The Jewish Weekly Issue 314 - February 22nd

over Gaza vote

BY DAVID SAFFER

There were chaotic scenes in Parliament last night at the time of going to press as Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle was forced to apologise to MPs for allowing the Labour party’s ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire’ amendment to the SNP’s Gaza ceasefire motion.

The Labour amendment was ‘nodded through’ after the Conservative Party refused to take part. This meant the SNP motion could not be voted upon. Hours of debate saw SNP MPs walk out of Commons.

Hoyle’s ‘political’ action to help Labour leader Keir Starmer is sure to have ramifications in the coming days.

In Israel, the Knesset yesterday sent a clear message to world leaders they will oppose a Palestinian State as part of any ‘ceasefire’ deal when 99 of 120 MKs backed a fiercely debated resolution.

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Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle PHOTO: PA Israel Real Estate Supplement, see page 21

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An official Knesset statement noted: “Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition following the massacre of October 7 will give a huge reward to terrorism that was unprecedented and will prevent any future peace settlement.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “The Knesset united against the attempt to dictate to us the establishment of a Palestinian state, a dictate which would not only not bring peace but would endanger the State of Israel. The members of the house are united as the people are united in a way that was never before.” He added: “The vote today sends a clear message to the international community.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of diverting attention from domestic matters.

Addressing Israeli citizens earlier this week, Netanyahu said: “Israel will maintain full security control over all areas west of the Jordan River. Of course, this includes Judea and Samaria, and the Gaza Strip. Even those with different views agree that after October 7, we ourselves must make decisions regarding our existence and our future.”

The IDF, meanwhile, have announced an investigation into the brutal October 7 massacre of 1,200 people by Hamas.

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said an investigation will take place across IDF units. The Operations Directorate, Southern Command, Gaza Division and Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 8200 will conduct an internal analysis by the end of February.

A full investigation will take several months. No timeframe is in place as the five month conflict in Gaza continues. The IDF’s internal inquiry centres on operational changes. A review of the IDF’s actions before October 7 is on hold. The process does not include political leadership policies.

Israeli politicians continue to rebuff global pressure to agree a ‘temporary ceasefire’ whilst fighting on multiple fronts in the Gaza Strip to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure.

During an IDF operation on Tuesday, the Paratrooper Brigade combat team uncovered weaponry at a UN school in Khan Yunis. Troops seized AK-47s, warheads, grenades, RPGs and ammunition and Hamas uniforms.

Israel’s intentions remain clear on the battle front as War cabinet member Benny Gantz this week warned Hamas the Rafah ground offensive would begin by March 10 unless all hostages were freed.

The IDF announced the death of Staff Sgt. Avraham Wovagen, 21, of the Nahal Brigade’s 932nd Battalion, from Netanya while battling Hamas in Gaza yesterday.

IDF casualties since the ground war in Gaza began is 237 and 576 since the conflict with Hamas began.

The US has increasingly voiced concern of a Rafah ground offensive whilst calling for a ‘temporary ceasefire’ in Gaza when ‘practicable’ in a resolution to the UN Security Council.

Their resolution notes: ‘Under current circumstances a major ground offensive into Rafah would result in further harm to civilians and their further displacement including potentially into neighbouring countries.’

Your Satisfaction, Our Triumph:

UN, said it was not the right time while UK counterpart, Barbara Woodward, said the plan could make a ceasefire “less likely”.

Prince William joined the ceasefire calls appealing to Hamas to release every hostage in captivity and said the “sheer scale of human suffering” had brought home a need for peace.

“I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack (on Israel) on 7 October,” he said in a statement. “Too many have been killed.”

In response to Prince William, Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said: “Israelis of course want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible, and that will be possible once the 134 hostages are released, and once the Hamas terror army threatening to repeat the October 7 atrocities is dismantled.”

A formula for the release of all hostages and humanitarian assistance at scale has to be agreed.

The motion needs nine votes and no vetoes by the US, France, the UK, Russia and China to be enacted.

China has criticised the US vetoing an Algerian-proposed resolution for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ to the UN Security Council. The vote gained 13 of 15 votes. The UK abstained.

The White House said the Algerian resolution would jeopardise US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar talks.

France’s UN envoy Nicolas de Rivière expressed regret, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the

Kensington Palace added that Britain’s Foreign Office were briefed about William’s statement.

Netanyahu has been resolute in addresses to troops across Israel.

Speaking at Zikim Base, an IDF Sky Rider Unit this week, he said: “There is considerable pressure on Israel at home and abroad to stop the war before we achieve all of its goals, including a deal at any price to free the hostages. We very much want to achieve another release and we are prepared to go far but we are not prepared to pay any price, certainly not the delusional prices that Hamas is demanding of us, the meaning of which is the defeat of the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu added: “We are committed to continuing the war until we achieve all of our goals… eliminating Hamas, releasing all of the hostages and ensuring that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel. There is no pressure, none, that can change this.”

Regarding the fate of hostages, Israel’s Coordinator for Captives and Missing Persons Gal Hirsch spoke with CNN at the Munich Security Conference in Germany last weekend.

Noting Israel had no interest in harming innocent Gazans, a military operation was non-negotiable.

He observed: “Rafah has many people there that Hamas is using right now as human shields. We are doing our best, everything possible, to avoid collateral damage. But Rafah must be next because we must release our hostages.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed US Senators

PHOTO: GPO

Birth certificate defaced

BY ADAM MOSES

A Jewish child’s birth certificate for a passport application was returned to parents defaced from the Home Office earlier this month.

The certificate was ripped with the father’s birth place, Israel, scribbled out with a pen. The Home Office are investigating the disturbing incident.

The father-of-three from Edgware, north London, said his wife and family, who have not been identified, are stunned. The family do not wish to be identified.

He reportedly told MailOnline: ‘We felt as if we had been taken back to 1930’s Germany where the Nazis would put notes on Jewish people’s documentation.

‘The Home Office is in charge of our safety as a minority in the UK and they deal with our most private documents but instead of sending us back the certificate in the right way someone within their system has scribbled out Israel because they have hostile feeling.”

The family contacted Campaign Against Anti-Semitism who contacted the Home Office. The certificate is not valid, the family must wait for the Home Office to re-send a replacement. The father has called for the person responsible to be removed from the Home Office and Government to apologise.

He reportedly noted: ‘If this is the environment within the Home Office this is not a place we want to live. We are just as British as everyone else.’

A CAA spokesperson said: “This is completely unacceptable. When sending off a passport application to the Home Office, the last thing one should ever expect is to have their child’s birth certificate returned, torn, with their child’s place of birth scribbled out, just because it is the Jewish state.

“We are assisting the parents, who are understandably very concerned

about this incident. We are also asking the Home Office to investigate how this happened. The Home Office has responsibility for law enforcement and the security of the Jewish community and the wider public. Confidence in the authorities among British Jews is at painfully low levels and must be restored.”

CST publicised a report documenting the surge in antisemitism since the start of the war with Hamas last week. Weekly incidents are reported in the media.

A well known statue celebrating the life of singer Amy Winehouse in Camden Market has been vandalised.

hate-incidents since the October 7 terror attack.

Sadly politicians make inappropriate posts. Liberal Democrat councillor Pat Marsh was the latest earlier this week to have offensive antisemitic remarks removed.

CAA noted the posts include rhetoric such as “no wonder people are becoming anti-Jewish.”

Within hours, the Lib Dems responded: “These appalling antisemitic views have no place in our party. Ms Marsh has been removed from the council group and has been reported to the Council’s Standard Officer.”

A CAA spokesperson commended the Lib Dems on its “swift and decisive handling” of the allegations.

boycott his venue and threat on social media to firebomb his home.

CAA and CST are supporting the victim.

A CAA spokesperson said: “This is harrowing. That a Jewish man has to step down from the business he has spent years building up in order to secure his and his family’s safety is indicative of how dire the situation is in Britain right now.

“Incidents like these, where Jews are victims of targeted harassment must be met with a fierce police response. More than six in ten British Jews have either personally experienced or witnessed an antisemitic incident since October 7 or know somebody who has, and this is what it can look like.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism described the incident antisemitic.

“So much for the ‘this is just criticism of Israel’ excuse we hear so often from antisemites who are too cowardly or ignorant to admit what they are,” said a CAA spokesman.

“Right now, 69% of British Jews say that they are less likely to show visible signs of their Judaism right now. When even a statue of a Jewish person can’t get away with it, is that any surprise?”

British Jewry has experienced a wave of

CAA added: “These alleged posts, which include the claim the ‘Jews are horrendous’ and ‘evil’ as well as several disgusting references to blood libel, serve as a troubling reminder of how deep-rooted prejudiced views like these still are. This is why it is crucial that political parties handle cases of antisemitism with immediacy and zero-tolerance.”

In other incidents, CAA have also reported that a Jewish nightclub owner in East London has stepped down as a director following threats to him and his family.

The Metropolitan Police Service is investigating a targeted harassment campaign.

The businessman received a package with a note calling him a ‘Zionist child killer’, children’s clothes drenched in fake blood, graffiti of his name calling to

CAA added: “Those who are responsible must be brought to justice. We are continuing to support the victim along with CST. Anyone with information should do the right thing and step forward.”

The former E1 nightclub director said: “This insidious campaign constitutes little more than a concerted effort to intimidate myself and my family. I am also incredibly concerned for the nightclub’s hardworking staff, who have done nothing to deserve this continued harassment. Since October 7, Jews and Israelis living in Britain have faced an endless torrent of antisemitic hate. That day, my life changed. I lost family members and friends, whom I miss dearly. My happy life running a nightclub ended.

“Immediately after the Hamas terrorist atrocities, I went to Israel for humanitarian reasons and to be with my family. I did a lot of good as a medic, I helped Israelis and Palestinians. Four months later, I returned to Britain, but working at the club during this time became impossible.

“I resigned as a director of E1. I pray for more a tolerant society and for a better future for everyone.”

Israel won’t recognise ICJ hearing

BY HARRY SIMONS

Israel will not recognise the International Court of Justice advising on the ‘legality’ of Israel’s ‘occupation’ of Judah and Samaria.

Israel has submitted a written argument to the Palestinian Authority case but will not be present at the hearing. Israel does not accept the ICJ jurisdiction on a ‘political’ matter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office released a statement: ‘Israel does not recognise the legitimacy of the proceedings regarding ‘the legality of the occupation’.’

The Office added: ‘The case is an effort designed to infringe on Israel’s right to defend itself against existential threats.

The proceedings in The Hague are part of the Palestinian attempt to dictate the results of the diplomatic settlement without negotiations. We will continue to reject this, the Government and the Knesset are united in rejecting this unacceptable course of action.’

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “By hurling false accusations and creating a fundamentally distorted reality, the Palestinian Authority is trying to turn a conflict that should be resolved through direct negotiations and without external impositions into a one-sided and improper legal process designed to adopt an extremist and distorted narrative according to which the Palestinians have no responsibilities and Israel has no rights, which has nothing to do with justice.

“The Court should refrain from participating in this media circus and determine that the Palestinians should return to the existing legal frameworks in order to resolve the conflict through direct negotiations between the parties.”

Fifty two states and three international organisations will present evidence against Israel. A judgement is expected to take several months.

Addressing Israeli citizens earlier this week, Netanyahu said a Palestinian state would endanger Israel’s existence.

He noted: “My position has been, and remains, clear. It has only been reinforced since the terrible massacre of October 7. With or without a permanent settlement, Israel will maintain full security control over all areas west of the Jordan River. Of

course, this includes Judea and Samaria, and the Gaza Strip. Even those with different views agree that after October 7, we ourselves must make the decisions regarding our existence and our future; therefore, I call on all of the Zionist parties to vote in favour of the proposal that we are submitting to the Knesset.”

The hearing follows South Africa’s ‘genocide’ case at the ICJ last month when Netanyahu insisted Israel’s commitment to international law was “unwavering”.

The ICJ did not call for an immediate ceasefire but ruled Israel must act to prevent acts of genocide.

Netanyahu’s government had a month to report back with a plan.

A sticker of a Palestinian Authority flag covering the Star of David on the statue has been removed.

Israel being the place of birth crossed out

Herzog presents antisemitism in Munich

BY DAVID SAFFER

President Isaac Herzog addressed the 2024 Munich Security Conference last Saturday.

Speaking in conversation with David Ignatius of the Washington Post, Herzog disclosed evidence of Hamas’ antisemitic ideology and hatred towards Jews discovered by Israeli forces operating deep in Gaza.

In a wide ranging discussion Herzog presented antisemitic texts and overviewed ongoing efforts to free hostages still alive and return the remains of an undermined number killed by the terror group.

Herzog also spoke about his meeting with Prime Minister al Thani of Qatar.

Herzog stunned delegates when he showed them a book found in a home in the Alfarkan region of Gaza titled ‘The End of the Jews’ by Hamas co-founder Dr Mahmoud al-Zahar, former Palestinian

Jews’. It also includes age-old blood libels of Jews and antisemitic tropes.

Herzog, who reiterated Hamas’ objective of eliminating the Jewish people and October 7 terror attack, said al-Zahar was a well known political figure of Hamas.

He said: “This book first of all says we should not recognise the fact that there are Jews and Jewish people, but most predominantly it hails the Holocaust. It hails what the Nazis have done, and calls for nations to follow what the Nazis have done.”

Noting that the conference was Germany’s capital, he observed: “On the outskirts of Munich, there’s Dachau concentration camp. Tens of thousands of our nation of Jews were slaughtered in Dachau and that’s the problem. We have to have a coalition of all the moderate forces in the world, fighting this ideology, and the moderate forces in the world include many Sunni countries because they will be attacked by the same jihadist as well.”

Herzog was accompanied at the conference by Raz Ben Ami, Adi Shoham and Aviva Segal, who were released from captivity and families of hostages.

Meetings with world leaders centred on political pressure for the return of hostages held by Hamas.

received yet or by some of them, but most of them we don’t know.”

He added, “The most important thing for everybody is to understand if one wants to move on and find a horizon and this dire situation, which was initiated by Hamas in cruelty of unprecedented record, the worst atrocity against Jews since World War Two, one has to resolve the issue of the hostages and bring them back home safely and as soon as possible.”

Herzog met US Vice President Kamala Harris and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Herzog thanked Harris, President Joe Biden and the White House administration for “steadfast support” of Israel.

The immediate and unconditional return of the hostage is Israel’s main focus, he said.

Herzog updated Steinmeier on the Re’em junction terror attack near Gedera in southern Israel, which saw Sgt. First Class (res.) Ori Yaish, H’yd, 27, from Modiin and yeshiva student Yishai Gertner, killed. The terrorist was neutralised by an armed civilian.

They also discussed the release of hostages and background of Israel’s legal and diplomatic opposition to the lawsuit in The Hague.

The “humanitarian efforts” made was a testament to Israel’s compliance with

international law, he said.

Herzog thanked Steinmeier for Germany’s support of Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.

Steinmeier noted Germany’s commitment for the return of hostages.

First Lady Michal Herzog participated in a panel dealing with the use of gender-based violence as a weapon in conflict following the October 7 terror attack.

She also attended an event calling for the return of hostages from captivity with representatives of families.

The conference was attended by the Coordinator for Hostages and Missing, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz and senior officials.

The hate-filled publication has a cover of swords and daggers piercing a Stars of David, and Jews drowning in a sea of blood.

The narrative glorifies the persecution of Jews in Europe and praises the Nazis. Chapters include ‘The world’s burning hatred for the Jews’, ‘The general corruption of the Jews’ and ‘Reasons to expel the

Following his meeting with al Thani, Herzog said: “It was a good discussion, I think he’s doing major efforts and devoting an enormous focus on this issue. It’s complicated, it’s difficult. One has to make sure that we know whether there is anybody who takes decisions on the other side. After all, you’re dealing with people who are being hidden and scattered all around Gaza, mostly in the tunnels and we have to know their whereabouts, we are worried about the medication that came in and according to our data and information, it hasn’t been

Flights to Israel

BY MALCOLM GINSBERG

El Al continues to fly twice daily (except Shabbat) from Heathrow to Tel Aviv and also Luton reports Jewish Weekly travel Editor Malcolm Ginsberg. Availability in Economy is limited and expensive unless booked far ahead.

The Luton Tel Aviv route in the past has proved to be very popular.

Wizz is to reintroduce from Luton to Ben Gurion on 2 March and will fly three times a week.

EasyJet is now indicating a four times per week service starting 25 March.

