with vaccine doses or those recovered from Covid).

Gatherings up to 20 people are allowed inside, 50 outside. Hotels can operate at 50 per cent capacity, culture and sport events, places of worship and convention centres can host up to 500 people indoors and up to 750 outdoors.

For stadiums with 10,000 plus seats, 1,000 can attend, up to 1,500 people in an open area (tickets sold in advance).

“The Green Pass regulations are clear,” Ash said. “Over 3.5 million people have already received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine and can enter places of business safely.

If the rules are observed, I believe we will not see a worrying rise in contagion there.”

11 MARCH 2021

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ADVERTORIAL

Effective Tax year end planning 2021 top 10 checklist – Vol 2 The writer is the Owner and Managing Director of Alpha Wealth Management Ltd – a boutique independent financial advisory practice. As a Chartered Financial Planner and drawing on over twenty years’ experience in financial services, Marc helps private clients, businesses, charities, and trusts optimize their finances. Prior to acting as a financial adviser, Marc was a Director at several global investment banks, providing investment advice to Europe’s leading institutional investment and pension fund managers.

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By Marc Ovits With the tax year end (TYE) approaching, individuals should be making the most of the tax reliefs and allowances currently available. This can lead to a reduced tax bill and potentially a boost to savings. Below is the follow up to last week’s checklist of 5 of the top 10 TYE planning opportunities to take advantage of:6. USE ISA ALLOWANCES ISAs offer savers valuable protection from income tax and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and, for those who hold all their savings in this wrapper or a pension, it’s possible to avoid the chore of completing self-assessment returns. The ISA allowance is given on a use it or lose it basis. Use yours before the tax year ends.

7. RECOVER PERSONAL ALLOWANCES AND CHILD BENEFIT Individual pension contributions can reduce a individual’s taxable income. In turn, this can have a positive effect on both the personal allowance and child benefit for higher earners, resulting in a lower tax bill. An individual pension contribution that reduces income to below £100,000 will restore your individual’s full tax free personal allowance. The effective rate of tax relief on the contribution could be as much as 60%. Child Benefit is clawed back by a tax charge if the highest earning individual in the household has income of more than £50,000, and is cancelled altogether once their income exceeds £60,000. A pension contribution will reduce income and reverse the tax charge, wiping it out altogether once income falls below £50,000.

8. INVESTMENTS: TAKE PROFITS USING CGT ANNUAL ALLOWANCES CGT allowances are lost if not used. Even if cash isn’t needed, taking profits within the £12,300 CGT allowance and re-investing the proceeds means there will be less tax to pay when individuals ultimately need to access these funds to meet spending plans.

Proceeds cannot be re-invested in the same fund for at least 30 days, otherwise the expected ‘gain’ will not materialise. But they could be re-invested in a similar fund or through their pension or ISA. Alternatively the proceeds could be immediately re-invested in the same investments, but in the name of the individual’s partner. If there is tax to pay on gains at the higher 20% rate, a pension contribution could be enough to reduce this rate to the basic rate of 10% 9. INVESTMENT BONDS: CASH IN BONDS TO USE UP PA/STARTING RATE BAND/PSA AND BASIC RATE BAND If you have any unused allowances that can be used against savings income, such as personal allowance, starting rate band or the personal savings allowance, now could be an ideal opportunity to cash in offshore bonds, as gains can be offset against all of these.

If not needed, proceeds can be re-invested into another investment, effectively re-basing the ‘cost’ and reducing future taxable gains. For those that have no other income at all in a tax year, gains of up to £18,500 can be taken tax free. This is made up of personal allowance £12,500 plus starting rate band for savings £5,000 plus personal savings allowance £1,000. Remember that non-savings income is taxed before savings income and if the exceeds £17,500 the PA and starting rate band will not be available.

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available, but your partner (or even an adult child) does, then bonds or bond segments can be assigned to them so that they can benefit from tax free gains. Remember, the assignment of a bond in this way is not a taxable event.

10. RECYCLE SAVINGS INTO A MORE EFFICIENT TAX WRAPPER There may be a better option to harvesting profits and re-investing these interim capital withdrawals in the same tax wrapper.

For example, they could be used to fund your pension where further tax relief can be claimed, investments can continue to grow tax free and funds can be protected from Inheritance tax (IHT). Similarly, capital taken could be used as part of this year’s ISA subscription Although ISAs don’t attract the tax relief or IHT advantage a pension does, fund growth will still be protected from tax.

WHICH LEADS NICELY ON TO ONE FINAL CONSIDERATION FOR INDIVIDUALS OVER (OR APPROACHING) 55 - SHOULD ISA SAVINGS BE RECYCLED INTO YOUR PENSION TO BENEFIT FROM TAX RELIEF AND IHT PROTECTION? Effective tax planning is a year round job.

In many cases, effective tax year planning can produce a higher level of savings than the investment return you generate from the amount you invest ! Having advised clients for almost a decade, I am yet to meet a prospect who has fully optimised their finances and taken advantage of all the available tax allowances and reliefs.

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Kosher Scotch whisky company wins major industry award

BY DAVID SAFFER Kosher Scotch whisky company DS Tayman has made history by picking up a major accolade at this year’s World Whiskies Awards.

This is the first time a kosher whisky company has won an industry award.

The independent bottler of single malt Scotch whisky won silver for its Caol Ila Second Edition. The whisky is finished in wine barrels from Flam, the boutique Israeli winery.

The whisky boasts hechshers from the OU, KLBD and Rav Akiva Osher Padwa.

Danny Saltman, DS Tayman’s Director of Malts, said, “This award is the culmination of several years’ work, creating a

high-quality Scotch that is truly unique.

We are delighted that our peers and industry experts have recognised our work and we look forward to developing our product lines in the years ahead. We haven’t just created a great kosher wine-finished whisky, we’ve created a great wine-finished whisky that happens to be kosher.”

Saltman noted that Caol lla whisky suggested a nose of mild coffee grinds complemented by chocolate with smoked brisket in the background. On the palate there is cappuccino foam, coupled with rhubarb, custard and a sprinkling of gentle sea salt. The finish is long and rich with smoky and rich coffee flavours continuing to develop.

Pocket Guide to Whisky author Blair

Bowman said, “There is no question that the team at DS Tayman are producing some excellent whiskies. I applaud their efforts in producing an award-winning wine-finished whisky. A bottle of DS Tayman can sit in the collection of any whisky lover and can be enjoyed by everyone. I am pleased that their efforts have been rightfully recognised by this excellent award.”

DS Tayman launched its first whisky in September 2020, the award-winning Caol Ila 12 is the company’s third limited edition whisky. Its whiskies are highly unusual as they are finished in specially paired wine barrels to craft special finishes that have never been available to enjoy before.

The World Whiskies awards select the very best in international recognised styles.

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Danny Saltman inspects casks

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Election 2021 News Exclusively covering the election for The Jewish Weekly is weekly columnist JAMES MARLOW with his report, news briefs and latest polling according to Israeli surveys.

James has been covering Israeli Elections since the eighties and has extensive knowledge of the many Parties, Candidates, Proportional Representation system and analysing coalition agreements. In addition James gives intriguing insights into

Israel’s fourth election in 2 years on Sky News, LBC Radio and many online events, including for the Zionist Federation, Ner Yisrael, Glasgow Friends of Israel and United Synagogue through Zoom.

The Marlow Report Writing in the Jerusalem Post last month, world affairs strategist, Amotz Asa-El, eloquently pointed out, that very few Army Generals in many of the world’s democracies, go into politics. Yes there were national leaders, like the Duke of Wellington and Ulysses Grant and statesmen like Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle. But no democracy has turned generals into politicians as many times as the State or Israel.

Amotz Asa-El wrote 10 out of the 14 former Chief of General Staffs, went into politics and suggested all of them, were failures in one way or another. From Moshe Dayan (Yom Kippur War), Ariel Sharon (First Lebanon War), Yitzhak Rabin, (first Intifada) and Ehud Barak (second Intifada) in terms of national disasters. To other Generals who wrought great political failures, like Shaul Mofaz who led Kadima after they received 28 seats in 2009 and plunged them to 2 seats in 2013.

In the past 2 years of this current political crisis, retired Generals have reached new peaks of repeated disaster and Asa-El says they have sunk to new depths.

Even for Israel, the fielding of 3 former IDF Chiefs, as a new political force against Netanyahu was unprecedented and the result was ideological disorientation and political fiasco. Like Shaul Mofaz, when he led Kadima, Benny Gantz was “politically clueless”, especially when he lost half of his faction last summer and was recently abandoned by most of its remainder.

Gantz’s number two, Gabi Ashkenazi did bring an important voice to the Foreign Ministry, but he too failed to articulate an original idea or

devise a plan of action.

As for Moshe Ya’alon, he had visions of being Prime Minister without any real know-how. When he finally broke away from Yesh Atid, Ya’alon discovered he had very little support and was forced to pull out of the race.

Israel’s Generals need to understand that for most of them, politics is not a good career move. It doesn’t work for them and it doesn’t work for the country.

Fortunately, Gantz’s successor, Gadi Eisenkot avoided, at least for now, joining the political arena.

Generals parachute into the Knesset because of the system of how they are elected through a national list of candidates. If our lawmakers were elected directly by the people through districts or constituencies, most generals would not run, because they would probably not wish to canvass neighbourhoods, as candidates, in all sorts of weather.

At the same time, such a system of districts would attract young Israelis with leadership skills, who currently do not think about entering politics. They prefer the industries of hi-tech, medicine, law and business. The system will eventually change because it is now beginning to leak. But until then, party leaders mostly chose who they wish to join their party

lists and are answerable to no one.

THE POLLS:

This week’s poll of polls found that Likud remains in the lead by 9 seats followed

by Yesh Atid, who has made it to 20 seats for the first time. The real surprise is that New Hope continues to lose support while Yamina jumps into third place. On the left, the social democratic liberal Meretz party drops below the electorate threshold along with the Arab Ra’am party.

For the last two elections, Meretz ran with other parties, but now it finds itself alone and some 80,000 to 90,000 votes could be lost, if it does not reach the minimum 3.25%.

Professor Gideon Ra’ad, a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute says Meretz has become a party of marginal issues, because it failed to adopt a greater cause, such as the environment or something similar.

Ra’ad said “Meretz uses it energy to take care of the most weak in Israeli society.

But its voters are mostly made up from the secular middle class and not from the poorer sectors like Arabs or Chareidim. In fact many Meretz supporters are more in tune with Yair Lapid and Yesh Atid, which may explain why their poll numbers are now rising.

In addition, Meretz has not been in government for a long time and this could be another reason why it is losing influence, as its voters are desperate to oust Netanyahu from office, and Lapid is the best man to do that. Ra’ad said if Meretz wishes to survive, it has to merge within the Labour party.

ELECTION RESULT:

According to the current poll of polls, there will NOT be a fifth election if Naftali Bennett joins Netanyahu and the Religious Zionists make it over the line. Likud, 29, Yamina 15, Shas 8, UTJ, RZ 4 = 63

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If on the other hand, the bloc falls below 61, the anti-Netanyahu New Hope party, led by Sa’ar, will have to swallow its pride, recognise his polling has plummeted from 19 to 10 seats and negotiate entry into the government to avoid a fifth election.

AND FINALLY:

Election television, radio and social media adverts promoting the 39 political parties, began running on Tuesday night. From vaccines to Elvis Presley, there was something entertaining for everyone and are normally one of the highlights in an Israeli election campaign.

IMPORTANT DATES: March 11 Diplomats and soldiers begin voting March 19 Final polls released March 23 Election Day March 30 Final results presented to President April 06 Deadline for President to choose candidate to form government May 18 Deadline for first candidate to build coalition June 15 Deadline for second candidate to form coalition July 6 Failing the above, deadline for any MK to form government October 5 Date of next election if no government is formed

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ELECTION NEWS BRIEFS: • Shas leader Aryeh Deri told Kan News, he never ruled out Yair Lapid, but he is confident that Binyamin Netanyahu will form the next government. Deri also criticised New Hope leader Gideon Sa’ar, over his remarks that the chareidim are extorting the PM. Deri said “Sa’ar is feeling pressured in light of his poor polling and makes untrue statements to try and save the seats that are left to him”. After the election, Deri said, “Sa’ar will embrace the chareidim”.

• Benny Gantz told Yonit Levi of Channel 12 News that his recommendation for PM to the President after the election, (if Blue and White make it over the line) could go to anyone. “But removing Netanyahu was highest priority”. He added, “Becoming PM is less important to me right now” and “It is important that Yesh Atid will be the largest party in the government and that our values lead it”.

• Top GLZ Radio host, Razi Barcay, called on the Meretz party to quit the race in order not to waste left-wing votes.

The request came as several polls now indicate that Meretz will fail to cross the minimum threshold. Party leader Nitzan

Horowitz angrily accused the popular radio host of “cowardice and defeatism” in a live interview.

• Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich spoke highly of conservative and reform Jews in an interview with the religious Zionist Mizrachi organisation. Smotrich called them “brothers” and emphasized the importance of keeping strong ties with Diaspora Jewry. But was critical of the Supreme Court ruling accepting conservative and reform conversions performed in Israel.

• A survey shows only 29% of Israelis believe this round of elections will resolve the political stalemate. According to the Israeli Voice Index for February, 32% of Israelis also support suspending the PM’s trial, if he wins the election and forms the next government.

• The budget approved for the election due to Corona will be 675 million shekels, up from 392 million last year. A chunk of the money will go to two different kinds of Corona voting stations – for those who have Corona and those who are in isolation. In addition, Israel is spending 17 million shekels just to clean polling stations on Election Day due to COVID-19.

• Meretz leader Nitzan Horowitz is under fire for saying at a campaign rally that the International Criminal Court probe is justified against Israel. But Meretz leaders clarified, they support the IDF soldiers but feel there is nothing to hide.

ISRAEL VOTES 2021 JAMES MARLOW compiles the poll numbers based on leading Israeli Pollsters for the news networks and newspapers. He has taken the

average number of seats being predicted for each party.

In total, 39 parties have registered to run for the twenty-fourth Knesset.

If a party receives less than 3.25% of votes, which is equivalent to less than 4 seats, all of those votes are discarded.

NAME OF PARTY

HEADED BY

SEATS IN MARCH 2020

CURRENT POLLING

LIKUD

Binyamin Netanyahu

36

29

YESH ATID

Yair Lapid

Broke from Blue & White (33)

20

YAMINA

Naftali Bennett

5

15

NEW HOPE

Gideon Sa’ar

NEW PARTY

10

JOINT LIST (Arab Parties) Hadash, Balad, Ta’al

Ayman Odeh

15

9

SHAS

Aryeh Deri

8

8

YISRAEL BEITENU

Avigdor Lieberman

7

8

UNITED TORAH JUDAISM

Moshe Gafni

7

7

LABOR

Merav Michaeli

1

6

RELIGIOUS ZIONISTS – OTZMA YEHUDIT – NOAM

Betzalel Smotrich (3 Parties)

RZ broke away from Jewish Home

4

BLUE AND WHITE

Benny Gantz

33

4

MERETZ

Nitzan Horowitz

5

0

RA’AM (Arab)

Mansour Abbas

Break away from Joint List

0

NEW ECONOMY PARTY

Yarom Zelekha

NEW PARTY

0

TOTAL NUMBER OF KNESSET SEATS

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120

20 OPINION

11 MARCH 2021

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OPINION

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this Newspaper

Harry & Meghan torch the House of Windsor OPINION PIECE

BY JAMES J MARLOW Harry and Meghan have made a huge explosive allegation against a “senior” member of the Royal Family, about the colour of a royal baby, and many of us have been left guessing who it was.

We know that Harry told Oprah Winfrey off camera, that the colour of the baby was NOT mentioned by the Queen or Prince Philip, so that leaves Charles, Camilla or William. But by not revealing which senior royal had this conversation with Harry who then told Meghan, (so she never heard it with her own ears), they have both put members of their own family, in an extremely awkward position.

Prince Philip is lying in hospital at 99 years old, the stress on the Queen especially at her age, must be immense and the dreamy fantasy picture the Americans had of the British Royal Family, has now been completely shattered.

Is it possible that the discussion of the “colour of the baby’s skin”, has been completely taken out of proportion? I can easily see the senior royal, being Charles, who had a serious conversation with his son about what to expect from elements within the media, if the baby was dark skinned.

How do you think you and your wife would handle that Harry, Charles may have asked.

That’s not racist. That’s having an adult conversation about the realities of life and asking the younger couple whether they have thought about it. Of course Oprah did her famous look to the camera with the perfectly timed, “What”, which intensified the “Wow” effect.

But remember, Meghan wasn’t even present when this conversation took place and maybe, just maybe, Harry was angry with his father for bringing up the subject, and he never really conveyed to his wife, the context of the discussion.

With two people struggling with the early stages of mental illness, the conversation could well have been misinterpreted. We know Harry felt trapped within the Palace.

He was desperately unhappy with the “establishment” and his wife wanted the freedom to speak out about every subject she chose. “I’ve always been working and outspoken” Meghan told Oprah.

Being born into royalty in the UK is not like becoming a celebrity in Los Angeles where Meghan was born and brought up.

Of course celebrities express their opinions, but the Royal Family is apolitical and it is an “Institution” that has lasted hundreds of years. If you chose to marry into royalty, you are by definition, choosing to give up parts of your freedom, and I have no doubt Meghan was told this.

Meghan Markle was a known actress and knew all the time, there is a price to pay for being a celebrity.

In the interview, Oprah visited the home

If you chose to marry into royalty, you are by definition, choosing to give up parts of your freedom, and I have no doubt Meghan was told this. of Harry and Meghan where there were rescued chickens from a local slaughtering plant. I suspect when Meghan told Oprah, “I just like rescuing”, she may have had similar plans of “rescuing” and changing the royal family. But you can’t do that with an institution.

Megan Markle’s father, Thomas, doesn’t believe a senior royal was racist when he was interviewed on GMTV on Tuesday. But yet Thomas explained how he was trashed in the media as a drunk (he doesn’t drink).

Every day, terrible pictures were appearing of Thomas to make him look bad. He had no support or protection from anyone.

Thomas Markle was assured by one journalist that he would protect him and give him positive favourable media coverage.

But Thomas was conned and in a conversation with Harry over the telephone, the Prince said, “I told you so”.

For 3 years, Harry and Meghan have refused to speak with Thomas. Now Meghan

lives just 70 miles away from her father, who has apologised more than a hundred times for speaking to a journalist. But still he has never seen his grandson or even met his son-in-law, Harry. What a tragedy.

You would think Harry and Meghan, who complained so much about having no protection or security from the intense press intrusion, would be more sympathetic to Thomas. The man came from a simple background and through no choice of his own, was suddenly flung into the spotlight and thrown to the wolves with some of the worst press coverage possible.

But the couple cannot put themselves in their father’s position, because they are so caught within their own bubble and selfishness.

As for eventually having their security removed when they relocated to Canada, Harry made out he was a poor pauper with a price on his head, after he said, his father cut him off. But Harry had a trust fund

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from his mother worth around £20 million, plus several other trust funds and all of the expensive outfits and priceless jewellery that Meghan had worn.

Meghan then tells us that they were already married 3 days earlier in a private garden ceremony with the Archbishop of Canterbury and that the £30 million fairy-tale wedding, in blazing beautiful sunshine, was JUST for us??? How could Meghan not know that the garden was not licenced, nor were there witnesses and therefore she was not married?

Harry and Meghan have made this about race, when clearly this was largely to do with mental health. Whilst I deplore the refusal of the institution to answer a genuine call for help (and this must be addressed), the attempted torching of the House of Windsor, along with its historic institution, is disproportionate and I suspect personal scores are being settled.

I fully recognise Meghan had visions and goals of making the world a better place and I sincerely wish her and Harry, the best in doing so. But you can’t bring down the British royal institutions by playing the race card, without mentioning names.

James Marlow is a broadcast commentator and communications trainer Facebook: James Jeremy Marlow Twitter: @James_J_Marlow

11 MARCH 2021

Crown comment OPINION PIECE

BY JAQCQUELINE CURZON The saga with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continues, with them sharing their grievances with America’s biggest chat show host, who delights her fans with the sensationalism of the once-upon-a-time royals. We see it as not only a ‘kiss and tell,’ and an attempt to undermine the monarchy, but as preparatory to other commercial ventures. I wouldn’t be alone in feeling the self absorbed reflections and revelations of a couple who flew the royal nest, to be totally inappropriate.

We all remember the infamous interviews with Diana and later, with Andrew, both of which backfired and created huge angst. Both interviews were monumental mistakes. The Sussexes however played adeptly to host, and their eager audience of 100 million viewers. I found it distasteful that the Duchess is insinuating racist treatment from a particular royal, although they have conveniently declined to name the perpetrator. It is all too easy to throw an anonymised allegation out and leave it dangling. Just enough of a carrot to invite international outcry, based on hearsay.

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One can imagine the royal conversation at breakfast… “Cripes, Phillip.” HM whispers, choking over her boiled eggs and soldiers. “Tell me you didn’t share one of your off-colour, dodgy jokes with Emm? She doesn’t find you funny. Come to think of it, sometimes I don’t either...”

“I thought she was a grown up,” Phillip counters.

Can you even imagine Her Majesty tuning into Oprah, only to hear mean jibes being volleyed about the family, whilst Meg wipes away her Hollywood tears?

