VOLUME 38 No 3 MAY 2021 www.cjc.org.za Fire at our doorstep

n 18 April, a wind-free and unseasonally etc. Others were in the office calling community Ohot Sunday morning, a fire started on members who live near the fire-line to check the open land between Phillip Kgosana if they had evacuated and if not, if they needed Drive and Rhodes Memorial. assistance. They also assisted in removing the Torah from the Kaplan Centre.” — CSO hen the fire started at hospital bend, it “Wspread exceptionally quickly even before hen news broke of the fire, we started the wind came up. From the rate it was spreading, “Wsharing updates to Facebook. Our first everyone knew it would turn into a big fire. There communication was about directing offers of was also a lot of fuel. It hadn’t rained in at least donations to the relevant fire stations (Sea Point three weeks, so you can imagine how dry all that and the one on Roeland Street). This effort helped bush was.” — Jacques Weber, JWI NEWS divert traffic from the Newlands base where operations were continuing. received a phone call from my friend and Several individuals asked after and offered to “Icolleague, Tanya Barben, virtually in tears. help students who were evacuated from UCT. Our UCT was going up in flames. The Jagger Library second communication was a call to action so we that suffered the worst damage contained UCT’s could coordinate these offers. Special Collections, including the huge archival We also helped CSO, Rabbi Nissen Goldman and collection of her parents, banned and exiled political Kaplan Centre coordinate the extraction of the activists Professor Jack and Ray Simons. One of Torah from the Kaplan Centre.” — Cape SAJBD the flagship collections, it contained the history of the ANC and much more. It also contained the erzlia closed four campus buildings for two Rare Books collection that Tanya had built up over “Hdays to limit the number of people in the 22 years. I had worked at UCT Libraries and the Herzlia Highlands Primary against a fiery backdrop area. Affected schools and central administration Kaplan Centre for 31 years as the Jewish Studies switched to online learning and working. Our Librarian. The Jewish Studies collection was part Years of research and toil, of dreams of 'advancing sifrei Torah were relocated as a precautionary of the African Studies Division now known as human knowledge' gone up in smoke.” — Azila measure, and strategic senior staff and security Special Collections, so I was intimately involved (Tzili) Talit Reisenberger staff remained onsite.” — United Herzlia Schools with the library. I was particularly concerned about the Morris he Kaplan Centre’s archival store falls ews of thousands of students needing to Alexander collection that contains records of the “Tunder the purview of Special Collections, “Nevacuate made us realise we needed to Cape Jewish Philanthropic Society established and we work closely with the Kaplan Centre to step in and help. Food, clothes, toiletries were top in 1859, as well as two items that I sent over to maintain those collections. The Archives Office of the list with so many people doing their part... Special Collections two years ago. These were was also housed on the upper level of Jagger but what about sanitary products? Library — where the administrative records of the the remnants of two of the earliest surviving South We took to social media, and the response was African Yiddish newspapers, Der Kriegstaphet manuscripts and archives collections were kept. Our administrative records were lost, including overwhelming. We were able to distribute over — The War Dispatch, published daily for three 100 pads and tampons directly to women in months in 1899 during the Anglo-Boer War, those related to the Kaplan Centre. We do have databases but the original agreements were lost.” the various hotels which UCT had organised. containing Reuters news of the war in Yiddish; We also donated a large number of sanitary as well as Der Yiddisher Advokat (1904-1914), a — Michal Singer, Principal Archivist for Special Collections Dept, housed in the Jagger Library products to Gift of the Givers. As a result of an weekly newspaper published by Yiddishist David expanding relationship with SHAWCO Women’s Goldblatt. We've now heard that the manuscripts Health, we were provided with reusable sanitary was really worried. We had no idea what state and archives housed in the basement of the Jagger pads which we donated as well.” — Mama Flo the building was in. Thank God it was spared. building are intact, which is a great relief. “I (a group of the Union of Jewish Women) Thanks to a firewall, the fire did not spread into Once we were given permission to access the the Main Library containing books from the Jewish campus, we [didn’t hesitate].” visited Table Mountain area. You cannot fault Studies Library formerly housed in the Kaplan While there are other valuable artefacts in the our firefighting teams — the City of Cape Centre.” — Veronica Belling “I building, his primary focus was to secure the Torah. Town, Table Mountain National Parks or volunteer “There have been cases where people have wildfire services. They’re exceptionally good at am heart-broken at the burning of part of the risked their lives to save the scrolls from burning what they do and work together, and you can see “IJagger Library and of the flames engulfing the synagogues.” "[Going into the building] was it. We’re lucky we’re living in a city with a very most beautiful building at our Alma mater. exhilarating; it was the feeling of fulfilling a higher good fire service. We have approximately 70-75 UCT has been part of my life since I arrived in SA purpose. I just knew I had to get in there.” — Rabbi fire fighting vehicles. There were close to 270 40 years ago. I brought up my three 'babies' there, Nissen Goldman co-director of Chabad on fire fighters, over 50 vehicles, excluding police when I had no baby sitter I took them to 'work' and Campus (Credit: News24, Nicole McCain) service, law enforcement, metro police, disaster while I lectured, I sent them to the library to 'fetch risk management. Lots of videos of evacuations books for me' in order to keep them busy. ur CSO volunteers were very busy were being made by disaster risk management My students’ theses are all housed there and the “Omonitoring the situation, some on the ground walking around telling people to leave. It was a fate of these important documents is not known yet. at the schools and installations in Vredehoek, very coordinated response.” — Jacques Weber 2 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 CONTENTS VOLUME 33 No 5 JUNE 2016 VOLUME 38 No 3 MAY 2021

Regular contributors Features Page 1 Fire at our doorstep Page 4 Herzlia AGM Page 3 Des says... Welcome new schlichim UJW Save the date Enriching Jewish Education in Cape Town Page 4 Shabbat times Page 22 I am Here — Cape Town Holocaust survivor’s life Subscriptions captured in award-winning documentary Page 6-11 Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies Page 26 Sydenham Shul and Education Africa present Sounds Page 12-14 SA Zionist Federation (Cape Council) of Celebration VIII Page 15 The Academy of Jewish Thought and Learning Page 29 Two Shauns tackle the waves in Robben Island crossing MA Graduates Page 30 Claudia Gurwitz reflects collective disharmony in her Page 16 Temple Israel latest paintings Page 17 Galit Cohen — Mensch Changemaker of the month South African Jewish Museum Page 18 Family announcements BZA WIZO's magnificent golf day Page 19 Jewish Community Services Page 20 Cape Jewish Seniors Association Page 21 Meet three new Mensches Telfed on SASI — South Africans studying in Israel Page 24 Anton Katz on Surfing and the law Page 25 Nechama — Talking to children about death Letter to the editor Page 27 Craig Nudelman on Tradition Salisbury House Page 28 Chronic Ads 22

17 30 CJC EDITORIAL BOARD Banking details: CSO emergency Chairman: Lester Hoffman.Ex-officio: Ben- SnapScan Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; Zapper number for security and Zion Surdut. Committee: Daniel Bloch, Tzvi Branch code: 020 909; Acc no: 070 703 493; medical emergencies Brivik, Geoff Cohen, Barbara Flax, Myra Acc name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; Osrin, Helen Schneider, Jonathan Silke, Acc type: Current 24 hours Chaya Singer. Editor and layout: Desrae Saacks, Secretary: Tessa Epstein, Digital 086 18 911 18 coordinator: Lisa Shapiro

DISCLAIMERS ERRORS, OMISSIONS AND CORRECTIONS The Cape Jewish Chronicle regrets any errors or omissions that may occur in the paper and, where possible, will attempt to rectify these in a subsequent issue, should such a measure be deemed appropriate. No repeat advertisement or credits will be given for small typographical errors which do not appreciably lessen the value of the advertisement. The appearance of an advertisement or photograph does not necessarily indicate approval or endorsement by the Editorial Board for the product or service advertised or photograph reproduced, and it takes no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the reliance upon the information contained therein. LETTERS AND OPINIONS Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or its sponsoring bodies. Letters submitted anonymously will not be printed. However, by agreement, the writer’s name may be withheld in the publication. Letters are published subject to space being available. The Editor and the Editorial Board have the right to decide on the inclusion of any item submitted for publication. Letters may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. KASHRUT Unless otherwise stated, food and catering services advertised in this publication are not under the supervision of the Cape Beth Din. FINANCIAL You should always obtain independent expert advice prior to making any financial investment, commercial or other decisions. Do not enter into any transactions of the above nature, based partly or wholly on the content of any advertisements or articles published in the Cape Jewish Chronicle. Cape Jewish Chronicle Samson Centre 87 Hatfield Str Gardens 8001 PO Box 4176 Cape Town 8000 phone 021 464 6736 [email protected] Acting editor Desrae Saacks Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 3 D e s Say s... By Desrae Saacks, acting editor Cape Jewish Chronicle What's really important? This column has been a work-in- cannot live without? Stress aside, it's progress at the back of my mind an interesting excercise. for the whole month. Ideas, In the most literal sense there’s themes and concepts have nothing that absolutely can’t be done formed and changed as content without or replaced. Documents, arrived in my inbox, and events underwear, medications, laptop of unfolded around me. course. (I don’t count pets as objects but rather as family — however they y far the most recent and dramatic too need to be gathered up, packed Bevent was the April 18 fire that into cars and accommodated). devoured precious vegetation, landmark buildings, archival material One quickly realises that it's the and infrastructure; and narrowly people (and animals) in your life missed taking so much more. While that really matter. The thought of some of it is lost forever, heartening losing all one's worldly possessions scenes of green shoots on the is overwhelming, if you stop to think mountainside, and burly firemen about it. But the fact is, we'll be ok, feeding water to an injured tortoise even if all the stuff is not there when whose head is smaller than their we get back. finger-tips remind us that while loss And still the theme of loss repeats. and destruction are unavoidably part and parcel of our human condition, I received a phone call late last so too is the precious and transient week from Rabbi Gavi Ziegler of gift of life. Phyllis Jowell Day School. He told me about a week-long campaign to On page 25, Nechama's recent be launched on 3 May in partnership guest speaker, Carin Marcus, drives with SAJBD, called #makethecall. this point home when she guides This is a challenge to the whole us on how to talk to children about community to reach out to someone death. Central to her message is the with whom you’ve lost contact, pick fact that death is an intrinsic part of up the phone, and talk to them. life, and understanding death is an essential factor in appreciating the COVID-19 is not yet behind us. At the wonder of life. In a letter to the editor time of writing this, we are waiting on the same page, Lisa Michalson with bated breath for a third wave. talks about the very same thing. Since COVID-19 hit our shores, our community has not been spared Director Jordy Sank uses a novel the devastating loss of life, and way documentary format to tell the life- of life, that the whole country and affirming story of 99-year-old Cape indeed world has suffered. COVID-19 Town resident and Holocaust survivor, has caused loss of income, loss of Ella Blumenthal. Read more about I lifestyle options, and for many, loss Am Here, and the amazing woman of social connection. #Makethecall who inspired this work, on page 22. aims to reconnect our community Craig Nudelman’s piece on page 27 on a person-to-person level, across got me pondering the tension the spectrum of age, religious between tradition and progress, as observance and all the wonderful he discusses, among other things, diversity that makes up the South the iconic 1971 movie, Fiddler on the African Jewish community; to rebuild, Roof. The movie asks, 'how much can reconnect and restore relationship. you move away from your traditions Loss of loved ones, loss of tradition, without losing yourself or your place loss of lifestyle, loss of material in the world?' posessions, loss of history, historical Those of us living in close proximity to efforts and fruits of our labours. the mountain were once again faced What’s really important? What will we with the decision (as we are every miss? What will we survive? What do few years) of what to save when we learn from loss? How do we carry evacuating our houses, just in case on? What do we need to hold onto they actually do go up in flames this so that we don't lose ourselves? As time. What are the most important individuals? As community? What is things in our lives, that we absolutely really important? Follow the Chronicle online

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back to contents 4 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 Herzlia and SAZF Please support welcome new Shlichim he SAZF Cape Council and Herzlia schools are thrilled to welcome our the Chronicle! TCape Town community Shlichim, Batya and Hed Shmueli and their children Shneor, Noa and Naomi. We are so thankful for the invaluable contribution you will bring in strengthening our community’s connection to Israel. Hed will be VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS working in the Herzlia Schools and Batya will be working with the community from the SAZF offices. We wish you every success here in your Shlichut. FOR 2021 NOW DUE

