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17 May 2017/21 IYAR 5777

ISRAEL ON HIGH ALERT FOR TRUMP VISIT

BY JAMES MARLOW Security for the two-day official visit of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania to Israel next week has been dramatically stepped up. New measures have included placing robots in surrounding sewers and installing special infrared warning lights on the roof of the King David Hotel where they will be staying.

Final preparations are being made to receive the couple who will be joined by Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband

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Jared Kushner on Monday 22 May. The visit has come against a backdrop of controversy following the comments of National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster during a heated press conference on Tuesday.

McMaster was questioned regarding reports that Trump shared classified information with Russian officials in the Oval Office. Whilst outlining the president’s itinerary on his first official foreign trip to the Middle East, the issue of the status of

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Jerusalem came up.

When asked whether the Western Wall was part of Israel, McMaster noted twice that it was a “policy decision,” and that the Western Wall was “not part of Israeli territory.”

Trump will visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, which was captured

by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War as part of his whistle stop trip.

The United States has never recognised Israel’s sovereignty over the Old City or other areas acquired in 1967.

In terms of the high profile visit, the American government have ordered more than a thousand rooms in the capital, but the president and his immediate family will be staying at the King David for just the one night.

When high-profile VIPs visit Israel and it becomes clear that person will stay in Jerusalem, top hotels compete for the booking. The Waldorf Astoria and David Citadel were high on the agenda, but in the end, they decided on the King David, as it is said to be the most secure hotel in Israel and easy for both the American and the Israeli secret service to protect.

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Why Jewish votes matter

BY GEOFFREY ALDERMAN

A general election is full of uncertainties – a collection of fogs made murkier still by opinion polls purporting to tell us what our fellow citizens are thinking and how their thoughts are supposedly changing day by day. Of course, to the media the polls are manna from heaven. But remember that, however well conducted, a poll has an inbuilt statistical error of plus or minus 3%, and that if you must follow the polls, it’s safer to follow the trend and not rely on just one poll or the output of just one polling organisation.

What interests me – and what I’ve spent a good proportion of my academic life studying - is the fate of Jewish candidates and the behaviour of Jewish electors. In what are arguably the two most “Jewish” constituencies in England, Hendon and adjacent Golders Green & Finchley, the two non-Jewish Conservative incumbents (respectively Matthew Offord and Mike Freer) will face two high-profile Jews – Mike Katz, a vice-chair of the Jewish Labour Movement, and Jeremy Newmark, the JLM’s current chair.

I cannot believe that the choice of two such high-profile Jews to fight these seats was accidental.

Under the leadership of Jeremy

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Corbyn the relationship between Labour and British Jewry has gone from bad to worse and from worse to appalling. But is the Jewish identity of Comrades Newmark and Katz likely to make any difference to their electoral fate next month?

On the evidence of history, the answer is a qualified yes.

An examination of local election results suggests that Jewish voters are likely to be attracted to Jewish candidates irrespective of those candidates’ political affiliations. This attraction explains, for example, why there was a revival in Conservative fortunes in Hackney at the end of the 1970s: the Tories deliberately chose a leading ultra-Orthodox Jew - the late Joe Lobenstein - to fight a ward (Springfield) where there were many ultra-Orthodox voters, and these voters appear to have plumped for him regardless of his politics or theirs. Indeed the Hackney evidence (then and since then) leads me to conclude that being Jewish, and particularly being an Orthodox Jew in an Orthodox area, gves a candidate a limited but distinct and perhaps decisive advantage, at least at local-election level, where Jewish electorates are concerned.

At parliamentary level the

situation is less clear. There are plenty of instances of well-known Jews being defeated in Jewish areas: Barnett Janner (Greville’s father) at Whitechapel in 1930, for instance, and Dr Bernard Homa (leading light of the Machzike Hadass community) at the old Hendon South constituency in 1951 and 1955. In 2015 the Jewish Tory incumbent at Ilford North, Lee Scott, famously and narrowly lost a seat he had held for a decade to the non-Jewish Labour challenger Wes Streeting. But the electoral history of Ilford North also presents some contrary evidence.

At the October 1974 election the popular Jewish Labour candidate, Mrs Milly Miller, snatched the seat from the Tories by just 778 votes: Labour party workers felt – and local Conservatives with whom I spoke agreed – that because of her identity and commitment Mrs Miller had brought to her side several hundred Jewish voters who might otherwise have abstained, and that it was this which had brought her victory.

Which brings me to some generic issues regarding Anglo-Jewish voting behaviour.

We British Jews are not natural abstainers. We love to vote and we regard voting as an affirmation of our British-Jewish identity. Look

at the evidence of history. Jews were legally prohibited from voting until 1835. But there are plenty of instances of Jews voting before that date – for instance at the general election of December 1832 in Liverpool, where the poll book [a printed record of voting, which was then public] tells us that Rabbi Asher Ansell was permitted to exercise the right to vote, and did so.

Data relating to Boris Johnson’s victory over Ken Livingstone in the London mayoral contest of 2008 suggests that large numbers of Jewish electors who might have stayed at home actually went out of their way to vote for Johnson just in order to eject the Jew-baiting Red Ken from City Hall. And the 2012 London mayoral result seems to confirm high pro-Johnson turnouts in “Jewish” voting districts.

At the time of that epic contest, one polling organisation (“Populus”) surveyed a sample of London voters generally over a wide range of issues, one of which concerned “the poor relationship between Ken Livingstone and the Jewish Community.” Specifically, respondents in the sample were asked how important that factor was (along with many others) in determining how they would cast their mayoral votes. Of those respondents who declared themselves first-preference Johnson supporters some

40% specifically identified Livingstone‘s attitude to Jews as either a “very important” or a “quite important” factor in propelling them to vote for his Conservative opponent.

So it’s really easy to understand why Labour has chosen high-profile Jewish candidates in Finchley and Hendon. We’ll have to wait until 8 June to find out whether Labour was correct in doing so.

That poll is – after all – the only one that really matters.

Geoffrey Alderman is Michael Gross Professor of Politics & Contemporary History at the University of Buckingham and the author of British Jewry Since Emancipation (2014)

Leaked manifesto blamed Israel for no progress with the Palestinians

BY JAMES MARLOW

Jeremy Corbyn was trying to recover from what was described as a disastrous 48 hours last week in which Labour’s draft manifesto was leaked. He pulled out of a poster launch and the car in which he was travelling ran over a BBC cameraman’s foot. The cameraman was subsequently taken to hospital. But was the manifesto really leaked or was it a calculated public relations move by a senior Labour party strategist to “test the waters”? If so, it was a success because media outlets spent the day speculating over it, and the blow was softened when the final draft was released with few changes on Tuesday.

A ComRes survey for the Daily Mirror found that 52% backed Labour proposals to re-nationalise the railways while 22% were against.

Nationalising the energy market was supported by 49% with 24%

against, while 50% backed re-nationalisation of the Royal Mail with just 25% opposed.

Banning zero hours contracts was supported by 71%, and 65% said they agreed with raising income tax on those earning more than £80,000 a year.

However just 30% agreed that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn should be given a fair chance at leading the country, while 56% said he would be a “disaster” as prime minister.

On the issue of Israel and the Palestinians, a few senior party officials were said to be pushing for a more balanced position on both sides, but once again the lack of progress towards a comprehensive agreement has been solely blamed on the Jewish State.

Whilst Labour’s manifesto says it is committed to peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution, the leaked document went on to condemn what it called “the

expansion of Israeli settlements on the Palestinian West Bank.” It said they were “not only wrong and illegal, but represented a threat to the very viability of the hopes of securing a successful outcome of the peace process.”

It made no mention of Palestinian incitement, the renaming of Palestinian schools and colleges after suicide bombers, or the Palestinian Authority’s refusal to recognise Israel as a Jewish state. But the leaked manifesto did write that “We cannot accept the continued humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and we will support Palestinian recognition at the UN.” It was unclear which part of the “Occupied Palestinian Territories” it was referring to that had a “continued humanitarian crisis.” But if it is Gaza, then the document failed to remind the public that Israel left Gaza in 1993 under the Oslo Accords and went further in 2005

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Conservative candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington Amy Gray (Left) with former Conservative councillor Linda Kelly (Right)

by removing all of its 7500 Israeli citizens from the buffer zone. In fact in the words of the late former President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres, “We have returned to the 1967 lines so we don’t know why they are shooting at us.”

Jewish leaders were disappointed although not surprised with the wording and expect the usual anti-Israel rhetoric that has been so forthcoming in the Labour Party to continue. Whilst the anti-Israel language may have intensified under Jeremy Corbyn’ leadership, Jewish Labour Party members are quick to point out that under Ed Miliband, the wording was similar to the last manifesto.

It was not clear on going to press how much of this one-sided manifesto against Israel was supported by Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry or indeed what was rewritten or deleted from the leaked draft.

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17 MAY 2017

Charity boxing dinner proves a winning combo

UK charities Norwood and the Paskin Children’s Trust have benefited to the tune of £125,000 following an annual charity boxing evening at Lancaster London Hotel last week.

An evening of live entertainment saw three boxing bouts take place, alongside both live and silent auctions and a raffle. There was also a once-in-a-lifetime prize being won, which included a sailing trip

Simon Piler with his award

aboard an official Clipper Round the World Yacht Race yacht.

The event was compered by comedian Ian Royce, with fellow comic Bobby Davro treating the audience to a live stand-up set.

The evening was sponsored by Ham & High Property, in aid of the two charities: Norwood – the UK’s largest Jewish children’s, family, and learning disability charity – and the Paskin Children’s Trust; a charity helping sick and disabled children, by supporting welfare, medical, and educational projects.

Simon Piler, supported by Norwood, spoke movingly about what the charity has helped him to achieve and why events such as this are so important, saying: ‘What’s special about Norwood is, we’ve got a great set of staff. They help us and guide us, and I’ve come really really far.

‘I’d tell people to come to events like this because you’ve got to be caring, you’ve got to look after people, you’ve got to be kind – and

Thousands raised at Ezekiel memorial match

BY DAVID SAFFER A charity football match in memory of David Ezekiel has raised £6,800 for Jewish charity Norwood.

The total exceeds the original target set by his family.

Immanuel Ezekiel arranged the game in memory of his brother, David, who was murdered in South Africa in February.

The match featured the Maccabi GB gold medal winners at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, of which Immanuel was a member, at Rowley Lane football ground, Barnet on Sunday.

Around 30 players

and 50 spectators attended the day.

Members of Immanuel’s family, including David’s son Playing in memory of David Ezekiel

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Jason, took part in the match.

“This was a great tribute to David, and we’re very grateful to Immanuel and all involved for raising an amazing amount for Norwood,” said the charity’s chief executive, Elaine Kerr.

“I’m sure David would have been very proud of everyone for the exceptional effort that will go towards helping the people we support.”

When Maccabi GB manager at the games David Pollock heard about David’s death, he contacted players from the tournament to commemorate David’s life as well as to raise money for Norwood.

David was born in the United Kingdom but had emigrated to South Africa 35 years ago.

He was a successful chef who, at the time of his death, was semi-retired but still involved in a number of charitable pursuits in his local community near Johannesburg.