The accusation of racism was dropped in the mediasphere without any substantiation, but I do recall the British public welcomed Ms Markle with open hearts, and genuinely celebrated the fact of her mixed race background. The royal family may have been cautious in their acceptance, but I’d put my money on it being more over her marital status and acting background, with the anxiety that she would want to return to the high life and the implications for Harry and the Firm, than over skin tone. Perhaps the heir and the spare - and the Merry Wives of Windsor - are just too diametrically opposed?

The ramifications of these wounded heart exposes will last longer than The Crown,

and we must bear in mind Meghan was not a naive teenager (as was Diana when she wed Charles), but a 36 year old divorcee from a broken home, who had fallen out with virtually her whole family, and who was a B class actress, completely versed and immersed in the ways of the world….. the world of Oprah.

She apparently said, “we did everything with as much respect to protect them {the Royals}.”

Wow! This interview didn’t ooze respect or diplomacy. Harry talked of “being cut off financially.” Oh dear, when you resign from your job, the salary usually stops.

That’s life, but presumably he still has a little of the £20 million which he received from his mother’s estate, and one can only hope that the multi-million dollar Netflix deal and Oprah’s cheque book will compensate for their ailing financial position. Rather like the millions who lost their jobs over the pandemic. The Sussexes were also bitter that their son had not been made a Prince, but they and Oprah missed the point that other royals are not titled {eg Princess Anne’s children} or entitled, and they appear not to have suffered unduly. In fact they are resoundingly normal.

Meghan went on to share her mental health issues, with which we can empathise, but hey, half the world has similar issues, without feeling the need to inflict irrevocable damage on others. Who out

there doesn’t have a slightly dysfunctional family unit, or struggles with money, work, health or relationships? [but hopefully not all of them simultaneously] Can we seriously take everything she says at face value? The interview was a classic example of loshon hora (negative speech) which damages everyone. It’s not as if the Queen can offer a defence, given her position. How is a future state visit between Joe Biden and the Queen going to roll out, now he has shown support for Meghan? He won’t be able to look HM in the eye and enquire after her family, at least not with a straight face, unless his dementia has kicked in, and he’s forgotten his current overstep! Harry once famously said, “what Meghan wants, Meghan gets.” Well, I hope she’s happy now.

Most feel Ms Markle has ‘lost her sparkle.’ The couple have shown such negativity towards the establishment, whilst simultaneously damaging the whole concept of the monarchy, that surely they should relinquish any affiliation with it.

We might instead celebrate their normal highnesses, who can just be known as Mr and Mrs. Certainly they appear to have burned any precarious royal bridges they had left, and the drawbridge will now likely be raised! The more I hear of this publicity hungry, privacy mad couple, the more I’d like to just get a pet. At least you know where you stand with a puppy.

Many people have asked me for my thoughts on the now infamous Harry and Meghan interview. Whilst not strictly a Jewish topic, many shuls around the UK pray for the royal family each week, and we are taught from a young age to respect our Queen.

In Pirkei Avot - Ethics of the Fathers, we are taught that ‘the more possessions, the more worries.’ Many people dream of being a rich and famous person like a prince. Yet look at Harry. To hear the grandson of the Queen of England and his wife talk all about how they constantly worry for their very lives and how much they need security, makes this mishnah come majestically to life.

The issues raised surrounding mental health are hugely important, and not just for the palace but for society in general. Far too often this vital issue has been swept under the rug and our community is reeling from too many catastrophes in recent years. One is one too many, but there has been several since we started four years ago and I have been privately informed of many more attempts.

Over the pond, the issue of mental health is more openly discussed, and in America many people go to counselling for all manner of issues. However, here in the UK there are still some who desperately try to pretend everything is normal for the sake of a Shidduch. Catastrophes happen when people are not heard. Very often all people want is a listening ear. The schools, shuls and vast

array of community hubs have simply not done anywhere near enough to tackle what is clearly a crisis amongst people of all ages.

Charities do great work to raise awareness and vital funds, but there needs to be more buy-in from across the community to make an even bigger difference. More schools should look at incorporating well-being into the general curriculum.

If society can take the issue of mental health more seriously, then that can only be a positive thing to come out of the interview.

However, when you live under such intense scrutiny, what you say and do will be remembered and come back to haunt you.

Harry and Meghan have contradicted themselves beforehand, when they preached about climate change but then flew around the world on a private jet.

Race issues are important and shouldn’t be ignored by the royal family if true, but let’s remember Prince Harry once found it funny to dress up as a Nazi at a party.

I’m not sure too many people felt massively sorry when they tried to claim poverty either. The 20 million pound trust fund left by Diana should see them eat for a little while. Charles has already denied he cut them off financially. I’m sure his Grandmother could always lend them some of those pieces of paper with her face on if the situation got desperate. To the countless people across the world who have really suffered financially, especially in the last year, hearing a Prince moan about cash was if you pardon the pun a little bit rich.

EE FR

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22 LETTERS

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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.

“PESACH PANIC!” Dear Editor I refer to the excellent answer given in last week’s edition by Rabbi Schochet, “ASK THE RABBI,” to Fiona’s question entitled, “PESACH PANIC!” In a similar vein, below is my poetic offering, as to what I consider will likewise resonate with countless women now (and possibly some men also).

AN ANNUAL BOUT OF PMS This time of the year for Jewish women Is akin to annual slavery in their kitchen Producing the Jewish version of PMS Evidenced by feelings of extreme stress They cook, clean and shop like a meshugeneh As well as organising changing everything over But, in normal times as soon as family and friends take their seats Those acute symptoms usually experienced daily in recent weeks Disappear - just a normal part of Pesach Mania Syndrome PMS for short, that ought to pass instantly, when the home Is Pesachdik, boasting an amazing sight All ready for the year’s first Seder Night A beautifully laid table and the candles lit Set out in a room, transformed, and so fit To make this night truly different from all others Where the guests can relive the biblical exodus

JEWISH YOUTH VOLUNTARY SERVICE Dear Editor Jewish Youth Voluntary Service (JYVS) was established in the early 60s to carry out voluntary work in the local community.

Groups were established in all the main Jewish Communities in England, as well as Glasgow Scotland & Dublin.

Hundreds of members spent their spare time in making life better for others & cheering them up, as well as having a lively social life themselves. Many have stayed in touch with each other over the decades.

We have launched a Facebook group called ‘JVVS UK ALUMNI’ and we are looking for ex-members to join. We are very pleased to report that have over 50

people have joined so far. However, we now wish to find a lot more.

The members have started downloading newspaper articles, programmes, anecdotes and memories about their time as JYVS members.

We would love to re-establish the social side which was such an important part of JYVS and leading in the future to a reunion, when we are all back to a normal life.

So, please look at the Facebook Group page and we will be delighted to invite you in.

Marty Rose Admin, JYVS UK ALUMNI

“MORTAL (?) BLOW” TO ORTHODOXY Dear Editor The latest Israeli High Court ruling does no more than accord the same status to Israeli Reform converts than the state already does to Diaspora Reform converts for decades.

The situation is hardly “mortal” and we have lived with splits for centuries. To many it is the Haredim who are the splitters for dodging IDF service and the economy and they conduct their own enquiries and marriage negotiations regardless.

More serious and marginally reported here Yitzhak Pindrus MK for UTJ made an ill mannered mistake by calling the graduates of the IDF Chaplaincy Corps conversion course “shiksas”. Two averoth: he broke the Halachic injunction not to remind a convert that they are a convert unless being complementary about Onkelos. Secondly the IDF

kashruth and Chaplains are government run with the advice and consent of the Chief Rabbinate which the Haredi parties captured decades ago. So what have the Chief Rabbinate been doing letting the IDF give an unsatisfactory course? This - again - points up the inefficiencies of the Rabbinate and its courts, notoriously in respect of matrimonial causes particularly Agunoth.

Finally there is the fault of Derech Eretz referring only to the female graduates of the IDF conversion course in an age of female equal opportunities and integrated defence.

IDF women do a lot of the frontier control and operate most of the radars that keep Israel safe - its perpetual students inclusive.

Yours Frank Adam

EE

FR

CELEBRATING FOUR YEARS OF THE JEWISH WEEKLY

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However, this year is different for a different reason There won’t be so many guests, or more likely, none With us then as we would like there to be in 5781 / 2021 Yet a certain amount of work is involved in getting ready To celebrate Pesach even without our friends and family

Dear Editor Mazeltov on your 4th anniversary last week.

May you go for another 40 years plus the rest! We enjoy your paper each week, and we look forward to the vast array of community photos you constantly produce, which helps us feel part of things, especially during lockdown.

Sincerely

But today we can all be reasonably sure that, at long last In the coming months, Lockdown will have soon passed If not over us, then measure by measure from among us Likewise, although less so, the pandemic of Coronavirus

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Celebrating

FOUR

YEARS!

Dear Editor Congratulations on your big anniversary.

My kids loved the balloons and dominos, my husband loved the mug and the bag was perfect for me. I can see why you brand yourselves as the family newspaper!

We were waiting for something like this, glad you filled the gap.

Big thanks to all women who toil to ensure that our homes will Be all ready for us to celebrate, as best we can, this festival I wish everyone in the worldwide Jewish community A Chag Pesach Sameach wherever you will be.

J D Milaric

Avram and Rachel NW London

ARE THE END OF DAYS APPROACHING? Dear Editor My Torah partner and I were totally unable to comprehend a Gemara in Makoth.

So we placed the number of the difficult page in a Google box and immediately

04 MARCH 2021/20 ADAR 5781

Melvyn Hendon

Perhaps, as we probably did last Pesach, instead Of uttering, enthusiastically, as is normally said, “Next Year in Jerusalem,” it could be, “Next Year with our friends and family.”

obtained a daf yomi shiur that answered all our questions. Is this a sign of the Mashiach being present in our times?

Yours Name withheld

Dear Editor Well done on your recent milestone, can’t believe it’s been four years already… seems like only yesterday you started. I cut out the Kids section every week and save it for my grandkids!

May you go from strength to strength.

Nicole Manchester

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24 COMMUNITY

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Work Avenue launches its first ever social enterprise Work Avenue, the Jewish community’s leading employment and business support organisation, has launched WAGE – its first ever social enterprise.

WAGE (Work Avenue Generating Employment) aims to both generate employment and grow business by training those seeking work in key disciplines to match the areas that small businesses require help in.

By signing up as a WAGE Member, job seekers and career changers will receive subsidised training courses in a series of disciplines followed by paid work in that field. They will also be paired with an experienced mentor to guide and support them.

Businesses will be able to utilise this bank of fully trained WAGE Members to work on individual projects in an affordable and timely way, with the knowledge that the mentor is there to support the work they produce.

The areas that WAGE will be offering subsidised train- Jeremy Bohn, WAGE Director ing and work placements in are graphic design, IT/admin, digital service and bookkeeping. marketing, web design, sales, customer WAGE Members will also have access to

A big welcome from MFS

all of Work Avenue’s one-toone advice, events and courses to lay the foundations of a successful transition to a permanent role once they are ready to exit WAGE. Work Avenue has appointed Jeremy Bohn as WAGE Director. He has more than 20 years of experience in recruitment and employment.

Jeremy said: “WAGE is a progression for Work Avenue and takes the advice and support we already give to the next level. By creating this micro-economy for both our business and employment clients, WAGE is creating symbiotic relationships where everyone wins.

“I am especially proud of the mentor system, which is something unique to WAGE and helps retain both the charity and community feel to the work that we do.”

WAGE has already sourced its first group of trainers, with courses set to run between April and June, and started receiving applications from potential WAGE Members.

A virtual open evening on Tuesday 16 March will allow interested individuals to find out more about WAGE,

meet the trainers and ask any questions they have.

David from London has already signed up as a Member. He said: “I have faced the same Catch 22 that WAGE is addressing.

I have some digital marketing skills and would like to use them in the workplace to get experience. But I can’t get this practical hands-on experience unless I secure some work.

“This training and subsequent work placement with small businesses will address this issue for me and help me to finally get back into paid employment to earn a living.”

Members can exit WAGE at any time, whether to take on a permanent role or set up their own portfolio businesses offering freelance services. Once WAGE businesses grow to the point that they can recruit full time members of staff, they too will exit the WAGE process. All of these exit strategies will be seen as enormous markers of success for WAGE. WAGE has been able to launch thanks to seed funding and encouragement from five Trusts and Foundations, including the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, Max Barney Foundation and Investream Charitable Trust.

To find out more about how WAGE can help you or your business, please visit www. theworkavenue.org.uk/wage/ or email Jeremy on jeremy@theworkavenue.org.uk.

The first day back at School for these students as they took part in the COVID-19 self testing on Monday morning in the School Gym under the direction of Avi Stern and his team of volunteers.

Welcome balloons at Menorah Foundation Primary School

MFS were so excited to welcome back all the children this week. Mrs Kent, the Head teacher, said, “All staff have gone above and beyond to deliver the curriculum through online lessons over the last couple of months. I am so proud of how the

children have shown resilience through such a challenging time. They were so excited to walk through the colourful balloon arch which was kindly donated by our PTA and it was a delight to see their smiling faces around the school.”

Covid self testing at King David High School on Monday morning

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‘Only in the darkness can you see the stars’ Martin Luther King, Jr.

BY CAROLYN ADDLEMAN

and Trustee Company is a subsidiary of Britain’s oldest Israel charity, JNF UK. For over We are living through a strange and trying 70 years, we have been providing a range of period. Those of us blessed with families and legal services to our clients, including the friends are naturally focusing our love and provision of Will writing by independent concerns on them and their wellbeing. They, external practitioners and we have adminisin turn, are hopefully doing the same for us. tered many estates.

However, not everyone has someone Pastoral care underpins KKL’s work and they can rely on. Many in our community we have spent the pandemic connecting – particularly the elderly – are lonely and with clients and reassuring them that they understandably anxious. These have been are not forgotten. Prior to Pesach, Shavuot, challenging times, particularly for those who Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah last year, are vulnerable and have found themselves many of our more vulnerable clients in isolation for an unknown received parcels of festive food period of time, not seeing another essentials to help them celebrate person for weeks due to recurthe festivals in some small way ring lockdowns. We have read and still feel connected to the much on the effect of this wider community. Plans are pandemic on mental health, in place for this to continue and, prior to the vaccine this coming Pesach. roll out, the danger to older We have also produced and vulnerable people with special newsletters with underlying health problems. interesting articles and KKL KKL’s response to the chal- 020 8732 6101 puzzles to keep clients busy. lenges of the past year has This has been particularly enquiries@kkl.org.uk been one of reassurance and www.kkl.org.uk welcomed by clients who dependability. KKL Executor have little or no access to the

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CHARITY SUPPLEMENT 27

would be celebrating Chanukah with the blessings provided to them by JNF UK’s brilliant work. He added: “It is your generosity, commitment and hard work that lets the great light in and drives the darkness out.”

While we cannot hold in-person client events as we normally would, nor visit our clients for a chat and a cup of tea, each one is being called on a regular basis by a member of our team see how they are managing, offer help or simply lend a listening ear.

There is a powerful ripple effect to all this.

The KKL team sees the pleasure and hope that these activities generate among our wonderful clients who have demonstrated their concerns for the community and for Israel through their legacies. These leave a footprint on future generations and encourage the hopes and aspirations of all who benefit from them. In turn, our own strength and hope is nourished, enabling us to look beyond the gloomy skies and see the stars that Dr King glimpsed. We look forward to the time when we can again be physically together safely and not just via a screen. We now see light at the end of the tunnel and hope that we won’t have to wait too much longer for this.

internet.

In addition, we started hosting online events for clients in the latter half of 2020.

For example, what would normally have been a physical gathering for Chanukah, with latkes and sufganiot, was this year held online. However, the tradition of live entertainment was still at the heart of the event.

This included a virtual tour of the Stanley Grossmith Music Conservatory in Yerucham – renovated and expanded

by JNF UK – and live performances from some of the conservatory’s talented young musicians.

In an address to participants, His Excellency Neil Wigan, British Ambassador to Israel, thanked all of JNF UK’s generous donors and acknowledged how many families Carolyn Addleman, Director of in Israel, especially Legacies at KKL in the Negev,

To find out more about our work, call 0800 358 3587 or email enquiries@kkl.org. uk

During times of uncertainty you can always rely on us.

KKL, JNF UK’s legacy department, offers a range of professional services including assistance in arranging for your Will to be drafted, executorship services and personalised pastoral care. To us, our clients are our family, which is why we always go above and beyond what you might expect.

Our approach is to always make sure you are fully protected and supported no matter what the future holds. So during these times of uncertainty, rest assured – you can always rely on us.

For a no-obligation and confidential consultation, and to find out more about supporting JNF UK’s vital work in Israel, please get in touch.

Call 020 8732 6101 or email enquiries@kkl.org.uk

KKL Executor and Trustee Company Ltd (a Company registered in England No. 453042) is a subsidiary of JNF Charitable Trust (Charity No. 225910) and a registered Trust Corporation (authorised capital £250,000).

JT Half - You can rely on us (2021).indd 1

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28 CHARITY SUPPLEMENT

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11 MARCH 2021

Sponsored by

Chai determined to be a constant in people’s lives

BY DAVID SAFFER Chai Cancer Care is the Jewish community’s national cancer support organisation providing an extensive range of specialised support services.

There are 11 centres across the UK with a flagship centre in Hendon, north West London. Chai responds to calls within 24 hours and does not have waiting lists.

Counselling, complementary and physical therapies, advocacy and advice, group and social activities are available through 59 specialised services to clients aged three to 97, nationally and internationally. From financial, legal, medical and nutritional advice, acupuncture, craniosacral, hypnotherapy, reflexology, Reiki, Israeli dancing, laughter therapy, mindfulness, Pilates and bereavement counselling, clients receive tailor-made support from professionally trained staff experienced in working with cancer patients and family members.

Chai works in partnership with the NHS, social services, schools, Jewish voluntary agencies, community groups, hospitals and hospices. And they link between different agencies enabling families to manage complexities following a cancer diagnosis. There is an outpatient rehabilitation and palliative care service, and a three-way collaboration with the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust and Marie Curie Cancer Care based at Chai led by a consultant in palliative care medicine.

There is no charge for services, Chai depends on the Jewish community.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Chai celebrated its 30th anniversary but there was no glitzy event due to social distancing restrictions but they innovated despite challenging times. COVID-19 brought difficult decisions but also positive surprises.

“Face to face communication is very important, not being able to have that was a huge challenge,” explained Chai’s co-cahirman Louise Hagar. “When people come to us they are part of the Chai family, it’s a very warm relationship. We describe Chai’s services as highly professional from the heart, so we were very concerned about being able to maintain that and not lose the very special relationship with clients. Thank G-d there was the furlough system which we were able to use mainly in administration and fundraising because there were no events taking place. Most are back because we sadly are busier than ever.”

She added, “We have the most dedicated, committed team and managed to pivot

Chai’s billboard outside their flagship centre in Hendon

It has been well documented during the pandemic that many people were not able to have treatments, others did not seek medical advice from GPs. Both are major concerns for Chai.

many services through telephone, Zoom and Skype. In fact, groups developed incredibly during COVID. One of the positives is how we started new groups, which are pivotal to people’s week, clients look forward to interacting with others in a similar situation. Another plus has been the reach we have had had. If there was a meeting in London or Manchester it would be just for those cities but being online enabled people to be part of the Chai family from across the UK. That has been a tremendous benefit bringing practice and tangible support to people.”

Chai staff have had to adapt but so too have clients and it’s been stressful.

“Life has become so much harder for many clients especially if they are in a vulnerable category, many had to shield so it was even harder,” Louise explained.

“Restrictions were tough, not being able to see family and friends has been really difficult. So, Chai became even more pivotal, speaking over the phone, maintaining contact. People use the word ‘lifeline’ very

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liberally but it really has been the case for many clients.”

It has been well documented during the pandemic that many patients were not able to have treatments, others did not seek medical advice from GPs. Both are major concerns for Chai.

“We are seeing it,” Louise confirmed.

“Sadly, for the first few months people could not get to see doctors. We had a client diagnosed with cancer but the surgery was closed five days into lockdown, they got in touch with Chai for support. So many services stopped or there was limited access to treatments. It has been a huge challenge and sadly we are seeing the impact of people not being able to see a GP and subsequently being diagnosed at later stages, which means treatments are more radical.

The impact emotionally and physically is harder for everyone involved. Many more people will need the services of Chai as time goes on.”

With lockdown measures relenting at Pesach face to face services with clients will

11 MARCH 2021

soon resume and Chai is ready to operate its many services.

“Everything we do is guided by a medical advisory panel, as soon as we get the green light we will start to open the centre,” Louise explained. “We offered services apart from complementary therapies because those are hands on. Mindfulness, meditation have been really beneficial to clients. Hopefully, sooner rather than later we will be fully open.”

In the midst of tough times, Chai like many charities witnessed unexpected ‘shining light’ moments.

“Every day we hear from clients how important Chai is to them and how much they value what we are doing,” Louise noted “One client told us it’s hard enough to have cancer but during Covid they described it as an ‘extra layer of trauma’. In a few words that summed up what our clients are feeling.

Clients are going for treatment without family and friends. They are dropped off at the front door of a hospital. It’s so, so hard, everything is more difficult, complicated and more isolating. So, every day we get tremendous encouragement from clients what we mean to them, it spurs us on to do more.”

Chai also received a major boost from its fundraising campaign.