VOLUME 37 No 11 Help us continue DECEMBER 2020/JANUAR Home Is Where the Art Is – anY 2021 exhibition by and for Capetonians at Zeitz MOCAA www.cjc.org.za to bring you Like many museums and galleries, the Zeitz MOCAA has Shining a light been closed for most works of art and over in a time of crisis news from the of 2020. 1800 pieces were included for COVID-19 shifted fter seven long Where the Art IsHome Is our world in Amonths without a way no-one visitors, curators launched the participating artists,. Of could have Cape Town a unique exhibition to more than 100 belong celebrate its reopening to the Cape Town anticipated. and to honour and Jewish Community Businesses welcome back guests – which, while wonderful, closed, jobs were specifically, Capetonians. unfortunately renders lost, people Jewish An open call was made acknowledgement of have had to dig for submissions of art each of them impossible deep to find in this piece. ‘made, owned and loved’ their edge both by Capetonians. Sheryl Schkolne with her ceramic vessels, Cape Floral Kingdom (2014) Participants were given personally and Community The response was overwhelming, and the a five-day period in professionally. Museum received thousands of entries. October during which pieces. Seven drop-off points around the Lee Jaffe — Gorgeous Gourmet Ultimately, more than 1600 artists submitted they could drop off their fter a very city (comprising art centres, art schools, Achallenging year, local entrepreneur Richard Goldstein galleries and the like) were made available approached Staffwise about shining a ray of light on our For more from just some of theto makeartists thego toprocess page 29 accessible for all. community. And so, spotlight businesses inThe our Shining community Light who Award have managed to rise up and show, through resilience and out-of-the-box came about, to Impactful story of Progressive Jewry thinking, what they can achieve in a time of crisis. They adapted, evolved or made positive adjustments to keep their R350 told in new SAJM exhibition businesses afloat. Staffwise and ORT Jet Cape Town jumped at the opportunity to collaborate and make it happen. Lisa Sandler from ORT Jet said: “After some reflection we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase innovation and opportunity Ground Breakers: A with businesses from our community who have pivoted to History of Progressive get through the lockdown.” Liat Beinart, Staffwise’s Career Judaism in South Catalyst said it was an exciting opportunity for the two communal organisations “to complement and collaborate and Africa will be on let this initiative take shape”. display at the SA SNAPSCAN ZAPPER Jewish MuseumEFT from Inspired by Goldstein’s idea, generous donors from the 14 December. community recognised the space for rewarding local businesses who took steps to stay afloat during COVID-19. he exhibition is based “Despite initial reservations to this award,” says Caroline Ton the research of Irwin Manoim, from the Kaimowitz, of Staffwise, “we had a fantastic response from Kaplan Centre forBANK Jewish the community”. DETAILS: Initial reservations were about the sensitivity of rewarding and highlighting businesses when it was such a Rabbis Sherman and Weiler at the opening of Temple David, Durban Studies at UCT, who has in 1951 just published a book on tough year fraught with personal and financial difficulties. “But the subject, this proved to be unfounded as we received so much positivity Inside the Tent MavericksCape and the number Jewish of applications – almost 50 – was beyond our . expectations”, added Caroline. DID YOU KNOW: For more see pageChronicle 8 Trust 3832 5.3k Continues on page 37 Followers % Website Visits 73 Cape Town

www.cjc.org.za in October Standard Bank 2020 % 900 22 Johannesburg Followers 4980 % Other 65+ 23.5% 1st of Month Shabbat and Yom Tov Times 5 provinces 45-54 16% Acc:55-64 19%070 703Email 493 Readers by Region 35-44 16% 25-34 18% Subscribers 18-24 7.5% 1844 Readers by Age Mid Month To subscribe email: Branch: [email protected] 909 Date Portion Candle lighting Ends Latest Please use your name and email as payment reference. 7 May/25 Iyar Behar/Bechukkotai 5.42pm 6.34pm 14 May/3 Sivan Bemidbar 5.36pm 6.29pm 16 May/5 Sivan Shavuot 1st day 5.35pm 17 May/6 Sivan Shavuot 2nd day 6.28pm 6.27pm 21 May/10 Sivan Naso 5.32pm 6.25pm 28 May/17 Sivan Behaalot’cha 5.29pm 6.23pm

N.B. Please note that the times indicated are the earliest times for candle lighting. Please consult your Rabbi. Yasher koach to graduates of Masters degree in Jewish Education Last year, a group of people completed a Masters degree in Jewish Education with the Academy of Jewish Thought and Learning. In addition, there is another group currently working towards this qualification. ape Town had a significant enrolment — Rabbis Feldman and Thurgood, Cand Karen Kaimowitz*, Yael Ayache and Chaim Moch from Herzlia. "I wanted to improve myself as a teacher and specifically as a Jewish educator. I know there was a lot to learn, and to improve upon, in terms of Jewish education in the country and I thought that this would be the first step towards understanding Jewish education at a deeper level. To work towards an improved future, you first need to understand where you are in the present and the MA provided this grounding for me in both a personal (relating to my own teaching) and a broader (relating to educational systems) way. We were fortunate to be part of a group of South African educators and Rabbis who were also on this course with us. I was inspired to see these people, many of whom are very knowledgeable, thinking hard and working hard to continue developing their knowledge so that they can serve their communities better." Chaim Moch, Head of JLL, UHS Primary Schools Curriculum Coordinator The Academy of Jewish Thought and Learning worked with the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) to create a South African adaption of the mode of thinking, pedagogics and education that LSJS pioneered in the UK. This programme is impacting schools, shuls and various Cape Town communal organisations, with their key leaders graduating, further attesting to the impact of the programme across the Cape Town community as a whole including the direct impact in the schools. *Karen Kaimowitz, previously of ORT, has taken over as principal of Gan Aviv preschool. See page 15 for more on this story back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 5

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back to contents 6 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021

CAPE SAJBD

CONNECT, COLLABORATE, VIEW FROM THE CHAIR COMMUNITY A time of significant consideration By Daniel Bloch, Executive Director, Cape SAJBD This month, I begin my journey By Tzvi Brivik, Chairperson, Cape SAJBD as the executive director of We are pleased to welcome Daniel Bloch which is to build a united and the Cape SAJBD. At the age as the new executive director. democratic South Africa of 42, I have achieved many based on mutual respect, milestones, both personally he position carries great weight and understanding, and human and professionally, the Tresponsibility. Daniel is a graduate of dignity. We have also pointed most recent one being the Herzlia High school and has served on its out that these remarks had governing body, and is also a member of the opportunity to represent my been made during the week Marais Road Shul. He has vast experience in of Yom HaShoah when we community. This fills me with the events and media industry. He brings with immense pride and honour. observed the Holocaust him a love and understanding of our community. Remembrance Day by rowing up in a Jewish home, I watched my father Daniel has joined us from 1 May 2021. He taking pride in our heritage. At the time, we Gactively engage with the community, and it was understands that, as is stated in the parashah invited Dr Lushaba to engage with us. something I wished to emulate as I got older. My family of this week, “There is no gain without some In addition to reverting to the use of the law to and upbringing have been an integral factor in my pain,” in other words, he appreciates the steep protect our community, we can engage and personal and career growth. In 2017, I decided to follow learning curve which he is about to embark on educate. We are of the strong view that this in my father’s footsteps by joining the management and which includes a series of meetings so that approach not only empowers our community, committee of the Green & Sea Point Hebrew he can take the time to get to know our various but also the communities and persons around Congregation, where I have spent the past four years affiliates and sister organisations. He joins us. We have also repeatedly emphasised our working with a passionate team. In 2019, I was elected us at a time when the Cape SAJBD has been #WordsMatter campaign, in which we have to the United Herzlia Schools Board of Governors where considering significant matters. urged representatives of our community and I spent a year understanding their importance and These include the comments that had been externally to carefully weigh and measure their impact on our community. made by Dr Lwazi Lushaba in a pre-recorded words to ensure these are not divisive or intended Two years later, and I find myself part of the dynamic lecture in the first week of April. Those to cause harm. In this week’s parashah, we are team at the Cape SAJBD. Strengthening and building comments had drawn criticism from various told that “More things can go wrong than can go relationships with both the Jewish and non-Jewish fields, including academia, the University of right.” It is a reminder of a lack of equilibrium. communities is paramount to ensuring that the Cape Town and the DA. We have responded To ensure that our community’s rights are Board achieves its vision — to ensure the continuity, by affirming our commitment to our constitution protected, we are mandated to right that balance protection, and resilience of a proud Western as best we can. Cape Jewish community, in an inclusive and On a different note, there has been some just society. This is my core task and I look return to normalcy. We are relying heavily on forward to the challenges that lie ahead. the vaccine roll-out to secure the health of our My background is primarily in the events TO REPORT community. While this is attended to, we urge and media industry, where I have worked everybody to continue to keep a safe social with many international companies, using AN INCIDENT OF distance and wear masks in public. If South my skills as a leader and decision-maker OR Africa is to follow the trends in the northern to ensure the success of many projects. ANTISEMITISM hemisphere around COVID-19, then there is Building long-lasting relationships and a third wave expected — and this should be connecting with industry leaders is one of guarded against as much as possible. my passions and is the inspiration for my ANTI-JEWISH We cannot underestimate the cost of the monthly column titled Connect, Collaborate, BEHAVIOUR pandemic emotionally, physically and Community. financially to individual members of our Currently, the Board has several important community and our communal structures. projects on the go; however, I would like Incredible work has been done by members to start by focusing on strengthening our HATE SPEECH of our community and our affiliates, including relationships with the seventy community INTIMIDATION the burial services through the UOS, affiliates. Through effective collaboration Rabbinical counselling and outreach. I would with each affiliate, we can share experiences, ACTS OF VIOLENCE like to mention Jewish Community Services generate ideas, and combine resources; VANDALISM which has done outstanding work providing allowing us to work smarter and more mental health-care, financial assistance efficiently. This will enable us to connect GRAFFITI and also administering the Tikvah Fund, the with many like-minded community members SimchaFund and the food bank — amongst and effect real change in the community. email [email protected] other initiatives. Connect + Collaborate = a strong and unified Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity community capable of achieving anything! in case of emergency call CSO Cape to wish Jodi Goldberg, a member of our My commitment is to represent the Western professional staff, much success in the future. Cape Jewish Community to the best of my on 086 18 911 18 (available 24/7) Jodi will be leaving the Cape SAJBD at the end abilities, fight for our right to practice our of April 2021. She has worked in our offices as Judaism and continue the important work Projects and Operations Coordinator as well of the Cape South African Jewish Board as attending to various administrative duties, of Deputies. since 2013. Behatzlacha!

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 7 CAPE SAJBD

Yom HaShoah ve’Hagevurah: remembering in vignettes

By Gwynne Robins This year, we were unable to meet at the cemetery to mourn the deaths of six million Jewish men, women and children for reasons of public health and fear. ear of crowds, fear of socialising, fear of going Fout in case we are invaded by an invisible virus. Instead, the Cape SAJBD commemorated the event with three short videoed vignettes, produced by Chad Nathan, covering most of the elements in our traditional ceremony. Zola Shuman gives the keynote address and speaks Dr Veronica Belling reads the poem, The Lead Plates If our ancestors had not managed to reach South about her parents, both Holocaust survivors, Chayele at the Rom Press by Avrom Sutzkever. Africa before the Immigration Quota Act in 1930 Rosenthal and Xavier Piatka. stopped their arrival, many of us whose ancestors to your children and your children’s children”. The was a talented songwriter, whose popular songs had come from Eastern Europe would not be Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies does this each are still sung. The film ended with Cantor Choni here today. This is because eighty years ago, in year in honour of our people who were killed in the Goldman from the Gardens Synagogue singing the summer of 1941, their friends and family who Holocaust and thanks to our youth, that memory is the hazkarah. had remained behind would have been killed by being guarded and carried forward. the Einsatzkommandos. By the time Germany Our final vignette surrendered in 1945, 95% of the 237 500 focused on Music and Click here to watch the recordings: Lithuanian Jews had been murdered, nearly all the Shoah, a story Through the Eyes of Our Youth of the 70 000 Jews living in Latvia in 1941, and of song to survive L'Dor V'Dor: Generation to Generation 90% of the Rhodes Island community. and uplift, with a pre- Music and the Shoah War Russian song Our first video focused on what the Holocaust by balalaika player means to our youth. As it says in the Tanach (Joel Dusia Borodoff from (1.3): “Tell your children of it and let your children Riga Latvia — most of tell their children and their children another her family were killed generation.” We filmed the learners at Cape Town in Auschwitz. Her Torah High School situated in the Ponovez Shul son Gary Silberman — nearly all the Ponovez Jews were killed in 1941. has committed her Amber-Lee Bobrow, Rika Wineberg and Musya beautiful music onto Deren from Torah High and Kirstin Kukard and CD in her memory. Cheryl van den Berg from the Herzlia High School Other songs were by explained what the Holocaust meant to them, while Caely-Jo Levy, a singer, learners from the Herzlia Junior High SLC recited songwriter, actress and a poem, and representatives from Habonim Dror, choreographer with a SAUJS, Bnei Akiva and Netzer read out names passion for klezmer of murdered children. There were songs from the music, and by Cantor Herzlia Vocal Ensemble under the baton of Ivor Goldman. There was a Joffe and from Benji Anstey, accompanied by Yiddish poem written Gabriel Sieff on the piano. in the Vilna Ghetto Chag Shavuot by Avrom Sutzkever, which was recited by Dr Veronica Belling, and a Ladino poem written Sameach and recited by Isaac Habib. His mother was one of the 1767 Jews may the harvest be from Rhodes Island and may the harvest be Cos who were deported to Auschwitz. Only 163 bountiful this Shavuot survived. The video Deputy Head of Herzlia High School, Rachel Wohlman ended with a plaintive reads The Action in the Ghetto of Rohatyn, March 1942, a poem by Alexander Kimel. song by saxophonist- composer Rus Nerwich. In another video, our chairman Tzvi Brivik and In Deuteronomy 4:9, the Israeli Ambassador Lior Keinan delivered we are told to "guard messages about the day, focusing on the murders ourselves carefully, lest of the Lithuanian and Latvian Jews in 1941. The we forget the things our highlight was a talk by Zola Shuman, whose eyes saw, and lest these parents were both survivors from the Vilna ghetto things depart from our and labour camps. Her mother Chayele Rosenthal hearts all the days of our was known as the “nightingale of the ghetto” lives." It adds that “you and her uncle who died the day before liberation shall make them known CapeSAJBD capesajbd capesajbd.org CAPE SAJBD

back to contents 8 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 CAPE SAJBD

20 years after the Woman of Worth 2001 Durban Conference, and an event worth noting NGO Monitor weighs in By Tyla Dallas