Immanuel paid tribute to his brother and explained why he chose Norwood as the dedicated charity on the fundraising page for the campaign.

Stanmore Synagogue faces up to ‘floodgate’

Charity and sports, a winning combination

then you’ll get it back yourself.’

Attendees saw Alan Parry deservedly receive the Henry Cooper Award for over 45 years’ dedication to the sport of boxing – backing generations of young boxing talent.

Lee Koffman and Robert Waterman are Co-Chairs of the Boxing Committee.

Commenting on the success of the evening, Robert said: ‘It’s amazing to bring such a cross-section of people together to a charity boxing dinner for Norwood, where money can be raised for the good of the community.’

“This football match is in his memory, as he would have wanted to continue to help others through your generous donations.

“Some of the funds raised will help his former employee to find a mode of transport, as he has lost all of his income due to my brother’s tragic death.

“David left a legacy of kindness, of loyalty, of genuine spirit; and he was everyone’s friend.

“Every penny we raise goes to a fabulous charity, Norwood, which gives hope to others, and this is in the true spirit of the man whose generosity of spirit will continue.”

Donate to David’s cause: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Immanuel

Before the memorial match

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Volunteers clean up the Synagogue

It was all hands on deck – or rather to the floor – on Sunday morning at Stanmore shul, after an overflowing drain flooded the main shul at the end of Shabbat.

By the time the flood was discovered on Motzei Shabbat, two-thirds of the men’s section of the main shul – which was built in 1953 and underwent a complete refurbishment just three years’ ago – was submerged under centimetres of water.

A tap had been left on in a small bathroom behind the main shul, with the water running into what turned out to be a blocked drain. It left the carpet completely saturated and all the woodwork – including the smart new pews – sitting in pools of water.

Immediately the community swung into force. By 7am the next morning a team of more than fifty volunteers had started to arrive, bringing towels, manpower and some industrial VAX machines.

The team laboured throughout the morning, managing to reduce the residual water significantly. By the time US CEO Steven Wilson stopped by to inspect the damage, the carpet was still wet but not

sodden and hundreds of towels were hanging out to dry over chairs in front of the shul. The colourful display must have had some of the non-Jewish neighbours speculating which festival they were now celebrating.

An online rota was set up for the afternoon session, whereby another team of twenty volunteers took turns in driving the VAX machines to soak up remaining moisture. The volunteers were happily sustained by leftovers from the community’s Friday night dinner with the Chief Rabbi, while over 60 senior members of the community were able to enjoy their annual ‘Stanmore Seniors’ lunch in the shul’s community centre just metres away, undisturbed by the drama.

Stanmore Chairman, Merrick Wolman said: “Most of the water drained away pretty quickly. But we were really worried about the residual impact on our beautiful shul. I cannot give enough praise to the dozens of volunteers who, co-ordinated by the heads of our premises and security committees, gave up their time and towels on Sunday morning to minimise the damage.”

17 MAY 2017

ISRAEL NEWS 7

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NEWS IN ISRAEL BY JAMES J. MARLOW

FOLLOW JAMES AT TWITTER: @JAMES_J_MARLOW

UN Discrimination against Israel won’t be tolerated The United States has once again warned the new United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, that it remains the main financial contributor to the organization and “it will not be afraid to act against it” if the Israel-bashing does not stop.

In a letter to Antonio Guterres, the organisation was told it had better change its habitual discrimination against Israel. The letter reminded Guterres that “the US expected to see a change in the world forum and its institutions vis-à-vis its treatment of Israel.”

The letter comes after all 100 US senators signed a document last month urging the Secretary-General to take action and “to act against discrimination against Israel in the United Nations.”

In response, Antonio Guterres told the UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council, to devote time to unwarranted attacks against the Jewish State. In a statement he said, “Through words and actions, we urge you to ensure that Israel is treated neither better nor worse than any other UN member in good standing.”

The letter reaffirmed America’s commitment under President Donald Trump to advance respect for human rights but unequivocally condemn the continued targeting of Israel by the UN Human Rights Council and other UN entities.

Last month the senators listed a number of specific agencies in the UN which they said had demonstrated clear bias against Israel.

Pointing to the United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the letter acknowledged that it did carry out important work in the field of Holocaust education but nevertheless highlighted measures that “target Israel and deny the Jewish and Christian connection to Jerusalem,” adding that such actions only serve to undermine the institution’s credibility. The latest resolution passed on Israel’s Independence Day said Israel has no sovereignty over Jerusalem.

Turning to the United Nations Reliefs and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the senators told Guterres that the body would have to pursue reforms, accusing it of downplaying its “role in perpetuating troubling anti-Israel bias and

activities.”

Furthermore, the signatories also delineated the “troubling” ways in which the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) “devotes time to unwarranted attacks against Israel.”

Cataloguing some of the most flagrant human rights violators in the world today, to which it said the UNHRC should be dedicating its attention, the senators once again decried the “imbalanced focus on Israel.”

The letter constitutes another step toward repairing the US’s unflagging support for Israel since President Trump took office in January. The appointment of Nikki Haley as his Envoy to the UN has made a real impact on the organisation.

Israel-US relations were frayed under the Obama administration when the US abstained from a contentious UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to settlement construction while simultaneously declaring them illegal.

Since taking on her new role however, Haley has managed to earn the trust of many Israel supporters and build a reputation as one of Israel’s staunchest advocates on the international stage through a series of public speeches and declarations admonishing the UN for its biased treatment against the country.

Israel on high alert for Trump Trip CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 It is set well back from the street and does not have a glass frontage.

In addition there are no buildings facing any of the luxury suites, which overlook the capital’s Old City and all have unparalleled, unblocked panoramic views. Even more interesting is that the Presidential Suite is rocket-proof and has its own private air conditioning system to ensure that no poisonous gases can be passed through it.

“In fact, the suite is so rocket-resistant,” said Sheldon Ritz, who is Director of Operations at the King David, “that if someone were to demolish the hotel, the Presidential Suite would come down intact like a sealed strong box - anyone inside might be bruised but not killed.”

As an extra security precaution the surrounding streets to the hotel are always sealed off during the visit of a US president.

The King David has three super luxury suites in which visiting presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers stay. The Jerusalem

Suite, the Presidential Suite and the Royal Suite are each priced around £4250 a night. All the suites are the size of a large apartment with interconnecting doors, a bedroom with a king-sized bed, a large Egyptian-style bathroom with separate cubicles for shower and toilet, a bidet and an elliptical-shaped bath. Also included is a large lounge and a dining room, with folding doors to close them off from each other when necessary, and a well-equipped kitchenette. There is also a separate toilet for guests with a separate exit, a large walk-in closet, plus plenty of other closet space.

“Historically, when a president of the United States enters the King David Hotel, the environment must be sterile – no red carpet, no management, no staff,” Mr Ritz, who handles all diplomatic visits to the historic hotel, said.

“We sit in our offices upstairs, watching on closed circuit TV as he comes come into our hotel – and we can’t greet him.”

The hotel will be closed to guests from 21 to 23 May inclusive. It will reopen in the evening of 23 May, two hours after Trump’s plane leaves Israeli air space. Until then hotel staff are not permitted to enter his suite to clean up. This applies not only to presidents of the United States but to presidents of all countries.

The nearby Dan Boutique Hotel and Dan Panorama, which will serve as the press centre for both the official American and Israeli information teams, will also be closed during that time.

The American preparatory teams will begin arriving on 19 May and will include some 350 US Secret Service personnel as well as Marines, Navy Seals and Army Rangers.

Some of the Americans will be staying in otver Jerusalem hotels, but President Trump and the First Lady, along with daughter Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defence James Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster will all be staying at the Dan-owned King David.

Guests who had booked well in advance for the period in which Trump will be visiting have had to be relocated to other Jerusalem hotels and in some cases to

President Donald Trump

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King David Hotel

the Dan Caesarea.

Among the guests who had to be moved out of the hotel were the Premier of Quebec Philippe Couillard who cut his visit short by one night; broadcaster, Southern Baptist minister and former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee who had scheduled a large dinner party; several bar-mitzvah celebrations and various other groups. The Japanese Embassy had ordered a lavish cocktail reception to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Israel, but it had been very cooperative and had rescheduled.

The obvious question came to mind. Doesn’t the King David lose a lot of money on a visit of this kind? “The loss in income is a small price to pay to host the American president,” said Ritz. “We pull out all the stops for American presidents and the financial aspect is a secondary consideration. We want to help the Americans as much as we can because of their loyalty to the King David on presidential

visits. All American presidents who have served during this century have stayed at the King David.”

President Trump will be flying in from Saudi Arabia where he will discuss Iran and the struggle against Islamic extremism and seek a fresh new idea on a Palestinian breakthrough. For the first time, the skies will be open for a direct flight from Riyadh to Tel Aviv. His trip will then take him to the Vatican to meet Pope Francis, and by the time Donald Trump returns home, he would have visited the spiritual centres of Islam, Judaism and Catholicism.

The timing of Donald Trump’s visit to Israel, one day before Jerusalem Day, when Israel will mark 50 years since the reunification of its capital, elicited speculation that he may use the occasion to announce the American embassy’s relocation. But this time the president is likely to say, “This is not the right time to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.”

8 ISRAEL NEWS

50 Years Later: Paratroopers return to the Western Wall As Israel prepares to celebrate fifty years of the reunification and liberation of Jerusalem, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely along with those three famous faces from that iconic 1967 picture all meet up to visit the holy site again.

Ms Hotovely led a tour of foreign students studying at the Interdisciplinary Centre (IDC) in

17 MAY 2017

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Herzliya and at the Hebrew University in the capital, where they were joined by the paratroopers, Dr Yitzhak Yifat, Tzion Karasenti and Chaim Oshri.

The tour took place as part of the Jubilee celebrations in honour of the 50th Anniversary of the Six Day War and the return of the heart of the Jewish people – Jerusalem.

Tzipi Hotovely with the three paratroopers (Photo credit: Dovrot)

Students from all over the world heard Tzion Karasenti explain how when they reached the Kotel (Western Wall) in 1967, “it was the moment when the beating heart of the State of Israel was restored.”

The paratroopers retraced their steps from the Lion’s Gate when they entered into the old city after fierce fighting with Jordanian troops until their fateful encounter with the 2,000-year-old stones of the Western Wall.

Before the War of Independence, which broke out on 29 November 1947 (when the United Nations voted on the partition plan for a Jewish and an Arab state), there were dozens of beautiful, historic synagogues in the Old City - the oldest dating back to 1267. But Jordan’s army, known as the Arab Legion, showered the Jewish Quarter with mortars launched from the Mount of Olives and eventually entered the Old City, desecrating

and destroying every synagogue and yeshivah they could find.

Abdullah el-Tell, who was leading the forces attacking the Old City and later became the military governor of the Old City of Jerusalem when it was under Jordanian control from 1948 to 1967, said that they would destroy everything Jewish, so that the Jews would never be able to return to the Old City.

There had been an undying Jewish presence living in the Old City of Jerusalem from just after the Roman period when Jews were expelled, but they returned just after the Roman Empire collapsed.