“Our annual budget was £3.5m, we don’t get statuary funding, it’s all through the generosity of the community who have

CHARITY SUPPLEMENT 29

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

been magnificent, they walk by our side Everyone came together to support Chai. and we can’t thank them enough,” Louise We really felt a community endorsement. explained. “The lion share of our income It was something very special. Thank G-d, comes through events, small and large, we have got through last year, we see the from our fundraising dinner, raising a third Almighty’s guiding hand every day.” of our income, to children selling cakes outThe pandemic has seen Chai change as side their home. Every event is important an organisation and for the better. to us but that stopped. Challenges like the “Our team have risen to the challenges to marathon, celebrations, people nominating make sure we support our clients,” Louise Chai for silver weddings, anniversaries, any said. “We have seen incredible acts of and every event, it stopped so our income dedication and commitment. Our clients was down 40 per cent, which was horrific are tangibly benefiting from the care and and our counselling went up 37 percent so support of Chai. To be a part of that is we needed to take on more counsellors. We something very special. But we will sadly be don’t have a waiting list, you needed even more because can’t say to clients with a clients are being diagnosed diagnosis, and time is of the in later stages and it is not essence, we will slot you in unusual for us to be supmaybe three months. porting four generations of “We had some reserves one family. We are continbut clients rely on us and we uing to innovate services. need to make sure we can be Men were reluctant to share there. Our online matched experiences but their supfunding Big Campaign target port group, which started a was £1.5m and we finished few weeks into COVID-19, with £3.1m. The community has been so successful we Chai Cancer Care was magnificent, it was won- 020 8202 2211 now have two groups. We derful to have that response. also started Chai-Active for info@chaicancercare.org The campaign was built on children. Its’ through Zoom, www.chaicancercare.org highlighting care, compassessions are good for mension, community, cause and tal and physical well-being. confidentiality. We felt a big Children seeing a loved one communal hug. There were 14,000 support- not well is much harder for them.” ers, 82 percent were £100 donations or less.

She added, “Hopefully this is the last

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Our doors may be physically shut, but you can still come to Chai for the big

lockdown, but no one can say for certain.

We have a couple of golf days booked in the diary and outdoor events hopefully will be okay, but the diary is empty for major events. If we cannot do a dinner, which is unlikely at the moment, we will hold another online campaign. From feedback, we will be able to carry on meeting our financial commitments and make sure we can be there for people. In all the uncertainty, there is so much unknown but people describe Chai as a constant in people’s lives. If we continue to do that then we have done our job. We must be there for people when they need us.”

Chai Lifeline began in 1989. Landmark events in the 1990s included Chai’s first base in Golders Green and fundraising dinner. Re-named Chai Lifeline Cancer Care in 2001, the decade saw a major expansion with home, teenage and family services and official opening of a refurbished Chai Centre by The Duke of Kent in 2004. A first satellite service launched in Redbridge followed by South London, Manchester, Glasgow, South Manchester, Hackney and Southend by the end of the decade.

The most recent decade has seen the outpatient and palliative care service, Chai in schools programme, services in Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham and an image resource centre in Hendon.

Details: www.chaicancercare.org

Advisory Services Advocacy & Information Advice Bureau Financial & Legal Guidance Jewish Perspectives on Cancer Medical Connections Nutritional & Dietary Advice Resources & Information Counselling Counselling for Individuals, Couples & Families Counselling for Genetic Issues Music Therapy Relationship Counselling

Care is at the heart of everything we do.

On a daily basis we are seeing the impact of Covid-19, both physically and emotionally, on so many of our clients.

Our dedicated and experienced team are continuing to provide Chai’s big C of Care through telephone, Skype and Zoom, bringing much needed specialised support, relief and expertise to all those who turn to us.

For more information please call 0208 202 2211 or our Freephone Helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit www.chaicancercare.org.

Together we can cope. Together we will care.

Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956

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Complementary Therapies Healing Hypnotherapy Reiki Group Activities Chai-ly Active classes Gym Sessions Lymphoedema Exercise Meditation Mindfulness Music Workshop Pilates Wednesday Afternoons Yoga

Children, Teenage and Family Service Art Therapy Music Therapy Play Therapy

Support Groups BRCA Group Bereavement Groups Carers Group Men’s Support Group Women’s Support Group

Chai in Schools

By Your Side

Medical Outpatient Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Service

Volunteer Service

30 CHARITY SUPPLEMENT

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11 MARCH 2021

Sponsored by

Jewish Futures’ Jewish future JEWISH FUTURES

Jewish Futures exists in order to ensure a vibrant Jewish future for young Jews irrespective of background and affiliation.

It is a platform upon which sit a number of dynamic educational charities. Each of these provide a different set of opportunities for engagement with Jewish life.

These include Aish, GIFT, JRoots, Chazak, FJL, Chazon, Shelanu, Time4Torah, Legacy Live and Ta’am.

The broad offering represented by the family of Jewish Futures organizations reflects the diverse range of people and personalities that make up the Jewish community today.

Together they combine to offer a compelling range of educational and experiential touch points.

The various organizations harness many different approaches offering a plethora of ways for people to connect and interact with their Jewish Jewish Futures identity. These include 020 8457 2123 compelling speakers and info@jfutures.org personalities, discussion www.jfutures.org circles, contemporary

culture and issues, journeys to locations that carry the story of the Jewish People, immersive experiences of Jewish living, social responsibility, textual study, lecture series, lifecycle events, leadership courses, social events, volunteering opportunities and much more.

The family of Jewish Futures organisations appeals to Jews from the entire spectrum of the Jewish community from ultra-orthodox to secular: Ashkenazim, Sefardim, young and old. Jewish Futures has always been forward thinking in its contemporary approach whilst Jewish Futures’ proposed new building in Hendon maintaining unswerving commitrelevance of our 3,500-year-old story to ment to authentic Torah contemporary life, authenticity, love of values. fellow Jews irrespective of differences, Jewish Futures organunity, sense of responsibility and readiisations are all driven ness to stand up and be counted. by the same set of core OUR STORY values which revolve Jewish Futures has recently gained around Jewish life, planning permission to build a 4-stofamily, Torah, being ry building in the heart of the Jewish a mensch, living with Community. The theme of the building integrity and passion, is ‘OUR STORY’ – a space where users tolerance of others,

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Join Kisharon to prepare for Pesach Prepare for Pesach at a live Bedikat Chametz event The Big Sweep

Prepare for Pesach with Kisharon and help make a difference to the people they support.

Kisharon Gift & Homeware Store, Equal and Kisharon Design and Print are just a few of the social enterprises run by Kisharon where all profits return to the charity.

Kisharon invite the community to join them to help prepare for Pesach at a live key ingredients and a recipe card. Both Bedikat Chametz event - The Big Sweep sets have been packed by students at the perfect to do virtually with your family who Kisharon Further Education College. you can’t be with in person or Synagogues The online store is also fully stocked with can take part as a community. At Nightfall a range of Pesach products (7pm) on Thursday 25th & gifts including personalMarch the live event will ised Wine and Grape juice take place. Purchase a Big bottles, seder plates and Sweep set (£4) online to join more. people from Kisharon’s Supported Living homes and To place an order visit: Rabbi Beni Fleischer in the https://equal.kisharon. first cross communal Pesach Kisharon org.uk/product-category/ chametz live event.

020 8457 5000 passover Available too, to make at equal@kisharon.org.uk Orders must be placed by home is a ‘make your own’ equal.kisharon.org.uk midnight on March 19th Charoset set (£10) including

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will step into an unfolding story of the Jewish people, and engage with the richness and diversity of Jewish life, practices, culture and community. OUR STORY will enable people to choose their own pathway from the diverse offerings contained within.

Every aspect of the building will be imbued with a combination of creative educational and social offerings and cutting-edge technology, set against the backdrop of a warm and welcoming ambience.

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The pandemic saw the smooth and efficient transfer of all organizations online with incredible alacrity and a dizzying outburst of ongoing creativity, engaging unparalleled numbers via a plethora of original interactive webbased offerings. The personable staff and opportunities provided by the family of Jewish Futures to the broad Jewish community during COVID-19 has served as a constant beacon of light, hope, purpose, direction and inspiration to thousands as we journey together through unchartered waters.

11 MARCH 2021

COOKERY 31

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

ONLY

£9.99 + P&P

FJ L

orum for ewish eadership

Inspiring Jewish Journeys

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Delivered by the Jewish Futures Family of organisations

BOX CONTAINS:

The Jewish Futures Pesach Pack engages children and adults of all ages in order to make Seder Night as immersive and engaging as possible.

•

140-page ‘Our Story’ Pesach Hagaddah • 100-page Haggadah Companion Booklet • Spin the Seder Game • Discussion Cards

• • • •

Stunning A2 Map of the Seder Story Seder Night Placemats Pesach-themed Origami Sweet Seder Recipe Book Children’s Fun Booklet … and more…!

Purchase at

sedernight.org before 22nd March for delivery before Pesach (UK only) Also available at the following shops from 19th March:

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Hadar BKosher Borehamwood BKosher Edgware Just Kosher Habibas Deli Kosher Kingdom

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Shefa Mehadrin Salford Shefa Mehadrin Prestwich

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Gourmet Pesach Pop-Up Shop

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32 CHARITY SUPPLEMENT

11 MARCH 2021

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

Sponsored by

AJEX continues to innovate in digital age

BY DAVID SAFFER

“We introduced a Covid loneliness project where volunteers called memAJEX has experienced a remarkable 12 bers mainly to provide a ‘listening ear’ months as the world has been gripped by because many live on their own,” Mike the coronavirus pandemic. recalled. “We continued welfare over Rosh Unable to participate in a commemoHashanah and Chanukah, and made extra ration trip to Bergen Belsen, the national payments to people with costs associated memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire with Covid.” and Centotaph parade the charity had to It’s 12 months since COVID-19 first hit improvise. And they did so with spectacuthe UK and like many charities, fundraislar success. ing has been hit hard.

But it has been a tough year where “It was affected because our focus was like many charities fundraising has been looking after the welfare of members,” severely impacted. recalled Mike. “When you factor in that AJEX ensures the contribution of many are in their late 80, 90s, even centenveterans from the Jewish community who nials, that is our number one priority and served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces is working remotely meant fundraising took never forgotten. The organisation focuses a major knock.” on welfare, remembrance and education.

Activities were cancelled as the national Its annual Cenotaph parade and ceremolockdown came into force. ny on Whitehall is a key event bringing “We had to postpone the Bergen Belsen together people from across the commucommemoration on the 75th anniversary nity to commemorate Jews who fought for of its liberation,” Mike recalled. “It was a freedom. Education and remembrance very difficult decision but proved to be projects help fight anti-Semitism in the the right one. We took it early and saved UK whilst welfare work supports UK valuable finances which was important for veterans and their families in difficult an organisation with a limited budget. circumstances.

“During the annual national Armed AJEX also supports the Armed Forces Forces week last June, we normally hold a Jewish community which continues to service at the national memorial Arboreserve the nation. tum in Staffordshire, but recognised very Londoner Mike Bluestone was elected quickly it would not be possible so we AJEX national chairman in 2019. His pater- created our first online event. Veterans like nal grandfather and great uncles served in to parade, it’s a splendid event with berets, the British Army, they died in action durbadges, flags medals and standards but ing the World War 1, Mike’s that was not possible so we father served in the Royal took Ajex into the digital age Sussex regiment and uncle and it was very successful.” with the Oxford and Bucks LI Innovations continat Normandy (D-Day plus 1) ued leading to AJEX’s in World War 2. biggest event of the year A regular at the annual traditionally.

AJEX parade since childhood “We had a small HQ team apart from a year living in working remotely all hours Israel, Mike served in 68 during lockdown and the big Squadron of the Royals thing for us is the parade at Corps of Signals, 71st regithe Cenotaph in November,” ment in the 1970s.

Mike explained. “It follows Despite 2020 being a the Royal British Legion challenge as AJEX chairman, parade. Again, like the AJEX JMA Mike is clear on its continued 020 8202 2323 Arboretum event, we had to role in the communities. plan early because we knew headoffice@ajex.org.uk “AJEX has around 1,400 that it was impossible to www.ajex.org.uk members, it has an imporhave a conventional parade. tant pedigree and it’s fair to There was a huge amount say most Jewish families in the UK know of of planning and liaison to do with police AJEX, it’s quite a heritage,” he said. and other officials. But in the end, we had Based in north London, during the onset permission to hold a token parade with 15 of the COVID-19, AJEX regrouped quickly. people because of Covid restrictions.

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AJEX National Chairman Mike Bluestone laying a wreath at the Cenotaph

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“A team of volunteers together with part time staff created an online event with an outreach of over 10,000 views. A conventional parade at the Cenotaph attracts 2,000 marchers and 1,500 spectators. It’s an interesting paradox but in the year of Covid more people were able to see our online remembrance film which was incredibly moving and very well received. We’ve been inundated after letters and messages saying how moving and meaningful they found the event, which was rewarding.

The film was historical and contemporary.

We decided to use the opportunity to put a lot of heritage footage in from the 1930s onwards as that’s when AJEX was formed.

We also had a campaign involving primary schools that included a red poppy drawing competition. We wanted children to identify with the work we do.”

Mike added, “There was a lot of work done in terms of liaising for the parade so it could form part of the presentation. We filmed at the end of October, which enabled us to build in footage at the Cenotaph to the online event. This meant liaising with Westminster City Council, Met Police, CST. The event had excellent support from the community with the Board of Deputies and distinguished Ajex patrons.

It was also supported online by colleagues in the Armed Forces Jewish community who were present in small numbers at the Cenotaph.”

AJEX membership was supported beyond its Covid project with newsletters and a Menorah magazine, which is a joint publication with the Armed Forces community.

Aside from Mike’s role at AJEX, he chairs the Friends of Jewish Servicemen and Women in HM Forces.

“We estimate there are 200 to 300 service men and women from Jewish communities serving British forces but it could be more,” he explained. “There are around 100 plus who link in at socials. There are medics, intelligence core, frontline combat and commando units, infantry, Navy and Air Force personnel. It’s fascinating. And as they work closely with AJEX many become members in service or once they retire.”

AJEX is presently trying to encourage donations for its Pesach support for welfare involving members.

“We hope people recognise and understand the importance of our work based on AJEX’s core values of remembrance, welfare and education,” Mike explained.

“Whilst CST protects the community physically, every time Jews parade and fly the flag in veteran or serving uniforms they are countering anti-Semitism, which is why we were founded.”

Looking ahead to 2021 remembrance events, Mike noted, “We have a twinpronged approach. Whatever happens we will have a presence at the Arboretum. In

normal years there would be 80 people, we will probably have around 30 but with an online event based on the success of last year we will outreach to many more.”

Education is a bedrock of AJEX delivering activities to schools and groups regarding the impact by Armed Forces in the Anglo-Jewish community. A pop-up exhibition details the history of AJEX over a century which is displayed in schools, colleges, libraries, synagogues and community venues. AJEX members explore remembrance, history, Jewish identity and British values in ‘talk and discuss’ workshops.

Art and creative acts of remembrance also take place alongside the lectures on numerous themes.

“We are always looking for people to join us, they don’t need to have military experience or a relative serving,” Mike noted. “If they want to serve our cause there is volunteering work with welfare, helping with remembrance events and educational programs where veterans give talks about AJEX and testimonies.”

AJEX is looking at rebuilding its website with heritage information to spread the word of its roots and ongoing commitment to the Jewish community.

Historically, Jews have served in the British Armed Forces for centuries.

During the Boer War numbers were first recorded and supported through a

CHARITY SUPPLEMENT 33

part-time England-based military Rabbi.

A Chanukah service dates to the 1890’s when 50,000 Jewish armed services fought in World War 1. They celebrated festivals often next to the battlefield led by civilian or military Jewish religious leaders.

The 1920s saw ex-servicemen hold an annual dinner, Chanukah service and the first of Cenotaph visits. After riots in Palestine resulted in Jewish deaths alongside a rise in anti-Semitism and fascism in Europe, a meeting in London’s East End saw the Jewish Ex-servicemen’s Legion set up in 1929. Participation in the first annual Remembrance parade took place on 8th November 1930 at Horse Guards Parade. Rabbi Louis Rabinowitz was the first honorary Chaplain. To avoid confusion with the British Legion (now Royal British Legion) the organisation became the Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and women in 1936. Following World War 2, where 70,000 Jews served, support for veterans has continued to this day.

Patrons include Lord Jeremy Beecham, Lord Carlile of Berriew, Sir Lloyd Dorfman, Baroness Ruth Henig, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Lt. General Richard E Nugee, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Lord Sterling of Plaistow.

Information: Facebook, Twitter AJEXUK Instagram or www.ajex.org.uk

Help us to protect our community by supporting CST Volunteer | Report antisemitism | Donate

www.cst.org.uk National Emergency Number 0800 032 3263 (24-hr)

T og et h er WE PROTECT PROTECT CST Advert 2021 - Jewish Weekly Half Page.indd 1

London 020 8457 9999 Manchester 0161 792 6666 Registered charity in England and Wales (1042391) and Scotland (SC043612)

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34 CHARITY SUPPLEMENT

11 MARCH 2021

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

Sponsored by

Work Avenue: Agile and Responsive to the Community Work Avenue is a charity helping members of our community to earn a living with purpose, dignity and pride. We embrace and act upon this mission with understanding and sensitivity by giving free practical information, advice and guidance to over 2000 clients each year as they work towards financial independence.

Clients achieve financial independence by either securing employment or starting/growing a sustainable business.

Our team of professional advisers work with clients by hosting and managing 1:1 meetings, educational and networking group workshops on all relevant employment/business topics and larger-scale, work/business-related webinars and conferences. There is also an active job-placement service. Given the diverse nature and needs of our community, the work is completely client-centric, unlimited and tailored to the needs of the individual.

The charity operates out of a bright, open and welcoming office – known as WE Hub – which is home to many of the small and medium-sized businesses supported, and completely Covid-secure.

Many businesses choose to work here to enhance collaboration, ease loneliness and build a sense of community that is so beneficial. WE Hub makes everyone feel at home.

Work Avenue’s ambitious hopes and drive extend beyond supporting an individual. By helping an individual to become financially secure, he/she will consequently be in a position to help and empower others, whether this is through Jewish Leadership Council, Work Avenue donating money, time or resources, set up an Emergency Community Fund, thereby creating stronger communities a which distributed more than £400,00 to true virtuous cycle.

235 households in the Jewish community Work Avenue is proud to be agile and who had suffered financially. responsive to the community’s needs.

Recipients included taxi drivers, actors, It has been a very tough 12 months for entrepreneurs, barbers, those in our community optometrists, airline piin so many ways, not least lots, therapists, property in the world of work and agents, personal trainers, business, and Work Avedentists and many worknue has been here to help ing in the hospitality and every step of the way. events industries.

When the pandemic The Emergency first hit, entire industries Community Fund grant were decimated and peorecipients described the ple left in dire financial Work Avenue assistance they received straits. Everyone suffered 020 8371 3280 and the Jewish communi- reception@theworkavenue.org.uk from Work Avenue as “lifesaving”, and “makty was no exception. theworkavenue.org.uk ing all the difference in Together with the

By helping an individual to become financially secure, he/she will consequently be in a position to help and empower others…

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getting our family through this”, but this was only the beginning of the story. Many clients face a changing workplace and Work Avenue is here to help people find work, revive/reset their business or even help them change career paths entirely.

Whether it is writing a CV, preparing for interviews, looking at career changes or getting a business up and running, the support is there.

The good news is that the outlook seems more positive. There are almost as many opportunities on Work Avenue’s jobs

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board today as pre-pandemic. The mood is positive and optimistic and people are finding work or new streams of revenue for their businesses.

The future looks bright for Work Avenue and their clients too.

As you will have read elsewhere in this newspaper, we have launched WAGE (Work Avenue Generating Employment) – our first ever social enterprise – to respond to the community’s needs going forward.

It aims to both generate employment and grow business by training those seeking work in key disciplines to match the areas that small businesses require help in.

So those who are looking for work or to change careers will get subsidised training and crucial paid work placements, while businesses can use one of our bank of fully trained WAGE Members to work on individual projects in an affordable and timely way.

Two of the things we hear most often are: 1) You can’t get work without experience, and you can’t get experience without work.

2) You can’t grow a business without multiple skillsets, but you don’t have the time or money to source them.

We launched WAGE directly to address these very issues affecting job hunters/ career changers and small businesses.

WAGE will support anyone looking to retrain and/or find work in graphic design, IT/admin, digital marketing, web design, sales, customer service and bookkeeping – as well as businesses who need help with projects in those areas. WAGE will give suitable applicants access to affordable training and then invaluable paid work experience overseen by mentors. Work Avenue has never before been able to offer training which is so heavily subsidised nor have they been in a position to place our clients in mentored work experience, where their first steps into a job will be supervised and quality assured so they can develop a portfolio of experience. This will give so many people opportunities to train and enter the jobs market with the highest chance of success.”

To find out more about Work Avenue’s service – including WAGE, our workshops and 1:1 employment and business advice – please visit www.theworkavenue.org.uk.

OUR NEW SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MEMBERS ARE TRAINED TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO BUSINESSES BUSINESSES GAIN MUCH NEEDED SUPPORT MEMBERS GAIN VALUABLE PAID EXPERIENCE AND ONGOING ADVICE AND GUIDANCE TO HEAR MORE JOIN US AT OUR INTRODUCTORY OPEN EVENING TUESDAY 16TH MARCH 6.30PM-7.30PM

OFFICE ADMIN

DIGITAL MARKETING

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT

THEWORKAVENUE.ORG.UK/WAGE

OR CONTACT JEREMY@THEWORKAVENUE.ORG.UK Registered Charity 1164762

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Sponsored by

JNF UK: Always building Israel’s future

When JNF UK’s very first donors began supporting us, they could scarcely have imagined what their generosity would achieve. When they first started collecting their loose change in the now iconic Blue Boxes, to many the idea of re-building a Jewish state in our ancient homeland must have seemed like an impossible dream.

