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IDF strikes in Gaza continue despite UN pressure BY DAVID SAFFER
PARASHAT MIKETZ SHABBAT: London Manchester Leeds Liverpool Birmingham Antwerp Bournemouth Gateshead Jerusalem
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Israel will maintain ‘targeted strikes’ against Hamas targets in southern Gaza while withstanding pressure from the United Nations and international nations for an ‘immediate ceasefire’. The United States was among 10 nations to vote against the UN Security Council resolution for a truce this week. The UK abstained with 23 other nations. US President Joe Biden is under political pressure regarding Israel’s military response to the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. In a measured address at a 2024 re-election campaign in Washington this week Biden confirmed support from the US, European Union, Europe and “most of the world”. And PM Netanyahu lights the menorah at an IDF base he stressed there was “no question” Israel had “every right” to “take on Hamas” but would not repeat mistakes of Oslo. “I won’t alwarned that backing for Israel was declining. low, us to put (into power) in Gaza people who Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu re- teach, support and finance terrorism,” he said. sponded to the address by stating Israel had full Bicom noted National Security Adviser Jake backing of the US for its “ground war” and “goal Sullivan is looking to discuss with Israel officials of destroying Hamas and recovering hostages”. a timetable for the Gaza war. The IDF operation Tension has been notable between Israel’s in Gaza may take months. leader and Biden. He observed: “Yes, there is Netanyahu welcomed the US vetoing a UN disagreement about ‘the day after Hamas’ and I resolution at the weekend. hope that we will reach agreement here as well.” “I greatly appreciate the correct stance that Netanyahu also posted a video stating Israel the US has taken in the UN,” he said. “The other
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countries need to understand that, on the one hand, it is impossible to support the elimination of Hamas while, on the other hand, calling for a halt to the war, which will prevent the elimination of Hamas. Israel will continue our just war to eliminate Hamas and achieve the other goals of the war that we have set.” The IDF has carried out hundreds of strikes this week but the ground operation death toll in north and south Gaza stands at 115 and over 400 wounded. Theresa Villiers during PMQ’s called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to use international forums to speak out about violence against women committed by Hamas and ongoing risks against hostages. International bodies, Villiers said, should demand humanitarian access to hostages held in Gaza. PHOTO: GPO Sunak said reports of violence perpetrated by Hamas was “deeply shocking” and the government had raised concerns with the UN. He told the House: “We are engaging with the Israeli government to consider what further support we can provide. More broadly, we continue to do everything we can to ensure that all hostages can return safely to their families, including the British hostages and those with links to the UK… I am working tirelessly to bring about their safe return.” Continued on page 2
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Continued from page 1 Heartbreaking stories continue to be released of fatalities from the October 7 attack, troops and hostages held captive by Hamas and other terror factions. The IDF confirmed on Tuesday that 19 of 135 hostages in captivity in Gaza were dead in absentia. The Intelligence Corps’ 551st Division Troops had repatriated the bodies of Eden Zacharia, 28, and First Sergeant Ziv Dado, 36. Zacharia was kidnapped from the Nova festival near Kibbutz Re’im. The funeral of Dado of the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion, took place in October after he was recognised as a ‘fallen soldier in the hands of a terrorist group’. The IDF released a statement: “We share
14 DECEMBER 2023
in the grief of was killed the families during an and will conoperation. tinue to supA number port them. of solOur national diers were mission is injured. to locate the Thoumissing and sands atreturn all t e n d e d the hostages Eisenkot’s home. We Defense Minister Gallant attends Chanukah ceremony funeral in PHOTO: GPO Herzliya, inare working together with security agencies, and with cluding Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog all intelligence and operational means in and security officials. order to return all of the hostages home.” Netanyahu described Gal as “a brave warNews late last week was announced that rior and true hero”. He added: “Our heroes Master Sergeant (Res) Gal Meir Eisenkot, did not fall for nothing. We will continue unson of war cabinet minister Gadi Eisenkot, til victory.” Herzog said his family are “paying
an unbearable price”. War Cabinet members hold daily operational assessments and visit military bases. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed hundreds of terrorists in the Jabaliya area had surrendered. “Operations are conducted above ground, but troops also descend deep underground to locate (Hamas) bunkers, command centers, communication rooms and weapon storages,” he said. Referring to Hamas infrastructure, Gallant added: “Gaza City and the northern area of the Gaza Strip are on the verge of collapsing.” The IDF has opened the Nitzana and Kerem Shalom crossings for security screening of aid. Goods enter through the Rafah crossing from Egypt.
viral. Braun, of the Confederation Party, a fervent antisemite, is seen walking across the parliament lobby before dousing the menorah’s flame. Parliament speaker Szymon Holownia had invited the Jewish community as guests to ceremony. He excluded Braun from proceedings and told the media the comments were “scandalous”. Holownia said there was zero-tolerance towards antisemitic and xenophobic conduct in The Sejm. Politicians jeered in the chamber when Braun showed no remorse in explaining
disgrace” and “unacceptable”. Livne wrote “shame” when he shared a video. Mark Brzezinski, US Ambassador to Poland was “outraged” by the antisemitic act. Michał Szczerba Polish-Israeli Parliamentary Group chair said: “The atmosphere of the celebration was brutally disturbed by the attack. Poland is a safe home for everyone. Religious freedom is a constitutional right.” Piotr Glinski, outgoing party PIS deputy leader said Braun had crossed a “terrible line”. Braun has a history of promoting Jewish conspiracy theories and has claimed the US and Israel want to turn Poland into a “Jewish state”.
Braun extinguishes Chanukah candles BY DAVID SAFFER
Polish politicians cross party, diplomats and Jewish leaders have condemned far-right lawmaker Grzegorz Braun for extinguishing candle lights of a menorah during a Chanukah ceremony in The Sejm on Tuesday. The annual celebrations in the lower house of parliament was attended by Israel’s Ambassador to Poland Yacov Livne and community members, including children. Footage, broadcast by TVN24, went
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his actions, describing Chanukah as “satanic” and he was restoring “normality”. Following an investigation Braun has been expelled from sitting in The Sejm, fined the maximum amount and reported to prosecutors. Rabbi Szalom Dow Ber Stambler led the candle-lighting ceremony. “Chanukah candles symbolise tolerance, religious freedom and identity for every citizen of the world,” he told TVN24. “This is one of the darkest days for the Jewish community, The Sejm and ordinary society,” Piotr Wislicki, Association of the Jewish Historical Institute, noted. “I am ashamed that Poland chose such a terrible representative of our nation as a member of The Sejm.” Conference of European Rabbis President, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt blasted: “Braun’s violent behaviour is a shocking disgrace. His antisemitic tirade following the debacle is equally disturbing. No Parliament can accept such actions. As for our response, no stunt, from ancient times until today, could ever stamp out Jewish culture and observance.” Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Head of Poland’s Catholic church’s committee for dialogue with Judaism, issued a statement that he was “ashamed” and apologisd to the Jewish community in Poland. Donald Tusk, Poland’s newly elected Prime Minister, called Braun’s actions “a
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Teens arrested after “terrifying” Stamford Hill assault BY ADAM MOSES
Two teenage girls have been arrested after a “terrifying” assault and robbery of a 20-year old Jewish woman in Stamford Hill. The Metropolitan Police are treating the case as a possible hate crime. Videos appeared on social media. Police reports note CCTV footage was crucial in identifying the suspects, who appeared to be in school uniforms. Police appealed for witnesses after the incident, last Thursday afternoon on Rostrevor Avenue, left the victim with a number bruises. She did not require hospitalisation. It has been reported that passers-by and drivers saw the attack but did not try to stop the alleged assailants. Police liaised with school officials and staff to confirm identity of teenagers, aged 13 and 14. Arrests took place last Saturday, both remain in custody. Detective Sergeant Asli Benson is leading the investigation and described the event as a “terrifying incident” for the victim. He added that ongoing support was in place. “Officers have been pursuing all available lines of enquiry since the incident and these arrests are a significant development,” Benson stated. Noting the victims Jewish identity,
Benson accepted the potential of a joyfully she’s “dead”! Shomrim volunteers ‘targeted’ hate crime. “It would have been have spent all night recovering CCTV and obvious from her appearance that she searching for witnesses. Shomrim are was Jewish,” she said. supporting the victim and her family.” “In the current climate, when fears and Detective Inspector Mike Herrick of uncertainty in the wider Jewish commuthe Met Police robbery unit said: “We nity are heightened following the terror don’t underestimate the psychological attacks in Israel and the subsequent rise impact of offenses such as these and we in antisemitic hate crime here in London, are offering her every support as we work these concerns are entirely understandto identify the suspects. We know footage able. While we of the incident has been are keeping an widely shared on social open mind as media and understand to the motive that there will be addbehind the ed concerns about the incident and motivation behind the will continue attack. We will of course to explore all keep an open mind about avenues, we are the motive and continue treating this as to work closely with the a possible hate local community to allay crime.” any fears.” After the inciIncidents in the UK have dent, Shomrim surged since the October 7 noted: “See terror attack byHamas. dramatic Campaign Against A higher presence of police in Stamford Hill footage of the Antisemitism recently horrendous racist vicious assault leaving revealed disturbing results in a poll that the female victim unconscious!” shows 69% of British Jews stating they are They added: “The brutal attack ended less likely to show visible signs of their after the two female offenders kept on Judaism. kicking the unconscious victim in the More than six in ten British Jews have head before laughing over her body experienced or witnessed an antisemitic and according to witness reports saying incident or know somebody who has. Just
16% of British Jews believe police treat antisemitic hate crime like other forms of hate crime, two thirds believe police apply a double standard. Also, 90% of British Jews say they would avoid travelling to a city centre if a major anti-Israel demonstration was taking place. And 95% believe the Crown Prosecution Service should report statistics on prosecutions of antisemitic hate crimes. The Community Security Trust reported that in the 47 days between the Hamas terror attack on Israel and 22 November, there were at least 1563 antisemitic incidents across the UK. This is the highest total reported to CST across a forty-seven-day period. CST in the six week period recorded more antisemitic incidents than the 12 months total prior to Hamas’ attack. CST recorded 242 antisemitic incidents over the same 47 days in 2022. In addition to the anti-Jewish hate incidents recorded CST has logged at least 1022 not classified as antisemitic. These include criminal acts affecting Jewish people and property, suspicious behaviour near to Jewish location, and anti-Israel activity not directed at the Jewish community or does not use antisemitic language. Potential incidents involve suspicious activity or possible hostile reconnaissance at Jewish locations.
and contributions to the music scene. Michael thanked everyone for attending the musical extravaganza and the bands for performing. He told the gathering: “I loved everything about Jake, he was my hero. Everything that is except his music! Jake was a wonderfully talented guitarist, an extraordinarily powerful drummer and exceptional vocalist.” Whilst Michael was a fan of Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison, he acknowledged his son’s genre of music. Regarding his son’s murder,
but brings us together.” Sara Pollins, Marketing & Communications Director at Kisharon Langdon, said: “the heavy metal community came together to honour Jake’s memory, showcasing the profound impact he had through his musical endeavours. The event celebrated his life but also demonstrated the solidarity and generosity within the heavy metal music community.” The sell-out event took place in central London. Band members, friends and music fans gathered for the tribute night.