Jewish life was flourishing in the city, led by Jewish scholar Nachmanides (also known as the Ramban) around 1267. Although conditions became very difficult at times during the next 700 years, Jewish people always lived in the Old City.

But in 1948, when Jordan and its Arab Legion took over, they forced every Jew out and bombed nearly all of the historic synagogues. The Western Wall was turned into a rubbish dump and Jews were forbidden from entering the walls of

the Old City while Christians were heavily restricted.

The Deputy Foreign Minister received a signed copy of the world-famous photograph from the three paratroopers and made the following statement to the students. “The longing to reach the Western Wall, and the tears of the paratroopers who returned to the Western Wall after 2,000 years of prayer, are the best answer to those who are trying to sever the deep connection between the Jewish people and their capital.”

She added, “The unification of the city under Israeli sovereignty was the moment when every person of every religion could walk into Jerusalem. Our duty to liberate the city is to preserve a united Jerusalem and to strengthen its status so that the world recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”

The iconic picture was taken by David Rubinger, just after the liberation in June 1967.

The exact date for Jerusalem Day is calculated according to the Hebrew calendar and this year will fall on Wednesday 24 May.

Pizza Hut mocks hunger striker Barghouti The restaurant chain apologised to Palestinian activists for any offence it may have caused when it mocked high-profile Israeli prisoner Marwan Barghouti for secretly breaking his fast.

Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences for masterminding a series of deadly attacks against Israelis at the start of the Second Intifada, called for a Palestinian hunger strike in Israeli jails beginning 17 April. At the time the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah were concerned Barghouti was attempting to once again flex his political muscles after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is also head of Fatah, carried out a number of steps to isolate and weaken the president’s political rival in prison.

But the former Tanzim leader managed to convince a few hundred Palestinian Fatah members in jail to begin a fast. However Barghouti was caught on camera unwrapping a chocolate-covered, almond-flavoured wafer in his prison cell and eating it in his toilet stall along with some cookies.

A prison official told Channel 2 News that the video clip of Barghouti eating was released to

convince the hunger strikers to also eat by hiding food in their cells. However most of them resisted the temptation, the official said.

Now that the video was made public, Pizza Hut’s franchise in Israel produced an advert poking fun at the Palestinian hunger and placed it on their Facebook page.

The pizza chain placed a banner in Hebrew over a screenshot from the clip released by the Israel Prisons Service of Barghouti eating.

It read, “Barghouti, if you are already going to break the hunger strike, isn’t pizza better?”

The advert also included a Photoshopped Pizza Hut box on the floor of the prison cell, as well as a piece of pizza in the sink.

In response, a large number of Palestinians called for a boycott of the pizza chain on social media unless an apology was forthcoming.

Pizza Hut quickly issued the apology on their Facebook account and the video was deleted.

The statement read “Pizza Hut International apologises for any offence caused by a recent post on Pizza Hut Israel’s Facebook page.

It was completely inappropriate and does not reflect the values of

our brand. The local franchise in the country removed it immediately and the relationship with the agency that posted it was terminated, and we truly regret any hurt this may have caused.”

Barghouti was also photographed eating food in his cell during a previous prisoner hunger strike in 2004. Those still shots were taken with a hidden camera through a hole in the wall of his cell.

Marwan Barghouti is the former Tanzim leader whose objective was to open fire on passing Israeli vehicles and kill as many Israelis as possible starting in 2000. He surrendered to Israeli security forces in 2002. He was put on trial and eventually found guilty of five murders, serving five life time sentences. Next year he will celebrate his 60th birthday.

In the Fatah Central Committee’s leadership elections last December (the party’s most senior institution), Barghouti won first place. With Abbas’s steady decline in popularity amongst Palestinians, plus the fact the president is well into his twelfth year of a fouryear term as president, Palestinians in the West Bank are looking

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Convicted Fatah terrorist Marwan Barghouti in January 2012 (Flash 90)

for alternative leadership.

They say that Marwan Barghouti is the movement’s undisputed leader, despite being behind bars. His wife Fadwa also took first place in the movement’s Revolutionary Council elections (the party’s second most senior institution).

But Abbas still refused to appoint him as deputy chairman of Fatah, as Barghouti had expected, and other senior positions were divided between rivals Jibril Rajoub and Mahmoud al-Mottak.

Barghouti’s backers also failed to be elected to other spots in the Central Committee, and he knows that he is being slowly pushed out of the picture.

Forced from the halls of power, Barghouti is using the strike to

signal to the PA that he still wields considerable power in Israeli jails and on the Palestinian streets. He asked 2,890 Fatah party security prisoners, as well as those from other movements, to participate in the hunger strike to show a united Palestinian protest against Israel.

According to Palestinian officials, 1,500 inmates have been refusing food since the strike began last month to “protest prison conditions.” However, Israeli officials say only some 800 continue to refuse food. Israel has threatened to bring in foreign doctors to forcefeed the prisoners.

The Palestinians insist that their demands are about the improvement of conditions in Israeli jails including being allowed more visits and private telephones in cells.

10 COMMUNITY

17 MAY 2017

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Inaugral Shabbaton for St John’s Wood Last weekend, St John’s Wood Synagogue celebrated its first ever away Shabbaton. The hugely successful event took place at Audleys Wood Hotel in Hampshire, where 134 participants celebrated the community under the theme ‘My family, my community, my world.’

The guests represented the shul’s diverse cross-section of members, with people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds, including families and singles, teenagers and senior members of the community, ranging in age from five months to 100 years old!

Dayan Ivan and Rebbetzin Rachie Binstock and assistant Rabbi

Yoni and Rebbetzin Dina Golker all worked together to create a wonderful weekend.

The weekend was jam-packed with a range of programmes which included sing-along interactive services, , whisky-tasting sessions, delicious food, and a Zumba class on Sunday morning.

Discussion groups and panel-led sessions were held including an impressive panel discussion about the business world, and wall-towall activities for children and teenagers overseen by several madrichim.

The weather was kind – it rained only during the services on Shabbat morning – and everyone was

able to enjoy relaxing in the beautiful grounds of the hotel.

The weekend ended with a spectacular Lag b’Omer bonfire havdalah, with guitar accompaniment from the Shul’s very talented Chazzan, Avreimi Kirshenbaum, as well as a drumming session for the whole community. Rabbi Yossi Binstock got the crowd going throughout the weekend with rousing renditions of songs old and new.

Rabbit Golker commented how nice it was that “the Shabbaton brought people together from across the community. We are looking forward to planning the next one.”

Participants at the Shabbaton

Joyous dancing at the retreat

All set for a great weekend

Singing around the Lag B’Omer bonfire

Ezer Leyoldos rated ‘Good’ in CQC inspection Ezer Leyoldos, a charity that supports families in the Orthodox Jewish community, has been awarded a Good rating in its Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report. The CQC conducted their inspection on 7 March 2017 and rated Ezer Leyoldos on its safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership.

The CQC inspection reviewed the overall quality of the service.

Talking about the effectiveness of the service, the report noted that “People were supported to maintain good health and were supported to access healthcare services and support when required.”

Commenting on the level of care, the report stated: “The service was caring. People’s relatives made positive comments about the care provided by staff. People’s relatives told us that care workers

spoke to their relatives and got to know them well.” The report also highlighted that “Relatives confirmed their privacy and dignity were respected.”

The CQC inspection went on to discuss the accomplishments of staff and, in particular, the level of training received for safeguarding both adults and children. The CQC report also highlighted that staff demonstrated a good level of knowledge about their responsibilities, going above and beyond in demonstrating awareness of issues that were outside of their responsibilities in order to give a rounded care package.

Irving Lichtman, managing director at Ezer Leyoldos, said: “We are very pleased with the result of this CQC report. Ezer Leyoldos has worked hard to improve all of our services year on year, and we

are exceptionally happy that this hard work has been acknowledged by the CQC with a Good rating. It is important for us to build on this report and ensure that we continue to improve our service to help Orthodox families in the Jewish community.”

Ezer Leyoldos aims to promote stability and security among families in need, giving children a better future. We aim to relieve difficulties, prevent problems from developing and restore stability to troubled families.

Ezer Leyoldos is commissioned by the London Borough of Hackney to provide services to ‘Children in Need’ in the Orthodox Jewish community. Our work with them has been described in a recent pilot inspection by OFSTED as ‘a model of good practice from a multi-agency approach.’

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

New Kosher supermarket ‘Hadar’ opens in Edgware

Shimmy Degimitrovsky cutting the ribbon

Some of the first shoppers through the doors

17 MAY 2017

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THE JEWISH WEEKLY

B’nei Mitzvah students complete 10k sponsored walk A group of ten year 7 and 8 children completed the second annual Jewish Care’s 10K B’nei Mitzvah Walk on Sunday raising almost £3000 to help support older people in our community. Participants included students from JFS, JCoSS and Fortismere School and the route began and ended at Jewish Care resources with a stop on the way to visit residents at Clore Manor Home in Hendon.

The group met and fuelled up with sandwiches at the Jewish Care’s Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre in Golders Green before taking the scenic route to visit residents at the organisation’s Clore Manor home in Hendon. At Clore Manor home, the group met residents including Nettie Rolnick, who gave them words of encouragement to help them on their way: “Well done to all of you, it’s marvellous what you are doing and it was lovely to see you all today.

I wish you the best of luck on the rest of the walk.”

From Hendon the group continued walking to The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet where they were awarded certificates and were greeted by their families at the finish.

One participant, Jacob Hirshler, a JCoSS pupil went to visit his great-grandpa Lou 95, who is a resident at Rosetree’s home in The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre, to proudly show him his certificate.

Jacob’s whole family were there to meet and congratulate him at the end of the walk including his grandma, Phylis, who is a member of Jewish Care’s Southgate branch.

Jacob said, “Jewish Care looks after my Papa, who has dementia, and is a charity that is important to me. I am aiming to raise as much money as possible to buy new equipment for Papa’s care home Rosetrees. I want to thank everyone for their support.”

After the walk, Jacob’s mum, Natasha Hirshler said, “Papa and all the family are so proud of Jacob for completing his 10k. Thank you to everyone who sponsored him.”

Another participant, 13 year old Amos Shamai, Year 7 Fortismere student who celebrated his Barmitzvah in April said, “It was fun and challenging and I really enjoyed chatting along the way to friends. It was the first time I’ve been to a home and it was really nice meeting Nettie.”

Jewish Care’s Director of

Fundraising and Marketing, Daniel Carmel-Brown said, “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to all of the participants who raised almost £3000 by walking 10k for Jewish Care this weekend.

This was a great opportunity for them to meet residents and learn a little more about the work of Jewish Care and by giving their time to fundraise and take part it’s great to see they are demonstrating their responsibility to the community at this important time in their lives.”

Students enjoy the walk

At the finish line

JFS Students help the homeless Seed hold Lag B’Omer Year 12 students at JFS spent the afternoon giving out GIFT bags containing sandwiches and toiletries to homeless people in Central London, as part of GIFT Volunteering Rec Programme.