Fast forward 120 years, however, and that dream has become a magnificent reality: Israel today is a cultural, economic and spiritual powerhouse And yet, there is still work to be done.

Not everyone has benefitted equally from the progress that has been made. Olim and their children often do not have it easy.

And, as the speed at which the coronavirus

was able to tear through towns and cities Towns and cities here lack the resources shows, too many families are crowded and opportunities of the better developed together in too little space. central hub of the country. Little surprise Thankfully, there is a solution - one that many leave as soon as they can, but that no less a figure than Ben-Gurion this only perpetuates the overcrowding already spotted. “It is in the Negev that in the places they are moving to – and the the creativity and pioneer vigour of Israel stagnation in the spaces they are leaving shall be tested,” he claimed, calling the behind. desert region: “one of the Jewish nation’s JNF UK’s holistic response examines all safehavens.” the reasons why a family might not want This is the vision of JNF UK today. As the to stay in - or join - the towns, cities and oldest Israel-supporting charity villages that are dotted across in the UK, our initial mission has these expanses, and then looks been achieved, but there is still to overcome those obstacles. so much more that needs to be Our on-the-ground experts lead done. Our early supporters did our work in investing in every not baulk at the challenge ahead aspect of life in these places, of them – if you will it, after all, it improving existing commuis no dream – and neither do we. nities and even founding new This is why today we focus on ones. developing areas like the The story of JNF UK is Negev, which is sparsely the story of the British Jewpopulated but makes up ish community’s support more than half of Israfor Israel. With your help, el’s physical space. This we are not only investing traditionally is where many in welfare, education, JNF UK recent immigrants, someculture, employment and 020 8732 6100 times with little more than more. We are also writing info@jnf.co.uk the shirts on their backs, the next chapter of that www.jnf.co.uk have ended up. story.

Green Sunday 2021:

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Registered Charity Number 225910

Urgent Israel Appeal

A vaccine won’t feed her son.

Your donation will.

Thousands of Israeli families have been plunged below the poverty line due to the pandemic. JNF UK’s matched appeal will double the impact of your donation to those who are no longer able to get by.

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DONATE NOW

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26/01/2021 10:29:01

11 MARCH 2021

CHARITY SUPPLEMENT 37

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

How Norwood can turn life around for the whole family For policies concerning the environment, to be a steep learning curve. As 2020 came they are calling it “the Great Reset”. For busi- to an end, Jacobson took inspiration from ness, the desire is to “build back better”. But the writer Neil Gaiman, who said: “I hope for all the recent talk of “road maps” and that in this year to come, you make mis“reimaginings”, the challenge for charities takes. Because if you are making mistakes, such as Norwood over the past year has then you are trying new things… pushing been simple: how do you make effective yourself, changing yourself, changing your and necessary plans for the future when the world…” present is on hold?

And change Norwood has. The key to This was precisely the dilemma Norwood all of the charity’s plans was to make its found itself in last year, but the UK’s oldest Children and Family Services as visible Jewish charity was determined that the pan- and accessible as possible and to create an demic would not interfere environment with particiwith its plans to develop pation and engagement at its Children and Family its heart. This new “whole Services. life” offer for people with That this work went learning disabilities or auahead at this time is no tism champions a progresgreat surprise: Norwood’s sive approach to disability chief executive, Dr Beverley and additional educational Jacobson, has always been needs and ensures that the a great believer in viewing a charity will be there for that NORWOOD crisis as an opportunity. But child all through their life, 020 8809 8809 the challenges of making even when their parents info@norwood.org.uk these changes during the may no longer be around. www.norwood.org.uk Covid-19 pandemic proved The refocus of these

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services further ensures that Norwood is better placed to address the needs of not one person at one point in time, but rather to support all of the family affected by a child’s diagnosis.

Norwood’s recent Pesach appeal reinforces this “whole of the family for the whole of life” message. Although the family featured has been anonymized, the story the appeal tells is based on the cases that Norwood sees on a daily basis and shows how Norwood can “turn life around” not only for the child with additional needs, but also for their parents, siblings, grandparents and teachers.

This process will see families new to

Norwood being seen by a referral and assessment manager who will, following that assessment, provide a plan of action. That plan will be a bespoke range of services to support each member of the family in whichever way is best for them. This means that all families supported by Norwood will be able to access precise services based on a comprehensive assessment of the whole family’s needs.

April Esteras, Norwood’s whole life disability services manager, is as optimistic for the future as she is proud of Norwood’s past. “I have been with Norwood for three years,” she says, “and in this time I have had the privilege of seeing families discover a way forward that gave them hope, optimism and a new outlook on life.

It is especially rewarding to know that this is due to the expert help, advice and guidance that we were able to offer them and I greatly look forward to being part of a team that will be even better equipped to turn lives around in the future.”

ARE YOU BEREAVED? Bereavement Counselling for adults and children individually.

Support groups available.

During the pandemic, we offer telephone and online counselling.

Contact the Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence.

020 8951 3881 enquiries@jbcs.org.uk | www.jbcs.org.uk THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

38 CHARITY SUPPLEMENT

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Sponsored by

Keys to independence in challenging times This pandemic has been a wake-up call plus years. Seeing as I’m on my own, for many. People who were just about it’s nice to know there are other people managing in their own home with little around and I’m looking forward to or no support to hand. People living with being able to get to know people better physical disabilities or sight loss whose when the time allows.” home isn’t always suited to their needs All of Jewish Blind & Disabled’s and who may be prone to accidents or mobility apartments are specially demay be feeling alone and isolated. signed to enable people with physical People like Martine who lives with disabilities or impaired vision to do psoriatic arthritis and who up until last the everyday tasks that are key to living summer was living in unsuitable accomindependently, in safety with their modation with little support to hand. own front door. Apartments feature Her friend told her about Jewish Blind & accessible, modern fitted kitchens with Disabled and after applying in February relevant aids and adaptations and walk 2020 she was offered a flat in shower rooms spacious close to her friends and family enough to accommodate in Redbridge and moved in wheelchairs and all the June 2020. buildings have accessible, She said: “JBD was definitestep-free access. ly the right move for me. If Alongside the apartments anything happens during there is a dedicated team the night, I know I can pull of 24/7 House Managers the cord and someone will who provide people with be at the end of the line. peace of mind and the The safety and security knowledge that someone that JBD gives me is inis on hand should they Jewish Blind & Disabled valuable. For me, this was need it. Tenants can also 020 8371 6611 a long term move and I benefit from daily calls info@jbd.org feel settled and see myself from house managers to www.jbd.org being here for the next 20 check they are okay.

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To keep tenants healthy, engaged and connected during these Covid times a wide variety of daily Zoom sessions are on offer from art classes, to an extensive health and wellbeing programme, quizzes, discussion groups and festival celebrations to name a few. There have even been some celebrity appearances from Maureen Lipman and Judge Rinder to keep spirits high.

Tenants who have never been online before were supported by staff and volunteers to enable them to get connected and are now enjoying the wonders of Zoom.

The sessions have ensured new and existing tenants feel part of a community - combating the loneliness and isolation that many of us have been experiencing.

The organisation is encouraging people who think they could benefit from a move into one of their apartments to get in contact now as there is some availability in both North West London and North East London.

Its Chief Executive Lisa Wimborne commented; “We know there are members of our community who have been struggling and living in unsuitable accommodation with no support to hand during this past year. Having safely supported over 20 people into our developments in the past six months, we can assure you will feel settled and welcomed quickly, despite COVID-19, and we hope you will feel part of a warm supportive Jewish community, just as Martine has”.

If you or someone you know could benefit from living in a Jewish Blind & Disabled apartment, for more information or to show your support, visit www.jbd.org or call 020 8371 6611.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from living in a JBD apartment or to support us, visit www.jbd.org or call 020 8371 6611

INDEPENDENCE. DIGNITY. CHOICE.

“My diagnosis of MS was like a hammer blow but I am happier now living here than I’ve ever been.

Especially in current times, there is nowhere else I would want to be.”

Registered Charity No. 259480

ENABLED Neil, Jewish Blind & Disabled tenant

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CHARITY SUPPLEMENT 39

Jewish Care home residents receive visits from designated relatives This week, residents in Jewish Care homes rest assured that there is no bigger priority were able to hold hands with their loved than keeping the residents safe. ones for the first time since the start of the Adrienne Cinna was delighted to see her pandemic, almost a year ago. Visitors can mum, Sheila Cohen, again, after she moved also continue to visit in pods and contact into Jewish Care’s Kun Mor & George Kiss residents via video calls so they can stay Home in November. Adrienne says, “I feel connected as we move into a new phase, better now I’ve seen Mum. I can see the gradually easing out of lockdown. visits made an enormous difference to her.

Norma Nash who lives at Jewish Care’s I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the Anita Dorfman House at Sandringham, staff for making Mum feel so welcome and has two daughters, Amanda and Debra at home there, for acting responsibly and and three grandchildren. Before her visit to giving us the first opportunity for this visit, I her mum, Amanda said “When I had my really appreciate it.” vaccine I cried with relief. I’m so excited Nina Doltis, a resident at Jewish Care’s see Mum, it’s been a year and we are all so Lady Sarah Cohen House, who has seven close. It’s a blessing to see grandchildren and 17 her.” great-grandchildren was Every member of Jewish finally able to hold her Care’s trained and experidaughter, Jacky’s, hand enced staff ensure that the again. She said, “It’s lovely care homes have the highand overwhelming,” est level of cleanliness, acand Jacky added, “it’s cess to regular testing and very emotional. I greatly Jewish Care ample amounts of PPE all missed seeing my Mum.” 020 8922 2222. in accordance with health Jewish Care Chief lwjc@jcare.org authority guidance. All of Executive, Daniel Carwww.jcare.org this means that families can mel-Brown says, “We are

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delighted that these visits can begin now and look forward to welcoming many more designated visitors as they reunite with their loved ones in the coming days and weeks.”

Throughout the pandemic, Jewish Care residents have enjoyed celebrating all the special moments of Shabbat and festivals in the Jewish calendar along with the delicious Kosher food prepared daily by in-house chefs across the care homes.

This is what makes the homes truly special and unique communities to live in, nurturing every aspect of the residents’ lives, including their Jewish connection.

Daniel Carmel-Brown explains, “You can feel a unique warmth in our care homes. Our dedicated staff provide care and support for our residents in a way that recognises and promotes Jewish values so residents stay connected to the aspects of Jewish life and community that are important to them. Whether it’s the traditions, celebrations or prayer, we know that being able to express Jewish identity has an enormous impact on an individual’s well-being.”

With Jewish Care homes open for

Jewish Care resident Nina Doltis holds hands with her daughter Jacky

admission, you can find out more about moving to a Jewish Care home with our dedicated and professional Living with Jewish Care team on hand. They can give advice and support for families and potential new residents. Once settled in, residents are welcomed and cared for with dignity and respect. You can arrange a tour, discuss options or book an appointment with a care home assessor to carry out an assessment to find the best type of living accommodation that’s right for you.

Jewish Care Retirement Living apartments at Wohl Court and the new state-ofthe-art apartments at Pears Court at Sandringham, are also open to view by booking an in-person Covid-safe visit, through a 360-video tour or a live tour via Zoom.

To find out more, contact lwjc@jcare.org or call 020 8922 2222.

Charity Reg No. 802559

We are open for new admissions

Video calls with loved ones, the special moments of Shabbat and festivals and delicious Kosher food are just some of the things our residents have enjoyed and continue to enjoy across our care homes. Every member of our trained and experienced staff, is here to make sure that our homes have the highest level of cleanliness, access to regular testing and ample amounts of PPE all in accordance with health authority guidance. All of this means you can be assured that there is no bigger priority than keeping our residents safe through the winter.

For more information please call our team on 020 8922 2222 or email lwjc@jcare.org Care Home Ads JW 158x265mm v5.indd 1

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04/03/2021 15:13

‫בא‬

‫ם • נוסד ע"י הר‬

‫שובו‬

‫אם זצ"ל‬

‫חזון‬

‫חגי‬

‫ה‬

‫א‬

‫םפ‬

‫בר‬

‫בר‬

‫ה‬

V

‫ו‬

‫ה‬

‫ק‬

‫קו‬

‫וך‬

‫חינ‬

.‫ד ש‬ ‫רץ‬

‫בא‬

.‫ ל זר ע ק ו ד ש‬.

‫דש‬

30 YEARS ·

‫בן שלשים לכח‬

THE MOST INCREDIBLE E VE

‫בב‬

u

OV

J O I N T H E V I R T U A L S H U V U S I Y U M ‫כל התורה כולה‬

THIS Sunday, March 14 th at 9pm Tune in live at ShuvuSiyum.org

PROGR AM WILL INCLUDE: •

The participation of gadol hador,

Harav Chaim Kanievsky, ‫שליט״א‬ •

The participation of Harav Reuven Feinstein, ‫שליט״א‬ Harav Elya Brudny, ‫שליט״א‬

•

A heartzig Kumzitz with Benny Friedman and The Shira Choir

•

Hosted by Nachum Segal

‫״בואו לקחת חלק בסיום כל התורה כולה!״‬

R!

NETANEL ATZMON

DAVID DAVIDOV

MALKIEL ABAYEV

‫בבא קמא י״א‬

‫י״א‬-‫סוטה ב׳‬

‫כ״ז‬-‫ כ״ב‬,‫י׳‬-‫חגיגה ה׳‬

8th Grade, Shuvu Mevaseret Zion

Shuvu Kollel

Graduate, Shuvu Ashkelon

NEHORAI TZIONOV

OSHRY KOPERSTEIN

GAI KIDRON

‫ע׳‬-‫גיטין ס״ד‬

‫ פרק ו׳‬,‫מלכים א׳‬

Husband of Shuvu Lod and Be’er Yaakov Graduate

‫ פרק כ״ו‬,‫שמואל א׳‬ 6th Grade, Shuvu Nof Hagalil

6th Grade, Shuvu Rishon Letzion

DAVID MAXIMCHOK

IDAN BEN AHARON

‫ג׳‬-‫בבא קמא ב׳‬

OREL IDAN

‫פ”ב‬-‫בבא קמא פ”א‬

‫ פרק ה׳‬,‫במדבר‬

8th Grade, Shuvu Mevaseret Zion

8th Grade, Shuvu Mevaseret Zion

2nd Grader, Shuvu Nof Hagalil

YAIR DANIEL URITZKY

‫כ״ט‬-‫שבת כ״ד‬ Husband of Rishon Letzion Graduate

‫ פרק מ״א‬,‫בראשית‬

SHAUL CHERNIAK

5th Grade, Shuvu Petach Tikva

‫ל״ג‬-‫תמיד כ״ה‬

AHARON LEVINSON

Husband of Shuvu Lod and Be’er Yaakov Graduate

‫ פרק ט״ו‬,‫דברים‬

‫ל״ה‬-‫מידות ל׳‬

5th Grade, Shuvu Petach Tikva

‫כ״א‬-‫יומא י״ב‬

NETANEL YUSUPOV

DANIEL BAVAYEV

‫ פרק ח׳‬,‫בראשית‬

YONATAN DEZURAYEV

Shuvu Kollel

6th Grade, Shuvu Lod

Graduate, Shuvu Tel Aviv

YOSEF GAVRIELOV

‫י״ד‬-‫ פרק א׳‬,‫ויקרא‬ Graduate, Shuvu Lod

BINYAMIN MAGEN

‫פ”ו‬-‫בבא קמא פ”ה‬ 7th Grade, Shuvu Mevaseret Zion

SUPPORT THE BOYS AND GIRLS OF SHUVU BY DONATING AT

ShuvuSiyum.org • MissionSiyum@gmail.com

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The Fed for 150 years is ‘safety net’ to Manchester’s vulnerable

BY DAVID SAFFER The Fed in Manchester has been the ‘golden thread’ that runs through the Jewish community looking after those most vulnerable and in need for 150 years.

Heathlands Village is the largest Jewish care home in Greater Manchester. Services include nursing, convalescent, dementia and end of life care. Heathlands also offers a Jewish way of life with religious guidance to residents, staff and relatives.

The state-of-the-art complex houses, The Fed’s administrative offices, social work and community teams, a Purple Room community centre and purpose-built children’s centre. Meeting rooms can be hired for training seminars and private parties. Kosher catering is licensed under the Manchester Beth Din. The Fed’s South Manchester branch is in Hale village, Altrincham.

The organisation has 350 staff and 550 volunteers offering specialist services ranging from one-to-one to group support.

Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Raphi Bloom, sees The Fed’s effect across the Jewish community.

“We reach more Jewish homes across Greater Manchester than any other Jewish charity in our city,” he said. “We supported 1,402 Jewish homes last year, that is a staggering one in eight homes in our community. We received over 3,000 calls to our support line and delivered over 20,000 hours of volunteering. This highlights just how many people The Fed helps. The majority of work we do goes on behind closed doors. Many charities can show emotive images of adults and children they support. We too are able to show stateof-the-art care we give to our Heathlands residents. Where we cannot show this is with the bulk of our work in the wider Jewish community because mental health, domestic violence, sexual abuse, anxiety, isolation, loneliness and poverty issues we support are too sensitive and private to be shown.”

The Fed supports a vast array of services.

How challenging has this been throughout the coronavirus pandemic?

“Since Covid started a year ago, we have seen demand increase by 52% for services,” explained Raphi. “Apart from the hours of volunteering and helpline calls we handled over 1,000 cases of mental health and helped people claim £160,000 worth of benefits to help in everyday life. We also delivered 2,500 food parcels to families but not just to traditional Jewish community areas, we supported Jews across Greater

The Fed community coffee shop

“We look after 12 times as many people outside Heathlands as we do inside. We employ 350 people, we are one of the largest employers in North Manchester, certainly in the Jewish community.

Manchester. We are the community’s ‘safety net’.”

“We locked out Heathlands two weeks before the government locked down in March 2020, nonetheless we lost 24 residents to COVID-19, which was devastating,” explained Raphi. “Around 50 residents contracted Covid and survived which is something not always reported in the media. We had visits in the summer for five weeks but then went into lockdown again.

Hoiwever, we facilitated over 900 visits over the year though it was not ideal through Perspex or windows and had a huge effect on residents. Not being able to hug, kiss or touch loved ones affected residents.”

Raphi added, “Staff worked heroically to keep everyone safe during the height of Covid. They were scared but came into work to look after residents. Effectively, they are our family. We often forget that we work in their home, our offices are at Heathlands. We see residents on a daily basis, form friendships, even those of us not in frontline care. When we lose a resident, it is a tragic event and during Covid it was even harder.”

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

The Fed’s Raphi Bloom

Operationally, how did Covid hit the Fed? “There are two sides to our operation,” explained Raphi. “We look after 12 times as many people outside Heathlands as we do

11 MARCH 2021

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The Fed’s activities

inside. We employ 350 people, we are one to telephone support.” He added, “We of the largest employers in north Manches- had to stop mental health support groups ter, certainly in the Jewish community. because of Covid security. A children’s Care, kitchen, maintenance and porting centre for families with children who staff at Heathlands nothing changed. They suffer with mental or health issues had to worked through. However, it presented stop. We provide a space for safe, superoperational challenges because members vised contact visits between parents and of staff had Covid and took time off work. children, that had to stop. Covid impacted Around 280 had to isolate because they, how we operate, we adapted and provida family member or resident had Covid. ed services albeit differently but it was It gave us headaches logistically but we extremely challenging.” had to continue as we care for the lives of So, with all the changes is The Fed residents.” stronger as an organisation?

He added, “In terms of community ser“From a staffing perspective, we are vices and administrative staff, for the best stronger,” noted Raphi. “Our staff are hepart of a year the vast majority worked roes and I don’t use that term likely. Care from home. That had its challenges in staff looked after residents with Covid terms of managing caseloads, volunteers in full PPE. These are care staff not ICU and clients. We care for over 1,800 people nurses. Volunteer coordinators and social at any one time in the community. Each is workers dealt with heartrending and a case and each need managing. We may critical life-saving cases, but in a different be shopping for someone, having a weekly way. Everyone went an extra mile.” chat to check they are okay to dealing with He added, “The response from the domestic abuse. That proved hard but community has been humbling. There staff worked incredibly hard. They had was a shortage of PPE when we went into to juggle home schooling and things like lockdown yet the generosity from those that. Whilst many people across who had the ability to source PPE the country went on furlough was incredible. Businesses that and businesses postponed overnight closed down donated operations, our staff worked even thousands of latex gloves and harder over the past 12 months.” aprons, local schools sent in So, has the type of services The handwritten cards to residents, Fed does changed? non-Jewish high schools with ma“Absolutely, community servicchinery classes made visors and es operated ‘coffee stops’ where people who were manufacturing isolated people would in China sent in crates come together at Maccabi of masks or provided or South Manchester them below cost price to shul,” Raphi said. “Often us. The generosity of the we pick up on issues that community continues to The Fed might go under the radar. be humbling.”

0161 772 4800 When you see someone With an increase in info@thefed.org.uk face to face sometimes demand on services www.thefed.org.uk you discover serious there has been a need for issues that need help. increased PPE, activities Volunteers took people on and technology demandhospital appointments, shopping or for a ing a need to raise funds. In a normal year coffee. That changed overnight. We still do The Fed has a £1.3m deficit to raise for shopping for people but interaction went life-enhancing and life-saving services.

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This year they need to £2m. What are the plans?