British Airways plans to return on 1 April with just four flights per week, outbound flights stopping in Larnaca for 45 minutes for a crew change.

Airbus A320 aircraft will be used rather than the more comfortable

Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

At the present time easyJet is indicating a four times per week service from 25 March, but Luton only.

Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that flights to Tel Aviv will remain suspended until at least 5 September.

For cheaper and more available services Israel-bound travellers can now connect via most European gateway airports and connect with Arkia and Israir.

Authority Foreign Minister.

Herzog with US Vice President Kamala Harris PHOTO: GPO

President Herzog shows conference an antisemitic book

PHOTO: GPO

The Airbus A320 has proved a popular choice on the easyJet Luton - Tel Aviv route

BY ADAM MOSES

Jewish organisations have responded to CST’s annual Antisemitic Incidents Report 2023.

Campaign Against Antisemitism said the Jewish community had experienced an “explosion” of antisemitic hate crimes in recent months.

StandWithUs UK added that the major catalyst of modern antisemitism is the hatred of Zionism and Israel.

A record 4,103 anti-Jewish hate incidents took place across the UK, a total increase of 147% on 2022.

The surge of antisemitism followed the October 7 terror attack by Hamas on Israel.

Two thirds of incidents occurred on or after 7 October. Figures peaked on October 11 with 80 cases of anti-Jewish hate, the highest incident total for a single day recorded. The week after October 7 saw 416 antisemitic incidents, higher than any week on record.

A CAA spokesman said: “It is particularly notable that the surge in anti-Jewish racism began in the immediate wake of October 7, indisputably demonstrating that antisemites in the UK were emboldened by Hamas’s massacre of Jews. That is why we are seeing what we are seeing on our streets and campuses, in workplaces and cultural institutions and online.

“There is a sickness in our country, and the sclerotic and overly-generous reaction of our criminal justice system shows that our institutions have utterly failed to grasp the gravity of the threat that our society faces right now.”

The findings for StandWithUs UK confirmed what they had seen on the ground before October 7 and at a greater rate since the atrocities of Hamas.

“Anti-Zionism has become one of the most significant platforms to generate hatred towards Jewish people and incite violence against them,’” a spokesman noted. “No civilised society can tolerate this form of hatred, which attacks the very freedom and values to which we all hold dear. If our country does not stop this disease from spreading, then it will overcome and destroy us all.

“Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l said it very clearly… ‘Antisemitism is a virus that mutates, so that new antisemites can deny they are antisemites at all, because their hate is different from the old. In the Middle Ages Jews were hated for their religion. In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, they were hated for their race. Today, they are hated for their nation state, Israel.’

“We shall continue to support Israel and fight antisemitism in all of its ugly forms. We will not allow hatred of Jewish people and the only Jewish state on this

planet to become an acceptable normality, and we will continue to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it.”

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers co-authored an All-Party Parliamentary Group against Antisemitism report in 2006 and has spoken up in Parliament for the Jewish community.

Villiers condemned the increase in antisemitic incidents revealed by a report.

Responding to the CST findings, she said: “This increase in antisemitic incidents is shocking and appalling. No one should be attacked, abused or harassed because of their faith or ethnicity. It is absolutely repellent that this upsurge in antisemitism started to occur on the day of the Hamas terror atrocity.

We must all redouble our efforts to stamp out anti-Jewish racism wherever it occurs. Social media has become a place where hatred can thrive and it is important that all elected representatives speak out against antisemitism and racism wherever it occurs. Never has it felt so important to be able to raise these issues in Parliament and speak up both for the Jewish community and for Israel.”

Villiers has urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to maintain the UK’s support for Israel during the Gaza conflict and has kept up the pressure for hostage release.

Every aspect of UK Jewish life has been affected including at schools and

universities.

The Hamas attack and conflict has shaped language used in anti-Jewish incidents, geographical locations and types of people carrying them out. Alarmingly, almost a fifth of the recorded incidents involved perpetrators under the age of 18, highlighting the urgent need for education and intervention.

The report observed that, for the first time, at least one antisemitic incident was recorded in every single police region in the UK in the course of one year, demonstrating how widespread the problem has become.

CST Chief Executive Mark Gardner said British Jews were strong and resilient, but the explosion of hatred in schools, universities, workplaces, on the streets and social media was an “absolute disgrace”.

“Our community is being harassed, intimidated, threatened and attacked by extremists who also oppose society as whole,” he said.

Gardner recognised the support of the government and police.

He added: “This is a challenge for everyone and we condemn the stony silence from those sections of society that eagerly call out racism in every other case, except when it comes to Jew hate.”

Katz brands Lula ‘persona non grata’

BY DAVID SAFFER

Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is not welcome in Israel after comparing the IDFs military campaign in Gaza to Adolf Hitler’s extermination of the Jews during the Holocaust.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared Katz ‘persona non grata’ during a tour of Yad Vashem with Brazilian Ambassador to Israel Frederico Meyer last Sunday.

Katz is keeping his stance until Lula apologises for the shocking analogy.

“We will not forget and we will not forgive,” Katz said. “This is a serious antisemitic attack. In my name, and in the name of the citizens of the State of Israel, inform President Lula that he is an unwanted personality in Israel until he retracts. I brought you to a place that testifies more than anything else to what the Nazis and Hitler did to the Jews, including my family

members.”

“The comparison between Israel’s just war against Hamas, and the atrocities of Hitler and the Nazis, is a shame and disgrace and a serious antisemitic attack,” Katz added.

The Brazilian president, also accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.

“What’s happening in the Gaza Strip isn’t a war, it’s a genocide,” Lula told reporters in Addis Ababa during an African Union summit.

“It’s not a war of soldiers against soldiers. It’s a war between a highly prepared army and women and children. What’s happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people hasn’t happened at any other moment in history. Actually, it has happened, when Hitler decided to kill the Jews.”

Brazil’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Israel’s Ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, for a meeting in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil have recalled Meyer as a diplomatic spat escalates.

Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu said Lula had “trivialised the Holocaust” and “crossed a red line”, adding that Lula was a “virulent antisemite.”

“The words of the President of Brazil are shameful and alarming,” Netanyahu said. “This is about trivialising the Holocaust and trying to harm the Jewish people and Israel’s right to defend itself.”

“Comparing Israel to the Nazi Holocaust and Hitler is crossing a red line,” Netanyahu added. “Israel fights for its defense and securing its future until complete victory and it does so while upholding international law.”

He added that Brazil’s envoy has been summoned for a “stern reprimand.”

President Isaac Herzog spoke 24 hours after a presentation at the Munich Security Conference where he showed delegates a book from Gaza glorifying Hitler’s ideology.

He observed: “Israeli soldiers are fighting a cruel terrorist organisation which has as its stated goal the annihilation of the Jewish state, and advocates the suppression of other faiths and communities, and brutally continues to hold 134 babies, women, and men hostage in the dungeons of Gaza. And yet, there are still leaders who atrociously accuse the nation-state of the Jewish people of the evil of Hitler’s deeds.”

Herzog added: “I utterly condemn such

accusations and the immoral distortion of history, and call on all world leaders to join me in condemning such actions unequivocally.”

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant brandished Lula’s comments “outrageous and abhorrent”.

“Brazil has stood with Israel for years,” he wrote, adding, “President Lula supports a genocidal terrorist organisation, Hamas, and in doing so brings great shame to his people, and violates the values of the free world.”

Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan said Lula’s statements exhibited “clear antisemitism” based on the IHRA definition.

Dayan was outraged Lula compared Israel’s actions against a terror group behind the massacre of 1,200 people and Nazi atrocities who systematically exterminated six million Jews.

Dayan called for “unequivocal’ condemnation against Lula, adding it was ”extremely disappointing” the Brazilian leader had blatantly resorted to the Holocaust and propagating antisemitic sentiments in a “blatant manner”.

Lula backed South Africa’s case of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice last year.

Whilst Lula condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel as a “terrorist” act, he has crossed a ‘red’ line that will take time to rectify diplomatically.

President of Brazil

PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

European groups blast ECHR

BY HARRY SIMONS

Jewish organisations across the world have condemned The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg upholding a ruling on the religious slaughter of animals without pre-slaughter stunning.

The Strasbourg court unanimously ratified a ban in Belgium regions Flemish and Walloon.

The ruling relates to Article 9 (right to freedom of religion) and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the ECHR.

World Jewish Congress said the ruling could be a “terminal” obstacle to European Jewish communal life, the Conference of European Rabbis labelled the decision a “black day for Europe” while the European Jewish Congress expressed “deep concern” for viable Jewry.

Shechita UK referenced the decision to a classic English sitcom from decades ago, the European Jewish Association said citizens had less rights to freedom of religion and worship than animals.

“The ruling is a continued manoeuvre to discriminate against Belgium’s Jewish and Muslim citizens,” said World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder. “By Prohibiting religious slaughter without stunning, the Court of Justice of European Union has placed a potentially terminal obstacle to continued Jewish communal life in Europe. This is not a matter of animal welfare, but the suppression of religious

freedom and liberty that is guaranteed in the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights.”

He added: “As antisemitism continues to surge in Europe and around the world, we cannot let instances of religious persecution like this go unchallenged. The European Union must reverse this ill-advised decision so that Jews, and other minority religions, can practice their beliefs without restrictions.”

“The ECHR has decided that animal rights are more important than human rights,” noted CER President Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt. “The decision is disappointing but not unexpected.”

He added: “The CER consistently opposed joining in an action at the ECHR. What should have been left as a self inflicted wound on the Belgian community should never have been brought to Strasbourg. The Jewish and Muslim communities of Europe will continue to fight for religious freedoms and equality in Europe. That task is now made all the harder.”

whether Jews have a future in Europe.”

“This decision proves that basic European Union legislation allowing member states to derogate from the protection of Shechita and impose selective bans does not protect minority communities in Europe and their religious practices.”

Muzicant called on the European Commission and European Parliament to enact legislation to “protect” fundamental rights and give real meaning to long-stated claims they foster Jewish life in Europe.

“We are already seeing attempts across Europe to follow this Belgian ban, now sadly legitimised by the ECHR,” Muzicant said. “Jewish communities in Europe, now more than ever, need the protection of national governments and pan-European organisations to ensure that thousands of years of Jewish life on this continent do not come to an abrupt end.”

verdict is that the rights of these citizens to freedom of religion and worship are even less than that of animals.

Margolin added that the decision would cause “serious damage to the fabric of life throughout the continent.”

Israel’s Ambassador to Belgium Idit Rosenzweig-Abu called the ruling “catastrophic” to Jewish life in Europe.

“The protection of animal welfare constitutes an ethical value to which contemporary democratic societies attach increasing importance and that should be taken into account when assessing restrictions placed on the external manifestation of religious convictions,” the court’s seven judges wrote in an opinion.

The decision followed a challenge by Muslim groups to regulations implemented in two of Belgium’s three regions five years ago.

Jewish and Muslim communities in Belgium opposed the regulations as a breach of religious rights.

EJC President Dr. Ariel Muzicant said: “Restrictions on fundamental aspects of Jewish religious freedom of expression, coupled with a background of massive increases in antisemitic attacks on Jewish communities, lead us to seriously consider

“Monty Python is alive and well, in Strasbourg,” said Shechita UK Shimon Cohen. “The ECHR has just ruled that although banning Shechita does infringe on religious freedom, animal rights are more important. You couldn’t make this up!”

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, European Jewish Association chairman, noted: “The implied determination of the distorted

The argument centres on Shechita and Muslim d’biha.

The bans added Belgium to a number of EU countries including Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Slovenia.

In 2011, the Netherlands joined the list, but reversed the ban within a year, citing freedom of worship. Poland outlawed ritual slaughter in 2013 but backtracked to include meat for export.

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt

Let my people know™ — Discover your story with the Steinsaltz Daily Study App and Portal

BY ROSALLY SALTSMAN

Throughout the millennia Jewish learning has always been valued and encouraged. The Torah is our lifeline and our way of life. In recent decades, enormous strides have been made in expanding Jewish scholarship by trying to make learning more accessible, understood and convenient. The Steinsaltz Center, which produced the well-known elucidated and translated English Talmud, has made all Jewish texts accessible in the most convenient format, which allows learning at your own pace, in your own time, and anywhere you want with its newly designed Daily Study App and Portal.

“Together, we are making significant strides in democratizing access to Jewish knowledge and empowering individuals to explore and engage with the rich traditions and teachings of our heritage,” says Rabbi Meni Even-Israel of the Steinsaltz Center.

Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, ztz”l, although being a scion of the Slonimer rabbinic dynasty, did not receive a religious upbringing. His son, Rabbi Meni Even-Israel points out, that Torah learning was important to the family, nonetheless. Rabbi Steinsaltz became a Ba’al Teshuvah in his teens, and not only became a great Torah scholar but a conduit for thousands of others to embrace Jewish practice as well.

Among his many pursuits, Rabbi Steinsaltz went to help Jews in the Soviet Union, becoming the spiritual mentor of Russian Jewry, when Jews who were denied permission to emigrate to Israel suffered under Communist rule and were forced to learn Torah in secret. Later, he opened the first Yeshiva in post-Communist Russia.

Rabbi Steinsaltz’s credo was, “Let My People Know.” His many commentaries and translations into English have made the treasury of the Jewish liturgy accessible to the modern era English speaker. He had a vision that every Jew, everywhere, would be able to learn about their heritage no matter how distant it seemed they were from it.

Rabbi Steinsaltz’s efforts for the yet unlearned or unaffiliated have had amazing benefits for all Jews, regardless of their level of observance, especially through his translation of the Talmud.

The Center has just gone further in bringing Rabbi Steinsaltz’s translations and elucidations on the ancient Jewish texts to everyone via the Steinsaltz Daily Study App and Portal with many options to study from – Amud Yomi, Daily Humash, Daily Mishnah, among a wealth of Jewish sources. You can literally tap into his legacy and enhance your Torah learning by using this App to study whenever, wherever and however you want. Torah study has never been easier or more accessible. You can watch classes, bookmark your studies, and track your progress and achievements as well.

The Steinsaltz Daily Study App and Portal bring the profound insights of Torah study to your fingertips, translated and explained in clear, modern English. Whether someone is investigating these teachings for the first time or seeking a deeper understanding of foundational Jewish texts, the App is designed for learners at all levels, of all Jewish backgrounds or none at all. For those even having only a few spare minutes to do some revision of a sugya, you literally have everything you need in your pocket.

With this new and unique App, Rabbi Steinsaltz’s vision to infuse Torah knowledge with heart and soul, and make it accessible to Jews worldwide is now being realized. The Steinsaltz Center’s commitment to advancing Jewish learning and making the rich heritage of the Jewish people universally available, has now, with this App, put the entire spectrum of Jewish knowledge at your fingertips, giving every one the opportunity to taste the sweetness of Torah, and to learn about their heritage

in a comfortable and individualized, and dynamic way. There are also colorful illustrations to further clarify the text.

In the 1700s the Chassidic movement made the Torah and its commentaries available to the average person and demonstrated that you needn’t be a scholar to claim your Jewish heritage. Today, in the 21st century, the Steinsaltz Center has made inroads in learning the Torah and

its commentaries by enabling anyone with a digital device to explore, engage, and connect with the full spectrum of Jewish knowledge. It even makes learning b’chavruta easier; you can discretely learn together on your commute on the train.

In a show of solidarity and to advance educational empowerment during these trying times of war, and as a zechut for our IDF soldiers who are risking their lives each day, the Steinsaltz Center is offering the App for free. Tens of thousands of people have already signed up and begun their studies.

The Steinsaltz Daily Study App and Portal makes it possible to find time time to learn even with today’s frenetic pace and the relentless demands on our time. It’s never been easier to set times and find time for Torah learning. The beautiful illustrations are unique in Torah learning books and platforms. The App keeps track of your progress, so you never forget where you are – or where you’re going in your personalized learning journey.

The launch of the Steinsaltz Daily Study App and Portal (available for both Android and Apple devices) marks a significant milestone in making Jewish knowledge universally available and accessible. Anyone interested in using The Steinsaltz Daily Study App and Portal can tap into eternal inspiration today by going to https://steinsaltz-center.org/

Barak Fuchs (R) learning in Gaza

Please note: The views of the letters

Controversial Sentences

Dear Editor

The highly questionable sentences given to three demonstrators who placed images of paragliders on a placard and on their backs, at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London on 14 October 2023, merits far greater attention than that which it has thus far been given.

The three protestors were found guilty of the offence (under section 13(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000) of carrying or displaying an article in public, in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that they supported a proscribed terrorist organisation.