They spread their smiles and kindness to all the people they met and heard inspiring stories from those living on the streets. The

students reported back that this activity really inspired them to want do more to help others. The programme is run by GIFT educator Shira Joseph, and is designed to inspire the sixth form students to become more giving individuals.

They receive training in the first term on a number of skills needed in order to help make a difference

such as counselling, networking and mental health awareness. They then have volunteering placements with different charities in order to apply their acquired skills. Feedback from the programme has been excellent.

family Funday

Over 400 people came to seed’s Family Fun Day on Sunday, at a private home in Totteridge. The sun came out for a barbecue in honour

of Lag B’Omer, and families were kept busy with go karts, inflatables, a pop-up laser quest and mobile petting zoo.

Children enjoying the entertainment

JFS year 12 Students A young daredevil

Showing dad how it’s done

16 COMMUNITY

17 MAY 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Stanmore stay ahead of the game

BY DAVID SAFFER

Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue has a history steeped in tradition.

One of the United Synagogue’s jewels in Anglo Jewry, its community was the largest in Europe a few years ago, resulting in a spot in the Guinness Book of Records.

A trailblazer in terms of shul services, members enjoy a wide range of social, cultural and educational programmes alongside an exemplary community care facility.

Manchester-born Rabbi Mendel Lew grew up in London and has been senior minister since 2006.

His rabbinic journey unwittingly began in Stamford Hill.

“I’ve always liked leading services and after my bar mitzvah regularly took a six-mile [walk] round trip to assist once-large communities with a minyan, where I’d daven and lein,” he recalled.

“This experience was possibly the planting of a seed to become a rabbi.”

While studying at yeshivah in Israel, he stepped in to teach Jewish Studies classes for teachers who were away on reserve duty in the Israeli Defence Forces. And after receiving semichah in 1987, further Jewish Studies followed in New York and then Minnesota, where he was also an educator.

Following his marriage to Rivky (the couple has eight children), Rabbi Lew was offered his first rabbinic post at St Anne’s Hebrew Congregation in 1992.

“I had a vision that everybody would ask for advice, but this

Chazan Jonny Turgel

wasn’t the case,” he said.

“Every shul has traditions, so you need to feel your way in at a smaller community. You learn that however small a community is, it’s not insignificant.

“A community might be small in number, but it is significant because everyone needs attention in times of joy, grief, or if they are having a tough time.

“St Anne’s was supposedly an older community, yet around 50 children attended our cheder, which was remarkable. Then at Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation, another so-called older community, a third of families had children growing up so we experienced a decade of growth and excitement.

“I was also very fortunate to have a great team of lay and religious leaders at both shuls.”

After fourteen years of serving communities by the seaside, Rabbi Lew moved inland to the biggest Jewish community of the US family at the time.

The congregation serving Stanmore, Canons Park and neighbouring districts came about in the aftermath of World War II with a demographic shift of the Jewish community towards northwest London.

Following its establishment by ten gentlemen who met at the home of Mr & Mrs D Creighton, 76 Howberry Road, Canons

Park, on 17 July 1946, services took place at the Howberry residence and then at a British Legion hut at the top of Merrion Avenue.

From humble beginnings the shul eventually moved to London Road, Stanmore.

The foundation stone of the new synagogue was laid in June 1950.

Dayan H.M. Lazarus conducted the service, assisted by Rabbi S.M. Warshaw and Rev E. Freilich.

Dayan Dr I. Grunfeld consecrated the current building, which was opened by Isaac Woolfson, in March 1951. The community centre was consecrated twelve years later.

Membership exponentially grew under the guidance of Rabbi Avrom Chaitowitz and then Rabbi Dr Jeffrey Cohen, backed by various lay leaders, and the addition of a first dedicated assistant minister, Rabbi Andrew Shaw, who provided ground-breaking work for youth and young families.

So was Rabbi Lew daunted about joining a shul when on High Holy Days a few thousand people would come through its doors?

“I’d led a large community because Southend was five times the size of St Anne’s, who had over 200 families,” Rabbi Lew explained.

“Stanmore had 2,000 families at the time so I knew I’d be dealing with enormous tasks. There was very little free time and you are always on call.

“Stanmore was a London community, so you have to be competitive as there were more shuls in the vicinity, but the biggest challenge was coming to a very successful community with a tremendous amount going on and a rich history.

“Rabbi Cohen had been senior minister for 20 years and was a much-loved rabbi, so replacing someone of that stature was going to take time.

“Everyone was welcoming, and I was assisted by a Stanmore legend in Rabbi Shaw who was renowned for his

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

Over 70 seniors enjoyed lunch and musical entertainment last sunday

excellent plays on Jewish themes.

“You have to move forward, and we’ve continued to remain relevant to members in providing a quality service.

“I’m one of the images of the shul, but we’ve a tremendous team that keep the community active.”

Rabbi Lew added, “There was a core community group, but over time you bring new people on board because the demographics change.

“Of course there are older members as it’s an established community, but we also have a tremendous number of young people at the shul.

“On a Shabbat morning there is a fabulous amount of toddlers and children, but the challenge is to keep them coming after bar and bat mitzvahs. And it has become harder attracting people to shul, but the question remains why that has happened.

“There has been much debate about the Jewish schools’ admissions procedure [CRP, certificate of religious practice], and my view is that if children are coming in, even if it is just to tick a box, then good, but we have to give them a reason to stay longer.

“To some degree we have been successful but it is an ongoing battle.

“It is up to us to make shul relevant once youngsters come through our door, but getting them in is a big challenge. However, it’s not a negative challenge; we recognise the issues and will not admit defeat.

“If someone comes to my shul, even if they don’t come back I want them to enjoy it rather than feel it’s the same old service, so why return.

“We have to keep shul exciting and as fun possible, and we do a

pretty good job of it.”

In terms of Shabbat services, Stanmore holds a traditional main service, monthly Limmud and Sephardi services, a quarterly women’s learning experience and a range of children and youth programmes.

Rabbi Daniel Fine, a keen sportsman and gold-medal winner at the JCC Maccabi Games in his youth, joined the shul in July 2016 and assists Rabbi Lew in serving congregants.

Rabbi Fine and his wife, Janine, have four children and run numerous activities.

Completing the rabbinic team is Rabbi Melvyn Bloom who, amongst a range of duties, conducts a Mishnah study circle and officiates on High Holy Days.

Jonny Turgel, a regular soloist with the much-acclaimed Shabbaton Choir, was appointed chazan at Stanmore in January 2011.

“We provide educational initiatives for our youth, young families and adults, whether it’s shiurim, bringing guest speakers in for social or educational events, or major initiatives such as our Purim or Shabbat UK programme,” Rabbi Fine explained.

Stanmore was one of two shuls to scoop a European award for its Shabbat UK programming.

Popular among members have been challah bake events and educational trips.

Another hit for the shul was when 170 members attended shiurim by seven different speakers at seven members’ homes on the topic of Shabbat.

Future events for young families include a weekend away and a fiveweek art ‘n’ crafts “Havdalah jam” on a Saturday night.

“There is so much going on in the

17 MAY 2017 community,” enthused Rabbi Fine.

“We want to keep the community together whilst running programmes for different ages, so diversifying is an ongoing exciting challenge.”

“Rabbi Fine is coming up with brilliant educational ideas to bring more people in,” Rabbi Lew said.

“They are not heavy on the religious side but are very important.

“We also have very good creative thinkers.

“Les Miserabbis [produced by David Coleman] was a huge hit with members and also on the Internet, with requests around the world from shuls to run their own show. Stanmore’s Got Talent was also a hit, and other cultural events continue to excite the community.”

He added, “Keeping people Jewish is our first priority. Davening and learning is the ultimate, but we want members to feel happy being Jewish so are continually looking at ways to achieve this. The future is bright but it’s not without challenges.

“Our job is to engage people, because anyone can watch the greatest rabbis on YouTube so we have to click into the minds of members and keep our embracing brand relevant.”

When it comes to preparing

COMMUNITY 17

THE JEWISH WEEKLY addresses, Rabbi Lew adapts for the occasion.

“When I first came to Stamnore, I tried to get a feel of the community and wondered what they want to hear,” he explained.

“You have to package it, make it topical around a morale Torah message.

“Maybe it’s something in the news or something that has happened to me personally. You let a topic develop in your mind and it naturally comes together.

“There has to be a meaning to a sermon so every simchah is personal, but if the community expects something controversial then so be it.”

As for his teen highs of leining, Rabbi Lew still prepares as if it was the first day he leined from the Torah in 1978.

“I don’t want to lose my edge, whether its davening, speaking or engaging with people.

“No rabbi is perfect, but my motto in life is whatever you do, put everything into it.”

Rabbi Lew was keen to pay tribute to the unsung heroes behind the scenes at Stanmore shul, especially the Stanmore Synagogue Community Care team.

“As rabbi you cannot be everywhere, and I’m very fortunate to

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have an exceedingly good lay team across many areas who put their heart and soul into our community,” he explained.

“The SSCC team is a shining example, and many communities model their care services on ours.

“We have a tremendously dedicated team trained in counselling and bereavement. They are professionally trained individuals available for people in the most trying of times and offer different methods of support.

“Without these lay individuals, other parts of the shul would

not function properly.

“I am proud to lead my shul and be a part of it; our future is bright so long as we keep up our energy

levels and the challeng-

rise to es of

the 21st cen-

tury.”

Rabbi Fine and Rabbi Lew celebrating a recent award

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SEE OUR ARTICLE IN THIS WEEK’S JEWISH WEEKLY

18 FEATURE

United Synagogue - creating new communities

BY MICAELA BLITZ

Back in February 2015, the United Synagogue published their strategic review, which highlighted some significant points in relation to British Jewry. One of the key areas it looked at was the need to encourage the large number of unaffiliated Jews to become involved in a community, and for exciting, engaging and vibrant communities to develop. It showed that a more modern approach was required, to embrace the changes in society with regards to the role of the synagogue. The traditional view of the synagogue as being a house of prayer has significantly changed for many. As Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has said, they must now serve as “powerhouses of Jewish religious, educational and cultural experience,” and he believes that opportunities for forming “social connections” are a key part of this.

Based on these findings, the US Communities of Potential initiative was set up in order to develop new community models, led by a board consisting of religious representatives and lay leaders. Its aim is to research Jewish population movement and to seek areas where this new model of inclusion can be put into practice.

The Mill Hill East Community, based in the Mill Hill East/Millbrook Park area of North London, can be seen as a case study for this new approach. As a grassroots-led community, it hopes to develop into a hub of Jewish life for those in the surrounding area, and it offers a chance to be part of a new and exciting community. Mill Hill East itself is currently thriving, with older housing stock and new developments which are attracting families, couples and single people to move to the area. With a local

Purim

17 MAY 2017

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kosher bakery and deli, the community is well situated, falling at the centre of three eruvin (North London, Mill Hill and Woodside Park), and has good relationships with the neighbouring synagogues of Woodside Park, Mill Hill and Finchley.

Avi Gillis, 32, one of the co-founders of the community, moved to the area from Hendon and felt that there was no provision within the local area for him and his family in terms of a Jewish community. Along with his friend, Josh Kleiman, 30, they set about trying to create something to fill this gap. Avi explains: “I felt that there was a need for a community, more than an actual need for a shul, to encourage the social aspects. We wanted to create a strong foundation, which we could then build upon.”