“We have recently seen some fantastic fundraising campaigns from national charities that provide services in Manchester and I applaud them all,” explained Raphi. “These charities have the advantage of receiving the overwhelming majority of their funding from the London Jewish community where there are far more donors including many more major donors.

So, when we see the amazing figures of the total funds raised, we need to realise that most of this comes from London. The Fed does not have that ‘luxury’. We are a local charity. We only provide our services in Greater Manchester and the North West.

I make no apologies for saying this, but The Fed can only rely on our community to support and fund us, and we need that now more than ever. We need to raise £2 million this year. The impact of COVID on our finances, plus the increased demand for our help means we must raise record amounts of money. If we do not, people will suffer and in some cases die. It is as stark as that.”

Normally, The Fed has a fundraising dinner every two years but this year they are going all out with something different. The Fed has rented a 30 minutes airtime slot on national TV. ‘The F Word’ can be viewed on Sky, Freeview or The Fed’s social media platforms on Sunday May 9th (8.30pm).

“We must find different ways to tell our story and ensure the entire Manchester Jewish community knows we are providing life enhancing and often live saving services to thousands of the most vulnerable and in need in our community,” explained Raphi. “Because we cannot hold our bi-annual dinner we have had to pivot. The result is ‘The F Word’, a TV show built around the premiere of a film about The Fed scripted to the words of the inspiring Manchester poet Tony Walsh who wrote Forever Manchester after the AO Arena bombing in 2017. What Tony has written about Manchester Jewry, about our

The Fed History (1867-2011) 1867 The Board of Guardians is founded 1960’s The Board becomes Manchester Jewish Social Services (MJSS) 1990 National Health Service and Community Care Act is delivered 1997 MJSS & Manchester Jews’ Benevolent Society becomes Manchester Jewish Federation (The Fed) 2000 South Manchester branch office opens 2000 The Fed merges with Time for You to provide respite to family carers 2009 The Fed and Heathlands Village become Federation of Jewish Services (FJS) 2011 FJS becomes known as The Fed

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CHARITY SUPPLEMENT 43

community and The Fed is amazing.”

He added, “The Fed has been the ‘golden thread’ for 150 years caring for our community. This is a first for a UK Jewish charity. We have seen lots of online events but never one on national TV. Rather than hold a dinner with only 500 people in a room we can include the entire community in our event. You do not need access to the internet to be part of this, you can sit down comfortably on your couch and watch it on the big screen, so there will be no issues with buffering, poor sound or small screens! I can pretty much guarantee that every Jewish person in Manchester will, at some stage in their life, either need to use the services of The Fed for themselves or a member of their family or know someone who has benefited from the help The Fed offers.”

He added, “The Fed is the community’s safety net. It is as simple as that. We need everyone in our local community to ensure that net is kept strong. We do not have the benefit of being part of a national fundraising campaign. It is often said that charity begins at home and so we ask the entire community to tune in and support us in the most generous way they can. We are also very lucky to have been given a matched funding pot of £200,000 by one very generous donor. And that matched pot is unique to any previous campaign seen anywhere because it will only match fund individual donations made up to £100 per donation. We have done this to encourage all types of donors to contribute to our campaign and for them to know that every donation, no matter what the size, can make a tangible difference to the crucial work The Fed does. I ask every member of our Manchester Jewish community to do so because you never know, you might need us yourself.”

Hopefully, The Fed will smash its target, what will funds go towards?

“Heathlands is not one care home, it’s a village,” explained Raphi. “We operate numerous services including dementia, assisted living, NHS contracts and end of life care,” explained Raphi. “It’s a big site, there are always things that need to be maintained. In the community we have seen a 52% in demand and that need will grow in the next 12 to 24 months. Before COVID-19, we saw young families having to decide between buying food or a bed for their children. You would find two or three children sleeping on the same mattress or families who could not afford to buy a fridge or fresh food. That will increase. One of the biggest increases we have seen is where a parent has lost a job and they are home schooling. Mental health affects children and adults.” He added, “A lot of work we do is done with non-orthodox families however demand from the ultra-orthodox community is growing. We support every member of the community. We are also seeing demand wider afield. It’s often thought the Jewish community is Broughton Park, Prestwich, Whitefield, Bury, Hale, Boden and Cheadle. But we are getting calls from Fylde, Barrow-in-Furness, Ramsbottom

44 CHARITY SUPPLEMENT

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and Hyde. Take a map of Manchester and go north, south, east, west. The demand is growing exponentially.”

He added, “People turn to us when they need help but we have to pay for it. At the end of November, before the government agreed to extend the free school meals into December, we ran a ‘Lunch not Luxury’ fundraising campaign for Jewish children who needed a £5 Tesco voucher for the eleven days winter school holiday.

We raised £23,000 in 36 hours, which provided £55 worth Tesco vouchers for 423 children. We hold a Fed Friday every year when people host a Friday night meal and instead of taking a bottle of wine donate to The Fed. This year we asked for a ‘Fed Friday partner’ to donate at least £25.

Over 500 homes received a Shabbat pack and enhanced food support pack. These homes felt they part of the community Shabbat. Funds raised also went to community services who support people in the community. Local Authority and national government funding have been cut over the past five years, we were lucky at the beginning of Covid that we benefited from a national appeal by ourselves, Jewish Care and Nightingale. It raised £700,000, which was crucial but the next 12 months there’s a £2m shortfall.”

What is the key message for those wishing to support The Fed? “Without funds we will have to cut

Social work at The Fed

services and if we have to cut services Jewish people will suffer, and in some cases, and I’m not saying this to scare monger, people potentially could die because we deal with issues such as domestic abuse and mental health,” noted

Raphi. “It’s something that keeps me up at night. I think, how can we raise the money? We constantly think of new ideas, new donors, talking to existing donors.

We have a very loyal support base with people who understand The Fed and the

We are not some big national charity.

We are your local charity.

We need to raise £2 million to keep our services running.

CHOMETZ COLLECTIONS WILL BE RUN IN STRICT ADHERENCE WITH COVID 19 GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES

Every donation counts.

0161 772 4800 - thefed.org.uk/donate-online/ Registered Charity Number: 1117126

In partnership with Sabeny.

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Manchester Jewish community. Demand has increased, we need to be here for anybody that needs our help, we are their ‘safety net’.

Details: www.thefed.org.uk

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CHARITY SUPPLEMENT 45

Understanding the impact of stigma and discrimination in mental health This past year has been one like no other. community that accepts, acknowledges While we are currently living through a and understands mental illness, where pandemic with enormous health imthe symptoms of mental illness are as plications, the mental health crisis will recognisable as a heart attack. be a lasting legacy, long after the virus Mental health problems are difficult disappears. enough to cope with but can be made Focusing on one positive outcome of even worse by having to deal with stigma the pandemic, society is increasingly and discrimination from others. We need acknowledging the importance of mental to support ourselves and others in our health and conversations about mental community who are dealing with mental health are becoming more common. ill health.

People are starting to speak openly and Get the treatment you need – do not let honestly about their own mental health stigma stop you. Seeking help is the first and recovery journey, treatment or step to developing a recovery plan, mansupport. aging your symptoms and living a full life.

There is a better understandReach out – isolating ourselves ing of isolation, loneliness and can make us feel worse. It’s hard depression, experienced for to be proactive when our mental far too long by the most health takes a dip, but if vulnerable members of we can take small steps, our community. Howevwe can help ourselves. er, there is still a stigma With the plethora of online surrounding mental illness, opportunities now availawhich often prevents those ble, reaching out doesn’t Jami needing help from seeking have to mean going out.

020 8458 2223 it. We need to challenge Connect with others – www.Jamiuk.org this stigma and become a family, friends, colleagues,

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your Rabbi/Rebbetzen or community can offer you support and understanding if they know about your challenges.

Expand your network – join a mental health support group (online or in person) and realise you are not alone in your feelings or experiences.

Choose your words – use words about your mental health that feel empowering rather than stigmatising and educate other to do the same.

Talk – try not to let other people’s ignorance influence the way you feel about yourself. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness and is rarely something you can deal with alone. Speak to healthcare providers about recovery pathways and how to manage your mental health issues.

Challenging stigma. We can all help to challenge stigma by speaking up when we hear people making negative or incorrect comments about mental illness. We can learn about mental illness and share what we know with family, friends, colleagues or classmates. Support friends, family or co-workers with their choices and encourage their efforts to get well. Sharing

our own experience of mental illness (if we have experienced it) will also help dispel myths and encourage others to do the same.

HOW TO GET HELP

If you need support or are supporting someone who needs help, visit https:// jamiuk.org/get-support/ or contact 020 8458 2223.

If you are struggling to cope or need immediate help, contact Shout’s 24/7 crisis text service. Text Jami to 85258 for free, confidential support.

For free, safe and confidential online counselling and emotional wellbeing services for adults, contact Jami Qwell at https://www.qwell.io/jami or for students visit https://student.kooth.com/ jami Help Jami to continue providing vital, life-saving mental health services. Please make a donation at jamiuk.org/donate

Demand for mental health services is greater than ever.

This Pesach we need your help to ensure everyone living with mental illness in our community can get support when they need it.

Donate today at jamiuk.org/pesach

Miriam was vulnerable and isolated but thanks to Jami, she was never alone

For help and support visit jamiuk.org Telephone 020 8458 2223 | Email info@jamiuk.org

Registered charity no. 1003345. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in London no. 2618170

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46 CHARITY SUPPLEMENT

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Sponsored by

Bnos Chayil: Making a difference in young women’s lives Everyone in Manchester has heard of Aim leadership of Mrs Yehudis Stern and Mrs Habonim special school, largely due to its Zara Newman, Bnos Chayil has tripled hugely successful annual Bike ride which in size since its founding in 2016, and raises much needed funds to educate has recently moved premises due to almost 90 special needs young children, this expansion. Founder and Education and provide for their specific therapeutic Consultant to Post 16, Yehudis Stern, is not needs. surprised “As a specialist in the SEND field What many may not be aware of is their for almost 20 years, I know that what we Seminary/College division for 16 - 25 year are offering is quite unique and special.“ olds, that has seen extraordinary success in The programme is indeed a transformative the last few years. The Post 16 girls’ division experience, where students graduate with – known as Bnos Chayil Post 16 - caters recognised qualifications, vocational skills, for differently abled young employability options people in a culturally and, in some circumappropriate environment, stances, their own small with a vision to transform enterprise. “Our goal is their special students’ to create a meaningful potential into success. Post future, and sense of 16 provides an exciting belonging, for differently full day programme, with abled young adults in the a wide and varied Kodesh Orthodox Jewish Comand secular curriculum munity, by supporting which is shaped to match our students to develop Bnos Chayil the individual needs of job and interpersonal 0161 804 5750 each student. skills” admin@bcpost16.education Under the skilful The Post-16

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“Enterprise Zone” is where the students gain valuable vocational and employability experience. Students create products to sell; some examples of which have been baked goods, gift towels and sewing alterations as well as a Canteen managed by the students which sells food to the staff at Aim Habonim. As Zara Newman, Head of Organisation and Development has been telling the Jewish Weekly “We are passionate about supporting our students to develop the job skills required in the workplace. Much of our curriculum revolves around vocational learning and qualifications”. Students are provided with choices for job-related qualifications based on their strengths and individual career guidance, in topics such as Childcare, ICT, Food Health & Safety, Sewing, Baking and Cooking skills. As part of Bnos Chayils’ goal to be a dual college and seminary, the students benefit from a rich and varied secular and kodesh syllabus, together with enrichment projects and extra-curricular activities. And to support Independent living, learning includes topics such as

The Friendship Circle For the past 13 years The Friendship friends and take part in any face-to face Circle have been enriching the lives of activities, we have done our utmost to people with disabilities in the provide each and every one of Manchester Jewish Community. our 130 members with emotional We provide an exciting and varied and practical support. calendar of fully integrated, Moving our physical connecsocial, and recreational protion to a virtual one has enabled grammes and activities all year us to improve our members’ round, helping our members gain mental wellbeing, providing confidence, acquire new them with structure and skills and build social reassurance throughout connections. the entire lockdown peMost importantly, our riod. We have made sure programmes enable our that all of our members participants to forge have been able to celeThe Friendship Circle lasting friendships and, brate the Jewish calendar 0161 792 1792 together with our vast with as much excitement info@friendship-circle.org.uk www.friendshipcircle.org.uk network of over 100 and meaning as before. volunteers, we inspire a culture of understanding We are enormously and acceptance, helping to transform the proud to say that over the last 12 months landscape of attitudes towards people we have facilitated: with disabilities in our society.

• 13.000 calls, video chats and socially We have created a warm and loving distant walks by over 80 committed community within a community that sup- volunteers. ports our members in so many ways and • 5000 Zoom sign-ins, with varied progives them the tools to break boundaries grammes including art, fitness, singing, and challenge stereotypes. baking and discussion groups Volunteers are at the heart of our • 2000 ‘At Home’ packs providing hours organisation. Our one-to-one buddy of endless activities. scheme matches volunteers to members building a unique connection and special For more information about The Friendfriendship. ship Circle visit www.friendshipcircle.org.

Over the last 12 months our members uk or call Esty Bruck, Programme Director have found themselves hit particularly on 07895 742296 esty@friendship-circle. hard by the pandemic. Unable to see their org.uk

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money management, time management, independent travel in the local and wider area, organisational skills, emotional wellbeing and appropriate friendships.

In the next stage of this exciting programme, “Post-16” is looking to expand to provide a dynamic hub for older differently abled women in the community with employability and enterprise opportunities in an expanded Enterprise zone. This will run as a day centre with activities such as art, fitness and shiurim, in a friendly and productive atmosphere. Further into the future, there is a plan to open a supported-living residence in which the students will have suitable accommodation as they leave home and need somewhere sheltered to live. As Zara sums it up, “We stress the importance of building employability skills and a work ethic with a strong Jewish identity, that will allow our students to become successful and happy members of the community, with as fulfilling a life as possible”.

For the differently abled members of our community, what could be better than that?

“Without clear masks in schools, there will be a devastating impact on our education, mental health and our futures.”

Sign Dinah’s petition at www.change.org/dinah mandell

On my f irst day at sixth form college, my tutor made a point of welcoming me, wearing his clear mask. I felt so relieved because we need to read people’s lips to be able to understand what’s being said - and not be isolated f rom debates and discussions..

JDA is supplying clear masks to every Jewish school - so that deaf pupils can lipread, feel confident and communicate effectively with their teachers and classmates.

Please help our children at school by ordering clear masks from JDA.

020 8446 0502 www.jdeaf.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1105845 Company Limited by Guarantee 4983830

: OUR COMMUNITY’S BEST KEPT SECRET WHAT IS JNETICS?

WHAT DOES JNETICS TEST FOR AND HOW?

Jnetics is a charity that provides carrier screening for lifethreatening Jewish genetic disorders (JGDs). Our mission is simple- to eliminate new cases of these devastating disorders from the community by providing accessible carrier screening to all young Jewish adults. Our hope is that screening becomes standard practice, thereby saving couples the unnecessary heartbreak of having an affected child.

Jnetics offers genetic screening for 9 of the most severe JGDs via the Jnetics Clinic, which at present is being delivered entirely virtually. In the next few months, we plan to expand the screening panel to include Sephardi disorders along with further disorders prevalent amongst the Ashkenazi Jewish community.

WHAT IS GENETIC CARRIER SCREENING? Screening identifies if a person carries a gene associated with a genetic disorder. Carriers typically do not show symptoms of the disorder that they carry, and because of this, are unaware of their status unless screened. Being a carrier typically has no impact on your own health, but does mean that you are at an increased risk of having a child that is affected by the disease that you carry; If 2 carriers of the same disorder have children, there is a 1 in 4 risk in every pregnancy that the baby born will suffer from the condition.

Fortunately, there are ways for ‘carrier couples’ to manage this risk and have healthy children but they are only available if both partners have been identified as carriers first. This is why screening is so important.

The clinic is offered at a subsidised rate of £250 and the virtual service means anyone across the UK, irrespective of where they live, can take part in screening. Clinic participation is extremely simple, with 5 easy steps including online registration, receipt of a saliva kit in the post and a video appointment with Jnetics’ dedicated NHS genetic counsellor.

WHY OUR WORK IS SO IMPORTANT? Too many babies are being born today with these truly devastating conditions. Getting screened empowers In America, Israel, Australia and in the Charedi community, carrier screening has been the norm for decades. However, the UK Jewish community has been far behind. It is time for our community to take control of its own future and ensure that these disorders are not passed on to the next generation. For further information on Jnetics, please contact info@jnetics.org or call us 020 8158 5123. To book an appointment at the Jnetics Clinic go to www.Jnetics.org/screening.

FAMILY PLANNING? WHY RISK YOUR BABY’S HEALTH? 1 in 5 people of Ashkenazi origin is a carrier of at least one severe, recessive Jewish genetic disorder.

Nowadays a ‘carrier couple’ can manage their risk of having an affected child, but only if they know they are carriers first.

Help us arm the community with that knowledge.

To donate towards funding our screening programme this Pesach, please visit Jnetics.org/donate

in partnership with

@JneticsUK Jnetics Reg charity no. 1134935 5997 Jnetics Ad EUS Pesach Mag 210mmx297mm.indd 1

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COMMUNITY 49

Celebrating The Jewish Weekly’s fourth anniversary Photos by Lawrence Purcell

07807 254 142

020 8455 7246

mail@nlscaffolding.co.uk NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL www.nlscaffolding.co.uk

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Hull Hebrew Congregation joins United Synagogue

BY DAVID SAFFER Hull Hebrew Congregation is a new member of the United Synagogue.

The US Council unanimously approved the community joining with immediate effect. Discussions were ongoing but a formal decision was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hull Hebrew Congregation has some 100 members, about 70 live locally.

Rabbi Eli and Rebbetzen Sorele Denderowicz serve the community and travel from their home in Gateshead for Shabbat and festivals.

“Members are delighted to join,” commented Philip Daniels, Hull Hebrew Congregation president. “We look forward to the mutual support of being part of a network of communities. How the United Synagogue can assist us has become increasingly evident as discussions regarding our joining have progressed. The Hull community anticipates a positive future.”

Michael Goldstein, US President, noted, “Hull has a long and proud Jewish history dating back to the eighteenth century. We look forward to learning from and working with the congregation as they begin their exciting new chapter.”

Hull Jewry has a respected history in Hull and East Yorkshire for over 250 years, watchmaker Isaac Levy was recorded as the first Jewish resident in 1766.

The Humber seaport has never attracted huge numbers but many thousands of Jews fleeing Eastern Europe for new lives in North America and beyond journeyed through Hull during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some settled in Hull whilst others found safety and good fortune in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and elsewhere in the UK. During World War 2, this East Riding city in Yorkshire was a destination for Kindertransport children.

Jewish communal life built during the early part of the 20th century and by the

Many smiles by the students for the first day back especially for this Manchester United fan

Matt Lucas

A Winning smile on his first day back at school

swinging 60s, census figures point to a peak of 2,500 people in an era when communal groups boomed. Although Jewish year book statistics don’t account for ‘unaffiliated’ Jews, local historians acknowledge this period as a time when Jewish life thrived in the city.

Down the decades members of the community have served the City in various capacities with seven Lord Mayors as well as councillors, the professions and business.

Every aspect of Jewish life both religious and secular has been represented.

A statue of politician, Sir Leo Schultz, stands at the Guildhall in the city, whilst famous residents in days gone by include actress, columnist and comedian Maureen Lipman. Such halcyon days alas are long gone and Hull Hebrew Congregation is the surviving orthodox synagogue.

In 2017, the year Hull celebrated its place as the UK City of Culture, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis spoke at a celebratory luncheon to conclude events marking a

CONSIDERING ALIYAH?

quarter of a millennium since Mr Levy cemented his unique place in Anglo-Jewry history. Over 300 people, including expats, attended.

Prior to Rabbi Denderowicz, Rabbi Naftol Lifschitz led the community in a parttime capacity for four years after the shul regretfully made its full time minister of 18 years, Rabbi Shalom Osdoba, redundant due to finances and a falling membership.

The story of orthodox shuls in Hull tells its own tale of woe and celebration.

The first synagogue, in Posterngate, dates from 1780, after a second became established in 1809, they combined to form Robinson Row Synagogue in 1826.

Central Synagogue broke away from Robinson Row just over six decades on in 1887 until its demise in 1976.

Robinson Row meantime had split into the Western Synagogue in 1902 and Old Hebrew Synagogue a year later before merging to form Hull Hebrew Congregation in Pryme Street in 1994.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School Kindergarten Children have just enjoyed a belated Chinese New Year with a Chinese Breakfast.

Maya Goldberg

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

World Book Day was enjoyed at King David Primary School

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

DOV NEWMARK: dov@nbn.org.il www.nbn.org.il 0800-075-7200

WORKING IN COOPERATION TO BUILD A STRONGER ISRAEL THROUGH ALIYAH

Every one of us, together

World Book Day at KD Primary Year 4 readers

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PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

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Prestwich dad writes book during lockdown A father-of-five from Manchester has used lockdown to write a book about how famous people from recent history overcame adversity in their lives – which he hopes will help others through challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the outset of the crisis, Steven Mason sought inspiration by looking at the lives of 30 illustrious personalities, mainly from the 20th century.

He soon discovered that many of these remarkable people, including iconic figures from the worlds of politics, science, business, entertainment and sport, had experienced significant misfortune and hardship on their path to ultimate success.

Steven, 40, who lives in Prestwich, spent thousands of hours researching and writing about their lives and the result is a 434-page book, The Adversity Steven Mason with his book Formula: Inspirational Lessons from History.

Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela, WinThe book was released on Wednesday, ston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Marie March 10. Published by i2i Publishing, it Curie, Stephen Hawking, KFC founder costs £14.95 and is available on Amazon Col Harland Sanders, Apple co-founder and at Waterstones.

Steve Jobs, civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Among the 15 men and 15 women fea- Audrey Hepburn and Walt Disney. tured are Muhammad Ali, Ella Fitzgerald, Steven, who works as an insolvency

practitioner at Manchester-headquartered Inquesta, identifies five key characteristics that each adopted, which were key to how they dealt successfully with the challenges they faced.

He said: “It’s far more than a series of biographies. The book encourages readers to look at the levels of adversity faced by successful individuals and, in turn, to help them build resilience in their own lives through a formula which summarises the main traits adopted by those I’ve written about.

“I’ve always enjoyed history and, during the first lockdown, looked at the lives of people I found interesting and fascinating, and discovered they had all faced significant difficulties.

“They experienced their fair share of poverty, bereavement, jail, prejudice, segregation, economic crisis, wars, divorce, sickness, injury and defeat, yet ultimately found success.

“I thought it would be inspirational to write about what they went through and what we can learn from them.

“Lockdown forced me to stay home and

Noam Primary major change

Pupils arrive on the first day back after 2-months’ of home-schooling to see the new school campus frontage.

From left to right: Bayla Kaye, Chevi Gubbay, Na’ama Friedman, Mikael Weisz, Benji Azoulay

One major change confronting Noam Primary pupils returning to face-to-face schooling on Monday was a welcome one.

Pupils returning to their new campus in Burnt Oak, north London, discovered the school had changed its name. It will now be called the Shalom Noam Primary to honour the Moshal family who helped fund its new building. Shalom is an anagram of Moshal. The newly-built campus opened its doors for just three weeks

before being forced to shut last March due to Coronavirus restrictions.

Governors’ chair, Nahva Rose, said: “As we begin, please G-d, to look beyond the pandemic and welcome our children back to school, Shalom Noam pupils and parents can look forward to a state-of-the-art Jewish education with an equally impressive new campus, thanks to the foresight and generosity of the Moshal family and all those who have invested in the Jewish future.

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curtail my other leisure activities, so without that I would never have been able to write the book.”

He added: “Things don’t go to plan for pretty much everyone, and I hope the stories and my formula will help people to overcome their own setbacks. It’s not just the experience of adversity but also the way people respond to it which helps determine a successful outcome.

“I hope the book will be enjoyed by people who are interested in history as well as those who are interested in forming a better understanding of themselves and how to deal with the challenges they face.”

Steven added: “I passionately believe that in today’s world, we have become too scared to make mistakes.

“This search for perfectionism, as shown through the countless images of faultlessness we see on social media, leaves us devastated when tough times happen or when we make our inevitable mistakes.

“We only see the finished article. We rarely see the suffering and toil it took to get there, but the book aims to do just that.”

Steven has dedicated the book to his grandfather Walter Levy, a British soldier who survived harsh conditions in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during the Second World War. His book has won praise from writers, politicians, historians and fellow authors.

52 COMMUNITY

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Work Avenue to appoint a new Chief Executive Work Avenue, the Jewish community’s leading employment and business support organisation, is searching for a new Chief Executive.

Current CEO Debbie Sheldon, who has worked for the charity since its inception in 2006, is leaving to make Aliyah. Debbie will finish up her role in May, before moving to Israel with her family in the summer.

Work Avenue Chair Mark Morris said: “We are seeking a dependable, visionary and inspirational leader who will build on Debbie’s success and seize the opportunity to take Work Avenue to the next level, ensuring we can assist everyone, at any life stage, throughout the UK. “We welcome innovation, as well as the passion, charisma, confidence, drive and relevant expertise to achieve further success, scaling up the organisation without compromising on the quality and individualism of our services.”

Applications for the role are open until Tuesday 6 April with a new CEO to be appointed by the end of April to allow a handover period.

Debbie has held every position in Work Avenue from receptionist to adviser to marketing manager before being appointed CEO four years ago.

She said: “I have truly loved every moment of my fifteen years at Work Avenue, and each of the roles I have held. During that time, I have seen Work Avenue grow

Outgoing CEO Debbie Sheldon

PHOTO: BLAKE EZRA

and develop from a desk, chair and notebook – but with big ideas and ambitions – to an organisation that reaches and delivers right across our wonderful community, helping people earn a living to support themselves and their families.

“At the same time, there is so much more to be done. The impact of the pandemic

and the economic indicators tell us that Work Avenue’s services are more in demand than ever before. I am sure that whoever takes over will work with our passionate and caring team to meet the challenges of times, ensuring no one faces the indignity of poverty through a loss of income.”

Chai honours its Co-founders on International Women’s Day ‘Choose To Challenge’ was the theme of International Women’s Day 2021 and this is exactly what Chai did thirty years ago! Our co-founders, Frances Winegarten z’l and Susan Shipman and were two inspirational women who had the vision, determination and passion to challenge taboos surrounding cancer – something unheard of at the time.

Both had personal experience of what it meant to live with the effect of a cancer diagnosis when clear information and support for the patient, let alone their family, were next to nil.

Starting with just a telephone helpline from their homes, Chai has developed into an organisation which has over the years supported tens of thousands of cancer patients and their loved ones both nationally and internationally.

The dynamism of the co-founders was what sparked the idea for an exciting Instagram campaign, asking our supporters to share to their Stories three women that inspire them or had made a positive impression on themselves or others. Throughout the day so many of our followers, as well as bloggers and influencers with hundreds of thousands of followers, got involved, raising awareness of Chai.

DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH NATURALLY, INCREASE FERTILITY, ANTI-AGEING, ANTI-HAIR LOSS, PROSTATE PROBLEMS AND MUCH MORE? Phone Irene Stein on 07831 641199 www.irenesteinrj.com Checked by local Rabbis, one of which produced his 11th child!

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From the front line…

BY JACQUELINE CURZON In some ways it’s gratifying - if unfortunately disappointing - to see journalists and commentators in the broadsheets sharing my negative opinion on Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and her insatiable quest for Queendom. Even if she has managed to survive last week's interrogation, she has done it displaying well practised deflection techniques, break-neck delivery of polished testimony, whilst fence-sitting politically, essentially being non committal and leaving questions unanswered. She is adamant that mistakes were made and someone might take the blame, but that someone will not be her. Her lapses of Jacqueline Curzon memory on critical points remind me PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY of a little rhyme I conjured up many years ago. There was an occasion {and only one} when we were bonkers enough to take an overseas au pair without suitable checks and balances.

We had a newborn daughter and the au pair arrived late. Things started badly and swiftly deteriorated. All manner of things would be discovered broken, damaged or missing, and - given my two eldest children were only infants at the time - we knew any blame rested squarely on the 27-year-old in any doubt what her plan for Scotland is, who always ‘knew nothing.’ She would and she is determined to deliver it. frequently reply with a variation on the Okay, so the hot topic this week is pay following: “I do not know. I do not care. It wasn’t me. I wasn’t there.” It morphed into increases. Now I remember when teachers' a little ditty that came in useful over subse- salaries - including my own - were frozen quent years, for misdemeanours made by and we didn’t even get a rise in line with invisible, anonymous perpetrators. After inflation, so for several years we stayed the pair-gate, the rhyme was chanted with on the same salary. This was frustrating humour as the child who ostensibly ‘knew but you were forced to accept it as it was nothing’ of missing chocolate, as an examthe status quo. Now there is currently a ple, tried to convince us of their innocence, bitter argument about doctors and nurses whilst sporting a clearly visible chocolate being offered salary increases of only 1%, moustache. with justification on the grounds that we Nationalism and SNP are synonymous can't afford more. Let’s just take a sample with each other; interchangeable even. starting salary of 25k for a nurse, 38k for a However the position of leader appears set registrar, and 82k for a consultant. We know in concrete, with Ms Sturgeon who plainly that nurses (and teachers) are frequently feels there can be no one but her to lead on the very lowest rung of salary survival, the country {subtext - into economic disas- so 1% for anyone - especially nurses - just ter}. When she was installed as First Minisfeels like a gift from Scrooge, given it might ter, she featured in Holyrood magazine as a only amount to £250 - 850 per annum, covergirl, resplendent with a halo and the probably just enough for your daily tea and sobriquet Angel of the North. It conjures biscuits. The reluctance to properly reward up a ghastly vision, with her adoring public healthcare staff is inexcusable, particunominating her for sainthood. For sure, she larly when we see how hard the nurses have worked, and additionally how much is no angel. Every failure in UK politics has money has been squandered through missubsequently been sold to her nationals as management, bogus PPE contracts over the a need for devolution, and any southern pandemic, and with evidence of cronyism success rebranded as her own idea, or else at the highest level. It's indefensible that quietly left understated. Her own healthcare and education systems are in a sorry the government can award contracts to mess, but as long as covid is on her brieffriends of friends without even calling for a ings she can be amnesiac about everything tender. I know that in many businesses any else. She should remember that ‘the crowd job over 10k has to be tendered, so how can that applauds your coronation is the same friends of cabinet ministers get a contract crowd that will applaud your beheading. of 100k without proper scrutiny? Going People love a show.’ (anon) None of us are back to the 1%, it’s tokenism at best. Rishi

Those who celebrate your success may just as easily applaud your undoing.

is handing money over, left, right and centre for furlough, with the youngest generation now locked into fiscal servitude for an eternity to pay for it. So come on Boris, don’t tell us you can’t afford more. You can do better than this.

I expressed last time my disappointment that Alexei Navalny had his status as a prisoner of conscience removed.

One reason it was so important to flag this up was that Amnesty International appears not to treat people equally.

At one time they were partnered up with an extremist group [Cage], a marginal group, but one made up of some very significant radical Islamists.

In 2015 one of Cage’s leaders praised Mohammed Emwazi as ‘a beautiful young man’; he was better known to us as Jihadi John because of his obvious delight in the barbaric murdering of journalists and prisoners, under the umbrella of service to Islamic State.

Now despite a separation, Amnesty and Cage are once again reunited, this time in a campaign against the appointment of William Shawcross as the chairman of Prevent, the organisation which endeavors to stamp out fundamentalism and extremism. Amnesty and 16 other groups have accused the Charity Commission of institutional racism, because of a remark Shawcross made in 2012, and have threatened to boycott the pending Prevent review. So whilst Amnesty has dropped Alexei Navalni from its listing because of a remark he allegedly made 15 years ago, it obviously considers Islamic state members to be relevant and worthy of partnership.

Former team GB runner Chris Smith (43) died from hypothermia whilst running in the Scottish mountains, according to a recent inquest. Smith was on holiday last October when he set out for a run, telling his family he would be back in just over two hours. However Smith - who was described as an experienced fell runner - was found lying in the heather to presumably escape the weather. West Sussex coroners court heard that his 11 mile run in driving sleet, with reduced visibility and a wind chill factor of -11, likely made him disorientated. He had taken off his hat, gloves and jacket and laid them out next to him. This is known as paradoxical undressing and is a feature of fatal hypothermia, seen in cases of extreme weather such as in mountain climbing and high altitude expeditions. The coroner said [he] was adequately equipped for what he wanted to do that day, however ‘the weather on the night was frankly horrendous,’ and the verdict was an accident caused by adverse weather conditions.

Now for the Best of the Rest:~~ London traffic lights have been given a new look to mark International Women's Day. Six designs can be seen on the pedestrian

crossing lights in around 20 locations; you know the ones with the little figures: red for stand still; green for get moving. The closest one for north Londoners is possibly at Kings X. They will now include a larger (obese) woman, a woman wearing flat shoes and one wearing heels. Given our fixation for all gender equality, perhaps it shouldn't be all about women. I have definitely seen overweight men in high heels, even if it was only on purim! Anyway, do watch out for these when you’re crossing the road, but please also keep an eye on the cars.

A Japanese businessman has invited eight people to fly with him on the holiday of a lifetime. Now, before you rush to pack your swim gear and your covid passport, I’d better clarify it’s a trip to the moon. Yasuka Maezawa (42) was a former drummer in a band, before making his fortune in the fashion industry. He said people from all corners of the world can apply, but with a stipulation that they should be "creative."

The trip will be on Starship (not Enterprise), and is being designed by SpaceX and Elon Musk. Applications for the dearMoon project are open until March 14th. Keep us posted if you’re successful!

A young mother was fined £100 after her one-year-old child dropped a single cracker in a Tesco car park. Danielle Botcher (28) had just finished her shopping in Pitsea Essex and had put her daughter in the car, when she was approached by three council enforcement officers and accused of littering. The council has since cancelled the fixed penalty notice and apologised saying, ‘this was not the first time enforcement officers have been heavy-handed with fines and we are really sorry.’ To be penalised for dropping a cracker which the birds would’ve happily eaten is outrageous. In this pandemic climate it’s impossible to take any journey on foot without seeing discarded face masks every which way you turn. Masks have become the new cigarette or chewing gum drop. They should start with those.

On the subject of food, a helicopter pilot is under investigation for lockdown breaches, after making an 80 mile round trip from City Airport, Salford to get a sandwich from Chipping Farm Shop, near Preston. A flight radar website tracked the unnamed pilot, after which the shop posted a video of the pilot landing and an assistant delivering the sandwich to him. Ribble Valley council is investigating. Now the million dollar question is, what sandwich is worth an 80 mile lockdown violation, and maybe a fine? The answer is roast beef in gravy, with caramelised onion. Mmmmm. From bread to biscuits to crackers:- Do we need further reminders that Pesach is coming?!

Love Jacqueline x https://thechesedfund.com/kindnesstoday/ benshitrit

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Potato and Mushroom Pie A delicious recipe for Purim from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com

Are you fed up with cold meat and salads or perhaps you are a vegetarian looking for a tasty supper or lunch dish for Passover? I have sautéed a mélange of mushrooms, surrounded it with some mashed potato and baked it; giving a new meaning to mash! The range of fresh mushrooms in the supermarkets today is quite varied; try using oyster, brown cap, shiitake and button mushrooms for a good ‘mushroom’ flavour. When you start to fry the mushrooms they suddenly release a lot of liquid. For the best results continue to cook so that all the liquid is absorbed back into the mushrooms.

This tasty pie is simple to prepare and can also be made in advance and reheated.

Serve it with a green salad topped with toasted almonds.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 50 minutes Serves: 6 Ingredients 1.35 kg potatoes – peeled and roughly chopped 750g mushrooms, - brown cap, oyster, shiitake, button – cleaned and sliced 10 spring onions- trimmed and chopped 3 cloves garlic- finely chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 eggs 200ml milk Pinch of nutmeg 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan - optional Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method 1) Pre-heat the oven to 200 C/ 400 F/ Gas mark 6.

2) Cook the potatoes in boiling water until very soft.

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3) Drain and mash using a ricer or fork. Stir in 50ml milk, 1 egg, salt and pepper and mix well. Spoon the mixture around the sides of a 23 cm/ 9 inch flat pie dish.

4) Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Sauté all the mushrooms, garlic and spring onions until soft and all the mushroom liquid has been absorbed.

5) Spoon the mushroom mixture into the centre of the potatoes.

6) Mix the remaining milk (150ml), 2 eggs, nutmeg, and salt and pepper together. Pour this batter over the mushrooms. Sprinkle over the grated Parmesan cheese – if using.

7) Bake the pie in the pre-heated oven for 40 minutes or until the mushroom mixture has set in the centre.

To serve the stylish way: Snip some chives over the top and serve immediately with a green salad.

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Building Self-Esteem - Part 1

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 counsel’s 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

the chazzan, and repeated alongside him, in a low tone, “I am also nothing, I am also nothing.” The chazzan turned to the congregant with a scornful look and said, “Who do you think you are to come up here and say you’re nothing?”

G-d created man in His own image.

(Genesis 1:27) BEING “created in the image of G-d” implies that every one of us has intrinsic worth. Based on this concept, the Talmud teaches that a person is so valuable that “if one saves a single life, it is considered as if one saved the entire world.”

Unfortunately, many people lack self-worth and do not feel this way about themselves. The Chazon Ish, a leading rabbi of the twentieth century, said, “Every period in history has a disease…in our times this is low self-esteem.”

Low self-esteem causes a greater tendency toward psychological problems such as anger, depression, and a lack of self-confidence.

When Moses sent spies on a reconnaissance mission to the land of Canaan, they encountered giant-like people. The spies later reported back, saying, “We were like grasshoppers in our eyes and so we were in their eyes.” One would expect the spies to have put it differently, saying, “We were small in their eyes and this made us feel like grasshoppers in our eyes.”

This phrasing teaches us that our self-perception affects the way we believe that we will be perceived by others. As the spies experienced a sense of inadequacy about themselves, being “like grasshoppers in their own eyes,” they presumed that others viewed them in the same way — “and so we were in their eyes.” They projected their low self-esteem, causing themselves to feel a lack of self-confidence.

Developing and maintaining a healthy sense of self-esteem is a vital factor in overcoming these issues.

There is a story of a soldier imprisoned in a Siberian labor camp in the early twentieth century. The soldier would wake up in the middle of the night, put on a torn piece of clothing, walk around the barracks, and then go back to sleep. After a number of nights, a fellow inmate, Rabbi Yaacov Galinski, asked him the reason for his strange behavior. He replied, “I am a General in the Latvian army that is fighting the Russian regime. The clothing I put on is

There are many different types of coping behaviors people use in an attempt to deal with low self-esteem: • Perfectionists strive to feel good about themselves by avoiding failure.

• High achievers try to gain recognition from others.

• Loners isolate themselves from others to avoid the pain of rejection.

• Addicts numb their inner pain through addictions.

Although these coping behaviors may assist a person in the short term, they cannot solve the underlying problem of low self-esteem. They merely cover it up, thereby repressing painful feelings as opposed to dealing with them. all that remains of my General’s uniform.

Every night I wear it to remind myself that I am a General, and as long as I remember my own importance, the Russians will be unable to break me.”

In a similar way, if we maintain a healthy appreciation of our own selfworth, we will be able to resist the destructive influences of the deceptive self and its potential ability to lower our self-esteem.

STAGE 1: AWARENESS

The first step in developing greater self-esteem is to become aware of self-critical thoughts and their source. Self-critical thoughts may arise as a single statement, such as, “You are worthless/a failure/ unlovable,” or as a whole tirade of abuse.

People often learn to identify themselves with these self-critical thoughts when going through painful experiences in childhood or adolescence.

The psychoanalyst John Bowlby, a pioneer of attachment theory, explained that the roots of many psychological issues, including low self-esteem, stem from a lack of strong bonding between a child and his primary caregiver.

Low self-esteem can also result from

negative experiences at school, such as academic failure, mockery from teachers, and as a consequence of bullying. A survey of school children found that on average, sixty-nine percent of boys and sixty percent of girls in junior school were happy within themselves. But by the time they reached senior school, only forty-six percent of boys and twenty-nine percent of girls claimed this satisfaction.

Feeling bad about oneself is very painful, and as a consequence, people frequently develop coping behaviors in order to alleviate this pain. Rabbi Yonah, who lived during the thirteenth century in Spain explained, “A person who thinks of himself as ‘great’ is often trying to find relief from painful feelings of low selfworth.” This insight was made famous by the twentieth-century psychotherapist Alfred Adler, who explained that people create superiority complexes in order to compensate for their feelings of inferiority.

One Yom Kippur, a chazzan, the leader of the prayer service, stepped up to pray in front of the synagogue and started singing, “I am nothing, I am nothing.” A congregant who was moved by this act of piety walked from the back of the synagogue to stand by

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Daniel went to therapy to deal with his depression after he failed an important examination at university.

He could not understand why he was depressed, as he was generally a fairly happy person. In therapy, he recalled that in his early school years he was considered a “nerd” by his classmates and that he had been bullied. To gain the respect of his classmates, he worked hard and became academically successful.

In high school, this strategy worked well, but at university the competition for high grades became fiercer, and it was much more difficult to achieve high results. When he failed an exam, he once again experienced the feelings of low self-esteem which he had repressed for all those years, and this led him to become depressed.

To receive a free download copy and newsletter, email aryeh.sampson@gmail. com. To purchase a hard copy go to www aryeh.sampson.com Jewish bookshops or amazon He also has a YouTube channel,’ Aryeh Sampson’ where he shares insights on a range of psychological issues. Aryeh can be contacted at aryeh.sampson@ gmail.com. For more information about counseling view www.ascounsellinginnorthlondon.co.uk

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Jcommerce is a charitable organisation set up to support businesses in the North West Community to economic self-sufficiency and address business challenges that arisen from COVID-19 and beyond.

I have been running a business for quite a few years and it’s fairly obvious to know how to keep customers happy. Some polite words here, a discount or two there. But, business has been a bit quiet recently and people have told me to get with the times and use social media. Of course, I’ve heard of social media, but I don’t understand how it can help me with my customers and, in any event I don’t know where to start.

Social media has become a key customer engagement tool between businesses and their clients in the digital media age, so It is important to understand how it can affect – both positively and negatively - your business.

We are all aware that the internet has transformed the way businesses operate. Certainly, COVID and multiple lockdowns, have emphasised the necessity for virtual trading and an online presence: even if it is simply ‘click and collect’. It is immaterial whether you feel that you are servicing a particular segment of the community who don’t access the internet, many of your current and new potential customers are certainly engaging online in some form.

Social media is effectively a huge, public community and a conversation people have with anyone, at anytime and anywhere; the key is, that they are all talking about, or have an interest in, the topic under discussion.