However, the demonstrators were handed only a suspended sentence (“conditional discharge”), from a menu of sentencing options going all the way up to six months’ imprisonment. The sentencing judge stated that the protestors had “crossed the line” but, in words that might raise a good few eyebrows,

that “emotions were running high”, the protestors had learned their lessons and that they were not “seeking to show any support for Hamas”.

Readers may no doubt have their two-penneth to say about the sentence, and as a society we do this a lot anyway.

But the fallout from that sentencing decision is what needs to be understood and discussed extremely seriously. That’s because the sentencing judge, a Deputy Senior District Judge, was subsequently reported to have ‘liked’ a highly inflammatory post on LinkedIn from a fellow barrister a few weeks beforehand. The post referred to “Israeli terrorists” and stated that Israel could bomb “but cannot hide - justice will be coming for you.”

It is welcome that this case has since been referred to the Attorney General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme (sections 35 and 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988). The Attorney General will now decide whether or not the sentence

Letters to the Editor OPINION

is so unduly lenient as to require referral to the Court of Appeal for review and possible reconsideration. Interesting legal questions will include not just whether the sentencing decision itself contained an error of law or principle, but also the added factor of what has since been discovered about the judge.

Whatever the outcome of that review, a second set of legal concerns emerges, for we very arguably should never have ended up here. Those concerns speak to one of the golden maxims of our justice system, whose origins date back to Magna Carta in the year 1215. That is that justice must not only be done, but that it must be “seen” to be done.

Judges are absolutely entitled to their personal and political opinions, as are the rest of us. But the need for justice to be “seen” to be done requires judges to keep those views private, at least for as long as they continue to sit. Further, it trusts them to have the judicial self-discipline to recuse themselves from presiding over cases where there is even the *appearance* of a bias or conflict with their personally held views. There is a long string of cases in which judges have recused themselves from cases over this “apparent bias” - accepting that even if there was no plausible argument that they were “actually” biased, the mere appearance that they might be was enough to place doubt in the public’s confidence that justice should be seen to be done.

The Judicial Office, wary that social media is now used by judges (especially those who are barristers sitting as judges

only part time), therefore issued specialist guidance last year, stating: “be aware that you can convey information about yourself and your views by […] liking posts”.

Whatever the outcome of any review of the sentences in this case, plainly those guidelines have not been followed here.

The judge in question has since claimed that he “didn’t know he had liked the post”. But regardless of his subjective views, what the judge plainly did know was that he was on social media and that his activity, including ‘liking’ posts, could be observed by anyone interested. The liking (unintentional or not) of a post claiming Israel are “terrorists”, shortly before presiding over a trial for terrorist offences arising from a pro-Palestinian protest, obviously creates a plausible allegation of (at least) apparent bias.

Even if the judge liked the post by accident, there is now a professional imperative to ensure they are not “seen” to be in that position, whether they realise it or not. Far from a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the judge is in a position to check their social media use, following official guidelines, and recuse themselves. Harsh though this might sound, unfortunately these are the standards attendant to holding high judicial office. The judge’s excuse pretends that the requirement is only that justice be done, and not the further maxim (which has now been offended) that justice must be seen to be done.

Naji Tilley, London, NW4

Labour antisemitism must not be a political football: It’s a threat to us all

OPINION PIECE BY GARY MOND

Much has been written regarding Labour Party antisemitism, particularly in the wake of the revelations regarding two Labour prospective Parliamentary candidates and their views about Israel. In one case, a candidate accused Israel of permitting the 7 October massacre. In another case, the candidate said that any UK citizen who fights for Israel should be locked up. One wonders about the extent to which this is merely the tip of the iceberg.

These events must be set against a particularly unedifying background which has persisted for at least a couple of years, namely the repeated insistence of Labour supporters, both within Parliament and outside it, to maintain that Labour has made great strides in fighting internal antisemitism, countered by the Conservative Party (of which I must disclose I have been a member since the 1970s) which has been highlighting antisemitic incidents. Both parties make the comments that they do in order to boost their own political support

and detract from the electoral backing for their opponents. In other words, the debate on Labour Party antisemitism has become a political football.

It is exceptionally worrying for our democracy if the antisemitism within one of our main political parties (and this would apply equally if any other party was suffering from the same Jew-hating malaise) becomes a factor in influencing how people (and not just the Jewish community) vote at the next election, as it was undoubtedly an issue for many voters in December 2019. We want to cast our votes on the basis of what ought to be bread and butter issues – the economy, tax, education, health, public spending, climate change and others. The notion that we are forced to vote against a party because it is institutionally antisemitic is horrendous, as is the fact that there will be some Jew-haters in our country who will vote for an antisemitic party for precisely that reason.

No, this is all way too important. So what should be done? While a focus on the entire Labour Party might sound good, the numbers of individuals involved would be far too large. One idea would be to carry out a re-vetting process on Labour’s

prospective Parliamentary candidates, including sitting MPs, which would amount to between 600 and 650 people.

I have been told by Labour Party acquaintances that all have been vetted, but recent developments have shown that this has been inadequate. What exactly has been done regarding “vetting”? Merely googling? The public should be told. Possibilities for a re-vetting process might include a questionnaire, request for opinions, references and more. Furthermore, it should all be carried out independently by non-members of the Labour Party (or any other political body). It should also be carried out now so that those candidates who fail this test can be replaced. The emphasis on Labour’s prospective Parliamentary candidates is easy to explain. Right now, Labour has about 200 MPs. If opinion polls are to be believed, after the next election that number could rise to between 350 and 450 Labour MPs. Almost all of the potential new MPs are unknown, as are their views on Jews and Israel. Every endeavour must be made to get clarification on what these candidates, who might well be MPs very soon, think and believe. One lesson from history is the fate, in 1981, of Labour’s then leader at the Greater

London Council elections, Andrew McIntosh. Mr McIntosh, a political moderate, led Labour to victory. Immediately after the election, a leadership election within the Labour group was held, and McIntosh, despite having led Labour to victory, was defeated by a certain Ken Livingstone and the rest, as they say, is history. Might the same fate await Sir Keir Starmer? If there are sufficient numbers of left wing, Corbynista and antisemitic Labour MPs, this is not impossible.

In summary, everybody in the UK’s Jewish community, and many outside it, have much to fear from the rise of the antisemitic vein in the Labour Party. This is relevant for us irrespective of what political party we support or none. It must be addressed before the country holds the next general election and in a determined manner, so that, even though antisemitism in the country has reached a record high, we can at least be confident that the disease does not have the elected government in its grip and hence effective and long term laws can be enacted to drive the Jew-hating virus off our streets and out of our society.

Gary Mond is the Chairman of the National Jewish Assembly

Games Bridge

With Harold Schogger

www.haroldschogger.com

0208 905

Dealer: South Vuln: E/W

This deal arose in an online game. West led the queen of clubs and declarer took stock. Declarer counted nine winners (7 trumps and 2 top clubs)and saw that a tenth could only come from the diamond suit. He realised that if diamonds were 4:3 and trumps 2:1 he would have three entries (the king of clubs and the ten-nine of trumps) to ruff the diamonds and another one (the four of trumps) to enjoy the established diamond winner.

So, he took the first trick in hand with the ace of clubs and continued with the ten of diamonds. West followed with a low diamond and East took the trick with his king. He continued with ace and another heart, taken by West with his queen. West then switched to the jack of clubs. Declarer took this in dummy with the king then ruffed a diamond with his ace of trumps. Next he crossed to dummy by leading his eight of trumps to dummy’s nine so that he could ruff a second diamond with his king of trumps, noting that the diamonds had broken 4-3.

Declarer now led his five of trumps to dummy’s ten and ruffed a third diamond with his queen of trumps, thereby establishing the queen of diamonds as a winner. All he had to do now was to re-enter dummy by leading his carefully preserved two of trumps to dummy’s four. Then, after discarding his remaining club on the queen of diamonds, declarer claimed ten tricks: seven trumps, an established diamond and two clubs.

Kisharon Langdon appointment new Director

Adam Overlander-Kaye, who has been appointed as the new Director of Fundraising at Kisharon Langdon, brings a wealth of experience accumulated over nearly three decades of dedicated service to communities.

He has a wealth of expertise in fundraising and senior leadership having held pivotal roles such as Director of Fundraising & Community Development at Jewish Care and Chief Executive at ORT UK. Currently serving as the Director of Development at the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR), Adam has showcased his strategic skills and passion for philanthropy.

Chief Executive Richard Franklin said: “Following a rigorous selection process, Adam emerged as an excellent fit to lead our fundraising endeavours. We are confident that Adam’s leadership will support our fundraising efforts and contribute to the continued success of our organisation.

the history of these merged and esteemed organisations.

“Kisharon Langdon undertakes profoundly significant work within our community, offering individuals the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I am immensely proud to be entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing existing donor relationships

“I extend my sincere thanks to Carolyn Rozenberg and Jessica Levy for all they achieved during their time as Co-Directors of Fundraising. They have played a material role in shaping our fundraising, and I look forward to Adam building upon their legacy.”

Adam said: “I understand the vital importance of the work carried out by Kisharon Langdon for so many people and their families and eagerly anticipate playing my role in this exciting new chapter in

and forging new ones. Together, we will build upon the tireless efforts of our exceptional professional and voluntary team”.

Adam’s appointment follows the recent appointments of Emily Haddock, as Director of Education and Michelle Janes as Chief Transformation Officer who joined from the JLC.

“That we are able to attract such calibre of talent it is a testament to their belief in our work and their own healthy ambition in helping us meet the considerable challenges ahead”, said Franklin.

NJA Slams Judge For Hamas Paraglider Ruling

The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) vehemently condemns the troubling ruling by Judge Ikram in the recent case involving three women convicted of supporting Hamas during a pro-Palestinian march in London on October 14.

Despite overwhelming evidence and the seriousness of the charges, Judge Ikram’s decision to downplay the defendants’ actions and grant them a conditional discharge for 12 months is deeply concerning and undermines the fight against terrorism and extremism.

In a baffling display of leniency, Judge Ikram disregarded the prosecution’s assertion that the defendants acted deliberately or maliciously in displaying images of paragliders, which were used by Hamas during its invasion of Israel on October 7. Defense counsel Mark Summers KC rightfully argued that it was preposterous to suggest such intentions, yet Judge Ikram chose to reject the prosecution’s assertion without sufficient justification.

The revelation that one of the defendants, Heba Alhayek, hails from Gaza and

was granted refugee status in the UK after facing persecution by Hamas further underscores the gravity of the situation. Instead of recognising the dangers posed by Hamas and its supporters, Judge Ikram’s decision sends a dangerous message that undermines efforts to combat terrorism and protect innocent lives.

Furthermore, Judge Ikram’s dismissal of the significance of the images worn by the defendants, despite their clear association with Hamas, is deeply troubling. By downplaying the seriousness of the offence and failing to hold the defendants accountable, Judge Ikram has failed to uphold the principles of justice and security.

The NJA calls for a thorough review of Judge Ikram’s ruling and urges the judicial system to take decisive action to ensure that individuals who support terrorist organisations are held accountable for their actions. Terrorism and extremism have no place in civilised society, and it is imperative that the rule of law prevails in combating these threats.

NJA hosts panel with international law experts

The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) is pleased to announce the success of its recent event, “Demystifying the ICJ Case Against Israel: Expert Insights & Projections,” held on Tuesday, 13th February via Zoom. The event featured renowned international legal experts Andrew Tucker (The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation), Natasha Hausdorff (UK Lawyers for Israel), and Arsen Ostrovsky (The International Legal Forum), who provided invaluable insights into the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case brought by South Africa against Israel.

With over 180 guests and moderated by NJA Chairman Gary Mond, the event delved into the complex legal landscape surrounding the ICJ case and its implications for the Jewish state. Natasha Hausdorff shed light on South Africa’s concerted effort to establish an evidentiary precedent by providing evidence to the ICJ, aimed at empowering legal cases against Israel in other courts. This strategic manoeuvre was discussed in detail, highlighting the potential ramifications for Israel’s legal defense

against ongoing challenges.

Andrew Tucker condemned the ICJ’s controversial inversion of the status of the indigenous people in the region, as well as its attempts to delegitimise Israel through rulings on the status of Judea and Samaria, and Jerusalem. His insightful analysis underscored the broader implications of the ICJ’s decisions on Israel’s sovereignty and the challenges it poses to the Jewish state’s legal standing.

Arsen Ostrovsky illuminated the pernicious nature of lawfare and its detrimental impact on Israel’s international standing. He highlighted the insidious attempts to undermine Israel through legal means, emphasising the importance of countering such efforts through strategic advocacy and legal defense.

The event provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the legal complexities surrounding the ICJ case against Israel and underscored the importance of vigilance in defending Israel against malicious campaigns aimed at its delegitimisation.

Central hosts successful Rachel Johnson event

On Shabbat, 10 February Central Synagogue had the pleasure in hosting broadcaster , journalist and author Rachel Johnson, sister of Boris Johnson at their latest “Kiddush Talk”.

To an audience of more than 100 members and guests, in a most entertaining address she spoke at length about her involvement in, and support for, the State of Israel including her stay as a volunteer at Kibbutz Kfar Hanassi with her brother in 1984 and the Jewish blood in her family through her maternal great grandfather, a Rabbi in Lithuania.

The talk stimulated great interest and provoked a variety of questions and comments from the floor.

Rachel Johnson was formally introduced by Council member Jonathan Metliss and a vote of thanks was given by Rabbi Barry Lerer who presented her with some books on the history of Central Synagogue , one written by the chairman Mervyn Druian and vice chairman Leonard Fertleman.

Central Synagogue and thank you to Rachel Johnson who spoke so well and entertainingly , impressing everyone present”. Rabbi Barry Lerer added “Rachel Johnson spoke so well and with clarity and we were all delighted to see her commitment to the State of Israel and to the fight against anti semitism”.

Chairman of Central Synagogue Mervyn Druian said “this was a special weekend for

For more information of what is happening at Central Synagogue, please refer to www.centralsynagogue.org.uk.

Adam Overlander-Kaye

PHOTO: BLAKE EZRA

Central Synagogue has embarked on an active programme of cultural events of Jewish content in its Talks of Interest and Kiddush Talks series.

CNSS’ Coffee&Company.

LIVE celebrates five years

Cockfosters & N Southgate United Synagogue are celebrating the five-year anniversary of ‘Coffee&Company.LIVE’, a weekly coffee morning where attendees hear from a guest in conversation with host Danny Hockman.

Since starting, they have had around 15,000 visits in-person and on Zoom from both members and non-members of the shul.

The initiative has been running for 240 sessions with 200 different guests plus some returners, and was started in February 2019 as a new version of the previously existing ‘Friendship Club’. Their first guest was Cockfosters & N Southgate’s Rabbi at the time, Rabbi Daniel Epstein. When the pandemic started, Coffee&Company.LIVE moved online to Zoom, but still continued to take place each week. Since June 2022 they have returned to meeting in-person as well as on Zoom.

we recommend it 100%.”

Fellow attendee Peter Rich said: “Two good things about Coffee&Company. LIVE is the quality of speakers and the fact that it brings the local Jewish community together.”

Danny Hockman, host of Coffee&Com-

They will be celebrating their fifth anniversary on 22 February.

Upcoming guest speakers also include Nick Winton, the son of Sir Nicholas Winton, Daniel Burger, Chief Executive of Magen David Adom UK, and Jo Grose, Chief Executive of The United Synagogue.

Attendees Hazel and Melvyn Lewis said: “It’s excellent, we look forward to it every week. It’s nice to see to many familiar faces,

pany.LIVE, said: “We are deeply indebted to all our volunteers. They include our guests of course who always join us free of charge and everyone who helps to make our coffee morning run smoothly, giving lifts, looking after the sound system, serving tea and coffee, our co-hosts and much more. We must just give a final mention to our colleagues who work at CNSS, without whom none of this would be possible.”

£500K playground opens

The Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Nagus Narenthira, opened a new inclusive and accessible £500K playground at Victoria Recreation Ground in East Barnet enabling people of all ages and abilities to play together.

Local residents with disabilities, parents, carers and accessibility experts have been involved in shaping the project putting the disability community at the heart of its design.

Cllr Narenthira, said: “We are fortunate in Barnet to have had such a wonderful team of fundraisers to help achieve this. I hope this is a model that we can see more of in future.”

allowing those with learning and physical disabilities to play alongside their siblings and friends. Local governments across the country should take note of this, providing community spaces that serve all ages and abilities.”