An open meeting was held in May 2016 to gauge in- Mitzvah Day terest in the area and to establish what the local Jewish people wanted from a new community. The response was impressive, with an attendance of more than 70. There was a mixture of people, ranging from young professionals and newly marrieds who had moved to the area to older people who either lived in the area for many years or who had chosen to downsize. All were keen to share their thoughts and opinions on what a new community could offer. The points raised ranged from the atmosphere of the community and the importance of being warm and

welcoming, through to the way services could be run. It was also felt that including residents of the Jewish Blind and Disabled Home into services and integrating them into the community was key, and monthly Friday night services are now held at the home.

In September 2016, the Mill Hill East Community held their inaugural Shabbat service, which attracted more than 100 people, and the support for this community has continued through a series of events including a summer BBQ, communal Sukkot supper,

Winter Wonderland event and, at end of this month, a Shabbaton that will be held with a guest appearance from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.

One of the key differences in the way that this community works in relation to the traditional US model is that rather than having honorary officers and a board making decisions, there is a working group of 12-13 people at the core, using their skills and strengths to organise different elements of the community. Avi explains this approach: “The community is very much like the model for a startup, which has founders and officers rather than boards. It’s a sign of the times that this is how a community can still develop and communicate. It allows people to be smart with their time and for them to concentrate on the key tasks required.”

In addition, the community make strong use of digital communication and social media, in particular using Facebook as a means of community building.

Currently, there is no dedicated

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rabbi, although the community are keen to invite educators and visiting rabbis. Services are led by members of the community, which has helped to establish a participative atmosphere.

Looking towards the future, Avi sees the short term aim as being the chance to hold more regular services and the possibility of introducing a membership process to help strengthen the community, and enable further resources to be possible. In the longer term, the ideal would be for the community to obtain a premises of its own, and Avi’s philosophy of “evolution, not revolution” is key to achieving this.

Whereas Mill Hill East already benefited from a level of local Jewish infrastructure, the Communities of Potential board is working in other areas where there is currently less in place, but, yet, an increasing demand for Jewish facilities.

Hatfield in Hertfordshire is an example of this. Due to high property costs, many people have been priced out of the traditionally Jewish areas such as Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware and Borehamwood, and they are now looking further afield to set up their homes. Areas such as Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City are easily accessible, with good transport links, and are undergoing significant development that appeals to young couples, families and older people. These areas are still close enough to Jewish centres, making living a Jewish life still possible, but there is a need for more provisions to be made in these areas. Jo Grose, Head of Strategic Review Implementation at US, explains the US approach: “For an area such as Hatfield, we are taking a more proactive approach - ‘build it and they will come.’ If we can expand the Jewish infrastructure, we will encourage people to move here and develop the community with us.”

Earlier this year an initial meeting was held in Hatfield, attracting around 80 people, and further surveys and discussion have happened since then, which included the suggestion that Moriah School might potentially look at opening a second site in the area, which

would attract young families to the area and serve as a local community centre.

The proposed community in Hatfield is a far more long-term endeavour than that in Mill Hill East and is being developed in partnership with the community in Welwyn Garden City, which has been in the area for over 60 years.

The Strategic review highlighted the need for the US to recognise that people’s relationship with their synagogue is very different to what it was a generation ago. By putting professional staff on the ground in Hatfield, the US intends to focus on community development rather than opening a new synagogue. Jo Grose explains: “The future of the US is not solely to have large synagogue centres of 2000+ members. Many people also like smaller, less formal communities where they feel needed and can play an active role.”

As well as these bigger projects, other new communities such as Ahavas Yisrael in Edgware and Magen Avot in Hendon have also developed. These communities can be considered to be at the more observant end of the scale and came about through the need to cater for this within the local area. Jo Grose continues: “One of the key values of the US is inclusivity, and we are keen to welcome all ‘flavours’ of the centrist Orthodox community.”

The US are also looking at other areas to develop in and around London, such as Hackney in East London and Colindale in North London, which again are areas that Jewish people are tending to move to.

Overall, it would seem that the review has given the US a better understanding of the current state of British Jewry and the areas in which it needs to focus. In addition to building new communities, Jo Grose is keen to point out that future US strategy is centred around helping existing congregations to grow, develop and adapt, and expanding its provision for young people through Tribe and Young US. If you are interested in finding out more about new community project in Hatfield, please contact communitydivision@theus.org.uk To find out more about Mill Hill East Jewish Community, please contact millhilleast1@gmail.com or find us on Facebook ‘Mill Hill East Jewish Community’

22 JUDAISM

17 MAY 2017

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ASK THE RABBI

Rabbi Schochet has been writing an Ask the Rabbi column for nearly two decades with a huge following. Hailed as the Piers Morgan of the Jewish world, his writing is witty and informative with no question too controversial.

Looking for answers? Send your question to asktherabbi@thejewishweekly.com

Dancing with the pope Dear Rabbi, A recent video went around showing a bunch of Rabbis greeting the Pope and having an audience and a dance with him. Is this halachically acceptable? If it is forbidden to walk into a church then why is it permissible to greet the head of the church?

Avigdor Dear Avigdor, I was wondering the same thing myself. To be sure, walking into a church is just a gratuitous act, whether to view the architecture or for whatever other unnecessary reason. Meeting the Pope is arguably essential on the grounds that he could have influence over whatever agenda these rabbis may have been pursuing. But therein lies the question. Was this a publicity stunt or do they believe he can make some sort of difference?

I know they discussed with him about the desecration of graves.

There are some countries in Europe that exhume graves after a number of years in order to make room for other burials. Other

countries build over old Jewish cemeteries. I have been to some of these places as part of a delegation and I have personally met with high ranking government officials including Prime Ministers and Presidents. Those are the people that need to be lobbied. I am not sure what the Pope can do.

Another one discussed with the Pope about the abuse of children.

On the video he is heard saying, “no tolerance.” He’s right! Any form of abuse must not be tolerated and reported immediately.

But that’s something that needs to filter into the Jewish – and other – communities as well as constant consultation with relevant authorities. What can the Pope do? Tell his priests to keep their hands to themselves? I think they know that by now and if they don’t listen they’ll endure the consequences.

So a nice sound byte it is, but tachlis – as they say. And then there is the one Rabbi amongst them who was insistent there was real value in the private audience he had with the Pope where he discussed the Oneness of G-d. He believes, he wrote, that this justifies the action and that it will have real value going forward.

So let’s be clear: The man at the top who believes in the trinity was approached by the Rabbi to talk about the Oneness of G-d. To put it in different words: “Your Eminence. I think you need to give up your day job and start batting for the other team.” Yeah, right. This same Rabbi was also deeply apologetic about the video being made “without my consent or foreknowledge.” In other words, “I’m sorry I got caught out!”

And dancing around the guy with the big cross on his neck?

Let’s just say the lunch I ate just before watching that didn’t stay down very long. But if you observe closely, you can see the Pope’s feet starting to shuffle a little under his long robe. I think the guy’s got some moves!

To shake or not to shake Dear Rabbi, Is it ever acceptable for a man to shake a woman’s hand? A recent picture shows a certain Rabbi doing exactly that with the Prime Minister and I wondered whether this is acceptable?

Geoffrey

Dear Geoffrey, So this is ganging up on Rabbis week. In one contemporary halachic responsa it is quoted that, shaking hands with the opposite gender is forbidden, “even if it will cause the woman to be embarrassed. Some say it is better to be killed than to shake the hand of a woman.”

However, It really comes down to whether a handshake constitutes an affectionate gesture. In the book Doesn’t Anyone Blush Anymore, the author makes a sound argument by addressing the invariable chemistry between the opposite sexes and notes how an innocuous handshake sometimes lingers a little too long – which only proves the potency of any contact. That’s a fact and anyone who wants to deny it is deluding themselves.

Having said that, some halachic authorities do argue that where it is a quick handshake for business purposes or where rejection might cause embarrassment to the other party, then that too has to be taken into consideration.

So you see there are different opinions and whomever it is you observed shaking Mrs May’s hand – you could be sure he wasn’t in direct contravention of Halacha.

Mrs Thatcher came some years ago to visit the Lubavitch Girl’s School in Stamford Hill. She came with gloves on and avoided reaching out her hand out of respect for the Rabbis there and to prevent putting them into an uncomfortable situation. And I for one never quite understand why it has become such a contentious issue, especially as an inter-

view question when applying for the job of Rabbi in the United Synagogue. I was asked the question twenty-four years ago when I came to Mill Hill for the first time.

My answer: “Men I welcome with my hand. Women I welcome with all my heart.” I got the job!

Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Pope Francis meeting delegation of Jewish leaders

Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.

24 BUSINESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

and “complain” of being spoiled for choice with his large portfolio.

One client wrote, “Steve’s work stands out as being the best and by far the most affordable.”

I ask him what distinguishes an amateur with a camera from a professional photographer. “The quality of the image,” Steve explains. “You can look at a picture and can tell the work that has gone into it.” In addition, a professional photographer has a knack for capturing the images and scenes that amateurs tend to miss. Another skill his glowing reviews reveal is getting the good shots whilst staying almost invisible during their joyous occasions. He has won the award for News Photographer of the Year 2001, Yorkshire Photographer of the year 2002, Best Photographer at the CIM Northern Region Awards 2007 and Professional Photographer of the Year 2008.

How has today’s digital world impacted his career? He explains that client expectation has grown, in particular customers demanding prints almost within the day of them being posed for. This fast-paced photo printing is mainly positive, though Steve misses “seeing the photo develop on a sheet of paper rather than on a computer screen.” The advances in digital media means people tend to put in less effort into correct lighting, which used to make the photography experience more meaningful.

Professional photography is still in high demand, even in the smartphone generation, where you just pick up a digital device and take the photo. The results won’t be the same; the quality and the eye for the correct setting will always be best in the hands of a professional.

Steve remembers the first digital camera he received as a journalist.

17 MAY 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY Not only were the images poor quality, but the device kept breaking down. Today’s cameras are far better, but with a new camera being released every six to nine months, it is not practical to keep up with obtaining every new model, nor does he think it necessary.

“The quality of today’s images is fantastic,” Steve asserts.

What does a good photo depend on? “Lighting and composition, as well as what one can technically do with a camera.” Steve reveals that a photographer needs to be very much a people person. The person you’re taking an image of must be relaxed, and it’s the photographer’s job to ensure this.

This skill is just as important as knowing how to capture the perfect image. As one reviewer wrote, “He has a way of making you feel relaxed and at ease. That’s what helps him to get great photos and capture some really special moments. He even managed to keep our two-year-old still and smiling at the same time.” Seemingly it is not only toddlers who need to be relaxed for a good photo.

A renowned law firm also testified: “He puts everyone at ease, is prompt and works quickly to get the best shots for our publicity.”

What advice does Steve have for the aspiring photographer? The same he received as a youngster.

“My best advice would be just go out and take photos whenever you can, lots of different photos of lots of different things, family or friends. Experience is the best thing.” Going to college may be the start of many other careers, but with photography you simply “take your camera out.” Photography, he explains, is a career in which you are always improving.