Heavy metal event honours Jake BY ADAM MOSES
A heavy metal music event dedicated to Jake Marlowe raised £3,000 for Kisharon Langdon. Jake, a member of heavy metal bands including Desolated, was murdered by Hamas while working as a security guard at the Supernova music festival near Gaza on October 7th. Funds raised go towards musical initiatives at the charity dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Jake’s sister, Natasha, receives support, making the event really meaningful. His father, Michael, and close friends, provided heartfelt reflections on his life
Michael said that the “compassion, love, friendship, care and camaraderie” generated in the musical community had been truly remarkable. He added: “Here’s to the magic of music, the bewilderment of the mosh pit and to the lyrics that I cannot decipher
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6:29 exhibition marks Nova victims BY DAVID SAFFER
President Isaac Herzog attended the opening ceremony of the 6:29 exhibition in memory of Nova Festival victims. Herzog said there was no person in Israel whose heart did not miss a beat when the clock strikes 06:29am since the “blackest of black Sabbaths” on October 7. The terror attack by Hamas is etched in the history of the State of Israel. “This hour is a fault-line in time, a gaping wound for an entire people, an abyss that separates the world that preceded it, and the days, the burning months, into which we have fallen since,” he told bereaved families and survivors of the festival. “Days that as much as we would wish otherwise, we have to come to terms with, to learn how to live in, and in which to rediscover the strength, to choose the good, to cling to life.” The exhibit includes items of victims murdered during the atrocity that rocked Israelis. “To think that they were with those loved ones who came to rejoice and celebrate a love for music and dance,” Herzog said. This sacred space has become a kind of memorial hall. We promise never to forget the beauty and goodness of our loved ones, those who lost their lives on
that Simchat Torah. “This exhibition draws us in. It seeks to give expression and at the same time help us grasp the immense pain of both the survivors and those who were lost. It embodies the stubborn choice to fight and continue to return to life. An exhibition that to a great extent holds within it the essence of our lives here since that terrible Shabbat, and the striving for life of a generation that suffered a terrible blow, and yet will rise from dust and ashes and march forward.” Addressing the survivors, Herzog said they continued to live with horror and the memories. “Together with you, all of us, the people of Israel, experience immense pain, infinite longing and worry, on a scale like never before,” he said. Herzog noted concern for hostages held by a satanic enemy, the heroic soldiers risking their lives for Israel’s security and concern for those in Israel. Israel’s president said that the fragments of the party left were a silent testimony in memory of all those lost. “The massacre and painful wound it created are the legacy of a young generation, full of life, whose ground was swept away from under their feet,” he noted. Herzog called on the survivors and next generation to walk step by step and spreads their wings again. He also
recalled heroism in the midst of a field of slaughter. “The heroic stories of that terrible morning offer inspiration, courage and strength, of clinging to life, to fight with all our might for our home, and to make a promise that you will dance once again all over the country,” Herzog observed. “You will once again enjoy music and nature. We will yet be happy, we will once again celebrate life. We will live to stand
tall, without fear, in our land.” Herzog thanked organisers of the exhibition for contributing to a moving and hallowed space. He noted: “We are on the eve of Chanukah, the festival of light. Today, perhaps more than ever, we know with great clarity, our war is the war of light against darkness, the war of good against evil. We have no choice but to overcome. There is no doubt that we will overcome.”
President Herzog meets family members
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Bibi leads Chanukah ceremony at Kotel BY DAVID SAFFER
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz led an emotionally charged candle lighting ceremony on the first night of Chanukah at the Kotel. As Netanyahu and his wife Sara lit the first candle, 138 menorahs were lit, representing each of the hostages. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation and Ministry of Religious Services organised the event dedicated to ‘Illuminating the Light for the Captives’. The Chief Rabbi led prayers for the safe return of captives, the missing and IDF troops fighting in Gaza. Rabbi Rabinowitz said: “I speak from here, from the Kotel, from the ancient stones that are the beating heart of the Jewish people, to our brothers and sisters
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Rabbi Rabinowitz
in Gaza. I do not know if you hear me, but I know that your hearts are connected to ours now. Our candles illuminate your darkness. All of Israel is with you until you return home soon. Tonight, we all pray together.” Netanyahu noted: “We are here by the remnant of our Temple from 2,000 years ago. The Maccabees of that time liberated the Temple, purified it, re-established Jewish sovereignty and independence, and saved the heritage, religion and people of Israel. Without them the thread of our lives would been torn and we would not be standing here today. The battle then was against the forces of evil who came to wipe the Jewish people off the face of the Earth. Today we, the Maccabees of our times, are fighting the forces of evil that have come to wipe the Jewish people and its state off the face of the earth. We are showing the same determination, heroism and sacrifice.” Hours earlier the IDF announced the death of Gal Eisenkot, son of War Cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot and his wife Hannah, who fell defending Israel in Gaza. Netanyahu had attended the funeral and told the Western Wall gathering: “These are the sons of all of us, as it is with the other fallen, the sons and
daughters of all of us. I have heard stories of the heroism of our soldiers, of our men and women police officers whom I have met and sometimes fought with their fingernails, the accounts of utmost heroism, who repelled the enemy. “We are currently deep inside the Gaza Strip. This enemy will not break us up, will not wipe us out, will not overcome us. Day by day and night by night, we will do it until the end. I believe with complete faith in the inherent power of this people. But this power of life requires us, sometimes, to endure the tribulations of bereavement. This is the price of our existence in our land, but we can bear it.” Netanyahu thanked security forces for their efforts 24 hours a day. “The entire nation has learned to recognise your unique contribution,” he said. Minister of Religious Services Rabbi Michael Malkieli, Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion, Captives and Missing Persons coordinator Major General Gal Hirsch, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Police and Border officers from the Jerusalem District attended with families of captives present. Throughout the country there were special events. Footage has emerged of soldiers lighting a menorah and reciting prayers for the festival. US President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump sent messages of support to the State of Israel. Biden stated: “The story of Chanukah teaches us that even a little bit of light,
wherever it is found, can dispel the darkness and illuminate a path forward.” Trump related his message to Israel’s war in Gaza. Recalling when a “proud band of Jewish patriots” had courageously reclaimed their freedom, faith and traditions from an oppressive tyrant over 2,000 years ago, he noted that, ever since, the menorah had been a “symbol of Jewish perseverance in the face of oppression”. World leaders held events on the opening night including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who joined Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal of Berlin’s Jewish community in lighting a giant menorah on the Brandenburg Gate. In the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke about challenging times faced by Jewish people. “For many families, the tragedy of recent events will hang heavily on celebrations, but the resilience you have shown is humbling,” he noted. Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “As Jews around the world mark Chanukah, we all feel the contrast between the darkness of recent times and the light of this festival. May the candles of this Festival of Lights bring hope to us all.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were among many who said that light prevails over evil.
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Tzipi hails UK leader support
BY ADAM MOSES
Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely thanked UK leaders for support in Israel’s war with Hamas at a Chanukah celebration at the Speaker’s House. Parliamentarians across the political spectrum backed the UK Jewish community. The Board of Deputies and Speaker of the House of Commons organised the reception attended by over 150 people. Sir Lindsay Hoyle was unable to attend due to Covid-19, Senior Deputy Speaker Dame
Chief Rabbi Mirvis and Marie van der Zyl
Eleanor Laing hosted the gathering. “I’ve never seen this country and the State of Israel more united,” Hotovely said. “We are fighting against pure evil. And we are carrying the message of peace and hope for a better future for the region when Hamas is defeated. The candles this year symbolise the victory of Israel and release of innocent hostages.” Compere, Dame Margaret Hodge, CoChair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group said that the October 7th attack by Hamas was terrorism at its very worst. “From my Epping Forest constituency and synagogue that I visit regularly, I know how horrifying the whole situation is for Jews,” she said. Referring to Chanukah and hostages held in Gaza, Hodge added: “Although celebrations are underway, we all know that there are 138 individuals who will not be celebrating. Given this is a festival of miracles, we are praying for their safe return.” Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat, noted: “It has been one of those years where we’ve seen the darkness rise PHOTO: STUART ROBINSON and unfold in our hearts,
14 DECEMBER 2023
in our families and in our homes. This cel- wrong.” ebration is one of those moments when we Board of Deputies President Marie remind ourselves that despite what we feel van der Zyl thanked Peers and MPs for today, despite the pain and the suffering attending. that we can sometimes experience through “A beacon of hope for our community the trauma that others put us through, the has been the support from Government reality is that the light shines within us and and Opposition during these desperately conquers the darkness.” hard months,” she said. Ms van der Zyl reiterated the importance Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper added: “At such a difficult time, everybody is reeling from that barbaric terrorist attack. But we cannot allow events internationally to increase hatred here at home. Antisemitism has no place in our country. The story of Chanukah is one of enduring and lasting of light through the darkness.” She added: “I hope that you are feeling our solidarity from Parliament.” Before lighting Chanukah candles and leading Tom Tugendhat MP and Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely PHOTO: STUART ROBINSON Maoz Tzur, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “We’re exceptionally proud of the leader- of politicians standing with British Jews, ship shown on the global stage here in the stating, “At vigils and rallies we have organPalace of Westminster, from the Prime Min- ised along with our communal colleagues, ister, Opposition leader and many others. politicians from all sides have pledged their They know how to differentiate between support for the Jewish community.” light and darkness, and between right and
BoD welcomes hostage vigils BY ADAM MOSES
The Board of Deputies has welcomed an ‘encouraging’ turnout for the first hostage vigils outside Westminster. Jewish and non-Jewish members of the public and Parliamentarians have demonstrated support for the release of all hostages from Gaza. Twice weekly vigils began last week in Parliament Square and will continue while Parliament is in session. The aim
is to ensure hostages are not forgotten by the public and politicians cross party. “There are still more than 120 hostages remaining in Gaza, in the clutches of Hamas and other terror groups”, a Board spokesperson said. “While we celebrate Chanukah, they are still being held in captivity. Now more than ever, it is vital to ensure that they are not forgotten. We hope and pray for peace, but know that there cannot be a lasting resolution without the release of every last hostage taken.” They added: “The take-up we have had so far, both from our community and allies, has been encouraging, and we thank all those who have attended. We urge those who have the time and ability to join us for a future vigil to sign up via our website.” Attendees have included MPs Dame Margaret Hodge, Robert Courts, Ian Paisley and Christian Wakeford. Peers include Lord Mann, Baroness Merron and Baroness Taylor.