Deborah Gundle, Fair Play co-founder, said: “As a mother with a disabled son, I know how difficult it is for families like ours to be able to play together. A lot of hard work has gone into this project, and seeing the equipment being used by disabled and non-disabled children side-by-side is incredibly rewarding. I’d love for every playground to allow people of all ages and abilities to play in this way and we hope Fair Play will act as the blueprint for new playgrounds up and down the country. Inclusive play will reduce stigma through positive experiences in a society where social integration and physical fitness are important to all of us.”

Nathalie Esfandi, Fair Play co-founder and mother of three, added: “Playgrounds should be wholly accessible and inclusive,

Independent funding and donations includes £100,000 from Barnet Council. The Council launched a public consultation to ensure it meets the needs of local residents.

There is accessible equipment; spins, rocks and swings, there are sensory panels for touch, movement and sound.

The picnic area allows wheelchair and non-wheelchair users to sit together. There are communication boards and a textured path surface to support visually impaired users.

One entrance and exit ensures users won’t leave without a carer’s knowledge.

Lilian Cordell, author of Miriam’s Table, with host Danny Hockman who is wearing the traditional Joma that belonged to Lilian’s grandfather

Dov Bloomberg and Cllr Nagus Narenthira

Kisharon Langdon members serve refreshments

Sea of Opportunities: How much does it cost to buy a sea-facing apartment in Israel?

BY DEBBIE GOLDFISCHER

As elsewhere in the world, in Israel, a sea view or physical proximity to the ocean in residential apartments increases demand, and consequently the price of the property. However, the degree of influence of the landscape on the value of a sea-facing apartment is not the same in every city. While in some cities the value of property close to the coastline may jump dramatically or even double in value, in other areas, the effect of proximity to the sea may be expressed in an addition of no more than 10% or 20% to the value of the property.

Two main parameters affect the value of a property due to its proximity to the sea. The first is the level of demand and prestige of the area itself. Thus, in Tel Aviv, for example, the value of an apartment on a coastal line may double, or even more than double, the value of an identical apartment in another location in the city, in Ashkelon, located in the southern coastal strip of the Mediterranean Sea, the effect of a sea view will be minor and will only reach up to 20%, at most.

The second parameter is the rarity of the landscape. In flat coastal cities, only buildings on the first or second waterfront line will have sea views and will therefore be priced accordingly. But in mountainous towns built on the hillside, sea views are almost a given. The classic example of this in Israel is the city of Haifa, built on the Carmel, where a view of the sea is not a big deal and characterizes even many of the city’s cheaper neighborhoods. Paradoxically, the Haifa market was built in such a way that the more prestigious areas are built on top of the mountain and at a great distance from the shore, while the neighborhoods on the slopes of the mountain and adjacent to the beach such as the lower city and Bat Galim are the poorer. But this is the exception, which is not indicative of the rule.

Israel’s “Golden Mile” coastline of central Tel Aviv

While in Tel Aviv the price of a square meter built on the beach reaches between NIS 120,000 and even NIS 250,000 per square meter, in Ashkelon and Nahariya a spacious sea-facing apartment can be snatched up for NIS 2 million. Real estate on Herzliya’s coastline is the most expensive in the country, and in Haifa, a sea view is not considered to be a big deal.

If the “Golden Mile” of the entire Israeli real estate market can be defined, it is the coastline of central Tel Aviv, bounded by the Yarkon River bay in the north to Jaffa in the south, along Hayarkon and Herbert Samuel streets. The price of a built square meter for residential use in this area ranges from NIS 100,000 in an old building that needs renovation to 160,000-170,000 square meters in a new luxury tower. That’s more or less double the price compared to similar properties in the quality areas of downtown that aren’t on the waterfront.

Recently, several deals were signed in the luxury Mandarin Oriental Tower developed by Herzl Habas, reflecting the acceptable price level in the area. A 118-square-meter apartment on the 24th floor of the tower (out of 25 floors) was purchased in May for NIS 18.86 million, reflecting NIS 160,000 per square meter. On a lower floor of the same tower, a 70-square-meter apartment was sold in June for NIS 8 million, reflecting a value of “only” NIS 114,000 per square meter. In contrast, an old second-hand two-room apartment with an area of 47 square meters on the second line to the beach was sold in the same area for NIS 3.14 million, reflecting a value of NIS 67,000 per square meter.

North of the Yarkon River, the Nofei Yam neighborhood has been built in recent years and is also located on the coastline. Recently, a 6-room cottage with a built area of 260 square meters and a 40 square-meter garden on the first line to the sea was sold for NIS 11.35 million.

Those looking for a sea-facing apartment

at a more popular price in the same area can travel a short distance to Bat Yam, Tel Aviv’s southern neighbor, where Park HaYam is currently being built – a new high-rise neighborhood near the beach. The neighborhood has a high supply of 5-room apartments for NIS 4 million, and 4-room apartments for NIS 3-3.5 million.

Herzliya Pituach — Israel’s most expensive residential neighborhood

North of Tel Aviv lies Herzliya, which also has a long coastline. However, unlike Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, or any other city that we will deal with in this article, construction on Herzliya’s coastline is not urban, but rather, rural. This is the neighborhood Herzliya Pituach. The attractive combination of its location in Gush Dan, together with the beach and the fact that it consists of detached houses, some of them on plots of several dunams, has made it the most expensive residential neighborhood in Israel.

The price range is wide, influenced by the area of the lot and the level of proximity to the sea. In recent years, a number of homes have been purchased there at outrageous prices by world leaders. These include the purchase of the American ambassador’s home by the late businessman Sheldon Adelson in 2020 for NIS 230 million, as well as another deal that involved the purchase of a 9.5-dunam plot for NIS 226 million by Russian-Jewish oligarch Roman Abramovich. At the end of 2022, another plot in the neighborhood was purchased for NIS 173 million. The more popular properties in the neighborhood are semi-detached cottages on a half-dunam plot, which can be purchased at a price range of NIS 10-20 million.

Netanya — a favorite destination for foreign residents

Another city known for its attractive coastline is Netanya. In this city, the bulk of the residential real estate market along the coast can be divided into two main parts: the first – along the urban promenade, north and south of the city’s main business street, Herzl Street, which stretches from the shoreline to the coastal road (Route 2), and the second is the new high-rise neighborhood “Ir Yamim” in the south of the urban coastline.

The price range in this area, also known as the

“hotel complex,” ranges from NIS 30,000 to NIS 50,000 per square meter, depending on the age and prestige of the project. Two deals for the purchase of 3-room apartments of 84 square meters were recently signed in a new project in the area, for NIS 3.8 million each, a price reflecting a value of NIS 45,000 per square meter.

In the Ir Yamim neighborhood, the price range is also high, depending on the parameters of the height of the apartment, and the quality of the view to the sea – whether it is full or partial. Last May, a deal was signed at an impressive price, when a 5-room apartment with an area of 150 square meters and a balcony of 24 square meters was sold for NIS 8.1 million in the Briga Towers project by American buyers. However, apartments can also be found in the neighborhood at much lower prices, with the average price for a 4-room apartment in the neighborhood being NIS 3.2-3.3 million.

Sea-facing opportunities in the periphery

The most affordable prices for the possibility of living close to the coastline are offered by the Israeli-northern and southern peripheries.

Ashkelon, on the south of the coastline, and only an hour’s drive from Tel Aviv, has grown rapidly in recent years, including the blossoming of a luxury real estate market in the city. Recently, the construction company Efgad reported the most expensive residential transaction in the city’s history, when it sold a sea-facing penthouse apartment on the 22nd floor of a tower on the first line to the sea for NIS 7.55 million. The 6-bedroom apartment is 188 square meters in size and has a 115 square meter balcony attached to it.

In the Euro Israel Tower, two 5-room apartments with the same area of 130 square meters were sold, one for NIS 2.6 million, reflecting a value of NIS 20,000 per square meter, and the other for NIS 4.3 million, reflecting a value of NIS 36,000 per square meter, with the main difference between the two apartments being the floor. While the more expensive one is located on the 20th floor, the cheaper one is located on the 5th floor.

Another development that sea lovers should pay attention to is the project in Achziv, which is currently being built north of Nahariya and is named after the famous beach and nature reserve nearby. Recent deals for the purchase of 4-room apartments were signed for NIS 2-2.2 million, and the developers announced the start of marketing another phase of the project, at prices starting at only NIS 1.6 million. This may be the cheapest deal today to buy a beachfront property in Israel.

Debbie Toledano-Goldfischer is an expert consultant on real estate and new developments in Israel. She is also the founder of Buyitinisrael.com providing real estate news, market updates and professional guidance to the English-speaking market. Debbie can be reached by email at debbie@buyitinisrael.com or by WhatsApp at +972-545444932.

Israel real estate outlook 2024: What homebuyers should know

BY DEBBIE GOLDFISCHER

Given the difficult reality that we find ourselves in, trying to make predictions for Israel real estate in 2024 is rather pretentious — nevertheless, we have tried. The high supply of housing together with limited demand indicates that in the first few months of the year, the moderate downward trend in prices will likely continue, however, this may well change throughout the year, as the economy recovers.

The year 2023 was anything but expected. Just a few days before it began, a new and right-wing Israeli government was sworn in, and no one could have predicted at the time the speed at which a political, social, and eventual economic crisis would develop, almost immediately thereafter. Together with the frequent interest rate increases, the housing market experienced a severe slowdown and a decline of tens of percentage points in the number of transactions. All this took place before the devastating events of October 7th dealt a severe blow to the country and the subsequent war that broke out.

Under such difficult circumstances, it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict what the new year will bring. At this stage, we do not know whether the conflict on the northern front will escalate, or how the anti-government protests, which may intensify after the war, will develop. These issues, among other things, can have dramatic implications for the real estate market. However, as the year gets started, there are some clear trends to pay attention to, especially for those considering a real estate transaction in 2024.

1. HOUSING SUPPLY

At the end of 2023, the supply of apartments on the market was very high. As 2024 was ushered in, more than 62,000 new homes are “on the shelf,” according to the Central Bureau of Statistics data from December. This is an unprecedented record figure. The reason for this is clear: during the real estate market boom in Israel, not long ago, between 2021 and 2022, developers and housing committees acted swiftly to increase the volume of construction, approving plans and issuing permits, but shortly thereafter, a severe slowdown began and the number of property transactions declined.

2. PRODUCTION POWER

One of the clear and immediate impacts of Iron Sword on the real estate industry in Israel was the scope of manpower employed in construction. On the eve of the war, around 100,000 Palestinian workers, 17,500 foreign workers from Moldova, Ukraine, and China, and tens of thousands of Israelis, most of them from Arab society, worked in the industry. Since the outbreak of war, Palestinian workers have been banned from entering Israel and several thousand foreign workers have left Israel out of fear for their safety.

significance of this development is, of course, negative regarding the level of supply, but in the long term, as aforementioned, the market is characterized by a huge amount of supply.

3. INTEREST RATES

of shock and grief following October 7, the public will return to the sales offices, simply because it needs apartments.

One of the main causes of the slowdown in 2023, if not the main one, was the sharp increase in the interest rate, which began as early as April 2022. Within a year and two months, the prime interest rate jumped from 1.6% to 6.25%, significantly increasing the cost of mortgages and reducing the public’s ability to purchase homes. This is especially true in high-demand areas, where prices are high and require the middle class to take out heavy loans.

With this level of supply and a decrease in demand, it is surprising that the decline in prices in the housing market over the past year was only 1.3% and not sharper. As stated, we do not know how this year will continue, but based on the reasonable assumption that we will not see a boom in the market anytime soon, this figure supports a continued decline in prices during the first few months of the year.

The implication is clear: a sharp and severe slowdown in the pace of construction, with developers estimating that production is now 30% of what it was before the war. On some construction sites, the number of workers dropped and the pace of construction slowed down; on others, construction has come to an outright halt.

In response to the situation, the government increased the quota of foreign workers who can be employed in the industry from 30,000 to 50,000 and even approved bringing in the first ten thousand workers on a “fast track” without bilateral agreements with their countries of origin. Screening is currently underway to bring these workers from India and Sri Lanka, but as of this writing, the first workers have still not arrived, and it will take many months, probably between six and twelve, to reach the quota required to return the construction industry to full capacity.

To this, we must add the fact that after such a difficult year, the construction companies find themselves in great difficulty and many of them may not survive the coming period. A series of requests for a stay of proceedings have already been filed in recent months. The

The first day of the year opened with good news in this regard, with an interest rate reduction of 0.25 percent by the Bank of Israel, to 4.5 percent, and a reduction in the prime interest rate to 6 percent accordingly. At this stage, this is a minor decline, but after such a long period of increase, it is a step that may well have stimulating psychological effects on the market.

4. DEMAND FOR HOMES

An obvious factor that directly impacts the housing market in Israel, is the population growth rate, which is the highest in the developed countries. During 2023, approximately 179,000 people were added to Israel’s population, a growth rate of 1.9%. The proportion of couples getting married each year is higher than in any other developed country, as is the rate of babies born. The implications for the housing market are clear, and it is reasonable to assume that after two or three months

However, when this happens, one must ask what their purchasing power is likely to be. At this time, as the war is still raging, it is difficult to gauge the extent of its impact on the economy. However, there are hundreds of thousands of households that have been, or are expected to be, affected financially. These include the self-employed and business owners, as well as their employees. The high-tech industry, which had also experienced a slowdown before the war, experienced a further decline in investment. In the past, the Israeli economy has demonstrated resilience and an impressive ability to recover, but even if this occurs this time as well, it will be overnight. Therefore, even on the day after the war, it can be assumed that the purchasing power of the Israeli public will not return to what it was before.

5. FOREIGN BUYERS

There are assessments that the void left by Israeli buyers will be filled by buyers from abroad. This is due to expectations of a large wave of immigration to Israel following the war, as a result of increased global antisemitism, and those buying a safe haven and/or wishing to get their money out of their country of residence. These assessments are based on an increase in interest as well as actual transactions recorded by real estate agents serving foreign buyers and developers.

In conclusion, the data indicate that at the beginning of 2024, the real estate market in Israel is characterized by a huge supply of homes, and limited demand, which will lead to continued moderate price declines at the beginning of the year. This is an opportune time for buyers and investors to scout attractive investment opportunities throughout the country. However, with declining output in the industry, supply will start to decrease, and accordingly, the downward trend in prices may eventually transform into a stable one.

There is strong speculation that when the economy shows signs of recovery, increased investments will be made in Israel and large numbers of immigrants will be welcomed at the airport, which could even cause an upward shift in the real estate market toward 2025.

Debbie Toledano-Goldfischer is an expert consultant on real estate and new developments in Israel. She is also the founder of Buyitinisrael.com providing real estate news, market updates and professional guidance to the English-speaking market. Debbie can be reached by email at debbie@buyitinisrael.com or by WhatsApp at +972-545444932.

Q&A with Elite Israel Realty

Navigating the process of purchasing real estate in Israel is often a challenge for foreigners. So many differences from one’s homeland, a trusted and respected advisor is most definitely needed to lead one through the journey and all of its twists and turns. Over the past 3 years, Elite Israel Realty has built a fantastic reputation in the greater Ramat Bet Shemesh area, as well as throughout Israel, for being honest, diligent, persistent, customer-focused, friendly and responsive. Below, please find some common questions and answers we receive.

Q – Is it possible to purchase something in Israel without ever stepping foot in Israel to see the property?

A – Yes, it is certainly possible. During the period of 2021-2022 when much of Israel was closed to foreigners, we perfected a model of disseminating information along with pictures and walk-through videos of homes and projects (even on paper) to our clients all over the world. We work with our clients to set up a highly qualified team of professionals that remove the challenges and create a pleasant experience for the purchase or sale of any property.

Q- Have you seen an uptick in the number of people looking to purchase a property, for investment or to move into, since

October 7th? Specifically, has there been an increase in inquiries from those in the UK nervous about growing antisemitism?

A – Absolutely we have seen a tremendous spike in interest from all over the world. Most significantly, clients from the UK, Europe, South Africa and Australia are increasingly feeling less at home in their current country. Even those who aren’t able to come immediately, they are looking to buy a place here to move money out of their country along with having a safe space to come to. There isn’t a week that goes by without dozens of inquiries from people who begin by telling us that they know the future of the Jewish people is in Israel and want to have a home here.

Q – How easy is it to rent out an investment property?