By Tyla Dallas On Thursday 4 March, the Cape SAJBD hosted a webinar with guest speakers Professor Gerald Steinberg and Shaun Sacks from NGO Monitor. GO Monitor is a globally recognised research institute in NJerusalem that promotes democratic values and good governance and is the leading source of information on political NGOs active in delegitimisation campaigns against Israel, and the role of both government and private funder-enablers. It was founded following the 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism held in Durban, South Africa (“Durban conference”), and is a project of The Institute for NGO Research, a recognised organisation in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council Dawn Nathan-Jones, Tyla Dallas, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo (Health MEC), Adrienne Jacobson since 2013. This year marks 20 years since the infamous and Premier Alan Winde Durban conference, so it is only apt that we commemorated a prayer honouring the important role it by reflecting on the last 20 years, in light of increasing On 8 March, International Women’s of women, and in remembrance of international antisemitism. Day, the Cape SAJBD was invited to attend the Western Cape COVID-19 fatalities. The speakers discussed the formation of NGO Monitor, the Government's interfaith prayer Adrienne read, in Hebrew and English, a development of the 'Durban strategy' that emerged from the event, with Western Cape Minister beautiful hymn called Eishet Chayil, which Durban conference, and the important work they do around the translates to a ‘Woman of Valour or Worth’, world in fighting and investigating antisemitism. of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and Premier Alan Winde. and is sung to the woman of the home on Professor Gerald Steinberg is the founder and president of a Friday night. She chose this hymn as it NGO Monitor and Professor Emeritus at Bar Ilan University, he two-hour event was held at the acknowledges that “it is the woman who where he founded the Program on Conflict Management and Tgovernment building concourse in makes the home into a divine spiritual place Negotiation. His research focuses on Middle East diplomacy the CBD and was attended by Adrienne of nurturing where our souls can flourish.” and security, the politics of human rights and non-governmental Jacobson (Executive Committee), Dawn The Cape SAJBD was grateful to unite organisations (NGOs), and Israeli politics and arms control. He Nathan-Jones (Chairperson of the with religious women leaders from across was awarded a prestigious Israel Science Foundation grant and Associate Relations subcommittee) and the Western Cape’s faith-based institutions served as team leader for the 'Israel at the Polls' chapters on Tyla Dallas (Legal Researcher). in a morning of prayer and reflection. The peace negotiations and Israel-American relations from 1988- International Women’s Day focuses voice of women singing and chanting filled 2005. He was a member of the advisory board of the Israel Law on celebrating the social, economic, the halls of the building, and reminded us Review and is a member of the Israel Council of Foreign Affairs. cultural and political achievements of that through collaboration, we are strong He was appointed to the Israel Higher-Education Council women. Female representatives from and immutable. That together, we can make Committee on Public Policy, is an academic participant in the Christian, Charismatic, Muslim, Jewish, a difference and #ChooseToChallenge Inter-parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism at the African, Khoisan and Hindu faith-based injustice and disparity, and create peace, ICCA, and a participating member of the Halifax International organisations were asked to prepare harmony and love. Security Forum since 2014. He has a plethora of publications. His op-ed columns have been published in The Wall Street Journal (Europe), Financial Times, and the Jerusalem Post, and he has also appeared as a commentator on several news channels such as BBC and CNN. He is an expert on BDS, Antisemitism and Lawfare; Politics and Middle Eastern Affairs; Israel, the US and Europe Relations; and NGOs and Foreign Funding. Joining Professor Steinberg, we had Shaun Sacks who is a Senior Researcher at NGO Monitor and made Aliya from South Africa in 1998. He received his BA from Bar Ilan University, and before joining NGO Monitor, was the senior project manager for Netsource and emerging market manager for McAfee Inc. Shaun’s articles and op-eds have appeared in many publications including the Jerusalem Post and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Shaun has also appeared on popular Israeli TV channels such as Ynet and Channel 20. He is an expert on European Government Funding for NGOs; Combating BDS in Europe; European Government Transparency and Antisemitism in Europe. To watch this webinar, follow us on Facebook @CapeSAJBD, click on our ‘videos’ tab and open the ‘20 Years After the 2001 Dawn Nathan-Jones, Adrienne Jacobson and Adrienne Jacobson with representatives of the Durban Conference’ video. Dr Ivan Meyer (Agriculture MEC) Khoisan people

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 9 CAPE SAJBD

The history of our bursary fund

By Gwynne Robins According to Maimonides When Joe Fintz, as Board’s treasurer, the value of the bursary funds times of persecution, education was (1138–1204), the highest form took over the administration of the soared and began to attract capital one thing they could always take of tzedakah was supporting Board’s bursaries in the 1990s, he donations from generous donors and with them and it was the emphasis people so that they would realised that it would be more efficient estates, like Pasvolsky, Ben Yehuda, on education that enabled Jews to not have to be dependent on to have the bursaries controlled by Raphaely, Link SA and the original achieve success beyond the poverty one body. It would be easier to find an Jewish Museum. of their immigrant parents. others. This is what the bursary applicant to fit a specific qualification Lester Hoffman is the current The Pew Research Centre has fund of the Cape SAJBD does if the net were to be spread wider chairperson of the BOD Bursary established that Jews are the most by enabling students to get a and more interest could be raised by Committee, which oversees the highly educated of the world’s major tertiary education. pooling the bursary funds. award of bursaries. The policy is religious groups. In South Africa, here is a problem. Twenty The organisations agreed, and to provide financial assistance to Jews average 12 years of schooling Tyears ago, a university course the Cape SAJBD’s BOD Bursary verified needy families to assist those and 29% have post-secondary cost R6000, and today it can cost Committee came into being, students to find gainful employment. degrees, compared with an average between R60 000 and R120 000 and incorporating people with many Eligibility is limited to students of 7.2 years of schooling and 3% with the existing bursary funds have to specific skills — law, accountancy, IT, who are established residents of higher education among non-Jewish stretch further and further each year and a representative from the Herzlia the Western Cape for study in the South Africans. as the costs of tertiary education and remissions committee (in addition to Western Cape. These must be for This year, the financial effect on our the number of applicants grows. those with empathy combined with tertiary education at local recognised community of COVID-19 means that chesed and tzedakah). academic institutions. Each case Once upon a time bursaries were many more families will find it difficult is examined on its merits and the awarded by several different In 2002, Simon Brodovcky mentioned to afford tertiary education for their students are required to provide organisations which had received to Eliot Osrin that he had learnt that matriculants. With the increased midyear and end of the year results. bequests or donations, like the the bursary funds were earning little demand for bursaries and the SAJBD, country communities, the interest as they had been invested in Last year, the Bursary Committee increased costs of tertiary education, Union of Jewish Women, the Bnoth fixed deposits. Simon felt passionate awarded bursaries amounting to the income generated from capital Zion Association, the Jewish Board about assisting the bursary cause R2 101 500 to 73 students, of which from the combined bursary funds of Guardians. Some bursaries came because of the financial challenges 22 were new applications, 14 were is currently inadequate to serve the with conditions — the donor wanted he had faced when he was young renewals and 37 were postgraduates. communal needs. the bursary to go to an orphan, to a and studying. woman, to someone who wanted to Historically, Jews have always For more information, contact teach Hebrew, to a medical student. Once properly invested by Simon, placed a high value on learning. In Gwynne Robins at [email protected]

New Undergrad

Ap plications Approved 27.4%

BUR7S7ARIES0 0ISSUED IN

52.1% 2020 Undergrad R1,772,000 Applications in total Renewed

20.5% Postgrad Applications Approved

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back to contents 10 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 CAPE SAJBD

Cape SAJBD welcomes decision declaring Uyghur persecution a genocide

By Mathilde Myburgh The Cape South African Jewish United States in two consecutive Cape SAJBD does. We work hard Constitution praised the world over Board of Deputies (Cape administrations that Uyghur and other to promote harmonious relations for its progressive and inclusive SAJBD) welcomes the passage Turkic Muslims are being subjected between the Jewish community content, such acts against fellow of a motion in Canada’s House to a genocide by the People’s and other communities, and we countrymen are illegal. This forced of Commons on Monday Republic of China, the House empathise with the Uyghur and other “re-education” goes against the very overwhelmingly recognised this Turkic Muslim communities facing grain of South Africa’s Bill of Rights, 22 February, which declares genocide, a welcome development. this plight at the hands of their fellow which places every citizen as equal the persecution of the Uyghur citizens and their government. before the law, with the right to equally It has called upon the International people by the People’s Republic be protected by and benefit from it. Olympic Committee to move the We welcome global attention to the of China an act of genocide Discriminating against one another 2022 Winter Olympics out of Beijing plight of Uyghur and Turkic Muslims under international law. on the grounds of race, gender, should the Chinese government in the People’s Republic of China sex, ethnic or social origin, sexual n sitting number 63 on Monday continue this genocide. and pray that the visibility of this and orientation, religion, conscience, 22 February, the House passed other decisions and utterances by I In line with the Cape SAJBD’s belief, culture or language is a motion of opposition regarding institutions and communities alike objectives and the experiences of the prohibited, unconscionable and, religious minorities in China, with 266 afford these minority communities Jewish community with genocide and frankly, un-South African. votes in favour and zero against. routes to representation and antisemitism, and with the annual ultimately, liberation. Chinese authorities estimate The motion text details that, in the Yom HaShoah recently observed in there are 12 million Uyghur people opinion of the House, the People’s April, we unequivocally support this According to Wikipedia, the Uyghur in the country, which has been Republic of China had engaged in motion passed by Canada’s House community is recognised by the disputed by the community itself actions that are consistent with the of Commons. Chinese government as a regional as early as 2003, arguing that their United Nations General Assembly minority community, native to the It is our firmly held belief that the 20 million+ population is purposefully Resolution 260, better known as Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region religious and civil rights, status and being undercounted. the ‘Genocide Convention’ — which of Northwest China. It is estimated welfare of any citizen of a country includes using detention camps and that since 2015, over a million Uyghurs As early as 2017, Human Rights be safeguarded by its government measures intended to prevent births have been detained in internment Watch called for the People’s and defended by human rights of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims. camps over a governmental goal Government of China to immediately organisations locally and globally. In to ensure adherence to national release Uyghur people held in Given its policy had been to act in South Africa, protecting the human ideology by “re-educating” Uyghurs unlawful political education centres concert with its allies when it comes rights of our Jewish constituency and changing their political thinking, in Xinjiang. We must never forget the to recognising the genocide, and and the people of the Western sense of identity and religious beliefs. lessons learned in the Shoah and given bipartisan consensus in the Cape is at the very core of what the In South Africa, with a 25-year-old its aftermath. HHHeeelllppp UUUsss CCCooolllllleeecccttt CCCooonnntttaaaiiinnneeerrrsss to contiinue the Serviice Diiniing Rooms'' viitall work feediing vullnerablle Capetoniians

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Religious intolerance, respect and human rights, and the need for unity

By Mickey Glass Below is a speech by Mickey Glass, former chairperson of the Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum, prepared and delivered for the Ahmadiyya Mosque Meeting held in April around Pesach. Mickey is a former member of the Cape SAJBD board, former executive director of the Union of Orthodox Synagogues and has a long and pioneering involvement in Cape Town-based interfaith work.