Jewish community. However, if Chanukah teaches us anything it is that dark periods in our history always pass and that light returns.” Ms van de Zyl noted the Board and communal partners had held vigils and rallies to call for hostages to be returned. They have made representations to government over antisemitism, and briefed the community about problems faced by students, schoolchildren and employees. Resources are available for anyone dealing with hostile work spaces. “We have held meetings with broadcasters, including the BBC, over their refusal to use the word “terrorist” about Hamas,” she added. “We will continue to work hard on your behalf.” The vigils are staffed by the Board and co-ordinated with the police and Community Security Trust. In her Chanukah message to the community, BoD President Marie van der Zyl ,said: “Never has Chanukah been more meaningful. Israel was plunged into darkness on 7 October by the most appalling terrorist massacre that the country has experienced. We have all grieved for those lost and abducted and prayed for the safe return of the hostages still in the clutches of Hamas. “With antisemitism at record levels, this has been a difficult time for the UK
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Macron awarded CER top award BY DAVID SAFFER
The Conference of European Rabbis has awarded its highest accolade to French President Emmanuel Macron. Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt presented the Rabbi Lord Jakobovits Prize of European Jewry to Macron at a ceremony in the Elysée Palace in Paris. The award recognises Macron’s commitment to fight antisemitism in France since he took office in 2017. His support to religious freedom and tolerance, and efforts to secure the release of French Hamas hostages, four still held captive in Gaza, were highlighted. Macron restated his determination to fight antisemitism and maintain unity of the French nation. He confirmed a tribute ceremony would be held for French victims of the Hamas terror attack. Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt said: “From fighting hatred online to keeping the memory of the Shoah alive and imposing harsher sanctions on antisemitic crimes, President Macron has stood firmly by the side of French and European Jews. We call on him to continue to commit to a thriving future for Jewish life in France and Europe. This starts by ensuring the safety of the 440,000 French Jews, who have been faced with a shocking level of
antisemitism since the tragic events of 7 October. It is paramount that the French Republic, where so many Jews have found a home, leads by example and lives up to its principles of emancipation and freedom.” Macron called for the Presidents of the National Assembly and Senate to march against antisemitism last month. The rally saw 180,000 people across France answer the call to support Jewish citizens. Chief Rabbi of France, Haïm Korsia, a CER Vice-President attended with a number of religious leaders including Catherine Colonna, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Gabriel Attal, Minister of Education, and Bérangère Couillard, Minister for the Fight against Discrimination. Chief Rabbi Korsia called for fighting antisemitism to be made the ‘Great National Cause’ of 2024. He aso noted the importance of guaranteeing religious freedom in France in schools and universities. In related news, across Europe there continues to be marches for hostages held by Hamas. Thousands demonstrated against antisemitism in Berlin. Protesters held banners at the ‘Never again is now’ rally and marched to the
PHOTO: CER
Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt speaks during the Ceremony
Brandenburg Gate. Over 1,000 incidents have been recorded since October, an increase of over 300% compared to last year. Germany’s main Jewish leader, Josef Schuster, said: “Antisemitism is common practice in Germany in the middle of society.” He called for solidarity with Israel and with Jewish life in Germany. Germany’s labor minister, Hubertus Heil, added: “We don’t need a decent, silent majority, we need a clear and loud majority that stands up now, and not later.” The event had support from politicians including Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner. Over 4,000 people attended a national
march against antisemitism in Brussels. Belgian politicians attended including Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt who pledged to follow up all antisemitic incidents. The Coordination Committee of Jewish Organisations in Belgium, Forum of Jewish Organisations and Belgian League Against Antisemitism organised the rally. Around 1,000 people marched from The Hague and ended on the Malieveld. Participants took posters of those in captivity and handed them to politicians. At the House of Representatives, politicians called for the release of hostages.
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Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.
AS OF RIGHT Dear Editor If we accept the proverb, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” then I suggest that “Three rights can’t make a wrong.” The State of Israel has a RIGHT to exist according to Biblical sources and International Law. Neither Hamas, any other Islamist terrorist organization, or Nation State, has a right to wipe her off the map. Seeking to destroy Israel is wrong. The Jewish people, like any others, have a fundamental HUMAN RIGHT to live. Anti – Semitism, in all its guises (including being anti-Israel), is racism. Jewish, just as Black, and all lives - matter. No matter what – killing, raping, torturing and kidnapping Jewish babies, children, men and women is wrong. Judaism as one of the first Monotheistic religions, has a RIGHT to be accepted,
and respected, just like others such as: Christianity, Islam and other faiths people follow. Such behavior behoves us as human beings, especially, if you believe that we were all created in the image of G-d / are all G-d’s creatures. Attacking Judaism is wrong. These are three simple, non-negotiable facts of life. There cannot be a “Two-State,” or any other solution,” to the Palestinian-Israel conflict while this is not the case. World leaders, politicians, international organizations and people can debate, and decide whatever they like, but these three facts of life must prevail for peace of any kind to come to Israel, the Palestinian territories and the Middle East. I hope that, going forward, right-minded people will appreciate these facts and Israel will be seen to be on the right side of history.
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Be wise Israel! Don’t concede to Hamas OPINION PIECE BY ANDREW M ROSEMARINE
Chanuka teaches us never to give up fighting our mortal enemies. Today, Hamas threatens to kill its remaining c. 137 Israeli hostages, unless Israel releases many more terrorists from Israeli jails. Our Torah decrees that those who take hostages, must be put to death. (Exodus 21:16). So let it be with Hamas. Israel should not give in to Hamas’ unreasonable demands. Israel’s recent agreement with Hamas, required Israel exchanging 3 terrorists from jail for each Israeli hostage. That incentivized more hostage-taking. In Israel and world-wide. Pausing the fighting also, turned IDF troops inside Gaza into sitting-ducks. IDF has already lost over a hundred lives inside Gaza, additional to all those lost to Hamas mass-murderers on 7th October. Some of the IDF’s losses in Gaza are likely to be a direct result of Israel pausing fighting, to facilitate a hostage-exchange. In Maccabees, we read that many pious Jews used to down weapons before Shabbat, wrongly believing arms-bearing to be a profanation of the Holy Day. The
Seleucid invaders of ancient Israel, a clever lot, got wind of this, and attacked us Jews mercilessly every Shabbat. We fell as flies, until we realized, that if we continued downing weapons before Shabbat, there would be no Jews left to observe it. (Maccabees Book I, Chapter 2, Verses 32-41.) So it was in late November. Again, we downed our weapons before our mortal enemies. We did it, in a manner of speaking, before Yom Kippur (October 6 1973), instead of calling up our reserves; we did it before Simchat Torah (October 7, 2023,) in spite of intelligence warnings; and we repeated our folly with the recent “3 Hamas terrorists for each Israeli civilian” agreement. Whigs, and democrats wearing wigs, used to say: “the voice of the People is the voice of G-d.” (“Vox Populi, vox Dei.”) In late November, the Israeli Government treated the voice of the hostages’ families and friends, tugging at our hearts, as if it were The Voice of G-d. Of course we all want our hostages safely home. But democratic governments, in the US, UK and Israel, have shown themselves so willing to pay such a heavy price for the release of hostages, that Hamas prioritized hostage-taking on 7 October 2023. It is very dangerous to release unreformed committed terrorists from prison.
So why did this Government release 300 terrorists at the end of November? It feared losing its electorate, if it didn’t placate the families of our hostages and their supporters. Some Governmental Ministers cannot make these decisions dispassionately and objectively. For they are accused of gross negligence over the Gaza-border defences on 7th October, and of letting others, such as Qatar and the EU, finance Hamas’ Gaza (as a counterweight to the PLO.) Don’t misunderstand me! My heart goes out to all the hostages and their loved ones. They are all better people than me, for they have suffered far more than me. If i were one of them, l would want my Government to do everything reasonable for me to be released. But this “3 Hamas terrorists for each Israeli civilian” and pause in hostilities was surely not a reasonable agreement. It incentivizes hostage-taking world-wide, makes a hero of Hamas in some Palestinian and Arab eyes, and jeopardized all Israeli soldiers inside Gaza. And Hamas now demands a far greater number of terrorists released for the Israeli soldiers still held hostage. In my professional view, it was irresponsible of the Israeli government in 2011 to exchange 1,027 mortal enemies of ours for a single soldier, Gilad Shalit, even though we all wanted him safely home. That
OPINION
deal was agreed between Mr Netanyahu and Ghazi Hamad, the genocidal Hamas spokesman and Politburo member, who proudly proclaims now that “there will be ever more October 7th massacres, until Israel is annihilated.” 300 of those released in 2011 were previously convicted by the courts of bloodshed of Jews, yet Mr Netanyahu released them, enabling them to return to murder more of us on October 7th, and since then. Indeed Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza, the architect of the October 7th massacre, was one of those freed in 2011. During the Feast of Lights, we Jews should strive to be a Light unto the Nations with wisdom. May the valiant IDF smash Hamas speedily, and free all our hostages. Andrew M Rosemarine runs an international law office, has 3 Oxford law degrees, and is a former research fellow of the Harry S. Truman Institute for Peace, Jerusalem, advancing peace processes with Israel, Jordan, and Morocco. He is qualified in British, European and Israeli law, and has been publishing and broadcasting about the Middle East since 1981. He practises law worldwide. ImmigrationLawForYou@gmail.com
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Israel’s internally displaced people OPINION PIECE BY DALIA HAJIOFF
In an age when the word ‘unprecedented’ has been worn threadbare by overuse, Israel’s response to the internal displacement of its citizens in the wake of the October 7th invasion by Hamas, and the ongoing assaults by Lebanese Hezbollah to the north, truly merits the term. Yet, the situation raises pressing questions about the future of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) – a challenge that demands urgent attention. My recent visit to Israel left me no doubt about the dire situation facing IDPs in Israel. It’s easy to glamourise the notion of a hotel stay – the crisp linens, and the buffet breakfasts, and the general notion of feeling pampered, but for the thousands of Israelis evacuated from the south and north, living in hotels has become less a luxury and more a pressure cooker of uncertainty and anxiety. It’s here however, that the Israeli government, civil society, and private sector have shown commendable agility and compassion. Picture the scene: in hotels, trestle tables
have been transformed into makeshift welfare centres, adorned with clothes and essentials for the evacuees. Desks for healthcare services punctuate the lobbies, and support groups from various organisations proffer psychological aid. Each evacuee is offered psychiatric help – a recognition of the invisible scars left by such upheaval. This collaborative effort, which spans the spectrum from government initiatives to the highly active civil society and private sector, is a testament to Israel’s resilience and commitment to its citizens. It’s a display of societal solidarity that warrants international recognition and commendation. Yet, beneath this veneer of efficient response lies a deeper, more insidious problem: the toll of living in limbo. I heard reports of fights between evacuees, a stark indication of the simmering tensions. Incidents like the suicides of some evacuees, are harrowing reminders of the psychological strain they are under. These individuals are caught in a state of suspended disbelief, devoid of the familiar rhythms of life – preparing and enjoying home cooked meals, and entertaining friends and family. Even though the government provides
stipends to ease the blow of suspended employment, the absence of work, being unproductive, sitting idle – these are conditions that breed despair, especially as people ruminate over homes lost or in peril. Children, too, face the brunt of this upheaval. I saw some shuffled to makeshift schools or joint education facilities, where the curriculum is abridged, and the hours few. They do not have the option of playing in open spaces safely and securely as they are used to at home. Efforts to find more permanent housing solutions, such as renting apartments with government subsidies, are underway. Yet, the spectre of long-term displacement looms large, evoking memories of the evacuation of Gush Katif, where protracted hotel stays led to widespread depression. What, then, is the way forward? The Israeli government must provide a clear, cogent plan for these IDPs. There should be a roadmap that outlines when and how they can return to their homes or be resettled permanently. Agencies like the Misrad HaPnim have been efficient in replacing documents that were destroyed in the Hamas rampage, and there have been commendable measures such as reduced
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parking rates in Tel Aviv. Yet, these are short-term fixes to a long-term problem. The psychological impact and growing despondency among the displaced – these are issues that need immediate and sustained intervention. The Israeli government, while laudable in its initial and continued response, now faces the formidable task of charting a course for these citizens’ future. Hotels are not homes. They are transient spaces that, over time, can become suffocating. The evacuees, while physically safe, risk becoming emotionally and psychologically adrift. I, like all in our community, watch and wait to see how Israel navigates this complex and heart-wrenching chapter in its history. As the names and faces of the victims of October 7, as well as those of brave servicemen and women who have fallen during the war, remain vivid in our minds, we must continue to keep, too, the IDPs in our thoughts and prayers.