Though based in Leeds, Steve’s clientele are around the country, and customer satisfaction is what brings them back for more.

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17 MAY 2017

SPORTS 27

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

SPORTS EEKLY

ONE NATION... ...MANY TEAMS

W

Barnett clinches double for Haroldeans

BY DAVID SAFFER

Sharpshooter Max Barnett scored the winning goal for Harloldeans to lift the Faye and Henry Shonn Trophy final at Salford FC. Barnett’s 63rd minute strike brought double joy for the MJSL champions against a Leeds Maccabi team who were going for a second cup triumph.

Harold Feldman Trophy winners Maccabi had stunned Mike Bloomberg’s team a week ago with a 3-1 triumph but the Merseysiders controlled this clash and ran out deserved winners.

By the full time whistle the scoreline did not reflect the overall play against a spirited Leeds side who defended with gusto throughout.

“I was really pleased with the response from the lads after last week’s performance

Haroldeans, Shonn Trophy Winners

against Leeds,” said Bloomberg.

“We changed the system because they overloaded us in midfield, matched up better and dominated.

“The longer the game went on you do get concerned but Leeds were not causing us many problems so it looked like one goal would do it, and thankfully we got it.

“Their ‘keeper had an excellent game but made a slight error for the goal so was unfortunate but that’s football. However, I thought we deserved it.”

He added, “Leeds are a very hard-working side and their centre backs in particular are very good; they made us work hard.

“It was great winning the double in the last game of the season; [more] than perhaps the week before because we’ve ended on a high.

Haroldeans cup winning goal hero “The lads Max Barnett with Bobby Fishel

are really pleased; they deserved it because they put in the effort.

“Coming into the season we didn’t think we would be so successful, but it’s been a pleasure to manager the lads and we hope to keep it going.”

“Haroldeans were brilliant, no doubt about that, they were bang up for it and deserved the win,” said Maccabi boss Adam Kristall.

“One thing about football, consistency is the hardest thing and we were brilliant last week but could not produce the same performance.

But we’ve had a great season, better than we could have expected, so to win a cup has been great.

“We’d liked to have pulled off a cup double, but there are no complaints from us. We lost to a better side, which was disappointing, but we’ve competed with the best

Haroldeans winning the cup

and know we can challenge next season.”

An early downpour threatened to dampen proceedings, but sunshine eventually prevailed for the 25th year of the competition.

Unlike the last cup final meeting when Leeds looked sharp from

Leeds Maccabi, Shonn Trophy runners up

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the kick off, Haroldeans were up for the midfield battle and bossed proceedings.

Leeds rarely threatened the Haroldeans goal and was thankful for a solid defensive display.

After a goal-less first half Barnett broke the deadlock just after the hour.

Haroldeans completed the victory and received the trophy from Mike and Daniel Shonn.

Max Benmayor was named man of the match.

League presentations were also made to Barnett as Young Player of the Year and Premier League golden boot winner Adam Shiffman as the top goal scorer.

28 SPORTS

17 MAY 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

PREMIER LEAGUE BY JEREMY BITTON

United set to seal £70m mega deal for Madrid midfield maestro Manchester United are reportedly set to seal the first mega deal in global football this summer by luring Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez to Old Trafford from Real Madrid.

James, 25, has struggled for first-team football at the Santiago Bernabeu over the last few seasons, despite arriving as a big money signing from Monaco off the back of stunning performances at the 2014 World Cup. Rodriguez initially shone under the stewardship of Carlo Ancelotti, but a disappointing season for the Italian tactician saw him sacked a year later. Both his successor Rafa Benitez and current boss Zinedine Zidane have decided against building a team around James in the famous No.10 role, with a number of reports suggesting that neither was particularly enamoured with his questionable work rate.

This has lead the Colombian international to seek first-team football elsewhere, with a move to Man Utd this summer looking all but complete ahead of the transfer window opening on 1 July.

According to Caracol Radio, the deal with the Red Devils is estimated to be worth a massive £70m.

The deal is set to be announced by the weekend, after Real complete their domestic campaign, with Los Blancos still favourites to lift the La Liga title.

If a deal does indeed reach completion, the Real Madrid board will be more than happy, having recouped all but £3m of their outlay on James from Monaco three years ago.

It is not yet clear where Rodriguez fits into Jose Mourinho’s plans at United, with both Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan both playing in similar roles this

term. But signing a player of his undoubted talent would be a real coup, especially if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League.

After defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the final game at White Hart Lane on Sunday, Mourinho’s men can no longer reach the biggest competition in Europe through the Premier League. Instead, they must overcome Ajax in the Europa League final later this month if they hope to qualify for Europe’s elite competition.

Whatever happens, big changes are expected at both Manchester United and Real Madrid, and moving to the Premier League may just reinvigorate Rodriguez’s career in the way it has for the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas, who all left La Liga for Premier League pastures.

James Rodriguez

Hull City suffer relegation to join Sunderland and Middlesborough Hull City have been relegated from the Premier League after suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Marco Silva’s side needed to beat relegation rivals Palace away from home to garner any hopes of staying in the top flight beyond this season.

However, the nightmare of relegation struck in the South London, as they fell two goals behind before half-time, with an additional two late goals sealing their Championship fate.

The Tigers result against Crystal Palace sees them join Middlesbrough and Sunderland in tumbling down to the Championship as they were made to pay for a woeful opening half of the season.

Hull came into the campaign in a shambolic state after a pre-season takeover failed to materialise, leaving the team desperately trying to stake their claim in an

ever-competitive transfer circus.

Former manager Mike Phelan was sacked in January after going two months without a win, with the club rooted to the bottom of the table.

But just when they needed to hold their nerve, Hull cracked under the pressure as they took just four points from their next five games to leave their survival hopes hanging by a thread.

That included a damaging 2-0 home to defeat to an already-relegated Sunderland which handed the initiative to Swansea.

And that defeat ultimately proved decisive for Hull as they were unable to raise themselves for the must-win game at Palace which sealed their fate.

Speaking after the game, Hull City boss Marco Silva said: “Today we came here to play one final and we started in a bad way. It gave Palace what they wanted for

the match. They knew what was in it for them.

“We tried but conceded again and it finished the game. We tried to make changes at half-time for a small reaction. Possession is not enough. You have to take the right decisions. At this level it makes a difference.

“When the club came to me, we knew we were taking on a big risk.

But we had one target, to stay in the Premier League. We did our best to improve the boys in the team and that was our job.”

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

30 KIDS

17 MAY 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Behar - Bechukotai In Parshat Behar we learn about important mitzvot that apply in the land of Israel.

First is shemittah. The same way the seventh day of the week is Shabbat, every seventh year is a Shabbat for the land when the land gets to “rest.” There can be no planting or harvesting. Instead, anything that grows becomes free for anybody who wants to just pick and enjoy.

After seven cycles of shemittah, (7 X 7 = 49) the 50th year is called yovel, or the jubilee.

Then the Torah tells us that we shouldn’t worry that because we couldn’t plant and harvest we won’t have enough to eat during shemittah and the following year. Hashem promises that the year before shemittah - the sixth year - will produce enough food for three whole years - the sixth year, the year of shemittah, and the following year, when things won’t grow because there was no planting during shemittah.

We also learn in this parshah that it’s forbidden to charge a Jew interest. That means that when we lend someone money, we can’t take a little extra back as a thank you for doing them the favor and lending them the money.

For the following paragraph use the words on the right to fill in the missing words: In Parshat Bechukotai, we read about the promises that Hashem gives us if we keep the and do the .

• Rain will come when we need it to make the grow.

• There will be enough and everybody will eat until they are .

• We will have and security in the land of Israel.

• No wild or armies will pass through the land of Israel.

• We will be successful in our battles and over armies much larger than ours, and Hashem will be with us.

But, then the Torah tells us that if the people don’t keep the and forget about their agreement with Hashem, then many unfortunate things will happen. But even when Hashem is angry at the Jews and must punish them, He will never forget or them.

Words: Torah Mitzvot Peace Beasts Victorious Commandment Abandon Crops Food Satisfied

Arts and Crafts • • • • • • • 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

You will need: 3 pieces of white card 1 piece of any coloured card of your choice 1 black fine marker or black pen Felt tips or colouring pencils Scissors Bluetac 1 pushpin

Instructions

Take the 1st piece of white card and cut it into a large circle.

Take the 2nd piece of white card and cut it a medium size circle Take the 3rd piece of white card and cut it into a small circle.

Mark the 3 circles with a dot in the centre using your black marker or pen.

On the large and medium size circles, draw 12 lines from the dot to the end of the card to make 12 triangles. Stick the medium circle onto the large circle, ensuring that the lines of the medium circle align in the middle of the triangles on the large circle.

6. Draw four lines on the small circle from the dot to the end of the card, making four triangles. Stick the small circle on top of the medium circle, this time aligning the lines to the lines of the middle size circle. (Follow the picture for guidance).

7. Write the Hebrew months on the large circle, the English months on the medium size picture and the four seasons of the small circle. (Follow the picture for guidance).

8. Colour and decorate as you wish. You can even write the festivals that occur on the months with pictures to remind you what they’re about.

For example, draw a picture of a cheesecake for Shavuot on the month of Sivan.

9. On the large coloured card write “Now it is the Jewish month of” and the draw a large arrow facing down.

10. Put the piece of card up on the wall with Bluetac.

11. Pin the pushpin in the centre of your calendar (where the dot is) to your coloured card.

12. Move the calendar with the pushpin so that the arrow faces the month of Iyar and move as the year goes along!

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

17 MAY 2017

CUT OUT & KEEP

KIDS 31

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN JEWISH WEEKLY RECIPE BOOK

Yoghurt Banana Split Ingredients:

• Whole Milk Yoghurt (chilled in the freezer for 20 minutes before) • Bananas • Toppings of your choice • e.g. cherries, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, etc.

Method: 1. Slice one banana or more lengthways and then in half 2. With an ice cream scoop, scoop the yoghurt on the bananas 3. Sprinkle with yovur favourite toppings 4. Enjoy and share!

Prep Time: 10 minutes Gluten Free DAIRY

Did y u kn w?

Eyeballs do not grow but remain the same from when you’re born.

Eye Facts

We blink about 28,000 times every day.

Doctors have yet to find a way to transplant eyeballs.

Newborns do not produce tears. In spite of their crying sounds, babies’ tears don’t begin to flow until the babies are two weeks old or more.

Ommetaphobia is the fear of eyes.

Eyes are made up of more than two million working parts to make them fully functional.

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

The way our eyes are structured causes us to perceive things as upside down. It is the brain that corrects the vision!

If you’re in any doubt as to the truth of this, try gently pressing the bottom right side of your eyeball through your bottom eyelid—you should see a black spot appear at the top left side of your vision, proving the image has been flipped.

34 YOUTH

17 MAY 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Parshat Behar - Bechukotai In a Nutshell

In Parshat Behar, G-d communicates to Moshe the laws of shemittah (the Sabbatical year).