Good Day to you all. Too often in today’s world, groups We are being summoned to a great as aberrations that were ascribed speak to themselves, not to one challenge – can we find, in the human to the particular circumstances of apologise that I am talking to you another – Jews to Jews, Christians ‘thou’, a fragment of the Divine each country. Ivia a pre-recorded message as to fellow Christians and Muslims to ‘Thou’? There are times when God Suddenly about six months ago, I am unable to participate directly Muslims. And even then, differences meets us in the face of a stranger. the UAE, Bahrein, Morocco, Oman today because we are in the midst in practices, in customs and so on, Can we recognise God’s image in and Sudan confirmed the Abraham of our Passover festival. Today is the are rarely explained, and then we one who is not in my image? Accords and hundreds of thousands first of this major eight-day festival. witness intrareligious violence. The global age in which we live has of their citizens have already been Gone are the days where people of When I was first invited to speak turned our world into a society of visiting Israel and vice-versa; there different viewpoints were forced to in your mosque some years ago, it strangers. We should not see this are 22 flights every week between share the public arena and thus meet was for Interfaith Harmony Week. as a threat to our identity but rather Tel-Aviv and Rabat, Dubai, Abu and reason with their opponents. Since then, I have been privileged as a call to a moral and spiritual Dhabi and Bahrein. El Al aircraft to participate in quite a few of your generosity that is more demanding displaying the Star of David has been public events. This particular function than we had ever imagined. seen regularly at Khartoum airport. follows examples of obnoxious The sanctity of human vandalism perpetrated on the front life, the inalienable I do not believe that the sanctity wall and doors of your mosque in freedoms of a just society of human life and the inalienable The greatest single freedoms of a just society are Athlone. This was not the first time are religious absolutes. antidote to violence is such incidents have occurred. They flow from the relative. Relativism is too weak to resist the storm winds of religious conversation. Of course, we Jews are no strangers to proposition that it was fervour. Only an equal and opposite these kinds of attacks. Your letterhead not we who created passion for what our faith stands carries the message “Love for all, God in our image but for can resist those pressures. Over three aircraft with Arab flags Hatred for none.” Unfortunately, we God who made us in The sanctity of human life, the land every day at Ben Gurion airport. live in a world where those sentiments inalienable freedoms of a just society And every one of these states makes are no longer automatic. You know His. They belong to the very tradition that Jews, are religious absolutes. They flow it clear that their commitment to the that Judaism has been around for from the proposition that it was not establishment of a Palestine state thousands of years, twice as long as Christians and Muslims we who created God in our image remains a priority. Christianity and three times as long —who have spent so but God who made us in His. They Within the next few months, probably as Islam. Our four thousand years of belong to the very tradition that Jews, much of their history in another 3-4 Arab states will join history have taught us much about Christians and Muslims —who have mutual hostility— share. the Abraham Accords and that will interreligious hatred, more often spent so much of their history in most certainly bring much closer than not used for political, and not mutual hostility— share. theological purposes. the realisation of a Palestine state. Today, the world is dominated by Nothing has proved harder in the Only by talking to one another, by Naturally, over the years, we have social media which targets those history of civilisation than to see God understanding one another, can seen the mushrooming of sects, of who agree with us and screens out or good, or human dignity in those differences be resolved. It’s not only movements that break away from the voices of dissent. Those who whose language is not mine, whose in the Middle East. Today we witness the centre to establish their variation wish to make known their opposition skin is a different colour, whose faith the very warm and strong relations of our faith. In Judaism, the enmity to whatever they object to, whether is not my faith, and whose truth is not between America and Vietnam which between our Reform, Conservative it’s the colour of my skin, or the faith my truth. There are surely many ways no one could have foreseen amid and Orthodox groupings has resulted I follow, whether it’s their version of arriving at this generosity of spirit, the Vietnam war which cost tens of in hundreds of books, endless of Islam as opposed to yours, have and each faith must find its own. thousands of lives. arguments and, sometimes, even been brainwashed into believing We have to understand that My message is to seek those intrafaith violence. that some violent expression of the truth at the beating heart of who differ from you and start dissent or protest is better than any You, the Ahmadis represent monotheism is that God transcends conversations. When people join alternative. The conversation which another section of Islam. Of course, the particularities of culture and the hands, becoming even for one is the heartbeat of democracy is you know far better than I that limits of human understanding. He is minute ‘like one body with one soul’, dying and with it our chances for the divisions between the Sunni my God, but also of all mankind, even they are a formidable force for good. peaceful interaction. majority and the Shiite minority of those whose customs and way of God’s first question to humankind have often resulted in bloodshed. Religion can and has often been a life are unlike mine. was: “Where are you?” That is the source of discord. But it can also be question which people of faith hear, Ahmadis have been persecuted You might think that I’m talking a form of conflict resolution. It is up by those who have internalised the in countries like Pakistan, where nonsense, that hatreds that have to the leaders of our great faiths to ethic of responsibility. True faith is a their freedom of religion has been existed for decades are deeply become an active force for peace form of listening, and what we hear curtailed by a series of laws and even entrenched and will never change. and for the justice and compassion in the still silence of the soul is God’s constitutional amendments. No-one For over 100 years, it was religious on which peace ultimately depends. question: “What have you done with is going to emerge in triumph from dogma that no Arab state would the gift I gave you, of life? How have confrontations of this kind and that is We are taught that we live in a ever accept the permanence of the you used your time? Have you lived where our experience has taught us progressive civilisation. Can we State of Israel. The peace treaties for yourself alone or have you lived to communicate. The greatest single make space for one another? Can signed by Egypt and Jordan more also for others?” antidote to violence is conversation. we live together in one community? than fifty years ago were described

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back to contents 12 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021

VIEW FROM THE CHAIR By Karen Marsden Sank, Chair SAZF Cape Council

This year Israel proudly memory of those who gave their Each one of us can in our own support and celebrates her 73rd birthday, lives in order for us to be able to way make sense of how Israel’s love for our as the jewel in the crown of our acknowledge and revel in this history, heartaches, sacrifices and homeland. achievement. Not only have we challenges both as a country and as global community. As we look to as a nation remained steadfast in a people makes this celebration and the future it’s or every Jew no matter where safeguarding our homeland and our the journey both of our beloved State important we remain present, and we are, we remain acutely aware continued existence, but are proud of Israel and its people even more F continue to demonstrate an authentic of the tremendous challenges and that Israel as a nation stands tall special. belief in who we are and what sacrifices that have been made amongst other countries in the areas As a community we will never forget. Isreal means to us as individuals, over this time to safeguard our of IT, technology and cutting-edge Too many have paid a huge price for celebrating and acknowledging what homeland, ensuring that Israel is research across all sectors. a place of refuge and safety for all our independence. However, as we so many gave their lives for. Each of Jews. This milestone is testament to At a time when the world as we know celebrated together, acknowledging, us, together with future generations, our determination, resilience and a it looks and feels so different, Israel’s paying tribute and honouring our needs to ensure that our own spirit continued spirit of victory and faith. birthday is an opportunity for all of beloved Israel, we stand proud, of victory and faith is entrenched, in us to be mindful of all the miracles we stand committed and we stand order to ensure we remain a united Yom Hazikaron, the day preceding surrounding this celebration. together in our unwavering belief, community – Am Yisrael Chai. Yom Ha’atzmaut is devoted to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donated to SA Friends of Israel

By Trystan Tregenza Hall Through the generosity protection of the paid staff and have personally suffered with and tenacity of Masks for volunteers who are working COVID-19, having contracted the Medics and The Angel on the front lines to provide virus during the course of their Network, it was made community services within some occupations. Many of them have possible for South African of the poorest neighbourhoods had insufficient or inappropriate in the Cape Town region, as well PPE, sometimes consisting of Friends of Israel to deliver a as for the benefit of their service only a simple face scarf, as these significant consignment of users. These brave workers community organisations have high quality, medical grade have been keeping the wheels hitherto fallen through the cracks PPE to its network. rolling at 31 pre-schools and of government PPE provision. he PPE consisted of 86 foot- seven soup kitchens/churches, Many have expressed their Tpedal sanitiser dispensers, as well as several care homes heartfelt thanks to the charities 172 large five-litre bottles of and a high school. The majority involved in obtaining the supply sanitiser fluid, 430 face guards of these facilities are located of PPE, as well as to the Jewish in the Khayelitsha, Mitchells community, for helping to make or visors, plus several thousand Trystan Tregenza Hall, SAZF CC Executive Director disposable face masks. These Plain and Fisantekraal areas. these meaningful donations Chaya Singer and Natasha Salkinder with the PPE for have been distributed for the Some of the staff and volunteers possible. SA Friends of Israel

Councellor Demitrius Dudley and his daughter, Christy Haefele, at the Nomhle Councellor Demitrius Dudley and his daughter, Christy Haefele, at Reaching Stars Educare Centre Educare Centre

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South African community celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut together

By Leora Hessen, Vice Chairperson, SAZF Cape Council On Wednesday, 14 April, the South communal event. And together we experienced African Jewish community was united the highlight of the night – Lior Suchard – the by the South African Zionist Federation world’s most famous mentalist. in a ceremony and celebration, for Yom Lior has entertained millions of people Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. After worldwide and, in one of her interviews, Barbra a year of online conferences, meetings, Streisand said about him, “There really are school days, classes, simchas and things which defy explanation. When I first sadness, the trepidation of hosting a experienced Lior’s mental gifts, I knew I was celebration online was real. in the presence of someone extraordinary. Each time our paths cross, I’m more and more ut our community came together to honour fascinated by how he Lior Suchard interacting with Dream ticket holders Bour fallen soldiers. We were privileged to does what he does.” see footage of our school children standing at attention when the siren went off. We heard Thank you to all of you stories from IDF soldiers from Brothers for Life that joined the SAZF and their beautiful tribute to Eric Samson OBM. for our live virtual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations. And then we came together to celebrate, all We hope that we will 7000 people on various screens across South be able to celebrate in- Africa. We heard our children tell us what Israel person again soon, but means to them. For the first time our three we are grateful that you Chairpersons (National, Cape Council and took the time to join us KZN) were able to celebrate together at one on screen. SAZF CC Executive Director Chaya Singer, SAZF CC Chairperson Karen Marsden Sank, SAZF CC Vice Chairperson Leora Hessen, National Chairman Rowan Polovin and KZN Chairman Grant Maserow

SAZF CC Chairperson, Karen Marsden Sank, paying tribute SAZF spelled out in the cards to community stalwart, the late Eric Samson z"l

MC David Bloch thanking Lior Suchard for an amazing show

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Youth Movements roundup

A Diller look into community the day our parents joined us for tea Diller Community Day was a valuable Israel Apartheid Weeks. and got to experience a taste of a and enriching experience. We were To sign up for the crash course and iller’s two-day community initiative Diller workshop. able to take a step back and see the follow what SAUJS is up to, find us on was a time for the cohort to take inner-workings of our community, D On the second day the cohort was split Facebook @SAUJS Western Cape! a step back and actively engage with what it means to be part of one and between Manna preschool and the our community, learn about what how important it is to look out for — Cassandra Mayekiso, Western Cape JCS food bank. At Manna we packed goes on behind the scenes and give others. Finally, we’d like to thank the Director, SAUJS care packages and painted murals back to the less fortunate. six members of the leadership panel on classroom walls and at the JCS Netzer and Habonim join as well as Lauren Cohn and Debbie Day one took place at the Cullinan foodbank we packed Pesach food forces before heading off Katz-Durant for their time, passion Hotel with leaders of the UJC, packages for Jewish families of our and leadership. to Israel WIZO, SAUJS, the SAJBD, Zionist community. This day put into practice Federation and CSO in attendance. the key Diller values of Tikkun Olam — Adam Selikowitz and Ben Vogelman he Netzer and Habonim South We spent the first part of the day and community. JCS can always use Bnei Akiva TAfrican Shnatties began their discussing what it meant to be part volunteers or donations and Manna, Shnat Process together in South of a community and the technical in their infancy as a preschool, nei Akiva Cape Town have Africa. With an incredible three aspects of our community such would welcome donations of school Bstarted the year off busy. We part programme all over South as logistics, finances and person- equipment and help with upgrading have a great new team of leaders Africa, the Shnatties could not have based volunteering. At the end of their property. and excited channichim. Family had more fun waiting for Israel to meet-ups have started, activities like open its borders. They began their matzah-pizza-making have been journey together in The Crags, near great, volunteering is happening, Plettenberg Bay, where they bonded, soccer games and school visits have volunteered in the Kurland Village, been amazing! There are lots more hiked all of Robberg and Nature’s exciting things to come. We can’t Valley and learned about various wait to keep you updated for all the agricultural farming techniques from big, exciting, fun and safe things the local Garden Route farms. happening this year. They then split off into their respective movements for a week of SAUJS their own learning, working, hiking and volunteering in Cape Town his year SAUJS ran a two-week and Hermanus only to once again online campaign to combat T meet up in Johannesburg where the mistruths and hatred spread they stayed at the Thlolego Eco during Israel Apartheid Week. The The Diller group who volunteered at Manna Preschool standing in front of the Village and Learning Center. Here first week of our #OwnYourTruth rainbow mural they painted they learned about Eco-Living, they campaign focused on shedding light volunteered, herded cattle, gardened on important topics within our student and even harvested the vegetables community, such as LGBTQI+ rights. for their own dinner. Aliyah continues The second week of the campaign ast month, on 9 April, fifty-three South Africans making Aliya landed in was run to directly combat Israel What an amazing experience it was LIsrael, including nine olim from Cape Town! They arrived just in time for Apartheid Week. During this week for all involved! We look forward to the Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day siren, an auspicious day to SAUJS focused on reclaiming the more partnerships in the future! start their new lives in Israel. Zionist narrative. This campaign was an incredible success as was evidenced by the mass amounts of engagement from students over various social media platforms, in which they stood proudly as Zionists. During the week we were fortunate enough to have a panel discussion, Reclaiming Zionism with incredible panelists Einat Wilf and Ran Bar Yashafat. The attendance of and feedback from this event were overwhelmingly positive, and assisted SAUJS in our fight to own our truth. To conclude the week, SAUJS ran the first of a five-part crash course on the history of the Middle East conflict. During this series of courses we will provide our members the knowledge to be able to stand up and defend their truths in preparation for future Tiyul in The Crags

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Yael Ayache Rabbi Karen Kaimowitz Chaim Moch Oshy Feldman Educator at United Herzlia Schools CO-CEO ORT SA CAPE Head of Jewish Life and Learning (JLL) Senior Rabbi at Cape Town Hebrew Herzlia Highlands Primary Congregation Gardens Shul

Rabbi Stacey Dembo Ilana Stein

Sam Thurgood Executive Director of Conservationist, Writer, and Yeshiva Mizrachi and Non-exec Head of Education at The Academy Rabbi of Beit Midrash Morasha Chairperson of The Academy of of Jewish Thought and Learning Jewish Thought and Learning

Rabbi Adrian Chiger Yehuda Stern Businessman and Community Leader Rabbi of Sydenham Shul