Dalia Hajioff is the Events and Projects Manager at the National Jewish Assembly
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Chanukah is about memories & latkes not presents! BY DAVID SAFFER
Youngsters across the United Kingdom have been enjoying Chanukah-based activities. There is a sense of wonderment at this time of year whether learning the dreidel song, drawing menorahs or hearing the age-old Chanukah story. Come tonight it will be the last chance to open Chanukah presents and top 10 bestselling festive presents flood the market. Among big hitters this year are the Barbie Convertible, Hasbro Furby, Lego Holiday Main Street, Scalextric, Spider Man
Web Warriors Electric figure and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
But Chanukah is not all about presents and every generation of children think they have been around when the best gifts are for sale. Growing up during the ‘60s and ‘70s in Leeds every year Chanukah was a really big deal in my family. After lighting the menorah and singing Ma’oz Tzur it would be present time. Getting a prized Thunderbird 2 when I was barely older than my grandsons is a particularly fond memory although I was inconsolable when Thunderbird 4 disappeared down the bathroom sink! Annuals then became a regular theme with Beezer, Beano or Dandy top of the list. As a teen, Shoot! was the norm and with my team, Leeds United going well, I was delighted to read about Billy Bremner, Jack Chartlon and Norman Hunter et al. After I met my better half, Deborah in 1982, I worked part time at Fenwick’s in the Toy Department and was part of a manic couple of months when the Cabbage Patch dolls phenomena was globally all the rage. It was crazy back in 1985 with
parents around the world desperate from the ‘must-have’ gift and incredibly they are still highly sought. Most are worth around the £15 -£25 mark but a hand signed 1979 Xavier Roberts Little People Twins sold at auction for $3,500 in 2018 whilst an ‘85 Theresa Ann sold on Ebay for $2,000. I might have sold one of these myself at Fenwick’s! As our children grew up in Leeds the excitement at Chanukah was always palpable. They attended Jewish schools so the annual Chanukah concert was a must. And of course, donuts and latkes galore. The ‘90s saw Polly pockets, Tamagotchi, Nintendo, Pokemon, Game Boys and Beanie Babies. I also recall almost getting into a fight for a coveted Thunderbirds Tracy Island in Brent Cross in 1993! Sadly, an original island does not have the Cabbage
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Patch investment factor but Beanie Babies certainly do. According to one online article the top five lists a Princess the Bear at $500,000, Lefty the Donkey and Righty the Elephant $50,000, Brownie the Bear $20,000, Valentino the Bear $19,000 and Claude the Crab $10,000. Chanukah, however, is not all about buying expensive or investment worthy presents as my own children remind me every year. In the mid-90s money was tight so we decided to save all the free gifts from cereal boxes for a year. By Chanukah a huge Tupperware box was bursting with items worth next to nothing, but each night there was free-for-all lucky dip. So maybe that is the secret of Chanukah. It’s not the value of presents but the memories they create. As for recollections, I have to mention latkes, sorry not donuts. And when it comes to latkes, I’m a fanatic. Even though the kosher stores have many tasty ones on offer there is nothing to match, in my humble opinion, the Saffer home-made variety. So, this week I’ve been peeling a huge bag of potatoes with the reward of being official taster. All that remains is to wish Happy Chanukah to Jewish Weekly readers and enjoy your latkes!
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Top: Studying Shulchan Aruch, Hilchos Maachalei Akum, while the clock on the shelf shows 3:15 a.m. Bottom: The clock on the shelf shows a little after 5 a.m. Rav Chaim’s face also shows the freshness of a new morning accompanied by chiddushei Torah.
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On this deal from the US Trials in 1998 Four Hearts looks a fairly hopeless game, and Hampson & Greco did well to avoid it. However, the 3NT contract which Eric Greco steered himself to did not appear to have much play either, particularly when Ekeblad avoided leading spades, starting off with a diamond to the queen and king. Greco started his tour of deception when he immediately led a low club from his hand to the Jack in dummy. Sutherlin won his queen and returned the nine of diamonds. Greco had to take this, and now played a heart to the ace and finessed in hearts successfully, then
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Lead ♦6 cashed two more heart tricks as West threw away two spades and a diamond. At this point Greco threw Ekeblad in with the ace of clubs and Greco could take his diamond winners, but had to lead spades into South’s AKJ tenace at the end, for nine tricks. He eventually made 3 Spades, 4 Hearts and 2 Diamonds. The defence could clearly have prevailed in a number of ways, but right at the end the most culpable error was West’s. He can afford to let go two spades, but on the last heart he must discard the ace of clubs - he can see the endplay looming if he does not.
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Footballing brothers contrasting fortunes the greatest ever winner as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester City. And Away from writing for various publicathis clash is featured in my latest title. tions including The Jewish Weekly I’ve GALVINISED! The Footballing Tale of been very lucky to meet my football heBrothers Chris and Tony Galvin (Pitch roes since writing my first football book a Publishing) recalls the contrasting quarter of a century ago. fortunes of the Huddersfield-born lads Since 1998, 25 titles have hit the during a golden age of the game. The bookshelves at this time of year including brothers have tales galore and recall Alex Stepney’s Tooting Common to the players, teammates, travelling escapades, Stretford End, Duncan McKenzie’s The training ground bust-ups and unforgetLast Fancy Dan and Allan table matches. It’s Clarke’s Sniffer. a story of glamour When Leeds United: and heartache. Cup Kings 1972 was Left-winger published all those years Tony followed ago I realised a career the ups ‘n’ downs change was around the of ‘Super Leeds’ GTheA Footballing L V I NTaleI ofSBrothers ED! corner. Apart from selfies when Chris was not being around when at Elland Road C HR I S & T O N Y I interviewed the great before Tottenham Stanley Matthews to snapped him up chronicle the 1953 FA from Goole Town Cup final at Wembley FC while he was it’s been an amazing studying Russian adventure. at Hull University. The Twin Towers are Surviving the DAVID no longer there but I SAFFER hard-knocks world was present in 1981 for of non-league DAV I D S A F F E R an equally famous final football, including when Ricky Villa scored facing ‘Mr Nasty’,
BY DAVID SAFFER
Conversely, elder brother Chris, an inside forward, joined Leeds United as an apprentice but struggled to break into Don Revie’s iconic team. After witnessing Leeds’ glory days from the sub’s bench, he played across the Football League pyramid at Hull City, Stockport County and York City before finding success in Hong Kong.
The Glavin brothers have tales galore from the 1960s to 1980s, and share stories of players, travelling escapades, training ground bust-ups and unforgettable matches in this unique biography.
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GALVIN GALVINISED!
nham Hotspur snapped up left winger Tony Galvin from eague Goole Town while he was studying Russian at Hull University. Tony won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Spurs alongside legendary stars such as Glen Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles. He also won 29 Republic of Ireland caps and played at Euro 88. Tony ended his playing days at Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town.
CHRIS & T ONY
nised! is the tale of two footballing brothers with asting fortunes who played in a golden age of the game. story of glamour and heartache.
Tony came through a career-saving operation and appeared on Top of the Pops before the ‘81 FA Cup success. He won the FA Cup a year later and UEFA Cup alongside legendary stars such as Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles. He also won 29 Republic of Ireland caps and starred at Euro ‘88 when they broke England hearts only for a dreadful refereeing decision to thwart their ambitions. Tony ended his playing days at Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town before a brief post David Saffer at a book launch with Leeds United legends as assistant manager to Ardiles at Newcastle United prior to Kevin Keegan’s City before finding success in Hong Kong appointment on Tyneside. when he faced an inebriated George Best Conversely, elder brother Chris, an infor a representative XI before running a side-forward, joined Leeds United as an sports shop. apprentice and made his debut at 18 in Football-daft kids dream of becoming the European Cup days after receiving an professional footballers, the Galvin boys England Youth call-up during a remarklived it and look back with decades of able few days but ultimately struggled wisdom. Sibling rivalry can be tough but to break into Don Revie’s iconic team. they are closer than ever and have an After witnessing Leeds’ glory days from intriguing story to tell. the subs’ bench, he played across the Email david@dsaffer.com for copies Football League pyramid. Famed for the of Galvinised! signed by Chris and Tony. ‘Galvin shuffle’ step at Hull City, before A donation to charity will be made from Johan Cruyff and Ronaldo, he captained books sold. Stockport County and played for York
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Sivan Rahav Meir Barnet Shul Ignites UK with celebrates 75 years Message of Resilience In an electrifying series of events, the The following morning, they spoke at a EFRAT organization, a beacon of empowwomen’s-only event at the Bridge Lane erment for expectant mothers, proudly Beth Hamedrash, which was very well atsponsored a visit to London by the tended. Afterwards, women approached dynamic and celebrated media personRahav Meir and shared personal stories ality and Torah scholar Sivan Rahav Meir. of miracles they saw from donating to From December 1st to 3rd, London’s community was excited to hear her speak at various venues, starting with Hasmonean High School on Friday, and on Shabbat, at the Ner Yisrael synagogue, led by Dayan Zobin — an enthusiastic supporter of EFRAT and the individual responsible for bringing EFRAT to the UK. Accompanying Sivan Rahav Meir was her husband another major media personality in Israel Yedidya Meir, Mrs. Tamar Bordon who represents Efrat in the UK, Sivan in Hasmonean Girls and Nir Salomon, the Executive Director of EFRAT, who discussed EFRAT. EFRAT’s expanded war mission: support Sivan Rahav Meir’s passionate speechfor displaced mothers and equipment for es, infused with wisdom and insight, soldiers. focused on themes of renewal, family With her unflagging energy, Sivan unity, and resilience in the face of Israel’s addressed a large crowd at an Oneg current challenges and the wider global Shabbat, held at the warm and welcomuncertainties. ing home of Family Kelman in Hendon, EFRAT’s legacy of nearly half a century stands as a testament to compassion and strength. Their unwavering dedication has touched the lives of over 85,823 women, who once saw no other option but to end their pregnancies. EFRAT’s profound commitment to offer financial support, essential supplies, therapeutic care, and medical guidance has ensured that each woman can welcome her child into the world with dignity, joy, and serenity. With war raging in Israel, EFRAT has heroically expanded its mission, reaching out to hundreds Sivan speaking to a full room of displaced mothers and and the following morning in Ner Yisrael families, who, far from their homes and to a standing-room only crowd. Making sources of livelihood, find themselves the most of her brief sojourn in London, in urgent need. In addition to essential Sivan also spoke at Raleigh Close, under supplies, they’ve also brought toys and the leadership of Rabbi Mordechai gifts, spreading smiles and joy. Ginsbury, who noted his longstanding, Sivan Rahav Meir’s recent visit to personal connection to EFRAT and its London has brought a message of hope founder, the unforgettable Dr. Eli Schussand optimism, inspiring a renewed sense heim, z”l. of purpose and optimism in these trying Motzaei Shabbat saw Rahav Meir and times. Several individuals who are comSalomon addressing the Hadley Wood mitted to rebuilding EFRAT’s presence in synagogue and CNSS, where Sivan shared London, are currently working on estabpictures and messages she has been lishing a committee dedicated to raising receiving from people all over Israel. not only funds, but also awareness.
On Motzei Shabbat 9 December over 120 Barnet Shul members packed into the hall for a celebration of Chanukah, the 75th anniversary of the Barnet Community and the 75th Anniversary of the State of Israel. On a cold wet, winter’s evening there was warmth, and light, music and good food. The Rabbi, Rabbi Dr Samual
Rabbi Landau leading Havdalla
PHOTO: PAUL LAND
Landau led Havdallah, Candle Lighting, and prayers for Israel and the current situation. Simon Hayes, Chairman, gave an address mentioning how he grew up in the shul, which he was now honoured to lead. There were messages from former Rabbaim, Rev Bernd Koschland, David Newman, son of Rabbi Isaac Newman, and Rabbi Pinchas Rosenstein. Immediate past Rabbi Barry & Naomi Lerer attended in person. Music was provided by Yuval Havkin of Kedma simcha band who had the members up and dancing. The evening was organised by Barnet member Sheryl Barker, Community Coordinator. Barnet member Verna Lang commented ‘we are blessed to have such a warm and vibrant community, this lively evening was very much a reflection of our history and our future’.