Every seventh year, all work on the land should cease and its produce becomes free for the taking for all. Therefore, in the seventh and eighth year, fruit or vegetables that are labelled from “Israel” can be problematic if shemittah hasn’t been kept, and therefore it’s advised not to buy produce from Israel from a supermarket in the aftermath of shemittah.

Seven Sabbatical cycles are followed by a fiftieth year — Yovel (the Jubilee

1

year), on which work on the land ceases, all indentured servants are set free, and all ancestral estates in Israel that have been sold revert to their original owners. We also learn additional laws governing the sale of lands, and the prohibitions against fraud and usury.

In Parshat Bechukotai, G-d promises that if the people of Israel will keep His commandments, they will enjoy material prosperity and dwell peacefully in Israel.

However, He also delivers a harsh “rebuke,” warning of the exile, persecution and other evils that will befall on

abandon His Chosen People.

The Parshah concludes with the instructions on how to calculate the values of

different types of pledges made to G-d, and the mitzvah of tithing produce and livestock.

10 STUDY TIPS

2

3

Give yourself enough time to study: Set out a timetable for your study schedule and don’t cram everything at the last minute.

Take breaks: Studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular breaks really helps to absorb information.

6

7

Practice old exam papers: This will give you the preparation and anticipation required.

the Jews if they abandon their covenant with Him. Nevertheless, He promises that He will never forget or

Walk before an exam: Exercise has been proven to improve your memory and brain power.

4

Eat food good for the brain: Avoid junk food and sugary products, and choose food like nuts, fish, seeds and fruit, which increase memory.

8

5

Organise study groups with friends: You may have questions that they have the answers to and vice versa. Just make sure you stay focused on the topic.

10

9

Draw diagrams and create flash cards: Visual aids can be really helpful when revising.

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

Drink plenty of water: Being well hydrated is essential for your brain to work at its best.

Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for cognitive abilities. Make sure to go to bed early and rise early.

Deal with your stress and make time to relax: Find the right balance between study and leisure. Shabbat is a great time to relax and chill out for a bit!

17 MAY 2017

YOUTH 35

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

News Bites CYBER ATTACK HITS NHS

CANCER PATIENT FULFILS WEDDING DRESS DREAM May Chen, 28, from Taiwan, has terminal breast cancer, and is single. However, neither of these facts have stopped her arranging her ideal wedding shoot.

When Chen was younger, she loved to dress up and always hoped that one day, she would be able to do her own wedding shoot when she got

married. Chen choose to fulfil her dreams by herself, as regrettably, she has been told that she doesn’t have much time to live.

Chen wanted to empower other people who are also going through very difficult times to keep positive and show them how much of life can still be rewarding and fulfilling.

BABY GIRL BORN 42,000 FEET HIGH A healthy baby girl was born at an altitude of 42,000 feet, on a Turkish Airlines flight from Conaki, Guinea to Istanbul, Turkey.

A 28-week pregnant woman, Diaby Nafi went into labour shortly after taking off. Thankfully, the cabin crew and some pasengers hepled her.

The baby girl was named on air Kadiju. They were both admitted to the hospital after the plane landed and were said to be in good health.

47 NHS trusts were affected by last Friday’s cyber attack, which resulted in operations being cancelled and patients being sent home.

Although the expert who

improved the situation says it was an accident, the anonymous researcher who goes by MalwareTech is 22 years old and lives with his parents in southwest England.

While analysing the code behind the malware, he noticed that the malware was trying to contact a web address that was not

MEGA SWARM OF JELLYFISH HITS UK Thousands of jellyfish have washed up on beaches across the UK, more than any other previous year.

The public have been warned not touch the jellyfish. Whilst they are relatively harmless they can leave a minor rash.

Hey Agony Uncle Joey,

KEEP CALM AND ASK

AGONY AUNT MIA AND AGONY UNCLE JOEY

The Jewish Weekly’s Teen Agony Aunt and Agony Uncle are here to help with all your questions, problems and difficulties. Just write your letter to teenagonyauntanduncle@thejewishweekly.com Disclaimer: All letters that are published may be edited. All letters are kept confidential and names can be changed for confidentiality upon request.

connected to a website as it had not been registered.

MalwareTech decided to spend £8.50 and claim the web address, thereby allowing him access to the analytical data which helped towards solving the worldwide problem. Amazing what you can do with £8.50!

My grandma keeps on buying me t-shirts and jumpers that I don’t like. She doesn’t seem to realise that I’ve grown up and I’m not a little kid anymore.

I once hinted to her I didn’t like something she bought and she got really offended. When she comes over she asks why I’m not wearing them, and if I were to wear them I’d feel really embarrassed in front of all my friends. I respect my grandma and don’t want to be rude to her, but at the same time I don’t want to look ludicrous!

Asher Hi Asher, Respecting your elders is a really integral part of life and sometimes can be really challenging, like the example you mentioned above. Like you mentioned, it’s a not the best idea to tell her that you don’t like something, so you have to try to think of ways that you can go around this problem without you being dressed in an awkward way in

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public.

As you don’t live in the same house, you don’t need to be wearing her gifts all the time. If you know she’s visiting one afternoon, then just put on the clothes she gave you. For the couple of hours she’s there it may make her day, and none of your friends have to see.

Remember that she’s buying the clothes to show you she loves you and cares for you. When you’ve got her at a good time, maybe tell her that you have loads of clothes and thank her for all the clothes she’s bought you in the past, but it’s not necessary for her to buy you anymore. You could mention something that you would really like, like a specific gadget or watch, and you might be lucky enough that she’ll get it for you instead of more clothing!

Happy clothing!

Joey

40 WOMEN

17 MAY 2017

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

W oman of W orth Odette Wohlman ‫ֵֽא ׁ ֶשת ַֽחיִ ל ִמי יִ ְמ ָצא‬ able to start a family due to the work of Chana. Her next event, a sushi evening, to be hosted at her house next week, has already raised £800.

The event was advertised on Facebook and sold out in 1.5 hours, with a waiting list for those who did not get a ticket.

The events have been a huge success not only in raising money for this well-deserved charity, but also for letting people in the Essex area know more about Chana and the dette Wohlman is a woman great work it does. At her first event, on a mission. Her mission two people approached the chariis to raise £10K for the ty and managed to get immediate charity Chana by the end of 2017, help and support. Odette hopes that whilst at the same time raise aware- many others will be made aware of ness of its work in the Essex area. the significant work that the charity Chana, which has offices in Hen- does. don and offers counselling in North Although currently on materniWest London, Stamford Hill and ty leave, having had her 4th child, Borehamwood, is a charity that Roni, in February, she is not taking supports couples within the Jewish it easy by any means; she is already community who are dealing with planning a casino night for 120 peothe challenge of infertility. It gives ple in November. This will be hostthem medical advice as well as a ed by the Aish Essex rabbi, Rabbi chance to talk about their situation Mendy Brukirer and his wife Gitel, through their confidential helpline. at their home, and it looks set to be “I was asked by a friend if I would another great evening. be interested in raising awareness “We have had amazing support of Chana within the Essex area, and from the local people for all our I was happy to help. I have been events so far, which has meant that blessed with four children and have every event has been sponsored, alnever had any issues with fertility, lowing us to raise as much money but there are lots of people within as possible for Chana.” the area who do not know about Event organisation may be a far Chana or what they can do for them, cry from her usual role as a project and it may be able to help them.” manager for a software company, She previously hosted a Teacember, a fundraising and awareness event held each December where people organise a tea party with friends, who can learn about Chana’s work. The Teacember raised over £600. She was keen to raise more money for the charity, as she felt that it didn’t get the support or funding of some of the larger, more well-known organisations. And so her fundraising mission began….

“Everyone knows someone who has had or may be having fertility issues, and Chana is trying very hard to enable people to access help and to break down the stigma relating to such problems. The money I am raising equates to two rounds of IVF, which potentially could give two couples the chance to have a family. This is my way of helping others.”

Her first event, a cheese and wine night, raised around £1,200, and she is confident that she will hit her target by the end of the year. It was sponsored by a couple who were

O

but she is enjoying learning along the way. Whilst she does not have a committee as such to help her, she is always very grateful when people within the community offer to take on some of the planning.

As well as organising events, she is also planning to take part in the Maccabi Fun Run in June, along with her children and her husband, Alan, to raise more money for the charity. She hopes to encourage a large group of runners from Essex to take part and to get as much sponsorships as possible, and to raise at least £1,000.

“My children understand what I am doing and are always really excited to help and be involved when they can. My husband is also really supportive.”

Odette’s involvement is very much appreciated by the Chana team, and Louisa Goott, Special Projects Manager, called her “an absolute star.”

“Odette is really helping to put Chana on the map for the Essex community. I am very confident that she can reach her goal, and all money raised will go directly to support couples through costly fertility treatments.”

As well as fundraising, Odette is also involved in a local Tehillim group, which she set up two years ago after a very close family friend in Israel was diagnosed with cancer.

This group is still going strong, with

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Raising awareness for Chana

ladies regularly davening for over in supporting the Jewish communi25 people on the list. Off the back ty in Essex. of the Tehillim group, she also set “I would say I am a doer, and if up a ‘Chat and Learn’ group, which a job needs to be done, l say let’s allows local women to develop their just do it. The thing that drives me is Jewish knowledge and raises aware- people. Seeing others get something ness of what is going on in the area. positive from a simple act gives me As if that were not enough, she also the drive to carry on.” co-ordinates a food rota, organising If you would like to sponsor meals for new mothers and those who are ill within the local Essex Odette for the Maccabi Fun Run, please go to her community.

Just Giving Page For many people, juggling a family, a house, and other responsibil- www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Odette-Wohlman ities would be enough, but Odette enjoys being busy and thrives on the chance to help others. She is al- For more information about Chana, please visit the Chana website ready looking forward to be able to raise even more money for Chana in www.chana.org.uk 2018 through running fun events, as well as continuing her involvement

17 MAY 2017

Baby walkers MUMMY

& ME

WOMEN 41

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Lauren is an experienced mother and parenting expert who is glad to answer your baby-related queries. Please visit the Woman’s Weekly section of our website if you would like to ask Lauren a question.

Dear Lauren,

Dear Lea,

Thanks for your column. I enjoyed reading the “Peaceful Sleep” column the other week. I have since purchased the Little Chick Night Light Soother, which my little girl absolutely loves, and it has made her bedtime routine so much easier.

On a separate note, I was wondering if you could give me some advice on a push-toy/walker to help my 12-month-old baby gain confidence on her feet! She’s my first child, and I’m looking forward to buying her first pair of shoes soon!

I absolutely love this age, when babies start to toddle around! It’s the cutest! The smiles on their faces as they stand on their two feet and gain confidence is just picture perfect! Giving them a stable structure to push increases confidence and encourages babies to walk quickly.

Most babies take their first steps sometime between 9 and 12 months and are walking well by the time they’re 14 or 15 months old. But don’t worry if your child takes a little longer. All babies learn at a different pace.

Make sure your baby is a more confident walker before you put them in their first shoes. Once you’ve bought them for her, make sure she walks bare-foot around the house the majority of the time as her feet still need to mould.