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Consider This Pesach togetherness despite COVID-19 By Rabbi Emma Gottlieb Temple Israel offered a wide These offerings afforded people the Thousands of years before this ‘unprecedented’ range of online activities and opportunity of celebrating Pesach pandemic, our Jewish tradition was already resources for Pesach this year. in a meaningful way if they were providing us with the spiritual practices and unable to attend a family seder. The coping mechanisms we use to get through esach preparation YouTube option also difficult times. Pbegan with a cooking allowed congregants to demonstration led by supplement their own he Psalms, when we date them historically, span at Rabbi Emma Gottlieb sedarim by screening least five centuries, and some are as old as the 5th century B.C.E T and her mom Beth, on select pieces. (over 2500 years ago!). Throughout the ages and generations, people Wednesday evening 24 of all faiths have taken comfort in these ancient words of guidance, March. It was a wonderful The second night of reassurance, expression and catharsis. The Psalms put to words our opportunity to bring Rabbi Pesach provided an despair, delight, horror, hope, exhaustion, exuberance, fear, faith, and Emma and Beth together opportunity for the young renewal, reminding us that human experience is as old as time, and that on one screen, making families of our community in many ways, there is ‘nothing new under the sun’. the physical distance to get together online for a special seder led by If we look at Psalm 32 for example, a psalm of thanksgiving for recovery between South Africa Dvora Schweitzer receiving her Pesach parcel Rabbi Greg Alexander, from illness, we see how a piece of writing thousands of years old and Canada irrelevant! Student Rabbi Andi can resonate with us as if it had been written yesterday. Rabbi Irving Thanks to a generous donation, Kuti and our youth worker and Netzer Greenberg writes of Psalm 32, that in the beginning, “the patient is in Temple Israel was once again able Madrichah Rachael Bootcov. total isolation, trapped in illness, sunk in him/herself, wasting away.” to put together Pesach packs which (Weintraub, Rabbi Simkha. Healing of the Soul, Healing of Body: Spiritual were delivered to the aged members of The seventh day Pesach service Leaders Unfold the Strengths & Solace in Psalms, p.35) Similarly, Rabbi our congregation, fulfilling the mitzvot was followed by a seventh day Rachel Cowan, writing about Psalm 41, describes how, “as we struggle to of maot chitim and honouring our morning service during which we come to terms with illness, we hear our own voices in this meditation on seniors. These packs were delivered acknowledged, celebrated and blessed suffering” (ibid, p.41). We can relate to the psalmist, who wonders where by members of the programming team all the babies of our congregation that she will find strength and courage to face the fear, anger and grief she and synagogue councils. were born during lockdown. It was is experiencing. We can empathise with the psalmist. When we hear the fitting to hold such a special service psalmist ask, “why have You afflicted me, O God?” we think of the many Our Pesach evening service took on Shevi’i shel Pesach, deemed by times we have cried out with those same words. place on Saturday 27 March, after Jewish tradition to be the anniversary which congregants attended their of the crossing of the Sea of Reeds, The Psalms reflect back to us how we often blame ourselves when we sedarim. Temple Israel offered two since the parting sea can be viewed as are faced with adversity, questioning what we’ve done to deserve what seder options: a Zoom seder led by a birth canal through which Am Yisrael is happening to us. They share honestly the experience of begrudging Rabbi Malcolm and Gillian Matitiani, was born. others their joy when we are only feeling sorrow. And they also remind us and a YouTube prerecorded video of that there is tremendous power in faith and in the hope of better times. a seder led by all four members of the Our Pesach offerings were well Rabbi Cowan writes about how our experiences often reflect the despair rabbinic team, lay readers and children received by our congregants and we see in some of the psalms, yet they also, “contain the wisdom that can of our congregation. This video was brought a strong sense of community lead to our healing... Our healing does not lie in self-pity (but in turning pieced together and edited by Rabbi despite the fact that we couldn't get to) the deepest part of ourselves... seeking comfort from God, and in Emma Gottlieb. together in our synagogues because of reaching out (to one another). Allowing ourselves to be comforted, we the COVID-19 pandemic. can comfort others, and bring about a great tikkun/repair to our world.” Whether we have come through illness or watched a loved one struggle with illness; whether we have lost someone recently or are simply feeling despair at the ongoing difficulties of our present reality, we can turn to our ancient texts for solace. We are not alone in feeling the way we feel. Those all around us are likely struggling with similar emotions. Even thousands of years ago, these emotional responses were valid in responding to adversity, illness, loss and fear. By reading the Psalms, we remember that those who came before us made it through difficult times, and so can we. After all, we need only to flip the page from a psalm about suffering to a psalm of celebration, to know that times will be better, and that we will have opportunities to come together again in joy, in song, and in gratitude. Kein Yehi Ratzon – May this be God’s Will.

Temple Israel Cape Town

SSSHHHAAAVVVUUUOOOTTT 555777888111 Mazaltov to those who celebrated Bnei Mitzvah with us last month 16 May 2021 from 6pm to midnight on Zoom and Facebook

SShhaavvuuoott SSeerrvviicceess Annual cheesecake competition VVaarriieettyy ooff ssppeeaakkeerrss Josh Stoller Zara Lurie Noah Geer email [email protected] for more info 10 April 17 April 17 April back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 17 mensch change-maker of the month By Galit Cohen The landscape of the Eastern areas… and, if I may, Cape is dotted with colourful I’d like to take you on a huts and rondavels that every journey to show you what now and then cluster into I see every time I travel to small villages or homesteads. a rural community. Lush, green, soft hills are I see a mother who must interspersed with dramatic stretch the R460 monthly valleys. The scenery of the Child Support Grant to Eastern Cape is breath-taking. the maximum — with this she buys food, school ut who are the people living in uniforms, communication, Bthose huts? Who chooses to live and transport. I see in such isolation, in harsh conditions people who can manage and why? their budget better than Galit with traditional leaders, representative of CONTRALESA (Congress of Traditional Leaders). many finance experts. I My name is Galit Cohen, I was As director of Ripples for Change, someone to believe in them — a bit of born and bred in Haifa, Israel. see miracle workers. I see South Africa’s globally recognised I’ve experienced great partnerships seed money — and mentorship. As a professional working in the with traditional leaders with whom social grant system which effectively I hear from early childhood international development and we’ve developed many exciting helps to alleviate poverty for millions development practitioners who hope humanitarian aid arena, I’ve been joint projects. We have incredible every month. to strengthen their monthly income part of emergency missions to Haiti working relationships of mutual stream with a small business — after the devastating earthquake in I see active, progressive traditional respect and understanding — and aiming to relieve their dependency 2010; the Philippines after Typhoon leadership willing to work hard for occasionally I’m even asked to start on the Department of Social Hayan in 2014; Oklahoma City after their people, advocating on their a meeting with a prayer in Hebrew, Development and be able to more a Tornado in 2014; and in South behalf and coordinating big projects which I proudly do! Sudan for eight months in 2014-15. that will benefit their communities. sustainably self-develop. I see entrepreneurs with a dream I see Imbizos, a type of a local I see people who prefer to live on For the last 10 years, I’ve been to open a small bakery, a laundry, court where people resolve their their ancestors’ land, to raise their working in the rural areas of the a catering business, a tent-hiring issues in a respectful manner. For kids where they grew up. I see Eastern Cape. It’s a long way from company, a spaza or a saloon eight years I’ve been working with people who appreciate their tradition, home, but I call it home. I’ve spent business. I see people who know CONTRALESA (the Congress of something I believe that as Jews we eight of these years as director of their community. They know their a non-profit company Ripples for Traditional Leaders) where all the can relate to. chiefs, headmen and local royal clients’ needs, and they have the Change (www.ripplesforchange.org). right local networks. All they need is Continues on page 25 Not many know the realities of rural families come together. Galit Cohen is a member of the Mensch Network, a Jewish social change organisation committed to a socially just South Africa. www.mensch.org.za #MuseumMondays

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For further information email: [email protected] For restaurant bookings: 021 465-1594 back to contents 18 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021

Family Announcements Two years in the planning – CONDOLENCES — THANK YOU one magnificent Golf Day ADA FUCHS We would like to thank all our family and friends for their love, support and Almost two years to the day since our golfers were last kindness shown on the passing of our dear mom. able to play together, it was with some delight that Thank you for all the calls, messages and meals during Shiva, which were so 28 four-ball teams teed off for WIZO’s Sponsor-a-Child much appreciated. Golf Day on 25 March. Special thanks to Rabbi and Rebbetzin Wineberg and Rabbi and Rebbetzin ue to safety protocols we had to forgo our usual dinner and Liebenberg for their heartfelt support. Dprize-giving ceremony, but delicious take-away lunch and dinner packs, a fabulous wet-hole on the 16th sponsored by Spark Our mom will be missed and is deeply mourned by her children Brian and Adele, ATM, sushi from Willoughby & Co, and Sugarbird gin tastings all Ivan and Dianne, Melanie and Lawrence, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. added to marvellous atmosphere. WIZO thanks both the players and sponsors who continue to make BRIAN JOSSELOWITZ our golf day the one 11/4/1947 - 13/1/2021 of the highlights on the golfing calendar. We wish to thank family, friends, Rabbi Bernstein and the Milnerton Shul Monies raised go to for their support, love and kindness shown on the sudden passing of our WIZO’s “Sponsor- husband, father and grandfather, as well as various organisations who have A-Child” fund for expressed their condolences. disadvantaged youth. Brian will be missed by his beloved wife, Barbara, children, Michael and Saul, Mazaltov to David daughters-in-law Sigal and Lara, and grandchildren Sophia, Noah and Jacob. Shevil, Russel Berman, Marc Sternberg and Mark Chamberlin for taking Tilley Hefer, Hoppy Lloyd, Donné Querido LEN MARKS first place. and Kate Tipper We wish to thank Rabbi Liebenberg as well as our family and wonderful friends, far and wide, for their love, kindness and support shown to us on the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. Len is deeply mourned and will be in our hearts forever. Marianne, Tony, Sherice and Jesse

RABBI DESMOND MAIZELS HaRav Zvi ben Yeshayahu ve’Frayda a’h רץ כצבי לעשות רצון אביו שבשמים Swift as a deer (Zvi) to do the will of His Father in Heaven. (Ethics of the Fathers 5:20) Grateful thanks from the whole family for the outpouring of love, respect, support and appreciation shown to us after the passing Kelly Melnick, Lee Silke, Janene Currie, Tamar Lazarus, Michal of our dear husband, father, grandfather and brother. Shakhnovich, Donné Querido and Lee Salama The messages are so very comforting. Please accept our sincere apologies if we have not managed to respond to your message personally — Please support the wonderful sponsors and businesses which we have read them all and will cherish them. pushed the boat out during these difficult times, to donate our Many people have shared how Rabbi Maizels touched them deeply, magnificent prizes to all the winners: and how their interaction with him led them to be more careful Hole Sponsors: Barry Friedman, Cohesive Capital, Josdel in their mitzvah observance or interpersonal relations. Property, Spark ATM. We ask that, in his memory, you try to emulate in a concrete manner one characteristic that you admired in him — either through increased Donations and Prizes: Adam Closenberg, Addis (Usabco), observance of a specific mitzvah or enhanced interpersonal relations. African Spirit, Alligator, Alplas, Audiolens, Bags Of Bites, Banks In this way his memory will live on in all our hearts and through our actions. Kitchen Shop, Brightstar Lighting, Casa LV, Cindy’s Health & May all the good done in his memory be for the eilui neshama Beauty, Coco Li Fashion, Druk My Niet Wine Estate, Fairview (elevation of the soul) of Rav Zvi ben Yeshayahu ve’ Frayda. Wines, Gill Raphael, Graeme Burnham, Heart To Art, High Road Wines, Hila Zetler, Interbrand, Issa Werb, Jamey Lipschitz, Jarrid We thank Hashem for the gift of sharing our lives with such a special person. Murcia, Jill Rabie, Jonathan Osrin, Julian Rabinowitz, Leisurefurn, Esther Maizels Lexus Cape Town, Louilisa, Made With Love & Passion, Mario’s Hillel and Yael Maizels; Hodaya, Elisheva, Ayelet, Noam and Miriam Jewellers, Mark Solomon Jewellers, Maxi’s Jewellery, Medhair, Ora and Zvi Davidson; Temima, Chananya, Sarah, Moriah, Elisheva, Non Ferrous Metal Works, Ocean Blue Restaurant, Osrin Avigail, Yisrael and Rachel Advisory, O.N.S. Health Studio, Peer Family, Pick n Pay, Premier Yael and Ariel Harati; Adi, Shira, Noa, Hallel, Yehuda, Ori, Roi and Shaked Shoes, Pure Vision Property, Richard Goldstein, Rina Lifman, Gila and Dotan Frangi; Emuna Mayim Robert Franco, Ronald & Tamar Lazarus, Schulman’s Linen, Barbara Kahn; Heather and Alan Sacks Singer Group, Skin Tonic, Sofistica, Spar Paddocks, Stafford Shaw, Terry & Ari Stevenson, Sorbet, Sorbet Paddocks, Sunset Pharmacy, Suzanne & Aubrey Luck, The Athletes Foot Store, The To place a family announcement email: [email protected] Pro Shop, The Yard, Voyage Exclusive Fashion, Willoughby & Co Restaurant, Zane Lazarus. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 19