StandWithUS attacked on Instagram Over the past week, there have been repeated successful endeavours to suspend StandWithUs UK’s Instagram account. After the first suspension Monday 4th December, the account managed to get reinstated on the same day, however another attempt on Wednesday 6th December was successful and lasted for 5 days. It got reinstated, then suspended again on Wednesday 13 December. No specific reasoning has been provided by Meta, and despite the charity’s appeal, they are still struggling to get the account open. What is happening here is simple; there are people out there trying to silence Jewish voices. StandWithUs UK’s social media content has reached 6 million since October 7th; the popular Instagram account sought to educate people about antisemitism and Israel misinformation which we saw on a steep rise these last 2 months. The account was also used to support
and empower Jewish university students across the country who have been on the frontline for Israel’s cause. Efforts to shut down StandWithUs UK’s social media activities are not rare nor are they unique. Many popular accounts have been affected by those trying to silence Zionist voices and to hinder their activities. Meta should stand with the side of truth and uphold the tenets of free speech and integrity.
Musical Hallel in Barnet
In these dark and difficult days there commented ‘Jonny brought such warmth was a burst of radiant light at Barnet and light to us all on a cold and dark Shul last Sunday when the Hadley Wood, winter’s morning’. Barnet, and Southgate communities came together for special joint shacharit and breakfast. The light came not only from the Chanukah candles but from the energetic and exuberant Hallel led by the inimitable Chazan Jonny Turgel and his musicians. The whole shul was rocking with dancing in the aisles. PHOTO: PAUL LAND Barnet Warden Barry Flack Chazan Jonny Turgel leading musical Hallel
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Celebrating Chanucare Exciting new Israel course for teens Jewish Care shines a light to the community and provides support to where it is needed most all year round. That’s why we call this time of year Chanucare. We continue to brighten up the lives of our community centre members and care home residents and ensure that they can celebrate and enjoy meaningful activities during the eight days of Chanucare, and all year round. This Chanukah, intergenerational visits with school children are connecting old and young which has a powerful positive impact on all involved. On the first day of Chanukah, 25 older people who are members of our Supportive Communities Tea Parties group in north east London visited Clore Tikvah School. Students and staff welcomed them warmly and had a fun, intergenerational musical Chanukah-themed afternoon. Members enjoyed listening to the school’s choir, who performed their favourite Chanukah songs and chatted with the students over afternoon tea, bringing much light and hope. The JCoSS choir visited members of Jewish Care’s Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia, to sing, chat and celebrate Chanukah together. The members also enjoyed a Chanucare session ran by Hartbeeps, who run weekly intergenerational music and sensory sessions with babies and their parents. The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Nagus Narenthira, joined tenants, staff, and
volunteers, at Jewish Care’s Wohl Court Retirement Living apartments for their Chanukah party and lighting. Additional activities for Chanucare included a visit to Hasmonean High School for Girls, where students engaged in a lunchtime activity packing up gift packages and creating hand-made Chanukah cards to be delivered to the residents at Jewish Care’s Selig Court Retirement Living and Otto Schiff care home. Across Jewish Care there are celebrations, with candle-lighting, latkes and doughnuts across the charity’s community centres, dementia day centres, care homes, retirement living schemes. Care buses will bring people to the services and the Care bus will bring members to where they need to get to so everyone can enjoy gathering together for Chanukah. Meals on Wheels clients will also be receiving doughnuts delivered by our volunteers. Richard Shone, Director of Community Services, Volunteering, Social Work & Hospitality, says, “The critical services that Jewish Care provide enable people to remain in touch with their Jewish identity, to live with dignity and receive the care and support they need. “We know we are stronger when we look after each other and we thank the community for the kindness and generosity which help us to strengthen and support older people to shine bright in our community.”
ChanuKasino Extravaganza Manchester Jewish students enjoyed an exciting evening of Chanukah lights, traditional fried foods and casino style “gambling” on Sunday, the 4th night of Chanukah, under the auspices of Hillel House Manchester and Aish. The students joined together for a traditional Chanukiah lighting ceremony, with vigorous song, a sumptuous meal including latkes, fried burgers, salads and
doughnuts. Having received an equal number of casino chips, each student tried his or her luck at either poker, blackjack or spin the dreidel. The joint winners with the most chips were awarded an Amazon voucher. Rabbi Shauli Strom praised the students for all their help in ensuring a successful event.
Over 3,200 children are spreading light to Israeli children by sending them Chanukah postcards. JNF UK has distributed Chanukah packs to 20 Jewish schools which include a postcard for pupils to write a message of support to Israeli youngsters. The children have been affected by the crisis, including in southern communities under rocket attack. Children have been evacuated from their homes. JNF has been devoted to supporting communities in the Negev for decades. Interim CEO Elan Gorji said, “This initiative will give school children in Britain a chance to show their solidarity with their peers in Israel at a time when it is needed
more than ever.” Elan added: “Since October 7, JNF has supported children and families from providing accommodation to displaced families and respite care for children stuck inside homes for weeks. We have always been there for communities in the Negev and will continue our mission to bring hope to those in need, whether it is physically, financially or emotionally. Rabbi J Conway, Head Teacher of Nancy Reuben Primary School, whose students are participating, said, “The education packs are invaluable and strongly enhance our teaching and our pupils’ love for both Judaism and Israel.”
JNF spreads light
LSJS is launching a four-week course for teenagers to equip them with the context to better understand Israel’s challenges. Starting on 11 January, students will explore the reasons and circumstances of the founding of the State of Israel and cover its triumphs and challenges in the 21st century. They will come out better-informed and able to evaluate the news from Israel so they can make up their own minds. Joanne Greenaway, LSJS Chief Executive, said: “Our teens are currently bombarded with sources of information and it is so hard for them to contextualise what they are seeing. We are so pleased to be able to offer an opportunity to
understand what has got us to this place and to grapple with some of the difficult issues in a safe space and with such an experienced educator who can inform them whilst also nurturing their connection to Israel.” The in person only course, entitled History with a Heart: A deep dive for teens, is being run by expert Israel educator Robin Moss, in partnership with Etgar Israel. Robin is one of the community’s leading Israel educators. He spent almost ten years at UJIA, leading on Israel engagement, and ran a range of programmes for thousands of young people and educators, including Israel tour leaders from across the political and religious spectrum.
Exceptional support for Chana Chana is overwhelmed by the exceptional show of support from the across the Jewish community during their recent Matched Funding Campaign with over 5,600 donors catapulting them beyond their target of £800,000, bringing in a staggering amount of over £1 million. Of course, this would not have been possible without the incredible support of Chana’s committed match-funders to whom they are exceptionally grateful. These essential funds will change the lives of hundreds of couples in our community who need Chana’s help to start or grow their family. This campaign also provided a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about infertility and bring this sensitive topic into the spotlight. This year marks Chana’s 30th year as the leading Jewish fertility charity in the UK, providing medical, financial, emotional and Halachic assistance to couples struggling to start their family. Chana Trustee and Co-founder, Benny Groszman shared “We recently celebrated Chana’s 900th baby and thanks to every single person who donated, by next Chanukah we will celebrate the birth of many more.”
Honorary Executive Director, Carolyn Cohen, shared: “Tremendous work and effort goes into a successful campaign and we could not have done it without our core supporters. A special thanks goes to our Chana couples who came forward and shared their personal fertility stories to raise awareness, and to inspire others to support this important cause. We are so grateful to our 160 Team Leaders whose enthusiastic efforts were instrumental in helping us reach our goal. We are also immensely grateful to our Chana Trustees who have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the campaign, together with our dedicated Chana staff and our incredible team of Chana therapists. Most importantly, we would like to thank YOU, the community, for partnering with us in solving the fertility challenge.”
Thirty members of the 20th Finchley Scout Group enjoyed a Parkour session. Parkour is one of the fastest-growing street sports. A non-competitive movement discipline it empowers participants to conquer physical and mental challenges. Through dynamic techniques like jumping, climbing, and acrobatics, it builds functional strength, coordination, flexibility, accuracy and balance but also imparts life skills such as safety, responsibility, overcoming
fear, creative thinking and focus. Participants were awarded a street sports badge. Feedback from parents was extremely positive.
Scout sports fun
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Villiers uses PMQs to highlight appalling Hamas sexual violence Chipping Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers, asked the Prime Minister to use international forums to speak out on the issue of Hamas sexual violence. The exchange took place at Parliament’s weekly session of Prime Minister’s Questions. Ms Villiers, a strong supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, emphasised how crucial it is that the international community demand immediate humanitarian access to the hostages in Gaza. Speaking after PMQs, she said “International bodies like the UN have been far too slow to acknowledge this horrific aspect of the Hamas terror attack on 7th October. The evidence is mounting that appalling acts of rape and sexual violence were perpetrated by Hamas.” “Now the fear is that this abuse is being inflicted on women held hostage in Gaza,” she continued. “That is a further urgent reason why the UK Government must do all it can, with international partners, to secure release of the hostages.” Hansard has published the following report of the question and Prime Minister Sunak’s response: Theresa Villiers MP: Given the appalling reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas on 7 October and the risk that hostages could have that treatment inflicted on them as well, will the Prime Minister raise this issue in international forums so that the international community demands, strongly, humanitarian
access to hostages in Gaza? Prime Minister: The reports of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas are deeply shocking. We have raised our concerns with the United Nations a fortnight or so ago, and we are engaging with the Israeli Government to consider what further support we can provide. More broadly, we continue to do everything we can to ensure that all hostages can return safely to their families, including the British hostages and those with links to the UK. My right hon. Friend can rest assured that the Foreign Secretary and I are working tirelessly to bring about their safe return. This is the second time Theresa Villiers has raised this in Parliament. Last week she asked Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House of Commons, for the Government to set out a plan to raise this issue PM Sunak in PMQ’s
in the UN. This is the Hansard report: Theresa Villiers MP: The headline of Christina Lamb’s article in The Sunday Times at the weekend was “First Hamas fighters raped her. Then they shot her in the head”. In the light of the profoundly disturbing revelations in that article about sexual violence committed by Hamas on 7 October, may we have a ministerial statement so that the Government can set out the action they will take to raise this issue in international fora such
as the UN, some of which have been far too slow to recognise and condemn that aspect of the Hamas atrocity? Penny Mordaunt MP: I thank my right hon. Friend for allowing us to state on the record the appalling atrocities that many women—many of whom did not survive those attacks—had to endure at the hands of Hamas, including rape, but also the most horrific torture and mutilation. I think we are all very disappointed that organisations to which we look to show leadership on these matters were not swifter and more robust in their condemnation of those appalling atrocities and acts. We spend a great deal of time thinking about our own aid allocation in this respect, and fund many schemes around the world that have had huge success in reducing violence against women and girls. I will ensure that the Minister with that responsibility in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has heard what my right hon. Friend has said, and we will reflect on what more we can do and what more we can say we expect from the organisations that we work with on these matters around the world.
NJA Celebrates Chanuka NJA Launches at the House of Lords Antisemitism Database The National Jewish Assembly proudly hosted its second annual Chanukah Tea Party at the House of Lords, a significant event that brought together members of the Jewish community during these challenging times. Graciously hosted by Baroness Ruth Deech of Cumnor, the event was a resounding success, attended by 150 guests, including prominent figures from various sectors. The Chanukah Tea Party was not only a celebration of the Chag, but also an opportunity to reflect on the profound lessons of Chanukah, especially pertinent in today’s context where Israel is under attack and the Jewish diaspora is being relentlessly intimidated. Baroness Deech opened the event with a warm welcome, reflected on the successes and continued growth of the NJA throughout 2023, and set the tone for an afternoon of solidarity and hope that the community will celebrate Chanukah in happier
times in the future. Esteemed journalist Jonathan Sacerdoti delivered an inspiring message that resonated with the attendees, reminding that Israel’s war against Hamas is not just the fight of Israel, but of the whole Western world.