I have listed a few walkers that can all be used from 12 months plus (some from a younger age). Personally my favourite is the Little Tikes Light ‘n Go 3-in-1 Activity Walker, but they’re all really great!

Many thanks, Lea

FLEUR PUSHALONG PRAM

JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ £59.99 All girls will love this one!

It is beautifully made from sturdy wood and finished with pretty, delicate detail, moving smoothly over floors and carpets. Your little one won’t want to stop putting all her dollies in the pram and taking them for a walk. Even when they are very confident walkers and won’t need a walker anymore, they will still have plenty of fun!

Happy walking!

Lauren

WOBBLE TODDLE RIDE-ON MOTHERCARE £35

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE LIGHTS AND SOUNDS WALKER

Versatile and long-lasting, this easily converts from a walker into a fun ride-on. Featuring a steering wheel, gear lever, horn and musical buttons, you baby will have a lot of fun, use so much energy and be ready for bed at the end of the day! The seat also has a built-in shape sorter, complete with plastic shapes. Without doubt a great purchase!

ARGOS £44.99

I absolutely love the lights, sounds and colours on this activity ring walker. It has five musical keys and four different tunes.

Babies can play and put the balls in the hole.

The fact that the ring can come off is brilliant for when babies just want to play without the actual walker. Not to mention it even folds flat for easy storage!

LITTLE TIKES LIGHT ‘N GO 3-IN-1 ACTIVITY WALKER BABIES R US £39.99

This one will keep your little one entertained for hours! It’s a walker, standing activity table, and sit and play activity centre all in one. This walker projects lights on the ground to encourage baby to take their first steps. It features a monkey slider, peek-a-boo lion, spinning toucan ball, colour beads, an animal flipbook, jungle spinning drum, koala and parrot clickers and more! The panel slides up to become a table and folds flat for floor play too.

BOIKIDO PUSH & PULL RABBIT WAGON TESCO £49.69

Colourful and decorated with favourite characters from the BoiKido family, the Push & Play Rabbit Wagon is perfect for babies on the go who like to collect and bring along their toys, which they can put it in the box to take with them for a walk! Its robust frame provides the necessary support little ones need, and it has an integral maze on both sides of the toy that will keep your baby entertained.

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

17 MAY 2017

PARENTING 45

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

Q&A WITH JUDITH

Mrs Judith Nemeth, MBA, is the founder and director of AlPiDarko Ltd. AlPiDarko delivers courses and offers support to parents and teachers, empowering them to understand their children’s behaviour and learning so that they become the expert!

To find out about courses offered in your area email alpidarkohelp@gmail.com

Teens and studying

Q A

My teenage son is just not interested in studying; he does not seem to realise that the GCSEs are important for his future development.

This is frustrating for both of you – you can see the reality of his life and his future, and he is fed up with you nagging.

However – both behaviours are within the normal range. It’s normal for you to be concerned and normal for him to go through a period of seemingly just not caring – and this is also bound up with the culture of his peers which is either “it’s cool to study hard and get great results” or “who cares whether we get good results.”

Let’s start with your teenager.

Psychological research shows that mid-teens often show a disinterest in their future - their present is much more important to them.

Threatening them with “You’ll never get a job/qualify/become anyone special if you don’t get good GCSE grades” will just not impress him. His urgent thoughts are “Am I accepted amongst my peers?” or “How much can I party and get away without doing much work?”

In addition, brain research on the teen brain has revealed some amazing findings. We may regard

our teen as just a younger version of us who “should know better” and “should start behaving like an adult.” But he will find this very hard as his brain has not completed developing. The section of the brain that deals with his future, with recognising danger and a number of other factors has not joined up to the part of the brain that governs his behaviour and decision making – so it’s no wonder that threats about a doomed future fall on deaf ears.

That’s not to say he shouldn’t work his hardest – but nagging certainly doesn’t help, as you’ve already found out.

The best way forward is to follow these tips: • Show an interest in his studies • Show understanding that studying isn’t easy • Support the learning: ask him how you can help – Food in the fridge?! Find a quiet space?

• Does he have all the resources he needs?

• Surprise him with your gratitude in a way he’ll appreciate Creating a supportive learning environment goes much further than constant nagging…!

Managing the mornings!

Q

My mornings are horrendous. The kids are not following instructions, not listening, doing the wrong thing at the wrong time (e.g. playing when they should be getting dressed!), picking a fight with a sibling - and I am getting very frustrated.

A

Uh oh – it looks like you’ve gotten yourself into a vicious circle with your children, whereby they not only know how to wriggle out of what they’re supposed to do but also have you running around them in that pressure-pot time before leaving for school.

In addition, the children have now probably forgotten what they’re supposed to be doing – even though you’re reminding them – as the morning environment of your house gives the clue as to how they should behave – and that “clue” is louder than your voice!

So, in order to bring about change, you need to change the environment and let them feel the consequence of their behaviour.

This is how one Mum recorded just this in her journal after the Al PI Darko session on “Effective

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

Discipline” (reprinted with her permission).

“I backed off immediately the following morning and said nicely ‘I’m going downstairs, whenever you are ready please follow me downstairs for breakfast.’ I reminded them of what time we need to leave home to be in school on time and told them how long they have left if they intend to have breakfast.”

Well, it took the children sometime to realise she meant business, and… “…by the time they came down I was wearing my coat and it was time to leave. I simply said, ‘It’s time to go now. Sorry kids, too late for breakfast this morning.”

Chavi felt awful as she was sending the children to school without breakfast (but she did ensure they had a filling and healthy snack for break!), but this was a logical consequence for not being ready on time.

The next day, the behaviour followed a very similar pattern, but something magical happened on the third day: “By the third morning, everyone was dressed, ready and organised early. I took a surprise with me to the car and made a big deal over their incredible accomplishment, individually and as a group.”

Children learn their behaviour from the environment that currently exists. Change the environment, change the child.

46 MUSIC

THE JEWISH WEEKLY

17 MAY 2017

A holistic culture experience at Aldeburgh Music Festival Hannah Harnest was born in New York in 1985 and grew up in Munich and Paris. She is a professionally trained pianist, having played internationally as a soloist and chamber music partner, and holds Masters degrees from the London School of Economics and the Royal Academy of Music, London. She currently works as a principal instrumental and vocal coach within the music department of the University of Edinburgh, and starting from the summer of 2017, she will take up studies at the prestigious School of Journalism at Columbia University New York.

BY HANNAH HARNEST In the summer, the barley fields at Snape Maltings gently sway in the small breeze that occasionally comes up from the sea at Aldeburgh. The surrounding county of Suffolk, and especially its coastal line, indeed boast some of England’s most beautiful scenery.

Britain’s most prolific 20th century composer, Benjamin Britten, was born nearby in Lowestoft in 1913. Together with the tenor Peter Pears and the librettist/producer Eric Crozier, they founded a yearly classical music festival, which took place for the first time in the Jubilee Hall in Aldeburgh in 1948.

The key to understanding Britten’s music lies in the inspiration that this region gave to him - with its bleak as well as enchanting nature,

and the then-majority of good and simple-minded craftsmen working there. Two of Britten’s most famous operas – Billy Budd and Peter Grimes – were composed right there in one of his homes at the seaside, and at this year’s festival, Opera North will stage an unprecedented production of Billy Budd on 25 June.

From its inception, the festival exhibited an eclectic range of music – from the classics, such as Bach, Haydn, and Mozart, to more avant-garde 20th century music like Berg, Schoenberg, Boulez, Webern, Copland, Dutilleux, Lutoslawski, to regular premières of Britten’s works, and to new commissions from composers such as Lennox Berkeley, Richard Rodney Bennett, Elliott Carter, Hans Werner Henze and Alfred Schnittke.

Between 9 and 25 June 2017, the international Aldeburgh Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary in its current venue in Snape Maltings – a former industrial building for the production of malt which was uniquely converted into

Opening weekend of a previous festival

(words adapted from Shakespeare the current most impressive ones folk-like Microkosmos.

On 19 June, the great cellist Ste- by the composer and Peter Pears) are Barbara Hepworth’s Family of Man (1970) and Henry Moore’s ven Isserlis will present works by on 14 June. The production of this Bridge, Britten, Kurtág, Schumann opera opened Snape Maltings Hall Reclining Figure (1961/69).

The choice of Artistic Director and Thomas Adès. Referring to back in 1967.

When it comes to the Aldeburgh has always reflected the founders’ his composition Lieux retrouvés, desire to create a place where new, Adès says that “I don’t know why Festival’s reputation in the world, revolutionary and epoch-making it is that the cello of all instruments the New York Times has described music would be created. The French makes one dream of elsewhere it as “a festival so broadly rich in interest that it ranks among the finpianist Pierre Laurent-Aimard took when one hears it.”

Another recommendable event est in the world.” over from British composer, pianist and conductor Thomas Adès will be the performance of Britin 2009. Aimard is a proponent of ten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream contemporary music and is It is quite a holistic known for his imaginative and unforgettable concert proexperience to attend g r a m m i n g .

BY YITZCHOK MORDFIELD This year, he an event at Snape has chosen to Maltings present a recital This is the second album by the talented Kol Noar Boys Choir. Im Lavan, which is around the vargroup A.K.A Pella. This CD was released in originally sung by Lev Tahor and is from ious forms of 2006, and for a vocals-only CD it is amaz- Lev Tahor IV, features an amazing intro. a world-famous arts complex in the dance, rangThe next song slows things down a bit. ing. As well as the drums, the boys from 1967, with several variably-sized ing from Bach’s A.K.A Pella can produce different musical This is Refa’ainu, which is originally sung concert halls and two nice antique keyboard suites instruments such as electric guitar, all with by Lev Tahor and is from Lev Tahor II. shops. It is quite a holistic and un- and Schubert’s Another extensive use of electric guitars is their mouths. forgettable experience to attend an lilting Ländler Track 1 Lechah, originally sung by The on my favourite song of the album, VehavChopin’s event at Snape Maltings, because to Chevra from the album The Chevra II, iainu. The CD finishes off with a beautiful you experience culture on so many waltzes and maleaves the listener amazed by what can be rendition of Umachah, which is originally levels. Artists have repeatedly zurkas, Schudone with just voices and wondering what from Yehuda!’s album Oh Yerushalayim. exhibited their sculptures in the mann’s CarnaThis CD is definitely one to listen to again other surprises the album has. surrounding park, and amongst val and Bartok’s Track 2 slows things down with Gadol, and again. originally sung by Shalsheles from Shalsheles II. Track 3 Ranenu sounds very much like the original version sung by Avi, Dovid The Jewish Weekly and Donny. This track features an extensive use of the vocals for their electric guitar office@thejewishweekly.com solo. editorial@thejewishweekly.com Bo’u slows things down a bit. This song is originally sung by The Alumni. Ekrah has letters@thejewishweekly.com pure vocals and the original song is from advertising@thejewishweekly.com Shalsheles. subscriptions@thejewishweekly.com Ivdu is originally sung by The Hamsa Boys and starts an uplifting beat for the London tel. 0203 906 8488 next three tracks. This includes Na’ar HayiManchester tel. 0161 804 1321 si, which also features an appearance by the

A.K.A Pella II

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