back to contents 20 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 Cape Jewish Seniors Association DIRECTOR: Diana Sochen 021 434 9691 [email protected] ADMIN: Amanda 021 434 9691 [email protected] search CJSA on Facebook And so the isolation continues! Social and Personal Even during the lockdown period, learners who took time to beautifully meets every Wednesday afternoon Who would have thought that there have been numerous illustrate and thoughtfully pen Pesach and whilst they knit for charity, they we would be celebrating a occasions of celebration. second Pesach isolated from cards which were also included watch a movie series that is enjoyed in the parcels. We have had such by all. We join in with JW3 Abraham our families and friends? Births positive feedback from both of these Presentations in the UK on Tuesdays Miriam Lichterman — great or as long as I can remember, special gifts. and Fridays at lunchtime for their granddaughter right back to my childhood when excellent Zoom programme, and we F We have seen the need to assist a Wilfred Mirkin the family got together to celebrate also forward to members any other number of our community members — great-granddaughter chags, with the cousins enjoying the programmes that might be of interest. together time and the adults sitting with meals during the week, and Hymie and Shirley Waldman The social workers continue to with our grandparents enjoying just each Wednesday we deliver a one- — great-granddaughter interact with the members regularly. being together — Pesach was the plate meal to people who have been Batmitzvah Home visits take place whenever time of the year that resonated with identified by our social workers as Adele and Bernard Saven necessary, and Zoom counselling family life and being together. Yet, a person who can benefit from the — granddaughter sessions are also available if once again, throughout the Jewish added meal. We have so many angels Stuart and Lindy Diamond requested. Our members care for world this was not the case, and who have sponsored those meals — — daughter one another and are wonderful in even though many did have small a real mitzvah for the recipients and Marriage giving the heads-up to the social social gatherings, the majority of our special thanks to those who have June Benjamin — grandson workers if there is any concern felt seniors and others celebrated a very come on board with this sponsorship. Special Birthday regarding anyone at all. solitary Seder. If you are celebrating a birthday, Selwyn Schiff — 80th or would like to honour someone We welcome new members At the end of March we bade farewell We really tried our best to ensure in your family or the community, Eliav Bigelman, Neill Selipsky, Gail to both our Sea Point housekeeper that every member could have the please contact us to enquire as Shorkend and Debbie Sher Wadia Isaacs, and Sea Point pleasure of a Seder, even if they how to sponsor our Wednesday Wishing a speedy recovery driver, Malcolm Stuppel. Both loyal were on their own; and thanks to midweek meals. Mae Navias members of the CJSA team have Merle and Berkies and our incredible Our sincere condolences Our Zoom presentations are retired after being so loved and so volunteers, we delivered over 200 to members and families of increasing. There is the opportunity much part of everything that we do families with both Shabbat and members who have recently for our members to log on at least for our members. They will be sorely Pesach Seder meals. The planning passed away:- once daily to enjoy the programmes missed, but know that we all wish and execution of such a service Barbara Kahn — brother Rabbi we are offering. Our Ageless Grace them well as they retire, and thank was really frenetic and unbelievably Desmond Maizels exercise classes are offered twice them for their years of service to our stressful, but our goal was achieved Diane Abel — husband Colin a week, and they really do help seniors. As soon as we open our and everyone was happy once they Muriel Sendzil — sister Truda our members in loosening up and doors again, we will host a suitable received their order. Of course, Goldman getting the heartbeat going. Our event to acknowledge them for what added to the fact of lockdown, this Condolences to the family of weekly Yiddish classes, beginners they have done for us and meant to year Pesach commenced directly Marion Blomson and Ida Surovsky. each one of us. after Shabbat (this happens every class with Sybil and intermediate with Rochelle and Veronica, are seven years), so we had to ensure Hopefully, the third wave will not enjoyed every Friday morning at that our Shabbat meals were suitably appear, and it won’t be long before Note that 10am. Thursdays offer weekly guest prepared in order to conform with we are all able to receive the very the CJSA Wine speakers on a variety of interesting Pesach requirements. necessary vaccination so that each is available and stimulating topics, and on the centre can can open its doors to at a donation Special thanks to KOCOSA Cape first Thursday of the month, there is welcome each member back to of R80 Kosher Consumers — under the a wonderful concert with Cantor Ivor our homes. Please take care and per bottle. chairmanship of Rebbetzin Maizels Joffe and friends. Each Thursday remain safe! — for their generous donation to the afternoon we enjoy a concert series. Please Shabbat meal and Yomtov project. Social worker Rebecca Yoko hosts a support Their donation enabled us to include quiz and each social worker has the this fundraising taiglach treats in each parcel. Our opportunity to have a session with initiative. thanks also, to the Herzlia Weizmann their members. Our knitting group Diana Sochen, Director

CJSA is providing weekly Shabbat meals and special mid-week meals to members of our community. There are people who cannot afford to pay for these meals. We have a number of ways in which YOU can assist us in providing Shabbat meals or mid-week meals by either sponsoring the meal in lieu of a birthday or any special gift, or purchasing booklets of gift certificates. Choose one of these special gift cards and make someone very happy.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Sea Point: 021 434 9691; Milnerton: Hajiera Safidien–Maloon 021 555 1736; S/Suburbs: Monique Nieuwenhuys 021 761 7960; W/Coast: Stacey Melmed 074 405 5186 back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 21

MEET THE NEWEST MENSCH NETWORK MEMBERS! EMPOWERING PEOPLE Esta Levitas Genevieve Galit Cohen CREATING CHANGE Bootcov The Mensch Network is growing! Meet three Mensches moving mountains

GENEVIEVE BOOTCOV is safety life takes them. The home plans to the Yiza Ekhaya Community Soup Ripples for Change. parent for vulnerable babies and the care for six abandoned babies at any Kitchen, run by Mama Mickey. Both Ripples for Change was founded in founder of Little Hands Baby Home. given time. are based in Khayelitsha. They are 2013 in East London to strengthen As a Herzlia graduate and lifelong very excited to be holding their first ESTA LEVITAS has been deeply rural and semi-urban communities member of Netzer Youth Movement, training programme in June, where involved in volunteering in Jewish in South Africa. The organisation her passion for taking care of 15 people will be equipped with the communal life for the past 20 years. believes in upskilling community children grew as she took on more skills needed to create and sustain She has also spent many years doing members and leaders to ensure leadership roles. After volunteering vegetable gardens. outreach projects in Cape Town’s impactful, long-lasting social and at the baby house [Ubuntu], she townships. Currently, Esta chairs GALIT COHEN was born in Haifa economic change. It’s dedicated to formalised this role by becoming an the outreach arm of Bnoth Zion and now lives in the Eastern Cape. finding new strategies for dealing accredited safety parent for babies. WIZO Cape Town with great passion With twenty years’ experience as with challenges faced by rural This year she’s opened her own baby and motivation. a professional in the international communities. Their programmes care home and is currently caring for development and humanitarian aid focus on building capacities of local Luna, who is just five months. The focus of Bnoth Zion WIZO Cape arena, she’s managed programmes leaders and community members, Town Outreach Activity is to ensure Little Hands Baby Home is a unique in Israel, Haiti, USA, the Philippines early childhood development, food security for those who need it home which cares about each child and South Sudan. agricultural programmes for most — working with food kitchens as an individual. The aim is to provide emerging and existing farmers, and helping them establish vegetable In South Africa she’s worked in each baby and child with the support and supporting communities by gardens. The project is currently townships around Gauteng and the to reach their unique full potential — linking them to existing resources working with two food kitchens, Western Cape. For the past eight giving them a head-start for wherever and supplies. the Community Bible Society and years Galit has been the Director of

SASI – Southern Africans Studying in Israel REGISTER FOR THE 2021-22 SASI ACADEMIC YEAR

Telfed is a home away from home for all Southern African students in Israel, offering professional advice and a friendly support network. The SASI programme is a joint initiative between Telfed, the Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation and leading Israeli universities and academic institutions. SASI social volunteering programme affords a unique opportunity to experience Israel and give back to Israeli society. PROGRAMME GOALS: Study in English and/or Hebrew and obtain an internationally-recognised academic degree. Adjust to a new environment. Expand your social network. Give back to the community and assist Olim living in Israel. Explore Israeli culture, history, society & diversity.

SOCIAL & VOLUNTEERING PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS: WHO CAN APPLY? Telfed’s annual events. Southern African citizens of Jewish lineage according to the Community volunteering assisting Olim living in Israel on ‘Law of Return’, with a recognised matric and university a weekly basis ( 3 hours a week for a total of 80 pass certificate. volunteering hours + 14 hours of training per academic It is not compulsory to make Aliyah in order to participate in year). the SASI programme. Jewish and Israeli cultural events throughout the academic year, organised by the scholarship department SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: (an integral part of the programme including a Shabbat Annual scholarship of NIS 5,500 for the academic year, get-together, tours, picnics and more). plus a modest cultural and travel stipend. Contact us for more information:

www.telfed.org.il/ APPLICATION PROCESS: [email protected] Apply to a university of your choice. Apply for a SASI social and volunteering scholarship using Toll free from SA: 0800-997-495 (ext 211) Telfed’s online application form. Telfed telfed_israel Online interview with a SASI staff member. back to contents 22 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 Cape Town Holocaust survivor’s life captured in inspiring documentary

By Leila Stein

Holocaust documentaries and survivor testimonies have been captured on film since the liberation of the camps. The most recent to join this history’s critical archives is I Am Here, a new take on the survivor documentary format. Am Here is a documentary directed by Jordy Sank, that chronicles I 99-year-old Holocaust survivor Ella Blumenthal’s life. The film explores her early years in Poland, the harrowing stories of her time in the concentration camps, and her life in Cape Town with her family. Jordy met Ella at a Shabbat dinner, where she shared her stories about her time in the camps. He explains that the two developed a friendship, during which time he decided to make the film capturing her memories and experiences. “We wanted to show the zest for life and the eternal spirit that she has, that almost has a sort of a positive message for the future. You know, despite everything that she's been through, she's able to overcome it,” explains Jordy. Jordy and producer Gabriella Blumberg explain that they wanted to make a film that would engage with younger generations. They accomplished this by using animation as a unique story-telling device when covering Ella Blumenthal at the window of her Sea Point apartment Ella’s earlier years. “It's never been captured in this way creatively, of course, with regards to having the animation, and it's not like a talking head, black and white documentary,” says Gabriella. Jordy explains that they moved away from the black and white stock footage because it wasn’t personal enough. “Ella has these really, really personal harrowing stories and miraculous wonderous stories of survival,” he says. “We found that the stock footage... didn't allow you to connect to a character and sort of walk alongside her, you know, go on this journey with her.” Jordy Sank Gabriella Blumberg Triumphantly still here! The end result draws the audience into these different experiences to feel as though they are there alongside her. These contrast with present-day Ella in all her energetic, playfulness, whether it’s enjoying a walk on the promenade or celebrating with her family. “Ella's personality is just completely magnetic. It's actually it's a personality that stays with you when you leave the film. You know, she, her personality is remarkable. In spite of what she's been through, she's just got this remarkable resilience and this unwavering energy and determination,” says Gabriella. I Am Here won the coveted Audience Award at the Atlanta Ella as a young woman in 1938 Jewish Film Festival The film has already connected with audiences who have been able to watch it. It recently won the Audience Award at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. This is an award that is chosen by the audience who vote for their favourite film. “I think to get that award was validating and that sense of knowing, just knowing that it did resonate with people, even though we weren't sitting with them,” says Gabriella.

South Africans wanting to catch the incredible film will have to wait a little longer. News and updates about the film’s distribution and screenings can be found on Sanktuary Film’s website, Instagram (@sanktuaryfilms), and Facebook (@sanktuaryfilms). The film uses animation as a unique story-telling device when covering Ella’s earlier years. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 23

The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

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back to contents 24 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 A view from the bar Surfing and the law