Their method of communication? Facebook, Instagram, twitter, snapchat, signal – even plan old texting.

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From a business perspective, they may be letting each other know about your product, and hopefully how good it is and recommending you to their friends and family. On the other hand, they could be dissatisfied with goods ordered or your services and instead of – or as well as – contacting the company, they will post online how bad your company is and alert others not to use you. In this way, social media has blurred the lines between marketing and customer services. The same communication channels to engage customers and send out the messages you want to broadcast, can be used to respond promptly to resolve any damaging comments.

The change this sort of ‘chat’ has brought about is that through engaging on these platforms you can grow your customer base yourself by influencing the narrative in a positive way – posting pictures of products, new ideas, positive comments from customer. Whereas customer service was generally a passive but responsive field, only when a client approached you, now customer communication has to be pro-active and instantaneous. In their “State of Service report 2017”, Salesforce – a leading sales software provider – found that 64% of consumers expect businesses to respond to their queries instantly. This has driven businesses to find new and faster methods of interaction and customer communication.

In answer to your question, It makes sense

to be an active participant in these conversations, so that you can address any negative comments to repair any damage or, better still, promote the good news about what you do well, or just to share customer satisfaction stories. By doing this, you will also gain a better understanding of who your customers are and what they expect.

So Where to start?

The most straightforward way is to have your own social media presence on platforms such as twitter or facebook. You, or a colleague would monitor these for any activity and use it to put out any promotional materials or offers you would like to advertise.

If you aren’t at that stage – or simply don’t want a social media presence – just make it as easy as possible for customers to contact and message you. Have transparent contact options on your website and even regular communication though old-fashioned texts will do.

Tips for effective social media engagement: Respond Quickly – Probably the golden rule of any good customer service. Admit when you are wrong and resolve issues as soon as possible. When using social media, do this publicly at first and then take the conversation to the private arena by emailing the customer directly.

Manage customer expectations – You can still run business as usual, but don’t miss opportunities to hear what your customers are

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MOST IMPORTANTLY I AM HAVING REGULAR COVID TESTS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MY CLIENTS.

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BUSINESS ADVICE 59 really saying about and to you, through their social networks. This shows that you value your customers opinion and use these to build customer relationships.

Deliver value - Your customers also expect you to produce quality content. They are interested in looking at news and information related to your product and market, as well as promotions (see below).

Delight with the unexpected – Use the conversations to promote bonuses, rewards, contests competitions and any other promotion.

Personalise conversations – The tone of conversation with social media is friendly, as people are used to chatting on these platforms informally. Use first names where possible and sign off from an individual member of your team. Let the customer know you are there for them As with everything, balance is important.

Remember that social media is just ONE new channel for engaging with your clients and has not replaced all others. Don’t ignore traditional channels of communication and become too fixated with social media, but at the same time it is important to be in the same zone as your customers if they are already online.

And if you get it right, you can actually boost your brand image at the same time. A clear win-win situation.

For more information about our mentoring services or signing up as a mentor, please go to www.jcommerce.org

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com Dear Rabbi I’d like your position on quinoa on Pesach please. I’ve heard different opinions and I am left a little confused.

Stacey Dear Stacey A few years ago many Rabbis ruled that quinoa is not considered kitniyos and may therefore be used on Pesach. Most of the quinoa comes from Peru and Bolivia and is grown in areas where other (problematic for Pesach) grains were generally not grown.

However, as the popularity of quinoa has risen, this is no longer the case. This was confirmed by Kashrus authorities who visited Bolivia and found that barley does indeed grow in those areas. It was also discovered that some farmers cover their quinoa with barley or oats to keep the birds from eating the quinoa while it dries. Finally, there is a concern that the sacks used to transfer the quinoa may have been previously used to carry barley or oats.

It has therefore now become imperative that the only way to allow quinoa for use on Pesach is to track the quinoa from certain farms that are free from the aforementioned concerns. In other words you need to look for an actual certification to show that it is specially approved.

Dear Rabbi As a mother I find I am very close to my oldest daughter and feel detached from my two boys. I don’t know if there’s something wrong with me or maybe just a female bonding thing. I am sure it has nothing to do with my own

childhood. As an only child my parents always showed me a lot of love.

Liana Dear Liana Actually it probably has everything to do with your childhood. As an only child you probably longed for a sister and are filling that void with your daughter. There’s nothing wrong in being ‘best friends’ with your kid. But they also need to know the boundaries and that Mom is still Mom. Moreover, as you recognise that one’s childhood experiences can spill over into their adulthood where they are likely to repeat patterns, you need to consider how your boys are feeling and how your detachment from them is going to impact them as loving fathers in their future. Also, have you ever considered how your sons feel toward your daughter in seeing the attention she gets which they probably crave yet are being denied? In the words of the Talmud: Rav said that a person should never single out one child among his other children, for on account of the small weight of silk (think techni-colour dreamcoat) that Jacob gave Joseph more than he gave the other sons his brothers became jealous of Joseph and the matter resulted in the Israelites’ descent into Egypt. I appreciate that different feelings for different children are hard to control, but you can certainly make an effort in how you express your feelings in the way you relate to your children.

You might benefit from extra counselling and in the meantime talk to your boys, tell them you

Pirkei Avot Rabi Yosei tells us that ‘your friends money should be to you like your own money.’ He adds that we should ‘be prepared to work very hard in learning Torah, as it is not like an inheritance that comes easily and automatically with no effort.’ Rather he urges us to strive hard to earn the Torah for ourselves. Even sons of great Torah scholars do not automatically inherit their fathers’ Torah without great effort.

Money cannot be taken with a person to the next world and tachrichim

love them, give hugs. Do it all now before they “grow out of it.” I defy any boy whether 4, 14, or 44 to say he doesn’t appreciate his mother’s hugs.

Dear Rabbi Can you tell me please the author and origin of the song Chad Gadya? I find it rather childish and really part of what we do to keep kids up at the Seder. Am I right?

Jeremy Dear Jeremy The author of the song is unknown but it is recorded already in Haggadas as far back as the 1500’s. Inasmuch as it may seem to be a Dr. Suess nursery rhyme (am I still allowed to mention his name?) in reality it is a song of deep meaning.

The great eighteenth century scholar and mystic, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Azulai (Chida) writes how someone once mocked the significance of the song, and instructed that the man apologise and ask forgiveness because of the profundity of the song.

There are a number of explanations offered for this song. One is that the ‘kid’ refers to the Jewish nation, the ‘father’ is G-d and the two coins refer to the two Tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were inscribed. The various things that come thereafter – the cat, dog, stick etc. refer to the various nations that sought to persecute us through the generations. Ultimately of course G-d destroys them and we live to tell the tale. It all began with the Exodus from Egypt and so we conclude the Seder reflecting on our post-Egypt reality.

Even as Seder night brings with it its own sense of serenity and security we cannot ignore the reality that we are after all still in Exile and endure our own fair share of persecution in various forms. We

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Please daven for Shmuel Eliezer ben Perel who is in an induced coma with Covid in Antwerp.

- shrouds famously have no pockets.

However Torah and good deeds do go with you to vouch for you in the next world. This has to be earned, and in Heaven they judge you based on effort not results. There is the famous story of the rabbi who taught his student the same thing 400 times, each time keeping his patience as the student struggled valiantly to understand.

Rabi Yosei ends the Mishnah by urging us to conduct our entire lives for the sake of Heaven. Even mundane

actions such as eating and sleeping can be trained to be for Hashem.

Earning money may seem mundane, and people initially will struggle to associate it with spirituality, however if money is earned for the sake of living a Jewish life and bringing up one’s family to be proud Torah Jews, then even something so physical like cashing a cheque can become a sacred act for the sake of Heaven.

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therefore sing the Chad Gadya to remind ourselves that just as G-d took us out from Egypt He will always continue to protect us as we live in the belief and prayer that Next Year in Jerusalem.

Perek 2: Mishna 12

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Purim Corona Diary #24

Turn back the clock

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The wedding date had already been set.

Anxiously anticipating this day, the bride and groom shopped for the furniture of their future home. Selecting the actual couches, beds and tables should have taken an hour or two; instead the process stretched across an entire day. Each furnishing excited loving visions of their shared future. As they selected furniture, their imaginations leapt into an enchanted future of marriage and partnership. Selecting a kitchen set, the couple amusingly envisioned early morning breakfasts with their young children. As they measured their sofa, they anticipated hosting guests in their home. Designing their bedroom evoked thoughts of the many personal and private moments they would share. Each furnishing was deliberately selected and each dimension carefully measured and re-measured. As the wedding was still a few days off, the furniture order was put on hold.

Tragically, on the night prior to the wedding, the bride betrayed her husbandto-be. Hearing of his bride’s disloyalty, a shocked and horrified groom angrily stormed out of the event hall, casting the wedding into disarray. What was originally intended as a great celebration turned into bedlam and outrage. The two families parted amidst anger and distrust.

A few weeks later family members from each side intervened, attempting to rebuild the shattered relationship. After preliminary meetings and several signs of good trust offered by each side, the groom and bride haltingly agreed to meet. Sitting across a table, but divided by a gulf of mistrust and hurt feelings, they gradually rebuilt their trust and their relationship. After weeks of reconciliation, it was decided that the marriage should proceed; a new date was set.

As the second wedding date drew near, the bride and groom returned to the furniture store to, once again, purchase furnishings for their home. At this stage however, the emotionally “bruised” couple had little interest in luxuriating over their furniture selection. They made hasty decisions and placed quick and “uninspired” orders.

Every showroom they visited provoked hurt and pain and, seeking to avoid this sadness, they quickly ordered whatever furniture was readily available- regardless of the exact dimensions and without regarding the quality of the units. They could not bear the pain, so they avoided it entirely.

Though they could forgive each other, their marriage and relationship would remain forever scarred by infidelity. Human beings can forgive, but it is difficult to turn back the clock to the past.

I heard this story over thirty years ago, this week, from my Rebbe, Harav Aharon

Lichtenstein zt”l, as he extolled the teshuva which G-d offers us. In contrast to the bride and groom in this story who could forgive but could not forget, G-d invites us to repair our failures and recover our original state of purity and innocence- an offer which humans cannot provide. We fall into sin and into failure, but, when G-d forgives us our relationship is reset to its original tone and its original love. We ask of G-d “chadeish yameinu k’kedem’ hoping, not just to be forgiven, but to restore our earlier and more virtuous state and to re-establish the original state of our relationship with G-d.

Rav Lichtenstein asserted this as the reason that the Torah includes a seemingly redundant “double parsha” of Vayakhel and Pekudei. Two earlier sections of Terumah and Tezaveh had already detailed the various materials and dimensions of the mishkan; even the inclusion of these earlier sections is peculiar as the details appear relevant only for the craftsmen and artisans who fashioned the mishkan. The extensive details concerning the manufacture of the mishkan appear unnecessary for the common man. Yet, the Torah delineates these details, because the process of building a home for, and with G-d was a labour of love. Every item and every dimension was indulged in, and every lavish material reflected our desire to draw G-d into our world.

Tragically, the egel debacle ruptured these plans, putting on hold the construction of our home and the manufacture of its furnishings. As the tablets were shattered, our dreams of living in G-d’s home were crushed.

After weeks of prayer and penitence we were forgiven, and the marriage of G-d and His people was rescheduled. The lengthy descriptions in Parshat Vayakhel and Pekudei - practically word-for-word replicas of Terumah and Tezaveh- underscores that G-d felt the exact same love for us after the egel, as He did before our betrayal. Just as the Torah relishes the original list of dimensions in the earlier section of Terumah and Tezaveh, it equally savors the process of construction after our sin and after our forgiveness. The extended list of dimensions in these latter sections of Vayakhel and Pekudei, indicates that our teshuva can actually set the clock back and restore the native purity of our original relationship with G-d.

As we enter the second year of this pandemic, many are beginning to see the “light at the end of the tunnel”. In Israel, the pace of vaccination suggests that life will shortly return to semi-normal. Across the world, we hope that vaccinations will eventually restore normal routines. It is unlikely that society and communities will fully recover their pre-Corona routines in the near future. The cultural and communal after-effects of this pandemic will likely last

The cultural and communal after-effects of this pandemic will likely last a while and will shape both public opinion as well as public policy for the foreseeable future. a while and will shape both public opinion as well as public policy for the foreseeable future. We will not easily set the clock back to 2020.

On an individual level, however, the pandemic offers us a return to an earlier phase of our lives and a more “basic” identity, which our successes in life can sometimes obscure. Corona has robbed us all of many of the accomplishments and dreams which came to define us.

Some have lost relatives, others have lost employment and still others have lost the opportunities and goals which, in the past, contributed to our identity. This personal “effacement” forces us to sharpen our self-identity. In the midst of a pandemic, the question “who we are” will more likely yield basic and straightforward answers – as we can less easily hide behind our accomplishments, occupations or broader goals. Stripped of so many external achievements, it is easier to tap into an internal self-definition which is more primal and more elementary. Loss allows us to return to a past “before” we succeeded in life’s various pursuits. A pandemic is reductive- it reduces us into more simple and unadorned people, more aware of

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our core identity; for religious people that core identity is our relationship with G-d. Corona helps us turn back the clock to our previous selves, to an earlier state in our lives “before”: before life and its complications forced us to lose our way.

Everyone in life should be able to identify a “before”- a purer state or phase in our earlier lives which to which we would like to return.

We may not recover pre-corona socio-economic experiences for years; our communal life will be reshaped in the post-corona landscape. On a broader level we move forward into relatively uncharted territory. Ironically though, on a more personal level, the reductive nature of this pandemic helps us reclaim our former purer selves.

It turns out that we can turn back the clock on our lives.

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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Weekly Dvar Torah FR O M ER ETZ Y I S RA E L

Waiting on the line

BY RABBI JUDAH MISCHEL Rebbe Meshulam Feish HaLevy Lowy of Tosh zy’a (d. 2015) was beloved for his righteousness, generosity, Ahavat Yisrael and unending dedication to the Jewish People. The Rebbe asked a devoted Chassid, Reb Yisrael Moshe to write out a sizeable check to someone whose home was at risk of foreclosure. When Reb Yisrael Moshe agreed to give the tzedakah, the Rebbe added a request: “Reb Yisrael Moshe, I want you to go mail the check now, while I wait on the phone. Please tell me when it’s done.”

“I can call the Rebbe back, he doesn’t have to wait on the phone,” he offered.

The Rebbe thanked him and said he would wait. Reb Yisrael Moshe wrote the check, signed it, placed it in an envelope, headed down the street, and dropped the envelope in a mailbox. Several minutes later, he lifted the receiver and told the Rebbe, who had been waiting, that the check was en route to its destination.

“Wonderful, Yasher Koach,” said the Rebbe, “now I want you to do something else. Please go to the corner of the room and say, ‘Ribbono Shel Olam, did I really do something so special? After all, I simply took some of the money You blessed me with and shared it with a brother of mine who is in need. Ribbono Shel Olam, You gave me this money and allowed me the zechus of sharing it, so thank You for letting me do my part.’”

Then the Rebbe added: “Reb Yisrael Moshe, say, ‘Ribbono Shel Olam, I did nothing at all.’”

“Every person whose heart inspired him came and everyone whose generous spirit inspired him brought their contribution for G-d, for the work of the Ohel Moed and the holy garments” (35:21).

In our Sedra, the emphasis is on those contributions that were offered voluntarily, while earlier, in Parshat Terumah, the focus was on bringing donations to build the Mishkan as a compulsory obligation. Over and over again our Sedra

Vaykhel Pekudei

Sidra Summary

Moshe gathers the nation. He instructs them to keep Shabbat and asks them to volunteer the materials needed for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the priestly garments.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 35:30-37:17

Moshe announces the appointment of the wise-hearted Betzalel and Aholiav to oversee the construction, assisted by able craftsmen. When they collect the materials volunteered, they find there is a surplus.

Moshe tells the Israelites not to bring any more materials.

The work starts with the ten Yeriyot

when ‘our heart inspires us to generosity’ are we truly worthy of being considered an ish, a human being.

A ‘human being’ naturally gives without expectation of reward or a feeling that he or she has done “something so special”.

He or she recognizes that Hashem is the source of all that we are and have, and that our money and possessions are really His. Hashem has merely called on us to redistribute His resources according to needs. He ‘waits on the line’ to confirm the success of our shlichut.

May we always give with inspired hearts and a generous spirit, and merit building a permanent dwelling place for Hashem and all of Am Yisrael, together, in the rebuilt Yerushalayim — soon and in our days!

(table) is made from gold-plated acacia wood, with a gold Zer (crown) on its Misgeret (rim).

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 39:22-43

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 37:17-29

(curtains) and the golden hooks joining them together. This is followed by the Ohel (tent), draped over the Mishkan, with a further double Michse (cover) on top.

Next they make the parochet (partition) to cordon off the Holy of Holies area.

Betzalel makes the Aron (ark) from acacia wood, plated with gold and with a gold Zer (crown). The Kaporet (cover) of the aron is made from pure gold, with two cherubs moulded on top. The Shulchan

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – SHEMOT 35:1-29

emphasizes the essential element in the construction of a dwelling place for G-d: a “generous spirit”. Even more important than what we donated for the building of the Mishkan was that we brought the inspiration of our hearts.

The Gemara (Sotah 9a) points out that in contradistinction to the first and second Batei Mikdash that were destroyed, the Mishkan was never destroyed. It was merely nignaz, buried, thus, the whole form of the structure was maintained.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe explained, based on a Midrash: the reason the Mishkan was never destroyed is that it was built with “heartfelt contributions” from a spirit of love and desire. “And it is ‘emotionally’ difficult for Hashem to lose anything that the People made through generosity of the heart.”

Rebbe Chananya Yom Tov Lipa Teitelbaum, the Kedushas Yom Tov of Sighet, zy’a, pointed out that our pasuk specifically uses the term ish, “a person”, in describing the one who contributes. Only

The Menorah is hammered from one piece of pure gold, with seven lamps The gold-plated small wooden Mizbeach (altar) is constructed for the twice-daily incense offering. The special anointing oil and the incense spices are prepared.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 38:1-39:1

The workers then construct a copper Kiyor (washstand) for the Kohanim, followed by the Chatzer (courtyard) which surrounds the Mishkan, making its outer ‘fence’ of linen Yeriyot (curtains), attached to wooden pillars. The Torah lists the overall weight of gold, silver and copper used in building the Mishkan.

Point to Consider: Who contributed the mirrors for the base of the washstand? (see Rashi to 38:8)

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 39:2-22

The priestly garments are made, starting with the Ephod, worn over Aharon’s tunic and robe. It has two Ketefot (shoulder straps) and a Cheshev (belt) attached. A precious Shoham stone is placed on each shoulder strap. The next item made is the Choshen (breastplate), containing 12 different types of Avnei Miluim (precious stone).

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Rabbi Judah Mischel is Executive Director of Camp HASC, and Mashpiah of OU-NCSY. He is a member of Mizrachi’s Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/ speakers).

The turquoise robe (Me’il) is made. Golden bells (Pa’amonim) are placed between multi-coloured woollen ‘pomegranates’ (Rimonim) shapes hanging from the bottom hem.

A knitted tunic (Ketonet) with a gridlike pattern, a linen turban (Mitznefet), linen trousers (Michnasayim) and an embroidered sash (Avnet) are made, for every Kohen to wear. The pure gold band (Tzitz) is made, to be placed on Aharon’s forehead. After the work is finished, Moshe inspects it and blesses the workers.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 40:1-38

God tells Moshe to erect the Mishkan on Rosh Chodesh Nisan and to anoint its vessels with oil and to inaugurate Aharon and his sons. A heavenly cloud covers the Mishkan. When it lifts, the people are allowed to journey on.

MAFTIR (SHEMOT 12:1-20)

The special reading for Shabbat Hachodesh is taken from parashat Bo, declaring Nisan as the first of the months and introducing the Jewish calendar and the laws of Pesach.

HAFTARAH

The haftarah for Shabbat Hachodesh is from Yechezkel (Ezekiel), detailing the different weekly, monthly and festival offerings that the prince (Nasi) will be obligated to bring in the Third Temple.

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Vayakhel Pekudei RABBI DR RAYMOND APPLE

PROFITS & ACCOUNTS

Pekudei means “accounts”.

Whatever was done towards the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness had to be audited. Not even Moses could get away without being checked.

This principle establishes commercial integrity as an indispensable feature of Jewish ethics. No-one is exempt from scrutiny.

It is not that anyone is expected to work for nothing and let their family starve, but what they charge has to be fair. Profit is not an unacceptable motivation; not even in a utopian society can anyone be expected to do everything for free. The question is what is fair as a profit.

It all depends on the circumstances. In the days of the Talmud the community generally had inspectors who monitored people’s commercial activities. They watched costs, determined prices, supervised weights and measures, and exerted controls.

The general principle was justice, i.e. what was fair to all concerned. The criteria included ona’ah, “oppression” and overcharging.

There was a notion of ona’at d’varim, “oppression by words”, which includes misleading a customer… and for that matter, even misleading a vendor.

B’TZALEL & THE BUILDERS

The master artisan of the Tabernacle was B’tzalel. He had two great qualifications for the task.

Technically he was highly trained. Rashi points out that Moses had such faith in B’tzalel’s judgment that it was hardly necessary to spell out every little detail: B’tzalel’s expert ability and instinct were so reliable that he knew what to do even without explicit instructions.

His second area of expertise was emotional. He felt such love for the task that it was far more than just another piece of work.