Jonathan Sacerdoti
The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) unequivocally condemns the recent pro-Hamas rhetoric expressed by certain Muslim religious figures in the United Kingdom. These statements, which glorify and justify the actions of Hamas, a terrorist organisation as recognized by the UK government, are deeply concerning and propagate antisemitism and hatred. Recent incidents include London-based broadcasters Moataz Matar and Osama Gaweesh celebrating the Hamas atrocities on October 7, where Matar, who boasts over four million subscribers, referred to it as “a day filled with pride and glory”. Furthermore, on the day of the terrorist attack, Imam Shahid Ali of Jamia Islamia Rizva in Bradford, asked Allah to “grant victory to the Muslims of Palestine” in a social media post. His sermon called upon the soldiers of Muslim armies to defend the holy land. Additionally, on October 13, another Imam at the Islam Bradford Centre invoked a prayer to “purify the Al-Aqsa mosque [in Jerusalem] from the filth of the Jews”. At the Greenwich Islamic Centre, Imam Shakir, in his address, included
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a prayer for victory over Jews, referencing the Battle of Badr. In response to these alarming developments, the NJA is launching an online database on its website. This database will document incidents involving individuals in Britain who use their platforms to promote antisemitism - including those who support, shill for, or otherwise defend or justify Hamas’ actions, including the massacre of Israelis on October 7. This initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to combat antisemitism and promote a safe and inclusive society. The NJA urges community members and the public to report any incidents of antisemitism to the NJA in addition to relevant authorities, especially those involving the glorification of terrorism, to help it maintain this vital resource. The NJA stands firmly against all forms of hatred and remains dedicated to safeguarding the Jewish community in the UK. The NJA calls on leaders and communities across the UK to join us in condemning these dangerous and divisive narratives and to work towards a future free from antisemitism and hate.
No-one can hear them now...
... as their Yad Vashem UK Bar or Bat Mitzvah Twin YOU can tell their story Laurie Rosenberg, our Project Manager, will be delighted to talk to groups of young people, families, and communities, helping everyone to become engaged in this project. Please contact laurie.rosenberg@yadvashem.org.uk
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Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y ISR A E L
Strength to Fulfill Responsibility BY RABBI SHALOM ROSNER
As Yehudah pleads with his father Ya’akov to allow him to bring Binyamin to Mitzrayim, pursuant to the request of the authorities in Egypt (Yosef ), Yehudah states: “I will guarantee him; from my hand you can demand him. If I do not bring him to you and stand him up before you, I will have sinned against you forever.” (Bereishit 43:9) Yehudah seems to take upon himself an obligation that is beyond his control. Yehudah guarantees that he will return with Binyamin, notwithstanding that he was not certain he could deliver upon such a promise. In the sefer L’hitaneg, it is suggested that one’s inner strength comes to light during dangerous and challenging experiences. Yehudah undertook to ensure Binyamin’s safety believing that committing himself to doing so would require that he go the extra mile to fulfill his responsibility. To gain the necessary strength to overcome any obstacle.
Miketz
”We have to take upon ourselves responsibility and commitment so that we fulfill our obligations”. The Ramban utilizes a similar explanation as to why Ya’akov demanded that Yosef promise that he would bury Ya’akov in Israel at Me’arat HaMachpelah (Bereshit 47:31). Did Ya’akov lack trust in Yosef’s word that he required that Yosef swear to abide by his request? The Ramban explains that Ya’akov feared that Pharaoh may prevent Yosef from burying Ya’akov in Israel. As the father of the viceroy, he may demand that Ya’akov be buried in Egypt. Requiring that Yosef swear to abide by Ya’akov’s request, provided Yosef with increased responsibility to adhere to Ya’akov’s request, even if it required pleading with Pharaoh.
When one takes upon oneself a formal responsibility it strengthens their commitment to fulfill their undertaking. In the Sefer L’ovdecha BeEmet, it is told that Rav Chaim Shmulevitz (Rosh Yeshiva of Mir), purposely established chavrutot throughout the day as he felt it gave him an added responsibility toward his chavruta to be present in the beit midrash. This is a tremendous Talmid Chacham who had a love for Torah, and yet he took steps to ensure that he would fulfill his commitment. All the more so, we have to take upon ourselves responsibility and commitments so that we fulfill our obligations.
someone to oversee grain storage during the years of plenty.
and sends back the brothers with grain in their bags. Yosef also plants money in the bags. During their journey, Levi discovers the money in his bag and fears that Yosef will accuse them of theft (Rashi). The brothers arrive home and tell Yaakov their story. They discover that in fact each one of them has money ‘planted’ in his bag. Yaakov refuses to let Binyamin go. Yehuda persists, guaranteeing Binyamin’s safety. Yaakov finally agrees, telling them to take a tribute for Yosef, in addition to the original ‘planted money’ and payment for the new grain.
3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 41:39-52
1st Aliya (Kohen) – Bereishit 41:1-14
Pharaoh dreams that he is by the River Nile, from which seven healthy cows emerge. Seven lean cows follow them out of the river and consume them. Pharaoh then dreams about seven good ears of grain on a stalk, which are swallowed up by seven thin ears growing after them. Pharaoh’s magicians cannot interpret the dreams satisfactorily. The cupbearer, who had been imprisoned with Yosef, tells Pharaoh that Yosef interprets dreams. Pharaoh summons Yosef from prison.
2nd Aliya (Levi) – 41:15-38
Pharaoh relates both dreams to Yosef, who explains that there will be seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. He advises Pharaoh to appoint
Pharaoh appoints Yosef as viceroy of Egypt to implement his economic plan. Pharaoh gives Yosef his ring, dresses him in regal clothes, changes his name and gives him a lady called Asenat to marry. They have two sons, Menashe and Ephraim. Yosef organises mass grain storage during the seven years of plenty.
4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 41:53-42:1
The famine begins and the Egyptians are starving. Yosef sells them spare provisions. There is also a famine in Cana’an. Yaakov tells his sons, apart from Binyamin, to go to buy food in Egypt. The sons arrive in Egypt. Yosef recognises them but they do not recognise him. Yosef accuses them of spying and imprisons them; they will only be released after one of them goes to fetch Binyamin.
5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 42:19-43:15
Three days later, Yosef changes the conditions. One of the brothers must stay in prison; the others must go to Cana’an to bring Binyamin. Yosef imprisons Shimon
Point to Consider: Why did Yosef specifically choose to imprison Shimon? (see Rashi to 42:24)
6th Aliya (Shishi) – 43:16-44:17
The brothers arrive in Egypt. Yosef instructs his chamberlain to invite his brothers to come in and eat a meal. Shimon is released. Yosef asks them if Yaakov is still alive. He identifies and blesses Binyamin.
7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 43:30-44:17
Overcome with emotion, Yosef rushes to his room, cries, composes himself, then
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As the statement goes – “if you want something done, give it to the busiest person in the room.” Although we are all busy with our personal and professional lives, we should make sure to take upon ourselves set time to engage in Torah study, the performance of chesed and be active in communal matters such as shul and school boards and committees. One taking on added responsibility strengthens their ability to fulfill their commitment. It worked for Yehudah as he confronts Yosef in next week’s parsha to fulfill his commitment to his father. May we find that inner strength to first take upon ourselves positive commitments and then to be able to fulfill those obligations! 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).
returns and gives them all food. Yosef orders them to be sent home, but has his own silver goblet ‘planted’ in Binyamin’s sack. Yosef’s chamberlain chases after them, accusing them of stealing the goblet. After denying the charge, they find the cup in Binyamin’s sack. They return to the palace. Yosef demands that Binyamin remain as his slave, allowing the others to leave. Yehuda says that they will all stay as slaves, not just Binyamin.
Haftarah
Miketz usually falls during Chanukah so this year provides an unusual opportunity to read the Haftarah of Mikeitz rather than of Shabbat Chanukah. The link to the sidra is dreams, since the Haftarah describes a prophecy given to Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) through a dream, rewarding Shlomo for requesting the attribute of wisdom as a blessing for his reign. Yosef also attributed his wisdom to G-d.
30 JUDAISM
ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com HOW CAN YOU ATTACK MOSQUES? Dear Rabbi I have been reading with interest your many remarks these past several weeks about the war in Israel. I find myself quite surprisingly in agreement with some of what you write even as I am Muslim myself. However, the one thing I cannot reconcile is the attacks on our holy mosques and the justification of the genocidal attacks on the hospitals. I mean no hostility but how can you possibly explain that? Nasir Dear Nasir Dismantling the Hamas terror regime that is blatantly using Gazan hospitals and mosques to wage war, isn’t genocide. I haven’t even heard a single suggestion of how the IDF could recover the hostages and dismantle Hamas with fewer civilian casualties. The civilian casualties are horrendous, but it’s not a serious criticism of IDF’s actions without offering an alternative. You’d prefer Hamas stay in power with their explicit public policy of genocide? To continue using Gazan hospitals and mosques for terrorism? There’s been well documented evidence showing the stockpiling of weapons in these places and even using them to launch attacks. Shame on them for exploiting their own holy sites and hospitals for the purpose of war. War is hell. The IDF isn’t omnipotent, they can’t snap their fingers and take out Hamas leadership in the 300 miles of tunnels under Gaza without civilian casualties. It all comes back to one question: what’s the alternative? Israel withdrew from Gaza 17 years ago, and we got a terrorist organisation running the place preparing for and ultimately creating this war.
IT’S NOT A NUMBERS GAME Dear Rabbi According to the BBC more than eighteen thousand Gazans have died so far in this war. Less than five thousand Israelis have died. How do you justify the numbers? The Chinese Ambassador the United Nations is surely right when commenting after his recent visit to Gaza: “Enough is Enough!” Susan Dear Susan I’ve addressed this before and frankly it is becoming tired. Hamas ended a ceasefire and started a war to kill as many Israelis as possible. They’ve also stated it is their objective to do this again and again. And all you see in the likes of the BBC is the toll of dead Gazans. I shudder to think if in World War Two, the same
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media would have covered that war as well. You would have seen far more dead Germans than dead British civilians on your TV. It takes a very, very frail moral mind to believe that you determine right from wrong based on the number of casualties. That’s what the media keeps pumping out: “Look how many are dying in Gaza and how few Israelis have died.” Well, look at how few Brits were killed and how many more Germans were. Does that make the Germans right in World War Two? That’s the facile moral thinking that pervades our world today. Oh, and that you cite a Chinese Ambassador (think Taiwan, think Uyghurs, think communism) as your emphasis for an example, says as much about your moral compass as it does about his.
‘TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE GIFTS? Dear Rabbi Is it appropriate to give seasonal gifts to non-Jews at this time of year? I have heard it said that it implies endorsing their pagan holiday which can be construed as idolatrous. Is this correct? Can I not give a tip to my postman or a nice bottle of whisky to my work colleague? Samuel Dear Samuel I am reminded of the time I gave a nice bottle of “cherry brandy” to the local vicar in Mill Hill. I forgot that many of them don’t drink. He had a dilemma: How to acknowledge the gift without acknowledging his drinking? He wrote me a letter of thanks: “Dear Rabbi. Thank you for the lovely cherries. And the “spirit” in which they were given.” The Talmud clearly states that giving gifts to non-Jews at the very time of their pagan holiday would result in them thanking their idols for their good fortune. As a Jew, you would be directly responsible for facilitating that and thus it is forbidden. That said, it is safely assumed that most non-Jews today are (a) not typically idolatrous and (b) are not inclined to go running to their places of worship to offer thanks for their good luck in receiving the gift (or any other time for that matter). Moreover, a lot of leniencies have been offered over the years, with the goal of not causing ill-will among non-Jewish co-workers and improving general relationships. More specifically, to quote Code of Jewish Law: “If one is sending a gift to a non-Jew in our times on the day on which they consider it significant to receive presents on that holiday: if possible, [the Jew] should send him the gift the evening before. If not, he may send it on the holiday itself.” As other codifiers clarify: Delaying
giving the gift until after the holiday would lead to the non-Jew resenting the Jew for having ignored the occasion, “especially nowadays when it is uncommon for them to go and thank [their deity, for the gift].” In uncensored editions of Code of Jewish Law, the reference is explicated as being to, “the eighth day after Xmas, which they call ‘New Year.’” Which would mean that giving a nonJew a gift on Xmas itself might still be problematic as supporting idolatry. But if you give it as a New Year’s gift, there’d be more room for leniency. Leading contemporary Halachic authorities today maintain that saying, “Merry Xmas” and the like would be deemed problematic as it is an outright acknowledgment of a pagan festival (even if it involves one of our own – if you know what I mean). But “season’s
greetings” or certainly “Happy New Year” is not a problem.