A – The rental market in Ramat Bet Shemesh, our main area of specialty, is very strong. Almost 1/3 of those making Aliyah settle in RBS and as quickly as new projects are built they are sold out. We work with all of our clients to find them renters as well as offering an additional service of property management.

Q – How can a foreigner get financing to purchase a home in Israel? Does it matter if it is pre-construction? What are the

typical fees in buying a home?

A – A foreigner can qualify for financing through a traditional mortgage for up to 50% of the purchase price or the appraised value of the property, whichever is the lower amount. There are also additional means to obtain financing if needed or desired. Pre-construction allows for a new property with more favorable financing terms like paying 20% at signing with the balance due shortly before receiving the keys to the apartment. The fees include a purchase tax, agent fee, lawyer fee, mortgage broker fee and currency exchange fees. The purchase tax due for a foreigner or Israeli resident varies greatly.

Q – Do you only work with people looking in Ramat Bet Shemesh?

A – No, we like to consider ourselves as “personal shoppers” who will help you find a property anywhere in Israel either directly or through one of the many relationships we have built with trusted agents. Our number one goal is to provide our clients with the most comprehensive services on the market today.

Q - What makes Elite Israel Realty unique compared to other agents?

A - Elite Israel Realty is a boutique real

estate agency specializing in helping its clients buy and sell homes in Ramat Bet Shemesh. Elite Israel Realty has built a sterling reputation for its honesty, integrity and relationship building with its clientele. Hundreds of new and old olim have turned to Elite Israel Realty looking to be guided through the process of buying or selling their home. They come to Elite Israel Realty not just because we feel like family, but because we ARE family. Elite Israel Realty works with its clients to understand the entire purchase process, eliminating hidden costs and surrounds its clients with trusted professionals who make the journey as pleasant as possible. Whether you are looking to make aliyah, buy an investment property or just plan for your future, Elite Israel Realty is here to hold your hand, walk alongside you and wish you a hearty mazel tov after you find the perfect home.

Urban renewal in Jerusalem leads to unprecedented levels of construction

BY DEBBIE GOLDFISCHER

The Municipality of Jerusalem ended 2023 with the issuance of permits for the construction of 7,500 new housing units – a record number that is three times higher than those issued just a few years ago. A significant part of the construction is to be carried out through urban renewal projects, an issue at the top of the city’s planning agenda, mainly due to its reluctance to harm the surrounding Jerusalem forests.

Jerusalem ended 2023 with the issuance of building permits for about 7,500 new apartments, the highest figure for a city in Israel. This is hardly a surprise, after all, besides being the capital, Jerusalem is also the largest city in Israel with close to a million residents, more than twice as many as Tel Aviv. But in practice, these are volumes of construction that the city has not known. During the second decade of the millennium (2011-2020), an average of only 2,500 housing units were built in the city each year.

In 2021, there was already a change in pace, during which permits were issued for 5,400 new homes. In 2022, permits were issued for 7,113 housing units, and in 2023, the upward trend was maintained, with a record number of permits issued for 7,482 new apartments. However, the municipality of Jerusalem expects that this record will be quickly broken, since the city plans to issue permits for the construction of 8,000 housing units in 2024.

PINUI-BINUI US TOP OF THE AGENDA

2023 was also the year in which the first permits were issued in the city for urban renewal projects through pinui-binui (evacuation-reconstruction). Permits for five such mega projects were granted during the second half of the year for the construction of a total of approximately 1,000 apartments, and already in January 2024, permits were signed for the construction of 1,000 additional apartments in four new projects. According to City Engineer Yoel Even, 2024 is expected to be the “breakthrough year” of urban renewal in the city, with the issuance of permits for 4,000 apartments to be built in renewal projects — about half of those to be issued in the coming year according to the municipality’s plans.

The neighborhoods in which the first projects are being promoted are mainly

older in the western part of the city, including Kiryat HaYovel, Ir Ganim Bet, and Katamonim (Gonanim). In addition to these neighborhoods, the first permit was granted for the construction of a renewal project in the Bucharim neighborhood, and also in the ultra-Orthodox Shmuel Hanavi neighborhood.

Jerusalem currently has around one million residents, and within only 20 years, according to municipal estimates, it is expected to grow to approximately 1.5 million people. The municipality’s emphasis on urban renewal projects, particularly pinui-binui, is not coincidental and stems from the perception that the construction of new neighborhoods should be minimized, at least in the western part of the city, to prevent damage to the forests surrounding the city, which are considered one of its main assets.

According to Jerusalem City Engineer Yoel Even, “Pinui-binui is the city’s planning agenda, and what we saw this year is only the beginning. There are currently approved plans to build thousands of housing units under this scheme. The planning that we have advanced over the past 3-4 years is now ripening with building permits. In our agenda, we don’t want to run over green spaces. The forest of Jerusalem is part of its beauty, we call it ‘the Sea of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem has no sea, but there is a forest. These are the green lungs of the city and there is no reason to harm them.”

According to Raz Pinto, vice president of urban renewal at the Jerusalem-based construction company Manos Group, “So far the renewal processes in Jerusalem have been characterized mainly by small-medium scale projects in the TAMA 38 track, of which Manos has carried out 22 so far.” In TAMA projects the company has operated throughout the city – in Katamon, Kiryat Yovel, Kiryat Menachem, and Talpiot.

"THE FOREST OF JERUSALEM IS PART OF ITS BEAUTY, WE CALL IT 'THE SEA OF JERUSALEM.'

JERUSALEM HAS NO SEA, BUT THERE IS A FOREST.

THESE ARE THE GREEN LUNGS OF THE CITY AND THERE IS NO REASON TO HARM THEM."

But now, he says, the center of gravity is shifting to pinui-binui projects, both for the city and the company, which is in the advanced stages of obtaining a permit for two projects, one on Derekh Hebron to build 127 apartments in place of the existing 40 units, and the other on Bar Yochai Street on the border between Katamon and Malha, where 259 apartments will be built replacing 70 existing units. The most substantial project, still in the planning stages, to be promoted by the company for the construction of 660 apartments in four towers, is in the Gilo neighborhood.

URBAN RENEWAL IN HAREDI AREAS

MANOS GROUP URBAN RENEWAL ACTIVITIES INCREASE FURTHER

Urban renewal occurs in all parts of Jerusalem, including its most densely populated neighborhoods. But, when it comes to promoting pinui-binui city planners and

developers face a unique challenge —the ultra-Orthodox residents, which constitute a third of the city’s population. Since most of their dominant rabbis oppose the use of Shabbat elevators, Heridim traditionally refrain from living on high floors to avoid Chillul Shabbat (a desecration of the Sabbath), and without high-rise construction, it is almost impossible to promote urban renewal and achieve economic viability.

According to Pinto, “As a rule, we work in all areas, including the ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods, however, we’ve already had projects fall through because the height up to which we could build did not make the project economically viable. Along the light rail route, building rights are granted for 40 floors, if you stop at 10 floors – there is no project”.

With regards to Haredi neighborhoods, City Engineer Even said, “We are succeeding in breaking through in this area. This year I signed a permit on Rabbeinu Gershom Street, in the most ultra-Orthodox area, not far from Bar Ilan Street, and we succeeded in getting the project a building permit.” According to him, “The goal is to be attentive to both the population and to the rabbis. We had a dialogue on the subject with 15 rabbis and reached an agreement. The bottom line is that this population wants development in their neighborhoods. The issue of high-rise construction is indeed challenging, but solutions can be found.”

Regarding Jerusalem’s renewal industry, Pinto concluded “As far as we are concerned, building Jerusalem is a supreme value and a mitzvah, and we are honored to have this privilege. We are all locals and live in the city. Beyond that, the industry today is saturated with developers. In every building you visit in Jerusalem, the residents will tell you that there were already four developers before you, so the competition for urban renewal projects is fierce.”

Debbie Toledano-Goldfischer is an expert consultant on real estate and new developments in Israel. She is also the founder of Buyitinisrael.com providing real estate news, market updates and professional guidance to the English-speaking market. Debbie can be reached by email at debbie@buyitinisrael.com or by WhatsApp at +972-545444932.

City Engineer, Yoel Even PHOTO: SHARON GABAI

22Rivka, Talpiot – Before

PHOTO: STUDIO AVIAD TEVEL

22Rivka, Talpiot – After

PHOTO: STUDIO AVIAD TEVEL

Anglo Community | Magnificent parks, leisure and bike paths | Quick access to Tel Aviv by train

Retirement Reimagined: Fulfilling Lifelong Dreams in Israel’s Senior Communities

BY HADASSAH BAY

Many who have long harbored a dream to live in Israel have had to put off Aliyah for countless reasons, only to realize that dream in their senior years. That timing actually makes sense, since re-tirement is about doing the things you always wanted to do, but couldn’t, because your life circumstances didn’t allow it.

Notwithstanding the myriad benefits and advantages of moving to the Holy Land, setting up home in a different country, where you don’t know the language and are unfamiliar with the culture, can be a major challenge. Seniors might prefer the option of moving into a retirement community, thereby averting the majority of bureaucratic hurdles and being able to channel their energies into pursuing the interests and hobbies they’ve always loved or wanted to try.

New Beginnings at Beresheet

Beresheet, a new retirement residence amidst the picturesque Jerusalem Hills, offers a fresh ap-proach to senior living, catering to active, independent individuals who eager to engage in learning, contributing, and enjoying life. It is the flagship project of Lichak, a family-owned company with over 30 years’ experience managing retirement centers. Every aspect of Beresheet has been carefully thought out to create the best possible experience, ensuring that residents benefit from a lifestyle that enhances both their mental and physical health and including a comprehensive schedule of enriching activities and programs.

This state-of-the-art complex, located just 40 minutes from Tel Aviv, features spacious apartments, advanced facilities, and stunning natural surroundings. It stands out for its commitment to healthy aging, guided by the expertise of Dr. Merle Friedman, a clinical

and organizational psychologist. Dr. Friedman, along with her husband Frank, have recently moved to Israel from South Africa and chose Beresheet for its vision, quality, and English-speaking environment.

Still active in her field at 76, Dr. Friedman has been instrumental in shaping Beresheet’s approach to aging. Her concept, “Smart Minds and Healthy Lives,” is integral to the residence’s programming. Beresheet’s healthy aging initiative, dubbed the “Green Zone,” encompasses seven themes: nutri-tion, movement, peacefulness, meaning, wisdom, culture, and community, all aimed at enhancing residents’ wellbeing and happiness.

Dr. Friedman practices what she preaches, incorporating meditation, senses training, exercise, journaling, and a healthy diet into her daily routine. Her methods, rooted in science, have inspired Beresheet’s management. As a result, the Green Zone concept will feature prominently in the resi-dence’s offerings, including a dining hall with nutritionally beneficial selections.

Beresheet focuses on accommodating English-speakers, with all signs and announcements offered in both Hebrew and English. The community has also begun fostering connections among English-speaking residents through special events and social gatherings, even now, before the complex’s completion. Celebrations, exhibitions, and cultural visits for the future residents of Beresheet all feature simultaneous translation for non-Hebrew speakers, creating an inclusive and friendly environment.

Many of the residence’s 260 apartments have already been claimed in the pre-sale phase, but some luxury homes are still available. As construction progresses, future residents are already forming bonds, eagerly anticipating their move to this unique community that redefines retirement living.

Nofe Yerushalayim: Independent, Creative & Meaningful Living

Nofei Yerushalayim, nestled in the very heart of Israel’s capital city, stands as a senior housing facility uniquely managed and run by its residents. It embodies a community-led spirit where decision-making, policy formation, and the pursuit of a meaningful lifestyle are in the hands of the residents themselves. The facility’s governance structure includes a House Committee of nine democratically elected residents who oversee operations and establish policies that ensure the community’s well-being.

Avigail Duke, the

Executive Director, underlines the ethos of Nofei Yerushalayim, built on three foundational principles: protection, accessibility, and belonging. Its character is reflected in the pluralistic and inclusive environment that welcomes all, from veterans to newcomers, religious to secular.

At Nofei Yerushalayim, life is rich and engaging. Residents manage a range of facilities and activities such as the library, publishing a newsletter, and orchestrating diverse cultural programs. The options available for living spaces range from cozy studio apartments to spacious three-room suites, all equipped with amenities such as panic buttons, telephones, and air conditioning to ensure comfort and safety. Residents who choose to remodel their living spaces are supported by Nofei Yerushalayim’s staff, ensuring that the transformation of their apartment aligns with their vision.

The community promotes an active, integrated lifestyle, offering a range of amenities including 24/7 maintenance service, a minimarket, a fitness room, a synagogue, swimming pool, and more. A diverse array of classes and clubs, from arts to lectures, enhances the vibrant community life. The residents of Nofei Yerushalayim also enjoy a variety of cultural activities, including outings to con-certs and movies, themed clothing fairs, and dance events.

One of the many conveniences is the provision of first-class medical services, ensuring 24-hour medical care and supervision. Nofei Yerushalayim also offers a unique and high-quality nursing wing for those with needs such as long-term care and rehabilitation.

A number of entry options are available for prospective residents, based on the financial ability of each applicant. These include monthly rental, single payment entry fee, or a deposit. The options can be reevaluated and changed even after the applicant has moved into the building. Monthly maintenance fees are identical for all programs and include the costs of electricity, water, heating, air conditioning and cultural activities.

The essence of life at Nofei Yerushalayim is best captured by the Executive Director’s words: “It is not an institution—it is a home.” Residents are

encouraged to pursue their independence, formu-lating their preferences and engaging in activities that bring joy and purpose. They share the responsibility of shaping a community that’s not only safe and comfortable but also rich in opportuni-ties to learn, engage, and contribute meaningfully.

~ ~ ~

Beresheet and Nofei Yerushalayim exemplify just a fraction of the possibilities available. Whether one seeks the serene hills of Jerusalem or the bustling heart of the capital, the options are as var-ied and plentiful as the individuals dreaming of making Israel their home. This new chapter of life in Israel’s senior communities offers more than just a place to live; it offers a chance to thrive, to learn, and to contribute, ensuring that the retirement years are not just a continuation but a reimagining of life at its fullest. Beyond these communities, countless other opportunities await, each ready to welcome those eager to embrace their golden years, making the dream of living in Israel a beautiful reality for every senior, regardless of their budget, taste, or lifestyle.

Ashkelon Sea-View Properties

Ashkelon was one of the most adversely affected cities during the Iron Swords War with more rockets aimed at  Ashkelon than on any other city in Israel. Notwithstanding there was actually little damage thanks to the Iron Dome defensive system which prevented the vast majority of these missiles reaching their target.

Ashkelon is a very dynamic city and the real estate scene is undergoing big changes. Today, Ashkelon is one of Israel’s best kept secrets. That is how many of its Anglo  residents describe this beautiful city. It has a rapidly expanding population of currently 180,000 with plans to grow to 350,000 by 2030.

Since Ashkelon is centrally located, it is easy to access the country’s major cities from there. Jerusalem is a one-hour’s drive, and there is a high-speed train to Tel Aviv that takes 35 minutes. Public transportation is readily available. The city has 19 elementary schools and nine high schools, and a college

linked to Bar-Ilan University hosts thousands of students. There is a sports arena, and there are international film and music festivals every year. Ashkelon has its own hospital, Barzilai Hospital, which serves as its main medical center.

David Zwebner, a leading Israeli businessman from South Africa, is deeply involved in Ashkelon, He discovered it by chance in 2007. Having just completed his army reserve duty in Tarkumiya, he was driving home to Jerusalem and offered a lift to a fellow soldier who lived in Ashkelon. Impressed with the investment potential of the city, Zwebner purchased a holiday home on the beach and opened a Real Estate sales office. It wasn’t long before Anglos started following his example .

Zwebner says, “Ashkelon’s modern roots are buried deep in the South African Jewish community. In the first half of the 1950s, it was designed, built, and run by South African Jewry at the request of Golda Meir, then the minister of housing, as a place for refugees who were flocking into the country. As South Africans designed and built the city, the street signs have names reminiscent of South Africa such as South Africa St., Kaapstad St., and Johannesburg St.” Ashkelon boasts more private villas per capita than any other city in Israel. Approximately 15,000 people live

within the original area of Afridar. Today, Afridar is still Ashkelon’s most upscale residential area. Situated by the marina, it features some of the nicest beaches in the country.

Ashkelon’s English-speaking community includes South Africans, Britons, Americans, Canadians, and Australians. The English Speakers Association of Ashkelon (ESOA) is active socially and culturally, organizing wine & cheese evenings, a book club, a monthly movie night and lecture series, which includes a weekly Torah lesson. One of the organization’s aims is to help newcomers from English-speaking countries settle in and acclimatize themselves to their new environment.