By Anton Katz Many would be surprised by five new sports at the Tokyo 2021 devoted, which was clearly designed a saturation of seeing the words the law and Olympics will be surfing. to be a pinup shot.” Although the common surf mother sought damages in the spots. This surfing in the same sentence. In law no two cases are ever the amount of R 500 000 the Court only overcrowding, But the reality is, there is an same. Every single case constitutes awarded R10 000. combined with a disrespect for, interesting dynamic at play. competing parties arguing why they, or ignorance of, well-known surf on the basis of precedent or simply To summarise, it is worth referring he law and surfing interact often, customs designed to promote safety logic, should succeed. That applies to a scholarly article in California and in subtle and surprising and order in the water are two T to divorce cases, criminal matters, Western Law Review: “Surfing has for ways. There are two things that possible explanations for collision commercial disputes and indeed all many years been a sport or activity made me think of the relationship. accidents. A long-held custom is types of case. No human is exactly free from legal consequences and The first is the images of many for surfers to secure their boards the same; so all cases are different, legislative regulation. The mentality surfers protesting and defying the with a leg leash. But if they do not, although earlier decided cases and customs of surfing teach peace, government’s COVID-19 closure of and the board crashes into another will guide and often bind the court love, and respect for fellow surfers. the beaches. During the beach ban person and injures him or her, should hearing the dispute. In the ocean With popular surf locations becoming I saw many surfers in the water and the surfer be liable. Proposals in no two waves are ever the same. overcrowded and collision injuries on the beach as if there was no ban California range from labelling a But, just as in the law, experience and that COVID-19 did not exist. Not surfboard a dangerous weapon to indicates when and how a wave will only that the pandemic did not exist, creating ‘surf police’ who would patrol probably break, and how big it will be. Surfing has for many but that there is no law governing the surf locations on jet skis and issue surfer in his ocean paradise. An interesting example in the law years been a sport or tickets for violations of leash laws and of defamation was decided in the activity free from legal other beach community ordinances. Cape Town High Court a few years consequences and The law concerns humans, The life and experience of the ago. Zigzag is a surfing magazine our interactions with each legislative regulation. The somewhat small but growing which has a readership of between other, with the environment, mentality and customs of community of surfers gives us pause thirty to forty thousand. It published surfing teach peace, love, when we consider the law and how it with businesses and with a photograph of a twelve-year old impacts our lives. government. And surfing does girl from Port Elizabeth at the beach and respect for the same. in Cape St Francis without her or fellow surfers Perhaps the lesson is that no matter her mother’s consent or authority. how free and easy humans may wish The photograph was stamped “filth” to live and be, there will always be Secondly, my children in their increasingly prevalent, the idea of and on the cover of the magazine a necessary limits on what we may do. surfing excitement have managed ‘surfer liability’ and the potential statement appeared saying “100% Ideally those limits should be narrow. to persuade me to enter and enjoy for a delict/tort* damages claim in pure filth photos inside”. The mother The limits should only arise when our the ocean in Muizenberg, even at negligence is becoming more of a sued the magazine owner claiming conduct (negatively) affects others, my age and shape. In the water I reality every day. Surfing, through an damages because her daughter and the exercise of their rights have come across all manner of increase in worldwide publicity, has had received and been the target and freedoms. persons — young and old, fit and steadily grown in popularity yielding of social media unpleasantness. the not-so-fit, those who are heavily The girl had been labelled a ‘slut’ overweight, and experienced as and “PE’s little porn star.” Zigzag well as rank beginner surfers. I met * A delict is wrong committed by one person against another giving rise to a magazine in defending the claim a seventy-two-year-old woman from claim for damages by the victim of the unlawful conduct against the wrong-doer. relied on the constitutional right Pretoria thoroughly enjoying her first- to freedom of expression, and ever surfing lesson. She incredibly that in the surfing community the managed to stand on her board for a expression ‘pure filth’ had a positive few seconds. connotation meaning something of Going Solar Has Never They all had a sense a freedom and great quality. The editor of Zigzag peace far removed from the laws and testified that the words ‘pure filth’ had Been This Easy traumas of daily life. I wondered and a specific meaning within the surfing researched whether, and if so how, community; that is of something of the law and surfing intersect. What good quality and was a phrase which We provide multiple quotes for your system, instead of I discovered should not have been a was complimentary, either of a wave Save you negotiating with each solar company surprise. There is a growing overlap. or of a young woman. The Court Time rejected the defence and held that The law concerns humans, our We use our network of approved solar installers who the word ‘filth’ in any primary context, interactions with each other, with compete for your solar project, providing you with the to any reader of ordinary intelligence, More the environment, with businesses Savings most competitive price. must hold a negative connotation. and with government. And surfing The High Court in concluding stated: does the same. Beaches attract a “The photograph was not one which Select the offer that best suits you. Save time & money. unique mix of people: beach walkers, Select the captured happy holiday-makers on best offer sunbathers, athletes, families, a glorious South African beach, the swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie- type of photograph that appears from CONTACT US FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS board riders, surfboard riders, kite time to time in daily newspapers. Nor Paul Tel: +27 83 985 8882 Email: [email protected] surfers, sailboard riders, lifesavers was it similar to the fleeting image and homeless persons to name a of an attractive woman caught on few. Surf schools, surf magazines television by the perennially sexist and surf equipment have developed camera crews, recording a cricket at a fast pace over the last decade. Follow the Chronicle online match on a hot South African Safety measures concerning summer’s afternoon but whose attacks by sharks and other marine crowd shots are invariably of scantily wildlife are in some places regarded clad young women as opposed to as government responsibility. studious cricket spectators. In this Emergency medical care for injuries case, the court is confronted by a which occur in the water must be Click on your favourite social media site & visit our website. photograph, to which a full page was available, it is argued. And one of the back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 25 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Talking to children about PO Box 4176 Cape Town 8000 or e-mail: [email protected] death and dying Finding meaning in grief Carin Marcus recently spoke to a Nechama audience My name is Lisa. I work as a make meaning, to learn from life. As about how to talk to children about death. child and adult psychologist in I sit with parents and children in loss arin is a psychologist with a special interest in oncology, palliative care, our community. and hold my own, this is some of what Cgrief, loss and bereavement. Beside her many years of professional I have come to understand: engagement with the subject, she has personal experience, having lost her t’s been almost eight years since Enjoy your children; enjoy your life; father in the Helderberg plane crash when she was a young child. After working my husband and child passed I and teach yourselves how to take in the field for 25 years, she explains that she’s developed a relationship with away. I survived the car accident, but control of your mind. death as a teacher of life. While it brings up feelings of fear, vulnerability, they didn’t. My broken bones healed, impotence and anxiety, it also teaches us to appreciate and embrace the but my broken heart has been the As a parent, I remember how busy life preciousness of life by teaching us about the impermanence of being. biggest challenge to live with. Last can be. We take care of our children’s year, my beloved father passed away. physical needs. We provide, feed, We try to protect our children from conversation around death and dying, but Like you, I’m no stranger to loss. clothe, educate, and stimulate them, they are aware of it, especially during this time of COVID. Often our discomfort but do we make enough time to stems from our own internal narrative, and our children witness us deferring I see our community reeling from loss enjoy them? To join a child in play the conversation or talking about it in hushed tones, This communicates that upon loss. I see how frightened many is remarkable. Here we are able to death is something to be feared. Honest and fact-based dialogue are key to are as the distance between death delight in the joy they bring to our demystifying this perception. They also need to see their parents experiencing and life has closed or narrowed for world. How precious they are, and and expressing appropriate emotions, but also to know that it passes and so many. how precious it is to be alive! things will be ok again. I have learned as a psychologist and The more we are present in our lives, It is always important to be honest and factual. Euphemisms such as survivor that death is as much a part the less we fear death. ‘somebody lost a relative’, is often taken literally and can lead to confusion. of life as breath. I have learned that We need to use the “D-words” — death, died, dying — which can be difficult pain is a natural response to death, Now, I take the time to turn inward, even for adults. Let your children know that they can ask you anything. If they and that in life, pain is inevitable but to be still on a regular basis and ask: are comfortable asking, you can take your cue from the question as to how suffering is optional. I understand what gives my life meaning? Then I much detail to give. When they are ready, they’ll ask the next question. that “suffering is what our mind does prioritise it. to us”. (David Kessler). When you are deeply engaged in life, Carin gives some great examples of how we can use concrete imagery to help children understand some difficult concepts around death. The seasonal David Kessler is an American grief there isn’t too much space for fear nature of leaves teaches them that all living things have their natural lifespan expert. He has repeatedly been and suffering. The pain will be there, — beginning, ending, and life in-between. This cycle of life is happening called upon to help the nation but the living will be larger. In this around us all the time. Different creatures have different lifespans. understand the psychological impact way, we, too, reduce our suffering. of COVID-19 and the loss on all levels My prayer is simple: may we have the Grieving can be compared to an injury. Initially it will be very sore and bleed, it leaves in its wake. Kessler’s latest capacity to allow loss to teach us all then a scab will form, and eventually there’ll be a scar that’s barely visible, and book is titled, Finding Meaning: The how to live a more meaningful life. no longer painful. Sixth Stage of Grief. It’s our destiny to Lisa Michalson To explain the difference between the body and soul, she uses the metaphor of a glove. The hand in the glove is the living part, the glove without the hand Continues from page 17 is like the body when the soul has left. mensch change-maker of the month Ritual and creativity can be helpful in processing feelings, saying goodbye, see teachers and principals who will unknown population growth. and maintaining a bond with the deceased. For example, the child can stay at work until 5pm to keep the decorate a stone and give it to an adult to take to the cemetery. If they ask I I met many economic migrants from youth busy and ‘out of trouble’. I what heaven’s like, don’t impose your vision, ask them to describe or draw rural areas, who had little choice but see early childhood development what they imagine heaven to be. It is most important to communicate hope for to move to a congested, urban life in practitioners who hold their the future. Acknowledge that it’s hard now but that it will be ok. Let them tell search of income — but then to not smartphone still for an hour to catch you what they’re looking forward to. even have continuous employment. It the one spot of internet reception took me years to realise that life in the available — so they can join a training Carin gives a brief overview of the developmental stages, and stresses rural areas of the Eastern Cape offers session on Zoom. the importance of using these as a guide when addressing the topic so much more, that people would with children, as this indicates their ability to grasp certain concepts. I see the smiles, the warmth and rather stay in their rural communities, kindness. I also see the difficulties. put up with limited services — no Age 0-2/3: Children can't understand the concept of the permanence of I see the social illnesses and weak running water, no electricity — if only death, but they will pick up on the mood in their environment. If a child this education system. I see unmotivated there was economic opportunity for age has lost someone close, they might experience a “double loss” as they yet frustrated youth — millennials them. grow up, because they will not have a memory of that person. It is therefore with a need for immediate results, important to help “build a memory” through pictures, conversation and ritual, And so Ripples for Change became tech-savvy, craving attention, with so that the child has a sense of who that special person was. my mission. We support early often little outlet in the slow pace childhood development centres, Age 3-4: They start to understand life cycles, but have not yet developed of rural life. I see money going emerging farmers, entrepreneurs concrete thinking. Life as quite magical, and anything is possible, so they are into nearby cities or towns, with and schools. unable to understand the concept of permanence. little contributions to the circular economies of local communities. I believe that by reinforcing rural Age 5/6 to pre-adolescence: This is when they start to develop concrete communities, we can slow down the thinking, and so they begin to understand that if someone has died, they can’t I believe in the need to strengthen migration to the townships and build a come back. They also develop a sense of universality which allows them rural communities, to build local socially strong and more just society. to understand that what happens to others can also happen to them. They economies and social resilience. I might express grief through behaviour patterns of anxiety and regression. hope for more small retail businesses, I guess it is the pioneer in me, the Carin confirms that this is the age-group that presents most often for therapy, that can build local economies to Israeli girl, a mix of innovation, but goes on to say that therapy is not always needed, and that the decision directly benefit local people. entrepreneurship and that toiling of should be based on how severe and how long these behaviours present, the soil mentality that drives me in When I worked in the townships and how much they impact the child’s daily life. However there’s no harm in this work, reinforced by the spirit of around Johannesburg and Cape seeking therapeutic help if unsure. those I work with that too want to Town and saw the numbers of make their communities prosper. Adolescence: They are capable of contemplating the meaning of life, and migrants flocking from rural areas engaging in existential thinking. While this allows greater capacity to find to these deprived areas in search of When you are next in the Eastern meaning, it can also result in increased anxiety. And while they are now employment, I realised how difficult Cape, contact me, and I can show more capable of empathy, adolescence is often a time of callousness. It is it is for any municipality to properly you, and share with you all the particularly important at this age for them to feel included in the conversation. plan service provision for areas with potential that is there. back to contents 26 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 Sydenham Shul and Education Africa present Sounds of Celebration VIII Sounds of Celebration is back — Ladysmith Black Mambazo and does not just happen! We need to for its eighth iteration and this Wouter Kellerman as well as the create moments that enable this year, it is more powerful and Vienna Boys’ Choir (Austria), Nina to happen. There are not too many relevant than ever. For the first Oud (UAE), Gad Elbaz (USA), The international events which bring such time, this unique collaboration Solomon Brothers (Israel), Gregory diverse communities together on Maqoma (South Africa), Pops one platform.” between Education Africa Mohamed (South Africa) and Justin James Urdang, CEO and founder and the Sydenham Shul will Wilman (UK). present an online concert to an of Education Africa notes, “We international audience. The concert will feature special have been leading with innovation appearances by The Syrian Peace through the COVID-19 pandemic ounds of Celebration VIII’s online Choir (Germany), The Queen Victoria to continue to deliver on our project Sglobal social cohesion concert School Pipe Band (Scotland), The portfolio which benefits thousands will feature both local South African Peace Drums Project (Israel) and of disadvantaged South Africans.” as well as international stars and The Urdang Academy (UK). In By providing safe sanctuary and groups, singing and performing. In addition, Sounds of Celebration teaching new skills to young South addition, there will be performances fans will recognise returning friends Africans to express themselves Choni G and Pops Mohamed perform by the Marimba Hub bands as well and performers Choni G, Yudi artistically, the project strives to together. as the cream of South African youth. Cohen and Neville Smith. Finally, engender hope and provide an (SAMAs), SA Film and TV Awards The Finale will be a spectacular the concert presents Education ongoing lifeline to potential realised. (SAFTAs) and the KORA All African collaboration of all the featured Africa Marimba Hub Bands from The annual projects have traditionally Music Awards. David will co-host the artists in a celebration of social Goede Hoop, Masibambane culminated in a live concert concert with Layla Kardan (Dubai). cohesion across the world! College, John Wesley Community comprising an ensemble of young The broadcast will include special Centre and The Dominican School SIMUNYE — We Are One will be South Africans celebrating social messages from global friends and for the Deaf performing alongside available across the globe on Sunday cohesion through music. Whereas supporters of Education Africa. King David Linksfield and the St 23 May as a packaged broadcast, these concerts have always sought Dominic’s Boksburg Steel Band. In The Sounds of Celebration team streamed directly into viewers’ to bridge gaps in background, and a special feature, Ladysmith Black are looking forward to sharing homes and community spaces and culture, the lessons learned during Mambazo will be presented playing this latest offering with a global will be available for a week after the lockdown have taught us that while on stage with the Dominican School audience and to inspiring patrons initial screening. we may experience lockdown, we for the Deaf and Goede Hoop around the world. “Social cohesion are not necessarily locked in. This “The pandemic has forced us to Marimba Bands. is the mission behind the Sounds re-think how we present Sounds year’s concert strives to shatter of Celebration project. I am excited of Celebration, and whilst this For the past eight years, Education more barriers than ever before, that this year's online concert — with may be our eighth edition, I am so Africa and Sydenham Shul have transcending the constraints of time local and international performers — excited to introduce an entirely new partnered in an annual fundraising and place and demonstrating, in a will spread this message around the global audience to this incredible effort to support the ongoing tangible way, that we are truly one. world," Rabbi Yehuda Stern (Spiritual sustainability and growth of its international concert of social This celebration of music is produced Leader, Sydenham Shul). 18 Education Africa Marimba Hubs cohesion and the remarkable work under the masterful directorship of in a wide number of disadvantaged Tickets are priced at R85. undertaken by Education Africa,” David Bloch, international Creative schools and community centres, Book at www.educationafrica.org says David Bloch, long-time patron Director, Show Producer and providing educator training and and www.heroticket.co.za of this project and this year’s director Education Africa Patron and Joan safe, creative spaces for learners. and producer. Lithgow, Education Africa Music Together we can make a difference Joan Lithgow, Education Africa’s Director and Marimba Specialist. by supporting Education Africa’s Education Africa are particularly resident marimba specialist speaks David brings with him a wealth of Marimba Hub project. proud and excited to announce about the significance of this project. knowledge taken from his television features by South Africa treasures “Social cohesion is what drives us at Making real change happen by and broadcasting experiences with and multiple award winners Education Africa and in particular our providing poverty alleviation the likes of the SA Music Awards — including Grammy Awards marimba projects. Social cohesion through education.