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Torah from Israel
Poison Ivy: Too Smart for Their Own Good? BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN
Throughout Mishlei, Shlomo Hamelech explores the relationship between knowledge and morality. Much of the sefer presumes that knowledge and wisdom expand moral reasoning. Ideally, education does expose us to larger universal truths, extending our horizons beyond our personal and narrow experiences. Any encounter with broader truths decentralizes self-interest and should enhance ethical sensitivity. Additionally, education highlights the complexity of the human condition, hopefully sensitizing us to the experiences and needs of others. Shlomo Hamelech wasn’t the only thinker to assume that expanded knowledge heightens moral conscience. Socrates asserted that “virtue is knowledge”, assuming that immoral behavior was purely a result of ignorance. Enlightenment thinkers of the 17th and 18th centuries such as Locke and Rousseau were optimistic that widespread education would yield a more civil and humane society. Knowledge, many asserted, was a portal to moral behavior and reasoning. The shocking events of the past two months have debunked these assumptions. Our just war to defeat pure evil and to defend the world against moral collapse has elicited a vicious wave of enraged antisemitism. Astonishingly, college campuses across the United States have become podiums for hatred and for the support of rape, murder, torture, and dismemberment of human beings. They have also become launching pads for violence against Jews. University administrations sat by idly, as their students, presumably exposed to the best and finest of Western education, rioted for murder and, in some instances expressed their verbal hatred through acts of physical violence. To make matters worse, several Ivy league college presidents were summoned by the US Congress to explain their inaction and their implicit support for demonstrations of hate. Their moral hedging and their embarrassing attempts to “contextualize” violence and bigotry was shameful. It provided a wake-up call for those who had previously revered these colleges as “prestigious” institutions of higher learning. Though several of these administrators walked back their heinous comments, their retractions seemed little more than lame apologies meant to save their cozy appointments rather than heartfelt admissions of moral dysfunction.
Some of the moral confusion on campuses is just simple, old-fashioned, Jew hatred. Opportunistic antisemites always wait in the wings, eagerly joining whatever group or movement preaches antisemitism. The particular narrative of antisemitism makes no difference, as long as Jews are vilified for fabricated crimes, and hatred is provoked. Hitler built his initial base of support by rallying student groups across Germany to loathsome antisemitism. History repeats itself. Furthermore, some of the Israel-bashing and Jew threatening is feeble herd mentality. Social media favors the most vocal shouters and the most aggressive posters. Many protesters against israel are pitiable stooges, completely ignorant of even the basic details of this war, and are blindly parroting irrelevant slogans, completely unrelated to the complex war we are carefully navigating. Beware of the herd. However, there are much deeper roots to this appalling academic moral freefall. This intellectual tragedy occurring within these “beacons of enlightened thinking” exposes serious shortfalls within Western culture and showcases implicit dangers of higher education. If knowledgeable professors and cultured students are being duped into morally humiliating and venomous opinions, there is something structurally flawed about our culture. Evidently, some people are too smart for their own good.
OVER-SOPHISTICATION Our world is complex and human experience is multi-layered. Education trains us to be analytical- to evaluate information, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions. Through analysis we probe beyond surface-level understanding, challenge preconceived notions, and embrace complexity. When we look at the world through a periscope, we miss much of its sweep and texture. Education and analysis enable us to see the world large and whole, rather than narrow and simplistically. However, the methodology of analysis also blurs moral clarity. As we delve into the intricacies of intellectual analysis, we inadvertently lose sight of simple truths which anchor moral behavior. Though many moral issues do contain complexity, there are many black and white moral situations which demand clear-cut and unqualified moral certainty. For this reason, common or uneducated people often possess stronger moral conviction than those who are educated. Ordinary people are often more attuned
to inner and untainted moral instincts than sophisticates, who ignore intuitive moral reasoning in their endless search for convoluted moral formulas. The Torah introduces Ya’akov as a simple man who dwelled within tents, while tending to his sheep. Though Ya’akov’s life would soon turn complicated, he enjoyed a simple youth, insulated from the duplicity of this world and its complex moral predicaments. Similar to Ya’akov, many of our greatest leaders, from Moshe Rabeinu to Dovid Hamelech, to many nevi’im such as Amos, began their moral journeys as simple shepherds, far removed from cosmopolitan sophistication. Their pure and noble upbringing provided an ingrained and indissoluble moral backbone. Moshe the shepherd, flees Egypt as a fugitive from the law. Though it is in his best interest to remain incognito, he cannot ignore the young girls he witnesses being harassed at the watering hole. Ignoring any “context” of this harassment, and despite his desire for confidentiality, he rallies to their defense. My revered Rebbe, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein modelled an uncanny combination of intellectual sophistication and steadfast moral clarity. His lectures were both intellectually scintillating and panoramic. He would discuss a single issue for hours, carefully and delicately unfolding concealed layers of meaning. He taught us to see the world as nuanced rather than binary. Yet, he also displayed clear moral thinking and frequently expressed moral outrage against injustice. His analytic talents didn’t obfuscate his moral courage. This past month has taught us a harsh lesson: knowledge doesn’t automatically translate into moral integrity. Perhaps we should examine who we admire and which institutions we consider prestigious. Sharp-witted professors may impress us with their brilliance, but may miserably fail the morality litmus test. Maybe we should pay more respect to those who display moral courage and clear-headed moral principles. Maybe they are more prestigious.
privileges often create a superiority complex. Though intellectual elitism has always existed, in the past it was partially justified given a world of mass illiteracy, when the non-educated had absolutely no access to knowledge. In the modern era of widespread literacy information is accessible to most of the population, who are more than capable of ethical reasoning without benefitting from enlightened moral theories of superior intellects. In the United States Ivy league colleges have become a cultural icon. As they are vital for professional advancement, they have become objects of prestige and even cultural idolization. Parents are willing to pay sizable fees to facilitate their children’s acceptance, and there have been numerous high-profile scandals in which illegal bribes opened the doors to otherwise unsuitable students. Given the absence of an actual aristocracy in the United States, Ivy League professors and students are sometimes viewed as pseudo-aristocracy which often breeds smug arrogance within their inner circles. It is fair to wonder whether their repulsive moral equivocation stems from a false superiority complex. Why is our moral reality so obvious to everyone but not to them? Could it be that they perceive themselves as possessing a higher and more sophisticated moral logic and better tools for moral calculations? Is their moral confusion a byproduct of their intellectual arrogance?
INTELLECTUCAL ARROGANCE There may be a more sinister factor causing this despicable moral dysfunction. Acquisition of knowledge can often cause intellectual snobbery. People who amass knowledge often feel superior to those who are less educated. Education provides cultural and social opportunities, including better jobs and social networks. These socio-economic
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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.
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Yosef and the Battle for True Beauty BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN
The day had finally come. For months, I had been trying to meet this famous sage, renowned not only for his wisdom, but for his beautiful, majestic physical appearance. I had heard the stories, but I wanted to experience it for myself. After what seemed like an eternity, I was finally able to get an appointment. Upon arriving at the sage’s house, I could barely contain my excitement. This was it; I was finally here. I knocked and patiently waited for someone to answer. A moment later, the door opened, and standing in front of me was the most hideous individual I had ever seen. Not to worry, I thought to myself. This must be his attendant. But after the man introduced himself as the sage, my heart sank. Oh well, I thought. I should have known that he could never live up to the stories. This is what happens when you have unrealistic expectations. I considered leaving, but after coming all this way, I decided to continue as planned, spending the day with this sage. As the day went on, it became clear that while the sage may not have been physically beautiful, he sure was a wonderful human being. He spoke with such compassion, and his kind eyes revealed tremendous depth. He treated me like a treasured friend, despite having just met me. He showed genuine interest in me; he wanted to learn my story and hear my questions. We discussed ideas, shared our experiences, and enjoyed a meaningful afternoon together. As we walked through his garden, I saw the reverence and care that he showed all forms of life, even the animals and insects. He shared his philosophy with me, but never judged me or made me feel uncomfortable. After a long day together, he brought me back inside, and excused himself for a moment. As I sat there thinking, I finally realized the lesson I was supposed to learn. Beauty is not about the physical; it’s about how we live our lives, how we choose to see the world. It’s the values we embody, the character traits we develop. I was still reflecting on this when I heard the sage reenter the room. I turned my head to face him and almost passed out. There, at the entrance of the room, stood the most beautiful person I had ever seen. I was overwhelmed with shock and confusion. The sage sat down beside me and smiled. “You probably want an explanation. Every day, people come from near and far to witness my physical beauty. After several years of teaching, I found that when someone sees my face when first encountering me, they are not able to experience all the other dimensions of my persona and character. Physical beauty can be wonderful, but without emotional, intellectual, and spiritual beauty, it is merely a distraction. I therefore decided to take a new approach.
Every morning, when I greet a new guest, I disguise myself as a hideous, grotesque individual. After disregarding my physical casing, they are able to spend the day focusing on all of my other characteristics, learning, growing, and enjoying themselves. At the end of the day, I take off the disguise and reveal my physical beauty as well. But now, the physical beauty no longer hides everything that lies within me, it reflects it.
YOSEF AND CHANUKAH
Parashas Mikeitz and the story of Yosef always fall out around Chanukah. This is not coincidental; the commentators discuss Yosef’s connection to Chanukah at great length. An obvious connection between Yosef and the Greeks is their association with beauty. Yosef is the only male in the Torah who is referred to as “beautiful” (Bereishis 39:6), and the Greeks originate from Yefes, whose name literally means “beauty.” In a similar vein, the Gemara states that despite the general prohibition of translating the Torah into other languages, it is permissible to translate the Torah into Greek due to the beauty of the language (Megillah 9b). Additionally, in Parashas Noach, Noach blesses his two sons as follows: “Yaft Elokim l’Yefes, v’yishkon b’ohalei Shem — Hashem will grant beauty to Yefes, and he will dwell within the tents of Shem” (Bereishis 9:27). Yefes is the ancestor of the Greeks, and Shem is the ancestor of the Jews. This seemingly paints the Greeks as a positive force, as a beautiful nation, fitting to dwell within the framework and boundaries of Judaism. However, the Chanukah story and other incidents throughout Jewish history reveal a very negative and harmful relationship between the Jews and the Greeks. What then is the meaning behind the Torah’s positive portrayal of the Greeks, and what is the meaning behind their beauty? In order to understand why both Yosef and the Greeks are referred to as beautiful, and the powerful connection between them, we must understand the spiritual concept of beauty in all of its depth. To do so, let us trace the spiritual concept of beauty back to the creation of man, before Adam HaRishon’s sin.