Zwebner recently published a book describing the South African Jewish community’s involvement in Ashkelon. He is deeply involved in the activities of the city. He is an executive member of Keren Ashkelon, the philanthropic arm of the Municipality which, among other things, grants scholarships to Ashkeloni university students. During the present war they have raised over 14 million shekel for the needs of the local soldiers!

It is said that David has brought more Anglos to this city in recent years than those who came here during the previous 20 years.

Many clients buy sea view properties which his company rents out to foreign workers employed by Intel located in Kiryat Gat. It generates a good return on investment plus amazing capital appreciation often in excess of 20% annually.

Property prices are less than half of those in Netanya and one can still buy front line stunning sea view apartments.

With the support of the present Mayor Tomer Glam they are now planning to construct an Anglo community center and Synagogue near the Marina as well as an international Golf course along the beautiful beach front.

Once this war is over, Gaza will no longer be considered a threat to Ashkelon and property prices will soar!

customer focused services are incomparable in today’s world; we put your happiness first and foremost. Many have already made the journey from the UK to Israel, we would welcome you joining the ranks.

We look forward to working with you as we turn your dreams into reality.

Ashkelon will no longer be threatened by Gaza

The nicest beaches in the country

Fastest growing city in Israel

Rapidly growing modern orthodox Anglo community

One hour from Jerusalem, even less to Tel Aviv

Prices still cheap for sea views

20% deposit, balance when completed if under construction

Mortgages and interior design services available

Contact us now why wait for higher prices?

Beyond the headlines

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read in the news

It’s the little things

BY SIVAN RAHAV MEIR - TRANSLATED BY YEHOSHUA SISKIN

This week’s Torah portion, Tzetaveh, describes the Mishkan, which accompanied Bnei Yisrael in the desert. It describes the instructions for building the Mishkan, down to the minutiae. What is the importance of all these small details? :Here are two explanations

The first is what Professor Dan Ariely calls the “IKEA effect.” If we buy a readymade dresser or table, we feel much less connected to it than if we’d have bought a piece of furniture at IKEA and assembled it ourselves. Similarly, the fact that we were involved in building the Mishkan ourselves connects us to it on a far deeper level than if it had descended from .Heaven

The second is brought by Professor Nehama Leibowitz who pointed out that the Torah describes the creation of the world in only 34 verses, while the building of the Tabernacle is described in 400 verses. How can it be that the entire cosmos, the stars, the galaxies, the oceans, and even the creation of man are described briefly, while the “synagogue” of the people in the desert is described in such great detail? Professor Leibowitz explained that the Torah is not interested primarily in the universe, but rather in man. The Torah is less interested in what G-d does than in what man is meant to do in following G-d’s instructions These explanations are pertinent not only to the desert Mishkan, but to all the small, routine, yet vital acts and mitzvot that we do today

PUTTING THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER

Sharon Negri, mother of Neriya Negri who fell in battle on Simchat Torah, shared her experience attending a mosaic workshop at a time when she still felt devastated by her loss. The process, which involves shattering whole tiles into small pieces, and then carefully reassembling them, emerged as a powerful metaphor for her own shattered .reality in the wake of her son’s death It felt profoundly meaningful and“ significant,” she said. “I was gathering up the pieces, but not only that, I was making a whole new creation out of them. I see this not only as a Divine command, but also, a personal demand

from myself: to take my broken heart, my broken reality, and to create life. A new, ”.different life, but life

Sharon added that she feels this is what all of Am Yisrael are going through at this time. “The destruction has been so great, we might think there is no hope. But we must create, with G-d’s help, something new out of the broken pieces. Our story ”.will continue

A UNIQUE MISSION OF SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

I recently met a group of 30 women from Great Neck, NY, who visited Israel to express their solidarity. I’ve welcomed many missions to Israel, but this was my first encounter with women from the Mashadi community, a Persian-Jewish community with a history of self-sacrifice for their Judaism. They told me about their ancestors in Iran who insisted on observing mitzvot even though it was illegal, and who were subjected to harassment because of it. Those brave and committed generations of Iranian Jews can give us strength and inspiration in these challenging times

During our discussions, it became clear that each woman on this mission had embraced the role of an ambassador for Israel. Back in the United States, they will have to confront antisemitism and ignorance head-on. Their firsthand experiences in Israel, from witnessing the devastation at Kibbutz Be’eri, to observing the rehabilitation department at Sheba Hospital, and meeting the families of the hostages, have provided them with a unique perspective. They’ve seen the unity and spirit that define our country. Now, they bear the responsibility to convey their observations accurately and compellingly, and to share the reality of Israel’s situation with the world

SDEROT’S NEWEST RESIDENTS

I received this victory photo from a friend from Sderot. “Tonight we said goodbye to the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem,” she wrote to me. “After four months of fighting, our community is returning home to the city of Sderot in the south. All the babies in the picture were born here since we arrived at the hotel. This is the next generation of the new Sderot, who are returning home. ”!Mazel tov

PRAYING FOR THE HOSTAGES

Last week I said with great joy that, when praying for the hostages, the names of Luis and Fernando could be removed from the list. Since then, I have received many requests for a list of the hostages that remain in Gaza. So, first of all, here is the link: https://drive.google. com/file/d/1ZHrLlOvWVTEKTEr42SY9Y 7xrVFrBdVIO/view

ןויס

Since the outbreak of the war, Matanya Weinstock devoted himself to this project. He collected the full names of the hostages, including the full names of their mothers (as is the custom when praying for someone’s health or welfare), and he also made sure to include the full names of the non-Jews (most of them foreign workers) among the hostages

These lists – a spiritual “Iron Dome” — have been printed throughout Israel and the entire world and are seen in synagogues, schools, where Shabbat candles are lit, at the graves of tzadikim and in other communal spaces Unfortunately, Matanya’s son was seriously wounded in Gaza. So, we will now add his name, Yonatan Yitzhak ben Ateret, to the list for a speedy and complete recovery

A LETTER TO SINWAR

Seven-year-old Kama Hochman lives in Bnei Netzarim, a charming little town in southern Israel. Her father is presently serving in the reserves in Khan Yunis. This week, she decided to write a letter to Hamas leader

Yahya Sinwar. I think that this simple, innocent missive holds far more truth than the decisions handed down at the :Hague or in the UN

,Hi Sinwar

I’m Kama. I am in 2nd grade and live in the Gaza periphery. I want to tell you that G-d chose the nation of Israel to be His people. So, even if you try to kill us, we will win. I hope you get caught and that the nation of Israel will live with quiet and in peace

One hundred and thirty-one days which are eighteen weeks and five days

Kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz

Avraham ben Emuna (Monder), His wife, daughter and grandson were released Elad ben Chana (Katzir), His mother Hana was released Ohad ben Ester (Yahalomi), His son Eitan was released Ofer ben Cochava (Kaldaron) ,His children Erez and Sahar were released Amiram ben Sara (Cooper) , His wife Nurit was released Yoram ben Miryam (Metzger) his spouse Tamar was released Matan ben Einav (Zangauker) ,His spouse Ilana was released

Horn family Eitan ben Ru9 And his brother Yair ben Ru9

Aloni-Dolev-Konio-Yahod family The brothers David ben Sylvia (Konio), His family was released And Ariel Ben Sylvia (Konio) His spouse Arbel bat Yael (Yahod) And her brother Dolev ben Yael (Yahod)

Algart-Danzig family Itzhak ben Hana (Algart) And his brother-in-law Alexander ben Nina (Danzig)

Trupnov family Sascha Alexander ben Yelena (Tropnov) His mother Yelena,his girlfriend Sapit and grandmother Irena were release

Bibas family, The baby Kfir ben Shiri The toddler Ariel ben Shiri And their parents

Shiri bat Margit (Bibas) Yarden ben Pnina

Chaim ben Nechama (Perry) Sagi ben Naamit (Dekel-Chen)

Last updated 16-02-2024 Whatsapp group Mailing list

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World Jewish Relief Dinner raises critical funds JNF UK’s Fellowship Programme cohort is prepared to shape the future

Last night, more than 600 people gathered at the Roundhouse in London, to raise vital funds for the work of World Jewish Relief. The charity, which last year worked in 23 countries around the world, provides essential support to vulnerable people and those suffering the consequences of conflict, disaster and climate change, helping them to rebuild their lives.

The evening was hosted by critically acclaimed TV and radio presenter, Kirsty Young. Young shared how deeply moved she was by World Jewish Relief’s work after she met and interviewed Sir Ben Helfgott on Desert Island Discs. She spoke passionately about the ‘generosity, warmth and compassion’ of the Jewish community, and praised the extensive work of the charity across the world, its focus on climate resilience and prioritising the needs of women and girls. Young also emphasised the impact of World Jewish Relief’s work in the UK with refugees, which supports thousands of people to find employment.

World Jewish Relief Chair, Maurice Helfgott, addressed guests, who included the Chief Rabbi and Sir Clive Alderton, Private Secretary to His Majesty The King and World Jewish Relief’s Patron. He spoke passionately about the heartbreak both in Israel and across the Jewish Community since the brutal attacks on October 7th, emphasising deep wounds across the country and the necessity for the safe return of the hostages. Amidst such suffering in the Middle East, Helfgott also highlighted the importance of standing strong alongside the people of Ukraine in their time of need.

Helfgott said: “It is right to find the space in our heads and our hearts to be there for others... because it reflects our fundamental values. It is the right thing to do and it is the Jewish thing to do.”

With the two-year anniversary of the fullscale invasion of the Ukraine looming next week (24th February), Ukraine, its people, and their needs were high on the agenda for the evening. Through the generosity of

its supporters, World Jewish Relief has assisted over 270,000 people inside Ukraine, across 373 towns and cities through 27 local partner organisations. The charity has also supported over 20,000 Ukrainian refugees, including thousands in the UK.

Guests were treated to an extraordinary and moving performance by the Kyiv City Ballet. Director, Ivan Kozlov, described the heartbreak of war, and the importance of ballet and art in times of darkness. The ballet company, who left Ukraine for a performance in Paris the day before war broke out, have not been able to return home to Ukraine since.

Dame Melinda Simmons took to the stage to share her heartfelt and unique experiences as the former British Ambassador to Ukraine when the full-scale invasion began. Dame Melinda described the brutal realities of the war, and the fear, shock and horror of what she saw. She also highlighted the struggles of being Jewish in Ukraine, both historic and present, and the importance of the work of World Jewish Relief in meeting the diverse range of needs in Ukraine.

Finally, guests watched World Jewish Relief’s Chief Executive, Paul Anticoni, as he travelled through war-torn Ukraine, meeting families who the charity have been assisting through a range of services including psychological support and livelihood recovery. He told guests that this was still very much Ukraine’s long hour of need, with the conflict teetering on a knife edge.

Paul Anticoni, Chief Executive of World Jewish Relief, said: “At a time when we know so many in our community have their hearts and minds rightly turned towards Israel, we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of so many. Needs in Ukraine, and indeed across so many places in the world, continue to be vast. We thank our supporters for their ongoing trust and generosity, and we thank our speakers for sharing their passion and personal experiences.”

KLBD is delighted to announce many own-brand Ready Salted crisps are approved by KLBD

Ready Salted crisps by Aldi Snackrite, ASDA, Lidl Snaktastic, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Tesco Stockwell & Co are now approved Parev.

Rabbi Elie Schoemann, Interim Director of KLBD, said: “KLBD’s product research team has checked a number of major supermarket brand crisps and is pleased to be able to make this announcement today. KLBD strives to make keeping kosher easier and we know that given the cost-of-living crisis, being able to choose cheaper crisps will be welcome news for many. This follows our recent announcement approving many supermarket own-brand cereals wherever you are in the United Kingdom. KLBD responds to hundreds of product

enquiries every week and is always mindful of the needs of the public, so do be in touch if there are any other products which you would like us to look into.”

For details see: https://isitkosher. uk/#ready%20salted%20.

JNF UK’s second Fellowship Programme is enriching year 12 students from across a range of secondary schools. The programme aims to cultivate a new generation of motivated Israel advocates and community leaders.

This week, participants completed an enriching two-day seminar, where they gained valuable leadership skills and received training on fighting antisemitism online. With antisemitism more widespread than ever due to the complex situation in Israel, it is crucial for students to learn how to stay strong and resilient and techniques on how best to respond to it.

The fellowship cohort had the privilege of visiting the Houses of Parliament, where they were treated to an exclusive tour followed by engaging meetings with various parliamentary representatives.

The highlight of the two-day seminar was a visit to the Israeli Embassy. It provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage with key influential leaders including the Israeli Ambassador and Natasha Hausdorff, a distinguished barrister, and director of ‘UK Lawyers for Israel’.

Elan Gorji, Interim CEO of JNF UK, emphasised the significance of the training, stating, “We believe that by empowering our fellows with leadership skills and a deep understanding of combatting

antisemitism, we are contributing to the development of strong, compassionate leaders of tomorrow, who can help educate and change the narrative on Israel”.

Yoni Nemko, one of the participants, stated, “in particular, it was a privilege to take part in a discussion with Her Excellency, Tzipi Hotovely about the relationship between Jewish identity and Israel since the atrocities of the 7th of October. The tour of the Houses of Parliament, including both famous chambers, was enjoyable and informative. We discussed initiatives to promote knowledge and understanding of Israel to the wider world, with parliamentary advisors.”

Michael Cohen, JNF UK’s Educational Manager and Fellowship Leader, highlighted the compliments that the fellows received, on their strong level of engagement and questioning skills. He believes that during these uncertain times, this generation gives us hope for our future.

Rabbi Miller from Kiryat Sefer in MH

On Monday, Rabbi Shloime Miller from Kiryat Sefer joined Machzekie Hadass shul, delivering an inspiring shiur at’Start your

day the Torah way.’ The room was full as many individuals came in their masses to hear his words of Torah.

Rabbi Miller giving his shiur in MH

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Ambassador Hotovely hosting the participants

PHOTO: @AMBER POLLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

ASK THE RABBI

A NEW BEGINING

Dear Rabbi

I am going through a crisis in life. I find people irritable. I find myself getting angry all the time. I am grappling with issues from my past that I cannot seem to let go of and I cannot forgive those who brought those things on me in the first place. I know that in Jewish ethical works and in Chassidism, there is much discussion about learning to move beyond those things but I don’t have specific access to those teachings. I am hoping that you can enlighten me somewhat. I would be really grateful. I don’t expect you to make me better but hopefully with what you share I can start my journey. Thank you.

Anne-Marie

Dear Anne-Marie

A key point that is brought in the sources you reference is that we should not live in the past nor allow for our past to define us. That isn’t to say that we can obliterate it and just pretend it never happened. What it means is that we should not be consumed by it to the point where it stifles our ability to progress in life. I don’t know your particular

circumstances., and sometimes past events can be particularly traumatic and overwhelming for which therapy is essential. However, as a general guideline, per your request, the gist is that you have to take whatever negative experiences and use them as learning curves to enable you to move forward. For example: Anything that annoys you is teaching you patience. Anyone who abandons you is teaching you how to stand up on your own two feet. Anything that angers you is teaching you forgiveness and compassion. Anything that has power over you is teaching you how to take your power back. Anything you hate is teaching you unconditional love. Anything you fear is teaching you courage to overcome your fear. Anything you can’t control is teaching you how to let go.

Inasmuch as everything happens for a reason, life isn’t happening to you. It’s happening for you. Ultimately there are no mistakes, only lessons. That’s it in a nutshell.

WHERE DID WE GO WRONG?

Dear Rabbi

My son is 24 years old. He’s gone to a Jewish school and we exposed him to Jewish

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values as much as possible. We were flexible with him and didn’t force religion down his throat so that he shouldn’t resent it. So, when he wanted to go out on a Friday night we would let him. We didn’t forbid him going with friends when they might be heading to a non-kosher eatery. But now he’s announced he’s in love with a non-Jewish girl and of course my wife and I are devastated. I would have thought we did everything right. I am not asking you to guide me in how to talk him off this girl. I am wondering where we went wrong?