Parashat Vayakhel tells us he was accompanied and supported by a team of “men and women who were generous of heart” (Ex. 35:22). For them the task was not measured in cubits but in commandments: King Solomon says in Mishlei 10:8, “The wise-hearted seek mitzvot”.

How well I remember the late Frederick Engel, a synagogue lay leader with whom I worked in the old Bayswater Synagogue in London in the 1960s. When the historic Shule building needed repair and repainting he reminded me, and everybody, that we were entrusted with the holy task of providing Mishkan HaShem, “A dwelling-place of the Lord”. Parashat P’kudei could have been written for Frederick Engel.

The P’sikta d’Rav Kahana reminds us

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that the Divine Presence is not limited to any one building, however impressive it might be – Isaiah quite rightly insists that G-d’s Holy Presence fills the whole earth.

Nonetheless He wishes His creatures to set as a particular meeting place for His encounter with human beings.

LIVING & GIVING

This Shabbat we come to the end of the Book of Sh’mot.

After a fast-paced beginning the book seems to end slowly and in pedestrian fashion. In these last few chapters nothing appears to happen. All we get is dry architectural detail. We are told how to build a tabernacle, and how the tabernacle was built.

No drama, no action, no human interest.

We read it because we have to, it seems, not because we have anything to learn.

Yet in its own way even the architectural section of the book has its lesson.

Consider the dramatis personae. They may not offer much in the way of charisma, but we can still derive something from their part in the story.

There is B’tzalel, the ideas man, able to fire others with his enthusiasm. There is Oholiav, the organiser and craftsman, able to translate ideas into practical reality.

There are the generous donors whose freewill offerings make the project possible. There are the skilled workmen who do the painstaking work.

There are the women of the community with their loving effort to make the

sanctuary beautiful.

Without any of these categories, nothing would have happened.

What do we learn? That the community needs every one of us, wherever we fit in the spectrum, and our mode of living and giving makes all the difference.

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

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat

So why do the righteous scrimp whilst the wicked prosper? This question does not only bother the “modern mind”; it was of keen interest to our prophets and pious people, one of whom – Jeremiah– said the famous words, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” and many similar expressions said

by Chabakuk, King David and Malachi.

The first thing to know, writes the author, is that no single answer can explain each instance of the wicked seeing success.

Moshe Rabbeinu summed it up, “The hidden matters belong to G-d”. Similarly, King Solomon taught, “If you see the poor being oppressed and the perverting of justice and righteousness in a country, do not be amazed”. Bottom line is, about G-d we can be reassured, “The Rock, whose work is perfect”.

Nonetheless, Chovot Halevavot provides some measure of understanding so we should not be completely stunned by the success of sinners and the righteous’ struggle to attain success.

At first, the author provides several reasons why the righteous suffer.

1. Firstly, it is possible that even a righteous man has sinned at some point (or more…) in their life and as part of their atonement they undergo financial or other struggles.

2. For other righteous people, some of their pleasure in this world is removed from them in order to give them higher pleasure in the afterlife.

3. Sometimes, a righteous person suffers so that others can see how he (or she) nevertheless serve Hashem and learn from them.

4. Sometimes, due to the wickedness of people in their generation, the righteous person suffers financially or otherwise, to contrast how the righteous serve G-d as opposed to others in his (or her) generation.

5. Finally, there is sometimes a complaint against the righteous for not protesting the misconduct of others in their generation and this alone could bring about some need for atonement which is achieved through suffering.

We continue with the laws of washing up on Shabbat.

The are further cases in which soaking utensils on Shabbat is permitted even when the actual utensils are not due to be used further on that day. One of these is where leaving the food on will attract insects or ruin the material, say if it was silver. If the food will stick to the item and thereby make it difficult to remove after Shabbat, one may also rinse it on Shabbat to prevent that. However, if the food has already dried and stuck to the utensil it will be forbidden to soak it on Shabbat merely for the purpose of easing the washing up after Shabbat.

When washing up on Shabbat one can use warm water in a Keli Sheni. Practically speaking what that means is that one can pour water from an urn into a bowl, then carefully pour the contents of that bowl into a second bowl and wash the soiled utensils with that water.

If one wants to use warm water (instead

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of hot water), they can pour hot water from a kettle into a bowl of cold water so long as the cold water is a vast amount more than the hot water being poured in (or else they would thereby be cooking the cold water which is obviously forbidden on Shabbat). If one is doing the reverse, and pouring cold water into hot water, they must ensure to do a significant amount of pouring at once so that the cold water does not get cooked by the “host” hot water.

One can pour soap into the hot water of a Keli Sheni.

As mentioned previously, one may not use a wet sponge or cloth. This is true even if one is using a sponge or cloth that is sitting in the bowl with the wet utensils.

(There are “Shabbat Brushes” available for purchase which aim to avoid potential Shabbat prohibitions that using a brush can involve.)

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Vayakhel Pekudei

Vayakhel Pekudei Word Search

This week we are in for a double thriller! The Jewish people were now told all the laws of building the Mishkan and it’s contents and responded with joy and enthusiasm! There was so much giving and work done that they eventually had to tell everyone that it was enough and no more was needed! Moshe lovingly set up the Mishkan, placed its furniture inside and annointed it all. Then he blessed the Jewish people with all his heart. Moshe brought his brother Aron in to be Kohen Godol and his children to be regular Kohanim (on Hashem’s instructions) and on the first day of Nissan it was finally time for Hashem to call a place on earth “His Home” . We don’t have a Beit Hamikdash any longer but we do have our shuls thankfully and we have our homes too, in which we constantly invite Hashem to live with us (as it were) so that we too can serve Him each day with love and joy. We all stand up at the end of the leining and shout Chazak Chazak Venitchazek!

Tangram Challenge!

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

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Vayakhel Pekudei In a nutshell Moshe gathered the Jewish people and taught them that as important a project as building the Mishkan was, it must not come at the cost of Shabbat. Shabbat must always be kept no matter how important the work you want to do seems to be (unless a life is in danger of course).

Following the instructions of Hashem to Moshe in Teruma and Tetzaveh, Moshe encouraged the Jewish people to gather all the materials needed for creating the Mishkan and its furniture as well as the clothing to be worn by Aaron and his sons. And the people responded very well! The men and women brought their jewellery and the the talented women spun the first tapestries. The prince of each tribe brought the special stones.

Moshe then tells the Jews of the special wisdom granted to Betzalel and how he was to be assisted by Ohaliov in all matters of crafting the Mishkan and it’s contents.

The Jews’ enthusiasm was so great that Moshe had to make an announcement in the camp: no more work or donations needed for building the Mishkan!

All the items were made, the curtains the hooks, the beams, the sockets for the beams, the Aron with its

Keruvim, the Shulchan with its utensils, the Menorah hammered from one piece of gold and it’s decoration, along with the two Mizbechot. Where needed, the utensils had two poles contained in four rings for the purpose of transportation.

Closing Vayakhel, we learn about how they made the Courtyard of the Mishkan, one hundred amot long and fifty amot wide.

But that’s not it, we move straight into Parshat Pikudei.

Moshe gives an accounting of all the materials and how much of the gold, silver and copper was used for the Mishkan project.

We then learn how they made the garments of the Kohanim. The Ephod with its straps and shoulder straps.

The Choshen with its precious stones engraved on which were the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. We learn how they connected the Ephod to the Choshen, ensuring the two were connected. Then they made the Me’il with its bells and pomegranate shaped ornaments at the end.

Then they made the shirt and trousers, the belt, the Tzitz with its holy words and finally the hat.

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.

All the work was completed, they brought the Mishkan to Moshe and Moshe blessed the Jewish people - May the Shechina dwell amongst you.

Hashem then told Moshe to set up the Mishkan on the first day of Nissan, telling him how and where to put everything. He was then to anoint the utensils with oil and ensure Aaron and his sons immerse themselves in water following which they should be dressed and announced likewise.

Moshe followed these instructions and set up the Mishkan, placing the Luchot (and the broken ones too) in the Aaron. He placed the bread on the Shulchan, lit the candles and offered up the incense. He placed water in the Kiyor and set up the courtyard around the Mishkan.

Finally, the holy Shechina rested on the Mishkan and when the cloud was above the Mishkan the Jews would settle in a place and when the cloud went up the Jews would travel.

All rise and shout out Chazak Chazak Venitchazek, glad to serve Hashem in our mini - Mishkan - our beloved shuls!

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! ace act aff aft ain ait ane ani

ant ate can cat eat eta fan fat

nae oaf oat oca tae tai tan tao

tea acne aeon ante anti cafe caff cain

cane cant cate ciao coat etna face fact

fain fane fano fate feat feta fiat inca

iota naff naif naoi neat nota tace taco

tain toea actin antic atone canoe canto coati

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cotan enact entia facet faint finca oaten ocean

octan tenia tinea acetin action aeonic affect affine

atonic cation centai enatic fanfic fiance octane aconite

caffein facient faction affection

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Q. What do ghosts wear when their eyesight gets blurred?

A. Spooktacles!

I was going to make myself a belt made out of watches, but then I realised it would be a waist of time.

Q: Why did the banana go to the doctor?

A: It wasn’t peeling well

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. What two things wouldn’t you eat after waking up in the morning?

3. Why can’t someone living in Manchester be buried in London?

Q: Why shouldn’t you visit an expensive wig shop?

A: It’s too high a price ‘toupee.’

2. What is easy to get into, but hard to get out of?

3) Because they’re still living!

1. Lunch and dinner

2) Trouble!

1. Bunegee jump 2. Wet behind the ears 3. Bottomless pit

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4. Right between the eyes 5. On second thought 6. Split second timing

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City thump Saints Sixteen-goal Lionsafter shock defeat to United rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

Manchester City bounced back to winning ways withSAFFER a comfortable 5-2 win against BY DAVID Southampton last night.

Kevin de Bruyne (2), (2) Reiss Mogilner scored sixRiyad goals Mahrez as Maccabi and Ilkay Gundogan struck the goals in an London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the entertaining establish a 14-point second roundclash of thetoCyril Anekstein Cup. lead their pursuit ofside the racked PremierupLeague TheinPremier League a 16-0 title.with James WardGreen Prowse Che Adams win Daniel andand Michael Kenley scored for thea visitors who seven both bagging hat-trick.

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United Sports ran out 3-1 victors Manchester sensationally ended against LeagueUnited One outfi t North London City’s 21 game winning run at the weekend Raiders. with deserved 2-0led derby at EtiTheaPremier side earlytriumph in the second had Stadium. half only for Raiders to equalise but struck Bruno fireda home two late Fernandes goals to book place ainsecond round minute spot kick after Gabriel Jesus inthree of the competition. explicably fouled Martial in Hendon now turnAntony their attentions to the openingasmoments of the City A bossed league they travel to game.

Oakwood for a possession fell to a slick counter attack crucial top but of the table clash on Sunday finished off superbly by Luke Shaw after (10am). combining with Marcus Rashford.

Daniel Kristall’s team stunned the league Guardiola told Sky Sports, “Itwon was a2-0, fan-a leaders last month when they tastic game. maketoincredibly high victory wouldUnited move them within a point pressing and they are soinfast on the counof Hendon with a match hand. ter.Elsewhere We played good. we in the latestUnfortunately, round of fixtures, couldn’t North be clinical up front so we congrat10-man London Galaxy made it a ulate United. will be the because three-way titleWe race in the onlynews Division One we lost.

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I thought we dethe table by just one point after 10 matches, fended really well, we like ourthird place Fairlop FCwere are fimore ve points beselveswith with thegames ball attacking hind two in hand. wise.” As for ending City record-breaking run, he said, Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood.

“They are aso fantastic far ahead you can’t really “It was performance in a

16-goal Maccabi London Lions

must-win game,” commented Galaxy player-manager Luke Lewis.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK Brendan Rodgers’ City Oakwood “We sat back Leicester and allowed the remaingiven in the Champions Leagueadvantage and ball, the one-man places looked to hit them on the counter attack with pace.

“Both goals came down the right-hand side. Leigh crossed the first one into Cohen to finish, before slotting home himself. Up to first we go.”

The Division Two title race also took a twist with league leaders Herstwood Vale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple Fortune.

Faithfold B have played a game more thinkVale about but with making sure than butanything moved level a 5-3 winwe at win our gamesRaiders and be better than last year.

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League “This places. was a fantastic win given the

had to look at things at half-time. We were outstanding in the second half. The players were brilliant. It was a change of mindset, we needed to be more aggressive. Once we did that we had more energy on the ball.”

Brighton are level on points with third-bottom Fulham having played a game less.

Chelsea, meantime, continue to impress and enjoyed an important 2-0 win.

The Blues are three points behind Leicester and two clear of The Hammers. Kai Havertz’s scored with a deflected shot before Jorginho wrapped up the win with a second half penalty just after the hour.

Thomas Tuchel told BT Sport, “We deserved to win. It was a very difficult first half but we controlled it completely. Second half we increased our level and had a lot of dangerous attacks.” He added, “You see the quality of the players and the club. It is a pleasure to be on the sideline and work with the team. Everybody in the club is doing everything to compete at this level.”

Everton’s boss Ancelotti accepted ChelPHOTO: SAFFER sea were the better side, he told BTDAVID Sport, “They played better than us. They deserved to win. We were good defensively for 30 minutes. When they scored the game became difficult for us. They are a good team.”

He added, “We are looking to fight for Europe. This is good for us. We will be there until the last game. We are disappointed for this defeat but no tragedy. We look to the next game.”

West Ham stayed in the top-four running with a 2-0 win against Leeds United at London Stadium in the Monday night one will enjoy. ” fixture.

Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to Leeds had well goals

by Tyler wish Rebuck following hisRoberts injury. and Patrick Bamford disallowed early on be“First and most importantly, everyone at fore Jesse opened scoring after Vale wouldLingard like to wish thethe Fortune ‘keeper for awe penalty bysee Luke Ayling. abeing quickfouled recovery, hope to him back Illan Lingard’s weak effort on theMeslier footballsaved pitch as soon as possible, ” he but the Manchester United loan signing said. was to react and knock in the As quickest for the defeat, Emanuel commented, rebound.

“It doesn’t matter how big a squad you The you hosts doubled the lead for before half have, can never account unavailtime when CraigOnly Dawson an ability or injury. five ofnodded today’s in team Aaron Cresswell’s corner.

Raphinha wenta played in our recent win over FC Team, closeofwith an overhead kick andindividual Bamford lack togetherness and poor

“It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes “You see the quality of the players and tookand ourthe chances. Experience proved club. It is a pleasure to betoon sideline and bethe the winner. ” work with the team. Everybody in the club is circumstances,” said delighted Fortune doing everything to compete atLinden. this level.” boss Simon Scott Parker’s Fulham secured a sensational win against Liverpool

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

“We had a number of players out, Rebuck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked Daniel late any more Amartey from the scored players.the Wewinner wish Ben a on for recovery.

City after Kelechi Iheanacho had speedy equalised first goal for the “It was aAdam properLallana’s old school performance, Seagulls. we battled and defended for the 90 minutes Brendan BBC proved Sport, and took ourRodgers chances. told Experience “Brighton were better than us in the to be the winner. It’s a big win, one we first will half. we too slow andon notit in aggressive enjoy andwere we hope to build 2019.” enough.

They went in front.

He added, “Thdeservedly is win marks 50 years as a They were excellent, they are a good football club and will be one Nigel Kyteside. and You can see why they beat teams.

We everyone associated with thetop club from day

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11 MARCH 2021 missed a glorious chance after the break but the Hammers also hit the crossbar and held firm.

David Moyes told Sky Sports, “We are resilient. We scored two goals, hit the bar and post. We are doing really well and having a good season. It could be a great season. I was disappointed when we dropped out of the top four. I’m not saying we will finish there but we need to hang in and see what we can do. Anything in the top half is a strong season for West Ham.” Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa told BBC Match of the Day, “Disappointed is not the word. In any case I know it is a problem that exists. I am the one in charge of finding a solution. We had improved in this sense for some time now. Today it wasn’t efficient in this aspect.”

Tottenham Hotspur are challenging for a European place after a third consecutive win.

Gareth Bale and Harry Kane scored a brace apiece in a 4-1 home victory against Crystal Palace Jose Mourinho’s side are finding form and it has coincided with a fully fit again Bale who opened the scoring, headed home just after half time to edge his side back in front after Christian Benteke equalised for the visitors. The Welsh skipper set up Kane for one of his strikes.

Mourinho told BBC Sport, “We played good football. In the second half we had to go with everything. Then it was the feeling that a one-goal difference is not enough, and then we made it 2-1 and went for 3-1 immediately after. I was happy with the attitude, the feeling and naughty smile of scoring 100 goals in the season and we are a defensive team. It was a good week for us, three matches, nine points, no injuries and everyone is coming back. We are in a positive moment.”

Palace boss Roy Hodgson told Sky Sports, “Spurs were really good value for their victory. We were heavily punished by the quality of their goals. We lost 4-1.

We’ve got to lick those wounds and any lessons, we’ve got a week to work on it.”

Palace are a couple of wins away from guaranteeing safety. Hodgson noted, “I’d rather be in our position than Fulham’s.

Eight points might not sound very much but it takes a lot of getting. I’m not concerned in that respect but I’m aware if you are not careful and think your work is done you can easily lose game after game.”

Fulham produced the shock of the weekend by consigning Liverpool to a record sixth successive home defeat. Fulham’s victory at Anfield has given them a terrific chance escaping relegation.

Mario Lemina’s goal just before halftime settled the match to take them level with Brighton and one point back from Newcastle United. Scott Parker’s side have played a game more than their rivals but are the form side at the bottom having picked up eight points from the last five games.

“It’s a big win”, Parker told BBC Sport.

“There’s a lot of emotion and I am very proud. I am happy for the players and the team because they got nothing short of what they deserved. In the first half I thought we were fantastic. Numerous chances and we stuck to the plan in terms of how we wanted to cause them problems.

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Ilkay Gundogan scored for Manchester City against Southampton

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Luke Shaw scored Manchester United’s second goal in their derby triumph

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The main thing coming into the game was ‘can we put our stamp on it?’. Easier said than done of course.”

He added, “We’ve had a lot of draws, where I often stand here and say ‘we have just fallen short a little bit’ and the way the first half went felt similar until a bit of magic from Mario. We deserved this result and we have deserved better results over the last few weeks.”

As for Liverpool, they are in danger of missing out on Europe altogether. Their dip in form is startling.

Manager Jurgen Klopp looked shocked at full time, he told BBC Sport, “It was always clear that Fulham would cause us big problems with the situation they are in and the one we are in. Usually I would say 1-0 down is not a problem, it is a normal score and is one of three possible scores but of course

at the moment for us it is different. We had to step up and the boys did. We started the second half well, created chances and we did not score again.”

Klopp acknowledged the slide in form is one of the worst in his managerial career.

“I would wish to say no, but yes it is,” he noted. “That’s not a problem. I don’t always have to have the best times. This team is an extreme team. We were extremely successful and now we have an extreme situation as well but we will fight through.”

Aston Villa’s European hopes are slipping away after one win in the past five games.

With skipper Jack Grealish still sidelined form has waned and it showed in a goalless derby draw against Wolves. Nuno Espirito Santo’s visitors should have won this clash but missed a number of chances to take the points at Villa Park. Romain Saiss missed a

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sitter, Conor Coady headed against a post then saw an effort saved by Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

Wolves are level with Leeds in midtable nine points above teams battling relegation.

Southampton edged towards safety with a first win in 10 matches courtesy of a Ward-Prowse penalty and a sensational strike from Adams against Sheffield United Bramall Lane.

Saints host Brighton in a crunch six-pointer on Sunday, a home victory could ensure safety.

Hasenhuttl told BBC Sport, “We made finishing drills in the final session yesterday and I think it helped (Adams). It’s what you are here for as a substitute that you come on and show your qualities.”

Blades boss Chris Wilder was philosophical in defeat, he told BBC Sport, “We didn’t deserve anything from the game.

They were better. It was a great opportunity but it’s been a tough week. We didn’t show the quality we needed to hurt them.”

Arsenal rued their luck in a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring only for Chris Wood to fortuitously level before half time. The Gunners pushed for the winner late on but hit the woodwork and came unstuck against a resolute Burnley defence. VAR was also the hosts friend in a battling display.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche told BBC Sport, “We had to work very hard against a decent Arsenal side but the mentality of the players was outstanding. It is a third game in a week and the physical side of the game was tremendous. During the end of the game, the mentality to block and make sure we didn’t concede was fantastic.”

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta told BBC Match of the Day, “If you don’t score your big chances, if you give a goal to the opponent and you don’t get the referee’s decision when you need to, it is very complicated in the Premier League to win a lot of games.”

Newcastle shared the spoils in a goalless draw against West Brom at the Hawthorns.

In a game of few chances the Geordies were the happier with a hard-fought point that keeps them just above the drop zone.

West Brom are eight points adrift from safety with 10 games remaining.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce told BBC Sport, “We are disappointed that we didn’t win, whether we did enough to win it, who knows? Eleven games to go, we’ve done OK. The last five or six games there’s only been Chelsea and Manchester United that have beaten us. We will take a point and move on.”

Baggies boss Sam Allardyce told BBC Sport, “Not enough obviously but we have to carry on trying to win games of football when they come round. The players need to keep their chins up and play like they are playing. The only thing missing is converting the chances we create. We have got the defensive side of it spot on now. The players have to keep doing what they are doing and try and be determined enough to try and change the scoreline themselves by putting the ball in the back of the net. We certainly had enough chances to accumulate 12 points in the last few games and not just four. We have been so close yet so far. That is the story of everything.”

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