ADAM HARISHON
Before Adam sinned, he looked nothing like you or I do today. When we look at one another, all we see is flesh and bone, but if you looked at Adam before he sinned, his appearance was angelic, transcendent, luminescent. The Midrash says that he wore kosnos ohr (skin of light). When you looked at Adam, you didn’t see his body but saw Adam himself, i.e., his neshamah. When you look at a light bulb, all you see is radiant luminescence; only if you look very closely can you just make out the surface of the bulb. The same was true regarding Adam; he was luminescent. Only if you looked very closely could you just make out his physical body. His body was transparent, with the outside loyally and fully reflecting his inner self. This is true beauty, where the inner and outer melt
into a oneness, where the physical perfectly reflects the inner spirituality; where the physical projects something much deeper than itself. Beauty is the harmony and synthesis of different components, resulting in something infinitely greater than the sum of its parts. When Adam sinned, however, the world fell, and Adam’s body fell as well. The physical no longer revealed the spiritual; it now hid it instead. Now, when we look at each other, we don’t see our true selves; all we see is a physical body. What was once light is now darkness. People can’t see your inner world, your thoughts, your consciousness, your emotions, or your soul; all they see is your external body. Now, in order to reveal yourself to other people, you must actively use the physical to reveal the spiritual. Only through your words, actions, facial expressions, and body language can people gain a glimpse into who you truly are. The body used to be incandescent and reveal, but now it only hides. It is up to us to reveal what lies inside.
THE CHANUKAH BATTLE
The conception of beauty was a fundamental point of contention in the battle between the Jewish People and the Greeks. The Greeks did not believe in using the physical to reflect anything higher; they viewed physical beauty as an end unto itself. Their focus was solely on the external; to them, beauty was physical perfection, detached from anything deeper. The Greeks introduced the Olympic Games, competition that idolizes the physical body. For the Greeks, true G-dliness was physical and intellectual perfection, albeit completely detached from each other. The physical and intellectual were completely independent; mind and soul did not permeate the physical but remained distinct and separate. This is why the Greeks come from Yefes, which means “beauty,” and why their language is referred to as beautiful. Ideally, the Greeks could have reflected true beauty, a perfect harmony and oneness between physical and spiritual beauty. This is the ideal that Noach hoped for when he said, “Yaft Elokim l’Yefes, v’yishkon b’ohalei Shem — Hashem will grant beauty to Yefes, and he will dwell within the tents of Shem” (Bereishis 9:27). Ideally, the Greeks would have harmonized with the Jews, joining the physical with the spiritual. Instead, they chose to corrupt true beauty, disconnecting the spiritual from the physical and projecting the physical as an independent end in itself.
YOSEF AND BEAUTY
Yosef is connected to Chanukah because he represents the harmony between the physical and the spiritual; he successfully utilized the physical to reflect something higher. The Torah calls him “beautiful” because his physical body projected something infinitely deeper than itself. This is the profound meaning behind the name that Pharaoh gives Yosef, Tzafnas Paaneiach, which means to “reveal the hidden” (Bereishis
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14 DECEMBER 2023
41:43). A name reflects inner essence, and Yosef’s middah was true beauty — the ability to harmonize the physical with the spiritual, the hidden with the revealed. Yosef represents our victory over Greek ideology, the ability to hold on and stay true to a life of Torah, to see the physical as a reflection of something infinitely deeper than itself.
YOSEF, TZION AND TRUE BEAUTY
The Greeks attacked Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), trying to disconnect us from the Beis Hamikdash (Temple), the place where Hashem connects most intimately and deeply with our physical world. The place of the Beis Hamikdash is referred to as Tzion, a unique, beautiful and distinguished place. The pasuk in Tehillim refers to Tzion as the place of ultimate beauty: “MiTzion michlal yofi — From Tzion comes the embodiment of beauty” (Tehillim 50:2). The Gemara explains that all of the world’s beauty was given to Tzion, and it gave a tenth of its portion (maaser) to the rest of the world (Kiddushin 49b). Yavan represents external, surface beauty, while Tzion represents true beauty. Yavan is comprised of the letters yud, vav, nun, while Tzion is comprised of those same three letters, along with a tzadi in front, the same root and shoresh of the word tzaddik. Yosef is referred to as “Yosef HaTzaddik,” because he places the tzaddi in front of Yavan, turning surface beauty into Tzion, true beauty. (While the common spelling of the letter ’צis tzaddi, there is a very old tradition of referring to the letter ’צas “tzaddik” as well; see Shabbos 104a. See also Magen David, letter tzaddik. See also Osiyos d’Rabi Akiva and Sefer HaBahir for more examples of the –’צtzaddik connection.) Yosef represents the ability to shine inner, higher beauty through a physical medium. It is no coincidence that the gematria of Tzion is 156, the same gematria as Yosef. This is the hidden light of Chanukah, the light that illuminates the truth, helping us see that which lies beneath the surface. Beauty is much deeper than a description of how a person looks; it’s a way of life. A beautiful life is a life of oneness where we synthesize all the aspects of who we are; where our thoughts, words, and actions all reflect a higher purpose, a higher source, a higher reality. This is the beauty of Yosef; this is the light of Chanukah. 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. He authored a bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self. After obtaining his BA from YU, he received Semicha from YU’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.
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What does Shalom really mean? BY RABBI LEO DEE
What are we praying for when we ask to be blessed with “Shalom”? The late Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks once explained the difference between Peace and Shalom. The English word for “Peace” comes from the Latin word “Pax”, which means “a ceasefire” - what we might call today a “humanitarian pause”. “Shalom” comes from the Hebrew word “Shalemut” which means “completeness” and refers to a permanent state of no more hatred. It is also one of the holy Hebrew names of G-d. It is fascinating today to see this debate between peace and shalom playing itself out between Israel and the Christian West. Ironically, while Hamas claims as their justification for their brutal attack on Israeli civilians that they are fighting a war for Al Aqsa (The Temple Mount at the heart of Jerusalem), the name Jerusalem itself literally means the “city of Shalom.” For the past 75 years, followers of the world’s three main religions have been able to pray in Jerusalem alongside one another in peace and harmony. So, what is the difference between a “ceasefire”, a superficial and temporary “peacefulness”, and the complete peace “Shalom”- that we pray for? Understanding these concepts may help us to shine a light on other key differences between our faith and that of our good Christian friends. The Talmud tells of a discussion that took place between the Roman Governor
of Israel, Turnus Rufus, and Rabbi Akiva. The Governor, who believed in the perfection of the human form, challenged Rabbi Akiva about the strange commandment to circumcise our sons. “Surely,” he claimed, “if G-d had wanted us to be circumcised, He would have made us that way from birth. Does your religion claim that G-d made us imperfect?!” Rabbi Akiva, like a good Jew, answered the question with a question. “Do we eat the wheat that grows straight from the field? Or do we have to grind it and knead it and bake it into bread?!” This interchange illustrates a major difference between the Jewish and Roman philosophies. When it comes to material items, the Romans were the greatest inventors and manufacturers, devising processes from glass making to cement mixing, and complex machines for building and waging war. They believed that the gods wished them to develop the world, but when it came to ethics and personal growth, they believed that man was created as a perfect form.. Similarly, in the Torah, we see that Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. While Esau was the progenitor of Rome, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, making him the forefather of the Jewish people. In Hebrew, the name Esau means “made” which suggests that Esau came out of the womb in his final state (presumably not physically, but spiritually). He did not develop beyond that point. The name Jacob, however, means
“heel” and alludes to the first part of the body that must move in order to propel us forwards. Jacob, and hence Israel, is about personal progress and self-transformation. The Romans were not so interested in the motivations and inner workings of their people, so much as their productivity and the usefulness of what they created. The Jews have been the world’s leading innovators in education and human rights. The Jewish belief in a Messiah, later adopted into Christian and Muslim thought, is about bringing oneself and the world to a state of spiritual perfection - “Shalom”. The Roman belief in world domination, not dissimilar to the Jihadist movement today, was more focused on short-term territorial gains with no regard for the human rights of those they conquered. Today’s debate between those supporting a ceasefire and those advocating the complete destruction of Hamas, reflects the same conflict. Many people say that Hamas must be completely destroyed before our people can return to their homes on the borders. Others are calling for a ceasefire in order to bring about a peaceful conclusion to the war. So, what are we asking for when we ask G-d to bring Peace to our nation? Is a ceasefire enough? If all of our beloved hostages and soldiers were to return home tomorrow, would we have peace? In our imperfect world, we Jews
have a holy duty to spread the concept of Shalom to the world. The ideal of perfection means not being satisfied with a superficial compromise. To complete G-d’s work on earth we need to destroy the evil forces that threaten not just Israel but other Western nations. We must pray to G-d to bring a permanent end to the fighting against Israel, rather than just another temporary pause. May He who brings Shalom bring Shalom to us and all of Israel, Amen. Rabbi Leo Dee is an educator and lives in Efrat. His book “Transforming the World: The Jewish Impact on Modernity” has been republished in English and Hebrew in memory of his wife Lucy and daughters Maia and Rina, who were murdered by terrorists in April 2023.
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Miketz
In this week’s captivating parasha, the recurring theme of dreams takes centre stage as Pharaoh experiences two enigmatic visions—one involving cows and the other featuring ears of corn. Perplexed by the symbolism, Pharaoh’s butler recalls there is a young Jewish man, Yosef, languishing in jail, known for his dream interpretation skills. Hastily summoned, Yosef emerges from
the pit to stand before Pharaoh, unraveling the dreams’ meaning: seven years of abundance will precede seven years of devastating famine. Recognizing Yosef’s brilliance, Pharaoh elevates him to the esteemed position of second in command. As the prophesied years unfold, famine tightens its grip on both Egypt and the Holy Land, prompting Yosef’s brothers to journey to Egypt in search
of sustenance. Unaware of Yosef’s true identity, they bow before him. Keen to assess their changed character, Yosef feigns ignorance about their identities, testing whether they have overcome their past harsh treatment of a brother. Adding an element of intrigue, Yosef instructs his son to conceal a goblet in Binyomin’s sack, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Threatening to
keep Binyomin as a slave, Yosef observes his brothers’ reactions, leaving them profoundly shaken. The narrative builds anticipation for the upcoming revelation, as Yehuda is poised to articulate precisely why it is inconceivable for them to return home without Binyomin. The unfolding drama continues to weave a rich tapestry of familial dynamics and Divine intervention in this compelling biblical saga.
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Facts about Parashat Miketz Number of Lines in the Sefer Torah - 255 Number of Verses - 146 Number of Words - 2,022 Number of Letters - 7,914
Jewish Riddle This weeks Question: Aside from Channuka and Chol HaMoed, when is the Torah read 5 days in a row?
COWS • DREAMS • FAMINE • GOBLET • NILE • PLENTY • SPIES • YEARS
Last weeks Answer: Which Mitzvah only applies to someone who is sitting, reclining or lying down? Standing up in honor of a Torah Scholar or an elderly person "You shall rise before an elderly person, and honor the presence of a sage". (Leviticus 19:32)
Email your name, age, where you live and the answer to office@thejewishweekly.com! Next weeks paper will feature the answer and will mention one person who gave the correct answer!
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Using all the shapes, can you make the shape on the right?
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.
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Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more!
cost cote cots iota oats sots
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Last week’s words
cos cot oat sot toe coat
Use the area below to write the words you have found.
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taco toes toss coast coats coses
costs cotes iotas oases oasis stoic
tacos coasts cosset stoics cosiest associate
Jokes
Riddles
Q: Where to cows watch films? A: The mooooovies!
1. What goes up and down the stairs without
Q: What day of the week are twins born? A: Twos days!
2. The more there is, the less you will see.
Q: Why did the golfer have two pairs of trousers? A: In case he got a hole in one!
3. I know a word of letters three, add two and
moving?
What is it?
less there will be.
Answers
1. Carpet. | 2. Darkness | 3. Few(er)
Dingbat Answers
1. A lucky break 2. Split level
3. Marmite 4. The after effects
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5. Syrup 6. The power of suggestion
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