Justin

Dear Justin

There is a kosher shop in Bondi Beach in New South Wales Australia called Krinsky’s. It is frequented by both those coming off the beach as well as the Chassidim that live there. I need you to try and picture this scene as it really happened. Swimwear Mom comes into the shop, child in tow. As they reach for the shopping carts, the child notices the rows of sweets conveniently and strategically placed next to the carts. The child says: “Mommy, can I have a sweet?” Mommy says, “No.” The child goes into a tantrum, screaming as the mother drags him along the aisles. In walks Chassidic Mom with her son. She’s got a lot more on than swimwear Mom. She too reaches for a shopping cart, and exactly the same scene unfolds: “Can I have this sweet Mom?” Not all the sweets are necessarily “supervised kosher,” so Mom says, “no, it is not kosher.” The kid says, “OK!” And they walk on. In walks a religious looking man. Children are eminently brilliant, their radar switched on. The Chassidic child immediately observes how this Chassidic man reaches for a chocolate in another tray further up. The child zeros in, goes for the same tray, grabs a chocolate then heads back up to his mother. “Can I have this one Mom? It’s kosher!” Chassidic Mom looks to him and says, “No!” And guess what happens: This kid goes into a tantrum and now you’ve got two screaming children all over the aisles.

knows however is that you can never negotiate a mitzvah. It’s not as if his mother ever said to him, “if you behave, I’ll let you have a little non-kosher later on.” The kosher was an absolute. Even three-yearold children understand the restrictions in the absolute. Because when parents convey it they exude confidence. The child knows and sense when Mom and Dad say no to certain restrictions on Shabbat or kosher and they do so with an absolute conviction no less than you would tell a child “don’t run into the road!” The child also knows and senses how the parent may not exude the same confidence when it comes to the yes or no of other values (such as Friday nights or kosher restaurants) and that therefore remains negotiable. When you waver in your communication to your child because it is not an absolute by you then don’t be surprised if later it wavers within them as well. Unless we have conviction, our children will not have the assurance necessary to be able to differentiate between what is appropriately acceptable in a Jewish life and what is not.

The question is this: What changes within this child? Why does he accept the “no, it’s not kosher,” but goes berserk at the mere “no.” The point is that both children are raised knowing that you could negotiate a “no.” What this one child

I pray you can get your son back on track. Seek the help of your local rabbi and have some serious conversations with your child, always making it clear that this is a non-negotiable with you, even as you love him very much.

Our “New” Colour

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

Clothing is an important form of self-expression. The clothes we wear reflect our personal tastes, preferences, and identity. Likewise, clothing often manifest our cultural and communal values. For Jews, clothing has always served as a cultural identifier. Chazal stress that, despite our religious collapse in Egypt, and while living under duress, we still maintained a distinctly Jewish form of dress, enabling us to preserve a robust Jewish identity.

Many sects of Orthodox Jews still employ clothing as a cultural insulator to preserve traditionalism. Hasidim in particular, punctiliously preserve clothing styles of the past to more strongly anchor themselves to tradition and to fend off the seductive impulses of modernity.

Though we express ourselves through clothing, we also view dress as a manner of protecting personal modesty. Tzniyut is not a dress code for women, but an overarching attitude, or a general pattern of behavior, which applies to both men and women. Tzniyut urges us not to call too much attention to ourselves and not to aggressively promote personal accomplishments. Dressing modestly is just one expression of proper manners and of understated deportment.

In stark contrast to general Jewish dress codes, the uniform of the Cohen Gadol was eye-catchingly stunning. He wore dazzling jewels in the choshen plate on his chest, and carried large gemstones or avnei shoham on his shoulder pads. He placed a shimmering gold sheet across his forehead (known as the tzitz), fastening it to his head with glistening strings dyed in the royal blue colour of techelet. On top of his general clothing he sported an lavish topcoat called the me’il, which was trimmed with pomegranate-shaped ornaments and miniature baroque-style bells.

For a culture which discourages ostentation and flashiness, the attire of the Cohen Gadol seems aberrant. His glittering clothing clashes with our overall inclination to dress quietly and discreetly.

THE INSTITUTION

The flashy clothing of the Cohen Gadol wasn’t “personal”. The Torah itself recognizes that this splendor was meant to arouse deeper reverence for Hashem, while evoking דובכ and תראפת - honour and glory for the Mikdash. As the central figure of the Mikdash, the Cohen Gadol symbolized an institution much larger than himself. His regal clothing imbued the Mikdash with a majestic ambience and with ceremonial gravitas. As he represented a national institution, the Cohen Gadol’s clothing didn’t violate codes of

modesty. His royal garb didn’t call attention to himself, but connected us with something larger. He was a connector, not a self-promoter.

BROKEN COHANIM

Twice during Jewish history, Cohanim misused their office, deeply damaging the larger institution of the Mikdash which they were meant to honor. During the era of “the Judges” two children of Eili, the serving Cohen Gadol, mistreated women who visited the Mikdash to deliver their postpartum korbanot. This corruption of power wasn’t just flagrant moral hypocrisy by public officials. Their scandalous behavior weakened public trust in institutions in general. Suspicion is contagious, and once it gains footing it spreads to other elements of society. Their abuse of power destabilized general institutions of authority, forcing Hashem to reboot society by launching Jewish monarchy.

Hundreds of years later, during the second Mikdash era, the Sadducees gained control of the office of the Cohen Gadol and regularly sabotaged the solemn Yom Kippur ceremonies in the inner sanctum. They didn’t just erode public trust of Cohanim but wrecked social attitudes toward the “Establishment”. Sadly, the second-Mikdash era was derailed by vicious social strife and violent civil wars. Trust in the public institutions which could have unified us, had completely eroded. Without these unifying national institutions, we fell into social chaos and disunity.

By dressing in regal attire, the Cohen Gadol preserves the dignity of the Mikdash as an institution and as a unifying symbol. Despite natural differences of background, religion and orientation, the entire country rallied around the Mikdash, pilgrimaging to Yerushalayim three times a year. The dazzling colours and glistening gold of the Cohen Gadol’s clothing were national symbols of glory.

A NEW COLOUR

Over the past few months, we have been unified by a different uniform and a very different colour. Sadly, we haven’t yet rebuilt the Mikdash, and our eyes have yet to behold its vibrant colours and the uniform of the Cohen. For us, though, the colour green has become a unifying symbol of Jewish hopes and dreams. After we were viciously attacked on Oct 7th, our Jewish army valiantly battled to restore our borders and to purge Azza of homicidal murderers. Their green uniforms haven’t left our hearts or our imaginations. We have prayed for our soldiers’ welfare while also burying heroes who sacrificed their lives for our

people, our country, and our future. We pictured soldiers living in their uniforms for weeks at a time, facing deranged murderers and braving harsh weather conditions. We stood at weddings and sat in shiva homes next to soldiers released for just a few hours, who didn’t have ample time or opportunity to change into civilian clothing.

Their IDF fatigues are not as resplendent as the uniform of the Cohen Gadol. Their sandy shoes aren’t as polished as the metallic sheen of the Cohen’s headplate. Their chests are safeguarded with ceramic plates rather than bedecked with precious stones. Their heads are covered with protective helmets rather than with stately caps. They string weapons and not gemstones over their shoulders. The colour of this uniform may be drab, but they resonate with our collective hopes for recovery, security, and sovereignty. They have become modern day versions of דובכ and תראפת. Standing next to Jewish soldiers has infused us with pride, strength, patriotism, and mesiras nefesh. It is our honor to witness our children, our brothers and sisters, and our husbands and fathers wearing this uniform of Jewish pride.

EVIL SOLDIERS

Despite this letdown, and perhaps because of it, our identification with the IDF hasn’t waned and, if anything, the Israeli army has become the most powerful national symbol of pride. The army has become the institution which has united Jews from across the world and from across the ideological spectrum. The colour green wasn’t central to the Mikdash, but has become a compelling modern symbol. As we return to Israel, the palette of Jewish history changes.

AFTERWORD

It wasn’t always this way. For centuries, the image of a soldier had sinister connotations. Soldiers could easily torture, murder, and rape Jews with impunity. Many illuminated Hagaddot portray the four sons of Pesach with suggestive avatars. Invariably, the wicked son was depicted as a soldier: a Roman soldier, a Greek Soldier, a Spanish soldier, a Persian soldier, or a Russian soldier. For centuries, soldiers represented horror and dread, and their uniforms and military symbols were both repugnant and terrifying.

Jewish history is undergoing a revolution, as Jewish soldiers have become national symbols of hope, strength and, in the past few months, of Jewish resilience. What made Oct 7th so traumatic was, in part, the belief that our Jewish army could completely defend us in our homeland. We thought that a Jewish army would protect us against the savage crimes perpetrated against us in the past. Pogroms against defenseless Jews, we believed, were a relic of a time when we didn’t possess a Jewish army to defend us. We were wrong, and in the aftermath of this war we will thoroughly investigate how this tragedy occurred and why our army failed to protect us.

As we navigate the war and contemplate maintaining our national unity it is crucial to ponder how we treat other national institutions and national symbols. Modern culture encourages questioning authority and challenges traditional power structures. Institutions, which in the past unified society, are now regularly subjected to scrutiny and skepticism. Over the past year in Israel, petty politics, social strife, and ideological debate paralyzed our society and prompted this calamity. In recovering our social fitness, we must be more careful not to deride public institutions or symbols such as government, the Supreme Court, and the police. We may disagree with a particular policy but assailing Jewish institutions does far more damage than whatever policy we are threatened by.

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

FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

Wisdom of the Heart Weekly Dvar Torah

BY RABBI SHALOM ROSNER

TAnd you shall speak to all the wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, and they shall make Aharon’s garments to sanctify him, [so] that he serve Me [as a kohen] (Shemot 18:3).

In this week’s parsha, Moshe is instructed to speak with certain individuals who are to fabricate Aharon’s garments. These individuals are referred to as wise-hearted people. Typically, wisdom is connected to one’s brain, not their heart. The heart is associated with one’s emotions. What is the Torah seeking to teach us by connecting wisdom to the heart?

Rabbi Norman Lamm z”l in his sefer Drashot L’Dorot offers a compelling idea, which he relayed in the 1950s but that

holds true today. Man has a great quest for knowledge. He cites a New York Times article that states that we have so much knowledge, that even if all research would abruptly stop, we would have enough work ordering and utilizing the knowledge we have for the next century. This statement was made even before the internet was established which supplies us with unprecedented amounts of data on any topic desired.

Another fact cited by Rabbi Lamm is that more people have been killed by automobile accidents than in all the American wars combined. That does not lead to the conclusion that we are better off without automobiles. Rather it demands that along with modern technological advances man ought to engineer his conscience as well to take better care when driving and valuing

human life. Wisdom without conscience yields to misuse of knowledge. The atom bomb was an ingenious invention, but it led to horrific destruction. Man was able to decipher the “nature of the atom but neglected the nature of the sons of Adam.”

Today there is a debate as to whether certain limitations be placed on artificial intelligence due to the potential dangers that may ensue from misuse.

Perhaps what the Torah is teaching us is that to properly apply the wisdom we acquire, we are to ensure it does not remain the wisdom of the mind – but rather that it is transformed into the wisdom of the heart and soul, of feeling and faith and of reverence and ethical behavior.

It is no coincidence that each morning when we wrap ourselves in tefillin, we

Tetzaveh “You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly.” (Exodus 27:20)

1st Aliya (Kohen) – Shemot 27:20-28:12

G-d tells Moshe (Moses) to instruct the people to bring pure, pressed olive oil for lighting the Menorah in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Aharon and his sons will take charge of setting up and lighting the Menorah. Moshe will guide “wisehearted” workers to make the special garments for the Kohanim, “for glory and splendour”.

The first four of the eight garments listed below were worn exclusively by the Kohen Gadol, the first of whom was Aharon. (1) The apron (ephod) was worn over Aharon’s tunic and robe. It was woven from coloured wool and linen,

with two shoulder straps (ketefot) and a belt (cheshev) attached. Precious shoham stones (avnei shoham) were placed on each shoulder strap. Each stone was engraved with the names of six tribes.

Point to Consider: Why does the sidra begin briefly with the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah if the rest of it is dedicated to the clothing worn by the Kohanim?

2nd Aliya (Levi) – 28:13-30

(2) The breastplate (choshen) was placed above the ephod, with a similar weave. The front of the breastplate contained 12 different types of precious stones (avnei miluim), each one engraved with the name of a different tribe. Golden rings on the four corners allowed it to be attached to the ephod. The choshen ‘folded out’ to allow the insertion of a piece of parchment called the urim ve’tumim, which had the Ineffable Name of G-d written on it (see Rashi).

3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 28:31-43

(3) The robe (me’il), made of turquoise wool, was worn under the first two garments. Golden bells (rimonim), placed between multi-coloured woollen ‘pomegranate’ shapes, hung from the bottom hem.

(4) The headplate (tzitz) was made of pure gold and had the words ‘Kodesh L’Hashem’ (Holy to G-d) written on it. It was placed on Aharon’s forehead. Every Kohen wore (5) a tunic (ketonet) with a grid-like patterned knit, as well as (6) a linen turban (mitznefet), (7) an embroidered belt (avnet) and (8) linen trousers (michnasayim).

4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 29:1-18

The command to consecrate the Mishkan is given. Every day for seven days, Moshe is to bring animal and bread offerings, dress Aharon and his sons in their priestly clothing and anoint Aharon’s head with oil. The blood from the

place one on our head and the other on our arm, adjacent to our heart, symbolizing the connection between the mind and the heart. As we live in a society overwhelmed with information, we ought to make sure that we apply the knowledge we obtain with our conscience – as a wise-hearted individual. Always taking into consideration how we utilize the information we acquire, so that it can enhance our lives and the lives of those around us.

Rabbi Shalom Rosner is a Rebbe at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh and Rabbi of the Nofei HaShemesh community. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

offerings is to be placed on the altar to inaugurate it.

5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 29:19-37

Moshe is to place the blood of the second ram- offering on the ears, thumbs and toes of Aharon and his sons. Blood and oil are to be sprinkled on their garments. Moshe is to assist the Kohanim in waving their inauguration offering.

6th Aliya (Shishi) – 27:1-8

Once the Mishkan is functional, the twice-daily Tamid (continual) offering is to be brought, one sheep in the morning and one in the afternoon, together with a flour offering and a wine libation.

7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 30:1-10

The Mishkan also housed a gold-plated wooden mizbeach (altar), upon which the twice-daily incense offering was brought.

Haftarah

The prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel) is told by G-d to tell the people that they should be ashamed of their sins, (which would soon lead to the Temple being destroyed by the Babylonians). However, Yechezkel is also to tell them the dimensions of the (future) Third Temple, specifically the Altar, as well as its inauguration ceremony.

TALMUD • MISHNAH • EIN YAAKOV • TOSAFOS • ARTSCROLL IPAD • TALMUD • MISHNAH • EIN YAAKOV • TOSAFOS

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The Birth of Torah She’baal Peh: Creating Light within the Darkness

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

Eight-year-old Josh sat in his living room excitedly opening his birthday presents. He had already received some new toys from his grandparents, but his parents told him that their present was extra special. He’d be able to use it to light up whatever he wanted, to make unique shapes on the walls, and to play games in the backyard. As he took his brand-new flashlight out of the box, he excitedly flicked the switch to turn it on. Nothing happened. He flicked the switch off and back on, and again nothing happened. He pointed it around the room, then ran outside to the backyard and pointed it around out there as well. It must be broken, he thought sadly, as he trudged back into the house and dejectedly ate his birthday cake. That night, he went to sleep with all his toys in his room, even his broken flashlight. As he was falling asleep, his mom knocked loudly on the door. He opened it, and quickly noticed that all the lights in the house were off. His mom asked if she could use his flashlight, as there had been a power outage. He took his flashlight and started explaining to her that it didn’t actually work. As he flicked it on, though, the hallway was suddenly bathed in light! As he moved around the house, the flashlight filled the dark house with a warm glow of illumination. His parents, noticing his confused expression, explained to him: “Your light is powerful beyond measure, but in the presence of sunlight, your flame is subsumed. Only in the dark, when the light has faded, can your small flame shine bright and be seen for what it truly is.”

TWELVE LINES OF SEPARATION

The Jewish divorce document, called a get, is written according to a very specific format. One requirement is that it must be written across twelve lines.

Tosafos (Gittin 2a) asks why this is so, first suggesting that perhaps it is because the word “get” has the gematria of twelve. Tosafos then gives another, much more enigmatic explanation: In total, there are twelve lines separating the five books of the Chamishah Chumshei Torah, as there are four lines of separation between each sefer in the five books of Torah. Since a get is a document of separation, separating man and wife, it therefore adopts this feature of separation from the Sefer Torah, requiring twelve lines as well. This is a compelling answer, because the Torah is the original “document” of the world, so it therefore seems reasonable to model the get, a halachic document, off of the foundational document of Torah. The document of separation (get) therefore contains twelve lines, corresponding to the twelve lines of separation in the Torah. (This is the opinion of the Ri”y, in the name of Rav Hai Gaon and Rav Saadia

Gaon.)