Choni G and Pops Mohamed onstage with the full cast back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 27 Using my Nudel Learn through Tradition! creativity at Salisbury House By Craig Nudelman Last month was the 50th that have taken place We have had so much anniversary of the premiere of globally in the last 70 fun celebrating our the 1971 film adaption of the years, it is amazing chaggim this year. hit musical, Fiddler on the Roof. that the world has or our Pesach seder, the had this one stable children ‘bought’ the food W3, a Jewish organisation in F global figurehead for that was required and used London, organised a plenary J generations. There their mathematical skills to with some of the cast members from has not been an work out what change was the iconic film. It was wonderful. organisation or political system that needed. We then cooked It had four out of five of Tevye’s has been as constant as the British the food for the seder plate, daughters, Fruma Sarah, Perchek, royal family. We can only assume laid the table and enjoyed and Chaim Topol’s daughter, who that even this will change eventually, the fruit of our labour with represented him. There were stories as everything does. our parents. and anecdotes about the making of Change can be good. We have the film (did you know it was filmed This term we are focusing changed from a society which was in Yugoslvia?!) and it was a delight on Food Around the World racist, sexist and was accepting to watch. Fiddler on the Roof was a at Salisbury House. Our first of any form of bigotry. We are now seminal moment in showing what life stop was Israel, where we aware that these issues are not was like in 19th century Russia for learnt about Israeli street food acceptable. Unfortunately, it doesn’t Jews. And the word I associate the culture and Israeli dancing. Students and parents enjoy Salisbury House’s mean people have changed. The first school seder. most with the musical is ‘tradition’. On Yom Ha‘atzmaut we went incredible technology that has been (Please picture me saying it with my to Yoffi Falafel in Muizenberg, created in the past 40 years has seen index finder pointing up). where we were treated to a falafel- our society change into one that is making demonstration by the Tradition is what makes a culture and interconnected and globally aware. owner, Greg. He taught us the forms the basis and foundation of our Of course, there are positives and importance of each ingredient and society, which includes our families. negatives regarding this, but one we got to taste all the salads and It brings a sense of belonging, which can’t deny it has changed the face sauces that make falafel unique is something I’ve written about in of the world, influencing not only and delicious. After our meal we previous columns. It defines our individuals but also creating political went back into the kitchen where past, our present, and our future. changes around the world. Greg taught us how to make halva Without our traditions our value These changes have also been seen and once again surprised us with system isn’t defined. Think about any in our Jewish community. For the a taste of this scrumptious treat. of your family traditions and how they past few months I have been working We ended off this very special day have played a critical role in shaping on developing a presentation to with a swim on the beach. who you are today. Nevertheless, as Maya Schapiro, Tayah Weir and Endinalo be shown at a conference for a Tevye comes to realise, our traditions We will be visiting each continent Mhini waiting to tuck into the delicious Jewish organisation in the US. They food at Yoffi falafel have to change and become more of the world in our world approached me last November after suited to life in modern culture food travels, culminating in a seeing my segment on Simcha about and society. Hollywood red carpet event where we will be showing the premiere of our my Jewish walking tours which I first school movie, The Friendship Quest. The same week that I saw the conduct for my company Mother plenary, Prince Philip passed away. City Jewish Tours (which you can Visit http://www.salisburyhouse.co.za He represented the long-standing see on YouTube). I had to film my or email [email protected] for more information tradition of British monarchy and tour (thanks Josh and Gabi for the its place in society, not only in the help!) and went over the history of asked from my time at Habonim, the foundation of who we are, United Kingdom, but also in the the community and how it’s changed the Jewish Board of Deputies, and as individuals, families, and Commonwealth and broader global since 1841. The changes in the way Herzlia, and it’s probably not the communities. Our role as parents society. His death was felt around Judaism has been understood since only generation that has had this and communal leaders is to strive to the world. I mean, it wasn’t a shock then and how many iterations it has ‘problem’. I’m sure that from the pass these traditions down to future exactly — he was 99 years old, three been through are quite amazing. 1940s until now Jewish youth have generations. I want my daughters to months shy of his 100th birthday, From the very British manner in been ‘apathetic’, ‘disengaged’, and have Shabbat dinner with my family. I and had been married to the Queen which the community was formed ‘disinterested’ in being active in the mean, I also want them to read Harry for 76 years. From the Baby Boomer to the influence of the heimishe community. And yet, the community Potter and watch Star Wars so that generation until now, five generations Litvaks, we can understand what the continues to run. It seems as though they value curiosity and imagination, have known Prince Philip as the Duke community went through and how we this tradition, worrying about the but I wouldn’t necessarily call that of Edinburgh. But is the tradition of ended up where we are today. But community’s future, will always be a tradition. I want them to share the the monarchy still relevant today? there are some things that haven’t there. The small majority who attend tradition of watching the Manchester Does the world, and the British changed and seem to be a ‘tradition’, Shuls, Limmud, and Jewish youth Derby, and watch Manchester United especially, need a monarchy? in a way. Herring and kichel, anyone? movements are active. It seems that lift the Premier League trophy (BH it For me, the monarchy represents I was asked the other day how to it isn’t Jewish youth inactivity that is will happen soon). Sharing our unique stability in the global world order. involve young Jews in communal a problem, in my opinion, but rather Jewish and South African traditions The Queen has been a force in the events and how we can include them emigration and the shrinking of the and values will ensure that they, too, world since 1952, albeit in a passive in the community. This is not only a young Jewish community. But that’s can pass these traditions down to manner. She has seen 15 British question that I'm trying to answer a different story altogether. future generations to reinforce the values and ideals that we hold so Prime Ministers come and go. I find currently. It's a question that's been Tradition is important and is that crazy. In the face of seismic shifts dear to our hearts. Follow the Chronicle online

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 29 Two different challenges for local open water swimmers

The Robben Island to Blouberg crossing but still being able to is an ideal challenge for many swimmers, swim, I needed a new and on 18 April, Shaun Borstrock and challenge. I chatted to Shaun Diamond were two of a group of my coach and together twelve taking on this epic swim. While the we planned my journey to the Robben Island route was the same for both men, their Crossing” said Diamond. challenges were different. Borstrock had been orstrock challenged himself to raise funds participating as an Bfor CSO Cape Town. “The swim is just three amateur triathlete, or so hours of my life compared to many hours having completed a that the CSO volunteers give to be there for the few Iron Man 70,3s and community, and I have made it my mission to an Iron Man 140.6 in help create awareness for these selfless people 2019, and the idea of by pushing myself to the limits,” he explained on open water swimming his BackaBuddy page, where supporters have had always appealed. donated over R50 000 to his campaign to date. “When lockdown finally eased, and the gyms opened and events started Shaun Diamond swims alongside the boat. Photo credit: David Sullivan again, I decided to add the swimming to stroke consistency and correctness. “This was my exercise regime, in order to mix it up and sufficient to keep me well occupied for the three get fit again” he said. hours I was in the water!” Diamond added that “all I did was focus on the positive and that every This is where the open water journeys of swim stroke was getting me closer to achieving my Borstrock and Diamond intersect. “[Shaun incredible goal. I thought about my late mom a lot Diamond] suggested that I join him, and after a and how proud she would have been. So with all few weeks of procrastinating, I was committed! these factors, the monotony faded away.” The training was intense, with anywhere between 7,5km and +-15km per week in the pool, coupled with a weekly session of open water swimming to keep it real and assist with the cold water conditioning,” Borstrock explained. Speaking of their open water training and the Shaun with his parents, Jeff and René Borstrock, after the swim. Photo credit: Ivan Katzenellenbogen group that swam on the day, Borstrock and Diamond both trained with Britt Hyland and her Diamond had a different challenge altogether. He squad at K8 Coaching. The group all swam as says “I was introduced to Triathlon by Brandon individuals, but since it wasn’t a race, they trained Maggen, some time back. I was an avid runner and socialised as a unit. Diamond recalls, “I and cyclist at the time and triathlon seemed like the followed a rigorous training programme with indoor next logical step. After participating in a number of pool squad training sessions with my pool coach, triathlons and two Iron Man 70.3s, in Durban, I was Cara Lee, and regular open water sea swims with hooked. In May 2019, the unthinkable happened, Britt. The month before was the hardest, with early Shaun Diamond celebrates his amazing achievement. I was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, 5am, 4km extended pool sessions and long open Photo credit: Karman de Lange compression of the spinal cord. This resulted in me water sea swims. The sea swims trained me to Describing the final stretch Borstrock says, “Within being paralysed from the waist down due to nerve acclimatise to the cold water, swell, strong currents about 600m of completing the swim, I started losing damage. Through an extended period in hospital, and swimming through kelp, all elements of the focus and becoming somewhat disorientated and intense physiotherapy and rehabilitation, I had to Robben Island Crossing.” overwhelmed by the fact that the end was near. By literally learn to walk again. To date, I have made Borstrock was given many tips and tricks from the time I eventually got out of the water to see all significant progress, but remain partially disabled experienced swimmers to help pass the time the people on the beach, my family, friends and with nerve damage to my limbs and the need to during the swim, but he preferred the solitude loved ones and of course the CSO delegation, I use crutches to walk safely.” and beauty of the silence, and used the time as was overcome with pride, and tears of joy. I’d “No longer being able to participate in triathlon, an opportunity to focus on his breathing patterns, managed to accomplish my goals and bring more light into the world. I was happy, and it was a phenomenal day out.” He plans to support more of the local open water swim events in and around Cape Town in the future. Diamond says of his finish “I was elated and super- proud of myself, and so grateful for the experience and all who helped me achieve this incredible goal. Arriving at Big Bay and seeing so many friends, family and supporters was something I will cherish forever. Right now I need to rest, but I am sure a swim in the future is a likely plan!”

Did you know? The first Robben Island swim was recorded in 1909 when Henry Charteris Hooper swam from Robben Island to the old Cape Town harbour. It took Hooper around seven hours to complete the swim of approximately 11km. Despite the relatively short distances (between 7km and 11km depending on the route) swimming from Robben Island remains a challenge mostly due to the cold water temperature. Shaun Borstrock in the water Photo credit: David Sullivan back to contents 30 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2021 Interrupted — a solo exhibition of paintings by Claudia Gurwitz

By Claudia Gurwitz Interrupted, a solo exhibition of paintings by Claudia My most recent body of work was born during SA’s Gurwitz, will be on display at the AVA Gallery, lockdown and explores interrupted plant imagery. 35 Church Street, Cape Town from 2 June to 8 July. While I have always been drawn to the strength and potency of our natural environment, this series has rom 1994 Claudia studied for two years at UCT’s Michaelis taken a new direction, which stems from the feeling FSchool of Fine Art, after which she trained as a yoga teacher of collective disharmony that disturbs our existence and completed national certifications in various therapeutic disciplines. Since 1997 she has run her own established yoga during this COVID pandemic. centres in Cape Town and Riebeek Kasteel. s organic beings in this world, we are intrinsically part of In 2005 Claudia returned to painting and a three-year mentorship Aour natural world. While humanity feels off-centre during under Julia Teale at Spencer Street Studio. In 2007 she relocated this time, we are having to find new ways of navigating this to Riebeek Kasteel where she embraced life as a professional artist; holding her first solo altered reality, of engaging with each other and with our exhibition entitled Plant, curated and hosted by Julia Teale in 2008. Since then her career environment. While we feel a disconnect, our environment, as a painter has grown (pun intended) from strength to strength, winning the SASA (South in turn, feels out of sync. My Interrupted series alludes to a African Society of Artists) Merit Award and holding her 2nd solo exhibition, Rooted, at the subtly distorted perspective of natural form, reflective of a Irma Stern Museum. disturbed environment. She also participated alongside other local Riebeek Kasteel artists in the town's annual Attention to detail is vital to me. I have always observed collaborative art event Solo Studios from 2016 to 2019, after which she returned to Cape and captured the detail of structure and shapes in nature; Town where she now lives and works. the parts that make the whole. Through a micro-setting, I capture a magnified perspective of seemingly unremarkable Claudia’s work features in collections such as Old Mutual, Spier Estate, University of plant matter. It is in this detail that my painting exposes the Cape Town, Countess Antonia Labia Hardres-Williams, Hout Bay Manor and Nando’s UK. sacred geometry of each form and explores the relationships between these structures; how they connect with one another. Through my painting I have always experienced the intrinsic unity that pervades nature. This gives me a sense that we live in a beautiful and orderly world. During this pandemic crisis, I no longer experience a complete sense of calm and clarity engaging with nature and its forms. While being outdoors still provides me with some sense of grounding, I deeply feel the unease that now shapes our reality and environment. I express this through deconstructing, cropping and isolating my subject matter. I further reassemble and realign this imagery in fragments. These subtly uncomfortable combinations of reconstructed plant matter disjoin these vital structures, redefining my plant imagery. In this way I create a revised hyper-real landscape Solitude (2020), oil on canvas, which is slightly unhinged. Somewhat disturbed, these 300x300 mm Interrupted no.3 (2021), oil on canvas, 1m x 1.4m landscapes reflect our disharmonious reality. Even our natural surroundings do not offer us refuge in this disrupted world.

Synthesis no.3 (2020) Fusion no.3 (2020) oil on canvas oil on canvas 400 mm diameter 650 mm diameter THE CAPE JEWISH CHRONICLE RECORDS ITS APPRECIATION OF THE CONTINUED SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS The Susman Rubi and Anne With compliments With compliments from Aggie Hirsch Charitable Chaitman in memory of from Ben Rabinowitz Foundation Foundation Freddy in memory of Shirley

THE HAROLD AND Goldschmidt THE SILVERMAN Stanley and Zea Lewis BEATRICE KRAMER Family FAMILY FOUNDATION Foundation FOUNDATION Foundation

MEYER HIRSCH With compliments With Compliments With compliments GOLDSCHMIDT Kalman, Esther and The Jack & Ethel FOUNDATION The Henry Van Embden Family Foundation Michael Maisel Trust Goldin Foundation

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