However, there is a major problem with this answer. Between each sefer in the Torah, there are four blank lines, but there are five books in the Torah for a total of sixteen lines! Why, then, are there only twelve lines in a get?

Tosafos explains that the lines between Bamidbar and Devarim are not regarded as lines of separation because Devarim is not considered a separate sefer; it is purely a repeat of everything that came before it. To a large degree, Sefer Devarim repeats many of the episodes found throughout the rest of Torah. This idea is reflected in the various names that are used to refer to Sefer Devarim:

• Chazal refer to Sefer Devarim as “Mishneh Torah,” which means a repeat or second Torah.

• The Latin name for Devarim, “Deuteronomy,” means “second law,” and originates from the Greek words deuteros nomos (second law). However, we are still left with a question: Why does Devarim’s status as a repeat sefer preclude its four lines of separation from being included in the lines of a get? There are still four lines separating Bamidbar and Devarim! Furthermore, the very nature of Sefer Devarim’s transmission appears highly problematic. The commentators explain that Moshe spoke the words of Devarim of his own volition, and Hashem then “ratified” these words as part of Torah. How can Moshe’s words be included in the Torah? The fundamental nature of Torah is its Divine authorship! In order to answer these questions and understand the deep nature of Sefer Devarim, we must develop an essential principle.

EXPLAINING THE HISTORICAL TRANSITION

We have previously discussed the two unique stages of history and their respective features. We will now take a step back and attempt to understand why this transition occurred.

To briefly review:

• The first stage of history lasted from creation until the time of Purim and Chanukah. This stage was highlighted by the miracles of yetzias Mitzrayim and Matan Torah and the presence of nevuah. During this period, Hashem’s revelation in this world was apparent and clear. The physical world was naturally seen as an expression of a spiritual reality, and it was easy to source the physical back to the spiritual.

• The second stage, which began around the time of Purim, marked the end of open miracles and prophecy. We no longer experience open miracles, only hidden ones. Hashem is no longer openly manifest and clearly visible in this world; we no longer naturally source ourselves back to Hashem. (This is a theme deeply connected to Tishah B’Av, when we lost the Beis Hamikdash, our place of unique

and incontrovertibly clear connection to Hashem.) In this stage, the world denies Hashem’s involvement in the world, claiming that life is meaningless, disconnected from anything higher. This age is one of atheism and nihilism, of accepting only that which can be quantified using science, logic, technology, and the five senses. Our challenge, therefore, is to choose to see Hashem; we must choose to see past the surface, to uncover the miraculous within the natural, the infinite within the finite, and the ethereal within the mundane. (The Anshei K’nesses Hagedolah were the leaders of the Jewish People during this Second Temple Era, and they took it upon themselves to ensure that we did not become consumed by this new age of secularism and atheism. In order to help us source everything back to Hashem — to link this physical world to something higher — Chazal instituted standardized tefillah and berachos to be said throughout the day, the yearly cycle, and the various stages of life. Without open revelation of Hashem’s attachment to, and involvement in, this world, these frameworks help us maintain awareness of that connection.)

It is clear that we now live in the second stage of history — one of darkness, distance, and seeming disconnect from Hashem. It is also clear that this was not always the case. We must therefore address the question of why this transition took place. Why did the very nature of reality shift at this point in time? Why did we need this new challenge of free will?

INSPIRATION AND ACTUALIZATION

The secret behind this transition is one of the most foundational concepts of Judaism, a phenomenon we have previously introduced. The Arizal, Ramchal, Vilna Gaon, and many other Jewish thinkers explain that every process contains three stages:

• The first stage is the high, the inspiration, the experience of perfection and clarity.

• Next comes the second stage: a sudden fall, a complete loss of everything that was experienced in the first stage.

• Then there is the third stage, a return to the perfection of the first stage. However, this third stage is fundamentally different from the first. It is the same perfection, the same clarity, but this time it’s a perfection and clarity that you have earned. The first time it was given to you; now you have worked to build it for yourself. The first stage is the ideal, a gift to help you experience the ultimate goal, the destination. It’s a taste of what you can and hopefully will ultimately accomplish. But it’s not real; it’s given as a gift and is therefore an illusion. It serves only as a guiding force but cannot compare to the genuine accomplishment of building something yourself. It is therefore taken away to allow for the second and most important stage: building it yourself,

undergoing the work required to attain this growth in actuality, and working for the perfection that you were shown. A gift isn’t real, but something chosen and earned is. We are in this world to choose, to assert our free will, and to create ourselves. Once we have tasted the first stage, we know what we are meant to choose and what we are meant to build. The third stage is a recreation of the first stage. While it appears to be the same, it’s fundamentally different; it’s real, it’s earned, it’s yours. The first stage was a gift, an illusion; the third is the product born of the effort and time you invested. The first stage of history was a gift, an experience of the ideal. It was not difficult to find Hashem or to connect to that which is higher. Hashem openly revealed Himself through nevuah and miracles, it was a time of transcendence. We then lost that ideal. Nevuah and avodah zarah were removed from the world, the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed, and a cloak of darkness fell over existence. We are now in the second stage, where we must rebuild toward the original goal, toward the transcendent ideal. We no longer have open revelation with its accompanying prophecy and clarity. However, it is precisely for this reason that we can choose to witness the truth and depth of the world, to see Hashem in everything, and to connect to the divine in all that we do. In a darkened world, we are uniquely able to cast our own light. Accompanying this transition from the first stage to the second was another unique shift, one that has become the very lifeblood of the Jewish People. When the curtain fell over the first stage of history, the stage of Torah She’baal Peh was born. (It is important to note that Torah She’baal Peh itself originated at the same time as Torah She’bichsav, but the emphasis on Torah She’baal Peh and its development took place during this second stage.) In our next article, we will delve deeper into this fascinating topic and try to understand it on an even deeper level.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. His bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self, serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is also a business, executive, and leadership coach, with a unique approach based on Torah values. After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. To enjoy more of Rabbi Reichman’s content, to contact him, or to learn more about his services, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com

Family FunTetzaveh

It’s great having a Mishkan with its beautiful furniture and now it is time to learn about some of the action and uniform that was in view there.

First we are taught about the oil that was used for the Menorah lighting – only the first drops from the olive were allowed to be used for the Menorah. Aharon

had the special Mitzvah of lighting the Menorah each day.

We then learn about the clothes that the Kohanim wore. A hat, a long shirt, a belt and trousers, all made from a beautiful blend of colours and materials.

Then we are told about the extra clothes that the Kohen Gadol wore – The

Word Search

Me’il – the upper cloak with its bells and pomegranates, the Eiphod apron, the Tzitz on his forehead and the Choshen, the breastplate with the names of all the tribes of the Jewish people engraved on them.

Then we learn about the special ceremony for bringing Aharon and his boys in to serve as Kohanim.

How beautiful was the sight of the Kohen Gadol and let us hope we live to see the service of the Beit Hamikdash speedily in our time!

Parasha Stats

Facts about Parashat Tetzaveh

Number of Lines - 179

Number of Verses - 101

Number of Words - 1,412

Number of Letters - 5,430

Jewish Riddle

This week’s Question: What are the names of TWO sets of Grandfather - Grandson mentioned in the weekday Shemoneh Esrei.

Last week’s Answer: What Beracha is said every 3 or 4 years?

Answer: Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbat V'Shel Yom Hakkipurim Email your name,

Dingbats

Using all the shapes, can you make the shape on the right?

Tangram Challenge! Word Wheel

The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

Last edition’s words

Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more!

fend fens fern feud find fine fins fire

firs foes fond ford fore four fund furs

fuse info rife serf surf fends ferns feuds

fiend finds fined finer fines fired fires fords

found fours fried fries frond funds fused infer

Use the area below to write the words you have found.

serif unfed fiends finder fiords fonder fondue founds

Jokes Riddles

Q: What do librarians take with them when they go fishing?

A: Bookworms!

Q: What did one wall say to the other wall?

A: “I will meet you at the corner!”

Q: What did one toilet say to the other?

A: “You look a bit flushed!”

Q: Why was the broom late?

A: It over swept!

friend funder fusion infers infuse refund surfed finders

founder friends funders infused infuser refunds founders foundries

1. Is always in front of you but can not be seen?

2. Take one out and scratch my head, I am now black but one was red?

3. What is as light as a feather but even the strongest man cannot hold for long?

Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah Project ensures that young people, on their special day, can share it with a child Holocaust victim who was denied a future.

Over the past 10 years we have twinned over 1000 children.

Complete the on-line Twinning Form and researchers at Yad Vashem will use the information to find a suitable twin.

Celebrants will receive a comprehensive Twinning Pack which contains:

• A Page of Testimony, with details of your chosen twin

• A Study Guide

• A Certificate

• Letter from a Holocaust survivor

• A Yad Vashem pin

• Memorial and Shabbat Candles

• An invitation to become a Guardian of the Memory

46 Albert Road

London

NW4 2SG

Charity No. 1099659

Phone: 020 8187 9881

Email: office@yadvashem.org.uk

www.yadvashem.org.uk

www.guardianofthememory.org

@yadvashemukfoundation

EXPERT ADVICE

How involved and aware do I need to be when considering a transaction in Israel real estate?

When it comes to real estate transactions in Israel, due diligence plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and successful completion of deals. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or developer, conducting comprehensive due diligence is essential for making informed decisions, mitigating risks, and safeguarding your interests. In this article, we will explore the significance of due diligence in Israeli real estate transactions and highlight its key aspects. The main two reasons why due diligence is so important, especially in Israel, is due to:

The defining date of a transaction in Israel is the day you sign the purchase agreement, and not the “closing” date when you pay the last payment and take possession. Even if you buy a brand new apartment which will be ready in a few years, the day you signed the purchase agreement is the day you purchased the apartment.

In Israel you don’t have contingencies that exist abroad – financing and inspection. So if you would like to make sure you’ll get the financing you need and/or check the apartment to make sure there are no issues with it, or get the seller to take care of it, it all has to be done prior to signing the purchase agreement. Otherwise you will have to buy it as is and/or find a different way to finance the purchase.

Understanding Due Diligence

Due diligence refers to the process of thoroughly investigating and assessing the relevant aspects of a property before going to contract. It involves conducting research, examining legal documents, verifying the property’s physical condition, financing options, approvals, and compliance with regulations. The purpose of due diligence is to uncover any potential issues or liabilities that may impact the transaction, make sure certain issues are addressed in the contract, and to provide transparency and clarity to all parties involved.

Israeli real estate transactions are governed by a complex legal framework. Due diligence involves reviewing and analyzing various legal documents, such as title deeds, ownership records, zoning and planning, building permits, condo documents and registration, and lease agreements. This ensures that the property is legally sound and free from any liens, encumbrances, debts, disputes, or pending litigation that could hinder the transaction.

Financial Analysis

Conducting financial due diligence is vital for assessing the economic viability of a real estate investment. This involves analyzing the property and expenses, personal financial sources and/or mortgage availability, tax assessments, and any outstanding debts or mortgages. A thorough financial analysis helps buyers and investors determine the property’s potential value, funds available for the purchase, evaluate its profitability, and calculate the return on investment.

Physical Inspection

A crucial aspect of due diligence is conducting a detailed physical inspection of the property. This involves examining the building’s structure, condition, and any potential issues such as leaks, damages, or environmental hazards. Engaging professionals such as engineers and architects to assess the property’s physical aspects can help identify any costly repairs, renovations or maintenance requirements, enabling buyers to make informed decisions and negotiate the price accordingly.

Yair Givati

To be continued...

ESTATE AGENT

MARTIN FRYDENSON - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE

Roundtree Real Estate are your local experienced Estate Agent having been established on the High Street since 2009. We are both ARLA and NAEA Propertymark regulated and we are here to offer you expert advice in Property Sales, Lettings, Commercial and Full Management Services, covering Hendon, Golders Green, Finchley, Colindale and surrounding areas. We have built long standing relationships with all our clients and should you have any property related queries please do contact us.

Contact:

020 8203 2111

mail@theroundtree.com

www.theroundtree.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

JACOB BERNSTEIN

A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: Mortgage, Protection and General Insurance Intermediaries; Lenders, Credit Brokers, Debt Counsellors and Debt Managers; Alternative Investment Fund Managers;

• E-Money, Payment Services, PISP, AISP and Grant-making Charities.

Contact:

020 7781 8019 info@richdale.co.uk www.richdale.co.uk

WEALTH MANAGMENT

MARC OVITS – BA (HONS) APFS CERT PFS (DM)

Over 25 years of successful experience in financial services including 11 years of investment banking experience.

Offering expert independent financial advice to individuals, businesses, charities and trusts. Individual services:- Wealth Management, Investment, Retirement, Estate/IHT, protection planning, Tax Mitigation and Cash Management Solutions

Business & Charity services:- Investment Planning, Business Succession & Business Exit Planning, Business Protection, Corporate Pensions, Employee Benefits, Cash Management Solutions, Profit extraction strategies

BUTCHERS

KOSHER DELI

Alpha Wealth Management

Contact:

020 8203 6920 info@alphawm.co.uk www.alphawm.co.uk

Kosher Deli was established with the intention of making kosher meat and poultry affordable for all with the convenience of multiple locations and a comprehensive delivery service. All this without compromising on kashrus or quality.

Locations in: Golders Green, Hendon, Temple Fortune, Edgware, Borehamwood & Manchester

CHARITY

JEWISH CARE

Contact:

020 8381 4450 info@kosherdeliuk.co.uk www.kosherdeli.co.uk

Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Our vital services touch the lives of 10,000 people every week. We provide services and offer a wide range of support groups to older people, people with mental health needs, Holocaust survivors, people living with dementia, people with a variety of needs and carers support.

Contact:

020 8922 2222 helpline@jcare.org www.jewishcare.org

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET

We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010. We specialise in supplying businesses with VoIP Packages, Mobile Plans, Broadband, Card Merchant Services, Leased Lines, On-Hold Marketing, and Call Centre Services. Smartinet, your reliable and efficient business communications provider.

Contact:

0333 613 0000 connect@smartinet.co.uk smartinet.co.uk

BUILDING AND PARTY WALL SURVEYING

MATRIX SURVEYORS LIMITED

Offering a range of building surveying services and specialising in party wall matters, nationwide, for both consumers and businesses, including; -

• Pre-acquisition Surveys

• Party Wall Matters

• Defect Inspections

• Schedules of Condition

• Insurance Reinstatement Costs Assessments

Contact:

Toli Moscovitz BSc (Hons) MRICS

0161 823 6973 info@matrixsurveyors.co.uk www.matrixsurveyors.co.uk

SHIPPING

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING

• Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules

• Construction Project Management

• Licence for Alterations

• Insurance claims

With almost 40 years experience, our company has the ability to move household and personal effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and care that comes from that experience coupled with an attention to detail.

We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation. And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!

Contact:

020 8832 2222 info@shipsms.co.uk www.shipsms.co.uk

ALIYAH ADVISORS

ALIYAH ADVISORS - GARY BROWN - PRACTICAL ALIYAH ADVICE

Book a FREE meeting with UKAA’s founder Gary Brown, who will go through your particular needs and wants on a the PRACTICAL side of leaving your country of origin and/or living in/moving to Israel. This is both for pre and post- Aliyah Olim. This FREE meeting will allow Gary to advise on who you need to speak with for each requirement and when in the year you should approach them. Confidentiality assured.

Contact:

+972 (0)2 372 3775 / +44 (0)20 3 989 5080 info@aliyahadvisors.com aliyahadvisors.com/aloh-naaleh/

MANAGED I.T. SERVICES PROVIDER (MSP)

SIMON MOSCOVITZ BSC (HONS) – EUROTEK UK LIMITED

We are a well-established and successful Managed I.T. Services Provider (MSP) with a clear sense of purpose. We plan, design and enable the procurement, implementation, protection and management of a wide range of modern technologies through an earned and trusted partnership with our clients across the UK. We enable our clients to be operationally efficient by successfully embracing their digital transformation journey.

Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf

Rabbi Yossi Fachler

Ohad The Solomon Brothers

Rabbi David Meyer

Hollander Shlomi Lanyado

Shay Barak

Ben Shalom